A little tour

Posted on Sun Dec 22nd, 2019 @ 6:57am by Lieutenant Commander Alicia Kelea-Salik & Lieutenant Commander Savar cha'Salik hei-Surak Talek-sen-deen [Taylor]

Mission: Casperia Prime - A lesson in relaxation
Location: Various
Timeline: MD2 1215 hrs
2180 words - 4.4 OF Standard Post Measure

Alicia had headed out of her office with Savar before remembering she'd arranged to drop by Sickbay for her medical. She'd made her excuses and stopped off before catching back up with Savar afterwards.

Heading out to lunch and a tour of the ship with Savar, Alicia studied the Vulcan officer curiously. "I appreciate what you said back in your office, it's been complete hell these past two years. There was a point I thought it would all be so much easier if I wasn't around anymore. I'm hoping that my return to duty will help not just me, but those in a similar situation."

"I believe Alicia that you have the ability to relate your past difficulties to others in such a way that they will see that help is there for all who need it." Savar replied as they walked toward the officer's lounge.

"It does give me a somewhat, unique outlook on grief and loss." Her smile faded. "When I learned about Kal's death, it was our baby that kept me going. Then I lost our baby too!" She sighed. "I couldn't see a way out. I did what I did and suddenly realised that I didn't want to die. That was the turning point for me."

"You were able to see past the loss and hopelessness and pull yourself together and get help. Too many people feel trapped and that there is no way out. You are in a unique position to show them otherwise Alicia." Savar answered.

"Indeed" Alicia nodded. "In the long run it'll make me a better Counsellor."

"Undoubtedly it will and you will also be helping countless others with your story." Savar remarked.

Alicia nodded. Walking into the Officer's mess Alicia made her way over to the counter to choose what food and drink she wanted. After settling on a Cola and some of the chef's homemade stew she waited for Savar to choose his.

When his turn came, Savar ordered vegetable soup and a fruit drink.

Walking over to a table Alicia placed her tray down and took a seat, she waited for Savar to take a seat before trying her stew. "The stew is delicious!" She nodded her approval. "How's your soup?"

Sitting down next to her, he replied. "it is surprisingly good Alicia. I am glad to know the stew meets your satisfaction."

"So where do you plan on showing me first Savar?" She looked at the Vulcan curiously. She was starting to feel comfortable in Savar's presence, he made her feel at ease and more able to be her true self.

"I believe we shall stop at the Arboretum. I find it most relaxing and peaceful. I hope you do as well Alicia."

"Indeed" Alicia nodded approvingly. "I like to visit the arboretum for relaxation. It's an oasis aboard a starship, somewhere that's full of natures beauty."

"A very astute observation Alicia." Savar answered with approval.

"I like nature, when I feel stressed I tend to seek out relaxation in places like the arboretum or holodeck." She paused to eat some more of her stew.

"Both offer relaxation either through nature in the case of the arboretum or through fantasy and adventure with the holodeck." Savar replied.

"Savar..." Alicia paused. "There's something I need to talk about." She paused for a moment. "During my medical the doctor found that I've still got some old tissue remaining from my miscarriage. I thought I was just getting stomach pains because it was psycho sematic. I've got to have it removed." She paused again, obviously struggling with the reality of the situation.

"I see. My concern is for you Alicia. Is the procedure dangerous?" He asked.

"I don't think so" She shook her head. "The doctor has my vote of confidence, I just...need a little time to get my head round it. Would you consider accompanying me to Sickbay when I go? I don't have anyone else to be there for me."

"Of course I will Alicia. You did not think I would let you face this by yourself did you?" Savar questioned.

Alicia offered a warm smile. "I know as Counsellor's we're expected to be there for our crew when they need our support. I just...I'm not used to being the one asking for the support." She ate some more of her food before it went cold, finishing off what was on her plate, and politely wiping her mouth. "It's like I'm losing what's left of my baby and I'm not sure exactly how I'm supposed to feel right now." She ran her fingers over the scars on her wrists. "I don't intend to repeat my past though."

Savar was silent for a few seconds before he replied. "Not being female I cannot relate to the physical loss of your baby and what this surgery represents. However from the mental aspect of it, I feel you are wrong. You still have your memories of the happy times with Kal and that those times produced your baby. " He paused and looked at her, "Alicia, it is alright not to have all the answers. The far more important aspect is that you do not lose yourself in dwelling on the past. To heal both physically and mentally, it is imperative you continue to move forward."

"I plan to Savar." She offered a smile. "May I ask a silly question?"

"You can ask me anything Alicia and there is no such thing as a silly question." He replied as he sipped his juice.

"Just how do I refer to you, I can't call you Commander Savar, your surname is quite...complicated to me." She blushed feeling somewhat embarrassed at asking such a silly question.

"Call me Savar, it is my name and I like it better than poopsie." He teased gently.

Alicia grinned. "Very well, just Savar it is! Once you're done shall we head out on that tour?"

"An inspired idea Alicia. Truly it is." He replied straight faced.

Alicia finished her drink and patiently waited for Savar to finish his food and drink. She was enjoying his company more than she had expected to.

Savar finished his soup and juice. he had no desire to keep Alicia waiting. Finishing he looked across at her, "Shall we begin?"

Nodding enthusiastically Alicia stood ready to go. "Truth be told I'm enjoying your company Savar, I've never met a Vulcan quite like you before."

