A Royal Welcome

Posted on Tuesday, 25 August 2020 - 6:37am by Commander Soral & Lieutenant Alex Kingsley

Mission: Operation: Dreamweaver
Location: Earth, San Francisco, Vulcan Embassy
Timeline: 2393 MD - 01

{ON:}

Solek reviewed the information on the screen. He tapped his communicator on the desk that linked him to T'Rola, his assistant. "T'Rola, when Mrs. Kingsley arrives please have her detained and brought to my office."

Once he got confirmation he set about doing other tasks waiting for Laura Kingsley to arrive.

It had been such a busy day, that by the time the woman in question arrived, she looked decidedly harried. The sale of her small beachfront home had been finalised just an hour before after the sale had gone through much quicker than she had imagined (location was really everything sometimes). The last day or so had been a whirlwind of packing boxes, labels and calls to friends to share the news of her imminent departure to Vulcan. Oh she had seen the surprised looks, the curiosity was eating them up. Even for flighty Laura, who never stayed too long in one place, a move to Vulcan was altogether unexpected.

Was it for a job? a few had politely enquired. 'Family' was the extent of her reply. It was absolutely non of their business and while they meant well, it was such a complicated situation. Many would undoubtedly think her mad for even considering it but really, what was keeping her on Earth? She had never settled anywhere. She had always been looking for... something. And one such something had just appeared in her garden in the form of a seven year old girl.

Entering the Vulcan Embassy, however, she had started to appreciate this was an entirely different culture. And it was a much quieter Laura than usual who was guided to the upper levels. She hoped this wasn't an elaborate way of saying 'sorry, you are entirely too Human to live on our world.'

A tall woman with beautiful eyes stepped forward carrying herself regally. "Hello I am T'Rola special assistant to Ambassador Solek. "You are Mrs. Kingsley from the house of Soral?"

“Yes, yes I am,” Laura confirmed, offering her hand automatically before remembering where she was. She flashed a sheepish smile as she raised her hand in the traditional Vulcan salute. Or at least an attempt at it.

The young woman gave a nod and returned the salute. "Ambassador Solek is expecting you. If you will kindly follow me." They walked down the hall to a grand wooden door. It was antiquated but Vulcan's seemed to have a thing for wood doors, they were so rare on Vulcan. She buzzed the panel by the door and when it lit green she pushed open the door. "Please." The woman said motioning Laura inside.

The room she entered was grand room with Victorian décor and wall to wall bookshelves filled with books. A ladder stood to one side that was movable around the room by wheels and attached to tracks on the ceiling. Off to the side behind a grand desk stood a tall regal Vulcan with slightly graying hair. He stood at least six feet tall with his hands behind his back. As Laura entered he moved towards her. "Welcome," he said striding across the room with ease. He held out his hand for a handshake, a human custom that he wasn't overly fond of, but one he was getting used to.

After a surprised moment of hesitation, Laura shook the hand, keeping the contact brief but not too brief - after all, she didn't want to offend. She really hoped she hadn't already by taking the offered hand, although she supposed if he didn't want to shake her hand he wouldn't have offered it at all...

"Thank you, Ambassador. I have to admit, your invitation caught me by surprise, I didn't think my plans to move to Vulcan would warrant your attention. Unless something is wrong? With the paperwork, I mean. Soral assured me it was in order although I am able to move much sooner than planned."

He motioned for her to sit as he walked to the replicator. "I can assure you the papers are quite in order." He pointed to the replicator. "Would you like something to drink?"

"Strawberry water would be lovely, thank you," Laura smiled as she took the offered seat, setting her bag down on the floor. His assurance had banished the look of concern only for it to be replaced by confusion. Surely someone of his standing did not meet everyone who intended to move to Vulcan?

He ordered a strawberry water for her and a lemon water for himself. Bringing them to the comfy seats he placed hers on the table by her and then took his own seat. "Now. My apologies if this request to meet was disconcerting. Your son in law did invite me to the wedding and I did not get a chance to go. I assured him I would ensure you are comfortable and ready for your journey." He studied her. "When do you depart for Vulcan?"

"The end of this week, it was the first transport I could book. I'm staying with a friend in the meantime, the house is sold, belongings packed... I have nothing more to do but enjoy the Australian sunshine," she smiled. "You know Soral well?"

"Indeed. You son in law saved my life three times and was paramount in rescuing my daughter from Orions. I owe him my life." He pulled up a file. "He is a man of many talents and it has always fascinated me how he has overcome the trauma of his childhood to become the man he is today." He paused. "You are booked on the Leviathane transport correct?"

