JP: Lt Cmdr Sevantha Saa & Ensign Taj'el - Doctor's Orders: Socialize (Part 2)
Sevantha Saa
(( Sevantha Saa’s Counseling Office, Deck 10, USS Thor ))
Taj’el introduced themselves to the Head of Health, Doctor Saa, beginning with casual conversation before asking Sevantha Saa about a personal matter. Taj’el had experienced a telepathic connection with several crew members during their last mission. Sevantha, having extensive insight into espers and telepathic phenomena, began asking questions to better understand what might have occurred. Taj’el explained that physical contact, combined with heightened emotional stress from their crewmates, seemed to have triggered the event. Commander Saa appeared to have ideas and insight into the situation.
Saa: Many Vulcans find their first service on an intermixed vessel post-schooling a period of adjustment, full of new experiences… some of them are unfortunately unintentional, as you have encountered. ::She sets her cups down:: If we have no other unusual elements involved, I believe we are dealing with a matter of exposure resistance building. You have four years of medical school in Starfleet, a blended environment, but the stresses of a Starfleet school are easy in comparison to the Vulcan Science Academy.
Quietly, she watched Taj’el’s physical response before continuing.
Taj'el had found the Commander's assessment to be entirely logical. They had encountered many species through their father, but those interactions had always been within controlled environments, not as peers or colleagues. Taj'el had considered their own observations regarding the growing resistance, but the next statement had taken them by surprise. Unwillingly and without conscious thought, they had felt their body tense at the mention of the Science Institute. For the briefest of moments, Taj'el had needed to regain their composure before meeting Doctor Saa's gaze, displaying a natural expression as before.
Saa: In the field, the pressure is different, and it is compounding, you are likely experiencing heightened sensitivities because of the new environment and a lack of experience with the emotions of other species. ::She smiled faintly:: And that is something you only build defenses for, by experiencing them, though many telepaths reliant on touch use barriers such as gloves as protective measures as a personal choice.
There was clear emphasis given that she was not ordering that such orders were not being given to them.
Taj'el had found the notion of needing to "build up a defense" thoroughly unappealing. It implied the possibility of a recurrence, a prospect they found deeply unpleasant. As a doctor, they could justify the use of gloves when attending to patients, but they were uncertain how appropriate it would be to wear them outside the medical bay. A flicker of irritation had crossed their mind, and they had clenched their jaw in response to the thought..
Taj’el: Is that the sole solution? I have observed that many individuals exhibit significantly heightened emotions, particularly during missions.
Saa: Every species experiences varying emotional ranges and many cultures differ from Vulcan in that they do not believe in the tempering of them. ::Her finger tapped her mug:: Then the emotional responses vary based on the person.
Taj’el had retrieved their personal PADD and begun to record notes. The situation was, at minimum, bothersome. They considered whether a cure might be devised, or failing that, whether a logical workaround could be developed.
Taj’el: So, your understanding is that this is simply the result of being in a new multispecies environment, correct?
Saa: Yes, experiencing their heightened emotions in proximity likely pierced your telepathic defenses. ::she tilts her head:: Simulations, exams, school all have a safety net that life on board that push emotional responses heavier. Which is why I recommend spending more time with members of your crew to learn to understand their emotions to build up your defenses.
oO So, I cannot simply remove myself from the issue. Oo
Taj’el: It appears I will need to review your research to gain a more comprehensive understanding of this matter, Doctor.
They had tapped the edge of their PADD, closing their eyes as they centered their thoughts. A rise in irritation was noted internally, accompanied by the awareness that extended meditation would be required. This, they concluded, served as further evidence that counseling was not inherently calming, but rather, at times, distinctly discomforting.
More than pleased, Sevantha set down her now empty mug, and pulled up her PADD.
Saa: Fantastic! You’ll find a lot of my experiences are references to the Doctors’ work that did the study on my development when I was younger. ::swiping enthusiastically:: Dr. Galran Kallor and Dr. Lunara D’Anthre with the University of Medara’s psionics department with Dr. D’Anthre who has guest lectured at the Vulcan Science Academy on Betazoid telepathic development and increased levels of psilosynine effects on that.
Gesturing to herself momentarily, she explained her experience to give further credit to her own expertise in the subject.
They had noted the references she provided, understanding that such data would be essential for research, particularly with the expectation of new cases arising, especially given the emotional nature of the beings involved. Though they had heard of Dr. D’Anthre, they had never found psychology or counseling of particular interest. Their focus had always been on the physical sciences, the tangible, the measurable, while emotions remained unpredictable and often disorderly.
