PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION - COMMANDER ORESTES
 

Stardate: 37310.28 12:00 hours

[Orestes] :: Orestes found the Counselor's office without too many problems.  There was so much to do and so little time; he didn't have the time for this evaluation right now, but he understood its importance -- especially in light of the types of missions the Chronos
would be engaging in.  Still, like most Starfleet officers he felt he was above psych and medical exams.

He paused in front of the door, not out of a sense of fear, but rather to gather himself and make a strong first impression on the counselor -- even though he knew whatever efforts he took in that direction would be transparent.  He chimed the door and waited for Dr. Talt to answer. ::

[Talt] * from inside *  “Come in.”

[Orestes] :: The security chief walked forward and allowed the doors to open.  He stepped through the door, and as was his habit, stopped briefly allowing his eyes to roam through the space. ::

* He wasn't expecting to find anything in particular, it was simply a habit he had formed after years of being a security officer.  It was something he did unconsciously, especially the first time he entered a new space. *

:: Lieutenant Talt looks up, a momentary look of distraction clouding her gray eyes.  With a quick shake of her head, she focuses on the man before her.  A smile warms her face. ::

[Orestes] * Orestes was probably not like any human that Talt had ever seen. He seemed unnaturally short and unnaturally wide for a human -- he was built something like a fireplug. His build was not fat but rather stout -- he stood about 5'2 and weighed close to 180 pounds. His tan and weathered face seemed to hold wisdom or at least had a story or two to tell.  The new tactical officer was not a particularly attractive man, but there was something about him -- an attitude or maybe a bearing, something that seemed to make him very likable. *

:: After the initial pause, Orestes walked further into the room. He returned the counselor's smile with his own warm friendly smile.  The first thing that got his attention was the amount of clutter in the room. ::

~~ Ahh, a woman after my own heart... ~~

* There was a certain sense of self consciousness as soon as he remembered that she could read his thoughts, was she reading them now?  He almost gave voice to his worry, but decided on another tact. *

~~ Are you reading my thoughts now? ~~

[Talt] “ Lieutenant Commander, just the man I was hoping to see.  I had a favor to ask of you as the Chronos’ new Security Chief.  But first . . .”

:: Lt. Talt turns away before Orestes can respond and starts rooting around on her makeshift desk.  A quick survey of her office paints quite a picture.  There are a number of various sized packing crates stacked up in the corner of the office.  Some of them are half-open and spilling out a wide variety of items.  Datapads, antiques, holo-cubes and a large number of brightly colored fabric somethings drape over the crates. ::

:: Lt. Talt's desk is likewise cluttered and jumbled with things teetering dangerously near the desk edge.  Among the datapads and scarves on her desk, Lieutenant Commander Orestes can spot a Klingon D'K Tahg, a small metal flute, a stuffed doll, a miniture of an Excalibur class starship, two silver enameled plates, a copper and silver necklace with a large tear-dropped shaped pendant, a small fern in clay pot, three small books, and a small statue of a wooden horse.  There are a number of other items to obscured by the general clutter to make out. ::

[Talt] “Where are they?  Where are they?”

:: Lieutenant Talt mutters to herself as she searches through the clutter.  Her actions disturb the jumble and several items drop off her desk onto the gray carpeted floor.  Mirifice glances briefly at the fallen junk, shrugs, and continues with her search.  After a few seconds, she finds what she’s looking for and turns back to Lieutenant Commander Orestes.  Proudly displayed in her hands is a medium blue sized plate holding 6 large cookies. ::

[Talt] “Would you like a cookie, Lieutenant Commander?  I replicated them from my own recipe.”

:: Lieutenant Talt smiles up at Orestes cheerfully. ::

[Orestes]  :: He smiled at her search, the grin growing wide when the actual object was presented.  Orestes reached out his hand and took the cookie, he took a quick smell of it before breaking off a piece and popping into his mouth. ::

"So, you cook too?  I have my grandmother's apple crisp recipe, thought I don't use the replictor if I can help it.  Maybe we can trade sometime."

* There was a hint of superiority, but only a hint and it was not in his words, but rather his thoughts.  Mordaci felt ashamed and embarrassed as soon as he thought it, but he decided not to say anything about it. *

~~ She must be used to it, being a telepath and all. ~~

[Talt] * laughs as she says * “I would LOVE to trade recipes, Lieutenant Commander.  But I’m afraid that you have the advantage of me.  I’m strictly a replicator chef.  Things that involve fire or heat are quite beyond me.  But I like to think that I do just fine with the replicator.”

[Orestes] "Not bad," he added taking another piece of the cookie an putting it into his mouth.

