Books > New Frontier 3 > Excerpts

Soleta leaned against the wall, her palms flat against it, as ifrequiring the support of it. She weighed all the possibilities,and came to what she realized was the only logical decision.Still, she had to protect herself. "If I tell you somethingrelating to my medical history . . . will you treat it under therealm of doctor/patient conf dentiality.""Does it pose a threat to the health or safety of the crew of theExcalibur?"The edges of Soleta's mouth, ever so slightly, turned upward."No. No, not at all.""Very well."She took a deep breath. "I am . . . impure," she said. "You wouldnot want me in your mind.""How do you mean 'impure'? I do not understand.""I am not . . . full Vulcan."Selar blinked, the only outward indication of her surprise. "Yourrecords do not indicate that." She paused, considered theinformation. "It is an unexpected revelation, but it is hardlycataclysmic. Your attitude, your demeanor, indicates you consideryour background to be . . . shameful in some manner. Some of thegreatest Vulcans in history do not have 'pure' parentage.""I am aware of that. I am personally acquainted with AmbassadorSpock.""Personally." Selar was impressed, and made no effort to keep itout of her voice. "May I inquire as to the circumstances?""We were in prison together."Selar found this curious, to say the least, but she decided thatit was probably preferable not to investigate the background ofthat statement. Clearly there were greater problems to be dealtwith. Selar was all too aware that bedside manner was not herstrong suit. And her experiences since the death of her mate,Voltak, had done nothing to soften her disposition. She knew thatshe had become even more distant and remote than her trainingwould require, but she had not cared overmuch. Truthfully, sinceVoltak had died those two long years ago, she had not cared aboutanything. Nonetheless it was clear that Selar had to put asideher own concerns and deal with those of Soleta.She placed a hand on Soleta's shoulder. Soleta looked at it as ifit were an alien artifact. "Neck pinch?" she asked."I am endeavoring to be of comfort," Selar said formally."Nice try." The words had a tint of humor to them, but Soleta didnot say them in an amused manner.Slowly Selar removed her hand from Soleta's shoulder. Then shestraightened her uniform jacket and said, "I do not recall yourservice record indicating any mixed breeding. Although I willrespect the bond of doctor/patient confidentiality, falsifyingyour record is frowned upon. In some instances, it could evenresult in court-martial in the unlikely event your parentageincluded a hostile race such as . . ."Her voice trailed off as she saw Soleta's expression,anticipating the word. Selar barely dared speak it. "Romulan?"she whispered.Soleta nodded."You . . . Iied about one of your parents being Romulan?"But at that Soleta shook her head. Slowly she sank back down intothe couch.

Copyright ® 1997 by Peter David