“Yes, that sounds about right,” she nodded as she sipped her drink.

He worked on the computer. "Your credits have been refunded and your reservation cancelled. I would be most honored to have you travel in my personal shuttle. It will be more comfortable."

"Yo - what?! That's wonderful! Completely unnecessary, of course. I don't mind at all how I get there, just that I do," Laura told him, barely pausing for breath.

"It saves credits. I will ensure you arrive there safely." He sipped his water. "So tell me what field of work are you in here on Earth?"

"I mostly go where I find work, but I am a therapist. I tend to work with children coping with bereavement and loss. There is a wonderful group in Sydney, I work with them a few days a week. Well, I did. But my career started late. Raising my daughter was always my priority."

"I see. Do you wish to stay and continue your work here? I know Soral would not want you to give up what brings you joy."

"Oh, no. I mean, I will miss them all but what brings me joy is my family. And Severine and Soval are as much a part of that family as my own flesh and blood. I am not giving up anything, I am gaining something I thought was perhaps many years away."

"Indeed. Perhaps you will be need most with Soval. Still have you thought of working on Vulcan?"

“When everyone is settled, yes,” Laura nodded. “I much prefer to keep busy and contribute. I haven’t given it much thought.”

"I shall arrange for you to work at the Vulcan counseling institute when you are ready."

"That's wonderful!" Laura smiled, "and most kind."

"Indeed I am pleased to assist." He gave a nod. He found the woman oddly soothing himself. Perhaps it was his widower's heart. She reminded him of T'Vel his own departed wife. She had a vibrant way about her and if Alexandra was anything like this he understood Soral's draw to her. "Tell me a little about yourself," he said. It was a dangerous question but for some reason he wanted to hear more.

"Oh. Well, I'm pretty much an open book! Too much sometimes, or so I'm told," Laura grinned. She settled back into her seat, considering his question. "Well, I was born and raised on Mars. Widowed... I enjoy painting and to sing karaoke. Complete disclosure, I sing very badly but I sing anyway... I like to try new things, meet new people. But first and foremost I am a mother."

He studied her as she spoke. "A complex woman. I may have to find a karaoke restaurant to test your singing theory." He sipped his water. "I grieve with thee on the loss of your husband. I too am widowed. It is... difficult."

Laura's expression sobered. "Yes... yes it is."

She took a sip of her drink before continuing, "I miss him very much. He was not just a husband. He was a best friend, a confidant, a soulmate. I am very very fortunate to have ever had him in my life and cherish all of the memories I have of him. But yes, it is difficult. Some days more than others. People say time is a great healer, but I'm still holding out judgement on that one. I am sorry you have lost your wife. My condolences."

He gave a nod. He could relate to what she was saying. "Thank you. She was a Starfleet Engineer...she died on Mars during the synth incident." It had changed his whole life. He'd shied away from anything mechanical or computerized as much as possible. "Well I shall make all the travel arrangements. If you wish to stay on Earth longer please let me know and I can hold the shuttle."

"Andrew was in R&D on Utopia... perhaps they knew one another. The galaxy can seem a small place sometimes. And no, I'm ready to go," she assured him. "While they may not be my flesh and blood, I have two grandchildren to help care for."

"Perhaps they did. I must confess I was given her personal logs from UP but I have not been able to listen to them. It is difficult. My wife was not your average Vulcan. She was one of the shunned kind. She embraced her emotions. She could talk for hours. When I was exhausted she carried on the conversation for both of us. She would play piano for hours I would often sit in my office and listen instead of working." He paused. When she was assigned to the UP it was a difficult adjustment for us both." He paused. He shook his head as if trying to clear it. "Apologies I speak too liberally. Your devotion to family is commendable."

"You should speak of her, it will help in the long run. And thank you. Family is another gift. I could not have children of my own, adopting Alex was a miracle. And now Soral and his children have joined our small family, that can only make it better."

"Indeed." He paused. "Well I should get back to work." He said almost reluctantly.

"Of course," Laura nodded as she rose. "You must be a very busy man. But thank you, again, for taking so much time to help. It is very much appreciated."

He walked her to the door. "Lady Laura would you ... consider dinning with me on the morrow?"

“I would like that,” she said with a bright smile.

He gave a nod. "Until then." He bowed slightly.

As they exited T'Rola stepped up. "Sir?"

"Please escort Lady Laura out." He bowed again. "Until tomorrow evening."

{OFF:}