Posted by Lieutenant Tom Jarvis (Internal Security) in Jenga with Jarvis

Posted by Lieutenant Tom Jarvis (Internal Security) in Jenga with Jarvis

Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Vanessa Slade (CNS) in Jenga with Jarvis
Posted by… suppressed (37) by the Post Ghost! 👻
Vanessa stood outside the holodeck waiting for Tom to arrive. While this was not technically a therapy session, it was also a therapy session. Tom was confident, smart, and excelled at his job. He did not need any help with that. What Tom needed was friends and a sense of belonging. Throughout all his years at Starfleet, he had not been able to make a lot of close connections and that was what Vanessa wanted to remedy. Looking at her clock she realized that Tom was not late but for once in her life Vanessa Slade was five minutes early.

Vanessa Slade CNS

Vanessa saw Tom round the curve of the corridor and, at his current pace, would be standing with her in front of the holodeck doors at the exact time they had agreed to meet.

“Good evening Vanessa.” Tom said with a smile and a slight bow, “What sights will you show me this evening? I’ve allotted for at least four hours.”

• Khabal

“Good because this first quarter of the program has a time stamp of three and a half for even the most advanced enigmatologist.” Opening the door to the holodeck, the image Tom would see would be a vast landscape of green. Hedges rose to about fifteen feet tall with a large highly decorated entrance indicating Tom and Vanessa were going to try and solve a maze.

As with most of Vanessa’s out-of-the-box therapy sessions, this was pretty much on par with her matching the need of the patient to an activity that would reach results with far more interest than sitting on a couch. Tom was going to participate in maze therapy which was a learning process that involved circumnavigating a subject that was presented with a variety of false routes into a main one. The idea was that over time a patient would arrive at the end goal in the least amount of time because of applying previously learned knowledge. Tom was metaphorically trapped in a box of his perceptions about what could be. Vanessa hoped that going through all the dead ends would eventually open his mind to a brighter and more optimistic path.

The holistic feel of the program was calm and peace: Birds sang, the sun shone, and the sky was a perfect blue with wisps of thin white clouds. “Shall we begin,” she gestured into the room and towards the maze entrance.

Vanessa Slade CNS

“I’m intrigued.” Tom said, “Unless this maze shifts, I do have eidetic memory.”

Tom started stretching.

• Tom

“It’s leaves that all look the same,” Vanessa let out a laugh as they stood at the entrance and leaned against the ivy wall watching Tom stretch. “Okay I know my holodeck programs tend to have people running for their lives or clogging sick bay but I promise there are no zombies or headless horsemen about to chase us down.” She could not help but wonder if Tom was stretching after hearing about the debacle in October with the Halloween party or if he thought this was going to be more than just a leisurely stroll.

“You know I am a counselor and as a counselor, I am only required to do a twenty-minute mile to pass my PT evals.”

Vanessa Slade CNS

Tom didn’t seem to understand that she was making a joke.

“I can run a nine minute mile, seven minutes if I really push it.” he replied simply.

The Halloween party was far outside Tom’s off duty comfort zone and so, he didn’t attend, but he heard plenty about it and wanted to be prepared if Vanessa had put any interesting twists into this program.

• Tom

“Noted and if we have to book it somewhere, just start running and Jesus can help me because I would probably die of a cardiac arrest about two minutes in.” It was not that Vanessa was out of shape but more in shape for an average person who didn’t need to come running at the drop of a hat in an emergency.

Entering the maze, Vanessa took in the quiet beauty and perfect symmetry of the space. She kept the pace leisurely like a stroll as she just began walking. The maze was close to ten miles long so it would take them a good while to complete it. “So was it your idea or my idea to meet up,” she asked him taking a random turn not caring if it was correct or not. The entire place was green with no discriminating features yet. Any direction seemed fine at this point.

Vanessa Slade CNS

“This specific idea was yours.” Tom replied as he walked next to Vanessa.

Tom seemed totally at ease.

• Tom

“So what was the impetus of this idea? Anything special because the situation with the judge, cops, and two hooligans is better than fine. They are with their aunt and uncle as mom and dad work things out. That came with a school transfer so they have a fresh new start which is sometimes all one needs.”

