Before the Fall

Posted on Saturday, 23 October 2021 - 5:34pm by Lieutenant T'Lanna Vali & Commander Soral

Mission: Operation: Mirror of Madness
Location: Various
Timeline: Just prior to Historic Day
Tags:

ON:

Soral was in his quarters packing. Alex was on duty and he'd shuttled off the dog with Mac so that he could pack for Vulcan. Thus far he'd managed to exist here and things were going to plan. He'd be home, on Vulcan within hours, a day at most and then he would ensure that Starfleet and the Federation were a historical blip in Vulcan's past. He was waiting for Vali to join him. She had cast her vote earlier today but he wanted to see her because he needed a scan. Being part Borg a detailed scan would be necessary and his personal scanner would discreetly scan her as he kept her busy for a few minutes.

He knew that he'd have to watch himself. Vali was sharp but he was convinced that all was well. He'd even laid Hamura's fears to rest, or so he thought, and Lexi was coming back to him slowly. Soon they would be back home and the children would have their mother back.

T’Lanna arrived at Soral’s Quarters, she was hoping to get some answers about his unusual behaviour of late. Pressing the door chime she waited for an answer.

Soral straightened after zipping his travel bag. So far, the clothing choices did not impress. "Enter." He stood tall with his hands clasped behind his back.

Walking into Soral’s quarters T’Lanna smiled warmly. “Hello Soral, I hope I’m not getting in the way of your packing?”

"I have almost completed my task." He studied her. T'Lanna Vali, ex Borg, information from her could be useful to him. "Have a seat. May I offer you a beverage?"

T’Lanna smiled and nodded. “A lemonade would be lovely thank you” She walked over to a seat and made herself comfortable.

Soral walked over got lemonade for her and a tea for himself. "Since you are the daughter of a diplomat you would have been called to cast your vote early. How did that go? I'm guessing you voted for Vulcan to stay within the Federation?" He handed her the glass.

“Thank you” T’Lanna took the drink cradling the glass in her hands. “I did vote to stay, it’s something my father would have voted for, and in my opinion the Federation needs Vulcan.”

"On that point I agree. It is the Federation that needs Vulcan." He sat across from her. "How have you been?"

“I’m...okay” T’Lanna offered a smile. “Ryan gave me the all clear from my transplant surgery, it’s just a case of waiting to see if I develop any other problems from the radiation exposure. I’m not insane so that’s a good start!” She smiled a wry smile. “Are you alright? You haven’t exactly been acting like yourself of late.”

"Oh? How so?" It would help to pick up a few pointers. "As far as the transplant I wouldn't worry, the Borg technology you have will assimilate things to your system."

T’Lanna nodded. “I guess that’s true although my nanites were reprogrammed to maintain the existing implants I have in my body. Everything else was removed when I was liberated, but you know that anyway.” She looked at Soral curiously. As for you, you’re acting like a man who doesn’t really know anyone here that well. You’re more distant than usual, even around me. You’re my mentor Soral, that and my friend. I care.”

"This matter with Vulcan has me preoccupied. I find that I don't have as much time to think on other things." He said. "So the nanites are dormant with respect to your wounds? I hadn't known that I, of course knew, they were upkeeping other nanites but would have thought a few speed healing ones were still active. Didn't Hamura mention something like that in one of their reports?"

“I do heal a little faster than others” T’Lanna smiled. “But most functions of my nanites were overridden, and reprogrammed. It was the only way they’d allow me to be part of a normal family life. My father was adamant that he wanted me to live as normal a life as possible. As you know I’m one of the few, if not the only, serving ex Borg in Starfleet.”

"A testament to those who deprogramed you as much as to your skill at adapting and your strength of character, something I've always known. I find it fascinating that the Vulcan within you can work with the Borg within you to create a being stronger then any Ter...human."

T’Lanna caught the slip, looking at Soral curiously she didn’t question, she simply let it slide not wanting to raise suspicions. “Are you not taking Alex with you? You normally do everything you can to spend time with her.”

"No, she is needed here. The ship needs an XO while I am away, someone who will greet the new Captain and whom I can trust to be professional and follow...Starfleet regulations. I also have a few things I need to do, the healers I am seeing will only allow me a stay at the monastery."

T’Lanna nodded. “So you’re going to see healers? I’m guessing Alex doesn’t know that? She’ll go mad if she finds out you’re hiding something from her!”

