Spooky

Posted on 06 Mar 2016 @ 12:01pm by Ensign Lia Circe & Lieutenant Wilhelm Von Haeften

3,052 words; about a 15 minute read

Mission: Episode 10 - Symposium
Location: USS Galileo - Crew Lounge
Timeline: MD 91 - 1204 Hours

Lieutenant Wilhelm Von Haeften sat enjoying his Targ sandwich and coffee, his nose buried in a PADD detailing the upcoming work shifts for his approval. Intertwined with it was a promotion request for Lucero and a NCO within SCIDEP. He let out an outward sigh as he took a bite of his sandwich, flicking away the crumbs that landed on his PADD.

Lia entered the mess hall and made her way to the replicator. “Computer, iced tea and chicken caesar wrap.” she ordered. The replicator hummed as the food materialized and she took the tray and looked around for an empty chair.

Wilhelm looked up to see a young female ensign looking around the room. The area was packed more than usual, and upon seeing the grey of her collar, deduced that she must be the new intel officer he had heard about, and had meant to meet her socially. Normally, He would’ve eaten with Rebecca for lunch, but she had messaged him earlier to let him know that she was doing a working lunch with the Skipper...that is, the now XO, Holliday. The German waved her over to his table.

Noticing the wave, Lia walked over and took the seat besides him. “Thank you.” Lia smiled as she took the napkin and unwrapped it and placed it on her lap.

Wilhelm stood as the lady approached his table, as his father had taught him to do for a lady. It might be considered somewhat archaic of a formality, as nowadays it was considered fashionable to treat women as ‘people’ rather than ladies...it was not a tradition Wil was willing to break just yet, and he let every lady he encountered decide whether it was insulting or not. He also held the young lady’s chair for her.

Lia sat down beside him, getting situated. She looked over at him; “You’re very polite.”‘

Once she had seated, Wilhelm extended his hand to her.

“Wilhelm Von Haeften, Chief of Science here.” he said in his light teutonic staccato. “and thank you, not every one of us here are barbarians after all.”

“Lia Circe, Assistant to the Intelligence Chief.” She introduced herself, smiling at him. ‘’how are things down at the science department?”

“Classified.” Wilhelm said, using the older than old joke. “We do ok for ourselves.” he added seriously. “What about you? New spook huh? Fresh outta training or not your first rodeo?”

Lia understood the irony with his joke but didn’t let out a laugh. “Funny. As for myself, this is my first starship assignment. I have been out on the field prior to my posting here.” She answered honestly.

“Anything you can talk about?” Von Haeften asked, not in jest.

“What would you like to know?” She asks looking at him with her golden eyes. “Be mindful, I’m a full telepath, I can hear all of your thoughts.”

“Ah.” Wilhelm said, now conscious of what he was thinking. He did not want to come off as a man of...questionable thoughts, and so began to think very hard about anything that could not be construed as offensive; math, baseball, the weather.

“I don’t judge people by their thoughts.” Lia responded quickly sensing his hesitation. “and I don’t hear them intentionally. I always had issues with my abilities...since I was a child.”

“It must be hard, especially because of uh...the way you look.” Wil said, gesturing to her classically lovely features. He himself in his youth was once known to have an eye for the ladies, all of them. He had since calmed down in his maturity, and even if he hadn’t, he was committed to Rebecca.

The thought of his girlfriend made him giggle internally, as he tried hard not to think of their recent…physical escapades; he did not want to seem like that was all he thought about, so back into his mind came baseball.

“Does Rebecca serve on the Galileo as well?” Lia asked as she reached for her glass of tea. “Must be nice to be serving on the same vessel as the one you’re dating.”

“She...does, yes.” His thoughts drifted to how they were worried when they started dating that her being an enlisted woman would be a hamper to their relationship, and how he had been shaking with nerves to ask the Skipper’s permission to court her.

“And you? Husband? Boyfriend?” Wil asked, trying hard to think of mundane things in his head lest they have little to talk about.

Lia shook her head as she finished taking a sip of her tea. “No, I’m single. I don’t see why you needed the Skipper’s permission, unless Rebecca is your subordinate.” She commented but then quickly added, “That being said. Did you attend the symposium that was held on Jupiter Station?”

Wil looked at her golden eyes, still not used to having his mind read, or at least nothing said aloud by it. He was also sure that his mind had been heavily focused on baseball, able to ‘disguise’ his thoughts.

“She was not my subordinate, but it felt like the safest thing to do. As for the symposium, I actually lectured on it...it was about...uh...interspecies courtship and how it is viewed in various cultures.” the German said, rubbing the back of his head nervously.

She’s gonna think I’m a sex fiend… the CSO thought to himself.

“I don’t. It’s an important subject that I personally relate to as I’m a hybrid.” She offered him a friendly smile before bringing a fork full of salad to her mouth.

Wil shook off his concern; let her ‘hear’ his thoughts, so long as if it was anything...too personal she didn’t advertise.

“Betazoid?” Wil inquired.

