I Have a Confession to Make

Posted on Tuesday, 23 June 2020 - 9:50am by Commander Soral & Lieutenant T'Lanna Vali

Mission: Operation: Iktomi
Location: USS Standing Bear | XO's Office
Timeline: 2393 - MD 05

{ON}

T’Lanna hadn’t had much chance to visit Soral and see how his recovery was going, taking some time out of her schedule she dropped by his quarters. Pressing the chime she hoped she wouldn’t wake him if he was sleeping.

No answer came from the chimes but only the bark of Bones who had woken from his snoozing.

T’Lanna frowned. “Computer ... where is Commander Soral?”

“Commander Soral is in his office” came the reply.

Making her way to Soral’s Office T’Lanna paused at the door wondering whether to bother him or not. She sighed and pressed the chime anyway.

Soral sat in his office going through reports. He'd checked himself out of sickbay with a not to happy doctor Rose. He had promised to take it easy. Reports were easy...especially with Grol watching him like a hawk.

Walking into Soral’s Office T’Lanna offered a warm smile. “Soral, how are you?”

"I am recovering." He simply said. Normally he would get a drink for her. "Please help yourself to the replicator."

She shook her head. “I’m fine thank you. I take it you’re here against Doctor’s orders?”

"I promised I would take it easy. I did not promise to rest."

“You’re as bad as I am Soral. You almost died. I am glad to see you out of Sickbay though.” She smiled warmly. “Actually I err ... have a confession to make.”

"I see." He paused looking at her. "What is the confession."

“When you were ... ill I found Alex alone trying to keep your bond strong.” She paused. “I wanted to help so I ... gave her a boost telepathically.” She held up her hands “I didn’t listen in I promise! I kept my shields up the whole time.”

Soral sighed. The silence stretched such along time. "And I suppose you were ill after?"

“I wasn’t ill as such but I did pass out, I overtaxed myself.” She shrugged her shoulders. “I wanted to keep you with us Soral and keeping you connected to Alex was one way of doing it.”

"It could have also damaged us all. It is a valid Vulcan healing practice but you must train for it." He sat back. He didn't yell. He was a little shaken that Alex could have been injured. "You must not do this again without training." He looked at her. "Especially while you are pregnant."

T’Lanna nodded. “I’m sorry, I didn’t realise and I didn’t think either! I would never do anything to risk hurting you, Alex or my son!” She frowned. “I won’t do it again, at least not without training.”

"Good." He sighed. "I do appreciate it but you must be careful. I will arrange for you to work with the healer that is aboard."

“Thank you” She nodded. “I just acted out of impulse, I haven’t known any of you that long but you’ve become family to me in the time I’ve been here. You’ve shown me things about being Vulcan that I never knew, you’ve helped me with my meditation but I know I still have a lot to learn. I wasn’t ready to lose you.” She offered a smile. “Exactly how much damage could I have done?”

"Are you certain you wish to know?"

T’Lanna nodded. “I want to learn from my mistake.”

"You could have inadvertently severed the bond between Alex and I, left yourself with telepathic nerve damage, and have caused a loss of pregnancy."

T’Lanna gasped as she looked at Soral visually shaken and shocked by what could have happened. “I could have ... done all that!?” Her hand rested on her stomach. “I would never ...” She sat silent uncertain what to say.”

He reached out and placed a hand on hers. "I know this. It is alright. You will get training. All is well."

T’Lanna nodded and wiped away a few emotional tears. “I’ll save it until after my son is born. I think it would be safer.” She offered a brief smile. “I feel like I’m back at the Academy learning from my tutors again. Making rookie mistakes!”

"Your help was appreciated. I am grateful as is Alex."

T’Lanna nodded. “She was sat looking so alone, she was so worried about you. I’m happy that the two of you have found love together Soral. You do make a wonderful couple.”

He gave a nod. "Alexandra still has time to change her mind. This is very much a test for her. When the time comes she may choose to break the bond." It was something he was afraid of. What if she found him unworthy of a bond?

