First Lady of Vulcan

Posted on 09 Oct 2023 @ 9:12pm by Commander Scarlet Blake & Ensign S'Ers-a M'Lyr'Zor
Edited on on 09 Oct 2023 @ 9:35pm

1,709 words; about a 9 minute read

Mission: Episode 18 - Cold Station 31
Location: Regula I - Level 16, Blake's Temporary Office
Timeline: MD 16, 1030

[ON]

It had taken some creative reconnaissance to locate Commander Blake on Regula I, however Sera was nothing if not resourceful. As she was not one to put things off, it was only logical to put forth the effort required to locate the XO. It was all part of the ancient Earth ritual of 'asking permission' to board a seafaring ship. The current sea was the backdrop of space, but the ritual otherwise had not changed.

The route to the XO's office was relatively straightforward one for Sera. It had been a LONG trip out here from Vulcan - the time had been well used in familiarizing herself with what was available on this facility.

Her feet took her to the closed door and she stopped just outside of the sensor range of the door itself. She tilted her head slightly to the side in a gesture indicating consideration. It was a rather inopportune moment to experience a sensation of uncertainty. Illogical is it might have been, Sera allowed herself a brief moment to consider this unusual feeling before stepping forward and pressing the door chime.

"Come in," Blake called lightly as she half circled her head to the side with her hand clamped to the back of her neck. It did little to quell the ache in it, so she reached for her coffee instead...which was empty. She sighed, catching hold of the cup.

The doors hissed open to allow Sera entry and she stepped into the office and stood straight at attention. "Commander Blake, I am Ensign Sera, reporting for duty as ordered."

Looking her over for a moment, Scarlet nodded as she made her way to the replicator, recognising Sera from her record. "Good to meet you, come in and take a seat," she motioned over to her desk with her empty mug before sliding it in to the replicator to be recycled. "Can I get you anything?" she offered before ordering a simple black coffee for herself.

"Green tea will be acceptable." Sera answered in response to the Commander's offering of hospitality as took a seat. She took the offered teacup from Commander Blake with both of her hands and responded formally, "I thank thee."

It might have been a little social overkill, but Sera was in an unfamiliar place and it never hurt to be polite. She took a sip of the steaming liquid and waited for Blake to settle herself at her desk.

"Why don't you start by telling me about yourself?" Blake asked as she got comfortable in her chair, sipping her coffee with no small amount of satisfaction, perhaps even a note of relief.

Looking down at the cup in her hands, Sera wondered how best to respond to this vague inquiry. It was a quintessentially Human question. No Vulcan would ever ask another such a thing.

"I am...an engineer." Sera began haltingly. Of course she was an engineer. Commander Blake knew that. This was not a satisfactory start.

Blake was silent a moment longer, expecting her to continue. When she didn't, she caught a sense of what might be the problem. "There's no right or wrong answers, I just like to hear what you have to say, in your own words," she assured quietly, shaking her head. "Do you have any specialisms?"

"I dual specialized in propulsion and materials & component engineering. I did not show aptitude for programming beyond algorithms for maintenance, repair, and upgrading already in-place systems. Overall, my skills are well suited for maintaining ongoing systems readiness within a deep space vessel." Sera paused as she took a sip of the tea. It was a needed pause to consider what further to add.

"I also minored in security - mainly to have access to the various combat classes...it is an interest of mine."

"What made you choose to pursue Engineering over Security?" Blake asked with interest. It was the kind of nuance that was harder to pick up in someone's record.

It seemed a straight-forward enough question, however, the honest answer involved private details that were not usually spoken of.

"My exam scores showed greater aptitude for the engineering sciences. It was logical...and otherwise-Viruk-forbade-me." The last part came out in a multi-syllabic rush. Sera then averted her eyes from Blake's, a cultural quirk that Vulcans displayed when uncomfortable or emotionally compromised.

"My apologies. I should not have said that." Sera added in a guilty manner. She could not even imagine what Blake thought about all of this.

"Why not?" Blake asked softly, shaking her head with a slight frown of confusion. She glanced down to her coffee in return, not wanting the clearly uncomfortable woman to feel like she was being studied.

