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The Performance of a Lifetime: V'alura Arrives on the Ogawa

Posted Feb. 25, 2023, 8:17 p.m. by Lieutenant V'alura Belmont (Scientist on Medical Leave) (Abigail G)

Posted by Lieutenant Solal Segal (Oncology and Immunology) in The Performance of a Lifetime: V’alura Arrives on the Ogawa

Posted by Lieutenant V’alura Belmont (Scientist on Medical Leave) in The Performance of a Lifetime: V’alura Arrives on the Ogawa

Posted by Lieutenant Solal Segal (Oncology and Immunology) in The Performance of a Lifetime: V’alura Arrives on the Ogawa
Posted by… suppressed (9) by the Post Ghost! 👻
<snip>
He pointed out towards the hallway. “I will walk with you. I volunteered to take care of your boarding tour. You will be boarded on the recovery floor… Deck six. They are full quarters. You will be most comfortable. I am housed in the crew quarters, but I always answer a page, so if you need anything, please do not hesitate.” His delivery was most Vulcan, but it was considerably more than he’d do for someone else. He never, ever, gave boarding tours. He answered pages… For emergencies. “And… I’m on medical leave, too, now.” That was a recent change, “So I will be available any time.” Solal hated having so much free time.

~ Solal

For a moment V’alura’s mask slipped. Concern, subtly, gently showing within her eyes. Even Solal was put on leave. This strange illness may have brought them together, but that came at an unfortunate price. That thought was the crack that broke the dam. Her hands trembled. “Oh, Solal. . .” V’alura said and she couldn’t hold back anymore. She opened her arms and pulled him into a tight hug. Mindful of her hands, V’alura gently squeezed him, her mental barriers as high as she could build. “We’ll get through this, together, I promise. What kind of big sister would I be if didn’t keep your company? Especially with all this free time we’ve suddenly found ourselves with.”

Solal was suddenly held in a tight embrace, squeezed in V’alura’s arms. He stood there awkwardly, and then cautiously returned the gesture, his arms loosely around her like he wasn’t sure what to do. He fell back on what was comfortable: “Logically, we must be fine. Ogawa has excellent patient recovery statistics.”

After one last and quick squeeze she released him, “Sorry. I couldn’t help myself. I hope you could forgive me for one display of emotion. I am a sick patient after all.” Was it wrong to play the patient card when V’alura knew she was going to be one of those patients? Yes, but she didn’t have the energy to feel guilty that moment. “How about that boarding tour? At least show me where the lounge is?”

V’alura

When she released him it became apparent he was suffering the same dizziness she was as he had to steady himself. He distracted from that fact by saying, “You have displayed emotions non stop since arriving. It is expected.” What he didn’t say and wouldn’t admit was that he kind of liked the concern that haunted her gaze, the warmth of her hug. He nodded. “Let me show you to your room first, so your helper may drop off your bags. Then I will show you the lounge.”

~ Solal

Without thinking V’alura reached out to steady Solal, and held on until he seemed to regain his balance. She smiled, hoping to cover up any awkwardness with some humor, “Oh good!” She laughed, “My emotional subroutine is working as intended. The virus infecting my system hasn’t spread too far then.” Oh, her scientists back on the AA would have loved that one. They always laughed or groaned at her dumb jokes. . . V’alura wondered how everyone was doing. If the notes she left behind detailing the work she left unfinished or incomplete. There were so many move parts to the life of a CSO and V’alura took on far more work than most usually do.

V’alura steadied him. It was a helpful, kind gesture. He murmured a quick, “Thanks.” He looked at her and blinked with her joke. “We don’t know that it’s a virus. And it hasn’t affected our brains… yet.” Apparently, Solal had a thing for taking things literally. Solal missed his own work, but at least he was on the same ship. He was allowed to have updates on how projects or patients were doing, he just wasn’t allowed to do the work himself.

“But yes, that sounds good to me. I want to get my ladies settled in before all this moving stresses them out too much.” She glanced back at the two terrariums securely settled to the top of her rolling luggage. Both her ladies darted into the safety of their burrows when she moved them from their homes into these (smaller but portable) homes. They’ve yet to step out and V’alura hoped they weren’t hunkering down within for the foreseeable future. It would be a great comfort to her to see them. Perhaps when she feeds them later they’ll feel more secure.

