Selin and Soral: Eat, Sing, Love

Posted on Monday, 30 March 2020 - 2:02pm by Commander Soral & Lieutenant Ryan Rose MD

Mission: Operation: Overdrive
Location: Alpha Quadrant | Taurus Prime Shipyards| Dr. Selin's Quarters +Various
Timeline: 2393

{ON:}

The days were filled with preparations for departure. It was a tight deadline and Soral had made it a point to help any department that needed it. He'd been helping ops by carrying equipment as well as denting to his duties. It had been a stressful day. The call from T'Aurora and her father had shaken him more then he wanted to admit and then the dreams had started again. He'd gotten very little sleep.

For the evening he decided to relax a little and he'd gone to one of the local restaurants. He'd ordered a tea to start and perhaps he would have dinner here as well. Once his tea arrived he opened his book and began reading.

Selin had been doing some shopping. Her supply of tea and candles were running low, and she'd spotted a dress she took a liking to. She'd changed right there at the shop, and was heading home to make dinner when she spotted Soral through a restaurant window. She made her way inside and approached his table. "Hello Soral." She gave him a small smile.

Soral looked up at the familiar voice. He stood. "Selin," he bowed deeply. Walking around he pulled out a chair. "Will you join me?" He had been meaning to see her.

"If I'm not interrupting?" Selin asked.

"Not at all. I would appreciate your company," he said truthfully.

Selin sat. "I trust you have been well?"

"Indeed. Have you had a chance to visit the Seleya Kal again?"

"No." She admitted. "It was a little much for me to be honest. I did enjoy our evening there however. How are things progressing for the Fontana?"

He was sorry she hadn't enjoyed her time on the ship. He had wanted her to feel at ease but he'd enjoyed spending the time with her. "The process of preparing her for flight is long and much is left to do but we are making progress." He motioned to the menu. "I have not eaten. Will you join me for a meal?"

"Yes, I was heading to my quarters for dinner when I saw you through the window. I'd be pleased to join you." She took a quick look at the menu so she'd be prepared when the waiter arrived. "I had a chance to meet your CMO. He is very knowledgeable." She commented, starting the conversation.

"He mentioned he would meet with you. He is an interesting. Knowledgeable but also his bedside manner is suited for the ship. I believe he will do well." He studied her. Before he could say something the waiter came by. He allowed her to order first.

Selin ordered, and even indulged in a glass of a dry red wine. She was not on call. She waited for Soral to order, then raised a brow in a questioning manner, a non verbal 'please continue' so to speak.

Soral had ordered himself a veggie burger that would come with cheese and fries. It was an indulgence he allowed himself. When they were alone he continued, "I had hoped to see you again. There is much to say and oddly I find that I am at a loss for how to begin."

"I find that at the beginning tends to be the most productive." Selin offered.

"Perhaps. I enjoyed our evening, very much." He started. "But I failed to tell you that I have agreed to a marriage arraignment." He stayed silent letting her process it. "I should have said something but it is an event I have avoided concluding for years."

"I also enjoyed our evening. Clearly this is not a match made from love, but from duty. You should have no shame from taking pleasure in another. She is not your bondmate, yet. I regret that you are not pleased with the match."

Something akin to relief washed over him. "It is not a proper match. She is beautiful but... manipulative and dark. I marry her out of promise. I have made it clear that while I will take her as my wife there will be no telepathic bond." He sighed. He reached out to take her hand but held back. "I am glad you understand. I did not want to deceive you."

"Soral. There was no deception, nor talk of commitment. I have my place here, and you are soon leaving. I would like to spend another evening with you, if you are also amenable. Do not take that full weight on your shoulders before you must do so. I do understand."

"I would enjoy spending another evening with you." Now that they had put that out of the way he felt more relaxed.

The meals arrived and the began eating "I have...obtained a pet." He said.

"A pet, really? Not a Sehlat, surely." She teased.

His lip twitched. "Perhaps just as annoying, a dog. I was walking on the promenade obtaining supplies and he decided that he should come with me." He thought. "Would you like to meet him?"

"No, that's quite alright." Selin tried not to let her distaste show. If a dog made Soral happy, that was very nice. But she had no desire for dog hair, or dog slobber. "The Captain does not mind? It seems that is often the deciding factor on whether pets are allowed on board."

