Annual Counselor Session with Counselor Nyssa
RP Scenario played by Sanek and MJ as Counselor Nyssa
Wearing a deep raspberry sleeveless dress hemmed up to mid-thigh and matching knee-high boots, the counselor entered the reception area outside her office and delivered the usual Latte to her receptionist.
"There you go, Jan."
"Doctor, you don't have to keep bringing me coffee every day," Janis said, taking the beverage with a smile anyway.
"As long as you keep calling me 'doctor' instead of 'Nyssa' I do." Nyssa lifted the sign-in PADD from the reception counter and looked at it. "Oh, dear. Phan's back."
"She said she wanted to see you right away, but not if you're wearing blue."
Nyssa looked down at her dress. "Close enough. Tell her it's bright blue with blue sequins - and that I had my office painted. Blue." She started to move toward her doors. "Who's up first this morning?"
Janis consulted her terminal. "Fleet Captain Sanek."
Nyssa froze as her office door hushed open. "Sanek?"
Janis nodded.
"As in Sanek-the-Vulcan. That Sanek?"
Another nod.
"Janis, he's a Vulcan. I'm a counselor... Wait.... Is it Pon Farr season or whatever?"
Janis shrugged. "It's his annual."
"Oh. That's a relief. Yeah, send him in when he gets here. Should be fun." Then she disappeared into her office.
(OFFICE LAYOUT: Upon entering, you'll notice a wide sideboard that matches the powdered rose and brown finish of the room. On the sideboard are framed photographs of Nyssa with her baby, Nyssa with Drs. Landers and Boran, and Nyssa with a Trill man with a stern look on his face - seemingly her father. Along the right wall is a giant mural of the Milky Way Galaxy with a 3D holographic overlay showing the history of expansion and discovery from the perspective of the Federation. On the floor by that wall are two large "bean bag" chairs and a collection of toys (stuffed animals, wooden blocks, rubber balls). Directly across from the entry (the widest wall) is a large padded reading chair with a lamp next to it, a large oak bookcase filled with PADDs and leather-bound books. The books are classics from Trill, and a couple from Earth. Next to the bookcase and spanning the entire wall is a large lighted rectangle of frosted glass with rounded edges. Shadowy images like leaves are projected on the glass from the opposite side and - together with the light - makes it look like a frosted window on the second or third story of an office on a planet with trees (Earth, for example). Beneath the window is a long shelf with drawers beneath. On the shelf are more pictures (Nyssa holding up a diploma [in this one she has a black eye and is frowning], an image of her with an arrest number on the bottom [mug shot], and a large, wide photograph of her holding a baby on the steps of what appears to be a Victorian estate. Next to her on either side are individuals who appear to be her parents or grand-parents. Around them is a bearded and face-tattooed Betazoid; a green-skinned Troian woman looking lovingly up at the Betazoid; and a strawberry blonde and brunette couple, both Trill, both women, both arm-in-arm looking into each other's eyes. Next to that picture is a smaller one of a little blonde girl with pigtails, an oversized combadge on her chest. The far left wall is dominated by a very comfortable looking divan with satin pillows. There are pole-lights on either side of the divan and a mural of Vulcan artist T'Dal's painting, "The Mind in Hand." Immediately to the left of the entrance door are more paintings, including "The Scream" by Edvard Munch, "Saturn Devouring One of His Children" by Francisco Goya, and "The Final Flight of The Nagaspar" by Ixirin Taa-Doman of Kaldaar IV. There is also a replicator and a 1x1-meter view screen that shows a "screen saver" of "The Great Minds of Psychology" intermixed with images of war and peace (battlefields, flower beds, tanks & planes, nuns laughing, etc.) until needed for something else. Next to that is a com panel with the usual LCARS interface In the center of the room are two wide black leather chairs with over-stuffed arms. The chairs face each other at a slight angle (not directly) and there is a small round table next to each. On each table is a coaster for drinks and a PADD. There are fuzzy slippers (men's and ladies) in various sizes on a small rack next to the chair on the left.)
Sanek stopped for a moment in the corridor and brought out his PADD to oversee the schedule for the day. There were several situations which required his attention; further supply demands for the Alan Shepard, a personnel issue with two crew members who had begun a fist fight during the morning mess on the last voyage, and an engineering test run of the replacement power couplings for the warp core - which would take up the majority of the remainder of the afternoon.
But first however was his appointment with Counselor Nyssa for his annual psychological evaluation.
He understood the necessity of course; all Starfleet officers had to undergo a medical evaluation each year to ensure they were healthy enough physically, emotionally, and mentally, to continue their duties. This was especially true for ship captains, due to their increased level of workload and responsibilities associated with command. The psychological evaluation was part of this annual medical exam - and simply because he was Vulcan did not exempt him from it. This was only logical; exemptions in any form would allow other exemptions, and eventually create a domino effect.
