Why the Fascination?

Posted on Mon Mar 30th, 2015 @ 3:57pm by Commander Angelica Fairchild & Commander Sinek

Mission: Temporal Kickback
Location: After Senior Staff Meeting

Lieutenant Commander Sinek went to the Science Section and began researching Temporal Anomalies. He intended to find a way for the Hera to get back to the present before any battle took place .This could take some doing as they were not certain how the anomaly pulled them into the past.

Another question he contemplated was the probe. Did the probe pick up readings on the Hera and send them back to the Borg cube before it had exploded. Logically, he should have asked that during the meeting. He did ask at the end of the meeting and Lieutenant Commander Radt suggested they take a look at the logs.

Tactically, the ship was ready, and security had wisely squared the department away while Angelica had been asleep, so it was to her new duties as second officer that she turned to, ensuring that the other departments on board the ship were also prepared for the situation they would soon find themselves in. There was little she understood of engineering, but a quick glance at the power schematics showed promise that the Hera's power signature would match ships of this time period. Rather than get her head wrapped up in confusing technobabble, she decided to let Aelyn handle any more thorough checks of engineering while she started with ensuring Sinek and the science department were ready to handle any threats they might face. Truthfully, she trusted the Vulcan officer to be quite on track with it all; Vulcans had a reputation for responsibility and a solid work ethic.

Sinek was an easy man to find in the ship's science section, and she forewent any warning calls as she approached. Vulcan ears would hear her approaching footsteps, and the addition of sudden voice could be a distraction, even to the most disciplined minds.

Sinek had indeed heard the footsteps coming up behind him. He had assumed that it was the First Officer, based on the conversation at the end of the meeting. His dedication to his new ship and attempting to work out the solution would not allow him to wait for the First Officer's arrival. Without looking up he commented, "I took the liberty of starting the investigation into the logs without you."

"I would certainly hope so because I'm not Commander Radt, and it's been a while since that briefing." Angelica smiled just slightly, coming up beside him to see if he'd found anything interesting. "She'll be around here soon, I expect. Probably figures she can save your department for last, given your people's reputation."

Sinek twirled his seat around to face the Lieutenant Commander. It was the first he had seen any hint of emotion upon her face. His logic told him the phrase "your people" was referring to Vulcans, although it could have referred to the Science Department.

Nodding in agreement, Sinek acknowledged, "Yes...my people are always about their duty. We find that is the best way to be efficient. The fact we do not need much sleep also helps."

Looking up into her gray eyes he asked, "How may I be of assistance to our efficient Chief of Security?"

"Must be nice not having to sleep. My people went and got ready without me, though I can't say I'm disappointed. I just wanted to see if you'd found anything." Angelica wasn't sure if his calling her 'efficient' was a compliment or not, but given he was Vulcan, it was probably the closest thing to flattery she could hear from him. "I can't promise I'll understand a word of it though."

Turning toward the screen, Sinek admitted, "I have only just begun to view the logs to determine if the Borg sensor had made any readings on the Hera before exploding. It could be detrimental for us if it had."

It dawned on Sinek that Security would need to be alerted if the probe had made readings on the Hera. "If I had found anything, I am prepared to inform the Security team." It is logical she would be interested in my findings. Fascinating - this much logic coming from a human. One that paid attention to detail would have noticed his cheeks turn a tad greener from the coppery blood going into them.

"Relax, Sinek. I'm not here to make sure you report in... I'm just curious." Despite his still flat and logical tone, something prompted Angelica to look at him, and she blinked to make sure she wasn't imagining anything. Vulcans didn't blush, at least not the Vulcans she'd known before. "Are you all right?"

"Yes Lieutenant," Sinek replied, suppressing what had come across him. "I am well. If you are not curious about my the readings of the probe, to what is your curiosity directed? Is it a matter of science?"

"Anything that might explain how we ended up in this time period." Angelica wasn't sure she really believed Sinek's claim that he was fine, but if he didn't want to talk about whatever it was, she wasn't going to pressure him. "I'll admit I don't know much about temporal anomalies, but I've never heard of one that looked quite like... well. Like this one did. The probe is interesting too, but since it blew up the threat it posed is over."

