Heartwarming Scene

Posted on Friday, 19 February 2021 - 10:59am by Commander Soral & Lieutenant T'Lanna Vali & Lieutenant JG Kay’la

Mission: Operation: Trail of Tears
Location: USS Standing Bear | Sickbay
Timeline: 2394 -- MD O8 Evening before leaving for the mission

ON:

The day had been long and hard. Soral had come to sickbay to talk with Rose and he'd finished early. Hearing the cry of T'Lanna's son he headed to the makeshift nursery. The child was out of the special enclosure and was now inside a crib. He looked at the nurse. "Is he well?"

Kay’la nodded and smiled. “He’s doing much better, it won’t be long until Jayce can go home now.” She walked over to the crib. “Would you like to hold him? I don’t think T’Lanna would mind.”

He thought a moment. "Indeed."

Kay’la nodded and gently lifted the tiny boy from his crib, handing him over to Soral. “He needs cuddles, being here with so little stimulation isn’t ideal. If she sticks to her usual time T’Lanna will be here to see and feed Jayce soon.”

Soral took the child and walked over to one of the view ports. He held the child who had stopped crying so that he could see the stars. "Welcome to the light," He said in Vulcan, a tradition that his people honoured.

“He likes you” Kay’la smiled. “You’re a natural with children Commander, have you and Lieutenant Kingsley considered having a family?”

"It is complicated." He said. "Perhaps not as wise as I thought originally it could be a risk to her. If the child takes after me it will have cooper based blood. It could endanger her."

“of course” Kay’la nodded. “Though it would have been the same for T’Lanna’s mother.”

“It was indeed” T’Lanna smiled as she appeared in the doorway. “It was a difficult pregnancy due to various issues, not just the copper blood.” She walked inside smiling at Soral as he held Jayce. “Jayce likes you Soral, he likes the sound of your voice.”

"Perhaps." He gave a nod and walked over to T'Lanna handing her the baby. "He is growing quickly."

"Yes he is" T'Lanna smiled. "He's got quite an appetite considering he's only small." She smiled at Kay'la. "Has Jayce been alright?"

Kay'la nodded. "He's been fine T'Lanna, you'll be able to take him home soon."

T'Lanna nodded as she cradled Jayce. "That'll be fun huh?" She smiled at the tiny face that was looking up at her. "Is everything alright Soral?" She looked at her friend.

"Indeed. It has been an interesting time." He studied the baby. He reached out to tuck the blanket around the baby more but Jayce had other plans. He grabbed Soral's finger staring him right in the eye. Soral looked up at T'Lanna. "He will have Vulcan strength."

T’Lanna nodded. “Indeed. He’s a feisty little guy, he certainly lets me know when he’s had enough of cuddles.” She grinned. “Would you like to hold Jayce again? It seems he wants to be with you.” She smiled warmly.

"No I must go. I have a few things that require my attention." He gave a nod to each of them. He then turned to the nurse. "When doctor Rose is ready to see me please give me a call."

Kay’la nodded. “Of course” with that she headed out of T’Lanna’s way.

Before he could go the baby started fussing. He turned and walked back. "Perhaps I can stay a little longer."

T’Lanna grinned. “I get the feeling that Jayce has developed an attachment to you Soral, and I think you’re enjoying his company just as much.” Before Soral could react she gently handed Jayce back to him. “You hide it well my friend, but I think you want to be a father more than you let on.” She took a seat and smiled as she watched Soral with her son.

"I am a father, to Severine and Soval however I missed their younger years," he said cradling the baby. "It is something that I shall never forgive myself."

“You didn’t know about them Soral, if you did you could have been there for them.” T’Lanna offered an understanding smile. “Severine is a very understanding young lady, she worries about you a lot too. I’ve never spoken with your son so I can’t say about him. I’d like to meet them one day.”

"Indeed. Soval is angry at me. He...is not ready to accept many things." He thought a moment. "But perhaps you can assist me with a decision."

“Of course” T’Lanna sat down motioning to Soral to do the same as she held onto her son’s tiny hand.

Soral sat down and began thinking about where to start. "Evesta, the mother of my children left a message for me to view. I have viewed a part of it."

“Oh? I take it the decision you’re talking about concerns Severine and Soval?”

"Yes. She also wished to film their birth, I have not seen that yet and she left a message for them. Alexandra feels I should let them see the message I am debating Viewing it before I give it to them to view."

"If you are concerned then I would agree with you and advise viewing it first. But if you feel that would violate the children's trust then trust then let them view it first."

"I do not know." He said. "I wish to protect them however I wish them to view the message first. It is difficult."

T’Lanna nodded. “I can only imagine how difficult. Perhaps you should trust in your children, Severine seems wise for her age.”

"Too wise. She does not take after me in that respect."

“Oh I think she does” T’Lanna smiled. “You have taught me what it is to be proud of my Vulcan heritage, which has brought me closer to my father than ever before. Have faith in yourself in your judgement Soral, trust in your children too. They maybe young but now they know of you, you have a chance to be the father they need. Talk with Alex and between you make the decision as to whether to watch the message first or not.”

"Indeed." He paused. "I have also been thinking of something. Severine has approached me with a request and I am at a loss. I have not discussed it with Alexandra yet."

“What is Severine’s request?” She looked at Soral curiously.

"Recently my children and... family have gone to tour Vulcan. They toured a monastery to T'vet a warrior Goddess. She is still revered on Vulcan. Severine wishes to ... remain there."

“Ohh ... I see.” T’Lanna paused. “As a parent I can understand that must be quite a decision to make. Does she have a particular reason for wanting to remain at the monastery?”

"She says she feels as if she belongs there." He sighed. "She is of the right age...I however am not for it." He looked at the young baby. "It is so much simpler when they are small."

T’Lanna looked at her son. “Indeed it is. I can understand your reservations but if Severine truly feels as though she belongs at the monastery then perhaps it would be worth considering it?”

"It is something I will talk over with Alex." He stood slowly handing the baby to T'Lanna. "I should go. I have to meet the shuttle crew ready to depart. May I request your presence on the bridge? If this is a distress call then we could have some visitors."

“Of course” T’Lanna nodded as she cradled her son. “I’ll feed Jayce and head right there. If you need to talk again Soral, you know where to find me.”

Soral headed to the shuttle bay hoping that it would be ready to take off soon.

OFF: