Meditation

Posted on Monday, 18 January 2021 - 12:17pm by Commander Soral & Lieutenant Alex Kingsley

Mission: Operation: Trail of Tears
Location: USS Standing Bear | Briefing Room 2
Timeline: 2394 - MD 0

ON:

As anticipated, the guided meditation session lead by Commander Soral had been most enlightening.

While several of the Vulcan crew members had been in attendance, as was often the case, Lieutenant T'Paris was the only attendee who had lingered when the gathering drew to a close. The tactical officer offering to assist with returning the small meeting room to it’s more traditional configuration. A ship the size of the Standing Bear had not been designed with a dedicated space for group meditation in mind. Although, if rumours were correct, she found it interesting that arrangements were being made to provide childcare facilities on board... It seemed an illogical sacrifice to accommodate one child.

“I commend you for leading a most invigorating meditation, Commander,” she stated as she moved the last chair into place. “Given recent events I was... pleased when you announced holding meditation sessions once again. I trust you have healed from your injuries sustained on Jupiter Station?"

"Indeed. There are still some lingering effects but I am confident that they will get better." He was glad that someone had stayed to help. He would speak with the captain about getting a room dedicated for meditation. Many were calling for it and truth be told he cold use it himself. He had decided to try and get himself settled a little more.

"Events of late have been most troubling. I believe repercussions will be felt for some time following events on Earth. It was one reason why I decided to attend today. Meditation and reflection are needed now more than ever." T'Paris paused. "I would have expected Lieutenant Kingsley to have joined the group. Does she not consider meditation to be... worthwhile?"

There was that. As a Vulcan leader on the ship many had asked that question. When both spouses were on board Vulcan's expected both to attend. "She has been learning meditation. It is a slow process but she is progressing well. Perhaps one day she will join us."

“Perhaps,” she conceded with a curt nod. “Of course not all humans seem to develop a... what is the expression... taste for it? I did see the Lieutenant earlier and she seemed... emotional. I am sure, however, that she will eventually succeed in her efforts. You are an excellent teacher. We are fortunate to have you aboard.”

He gave a bow. "Thank you." He paused a moment. "Emotional? How?"

“Angry,” T’Paris said simply. “Confrontational.”

His eyebrows went up. "In general or at someone specific?"

“That is difficult to say as she was seated alone. Yet certainly with me,” the Lieutenant advised.

"Why..." He sighed. "Oh I see. My apologies T'Paris. Alexandra seems to feel that you are after me. I told her it was not so that Vulcan women respect the marriage bond."

“After you?” T’Paris arched an eyebrow. “Ah. Jealousy. A very human emotion. Commander, if I may be so bold... I have never understood the attraction to Humans some Vulcans appear to have.

Ambassador Sarek notably made a decision to wed Lady Amanda and despite his claims it was not a ‘logical’ choice. As a people we have been raised differently, our cultures and even our blood set us apart. Humans may try to understand but they cannot truly know us. For example, many of them now know of the Pon Farr. Yet they can never truly understand it. Does this not make marriage... difficult?”

She had kept her voice, for the most part, neutral. At times sounding inquisitive. Never accusatory, for she was certain Soral’s loyalty would immediately bring him to defend his wife. By being a student, she had a different way. One which, by her calculations stood a greater chance of success.

He sat down in one of the chairs they'd righted. "Your argument has been made by many, more so being made by what is occurring on Earth. I agree with you that Ambassador Sarek's choice was not logical at all but it was one of...passion. Mine? Well that was mine as well was one made of the heart. The simple matter was I married Alexandra because I love her." He leaned back in the chair. "As for Pon Farr." He was still uncomfortable, like any Vulcan, to discuss it. "There are some humans who understood it. Lady Amanda was an Esper and thus her bond was strong with Sarek. She fully understood the event."

“And what of Lady Alexandra? Is she prepared?” T’Paris asked simply. “I apologise. It is not my place and I do not wish to make you uncomfortable.”

"I am not uncomfortable. I am sure what when the time comes Alexandra will understand. I have found that love is one of the emotions humans have that can overcome much."

“Of course,” the tactical officer nodded. “I thank you for your candor. I find a certain fascination... I was betrothed to Syrae but he was lost along with the rest of his crew. I have yet to find a suitable mate. Or, the ‘one’ Humans often speak of.”

He gave a nod. "In time you will find some who is your other half. You have much to give T'Paris. Never doubt that."

“Self confidence has never been my failing,” the woman confided, somewhat needlessly. “However, I appreciate your words. I am certain you are correct and I believe I shall find ‘The One’. In the meantime, may I be of any further assistance here, Commander?”

"No, thank you." He stood. Just as he did a wave of dizziness caught him and he started to fall.

“Commander!” T’Paris moved swiftly to steady him and guide him into a chair. “Do you need a Doctor?”

He leaned on T'Paris as she guided him to chair. "No. Just a glass of water." He closed his eyes to let his head recover from spinning.

After a moment in which she assured herself that the Commander would not topple from his seat, T’Paris fetched him a glass of water as requested. “I would advise seeking medical attention,” she urged as she placed the glass in his hands, allowing a brief contact. “Or if I can be of assistance...?”

"I was told by the doctors that it could happen a while longer as my tissue heals. I have not allowed myself to meditate fully."

“I would be honoured to join you in some meditation at any time if it will aide your recovery,” T’Paris said simply.

He thought about it a moment. "T'Paris, Your clan is of the old way, are they not? Worshiping the old Vulcan Gods."

“Yes, Commander,” she confirmed.

"Are you familiar with any of the ceremonies?"

“I did not pay as much attention as I should have as a child but vaguely. And I have some of the old texts in my quarters, copies of course. May I ask why you asked?”

"I wish to invoke the healing meditation of T'vet."

“That is normally the domain of Healers,” T’Paris reminded him. “While I am prepared to try I doubt I have the necessary skill to heal you.”

"But perhaps to assist met with the ceremony set up?"

“Of course,” she nodded.

"I am grateful for your help."

“I am at your disposal, Commander,” T’Paris assured him.

OFF: