(Sniff, sniff....get the tissues.......)

T'Kai listened to Danmar tell his story about the stone and how it related to his late wife, Lorik. She could feel his pain and sorrow in the relating of the story and on some levels, she had been there herself. She did not show any emotions whilst he spoke. She kept eye contact with him and occassionally looked down at the stone.

She marveled at the fact that a Vulcan had married a human and that the Counselor had been able to balance his emotions with his marriage to his Vulcan wife. She must have been a most intriguing woman, and the curious part of T'Kai was sorry that she would never know her, except through the stories that Danmar would be able to share. She listened intently to what he was sharing, not sure of where he was going with his story, until he got to the very end....when he said he was ready to start a new chapter of his life.....with her!

She brought her head up and looked him straight in the face. She narrowed her eyes, but other than that, she did not say anything or show any emotion on her face. To say that she was stunned by his professed admiration of her was an understatement. Her brain was suddenly going through a multitude of logical steps, trying to decide what was the best option and the best course of action and words to say....

Danmar continued to look at her as she held the stone...he did not say a word, but gave her time to speak. She continued to look at the stone and all it had represented to him...the life he had made with his Vulcan wife. What it must have taken for him to be able to put that behind him and make him ready to move on, especially with a child, was admirable, she had to admit. Did she like him? Yes. Did she like to be around him? Yes. Did she want something more? Unsure at this time. What did she want? Hmmmmmmmmm..........

She looked back at Danmar and the longing in his eyes. Her husband had not looked at her that way. Their marraige had been arranged as the traditional Vulcan marraiges are. She had been betrothed at 7. He had died a very tragic death and she had not been able to save him...would she be able to save the good Counselor? Would she want to? Did she want to be responsible for someone else? So many questions to ponder, and she wasn't sure she had all the answers....

She took a drink of her tea and composed herself. She took a few breaths to calm herself. She finally spoke, "Danmar, I must say that all of this comes as a bit of a surprise to me. I am honored that you share this part of your life with me, especially about your Vulcan wife. I have some idea of what you have gone through, although, as a Vulcan...we deal with death a little differently. As for a new chapter...I have not been with a....human before. My late husband....Sol'na, was Vulcan. I have to admit that I am intrigued. I like being around you and your voice is the first I seek out when I want advice or need calming. I would be interested to see where this might lead....is that acceptable to you? I make no promises and you must remember, I am still VERY much a Vulcan woman...with all of my ways about me that you might find unusual. I am not opposed to the possibilities...."

And she awaited his reply.....

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OOC-Can we feel the romance? LOL

Feel free to put in the yellow alert with your post, Mike...and we can write from there...



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Ens Ilian S'ilik
Chief Medical Officer
USS Carina