Vulcan Way: The power of the flame

Posted on Monday, 30 March 2020 - 1:28pm by Lieutenant T'Lanna Vali & Commander Soral

Mission: Operation: Overdrive
Location: USS Fontana| Holodeck One
Timeline: 2393 (Late Evening)

{ON:}

Soral entered the holodeck. This was the first time he was able to inspect his program. The heat that rushed through the door warmed him. He'd gotten used to always being cold. The warmth here matched that of his quarters, that of Vulcan. It was relaxing.

Inside the air was thick with incense. The lighting was low and the surrounding sandstone walls and pillars were intricately carved. He walked through the small hall and into a vast chamber that contained candles all around. Pillowed cushions were spread across the floor and in the center stood a fire pit of gold.

Dressed in his Vulcan robes he walked over to what appeared to be an alter and ensured that all was ready. He now had to wait for the counselor to join him.

T’Lanna arrived at the holodeck, she was dressed in her own version of traditional meditation clothing. Walking inside she was immediately hit by the heat, she was used to the heat of Vulcan and her body tolerated it but as a half Vulcan her body responded like a Human’s would in a heat wave. She’d made sure to bring a bottle of water with her for hydration. Walking into the chamber she looked around before turning to Soral. “Greetings Soral.”

He inclined his head. "Welcome." He motioned to two of the cushions that faced one another. "Have a seat. I will bring the supplies we will need." He then thought of her being part Betazoid. "Is the heat too high?"

“It’s tolerable, thank you” T’Lanna offered a smile as she took a seat on one of the cushions. “Besides I brought hydration just in case.”

"I have never been able to get used to the coldness of Starfleet ships. I had to ensure that my uniforms had a way to provide heat." He picked up a larger candle and place it between the two of them. He lit it allowing the flame to gently strengthen. "A guided meditation to start perhaps?"

T’Lanna nodded. “Please. I haven’t meditated properly in some time, one of my flaws is my stubbornness. I’m sure if you met my father you’d soon learn how much I frustrate him. Although as you say, frustration is an emotion and Vulcans do not feel emotion.”

"I believe that frustration is common when parents and children are involved. Tell me what are you hoping to achieve with these meditations. What is it in your balance that you feel you are missing?"

“I want to earn my father’s approval Soral. To do that I need to fully understand what it is to be Vulcan. Up until now I’ve meditated simply to aid in control of my abilities, but now I seek to balance the two halves of myself. I need to learn how to control my emotions as well, as a true Vulcan would. I don’t want to purge my emotions, but simply learn to be who I truly am.”

"I will assist. May I offer some advice with respect to your father?"

“Of course” She nodded, offering a smile.

"One should never fit oneself to the expectations of others. It is important that you meat your expectations first." He paused. "That being said I can assist you find an emotional balance. "

T'Lanna nodded. It was wise advice. "I would appreciate that Soral, and thank you for the wise advice."

He gave a nod, "Very well. Let us begin." He lit the candle between them. "Observe the candle, the shape, the size and when you are ready focus on the flame."

She nodded, crossed her legs and relaxed her posture. She observed the candle for a few moments before focussing on the flame as Soral had instructed. She'd done this many times before but somehow she'd never felt like she'd really achieved true focus from her meditation time.

"Focus only on the flame. Allow your eyes to start at the root of the flame and then follow it's motions."

She followed his directions, her eyes focussed on the flame carefully following its motion.

"When your eyes feel tired close them but maintain the image of the flame." He guided.

T'Lanna closed her eyes and focussed her mind on the image of the flame. So far her meditation was going well but the image of the flame was slowly leading her focus towards images in her memory that she didn't want to remember.

"Any images or thoughts that come to you allow them to float above the flame, like holo images. Any emotions that arise ascribe a colour to them and see them as orbs above the flame." He would allow her a moment to do so before asking her to name the emotions and images.

She took a deep breath trying to keep her focus, the images in her mind weren't what she wanted to see. They were more her worries and concerns than pleasant visions. She did as instructed and tried to image them as floating orbs of light.

"Allow the flame to burn bright and overshadow the images. Name the images and emotions that are attempting to intrude."

T'Lanna kept her focus as she spoke. "They're images of... Fear and terror. Images from my past, my time as a Borg." She was trying her hardest not to let her fear ruin her meditation.

"Excellent. Is the image of the flame strong in your mind?"

She nodded as she concentrated on the flame.

"Now see it flair and swallow those images and orbs"

T'Lanna could see the flame, it flared brightly and swallowed up the orbs containing the images.

As the image in her mind faired so did the candle before them. "Good."

T'Lanna had never reached this stage of meditation before, her fears had always overcome her attempts to get past it. She breathed a more relaxed breath.

"Take three deep breaths and then allow your eyes to open, still on the actual burning flame."

T'Lanna took three slow deep breaths before opening her eyes as Soral had instructed, keeping her eyes on the flame as she did so.

"Focus on the flame again and slowly take in the surroundings, the candle shape the base that it is on and when ready extinguish the candle."

T'Lanna nodded. She took a good five minutes or more to enjoy her new found peace before finally extinguishing the candle. She smiled as she looked to Soral. "How did I do?"

"Well. However this technique will work at times and not at others. It will take a while until you are able to see full results. We will continue to practice. The theory is that you would be able to, when emotions rise, bring forth the flame." He pointed to the candle. "You made the flame Is. You abilities are strong."

"I am a child of two worlds Soral" She moved to sit more comfortably now her meditation was over. "I have the empathy of my Betazoid heritage and the telepathy of both of my heritages. I do my best to keep them both under control."

"That is good." He motioned. "The program will be available to you when you need it but I suggest we meet three times per week while you are getting used to the technique."

"I'd appreciate that" T'Lanna nodded. "Thank you."

"Then that is all for today." He was starting to stand up hoping to get in a private meditation.

"Before we go, there is something I need to ask. Am I permitted to use my Counselling skills whilst serving onboard for those who need to speak with a Counsellor?"

"I would see no reason not to but I will speak with Commander Victrix and will obtain a response for you shortly."

"Thank you Sir" T'Lanna smiled warmly. "For everything."

He gave a nod. "Rest well."

{OFF:}

Lt. Cmdr. Soral
Executive Officer

&
Lt. T'Lanna Vali
Psychologist