Letter from home

Posted on Tuesday, 12 January 2021 - 4:20pm by Commander Soral & Lieutenant Alex Kingsley

Mission: Operation: Trail of Tears
Location: Vulcan
Timeline: Current

My dearest Alex,

I find myself thinking of you both very much today.

Sheltering from the midday heat, watching the unrest continuing to unfold back on Earth, I find myself troubled by what I see and hear. I can but hope, somehow, those responsible are brought to justice yet I fear that will not be enough. I can only hope I am wrong and pray you both stay safe. Already our trip to see you both on Jupiter Station feels a lifetime ago just as Vulcan is already very much feeling like home...

A gentle breeze ruffled the pale blue silk curtains framing the window of her bedroom, eliciting a few cheerful musical notes from the wind chimes and drawing Laura Kingsley's gaze to the window. It was another perfect day, not a cloud in the sky and she could clearly see the mountains in the distance. Since arriving on Vulcan she had never known any other kind of day, although when the seasons changed she knew rains would eventually come. After her time living in Australia she was not exactly unaccustomed to warm climates, yet this was of a whole other level.

From downstairs she heard a chime and smiled as she glanced at the time. Exactly on time.

Before he was due to return to Earth tomorrow, Ambassador Sobek had offered to escort her to a concert in the city. It was an official engagement and one which he believed she would enjoy, allowing her to observe some of the cultural aspects of Vulcan with some of the finest musicians due to perform recitals of some of the most revered compositions from their long history. She had accepted, on the condition that he joined her for dinner afterwards as a thank you.

Abandoning her letter for later, she opened the door with a warm smile, "Ambassador, please, come in... can I offer you something to eat or drink?"

Sobek had arrived with some news for Laura. Perhaps best to talk before they left for the evening. "Some spiced tea perhaps?" He said stepping into the home.

“Of course, please, make yourself comfortable and I shall be right back,” Laura smiled, gesturing towards the lounge. That Soral had not opted for the more common, minimalist style of most Vulcans was lost on her. Her experience of Vulcan homes was limited to one - this one. Heading into the kitchen she prepared the tea, opting herself for some Yorkshire tea she had brought from Earth. Carrying the tray to the lounge she smiled when she found the ambassador studying the photographs she had arranged on a shelf.

“I promised Soral I would introduce some touches to the house, some things he thought might make Alex and I more at home here. So I thought images from their wedding was a logical place to start,” she confided. “If I added baby photos I fear my daughter may launch me into orbit.”

"Indeed. Soral has always been a man of extravagant taste." He said looking around and seating himself on an antique chair. "Perhaps a compensation for a childhood of lack." He accepted the tea. "Are you settling in well?"

“Quite a lot of change but yes,” Laura smiled. “And having the children here has helped.”

"I head the Governess is finding her assignment a challenge. Soval seems to be more...cunning then Soral was."

Laura laughed, “he is quite creative ... and mischievous! But harmless enough.”

"Indeed. The picture of a proper Romulan." He looked at Laura. "Have you...heard news from Jupiter station?"

Laura shook her head, “no... only from Earth. The Federation News Service is rather depressing viewing right now. What’s happened? From your tone, I imagine nothing good?”

"Indeed. The violence of Earth has spread. Soral managed to find out that he Romulan child was actually Vulcan and a Vulcan family was attacked on the station. Soral intervened."

Laura’s eyes widened. “How terrible! Are they alright?”

"The wife...died but Soral was able to save the husband and child. He was later..injured. Shot in the back. He is recovered, however."

"Shot!" Laura exclaimed, her hand on her heart. "Are you certain he is alright? I should call them right away..."

"He is alright. He has recovered. I spoke with him." He placed a hand over hers. "They are both alright."

She offered him a grateful smile, comforted by his reassurance before becoming all too aware of his hand on hers. She felt a little flush on her cheeks. “Thank you. I worry so for them both,” she admitted, “despite Soral’s promise to watch over my daughter I feel he needs more watching than she does.”

"That I would agree with completely." He said. "For Vulcan he is...quite the risk taker."

“Quite!” She agreed with a warm smile.

He gave a nod. "How are the children adjusting?"

"Severine is very focused, calm and confident. She is settling in well and performed well in the school entrance exams," Laura said fondly. "She is not only observant but perceptive. And, when there is a need, just as creative and resourceful as her brother. She simply seems more of a bookworm than her sibling.

Soval is more... reclusive. He prefers physical activity to studies, a source of much consternation for their governess. I feel he is very much trying to find his place in his new home. For example, he is currently in his third choice of bedroom. Inevitably I find him asleep on the floor of Severine's room, having fallen asleep as she recites a story. She is protective of him. Understandably."

"Indeed." He said. "I understand that Soral's Manager Fang and his wife have just had a child as well." He was fascinated by the Ferengi and Trill combination.

