Art Appreciation

Posted on Sun Sep 20, 2026 @ 3:29am by Lieutenant Bronwyn P’ril & Lieutenant T'Lul

3,098 words; about a 15 minute read

Mission: Jubilee
Location: Conference Room
Timeline: BACKPOST- two days prior to the comet’s arrival

T'Lul played back her initial meeting with P'ril in her head and realized that she had promised P'ril that T'Lul would contact P'ril for a social engagement. Luckily, T'Lul had not set a time period on when they would meet. That said, the time spent with P'ril proved to be intellectually stimulating and T'Lul found that its absence left her feeling somewhat empty. Therefore, she hit her commbadge and called out, =^= Lieutenant P'ril, this is Lieutenant T'Lul. At our last meeting, I had stated that I would contact you for a social engagement. Are you available for one at this time? =^=

Oh, that was right. Alex had distracted her and she had forgotten all about it. But, such a meeting was agreeable with her. So, she tapped her own combadge and replied, =/\=yes. Did you have anything in mind?”=/\=

=^= Not in particular, =^= T'Lul admitted. =^= Is there something that you would prefer. =^=

P’ril considered that for a moment. She truthfully didn’t have any ideas. She doubted T’Lul would be interested in the same holodeck programs as she was. And concerts didn’t provide much chance for conversation. Chess was an option, but P’ril was not very good at it. =/\=One of the ensigns in engineering is hosting a gallery exhibit of his work,=/\= she suggested. =/\=Would you like to assist me in showing support?=/\=

=^= If that is what you desire, =^= the response came back. =^= When and where would this be occurring? =^=

=/\=It opens this evening and continues for the next three nights,=/\= replied P'ril.

=^= Then why do we not go tonight? Is there a particular genre that I should be expecting for this particular gallery? Is there any specific attire expected? =^=

=/\=I do not believe so,=/\= P’ril replied. =/\=He told me it is an informal event. He did not wish to impose too much on anyone.=/\=

=^= Understood, =^= T'Lul answered. =^= What time should I meet you there? =^=

=/\=Is 2000 good for you?=/\= P’ril replied.

=^= 2000 is satisfactory. I will meet you there. =^= With that, T'Lul disconnected the comm.

T'Lul, for a rare change got out of her uniform and dressed comfortably in a long, tailored umber colored dress. It was simple, with no unnecessary ornamentation. It had a high collar, structured shoulders, and sleeves that tapered neatly to the wrist. However, what was unusual, at least to anyone that knew Vulcans was that the garnment was stitched with a subtle iridescent threading that caught the light only when she moved. There was no practical reason for this, T'Lul knew. However, it did seem to catch the eye of others, which was interesting to her. She started looking for P'ril outside the gallery.

The gallery had been set up in one of the many conference rooms. Modular walls had been installed and the paintings hung on them in a matter of a couple of hours. Soft classical music was piped in through the speaker system and light refreshments could be seen near the door. P’ril- dressed in a high collard red blouse and wide legged black trousers- had not yet been inside, but as she waited near the door, she gazed over the nearest painting, which was of ocean waves, but upon closer inspection, the waves were made up of many horses, manes flapping as they ran towards shore. It was very clearly done.

Abruptly, she remembered she was supposed to be watching for T’Lul and looked up just in time to catch her eye. She raised her hand in the typical Vulcan greeting. “Live long and prosper,” she said. Truthfully, she got to use the greeting so infrequently that using it made her almost giddy with delight. And in fact, her almost-smile betrayed her thoughts very nicely.

"Peace and long life," T'Lul responded with the appropriate Vulcan hand greeting. "You seem rather happy, P'ril. Is that because you are seeing me, you are here supporting your friend, or some other reason?" she inquired.

“I have not had the opportunity to interact with other Vulcans in quite some time,” P’ril replied. “I suppose the mere idea of it is pleasing. And yes, I suppose you specifically intrigue me. We seemed to get along very well before, and spending more time together is something to which I have looked forward. Making friends is as important for Vulcans as anyone else.”

"I agree," T'Lul answered. "Your lack of company has been noticed when it is not present. Though, I have to wonder why I intrigue you so. I understand that my logic is different than many Vulcans. Could that be it?"

"Possibly," agreed P'ril. "I am accustomed to humans, who are all vastly different from one another. Some are almost Vuclan-like in their logic, while others are wildly iratic. Perhaps your different way of thinking fascinates me because I am used to different ways of thinking all around me."

T'Lul blinked for a long second, as if she was trying to process the information she received. "Interesting," she finally responded. "If all those around you have different ways of thinking, does that mean that you think my way of thinking is similar to yours?"

“Not that I can readily recognize,” answered P’ril. “Perhaps in some ways- because most tend to think logically- but what I meant was you are far different from others- Vulcan and human. Perhaps it has to do with being a counselor. I have never met another Vulcan counselor so I cannot say for sure.”

The Counselor nodded and acknowledged P'ril's point. "There are few Vulcans who enter into counseling. The soft sciences are not viewed as rigorous as more traditional scientific careers. However, you fascinate me, as well."

