[To be continued . . .]

You could see that many thoughts were going through T’kai’s mind as she seemed to search for the words to speak her reply. She seemed to genuinely be caught off guard . . . which was unusual for most Vulcans. Many times they believed their logic to be unflawed and were able to easily reply to any question posed regarding a topic upon which they had spent time pondering or considering. Instinct and Intuition were not usually a part of Vulcan mindsets . . .

. . . except for with the unusual ones. Some Vulcans weren’t so one-sided when it came to the balance between logic and emotion. Though far and few in between, their ability to allow a degree of “feeling” into their actions and lives in general made them an exception to the rule.

That’s what this woman who sat before him was . . . and exceptional Vulcan. And quite exceptional at that!

When she finally DID speak, she seemed to have chosen the words to formulate her answer, though still a bit reserved. With a hint of trepidation, she said, “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 . . .”

The last comment caused him to furrow his brows slightly, but say nothing.

“. . . 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.”

So, she did know somewhat of the pain of which he spoke of. That fact bonded his heart to her one more degree.

“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?”

“Absolutely,” he said showing some enthusiasm; relieved that he hadn’t been rejected. “That’s . . .” he hesitated, then decided to use her word, “ . . . perfectly acceptable. Marvelously acceptable, in fact!” He was grinning widely now.

“I make no promises,” she continued, “and you must remember, I am still VERY much a Vulcan woman...with all of my ways about me that you might find unusual.”

Looking a little more serious now, howbeit, happily serious, he responded, “Understood,” with a nod of his head.

“I am not opposed to the possibilities...."

At that moment, the klaxons sounded for Yellow Alert, efficiently changing the mood of their conversation. Danmar knew that her “all business” persona would now emerge, so he acted on his impulse to push the boundaries of their relationship a bit further. “Well,” he said playfully, straightening his posture that had been leaning in to the table in earnest, but was now at what could almost be described as a “sitting attention”, “A mission it is, then! Exploring new destinations with infinite and unknown possibilities with an unpredictable outcome.”

Standing to his feet and taking a step away from his chair, he held out his hand, a gesture of invitation to be escorted, and asked simply, “Shall we?” He was taking a risk. The first time he touched her was a definite mistake. His former students, his late wife, his Captain; all Vulcans that had little problem with simple touches. However, their familiarity at the time, or lack thereof, was such that it made the CSO uncomfortable. Things were changing now, though. Her response would tell him whether or not they were beyond that limitation.

There was a moment of silence. He stayed there with his hand extended, inviting her to move past the unwritten “no touching” clause in their relationship. Then, just as he began to second-guess the wisdom of putting her on the spot with the simple gesture, she transferred the stone-carrying cylinder to her other hand, reached out with her now free one and took his hand, accepting the invitation. Her expression was a mix of curiosity, wonder, and nervousness as she rose holding his hand.

“We shall see.” He could have sworn he’d seen a little grin on her face as she said it. Danmar couldn’t help but smile. Her comment, look and body language would be considered by most humans as her trying to be in control of the direction of their “mission”, but he understood that this was new for her and nothing was certain, so her statement was really one of fact.

Either way, he couldn’t remember the last time he felt so much anticipation and excitement. He VERY much looked forward to what may lay ahead of them on their journey into the unknown.

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OOC: So, how did I do? Definite steps, but still vague and Vulcanish.
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CNS LtCmdr Danmar Kuenzli-Romain, USS Broadsword
CNS Lt Bryce Kelly, USS Victoria
Player - Mike Damen
mikefromlazergraphics@yahoo.com