JP: Lt Commander Sevantha Saa & Ensign Taj'el - Doctors Orders: Socialize (Part1)
Taj'el
(( Sevantha Saa’s Counseling Office, Deck 10, USS Thor ))
Saa: Computer, replicate a double shot Raktajino.
The computer chirped in compliance, and the replicator printed the most popular drink in Starfleet Medical. Checking the time, she noted that she only had about an hour left of her shift. With no appointments, it would be time to sit and apply for usage of the neuroscience lab to continue their research and treatment of Lieutenant Resh Soren’s predicament. Briefly her eyes lowered, reminded at how empty the lab would be, before she rose to collect her drink.
As usual, the holo projectors produced a soft blue lit image of a waterfall and small pool in the corner with a night sky overhead. Sighing satisfied, her fingers wrapped around the printed mug, before she sank into her seat.
After the mission and the completion of their assigned duties, Taj’el found a period in which they could act at their own discretion. They were still acclimating to the ship and its crew, and likewise remained undecided regarding a suitable personal research project. Although they felt inclined to study the sample that had been recovered, believed to be related to, or similar in nature to Bio, it was still too soon following the entity’s departure for them to proceed without reservation.
With little occupying their thoughts, Taj’el determined it would be most efficient to familiarize themselves with the areas of the ship and the personnel with whom they would most frequently interact. Upon noticing the Acting Chief Medical Officer, Doctor Ay, they assessed that they lacked the requisite mental reserves for social engagement at that moment.
It was then that their attention settled on the Head of Health, Lieutenant Commander Sevantha Saa, an individual with whom a formal introduction was both necessary and prudent, particularly given her concurrent role as Second Officer. Upon arriving at Lieutenant Commander Saa’s door, Taj’el activated the door chime, uncertain of the appropriate protocol for visiting a counselor without prior notice.
Then the computer trilled again to signal the arrival of someone outside her door.
Saa: Come in.
As the door opened, Sevantha blinked at the arrival of the crew’s newest crewmate, Ensign Taj’el.
Taj’el entered the room and was momentarily caught off guard by the colorful backdrop—an aesthetic they had not anticipated. Regaining their composure, they came to attention and initiated a formal greeting.
Taj’el: ::Beginning with a proper Betazoid greeting, they then shifted to Federation Standard:: Lieutenant Commander Sevantha Saa, forgive the intrusion.
Saa: Ensign Taj’el, correct?
Taj’el: Yes ma’am.
With a gentle motion of her hand, Sevantha gestured to the sofa right across from her, before taking another sip of her Raktajino.
Taj’el inclined their head and glanced toward the sofa. It was an unconventional choice of seating, but they took it without comment.
Saa: Come, have a seat, I assume you aren’t here for a counseling session if you didn't schedule ahead of time? ::she mused, finger tapping the rim of her mug:: What can I assist you with?
Taj’el: Should I have contacted you in advance, Commander? I am not here seeking counseling.
Saa: My office is typically open, but most officers tend to avoid it, so I am always curious who walks in willingly. .
Most were afraid she’d trap them in an impromptu session, and they were right. She would if she felt it necessary.
Taj’el: Very well. I came today to offer a formal greeting, Commander. I noted on the crew roster that you are the Head of Health, and as the newest doctor aboard, I thought it prudent to introduce myself in person.
Taj’el’s eyes wandered to the shifting holo-images along the far wall. They were unaccustomed to such visual distractions, and their gaze kept drifting back despite their efforts. To ground themselves, they folded their legs and rested their hands within easy reach, lightly tapping their fingers against the fabric as they gathered their thoughts and continued speaking to the commander.
Saa: ::taking a sip of her Raktajino:: I am though, Dr. Nera is the Acting Chief Medical Officer, overseeing the management of both sickbays, I oversee a lot of the medical research, mental health and psychiatric care. ::Setting her mug down:: Along with ensuring we are keeping up to date with Starfleet Medical standards.
Taj’el: I suppose I should ask about the proper protocol for visiting you in the future. Would you prefer that I schedule appointments?
Saa: I have open office hours outside sessions, though I do appreciate a brief check-in with a comm call.
Sevantha lightly tapped her delta as if to illustrate. Standing up, Sevantha moved back over to the replicator.
Saa: Can I get you a drink?
Taj’el: I’ll make note of that for future scheduling. Vulcan tea would be acceptable, ma’am.