T’Lanna nodded. “She won’t ... she loves you with all her heart Soral, that I felt and always feel between the two of you. I maybe new to relationships but I know heartfelt love when I feel and see it.”

"Perhaps. I still worry that she will learn the truth that I am not worthy of her." There he said out loud what he'd been thinking.

“Not worthy!” T’Lanna looked at Soral in surprise. “Of course you’re worthy Soral. I can think of no one more worthy than you. Even my father approves of you.” She grinned. “He initially thought you were the father of my baby, until I told him otherwise.”

Soral was clearly amused. "Oh?"

“He assumed because you were my mentor, you were also my mate.” T’Lanna grinned. “He’s accepted that Raith is the man I love and that makes me feel a whole lot better.”

"That is good. On Vulcan children are important. I gather that your father has told you his wish as to how many grandchildren he wishes?"

“Actually ... no” T’Lanna looked at Soral in surprise. “Is there usually an expectation as to a certain number of children?”

"Most parents have one. I have not yet discussed this with Alex either. It is not an easy topic."

T’Lanna nodded. “Only one child?” She looked uncertain. “I was hoping to have a family with Raith in the future, is it not permitted to have more than one child?”

He supressed a chuckle. "No I meant most parents have a ....what do human's say? Magic number."

"Ohh I see!" T'Lanna smiled. "Well I'm expecting a son, I'd like a daughter too so maybe two is my magic number." She smiled warmly.

He gave a nod. "Perhaps. It is something that you and your mate will have to decide."

“Indeed” T’Lanna nodded. “There’s no rush, I’ve got plenty of time they say Betazoid women don’t reach their prime until they’re forty, and Vulcans ... well we have a longer life span than most. Although I’ll admit I don’t relish the idea of living past the life span of my mate.”

"It is not easy." He studied her. "Well, you should get some rest."

T’Lanna nodded. “I wholeheartedly agree with that.” She smiled warmly. “I’m glad to see you looking better.”

"It is slow but my new assistant...he ensures that I rest." He paused then. "T'Lanna may I ask a favour?"

“Good, that’s what you need.” T’Lanna smiled. “Rest will help you to heal faster. As for the favour of course you can.”

"Grol. I believe he will require some attention."

“I know, we’ve already met.” She smiled. “He’s a ... complicated individual.”

"Indeed. Are you able to help him? I fear he hides himself a lot."

“I’ve suggested he try and make friends but I don’t suggest forcing him until he’s ready.” T’Lanna shrugged her shoulders. “He’s one of the more complicated individuals I’ve ever come across. I will do what I can to help him.”

"Perhaps I can offer some assistance." He pulled a Data PaDD.

T’Lanna looked at Soral curiously. “What is on the PADD?”

"Information on his background. I used to be tactical so I still have some contacts, especially on Trill." He paused. "It appears that he had a rough childhood and his mother was a counselor...that may explain his aversion to you."

“I see” T’Lanna nodded. “I did wonder about his attitude towards me, he wasn’t rude but he was certainly averse.”

"I have attempted to engage him....he doubled my report load."

T’Lanna suppressed a giggle. “He gave you a double workload? You are his superior Officer you could have refused.”

"Never underestimate the power of an administrative assistant. As handy as they are they can....get rather technical with every error."

“I’m kind of glad not to have one then!” She grinned. “As much as piles of paperwork can be a pain, at least I have Emerick and Ryan to help.”

He gave a nod. "Grol is...efficient I would say more so then a Vulcan but. " He paused. "Perhaps a conversation about Captain Pike might put him at ease. He has showed a fondness for the man and is fond of saying if Pike were the Captain here....I swear if I hear that one more time my Vulcan patients might snap."

“Now that I would pay to see!” T’Lanna grinned. “So Pike ... I’ll remember that for next time I see him, thank you Soral.”

He gave a nod. He truly wanted to help the man. He hoped that at least T'Lanna could.

“Don’t worry Soral, I never give up on anyone.” She offered a warm smile.

{OFF:}