New face, new place

Posted on Sun Oct 11th, 2026 @ 11:08am by Lieutenant T’Lanna & Captain Andre Hunt

1,438 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: Ashes of Vega Colony
Location: Ready Room
Timeline: Prior to arrival at Vega

If there was one thing T’Lanna hated it was being new to somewhere she’d fit in just fine, but starting off was the part she always hated especially if there were other Vulcans onboard. She was considered something of an outsider, a Vulcan without logic. She’d spend years learning the mental disciplines with the help of other Vulcans like herself, now she was alone again and about to face her greatest challenge yet. Walking up to the Captain’s door she pressed the chime and awaited an answer.

Andre has been in his ready going over the recent reports on the incident on Vega Colony. The number of causalities were still left to be determined due to the number of mining crews trapped in the mines. The Meridian was six hours from reaching their destination and every minute was the difference between life and death. Hearing the chime, he placed the PADD down on his desk. "Come on in."

Walking into the room T’Lanna offered a warm smile as she walked over to the desk. “Lieutenant T’Lanna, ship’s Counsellor reporting for duty Captain.” She placed down the PaDD containing her orders for Andre to see.

The most confused look came across his face, as he briefly stared at the Vulcan who was smiling at him. Suddenly, he recalled that he was approved to have a counselor assigned to the Meridian. "Yes, welcome aboard the Meridian. Please have a seat." Taking a hold of the PADD, he looked it over, followed by approving the transfer. "So how you are settling in?"

T’Lanna took a seat. “Very well thank you Sir, I’ll organise when I get time.” She gave him a curious look. “I’ve seen that look quite a few times now one expects a Vulcan to display emotion. For context my mother was exposed to Trellium D before I was born, as such the effects on me were that I can never achieve the Kholinar. I am as Vulcans put it, a Vulcan without logic.”

"I can say that I was a bit thrown off by your smiling," Hunt admitted. "Could you not still be logically, even with having emotions?"

“I can to a point, though that point isn’t recognised by other Vulcans, and most of the time neither am I. I’m more or less considered an outcast.” T’Lanna offered a wry smile. “According to the Vulcan rule book I’m classed as a dangerous, as are others like myself because our emotions make us so, I’ve spent years learning mental disciplines. I can mind meld to a point, which again is considered something Vulcans do not do. I’m also capable of touch telepathy and empathy. I do have a temper, but it’s well controlled.”

"Classified as a danger, yet you're the ships counselor. That's a huge bit of irony right there. The question, I have is how do you view yourself and your temperament?" Reaching for his pitcher, he poured a drink into his glass. Can I interest you in some lemonade?"

“Yes Please.” T’Lanna nodded. “How I view myself? That was always a question I hated in training. I would describe my temperament as easy going. I enjoy the company of others, am somewhat of a perfectionist when it comes to my work, which is where frustration can come into it, especially if I can’t find a way to help someone. I’m not quick to anger, but when I do feel angry I meditate or find other ways to release my frustrations.”

Pouring the drink into a glass, he slid it over to the Lieutenant. "I'm going to be honest, I have never experienced an angry Vulcan. Frustrated yes but not anger. Based on research an angry Vulcan is never a good thing."

“Definitely not” T’Lanna shook her head. “Vulcans, as you most likely know, are physically stronger than Humans so in a fight or argument we can do a lot of damage. I’ve met others like myself their philosophies don’t match with my own, so here I am.”

"Tell me something about yourself that I won't find on this PADD?" he inquired.

T’Lanna paused. “Okay I absolutely hate the uppity way that Vulcans consider themselves superior to others, not all Vulcans are that way I’ll admit, but the way they consider other younger races to be less…capable of doing things in comparison to them. Yes I’m Vulcan, and yes I’m different, but I’m happy the way I am.”

Andre couldn't help but to smile at her use of the words uppity and happy. These were words that Vulcans never used as far as he used. Especially with the emotions that she was clearly displaying. "I must admit that I had some concerns when they informed me that the Meridian would be receiving a Vulcan counselor. But I believe that you're going to do just nicely."

“Thank you Sir. It’s a subject close to my own heart hence why I chose it. I am, of course, not just a Counsellor but a sounding board, and advisor for you. I will do my upmost to meet your expectations.”

"Starfleet believes that we its crews will require counseling as they extend our time out here in deep space," he mentioned while taking a sip of his drink. "And I just happen to be in full agreement with that sentiment as well. At some point expect to see me sitting on your couch at some point. To give you a little background on myself. Not only am I a Starfleet Captain but a father as well. And this position takes me away from him, far more often than I like."

“I can imagine” T’Lanna nodded. “Do Starfleet not allow families on their ships at all?”

He chuckled a bit. "On starships that would be a no. But space stations and colonies are allowing families. But Starfleet is allowing relationships to take place on with CO's and crew members with approval of course."

“Of course” T’Lanna nodded. “Is there anything that I should know? Any crew members you feel I should talk to, or anything else of importance?”

"I would start with the lower decks," Hunt suggested. "We have young and less experienced crew who have little to no real experience being in space. Let alone on a two-year assignment. Away from home and family. Hopefully the recent shoreleave did them some good. But still, it can be a shocker for some. Speak with the enlisted supervisors and they can provide you some names."

“Understood” T’Lanna nodded. “It is a shock to be away from home for so long. I tend to think of a ship as carrying a large family unit, we all have to rely on one another.”

"Typically Starfleet didn't keep you too far from home. But they assist in sending us further out and for longer periods of time. The Federation has increased its membership which more Starfleet coverage."

T’Lanna nodded. “Unlike a lot of Vulcans you’ll encounter I’m still comparatively young, not one of the Vulcans who look young but are a hundred years old.” She grinned. “I am as I look so I’m more or less starting out fresh I just made Lieutenant quicker than some. I’m looking forward to seeing what’s out amongst the stars.”

"We have a just a little over a year left in our journey," Hunt mentioned. "Seriously was hoping for more exploration but they seem to have us out bringing order and now putting out fires."

T’Lanna nodded. “That’s always the way, if you’re there you might as well be the one sorting things out.”

The Commanding Officer nodded. "Oh, check in on Chief Petty Officer Heath Stoudemire. I don't have any major concerns, but he has been through some things in recent years. Been a while since he had the opportunity to address a counselor."

“Stoudemire, right” T’Lanna nodded. “I’ll make a note of that and arrange an appointment.”

"Any questions or concerns that you have for me?"

T’Lanna shook her head. “Not right now I don’t think Captain. If I think of anything I’ll be sure to let you know.” She smiled warmly. “Right now I need to finish getting settled in.”

"Go ahead, we'll talk more later," Andre spoke. "Need to get back to reading up on this situation."

=================
Captain Andre Hunt
Commanding Officer
USS Meridian

Lieutenant T’Lanna
Counsellor
USS Meridian

 

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