"Serek"

by Captain Matthew T. Salinger - Commanding Officer
Commander Lyrr - Executive Officer
Lieutenant T'Kal - Chief of Security
Lieutenant Savaar - Science Officer
Ensign Ethan Storm - Security Officer
Ensign Ai'Pal - Science Officer
Ensign Taylor Bennett - Security Officer
Ensign Viraj - Operations Officer
Ensign N'dalla Firj [NPC] - Science Officer
and Ambassador Serek [NPC]

Location: USS Sulu, Transporter Room and Deck Two Corridor
Stardate: 57907.22, 17h45

***

The news that Ensign Storm would be ferrying Ambassador Serek back to the Spector had been regarded with varying degrees of disinterest by the bulk of the Sulu crew but apparently it meant something more to the Vulcans. Nearly every one on board had made a point to seek out Ethan this last week and stiffly offer congratulations for what promised to be a 'fascinating assignment.' Storm only vaguely knew of Serek by reputation but it was obvious that the Ambassador had some special meaning for his own people: It was very nearly an emotional outburst for a Vulcan to offer accolades at all, let alone unsolicited. Some of them even seemed jealous.

Serek had spent the last nine days working with the Opai and had conferred with both Captain Salinger and Commander Lyrr a number of times. Naturally, an invitation to visit the Sulu had been offered and accepted. It made perfect sense - the Spector's runabout Jemison had been taking up too much space in the already cramped shuttlebay for more than a week and leaving from there was every bit as easy as leaving from Risa so it was decided that Serek would spend a night aboard the ship and Storm would pilot him out the next morning. The news sent the ship's resident Vulcans into a highly regimented frenzy of preparations as they arranged a last minute reception for the Ambassador.

Ultimately the decision was made that the ship couldn't let one of the preeminent Federation negotiators come aboard the Sulu without a wee bit of a ceremony. Dress whites were required of attendees except for Lieutenant Savaar who would wear traditional Vulcan robes.

Besides the command staff of Captain Salinger and Commander Lyrr, Lieutenant T'Kal was there representing Security as well as Storm himself, who only rated an invitation because he would be spending several days with the Ambassador on their journey to the Spector. Additionally, Ensign Ai'Pal had expressed a desire to be a part of the welcoming party and in light of that request, similar offers had been extended to Ensigns Taylor Bennett and N'dalla Firj. Bennett and Ai'Pal would be escorting the Ambassador to the reception along with Savaar. N'dalla seemed perfectly content to just see Serek with her own eyes.

When pressed, none would admit to any special affinity for the Ambassador though Savaar was forthcoming with his admiration. Not surprisingly, half-human Bennett seemed as relaxed as the rest of the crew. The assembled officers all stood in a row that you could have set your chronometer by; the Captain and Commander Lyrr side by side, the two security officers standing next to the three Vulcans. Ensign Viraj, also in his dress whites and white-gloved, manned the transporter with Ensign N'dalla Firj standing next to him. If Viraj hadn't known better, he would have thought N'dalla to be positively giddy - she'd arched her eyebrow several times for no reason whatsoever.

Storm tugged at his blue collar in a caricature of a young, uncomfortable officer. There had already been two false alarms and he stirred only slightly in his impatience. By contrast, Lieutenant T'Kal to his left stood as stiff as the ship's structure only moving to occasionally glance to his left, presumably at the security detail by the door. The Bajoran's fondness for the SOB uniform was becoming well-known and as Storm understood it, the Security Chief was the one who had suggested they go formal. Considering that T'Kal had just worn that monkey suit less than a week before, Storm was starting to suspect that Benedict just liked dressing up.

Benedict stood stiffly in proper manner as befitting a diplomatic protocol as the Sulu's Security Chief. In his Dress Whites he seemed darker of skin, his almond shaped eyes luminously violet, accented by the Bajoran brow ridges and jet black hair that hung over his back in a tightly bound regulation style pony-tail. The flash of silver-white at his left forelock extended back into the small silver circlet that bound his hair. He gave Tayla a long look and when she caught his eye he smiled ever-so-slightly. He looked away before it could be misconstrued as impolite by anyone, but she looked much better than she obviously thought in the dress uniform.

