[ Life goes on for most of the cadets and the officers, despite the devastation to their ranks. It is different for Spock: she is focused and intent on her duties, multiple positions holding her attention as little else can. But in the moments between shifts, in the nebulous time when she has little to keep her attention focused, Spock thinks about the Narada and Vulcan and everything they have lost. It might surprise most. Sometimes, it surprises her.
But slowly she heals, until she does not have to work so diligently to not think about the destruction or speculate on her current decision to remain aboard the Enterprise. t means, when she gets an offer of a game, Spock can turn her attention to it, and to her companion, with ease. ]
Certainly. [ She appreciates the offer, even if she does not expect a challenge from a human. ]
White or black? [ She's already arranging the board, moving pieces into their starting positions with an efficiency of movement. ]
[ She answers promptly. Likes to go first, it's a minuscule percentage when it comes to wins, but notable to someone who looks at details from time to time. Sonja rarely ever plays seriously: nobody ever puts high stakes on chess and besides, nobody really cheats at it, so there's no fun. ]
1[ Spock can counter most opening moves, has no problem allowing her opponent to move first. It has helped her previously, gives her a slight chance to observe gambits. So all she does is incline her head and shift the chessboard. ]
Against other Vulcans, it is eighty-five percent. Against humans, it varies, with an average of seventy percent. Captain Kirk often wins in our matches.
[ Not always a usual opening gambit, and not immediately offensive, so Spock merely moves one of her pawns. ]
[ One day Spock will figure out why individuals seem to insist on grinning at her. As it is, she simply raises an eyebrow. ] I am to assume your winning ratio is much higher when card games are involved. With what games are you familiar?
[ That gets an eyebrow raise from her. Beating Ferengis at their own game? ]
Perhaps you would be amenable to offering instructions in Tongo? Or others, should you prefer. I have yet to find someone actually capable of explaining the particulars.
Perhaps because Vulcans don't seem the type to cheat.
[ She won't go as far to say as stick up the ass, too many people in the galaxy think that without looking at why. Besides, this leisure room is a designated fun-zone. ]
I have to say, just imagining their faces when you step up to play is priceless.
[ She wouldn't be far from the truth with the thought, though no Vulcan would say that. Or even think such a thing, as having a stick up ones posterior sounds rather unpleasant. ]
Then all the more reason to learn, as individuals often react in an intriguing manner when encountering unexpected situations.
[ She fiddles with a knight; Sonja's not using any particular strategy, using a mixture of tactics and plain impulse. She's aiming to corner one of Spock's bishops in the next two turns. ]
I would not, as kicking is abhorrent. However, one could say I would enjoy expanding my skill set, as there might be a situation where it would be of a benefit.
[ Sonja's lack of strategy is rather frustrating, as it means Spock cannot plan a course of action. But it is keeping her focused on the game, even as she captures one of her rooks. ]
[ And one thing Spock has come to realize about people on the Enterprise: no one can be sorted into the label "most." She inclines her head, silently agreeing. ]
Luck is an illogical concept that lacks a gender, I fail to see how it is relevant. Sleight of hand is something that can be taught, we can focus on that.
[ Spock takes a minute longer than usual to make her next move, mentally calculating the number of moves until she wins. ]
[ She pouts, exaggeratedly, as she helps reset the board. It fades quickly to a smile, — though she won't be likely to play that much chess there's always details to take away, and some way to ply a little conversation about their most mysterious crew member. ]
[ It is meant as a tease, though her tone is entirely deadpan. It had been a better challenge than most, considering how rare it was for humans to sit across from her and dare to play.
Not that Spock will say that aloud. ]
Edited (random characters appearing in my tag are not cool) 2017-02-04 05:44 (UTC)
[ Doubtful and Spock's flicker of expression agrees. ]
Negative. I have completed my shift for the day, though I have personal experiments in the science labs that require attending in approximately three hours.
[ She leans back, brow furrowing like she's considering dropping a particularly pointed comment. Being direct with Vulcans helps — as does being direct in general. That said, this feels like something that requires more delicacy, and perhaps, subtlety. ]
[ That... is certainly not what Spock was expecting. ]
While guessing is not an activity in which I engage, I can reasonably assume that you mean another conversation, perhaps over another mentally engaging activity should you prefer not to lose another chess game, by your comment.
