A Healthy Station Is A Happy Station (Part II)

Posted on Tue Apr 8, 2025 @ 4:30am by Commodore T'mpest Michaels & Commander Cara Letsul & Lieutenant T'Lul
Edited on on Tue Apr 8, 2025 @ 4:53am

1,538 words; about a 8 minute read

Mission: Time After Time

[PREVIOUSLY]

"Do we?" T'Lul countered. "If we embrace self-mastery, then should we not embrace a potential uncomfortable truth?" She shook her head. "If logic is the highest form, then should we not all aspire to be computers? All logic and no other..." she paused for a moment before coming up with the word, "inconveniences." She bowed her head slightly. "Logic has taken me down a path that no other Vulcan has dared speak. That, sir, is why I am here. My studies were deemed 'unwise,' and 'unhealthy.'" She paused for a moment and her head lowered further. "I have said too much. I apologize for my improper behavior."

[CONTINUED]

T'mpest waved off the apology. "I find that a lack of emotion is unhealthy. Thus, the need for...certain rituals. While our people tried, they could not eschew emotion altogether. But, there are still many who disagree and may always do so. Even many half Vulcans follow that same path. But I know an increasing number who seek balance." Then she smiled. "Although logic generally holds the greater portion."

Cara raised her mental shields up, hiding her own thoughts and feelings as to where T'Lul was concerned. She was quiet, placid. Mentally noting that, T'Lul, well, to Cara's opinion, was showing signs of not truly accepting of others which were not Vulcan. This enforced her determination that she would not be talking to T'Lul about anything psychological in nature, or anything else for that matter. Most times Cara will ignore such. This, though, there will be interaction with T'Lul of necessary but anything else, no. Cara might change her mind, but for now, actions speak louder than words and T'Lul's dismissiveness as if Cara were nothing, that didn't sit well with Cara one bit. Having that attitude does not make for a good counselor.

T'Lul noticed that Cara was now unusually quiet and glanced in her direction. First, she was overly involved, and now not at all. T'Lul wondered at what got Cara to be a Commander. It was a research topic for another day. At least the Commodore seemed to understand the general direction she was coming from regarding her potential thesis. "Yes, rituals..." the Vulcan replied stiffening up. "Another topic for another day." The discussion of pon farr was not one for polite company or general discussion. Did this mean that T'mpest also went through it as a half-Vulcan? If so, the concept would be fascinating and worthy of more study. "Perhaps I should make an appointment once you are more settled. In the interim, was there anything else that you wanted to discuss?"

"I have nothing further at this time," the commodore replied. "I would like to learn more about the resistance at some point. I am impressed with how well it was handled overall."

"Thank you for the compliment, Commodore. The full story is stranger than you might believe and was not what I ever intended to lead. Perhaps a discussion with a dessert."

That caused the commodore to smile. "Yes. Many discussions go better with dessert."

"I know a place that I was introduced to by Lieutenant Wells. Pierre is the baker's name. He delivers me a loaf of bread with anise in it every week." She paused, trying to keep herself composed as a Vulcan should be. "The taste is most acceptable."

With T'Lul being obsessively concentrated on the Commodore, Cara thought at first to leave the ready room, now though she was feeling a sense of worry where the counselor was concerned. Does she dare leave T'mpest alone with the counselor? T'mpest wasn't a weakling, still though, from a person who isn't of the same combination of race, Cara felt rather uneasy. Right now, though, Cara felt it best to leave but not before making a statement.

"Commodore, I will take my leave now, especially since there is an amount of disrespect being shown by Lieutenant T'Lul towards me. And obviously there is no wish to even include me into this conversation or even give me any sort of notation as to what the subject might be of." Directing her dark gaze to T'Lul. "With how you are acting, showing signs of what could be considered bigotry, I will not be coming to see you for any sort of psychological talk. I will be making this as an official statement. This is something I would never have done to you, Lieutenant T'Lul." Cara rising from her chair. "Commodore, permission to take my leave." turning her gaze towards T'mpest.

"Cara, there is more to the counselor's comments than you are aware. Suffice it to say it is something Vulcans do not speak of to others. She does not mean to be disrespectful. That being said, I believe this meeting has come to a conclusion."

Before Cara took her leave, she cast one more look towards T'Lul then to T'mpest. "Perhaps it would have been best that I had been excused as per this meeting, if said sensitive subject ended up being brought up." Due to T'mpest's comment, a few pieces fell into place. It was something that Cara had spoken of with another Vulcan long ago in the past. Pon Farr. Without another word. Cara left.

T'mpest watched her go and sighed. How was she to know the subject would be broached? But that was something she would deal with later.

She turned back to T'Lul. "Perhaps your questions would have been better asked in private. Something to keep in mind for future meetings." Then she changed the subject. "I would like to try this bread at some point."

"I apologize, Commodore. However, logic indicated that I may not have many opportunities to discuss this. The Captain's absence is supposed to be temporary. Furthermore, if you were not interested in my research, it would have been inefficient to not broach the subject now. You would have refused and I would have resumed my duties. If you were, then we could discuss the matter for the limited amount of time that we have. Do you know how long that will be?"

The Vulcan paused for another moment before continuing, "Though I find Commander Letsul's reactions to be highly emotional and illogical. She was more than willing to insert herself into discussions regarding her opinions on a civilian counselor and how my department should be run. I do not know if she has reviewed any records, but Captain Maritza was personally in my care and in an alternate timeline, I was the leader of a rebellion on this station. I can appreciate what it is to be in both positions. Ultimately, however, one must trust those to do their job, even a preferred job that another once held. Commander Letsul, seems to prefer having been a Chief Counselor and has definite ideas about how my department should be run. If I allowed myself to feel the emotion, I would label my reaction to her as, 'annoyed.'"

T'mpest sighed. "I have yet to send out an official notification. For that I apologize. There have been far too many things requiring my attention." She paused. "I received word two days ago that Captain Soran is not returning to DS5. Therefore, I will remain here for the foreseeable future."

"I see," T'Lul answered as her eyes met the floor for a solid second. "Do you know the reason that she is not returning?"

"I was told it has to do with her father's death and a need for a clean break from the station."

"I see," T'Lul answered. "I wish that she had talked to me first; but, we all make our choices. Well, Commodore, that does change the context of our earlier conversation somewhat."

"Somewhat, but I am still new here and still looking at what changes need to be made."

"It should prove interesting to see what you decide to do," T'Lul replied with an affirming nod. "If you require nothing further, should I be dismissed? We could make arrangements for anise bread when you have concluded all of your meetings."

"Yes." T'mpest paused. "Perhaps tomorrow would be best. I still have people to talk to." She glanced at the door. "Beginning with Cara, it would seem."

"I will have to do so at some point, as well," T'Lul answered.

"Yes." T'mpest sighed. "It will take all of us time to get used to working together--and to get everything back to some semblance of normal."

"I will assist in any way I can. Though, it would help if I knew what changes you had in mind so I could prepare the crew."

"Most are still in flux. I am asking for suggestions and collecting ideas. However, the Marines will have a permanent installation on the planet, and we will be bringing Starfighters and Marine pilots. The station has the facilities for them."

"Logical, given recent events."

"Hopefully." T'mpest gave the counselor a half smile. "If there is nothing more, I will let you go back to your work. Shall we meet at 1100 tomorrow?"

"At the bakery?" T'Lul asked confirming. "That would be acceptable."

OFF

Commander Cara Letsul
Executive Officer
Deep Space 5

Lieutenant T'Lul
Chief Counselor
Deep Space 5

Commodore T'mpest Michaels
Commander
Deep Space 5

 

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