Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Solomon Kane (Tactical / Medical) in Lounge - After Show Drink (Tag CMO)

Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade T’Aria (CMO) in Lounge - After Show Drink (Tag CMO)

Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Solomon Kane (Tactical / Medical) in Lounge - After Show Drink (Tag CMO)
Posted by… suppressed (2) by the Post Ghost! 👻
<SNIP>
T’Aria gave him a look that could have been interpreted in many ways, ridicule, confusion or simply a certain wry nature, herself. Whatever it was, it came and went as quickly as a blink of an eye. “You seem as equally complex to us.” T’Aria remarked, “I see you have come around to our, of sorts, emotional choice of word.”

Dr. T’Aria
CMO

Kane shrugged and said “Nope. Just bustin’ your chops a bit, Doc.” And he took a drink and looked out the window. “You still talk to your family, Doc?” he asked without looking at her.

Kane, Tac / Med

His question was.. Surprising, to the young doctor. A part of her wondered where it had come from. “No,” T’Aria responded, her voice blunt but quiet. “The destruction of Vulcan was not kind to many of them, and the remainder are still discovering themselves, and their people, on New Vulcan.” She explained, vaguely, avoiding the full truth, which she didn’t see the need in saying. “And you, Kane? Do you speak with your family?”

Dr. T’Aria

Kane looked up from the table and said with a slightly melancholy smile “Naw, Doc. I guess the word doesn’t translate well. ‘Orphanage’… like I said.” At any other time, Kane would have been acerbic and mildly hostile in his verbal response, but not this time. This time it seemed that he had taken no offense and simply chalked up the question to a miscommunication. “Never knew anyone I called family. And no one ever looked at me as ‘adoption material’.” and he laughed a bit. “Hell, Doc. Even at ten years old people seemed to keep their distance. Guess my charming disposition was apparent then, too.”

Kane, Tac / Med

“I see. My apologies,” T’Aria seemed to frown, but there was minimal emotion behind the action. In simplicity, it expressed her apology for asking such a question when family was truly out of the picture for Kane. Although, just when it seemed to show against her otherwise stoic expression, it had faded to the background. The regret, however, was genuine, despite the lackluster emotional integrity of the comment. “If not a family,” She did not wish to dwell on the negative, recognizing the impact it had in human personalities. “Was there anyone you had to call an acquaintance or friend?”

Dr. T’Aria
CMO

Kane shrugged dismissively and said “I suppose. Where I grew up, people didn’t tend to last long. If it wasn’t the poverty and crime that got you, it was the poverty and hard work. My colony was out on the fringes, and lots of people took advantage of that. NDFD was the only non-corrupt and effective organization in the entire city. And we did really good work. So I guess that the people in my station and on my rig were as close to friends as I have had. I had a couple of people I’d hand out with in the Academy, but I have no idea where they are now. Just ‘drinking buddies’, not actual friends.” and he looked slightly confused for a moment and said “I can’t even remember that one guy’s name… no, wait… I don’t think I ever knew his name. Huh.” and then he shook his head as if clearing the thought and said “What about you? I bet you have some friends… and probably more than a few folks hitting on you.” he added with a slight chuckle.

Kane, Tac / Med

T’Aria found it curious, how this man did not have many friends. It was uncommon for a creature as social as a human to be without people surrounding them. However, she figured it was simply to due with the situation he was handed, as they put it. Not everyone was given a life of prosperity and peace, thus, not everyone would conform to the ‘normal’ of their species. “Regardless of your status with people, at least you were given the chance to assist others. Both as a member of the NDFD and now, as a medic and tactical officer. Although.. Friendship, however dire to your people such might be, is only a mere aspect of life. Perhaps, for you, ‘drinking buddies’ and acquaintances were enough. Even if that seems uncommon for most people. After all, not everyone thrives on social interactions.” There was no judgement in her voice, only a desire to understand. A genuine wish to hear what he was saying. “And you seem to thrive on your purpose, rather than the people around you. Your determined albeit stubborn nature has proven to be admirable, regardless of social status.”

“As you said earlier, Mister Kane, we are far more similar than you might have previously imagined. On Vulcan, ‘friendship’ is not significant to our population. Many are focussed primarily on purpose, task or clan– otherwise known as family. Of course, I was closer to my bondmate, than most other Vulcans. However, it was a sense of duty and loyalty to my fiance, to translate to English, rather than friendship.” There was a slight pause, enough for her to breathe. “Most people are uninterested in those without emotions, regardless of their physical exterior. I suppose you could say I have always been ‘undesirable.’”