He had presided over many diplomatic arrivals on the Windsor and saw to it that everything was perfection. He was not about to allow his captain to be embarrassed by a lack of courtesy for a well known Federation Ambassador. He gave the security detail a quick glance, the smile dropping instantly as he made eye contact with each one. Just a glance was all he needed to convey the singular message behind it. 'Don't screw up.' He was satisfied that they wouldn't by the slight stiffening of their stances. His eyes were drawn back to Lyrr and he chided himself for looking again. He made a decision that he wouldn't do it again.

Lyrr was irked at having to again wear her dress uniform; it was the second time in a week - far too many times in her mind. While Matt seemed completely suited to his, she felt uncomfortable and stiff, and although it was likely in her mind, she could have sworn it made her itch uncontrollably. She seemed to be condemned to wearing the highly unflattering white. However, judging from the long look and slight smile in her direction when she had first walked in, she imagined Benedict found nothing of fault with her attire. She cleared her throat and shifted uncomfortably, wishing this meeting would quickly begin and end.

Captain Matt Salinger glanced aside at Lyrr and hid his smirk at her discomfort. He didn't think Bajorans liked to spend much time in one place doing nothing but waiting very much, and he had a feeling that Lyrr Tayla was the extreme case. He couldn't help noting the attention that Lieutenant T'Kal was paying to his executive officer, much as he had been at the party, and in pretty much every following occasion in which Matt had been able to observe Tayla and Benedict in the same room together. He wondered just how much of Tayla's throat-clearing and weight-shifting was due to her uniform and how much to the attention she was being paid.

Saavar stood in formal Vulcan attire. His deep blue robes were flowing from the shoulder, unadorned but elaborate in the shimmering metallic material that caught the light as he moved. He observed everyone dispassionately. He had spent several hours in meditation just to prepare for this meeting. It would not do at all to show any disrespect to the Ambassador with undue signs of emotion. The man had achieved Kolinahr - something that was beyond Saavar. He cast a glance at Ai'Pal and nodded almost imperceptibly. He knew that the other Vulcan was calming himself as Saavar had done. This was an occasion for the Vulcans on the Sulu. Serek was esteemed as a scientist, as a paramount logician and as a formidable diplomat. He had presided over more than a century of diplomacy within the Federation and he had been one of Saavar's history teachers at the Vulcan academy for one year when the Ambassador was on a sabbatical on Vulcan.

Ensign Ai'Pal stood patiently on deck. He would have preferred to have greeted the Ambassador in formal Vulcan attire, but his duty as a Starfleet officer dictated that his dress uniform should be worn on occasions such as this. He had heard of Serek's prestige; the Vulcan had achieved great things in his 100+ years as a Federation Ambassador, and would continue to do so in the future. There was talk that the Ambassador's strength was starting to give, although he knew this to be a deception. The question that lingered on Ai'Pal's mind was what the old Ambassador was doing on the Sulu. Being an Ensign he may never find out.

Ensign Taylor Bennett stood in the assembly of gathered officers feeling somewhat out of place. She knew her heritage had earned her place here, and knew it should be an honor. She knew little about Serek, but he was supposed to be quite old. Her mother, on the other hand, had been ecstatic when Taylor had informed her of the coming meeting. To the point that, embarrassingly, Taylor had a holorecorder tucked behind the transporter console should protocol allow such a thing. It was the most emotion she had seen from her mother in a very long time. It was an amusement to say the least, and it took every microgram of control not to break into another fit of giggling. The other amusement was standing between Ensign Ai'Pal and Lieutenant Savaar. Despite their dispassionate exteriors, she figured both of them were as giddy as her mother.