As with his last session a year before, he did not expect this session to take too much time; however, he had never been examined by Counselor Nyssa. Since he knew her personally, he suspected the possibility of questions that may be related to subjects she was aware of in his personal life.
He quickly noted the time, and putting away his PADD, he continued down the corridor. Punctual to a fault, as were most Vulcans, he made certain to leave his ship with enough time to arrive early enough to forsee any possible interruptions. He was still dressed in his uniform, as he had not had time to change; however, since he was uncertain if this was a formal scenario, he would have erred on the side of protocol and come in uniform regardless.
A few moments later, he rounded the corner and entered the office of Counselor Nyssa. A female receptionist sat behind the desk. He stepped to the desk and, placing his hands behind his back stood in his typical rigid stance.
"Good morning," he said to her dispassionately. "I am Fleet Captain Sanek; I am scheduled for an appointment with Counselor Nyssa."
Janis raised her eyes from her terminal. "Good morning, fleet captain. The counselor will see you now."
Dr. Nyssa poked her head out from her office door and stared to say, "Janis, could you get me-?" But stopped when she saw the tall formally-pressed and quaffed Vulcan standing at the reception desk.
"Captain Sanek just arrived, ma'am," Janis said.
Nyssa came out and offered her hand, "Fleet captain. Er- May I simply call you Sanek? This is an honor, sir."
Sanek watched Nyssa come out of her office; when she offered her hand, he glanced at it for a moment - a long moment it seemed - before he slowly reached out and grasped her hand, quickly gave it a single shake, and then released it. As he again clasped his hands behind his back, he looked back at her and nodded slightly.
"Counselor. It is agreeable to see you once again." He paused for a moment before he continued. "No honor is necessary; Sanek would be the proper address should this session be considered informal," he answered.
"All of my sessions are 'informal', Mr. Sanek, and 'honor' is perceptual, is it not?" She winked after releasing the handshake and turned to Janis.
"Hold my calls."
She motioned for Sanek to follow her into the office, but spoke over her shoulder on the way in: "I have to admit, captain, that I rarely get any Vulcans to the psychological inner sanctum, but when I do it's quite the treat. If everyone were Vulcan, I'd be out of the job."
She stood just inside the doorway and motioned for him to enter.
"Can I get you a refreshment? Drink? Snack? Nysi's lounge is always open."
As he followed her into the office, he was silent as he listened to her comments. He briefly considered her statement regarding being out of a job were everyone in Starfleet Vulcan; should that be the case then certainly no necessity would have been considered for such a profession as couselor or any other emotional health scenario. Such professions were unnecessary on Vulcan. However, it was logical that such considerations were made for other races due to the rather enormous energy many of them invested in emotional outlet and response.
It was then that he realized that she was, or at least appeared to be, making an attempt at humor.
As he paused a few steps inside the door, he quickly scanned the office, noting various photographs and other articles of personal nature. He especially noted the Mind in Hand mural by T'Dal, and his gaze lingered for a moment on the map of the galaxy. He recognized Nyssa's infant child from several photographs on the sideboard. As he turned back to her, he again clasped his hands behind his back.
"Theris-masu tea, if I may," he requested.
"You most certainly may," she smiled and moved to the replicator to make the order. She ordered Sanek's tea and a special blend of coffee she had recently become fond of.
"Please, make yourself comfortable." She came up to him and offered him the mug as she sipped from her own. Motioning toward the bean-bag chairs, she said, "I think you'd agree that there is a particular invention that serves no logical purpose." Raising a single eyebrow with a smile, she said, "Shall we sit in the more conventional chairs?" And motioned for him to proceed.
Sanek carefully took the tea from Nyssa with both hands; holding it for a moment before him he looked her in the eyes and bowed slightly at the neck. He continued to hold the mug in both hands as he took a measured sip of the tea. Her comment and gesture towards the bean bag chairs made him glance at them for a moment. Having never seen a bean bag chair before, he had no idea what they were; he merely raised his right eyebrow slightly in response.
At her motion toward the chairs, he stood for a moment, still holding the tea in both hands as he glanced at them, then back to Nyssa.
"I must admit that I am unaccustomed to imbibing Theris-masu while seated," he said. He hesitated only for a moment further; the Vulcan traditions whereas the sharing of tea were concerned, he realized, were largely unknown. "If my being seated will allow you to proceed in a fashion that provides you comfort, I will most certainly do so."
"Oh, Sanek, I do apologize." Her head momentarily vibrated as she shook out the remnants of her mind that had lost themselves. "I must confess I'm not familiar with Vulcan customs or rituals beyond what's commonly known about your preference of logic over emotion."
