Lt. Silveira: You learn nothing, Vitor Silveira.

[+ Gila Sadar]

I just spent some twenty minutes dissecting this Sim as only an English teacher can, but I'll do the same here 🤣 @Vitor S. Silveira consistently sims everyone's favorite Tactical Chief as a wise and emotionally intelligent character, always ready to brighten everyone's spirits with a witty quip and a crooked smile. As one of the few truly deeply emotional characters on the USS Artemis-A, it's no surprise that he's also one of the most romantic, and we've been treated to a wonderful storyline of Vitor having a whirlwind romance with an alternate universe's version of Jovenan, only to lose her soon after.

Vitor is still an incredibly flawed character this long into his run, with a history for impulsive and spontaneous decisions, and doesn't always stop to think what repercussions his actions might have on those around him. In this SIM, Bruno perfectly maneuvers Vitor into a negative spiral as he struggles to overcome that flaw, and as a result, falls right back into it in the most emotional and impulsive way possible. I think, as writers, we tend to think of our characters' flaws as boxes on a checklist: there until a significant character event has occurred, and then it's cleared. Bruno's writing of Vitor Silveira, however, is an excellent case study in how - even when you're aware of a mistake and actively work to address it - you'll usually end up doing the exact thing you were trying to avoid. 

Excellent SIM, Bruno! ❤️

Quote

((USS Artemis, deck 6, Elysium))

The two were opening up to each other. Although they had shared a lot, there was still so much to know. But Vitor now regretted taking Nan through that path. It felt there was more behind that, but he now understood that Nan could feel lonely, and why she would take the Artemis as her home.

And he opened up when she asked about Jo.
He paused, wondering if he should burden her with his next words. But it would be better if he said it now, instead of keeping it bottled inside.

Silveira: It was the thought of her that made me act on the bridge. ::he leaned back, never breaking eye contact.:: I was thinking of her when I jumped to save you. I couldn't make the same mistake again and lose you as well. In a way I owe you my life.

Jovenan: In… in what way?

Vitor leaned forward. He took a breath before replying.

Silveira: CloQ mused on my “punishment” when we first faced him. One of the threats was… “Shall I bring you to the time you are assimilated?”. I thought nothing of it… Until I saw Jaseb and the other’s. And when they were Borg. I…

Vitor took a deep breath and leaned back, breaking eye contact with Nan.

Jovenan: Vitor. It’s okay, it didn’t happen, they lied. You must know CloQ always lies.

Vitor shook his head. Closing his eyes for a second. He took another deep breath.
Silveira: I know, but… I was already an officer when you left home. I have been shot at, stabbed, fought in ship battles, mentally assaulted by an Iconian that left me in a coma for almost two years… Fear has and will always be there. But I was terrified. I almost ran and hide. ::Vitor looked at Nan and slowly moved his hand to hers… He clumsily took it back as he winced.:: Not even the thought of Jonathan in danger made me move. But when I saw the drone near you… I saw Jo. I saw the moment when I wasn’t there to save her
That’s what triggered me…
That’s why I managed to move instead of hiding.

Realizing what he just shared, Vitor raised his hands. He had opened his heart, perhaps too much and again was being selfish by telling Nan that.
He wasn’t sure if he was projecting his feelings for Jo into Nan. Or if it was just that moment.
Or how deep the feelings were.

This time he didn’t hesitate and reached for her hands. Taking them gently in his.

Silveira: Forgive me, I am burdening you and making it awkward. You are so much alike… ::Vitor paused, shaking his head.::  We're so much alike, but yet so much apart.
And my feelings for you… I remember the first time I saw you in the Excalibur briefing.
It’s been a pleasure and an honor to see you grow and I just…
I just want to make you happy, protect you and help you in any way I can.

It was only after saying those words that Vitor realized he likely had made it worse.

oO Idiot… Oo

Jovenan: I…

Her mouth remained open, most likely shocked by what he said.
Vitor realized his own mistake. How he wanted to explain she was different than Jo, and likely fumbled her mind in confusion.

He should have been quiet and not say what he did. He should have kept it to himself.

Jovenan: Vitor. I’m not her.

Her voice was stern, her eyes fixed on him and Vitor froze.
He wanted to say that he didn’t mean it. That he was fumbling with his words and that…
That…

He didn’t really know what he wanted to say…

Silveira: I…

Jovenan: You… You’re very dear to me, I couldn’t imagine surviving here without you. You showed me an example what it meant to be here, and now, you’re a friend, someone who I can trust and talk to, who I can rely on whenever I need. And I want to be that person for you, too. But I’m not her, I’m not… I’m not your Jo. You are, were attracted to her, you fell in… you fell in for her, but I can’t be her for you.

She pulled her hands away.

In that second Vitor’s mind flew back in time.