With the order given, Sevantha activated the replicator, and waited for it to finish. Taking the cup, she set it on a side table next to the couch Taj’el had taken a seat on.
Taj’el moved to rise and receive the tea, only to find the couch unexpectedly resistant. After a brief pause, they accepted the cup where they sat and offered a respectful nod in thanks. Cradling the warm porcelain between their hands, they allowed the heat to seep into their fingers. The familiar aroma was quietly soothing.
Saa: Feel free to make yourself comfortable, that is the point of a Counselor’s office. ::gesturing around:: I was fascinated with the reports I read of the memory restoration conducted by Dr. Alveth and yourself.
Taj’el: I have heard otherwise. Counseling is often described as involving emotional distress and… truth-defining moments. That does not sound particularly comforting. ::They closed their eyes almost immediately:: Forgive me, ma’am. I understand the logic behind the design of the room.
Taj’el took a measured sip of their Vulcan tea and chose to proceed to the next subject. Arguing with an expert served no logical purpose, and Commander Saa was undeniably one.
Taj’el: You are referring to the memory restoration performed on the age-altered scientist, Lara. You found that procedure fascinating?
Saa: My specialty as a doctor, before I became a counselor, was in neuroscience with a specific specialty in telepathic development and illnesses, esper levels in non-reader species. I’d love to hear about the experience.
Typically, Sevantha was an introverted individual, but Taj’el had participated in a subject of study that Sevantha had an academic interest in. She could ramble on for hours on the subject, one of the things she appreciated
Taj’el arched an eyebrow as she explained herself. The subject was fascinating. They were not especially knowledgeable about espers, but they did understand telepathy and were aware of several Vulcan neurological conditions, matters often left unspoken due to long-standing taboo.
Taj’el: I was not aware this was your area of focus. It is fascinating, to say the least, and a subject I would not object to exploring further in the future. However, my experience working closely with others was limited prior to joining Starfleet. Doctor Alveth led the procedure; my role was primarily the monitoring of both patients’ vitals. If you have specific questions, I will answer them to the best of my ability. The Ullian cultural relationship with memory made the procedure more feasible for Doctor Alveth, as I am certain you are aware of their species’ deep ties to memory.
Saa: Trust me, Doctor Alveth is on me list of visits to make and to drag into the neurobiology lab, but still you were in proximity…::pauses before asking:: What was it like from your perspective, the Vulcan perspective?
Taj’el: It did appear to be difficult and unpleasant for the Doctor. My understanding is that he experienced the memories in the first person while simultaneously perceiving the patient’s emotional state. The resulting psychological shock seemed significant for both of them in the moment. However, I am not fully qualified to judge, as my understanding of the mental and emotional states of most others remains… limited.
Pulling up her PADD, Sevantha’s fingers danced along the screen, adding notes based on Taj’el’s observation of the procedure. Her expressions changed from fascination to concern, then thoughtful and pensive, then a few extra notes were added before she leaned back.
Taj’el observed the Commander’s fascination with the subject. They sympathized with the drive to acquire new knowledge and the way it could prompt an eager willingness to engage. Initially, they had been uncertain what to expect from the young Betazoid, but her presence had proven unexpectedly refreshing. Perhaps it was, in part, the calming effect of the room itself.
Saa: I see… concerning but worth inquiry still with Doctor Alveth.
Taj’el: ::A slight hesitation accompanied their words:: May I inquire regarding a personal matter? It pertains to this subject.
Sevantha’s black eyes, scarred with strange gold rings that did not belong in the Betazoid’s biology, flicked back up to Taj’el curiously.
Saa: You may, this is a room where one should be comfortable to get personal.
The remark inclined them toward silence on personal matters, an area in which they possessed little practice or inclination. Such topics were typically irrelevant to function. However, the present situation required resolution, and it did not meet the threshold of sensitivity that would justify withholding a request for guidance.
Setting down her PADD, she picked up a remote and pushed it towards the Vulcan, before sinking back into her seat.
Saa: I always offer anyone seeking personal questions the option to change the environment to something they find comfortable. The blue and waterfall are default as they are my comfort.
Taj’el: You wish me to decide?
Saa: One can tell a lot about a person based on what they do with the remote also.
The Commander resisted teasing the Ensign too much, but felt it important to emphasize that even regrettable results with the remote gave the counselor valuable information about the officer in the room. Both action and inaction told a story about the persona across the room.