She wondered for a moment if her comment would invite a well-deserved retort along the lines of, 'how can you counsel me if you don't know my people,' but hoped not. With all the species in Starfleet, she had her hands full enough with trying to keep them all straight. Nyssa had always approached counseling as a person-to-person exercise. After all, what good would it do her to know Vulcans stood while sipping tea unless that happened to be an issue with Sanek?
"I hope you'll forgiv- I mean, I hope you'll overlook my little oversight and allow us to proceed. I will be satisfied with standing and speaking with you until you have finished your tea."
Oversight? Allow us to proceed? I will be satisfied? Nys, you're sounding like a Vulcan. I know. Ain't it cool?
"My first question is simple but obvious: How have you been this past year?"
As Sanek watched Nyssa and her response, he elected to accept her invitation to be seated. Her obvious discomfiture would simply create an unwarranted emotional situation, and as Sanek respected the Counselor he had no desire to cause her undue emotional stress. He waited for her to finish before he addressed the issue.
"No apology is necessary, Counselor," he replied. "Your unfamiliarity with Vulcan customs is understandable. I apologize for creating an uncomfortable situation for you by my comment." He indicated the chairs with barely perceptible nod. "Shall we be seated?"
He moved to the chair on the right and seated himself, somewhat stiffly... still holding the mug in both hands in front of his chest. While he waited for her to make herself comfortable, he answered her query.
"I have been agreeable, Counselor," he began. "The Institute's policies towards deep space research have allowed my work to continue at an exponential rate."
Nyssa sat and crossed her legs knee over knee. With her hands clasped and parked in her lap, she nodded and smiled to Sanek. "It's pleasing to hear everything has been going well for you."
She cleared her throat and said, "Tell me about your deep space research. That must keep you away for a long time. Fortunate for you, I'd say, based upon your culture, that long-term missions away from a home base won't affect you the way it would a more emotional sentient."
"That is somewhat correct, Counselor," Sanek replied. "Vulcans are not impaired by emotion; as such, voyages of some length can be focused upon without such distractions." He raised his hands and took a sip of his tea, and then lowered them again.
"My research focuses primarily upon exploration and cataloging prime and subspace anomalies," he began. "This is, of course, in effort to gather as much data as possible to assist with the understanding of how planets and star systems form; as well as more complex scenarios such as wormhole theory, quantum particle mechanics, black hole theorem, and dimensional travel." He took another sip of his tea before he continued. "The latter, of course, primarily concerns the current Undine infiltration crisis."
Keeping her somewhat relaxed pose, Nyssa nodded and pouted her lower lip with raised eyebrows to show her fascination with the subject. Granted, she wasn't the least bit interested. What she was interested in was Sanek. People fascinated her, intrigued her, made her wonder. Oh, how she envied Betazoids.
"Tell me, Sanek; while you are fortunate enough to have your emotions completely grounded firmly in your culture, what of those less fortunate? What about your crew during these times? Humans, Narkredans and Betazoids come to mind. How have they been....?"
Sanek raised his right eyebrow.
"I do not believe I follow your reference," he began. "If I may; certainly such cultures allow emotions to conflict with their ability to make objective, sometimes rational, decisions. However, I do not see the corollary between emotion and it's affect on culture causing more, or less, fortune over another." He paused for a moment to drink some more of his tea.
"As for my crew, I am unaware of any issues whereas emotional context is concerned regarding voyage longevity. If any such exist, they have not been brought to my attention."
Nyssa smiled warmly and tilted her head. "I merely meant that you possess the fortune of emotional control in situations where emotions typically boil over. Long missions lend themselves to 'cabin fever' - or have been known to."
She rested one hand on the arm of her overstuffed chair and tapped her finger. "But I'm glad to hear everything is functioning within established parameters aboard your ship," she winked. "Others should be so lucky."
After a quick breath, she said, "So tell me, Sanek, if it's true that Vulcans really do have emotions but just learn to suppress them.... Is there nothing that would cause them to come out?"
"Ahh. My apologies; I misunderstood your reference."
He took another drink of tea while he considered her question. For a quick moment he scanned through memories of his studies regarding earlier Vulcan contact with the Federation and other races, and the Code of Silence invoked as a result of sensitive topics Vulcans did not wish discussed outside their race. Since that time, Vulcan sensibilities regarding such topics had become less restrictive somewhat. Her question bordered on the Code of Silence and ethics regarding emotions; however, Sanek had his personal opinions whereas the dissemination of Vulcan sensibilities was concerned. Furthermore, the psychological reports of Doctor Leonard McCoy and his dealings with Ambassador Spock were well known; in them were frequent passages referring to Spock's emotions and occasional emotional state. Therefore he decided to answer her question.
"Your assumption is correct, Counselor," Sanek replied. "Vulcans do have emotions. The suppression of emotion comes through the discipline of supreme logic and training of the mind from infancy through meditation and mental programming. The mind, like any machine, can be programmed." He paused for a moment. "In answer to your query; yes, there are circumstances where a Vulcan's emotions can overcome their discipline."
