The tyranny of distance (backpost)

Posted on Thu Aug 14th, 2025 @ 1:27pm by Lieutenant Commander Intharia T'Zor & Lieutenant Commander Atna
Edited on on Thu Aug 14th, 2025 @ 1:28pm

471 words; about a 2 minute read

Mission: The Serpent's Tooth [3]
Location: Atna's Quarters
Timeline: MD13 - Evening

Intharia had waited in Atna's quarters after Lieutenant sh'Rhavar's funeral. She she'd had unlimited entry permissions to the room since their first night together. Since then she'd spent almost every night here rather than her own considerably smaller quarters. It was a strange beginning, to dwell on it. Neither had been looking for anything in particular, but when they shared minds in the interest of simplifying communication, the attraction was inescapable.

Even through Atna's dauntless Vulcan facade, the connection was inevitable, and went quickly from telepathic to physical. Vacillating between and combining the two was a common feature of their relationship, but it wasn't simply about edification and delight, each felt a deep intrinsic connection with the other, a respect and affection that transcended professional admiration.

Intharia knew that for a fact, nobody could hide their thoughts when two minds became one, in either the Vulcan or Asari fashion. They had in their brief few months together, shared lifetimes of memory, immersed in one another's most meaningful and mundane experiences. It was a romantic bond they had decided not to give a name to until enough time had passed to make an objective observation. Thari was happy with that, but she knew the bond was strong. Stronger than she would expect in such a short time.

She had changed into the coral spaghetti-strap dress from Betazed she knew Atna thought was her favorite. At 1835, she got the message that Atna had been discharged. She waited eagerly at the table. She remained eager, even as too much time went on for her to be comfortable with. Finally at 2130, Atna returned to her quarters, still wearing her medical gown.

Thari stood and went to greet her with a hug, which Atna shared without enthusiasm, not out of character for a greeting.

"I have had some bad news." Atna said, standing stonefaced, causing Thari to pull back, leaving her hands on Atna's shoulders.

Thari remained silent, urging her to go on with an understanding look.

"My mother has been diagnosed with Bendii syndrome. A premature case. Early testing indicates I likely carry the predisposition, and as such must cease all telepathic contact forthwith." Her explanation was unusually cold, but still distinctly Atna in its precision.

"I'm so sorry Atna. I can't imagine." She hugged Atna again, but felt no response at all.

"I wish to be alone." Atna said as Thari hugged her, once again causing her to break away. "Of course." She said as she released her.

"You're going to Earth in the morning. Will I see you again before then?" Intharia asked, moving to the door.

"I do not know." Atna said without looking back, proceeding into her bedroom.

Thari left the room, feeling suddenly like she'd dropped something very heavy and very fragile on a hard floor from a great height.

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