Surprises
Posted on September 30th, 2015 by T'Lira

As she stood at the auxiliary console performing routine passive scans, a silent notification popped up. Yet another letter from her parents. This time, on sheer impulse, she opened it and read it all the way through, instead of her usual identification of the sender and prompt deletion.

TO: Lt. (j.g.) T’Lira, SCI, USS Atlantis
FROM: Sevan, Vulcan Science Academy, Shi’Kahr, Vulcan
CC: (not applicable)
SUBJECT: (not applicable)

MESSAGE:

Daughter, I request that you do not delete this message as is evident you have done with my previous missives. Need I remind you, it is highly rude to do such a thing? As you have deleted all previous messages from myself, your mother, and your siblings, I will provide a brief update of what those messages concerned.

When you left for Starfleet, we were highly disappointed in your illogical actions. Furthermore, it became quite clear why I warned you against such an action. The Federation initiated a hostile situation with the Dominion that led to all-out war. However, as it was not until many years afterwards that you resigned your commission, we began to believe that you had seen what Starfleet is primarily about. You clearly did not, with your return to Starfleet.

Your mother has repeatedly requested that you contact us, yet you still have not. Is it logical to shut one’s family out? I think not. It would seem that the only person from your family that you have had constant contact with is T’Pela. Henceforth, it should be made known to you that your siblings are curious as to why she is the only person you have been in contact with. In my conversation with T’Pela, she has repeatedly asked that I at least listen to your point of view.

If you would reply to this missive, I would be willing to begin a conversation as to why you have made the choices you have. I only ask that you reply.

END MESSAGE

T’Lira frowned slightly at the message. Why should she have to defend her choices, especially now. A small illogical part of her wondered what their reactions would be if she told them… no, that would not do. They have shown little interest in her life other than why she chose to join and rejoin Starfleet, so why should she enlighten them as to the baby? And again, that illogical portion of her pointed out that they were still her family.

It took several moments of deliberation, but she saved the message and continued about her work, mentally formulating just how she would reply to this message.