Harsh Truths

Posted on Sunday, 2 July 2023 - 2:34pm by Lieutenant JG Hayashi Hamura & Ensign Oriana Skye Sety & Lieutenant T'Lanna Vali

Mission: Operation: Lobes & Liberties
Location: USS Standing Bear-A
Timeline: Just prior to the away team leaving

ON:

Hamura sat looked at Vali. "She said she'd be here. I... really want to get this done before we go on the away mission. She promised. She's five minutes late."

“Don’t worry Hamura” T’Lanna offered an understanding smile. “I’m sure Oriana will be here soon. She’s probably just delayed.”

Hamura was about to say something when the door to Vali's office chimed. On the other side Oriana stood waiting. The last few weeks had been interesting and she'd learned a lot about herself with Soral's help. She didn't see a reason for this meeting but perhaps this was the best time to let Hamura know that she was leaving the ship soon.

“Come in Oriana” T’Lanna smiled as the door opened.

"My apologies for being late I was taking care of some administrative paperwork for the Commander."

“That’s alright Oriana” T’Lanna offered a warm smile. “Please come in and make yourself comfortable.”

She did without another word. She walked over to the sofa and sat down on the far end away from Hamura. She looked at Vali. "Why am I here?"

Hamura should have spoke but they did not. They just sat there finding words a difficult thing to say.

T’Lanna looked at Hamura then at Oriana. “Hamura has something to say to you, and this seemed the easiest way to do it.”

She snorted. "What did you want to say." Her ire directed at Hamura.

Hamura signed. "I think...that... well with all the stuff...and then there are the changes..." They looked at Vali helplessly.

T’Lanna offered an understanding smile, now she knew the truth about herself she better understood how Hamura was feeling. “Just take it slow, say what you need to say.”

Hamura took a deep breath. "I really care for you. I want you to know that. I really really care for you but this...union with me and the mirror self it's got me feeling confused and I don't know how I feel about us. I know we were starting something but...I honestly don't know how I feel about it now."

Oriana just stared at them through narrowed eyes.

“Oriana, do you have anything to say?” T’Lanna gave Oriana a curious look.

Oriana let out a laugh. "That's not a problem. I've figured you to be a coward and from what I hear of the mirror verse our counterparts were...on the rocks so I assume you carried that here." She waived a hand at Hamura. "You need not have troubled the Counselor or me. Let me make this easy for you. Am I hurt? Yes, I really thought we had something but figured out you were avoiding me and us and so I moved on. I've resigned to the CO and I and Commander Soral will be leaving the Standing Bear for New Romulus. He to help the Romulans rebuild and me to assist. I'm going to build a life, a new life on New Romulus and forget this. Perhaps I will find someone who is not afraid to love me."

Hamura's eyes widened.

T’Lanna bit her lip one word in her mind ‘ouch!’ She offered Oriana a polite smile. “I’m sorry to hear you’re leaving Oriana, but I wish you well on New Romulus.” She looked to Hamura, then back at Oriana. “I would like to try and get the two of you to a point of...shall we say, peace? Before you leave.”

In a perfect imitation of Soral she raised an eyebrow. "I wasn't aware we were at war. I was planning my life while Hamura was sniveling in the waste ducts." She sniffed. "I saw you dive in there the last time; you may want to shower again. I hear tomato sauce helps."

Hamura's Jaw hit the floor. Oriana had never spoke so boldly, or coldly before. "I...I'm sorry I honestly."

She waved her hand. "Again, no need for apology, you are who you are." She turned to Vali. "Is it not true in psychology some people can and are willing to commit to a good thing and others are not."

T’Lanna nodded. “That’s true, but in this case circumstances have changed for both of you in ways none of us could ever have imagined.”

Hamura sighed. "I am really sorry I hurt you."

Oriana paused. Her eyes momentarily shimmering with unshed tears. "Yeah well you're not the first. Get in line behind family and friend a many." She stood. "Are we good here? Soral and I have things to do to prepare for leaving the ship."

T’Lanna looked at Hamura then back at Oriana, “I think so Oriana, thank you for coming. Safe journey.”

Oriana headed out leaving Hamura staring in her wake mouth open. It was not what they were expecting and they didn't know if they should be relieved or depressed. "Can one be both?" They asked without context and forgetting that Vali was not reading their mind.

“Both what?” T’Lanna looked at Hamura curiously.

"Sorry, I think I spoke internally. Sad and relieved."

T’Lanna nodded understandingly. “I think you can, relief that the moment is over and sad that you’re losing someone close. Are you sure you want it to end like this? You have time to catch her, to try and clear the air before she leaves.”

Hamura put their face in their hands. “She deserves better. I honestly believe that. I better not bother her. It’s best for us both.”

T’Lanna offered a nod of her head. “If you’re sure Hamura, just don’t end up regretting it later.”

Hamura sighed. "I honestly don't know what changed. I was crazy about her but...I think I was...trying to just really want to be in a relationship because she reminded me of someone... The more I think about it the more I see how unfair I was being."

“I see, I guess I can understand that. She’s hurt and she’s angry right now, give her some time and she might come round. I hate to see the two of you part this way.”

Hamura sighed. "Thanks counselor. I'm sorry to bug you with this."

“There’s no need to be sorry Hamura” T’Lanna offered a warm smile. “I’m here to help, my door is always open.”

Hamura sighed. "Thanks. I think I need to be alone for a bit all this is too much."

T’Lanna nodded. “That’s fair enough Hamura. Thank you for coming, and trying to sort things out with Oriana.”

OFF: