Through the Looking Glass

He had a Vulcan lute under one arm, and a box under the other. Both items were placed on the
dining table. "It is illogical of you to have your door unsecured when there is saboteur on board."
Rayna bit her bottom lip. Why in Sul's name couldn't she lie to this man?
There was nothing for it, however. "I can't abide it being closed." Shame burned her throat more
bitterly than the cryogenic vapor had.
Her old friend merely nodded. "Perhaps it would be prudent for you to sleep in Sickbay?"
He never chides you for displaying weakness. "Agreed." She studied the carpet a moment, this
time embarrassed by the rush of grateful affection that had flooded her hearts. I wonder what I
ever did which made me worthy of such a friend.
"Are the recent events in any way related to your previous mission? It is a logical question," he
added.
Rayna gave him an appreciative smile. "I was considering the possibility moments ago," she told
him. "Given the amount of time between now and then, coupled with your vessel's unique
predicament, the likelihood of a causal connection is remote."
"That was my estimation as well, for the present." The topic closed, Tuvok picked up the square
box from the table. "This is for you."
Rayna accepted it, finding that it was wrought of simulated wood and hinged on one edge. Inside
was a circular shaped instrument made of mottled brown metal. Her breath caught. "A Romulan
ring flute," she whispered.
Tuvok picked up his lute and moved to the living room. "Do you still play?"
"It's been a while," Rayna answered when she could trust her voice not to crack. "Where did you
get this?" She touched its smooth surface reverently before taking it from the box. The Romulans
still made these by hand, combining several types of ore in a crucible, and pouring the resulting
metal into a dilithium mold. Multiple chambers within the tubing produced sounds that were
beguilingly beautiful.
Lightly played notes told her that Tuvok was tuning his instrument. "I had a large number of
unused replicator rations."
Rayna blinked back unshed tears. "I am doing my best not to engage in a frightful excess of
emotion." Humor was the only refuge left to her.
"I appreciate your efforts, but they are unnecessary." Tuvok shot her a quick look as he tightened
a string. "We, Vulcans, have become accustomed to the unfortunate excesses of other races."
That stemmed the tide of maudlin sentiment. Rayna chortled with laughter so suddenly that she