Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Va’rek (Engineer) in Avik’s Quarters-Side Sim: Family Ties

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Avik (XO) in Avik’s Quarters-Side Sim: Family Ties

Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Va’rek (Engineer) in Avik’s Quarters-Side Sim: Family Ties
Posted by… suppressed (2) by the Post Ghost! 👻

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Va’rek paused and turned to meet Kekec as the man caught his eye, one brow raising in a mild surprise reaction.

It had been some time since his work at the ship yard had ended. Though a familiar face was far from unwelcome.

“I was transferred to Europa not long ago.” He replied. “It is indeed nice to be away from the ship yard. Have you transfered as well?”

-Va’rek, Eng

“I don’t think I could handle my sister’s authority well,” Kekec began as he noticed his sister’s approach. Deciding to ignore the subtle discomfort in her stride, he continued as a smile threatened to tug at the corners of his mouth.

Va’rek raised one eyebrow at this, appreciating the humorous intent.

“I was the one in charge due to my experience and logical thinking when we were young. After years of that, it’s hard to adjust to a reversal of roles. Today I’m currently waiting for my sister to arrive, but additional company from an old friend is well received. It would a pleasant experience if you would join us for the day. Of course, it’s only an invitation.”

He nodded. “It is certainly natural to feel that way,” Va’rek replied. “However, there is logic in embracing change where the situation calls for it.” He almost grinned at his old friend. “I would not be averse to accepting your invitation, given that the commander has no qualms with my joining you.”

Avik finally approached the pair as she glanced at Va’rek, sizing him for a moment.

“It’s a surprise to see one of my officers interacting with my brother. I don’t think we have had the opportunity to officially introduce ourselves. My name is Avik Slyc,” her tone held a mild softness to it, one rarely heard while on duty.

–XO, Avik, Lt. Cmdr

Kekec let a small, fleeting smirk edge into his mouth. At least one that was considered appropriate by Vulcan standards.

“It is my birth day, so I don’t think she’ll mind. She might give an air of indifference, but she can be a warm individual when you get to know her,” he stopped when he spotted her.

Va’rek turned as Avik approached and spoke. “We have not…” He replied. “Peace and Long Life, Commander.” Va’rek used the formal greeting, raising one hand in the traditional salute. “I am Va’rek. It is good to formally meet you. Sir.” Interestingly, he also chose not to reveal his family name. “Kekec and I worked together a few years ago and became friends.” He glanced at Kekec, eyebrow rising yet again. “It appears he did not see fit to inform you of our previous discourse…” Va’rek had learned much about the Human notion of sarcasm during his last tour of duty aboard the Wolverine and had been experimenting with this form of humor in his casual conversations… Often with somewhat awkward results.

-Va’rek, Eng

Avik’s tension in her figure dissipated. She noticed this pleased her brother while he turned his side to them and gestured for his wife. For a bit now, the woman timidly lingered in the background for an open invitation and now quickly sized the one given by Kekec, casually inserting herself into the group. A quieter conversation happened where Kekec explained who Va’rek was, where he knew him and that he would be joining them for the day.

Ignoring his subtle antics, her hand raised in a return greeting, her fingers spread out into the V shape as she spoke, “Peace and Long Life.”

Her arms pulled back to rest behind her as she continued, “I have no objections to you joining us. Especially if my brother welcomes your company.”

Kekec jumped in before she could address the lack of explanation, “I would’ve, if she wasn’t so busy. My sister seems to believe it’s her duty to avoid family.”

Avik frowned visibly at her brother’s jab. His wife, noticing the reaction, gently pushed her elbow into his side and reminded him he wasn’t too large for her to kick his butt. Kekec merely moved on.

“Also, this is my wife. Cassandra. The children are spending the day with her parents and allowing us some peace.”

–XO, Avik, Lt. Cmdr

Lowering his arm, Va’rek clasped his hands at the small of his back. He nodded politely as Cassandra joined them, greeting her with a somewhat quieter: “It is good to see you, Madam.” Kekec’s comment about avoiding family, however, sent a quick pang of emotion through him. His defenses were strong, trained from a young age… Thus, he did not show any outward sign. The powerful pang of regret and sadness wouldn’t have gone unnoticed by anyone with any significant telepathic or empathic ability; though it was gone as quickly as it had come.

“Perhaps we should make arrangements for the afternoon meal,” Va’rek said quickly before Kekec could provoke his sister into an argument. “I was forced to rearrange my schedule due to some last minute duties, and so I did not eat this morning.” He looked from Avik to Kekec to Cassandra, questioningly.

-Va’rek, Eng

Avik’s words were stopped before they left her mouth. When her telepathy had caught Va’rek’s sorrow dig into her mind, it attempted to overwhelm and distract her relaxed mindset. Impulsively, her eyes widened in response. It was fleeting as she quickly regained her composure. However, it wasn’t fast enough. Kekec looked at her, his eyes lingered for a millisecond too long and indicated her failure. She exhaled but drew no attention to it. Her head slightly tilted to indicate the cause to her brother causing him to once more relax.

At Va’rek’s suggestion, Avik nodded in agreement.

Cassandra let a small, but harmless laugh out, “You sound like Avik and Kekec now. All work and no time to take care of yourselves. Is this a Vulcan culture thing?”

Her last question was left for anyone to answer.

Avik decided to move on. She straightened up and began to gesture for them to move, “I believe my brother’s favorite bar and grill is located near the docks. It has a wide selection for all of us.”

Kekec looked at Va’rek for any objections before he moved.

–XO, Avik, Lt. Cmdr