Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Pawl Batario (Chief Engineer) in Breakfast (Kastarak/Batario)

Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Kastarak (Doctor / Counsellor) in Breakfast (Kastarak/Batario)

Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Pawl Batario (Chief Engineer) in Breakfast (Kastarak/Batario)
Posted by… suppressed (3) by the Post Ghost! 👻
Snip

Kastarak entered the lift, feeling a sense of comfort and ease with being in Pawl’s presence and with their decision to visit Pawl’s quarters.

“It’s been two years now. I arrived in June 2270, though I was away for a few months on other duties. I consider myself seasoned. If I remember correctly, I met you on your first day here, when you visited Sickbay for your medical and psychological evaluations. How have you settled in since then?”

– Kastarak

“That’s right we met my first day here along with medical and psyche evals.” PAwl said calmly. After getting in and tapping his deck his cabin was located. “I believe I am adjusting well here doctor.” Pawl said calmly to him. as the lift took off towards its destination. “I am getting used to all of the minds on the ship.” Pawl said casually.

Pawl

Kastarak tried to mentalize what it was for Pawl that he was getting used to the many minds on the ship. Was it noisy for him? Like going into mess hall at noon, hearing all conversations, but not the actual words? What was it like to be so acutely telepathic?

“What is it like?” Kastarak asked, in genuine curiosity and out of concern for his friend. “Experiencing all the minds on the ship, as you do?”

How did Pawl perceive Kastarak? What did he make of Kastarak’s depth, thoughts, emotions brewing intensely under the lid – a lid pushed down hard by Kastarak’s mental control – even if Kastarak did let an emotional bubble sip through now and then, to inform him of important messages from his subconscious.

The lift reached the destination, and the doors opened. Kastarak waited for Pawl to lead the way.

– Kastarak

“Well, Most humans and other races don’t have a way to close their minds so there is noise most of the time. Some other races like Vulcans and a few other odd races I can’t read them.” Pawl said kindly. “Some have learned to control their thoughts or emotions so that helps at times. I am in no pain with all the ideas or thoughts roaming around Even Betazed is more open-minded unless there is something they want to be kept private.” PAwl noticed the lift doors open “This way.” He said as he exited the corridor and headed down to his room. Luckily he had a stateroom that was meant for VIPs. So no roommates. As he closed on his room door it opened for him.
“Please come in Care for something to drink?” Pawl offered.

Pawl

While they walked to Pawl’s quarters and Pawl spoke, Kastarak listened carefully, humming once in a while to signal his understanding and acknowledgement of what Pawl said. Kastarak wasn’t sure how to respond, but luckily they reached Pawl’s quarters before Kastarak was expected to reply.

“Some tea, thank you,” he replied, “or water, water would also be fine, thank you.”

Kastarak did not wish to impose himself on Pawl, so the alternative of water was offered to allow Pawl some time.

Kastarak looked around the room, curious to see if any objects around it would tell him anything about Pawl.

– Kastarak

Pawl heard the response as he went for some water for both him and the doctor. As the doctor looked about Pawl’s room he saw a meditating crystal sitting on a table along with some candles along with some family and friend photos on the shelf near the doctor. A couple of small containers of stuff he had not unpacked. “Well here is the water for us .” Pawl commented calmly as he came back into the room. As he brought the water to a small table and sat them down. Pawl took a seat in a chair. “I haven’t had time to unpack.” Mostly clothing and a few momentos.” Pawl said with a small smile.

Pawl

“Thank you, that is kind,” Kastarak replied, as he lifted the glass and hydrated his dry mouth. Why was his mouth so dry? why were the palm of his hands so sweaty? He dried his hands on his lap.

“You’ve been busy at work then. It’s been a while since you were promoted to chief engineer. Would you wish for my help in unpacking?”

Kastarak looked around and saw a photo of Pawl with some other people. “Who are these people with you? Is that your family?”

– Kastarak

Pawl was taken back almost lost in a way. “Chief??Engineer??” almost lost and confused as the information sunk in. “I guess we can unpack technically I have the time now. I hope its no imposotion?” Pawl said to the doctor mostly clothing and other odd items. knickknacks.” Pawl said with a soft smile. “Oh?? That is my other twin brothers and my sister. Tanis Liam and Kammy.” Pawl said with a small smile. “They’re not near as xenophobic as my parents and grandparents are they were opposed to me leaving Betazed.” Pawl added. The Other photograph was a few friends that I knew at the University of Betazed.”

As he grabbed the odd items off the top of the boxes and started to put them away. “Its nice to have company here.” Pawl said with a kind smile. He placed the throw blanket on the arm of the chair and tossed a few pillows. over to his bed in the other room for now.

Pawl

Surely Pawl knew? Why else would he have the title, the badge, the role? This new senior officer suite? Was he dysregulated emotionally, but why? Was it because of Kastarak’s presence? Did Pawl feel uneasy about not being able to read him? Should Kastarak open up, allow himself to be read and sensed more? But wouldn’t that be inviting to intimacy? Unless, would Pawl want that? Would Kastarak?

There were many questions in Kastarak’s mind. He so wished for a moment of quietness in his mind, an understanding of what the meaning of it all was.

“Thank you for telling me of your family, and letting me see them,” he said. He was honest about it, he felt more connected to Pawl this way. He wished he had pictures to show him of his family – but he only had his memories, and the faces were slowly fading away over the years.

“It is with regret I must say that I cannot reciprocate the gesture. I cannot show you my family, but I would like you to know of them. If you would like to hear a little about them, and their lives, and ways? They all died in the destruction of Vulcan, and I am the only one left of my home, my family, my lineage.”

– Kastarak

Pawl started to pick up impressions from the doctor. He did not want to pry just in case he was reading things wrong. He heard the doctor speak. “You’re more than welcome Kastarak. You’re more than welcome to explore more about my family and world.” Pawl said with a small smile. As PAwl heard of the disaster not knowing anyone till now that was part of said disaster. The Loss of a Unique World and her people. “I am sorry Kastarak I was not trying to make you relive the trauma of this event.” Pawl said sincerely to him as the smile faded hard from his face as he moved to stand in front of him. As he felt more from the man. Pawl could not help but to Let his mind drop his mental shields to be completely open to the man. “Your welcome to share my thoughts and get to know me better.” Pawl said as he stood there calmly with no expression on his face. He could feel some attraction from the doctor but it was slowly coming into focus to pawl. “you’re definitely interested in me??” Pawl was surprised by the revelation. He could not believe he did not see this sooner.

pawl

The question startled Kastarak. He had no expected it, and made him forget the rest of the conversation. He did not like the binary nature of it – neither yes nor no could not explain. He was not sure of his own emotions, thoughts. But interested was a good word. He had not dared explore the more meaningful aspects of it. He had wished to speak with Umbri or T’Aria about it, but both of them had been too busy or otherwise engaged. Soon T’Aria and Kastarak would travel to New Vulcan on a leave of absence, perhaps then they’d get a chance to discuss it, but otherwise, who could he talk to? Sega’a? Maybe? But for now, the object of Kastarak’s attention would have to be the one to experience the awkward conversation.

“I am,” Kastarak replied, his voice as devoid of emotion as it normally would but his gut felt fluttery, and he was slightly dizzy. Surely his bloodsugar was fine, why did his blood pressure fall now? Now was not the time! “With your consent, I would like to explore in what way. I feel drawn to you, wishing for some kind of connection with you. I am uncertain what kind. What kinds of connection would you be willing to explore?”

– Kastarak