Lt. jg. Ryden Sylvax - Where Curiosity Meets the Sea
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Ryden Kel
Mar 19, 2026, 3:35:26 PM (5 days ago) Mar 19
to sb11...@googlegroups.com
Ross: It's been a while since we've done a trip like this. We should
do this more often.
Ryden glanced over at him, the steady motion of the water rocking the
boat beneath them.
McLaren nodded.
McLaren: If we can get away from the station... that place has the
ability to keep a hold of you...
Ryden let out a soft breath at that, understanding it all too well...
the way duty lingered even when you stepped away from it.
Sylvax: It does. Even out here, part of me is still listening for a comm signal.
A’Mayri: Once we are far out enough and away from the swimmers, I am
willing to stay with everyone's items while you all swim.
Ryden noticed the immediate spark of excitement in Ross at the mention
of swimming.
Ross: You won't have to tell me twice. Are you guys joining?
McLaren smirked at him.
McLaren: Don't worry about me. I may join later.
Ryden set his paddle aside, glancing toward the water.
Sylvax: I’ll join you!
A’Mayri: I may swim for a moment if conditions and time permit.
Ross looked toward her with curiosity.
Ross: I once heard Vulcans are able to sink to the ground like stones?
Is that true?
McLaren: I've never heard of this...
Ryden tilted his head slightly, intrigued.
Sylvax: I suspect I’m about to learn something new.
A’Mayri paused briefly, a subtle hint of amusement crossing her expression.
A’Mayri: The biology that causes me to sink like a stone when I am not
actively treading the water has been both an amusing surprise and
worrisome act to others.
Ross: Can't wait to see it. What do you guys think? Is this a good
spot? Maybe towards that big rock over there?
Ryden followed his gesture toward the formation rising from the water ahead.
McLaren: What did you have in mind, Evan?
Ryden studied the area... the distance, the currents, the relative
calm around the rocks.
Sylvax: It looks stable enough. And close enough for an easy swim.
A'Mayri: ?
Ross didn’t wait.
Ross: I'll make this easier for you and swim.
Before anyone could respond further, Ross slipped over the side of the
boat and into the water.
Ryden leaned slightly over the edge, watching as Ross disappeared
beneath the surface, his form visible only as a shifting blur through
the clear water below.
A moment later, Ross broke the surface again.
McLaren: Well someone is enjoying themselves...
Ryden smiled faintly.
Sylvax: I don’t think he needed much encouragement.
A'Mayri: ?
Ross called back toward them.
Ross: It's lovely! I'll race you towards the rocks, how about it!
McLaren looked between them.
McLaren: Well?
Ryden didn’t hesitate long. He reached up, pulling his shirt over his
head in one smooth motion before setting it aside. The familiar
pattern of Trill spots traced along his temples and down the sides of
his neck, continuing over his shoulders and across his torso... dark
and defined at first, then gradually softening, fading as they
traveled downward along his body, a quieter echo of his heritage.
He shifted forward and slipped into the water, the coolness a sharp
but welcome contrast to the heat of the sun.
Sylvax: You’re on.
A'Mayri: ?
The water closed around him, buoyant and clear. He surfaced smoothly,
turning toward the rocks as Ross had already started ahead.
They swam, the distance passing quickly in the calm conditions.
By the time Ryden reached the rocks, Ross was already there, catching
his breath.
Ross: ::panting:: That was close, though! I'm pretty sure you had a headstart.
Ryden brushed water from his face.
Sylvax: I think we’ll call it a draw.
McLaren’s voice carried from the boat.
McLaren: Nice try, Evan!
A'Mayri: ?
Ryden turned slightly in the water, keeping an easy tread as he looked
back toward the boat drifting closer.
Then... Ross stilled.
Ross: ...did you hear that?
Ryden paused, his expression shifting as he focused... not just
listening, but feeling. A low vibration moved faintly through the
water.
Sylvax: I hear it.
