On Starbase Archer ...

[T'aral 0]

T'Aral stared out of a portal on the starbase, taking in the profile of the Comanche Creek from the outside.

 

Vulcans, especially Vulcans in esteemed positions, were not supposed to feel anything other than obligation for such assignments. T'Aral, however, had been struggling of late regarding her interactions with other members of the ship's crew and those who rode aboard her. Many among her race would simply supress such feelings, but T'Aral was of a different mind. Rather than supressing her feelings she decided to feed them further in order to understand them fully.

 

As she looked out upon the Comanche Creek, the stirrings within her heart became more apparent. Closing her eyes she allowed the feelings to flow through her, and as they did she suppressed a sense of contentment. What she was feeling was actually common among Vulcan women, and moreso among the priesthood. Her feelings towards the other crew were a displacement of her maternal instinct. It made her protective, and inspired a desire to care for the others beyond mere medical needs.

 

T'Aral's expression steadied as she straightened. While understandable, and in some Vulcan circles forgivable, the emotion would have to be suppressed even more sternly than others. These were not her children - they were Starfleet Officers with their assignments. Even the Orions were not in her care; of course, if Mr. Daniels was not such a fretful type her suspicion wouldn't have been raised ... but that was not an excuse for her reaction.

 

She began to walk to the starbase gardens: a suitable place to meditate. It was clear to her that the challenge before her was a great one, and wouldn't be resolved either simply or any time soon. Yet it would be resolved; she had no choice. T'Aral was a leader among her people, and she would lead by example. It was good that she struggled for it gave her insight, but she would need to be victorious with her own struggles if she intended to advise others on the same.