Posted by Nicole Cline in Side-Sim Letters Across Space

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

It was several days before V’alura found the time to write again. All caught up in the crazy thrill of science and adventure. Where Space proves once again how little they knew about it and its wild and franky terrifying inhabitants. Now that the adrenaline wore off, her scientists debriefed, the inter-department meetings finished, and all the paper work completed, compiled and posted, V’alura could sit down and write.

Solal,

I can’t even begin to describe the week I just had. I’ll give you the whole story later. After I’ve had time to snuggle into bed and read several books with the ‘do not disturb’ sign on my door. I love my ensigns but some of them love to surprise me on my off time with questions or to show off their latest discoveries. I haven’t the heart to turn them down but some days I want write a program that teleports my combadge across the ship and send them on a merry goose-chase so I can have an hour to read and drink a glass of wine.

[This next part is in French] I could write to you in French as well. My speaking French is quite rusty, but nothing an afternoon with the latest French art house films can’t fix. As for your programming skills I could send you a copy of my custom holodeck command function library. I use it as the base for all my holodeck programs. It’s based upon the basic holodeck construction program built into all Starfleet holodecks. Don’t worry, I’ve created a thorough documentation file to go along with it. [The french ends here] Whew, it turns out my written French is also quite rusty.

The key to good holodeck programming is the details. Like smell. Many people overlook the sense of smell. Sound is important too. I actually sneak soft musical cues and tracks into my adventure programs, especially the horror ones. No one even notices the music but because it blends seamlessly into everything else it really heightens the fear factor and the tension! I’ll help you out, don’t worry. Though, I fear I’ve taken up enough of your time for one letter. Sorry again for the delay. I hope I didn’t worry you too much!

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

Lt. Jg. Belmont, CSO