A'Mayri: ?
McLaren slowed her paddling.
McLaren: I hear it... but I don't see it yet...
Ryden turned, scanning the surface... and then beneath it.
A dark shape moved through the water, large and deliberate.
McLaren pointed.
McLaren: There!
Ryden’s posture shifted immediately, alert but controlled.
Sylvax: What is it?
A'Mayri/Ross: ?
The shape surged upward.
A massive form breached the surface with a rush of water and a heavy
splash, a broad gray tail striking the sea before disappearing again.
Ryden blinked, momentarily caught between surprise and awe.
McLaren: Would you look at that... a whale of some sort...
Ryden let out a slow breath, tension easing slightly as he watched its movement.
Sylvax: Wow! You don't see that every day.
A'Mayri/Ross: ?
The creature circled at a distance, its movements smooth, almost curious.
McLaren: Its probably just curious... doesn't seem aggressive.
Ryden nodded, though his attention remained fixed on it.
Sylvax: Agreed. It’s maintaining distance. Likely observing us.
A'Mayri/Ross: ?
The whale continued its slow arc around the rocks, never quite
approaching, never leaving. Ryden treaded water calmly, keeping
himself oriented between the group and the animal. McLaren knelt at
the edge of the boat.
McLaren: I wish I knew more about the wildlife on this planet... would
be abel to tell what it was.... other than "whale" anyway.
Ryden’s gaze followed the creature as it moved beneath the surface
again, its shadow passing through the blue.
Sylvax: Whatever it is… it doesn’t seem to mind sharing the water with
us. Though I suspect we’re far more interesting to it than it is to
us.
A'Mayri/Ross: ?
The shadow shifted beneath them.
At first, Ryden thought the creature would continue its slow circling,
content to observe from a distance. But then its path changed...
subtle at first, then unmistakable... as the massive form angled
closer to the rocks… closer to them.
Ryden straightened slightly in the water, his movements instinctively slowing.
Sylvax: Easy… don’t startle it.
A'Mayri/Ross/McLaren: ?
The surface swelled a few meters away, the water lifting in a smooth,
deliberate rise before the creature broke through again... this time
without the dramatic splash. Its great back emerged in a slow arc,
water cascading off smooth gray skin that caught the sunlight in
shifting patterns.
It was close now... close enough that Ryden could see the subtle
textures along its hide, faint ridges and pale markings shifting with
each slow breath. Close enough to touch.
His hand paused.
The memory came harder this time... clear, unavoidable. His friend
Renn stepping forward first, drawn in by the same quiet curiosity. The
creature they hadn’t understood. The sudden strike. Venom. Panic. And
Ryden... standing there as the only Trill, forced to act, to take the
symbiont as Renn died. All because they had gotten too close to
something unknown.
Ryden drew in a slow breath, steadying himself against the weight of
it. The water here was calm. The creature before him showed no signs
of aggression... only a patient, almost gentle curiosity. This wasn’t
reckless. This was measured. The fear didn’t disappear, but it settled
into something quieter. Something he could move through.
He extended his hand slowly, deliberately, letting it hover just above
the surface for a moment before closing the distance.
Sylvax: Nice and slow…
A'Mayri/Ross/McLaren: ?
The whale lingered, barely moving, its massive presence somehow gentle
in the water. Ryden closed the last inch of distance. His fingertips
met smooth, cool skin.
For a brief moment, everything else seemed to fall away... the sound
of the waves, the distant shoreline, even the others nearby. There was
only the steady warmth of the sun above and the living presence
beneath his hand.
He let his palm rest there, light and respectful.
Sylvax: …it’s incredible.
The creature didn’t pull away. Instead, it drifted slightly, almost
leaning into the contact, as if acknowledging the touch.
A'Mayri/Ross/McLaren: ?
The water around them stilled, the group suspended in a shared moment
as the massive creature remained... no longer just observing, but
choosing to be near.