* He thoughts mimicked his words.  The cookie was good, and he was genuinely excited to talk about his cooking with the counselor. Deeper, his mind was swirling with thoughts of temporal mechanics and his new assignment.  He was a little worried if he was up to the challenge, but underneath that there was a attitude that bordered on cockiness. *

:: He looked for a place to sit down to continue the conversation.  He had not forgotten about the favor she mentioned, but waited to bring it up again. He was eager to get the exam over with and did not want to be accused of procrastinating. ::

:: Talt notices Orestes looking around and startle a little. ::

[Talt] “Oh, pardon me and my mess, Lieutenant Commander.  I’m always a little disorganized.”  :: She chuckles to herself as she clears a few brightly colored and lamee dresses(?) off of a nearby chair.  Talt gestures for Orestes to take the seat if he wishes.  Then she crosses the room and replaces the plate on her desk, this time upsetting nothing.  Lieutenant Talt leans back and rests her hip against the desk’s edge.  She crosses her arms casually and looks over to Orestes. ::

[Talt] “Well, I did talk about this to Commander Metcalf when he was head of security.  But since he got promoted to XO, I haven’t heard from him.  I know that he’s a very busy man so . . . I thought I’d bother you.”

:: Talt shrugs and smiles at the Lieutenant Commander. ::

[Talt] “You see, Lieutenant Commander, this is my first shipboard assignment.  I’m afraid I’ve been a bit of recluse up till now.  And honestly . . . my last self-defense course was back at the Academy.”

:: Talt looks at Orestes with a little self-embarrassment and a lot of sincerity in her gaze. ::

[Talt] “Now, that I’m shipboard, there’s a chance, and a good chance, that I might be assigned to an away team or two.  I just don’t want to let down my crewmates by being somewhat rusty.”

[Talt] :: looks down at the floor. ::  “Commander Metcalf mentioned a phaser course.  And some hand-to-hand courses as well as some archaic weapons training session.  But like I said, he got very suddenly busy.”

:: Talt looks back up to meet Orestes’ eyes and she smiles cheerfully. ::

[Talt]  “So I was hoping that as the Security Chief of the Chronos, you could recommend some training.”

[Orestes] :: The short man smiled reassuringly, he chuckled a little, but even without her Betazoid skills, Talt could tell he wasn't laughing at her, but as a release.  He admired her directness and was touched by her embarrassment. ::

* As he sat, Orestes' posture was relaxed and casual, but there was something underneath, maybe it was in his eyes, that told Talt there was more to this man than his charming smile and quick wit. *

His eyes sparkled as he replied to the counselor's question, "Is that all?  Well," he began and then promptly paused to think about the correct course of action, "I can certainly recommend some training programs and even guide your progress.  Hopefully, it won't ever come to those methods."

~~ One can dream... ~~

* In his mind's eye images of violence -- blood, the smell of death, the will to live in the face of an opponent trying to finish you off.  The faces are varied, but there seems to be a pre-dominance of Cardassian faces.  Talt can sense his mind trying topush the images aside. *

[Orestes] Continuing his train of thought, "But, I think it would be wise to not be caught unprepared."

* He tapped his finger on the arm of the chair, twice. *

"I'm not sure if you're interested, but I'm a pretty fair hand to hand fighter."

* If she read his mind, she would know that his statement was pure modesty.  Orestes was a master martial artist, and he knew it. *

"I try to work out for an hour between shift's.  If you were interested, I would be willing to work with you, it would help me too, give me a reason not to skip out."

* Orestes cast a wry smile in Talt's direction.  While outwardly he seemed sure, inwardly, she could sense his own embarrassment and uncomfortableness -- he hoped she didn't take his offer the wrong way.  Then for the second time in their brief meeting, Orestes became acutely self-conscious that she could read and sense his thoughts.  No force of will could keep his face from slightly flushing. His next thought only added to this feeling:

~~ Man, I hate telepaths. ~~

* As soon as he thought it, Mordaci was unsure whether to apologize or not -- does one apologize for thoughts thought, but not spoken?  He would have to read up on Betazed culture and find out. *

:: Lt. Talt smiles warmly and enthusiasm lights her eyes.  She barely refrains from clapping her hands together. ::

[Talt] “Oh, Lieutenant Commander.  That’d be wonderful.  Hand-to-hand is exactly what I had in mind.  I really can’t imagine myself in too many situations where I’d be using a weapon.  Though . . . it has happened.”