“According to the genetic tests conducted on me, I’m roughly half Halanan and quarter Betazoid, and a quarter Human.” She answered, “It’s theorized one of my parents may have been a Betazoid-Human hybrid.”

“Ah.” the CSO said simply.

“If I may ask: what is it...like? Hearing thoughts I mean? Is it all stream of conciousness? Do you perceive it as images, or merely ‘feelings’, or words?” the German said, keeping his eyes on her as he chomped on another mouthful of Targ meat, lettuce, tomato, and bread.

“It’s a combination, depending on the thought. Most of the time it’s more of a vocal consciousness. It’s hard to properly describe.” She took another bite of her salad. “In my case however I hear everyone’s thoughts at once. I manage but it has left me with a sever case of insomnia.”

There are better reasons to stay awake. Wil thought, his thoughts drifting back to Rebecca and how she occasionally kept him up at night. The German shook it off.

“Sorry if you uh…’heard’ that last one.” he apologized, trying to keep his thoughts mundane and uninteresting.

“Please do not apologize, you did nothing wrong. Also please do not feel like you have to censor your thoughts.”

“Sure. It’s just that I’m sure it has to get overdone sometimes, everyone thinking of their significant other, or worse, about you in ways that might make you uh...blush.” Von Haeften said, noticing his collar was tight all of a sudden.

“I don’t control other people’s thoughts. As I said I don’t hold it against a person. And if I become a subject of someone’s thoughts, including the more...erotic ones, all I can do is be flattered.” She smiled and then added, “It’s nice to be thought of.”

Wil laughed. “I suppose.” He decided to switch to more mundane topics.

“Are you finding your way around alright?” he asked.

“The Galileo is a small ship, hard to get lost in.” She smiled, “What about you? The Science department running smoothly under your leadership?”

“Well, I’d like to think it runs smoothly because of the good people I have rather than my inspired leadership.” Wil said, humbly.

“Humility, a good trait for leadership.” Lia grinned, and took another bite. As she swallowed and reached for her tea, “Since, I have put you in a rather delicate position during this convo due to my...abilities, I want you to know you’re free to ask me any question. Wide ranging from too personal to professional. No filters, and no risk of me being offended.” She drank from her glass, and then added, “It’s only fair.”

Wilhelm shifted in his seat, despite her caveat to openness.

“Well...I was curious what it is like to read others minds. Do you...feel anything when you do it? Is there a sensation? Does it mean that with enough concentration, a non-telepath can give you an entire ‘conversation’ in their mind?” the German asked, sipping his coffee.

Lia looked at him, “If you’re asking is there any effort on my part to actually read people’s thoughts….no. It’s like your sense of hearing. I just.. mentally hear everyone’s thoughts. It does take concentration to focus on one person though.” She explained and then answered his second question, “if you’re asking if I can project my thoughts into you and we communicate telepathically...no. However if you would like to think of a question without verbally asking me it, then yes we can converse that way.”

“Is there nothing medicine can do for you so you don’t have to constantly ‘hear’ unwanted thoughts?” Wil inquired.

“I was born this way. I was actually in a quasi coma when I was a child. It wasn’t until I was about ten I sort of got control of my abilities.” Lia shared

“I’m sorry.” Wil stated. He was unsure why he apologized, but it simply felt like the right thing to do.

Feeling a growing uncomfortable silence, Von Haeften decided to change the subject back to work.

“So anything you can say about your last field assignment prior to the Gally?” he asked.

Lia couldn’t help but chuckle, “You mean prior to me being stationed on Earth doing paperwork? Well, my last field assignment lasted with my cover being blown and I was captured by the enemy for about four days.” She shook her head, “Other than that….classified.”

Wil could not decide if she was kidding, but decided not to press his luck.

“If I insist, will I find myself in a darkened room having my fingernails pulled out?” the German asked with a chuckle.

Lia shook her head, “No if insist, I’ll just continue to say...classified.” she chuckled, “We greyshirts aren’t that scary.”

“Sorry, all we hear about you spooks is that if you ask too many pointed questions you might end up in a ‘re-education camp’ or find yourself an ‘unperson’ fairly quickly.” Wil chuckled.

“So tell me: are we still at war with Oceania?”

Wilhelm mentioned the obscure literary reference to see how well-read the young lady was.

She looked at him oddly and then smirked, “The Federation is a neutral party in Oceania’s war with Eastasia, though peace was announced between Oceania and Eurasia, but the Federation Diplomatic Corp doubt the peace will last.”

Wil smiled as he realized the young woman recognized his reference.

“Nice to know they still make ‘1984’ required reading in school.” he said.

“Actually it was Dr. Crice’s favorite book, he read it to me when I was younger.” She smiled.

“An Orwell fan huh?” Wil said with a smile. “‘All animals are equal…’”

“...but some animals are more equal than others.” Lia finished, “Animal Farm, another one of Dr. Crice’s favorites. I learned a lot from him.”

Wilhelm decided that he liked this young lady.

“So what about yourself can you relate to me that is unclassified?” he asked.

Lia pressed her lips together as if thinking really hard for response and then with a grin replied, “Well, what do you want to know?”