Nyssa gave a satisfactory smile and scratched at something in the back of her head.
"As a counselor, I'm sure you know logical 'next progression' of my next question," she winked and wiggled her eyebrows. "Put as plainly as possible, I have to ask, 'have you had any form of emotional release - no matter how small or personal - within the past year?"
She counted on every finger of her left hand with her right, "Anger, frustration, impatience, lust, love, envy?"
Sanek lifted the mug of tea and took a drink. He had expected questions of this nature. He understood the reasoning behind the line of questioning of course; however, he felt such questions were irrelevant due to being in direct relation to Starfleet Regulation 619. Had any such complications occurred due to a loss of mental discipline Sanek would have relived himself of duty per the said Regulation.
"First, I must ask you to define 'emotional release', if may," he queried as he lowered the mug once again.
Nyssa sipped from her own mug and set it back on the table next to her chair.
"Hmm, emotional release." She puckered her chin and squeezed one eye shut as she looked toward the ceiling for the answer. "Well, simple. I suppose I'm asking if - during your mission, or the past year really - have you experienced anything you might consider... um... unVulcan?"
Shrugging, she added, "Raising your voice, slamming your fist on a table, the urge to draw more personal companionship from a crewmate or friend, even something as simple as an exasperated breath.... Anything like that? At all?"
"Negative," Sanek replied. "As a Vulcan, an emotional paroxysm such as you describe while on duty would impede my ability to perform my responsibilities objectively and logically. As such, I would immediately relieve myself of duty per Regulation 619; Commander Vaareler would then assume command."
Counseling sessions were different than what she was used to. The year before last she had only managed hazardous occupation therapy. Dealing with specific fears about specific on-the-job dangers or injury recovery were far easier than probing minds that may (or may not) have anything wrong with them.
There was an expression that Dr. Boran often used when referring to his sessions. "That's a hard nut to crack." Nyssa never understood what he meant by that, but she imagined that a Vulcan's mind would definitely qualify.
The irony beyond that was that in and of itself, she really didn't see a nut worth cracking here. Sanek's record was clean, his career was solid, there were no reports or concerns from his crew. Spotless as a Vulcan. Which, incidentally, was an expression of Dr. Landers'. Nyssa wondered, if not for the first time, if all Starfleet psychologists were inherently racist. She made a mental note to never compare people by race or culture.
Nyssa took a deep breath and released it as a heavy sigh. She reached for her mug and took a sip, then said, "Ya know, Captain Sanek, it's usually about this time in a session where I give up and proclaim my subject fit, but only after I make one final request."
"Why don't you hazard a guess as to what that request might be."
"As I am unfamiliar with Counseling procedures, I am unaware of the nature of any final request you may have." Sanek placed his empty mug, still with both hands, on the table beside the chair. He then slowly placed his elbows on the arms of the chair and, holding up his hands in front of his chest, held them so that each finger and thumb touched the opposite digit on the other hand. He looked carefully at Nyssa for a moment before he continued.
"However, if I were to make an assumption, you would be interested if I have any questions for you," he finished.
Nyssa shrugged with her smile. "That's a good one.... Mmm, but not really."
She shifted her weight in her chair, re-crossed her legs and said, "This is usually the time I just open the doors and say, 'let's just talk about anything.' Usually something comes up."
In a long pause wherein Sanek seemed to wait for Nyssa's next thought, to explain what she'd just said, or maybe he was thinking about a way to respond, Nyssa went to Plan J.
"Or!" She almost shouted, "I can backpedal a little bit - repeat myself - see if it brings some light or added importance to a topic in your mind, maybe something you want to talk about anyway."
"So..." She cocked her head playfully, "Whatcha thinkin'?"
Sanek watched the play of emotion and expression over Nyssa's face as she spoke. Despite more than ten years among non-Vulcans it still amazed him how so many things could play out across the face of someone as they talked, or spoke, when in the throes of emotion and it's energy. In many ways, Counselor Nyssa was like some human children he had seen earlier in his Starfleet career aboard the U.S.S. Nautilus; so captivated by whim and emotion that no one thought seemed to remain with them for more than a few seconds. The analogy was not wholly correct he realized of course; with her background she was no doubt supremely analytical, and Sanek was certain most of her affectations of a whimsical nature were carefully constructed to set patients at ease.
A thought, however, had occurred to him after his last response to her initial question regarding emotional outburst. While his answer had been correct and true in the context of duty and actual outward expression, there was still an issue that required further analysis.
"If I may, Counselor, I must disclose that I have felt some small emotion related to one particular of your initial query from a few moments ago," Sanek replied. "It has not impeded my ability to remain logical and objective according to my interpretation of your definition." He was quiet for a brief moment before he continued.