:: Her face gets a little serious and she glances down at the D'K Tahg on her desk.  Then she shakes herself and smiles back over at Orestes. ::

[Talt] “And between shifts is fine.  I certainly wouldn’t want to interfere with your responsibilities.  An hour a day would be perfect.  Thank you, Lieutenant Commander Orestes.”  :: Lt. Talt is just shy of gushing. ::

[Orestes] * The short man returned the counselor's smile. For a moment, he wished he was the telepath and could read her mind -- what was the significance of the weapon on the desk? *

With all her gushing, Orestes replied demurely, "I'm glad I can help."

"You can do me one favor," Orestes paused briefly, "Am I supposed to apologize for thoughts that I think but don't express?  How do Betazed's handle that? Pretend it didn't happen?  Get happy, angry, aroused by every stray thought?"

:: Talt looks startled for a moment.  Then she stares off into space, thinking, and unconsciously biting gently on one side of her lip. ::

[Talt] “Oh, well . . .”

[Orestes] * Orestes watches the counselor's momentary pause, his eyes narrow as he takes the scene in.  When Talt turns her gaze back to Mordaci, his look softens. *

:: Talt smiles as she turns her gaze back to meet Orestes’ eyes. ::

[Talt] “I’ve read some Human reports that refer to Betazed and Vulcan and other races’ telepathy as “mind-reading” but it’s really not like that for Betazed.  It’s more like hearing.  It’s not intrusive but it’s also not something that can be “turned of.”

:: Talt shifts to get more comfortable on her desk’s edge and crosses her arms. ::

[Talt] “And, since it can’t be turned off, Betazed learn at an early age to ignore thoughts that do not directly concern them.  It’s like the hum of the ships engines.  You notice if they change suddenly or if there’s a problem, but otherwise . . .” :: Talt shrugs. ::

[Talt] “As for apologizing for one’s thoughts.” :: Talt smiles cheerfully. :: “No, you never have to worry about apologizing for something that’s completely personal to you.”

[Orestes] He nodded his understanding and he felt more comfortable in the Betazed's presence.  "You know, you're going to be very helpful on our missions," Orestes spoke the words lightly, but he was serious.  He never worked with a full telepath, Talt's skill and training were going to prove very useful.  It sparked another thought.

He was silent for a moment, considering if he should speak.

~~ Yes, trust her, ~~ a voice spoke in his mind.

His face turned serious for a moment, "Doctor, if I can be frank with you for a moment?"

[Talt] :: Talt looks steadily at Orestes with a serious expression. ::  “Absolutely, Lieutenant Commander.” :: she says firmly. ::

[Orestes] "I'm no expert, but as I see it given the  nature of the Chronos' mission my biggest security concern is this crew.  It's not malice that worries me, but rather kindness, our desire to do good.  I'm going to need your help, I'm a pretty good judge of character, but you, well, you're trained and you have innate skills that I don't. I hate to put you in this position -- confessor and watcher both. But I, we need to be ever vigilant, making sure we go no further than the mission requires."

:: Talt gets a little pale.  She stands up from her position against the desk and walks over to the replicator on the far wall.  She rests one hand on the wall and gazes at her reflection in the replicator’s control panel. ::

* It was now Orestes' turn to look uncomfortable, he looked down and back up. His finger tapped the arm of his chair. Did she understand?  Was he just being paranoid? What can of worms had he just opened? *

"I'm sorry to put you in this position," he repeated, "maybe I shouldn't have said anything...," he paused and looked seriously at Dr. Talt trying to read her thoughts the old fashioned way.

:: Talt turns around and leans back against the wall.  Her arms are crossed almost protectively across her chest.  She looks shaken. ::

[Talt] “Oh, Lieutenant Commander.  You’ve hit on an issue that I’ve already been wrestling with.”  :: She shakes her head, and look very sad and somewhat weary.  Talt takes a deep breath and uncrosses her arms.  Then, walks back to stand near the desk once more.  She looks straight into Orestes’ eyes. ::

[Talt] “When I first boarded the Chronos, I . . . neglected to realize the potential for temptation and  . . . strain that a vessel of this nature could produce in its crew.  While I can’t discuss the incident at all, I was made aware of my short-sightedness in that respect.”

:: Talt looks down at the floor. ::

[Talt]  “Since then, I’ve become very concerned about the potential for another such incident.  I’ve come to no good answers as to what to do about it.”

:: Talt looks back up at Orestes. ::

[Orestes] * He is curious about what incident she is taking about -- what exactly transpired, was it connected to the mass exodus of the old crew? He made a mental note not to push her now, but to investigate on his own. *

[Talt]  “I won’t spy on the crew, Lieutenant Commander.  And I won’t eavesdrop on their thoughts.  But . . . but if the “engines” change their hum, or if I start hearing a squeal in the “anti-matter containment fields” - I WILL tell you.  Good enough?”