Vanessa Slade CNS

Tom smiled.

“The impetus was to get me out of my anonymity. You said all I had to do was show up so, here I am.” Tom said gesturing to the hedge maze.

• Tom

“Oh I know I said more than that. I mean I am a woman. I spend my days saying things in a hundred words men say in ten,” she let out a full-bodied laugh. “And you showed up so you must want it too on some level,” she took a random turn not worrying about solving the maze but more just walking.

Vanessa Slade CNS

OOC: Sorry sorry. RL got busy with trying to find a replacement car then fixing a major problem it had. It’s been an interesting week.
OOC: Never stress or worry about it. Life tangles me up all the time. Glad you are back. :) Kate

Tom walked with Vanessa, the pace was a relaxed comfortable stroll.

“I did say I was willing to try this experiment with you. I just don’t feel ready to try it with several people yet.”

• Tom

“Of course you do. I am a freaking ray of sunshine. How wouldn’t want to go for a walk, get lost, and spend a few hours of their life with me that they aren’t ever getting back?” It was a rhetorical question and full of humor.

“Well…” Tom began, “There is the possibility for misunderstandings within your budding relationship with the Captain. I mean you’d be spending hours at a time with me and possibly not remember any of it. Might look suspicious if your relationship doesn’t allow for extra participants. I’d hate to get you in trouble.”

“I think I can trust you have my best interests at heart,” Vanessa sent him an honest smile along with a pause as she nodded her head. “And I can handle the captain. I am not sure he can handle me at times but he is learning.”

As they turned a corner, a hologram of a wizard appeared blocking their path.

It was a smooth silent motion, very fast, that had what looked like a small LED flash light pointed at the face of the wizard hologram that had suddenly appeared.

“Hello, weary travelers. I am your guide on your journey of self-discovery.” The hologram was typical of what one might assume when they thought of a wizard with long flowing purple robes, a pointy hat, and flowing white hair that cascaded well below its shoulders.

Tom put the device away.

“Okay this is new and maybe I should have focused more on that in-service Calvin sent me to last week,” Vanessa confessed now regretting chatting with Lt. Harland instead of listening.

“Before you continue forward you must answer a single question. What scares you the most in life?” The holographic wizard then stopped and waited patiently.

Vanessa Slade CNS

Tom looked the hologram in the eyes and, with no hesitation…

“That my enemies will remember me.”

• Tom

The hologram nodded and looked at Vanessa. “That my mom will realize I am not currently stationed on Vulcan or that I am not coming back to Boston anytime soon.”

The wizard nodded and gestured in a sweeping motion for the two to continue their journey.

“So are you going first to explain or should I,” Vanessa asked. This was a semi-counseling session and a semi-get-to-know-your-crew outing.

Vanessa Slade CNS

“You’ve already told me yours, just what you felt I needed to know so I didn’t blow your cover. As for mine, the things I have done in the name of peace within the Federation… All classified but, if any of my enemies remembered, they’d most definitely come after me, possibly with a significant force.” Tom explained.

“Now, do you want to go into more details about your statement?”

• Tom

“Sure,” Vanessa shrugged, “however I do have one question. If no one can remember you then how would your enemies remember you?”

Vanessa Slade CNS

“That’s kind of the point.” Tom replied, “Hoping that my enemies will never remember me.”

• Tom

Vanessa’s brow furrowed slightly. Tom never gave a straight answer so she moved onto another topic. “So I am not just close but insanely close to my family. I am the first one to join Starfleet which sent them into a dither. I was not expecting to be transferred out of Boston Veteran Affairs but when I did I knew my family would freak so I lied to them. They think I am on Vulcan for a year and then I will be back. Not sure what I am going to do in six months when I am not but that is a problem for another day. Right?”

Vanessa Slade CNS

“I don’t know enough about your family to make an informed call on that matter but, I can look into their dossiers and have a potential scenario devised for you by tomorrow evening.” Tom said as if doing so would be quite simple for him.