Next to T'Kal, Storm made a concerted effort not to let his restlessness show but it proved impossible. For Ethan, this 'honor' was devoid of prestige and at the end of it waited only a stern chat by one of his father's old friends. He just wanted to get Serek aboard as soon as possible with the idea that once it was accomplished, morning would come a bit sooner. The reasoning was completely illogical.

"Viraj," Storm said, breaking the silence in the room. The Deltan arched a thin eyebrow at him, possibly practicing for the esteemed guest or possibly to infuriate N'dalla. "Any word?"

"They're not ready for transport on the surface," Viraj replied. Consulting his console, he added, "No explanation as to why."

Storm stifled a sigh of impatience and looked to Captain Salinger and Commander Lyrr. "Sirs, may I respectfully request that we stand at ease until we get word from the surface."

Benedict turned his head like it had been slapped. Storm was stepping out of bounds again! What did he think this was? He still didn't understand his place in the scheme of things. Benedict's eyes were narrow, and angry but he held his tongue. Storm had addressed the Captain and the First Officer. The man had no patience. His words were phrased to show respect, but in reality he was simply impatient and refused to wait as orders and protocol dictated.

Lyrr smiled imperceptibly at T'Kal to allay his fury, then addressed Storm. "Unless you're in extreme pain from having to stand straight-backed, then it won't cost you to do so a little while longer, Ensign."

Matt glanced at Lyrr and then nodded. "It's good practice," Matt answered. "And, it helps to remind us of the chain of command and gives respect to those above us in rank. In other words, Ensign, your respectful request is declined."

"Aye, sir," Storm said without further comment. He went back to staring at the empty transporter pads and imagining that he could actually feel T'Kal seething next to him.

T'Kal remained silent, this time his eyes fixed upon a spot on the transporter pad. Later Mister Storm would have plenty of time to learn how to stand at attention. The Ensign had shown himself to be one who hated inactivity of any kind - it was the worst punishment to give him. Standing post. Benedict was determined to teach him patience. He'd learn that at the end of corridor six, deck fifteen.

Saavar could feel the added tension in the air. The silence, even though perfectly fitting for the occasion to a Vulcan, seemed at odds with the Humans here. He turned slightly to address the captain. "Sir, may I speak?"

"Of course, Lieutenant," Captain Salinger answered, and then gestured for the Vulcan scientist to continue.

Saavar looked at the security detail, noting the stiffness of their bearing and the tension. They did not even glance in his direction as he spoke. "Ambassador Serek will not expect a great deal of ceremony," he said. "The courtesy of a visiting dignitary only. He has attained the Kolinahr, and would view any other display as illogical. A simple greeting from the Captain and First Officer would suffice. Perhaps with your permission Captain, both Ensign Ai'Pal, Ensign Bennett and myself could escort him to his quarters. I believe Ensign Storm would benefit from a brief introduction to the Ambassador and the protocol required of his duties during his escort to the Spector. The Ambassador would not accept taking you away from your duties unnecessarily." He knew that waiting as they were was accomplishing just that. "I apologise for the delay, sir."

"No need for apologies, Mr. Saavar," Matt answered. "Knowing the proper protocol for any given situation is never a bad thing, and it wouldn't do to insult Ambassador Serek. And, permission granted to escort the ambassador to his quarters after he's arrived."

As if words from the Captain had the power to evoke Serek from thin air, Viraj's transporter console beeped once loudly and went silent. Nearly all eyes went to the Deltan as he tapped in a response while Storm and T'Kal continued to stare at the transporter pads.

"Sir, the Opai are signaling. Ambassador Serek is ready to beam up."

Matt gave a nod to the transporter operator. "Go ahead and bring him aboard, Mr. Viraj," he said, then drew himself up to his full height. He smirked in anticipation.

