All that steel and stone are no match for the air

Posted on Fri Dec 3rd, 2021 @ 4:31am by Lieutenant Commander Alicia Kelea-Salik

Mission: Season 5: Episode 3: CAPETOWN
Location: Alicia's office
Timeline: MD09 0800
1471 words - 2.9 OF Standard Post Measure

ON:

Rael took a few hours to get himself acclimated to his new environment and partake in the mid-meal before getting his paperwork out of the way. Necessarily a medical and psychological evaluation, a prudent precaution for those working in the field, and one that he knew held the potential for particular scrutiny in his case. When he showed up at Alicia's office, it was not a minute later than their scheduled appointment time, and he gave a two-fingered knock to her door rather than ring the chime-force of habit.

"Good morning," he greeted her warmly, extending a hand in an unusually human display. "I am Dr. Rael, it is good to meet you."

Alicia had settled her young daughter into a crib in an adjoining side room, a baby monitor set up to listen for her incase she awoke. As Rael was to arrive she closed the door between the two rooms so as not to disturb her sleeping infant. As the door opened she stood to greet Rael.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you Doctor,” she shook his hand, before motioning for him to take seat. “Please make yourself at home. Can I get you a drink?”

The Vulcan watched her interaction with her infant curiously, but did not comment on it. Instead he lowered himself easily into the indicated chair and inclined his head at her offer. "Ice-water would be acceptable," he quirked a very brief smile.

Alicia nodded politely and headed over to the replicator, she returned a few moments later with one glass of iced water, and one chilled water. She placed them both down on the coffee table before taking a seat.

“Funnily enough I was just looking over your personnel file. I see you have a speciality in forensic psychology, very interesting. Our resident Assistant Chief Counsellor Tate Sullivan also has forensic psychology as a speciality.”

Rael inclined his head and took the glass carefully in two hands (a tattoo was visible on his right wrist, peeking out of the sleeve of his uniform-a smattering of scars at his temples, down his jaw, and over his knuckles-and the lengthy hair, atypical of a Vulcan-) before answering. "I am aware," he replied mildly. "I am optimistic that I will benefit from her experience and knowledge."

Alicia noticed the scars but said nothing. “I’ve no doubt you’re expecting a smattering of questions regarding your past history, well those aren’t coming.” She smiled warmly. “You’ve no doubt been over the past enough times.”

Rael didn't seem perturbed. "I have," he agreed. "But I am not averse to answering any questions you may have. My history and diagnoses are often disconcerting to my peers and superiors. If I can put you at ease I am happy to do so."

Alicia nodded. “I am not ill at ease with you Rael, you have proven yourself worthy of being a counsellor in Starfleet. You wouldn’t be here if Starfleet didn’t think you capable. Tell me what it is that you consider to be your greatest strength.”

It was challenging to produce an objective answer. Pressing his lips together, he ventured: "I possess a high level of mental fortitude and self-awareness."

Alicia nodded. “What is it you hope to bring to, and get from your position here aboard the Elysium?”

"I desire to act within my role as compassionately as I can, and to learn and grow in my own knowledge and skills," he replied, raising the glass of water to his lips once more.

Alicia smiled. “Very honourable goals. I expect no less from a Vulcan. I’m actually married to a Vulcan so I understand what logic means to you.”

"Indeed. I strive to act as rationally and reasonably as is possible," he said, declining to address her greater statement. Logic held variable definitions, and it was unlikely he shared them with most Vulcans.

Alicia studied Rael curiously. “Are you bonded Rael?”

She was familiar with Vulcans. Rael didn't react, not exactly, other than a flicker of his gaze toward a point beyond Alicia's shoulder. "Not yet," he murmured. "I am-" for a split second, it looked like he was almost at a loss for words. "My family are in Negotiations."

Alicia nodded. “I met Savar... my husband, here aboard ship. We simply fell in love. As you know Vulcans are normally chosen for each other, but not always so. I’m not a Vulcan but I know Vulcans can love, even if they don’t outwardly show it.” She offered a smile. “Don’t give up on finding the right person, even if it’s not the person your family would choose.”

Rael didn't respond for several long moments. Perhaps he was meditating. Or asleep. "It is a complicated circumstance," he murmured at last. "But I certainly do not deny the capacity for love."

Alicia nodded. “I have to admit I’m still learning about logic, and all things Vulcan so I’m no expert. I would like to be considered a friend, and a confidant if you should need to talk about anything.”

"As far as logic goes, I've found it's secondary to being Vulcan," Rael revealed his opinion carefully, like unfolding a flower. "As much as we seek to present ourselves that way, Vulcans are not a monolith, and there are many prevailing philosophies as diverse as its population. Nevertheless, I appreciate that, Commander," Rael said quietly. "Or do you prefer Alicia?"

Alicia smiled. “Alicia is just fine. I don’t stand on ceremony except when it’s expected of us. In here it’s just Alicia. May I ask, would you teach me more of these philosophies? Savar teaches me as well, but our bond seems to be swaying me more towards the Vulcan side I’m now connected to. I want to learn.”

"Of course-Alicia," he tests her name lightly. "I expect Savar follows tu-Surak, which is the predominant cultural philosophy over large swathes of the planet. I follow the way of tu-Jarok." He neatly skipped over all of his time spent in meditation cells, stark raving mad, screaming at orderlies and throwing trays at the wall-but something suggested that his cultural lessons were deliberate. "We believe that the ultimate purpose of existence is to increase wellbeing and reduce suffering. This is done through Compassion, Temperance and Justice."

Alicia nodded. “All worthy endeavours, ones I’m sure you will uphold. I’ll look forward to learning more about your beliefs.” She smiled warmly. “Do you have any questions you would like to ask?”

He needed to be smart, not noble. A little vulnerability now would be worth its weight in strength down the line. His lips separated as if to speak, but nothing was immediately forthcoming. A beat, then two. Finally: "Would it be acceptable if I scheduled an appointment to speak with you in a few weeks? I don't need training wheels, however-I have just been exposed to a fairly severe trigger. I think I can manage it on my own, I'd just like to check-in and go over some patient files in the next little while, to ensure that remains so." He had a duty, a responsibility, to the people on this ship to be the best version of himself that he could be.

Alicia nodded. “If that is what you feel is best for you, then that is fine with me. However whatever this trigger was that you were exposed to, should you find you cannot manage it alone, I expect you to come and see me. Is that acceptable?”

"Acceptable," Rael agreed, smiling faintly. "Thank you very kindly."

Alicia nodded respectfully. “In that case Lieutenant I see no reason why you shouldn’t continue with your duties. Thank you for coming to see me.”

"Of course," Rael rose from his seated position and bowed his head formally. "And it sounds like you have your hands full-" he indicated the other room-or more precisely its occupant. "Please let me know if you ever need any help. I have some child-care experience, and if the infant is a hybrid, having additional telepathic input will be assistive to them." He tapped his temple knowingly. "Or, if you need someone to lighten your caseload," he offered.

Alicia smiled warmly. “Thank you Rael that’s very kind of you.” She looked towards the back room. “Your help would be much appreciated, both with the telepathic side of things and the caseload.”

"My comm is always open to you," Rael murmured. He made sure she had his information before bowing out of the office.

OFF:

Lieutenant Commander Alicia Kalea-Salik
Chief Counselor
USS Elysium

Lieutenant JG Rael
Counselor
USS Elysium