"Yes, I was hoping tomorrow to find a present for them," Laura smiled. "While I was never fortunate enough to have a child of my own, I always have quite the soft spot when it comes to babies and children."

"I hear you may have one in the house soon."

"One what?" Laura asked, her brow furrowing in confusion.

"The father and child that Soral saved. He is a widower now and has asked Soral to name his child. In our culture that means that he is like a godfather to the child, Seleya I believe. As part of that it is customary that both father and child stay in the house for six months."

"Oh. I didn't know... we have more than enough room and after all, it is Soral's home," Laura reasoned, although her surprise was still evident.

He studied her. "You are not in agreement with this?"

“Agreement is irrelevant, Soral would never fail in his duty to follow tradition and well, I remember well enough what it was like to cope with the death of a loved one.”

"Will it be painful for you to have him as a guest? I know that Soral would not want that."

“No, not at all,” Laura assured him quickly. “I’ve had many years to come to terms with Andrew’s death. Besides, a new planet, a new beginning.”

"With that how goes your work? I have been hearing very good things."

Laura smiled brightly, “it goes well. I have been made most welcome and it is perhaps one of the few places where being myself - my emotional self at that - can help others. I am enjoying it immensely.”

"Good." He paused. "Shall we head off to our evening?"

“Of course, just let me ensure that the children haven’t launched a mutiny ...”


*****

Two hours later, Laura was emerging into the afternoon sun in complete awe. With a reputation for being logical and cold, she had not expected the myriad of emotions she had felt as the musicians seamlessly moved from one piece to the next, infusing so much emotion... she had been uplifted, she had been moved to tears and everything in between. And embarrassed when, as the finale not rang out, she applauded the musicians with the same energy and enthusiasm as she would have back home. Her endorsement earned a few raised eyebrows and - she thought - a hint of amusement from the Ambassador. She could not be certain for it was gone in an instant.

“I apologise if I brought any embarrassment to you,” she offered as the stepped out of the atrium. By coincidence or design, the chose an exit which brought them out into a shaded alleyway. One which, by Vulcan standards was perhaps downright cold. “I forget I’m not at home at a rock concert. The performance was beautiful. Thank you for inviting me.”

"No embarrassment at all. I found your enthusiasm to be a complement to our musicians." He offered her his arm. "Dinner and some tea?"

She was caught by surprise at what she thought of as a very human gesture. It was not typical, she knew, for Vulcans to seek physical contact out with there kin or ... “I would like that,” she agreed as she took the offered arm. She must, she was sure be reading too much into it.

He settled her arm through his and they walked. "Have you ever been to the Forge Dinning Room?"

"Never," she replied. "Is that where we are going?"

"Indeed. It is a perplexing place but I find it comforting. You will note many touches of Earth and Vulcan there."

"As long as you aren't choosing it just to make me feel comfortable," she observed, the breeze catching her long blonde hair. "I really cannot thank you enough for all you have done. I am sure this is far beyond any help Soral expected."

He smiled. "I have not fully done it for Soral." He admitted.

"Oh?" Why had that sent a little thrill through her?

"I...wished you to be comfortable." Another not so Vulcan admission.

"That's very kind of you," she smiled. And, unable to stop herself she added an almost childlike, "why?"

He cleared his throat. "I am...I am interested in courting you."

Her expression was somewhere between shocked and delight, "you... you are?" she all but squeaked.

"I would like to if you are open to it." He stopped and looked at her.

She was left momentarily speechless. During the past ten years she had grieved, rebuilt. Yet her husband, his memory, had remained a cherished thing. A love she had never considered even attempting to have again. And so she had never, not once, allowed herself to entertain the notion of dating. Of trying to find anything close to what she had lost.

"You would?" she said finally as she peered up at him before a slow smile formed on her lips. "I... I would like that."

"I am honoured." He gave a small bow. He took up her arm again and then headed to the restaurant. Upon arrival they were greeted by a tall stately woman at the gate. "Welcome. Have you a reservation?"

"Indeed." He gave his name and the woman opened the gate. "Please follow me."

The Ambassador turned to Laura. "Thank you, or agreeing to come out with me tonight Lady Laura."

“I couldn’t resist. The finest musicians on Vulcan? And some time with you, of course. Since we last had dinner it felt ... as if we had left things unresolved. Rather reminded me of my teenage years! Which are a ways behind me now. I’m happy we have been able to spend some more time together.”

"As am I."

Their escort lead them into the restaurant. Through the doors that were surrounded by mystic like fog. When they entered there was a large wooden door that opened at their approach and a room that was decked out in a quaint Victorian Style that was popular on Earth.

"It's like stepping back in time!" Laura marvelled. She had seen many restaurants and bars with similar décor during her time in London, mostly in a ploy to appeal to tourists who had been visiting some of the historic landmarks in the city. "How wonderful!"

"Indeed." He paused. "They have Karaoke."

“They do?!” Her smile widened before she remembered where she was. “I’d scare you away!”

