Questions and Insights - Part II

Posted on Sun Aug 9th, 2026 @ 3:22pm by Lieutenant Xavier & Lieutenant Commander Yivliph Ra-Gruvloveii

1,642 words; about a 8 minute read

Mission: Preservation Instinct
Location: XO's Quarters

ON:

Xavier looked at the CO. "What other techniques did your Percy use?" He needed ideas and several grand gestures. The thought of not talking to Tox was bringing on more and more panic.

'He set a date based on the Phantom of the Opera - when they head into the subterranean levels. Again, it involved water, but in boats this time.' Yiv flashed a smile, 'Percy is better at the grand gestures than I am, and the dramatics. Do you really think the grand gesture is what Tox wants?'

"I...do not know. I have never...attempted to start a relationship."

'Ah,' Yiv responded, and took a sip from his drink as he thought. 'It doesn't always have to be a grand gesture to win someone over. It is a romantic notion, to be sure, but really, you should be reflecting your own personality.'

'Would you like me to call Tox here, now, so you can both talk it out?'

"I have a personality? And no...he was always one to think things out. It is one of the things that pulls me to him. He has these...moments of passionate anger or joy and he needs time to dissect and name the feelings and all the thoughts associated with them...it has always been how his mind worked. In our letters he would process it on paper and I would get this insight into how his mind works...when I was going through difficult times I would read them and then I had them transferred from computer to letter format via replicator. I have...an entire box of them and I read them often."

'Everyone has a personality,' Yiv replied with another smile. 'Even if some prefer to keep it under wraps.' His smile widened at the notion of paper letters. A cute notion. 'So ... you have an insight to how his mind works. Why not try and use that?'

"I could try..." He sighed. "I could try and write him a letter...expressing those things which I find difficult to voice."

'That might ease the pressure on you somewhat - getting your thoughts down and organized will help I'm sure.' Yiv leaned forward. 'If you'd like, I can deliver the letter for you.'

He studied the Commander. "You would assist me?"

'Of course. Firstly as Executive Officer, crew morale is part of my duties - I can't have two of my officers fighting. They must at least be civil.' His expression softened, 'and as your friend, I can see this is causing you pain. I would like to ease that for you.'

A sad sort of smile crossed his lips. "Pain is ... an old friend. One that is as familiar to me as drawing breath. I do not know if I can tell the difference any more." He sighed. "I will try first on my own but I may require some help and would be grateful for yours."

He studied the commander. "I hope that if you wish to share your heart about missing your mate you know that I will listen."

A cloud passed quickly across Yiv's face, then the placid mask of a smile returned, 'that is a very kind offer, Xavier.' His smile turned sad, as he looked at his hands, then became brighter as he looked at the man, 'if you let me help you, you can help me.'

He gave a nod. "Perhaps we both have difficulty opening up?"

'Probably,' Yiv replied with a laugh, 'but let's not tell the Counsellor that. She'll have us strapped to a gurney and off duty until she decides we're cured of the issue,'

His eyes narrowed. "It is...not the first time I have heard this. Is this what happened to your Percy?"

Lapsing into silence for a moment, Yiv shook his head. 'No, not quite. Percy agreed to be transferred for a while, just to get his head clear. Amanda was just trying to be helpful in her own way.' He smiled, 'she's not a bad person. Just a tad overzealous when it comes to her duties perhaps.'

"I have noted that. It is why I keep certain...troubles from her." He looked at the Commander. "Will he return soon?"

'When he's ready,' Yiv replied with a smile. 'I am content to wait for him until then. It's the way he was maneuvered into it that smarts.'

"I can understand that," Xavier said. "I know an Admiral who could assist perhaps an earlier return. I could give you his information."

Raising an eyebrow, momentarily knocked off-kilter Yiv wondered what he should say. The Intelligence Officer that lurked within him still took over and he gave a, 'connections are nice - but make sure not to burn yours for something that may not be achievable. Percy might not want an early return at all.'