Dr. T’Aria
CMO

Kane looked intently at T’Aria for several long moments, as if weighing a decision. When he finally spoke, it was a simple and direct response, and the delivery of the simple phrase “I think you’re wrong.” was stated bluntly and without regard or concern as to their respective positions in the ship’s hierarchy. It also carried with it no remorse or emotional baggage… it was simply a statement of his reality in their current interaction. Once said, his gaze never shifted. For a human, he seemed remarkably at ease with himself. He hadn’t exhibited any of the more common signs of embarrassment or feeling vulnerable that many humans show on a somewhat regular basis. Either he was in control of some of his emotions to a much higher degree than most which, judging from his past outbursts and predilection to confrontation would seem unlikely; or maybe it was he simply didn’t feel those particular emotions as intensely as most humans did. Or, perhaps, he didn’t feel as if he needed to be scared or ashamed of what the implications of what he said were. He then said “I think I have said more words to you since we came in here than I have said to anyone at any one time. It’s weird… to actually talk to someone. Dunno the last time that’s happened.” and he took a drink, never looking away from her.

Kane, Tac / Med

The doctor merely took a sip of the chilling tea.

“You are likely correct, Kane.” T’Aria did not so much as flinch when he spoke so bluntly. There was no emotional response to his words, regardless of the hierachy about the ship. In fact, his words came as a relief. Many would find it disrespectful to speak in such manners, when it came to the difference in their posotions aboard the Chernov. However, T’Aria did not find it was demeaning nor disrespectful, viewing it as honesty and a simple voice of thought. Of course, her mind processessed the situation in a manner demanding peace rather than finding a reason to grow irritable over a simple inevitability. That was, being wrong. “I have no intentions of prying into anything you don’t wish to say. However, may I inquire as to why you find it so odd?”

She found it fascinating, the confidence with which Kane held himself, the ease about his persona, the certainty. It was admirable, for a human, to have such control over himself. Despite his emotional outburts, he seemed to have a sense of command about his mind. It was odd, something she did not completely understand. Yes, Vulcan were always taught: control came from the purge of emotions. And yet, Kane defied that general belief.

Dr. T’Aria

He held his gaze, the look in his eyes never faltering. “I didn’t say odd. I said I think you’re wrong in that you are undesirable. But I think that isn’t so much a reflection on you as it is a reflection on most others. You are intelligent, educated, well-spoken, and attractive. Pretty sure it’s not a case of folks finding you undesirable so much as them being intimidated by you. And the control you have over yourself probably adds to that intimidation. Probably…” and he laughed once softly, “… definately. Most of the guys and girls I know would rather be able to get a few drinks in someone and try and get their guard down a bit than actually have to put in some real work in getting to know somebody. Never understood that, myself. But then again, I had never found anyone worth the effort to get to know to put in the work, either. ” The fact that he spoke of not having found someone worthy of his efforts in the past tense was noticeable if she was paying attention.

Kane, Tac / Med

It hadn’t clicked. There was something about that Vulcan logic that had instantly assumed he was speaking of her comment of his behavior in comparison to human nature, rather than the truth at hand. Seconds drew, and silence had become the closest thing she could find to be a friend. It was infallible, impossible to break with the most meager of sounds, and yet it was fragile, shattered by the simplest of words. Perhaps it was the uncertainty of how to respond that left her so quiet, and maybe it was the conflict of emotion and logic that Vulcans were so well known for. If it had been anyone else, T’Aria would have shot them down, determining their compliments to be an ‘unworthy candidate of their time.’ Although, with Kane, it seemed a rather different story. Not even logic could explain this to her.

“Thank you,” It was the closest thing she could find to a response, but it was genuine. “A rather unpleasant truth, yes. It is unfortunate, the way people derive satisfaction from simple, momentary pleasure, only to let that person leave, without truly comprehending who they are in body and mind.” T’Aria reciprocated. At first, she did not catch this fluke in his wording. Though a moment of contemplation was enough for those gears to move. ‘Had.’ Past tense. It rose the question. Generally, T’Aria was careful with what she inquired and how she worded it. However, it seemed futile to bother with a man as blunt and open —with his words— as Kane. “You spoke in the past tense, Mister Kane. An insinuation that you have found someone worthy of your effort?” Sometimes the Vulcan curiosity could be a damning quality.

Dr. T’Aria

Again, Kane’s eyes never left hers, his almost cobalt blue eyes fixated on her through the hair across his face. He didn’t speak for a moment, the look like he was again making some sort of deeply thoughtful decision on his face. Finally, he nodded slightly and said “You know… I think I have at that, Doc.” And then it happened. Kane actually and without reservation or any hint of disdain or sarcasm… smiled.A true and unabashed smile. It was not an unpleasant look on him. And he leaned back, brushed the hair from his face, and lifted his drink to his lips, smiling at her. And only at her.

