USS Dark Fire (IC)

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

“I do find comfort, but he’s been much happier in my quarters. That’s my priority,” she explained.

“I suppose that’s a decent segway into something I wanted to discuss once more, before we proceed with a psych evaluation.”

Xiana took a deep breath. “It’s evident you and Jordan maintain a balanced, pristine environment, and the two of you are in sync and organically rely on each other. I don’t question whether you have the ability to attend to the responsibility of a child; I want you to understand that this lifestyle you have won’t be there anymore. It won’t be you, Jordan, and a baby; it will be the baby first. Always. It will be the mess, stress, and frustration of caring for a life that will not know better for decades. This doesn’t mean you should neglect yourself, but finding that balance can be difficult. As always, I’m here to support you.”

“Parents of all species don’t often consider how a child alters their entire lives. A child can’t automatically know morals or understand structure. Your routines, your behaviors, and even your health can change overnight, and this all has to be addressed while making sure another life is not only being granted the bare minimum for survival but is being nourished mentally and socially. We have to consider the environment’s importance beyond developing a nursery in your quarters. We’re in a military-grade ship where your husband is a prominent figure. Take it from firsthand experience: growing up without a parent is harmful in more ways than one.”

“I don’t say this to discourage you; I say this to urge you to take care of your well-being if you proceed. As a Vulcan, I know you’re accustomed to restraining emotions. A child knows nothing of the sort from the get-go. They need empathy, patience, and support. With them being half-human, this could be more critical. Hopefully, the child embraces a lifestyle combination of both Vulcans and humans, but you have to be prepared otherwise. If they enjoy Vulcan customs, you’re set. If they enjoy human ones, they’ll need proximity. Maybe they won’t like either, and that’s okay.”

She brought her hands to her lap, taking a beat. “Now, I’m sure that’s all just a reminder for someone as educated as yourself, and I’m not trying to imply you haven’t considered this beforehand. It’s just a revisit of what is to come once you go through with this. So, one final time,” Xiana spoke, her tone neutral. “Are you sure you want to proceed with this process?”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870605.1240

L’Sa:​

“Yes,” she replied watching the counselor. “I studied Vulcan Biology before Human, and I’ve stuied the reports on the few Vulcan/Human hybrids and their care and nurturing. Although most have taken after their Vulcan genealogy a few have followed their Human side.”

“I am aware of the ramifications of a human/Vulcan Hybrid as is Jordan. It is a matter we discussed several years ago. He didn’t understand the difficulties of such a procreation and we have always been very sexually active.”

“As a Vulcan I already maintain a lower sleep requirement than a Human and as a Military Commander Jordan is used to waking and sleeping as needed for as long or as little is necessary.”

“Vulcan children mature slower than Human children but due to mental discipline we mental evolve faster. The child should achieve biological maturity around 20-23 years of age with a median range of 12-15 for puberty, depending on resulting gender.”

"If they have a pet it will be an earth species, not a Sehlat, it wouldn't be comfortable in the small area of our quarters and would feel trapped."​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

“L’Sa, I say this because I do care for you and want the best for you and your child: this isn’t about logic. I need you to have that on the forefront of your head. It isn’t about how long maturity takes, or logistics,” Xiana insisted. “You can’t logic your way into raising a child. It’s easy to say you might do this or that or expect something based on research, but this isn’t a project. It’s a baby. You could study every publication on children, hybrids, I don’t care; there will never be a guarantee that it will mirror that.”

“The best you, the best any parent can do, is prepare. Having a child is such a difficult challenge. If they’re wanted, it’s worth it, but I wouldn’t feel right approving this until I know you understand how critical this is aside from logistics.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870605.1245

L’Sa:​

“Any child would absolutely be wanted, that’s why I’m doing this,” L’Sa explained. “I don’t know how to express how much I want this to happen.”

“It is not something I decided on a whim. To use a human expression. What do you want to know?”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

“I’m not looking for anything else, I do believe you’d be a capable mother, it was never in question,” Xiana assured with sincerity, “I just don’t want you to struggle, I guess. I don’t know why I’m being so intense, I’m sorry.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870605.1250

L’Sa:​

“Your intensity is understandable considering the possibility of a separation, or death of either Myself or Jordan. As you said this is a warship, not a standard Scientific Research vessel. Hence there is no need for an apology, also Vulcans don’t take offense easily.”

“Do you believe – or feel - that I, or Jordan, may not be old enough for a child?”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

She immediately shook her head. “No, God no. This isn’t about either of your capacities. As I mentioned, I’m more than happy to help you achieve this, and I don’t have any outright concerns or the like.”

“Just please take care of yourself. Please.”

