LtCmdr Atan T'Seva, Talk to the Lizard

[Jennifer R. Povey]

(( USS Constitution - Saloon ))

S’Jenes: There is a certain poetic symmetry in searching for one's future in the same place your ancestors sought theirs. I believe the humans call it "full circle," though the geometry of space is rarely that tidy.

T'Seva sipped her brandy and listened. S'Jenes noticed her quiet intensity; she was a department head who clearly viewed her staff as more than just names on a duty roster.

Kincaid: Response

McCray: I’d like to know what actually happened to my folks. I’ve never been able to look at the records of their last mission. I think my grandparents were tryin’ to protect me.

S'Jenes: Protection is often just another word for a lack of data. If you require assistance navigating the more... labyrinthine sections of the archives, I find that a certain lack of "traditional" Vulcan patience can be quite effective at bypassing red tape.

T'Seva: Always tell your department head what you want. We can't always make it happen, but we do want you to thrive.

As for his folks...at the mention, a shadow might pass across her face, but it would be brief. Inwardly, she was thinking about her father.

Kincaid: Response

McCray: I’ll remember that, ma’am. I know there’s plenty of things I don’t know about an’ communication is really important.

S'Jenes: Indeed. Clear communication is the difference between a successful mission and... well, ending up as a cautionary tale in an Academy textbook. I prefer to stay out of the textbooks, personally.

S’Jenes shifted on his stool, leaning an elbow against the bar as he watched the condensation trail down the side of his glass. The low, comfortable hum of the Saloon was a welcome change from the constant pings and hums of the bridge. He looked over at the young Ensign, his expression softening just enough to seem approachable rather than just stone-faced.

S’Jenes: It’s interesting, McCray. On Vulcan, we’re taught to look at the past as a settled matter.. logic dictates you focus on the road ahead. But I’ve noticed humans have a real talent for chasing ghosts.

S’Jenes: I wouldn’t be too hard on your grandparents, though. Usually, when people hide records, it’s not because they’re trying to be villains. They’re just trying to keep the weight of the truth from crushing someone before they’re ready to carry it. If you’re going to go digging, just make sure you’ve got a good support system. Or at least a very large pot of tea.

McCray: ?

S'Jenes turned his attention toward Kincaid. He’d always appreciated the way the man ran the Saloon; there was a specific kind of order here that didn't require a manual to understand. He watched the barkeep work for a moment, wondering how much "therapy" happened over this counter.

S’Jenes: What about you, Elias? You’ve seen plenty of officers come and go. Do they usually find the answers they're looking for out here in the black, or do they just end up with a longer list of questions?

Kincaid: ?

T'Seva: I have always ended up with more questions, but McCray, I have a suggestion for you...two, actually. First, there was...a minor coverup regarding my father's death. They hid from us for thirty years that his body was never recovered...and he was my Vulcan parent.

S'Jenes would understand what might also have been lost.

T'Seva: I got help getting to the truth, and there's somebody on this ship who might be able to help you.

McCray: Response

T'Seva: You need to talk to the lizard.

McCray: Response

T'Seva: :: grinning slightly :: Commander Nugra, our Gorn Exchange Officer, and possibly the best intelligence officer I've ever worked with. He might have some ideas for you.

McCray: Response

S’Jenes: I’ve found that the Constitution has a funny way of giving you exactly what you need, even if it’s the last thing you actually asked for. The universe has a weird sense of humor like that.

He offered a small, genuine ghost of a smirk to the group, the kind that showed he was actually enjoying the company.

S’Jenes: I think that’s why we keep exploring. We’re all just waiting to see what the next surprise is.

T'Seva: Absolutely, and the good surprises make up for the bad ones. That kid and their naming ceremony.

McCray/S'Jenes/Kincaid: ?

T'Seva: We helped out a colony with some farming problems, and there was a Kameryan kid, and they invited us to their naming ceremony. Kameryans have a child name and an adult name, and it was time for them to choose their name. It was very sweet.

And also a great change of subject from thoughts of her father...

McCray/S'Jenes/Kincaid: ?

LtCmdr Atan T'Seva
Chief of Tactical
USS Constitution
S238312D10