Time to Think

Posted on Thursday, 7 January 2021 - 5:44pm by Lieutenant T'Lanna Vali & Commander Soral

Mission: Operation: Ouroboros
Location: USS Standing Bear | Sickbay
Timeline: 2393

ON:

Soral, now that he was feeling better, headed to speak with Vali. He didn't often utilize counselors but... perhaps he could use a second pair of eyes.

T’Lanna was resting in her room after visiting Jayce, she could feel her son’s presence when they were apart and it comforted her no end. She’d also spoken to Raith now he was awake and it made her feel so much more at ease.

Soral walked in and stopped in the corner. "Lieutenant. How are you feeling?"

T’Lanna smiled warmly as she looked at Soral. “I’m feeling much better, thank you. Just a little sore but that I can live with.” She looked at Soral curiously. “Are you alright?”

"I am...functioning well." That was pretty much it. He was functioning.

“So that’s why you sound like a robot” T’Lanna motioned Soral to the seat by her bedside. “I may not be your wife Soral, but I know you enough to tell when something is off. If you want to talk about it I’ll listen, if not then that’s fair enough. I respect you as my superior officer, my friend and mentor.”

He sighed. He debated the options between heartbeats and then pulled out a chair. "It has been a difficult time. Both personally and Professionally."

T’Lanna nodded. “It hasn’t been the easiest time for any of us, but you’ve had extra worries besides. How are things between you and Alex?”

"They are...improving. There are days when they take a step back but I am confident that we will get through it all."

T’Lanna smiled and nodded. “That’s good to hear. The two of you were always meant to be together, you’re love is true it’s plain to see.” She smiled warmly. “Did you know Raith is awake?”

"Indeed. I can imagine you are relieved. I am glad that he is getting better I will stop by to see him soon."

“Relieved doesn’t touch how I feel” Her smile practically shone. “I’m ecstatic!! Now I have Raith and Jayce, a complete family again.”

"Have you decided to raise the child human?"

“To be honest I hadn’t given it thought, but given my lack of knowledge of my own people’s ways due to my own stupidity I’d rather Jayce knows his heritage. I will be asking my father to help me and I’d very much like Jayce to benefit from your teachings.”

"Indeed. I shall help in anyway that I can." He stood and stretched. "It has been long since I have meditated. I find that my...logic is shaky as of late."

T'Lanna nodded. "Would you like to meditate now? I do need to get back to my meditation as well. My emotional state isn't what it could be, probably thanks to my hormone levels after giving birth!"

"Perhaps another time. Right now I must...do a form of personal meditation. I must free my mind from...the recent occurrences."

“Is there something you need to talk about? Something you’ve not told me?” T’Lanna looked at Soral curiously. “Nothing you say will leave this room, it will stay in strictest confidence.”

He stayed silent for a moment. "There has been so much and you need to rest."

“I am resting” T’Lanna smiled. “I just want to help you. If you really don’t want to tell me I won’t force it, you know I won’t.”

"I know." He paused. "Where would I start?"

T’Lanna offered a smile. “How’s about with whatever troubles you the most?”

"I believe they are all at the same level. I have always been a private person and have had order in my life yet I find that as of late it is difficult to maintain that order."

“Welcome to my life!” T’Lanna smiled. “Seriously though was there a point that all this started? What about your relationship with Alex? How are the two of you managing with married life?”

"It started with our wedding on Earth. I found out that I had two children I did not know about, a twin sister, and that my mother was...not Vulcan." He still hadn't told anyone outside of Alex of his true heritage.

T’Lanna nodded as she listened. “Wow! that was quite some news. I’m not sure how I’d have felt put in your position. How do you feel about being a father? And about your heritage?”

"I do not know. I have not stopped to think about it...I have just reacted to it."

“Reacted how?” T’Lanna gave Soral a curious look. “Have you accepted that you’re a father or are you struggling with it? Your daughter worries about you.”

"It is not a matter of accepting. It is a reality, It is logical to ensure that the children are safe and cared for. I have had to ensure a lot of things. But I have not had time to process anything."

“Then why not take the time to process?” T’Lanna looked at Soral curiously.

"I have not had the time. I now have another half brother and a possible grandfather." He sighed. "I feel that I am...not myself as of late."

T’Lanna nodded. “I can imagine, you’ve suddenly become a husband, a father, learned there’s more to your heritage than you thought, it’s a lot to take in Soral. I can only suggest that you make the time. Take some personal leave time to be at home with Alex, to absorb all that has happened and how your life has changed. You need the rest as well so leave time would do you good. Even if it’s just here aboard the ship taking time out of your duties.”

"Unfortunately there is no time for leave but I will take some time to process it all."

T’Lanna nodded. “That’s all I’m suggesting. If you want to talk through it, then you know where I am. My door will always be open to you.”

"Indeed. For now you must focus on getting better and your baby."

T’Lanna smiled warmly. “I’ll be up and about in no time. Jayce needs me and I need him, he’s amazing and I think he’ll enjoy listening to more of your songs. I have no doubt you make a wonderful father Soral, whether you realise it or not.”

"I wish I could be as sure." He stood. "I should let you rest."

T’Lanna would have argued but she was feeling tired. “Very well” she nodded. “Please come back and talk some more when you’ve had time to relax.” She smiled warmly.

"Thank you, for everything." He turned and hurried out. He had to meet Stillwater soon and he had to get into his dress uniform.

Watching Soral go T’Lanna smiled to herself before laying down and closing her eyes.

OFF: