[snip-ity-do-dah]

Seeing Solal’s name in her (seemingly) never ending lists of communications never failed to brighten her day. She always read his messages first, and often thought about her reply while responding to her simpler correspondences. V’alura began to suspect that school and school memories were a difficult area for Solal. It would be easy enough to divert their conversations away from the subject.

Solal,

You’ll be the first to know the results. Even before my beloved cybernetics department (whom I will admit, to you, are my favorites). If you’re feeling up to it, I would appreciate a short essay of your perspective on this project. You did not know much about A.I. or predictive A.I. models prior to the start of our research. I think our final report would benefit from your experience in learning about this technology and what you’ve learned while working on the project. Again, only if you want to, so no pressure.

And on personal anecdotes. . . I know what you mean about France. I lived in Paris for six months, and the people seemed more friendly and open when they thought I was human. There were several people I almost considered friends suddenly become withdrawn when they learned of my mixed heritage. They made snide remarks about my Vulcan ancestry and I am not ashamed to have cut them out of my life. I loved Paris and the French countryside, but I did not always love the people.

Do you play any instruments? I play the piano and guitar myself. I learned piano from my mother and guitar from an ex-boyfriend while I studied at Julliard. Though, I am ashamed to say I have not practiced the guitar for several years now. As for music I do appreciate the classics, but in my heart of hearts I will always be a country girl. Please do not judge me too harshly for that.

With love,
V’alura Belmont, CSO, USS Ark Angel
[V’alura’s electronic signature here]

Lt. Jg. Belmont, CSO

V’alura,

I will most definitely write a report of my experience learning about predictive AI for the final report. I’ll do it when I have the time, but it’ll be done before we submit the final report. If you have anything else you need me to do, do tell.

Paris is a poor representation of France as a whole, however the judgementality of the people persists throughout the region. If you ever have a chance, do visit France’s other cities. I am surprised you pass as human, that is something I cannot do.

As for instruments, I play the violin. I have since I was very young, and since extracurriculars were required at my school, it was a good thing to fill that slot with. I play mostly classics however I have become experienced enough I sometimes play my own songs. Do you still play piano?

Sincerely,
[His electronic signature is here]
Lt JG Solal

~ Lt JG Solal, USS Ogawa

There was something comforting and powerful in reading Solal’s messages. Though they had many differences, there were just as many similarities. Not many people understood what it was like to be a hybrid. Caught between two different genetic templates and cultures, with seemingly no lasting piece between the two sides. Even to this day, V’alura struggled against her nature. Times when her emotions raged like a violent sandstorm, and her daily struggle against her own biology. The basic act of touch, so deeply personal and comforting to humans, had to be carefully calculated and planned ahead. All so that her mild touch-telepathic abilities caused no harm to herself of anyone.

Solal,

I definitely plan to return one day. An old friend lives outside of Nice on a vineyard, and has always maintained that I was free to visit whenever. Now I must ask if you’ve ever been to New York City. New York was my home for a long time and I miss it dearly. So many people of every nationality, race, and background make their home there. You could find food from across the universe and I could gush for hours about the museums, theaters and art galleries. My apartment was above a bakery and coffee shop, which, I hope I don’t need to describe how amazing that was.

Depending upon how I do my hair and makeup, and if I use colored contacts I could appear as fully human or fully vulcan. Which was very handy for my acting career, I’m sure you could imagine. I do have the classic vulcan pointed ears but they can be hidden by hair or a little editing magic.

That’s awesome that you play the violin! I love the sound of violins, though my own attempts at playing the violin were what I would charitably call painful. I broke the first violin I attempted to play (completely on accident, I swear!) and then broke the strings on the second. The third I managed to get a sound but at the cost of my teacher’s hearing. As to whether I still play piano. . .

[Attached is a visual recording. V’alura is seated before a grand piano centered on a broad stage. She is dressed in a soft, and fuzzy purple sweater and comfortable black slacks. Her hair is tied up into a lose bun with stray stands framing her face. There are lights shining down from above, making her appear haloed in soft, white light. V’alura smiles at the camera and begins to play Somewhere Over The Rainbow. Her playing is soft, gradually picking up in complexity and strength, showcasing her technical skill. Then, easing back to simplicity and softness, but no less emotive as she plays the final notes. V’alura ends her recording with another smile to the camera, soft and warm.]

With love,
V’alura Belmont, CSO, USS Ark Angel
[V’alura’s electronic signature here]

Lt. Jg. Belmont, CSO