"I trust that you understand that, to a Vulcan, the disclosure of emotions and emotional response is data of an extremely personal nature. As a Counselor, I must first trust in your complete confidentiality."
This was unexpected.
Nyssa's eyes widened slightly, but she was quick to nod and offer Sanek the confidentiality promise he sought. "Absolutely, Sanek. This is between you and I."
Softly, she offered, "Just tell me what's on your mind."
Sanek nodded slightly once in acknowledgment before he continued. "I disclose this information simply to ensure that my reply to your query is in fact the full truth." As he spoke, he didn't hardly move a muscle save for what was required to speak and acknowledge Nyssa.
"As a logical being, my personal experience with emotion is somewhat... limited." He paused for a brief moment before he continued. "I have had increasingly strong emotional response towards my Chief Medical Officer, Commander Solida T'yra. This has progressed over a period of six years, two hundred twelve days, nineteen hours, and twenty-six minutes - according to the galactic standard clock."
Nyssa's smile became a frozen mask, then quickly vanished as she scrambled for the PADD tucked into the chair cushion. She activated the screen and started fumbling through it. It took a couple of minutes before she said anything to Sanek - and would have excused herself to anyone but a Vulcan - but finally poked her head up enough to say, "This... um, is kind of unprecedented... at least in local records."
She put the PADD flat on her lap and folded her hands over it. "Are you saying that you are developing... forgive the term, 'feelings' ...for officer Solida? And, if so, I need to ask...."
Nyssa cleared her throat and took a deep breath, "Do you wish for them to stop, or are you welcoming them if, for nothing more, than a sense of exploration, of curiosity?"
"Or.... Is there something more?"
Sanek watched her fumble with the PADD. Her obvious discomfiture made him consider the reality that perhaps this disclosure was not necessarily something that he should have informed her of... perhaps this was best left in discussion with the Elders on Mount Seleya. However, the time required to visit Vulcan was something he could not foresee in the near future - in part due to his Vulcan nature, but also due to his ethics; he could not justify taking time from his duties to pursue such a personal matter.
In truth however, Sanek felt that full disclosure was necessary in this case simply to ensure the full and whole truth be examined. He was more critical of hidden truths than he was of full disclosure for that reason.
When Nyssa looked up, he listened to her comments and questions for a moment with his typical bland expression before he responded.
"Forgive my query; but do you suggest that a Vulcan feeling emotion for another is an unprecedented possibility?" he asked. "I must remind you of the most obvious example; Ambassador Sarek and his human wife Amanda Grayson - the mother of Ambassador Spock. There are other examples of course as well." Before Nyssa could respond, Sanek continued.
"If your term 'feelings' will assist in the description of the scenario, then I will utilize that term as appropriate." He paused for a moment as he considered his explanation. He then made a mental decision.
"Perhaps it would benefit you to realize that Vulcans, as indicated earlier in our session, do indeed have emotions," he began. "However, you may not be aware of the reality that Vulcan emotion is considerably more intense than in most other emotional races; it is one primary reason for Surak's evolution of the Vulcan philosophy of Logic, and as such the Vulcan dedication to it. The Vulcan adherence to logic is based on the search for truth and objectivity in all things; emotions cloud one's reason and thus make objective reasoning impossible. To quote from Surak; 'The essence of logic is in arriving at the truth through logical process. Emotions are illogical, thus making them impure and deterrent to truth.'"
He paused for a brief moment. "To answer your query in part, I respect Commander T'yra too much to, if I may use your suggestion, 'explore these 'feelings' out of a sense of curiosity.' It is a truth that my attempts to purge these 'feelings' have been unsuccessful. That in itself suggests a scenario that would indicate a tendency towards emotion of a 'romantic' nature - if I may utilize that term." He looked away for a moment, almost as if lost in thought, before he looked again at Nyssa.
"It is indeed a curious situation. I have found myself oddly reluctant to continue attempts to purge this emotional attachment."
As illogical as it may have seemed, and as much as she already owed the quartermaster for broken PADDs, Nyssa looked down at the article, "UNDERSTANDING VULCAN EMOTION by DR. HANS VAN HARSMAN," then up at Sanek. Then she tossed the PADD over her shoulder in a wide, high arc and let it thunk-clatter-crack on the floor behind her.
"Okay. As we emotional types say, 'I'm gonna go from my gut' on this one." Nyssa used her arms on the arms of the overstuffed chair to lift herself, then fold her legs under her, then lowered herself in a comfortable, but childlike sitting position.
"It's true I don't know much about Vulcan emotions, but I know they have them. I also respect your culture's decision to suppress them. Believe me, there are times I wish I could." She took a deep breath, her shoulders rising, then slumping, before continuing.
"Tell me, Sanek.... Why would you even want to suppress your emotions concerning Solida? You said that it was growing increasingly more difficult to do so. If that's the case, is it logical to continue to attempt to keep them down?"