“Um thank you but no. You calling up would definitely set them on the prowl into my business. They mean well but at times make me crazy. Though I can’t imagine ever being estranged from them. I love them but lord we know how to poke each other’s buttons and deflect onto another sibling to get out of hot water. I am saving my toss my brothers under the bus card for when I really need it.”

Tom picked a twig up off the ground, sniffed it, looked thoughtful for a moment before sticking it in the corner of his mouth.

• Tom

Whether is was his action or a time span, the wizard from before appeared before them blocking their way. “Welcome fair travelers a new question awaits. Are you brave enough to explore the depths of your soul or will you stand here and waste away to bones for ye shall not pass until I am given an answer.”

Wizard of the maze

Tom stood silently, a visage of eternal patience as he waited for the Wizard to ask the question.

• Tom

After a few awkward moments Tom looked at Vanessa.

“Was that the question or is the program hanging?” Tom asked her as he gestured at the Wizard.

• Tom

“What would you prefer,” the wizard brandished his hand with a bird in it. “A bird in the hand or two in the bush.” As he finished speaking a flutter of wings rustled the leaves of the bush before two brightly colored songbirds took off into flight. “Answer and you can pass. Refuse and remain here for all time.”

Vanessa looked at the birds flying away. “Okay, I went first the last time. Your up.” Looking at Tom she was very curious about his response. She could see points for him choosing either one.

Vanessa Slade CNS

“The saying goes that a bird in the hand is better than two in the bush and referred to falconry as the falcon was the bird in the hand while the prey birds were in the bush. Falcons were highly prized in hunting on Earth in the fifteenth century so, if we were to go strictly on the value of the animal, the falcon could be used over multiple hunt as the prey either died or escaped. As I am a hunter in my career and have completed many missions successfully, I would say I’ll take the falcon, the bird in the hand.” Tom explained, “And then I can potentially catch the two in the bush.”

• Tom

“So you look for the sure thing,” Vanessa nodded. “There was a behavioral psychoanalyst by the name of William Marston. He theorized that there are four basic personality traits. Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness,” she counted them out on her finger. “You are Conscientious which means you tend to be more introverted and reserved, and task-oriented. The C’s are usually cautious, calculating, competent, contemplative, and careful. Not all the personality types use C adjectives but it tends to be a pneumonic device to keep them all straight.” Vanessa let out a small chuckle. “Also type C’s are analytical, detail-oriented, and intentional valuing precision but appear to be critical by asking many questions. So now that I gave you the text book definition what do you think?”

Vanessa Slade CNS

Tom looked thoughtful for a moment.

“I can see how you would draw such conclusions but I don’t just look for the sure thing, I try to create the sure thing if I don’t see it already. For the most part I agree with your assessment.” Tom said as he continued down the path, “And yes, I am very introverted. The time I spen with you like this, to experiment with generating permanent memory, is very rare for me to consent to.”

Tom continued along the path through the maze.

• Tom

“So besides me who else do you want to get to know,” Vanessa asked, “and don’t tell me no one.” Walking backwards she looked at him slowing him down slightly but still letting them move forward. “People need more than one friend. Don’t get me wrong. Who the hell wouldn’t want to be my bestie but we need to focus on who you want to meet.”

Vanessa Slade CNS

Tom stopped and looked at Vanessa.

“Hard as it may be to believe, I trained myself, long ago, to not look for significant relationships unless someone can show me genuine interest, not just looking to make me one of their conquests, not that they’d remember if I chose to intimately participate. There’s been two that got close but they didn’t work out for reasons that are probably obvious to you. So no, there’s no-one in particular I want to get to know at this time.

• Tom

“I am not talking 1-800 dial a bride,” she put her hands on her hips and scanned the area. It was not an emotional gesture but more of trying to find a place for her hands to rest. They had been walking an hour so far so a breather was nice. Exercise was exercise. “I am saying who do you want to get to know as in wow,” she moved her hands to jazz hands with splayed finger and a huge fake surprise expression, “you know how to make pottery or woah,” she leaned back as if stunned, “you enjoy model making.” Assuming a more relaxed pose she continued to talk. “This is about connecting with people because you want to but don’t know how so I can handle the how if you tell me the who. The crew might not remember you but I am sure you know them by heart.”