"An anomaly could take on most any form, even a part of the anatomy," came Sinek's response. "The threat of the probe is not over if it sent information about us back to the Borg. Information that is out of time."

The Science Officer had to admit he was curious as well. His curiosity had nothing to do with science or security. He had to admit he was curious about this human and her logic.

"Lieutenant," Sinek began, "where did you learn to be so logical in what you do? More than any other human I have observed, you manage to keep your emotions in check and carry out your duty in a...most logical manner."

Lieutenant? Wondering why Sinek was still calling her that, Angelica touched the pips on her collar, wondering if she'd grabbed a jacket that was missing one. Her fingers brushed against her hair, which had fallen forward over them. And that's why you should wear your hair up. Brushing it back behind her shoulder, she first said gently, "I've been promoted. As for your question..." Angelica paused, not quite sure how to answer him. "In security, we deal in facts. It's easier to do that if you don't let feelings get in the way."

"It is refreshing to see a human skilled in logic," Sinek confessed. Especially a human female. Through observation, Sinek had seen that the human female based much more on their emotions than the male. "I find it...," Sinek paused stopping himself short of saying "stimulating," thinking it may cause confusion. "I find it fascinating."

It was true he did not notice her pips behind the long brown hair. "I had not heard of your promotion as of yet. Congratulations are in order." Remembering the Doctor and his mate celebrating their moving in together, he assumed that most humans enjoy celebrating. "Have you celebrated with those close to you?"

"Thank you, but I don't have anyone close to me to celebrate with." The words weren't exactly sad, but there was a small bitter note to them. Angelica knew she wasn't well-liked on the Hera, and her own department was scared to death of her.

Sinek raised a brow, wondering why others were not drawn to Angelica as he was. Perhaps it was her lack of showing emotions. Perhaps it hindered her in establishing relationships as it did him.

"The logical thing to do then," Sinek explained, "is that we...celebrate the promotion."

It was his way of expressing to Angelica that she would know he would be there for her. He would support and celebrate her achievements with her. Logical individuals needed to assist each other.

It seemed that Sinek was full of surprises. She would certainly never expect a Vulcan - any Vulcan - to suggest the a celebration would be logical. "I think... I'd appreciate that. But only if it doesn't make you uncomfortable. I know that Vulcans don't usually enjoy that sort of thing."

"Logic does not mean drab," the Vulcan stated. "Vulcan's enjoy doing a myriad of things."

Turning toward the screen, Sinek turned it off and returned his attention toward Angelica. "I was doing this on my own time before I met with Lieutenant Commander Radt. How would you care to celebrate?"

She was right in one aspect. Vulcan's didn't celebrate in the same manner as humans. Humans seemed to have various ways according to each one's own likings. He left that choice up to her.

Her choice? Angelica hesitated for a moment. "I hadn't really thought about it. But I don't really like big, fancy celebrations... I mean, big crowds just make me want to study everyone for threats." She had no idea why she even told him that, but it gave her a moment to think about what sort of celebration she might actually enjoy. "You know what, I'd be happy with a pastry and a cup of real coffee, not that replicated nonsense."

Sinek was content that he seemed to have befriended someone that thought, not exactly the way he did, but in a more logical manner than most humans. He needed that in his life at this time.

Getting up from his seat, Sinek motioned with his hand, stating, "After you." For some reason Sinek was reminded of the apprehension of Sela; he had followed Angelica's lead on that occasion. He could logically argue he was new to the ship. However, he had already memorized the floor plans to every deck of the ship. He knew where every suite, department and Jeffries Tube was located. He also knew where they could get pastry and coffee aboard the ship.

Angelica was also rather intimately familiar with the ship, and if Sinek wasn't Vulcan she might be worried about going back to the lounge with him after they'd apprehended Sela there. She so rarely went there unless it was some sort of security call, and she wondered how people would react when they got there. Even though it was supposed to be a pleasant visit - a celebration - she couldn't help but feel just a bit tense. Still, she smiled as they left the lab and headed for the turbolift.