She allowed herself a wry grin.
And winked.
Not even aware of the il-logic of blinking one eye.
Sanek raised his right eyebrow as he watched the PADD sail over Nyssa's chair and clatter onto the floor. Even knowing what he knew of Nyssa, it seemed an uncharacteristic action to take by her, even if it were possible that she were experiencing an emotional outburst of frustration. He then of course conceded that he did not know her that well as yet; as such, this may well be characteristic, and he was experiencing her impulsive nature for the first time.
He listened to her comments. Her question set his mind on a calculative analysis which he dwelt on for a moment before he replied.
"Counselor, as indicated previously; emotion clouds reason and affects one's ability to remain objective and logical," he began. "Allowing this emotional attachment to cultivate creates the plausibility that I may be emotionally compromised at a moment when logic and objectivity are most urgent. As captain of a Starfleet vessel, this could result in injury or death of members of the crew." He shifted his weight slightly and folded his hands together, his elbows still resting on the arms of the chair, his hands in front of his chest. "I have had no such obstruction as yet to my duties in this regard; however, it is increasingly plausible the deeper this emotional attachment progresses. As such, it is the logical course of action to suppress said attachment in order to continue to continue to serve objectively."
He paused for a moment once again. "I find myself having to progress down unfamiliar territory Counselor," he continued. "In answer to your query, the logical course of action is not the direction I wish to proceed. Which is, in and of itself, illogical."
She smiled warmly. "In other words," Nyssa said, trying to translate the Vulcan into Trill, "You feel something for this officer, but you're afraid to pursue it because it will cloud your judgement."
She shifted, but only slightly and shrugged. "It even happens to the emotional, my friend. Believe me, Vulcan or not, this is not a new subject." She motioned over her shoulder to where she through the PADD. "Doctors and theorists can go on and on about Vulcan purity, the flawlessness of logic, but none of them dare to touch upon the logic of attraction." Her smile wavered, but maintained its strength. "You're concern is well-founded and, if I may, when there is an important mission or task at stake, for you to pursue a course of emotion isn't just illogical.... It's foolhardy. I'd say that to any species in your shoes."
"But before we go further," she said, her tone changing slightly to become more soft, "and before I tell you what I think.... Tell me what you know of Solida's feelings toward you."
Sanek listened to her explanation. She was correct of course; despite her lack of logical progression her arguments were sound and clear in their truth.
"Fear is not a word I would utilize to describe the scenario," Sanek said, "but your observation is largely correct."
As he considered the answer to her query, he found it difficult to proceed. There were aspects of the relationship between himself and Solida that were anything but logical; this made describing some things decidedly difficult. He himself had always kept logic and reason in the forefront during their exchanges, however she herself continuously teased him in ways that made it difficult for him to respond logically.
"Commander T'yra's feelings are clear," he responded. "She has informed me on several occasions her desire to become... 'involved', is the term I believe you would refer to. Her expression of these emotions can be, frankly, rather vulgar to Vulcan sentimentality at times; however, I have come to expect such actions from her during our association over the last six years."
(Solida T'yra and references to her used with permission)
Nyssa pouted her lower lip and raised her eyebrows as she heard this. "Hmm."
She shifted her weight, letting her legs slide out from under her, and took a more businesslike pose with her legs crossed at the knee. She said, "You've said now a couple of times that your reluctance - for lack of a better term - to move forward in this arena is because you believe the lack of emotion it presents will put you, Solida, and/or your crew in jeopardy. Let me ask you this. Do you believe that such a time exists where that would not be the case? I'm sure Vulcans consider shore leave as much as androids, but there are logical reasons for taking them."
"This, for example." She remained expressionless, wondering for a moment if Sanek had ever taken a shore leave in his career or if he could even handle sun, surf, or simple interpersonal silence for that matter.
Sanek's only initial response was to raise his right eyebrow for several moments. It was not the first time such sentiments had been obliquely suggested; that Vulcans, due to their discipline in logic, have no life outside that logic. He found the observation strangely intriguing.
"Counselor, it is true that Vulcans do place a higher focus on our academic work than most races of the Federation," he began, "however, despite the stereotype associated with us, we are a people who do pursue interests other than the academic." He indicated T'Dal's painting on the wall with a quick glance. "Consider T'Dal, and the painting on your wall, for example... or the game of Kal-Toh... or the Vulcan Lyre. The assumption that due to emotional repression Vulcans consume their time with wholly academic pursuits is incorrect."
Sanek thought for a moment. "I have only taken shore leave three times in my career; twice due to family concerns, but once of a more personal nature, the likes of which you suggest. That was approximately four years ago. I spent three days on Risa in the company of Commander Solida." His mind briefly passed over those three days before he continued.