[ Failing at subtle there, Sonja. But that is acceptable; Spock appreciates direct. ]
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But slowly she heals, until she does not have to work so diligently to not think about the destruction or speculate on her current decision to remain aboard the Enterprise. t means, when she gets an offer of a game, Spock can turn her attention to it, and to her companion, with ease. ]
Certainly. [ She appreciates the offer, even if she does not expect a challenge from a human. ]
White or black? [ She's already arranging the board, moving pieces into their starting positions with an efficiency of movement. ]
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[ She answers promptly. Likes to go first, it's a minuscule percentage when it comes to wins, but notable to someone who looks at details from time to time. Sonja rarely ever plays seriously: nobody ever puts high stakes on chess and besides, nobody really cheats at it, so there's no fun. ]
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1[ Spock can counter most opening moves, has no problem allowing her opponent to move first. It has helped her previously, gives her a slight chance to observe gambits. So all she does is incline her head and shift the chessboard. ]
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What's your usual win rate?
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[ Not always a usual opening gambit, and not immediately offensive, so Spock merely moves one of her pawns. ]
What is yours?
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[ She punctuates by quirking a smile, which expands to a fully blown cheeky grin. ]
Cards, on the other hand...
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[ It rolls off, pleasantly, like Spock paid her a compliment instead of merely state a fact. ]
Every one that's originated from Earth, and a few others besides. I've beaten more than a few Ferengis at Tongo.
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Perhaps you would be amenable to offering instructions in Tongo? Or others, should you prefer. I have yet to find someone actually capable of explaining the particulars.
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[ She won't go as far to say as stick up the ass, too many people in the galaxy think that without looking at why. Besides, this leisure room is a designated fun-zone. ]
I have to say, just imagining their faces when you step up to play is priceless.
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[ She wouldn't be far from the truth with the thought, though no Vulcan would say that. Or even think such a thing, as having a stick up ones posterior sounds rather unpleasant. ]
Then all the more reason to learn, as individuals often react in an intriguing manner when encountering unexpected situations.
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[ She fiddles with a knight; Sonja's not using any particular strategy, using a mixture of tactics and plain impulse. She's aiming to corner one of Spock's bishops in the next two turns. ]
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[ Sonja's lack of strategy is rather frustrating, as it means Spock cannot plan a course of action. But it is keeping her focused on the game, even as she captures one of her rooks. ]
What drew you to such games?
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Let no one say you don't have a sense of humor.
[ Perhaps nobody really listens to Vulcans long enough to tell. It's an oversight. Sonja fiddles again, eyeing the board. ]
You could say I enjoy expanding my skill set. Plus, wouldn't you get a sense of satisfaction out of success?
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[ Though a number of individuals on the ship would agree. ]
Is there success to be found in gambling games that you cannot replicate elsewhere?
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[ Breezy, and confident. She cants her head, decides this game is probably lost, but it's worth seeing through anyway. ]
There's always — what's the old saying? Lady Luck being on your side. Personally, it's just about how good you are at sleight of hand.
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Luck is an illogical concept that lacks a gender, I fail to see how it is relevant. Sleight of hand is something that can be taught, we can focus on that.
[ Spock takes a minute longer than usual to make her next move, mentally calculating the number of moves until she wins. ]
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Shall we keep going, or should I concede while I still have some dignity left?
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You may concede now, if you prefer. We both know the outcome.
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At least say I put up a good fight.
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Vulcans do not lie, Lieutenant.
[ It is meant as a tease, though her tone is entirely deadpan. It had been a better challenge than most, considering how rare it was for humans to sit across from her and dare to play.
Not that Spock will say that aloud. ]
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Perhaps a few more games against you and I'll improve, Commander. [ not a chance ] So, headed back on shift?
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Negative. I have completed my shift for the day, though I have personal experiments in the science labs that require attending in approximately three hours.
Yourself, Lieutenant?
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[ She leans back, brow furrowing like she's considering dropping a particularly pointed comment. Being direct with Vulcans helps — as does being direct in general. That said, this feels like something that requires more delicacy, and perhaps, subtlety. ]
I'd like to do this again.
[ So much for subtle. ]
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While guessing is not an activity in which I engage, I can reasonably assume that you mean another conversation, perhaps over another mentally engaging activity should you prefer not to lose another chess game, by your comment.
[ Failing at subtle there, Sonja. But that is acceptable; Spock appreciates direct. ]
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