Blue energy slowly coalesced into the physical form of Serek. The Ambassador was shorter and thinner than one might have expected. Also atypical was his stark white hair; usually even the oldest of Vulcans managed to keep a bit of pepper in with their salt. His face had the softened lines of a once sharply angled rock that had been worn away by eons of time but he didn't dodder and his dark eyes were bright with fierce intellect. He wore the simple white robes of a young Vulcan student rather than the ornate robes of a venerable Vulcan elder and he leaned heavily on a spiraling dark wood staff. The multi-colored geometric shaped symbols of the Kolinahr hung from around his neck.

Serek, with a deliberate shuffling of his sandalled feet, came down off the transporter pad and took the place in front of Captain Salinger. To the surprise of nearly all assembled, he reached out to the Captain and shook his hand in a remarkably firm grip.

"Captain Salinger," he said, his expression showing nothing of his thoughts. "At last we meet in person."

"Ambassador," Matt said, and inclined his head slightly. "Welcome aboard the Sulu. I'm glad that we were finally able to meet after so much time communicating over subspace channels."

"I welcome the opportunity to visit your ship, Captain," Serek said impassively but politely. "I met this vessel's namesake once, very long ago. I found him a remarkable man."

Matt gave the ambassador a grin. "I envy you, Ambassador," he said. "I secretly keep hoping we end up on a mission that results in our travelling back in time to the twenty-third century where I have the chance to meet Hikaru Sulu. Though, don't tell my crew, I'd never hear the end of it." He glanced aside at the crew standing there and gave a playful shrug. "Too late, I guess. Ambassador, I'd like to introduce you to my Executive Officer, Commander Lyrr Tayla."

Serek turned towards Commander Lyrr with recognition - the two had conferred via comm a number of times since the Ambassador's arrival on Risa. "Commander," he greeted and reached out to gently cup her left ear in Bajoran fashion. Although Serek was a remarkably gifted touch telepath and capable of blocking the most of the stray thoughts that came with a casual touch, Lyrr's distaste for the greeting read only slightly on her face and strongly in her thoughts. "My apologies," Serek said simply as he withdrew his hand.

"No, it's quite alright, Ambassador," she assured him. "I am honored by your greeting." She gestured aside to the other officers, presenting each. "This is Lieutenant T'Kal, our chief of security, and to my right is Lieutenant Saavar from our science department." Lyrr paused, and only hesitated momentarily before introducing Storm. "I imagine you're already familiar with our Ensign Storm. He is the officer who's been chosen to escort you, Ambassador."

Ambassador Serek was engaged in the traditional Bajoran greeting with a more receptive Lieutenant T'Kal when Storm's name was mentioned. Upon its completion, Serek turned to Ethan and offered him a hand which he accepted. The old Vulcan regarded him intently and in a way that made him quite uncomfortable. Serek leaned close to his ear and spoke in a low voice not meant for other ears.

"I do hope that you are a better pilot than thief, Ensign Storm." Serek had obviously heard something of his trouble from Captain Waverly. Or he had pulled it from the young officer's mind. Either way, Storm went instantly crimson.

The Captain spoke again: "We have prepared quarters for you here on Sulu for your use until the runabout departs. In the meantime, I place Lieutenant Saavar and Ensigns Ai'Pal and Bennett at your disposal. If you require anything, do not hesitate to seek them out."

If possible, Serek become even more stoic, offering the assembled Vulcans the traditional salute but without the traditional words. He seemed to regard Savaar rather intently and with a degree of recognition. "Lieutenant," he said, by way of greeting.

Saavar nodded his head slightly. He had learned a very important lesson almost instantly the Ambassador arrived. He had foregone Vulcan etiquette to meet the Human on his own terms and then had gone to each race in turn and done the same. It was considered a breach of privacy by his own people, but Serek had put his own personal considerations aside. This renowned Vulcan - a master of thought and the Kolinahr had shown Saavar that he too had 'adapted' to change. If Serek could do it - any Vulcan could. Saavar caught the look in Ai'Pal's eyes, the shock of the breach had affected him more than Saavar because he would not have contemplated that it was possible. It went back to the two Vulcans and their conversation over Kal'Toh.

