Posted by Lieutenant Achilleas Petrakos (Chief Science Officer) in Side Sim: A Bored Scientist in the Arboretum (tag Achilleas)

Posted by Lieutenant V’alura Belmont (Scientist on Medical Leave) in Side Sim: A Bored Scientist in the Arboretum (tag Achilleas)

Posted by Lieutenant Achilleas Petrakos (Chief Science Officer) in Side Sim: A Bored Scientist in the Arboretum (tag Achilleas)
Posted by… suppressed (27) by the Post Ghost! 👻
V’alura, dressed plainly in a forest green cable-knit dress and gray leggings tucked into soft suede boots considered the title of her next research thesis: Medical Leave, A New Type of Psychological Torture. Thought it was the sub-heading that was giving her difficulties. It would either be “A study on why sick scientists should be allowed to work still” or “Dear god please let me work on something! I’m on my knees begging!”. Both had their pros and cons but the latter was slowly inching ahead in the ratings. “I’m going crazy,” V’alura muttered to herself.

She plopped down onto a bench and began to catalogue all the plants she could recognize around her. It was either this or count the ceiling titles in the lounge. And one could read only so many research papers and studies published in the Starfleet scientific journals before one’s mind cried out for help. She thought a walk around the arboretum would clear her head but instead it made her wish she was in a lab. Lord have mercy but she missed work. Stupid disease. Making it hard to breath and leaving her feeling so weak that standing up was practically an Olympic sport.

“Momma always said I was gonna work myself to death one day, guess she was wrong because I’m going to die of boredom first.”

V’alura Belmont, Sick scientist on leave

A man was lying on the grass a short distance away and lifted his head at the statement made by the woman on the bench. He was off duty and dressed in a loose fitted olive green shirt, grey pants, comfortable looking black shoes, and a grey cap on his head.

“Boredom isn’t what you have to look out for. It’s all the other random thoughts jumbled in your head.” He called out in response, though whether she would appreciate himself interjecting into her solo conversation was another matter. He just knew that he would’ve liked a chatting partner when all he had was his own thoughts to keep him company.

Sci Petrakos

V’alura perked up when someone else talked back and turned around to get a proper look at her brand new conversation partner. It wasn’t crazy to talk aloud so long as there was someone around to talk back. She smiled, a dazzler she developed during her former career, “Shush, don’t remind me. I just chased away most of those intrusive little buggers.” Laying on the grass must feel nice. She’d indulge herself if not for the very real fear that she’d lack the strength to get back up again. “To whom do I have the pleasure of speaking with?” Her voice was rough and raspy. A consequence of breathing treatments and from coughing most of the day.

V’alura Belmont

Achilleas rolled onto his side and propped himself up on an elbow. It looked as if this conversation was going to engage in earnest and he wanted to be comfortable. Plus he didn’t feel like getting up yet or inviting himself to sit on the bench. “I am Achilleas Petrakos. The Chief…” He trailed off for a moment, shook his head, then continued with a slightly embarrassed grin. “I’m one of the many scientists aboard the Ogawa. Though understandably we’re quite outnumbered by all of the lovely medical folk.”

Sci Petrakos

“Lovely to meet you,” V’alura said, completely at ease chatting with a total stranger, “V’alura Belmont, formerly Chief Science Officer of the USS Ark Angel, currently on medical leave.” Every time V’alura stated her position she couldn’t help but worry about her ship and her dear scientists. Were they doing alright? Followed by a dab of guilt that she wasn’t there and a little of something else that she wasn’t ready to acknowledge. “But you can just call me V’alura. I can say with confidence that I’m not used to the scientists being out numbered by the medical crew. Every time I cough I feel at least ten people turn to stare while they diagnose me in their heads.”

V’alura Belmont

“Wait, you said V’alura?” Achilleas asked excitedly as his previous desire to lay on the grass disappeared and he got to his feet. He moved quickly in her direction but then stopped as he realized he was probably coming off as an insane person without further context. “I’ve heard about you from Solal.” He confided with another embarrassed grin. What a way to introduce yourself, with two gaffes in about as many minutes. “I’ve been meaning to meet you since I’ve met with Solal and learned of you. Though trying to schedule something around his weak spells has been difficult. How fortuitous to run across each other in the arboretum of all places.” He realized he had been kind of going on for a bit and had not addressed her latter statement. “Oh uh, yeah medical takes their job very seriously around here. Psychology does too but at least they’re not as in your face about it.”