[Orestes] :: He smiled again at Talt’s use of her earlier symbolism. :: "Doctor, I don't want you to spy on anyone or invade anyone's privacy. I don't believe that the ends justify the means.  I am a Starfleet officer and I would never do anything to violate what the Federation stands for, even to save it."  There was a certain tone of hurt and reverence in his voice.

"What you propose is all I'm asking for.  I would not and could not ask you for anything else without betraying everything I stand for," there was a resolve in his words.

:: Orestes leaned back, he looked down at the ground and laughed. ::

"So, now that we have that settled.  Shall we get on with your evaluation."

:: Lt. Talt smiles again, this time a little mischievously. ::

[Talt]  “Well, I only have one more question.”  :: Talt leans one hip against her desk edge and rests there casually, obviously much more at ease. ::

[Talt] “I’ve been thinking of throwing a little party in a few days.  I believe we’re only three days from the old Terran holiday of All Hallow’s Eve.  That’s as good an excuse as any.  And this crew could certainly use a little recreational time.  I was wondering.  Did you want to cook with me?”

[Orestes] :: A broad smile appears on the security officer's face, his eyebrows raise in interest. ::

:: Talt then blushes, her eyes get comically large and she raises her hand to her cheek. ::

[Talt] “Wow.  That sounded like a pick-up, which is not what I meant at all.  Excuse me, Lieutenant Commander.  I guess even counselors are subject to Freudian slips.  I’m sorry!”

:: Talt begins to laugh at herself. ::

[Orestes] In an obviously mock hurt tone says, "You mean, that wasn't a pick up line? That's what you should be apologizing for."

* For the first time since meeting her, Orestes realized that the counselor was not an unattractive woman -- still feeling a little uncomfortable with his thoughts in her presence. *

:: He chuckles, a deep base laugh. ::

"In answer to your question, I would love to cook something up with you -- anything in particular?"

:: Talt shares in with Orestes chuckle.  Then she gets enthusiastic once more.  And perhaps a little mischievous. ::

[Talt] “Tell you what, Lieutenant Commander.  You choose, desserts and hors’d’oeuvres or entree, and then, surprise me.  We’ll set up in, oh, the messhall at 1700?”

:: Talt is grinning in anticipation. ::

[Orestes] :: The short man's face turned serious for moment as he considered the choice, "Hmmm, if you don't mind, I'll do the entree, maybe something for the season or my grandmother's specialty, paella."

* There seemed to be pure almost boyish joy in the man's voice, as he mulled over the choices for dinner.  Cooking was one of Orestes' greatest pleasures, it reminded him of his grandmother.  Since she had died, every time he cooked, he felt he was honoring her. *

:: This time Talt does not manage to stop a small clap for joy, as she straightened up from leaning against the desk.  A huge grin lights her face. ::

[Talt] “Oh, Lieutenant Commander, you’ve made my day.  I have just the recipes that will go with paella.  This is going to work so well.”

:: Talt grins to herself as little wheels start spinning enthusiastically in her head.  Her eyes sparkle at Orestes. Just then a chime sounds from Talt’s desk and a small look of dismay crosses the Lieutenant’s features. ::

[Talt] “Oh, Rixx.  Is it that time already?” :: she mutters to herself as she walks around the desk.  Talt pushes aside a small pile of scarves and looks at the chronometer inlaid in her desktop.  Then she looks back over to Orestes with real disappointment in her eyes, and a little embarrassment. ::

[Talt] “Ummm, I’m sorry, Lieutenant Commander. I have another appointment in just a few minutes.”

:: Talt bites her lip gently again. ::

[Talt] “And I was so enjoying our conversation.  Do you think that we could continue it at another time . . . well, when I have more time.”

:: Talt laughs at herself a little ruefully and smile very hopefully toward Orestes. ::

[Orestes] :: The Fireplug officer got up to leave, he smiled warmly over to the Counselor, "I would love to continue talking with you, when we have more time," the thought that brought made Orestes laugh.

~~ More time, soon we'll have more time than we'll know what to do with. ~~

:: He walked over to Talt and offered his hand, "It's been a pleasure Doctor."

:: Talt smiles widely and shakes Orestes’ hand. ::

[Talt] “It’s been a real pleasure for me too, Lieutenant Commander.  I am REALLY looking forward to serving with you.”

:: Talt holds his hand a little long looking into his eyes and then grins self-consciously and lets go.  Her eyes sparkle as she sees Orestes to the door. ::

* Orestes liked the doctor, he was glad she would be on the Chronos, though he knew she was hiding something from him.  As he walked out the door, he didn't care what she wrote in her report. *