Sinek was at peace; he appeared to be very calm, his strides even as he followed Angelica. Entering the turbolift, Sinek pursued more knowledge about her.

"Tell me," the even probe came, "what brought you to your post on the Hera?"

"Same reason as everyone else. Transfer orders." Angelica smirked ever so slightly. "It was a chance at a senior staff position, so I took it when it was offered. Granted I didn't expect Telvan to put me in the second officer role..."

The turbolift door swished open and Sinek waited for Angelica to exit before following her toward the lounge. "My story is similar," Sinek admitted. "I did not have much attachment to my latest ship. Most of the crew considered me a joke despite my contributions." He stated this without any hint of pain; it had been easy to suppress. Sinek did not need anyone's approval to know he had been a success at his duty. "It was also a opportunity for a Senior Staff role for me."

"Well, that's just rude of them." Angelica might not be the nicest person on the ship, but even she thought that was just uncalled for. "You're just as valuable as anyone else on the ship... Starfleet wouldn't know what to do with itself without the science department."

"Indeed," came the classic flat response. "The same can be said of Security," he added as they approached the lounge.

"Most people don't feel that way. We crash a lot of parties, so I can kind of see where they're coming from on that, but at the same time... it's nice to hear a little gratitude occasionally. Thanks." If Sinek hadn't been Vulcan, Angelica might have suspected that it was an attempt at flattery. Knowing that it was likely just his honest opinion was refreshing... if a bit unexpected. Rather than dwell on it, she turned her attention to those already in the lounge as they came through the door. It was a strange time of day for this area of the ship, and not many of the crew were there... but those few there eating breakfast were staring.

Sinek saw those who stared, but chose to ignore them. His attention was directed only to Angelica. After all, no one has ever seen a Vulcan with ADD. Sinek pulled a seat out for the Lieutenant Commander while saying, "Without Security, the ship would not be a safe place. Without the Chief of Security, the department itself would be...chaotic."

Once Angelica was seated, Sinek sat across from her. He signaled for a waiter to take their order, then asked her, "How long were you a lieutenant?"

"Sometimes Security is pretty chaotic even with the chief present. Nature of who we are... driven to maintain order but we're thrill-seekers. Tends to lead to a bit of craziness." Still just a bit surprised by the small chivalrous gesture of insisting she sit down first, Angelica paused to gather her thoughts before addressing Sinek's question. "I made lieutenant in 2385, so about three years... needless to say the promotion was one hell of a surprise." That was an understatement, given how her away mission immediately before the promotion had gone. If anything, she'd almost expected to lose rank.

Sinek gave Lieutenant Commander Fairchild his direct attention. When she stated that she was surprised at the promotion, he raised a brow. He did not know much of Angelica yet. But he was impressed with what he saw of her. The efficiency and way she handled herself in her duties.

"Why the surprise?"

Angelica mimicked his expression, looking back at him with a small sense of befuddlement. "You mean you haven't heard?"

"You must remember, promotions are not based on what happened just before the promotion, but everything that has transpired and everything that you have accomplished since your last," Sinek reinforced. "It is my understanding, contrary to what has been said, your last mission was successful."

"Ultimately, yes, but that doesn't make up for getting three members of my team killed." Angelica didn't know how much of the official report was available to other members of the senior staff, but she suspected that part of it was general knowledge by now.

Sinek had heard of the mission from crew. He had also read the reports. Since he was a member of the Senior Staff, he had access. He knew three members of the team had lost their life. He also knew that Lieutenant Commander Fairchild was not at fault.

The waiter brought the pastry and coffee that Angelica ordered and the mango salad and fruit juice that Sinek requested. Sinek took a sip off the juice as he thought how best to reply.

Attempting to focus Angelica's logic, Sinek stated, "I have read the reports; you are not at fault for their deaths. Commander Fairchild, all of us are not given tomorrow. The mere fact that we are aboard a star ship puts us in danger of facing death at any given moment. The temporal anomaly could have been something else, which could have destroyed us. We face the unknown every moment of every day. Part of that unknown is death."