Sci Petrakos

V’alura was non-pulsed by Achilleas’ excited reaction to her name. She was a famous actress before her career in Starfleet. Though she wasn’t nearly as recognized for that these days she had plenty of fans within Starfleet (even a few aboard the Owaga itself). What did catch her by surprise was that he heard about her from Solal. Her own burst of excited energy came over her as she asked, “You must be Solal’s friend that he’s told me about!” She scooted over on the bench and motioned for him to take a seat beside her.

Achilleas moved swiftly and sat beside V’alura at her invitation. It was hard for him to not fidget excitedly at finally meeting her, though he really only knew of her over the last week or so. “I probably am that very same friend!” He nodded as the excited energy seemed to be building up. “I’m sure he gets along well with his co-workers but I’m unsure how many people can claim to be his friend. And if there are, well, I am the best friend.” He said proudly with an enthusiastic smile.

“Yeah, but you know they’re extra analytical about it in their heads. They can take one off-hand comment and turn it into a whole borderline personality defect.” In her excitement she spoke a little too fast and she broke out into a mild coughing fit. “Sorry about that. I need to remember. . . to take it easy. I’m not infectious by the by.”

V’alura Belmont

Achilleas had to keep himself from reaching out and patting V’alura on the back during the coughing fit. She wasn’t Solal and they had just met, but the way she coughed reminded him of Solal’s distressed breathing the last time he’d visited and the urge to comfort was strong. Instead he waved a hand in understanding. “I’ve been briefed by Dr Bonner, with Solal’s permission, on his medical situation and the reason why you’re here. I know neither of you are contagious but you both have to be careful of others who might have something you could get. I’ve been cleared by medical recently as having nothing wrong going on, so you should be safe from me.”

Sci Petrakos

“Ah, so you’re up to. . . speed then.” V’alura coughed again, but it did not devolve into a fit of coughs. One hesitant breath, then another, and a third and her airways felt a little clearer. Her voice still sounded terrible but there was only so much medicine can do. “I hate being sick,” She confessed, “I spend. . . all my time either coughing or sleeping.”

She sighed, “I get these little pockets of energy where I feel good. Then before I know it I’m back to feeling dreadful.” Like now. After sleeping for what felt like three days she found the strength to get up and stretch her legs. Even made it as far as the arboretum before needing to rest again. “At least I can still talk thanks to all the breathing treatments.” What’s a little pain that felt like her lungs were coated with glass shards?

V’alura Belmont

Achilleas nodded slowly. He didn’t understand personally but he had seen Solal in similar if not worse condition. “Wait, you were given an inhaler for when your breathing becomes difficult? In that case I’m sure Solal has one as well, but then… Oh that stubborn stubborn fool.” He sighed in exasperation. “I was with him in my quarters a few days ago and he had gotten winded looking for me. Well his lips started turning a coppery reddish orange and so I called Doctor Bonner. Had I known he could have treated himself at least enough to help I would have had him do that before he became hypoxic.”

Sci Petrakos

ooc: I lied about the inhaler lol. V’alura does not have one.
ic:

She gently shook her head, “We’ve got. . . different symptoms. This disease is affecting us in different ways.” V’alura steadily explained. “For me it’s focused on my lungs and breathing. Also at increased risk for respiratory infections and viruses.” Which, unfortunately, were easily carried in the air. She was given a mask to wear but V’alura took it off when she got to the arboretum. Yeah, that was not the smartest but she wanted to breathe the fresh air. “Also get winded walking five steps.”

V’alura Belmont

OOC: Shame on you. ;)

Achilleas tilted his head in confusion. The breathing symptom was something Solal had too but perhaps not as severe. He seemed to be worse off overall what with his memory and mind being affected as it was. “Well us scientists aren’t exactly known for our physical prowess anyway.” He joked. “How are you liking the Ogawa? I know you can’t exactly throw yourself into big crowds but have you met anyone interesting?”

