ILLUMINARRPG: (6-1200)- CO- Captain Sekal and Commander Sienna Verin

[Charles Gatling]

Mission:  A Cure Delayed
Day: 6
Stardate: 2445.10.30

(Vulcan - ShiKahr- Nivar Suites– CO- Captain Sekal and Commander Sienna
Verin- 1200)

Sekal and Sienna had met for lunch in the dining room of the hotel. It was
far above run-of-the-mill on Vulcan though below the standard of most
luxury hotels off planet. There were no crystal chandeliers or fine china,
the walls appeared rough hewn which was a Vulcan aesthetic and the lighting
was subdued. It was very cool however and the chairs comfortable.

The pitcher of water in the center of the table was covered with
condensation. The Commander had mentioned wishing to speak with him on a
matter over a meal and he had the available time. He planned to retire to
his room later and go through the Starfleet records of the being he had met
earlier in the morning.

Sienna was running a few minutes late as always. She breezed into the
dining room in a sundress with a gauzy caftan on top to protect her fair
skin. A woven sunhat that she immediately removed was hung on her chair as
she sat. Her hair was in a crown brain to keep her neck cool. She st down
across from Sekal at the small table and offered a brave yet nervous smile.

"I apologize for being late, I was visiting with Ensign T'Mur. I played my
flute for her for an hour as I promised."

He nodded and motioned to the other chair. "Have a seat Commander. I am in
no hurry."

A braver smile as she poured them both a glass of water from the pitcher.
"You are not going to give me a lecture about the science that says T'Mur
can not hear the music? She did." Sienna was nervous and wanted to get this
over with. She was not going to repeat her brother's mistake back on  Mars
base. The waiter came  over and asked for their dressing preferences for
the salad appetizer. Sienna chose an Italian vinaigrette. Once he departed,
she looked over at her Captain and the person she thought of as a friend.

"I should get right to it. I am sure that the rumors aboard ship have
already reached you? Ensign T'Mur and I are forming a relationship.  It
might be nothing after she is healed. It might just be friendship. It might
be a long term relationship. But she matters to me." Sy's nerves were
obvious as her hand's shook, splashing the water she was trying to drink
onto her hands.

Sekal sat back in the chair and regarded her after ordering a traditional
mek'a dressing for himself. His first officer was obviously unsure of
herself and soliciting his reaction. Emotionally controlled he might be but
he was not heartless, he had spent too much of his youth around other
species noting their reactions and interactions. Perhaps this was not what
his mother had intended but perhaps it was. He was not aware of her mind on
the matter. While he did not partake of the emotional content he understood
somewhat. This made him no less Vulcan but in a way perhaps he might be
considered more human in a strange, alien way.

 "I have heard of it. There is very little that happens aboard his ship …
or hers of which a Captain is unaware. It has long been understood that
while a commanding officer should form no romantic relationship with those
among his ranks a first officer is not held to the same standard and there
are logical reasons for the prohibition." He leaned forward over the table.
"It should be noted that should Ensign T'Mur's Kohlinar training be
reasserted there is no reason to believe she will not have feelings for
you. It is a long held misconception that Vulcans do not have emotions. A
misconception that my people have fostered."

A slightly confused look crossed her eyes, "We melded the night before she
began her treatment.  It was the most intense experience. There are not
words to describe it." She looked away for a moment to blink the moisture
back from her eyes. "I understand that she is not healed and that her
feelings might change.  It is something she is worried about. But I think
that my friendship has helped her over the last few days to stay more
stable.  Luma suggested our friendship.  I have strict instructions to keep
her informed of T'Mur's progress. Luma sent recordings so that there would
always be music to help her recover." Sy smiled at the human waiter when he
brought their salads. After he had left again, she turned back to Sekal.
"Could you elaborate on what you meant a few minutes ago? About it being a
deception? I know Vulcans have feelings,  at times I can feel them. I was
taught that it was best to ignore them and not tweak the nose of the
Vulcan. " A deep blush.