"To directly answer your query; I have not taken time to consider such a possibility," he continued. "My primary focus has been research and exploration since I joined Starfleet. To consider a scenario which you are suggesting requires a shift in priorities; ergo, this is an avenue of thought I have not evaluated."
Nyssa looked to the painting and smiled. "I've always enjoyed Vulcan art. Syrlia used to collect it. One of Shenn's former hosts was actually quite the aficionado of Vulcan art and music. She still sings bits and pieces form a Vulcan opera she once played as Fanlon Shenn."
She smirked. "I guess that should be he once played. Fanlon was male."
Shaking her head to re-focus, Nyssa smiled again at Sanek. "Anyway.... You're right. You're absolutely right." Nyssa stood and paced around behind her chair and picked up the thrown PADD. It lit up with her touch and she smiled at the improvements made in Federation engineering since she became a habitual PADD-thrower. "Priorities."
She returned to the chair and plopped down into it, causing the cushion to exhale with a poof. She held the PADD on her lap. "It shouldn't be hard for you to prioritize because 'things to do lists', as some call their priority-shuffling, should be composed with logic in mind."
Nyssa raised her index finger to impress upon him a point. "However, it's important that you make sure that you devote the time you need to process through these 'emotional bubbles' and treat them with the respect they deserve." She gestured as she came to a point, "And think about Solida as well. You should keep her priorities in mind as well, and," she emphasized with a slightly louder voice, "remember that coming from a more emotion-based species, Solida may find more necessity in showing her emotions and having them reciprocated. Logically," she grinned, "you'll want to keep that in consideration for her health, welfare, mental attinuation and ability to process.
"More emotional species sometimes need outlets of emotions to...." She waved her hands as she thought of the phrase, "De-stress. That's not only expected of them - of us, as I too am emotional - it's a requirement of good mental and physical health."
She leaned back and smiled with a wink. "There's not much you can deny in that logic, is there, Sanek?"
Her logic was sound. While he himself did not require such outlets of such an emotional nature to deal with situations others may find stressful, he none-the-less understood Nyssa's arguments and their far reaching consequences even whereas emotional individuals were concerned. Additionally he had found over the years that recognition of teasing and emotions from Solida seemed to have a pleasing affect on her; while his recognition was distinctly Vulcan-like and logical, it still acknowledged her advances in some way.
The more he analyzed this with Nyssa, the deeper the scenario began to reveal itself to him. This was the first time he had truly taken time to address the situation directly rather than setting it aside for more meditative contemplation at a later time.
"Your logic in regards to Commander T'yra is sound, Counselor," he answered. "I had not taken the opportunity to contemplate this situation with such direct attention prior to today."
He elected not to respond to her comment regarding the processing of emotional states and the necessary respect required of them. Vulcans dealt with such situations in a different manner than most other species, and the explanation would not be relevant to the current topic in any event.
Nyssa smiled, perhaps too giddily, as she had never heard a Vulcan call anything of hers "sound." In every session she always looked for that one glimmer, that one feather that she could call a success. If she never understood another word Sanek said, she would at least know that she had been "sound" once in their conversation.
"Wow," she said, "Thank you, Sanek. I'm almost speechless. Coming from me that'd be like a Vulcan saying, 'I'm effervescent'."
When he didn't even crack a smile at her joke, she cleared her throat and said plainly, "That is pleasing to hear." Then, in a more doctorly tone, "I would think your next course of action should be to prioritize or strategize on ways you can meet Solida's needs and also come to a stronger realization of your own through these 'emotional sidequests'." She said that last with 'finger quotes'. "Have you ever talked to her about this subject? Told her how you, if you'll forgive the word, 'feel'?"
"Negative," Sanek replied. "She and I have not discussed this scenario between ourselves directly. However, she has indicated a desire to discuss it in depth on several occasions." He considered her for a moment before he continued.
"I am not aware of your level of information regarding Commander T'yra," he added, "however, I am assuming you may be unaware; Solida is of Betazoid descent." He paused once again to allow Nyssa to absorb that.
When it occurred to Nyssa what it meant that Solida was Betazoid, her eyes lit up with new understanding.
"Oh, my."
She leaned forward slightly in her chair. "Sanek, do you know what that means?" Then she sat bolt upright and smiled. "Look who I'm asking. Of course he knows."
She gestured in a wide sweeping motion with her right arm. "This is a perfect situation for you. She - I'm sure - is already aware of the feelings you have for her. If she weren't an empath, I'm sure this would be much more difficult. I mean... you could be completely infuriated with me right now and I wouldn't know it because of your cultural gifts."
Nyssa leaned back and smiled. "Okay.... This is good.... But it's no reason for you to avoid direct discourse. If she has wanted to approach the subject with you several times in the past, why didn't you? Were you concerned that such a breech of Vulcan etiquette would somehow break down the walls that make you who you are? Or was the timing simply not right?"