Sci Petrakos

V’alura chuckled, “She’s a beauty.” A real lovely ship all in all. Though the Ark Angel was nothing to sneeze at, there was something magnificent about the specialized ‘fleet ships. The elegance of her design to perfectly suit one primary goal: the health and healing of all it encounters. “I’ve met a few good people, even found some fans.” Bless them, V’alura wasn’t exactly mainstream anymore but it still made her happy. “I used to be an actress before switching careers to Starfleet. The siren call of space and all that.”

V’alura Belmont

“Ohhh.” Achilleas said with a short nod of the head. He wasn’t a movie watcher so he had no idea who she was beyond Solal’s sister. “I think the call of space, adventure, and mystery is likely why most of us join Starfleet. I’m the only one of my siblings who joined though I think my oldest brother may have bounced the idea around at one point. In the end he decided to stick with family tradition, which was to marry and take over the olive vineyard.”

Sci Petrakos

“A respectable business,” V’alura said, “I used to be an only child. When I was a child I desperately wanted a little sibling.” She smiled at the memories it brought up, while she spoke she leaned back into the bench. Goodness, just sitting upright took so much energy these days. She had a small coughing fit then continued, “I didn’t care if it was a little brother or a little sister. My best friend, she had an other brother. Watching them interact, it would make me so jealous.”

Her and her friend were close, but there was something special about a sibling bond. V’alura only had her mother and her human family. Mother’s family loved her to bits but they were human. “I wanted a sibling that was half-vulcan like me. Because they would know what it was like.”

V’alura Belmont

Achilleas turned sidewise on the bench with one leg half tucked under the other while he propped his head on one hand. “I only know being the youngest of thirteen children. Only a couple were close enough in age to me for us to have any sort of overlapping interest or hobbies but being the youngest meant that I got doted on the most… probably. I was told this by one of my older sisters so who knows about the veracity of the claim.”

Sci Petrakos

“Goodness!” V’laura tried to laugh but ended up with a painful sounding wheeze. “I. . . I couldn’t imagine,” She added. Could imagine having that many siblings, or her mother managing so many children. “See, I was always under the impression. . . that being the youngest of so many was the best spot. That or the oldest. Why probably? What makes you doubt you weren’t the most loved?” She said it teasingly.

V’alura Belmont

“It’s not that I doubt it exactly but being doted on doesn’t necessarily equate to the amount of love you receive.” Achilleas said with a grin. “I’ve heard from my brother that being the oldest was not the best position to be in. He was the trailblazer for the rest of us in what you can get away with and what you can’t. Plus the expectations placed on him were the heaviest. He had to be sure and continue the family line, take over stewardship of the olive vineyard, care for the grandparents and parents when they get older… those sort of things.”

Sci Petrakos

“I could think of worse things than owning a vineyard,” V’alura chirped, “Like owning an nutmeg plantation. That would be terrible. For me at least. I’m mildly allergic to nutmeg. Event he synthetic stuff.” It was a harsh life to live. To celebrate each Christmas without homemade eggnog and Gingerbread cookies. “I suppse being the oldest is like being the only child.” V’alura paused to catch her breath and let the pain building in her chest ease to a more tollerable ache.

V’alura Belmont

Achilleas had not always been the most perceptive person regarding other people, especially when pertaining to their emotional state, discomfort, or what have you, but his own time spent in introspection as well as becoming a worrying hen with Solal made him a lot keener than he had been. He watched V’alura for a moment as she seemed to struggle for breath. He checked her lip color to make sure she wasn’t going hypoxic. “I don’t mean to poke my nose where it doesn’t belong but do you need medical assistance? I can have a medtech come to check you over.”

Sci Petrakos

“Oh no,” V’alura flashed him a comforting smile, “I’m fine, really. . .!” It was this darn illness of hers and Solal’s. Nothing to get concerned over when she knew her own limits and when to call in help. Ignore her history of pushing herself to her limits and beyond to remain a team player. That wasn’t really of a concern anymore since she wasn’t on any team at the moment. Scientist on medical leave might as well be woman stranded on a deserted island. “Do tell more about. . . your family.” She gently urged. Much easier to be a listener than an active participant.

V’alura Belmont

Achilleas was not reassured by the comforting smile in the slightest. Half siblings though they may be V’alura seems to share Solal’s stubbornness. It wasn’t his place to push the issue unless she get worse however. So while thinking that he’d keep an extra close watch for her lips to go coppery in color, he tried to think of what else to say about his family. “Is there anything in particular you’re curious about? I can probably go on all day about my family but I think it’d likely be boring without a direction.”

