Run Silent, Run Deep

[T'Prise 0]

Meritorious Achievement Award

 

The tension was nearly palpable; it hung over the bridge, silent and ominous. T'Prise looked up from the science station to study the other crew members on duty, watching them in a detached, nearly clinical manner. Ever since her conversation with Escher several days ago, she had been curious as to what he meant by letting go of emotions. The obvious implication was merely to let one's emotions take control, but from what she had observed, most humans used some type of coping mechanism to minimize the effects of powerful emotions and feelings, rather than confront them directly. The stress of their current mission provided a good opportunity observe this phenomenon and study its ramifications in humans.

 

The propensity of emotional species to fear the unknown eluded the science officer's understanding. Humans often lacked the ability to view situations in an analytical manner and act upon logic rather than emotion. Granted, this mission was particularly dangerous and statistically speaking their likelihood of surviving it unscathed was very small, yet the human tendency to show concern about what was to come was illogical. While the more rational course of action would be to focus on their duties and perform their assigned tasks to the best of their ability, humans instead expended a tremendous amount of mental and physical strength on anxiety over what was to come. Most humanoid species lacked the ability to prognosticate, humans included, therefore the future was open to many possibilities. Yet, humans tended to focus more on the negative possibilities rather than the positive ones.

 

Turning slightly, she shifted her gaze to the tactical station, currently manned by Lieutenant Commander McFly and Commander Precip. McFly was apt to employ humor as a method of alleviating tension. He would tell humorous anecdotes or exchange witticisms and pleasantries with other officers. Precip focused on the inane, like the new stool at the tactical station, when he was not concentrating on his duties, perhaps a typical Bolian reaction to tension. T'Prise's eyes wandered over the tactical console to the helm, where Lieutenant Commander Mizu shifted nervously in her seat. Mizu often fidgeted when agitated, moving around uneasily at her station, as if she was physically uncomfortable. Her actions engendered some type of instinct with Commander Farrington, who had risen and made an attempt to soothe the helm officer.

 

Farrington herself exhibited a curious behavior, pacing about the bridge in a restless and uneasy manner, scrutinizing all of the crew members. Something about the acting executive officer was puzzling T'Prise; something was different about her, something the young Vulcan could not quite determine. She allowed that the matter would require further observation as the Commander moved back to her seat next to the Captain. Captain Sovak alone provided the one calming influence upon the bridge. He appeared oblivious to the disquiet amongst the crew, and unaffected by the underlying pressures of this particular mission. His face stoic and impassive, he represented the Vulcan ideal and everything that T'Prise had been taught and aspired to. The contrast between human and Vulcan behavior was vividly highlighted by the Captain and his first officer.

 

Suddenly caught in her reverie by Commander Farrington, she quickly returned her attention to the science console, pondering why she had let her discussion with Escher lead her down this path of inquiry and contemplation. As an adherent of the teachings of Surak, she subscribed to his philosophies and was even considering preparing for the kolinahr ritual. The only logical explanation was that her difficulties in meditating -- brought on both by the Peregrination Project and her subsequent abrupt assignment to the Manticore -- had disturbed her equilibrium, leading to the headaches which further distracted her. Composing her face, she made a silent vow to increase her efforts to regain total mental control through meditation. To do anything else would be unacceptable; this mission would require all of her focus and mental acumen. Restoring her balance would be paramount to performing her duties adequately.

Edited August 19, 2010 by STSF Jami