A brief hesitation was detectable as Taj’el accepted the remote from Doctor Saa. An involuntary physiological response, consistent with apprehension at selecting an incorrect course of action, momentarily impeded their decision-making. They examined the device, then regarded the waterfall backdrop, finding no clear determination of what environment would be optimal for comfort. Their quarters were considered and dismissed as excessively personal. After several moments spent evaluating the available options, they returned the remote to its place without implementing any change.
Taj’el: The waterfall environment is sufficiently comfortable. You possess greater expertise on this matter than I.
Saa: …Now for your question?
Taj’el paused to organize their thoughts, assessing the most precise formulation of the inquiry. They tapped lightly at the edge of their arm in concentration until the appropriate phrasing presented itself.
Taj’el: During periods of heightened emotional output from others, I inadvertently established telepathic contact with two individuals during the mission. The contact was brief and limited to surface-level emotional thought.
The counselor’s face remained pleasantly neutral as Taj’el relayed their struggle, listening and processing, and masking her surprise. Sevantha’s familiarity with Vulcan culture ran deeper than most people knew, and her knowledge involving Vulcan telepathy was an intimate scar she rarely discussed.
Saa: I see, who were the officers?
Her voice was calm and inquiring, soft and airy as it usually was, inviting Taj’el to speak without immediate fear of reprimand.
Taj’el exhibited a trace of physical discomfort, yet related the events in a strictly factual manner. Vulcans generally avoided discussing errors, emotional reactions, or telepathic phenomena with most non-Vulcan individuals.
Taj’el: Lieutenant Kreshkova and Doctor Ay were the individuals involved. I detected emotional impressions consistent with concern and guilt; however, the context of Lieutenant Kreshkova’s thoughts was indistinct due to the brief and fragmented nature of the contact.
Taj’el paused, briefly considering whether to mention the reestablishing contact with the lieutenant for clarification. Upon evaluation, they concluded that such detail was unnecessary at present and would not meaningfully contribute to the formulation of the question they were about to articulate.
Saa: And this unintended contact has brought about concerns?
Taj’el: The matter I wish to address is that this represents a new experience for me, and one I do not desire to recur with frequency. During my upbringing, I did not encounter emotional intensities in others sufficient to trigger unintended telepathic contact. Although I have interacted with non-Vulcan species, such connections have not occurred without deliberate intent.
Sevantha remained still, contemplative and reflective, lacing her fingers together with tips of her index fingers tapping as she mulled over what Taj’el had relayed. More data had to be collected on the encounter to understand the full spectrum of this unintentional connection.
Saa: First, it's important to establish, did this contact arise in close quarters, touch proximity?
Here Sevantha’s soft tone shifted ever so slightly with inquisitiveness, order that came from her medical and science background as she sought all the facts. She crossed her legs and set down her PADD, giving the object an inclined position where she could readily reference Taj’el’s personnel file without them immediately seeing.
Taj’el had not previously attended a counselor's session, aside from the psychological evaluation at the academy. They were uncertain regarding the commander’s behavior. However, they were, thus far, pleasantly surprised by the subtle inquisitiveness present in the questioning.
Taj’el: That is correct. The occurrences transpired at the science base on the planet, and within sickbay. On both occasions, it was physical contact that facilitated the activation of my telepathy.
Saa: I see and this was how you suspect the unintentional telepathic connection occurred? Were any other officers present whom you did not establish contact with?
There was a brief, thoughtful pause as Taj’el recalled the events, releasing a controlled, passive sigh as they acknowledged the necessity of admitting the more salient fact: that they had re-engaged physical contact with the lieutenant.
Taj’el: Doctor Alveth was present on both occasions. Lieutenant Naledi was also present during the planetary incident. ::They paused, allowing Doctor Saa time to assimilate the information:: I concluded that physical contact, combined with the other individual’s emotional state, served as the trigger. I acknowledge that, in a moment of confusion, I re-established contact with Lieutenant Kreshkova. I did not comprehend her thoughts and sought greater understanding. I will state for the record that I promptly recognized the invasive nature of the action and withdrew.
Picking up her Raktajino, Sevantha took a sip, staring up at the stars momentarily as her mind mulled over the facts presented before her.
[[To Be Continued…]]
Lieutenant Commander Sevantha Saa
Counselor | Head of Health | Second Officer
USS Thor
A240105SS2
