Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade V’alura Belmont (Chief Science Officer) in Side-Sim Letters Across Space
[snipity-do-dah]

V’alura could have laughed at herself, after reading Solal’s reply. Let it never be said that she wasn’t dramatic. Still, his reply had eased the worry that settled in her chest and with a lighter heart she composed her response.

Solal,

It’s a good thing I love museums and touring big cities. And thank you, for your understanding. Perhaps one day I’ll be able to tell the whole story without wallowing in self-pity. In any case, perhaps we were both drawn towards the allure of space. All the grandest discoveries and the ground-breaking science were being made out there in the black. As a teenager I would read the stories and public mission reports of Federation starships and imagine I was there. Reading those reports were what inspired me to apply for UC Berkley to study computers and artificial intelligence.

And let’s not forget the beauty of space, but no matter where I go I am always entranced by its grandeur. There’s always something new and exciting out here.

With care,
V’alura Belmont
[V’alura’s electronic signature here]

Lt. Jg. Belmont, CSO

V’alura,

Space is vastly more interesting than Earth. I myself chose Starfleet in order to get to treat and study illnesses I’d have never found on Earth. [The letter went on to tell a story of a recent interesting illness he’d treated - within his specialty, it was an alien autoimmune condition]. Watching my parents practice, they often treated the same cases over and over again. I would rather learn something new than repeat the old.

Sincerely,
[His electronic signature is here]
Solal

~ Lt JG Solal, USS Ogawa

Solal,

I’m the same way! I’m always looking forward, seeking to learn new things. Alien computers and A.I. are a particular interest of mine. What I’d give to get elbow deep into an ancient computer system to figure out what makes it tick. And somewhere, out there in space is technology we’ve never even dreamed of! Technical wonders developed and perfected when we were but smarter animals who have yet to rocks to sticks. It’s enough to make any one feel small and insignificant but for me it just makes me excited. And diseases. Lots of unknown and undiscovered diseases. There’s something for everyone in the cold heart of space.

Besides music do you have any other hobbies? I enjoy programming holodeck adventures myself. I would also love to claim the title of best holodeck programmer in all of Starfleet but no one’s replied to any of my inquires over establishing a holodeck program review board. So fro now it shall be an unofficial title. Which really just makes me sound pretentious. C’est la vie.

With care,
V’alura Belmont
[V’alura’s electronic signature here]

Lt. Jg. Belmont, CSO

V’alura,

You will have to show me your skill with programming holodeck features sometime. I generally only use it to make a concert hall, but it would be interesting to see what you come up with. As for what else I do with my free time… I read medical news and diagnostic cases, meditate nightly, and jog to keep in shape. Or write to my parents, both to keep in touch and so I don’t forget French.

Sincerely,
[His signature is here]
Solal

~ Lt JG Solal, USS Ogawa