Saa: I suffer from filtering issues because of an early emergence of my gifts and elevated levels of psilosynine development, and have found methods to manage, and I am sure we will do so with you as well.
Taj’el: Fascinating. Is that so? As I stated, I was not fully versed in the subject, as it was not my area of focus, nor something I had previously found necessary to research.
Taj’el briefly considered undertaking a project to examine neural pathways and their potential connections to telepathic function, to determine whether a medical solution might exist. However, they were aware that such a line of inquiry was unlikely to be novel, and that phenomena of this nature made physical correlations difficult to isolate. It was therefore deemed most logical to defer to the doctor, who possessed firsthand experience as well as established insight and data within the field.
Sevantha waffled for a few moments on what else to add to Taj’el’s list of suggested reading. The Vulcan would want data and logic, research to review to decide if her suggestion had been logical.
Saa: Essays on humanoid psychology and emotional responses will also be on this suggested reading list. ::Pauses before looking up:: But you will find the most effective in this matter is simply experiencing time with the crew and getting familiar with their responses.
Taj’el quirked an eyebrow at the suggestion. Increased interaction implied increased complications, and a greater probability of recurrence. They preferred simplicity; however, having just acknowledged Doctor Saa as an expert, to disregard their advice would have been illogical.
Taj’el: I’m sure the essays will be enough.
However, as if already anticipating their objection, Doctor Saa continued to offer guidance encouraging greater interaction with the crew. They were aboard a Federation starship; it was not feasible to remain isolated within a private sphere devoted solely to study.
Saa: Officially we are on shore leave and there is the beautiful world of Seda to explore. ::taps her screen to send the list:: I would recommend doing with your fellow crewmates.
Taj’el: Forgive me for questioning. I do perceive the logic in the statement; however, would it not also follow that increased interaction would create additional opportunities for the issue to recur? Such a course would seem invasive and uncomfortable for all parties involved.
Amusement bubbled beneath the surface. Sevantha had to try to hold it together, it’d been so long since she debated a Vulcan’s logic, that she’d nearly forgotten how, and this time she wasn’t caving to their argument for the sake of love.
Saa: True, but being stationed on any Starfleet vessel instead of buried away in a lab or archive, increases those opportunities. ::She looks down:: And as professionals and readers, it is our responsibility to research and understand what activates our senses so we can learn to manage them, as we cannot expect the non-readers and non-vulcans to contain themselves to an adequate level of emotion display for our comfort.
An unguarded emotional response escaped them at the instruction. They looked away from the smaller Betazoid. After a brief moment to regain composure, they lowered their gaze to the list presented to them.
Taj’el: I understand. What, then, would you recommend?
Saa: Learn to understand your crewmates and what causes those elevated emotions, learn the patterns and that will help you tailor a pattern of when to be more on guard until it is rote for yourself. ::smiling gently:: One can never learn too much.
Listening to her, they took notes with the diligence of a studious learner. If this was truly the most logical course of action, then it was to be followed. They considered that carrying gloves might serve as a prudent precautionary measure.
Taj’el: May I…::there was a brief note of hesitation as they chose their words carefully:: in the future, seek additional information and insight from you? You appear highly involved. You also mentioned your own filtering issues, as your abilities manifested early. Does this imply there are similarities in our cases—both resulting from a lack of what you referred to as ‘defenses’?
Saa: You may. ::she confirmed before once again appearing contemplative how to answer:: Betazoids who develop their abilities earlier than puberty struggle with filtering the thoughts of others around them, which leads to psychological and social development complexities, due to the stages of brain development not yet ready to build those defenses. On the neurobiological level, it's an excess of psilosynine in an overactive paracortex, like I have…
Lifting her arm, she lightly tapped her head with her finger.
Saa: But reduction of the neurotransmitters for many of us causes other biological and psychological issues, such as I am sensitive to majority of psilosynine blockers, a dose that mutes a regular Betazoid for a day, goes a week for me. ::She explains:: But I suffer dissociative episodes due to being without what is a core sense I’ve been reliant on since I was a child.
Taj’el observed the Doctor speaking. They were aware that Betazoid culture from their father’s diplomatic travels, but its foundation was primarily cultural. Betazoids were a highly empathetic species with unusual customs, though Taj’el had not previously comprehended the full extent. It was intellectually stimulating, though not entirely novel. They now possessed a precise biological term for study, due to her assistance. Taj’el quickly noted the risks Commander Saa had mentioned: mental capacity was always a delicate balance, one they had not previously examined. It remained prudent to regulate their own response with known inhibitors, though the described side effects were concerning.
