Ensign Spelvan - A Very Vulcan Game

[Tara Miner]

((Skyhigh Arcade Lounge & Cafe, Midtown District, Adamas))

The two Vulcan doctors were playing a strategic board game known as weiqi. Spelvan had been discussing his recent frustrations and had mentioned an interest in a more rigid adherence to Vulcan philosophies.

Spelvan: Perhaps it is time for me to more wholeheartedly regard Surak's teachings in my daily life.

V'Lar seemed to have expected Spelvan's capture of her pieces and swiftly placed a stone at another area of the board.

V'Lar: While it is very much a personal choice, I believe it to be a worthy goal and a highly logical objective.

Spelvan: Most Vulcans would, I agree. 

V'Lar's attention seemed to shift for a moment as Spelvan felt her eyes on him, evaluating him. His comments likely did seem out of the blue. The white-haired Vulcan knew that his motive to become more logical came from an emotional place, a desire to harden his heart and protect himself from pain. It was an ironic thing and ultimately, illogical.

Regardless, any intended commitment to Vulcan philosophy would be deemed as beneficial, no matter its impetus.

V'Lar: If you are genuine in your intent, I am willing to provide assistance.

Spelvan was silent for a moment as he wondered what, exactly, V'Lar's assistance might entail. He would have to be clear about his boundaries - he did not think it would be wise to sacrifice every part of himself onto the altar of logic, even if it was what the philosophy demanded of him. 

The doctor focused more closely on the game in front of them. V'Lar was certainly above his skill level, exhibiting almost a frightening mastery of her territory. Spelvan was positive that his earlier capture had been a trap - a waste of his moves and resources. Weiqi was a game about establishing connections and claiming area, not about defeating an enemy through brute force tactics. 

Still, Spelvan was working on securing several areas of his own, and would have to decide which of V'Lar's openings would be worth contesting. 

Spelvan: I am genuine, though the process may be slow.

V'Lar: Your brother's visit is finite. How do you propose to manage interactions with him for the remainder of his stay?

Spelvan's concentration was momentarily broken as the conversation drifted back to his brother. Spelvan didn't know whether Jakk detected his annoyance or was just preferring to ignore it. Jakk's husband, Vincent, seemed to be aware of the tension. Vincent was perceptive but mild-mannered - clearly not wishing to interfere in affairs that were not necessarily his to enter into. 

Spelvan: It is not something I have much considered. I suppose I had just planned to endure his erratic manner. Unless you have other suggestions?

V'Lar: Response

Spelvan: And in what ways would you offer assistance, should I commit to pursuing a more logical path?

V'Lar: Response

They lapsed into a lull of conversation once more as Spelvan considered his superior's response. The board was filling up with stones of both colors as the Vulcans reached the middle section of their match. An experienced player would see that V'Lar had the advantage but that Spelvan held some strong territory on the board as well, showing that he at least held a basic understanding of strategy and the game's expectations of play. 

Spelvan: I commend your choice of activity, as well. This is a very Vulcan game, for being created by humans. 

V'Lar: Response

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Ensign Spelvan
Medical Officer
USS-Gorkon
G240208S11