"She is aware of my plans on Vulcan." At least she was of some of them. Soral got up and walked over to his desk opening a drawer. He pulled out a PaDD and then glanced down at the little blinking device. It was almost done its deep scan of Vali and the PaDD gave him an excuse to open the drawer to check. He closed it and handed the PaDD to her. "This is information on the new Captain. Because of your raised security clearance and your position you are being granted access to it."

T’Lanna reached out and took the PADD. “This will certainly come in handy, thank you Soral. You are planning on coming back aren’t you? It’s just you seem to be doing a fair amount of packing.”

"One can never, with certainty, say what may be needed." He studied the jacket on the chair. "I do seem to have horrible taste in clothing, perhaps an update."

T’Lanna grinned. “You always seem so...comfortable in your clothes Soral, but then you do have Alex to please these days. Maybe that’s changing things somewhat for you. How are you both? Now that you’re finally bonded again it must be wonderful to have your connection back. I know when I had my abilities blocked after my outburst that I felt so...lost without feeling Raith. I know we’re not fully bonded yet, but it’s going to happen when the time comes.”

"I am sure we will find our balance. Alexandra has...much to realize yet, she is young but slowly she will come into her power." The truth of those words was in his very consciousness. They had melded but days ago and soon he would have his Lexi back. "Now then, are you certain that I cannot convince you to return to Vulcan?" Having a live former drone would help but this scan...now about five seconds from being complete would have to do.

T’Lanna offered a smile. “I haven’t been back to Vulcan since before...” she paused. “Losing my father, I do want to visit my home but right now I need to be here. Maybe later” She smiled warmly.

"Indeed." He studied her. "You know, you keep referring to me as a mentor but to be honest...I wouldn't be much of a mentor if I didn't offer some advice."

T’Lanna nodded. “Indeed. I take it you have some advice for me?”

"I do." Soral picked up his bag. "Let us walk. I have a shuttle to catch."

T’Lanna nodded. “Very well, I wouldn’t want you missing your shuttle.” She stood ready to head out with Soral wondering what advice he might have for her.

They left the quarters and began walking in silence. Soral's mind drifted to the ship and the crew. This was, indeed, a different universe. It was fascinating how things that hadn't work in his own had worked here. Perhaps worth scientific study but...his life was long laid out. They entered the lift. It was a shame to change things here but in the end a universe ruled by Logic and the ways of Surak was better then anything, he truly believed that and from his meld with the Soral of this time he'd seen the unrest in his mind, the yearning to shuck his uniform and life a simple life dedicated to Vulcan; the only difference between him and the Soral of this time was that lack of courage for self needs loomed higher then anything else. His counterpart would have had a lot to learn. He closed his eyes a moment and then focused on that link with his counterpart. Still there. He sighed as they exited the turbo lift heading to the docking station. "Now, then," he said. "My advice to you."

T’Lanna looked at Soral curiously, he’d been oddly quiet in the turbolift but she put that down to having plenty on his mind. “What would that be Soral?”

"The world is an uncompromising place that expects you to compromise and bend to its will. If you see things that way the world will bend you until you break. You must be tritanium in this world and you must not bend. You must conquer and build your own bubble of peace and calm."

T’Lanna nodded understandingly. “Since my father’s death I’ve let myself fade into the background, to become afraid of using my own abilities. I hurt people, I didn’t intend to but I did. Since this near death experience I’ve come to realise that I have to get back to being the real me. Ryan saved my life and I intend to live it to the fullest.”

"Indeed. Remind me, if I get back, to teach you how to use those abilities. Your gift is rare. I really wish you and I could share a goal Vulcan would be...unstoppable." However the scans he took would be invaluable in awakening her abilities in other Vulcans and then the Terran Empire would bend to Vulcan ways. Perhaps then there would be peace.

T’Lanna looked at Soral in surprise. “My abilities aren’t that strong, what happened was triggered by my rage at losing my father. I wouldn’t know how to tap into it under normal circumstances. I’m not even sure I’d want to.”

"The Vulcan ways would train you." He studied her, "But...as Terrans say, you have a good heart."

“Terrans?” T’Lanna looked at Soral curiously. “Don’t you mean Humans?”

"Yes... Humans, Indeed." He said. They stopped by the docking area. "Well...here we are. You can still change your mind and accompany me if you wish."

“I wish I could Soral, Vulcan is still my home but I have Jayce and Raith here. I can’t just up and leave.” She offered s smile. “Safe journey Soral.”

"Indeed. It has been … an honour." He said, and he meant it. With a nod he hurried out. His plan unfolded starting today.

{OFF}