STF

post sim - Reaching out to Stark

Posted Nov. 19, 2020, 11:21 p.m. by Lieutenant Commander Stark Nightstalker (Chief Intelligence Officer) (Ian Kerby)

Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Va’rek (Engineer) in post sim - Reaching out to Stark

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Stark Nightstalker (Chief Intelligence Officer) in post sim - Reaching out to Stark

Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Va’rek (Engineer) in post sim - Reaching out to Stark
Posted by… suppressed (15) by the Post Ghost! 👻
In the darkness of his quarters, Va’rek paced back and forth through the pool of starlight cast by the viewport. He had been trying to meditate but could not achieve the level of focus required to get there. With everything that had happened on the mission they’d just finished, he was more confused now than before… Only now there was a weird context that made sense somehow, but he did not understand. While he let his mind wander, his thoughts of course returned to Jessica as they often did these days, only… he remembered a conversation they’d had in the mess hall with Lt Commander Stark. Stark apparently was intimately familiar with Vulcan Culture. Maybe there was a chance he had some answers.

After much deliberation, Va’rek tapped his comm badge. =/\=Lt Cmdr Nightstalker, I am sorry to bother you… Could we perhaps talk?/=/\=

-Va’rek, Engineer

There was a very short pause and then the doorbell chime went off as Stark arrived in person.

Stark Nightstalker CIO

(ooc Making this post less derpy, oops)

The chime illiceted a surprise reaction, it was logical to suppose that Stark could not have gotten there that quickly. However, assumption was the enemy of proper hypothesis. Va’rek stood the one side of the door and pushed the button to open it. “Commander… I did not expect you quite so quickly. Please come in.” The inside of the main room was lit only by a few candles. Other than the candle light, there was really very little in the way of vulcan culture in the room. In lieu of any art pieces, there was a framed schematic of the USS Mythology, and a small model of the USS Endeavor. There was a desk that looked well used and had several books and PaDD’s stacked on it, but little else in the way of furnishing other than a low sofa.

-Va’rek

Stark smiled as he came in. “I was in the neighborhood”. He left out the part whereby he’d perfected way and means of getting around the ship almost instantaneously. As long as R’han and Orvos didn’t tell the Captain then everything would stay off record.

Stark made a beeline for the books to have a closer look.

Stark Nightstalker CIO

“So it would seem…” The Vulcan mused as Stark entered the room and approached the desk. The PaDDs were all work related, but the books were a little more interesting… They were actual antique books, printed by press and hand bound in leather, made perhaps two hundred years ago. One Cover held the title “The Collected Works of William Shakespeare”. Another book cover held the words “Endymion, and Selected Sonnets by John Keats”; a third was labeled “The Child Is the Father of the Man: A selection of the works of William Wordsworth”. The Fourth and final volume lay open on the desk, awaiting investigation.

Va’rek looked on silently.

-Va’rek

“You have excellent taste in literature, ” Stark said quietly as he perused the open book.

Stark Nightstalker CIO

“I appreciate your saying, though taste is subjective.” The Vulcan replied.

The open book appeared to be a collection of ancient unsolved mathematical equations.

-Va’rek

“Bit of late night reading?’ Stark said pointing at the book for further clarification.

Stark Nightstalker CIO

“The application of theory to field work has always been a comforting activity for me, as has theoretical work in general. I suspect I may have allowed these subjects to become a sort of defense mechanism against dealing with certain emotional issues.” Va’rek mused quietly.

“You mentioned before that you had experience with Vulcan culture, Commander. I had hoped that you might be able to help me in dealing with these issues.”

-Va’rek

Stark looked intrigued, “I’ll do what I can Va’rek, what issues are you dealing with?”.

Stark Nightstalker CIO

The Vulcan looked at Stark for a long moment, and the watchful eye might see embarrassment among other things passing through the mask of his features.

“I.. My family and I are estranged.” He began to explain haltingly. “Just before I was posted to the Athena, I received word that my elder brother had been killed in a lab accident. Due to our estrangement, I have been unable to mourn or otherwise process the emotions brought about by the loss… I had been experiencing physical discomfort and other symptoms… And then during our last mission, I was needed for the melding. I cannot describe the overwhelming effect of that. “

Va’rek sank into a nearby chair slowly. “I am sorry, Commander, but I feel so lost, and if you truly know my people, then the shame is less if I unburden myself to you. I did not know where else to turn.”

-Va’rek

Stark nodded, his face unreadable. “I understand Va’rek, what is the best way for us to proceed so that you can be free of this burden?”

Stark Nightstalker CIO

“It is improper to ask, but as I have no family to interact with at present… I was hoping you and your family might help me in completing the rites of Grieving, that I might let go the loss.” The young Vulcan had been looking at the floor as he spoke. Emotions, especially the loss of a family member or loved one were extremely private affairs, and shared only with family, as were the rites and rituals associated with death. “I have also resolved to ‘reclaim’ what I can of my heritage by undergoing several Ritual Challenges…” Here, he looked up to meet Stark’s eye. “I would be grateful for your help in the proper preparation of these Rituals, and I am sorry to ask so much of you, Sir.”

-Va’rek

“It would be a pleasure and a privilege to take part in something that is so foundational to your culture Va’rek”, Stark’s eyes were fathomless but his tone was measured and formal, befitting the request. “You need only tell what is needed and I will do what I can to help”.

Stark Nightstalker CIO

“I am deeply in your debt, Commander.” The Vulcan replied with a half bow. “I will begin programming suitable holo simulations for the ceremonies I will require help with, and let you know. The funerary rite will be simple enough if you are willing. We must stand vigil for a Vulcan night, and prepare a small ceremony which represents the freeing of the Ka to the afterlife.”

-Va’rek

Stark bowed slightly in return, “I’m not in the business of collecting debt Va’rek so have no mind for that, this I feel will be very illuminating, tell me more of the Ka”.

Stark Nightstalker CIO

Va’rek’s expression showed gratitude. “The Ka… How to explain.” He looked thoughtful for a moment. “My people use the term to denote that which we are, the encompassment of our Memory, will, and emotions. There has been debate on whether the Term ‘Ka’ can be synonymous with terms like ‘soul’ or ‘spirit’, however, the Ka itself can be experienced directly via a connection through Mind Meld. It can even be passed on from one descendent to another. Though it might merely be considered the ‘knowing’ of the person, and not the actual life force.” Va’rek took a lit candle and an unlit candle and brought them together, showing Stark both wicks joined in one flame. “Through the Meld, two Ka are joined, inseparably. When the Meld is broken again, each person carries a piece of the other’s Ka… For always.” Here he pulled the Candles apart, each burning with its own flame. “Hence, it is a solemn thing to join the mind of another.”

-Va’rek

“Ah,” Stark said nodding, “I have experienced the mind meld but I was unaware of the terminology”.

Stark Nightstalker CIO


Posts on USS Athena

In topic

Posted since


© 1991-2024 STF. Terms of Service

Version 1.15.9