Ai'Pal recovered quickly of his shock and made fast to ensure that he did not show any signs of disrespect to the Ambassador. He had been invited here out of his own request and he had to ensure that he did not project a bad image of the crew of the Sulu. As the Ambassador approached he offered a respectable bow, ensuring that he did not bow too far, or too quickly.

Taylor Bennett's posture had relaxed slightly, but she still maintained an attentive demeanor. She knew Lieutenant T'Kal would be displeased if she performed less than perfectly; though she doubted he would be as displeased with her as she would be with herself. She flicked her eyes to either side, to Saavar and Ai'Pal, then back forward. Years of discipline instilled by her mother, and then by Starfleet, helped to keep her amusement at bay. She'd have to have a private giggle over Ai'Pal and Saavar later. It's cute in an emotionless, Vulcan-y kind of way, she decided. As the ambassador's attention turned to her, she gave him a respectful bow. Mother's holo-photos would have to wait.

Saavar looked at the expressionless Serek and said, "Ambassador." He indicated with a gesture the direction in which to follow. He led the way, making sure not to be too quick or too slow. The elder statesman was spry, and walked firmly, his staff making a dull thud as it matched his step as they crossed into the corridor. The door slid shut behind them.

***

The four Vulcans exited the turbolift on Deck Two where Serek would be quartered. Savaar led the way at a modest pace with Serek directly behind him, the older Vulcan freely looking about the corridor as they moved along. Ai'Pal and Bennett walked on either side of the Ambassador. Serek and Savaar continued a conversation they had begun on the turbolift.

"And do you find the science facilities of this ship adequate?" Serek asked politely, yet sounding for all the world like it didn't matter to him in the least.

"Yes, Ambassador." Saavar's speech was a study in perfect diction and zero inflection. He cared as much about the question as Serek cared about the answer. "Most adequate."

Serek nodded and as he did took note of the curiously silent Ai'Pal to his left, his face a blank but his eyes alight. "Ensign Ai'Pal," he began flatly. "Am I correct in believing that you were...troubled by my greetings to the Captain and his officers?"

Ai'Pal addressed Serek; his words would have to be chosen correctly, in order to retain respect to the Ambassador's authority. His face and words were as emotionless as usual. "Ambassador, I hope that you can excuse any disrespect that I have caused. I am not accustomed to Vulcan's greeting in any way other than their own. I should have been more prepared for a meeting with an Ambassador, one versed in the respectful greeting of many cultures, over one of a Vulcan."

He paused for a moment before continuing, carefully considering his words.

"I am only just starting to realise that our people are still on a journey of development, which has been proven by your diplomatic arrival."

Serek's expression stayed stone but one could have imagined a bemused twinkle in his eye as he slowed to a stop in the corridor and turned to face Ai'Pal. "You speak as if you are the diplomat, Ensign," Serek wryly observed. "Your emotional reaction is not a disrespect to me but to Surak. I mention it only because I became intrigued by this thought: Who does the greater disservice to Surak? You, who had the reaction? Or me, who prompted the reaction?"

Ai'Pal resisted the urge to raise his eyebrow. The humans had a similar mind game, which they called The Chicken and The Egg. The true answer could be solved through logic.

"There are two answers to your question. Surak would be satisfied if he knew that both parties responded logically. Your prompt was logical because you were approaching the customs of those you were greeting, thus my reaction - despite its disrespect - was logical due to my upbringing and beliefs.

"However I truly believe that I should have responded according to my own discipline, so in this case the wrong would fall on me for responding with emotion."

"So your reaction was not a failure of logic but one of discipline?"

"In a manner of speaking, Ambassador, yes."

