Mosaic - Jeri Taylor [112]
"Nothing," she retorted. She wasn't about to tell this arrogant Vulcan about her problems with her hair. She was sure he would find it utterly capricious that the subject would enter her mind at this moment. But apparently he didn't need her help in commenting on the human condition. "It is intriguing to me," he intoned, "that humans so often use that term to indicate its exact opposite."
"I beg your pardon?"
"At the very moment when there is clearly "something' of some import affecting the individual, he or she will say that "nothing' is bothering them. I am curious as to why that would be."
Irritation was added to the other emotions Kathryn was experiencing. "It's a way of protecting our privacy. I don't necessarily want to share my innermost thoughts just because someone wants to know what they are." Her voice sounded harsh, even to herself.
But Tuvok merely reflected on her statement, then finally nodded. "I see. Thank you, Captain. That does clarify the matter." His manner was mild and thoughtful, and Kathryn thought she had never encountered anyone so annoying.
The door opened and Admiral Paris stood there, beckoning to them. "You can come in now," he said. They returned to their seats, not making eye contact as Admiral Finnegan spoke.
"You are both eloquent and persuasive speakers," he began. "We all thought we'd enjoy hearing you engaged in formal debate." He smiled slightly at the prospect and the other admirals followed suit. "However, our purpose today is not to assess debating skills." He turned to Kathryn. "Captain, you completed your first mission in fine style, and I'm entering a commendation from Admiral Paris into your record; he feels the pulsar data you compiled is of extreme value."
"Thank you, sir."
"You show all the potential to become an able captain, indeed. However, Mr. Tuvok here is quite right in his insistence that tactical regulations not be ignored because of your interpretation of Starfleet's charter. From now on, you're to stick to the rules."
"Yes, sir." Kathryn was stung by the rebuke, but swallowed her feelings. "However, we had a thought which might serve everyone's best interests. We've been looking for a suitable post for Ensign Tuvok, who is eager to return to deep space. We've decided to assign him to your ship to serve as tactical officer on your next mission."
Kathryn couldn't believe what she was hearing. This imperious, condescending man on her bridge? This stickler for rules on her senior stall? What could Admiral Finnegan be thinking?
"We think you might balance each other well." He looked at Kathryn and his merry eyes crinkled at the edges. "And you'd be sure your tactical drills would never go undone." He paused, then looked at them both. "Well? What do you think?"
"I would be honored to accept such a post," said Tuvok immediately. Kathryn felt Finnegan's gaze shift to her. "I'd like some time to think it over, sir," she replied.
The admiral nodded genially. "Take all the time you'd like, Captain. But realize-this decision has been made."
The three admirals gazed