Post 289: Vulcans Behaving Badly

Stardate:70705.2245
Title: Vulcans Behaving Badly
Authors: Salvek and T'Ana
Scene: Inside the House
Time: Following "Don't Shoot the Messenger"
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Salvek approached February as she caught the knob of the banister in her hand and prepared to go upstairs.

"Did you get through to Lt. T'Ana?" He asked, doubting from the look on Lily's face and the laughter coming from the other room that the Trill had been successful.

"What do you think?" February griped as she vanished, leaving Salvek to draw a deep breath, 'girding his loins' as it were for the battle ahead.

He curled his index finger and gestured for T'Ana to come near. She frowned at him and shook her head 'no'. Salvek nodded, and like the father that he was, gave her as stern a look as he could manage. He realized suddenly that his own daughter was half Vulcan and someday a similar conversation would need to take place. A conversation he would assign to his wife- even if he had to give her a direct order.

"Might I remind you, that I outrank you, Lieutenant? Come here." Salvek insisted.

"I know what you're about to say and you can save your breath, Commander," Lily began, knowing this was likely the sequel to the conversation she had just had with the anxious Trill.

"I have a father, I have an uncle and I have a best friend with an overdeveloped sense of responsibility. I'm a grown woman, a Starfleet officer and a scientist. What is it that you could possibly say to me that someone else hasn't already?"

Salvek turned a vibrant shade of green in the face as he began to speak. "All of that may be true lieutenant. But of all the people that you named, you did not include on your list anyone who is fully Vulcan and who has gone through the experience of Pon farr."

"Pon farr? Are you serious? Why would I be going through Pon farr?"

"Because, as I am sure that the animated Lt. Grace likely tried, in her own inimitable way to explain to you, the shock that you and I suffered likely caused a telepathic reaction in you which amplified your already occurring biological changes."

"But, in order for that to happen, wouldn't you have had to have already been suffering from - oh." Lily remarked, watching as Salvek once again took on the look of a man who wanted to disappear.

"But what can be done about it now? It's a little late to intervene isn't it? Besides, I already have feelings for Angus. Even if they are 'telepathically amplified'." Lily said, imitating his tone of voice.

"It's possible that you're self-control might be, how can I put this delicately, lacking at this time. You might want to consider your actions carefully."

"I assure you, Commander, there is nothing wrong with my self-control!" Lily pursed her lips, showing her aggravation. "And just what are you implying?"

"See how easily you became angry just now? That is a departure from your usual behavior."

"I'm angry because you are daring to tell me that I am not in control of my faculties. I'm off-duty and my actions when I am off-duty are not the business of my superior officers!"

"It is very much our business if your actions are potentially self-destructive."

"Well let me ask you, Commander, just how did you court your wife? Was there a discussion in committee as to how you should proceed?"

"No," Salvek replied honestly. "That is none of your concern."

"Then why is my personal life any of yours?"

"Touche'."

Realizing that this conversation was going nowhere, Salvek knew he was defeated and decided that now was the perfect time to go looking for his wife.

"Commander," T'Ana called. Salvek paused. He turned back and noticed that she had tears in her eyes. Lily reached up and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. "For a moment there you reminded me of my father." she said, "Thanks for caring about me."

"I will never understand the female of any species." Salvek muttered, walking away.

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Lt. Lily T'Ana
Science Officer
USS Independence

Commander Salvek
Acting First Officer
USS Independence