The Invitation
Posted on Sat Mar 14th, 2015 @ 10:06am by Commander Sinek & Lieutenant Commander Ethan Chaparral MD
Mission:
Temporal Kickback
Location: Science Office
Timeline: TBD
Ethan was feeling a little better now that he had visited his new boss and gotten an ETA on his new arm. It would help make him whole again, at least make his body whole again. The thought of putting Nexi and Sinek together amused him. Not because he wanted to play a practical joke on either of them, rather he knew that opposites attract, just like with him and Dylan. Besides he figured that both could use the companionship.
He wasn't sure exactly how the Vulcan would react to his request, but he knew how he was going to start the conversation. After that he'd just have to see what happened and think on his feet.
He approached the door to the Science office and pressed the chime.
Sinek was just finishing a read of Kaparov's The Beginnings of the Delta Quadrant when he heard the chime. He raised a brow as he was not used to receiving guests at his quarters. In fact, on his previous ship's, he counted zero visitors' shadows graced his door.
Tipping his head toward the door, Sinek said, "Enter."
"Good morning, Commander,"Ethan said a smile that reached his ears on his lips. Part of him still wanted to come clean and just be completely clean with the other officer, but he realized he'd never get him to come if he were too honest.
"Remember me? We met in the lounge the other night. I was kind of feeling sorry for myself and we had a few drinks."
Sinek's face remained expressionless. "Certainly, I remember you, Doctor Chaparral. There is nothing that compare's to a Vulcan's memory. How may I be of service to you?"
"Well, this morning I asked my fiance to move in with me and he agreed. We are having a housewarming tonight and wanted you to be our guest. Are you free?"
"Housewarming..." Sinek paused confused with the Terran Tradition. Cocking his head to the side he asked, "...do I bring a heat inducer?"
Ethan chuckled, "No, sorry that is a euphemism." He searched for the right words, "When someone gets a new home, or in this case moves in together, it is traditional for them to have a party and invite their friends. In the past, or if there is a need the guests bring gifts, things people need for a new home. You know replicators, eating utensils, linens, things like that. In our case we don't need any gifts. You know we're just inviting a few people over for dinner and to hang out."
Lieutenant Commander Sinek raised a brow. He was not sure how to process the information within the Doctor's explanation. Sinek had never been associated in any statement with reference to him being a friend. This puzzled the Vulcan. He had only met and spoken to the hybrid male once before this moment. Perhaps he was making progress in Spock's challenge.
"You consider me a friend?" The question was so evenly verbalized that it sounded more of a statement.
A twinge of guilt washed over Ethan and if he'd been doing this as a joke, he probably would have come clean, but since was doing what he thought was a good thing he replied honestly, "I would not have invited you otherwise, at least I would like for you to be a friend."
The Vulcan raised a brow. Someone desired to be his friend. Sinek knew the two were vastly different. However, he also knew it was the differences of each that made the whole team stronger.
"I am honored," Sinek calmly expressed. "What time should guests arrive?"
"Let's say about seve, er, sorry about 1900. Does that work for you?"
"If you mean, "Is 1900 satisfactory?" Sinek posed, "I shall be there." He hoped that is what was meant by the term "work." He had never had time work for him. However, if one were efficient with the tool of time, much work could be accomplished. Sinek was often confused by the idioms those of human heritage used.
"Yes, Commander," Ethan said in reply, quirking his brow in the process, "that is exactly what I mean. We will see you then."
"I shall see you then at 1900 hours," Sinek confirmed. He could not help but believe that he was making progress in establishing connections with his fellow shipmates.
"We will see you then." Ethan confirmed, "Oh and tomorrow I'm being fitted with a new arm. And I, uh have a favor to ask you."
Lieutenant Commander Sinek bent his elbows, bringing his hands before him, forming a triangle with his fingers and thumbs. "How may I be of service?"
Ethan let out a slow breath. He'd never intended doing anything but asking Sinek to come to his surprise blind date, not to talk about anything serious. "I, uh, the man that did this to me, took my arm and, and more. I find it difficult to get him out of my mind. Are there, that is could you teach me some Vulcan mind tricks?
Okay tricks is probably a bad way to put it. Uh, techniques, disciplines? I don't know. I need a, a safe place to go. In m mind I mean."
"Indeed," the Vulcan intoned. "A mind meld is no trick or illusion. That is what you wish?"
"I was thinking more of your teaching me some techniques, so I could do it myself. I don't think you want to see what I went through, I'm not sure I want to relive it."
Sinek looked deep into the doctor's eyes seeking the resolve and commitment it would take. It was a huge commitment for a Vulcan, much less one that was not. Sinek did see a man who survived much torture and the taking of a limb. Perhaps, Sinek could help him become more than a survivor. One that made lemonade out of the lemons of life as a human would say.
"The teachings of Surak may help," Sinek explained. "When one meditates on his teaching and puts it to practice, one literally shuts down ineffective synapses of the brain and opens new neurological pathways, charging new synapses to what is logical and good. I must warn you that it is tedious and the change does not happen immediately. However, in time, things such as fear, hatred, and such will not be a controlling factor in your life."
The Vulcan paused for effect. He had to continue with the warning. "You must understand that even what you consider good emotions will be affected. It is a long and difficult path if you choose it."
Ethan let out a long breath. "I didn't mean to burden you with all this. I really didn't. But when I shut my eyes I see the man that did this to me. I see his face that started out friendly, but when he had me chained and naked it changed into something dark and twisted. I'm not eating like I should, I barely sleep, I cry. And part of me just wants to curl into a ball and part of me wants to wrap my hands around Ian's throat and strangle the life out of him.
I can't continue like this. I just can't. I just don't want my love for Dylan to change."
Sinek lowered his head in thought. "Then perhaps a mind meld would be the best option. We would reroute those emotions and feelings to new synapses activating a different response to them. At the same time we can set up a block to the visual stimulation from those emotions. I would require a doctor other than yourself to be there. The process will be draining for both of us."
'You'd be willing to do that for me?" Ethan asked incredulously.
The Vulcan's face was a blank stare, unreadable by human standards. "I would and will do anything and everything I can to assist the crew of the Hera to be more effective..."
Sinek paused, this time not for effect, but attempting to sum up his reply with the invite to the housewarming and the fact that Doctor Chaparral desired Sinek as a friend. "...Especially for a...friend," came the monotone ending of the Vulcan's reply. "Is that not what friends do?"
"It is," Ethan replied, "and thank you. Thank you very much." He was feeling even more guilty for setting up
"You know the medical staff better than I," The Vulcan stated. "Make arrangements with a doctor, and I will meet you at the scheduled time."
"Thank you again, I'll make the arrangements." Ethan said.
"Very well, then" Sinek replied. "I shall arrive at your house...warming at 1900 hours."
"Great," Ethan said, "We will see you then."
TBC
A joint post by
Lt. Ethan Chaparral
ACMO
USS Hera
Lt. Commander Sinek
CSO
USS Hera
