012 | [Voice]

[with_discipline]

H'Esh etek vi-esh-torong sa'le-esh-tor quel sochya. Ha kashek svi'ma kae quel sochya. Ma ak'shem, ma sikrus quel sochya. Ma katra, ma ves quel sochya.
The breath we draw in and release is peace. The thoughts in our minds are peace. Our body, our limbs are peace. Our spirit, our essence is peace.

I have found that meditation has been a great help in handling the visions and dreams that have become common lately. It is unnatural for Vulcans to dream after meditating; that has not stopped whatever is causing these particular visitations, but it has made them bearable. It is my theory that such mental focus would aid others who find themselves unsettled by this. If I may be helpful in some way in this regard, I can be found on level six, room eight.

[Private to Snape]

My apologies for our lack of interaction. [A short pause] If you are having difficulties, I will do what I can to help.

Comments

[subtlescience]

There is nothing wrong with me. I do not need to meditate.

I wish to know if it has had effects on an evolutionary scale.

[with_discipline]

It would seem that you do.

That is entirely dependent on what factors you wish to consider. That my race continued at all is a benefit; we are telepaths - touch telepaths, specifically, but there is no excessive research into that side of our history. Technologically, we are quite advanced; we have been a space faring people for centuries. As I said, the planet has been largely at peace. If there are specific effects you are alluding to, I will endeavor to make them clear.

[subtlescience]

There, you see? That is what I wished to know.

What do you mean by "touch" telepaths? Why would you wish for space travel if your culture is at peace? Isn't one of the usual excuses for travel to expand a society which has grown too large?

[with_discipline]

Touch is necessary for telepathic connection. While Vulcans do not often consider themselves explorers, it would be illogical not to discover what is beyond our ken. There are countless Minshara-class planets in the universe, countless planets capable of sustaining carbon-based life and unnumbered others that may house forms of life with which we are unfamiliar. Constraining ourselves to our planets when we have other options would be nonsensical.

[subtlescience]

[He switches over to voice post. His tone sounds slightly less controlled than usual.]

You need merely touch someone and you create a telepathic link? This is morally acceptable in your culture? Are there restrictions? What if someone wishes not to have a link, but it is forced upon them? Do you have laws regarding it?

[with_discipline]

It is - complicated. [She hesitates a moment before continuing.] It is not so simple as engaging contact; there is a method of sorts to creating such a link. It has only recently lost the stigma it had for centuries with the Syrannite Revolution; the past six years have seen great changes in Vulcan society.

A forced mindmeld is as much a violation, if not more so, as forced sexual relations. The laws are new, but based on those regarding physical force.

[subtlescience]

What method?

[with_discipline]

It is difficult to explain without the experience. There is typically an utterance of ancient phrases, to guide the minds. I am no expert in this area; I have conducted mindmelds only rarely. But there is a general reaching of minds until the connection is made.

[subtlescience]

[He sounds distracted.]

Is it something you consider private, like sex, or do you all engage in it as a means of communication?

[with_discipline]

[Stiffly; he's wearing at those Vulcan sensibilities.] It is usually extremely personal.

[subtlescience]

[He's cottoned on to the change in tone. His tone betrays his aggravation.]

You say you're logical; sexual intercourse should be a clinical topic for you. Don't tell me you're offended.

[with_discipline]

[Her voice just gets stiffer, more emotionless.]

There is no offense where none can be taken. However, it is not something we discuss.

[subtlescience]

Why not?

[with_discipline]

It is inappropriate.

[subtlescience]

You're having a private conversation with an inmate on a prison ship beyond the laws of time and space. There are no others of your species aboard, and I am in dire need of intellectual stimulation to distract me.

I have absolutely no interest in having sex with you, nor will I develop an interest, and we are not even of the same species.

Do tell how it's inappropriate.

[with_discipline]

Though you have made it clear that your regard for other cultures is nonexistant, I will endeavor to make myself clearer: it is inappropriate to Vulcans. If you require intellectual stimulation, it can be found in other topics.

[subtlescience]

I wouldn't say non-existent. Low, perhaps.

But then, my regard for people in general is rather low.

Very well. Tell me about this revolution you mentioned.

[with_discipline]

So I have gathered.

Half a decade ago, the Syrannites were a group of Vulcans who disagreed with the High Command. They were portrayed as terrorists; V'Las, the then Administrator, had allowed the government to become militaristic and decietful, breaking from Surak's path. The Revolution is the term given to the events that unfolded when my Captain and I returned the Kir'Shara to Vulcan.

[subtlescience]

Were you involved in this revolution of yours?

[with_discipline]

To an extent.

[subtlescience]

What role did you play? Are you satisfied with the outcome?

[with_discipline]

The Earth embassy on Vulcan was bombed; an Admiral my captain cared for was killed. He was determined to find answers, and we were led to Vulcan's Forge, a dangerous desert. We met Syrran, the leader of the Syrranites, though we did not know it until after his death. When Syrran died, he passed his katra - and Surak's - to the captain. With that help, he was able to find the Kir'Shara, and return with it. Up until that point, I had not believed all that I was taught about Surak. Once the Kir'Shara was circulated, I spent much of my time reading. It was something of a comfort, after what had happened.

[subtlescience]

Deaths are inevitable in times of war.

What is this...katra? I don't believe you explained.

[with_discipline]

It was not a war. It was the High Command and Administrator V'Las abusing their power. They bombed the ruins the Syrranites were hiding in. Syrran himself was struck down by the electrical storms that frequent Vulcan's Forge.

The katra is, for lack of a sufficient translation, the soul. It can be passed on at death, so that the deceased is never truly gone - a concept that was unfortunately among those to be lost over time.

[subtlescience]

That sounds very much like a war to me.

You say the concept was lost; is the ability still present, and simply not in use?