Available Light_Star Trek_The Next Generation by Dayton Ward

Author:Dayton Ward [Ward, Dayton]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781982113278
Amazon: 1982113278
Publisher: Pocket Books/Star Trek
Published: 2019-04-09T00:00:00+00:00

20

It was a common misunderstanding among those unfamiliar with such matters that Vulcans simply did not possess emotions. On the other hand, beginning in early childhood and learning over time to suppress them and disallow them from governing so much of their lives was expected of every Vulcan citizen. Indeed, achieving as much distancing as possible or even elimination of such impulses was a goal of many Vulcans. Some devoted their entire lives to that pursuit, facing formidable challenges and other tests to suppress their emotions and focus their minds to the reception of pure logic. The Kolinahr ritual was the pinnacle of this rigorous undertaking. So difficult was its attainment that very few mastered the discipline, and those who did were widely regarded as the most respected of all Vulcans.

Prior to his decision to join Starfleet, Taurik had given brief consideration to taking up the demanding ritual. Ultimately, he decided that being required to understand and control his own emotional responses while living among other races possessing diverse attitudes on the subject was the greater challenge. Other Vulcans, most far more accomplished than himself, had served with distinction among the Starfleet ranks and reported coming away with a greater appreciation for their non-Vulcan colleagues. Taurik thought it best to follow their example.

Because of this, he was able to empathize with Commander Worf’s growing annoyance with the present situation.

“Have you found anything?” Every word was laced with barely tempered anger, and Taurik noticed the Klingon stood with clenched fists held at his sides. The first officer, despite decades of service that required him to keep his own, far more violent baser instincts at bay while living and working in close proximity to humans, was not immune from the occasional outburst. Considering the present circumstances and how he must be feeling unable to do anything to affect them, all while being forced to continue wearing the environmental suit he likely found uncomfortable and restricting, for Worf this was a measured display.

“Not yet, Commander,” replied Taurik. He turned from the workstation that had fought him at every turn in his attempts to unlock the secrets of the Osijemal. “Although we have been able to access some information, I have determined it to be of a ‘general knowledge and usage’ nature. Vast portions of the ship’s main computer remain heavily encrypted and shielded, preventing us from conducting a comprehensive scan.”

Worf muttered something that was not transmitted through his helmet’s communications system, though his expression was enough to convey to Taurik that it likely involved his desire to express his mounting displeasure with the ship’s builders.

“What about internal sensors?” asked Worf.

Shaking his head, Taurik replied, “They also remain inaccessible. Despite damage likely sustained during the ship’s journey as well as the recent confrontations with the salvage vessel, most of those systems remain operational.” That last part was perhaps unnecessary, he conceded, given their firsthand witnessing of the internal sensors and intruder control system’s effectiveness. “As with much of the main computer, higher functions and the automated oversight processes are well protected.

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