Sci Petrakos

V’alura laughed, raspy and shuttering, “Fair enough. Hmm. . . Holiday traditions? Me and my momma. . . we’d chop down our own Christmas tree. And we’d decorate it with lassos wrapped in lights and the-“She cough-laughed, “the kitschy-est cowboy-rodeo-ranch-themed ornaments we could find.” Things like ornaments that looked like boots or horses or cowboys and cowgirls on horses. Their tree topper was a round pink pig hog-tied and a little gold star placed between the upright hooves. “Christmas dinner was always. . . chickenfried steak and home fries with. . . thanksgiving gravy we froze.”

V’alura Belmont

Achilleas chuckled warmly at V’alura’s description of her unique holiday traditions, his eyes lighting up with curiosity and amusement. The image of a Christmas tree adorned with cowboy-themed ornaments and a pig tree topper painted a vivid picture of a warm and unconventional family celebration.

“Chopping down your own Christmas tree and embracing a cowboy-rodeo-ranch theme sounds like a delightful and memorable way to celebrate the holidays,” he replied, a smile playing on his lips. “And the creativity in your decorations is truly charming. I can imagine the tree being a source of joy and laughter for everyone who saw it.”

As she mentioned the unconventional Christmas dinner, Achilleas couldn’t help but chuckle. “Chicken-fried steak and home fries with Thanksgiving gravy definitely sounds like a comfortingly hearty meal. Mixing traditions can lead to some wonderful and unique culinary experiences.”

“Oh, there was always. . . laughter and good food. In my home growing up,” V’alura said, a nostalgic smile on her face. She’s a well traveled gal, having been all over Earth and beyond but no where ever felt as warm and loving as her momma’s house in Wyoming. Some days she craved the smell of the old wood house warmed by the summer heat and apple pies cooling in the window sill. As cliche as it was momma insisted that’s how her momma did it and her momma before.

He leaned back slightly, still smiling. “In my own family, we have a slightly different holiday tradition. Back in Greece, where I grew up, we used to have gatherings that could reach up to 20 family members, not including the in-laws. The centerpiece of our festive meal was roasted lamb, marinated with a mixture of olive oil, lemon, garlic, and various herbs. We would slow-cook it on a spit for hours until it was tender and fragrant. It was a time of joy, feasting, and connecting with relatives, each adding their own twist to the celebration.”

Achilleas’ eyes gleamed with nostalgia as he shared this cherished memory. “Holiday traditions truly hold the essence of our cultures and families, and they become precious treasures as time goes by.”

CSO Petrakos

“Your traditions are starting to make me hungry,” V’alura said. Oh she could smell that lamb right now. “I love family gatherings. Gosh, it’s. . . been a while since my last.” Ever since she enlisted, V’alura thought. Not much time for family reunions when you were in the far flung reaches of space. “How do your family do birthdays? In my family,” V’alura laughed, “You have to find your presents. Family can give you hints. . . in return for party favors. Or they’ll give you clues. Some can be. . . real scavenger hunts. My last birthday at home my momma gave me a puzzle box. Took me an hour. And another hour to solve the clue inside.”

V’alura Belmont

Achilleas chuckled at V’alura’s remark about getting hungry from their conversation. The image of the marinated lamb was indeed mouthwatering.

“Family gatherings do have that effect, don’t they?” he replied with a grin. “And I can understand the longing for such reunions, especially when you’re stationed far away. They’re moments that create lasting memories and connections.”

As V’alura shifted the conversation to birthdays, Achilleas listened with interest. Her family’s tradition of turning birthdays into treasure hunts with hints and scavenger hunts sounded both exciting and charming.

“Your family’s birthday tradition sounds like a delightful adventure,” he commented, his eyes brightening. “The idea of puzzle boxes and scavenger hunts adds an element of surprise and anticipation. It’s not just about the gifts, but the whole experience of uncovering them. It must have made each birthday a unique and memorable event.”

He leaned back, considering her question about his family’s birthday celebrations. “In my family, birthdays were often celebrated with gatherings at home. It was a time when relatives and close friends would come together, sharing food, stories, and laughter. There would be a special cake, often homemade, and the birthday person would make a wish before blowing out the candles.”