-----
Lieutenant JG Ryden Sylvax
Assistant Chief Medical Officer
StarBase 118 Ops
O240109RK1
do this more often.
Ryden glanced over at him, the steady motion of the water rocking the
boat beneath them.
McLaren nodded.
McLaren: If we can get away from the station... that place has the
ability to keep a hold of you...
Ryden let out a soft breath at that, understanding it all too well...
the way duty lingered even when you stepped away from it.
Sylvax: It does. Even out here, part of me is still listening for a comm signal.
A’Mayri: Once we are far out enough and away from the swimmers, I am
willing to stay with everyone's items while you all swim.
Ryden noticed the immediate spark of excitement in Ross at the mention
of swimming.
Ross: You won't have to tell me twice. Are you guys joining?
McLaren smirked at him.
McLaren: Don't worry about me. I may join later.
Ryden set his paddle aside, glancing toward the water.
Sylvax: I’ll join you!
A’Mayri: I may swim for a moment if conditions and time permit.
Ross looked toward her with curiosity.
Ross: I once heard Vulcans are able to sink to the ground like stones?
Is that true?
McLaren: I've never heard of this...
Ryden tilted his head slightly, intrigued.
Sylvax: I suspect I’m about to learn something new.
A’Mayri paused briefly, a subtle hint of amusement crossing her expression.
A’Mayri: The biology that causes me to sink like a stone when I am not
actively treading the water has been both an amusing surprise and
worrisome act to others.
Ross: Can't wait to see it. What do you guys think? Is this a good
spot? Maybe towards that big rock over there?
Ryden followed his gesture toward the formation rising from the water ahead.
McLaren: What did you have in mind, Evan?
Ryden studied the area... the distance, the currents, the relative
calm around the rocks.
Sylvax: It looks stable enough. And close enough for an easy swim.
A'Mayri: ?
Ross didn’t wait.
Ross: I'll make this easier for you and swim.
Before anyone could respond further, Ross slipped over the side of the
boat and into the water.
Ryden leaned slightly over the edge, watching as Ross disappeared
beneath the surface, his form visible only as a shifting blur through
the clear water below.
A moment later, Ross broke the surface again.
McLaren: Well someone is enjoying themselves...
Ryden smiled faintly.
Sylvax: I don’t think he needed much encouragement.
A'Mayri: ?
Ross called back toward them.
Ross: It's lovely! I'll race you towards the rocks, how about it!
McLaren looked between them.
McLaren: Well?
Ryden didn’t hesitate long. He reached up, pulling his shirt over his
head in one smooth motion before setting it aside. The familiar
pattern of Trill spots traced along his temples and down the sides of
his neck, continuing over his shoulders and across his torso... dark
and defined at first, then gradually softening, fading as they
traveled downward along his body, a quieter echo of his heritage.
He shifted forward and slipped into the water, the coolness a sharp
but welcome contrast to the heat of the sun.
Sylvax: You’re on.
A'Mayri: ?
The water closed around him, buoyant and clear. He surfaced smoothly,
turning toward the rocks as Ross had already started ahead.
They swam, the distance passing quickly in the calm conditions.
By the time Ryden reached the rocks, Ross was already there, catching
his breath.
Ross: ::panting:: That was close, though! I'm pretty sure you had a headstart.
Ryden brushed water from his face.
Sylvax: I think we’ll call it a draw.
McLaren’s voice carried from the boat.
McLaren: Nice try, Evan!
A'Mayri: ?
Ryden turned slightly in the water, keeping an easy tread as he looked
back toward the boat drifting closer.
Then... Ross stilled.
Ross: ...did you hear that?
Ryden paused, his expression shifting as he focused... not just
listening, but feeling. A low vibration moved faintly through the
water.
Sylvax: I hear it.
A'Mayri: ?
McLaren slowed her paddling.
McLaren: I hear it... but I don't see it yet...