 

[milkmaiden38]

Lt Sol

"Commander, perhaps it's just the security officer in me, but I think we should run a full diagnostic on the probe. We need to ensure there are no unwanted parasites hiding on it—and confirm it hasn’t been tampered with."

Lt. Sol was being overly careful. A diligence brought on by the parasite’s surprises and trouble it had caused him in the past. He hoped the Commander understood his caution.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870605.1240

Reeves:​

“That’s a very sound and logical decision, Lieutenant. Go ahead and perform the Diagnostic, and a scan of the probe.” Reeves replied mentally shaming himself for not considering that potentiality and impressed that the Security Officer had.

Stardate 29870605.1255

L’Sa:​

“Of course, to do less wouldn’t be logical or reasonable. If I fail to care for myself or Jordan than we cannot care for the baby.”

“Do you have any questions you need to ask, My upbringing? Childhood? Teen years? Any Psychological Trauma I may have experienced?”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

“I do, actually,” Xiana nodded, retrieving some items from a nearby drawer. “As you know, I do prefer writing by hand, but I can write quite fast, so don’t worry about pace.”

She laid out a multi-sheet questionnaire to the left on the desk and some blank sheets of paper to her right. Being ambidextrous came in handy for her evaluations. Xiana had always felt two lines weren’t enough for a thorough analysis.

“I’ve filled out the surface identifying details already, but it’s a simple start to the questions,” she explained, taking a pen on each of her hands and looking up at the doctor. “How are you feeling right now?”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870605.1300
L'Sa:
“Calm and relaxed. I don’t feel anxiety or stress in the way a human would so the question is.. curious.”

“Vulcan’s that have undergone the training are able to compartmentalize any stress factors and allow them to pass away.”

“Or did you mean physically? I feel the chair, the floor, the breeze from the air conditioning units, the scent of your shampoo and conditioner on my nose hairs.”

“I feel a slight interest in your ability to write with either hand, very few Vulcan’s have the ability and I’ve never studied it from a biology viewpoint. Although it could be interesting to determine which part of the brain determines handedness and Bilateral capabilities. If it could be fostered in others than the efficiency of the crew would improve, or do you find it a handicap?”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

“It was a general question so physical or emotional is alright, and calm and relaxed are feelings as well. It’s a good state,” she said, attention briefly on the sheets.

“I find it helpful, although it did take a while to be able to write with the other legibly. It does contribute to multitasking, but I suppose it depends on the task. I grew up using my hands a lot so,” she shrugged, “it’s good for notes.”

“Now, would you describe your mental health in the past few weeks calm as well? Have you had any major concerns, whether new or continuous?”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870605.1305

L’Sa​

“Yes,” L’Sa replied to the first question. “My research does not involve stressful conditions as most of the subjects I study have died or are able to sit and answer questions about their biology.”

“Only recently have I received stress, when Jordan was injured during the initial encounter with the Silver Parasites and was required on the bridge for a Battle situation. I was there as well to alleviate his pain until the situation was over and he was able to return to the Medical Ward.”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

Xiana hesitated for a second in the middle of her writing, but continued nonetheless. She knew she had to stop projecting her own thoughts into someone else, she just wished she knew why it was so difficult.

But that kind of stress was nothing out of the ordinary. “Okay. In the upcoming weeks, do you have any events, dates, or people who could be a cause of stress or struggle?”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870605.1310

L’Sa:​

“Yes,” L’Sa admitted. “In less than a month I will enter Pon Farr, it is also called Blood Fever.”

“It is a state that all Vulcans experience in their adult lives, I have experienced it seven times already, and Jordan has experienced it with me once.”

“It is a several biochemical imbalance that results in the loss of emotional control and death unless it is... revealed.”

“It is not something that Vulcans speak about publicly so if you could keep this to your medical notes, it would be appreciated.”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

“Of course, be assured no one has access to these notes and they’re properly disposed of once I’m done using them,” Xiana guaranteed.

The term ‘Blood Fever’ grabbed her attention. With how blunt Vulcans seemed to be, she wondered if the term wasn’t a hyperbole. “When you say ‘relieved,’ what exactly do you mean?” And how potent could it be if it could result in death?

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870605.1315

L’Sa​

“Pon Farr is when a Vulcan undergoes a neurochemical imbalance that can take on a form of madness. A Vulcan can die within eight days if their pon farr is not relieved.”

“And by relieved, I mean Mate. Sexual activity with a bonded mate is the only way to relieve it, excepting death, or a completion of the Koon-ut-kal-if-fee, which is a ritual combat to the death, usually.”