Achilleas smiled at the memory. “Gifts were given, of course, but the emphasis was more on the warmth of companionship and the joy of celebrating another year of life.”

CSO Petrakos

“My momma always said my brain was too big to do things by half,” V’alura said with a laugh, “She started that birthday tradition for me. . . because even as a young tot I always found where she hid my presents. Rest of the family really liked it and then it became a family thing.” It always amused her to get family updated about the latest birthday scavenger/puzzle hunt. Sometimes a far off aunt or uncle asked her for ideas.

She laughed, “I need to learn more about Solal’s family traditions,” Then shook her head, “Though he’ll prolly tell me such things are illogical and too sentimental. I’m sure his adoptive parents did something human with him. Humans just can’t let go. . . of their favorite holiday traditions.” V’alura heaved out a rugged breath. All this talking was putting a terrible strain on her throat and lungs.

V’alura

Achilleas smiled at V’alura’s recollection of her early curiosity and her mother’s solution to create a birthday tradition that would channel her love for discovery. The fact that this tradition had extended to the entire family over the years added a layer of charm to the story.

“It’s truly endearing how such a simple idea can grow into a cherished family tradition,” he commented. “And your mother’s insight into creating a tradition that resonated with you shows a deep understanding of your nature.”

As she mentioned wanting to learn more about Solal’s family traditions, Achilleas couldn’t help but chuckle. “Ah, the intercultural exchange within relationships. It can indeed be fascinating to learn about and appreciate the traditions of different backgrounds. While some might view certain practices as illogical or overly sentimental, they often carry deep cultural significance and a sense of identity.”

He paused, his smile gentle. “As for humans and their holiday traditions, I can’t deny that there’s a certain charm in holding on to customs that bring joy and togetherness. It’s a way of staying connected to one’s roots and sharing that connection with others.”

Achilleas noticed V’alura’s strained breaths, and his concern immediately heightened. “V’alura, are you feeling alright? You sound a bit breathless. Should I fetch some medical assistance?”

CSO Petrakos

“Talkin’. . . to much,” V’alura said. She leaned back and took as big of a breath as she could. This is just so unfair. Of all the diseases for a total chatterbox to come down with. It almost felt targeted though V’alura couldn’t think of any vengeful gods, spirits, cosmic forces or unknowable things that she may have royally ticked off the past few years. The scientist in her that reveled in statistics and math would no doubt tell her that really the odds weren’t that much against her. Oh well. “Talk some more, let me listen a bit,” She gently urged.

V’alura Belmont

Achilleas nodded understandingly at V’alura’s explanation, realizing that her talkativeness was taxing on her current condition. He leaned back, giving her some space, and took a moment to consider a topic that might divert her mind while allowing her to rest.

“I remember one time during my early years of Starfleet training,” he began, his tone soothing, “I was part of a planetary geology expedition on a Class M planet. It was a dense forest environment, and we had to navigate through thick undergrowth to reach a particular rock formation. As we trekked, we came across these luminescent insects. They were like tiny living lanterns, dotting the forest floor with soft, gentle light. It was a mesmerizing sight, and it felt like a glimpse into a hidden world.”

Achilleas glanced at V’alura, gauging her reaction, and continued, “Even in the midst of our scientific pursuits, moments like these remind us of the wonder and beauty that can be found in the most unexpected places. It’s a sentiment I often carry with me in my work.”

He smiled, hoping that his tale had brought a moment of distraction and perhaps a touch of wonder to V’alura.

CSO Petrakos

V’alura closed her eyes, letting herself imagine this lovely planet of dark, dense forests and glowing insects. Envisioning the shift and swell of moving color and light as the insects were disturbed and took to the air or skittered out of sight. Oh how she loved the thrill of exploration and discovery. Though her specialization may be in computers and artificial intelligence V’alura loved and valued all of science. From the biologists to the chemists, the astronomers and everything in between. That draw to learn and discover is what brought her to Starfleet.

She opened her eyes and smiled, “Beauty is always around us,” She said, “All you gotta do is look. Thank you” She said, just a little breathy, “For sharing that story.” Her eyes slipped shut again and she sighed. Exhaustion seeped into her bones. Somewhere in the back of her mind she wondered where she’d find the strength to stand up again.

V’alura Belmont