Ai'Pal continued to stand upright. His face had lost some of its copper tone; Serek had achieved Kholinar and after one brief encounter with Ai'Pal, had shown up the young Vulcan. He would need to meditate, and only hoped in the meantime that Serek did not ask him any more loaded questions. It was a futile hope.

"Am I correct in believing your assertion is that emotional reactions are occasionally logical, even for a Vulcan?" After Serek asked this, he exchanged a moderately furtive glance with Savaar, who actually had the smallest of smiles touching his lips. Savaar had observed Serek have many such conversations when he had been his teacher on Vulcan.

"My honest answer is that I do not know. Had I been on Vulcan when you asked me this question, I would have said that any falter in emotion would have been a clear indication in a lack of discipline. In these modern times, I wonder if it is logical for our people to modify our code of discipline to act according to the moment. It is far more appropriate for us to respect the customs of those around us. It may help those appreciate our own customs."

Ai'Pal stopped, he was lost for words...for the first time since he could remember. He looked to his elders. His silence indicated that he had finished his argument. He waited patiently for the next retort. The accurate eye would notice that a bead of sweat was running down the back of his neck.

"Your words have wisdom," Serek said, regarding Ai'Pal gravely yet not unkindly. "And it is precisely why I greet each species I meet according to their custom. When I am the visitor, it is logical to allow that courtesy. In showing that respect, I prepare those I meet to extend the same to me. And my kin."

Ai'Pal gave a short, courteous nod. "Thank you for this lesson, Ambassador. I shall remember these words for my meditation."

Serek began to walk again in the direction they had been traveling, only now with Savaar to his right and Bennett on his left. Ai'Pal fell in behind him, quiet, presumably contemplating what had been said. The Ambassador now turned his attention to half-Vulcan Bennett or, more specifically, the holorecorder in her hand. He had noted its quick retrieval from behind the transporter console.

"Ensign," he began, speaking to Taylor as they walked. "What is the purpose of that device?"

Taylor glanced at the holorecorder in her hand and smiled. "It's used to capture images in a holographic format," she answered. She held it up. "A holorecorder. I, uh, I had hoped to be able to record an image for my mother. If you have time later, of course, sir."

"I would be honored, child." Serek sounded very nearly pleased to oblige. He walked along briskly, his staff making a rhythmic thump on the deck. "If only all requests of me were so easy to fulfill," he added, almost wistfully.

"Thank you, Ambassador," Taylor said with a smile. After a few moments of silence, she turned to him, a puzzled frown on her face. "Ambassador, I...I hope I'm not being too forward or stepping out of my place. However, I know my knowledge of Vulcan culture is somewhat sparse, but...but those are the robes of a student you're wearing." She glanced at Ai'Pal and Saavar, then back to Serek. "If I've misspoken, please forgive me."

Serek slowed to a stop in the corridor, prompting the other Vulcans to do the same. He looked to Savaar briefly then back to Taylor, his face an emotionless mask with only those bright eyes to read. "You have not misspoken, Ensign," he said graciously. "In fact, your question is representative of the very reason I wear these robes. I dress as a student because I have always been one and will always be one, until I pass from this existence. There are always unknowns to become known and always something to be learned, no matter where you find yourself." He looked to Ai'Pal. "And no matter with whom you find yourself."

The three younger Vulcans listened to this politely without comment but Serek was already on to other business. He pointed at a nearby door with his staff . "Are those my quarters, Lieutenant?" he asked Savaar.

Saavar gave a curt nod. "Yes, Ambassador." He was having a hard time remaining stoic - but he managed it. Serek was like a breath of fresh air - and Saavar would dearly have liked to spend an entire night discussing his own insights with Serek. He was astounded at Taylor Bennett's request for a holoimage of the Ambassador. He would never have dared to ask such a thing - but he would certainly ask her for a copy later! Perhaps with himself in the image as well..

Serek looked back to Bennett and she firmly believed there was a trace of a smile on his face. "Do you see, Ensign? You learn something new every day."

Taylor smiled at him. "Every day of your life," she finished.

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