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Ensign Stormwind walked off the bridge of the HATHOR knowing that he had been had. He glanced behind him at the ships Cns who was gamely trying to match his long strides as they headed to the Navigational Controls on deck 4.
Slowing his pace he allowed her to catch up.
"So Counselor how is the crew in your opinion?" the HATHOR FCO asked hoping
to throw her off stride.
"They are coping, some better than others," Susan answered. Looking at the
half Human/Vulcan she was struck by the obvious anger that he held barely in
check. This was not normal even for a Vulcan of mixed heritage.
"I have been meaning to speak to you and offer my condolences on your mother's death… but there just was not any time what with the Imperians and such."
Derek glanced down at the slight Ensign "Death is but a new beginning, it
was her time that is as it should be."
Susan did not allow the shock to show on her face. She was sure that this
tall Ensign could not be so callus. His actions during the recent battle to
protect his team showed that he cared about people. His actions did not fit
his demeanor. She felt sure he was hiding something.
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Entering the Navigational Control room, Derek set right to work looking for
the fluctuations reported by the Captain. Even though he suspected he would
not find any he followed all procedures as required.
Yet he knew he was in trouble. Unlike other half Vulcans his ability to
control his darker emotions was different. When his human half filled with
emotion he would have what most people would call a fit or blackout. During
these episodes all logic and control would leave him and his emotions would
rule him for a period of time. During this time he could and often did
become violent. That was why his quarters were often sparse without many
breakable items. He could feel the anger building even now but could do
nothing as Ensign Mei was watching him closely. Only his parents knew of
this minor flaw in his character and they had both kept it secret fearing it
would destroy his Starfleet career.
The slight counselor eyed the FCO casually. Yet trained as she was she
noticed the building anger and confusion in the Vulcan half breed. She had
seen this type of turmoil in other alien races and in some humans…
"Ensign I would like to be your friend if you would let me, on a small ship
like the HATHOR sometimes a friendly ear can make a lot of difference."
Derek turned on Susan and anyone watching would have thought he was about to
knock her across the room. The anger from his human half was strong, his
inability to help save his ship and crewmates, to be towed by the ANUBIS
even if only for an hour, the death of his mother, and the battle with the
Imperians. All added to his confusion and anger.
Looking down on this slight, auburn haired, female he was ready to slam her
to the deck, yet as he stared into her large blue eyes and noticed the ease
of her smile something seemed to snap.
When Stormwind had turned toward her she was shocked by the look of pure
anger in his face. But Susan stood her ground this was a man with a need and
she was sure she could help. As she smiled at him she noticed that as if a
switch had been thrown the tightness of anger in his stance, the glazed look
in his eyes suddenly flow right out of him.
"Counselor, if you have some time, there are some things I would like to
discuss with you… off the record if possible," stated the Vulcan.
"Ensign I would be happy to talk with you and our discussions are always
private, unless of course it could or would cause danger to ship or crew,"
Mei's smile grew even larger.
Derek smiled, "That goes without saying and I will accept your judgment. May
I suggest we speak over lunch?"
Together they left Navigational Controls after notifying the captain of the
results of their investigation. Even before the door had shut Derek had
begun his confessions.
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As
Derek Stormwind 2006 post #093
Stardate: 60401.2130
Setting: USS HATHOR, in route to deck 4
Stardate: 60401.2145
Setting: Navigational Controls, Deck 4
Brian Matthews (dragonsslayer@excite.com)
FCO
USS HATHOR