"It is not a burn. The admiral will help. I can endure his fathering long enough to ask." He paused. "It will always be there. The offer to assist."

'Thank you,' Yiv replied after a long silence. It was tempting, but he had no desire for the Admiral's interference. Not yet at least. He had created enough trouble for Xavier and Tox already, Yiv did not want to get mixed up with him. 'If it comes to that, I may reach out.'

"Indeed. I...I have some larger contacts and am owed some favours by several people. Let me know if I can help you and Percy." He paused. "In the mean time I will pray to Aphrodite for you both for your reunion." He paused. “I think that I will try to speak with Endymion first. If that doesn’t work I may take your offer of help.” He smiled. “You are a very unusual person in a most intriguing way.'

Yiv blushed, slightly, 'well that's kind of you to say, Xavier. We're all unusual in our own intriguing ways. I wish you good luck in your endeavours with Tox. I'm sure they will bear fruit. As for me and Percy ... well, we'll wait to see how the situation pans out for the next while.'

"If you love him, do not give up on him. I have not known you long but...I can see your love for him. When it is difficult, hold onto that." He paused. "Also I do have something for you." He pulled out a small square. "It's the images of all the new things you tried on the holodeck to share with your Percy...and a program for you two to enjoy. There is a resort on Pluto's moon that has the most...amazing flowers. I thought you two could have a vacation, to reconnect."

'I ... thank you,' Yiv replied, taking the square and cradling it in his hands reverently. 'I haven't given up on Percy. He's resourceful, strong ... A lot of things I'm not.' He lapsed into silence as he ran a thumb across the square. 'A holiday would be good ...' he said softly.

Xavier was silent for a long moment. "May I speak frankly?"

'Of course,' Yiv replied with a smile.

"Your Percy is very lucky to have you. You are also lucky to have him. Do not...stop communicating with one another." He shrugged. "I may not be a counselor but I know the difficulty I am having is communication. We'd write to one another everything sacred and not but now...we've stopped. Tox and I may not be able to find our ways back to one another. So if you think there is something that you must move, as Human's say, Heaven and Earth to say to your Percy then do so, without hesitation. Cherish the bond you two share." He shrugged. "I am happy to see that you have it and perhaps a little...envious."

'You will find your person,' Yiv stated firmly, 'there is no doubt of that - you have worth to the right person. I know it's difficult now with Tox, but this will pass. Either way it will resolve itself, you will heal from this time in your life, and you will live it in contentment and happiness. Do not doubt that.'

'As for Percy and I,' Yiv concluded with a glint in his eye, 'we have no intention of giving each other up. What you observe isn't passivity, it is patience. We'll be reunited one day.'

He smiled a little. "Indeed. I read too many romances where one person passionately hunts down the other and declares their undying love. I can see that with you and Percy. I will happy appropriate a ship shuttle to help."

'Through the proper channels, I hope,' Yiv chuckled. 'Don't worry about us,' he continued gently, 'concentrate on yourself and Tox.'

"Proper channels...yes." He sighed. "I will try with Tox." He stood. "I should go." He walked to the door. "May I say something honest?"

'Haven't you this entire time?' Yiv asked curiously.

"Yes but this is...it does not matter. Thank you for your time Commander."

'Alright,' replied Yiv, looking at the officer searchingly. 'Thank you for your time as well, Lieutenant. It was ... good to be able to unburden a bit.'

Xavier gave a small bow, straightened, turned and left. As he walked to the turbo lift he clasped his hands behind his back while pondering the fact that if he wasn't in love with Tox he could fall for someone like Yivliph Ra-Gruvloveii. Friend Percival was a lucky being to have have the Commander.


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Commander Yivliph Ra-Gruvvlovei
Executive Officer
USS Ontario

&

Lieutenant Xavier
Chief Flight Control Officer
USS Ontario

 

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