Ruby slippers ...

[T'aral 0]

T'Aral rode quietly in a shuttle, reading various mission event reports while monitoring Ensign Shalin's condition. He was progressing favorably, especially given the constant state of transition he was in. This would be the last move for a while: once they arrived in the medical bay she would assign him a bed and that was where he was to stay.

 

While the return of Comanche Creek officers to their ship was proceeding reasonably smoothly, T'Aral was increasingly disturbed. Security was escorting Commander Wesley, while Lieutenant Kvar was cleared by both medical and security to proceed on her own initiative. There was no logical reason for T'Aral to object to this, yet something inside her did. She knew the unpleasant truth - the ordeal had taken some toll on her, and her control of her emotions was slipping because of it. This would have to be dealt with quickly, before familiarity became affection. While caring and protectiveness was all well and good for emotional races, such emotions had not place in the logical world of the Vulcans. T'Aral returned to her reading, calming her thoughts with the resolution to return to her routine as soon as possible.

 

Normally incident reports were quick reviews, but this one required thorough study. Bar fights ... windows ... Kzinti ... the Captain had been quite busy in her absence. Further, several reports indicated that much of the crew was sleep-deprived. It was a most unfortunate circumstance based within the military drive - commendable in dedication, though deeply flawed in practice. The net result being that the staff officers would be unfit to man their posts for at least 48 hours. It was fortunate that the Comanche Creek had a capable crew - they would be able to get underway on reserves for the time being.

 

T'Aral paused in her musings, wondering how the Captain was going to handle discipline. This was a most unusual situation: the XO was usually the executor of a disciplinary action, not the subject. The Captain would be on her own, with no one to consult with regarding her intent. Another CMO might consider it part of their overall mandate to counsel the Captain, but T'Aral did not sense any such mandate. She was only a lieutenant herself, and not deeply versed in matters of military doctrine when it came to discipline. Being a Vulcan, disciplinary action never came up as part of her Starfleet training. She was more than adequately disciplined already.

 

The shuttle landed and the hangar bay pressurized, allowing T'Aral to lead the orderlies minding Ensign Shalin to the medical bay. Once the Ensign was settled and under proper observation, T'Aral stepped into the CMO office and closed the door. Shutting off the lights, she lit a single candle then sat - staring at the flame. Within moments all tension was gone, and all the problems that would need her attention quickly became simple tasks which required completion. There was no conflict or disturbance within her. Her mind was completely at peace, and her heart was perfectly serene.

 

Five minutes later she ceremoniously snuffed the candle and stepped out into the medical bay to address the next matter at hand.