((Flashback, almost three years ago))
((Lua Pele - Maklau Resort Hotel - Risa))

Sherlock: You don't think things through! You act before you think about the consequences!

He nodded as his eyes drifted from hers. He kept acting as if he always knew better. He kept acting without any consideration as to how that would affect himself and others.
And now he killed fourteen.

He recalled back to his talk with Doc Cassi on the Juneau. She had advised him to be more humble. As always he, like that portuguese expression went, let her words into one ear and they left trough the other.

He looked back at Sher.

Silvera: I know, and I will face them. I am responsible for the loss of the Resolution,  Commander’s Wyke’s death and stand ready to pay for my actions Lieutenant.

Her reaction surprised him as she slapped hands, punctuating her words spoken loudly.

Sherlock: THIS. ISN'T. ABOUT. THE. SITUATION. WITH. WYKE!

That took him by surprise. He felt hit by a wave, a cold Atlantic coast wave, that swirled him around underwater. Taken aback he was lost for words.
He stared at her, confused and dropped the formality, not knowing what to say or how.
The only thing out of his mouth was a question.

Silveira: What?

Sherlock: Remember that communication we had? The call where you told me you'd met someone on the Juneau? I thought you were happy there. Then suddenly, you show up, without warning, on two-twenty-four and tell me you want to be with me. Which, by the way, was horrible timing. But you never even let me think about it and the next thing I know, you're transferring to the Resolution. Then there was that pissing contest between you and Martin. Then you came to me on the Excalibur and everything seemed great but you suddenly got all moody then stormed out without saying anything. So I gave you space. And now, I have to hear through the rumor mill what happened on the Res?

He felt the ground below him fleeing, as if someone pulled the proverbial rug.
It was as if he was falling, falling into emptiness. He didn’t know what to say, he was grasping for words, like he was waving his arms to amper his fall.

Silveira: I was confined to quarters and you were in Sickbay… I couldn’t see you...

Sherlock: ::calmly:: Everything's got to be in YOUR timeline. By YOUR rules. I just want you to slow down and think.

((End flashback))

He felt that time stood still. And he had returned to Risa on that fateful day.
Granted, this time he hadn’t killed anybody. At least that was good.

But again, he hadn’t thought. He kept acting like that even after all the years, even after all the life lessons and mistakes.

And again he hurt someone he… Loved?

Yes. As a friend. As a comrade. As a family. As…

He looked down, his hands were shaking and he put them under the table so Nan couldn’t see them. Taking a deep breath he straightened himself. Looking straight at Nan his voice matched the same sternness that she used when she stated she wasn’t Jo.

Silveira: What I meant is that I can tell you both apart. Forgive me, that in my moment of weakness, I might have projected her. I hope you understand I was vulnerable, and I am sorry to open up. I believed we were close enough for that.

He felt his hands shaking and closed them in two fists. Again he wasn’t thinking, he wanted to shout and yell, but he wanted to take her hands again.
To hold Nan in his arms, to say… Something… To… Do something…

He kept his tone, even to his surprise. His expression, usually always tempered with a smile or a grin, was stern. His face, like a stone carved sculpture.
Only his eyes brightened as tears began to form. He blinked quickly before finishing.
 
Silveira: But rest assured I am well aware that she is dead. That I will never see her again and that whatever we had ended. Nobody can replace Jo.

Jovenan: ::almost cryingly:: Sorry. I didn’t mean to be mean. I thought…

Vitor managed to swallow the lump forming in his throat. Nan was almost crying and he was again just talking instead of thinking.
Feeling instead of rationalizing.

But that was the problem. He had learned nothing and was again repeating the same mistake. He wasn’t thinking, he kept doing things his way, at his time, for his feelings…

What about Nan?

oO You stupid selfish prick… Oo

He wanted to turn back time, retract all he had said. All that he had unloaded on her.
His eyes were starting to burn and he was fighting to keep his tears inside.  
Shaking his head he looked away from her.

Silveira: No… This was my fault. I should have known better…. We just went through the most traumatic experience and I… Forgive me…

Jovenan: Response

Vitor stood up quickly, fighting not to cry as he looked at Nan, his voice trembled when he spoke.

Silveira: Nan please… I didn’t mean to disturb you… I… I think you're better off without me around. Sorry…

Vitor stormed out quickly, crossing the Elysium doors. He almost ran through the corridors.
His heart was racing and when he finally was out of sight he let the tears fall as he breathed heavily. Somewhere in one of the corridors he paused, rubbing his chest as he struggled to breath. Just composing himself so he could return to his quarters.

He managed to straighten himself, cleaned his tears on his sleeve and looked barely presentable. He just needed to reach is bed.

oO Your an idiot Vitor Stone Silveira. Oo

 

[+ Vitor S. Silveira]

Thank you so much. This is one plot line I wish to write well.

I have to thank @Jovenan for again agreeing to my idea. This appreciation is as much hers as mine.