“As no one is aboard that would challenge me to a death combat, I will have to be sequestered with Jordan for several days, possibly a week.” She replied to matter-of-factly. “Though last time it did not take that long to relieve the Pon Farr, he’s more than capable of doing what needs be done. Very capable.”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

To think less than a month ago she would’ve thought sex or death being the only possible outcomes to a biologic situation was shocking. It was also the closest she had gotten to any degree of girl talk on board. What she’d do for a cosmo. “Fascinating.”

She continued to write. “And how often does a Pon Farr happen? I assume there are protocols if there are children around.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870605.1320

L’Sa​

“Pon Farr takes place every seven years of the adult life, and yes there are protocols in place. On board the ship the can be placed with a knowledgeable adult, or with a holodeck program to stimulate their minds during such time.”

And most children are of an age to attend their first kahs-wan, the Vulcan maturity ritual crossing of The Forge at age ten, if they have not already been bonded to a mate one takes place around the same.”

“It is a form of prearranged engagement, much like the Earth custom from several centuries in the past.”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

“I’ve been wondering, off the record,” Xiana began, putting both of her pens down on the table. “What are your plans long term, particularly with the baby? Will you and Jordan return to your home? Do you plan to be aboard even after retirement?”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870605.1325

L’Sa​

“Jordan is a lifetime commitment until retirement. So we will go wherever he is assigned. And the baby will be an adult before he is retirement age. If by chance he reaches retirement we will most likely go to Earth or another more hospitable planet for him. And I will remain with him until his death then I will return to Vulcan and continue my research.”

“Vulcan used to be like earth, but during the Time of Awakening we had a nuclear war and turned the Planet into what it is now. Otherwise, I would be inclined to go there."​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

Right, their unique age spans. She didn’t know if to admire the Vulcan’s dedication or pity the circumstances. To watch the love of your life die before you sounded cruel even in theory. “I understand.”

“Well, with enough luck that we all wind up on Earth at the same time, I do hope you’ll come visit,” she smiled, taking her writing devices once more. “Okay, moving on. Naturally, any mental disorders reflected on humans are highly unlikely to be seen in a Vulcan, but have you ever had any impactful experiences that may have done damage to your psyche? I understand it’s a heavy question, so feel free to summarize if you feel more comfortable.”

 

[milkmaiden38]

Lt Sol

Lt Sol pressed the bottoms to start a full diagnostic check on the probe.

“It should take about 10 minutes.” He informed the commander. He sat there for a few moments. An awkward silence filled the shuttle craft.

“Lt Loka is still dating me. I’m surprised, but warmbloods are unpredictable… Ahh... Anything new in your life?” He asked the commander.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870605.1245
Reeves:
“Acknowledged,” Reeves said before the silence fell over the cabin.

“No, nothing new. Have you met with the Counselor yet? And it’s not warm bloods. It’s females in general. Expect the unexpected, prepare to dodge thrown objects. Especially heavy ones.”

Stardate 29870605.1330
L’Sa:
“Vulcans have their own unique mental disorders. Bendii Syndrome although rare is a degenerative neurological illness affecting Vulcans over the age of two hundred, characterized by sudden bursts of emotion and eventual loss of emotional control.”

“Pa’nar Syndrome which is a deadly Neurological disease, usually caused by an improper mind-meld. It’s characterized by headaches, elevated blood pressure, and unusual synaptic activity. Predominately in the emotion control centers of the brain.”

“While interning at the Sh'vhal city Medical Facility, The U.S.S. Justice which is a Lancelot-class Cruiser, had taken heavy damage in a battle. Due to the number and nature of the injuries they required our assistance. It was the first time I had seen so may dead, dying, and grievously injured individuals, the total lose of life was over two hundred, fifty-six had been vacuumed ito space by hull breaches and unrecoverable.”

“It’s were I met Jordan, he was a Lieutenant Junior Grade at the time. He was stationed at the helm when the Bridge took a hit. He suffered burns over sixty percent of his body and we had to regrow his left leg, right hand, and a portion of his rib cage. He died four times before he stabilized. I was then assigned to oversee his recovery and rehabilitation.”

“At fourteen I killed my pet Sehlat, before I was mind melded to control my Pon Farr.”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

“Considering your emotional discipline, would it be safe to assume something like what happened to your Sehlat won’t happen again, as to possibly harm a child?” Xiana asked. The amount of Vulcans existing considered, she doubted L’Sa would genuinely pose a threat, but she figured having the doubt disclosed would only make her friend appear safer, in case those approving her offspring were attempting to find an excuse.

“I know you’re an expert in restraining your emotions, but in a worst case scenario, do you have any harmless soothing or cathartic activities that could help? Pon Farr aside, I’m referring to everyday activities that you could turn to,” she asked. “With the exception of Jordan, do you have any close relatives or friends who you could turn to?”