A Lesson in Social Interaction

Posted on 11 Jun 2013 @ 1:09am by Ensign Varek & Lieutenant JG Delainey Carlisle

730 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: Episode 03 - Frontier
Location: USS Galileo - Sickbay
Timeline: MD08: 0900 hours

[ON]

Varek, on duty but without patients, was far from lacking in things to do. With his usual vulcan efficiency, he was systematically cataloging all medical resources used in previous away missions and comparing them to the inventory, checking them for discrepancies. So far, he was satisfied.

Delainey had just finished talking with the duty nurse concerning her sickbay schedule when she spotted Varek working. Thinking back on her talk with Watt, she decided now was as good a time as any to ask the doctor about the opportunity for unique social interaction.

Carlisle approched Varek and spoke softly out of respect for his concentration. "Hello, Doctor. Do you have a moment? I have something in private I'd like to talk with you about."

Varek did not look up from his PADD, but he did acknowledged her with, "I am a medical officer, Lieutenant, not a doctor. It is sufficient to address me as 'Ensign,' or 'Varek' if you prefer." Rather than give her the opportunity to get off whatever subject she had in mind with idle chit-chat (which he never approved of) regarding his name, he continued. "What can I do for you, Lieutenant?"

Of course, Delainey thought to herself. She supposed in her nervousness she forgot the proper form of address. Varek seemed to take it in stride, however, so she pressed on. "A member of the crew mentioned to me your fascination with cultural studies and suggested you might like the opportunity to gain first-hand personal experience...in the form of dinner with a female member of the crew. If such an opportunity were to come up, would you be interested?"

Varek paused, raising his head and sparing her a glance at last. "Are you attempting to enter into a human courtship ritual with me, Lieutenant?" He asked, sounding curious more than annoyed. "I am vulcan, I am not subject to the same sexual desires that afflict humans."

Only years of practice maintaining a "blank slate" as it was known in graduate school kept Delainey from stammering, but still, there was the unmistakable hint of red in her cheeks. "That's... that's good to know," she offered firmly and more loudly than she intended. "I wasn't asking on my behalf, but rather, I was wondering if you'd consider a friendly meal with one of my counseling colleagues, provided she agrees?"

Varek regarded her in silence and then turned back to his work as if he had not stopped. "I am not sure what you are referring to, Lieutenant."

"To further your cultural studies," Delainey offered again, this time with more certainty, "I was thinking you might like to have dinner with someone from my department, provided she agrees. I was thinking the two of you could talk and get to know one another casually, as potential friends. Social interaction is important for overall well-being and I was thinking someone as curious as you are about other cultures might be interested in getting to know someone you might not otherwise get to know."

"Your analysis is limited," Varek informed her casually, typing in some numbers on his PADD as he continued to speak, "Who is this person and why would I have dinner with her?"

Feeling sheepish now, Delainey explained. "It would either be Scarlet Blake or Dawn Meridian. I'm not sure who has the evening free," Carlisle fibbed. "You don't have to agree to this if you aren't interested, it was just suggested as an opportunity for you to get to know someone else who understands your interest in cultural studies."

"I suspect there is more to this that you are not telling me, Counselor," Varek commented astutely.

It was a white lie to suggest it was merely a question of freedom and not interest, but on everything else, she was honest. "I'm not sure who's free, but I truly expect it'll be a casual night among colleagues."

Several long seconds passed as the vulcan's sharp green eyes studied the counselor. At last, he gave anod of his head. "Very well," he said.

"Great," Delaney replied. "I'll be in touch."

The counselor turned to go, figuring Varek would be eager to return to work. Now she just hoped Scarlet or Dawn agreed.

[OFF]

Ensign Varek
Medical Officer
USS Galileo
played by Psylus Anon

Lieutenant (JG) Delainey Carlisle, M.D., Ph.D.
Assistant Chief Counselor/Doctor
USS Galileo

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