"I doubt that. I shall...sing with you."

Her jaw almost hit the floor, “you like to sing?”

"I have never tried. I am assuming he Vulcan diners will be ... quite what is the human phrase...uppity about it?"

She laughed. “Well, fortunately for you I am quite the singer.”

"Excellent" He lead her to a table and they sat down. "May I admit something to you?"

“Of course.”

"I am nervous I have ... never courted anyone. I have not dated since my wife died."

“Nor have I, since my husband that is,” Laura reminded him. She straightened her skirts self consciously. “Which is quite ridiculous really. Above all else, I know Andrew loved me and wanted me to be happy. He would have never wanted or expected me to never marry again or to never try to find even a glimmer of what we had. Yet I resisted the notion. Drifted. I focused on my daughter, on whatever work I was doing... an occasional date but never anything even remotely serious.”

"You are an admirable woman." He studied her. "And wise and beautiful."

“Wise!” She laughed aloud. “Oh, far from it.”

There was a definite glint of amusement in his eyes. "We shall, how is it said on Earth? Ah yes, agree to disagree." He studied her. "Has it been difficult adapting to life on Vulcan?"

“The temperature, is taking some time to adapt to. I find I am becoming something of a night own when it becomes a little cooler,” Laura confided. “And I did not realise that even at night it can still be so bright! Now I understand why there are such heavy curtains in the bedrooms. But I have been made to feel most welcome and having the children with me has helped so much.”

"Indeed. It helps when the house is not empty." He studied her. "I will...be returning to Vulcan permanently in the next few months."

Her eyes widened in surprise. “Is your work on Earth finished?” She asked. “Forgive me, I do not know how long an ambassador normally stays in an embassy...”

"Normally I would continue to serve but with...things as they are they need someone who is... in a better position to help the Vulcans and Romulans on the planet. There are many who are concerned about all that is going on."

"It is so sad," Laura agreed. "I just cannot imagine anyone having so much ... hate for another being. And what will it accomplish but more pain and misery in the end. I would feel better knowing you are safely here, on Vulcan. Although it does make me wonder. If things continue, will off-worlders like me be welcome here?"

"It is not in Vulcan nature to judge the many on the few. But there may be a severing of ties with the Federation in which case you may be asked to remain here and give up your link to the Federation and Earth." He sighed. "I hope that that is not what will happen but it is a possibility. It would mean the withdrawal of all Vulcans from Starfleet too."

Laura frowned, considering the implications. "I hope it will not come to that," she said with a small smile.

He gave a nod. "As do I." He picked up a small booklet on the table. "Now...shall we choose our song to sing?"

"Well, what kind of music do you like to listen to. I'm sure you have heard many kinds when you were on Earth?" Laura prompted.

"I believe... ladies choice is what one would say in these circumstances."

She laughed, "ah, spoken as a diplomat. Alright... how about Don't Go Breaking My Heart. It is a classic."

"Indeed. We shall give it a try." His enthusiasm showed through just a little.

"Never fear, when it comes to karaoke, you are in safe hands," Laura smiled brightly.

"Indeed." He stood and held out his hand. "Then we shall go and sing."

She smiled as she took the outstretched hand, "we shall."

They took the stage to raised Vulcan eyebrows and began to sing. Out of tune, struggling all the way, with some creative words when the computers fluctuated. There were winces and raised eyebrows and widened eyes.

As they stepped off the stage, Laura had tears of laughter in her eyes. “Oh, that was fun!” She declared.

"Indeed. I believed there was many an Vulcan that was....moved by some kind of emotion when we sang." He lead her back to the table just as their dinner was brought.

"Moved... I think you mean disturbed," she grinned as their food was laid out. "This all looks delightful."

"Indeed."

“Thank you again for today, it has been wonderful to be out and seeing some more of the place,” Laura enthused.

"Indeed. Perhaps when I am back fully we can....explore Vulcan."

“I would like that,” she smiled, "very much.”

The finished their meal and then a small walk. Soon, all too soon, they were back home. Just as they walked up the door opened. Fang, the Ferengi Manager, bolted out. "Lady Laura! We are.... overrun!"

Sobek stepped in front taking a protective stance.

“I don’t understand... overrun with what?” Laura asked as she peered around the ambassador.

"There is a Vulcan in there with a child saying that Soral asked him to stay a while and a Romulan claiming that Soral sent him."

“A Romulan?” Laura frowned. “Why would... never mind. I’m sure there is good reason. I’ll send a message to Soral but assume he is speaking the truth and ensure he is treated as a welcome guest,” Laura sighed. “Two men and a baby is hardly overrun.”

The Ferengi mumbled and went back in.

The Ambassador looked at Laura. "I will stay until this is sorted out."

She flashed him a grateful smile, "thank you. I would appreciate that. I'll send a message to the Standing Bear and ask Alex or Soral to call."

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