Sinek hoped his logic was reaching Angelica. For some reason, it seemed important to him. "Even the civilians aboard have assumed the risks of being aboard a Federation vessel. I understand that you commanded the away team. However, the men who gave their lives also understood the hazardous danger awaiting them aboard that station. Even then, it is my understanding that one of those men died valiantly, saving the remaining members of the team. He made a cognizant choice of his own."

Angelica nodded slightly, listening to his words. "He did. And I understand all of that... believe me, I do. It's just..." She blew out a puff of air, not quite a sigh but with similar feeling to it. "I can't help feeling guilty. It's part of being human, Sinek, this... inability to entirely turn off our feelings. You could have God Himself tell me it wasn't my fault, and I'd still have to work through it." She did, however, know that he had a sound - and very logical - point, especially regarding the death of Ensign Jones, who had stood his ground so that she could escape with Lockheart and Nexi.

Sinek took the last bite of mango and chewed as he listened. The fact that Angelica accepted the facts told Sinek she would be okay. The logic would eventually win over the emotions. She would soon see the truth for herself. This was the first he had seen her emotions. It did not surprise him; she was human after all.

"It does not initially come natural for Vulcan's to..."turn off emotions," Sinek confessed. "We are born with them. However, through our parent's modeling the teachings of Surak, instructing us in his teachings and us practicing the principles as we grew, it eventually is our natural response to suppress them. It may seem strange to humans, but is very beneficial to us."

Sinek paused momentarily, then added, "Seeing that you have no one to support you in processing your thoughts, I volunteer to be one to whom you can turn."

She'd been eating her flaky chocolate pastry she'd ordered when Sinek made his confession and following offer, and if she had any less composure, Angelica would have choked on it. Startled as she was, she managed to swallow the bit of pastry and follow it with a sip of coffee. No one had offered that to her before. "This is something you can... teach me? Or at least help me with? I mean, I don't expect to ever master it, but just being able to shut some of it off... I'd really appreciate that."

"You have already showed basic skills, which I have observed while assisting in your duties," Sinek explained. "It is not my intention to transform your mind into a Vulcan." He did not wish to change anything about Lieutenant Commander Fairchild. If he did, what fascinated Sinek at this time with her may change also. "As a human adult, you have grown accustomed to emotions. To begin to suppress them at this time will be a great struggle within. I have seen human adults break under these circumstances. It is a high risk, one that I do not believe I wish you to endure."

Even though they claimed they never lied, Vulcans were very good at hiding truth when it was logical. Sinek did not see the logic at hiding the truth at this point. "I tell you this because you are a vital member of this crew, part of the Senior staff, a shipmate..." he paused because the term was still new to him, "...and someone I would like to consider a ...friend."

A friend? Something sparkled in Angelica's eyes when she heard the offer, and she couldn't quite fight off the grin that threatened to take over her entire face. Someone on this ship actually liked her, temper and everything? As far as she was concerned, that was a miracle; it wasn't just the Hera. She'd pretty much been a loner for her entire career. "Well, if we're going to be friends, you're going to have to stop calling me 'Commander Fairchild.' My friends call me Angel."

Sinek had never referred to anyone by their first name. He had always used their title or rank when speaking of anyone. It was another foreign concept to the Vulcan. However, he believed he was making progress in Ambassador Spock's challenge. He was establishing relationships.

"Comman...Angel," Sinek corrected himself, "You honor me by allowing the use of your personal name."

The hour was late and they had both completed their meals. As much as he was content in continue the conversation, Sinek knew he must get back to duty - the ship's logs and the Borg probe. Somewhat hesitantly, he asked, "May I escort you to your quarters?"

"If I was going home, sure." Angelica grinned at him again. She couldn't help it; something about Sinek accepting her for who she was just made her day. "I have some last minute work to finish in my office before we end up in a fight. You can escort me there, if you'd like."

"Indeed," Lieutenant Commander Sinek nodded, "Hoepfully, it will not come to that."