Commander,
Your last message implies that you have reconsidered your punishment of ceasing the Vulcan lessons. Except actually it doesn’t imply that at all, it implies something else.
You say your schedule it too full to fit in Vulcan lessons. However, I’ve asked a senior officer to let me see your actual schedule and it’s not at all like you describe it. You’d have to spend hours on paperwork and meditation if you’re really as busy as you say you are. And I know you to be way more efficient than that.
Thus, it is obvious that you are lying to me. It’s not this fact that bothers me. It’s the fact that you seem to think that lying to me is necessary in this situation.
If you don’t wish to continue with the Vulcan lessons, you can just say so.
Why did you choose to lie to me about your schedule? I’ve never known you to lie before.
I know we had a dispute in the lab yesterday and I know I was at fault because I did not follow Starfleet protocol. I sincerely apologise for disrespecting you. However, the way you settled for a personal punishment instead of simply reporting me to another officer — it was most unlike you. By that, I mean illogical.
I don’t mean to come off disrespectful or weird, but I’ve noticed some changes in your behavior (like the two mentioned previously) and this leads me to believe that there is something that’s emotionally compromising you.
I want to schedule a meeting to talk. Not about Vulcan culture, or work, but about this. I happen to know you’re free at noon on the day before the ball.
It is your right to refuse of course, though I would be disappointed. I’d also likely be obligated to carry my concerns to the Commodore. I am not saying this to force you to talk to me, I am saying this because I am genuinely concerned.
Ava Lopez