“Do I?” replied P’ril. “Fascinating.” She was well aware how ironic the statement was, and while she had not considered that before saying it, she decided to let it stand.

One of the edges of T'Lul's lips creeped upward, as if testing an emotion. "You do," T'Lul confirmed. "I believe there is a lot I can learn from you. In the meantime, perhaps you can tell me more about your friend and this gallery. What am I expected to see?"

“I did not ask,” admitted P’ril. “He did mention paintings, so I do not believe there will be sculptures, although I could be mistaken. Shall we go inside and see?”

"Yes," T'Lul agreed readily. "Is there a particular style that he has?" T'lul inquired as she started to observe the people and the gallery.

“I am not certain,” P’ril replied as they walked through the door. “But, he mentioned the name Bob Ross. I do not know who that is, but I would think he is a painter.”

"Well, there are many different painting styles, so that information is insufficient." The Vulcan turned to P'ril and continued. "Regardless, the company is favorable. May I ask you a question regarding emotions?"

“Of course,” agreed P’ril as they strolled into the makeshift gallery. “I hope I am equipped to answer it.”

"Being half-human and raised on Earth, I think that you may have better insight than I do." T'Lul paused and tried to figure out a way to discuss her conundrum without violating and privileges. "Why would someone who came to you for help start avoiding you? It does not make much sense to me."

“There are two possibilities that come to mind at once,” P’ril answered. “The first is that the assistance, no matter how correct or good, invalidated their own thoughts when what they were hoping for was someone to tell them they are already doing what is right. The second is that they did not offer all of the information about their situation and as such, the advice given was terrible and they realized it and rather than admit to the rest of the information, they decided avoidance was preferable.”

"So, if someone felt invalidated, then they might be embarassed, so seeing you would be a reminder of that embarrassment and thus lead to further embarassment or negative emotions." T'Lul stopped walking as she pondered it. After a few moments she asked P'ril, "So, how does one break the cycle? I should know, as a counselor, but this is rather illogical."

“Unfortunately, I do not know,” P’ril admitted. “Hopefully, the one in question will realize where they have gone wrong and be open to change. It may take some time.”

"I suspected that you might say that," T'Lul responded. "Emotional reactions can be rather illogical sometimes. I have always believed that they could be qualified or quantified in some way but that is proving to be a difficult task."

P’ril considered this, and her mind immediately landed on Alex. Her response to him made little logical sense. She should have found his initial approach inappropriate, and yet, here she was. The thought forced an almost-grin to her lips. “Yes, I can see how that would be true,” she agreed.

"Have you ever met Lieutenant Anson Lee?" T'Lul inquired, apparently shifting subjects.

“Yes I have,” answered P’ril. “I consider him a friend.”

Both of T'Lul's eyebrows raised when she heard that. "Perhaps you could help me understand him better."

“I am not certain I understand him,” P’ril replied. “In fact, I am not certain I understand anyone- myself included.”

"You do not understand yourself? Why do you say that?" T'Lul inquired. "I have not gotten the impression that you were lost in any way. Perhaps you could try to express yourself regarding this lack of understanding."

“I am not lost,” replied P’ril as they stopped at one of the paintings- this one of a little cabin next to a waterfall with mountains in the background. “I simply do not understand why I make the choices I make. I suppose,” she added with an almost grin, “they feel right.”

"Perhaps you are more influenced by your human heritage," T'Lul concluded. "There are a great deal of studies that demonstrate that gut feelings can be more accurate than those made upon rational thought." An edge of T'Lul's lips curled down. "It is illogical and perplexing. I with to understand it more." She thought for a moment and turned to look solidly at P'ril. "Perhaps you can tell me about your most recent significant choice that you have made on a gut instinct and I could determine if logic would have gotten you to the same place." There was a slight inflection in T'Lul's voice when she uttered that and both of her eyebrows raised up. Was she excited?

P’ril hesitated, her brain immediately landing on Alex. How could she put something like that into words without telling the whole thing? And the whole thing was long. There was no way T’Lul would want to hear all that. After carefully considering her words, she finally said, “Well, I recently made a new friend when logic screamed not to. But, I quite like him.”

"A friend that you have a romantic interest in, then?" T'Lul asked. "Would you explain to me how you came about meeting this person and what sparked your interest?"

“We met when I sought treatment for an injured elbow,” she replied, choosing her words carefully. “He was quite charming. So later, when he brazenly invited me to dinner, I decided to go, even though logic told me it was inappropriate to ask after just administering medical attention.”

The Vulcan mused the problem. "I do not think it is out of the bounds of medical ethics in this case. He did not administer life saving treatment or condition treatment on your healing." She considered it further and after a moment's thought, continued, "Does that ease your concern? Tell me, what made him charming?"

“Yes, it does ease my concern,” P’ril replied. “I suppose I found his confidence in asking charming. Some may call it audacity, and perhaps it was a little bit of that, too, but he came off as confident rather than narcissistic.”

"Confidence is a grounded sense of self-assurance rooted in self-awareness and personal growth. In contrast, narcissism is a defensive, fragile ego masking deep-seated insecurity," T'Lul instructed P'ril. "If someone is confident, they do not need to constantly prove themselves to feel secure. Narcissists crave constant validation and demand to be the center of attention. That is how you can tell them apart."

