Turn ... turn ... turn ...

[T'aral 0]

THEN ...

 

T'Aral looked over the encampments on New Vulcan, observing the orderly development of the colony. Conditions were primitive, but Vulcans were more than just logical - they were extremely durable. Their race had been on the brink of extinction before and had returned; they would do so again.

 

"Mene sakkhet ur-seveh, T'aralam."

She turned about in response to the traditional greeting to find herself facing an elderly, perhaps even ancient Vulcan. "Health and long life to you; forgive me, but do I know you?"

 

His deeply creased face took on an almost bemused expression. "No. I have, however, become aware of you and have decided that it would be advantagious for us to meet."

 

Curiousity deepened within her. "Advantagious for whom?"

 

"For you. I am aware of who you are and the role you play within Starfleet. In this role you will eventually find yourself challenged with the emotional nature of other races - particularly humans. This is, of course, assuming you have not reached this point already ... which is unlikely." The old man stepped to a moderate outcropping and sat down. "Relationships with humans is as subject which I am deeply familiar with. I thought you may have questions; if so, perhaps I can help you discover answers."

 

That statement began a conversation which lasted for six hours as T'Aral explored the man's insights and experiences. He had clearly lived among humans for much of his life, and despite the regular incidents and occassions for irritation he had made peace with his fate. It was clear that he did not consider his experiences a burden, but rather viewed his own life as having been richer than that which many of their peers experienced. Richer for the opportunity to interact with a highly emotional species, and richer for the opportunity to grow form the experience.

 

The hour eventually grew late, and T'Aral could see that her benefactor was growing tired. "You should rest; it would be illogical to risk your health when our people need experienced leaders such as yourself."

 

He nodded, allowing T'Aral to help him upright. "It is easy to fall into dissatisfaction, T'Aral. In these times, it is important to remember one thing ..."

 

 

 

 

NOW ...

 

T'Aral watched placidly as the shuttles returned with the Away Teams. She observed the members stepping out, mentally critiquing their 'implants'. They were rush attachments, put on by crewmembers who were simply reading instructions. If such a situation came up again, T'Aral would have to interviene on their behalf an take on the job of installing the fake appliances personally. There were synthetic-skin compounds which would've made the presentation far more convincing.

 

She straightened as the Captain stepped out ... straight and unharmed from the excursion or any significant destracting activities. Saying nothing, she waited until Calestorm walked by and then fell into her usual position and role: available if needed, but largely unseen and unheard. Yet in the case of a returning away team this was a position she was content with, for everyone was returning largely in the same condition they had left in. Curiously, the situation brought her thoughts briefly back to the New Vulcan colony and the ancient elder who could talk for hours on the subject of human beings. T'Aral did not smile, did not smirk, nor in any way did she betray the thoughts which came to be deep within the privacy of her mind.

 

You are correct, honorable teacher ... there is a first time for everything.