Familiarity

Posted on Mon Dec 16th, 2024 @ 2:13pm by Captain Rovak & T’Shan

777 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: Masters of the Stars [2]
Location: CO's Quarters, DS13
Timeline: 1700 - MD01

It was not unusual to see Commander Rovak leaving the CIC or his office nearby well after his shift, even well after a double shift had passed. Still, he would ever be present at 0830 the next day, if not earlier. On the day Admiral Gali arrived, he left at 1700 sharp.

It took less than a minute to return home, without interruptions. Inside, looking out the holographic vistas of the Aitanovar range on Andoria, Rovak found the woman he expected. "T'Shan-kam. It is agreeable to see you again."

The unusually colored young woman turned from the replicator alcove she had been feeding dirty plates into. "Father. And you."

He beheld her for a briefer moment than would have been allowed to him by any objective metric. "You have grown."

"It is to be expected. It has been more than 400 standard days since we last met in person." She noted with precision.

"I... must apologise. I did not consider the effects on you as a dependent minor when I made the accusations that led to my exile." Rovak said evenly, like he was asking for a pencil. They had discussed the matter before, but it still weighed on him.

"Father," There was emotion in her voice, and her antennae began to tremble involuntarily; "We have discussed this. You pursued justice. There is no higher calling. The after-effects are irrelevant. The first duty of every starfleet officer is to the truth."

"Thank you." Rovak said, after a longer silence than either was expecting. "It is a complication of Vulcan existence that there are those who compromise us emotionally. It is why the kalif'fee remains law in an age of enlightenment. To them we are pliant. And yet, it is a function of our biology. There is no avoiding it, even for those who feel the drive without the desire or ability to multiply. I hope if you are fortunate enough for it to afflict you, you may learn to master it better than I have." Rovak said in an entirely neutral tone.

"I understand the nature of parenthood, even without having borne a child, father." T'Shan responded clinically, hoping to stimy what only she and her brother would recognise as one of his emotional outbursts. "You are forgiven. Unconditionally. The past is gone. Now we resume." T'Shan said, folding her hands together. Her emotions lasted mere moments, like something caught out of the corner of one's eye. "Might we do something this evening, or do you have work?"

"No." Rovak answered immediately. "That is to say, yes, we may. No, I do not have work. Unless there is an unscheduled arrival or other emergency, I am not on duty again until 0900 tomorrow. We may undertake any activity you choose. Within reason." He removed his combadge, and set it on the dresser next to the door.

"I would like to visit a Romulan restaurant in the green ward. I believe it is called the wintergarden." T'Shan suggested with an optimistic earnestness.

"I..." Rovak could not think of a good way to end that sentence. It's true, the venue was well regarded for the skills of its chefs, but it was also the single most prominent den of criminality on the station. "I would not classify it as a restaurant. But they do serve food. I will arrange a booking. Is there anything else you would hope to see this evening?" Rovak said, already sensing a rising regret within him for agreeing so uncritically.

"I've heard the stellar cartography labs are brand new. And that we'll have a much better view of the Eklidion pulsar than you get from Vulcan. If there is time." T'Shan added, feeling as she suggested it that her father may be spoiling her. Generally that might have concerned her, but she realised it was still within the accepted period to celebrate his promotion.

"I will make enquiries." Rovak responded.

"And am I allowed to ask about this thing called a Dalek?" T'Shan asked, her antennae quavering nervously, suggesting that was something she knew she shouldn't be asking about.

"I hope to answer all your questions shortly. Excuse me, I must change." Rovak said, looking to his room.

T'Shan smiled involuntarily, before she mastered the response, and the expression disappeared. "This is your home, father. I do not expect you will adjust to my presence immediately. But you need not apologise, co-existence is never without surprise."

"If there is anything you require, do not hesitate to contact me. If I am unavailable, request Ayol." Rovak said.

"I know, father." T'Shan said dismissively.

He held his gaze on her for a moment longer, before disappearing back to his chambers.

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