"I did not say anything about a deception." He turned the plate until the
salad was set at the correct angle to his eye then looked back up at her.
"Kohlinar is about the control of our emotions so that they do not control
us. The most stringently practiced have submerged their emotions to such a
degree that they do not even consider them. But even among Vulcans there is
affection between mates. It is not outwardly evident but in the sharing of
minds the bond creates a closeness that can not be denied. The shock of the
death of a mate can destroy the living one if not attended to quickly by a
healer. Parents have affection for their children and Vulcan children are
much like human children until they come of age. What others see is only
that which we show outwardly. I would not say that emotion does not exist,
I only refuse to allow it to govern me."

She listened as she ate, nodding along to his words. "I am.. worried about
forming an attachment.  It was not that long ago that I was in constant
pain from that one sided broken imzadi bond with Commander Bracken." A deep
sigh. She still was not entirely over Lynn and her feelings were
complicated.  "Not because of being unable to send her on dangerous
assignments or because of favoritism.  I have given this a lot of thought."
She looked back up at Sekal,  "May I ask a personal question of my friend?"

He gave a slight nod. "Of course. What is your question?"

"My limited understanding is that Vulcans are bonded to their mates as
children.  What happened to T'Mur's chosen? And are you so bonded?" She was
very curious about so many of the Vulcan customs.

"I am bonded yes. I am unaware of whether she was bonded as a child." He
took a bite of the salad.

"Is there any way to find out?" The words slipped out of her mouth. "What
is your..  wife? Like?" She was so curious.

"To find out you have but to ask." He cocked his head for a moment in
thought. "I was bonded to T'Pren as a child. I remember her face and the
touch of her mind. I have seen her since, the last time before I entered
the Institute. A human would find her pleasing to the eye I believe. Pon
Farr will bring us together at the appointed time. That is the way it has
always been."

"I do not believe that T'Mur could handle that experience. " Sienna paused
as she finished her salad and it was exchanged for some mushroom and rice
dish that was served cool but had a bite to it. "My Father would really
enjoy this dish. He likes spicy food." She waited a moment. "Will you be
seeing T'Pren while on Vulcan?"

He shrugged his shoulders at the question. "Unknown."

Her fork stopped halfway to her mouth, "Don't you want to visit with her? I
am not sure when you will get another chance." Sekal knew that Sienna had
been sheltered most of her life and had not left Earth before being
assigned to Mars. She did not really understand. .

Sekal gave her a curious look. "For what purpose should I seek her out? She
has duties as have I. As I said before we will meet at the appropriate
time." He set down the utensil and took a drink of water.

"Vulcan women do not like romance? Flowers, treats, outings? You just meet
up for pon farr and then part again? The couples don't stay together?" She
dropped her fork with a clatter as she thought for a moment.  Maybe this
was what she was doing wrong with T'Mur. She was not really aware that the
plates were exchanged for a platter of fresh vegetables and fruit for an
after meal chat. Absently she asked if they had nuts and cheese and ordered
some for herself.

"You do not understand. Once mated Vulcans are mated for life. The full
ceremony will be completed at kunut'kalife. In your frame of reference we
are betrothed, not yet married. I did not know you were not aware of this."

"I know very little actually.  I had some interaction with the Vulcan
Ambassadorial staff at parties and dinners, but outside that? No Vulcans at
San Fran Prep." A light smile as she nibbled on the cheese.

Sekal took a bite of vegetable and chewed it then swallowed. Another drink
of water and he spoke." In some ways my mother's position in the
ambassadorial party is advantageous for my father. I am certain it must
have entered into his decision to take up the posting on Earth and Mars. It
affords him much greater opportunity to see her than before. He has not
spoke of it and the concessions he gained upon taking the post were sound.
He is a highly logical and clever individual."

Sy grinned in answer. She REALLY liked Saleke. "Yes. Yes he is." She needed
to say nothing more and the rest of the snacks were devoured in a
companionable comfortable quiet.

(Reply: None)

(Posted by Charles G (Sekal)
and Melinda G (Sienna)


Charles Gatling
Commanding Officer
USS Illuminar
NCC 61240


"The light shines brightest amidst the deepest darkness."
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