Kane, Tac / Med

T’Aria could not recall, in the time she had worked alongside him, a smile so genuine. At first, it was an oddity, but as time passed she found it fit him quite well.. If even for this moment, and this moment alone. The doctor could not return his smile, although she gave as close to one as possible. Allowing her expression to soften, she held his gaze, studying the depth behind it. “You deserve as much, Kane. At least, if this person is both worth your time and can bring your happiness.” For a second, she seemed to hesitate, before coming to her decision, “There are not many people upon this ship worth engaging talk with. Although, you seem one of the few. Please, do call me T’Aria. We are not in the Sickbay as of the moment.”

Dr. T’Aria

“I’ll take that as compliment, Do… T’Aria.” he said, catching himself and making the adjustment. “I don’t know about the bringing me happiness part, but I’m willing to take the shot to see if that’s true. As long as the attempt doesn’t interfere with duties and such, of course.” His eyes kept lock with hers. He didn’t expect any kind of emotional response, nor was he pressing for one. But he was intrigued by her; more so than he had been by anyone… maybe ever. And that meant that he had to pursue the newly found interest. But Kane also knew that would have to be done on her terms, so that meant… rules. Frameworks of expectations. Logical and agreed to in advance, and set down between the two of them. Boundaries. Kane hated rules. He loved breaking them. The reaction of individuals and ensuing chaos was his reward for pushing the limits of regulations, social norms, and people’s ‘comfort zones’. But now he found himself doing the opposite… and looking forward to the challenge.

“Of course,” T’Aria agreed. If any relationship we’re going to interfere with the ability to work at peak performance, then it was unworthy of the time spent looking into it. Of course, she doubted any relationship between the two of them would lead to any downfall in their ability to work well together. After all, neither of them seem incredibly emotionally inclined, when it came to be in the public. Not to mention, if anything did go down hill, there was no doubt in her mind that they could handle it or find work elsewhere to suit the matter. Although, this was all in a matter of speaking logically, as she could not determine the emotional side of any of this. However, she could do her damndest to predict what she must. Truth be told, the Vulcan did not always find pleasure in statistics and the necessity of understanding every possibility. Sometimes, in the rarest of occasions, she was up for the surprise. Well.. as long as it was a logical one.

“Pretty sure you have caught onto this, T’Aria.” and he leaned forward and lowered his voice so as not to be overheard. “I do not like people in my private life… well… most people.” he said with a slight nod of acknowledgement to this new situation. “And I’ll be completely straight with you: I’m gonna to pursue this. No reason not to save for a hard ‘No’ from the other side.” he said with a slight questioning quality to the statement. He was keeping things slightly vague as they were in a room with others, even if none were close by. “But I also plan on keeping it strictly between those directly involved. What happens there is no one else’s business. That sound… logical… enough to you?” he asked. There. He put it all on the table… well, as much as he could in the lounge of a star ship. He steeled himself for a negative response. It actually irritated him no small amount that he was bracing for the statement ending this before it began. The back of his mind reeled. A small part of him hoped that she would just stoically decline, as was most the most likely outcome from his point of view. It would simplify things down the line. But a much larger part of him knew that if she did, no matter how this turned out, Kane would regret it for a very long time.

Kane, Tac / Med

“It sounds perfectly logical to me, Kane. One must ensure that both parties are able to continue working without inteference, regardless of what comes of this new situation. Not to mention, other individuals truly shouldn’t matter.” T’Aria returned the vague nature of the conversation, hardly wishing for anyone to catch on to what was going on between the two doctors. Although, she was open to almost anything that would come her direction. After all, she did find the man to be aesthetically pleasing and mentally, much the same, so this was as much an experiment as it was a genuine feeling. Feeling. No. Was that the proper word? T’Aria couldn’t say accurately if it were. “If this is going to happen, I doubt many boundaries and rules beyond what is basic to humanoid rights, should be present.” Somewhat surprising of the woman to say. After all, she did not wish for perameters beyond: respect and collaboration (talking to each other). As long as those were present, her logic did not seem anything else truly necessary. “What do you feel on the topic, Kane?”

T’Aria

Kane looked at her with a slight smile on his face, mostly hidden by the ever-present hair. For a few long moments he just looked at her in silence, allowing himself the rare pleasure of just being in the moment. He then leaned back and said “Couldn’t agree more, actually.” and he glanced down at their now empty drinks. Looking back up, he asked “You had dinner yet? I’m starving. And I don’t want to stop talking. But sitting here with empty drinks and staring at each other might cause tongues to wag after a bit, and then I have to rip them out.” he said with a slight grin. “Can I get you something?”

Kane, Tac / Med

“I should doubt that would be an appealing sight,” T’Aria hardly dared to imagine the possibility. Although it were a idiom, she knew no better than to offer a literal response. “I have not,” She admitted. Most days, the Vulcan went with eating only one or two meals, out of necessity for work. However, unlike humans, she had a biochemical makeup that allowed such poor eating habits. Then again, several other doctors would beg to differ. “A simple bowl of plomeek would do, although allow me, as you retrieved our drinks. It seems only logical to return the favour.”

T’Aria
CMO