“I never knew how to put a finger on it before,” P’ril replied, using a common Human phrase. “But that sounds like what I could not put into words. I believe a narcissist would probably have worded it like they were doing me a favor and I should feel honored.”

"If that was not the case, then I would suggest that it is likely you have no issues with this blooming relationship, assuming that is what you want."

“That is correct,” replied P’ril. “One could even say I am enjoying it.” Mostly, she added inside her own mind. She would never admit to being flustered by him.

"That is what should happen in a relationship," T'Lul confirmed. "Tell me more about him and why you are enjoying this relationship."

“He is kind and charming,” P’ril replied, “however, the relationship is still quite new. We have had a total of two dates. But, kind and charming are good qualities, as long as they are genuine.”

"Do you have anything in common? Commonality is often a necessary requirement to a relationship lasting."

“Apparently we both enjoy animals,” P’ril replied, remembering trying to wrangle to alpacas on their fist date. “And we both enjoy balls. At least we enjoyed the Marines’ one- which is the only one I have been to.”

T'Lul raised an eyebrow for a moment until she recognized that P'ril was referring to the Marine Ball. "What sort of animals do you both enjoy?"

“I like all animals,” P’ril replied. “And I know for sure that he likes Alpacas. Anybody who is that comfortable herding animals they have never met before is most likely at least comfortable with other animals as well.”

"Companion animals are different than farm animals for many humans. I am not certain that your conclusion is logical."

“I will have to introduce him to my cat,” P’ril mused. “Then I will have a better idea of how much he likes animals.”

"I think that would be a test that would be more specifically designed towards his propensity to like your cat rather than animals in general," T'Lul observed.

P’ril nodded. “I can see how that may be true,” she agreed. “Perhaps I will simply ask him.”

"I believe that is a way to eliminate any confusion on the issue. I often wonder why those who are not Vulcan are not more direct. It appears to me that they like to be more circumspect. It often leads to misunderstandings and confusion by reading things into actions that are not there." She paused and tilted her head at P'ril. "Do you get enjoyment out of that sort of behavior?"

“I do not,” admitted P’ril. “Although, being half human, I sometimes forget that I am allowed to simply ask blunt questions.”

"So emotions overrule memory or logic?" T'Lul asked with an audible hum.

“Sometimes,” replied P’ril. “But, as my mother would say, that is to be expected.”

"Why?" T'Lul asked while her right eyebrow arched. "Why is that to be expected?"

“Because I am human,” P’ril reminded her friend.

"And also Vulcan," T'Lul reminded P'ril. "So, perhaps you can explain it."

“I believe it is because of the way I was raised,” P’ril answered. “My mother insisted that my brother and I were human as well as Vulcan and as such, we should express our emotions when the need arises. From a young age, I was encouraged to be human, so it is only natural that I should actually be human from time to time.”

"Why would she insist on calling you 'human' and deny you your Vulcan heritage? That does not seem healthy, nor does it seem logical."

“I believe I have misrepresented her,” P’ril replied, brow wrinkling slightly. “She was certain that a balance was possible. Since we are both human and Vulcan, she believed a balance of logic and emotion should be sought. I have always tended more towards the Vulcan, so she encouraged me to explore my human side. I’m still learning,” she added, with an almost grin.

She seems rather human to me. So, why is she insisting on retracting? Fascinating. "I should like to learn what you have," T'Lul concluded.

"That may take quite some time," warned P'ril. "I have been practicing for thirty years, after all."

"Patience, I have. Also, I have an academic understanding of many emotions. Logically that should speed up the process. Also, I will not have the emotional unbalances that you likely had in your teenage years, since you have never tended towards Vulcan...." Carefully avoiding the words, "pon farr," she finished off with, "Embarassments."

Her meaning was not lost on P’ril. While it was true she had never had that particular problem, she had ‘helped’ a friend once. She had not appreciated what that help meant until after the fact, and at that point, the damage had been done. She still thought about him from time to time. She hoped he had gotten over it, or at least found someone else who could reciprocate. “That is true,” she replied. “Perhaps the key is balance after all.”

"That is proximate to the hypothesis that I have developed. Interesting that you reached it so quickly."

“It is only logical,” P’ril pointed out.

"Yes, but how to define that balance is the issue," T'Lul responded. "It is a conundrum," the Vulcan counselor concluded.

“Perhaps we could instruct some half Vulcans to spend several weeks with my mother,” P’ril suggested, albeit a little tongue-in-cheek. “As humans are fond of saying, perhaps she is on to something.”

T'Lul considered P'ril's statement, not recognizing the humor. "Interviewing your mother might be enlightening."

Although she had been half joking, there was a measure of seriousness to her suggestion. After all, she and her brother had been raised by the woman and they were living proof of her influence. "I can almost guarantee it will," she replied.

"We shall have to arrange a meeting," T'Lul concluded.

“Indeed,” agreed P’ril.

Lieutenant T'Lul
Chief Counselor
Deep Space 5

Lieutenant Bronwyn P’ril
Chief Engineer
Deep Space 5

 

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