V’alura

Solal led her toward the lift and told it to take them to deck 6. He peeked at the terrariums, “What’s in there?” His voice sounded scratchy as he finished his sentence and then he went into a coughing fit, careful to turn away from her. It was the flu he’d picked up. When it was over, he took a longer, deep breath.

Oh no. Not him too. V’alura hoped it was only her breaking into coughing fits. Was it another symptom of whatever this illness was? Or were they both incredibly unlucky? Still, she waited for the coughs to subside before answering as though nothing had happened at all, “My lovely pets. Lady No Mercy, a pterinochilus murinus and Lady Vengeance, a chromatopelma cyaneopubescens. They’re both tarantulas.” V’alura turned to smile at the terrariums. “Perhaps once they’re settled in they’ll come out and you can see them for yourself. They’re beautiful to behold.”

When the doors open, he led her down the hall. “This way.” Finally, he stopped at a door at the end of a row in a quieter area and pressed the control for the door. “These will be yours.”

~ Solal

V’alura stepped inside her quarters and let out a quiet sigh of relief. Sickbays and medical wings put her on edge. Too many unpleasant memories and ugly associations. Here, she could pretend like she was on a humble vacation. “This will be perfect.” V’alura said. She took her luggage from the helpful NE who nodded his head before taking his leave. V’alura wasted no time in setting the terrariums on an empty shelf. Decorating can come later. “So! Where’s the lounge! And you’ll have to tell me where your quarters are. If you don’t mind me dropping by. I’m. . .” She hesitating, her voice catching on a wheeze before she stopped. “I’m. . . ah.” V’alura took careful breaths, “I’m curious but it’s okay if you don’t want me poking my nose there.”

V’alura

When she stopped to breathe, Solal reached for his medical tricorder. Yes, he carried one, usually. Not always. “Are you okay?” There was a note of concern to his voice he failed to hide before speaking. He needed to meditate… He always felt like he needed to meditate lately.

“I’ll. . . I’m good now.” V’alura said with a weak smile. “I always feel like I’m out of breath these days. . . When I’m not coughing up my lungs. Or wheezing like a toad.” She took careful, measured breaths. Solal’s concern was welcome, though she couldn’t help but feel that it was out of place for him. Solal, unlike her, followed the Vulcan path of suppressing emotions. For him to show his feelings so openly. . . “See,” V’alura said, hoping to comfort him, “All better now.”

Solal’s look said he didn’t believe her, but his hand did slide away from his tricorder. He was quite concerned for her, but he hadn’t been able to meditate very effectively in about a week. It was having an effect on his ability to keep his emotions under control.

He nodded. “I’ll show you the lounge. It’s always open to crew and patients.” Solal spent time in the lounge occasionally, it wasn’t his favorite place but sometimes he grew bored of the inside of his quarters. Speaking of his quarters, he shook his head. “Drop by anytime. They’re on the crew deck.” Then he listed the exact deck and room.

~ Solal

“Just remember you said that,” V’alura said, teasing, “No complaining when I drop by to talk your ear off now that I can speak with you when I want without the need for subspace relays to carry my words.” And didn’t that kick her in the gut with how strange it made her feel. They communicated through written words and video messages for so long that they can simply seek the other out to communicate in real time was unreal. As much as she wanted to abuse this access while staying aboard the Ogawa she knew Solal didn’t have the same social energy as her. She’ll speak with him but she won’t overwhelm him, despite any teasing claims.

V’alura

Solal looked at her. It was a look of you better not tainted with a hint of… maybe excitement, that they could now talk freely, whenever they wanted. The letters took time and energy to write, and then took time to transmit to the other person. On the other hand, it would be a secret to no one on the Ogawa that Solal had a sister. And it wouldn’t be long before it was also known by at least some of his colleagues that whatever they had, it was suspected it was genetic. “Are you ready to see the lounge?” It seemed like she was done, at least for now, setting her things down.

