Holo-help

Posted on Sun May 11th, 2025 @ 5:57am by Lieutenant Zhi'rev & Lieutenant Jorik

1,021 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Audacious
Location: Security office
Timeline: During all the mayhem

Confident he could leave his station for a moment, feeling that he finally did deserve a break, Zhi made his way down to the security office. "Lieutenant Jorik, a moment of your time please." He had carried a small tray containing two plates and two mugs of Vulcan tea. "I will not take no for an answer."

Jorik looked up from the PADD he was reading, originally about to tell off whoever it was interrupting him, before he saw it was Zhi'rev. "I suppose I can take a break, then." He stood up, moving around his desk towards Zhi. "Where to?"

"A desk and two seats will do," the other Vulcan responded. "I've taken the liberty of bringing a snack and tea. There's a personal matter I wish to discuss, but it concerns security..." Zhi hesitated, gauging the other's reaction. "It also concerns my family," he added slowly.

"I see." Jorik said, before gesturing back at his desk as he decided to sit back down. "Then please, take a seat. It should probably be discussed here."

Zhi nodded as he set the tray down and picked up one of the mugs. "There's a few families aboard," he started, slowly sipping the tea, "how is security protection arranged for those attending the ship's school, when there's an emergency and parents are unable to tend to their young?"

"It's mostly just a lockdown procedure. I admit it is...less than adequate considering what is at stake, but that is the only procedure on record at the moment." Jorik said, he had just reviewed that procedure recently. "Is there anything you wish to have done further?"

"If minors are locked down in the school, then no. If they are escorted to private quarters I may need to devise a holo nanny of some kind." A sheepish smile followed. "I've never programmed a nanny before, but I may need to for the girls just in case. Would you be able to help me with that?"

"It shouldn't be too difficult. I might even be able to work in some emergency protocols that could alert you and anyone else you decide to an emergency that might be happening." Jorik said, pulling out a PADD and noting ideas down. "Would you want it to be able to be in several places at once, in case the girls are separated for whatever reason?"

"That's an option?" Zhi blinked in surprise, obviously not that knowledgeable in the creation of holograms. "Yes yes...I'd want it to separate so they are both looked after. Our youngest is still a baby, she can't even crawl yet."

"Makes sense to me." While something about Zhi grated on Jorik's nerves, this was about two thing Jorik enjoyed: holographic programming and family. Plus, it would also possibly foster better relationships between the emotional Vulcans, and maybe he might learn something about the V'tosh he didn't know.

"So good I do this while incorporating security measures? These holograms need to be activated in an emergency only, really." Zhi looked almost anxious with worry for his family. "Sethan and I can defend ourselves but they can't yet. Mnheia's still settling in, I can't burden her with this just yet. Saeihr is too young..." Did the other Vulcan notice the origin of the names, he wondered. Did he know, the children weren't Vulcan?

A faint look of confusion, then the dawning of realization came over Jorik's face, and he locked eyes with Zhi for a moment, but said nothing of the names. Instead, he made a mental note to remind himself about the children's origins.

"Yes. You implement a private security measure focused on both of their life signatures. Set the emergency conditions, and send it for approval. I'll approve it, naturally, but it's standard procedure. Then we run a simulated security event--it would be good for the lower ranks to get some practice--and see how it works." Jorik now had an excuse to run a security training that was long overdue in the department, at least.

"I think that's actually a very good idea," Zhi agreed, even though he wasn't too keen on his little girls being the subject of a practice run. Even so, even he saw the logic in having to test things out. "Let me know when, and I'll make sure Sethan is informed too so he won't have a stroke, just in case. He's even more hovering than I am." He studied the program for a moment. "Would you, if this concerned your children, go for a holonanny in the form of a Vulcan, or would you choose another appearance? In our case, I think a female might be a better choice too, to give them a female role model?" It was so very obvious he was very inexperienced as a parent.

"For children, yes, it would be good to go with something more natural for them. In this case, yes, a Vulcan--or, rather, vulcanoid in appearance--would be a logical choice. I presume we can upload an emotions matrix, since I know you also do not follow the teachings of Surak and will pass emotional embrace onto the girls?" Though there was not contermpt for the V'tosh in Jorik's voice this time, the look he gave Zhi showed his feelings of them did not change.

"As they are Romulan we will also teach them about their origins as they may want to know more when they're older. I don't want to withhold their heritage from them." He paused, casting the older Vulcan a grateful smile. "I understand this must be difficult for you, but I'm grateful for your help. And... perhaps it isn't such a bad idea to teach them about Surak. I want them to have a choice. That we choose to emote and were raised such doesn't mean they have to make the same choice. I'm sure Sethan will agree with me on this."

After a brief pause, Zhi excused himself as a summons sounded over the ship's comm. "I will return later," he said before he left the security office.

::: truncated due to unresponsive player :::

 

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