The Orville - Irreparable

Burnout

The Mess Hall buzzed with activity, the clattering of trays and cheerful conversations blending together in a symphony of camaraderie. Gordon Malloy and John LaMarr sat at a table, their plates adorned with an assortment of delectable dishes. Amidst the lively atmosphere, a hint of concern lingered on John's face.

Gordon, a mischievous glimmer in his eyes, chomped down on a mouthful of sandwich, his chewing punctuated by satisfied groans. He noticed John's distant expression and leaned closer, his grin widening.

With a mouthful of food, Gordon mumbled, "So, what's eating you, my friend?"

John's eyes flickered, a deep sigh escaping his lips. "It's this thing called burnout. Everyone's been talking about it lately, and I can't help but wonder if I've caught the bug."

Gordon's face lit up with mischief, a twinkle in his eye. "Ah, the infamous burnout! It's like a cosmic case of engine failure, but instead of the ship, it's your brain!"

John's brows furrowed in confusion. "Wait, what? I thought burnout was just feeling exhausted and drained."

Gordon, never one to pass up an opportunity for comedy, leaned back, adopting a professorial tone. "Ah, my dear Johnny, burnout is a mysterious creature. It starts with exhaustion, like a sputtering engine running out of fuel. But then, it takes on a life of its own. Your enthusiasm takes an extended vacation without leaving a forwarding address, leaving you high and dry!"

John's perplexed expression deepened, his fork suspended mid-air. "So, how do I know if I have it?"

Gordon leaned in, a mock-serious expression on his face. "Well, my dear friend, the symptoms are as follows: frequent sighing, excessive eye-rolling, and a sudden affinity for dark chocolate. Oh, and the constant desire to throw your communicator out the airlock!"

John burst into laughter, his worries momentarily forgotten. "I see, so if I start throwing my communicator, I'll know it's burnout?"

Gordon nodded sagely, a grin stretching across his face. "Precisely! It's the universal signal that your warp core needs a recharge."

"Bortus! Wanna sit down with us, man?" Malloy offered cheerfully as Bortus passed by their table, his expression stoic as ever.

Bortus paused, his deep voice resonating with measured deliberation. "I appreciate the invitation, Lieutenant Malloy. However, I must complete my meal in a timely manner to ensure proper digestion."

Gordon's eyes widened, a mischievous glint sparking in them. "Come on, Bortus! Live a little. You don't want to miss out on our scintillating conversation."

John chimed in, a playful grin on his face. "Yeah, Bortus, we were just discussing the symptoms of burnout. Perhaps you've experienced it on some level."

Bortus arched an eyebrow, the hint of curiosity flickering in his otherwise impassive expression. "Burnout? I am not familiar with this phenomenon. Pray, enlighten me."

Gordon leaned forward, his eyes sparkling with exaggerated enthusiasm. "Well, Bortus, burnout is when your entire being feels like it's been stuck in a quantum time loop of exhaustion. It's like being trapped in a never-ending simulation of fatigue."

John nodded, joining in the theatrics. "Indeed, Bortus. Burnout makes you question your very existence, leaving you yearning for a vacation on a beach planet far, far away."

"I do not follow," Bortus answered

Gordon leaned back in his chair, his exaggerated enthusiasm faltering for a moment as he realised Bortus wasn't fully on board with the theatrics. He cleared his throat and adjusted his posture, trying to find a more straightforward explanation.