~ Solal

For the time being she set her luggage aside to put away later. Only her pets and the framed photo of V’alura and her mother were given the care of a proper and immediate placement. Everything else could wait until later when she was bored out of her mind and in need of something to do. “Lead the way,” V’alura said, and motioned for Solal to take the lead. Though her chest ached something fierce she’ll soldier through. The pain wasn’t even as bad as the time a horse kicked her in chest. Now that it was just the two of them, V’alura spoke up. “Should I keep our familial relationship between ourselves? Given our past as co-researchers in a medical study I don’t think it would be far-fetched for people to believe that we are good, albeit long-distance, friends.”

Solal paused and looked at her, a bit like a deer in the headlights. Then he sighed and shook his head. “I cannot ask that of you. This ship, though large, rather likes its gossip. Rumors will spread, and the least objectionable will be that we are siblings. Besides, we’re being treated by Commander Bonner. She’s a geneticist.”

Solal was a private person, and someone who never wanted to know about his biological family. It felt right to give the choice to him. To reveal their familial connection or not. If he desired her to keep it secret then she will, revealing it only to whoever he wished to know. “I don’t want you to feel pressured to reveal anything you’re not ready to.” She added, softly, “As glad as I am to finally stand next to you in person, I understand that the timing is. . . less than ideal.”

V’alura

Solal nodded and then shrugged. “It would be illogical to put undo thought into this dilemma. It was bound to come out eventually, regardless of our actions.” He led her to the lift, said the correct deck number for the lounge, and then led her down the hall and into the lounge. When they entered, he noticed his two usual spots were open: His favorite spot, a dusty corner of the lounge where a table with two chairs sat empty, and his backup favorite, an equally dusty corner of the bar seating, where no one else usually liked sitting because it was too close to the mixer for the mixed drinks, for when people wanted hand-mixed drinks. He almost auto-piloted for the table, but instead turned to V’alura. “What do you think?”

~ Solal

“Ha, true enough.” V’alura agreed. It would have been likely a futile endeavor anyways, she mused, the resemblance between them couldn’t be anything but familial. Once they’ve arrived at the lounge V’alura took her fill of the room with excited interest. There was no doubt in her mind that she would be spending much of her time here, that is, until she found a way to sneak into the science labs. Fingers crossed some kind scientist will take pity on her and her poor ill body. The Vulcan mind was a powerful thing and it did not take well to idleness.

“I like that spot back there,” V’alura said, pointing towards the dusty corner table with two chairs. It seemed like that was the spot Solal would take if his aborted autopilot was anything to go by. Plus, it seemed like the spot he would prefer. Away from the bustle of people, but close enough to observe and feel apart of the greater whole of the room. “Go claim a table while I grab us some drinks,” a pause, “What is your preferred lounge drink by the by?” V’alura was betting it would either be some kind of Vulcan tea or a french blend.

V’alura

Solal named not a Vulcan tea but a caffeinated herbal tea from Earth. It was typically unlike him. Caffeine did not even have much effect on Vulcans. But he kept using them in the vain hope they’d help keep him awake. Then he wandered over to the table almost as if in a bit of a daze, and sat in the chair in the corner. Then he waited for V’alura to come back with the drinks.

~ Solal

V’alura ordered his tea and a tall glass of southern sweet tea for herself. She joined Solal at the table, shortly followed by the waiter who dropped over their drinks with a bow of his head. She took one sip of her tea and hummed with contentment. The taste reminiscent of her mother’s kitchen on earth, a place full of warmth, comfort and sweetness. “Is the Paris program still performing well?” She asked, figuring that would be a simple and easy conversation starter. Though, V’alura had no doubt the program was perfect seeing as she made it.

V’alura

“It performs adequately.” Solal took a sip of his own tea, eyes cast down and away from light sources. The tea was a bland Vulcan one, but the subtle earthy taste popped when one was attuned to it. “It has the most realistic acoustics of any program I have ever used.” He glanced at her and then sighed a small, soft sigh, “I haven’t used it in nearly a month.”