"I..." Sera softly sighed. "It was unnecessary to say. The initial information would have more than satisfied your inquiry. I find I struggle with a small amount of impetuousness, recently. I can assure you that it will not affect my accuracy or efficiency."

Not knowing what to do, Sera took a sip of her tea. "Is there anything else you desire to know Commander Blake?"

"I prefer you to speak freely," Blake assured quietly, crossing her legs as she sat back to watch the other woman, her own body still and features calm. "I don't know what happened, or why you feel you were forbidden from doing something, and you don't have to discuss it with me either. But let me tell you...if you want to pursue something, that's your choice to make. And if you make that decision at some point, I can support that," she assured firmly. Helping personnel to develop their career was a rewarding part of her job, so the offer was genuine and nothing she wouldn't do for any other crew member. But she left it there, for her to contemplate.

Sera tilted her head slightly in...well a Vulcan version of amazement.

"I...thank thee, Commander." Sera responded formally demonstrating the respect and thanks she experienced from the Commander's words.

"The...outside forces which placed restrictions on my actions are no longer in place. At this time, I am most...satisfied with Engineering. However, if things...change? I will speak with you."

Sera began the process of rationalizing her behavior. Vulcans were social creatures, but utilized already established bonds (generally with other Vulcans) to satisfy the need for belonging. Sera found herself very, very far from home, and no longer with any of these stabilizing ties. It was no wonder she was acting in a mildly irrational manner. Further meditation was needed, obviously.

Blake nodded to what she was saying, leaving that with her to think on in the following months. Sometimes, a person didn't necessarily need or want to walk through a particular door, but knowing that it was open should they want to could make a big difference. "Do you have any ambitions?"

"There was a time that my commission within Starfleet was considered temporary, in that I would complete my required time and then return to Vulcan. It was...expected by my clan. However, circumstances have changed and I find...satisfaction in my role within Starfleet. It would be preferable to remain active duty until retirement is required." It was a reasonable question and Sera answered it as honestly as she could.

"I'm glad to hear that," a small but genuine smile came to Blake at hearing her change of heart. "Do you think you'd want to stay in a practical field or look into command one day?"

Sera blinked. That was a question...and one she had never considered before. Her life prior to Viruk's death had been laid out for her, in a way, and no input from her was necessary. However, now? She supposed she did have choices.

"I...I had never considered being anything other than an Engineer. I do not know if I have the temperament or personality to be an effective command officer."

"Have you always been in the Command division or did you switch tracks from another division?" Sera inquired of Blake.

"I actually started in the marines," Blake figured it was as good a place to begin with her convoluted career path. "I was a crack shot, but I also functioned a psych officer. When I switched into the regular fish, I became a counsellor. I just climbed the ranks from there. I was an instructor at the Academy for a short time too, it was more rewarding than I had thought it would be," she spread her hands as if to say 'crazy, I know'. She didn't speak too often about her past, but she wanted to spark the other office to think about all the possibilities a fleet life had to offer.

"You have served in many different roles within Starfleet." Sera was impressed.

"I find engineering satisfactory, Commander...for now." She added, figuring Commander Blake would be satisfied to hear that she did have ambitions. Sera just was uncertain yet of what they were.

Blake nodded with understanding, leaving it there. She didn't want to push her, just give her something to think about. "Do you have any questions for me, Ensign? I'm by no means an engineer," she gave her fair warning.

"I am aware, Commander. You did not mention any details regarding engineering experience during the recitation of your experiences in Starfleet." Sera said in a soft-tone, trying to ensure that Blake did not take offense to her abrupt reply.

"And to answer your question - I currently do not have any further inquiries. It is my intent to serve adequately; It is...agreeable to return to active duty."

"I believe you can serve beyond adequately," Blake replied, but with a small smile as she pulled the padd closer, pressing her thumb to the screen to authorise the orders before offering it over. "Your assignment and room details. If there's nothing else, you're dismissed."

Sera accepted the padd that Blake held out to her and stood, dipping her head in a respectful nod.

"Thank you Commander. I come to serve."

[OFF]

--

Commander Scarlet Blake
Executive Officer
USS Galileo-A

Ensign S'Ers-a M'Lyr'Zor
Deputy Engineering Officer
USS Galileo-A

RSS Feed