"She has agreed." He said. He'd almost forgotten that Vulcan women tended to have a strong sense of smell. He sat back. "Tell me more of yourself." Suddenly he was interested. He found he interesting. While she said that she had issues with keeping emotions in check he found her to be balanced well.

She thought for a moment. "I have recently decided to learn an instrument. I have never enjoyed the lyre." She admitted a bit sheepishly. "But I have enjoyed other stringed instruments. I have been learning the Viola. It is quite challenging."

"It is a beautiful instrument. The music is powerful. Music carries such power. The lyre is an acquired taste. This why I took up a second instrument." He studied her. "What brought you to the station here as opposed to a ship?"

"My last assignment was on a ship. The previous CMO here retired rather suddenly. I was asked to take over temporarily while our ship underwent a refit. That temporary has been two years now. I was not pleased at first, as I felt it was a lesser position. I have changed my opinion. This station has provided many medical challenges, as well as a stable environment." She sipped at her wine. "What is your second instrument?" She asked with curiosity.

He gave a nod, "A station is a bit responsibility. I am glad you are enjoying the posting here." He paused to take a drink. "I play the piano." He said. "The music has always been soothing to me. I started while I was at the Academy...I used to play at a restaurant and sing. A singing Vulcan seemed an oddity but people liked it."

"The piano is a lovely instrument." Selin approved. "You have a very pleasant voice. I have no doubt it is a pleasant singing voice as well. Perhaps later you would like to sing for me?"

He gave a nod. "If you wish it, it will be so." He looked around. The restaurant was getting quite full. "I know what you said about the Seleya Kal but they will be leaving in two weeks to go back to the colony. I would suggest a trip there if you have some leave. I had the opportunity to go and it was...healing."

"I am pleased it was a pleasant experience for you." She paused to gather her thoughts. "The ship may have been a bit much, but the colony does sound intriguing. I will meditate on the matter." Selin looked around as well, mirroring his gaze. "Would you like to leave? I have dessert at my quarters." She gave him a look that made her meaning quite clear.

It was a rare person that was able to draw out a smile from Soral and she had just accomplished that. It was quick and gone just as quick but it had been there. "Indeed." As they left the restaurant Soral offered her his arm. "Thank you," he said.

Selin was less shy with her smile in return. Now that they were alone, she let her guard down, at least a bit. He would be leaving soon, and the chances of them meeting again were slim. So Selin determined that she was going to enjoy the time they did have. "You are very welcome." They reached her quarters, and as soon as Selin 'stepped up' into the higher gravity and warmer quarters, she toed off her shoes. "So tell me about this dog." She made her way to the couch and pulled her legs up under her. With her small frame she was able to fit entirely on one cushion.

He too removed his shoes and came to sit beside her allowing himself to put his arm around her so that her head rested on his shoulder. He would allow himself this one night to let his control and guard down. "He is interesting. I heard noises from a box and saw people gathered when I approached he was the only one not making noise. He just sat there, looking at the others as if he would have no part in it. He then proceeded to try and follow me...He is a Lemon Beagle I believe."

"It sounds like this dog chose you." Selin smiled. "I have heard similar stories. Hopefully he will be good company for you. It is good you are taking some time to relax. It is always very busy before a ships launch. It is important to focus on your own mental and physical well being."

"So I have been told. I have not had need of too much rest." He thought a moment and then bent his head and kissed the top of her head. "You are the first person that I have allowed my guard down with. The first time, except in solitude, here I have been myself."

That was something Selin understood well. "I have had the same experience." She cuddled closer. "Duty is heavy, but it is not a weight we must carry tonight. I believe singing was promised?"

He smiled again, this time he did not supress it. "Are you fond of Earth music?"

"Earth and Betazed." She told him, returning his smile with a relaxed one of her own.

"Very well." Gently stroking her shoulder with his arm he began to sing an old Earth song by a singer called Peter Cetera.

"Tonight is very clear...I am a man who will fight for your honour...glory of love."

His tones were rich and varied. Singing came naturally to him, it always had to the detriment of his father.

"It is one of my favourite songs," he said a few moments later when the song was finished.

She did not show her appreciation of the song or the sentiments behind it with words. Instead she let a more basic form of communication do the talking.

{OFF:}

Dr Selin (apb Dr Ryan Rose)

&

Lt. Cmdr. Soral
XO
USS Fontana