The Wife, the Ex Girlfriend, and The Vulcan

Posted on Monday, 10 August 2020 - 5:08pm by Commander Soral & Lieutenant Ryan Rose MD & Lieutenant Alex Kingsley

Mission: Operation: Jabberwocky
Location: Station 118 - Promenade
Timeline: 2393 - MD 14 - Just before final bording

{ON:}

Soral and Alex had just finished a round of shopping. Their items were to be delivered directly to their quarters. He'd also purchased a few items that were to be sent to Vulcan to await Soval and Severine when they arrived from Vashti. Now they sat in a restaurant having a light supper. Soral had enjoyed the day immensely. Just being near Alex had been healing for him although the lack of bond left him feeling a little sad and hollow.

"...found the appetite of about four dozen people," Alex concluded as she glanced down at her empty plate, perhaps the first in days she had cleared. Sipping her glass of wine she frowned. While they had shopped it had seemed so natural, like breathing. Now they were away from the bustle she had noticed how much quieter he was. Perhaps because he was determined she would change their quarters.

"I can talk. A lot," she went on with a teasing smile, "but it helps if you say something once in a little while. Just so I don't feel like I'm talking to myself."

He reached out and took her hand. "My apologies. I have had a lot on my mind." He kissed her palm. "I have enjoyed today." He said.

"You enjoyed making that woman find just the right shade of green for the bedside table lamps," Alex quantified with a grin. "I had fun too. I can see why some people love serving on a starbase. It is definitely different."

"It is a change from a ship." He paused. "And no I did not enjoy that part. The part I enjoyed was being with you." He still held her hand.

"How do you always manage to say the right thing?" Alex smiled as she gripped his hand tighter.

The starbase was meant to be a short leave. Just a chance to recenter herself. She certainly wasn't expecting to see Soral. It had only been a few days since she'd talked to him. She spotted him easily enough, as she stopped for a meal before continuing on with her plans for the evening. The red head with him must be Alexandra, and Selin almost turned around and left. There was no need to make him or his wife uncomfortable with her presence.

Soral looked up just as Selin had stooped in. He raised an eyebrow. He hadn't expected to see her. He held up his hand and waved.

Selin raised her hand and waved as well. Now it was rather awkward.

Alex followed Soral's gaze across the room, just as a woman was lowering her hand. She glanced at Soral curiously, "a friend?"

"Indeed. Doctor Selin, she and I met just prior to my boarding the Fontana. She assisted with repairing some coffee burns, an accident of Chief Eylaya's expressive talking and a flying coffee thermos." He moved a tendril of her fallen hair behind her ear. "Would you like to meet her?"

"A flying coffee thermos?" Alex repeated incredulously. "I guess so. If she is a friend of yours then why not?"

Soral waved her over. "She is indeed a friend and someone I trust very much. Actually she convinced me of how important it was to follow my heart and it lead me to you and us." He kissed her hand again.

Selin walked over. "My apologies, it was not my intent to disturb your meal."

Alex had been musing over what he had revealed when the woman appeared at the table. Indeed, was still doing so as she waved away the apology. "We were just finishing anyway, no need to apologise."

She nodded at them both. "It is good to see you Soral, and it is a pleasure to meet you Alexandra. "

"Oh?" Alex asked curiously.

"Please," he said. "Have a seat. I was going to order coffee and perhaps dessert." He looked at his wife.

Selin debated. It really had not been her intent to interrupt or interfere. But manners stated a polite acceptance of his offer. "Tea would not go amiss." She took a seat. "Also, I apologize." She turned to Alexandra. "Would you prefer to be addressed by rank, I did not mean offense. I simply do not know your rank, or your surname."

"Lieutenant Kingsley but just Alex is fine," the science officer replied before glancing at Soral, "maybe a strawberry sundae?"

"Indeed." He stood. "Selin which tea would you like? Would you like something sweet as well?"

"Vulcan spice tea, thank you, nothing else." She then turned her attention back to Alex. "Alex then. How are you enjoying the starbase?"

"This is our first trip here, but it is a welcome change to a small starship and a smaller crew," Alex answered. "And you? How do you find it?"

"Very large." Selin answered. I am enjoying my short leave though. I plan on doing some shopping, and I am going to a concert later this evening. It is pleasant to have access to a variety off extra curricular activities."

Soral had returned with tea or Selin and two strawberry sundaes, a coffee and his wife's favourite drink. He set the small tray down and served everyone.

“Thank you,” Alex grinned as she picked up the spoon and debated where to begin. “So how did you two kids become friends? I assume not just because of coffee burns?”

Soral was quiet. He thought over if he should say something. Then he decided that he would hide nothing from his wife. "Selin and I dated while I was on the station and then decided the circumstances warranted a friendship only."

“You dated...” Alex repeated slowly as she looked between them. “And since you were injured by Eyelaya I am gonna assume recently?”

"Just prior to boarding the Fontana." He paused. "Prior to meeting you. Selin understood my draw to duty and she, wisely, tried to tell me how important the heart was. Then I met you, my wife, and her words proved to be true. My heart flew away and has been in your possession since."

“Uh huh...” Alex mused as she ate a strawberry. He was over selling it. “And how long did you date for?”

"Approximately seven point two five days."

“A lot can happen in seven point two five days,” she pointed out as she looked at Selin, “you definitely inspire his talkative side.”

Selin was actually surprised he'd been so open, but that was a good thing. There should be no secrets between spouses. "Yes, a lot can happen." She agreed. "His duty was to T'Aurora, but it is clear his heart was waiting for you. I am very pleased that you are both happy."

He studied Selin. "As am I that she chose me." He paused. "I wish you to know that I consider you a trusted friend Selin. You are remarkable and I would not wish you hurt for any reason. I truly wish that you remember that you are worthy of being treasured." He looked at Alex. "I have found my other half and I truly wish for you to find yours."

“Why don’t you two take some time to catch up?” Alex suggested.

Selin nodded at Soral. "You are too kind." But then she shook her head at Alex. "No, no. I would not want to interrupt your time together. I have as they say stuck my nose in quite enough." She stood. "Alex, it truly was a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for the tea Soral. Peace and Long Life."

"Live Long and Prosper." He stood too. He hoped that she did not close the door to their friendship he really did value it and her.

“It was nice to meet you,” Alex added.

Tag Selin

As Soral sat back down, Alex ate a few more bites before speaking. “She seems nice.”

He studied her. It was time like this that he missed the bond. "She is." He paused. "Alexandra you know that what happened with Selin and I is in the past. I do not wish you to ever question that."

“I’m not jealous, Soral,” she assured him as she scooped up some more of her dessert. It wasn’t like she was a far more logical choice she though inwardly. A Vulcan who would understand without question all of the traditions he valued, who would no doubt be able to meditate without needing a guiding hand. No, she wasn’t jealous because it was impossible not to know how much he loved her. Just insecure. Fortunately dessert was one source of comfort.

He leaned over and kissed her. He tried his own sundae. "This is rather tasty however I do not understand why they call it a sundae."... They finished up their meal and even had time for a walk hand in hand on the observation deck before they were due back to board the ship setting sail on a new adventure. Soral found himself wondering what awaited them next.

{OFF:}