~ Solal

“I’m glad,” V’alura said with a smile, “There’s a lot of math that goes into it. Then you have to account for the shape of the room. Nothing in Paris may be as mathematically perfect as some places on Vulcan. . . but with a little programing magic anything is possible.” Of course, V’alura kept the simulation near identical to the actual real-world acoustics of the building. There was something beautiful about imperfection that mirrored against true harmonic perfection. “Have you-” She started to say, excited to talk about the little details of the program when her breath caught and V’alura had to take a deep breath and pause. Then, “Ah, have you noticed. . . how the crowd murmurs and talk in hushed voices before the curtain arises? And how their. . . chatter slowly fades. They’re having actual conversations with one another, talking about the latest news. . . and gossip.” V’alura finished quietly, quite out of breath after so little talk.

She forced a smile to her face, while fighting against her fatigue and frustration. Why couldn’t she be suffering from some other kind of chronic illness or unknown disease? Why must the total chatterbox be inflicted with this torture?

V’alura

Solal nodded. “I had noticed a difference in the sounds of the audience. I assumed a complicated algorithm but… Your skills are something special.” He knew she would appreciate the compliment. He sipped his tea. He was on strict orders to keep as hydrated as possible. Water was best, but… vulcan herbal tea wasn’t really worse than water anyway. And V’alura’s arrival was a celebratory event, however unfortunate the circumstances of it.

He noticed her pausing, running out of breath as she spoke. “Take a moment and breathe.” If she had too much trouble, he would call Doctor Bonner. He knew she would be expected to report to sickbay first thing in the morning. That was a good thing… The breathing treatments would probably help.

~ Solal

It warmed her heart to hear Solal’s praise. She did as he suggested and took several breaths before raising her hand, having sensed his concern. “I’ll. . . be alright, no need to call. . . the doctors.” She leaned back in her seat, the near picture-perfect image of relaxation. If not for the labored rise and fall of her chest. “I also. . . sneaked in some other features.” Originally, V’alura planed to play the long game here. Eagerly awaiting Solal to discover the other secrets of his Paris program. However, since this strange twist of fate have brought them together. . . why not explore those secrets themselves? “Think of them like. . . special events. Or secrets waiting to be find. . . Whenever you feel like it I’ll. . . have to show some to you.”

V’alura

“If we aren’t too unwell, we will have plenty of time to… ‘explore’ your program.” What an illogical idea. Then again, V’alura seemed to the the epitomy of illogical things. Solal was supposed to be being careful though, so he’d spent more time in his quarters lately rather than being in common areas, which good as well be petri dishes. He watched her carefully, with the same critical look he often gave patients. She was relaxing, which was good, but her breathing was still laboured, like she couldn’t get a full breath. “Are you sure? ‘The doctors’ could make things much more comfortable for you.”

~ Solal

V’alura shook her head, “I’m as comfortable as I’ll ever be. Besides. . . today’s been a good day so far.” She tried for a cheerful delivery despite her words. “The holodeck is just about, the safest place for us aside from our quarters.” She added. The doctors back on the Ark Angel gave her a very through and long lecture on germs and the importance of washing her hands and utilizing sanitation stations and avoiding public spaces when possible. “I’m going to have to. . . teach you some of my favorite card games. Or maybe. . . I’ll get you hooked on magic cards.” Goodness did that take her back to hear teenage years. The hours spent around an honest to goodness cardboard box stuffed full of thin cardboard cards that her best friend’s older brother found in a old warehouse. Something she may have picked up again to keep her mind distracted.

V’alura

Solal raised a brow. He knew what magic cards were, whether she meant the trading card game, or as in magic tricks like a magician but both were rather illogical processes, the former being a children’s game originally started in the 21st century in which cards with fantastical monsters were traded and battled and the latter being meaningless tricks of sleight of hand which could be learned by anybody with an ounce of dexterity in their hands. “I play cards.” He commented. “I know how to play most varieties of poker.” Usually, solitaire. He did not often play with other people. The games were simple math. It was easy to win, but frowned upon. He had to remind himself not to do that when he played with other people.

~ Solal

“I bet you’re a great poker player,” V’alura stated with confidence. Vulans may snub the game but she new few who would ever decline playing a hand or two. If only to rub their superior poker faces and unmatched card counting skills. V’alura would know because she’d done the very same in the past. The Ens on the AA would never play a second game with her. “Not as good as. . . well, me.” She added with a sly grin, “But a great player none the less.” If she played her cards right she could get him addicted to magic like herself. Oh does she has a vindictive black and white deck waiting for him.

V’alura


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