Sanek allowed her to finish before he spoke. "Counselor," he began, "such a discourse would not impair or otherwise nullify my persona; please understand there is no emotion of fear, or equivalent thereof, in this scenario." He unfolded his hands, and once again placed his fingers opposite the other digit of the other hand in front of his chest, almost in a reverent manner.
"If I may, Vulcan logic discipline and philosophy begins almost at birth; apropos, the vast majority of Vulcans rarely experience outward emotion in any form past their formative years. As such, when confronted by a scenario such as mine with Commander T'yra, typically it is a first. Ergo, there is little experience with which to draw from to accommodate the emotional response." He paused for a moment. "As you may then surmise, a Vulcan, when confronted with an equation such as this will approach the scenario from the perspective in which they have the most experience; with pure logic." He shifted his weight slightly.
"Approaching my emotional attachment to Commander T'yra from a position of pure logic provides the primary result in the equation," he continued. "As such, discussion of the scenario was analyzed from that perspective; and coupled with my duties, the logical answer was clear."
His explanation was concise, and he projected that Nyssa would understand his perspective of the situation with Solida based upon it. He had a sense that there was a slight misconception of the nature of his approach to the scenario. The reality was simple; Vulcans were in many ways, by and large, infants whereas experience with stronger emotions was concerned. In not knowing how to 'feel' them, a Vulcan approached them in the same manner any creature would a difficult situation - with the skills they knew and utilized best.
"Further," Sanek continued, "it is a truth that in each case where a discourse may have been initiated the time was not appropriate. I do agree that if I make the decision to pursue this attachment that a discourse is required."
Nyssa stared for a moment until she realized her jaw was hanging open. Wow, I wish I could talk like that. She sat back inside herself for a moment, trying to see what Solida saw in Sanek. Without the abilities of a Betazoid, she could really only guess. Sure, he was very handsome, his eyes bright and alert; and of course his intelligence would be unparalleled. Nyssa had never met the commander, but imagined she was tall and beautiful. She could also assume a high level of intelligence. While it might seem foolhardy to consider a personal, possibly romantic, relationship with a full Vulcan, from all indications she had bided her time and kept his well being at the forefront of her mind. The poor girl was probably tortured. To a degree.
"Well, first, I want to thank you for teaching me so much about Vulcans. This has truly been an enlightening experience throughout. I sincerely think the next course of action, Mr. Sanek, is to have this discourse with her. Reflecting on it myself, I think you'll be coming from a place of understanding. If she has had these feelings for you for this long, and you her, it follows reason that she's patient and understanding with respect to your cultural necessities.
"From a purely psychological standpoint, I don't see how anything healthy can come of hiding these feelings or making them something they aren't." She quickly held up a hand "Not that I think you're doing that!"
Nyssa eased back in her chair, relaxing somewhat. "Where mental health is concerned, if it were you and you alone, I would recommend deep meditation and purging of that which does not fit within your cultural upbringing or training. However, for the health of Solida - and by the nature of the fact this is something you both share - I would personally prescribe the aforementioned discourse."
Sanek nodded once. "I will mention that Commander T'yra does possess a great deal of patience; I have been witness to it on many occasions in circumstances other than our personal contact." He folded his hands once again.
"Your suggestions are noted, Counselor," he continued. "My thanks are offered as well; you have provided me with much to analyze and meditate upon. It has become apparent that the scenario has progressed to a level where setting aside the appropriate time for a discussion is now necessary. As we are currently docked and in a transition period, perhaps this would be the best time."
Nyssa paused before smiling to Sanek, then she stood up and offered her hand. "Fleet Captain Sanek, I think you are off to a very logical, and very sound, start."
She glanced to the time on the LCARs panel, "But I'm afraid I must end this here as I have an appointment far, far away from my present duties."
"If you don't mind, I would really like to meet with you again after your discourse, perhaps we can analyze together your observations on the matter and see if we are likely to theorize a new modus operandi."
She did her best to raise a single eyebrow in a high Vulcan-style arc, but only managed to wiggle them both.
"And, please, rest assured that your comments will remain our secret."
Sanek stood. He rather carefully and somewhat slowly took her hand and shook it once, and then released it. "I must state that despite my tenure in Starfleet, physical contact such as this is a custom I am still unused to. Vulcans do not make physical contact in this fashion; as touch-telepaths, it can create unwarranted scenarios. Please forgive me if my reciprocation of your gesture is somewhat hesitant."
As he listened to the rest of her comments he formulated a response - and then watched as she apparently wiggled her eyebrows at him. Having never seen this gesture before, he was uncertain of it's function; he raised his right eyebrow questioningly for a moment before he continued.
"I will contact your office upon your return then, Counselor Nyssa," he said. "I am certain circumstances will have changed at that time; perhaps with more to discuss as you suggest. And again, my thanks."