Ryden turned, scanning the surface... and then beneath it.
A dark shape moved through the water, large and deliberate.
McLaren pointed.
McLaren: There!
Ryden’s posture shifted immediately, alert but controlled.
Sylvax: What is it?
A'Mayri/Ross: ?
The shape surged upward.
A massive form breached the surface with a rush of water and a heavy
splash, a broad gray tail striking the sea before disappearing again.
Ryden blinked, momentarily caught between surprise and awe.
McLaren: Would you look at that... a whale of some sort...
Ryden let out a slow breath, tension easing slightly as he watched its movement.
Sylvax: Wow! You don't see that every day.
A'Mayri/Ross: ?
The creature circled at a distance, its movements smooth, almost curious.
McLaren: Its probably just curious... doesn't seem aggressive.
Ryden nodded, though his attention remained fixed on it.
Sylvax: Agreed. It’s maintaining distance. Likely observing us.
A'Mayri/Ross: ?
The whale continued its slow arc around the rocks, never quite
approaching, never leaving. Ryden treaded water calmly, keeping
himself oriented between the group and the animal. McLaren knelt at
the edge of the boat.
McLaren: I wish I knew more about the wildlife on this planet... would
be abel to tell what it was.... other than "whale" anyway.
Ryden’s gaze followed the creature as it moved beneath the surface
again, its shadow passing through the blue.
Sylvax: Whatever it is… it doesn’t seem to mind sharing the water with
us. Though I suspect we’re far more interesting to it than it is to
us.
A'Mayri/Ross: ?
The shadow shifted beneath them.
At first, Ryden thought the creature would continue its slow circling,
content to observe from a distance. But then its path changed...
subtle at first, then unmistakable... as the massive form angled
closer to the rocks… closer to them.
Ryden straightened slightly in the water, his movements instinctively slowing.
Sylvax: Easy… don’t startle it.
A'Mayri/Ross/McLaren: ?
The surface swelled a few meters away, the water lifting in a smooth,
deliberate rise before the creature broke through again... this time
without the dramatic splash. Its great back emerged in a slow arc,
water cascading off smooth gray skin that caught the sunlight in
shifting patterns.
It was close now... close enough that Ryden could see the subtle
textures along its hide, faint ridges and pale markings shifting with
each slow breath. Close enough to touch.
His hand paused.
The memory came harder this time... clear, unavoidable. His friend
Renn stepping forward first, drawn in by the same quiet curiosity. The
creature they hadn’t understood. The sudden strike. Venom. Panic. And
Ryden... standing there as the only Trill, forced to act, to take the
symbiont as Renn died. All because they had gotten too close to
something unknown.
Ryden drew in a slow breath, steadying himself against the weight of
it. The water here was calm. The creature before him showed no signs
of aggression... only a patient, almost gentle curiosity. This wasn’t
reckless. This was measured. The fear didn’t disappear, but it settled
into something quieter. Something he could move through.
He extended his hand slowly, deliberately, letting it hover just above
the surface for a moment before closing the distance.
Sylvax: Nice and slow…
A'Mayri/Ross/McLaren: ?
The whale lingered, barely moving, its massive presence somehow gentle
in the water. Ryden closed the last inch of distance. His fingertips
met smooth, cool skin.
For a brief moment, everything else seemed to fall away... the sound
of the waves, the distant shoreline, even the others nearby. There was
only the steady warmth of the sun above and the living presence
beneath his hand.
He let his palm rest there, light and respectful.
Sylvax: …it’s incredible.
The creature didn’t pull away. Instead, it drifted slightly, almost
leaning into the contact, as if acknowledging the touch.
A'Mayri/Ross/McLaren: ?
The water around them stilled, the group suspended in a shared moment
as the massive creature remained... no longer just observing, but
choosing to be near.
-----
Lieutenant JG Ryden Sylvax
Assistant Chief Medical Officer
StarBase 118 Ops
O240109RK1
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