Difference in Subtext

Posted on Mon Jul 31st, 2017 @ 10:23pm by Counselor Melony Taylor & Ensign Vex Krylore

Episode: Preparations
Location: CNS Office

Personally, Vex found dealing with most humanoids easy... at least that was what he kept telling himself. Honestly, though he had no idea why it was so hard for him to try and make friends. It wasn't that he hated people; it was downright the opposite. He wished that he could get to know more people but that was easier sad then done.

He was glad that starships came equipped with mental health professionals in Starfleet. His own Empire's ships weren't all that lucky, at least not that he was aware of. He kept hearing August's voice over and over in his head about using said mental health professionals when he got to his first assignment. He stopped and pressed the door chime.

There was a slight pause and a loud thud from behind the door before Melony answered, papers still skidding off her desk as she invited Vex inside. " Come in, make yourself comfy." she glanced back at her desk. "Ignore that mess" inwardly cursing herself for being such a klutz in her rush. No more coffee today she clearly didn't need it.

"I've seen worse."

"So how are you finding things so far?" she said diving straight in, pleased that she might have another crew member that she wouldn't have to chase up.

"Alright, I guess," Vex responded, sitting down. "Getting settled pretty well. My department head seems okay."

She smiled "Good, I know that can be one of the hardest things sometimes on such a big ship, just finding my way to the holodeck took me longer than i`d like to admit to remember."

"It could be worse, at least its not a starbase."

Melony smiled "Not really giving much away are you, maybe you'd like to talk about something else, psychology maybe I know it's a topic you like, I'm sure I could add a bit to what you know, if I can't I doubt anyone can."

Vex adjusted the hem of his shirt. "I know enough about psychology to know that you are going to be looking for answers in everything I say, which is expected since it's sorta your job."

Melony hadn't let it show outwardly aside from a slight twitch in her fingers, she had almost pointed to the door and told him to return when he actually wanted to talk, but figured that he probably wasn't used to anyone asking questions, never mind reading in to them, not all cultures were. "Your right it is so i`ll cut to the chase, what prompted your visit today" she asked genuinely intrigued.

He let out a breath of air that came out sounding more annoyed than he intended. "Getting close to people can be... difficult for me. I only really made two friends at the academy. Opening up to other cultures is hard for my people."

She had been right it was nerves mostly, and unfamiliarity with the situation. "Well Ensign I can see how the cultural differences might be unnerving at first and difficult to deal with, however you are clearly capable of making friends, though I don't imagine it's easy for anyone."

She paused. "How did you meet your two friends at the academy and why did you get along so well?"

"Sports, mostly," Vex answered. "And I think I got along so well with them because they were as loud mouthed as I was. In my culture, you say what's on your mind... we are a very open people. Sometimes dealing with all the games and innuendo of other cultures, particularity the human ones gets on my nerves."

She sighed "Yes it can be a bit infuriating sometimes with other cultures the subtext of conversations being the focus more in some than others. Especially coming from a more open culture where the norm is saying what you mean."

She smiled before continuing "Im sure though you`ll find alot of humans acutally have a similar opinion about all the games, maybe not the innuendo but it can become a hastle for alot of them too and they value honesty alot. Although not all of us are very good at it, I think you`ll find you make friends a bit easier if your not worying about dealing with alot of the games and innuendo."

"Or if your really stuggling to make any friends..... pull a prank on the Captain that usually gets alot of peoples attention, even the Captain ends up happy with it, as long as you dont take it too far." she added as an after thought

Vex's eyebrows went up at that suggestion. "No thank you ma'am, in my culture such a thing would warrant severe punishment. Plus, I don't think that Captain Williams is the type enjoy such things."

Melony hadn't really expected Vex to agree to the idea but thought is was worth a shot. "You would be surprised by the Captain's reaction then I think, prehaps if I show you what I mean. I think that it may help you get a bit more of a grasp on how to deal with some of the games humans have. So I want you to spend the next week observing human behaviour and note down anything that confuses you too much, we can go over that in your next session." 

She paused then and smiled "I also want you to keep an eye on the Captain, I will play a prank on him myself just so you can see how he reacts, then if anyone gets in to trouble its me. Besides I have to return the favour for him filling my office with snow."

Vex cocked an eyebrow. "With all do respect ma'am I don't think that's a good idea. The prank I mean. Plus, I won't see the captain for awhile. I'm heading out with Lt. North and Ensign Vega to Verona IV," he smiled tightly. "I'm sure that while I am there I will have plenty of time to observe Ensign Vega's very... personal behavior."

"Ok well thats good being able to observe Ensign Vega, I'm sure she wont mind and we can review anything too difficult when your back, hopefully that wont be too demanding of your time." Melony replied.