Reflections
Posted on September 2nd, 2015 by T'Lira

“I wish to join Starfleet.”

Silence settled in the small scientific lab within a house on Cor Caroli IV.

T’Lira watched as her parents exchanged significant glances.

“Daughter,” her father, Sevan, asked in Old High Vulcan as was his standard practice, “Why does thee wish to join Starfleet?”

“I contribute little to the overall goals of this colony and there is much more than the research here to be done. For example, a recent astrological study predicts that seven stars in the known galaxy will supernova within the next ten months.”

Her mother, V’Lana, didn’t move her gaze from the experiment she was conducting as she spoke.

“Daughter, what we do here is very important. I fail to see the logic in your desire to join an organization that is focused more on military efforts than scientific pursuits.”

“They focus on military efforts in an endeavour to protect the Federation. It is not their primary goal. There are many scientific outposts in which I can serve.”

Sevan managed to look faintly disdainful even as his expression never changed, “With the discovery of the Dominion and the Gamma Quadrant, Starfleet will become much more focused on their military preparations as you go through the Academy. I do not approve of any child of mine becoming a soldier in a war that is not theirs to fight.”

“If a war is to come, it will be all of ours to fight. It is illogical to believe that there will be a war. The Dominion may be open to negotiations and peaceful relations.”

V’Lana lifted an eyebrow, “And what if they are not?”

“Then Starfleet will either cease relations and close all access to the wormhole or they will further attempt to placate what could be a dangerous enemy.”

“Your logic is flawed. Past examples have shown that Starfleet will fight. They have fought the Rihannsu, the Klingons, the Tholians, and many more.”

“They do so for logical reasons.”

“Enough,” Sevan interjected, “We will continue this discussion later. For now, your skills would be better used collecting samples for this latest study.”

T’Lira didn’t reply, merely turned and left. She did not give an affirmative as to whether she would collect samples or not, as it was illogical to lie.

As she collected the bag she had already packed, she could feel her sister’s eyes on her.

“You are leaving,” T’Pela calmly stated.

“Correct.”

“I saw your PADD when you left it on the table three days ago. You are taking a shuttle to Earth, where you will apply to Starfleet.”

“That is also correct.”

“Mother and Father will be displeased.”

“I find it illogical that they do not see my reasoning for joining Starfleet.”

“They may never do so. Even so, you are an adult and fully capable of making your own choices.”

T’Lira paused for just a second and turned to offer her elder sister the ta’al, “Live long and prosper, T’Pela.”

“Peace and long life, T’Lira,” came the reply as T’Lira left the house, making her way to the shuttle pad to obtain transport on the first shuttle to Earth.

Years later, she wondered if her parents had been correct about Starfleet’s proclivity towards battle. And just as suddenly as such thoughts appeared, she dismissed them. It was illogical to dwell on the past, just as it was illogical to regret the choices that had led her here.