Taj’el: I am grateful for this insight,
Apologetically Sevantha clapped her hands together finally getting to the point.
Saa: Sorry, outside Rivka, its rare I get to talk to someone about these developments who understand the full spectrum of it. I haven’t served with many other readers.
They were unaware of that individual, and they themselves had not encountered any other “readers.”
Taj’el: I acknowledge this is new to me as well, Commander. I am, however, appreciative of your knowledge.
Saa: But, essentially, yes there are similarities in the cases though different root causes. ::She smiles weakly:: I actually still rely on others for assistance when my gifts are too much .
Taj’el: Others?
Saa: My friend Gwen’ora called it being a “Betazoid Brain Buddy,” essentially when I am overwhelmed, she and now on board another officer who have given consent, let me use their mind and feelings as a focus point to reground and drown out the rest of the world.
There was a hint of sadness that revealed itself when Sevantha spoke of the woman, concern and longing that she didn’t bother to hide. It was clear something had happened and that she currently was no longer present to be that individual for her.
Taj’el’s initial reaction had been somewhat disconcerting, as the prospect of merging their mind with another and experiencing an external emotion was inherently uncomfortable. However, observing Doctor Saa’s expression, they quickly suppressed the negative response. While they were not highly skilled at reading emotions, sadness was universally comprehensible. Taj’el permitted the Doctor to perceive their emotion and, in a measured display of solidarity, half-stepped forward to deliver a gentle pat on the Doctor’s arm, a deliberate attempt to provide comfort and establish a minimal connection.
Taj’el: It appears… logically prudent to seek assistance, then.
Saa: I’d agree, you are in an environment with resources to spare too, it would be illogical leave them unutilized.
They allowed a pause, permitting the emotions to run their course, or at least they hoped as much, while maintaining their standing position.
Taj’el: As I believe is evident, I am not an individual with whom conversation comes easily. However, should you require a controlled outlet on this subject, I will make myself available. This knowledge and experience are new to me and it seems I could benefit from this knowledge.
Saa: There was a time where I was not one for conversation either, I still prefer thought to spoken word… but I’d find the discussion delightful. ::She reflects before speaking up:: And if we need a third expert, Dr. Alveth is onboard for the less personal aspects of it.
They gave a nod, and a subtle trace of discomfort accompanied their concession in tone.
Taj’el: I shall endeavor to integrate myself into the crew more effectively and observe the resulting outcomes. You have, at minimum, provided significant material for research and contemplation.
A small victory for the counselor, while this was not an official session, it was worth adding to their file notes which only Command and special intelligence privilege had access to. Recognizing the Vulcan had chosen to adhere to advice, she was gracious and soft in her response.
Saa: As a Doctor, you will inevitably meet many of your crewmates through work, but Seda is worth a visit as well…::Rising up out of her chair:: If you find yourself needing to change the scenery to help refresh your mind.
They still felt new to the ship, and the need to take a holiday seemed unnecessary. However, as they had considered before, it would be illogical to entirely dismiss the Doctor’s advice, and they therefore offered a small, acknowledging nod.
Tajel: Should the need arise, they would do so, Doctor.
Taj’el had scarcely touched their tea; like most Vulans, they did not eat or drink while engaged in conversation. There had been a sip or two, however. They offered a faint, apologetic look as the Commander took the now-cold cup from them.
As they both finished their beverages, Sevantha collected the dishes now that she was standing and set them to a side table where she'd collect it later for recycling. Turning towards the door, she’d meet Taj’el half way to politely see them to the exit.
Saa: If you ever decide to explore further into the neuroscience and biology field, there’s a lab I work out of from time to time with various research and would love your help, but we can go over the details at a later date.
Tapping a button, the door behind them opened, and Sevantha leaned against the door frame with her PADD folded up against her chest.
Taj’el: I thank you for your time, your insight, and for meeting with me, Doctor Saa. I will accept your offer at a later date.
Saa: Welcome aboard, Ensign Taj’el, you’ll find the Gamma Quadrant quite the exciting space to explore.
Taj’el inclined their head in a restrained gesture of thanks and farewell, tucking their PADD beneath one arm. They were uncertain whether the characterization of the experience as exciting was accurate, but elected to accept the assessment at face value. At minimum, the experience had proven instructive.
Taj’el: You may enjoy your shore leave as well, Commander. It has again been an honor.
With that, Taj’el concluded it was most efficient to return to their studies. The Modi had collected a sample that warranted further analysis, and a substantial volume of material now required review. Additionally, in accordance with Doctor’s directive, they would engage in interaction with crewmates. [[End of Scene]]