"Is that a common thing, for Aquarians? To follow your instincts?"
"Yes, it is!," he said a little excitedly. Siphon leaned in and explained like a teacher, though not condescendingly. "I believe the feel of instinct in the gentle pull of life's currents. For one to try and swim against them is...unnatural."
Katriel's expression barely altered from its more evaluative state as Siphon explained.
"Are there... no scenarios at all in which you would feel compelled to ignore your instincts? For instance, on your tour of duty on the Preserver. Were there no situations in which you felt like you wanted one thing, but Starfleet protocol might have dictated another?"
"Are there... no scenarios at all in which you would feel compelled to ignore your instincts? For instance, on your tour of duty on the Preserver. Were there no situations in which you felt like you wanted one thing, but Starfleet protocol might have dictated another?"
Siphon leaned back and set one leg atop the other. "triage, in general," he said after a time. "Starfleet protocol and sound medical practice dictate treating the worst injuries first. This can be...very difficult when the lesser of the injured group is a close thing. In instances such as those, I defer to protocol counselor. I don't believe I would...betray the trust Starfleet has placed on me unless the circumstances were so...outstanding that it would truly be for the best."
The counselor nodded in acknowledgement and her eyes dropped down to her PADD, to finally notate something.
"Good to know, Doctor. Would you mind discussing with me, then, how do you find yourself settling in so far? Your... trial by fire notwithstanding, are there any personnel or situations you've encountered that you imagine might be problematic in the long run?"
"Good to know, Doctor. Would you mind discussing with me, then, how do you find yourself settling in so far? Your... trial by fire notwithstanding, are there any personnel or situations you've encountered that you imagine might be problematic in the long run?"
Siphon seemed to grip the arm rest a little tighter. He considered saying that everything was fine. After a moment Siphon relaxed and chided himself for being silly, and even thinking of dishonesty. He exhaled before admitting, "I sometimes worry about meeting Commander Lindresko's expectations. I...believe she is comfortable with my skill as a physician. I'm relatively sure I'm simply over reacting to her stoic demeanor."
"Doctor Lindresko does possess a rather ... formidable countenance, doesn't she?" Katriel's tone was just barely edged with amusement.
"Try not to concern yourself overmuch, Lieutenant. If nothing else, the Commander is a consummate professional, so if she has any issues with your performance, you will likely be given more than adequate warning regarding it. I take it you are more comfortable around... more extroverted beings, then?"
"Try not to concern yourself overmuch, Lieutenant. If nothing else, the Commander is a consummate professional, so if she has any issues with your performance, you will likely be given more than adequate warning regarding it. I take it you are more comfortable around... more extroverted beings, then?"
"I would say, that is a fair assumption. Though, I am able to work, co-operate, and even befriend species such as Vulcan's. I generally prefer more...expressive companionship." Siphon nodded as he finished.
"And have you not encountered anyone on station that matches that description?"
((can be an NPC if you want...))
((can be an NPC if you want...))
The Aquarian pondered her question for a moment before answering, "I've found the company of Captain Morton to be very fulfilling, especially during a game of Tri chess. I realize his emotions aren't overt, but they are certainly present," he finished.
"Even though most of our conversation has been analytical, I find taking with you to be easy enough," he added simply and in a friendly tone before shrugging.
"Even though most of our conversation has been analytical, I find taking with you to be easy enough," he added simply and in a friendly tone before shrugging.
The counselor pursed her lips a little and inclined her head in acknowledgement. "Not exactly the response I was hoping for, perhaps, but thank you all the same. Did you leave family at home? Parents, siblings?"
A look of concern flashes across his face before, "I.. apologize counselor. I might be misunderstanding, but what were you hoping for? " his question genuinely.
She merely shook her head a little.
"It's not a significant issue, Doctor. I was hoping to hear that there have been other officers amongst the medical staff that you find to be good company, since Doctor Lindresko is... who she is. Just investigating that your work environment is to your satisfaction."
"It's not a significant issue, Doctor. I was hoping to hear that there have been other officers amongst the medical staff that you find to be good company, since Doctor Lindresko is... who she is. Just investigating that your work environment is to your satisfaction."
Siphon nods in understanding. "I am sure I will meet more like myself within the medical department, in time. Even though the Commander is...how she is, I still find her company agreeable...somehow" he says not really sure why himself.
The counselor nodded again and redirected the conversation back on topic. "Your family, Doctor?"
"Oh yes! Allow me to back stroke then. My pod was quite large; five brothers; four sisters; numerous aunts and uncles. Of course there's was also mother and father. I swam out on my own young, as is somewhat the norm for us. I've missed them off course, but each of them has a journey all thier own to enjoy as well." Siphon's leg bounced with a bit of energy as he spoke.
Katriel blinked slowly. "A very large family, then. Do... you expect that you'll return to see them often?"
"Hmmm. I suppose so, rather I hope so. I would say yes, within the confines of any star fleet officer being able to take leave on his or her home world". he smiled.
The counselor nodded a couple times and turned her attention down to her PADD to notate one item or another. For a moment or two she was silent, reviewing some data on the PADD.
"We're just about through, Doctor, if you'll indulge me for just one or two more questions. Could you give me a sense of what activities you tend towards in your off-duty time?"
"We're just about through, Doctor, if you'll indulge me for just one or two more questions. Could you give me a sense of what activities you tend towards in your off-duty time?"
"I sing. Well, that is I try to sing," he nods, a little embarrassed. "Other than that, I like to read. I would have to say that those are my two main...hobbies."