A logical conclusion ( tears in the rain )

[T'aral 0]

A warp shuttle rested in the distance. T'Aral had spent an hour briefing a salvage team regarding the location and risks involved in recovering the Men-Hilsu. They were well prepared - T'Aral was confident that soon the Vulcan colony would have one of their own vessels at their disposal again.

 

She walked through the colony, past the borders and deep into the hills where the Da-Kuv awaited. One matter remained, and while she was determined to prevail T'Aral knew that there were those who sat within the Circle who would not wish her to proceed. T'Aral was of the Kator-Dva ... those who's logic accepted the existence of spirit - of a soul - without the need for proof. The soul was accepted as a given, and their logic proceeded from that assumption. Those who were within the Circle who were also Kator would allow her to proceed without comment. Yet there were also the Yhet, who's logic proceeded only from that which could be proven. They did not accept the soul, and would never accept T'Aral's explanation for her request.

 

No matter - she would proceed.

 

* - They will stop you.

 

T'Aral continued into the hills. ( No ... they will not. )

 

* - They will deny you access; we see it in your own thoughts.

 

( To commit to the negative is to fail. We shall succeed. )

 

T'Aral could sense the concern floating about her. She could not prove that she bore the souls of the Men-Hilsu crew, the Yhet would not approve of indulging a Kator-Dva belief, and the others within the Circle would not wish to cause a disruption of the delicate peace which existed between the various moral factions of the Vulcans. She would have to proceed carefully.

 

Entering through a stone arch, T'Aral passed across a wide circle surrounded by high-backed stone carved chairs. She need only make it across and then she would be allowed to pass; to finish what she had begun light years away. She needed to enter the cave of Seleya, where her light could diminish and the path would be clear for those she carried. She passed the center of the circle, then the third crescent ...

 

... then Stalaut of the Yhet stood to bar her path.

 

"T'Aral of the Kator - we have heard your request. Why should you be allowed to proceed?"

 

T'Aral maintained her composure. "To meditate in the cave of Seleya is the right of all Vulcans."

 

"You have disclosed the purpose of your meditation. The basis of this is unproven: we consider your situation may be a fabrication of your own belief. Therefore, your request is not logical."

 

T'Aral bowed humbly. "Forgive me, noble Stalaut, but you are in error. Allowing my request is completely logical."

 

Eyebrows arched throughout the room, while Stalaut maintained his stance. "Explain."

 

T'Aral breathed deeply. "There are two possible situations, and two possible actions. The situations are that I either bear the Katra of lost Vulcans or that I am in error and my belief is a delusion. The actions are to allow me to proceed, or to forbid me to proceed.

 

"If I am allowed to proceed and I am correct, then all will be resolved favorably with the release of our brethren's Katra.

"If I am allowed to proceed and I am in error, then all will be resolved favorably as my delusion will run its course and cease to be a part of me.

"If I am forbidden and I am correct, then I and hundreds of Katra will continue to suffer in our current state of mental conflict and separation from Unity.

"If I am forbidden and am in error, then I will continue to suffer within my delusion without resolution."

 

Straightening, she faced Stalaut with gentle tranquility. "Therefore: since allowing me to proceed harbors only positive outcomes while forbidding me harbors only negative outcomes, it is logical to allow me to proceed - regardless of individual points of view."

 

A full half-minute passed with absolute silence ... then Stalaut nodded and stepped aside. "It is indeed logical. You have our leave."

 

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Within the darkness of the cave of Seleya, T'Aral could feel the Katra surrounding her begin to relax. Soon there would be Unity - they would join with those who had gone before. Reaching within the depths, she came upon her own contribution: a stone reminant of Mount Seleya, enshrined and protected. Settling on her knees she relaxed herself in mind and body, allowing the Katra surrounding her to see the path before them. There was no breeze, no mystical lights, yet T'Aral could feel the burden lift from her. Her mind was quieting again - it was once again her own ... almost.

 

* - We thank you for your efforts; you have endured much.

 

( It was my duty and my honor. )

 

* - There is nothing we can do for you in gratitude?

 

( ... nothing. )

 

Were emotions finally permitted in Unity? The spirit remaining seemed to laugh.

 

* - Your thoughts are as open to us as ever. Steln will know that he is missed.

 

Once the last Katra left her, T'Aral stood and turned about. Her mission was finally done, and now she could return. No doubt the Captain would be curious as to why she didn't remain - to take some leave on Vulcan with her own kind. This would be illogical: when T'Aral needed rest she rested. She could do this just as well at her post than anywhere else. Her business at New Vulcan was done; it was time to return.

 

As she stepped out of the cave T'Aral looked up, noting that it was raining. Rain on their homeworld - it was a new experience for Vulcans. Water washed down her hair and face: within moments it was impossible to tell if her experience had affected her emotionally in any way.

 

It was, after all, impossible to distinguish tears in rain.