“Where are you from?” Wil asked.

“Quazulu VII was where I was born, but lived mainly on Betazed until I joined the Academy.” Lia answered.

“Was it better for you to be around fellow telepaths?” Wil asked.

Lia nodded, “For the most part.”

“What made you decide to become a spook?”

“More exciting. I was torn between Psychology and Diplomacy early on, I actually graduated from the Academy with the purple uniform.” She smiled, “Was a Diplomat’s aide as my first assignment, boring as hell so I sort of collected data on the locals. I impressed one of the higher ups and long story short, I’m a spook.” Lia grinned and then looked at Wil, “In addition to telepathy I also have another talent that is quite useful for interrogations.”

“What’s that?” he asked.

She smirked, “Would you like me to demonstrate with you?”

“Um...alright. I’m not going to divulge all of my terrible secrets am I?” Wil asked nervously.

Lia shook her head, “Don’t worry, whatever is spilt will be between you and me.” She pushed away from the table and rose up off her seat, and walked around so she was now behind Wil.

She raised her hands and gently placed her hands on each side of his head, her fingers softly pressing on different spots on his face. She lowered her head and whispered soft enough for him to her. “Your thoughts are mine. Your mind is thine. Our thoughts are twined.” she closed her eyes, focused. Fear; paranoia, panic...all these emotions Lia seized and began to transmit, empathically.

Wilhelm did not like what was happening. He felt as if he could hear, barely above a whisper, the secret machinations of those around him, as if they were threatening him, plotting against him. He felt panicky, his pulse quickened, his heart beat fast within his constricting chest as his eyes darted around the room like a wounded animal. He was afraid, immensely afraid; he had to get out of there.

“Stop!” he shouted, pushing her hands away forcefully.

Lia almost lost her balance, but she held firm onto his hands, keeping her footing. She immediately unleashed the reverse, calm, happiness, content emotions, even pure joy through her touch with his hands. She didn’t say anything, just focused on calming Wil down.

All of a sudden, Wilhelm felt nearly the total opposite of what he felt before. He was reminded of Rebecca, his love for her, the feelings he got when their lips touched. He thought of the warmth of his mother when he skinned a knee or his father’s comforting words when he lost a relationship. He remembered his school friends and summer days spent playing baseball on Luna. he remembered every trip he had made to Risa. His heartbeat slowed, the sweat that had formed on his head began to cool, and his breathing returned to normal. Gently this time, he pushed against Lia’s hands to let her know that he was alright now.

She let him go, and walked around the table and sat back down with a small grin. “What color socks are you wearing?” she asked.

Wil had held his hand to his chest in apology to the other patrons who had looked up at his slight outburst earlier.

“Black...per regulation.” Wil said, uncertain where she was going.

“Good.” Lia chuckled, “Imagine, being asked questions while having that emotional rollercoaster. More honest answers than with other techniques.”

“I can imagine...I was willing to tell you anything once I felt the sheer paranoia surge within me...I would’ve told you to do it to Julia not me.” the German said, quipping another literary reference to their shared author.

“It’s a useful ability. Now, I didn’t have to walk around and grab your face, that was all from dramatic effect. I just need to be touching the person in order to empathically project emotions. It’s where I’m different from Halanans. They can telepathically project a physical representation of themselves for a short periods of time, due to my hybrid nature, the Betazoid empathy won out.”

“I’m surprised the Spooks didn’t make you an interrogator immediately.” Wil said.

Lia nodded, “That was one of the career paths I’ve looked into, however it can be draining.” She reached for her drink and before she took a sip she asked Wil, “You feeling better now?”

“Yes, thank you.” Wil replied, exhaling loudly. You’ll forgive me if I don’t ask you to do that again.”

“Of course. I apologize for going that strong. I was going to do something more pleasant but I don’t want you to get in trouble with your significant other.” Lia smiled.

Wil blushed, unsure if she was simply flirtatious or if she really found him that charming.

“Probably a good idea.” Wil smiled weakly back.

“Probably a mixture of the two.” She replied with a smirk, “you seem to be a decent man, Wil. I do hope this could be a start of a new friendship.”

Wil would never get used to his thoughts not being private anymore, even if he served with telepaths for the next fifty years.

“I think so Lia.” Wil looked to the chrono. “If you’ll forgive me however, I need to get these reports into the Skipper’s Yeoman.” he heated mildly at the thought of Rebecca, and tried hard to think of something else, lest word got around the ship that the CSO was courting the Skipper’s Yeoman.

Lia chuckled at his attempt to hide his thoughts. “One thing you’ll learn about me is.. I do know how to keep a secret. And I’ve been tested more ways than one on that fact.” She stood up and picked up her tray so she can dispose it back to the replicator. “Thank you for company.”

“My pleasure.” Wil said, with an old fashioned bow of his head.

OFF

A Jp By:

Lieutenant JG Wilhelm Von Haeften
Chief Science Officer
USS Galileo

&

Ensign Lia Circe
Assistant Chief Intelligence Officer
USS Galileo

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