Spring Cleaning of the Mind - Part III

Posted on Saturday, 21 May 2022 - 10:42am by Commander Soral & Lieutenant Alex Kingsley

Mission: Shore Leave
Location: Risa
Timeline: 2395

PREVIOUSLY ON SPRING CLEANING OF THE MIND...


"Just as you know your Soral, I know my Alexandra." He studied her. "Shame you were in there and didn't know what happened to your Soral before we left the Mirror verse."

If looks could kill, he would be in serious trouble. “The Borg? I read the reports, you are a fool if you think they would really harm him. He is better than that. And I’d know if he were dead. He bonded with her, remember? You gave up yours. His is still there it’s just … weak. But when I get home it will be as it was.”

"Indeed. He was injured. Hamura, your Hamura and Mac are tending to him...after a fashion." He allowed himself a grin. "Would you like to know something that is different between you and I?"


AND NOW THE CONTINUATION


There was a long, hesitant pause. “Yes….”

"I plan for everything and I have a friend watching your Soral. So I think good behaviour is a must, on your part."

So he was not only alive but closer than she thought! She studied the man opposite but his expression was unreadable- was it the truth? She believed so. “You think you can control me?” she asked incredulously, “I am no child, Soral. I have killed everyone who has stood in our way during my years at his side. Do not underestimate me. Or my husband.

And always remember - I have died once, if I must do so again, I can make sure I at least take your precious Alexandra with me.”

She reached over, pulling a knife from the knife block, turning it over in her hands. “Flesh and blood, we are all so fragile,” she mused, using the fine edge to make a shallow cut on her forearm while keeping her eyes on Soral. “I am not Vulcan. Two of us in one body… you know that never ends well. And honestly- she is so full of insecurities and guilt and being soo insufferably nice - how can you stand it? Now -“

With the knife in hand she jumped down from her perch, ready to demand Soral - her Soral - be brought here. Now. But the words didn’t leave her lips as a wave of nausea and dizziness swept over her, the knife fell from her grasp as she instinctively grabbed the back of the nearby chair. “What did you do?” She accused, although the words barely made it past her lips.

Soral was by her side. "Made it easier for the healers to help." He lifted her in his arms and carried her outside where a group of Temple Priestesses stood. "Shar of Vulcan is resourceful. But fear not I have no need for you to disappear. I, like your Soral, think that both you and Alex need one another...but you must learn to play nice the Katras must balance."

He wanted the impossible but the anger within her had nowhere to go, her body refusing to do anything she wished it to as the eyes of the Priestesses fell upon them. Her defiant scream into the void went unheard as she lost consciousness.

“Shar of Vulcan. It is an honour. I am T’Ayn. Our preparations are complete, the High Priestess awaits us,” one of the females advised him.

He gave a nod. "Will you be able to do with her what you have done with me and Hamura?"

“We shall exhaust all avenues in doing so, however, you are aware your wife is not Vulcan and therefore success cannot be guaranteed or considered inevitable. I urge patience, but for now we must begin, I shall return when I have news.”

He gave a nod. He handed her over to the priestesses. "Also...I have a question about my friend. Hamura...how long until they are fully integrated?"

“Within the next day at most, if not they must be brought to Mount Seleya. What has been done is not a common practice and not without risk, especially for those not of our kind,” T’Ayn reminded him as the others moved away. “Your friend, however, had responded well. Your wife, however, already had a troubled mind which was healing from past traumas and bonds forged and broken. And it is unique… of two worlds like you. But there is still… possibilities. We shall ensure Lady Alexandra’s safety. You, however, should rest.”

He bowed. "She is my priority. I shall await your call." He stood back to watch as the healers carried her away. He knew that she would be in good hands and that she would be healed. Now he had a difficult task. He had to call Laura and tell her all that had happened. He would not hide it from her.

<< Soral’s Estate, Vulcan >>

It was late afternoon when Laura Kingsley found herself in the study, surrounded by towering bookshelves of ancient texts as she received an unexpected call from her son. Though by marriage their was no distinction in her mind, not really. “Soral!” She offered him a warm smile which didn’t hide her surprise. “I hadn’t expected to hear from you so soon! How is Risa?”

"Eventful. Alexandra is...not well."

Laura straightened, her expression now full of worry. "I don't understand. She had said Starfleet medical was pleased with her recovery..." she frowned, realising that her daughter being who she was would not actually tell her otherwise. And of course Laura had noticed times when she was seemingly a million miles away, or those moments when her temper had seemed frayed. It was rare for it to happen after the teenage years were done with but still. With a nod she rose from her seat, "I can arrange transport to Risa -"

He shook his head. "There is nothing that can be done. She is in the hands of the healers." He sighed. "This will be a long story, as you say." He waited until she sat down and then told her about the mirror verse and all that had happened and Alex and Lexi. It was a long tale and at the end he said, "I noticed that Lexi had not left yet and she may never be able to. It is my hope that Alex and Lexi can integrate."

Laura stared at him, horrified. “Integrate? And you find that acceptable?! Because I do not,” Laura stated with a firm shake of her head. “You said you noticed? Why? Why wouldn’t you tell me? Let me help her! I may not be a healer, or Starfleet but I am her mother - and that is more important than any of those things. You should have told me.”

"I was not sure until my...Vulcan sources got a hold of her Starfleet Medical records. I noticed enough of an anomaly to try and set a trap. I was correct. Integration is not acceptable however the two cannot be separated...the alternative is Alexandra and Lexi will perish. This is the only way. As it is I am … not supposed to be telling you now however you have a right to know. If you wish to come here then I will have a shuttle readied so that you are here when she wakes...however until integration is complete it may be Lexi or Alexandra."

“Set a trap? She isn’t a wild animal Soral,” Laura chided, although it was clear much of her initial anger and ire had evaporated. In its place doubt- how had she not known? Seen signs?

“I will stay with the children for now,” she decided, “unless there is a change or she needs me. The children will worry if I leave now. But I want regular updates, Soral. Good or bad, so I make myself clear or I will be on your doorstep faster than warp ten.”

"I will make sure she is alright. I have a... fail safe mechanism that will ensure it. You must know that I love Alexandra. I will not allow anything to happen."

“I don’t doubt your feelings, but trouble seems to follow you both. I worry. For both of you. So whatever you have up your sleeve vest not be dangerous for I doubt even you would survive the wrath of my daughter if… when she finds out. I hear N’Vek coming. I must go but please call again in an hour or so. I doubt either of us will be getting much sleep.”

"Indeed. I shall keep you updated."

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