The present invention provides a system for providing a stress reduction apparatus for a ceramic electrical penetrator or pin in a subsea environment. More specifically, the present invention provides a deformable translatable seat in an annular pocket that prevents the transfer of shear forces from a shell or fixture to a ceramic electrical penetrator or pin. The present invention provides a relatively soft metal seat that conforms to the profile of the shoulder of a mating electrical penetrator or pin and deforms to reduce or eliminate concentrated bearing stresses. The deformable translatable seat may also shift and deform within the annular pocket to relieve shearing stresses exerted on the electrical penetrator or pin by the shell or fixture.