Sumevini entered the Anbo-jyutsu room in the *Cerritos'* gymnasium complex. Mariner and T'Lyn were in the ring, Mariner in red armor and T'Lyn in blue.
T'Lyn whistled, then charged. The padded end of her stick hit Mariner squarely on the side of her head.
"One point blue," the computer announced.
Mariner shook it off, then charged. Their staffs clashed, and Mariner swept out T'Lyn's legs.
"One point red."
T'Lyn got to her feet. Mariner broke her staff in two over her knee.
T'Lyn broke her stick in two, whistled, and then charged. The halves of their staffs clashed loudly as they tried to score blows. Mariner spun out of one exchange and landed a side kick in T'Lyn's stomach. T'Lyn stumbled back out of bounds.
"One point red," the computer said. "Winner red."
Mariner and T'Lyn bowed to each other, and they said, "Domo arigato gozaimashita."
They raised their visors. Mariner smiled and said, "Good match, T. You've got some new tricks. Almost had me a couple of times."
"I have merely analyzed my opponent's' techniques and adapted."
"Uh-huh." Mariner started to take off her armor and noticed Sumevini. "Hey, Sumevini."
"Lieutenant Mariner."
"Just Mariner."
"Of course."
Mariner looked between T'Lyn and Sumevini and realized she was the third wheel. "So, I will, uh…"
T'Lyn said, "I will meet you later at the bar."
"Bar, right. Later, Sumes!" She almost jogged out with her armor half on.
T'Lyn crossed to the bench as she continued to remove her armor, revealing the Ritos T-shirt and sweatpants underneath.
Sumevini crossed to her. "A human sport?"
T'Lyn drank from a water bottle. "It is quite challenging. And we Vulcans have adapted other games from human culture. Chess, for example."
"Indeed. And yet you gave yourself an advantage. The whistling. You were using traditional Vulcan echolocation techniques, were you not?"
T'Lyn's face didn't change, but barest hint of mirth entered her voice. "This was the first time I tried it. It was effective, but I do not doubt Mariner will eventually deduce what I am doing and counter it."
"Curious. You are stronger and faster than she is. Logically, you should have an advantage."
"In spite of her chaotic behavior, Mariner is intelligent and skilled in a variety of martial arts. Her timing has been honed by what she calls 'the school of hard knocks.' She is a formidable—wooo-" T'Lyn stumbled.
Sumevini caught her. "You are unwell?"
"No, I was dizzy for a moment…it has passed." She straightened up and brightened. "I recall you were proficient in martial arts. We used to call you 'the dragon' because of your ferocity. Perhaps you would find sparring with Mariner interesting."
"Logically, she would not present a challenge, but improbable outcomes are not impossible. I would welcome the experience in either case."
T'Lyn gathered her things and scratched her forearms.
Sumevini said, "Something wrong with your arms?"
"What? Oh." T'Lyn stopped scratching. "A pulled muscle, no more."
"Perhaps I should accompany you to your quarters," Sumevini offered.
T'Lyn arched an eyebrow. "On this ship, that is usually an overture to a sexual encounter."
"That was not my intention. I merely wish to make sure you return to your quarters without incident."
"Of course. But merely being seen with me will be the cause for a great deal of speculation by the crew. I am sure there has already been much discussion about us already."
"This…is rather different from a Vulcan ship."
"Indeed, it is."
8
8
"I am surprised to find you on a Starfleet ship," Sumevini said as he and T'Lyn entered the turbolift, T'Lyn carrying her armor in a translucent drawstring bag over her shoulder.
"Deck six," T'Lyn said. The turbolift started moving. "Why do you say that? You knew I was interested in space exploration."
"Yes, but I also remembered your plans centered around the Vulcan fleet. Did you change your mind?"
The lift doors opened, and they headed down the corridor.
"No," T'Lyn said. "I joined the Vulcan fleet. My captain transferred me to Starfleet because he felt I was too emotional for a Vulcan ship."
"You? Too emotional?"
"That is the cause of some amusement among Mariner and her friends, how a very slight change in affect is considered deranged behavior by Vulcans. I have come to see the joke as form of bonding and an expression of respect and affection."
"You do seem to have adapted to your change in circumstances."
"I sometimes think 'thrive' would be a better word. I feel more at home aboard the *Cerritos* than I ever did on the *Sh'Val.*"
"Still, there are times when their emotionality and chaos must be trying. This crew is hardly the embodiment of tranquility."
"It was difficult at the start, but now I find it a source of comfort."
"Fascinating."
"And what of you? Have you taken a mate?"
Sumevini raised an eyebrow. "I thought you were not making a romantic overture."
"Forgive me. I should not have asked. I suppose the surprise of seeing you again after all these years has provoked an emotional response."
"The cause was sufficient. And in answer to your question, and for informational purposes only, no, I have not taken a mate yet."
"And what of your career? When we studied together, you were engrossed in history and philosophy. Why did you change your specialties to biology and genetics?"
"Because of philosophy and history."
"I do not see the logic of such a transition."
"It is an unusual career path, I know, yet it has given purpose to my life."
"Interesting."
They had reached T'Lyn's door. She shuffled awkwardly. "Well, I…uh…"
"I mustn't keep you. Your friends are waiting."
"Of course. Perhaps you will join us? The computer can give you directions to the bar. Their social interactions can be fascinating."
"Indeed. Perhaps I will come to the bar later. Until later, then."
"Later."
T'Lyn watched Sumevini walk away, then went into her room.
8
8
T'Lyn came out of her sonic shower and crossed to the sink as the shower deactivated. Without her hair band on, her hair was hanging loose. She picked up a brush and started to brush her hair…
…and then her brushing slowed. She stopped brushing and scrutinized her face.
Except for changing the color of her hair band to match her Starfleet science uniform, T'Lyn had worn her hair the same way for decades. That was typical of Vulcans, so much so that even a minor change was noted. Yet as she ran a finger through her hair and brushed some strands away from her eyes, T'Lyn felt restless.
Perhaps it was time for a change.
Perhaps it was time for several changes…