Entanglements
Posted on Mon Feb 23rd, 2026 @ 3:51am by Lieutenant JG T'Avia Espinosa & Lieutenant Amanda Rose
1,359 words; about a 7 minute read
Mission:
Preservation Instinct
Location: USS Ontario | Counselor's Office
Timeline: Before the Mission
Lieutenant T’Avia sat cross-legged on the small bench by the viewport, a chilled glass of agua fresca resting lightly between her fingers. The pale pink liquid caught the light of the nearby star, casting faint rosy reflections across her quarters. She took a slow sip, eyes narrowed in concentration as she scrolled through the old mission reports on her padd.
“Report 2187-45, Lieutenant Percival Bálor,” she murmured quietly.
Her brow arched as she read. Bálor, the ship’s exuberant botanist, had undertaken an experimental grafting project combining Vulcan plomeek rootstock with a Cardassian plant, and added an Earth based nutrient acceleration enzyme to it. The result, according to the logs, was an explosion of rapid, uncontrolled growth. Vines had overtaken hydroponics within hours, snaking into the ventilation system. Engineering crews had to cut their way through tangled greenery, while several small animals that were used for ecological simulation had inadvertently escaped containment and rampaged through the lower decks.
T’Avia tapped her finger thoughtfully on the rim of her glass is dismay.
“Inefficient planning,” she muttered. “And a surprising lack of containment protocols" she added shaking her head.
Begrugingly, she continued reading, noting how Bálor’s frantic efforts to contain the chaos had included enlisting the First Officer’s assistance personally. That detail had caught T’Avia’s interest. Not merely professional collaboration, as she had recently learned. Several conversations with off-duty crew had confirmed that Lieutenant Bálor and the First Officer had been romantically involved during that time... a fact that of course had not been mentioned in any formal report.
Her gaze drifted toward the window, watching the stars. Relationships aboard Federation starships were complex variables, often omitted from official records yet undeniably influential. She pondered, not for the first time, how many quiet dynamics were shaping decisions around this Ambassador class starship.
Setting the padd down, T’Avia rose smoothly and crossed the room, finishing the last sip of her drink. The glass chimed faintly as she placed it in the recycler. Drawing a steady breath, she straightened her uniform tunic and headed for the door.
Moments later, she stood outside the Counselor’s office. She stared at the door a moment longer than usual, considering what she intended to discuss. Then, with a soft, decisive motion, she raised her hand and pressed the chime.
Amanda was reading in her office. She was not in uniform, opting instead for a sun dress and sneakers. Her auburn locks hung freely around her, as if forming a protective barrier so she could remain undisturbed. When the chime rang, she folded her book and strode to the door.
Opening it, she saw T'Avia. "Hello. How can I help you?" Amanda asked sincerely.
"We can start with introductions," replied T'Avia. She gave a pleasant nod of her head. "Lieutenant Junior Grade T’Avia Espinosa, Acting Chief Science Officer."
She then proceeded. "I have been reading through my predecessors professional logs. I am deeply confused and concerned about his experiments, antics, and the overall operations of this starship."
Upon hearing that, Amanda burst into laughter. T'Avia was a kindred spirit. "Come on in. I'll do the best that I can but I do not know that I really can explain much of that, myself."
T'Avia entered following Amanda. "Counselor, if you could even attempt to explain, I'd be grateful." The Vulcanoid shook her head. "When I was coming aboard, he was exiting...leading a conga line. Captain Vetur seemed to be unphased."
"Where Percy is concerned, that's downright normal. Percy is many things: reckless, narcissistic, chaotic, and yet loved by many. My own relationship with him is complicated."
"No more complicated than the First Officer, I suspect." She raised a brow of curiosity. "On several occasions in his professional logs, Lieutenant Bálor called upon members of the crew to assist him in containing some sort of experiment of his or a problem of his own hubris. I noted an abnormal number of instances where Lieutenant Commander Ra-Gruvloveii was assisting. In conversing with crew, I have discovered the two are entangled in a non-platonic means." T'Avia looked at Amanda for clarification.
"That also is true," Amanda confirmed without saying more. Though Percy was a problem and her relationship with Yiv was ruined because of him, and now Percy had every intention of proposing to Yiv (and somehow requesting that she be his best woman), these things were entrusted to her and she had no right to say much more. "Why are you so interested in these things?"
"I do not mean to be so intrusive" replied T'Avia. "I was raised on Earth but my adult life has been spent being sculpted by the rigorous teachings of Vulcans. The Science Academy was a fantastic experience, but it did little to prepare me for serving on Federation starships. That was not the cards I expected to be dealt. I simply believe understanding these dynamics aboard will allow me to adapt into my position."
"It is not unreasonable for you to feel that way. However, when you only take one perspective on the dynamics, you're adopting the storyteller's version of the dynamics. I think it would be best if you 'felt your way,' around and create your own impressions."
"I will take that into consideration" acknowledged T'Avia
"On the VCF T'san s'at our Executive Officer would never pursue something with the Chief Science Officer. I petitioned Starfleet for this opportunity."
"What do you mean pursue something with the Chief Science Officer?"
"Relations among crew members would be considered illogical," she explained. "On a non-Vulcan vessel? I would suspect these complicate matters. Increased distractions."
"Sometimes. Rarely. It just depends." Amanda thought about how to explain it and came up empty for the moment. "I know that it is not logical to discuss but what would happen if ponn farr occurred to a Vulcan on a ship. Would that not complicate matters?"
T'Avia shook her head. "The overwhelming need to settle the effects of that condition would cause too much damage to the integrity of research or the execution of key decisions needed for the successful completion of a mission. Anyone undergoing said condition should remove themselves from duties until the condition is settled," she explained. "I believe your Chief Medical Officer would be in agreement."
"As would I, were it completely predictable."
"Indeed," nodded T'Avia. "Speaking of. Your Chief Medical Officer seems intriguing. His proficiency and skills are adequate though I noticed in his demeanor and tone that he would much rather be supervising and selective in what patients he deals with."
"You have a gift for understatement," Amanda answered simply.
T'Avia scrutinized that response. "Have the two of you had professional conflict?"
"That would be difficult to classify whether it is personal or professional. Either way, he's difficult."
The Acting Chief Science Officer gave a moderate nod. "I understand. That has seemed to be the general consensus of the crew. I've heard things, little bits of conversation here and there."
"He's an acquired taste, that is for certain," Amanda answered. But I've not acquired it.
"It will be an intersection use if my time here to study the inner workings of the crew. They have all seem uniquely qualified and peculiarly interested in oversharing. Is there any other advice you could give me or recommend?"
"Get to know everyone on your own. Trying to understand them through me may show a bias or a misunderstanding. I may be a counselor, but I'm a person too."
T'Avia raised a brow. "That assessment is true. You are a person, but also a counselor. I will take your advice and study them myself, and interact with them to learn more. Thank you, Lieutenant."
"You're very welcome," Amanda replied with an easy smile. "Is there anything else that I could do for you today?"
T'Avia stood and politely excused herself "No, Counselor. I have taken up enough of your time. Should I require anything else, I will.come see you. Thank you."
Lieutenant Amanda Rose
Chief Counselor
USS Ontario
Lieutenant JG T’Avia Espinosa
Acting Chief Science Officer
USS Ontario
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