Vanessa Slade.

Tom nodded.

“I can’t forget anything unless I choose to. In my head are the dossiers of every crewmember aboard this ship as well as a few I have been instructed to never forget. Messed up curse isn’t it? No-one can remember me without making special efforts and I… Well I can’t forget anything without going through special efforts to wipe who or what ever from my mind.”

Tom looked around.

“It’s been about an hour. How much time do you want to try to run up for this experiment before we do the 3 hour marathon of silence or unimportant small talk?”

• Tom

“Two hours before I remember but you dude always remember so it’s not a total wash and have you ever thought about it from a different perspective than your own? I mean i am here spending time by choice and…” Vanessa suddenly got a thought. “So people Can remember you at a distance. That is why your family recognizes you and command knows you you. If they didn’t you obviously wouldn’t be part of any secret plans. Command would think you are crazy and arrest you if they forgot you each time you comes in. So if it’s a proximity thing and hour based if you spent the evening with someone and went to bed they would wake up knowing you. Right ?”

Vanessa slade. CNS

Tom chuckled, “Two hours before you start building memory. If we go 3 hours and 15 minutes, with no break in contact, you’ll only remember the first 15 minutes. It’s not proximity, it’s communication method. Anything involving natural line of sight is subject to my forget me field, it’s only foiled when it’s via an indirect communication method. Command recognizes my codes otherwise I am required to decline video and alter my voice and speech pattern over channels that are not heavily secured to minimize risk of me becoming a known asset. And if I spent an evening with someone, they would only remember anything that might have happened with me three or more hours before they went to sleep. So if their waking time with me was less than three hours, they would still remember nothing of me when they next woke up. Before you ask, yes, I have had a few sexual encounters on the ship with people who have no memory of the moment, or me.”

• Tom

Vanessa looked at him and her brow wrinkled. “Well, that is kinda disturbing. It would be like spending the evening with someone getting blackout drunk and waking up in bed with them having no idea how you got there. Not judging,” she held up her hand. “That would be the pot calling the kettle black but how do you protect yourself.” Vanessa was not worried about the obvious. She was more worried about the emotional disconnect. Tom never once hid his psychic ability for lack of a better descriptor. He actually went to great lengths to ensure those hanging out with him had every opportunity to leave if they were not up for the challenge to be his friend. If he went to this length, Vanessa knew Tom was the definition of virtue and integrity for more intimate friendships. “It must be hard however you continually say you can’t have a relationship and yet you still seek them out…why? The result is always going to be the same.”

Vanessa Slade CNS

Tom didn’t even flinch, he talked readily and matter of factly.

“Protect myself from what?” Tom asked, “It was just sex, no emotional entanglements or preludes to relationships. Just physical needs being met on both sides. I found it interesting how many women seemed ready to jump into bed when I tell them they won’t remember it, mainly taking it as a challenge to prove me wrong is my guess. As for relationships… It would be nice to have someone remember me affectionately but the attempts made had always failed for one reason or another.”

• Tom
  

“Forget your memory issues, maybe the reason is just assuming it is just sex is why they don’t come back.” The comment sounded judgemental but it wasn’t. It was the truth. Vanessa had had her fair share of one-night stands but the reason she never came back the next day was the man was not a fit for her in the bright light of day.

As they walked, the pair came to a large ornate fountain in the maze. The water trickling down was very soothing and peaceful but the bottom of the fountain went so deep it the base looked black. “Penny for your thoughts,” the wizard stated producing two coins.

“Oh it’s a wishing well,” Vanesa took a coin. Turning to face Jarvis, she smiled, “and a great idea. Instead of me peppering you with questions your turn. Let’s start with this.” Tossing her coin into the water, Vanessa stated loudly. “I want to know ten things about Jarvis.” Sitting on the edge of the fountain she looked at her companion.

Vanessa Slade CNS