Savar tilted his head at her comment. "I am just me Alicia, there is nothing special or unique about me. Though I thank you for the compliment."

"My pleasure" She nodded politely. "I like the fact that you're...not 'uptight' as some people would word it. You have a demeanour that I like."

He nodded his head in reply. "I like your demeanor as well Alicia. it is most refreshing, joyful."

"I found my best!" She blushed. "I'm not used to getting such lovely compliments."

"I find that hard to believe Alicia. You are an attractive and intelligent woman with a vibrant personality." Savar replied.

"One whose spent the last two years hiding away from society in seclusion." She offered a briefer smile. "But thank you for bring so kind."

"You are too hard on yourself Alicia, you had recently endured not one but two devastating incidents both which affected you profoundly. You needed time to find you again."

Arriving at the arboretum they walked inside and Alicia stood simply stating in awe at the beauty before her. "I think...I could happily find myself right here." She reached out a hand and touched a tree. "This is amazing!"

"Yes. I find myself here quite often. It is a place of calm and tranquility. Very soothing. There are a varied assortment of tress, shrubs and flowers throughout the arboretum."

Alicia reached out a hand and tapped Savar. "Tag! You're it!!" With that she suddenly ran off ahead into the trees with a giggle. "Catch me if you can!!"

He looked at her curiously. "Tag? What is this tag you speak of Alicia?" He asked as he followed her into the trees.

"It's a game!" Alicia called from amongst the trees. "You have to catch me and tag me, then I have to chase you!! It's something I played with friends as a kid."

He shook his head in confusion. "A game to expend energy and tire oneself out? Most illogical." Yet he still followed her.

Alicia grinned as she hid behind a tall Bush. "it's called fun Savar!" She waited for him to go by before sneaking the other way.

Savar stopped and listened, His hearing was more sensitive than a humans. So he waited for Alicia to make a sound.

There was a cracking noise not far away as Alicia stood on a twig, she stopped moving figuring Savar wouldn't find her.

Savar whipped his head around as the twig cracked. His eyes narrowed as he moved in the direction of the sound.

Alicia could hear movement, she was actually enjoying this little game of hide and seek. She turned to move before suddenly come face to face with Savar.

He reached a hand out and gently tapped her shoulder. "Tag." He announced.

"I thought you were..." She pointed in the opposite direction before grinning. "Okay you got me!" She stepped forward and caught her footing ending up stumbling towards Savar and crashing into his chest.

He tilted his head to one side, arched an eyebrow and said "Yes?" Just as Alicia stumbled into him, causing them both to fall. However he wrapped his arms around her , to protect her from any potentially serious injury.

Alicia looked up into Savar's eyes. "I err... I'm sorry! I caught my footing." She had to admit she was enjoying the hug but for one, they were still on work hours and rapidly approaching the end of their lunch hour.

Savar released her once he saw Alicia was alright. "You should be more mindful of your footing Alicia, you could have been seriously injured."

"It was completely careless of me, but I was enjoying the little games of tag!" She grinned as she looked at Savar. "I owe you thanks, I haven't enjoyed myself this much in a long time."

"Nonsense." Savar answered. "And I thank you for a interesting as well as pleasurable afternoon Alicia. It was most entertaining."

"Then how's about we do it again sometime?" Alicia smiled warmly.

Savar nodded, "I look forward to our next game of tag Alicia. As well as better understanding of the rules."

Alicia grinned as they headed back towards the door. "There aren't any rules really, it's just to tag someone else so they have to chase you!" She grinned. "It can be quite a lot of fun."

"I see." Savar answered. "Fun? Chasing someone until either you or they collapse from exhaustion? You humans have odd ideas about what fun is. However I will endeavor to enjoy myself."

"How's about you teach me something you enjoy then?" She looked at Savar curiously. "I'd be interested to see what it is you enjoy doing Savar."

"I can do that Alicia. Tell me do you like chess?" Savar asked.

"Actually I've never played it" She paused by the Arboretum doorway. "I would like to learn to play though. Would you mind teaching me?"

"I would be honored to do so Alicia. However upon reflection I think you would enjoy kal-toh. It is a game of intense strategy."

"Mmm sounds interesting!" Alicia nodded. "I can't wait to learn."

"Kal-toh is as much a game of patience as it is of logic." Savar remarked

"The object of kal-toh," He explained "Is was not about striving for balance but about finding the seeds of order even in the midst of profound chaos." A kal-toh set consisted of a number of playing rods called t'an. Many have described it as "The object of the game is to turn this jumble of rods into a perfect sphere" He finished but added, "kal-toh is to chess as chess is to tic'tac-toe."

"Then perhaps it will help me with my mental training as well as my patience" Alicia nodded politely as they headed out if the Arboreturn and back towards the Counselling offices. "I will look forward to learning. Right now I have to contact the doctor and arrange that procedure."

Savar nodded politely, "I believe it will help in both areas Alicia. I will teach you whenever you are ready to begin." He paused before continuing, "Yes, please schedule your procedure, so you can heal as well a recover and be ready to have children when you are ready."

Alicia nodded. "Thank you Savar. I appreciate your help."

"You are most welcome Alicia. I know you will be most adept." Savar replied warmly.

Alicia nodded. As they reached Sickbay and the Counselling suite she offered a warm smile before heading towards the doctor's office. "Thank you again Savar."

"The pleasure was mine Alicia." Savar replied.

Alicia nodded once more before turning and heading off to arrange her appointment.

[OFF]