Reporting for duty - The casual way

Posted on 10 Jan 2010 @ 1:12am by Commodore Da`nal of the House of Varal & Colonel Nelle Skykin

1,617 words; about a 8 minute read

Mission: M3: Shore Leave
Location: SB 47

Ayren was looking forward to spending time on the station and went to visit some exclusive boutiques. Her family had always had plenty more than they had needed, even in this time where wealth wasn't supposed to matter on most worlds in the Federation. Her father being a prominent Betazoid Ambassador, had allowed her priviledges not many had. Though not arrogant by nature, it had given her the grace and confidence to mix with heads of state, business and trade leaders, foreign affairs ministers, government representatives and admirality with ease. Even now, a foreign affairs minister from Trill had recognized her and he joined her while she was waiting for Da'nal. She waved to him when she saw him but continued to chat to Traman.

After only arriving hours earlier Nelle was exploring the new enviorment with enthusiaism, she had been stuck in a shuttle for longer than desired before arriving and she was eagar to meet her fellow crew members and her commanding officer. Walking briskly while attempting to see everything at once, Nelle spotted her new CO, fixing her hair out of her eyes she made her way closer, "Captain Da'nal."

Da`nal arrived at the restaurant to see Ayren waiting. He was late but it couldn't have been avoided. As he approached the entrance he heard his name called from behind him. Turning he looked for towards the voice that had called his name.

"Yes I am Captain Da`nal. What can I do for you?"

Nelle was nearing the Captain and stood facing him, "Lieutenant Nelle Skykin reporting as the new Chief Science Officer" Nelle spoke calmly and respectfully.

"Ah yes, hello Lieutenant," he said extending a hand to the officer. "I hadn't expected you until tomorrow. How was your trip?"

Nelle took his hand and shook it firmly, "Yes that was the original plan but the shuttle I was supposed to be taking seemed to hit a...bump" She paused and smirked, "And the only shuttle left was one leaving this morning, a long journey with a boring pilot who prefers to stay on impulse engines" she rolled her eyes and smiled a bit, "Anyway, now I'm here"

Da`nal grinned and nodded. "Yes I know that feeling all to well. Long shuttle trips can be exceedingly tiresome." Indicating the restaurant they were standing outside of, "I was heading here for dinner. Would you care to join us?"

Nelle looked to where the Captain was gesturing, "If you don't think it would be any trouble, I would love to."

"It's no trouble at all." Da`nal led the way and soon they where at the table. Ayren looked over at their approach. "Ayren Kelan, allow me to introduce Lt. Nelle Skykin our new Chief Science Officer. Ayren is our Chief Diplomatic Officer."

Ayren had noticed Da'nal and the other person entering as she sat facing the entrance. Her companion had excused himself from her as his date had arrived as well. He kissed her cheek and got up, nodding to Da'nal and Nelle and with a slight bow walked away. Ayren smiled and extended her hand to Nelle, "I am pleased to meet you," the hybrid Betazoid said warmly.

Nelle smiled a bit and shook her hand, "The pleasure is mine"

Ayren smiled politely. "Would you like to join us?" she asked.

"I would be delighted to, thank you" Nelle replied

Da`nal pulled out a chair, "Perfect." Waving for a waitress He took a seat. "Well Lieutenant, normally I have a chance to review the bio of incoming crew members prior to meeting with them. So why don't you tell us about yourself."

Skykin took up a chair, "Um well, I'm twenty two, I finished the acadamy with special honors, I have interests in music, art and the cultures of other species, I don't think any thing else is going to spring to mind, it will probabily unfold after a few drinks" She laughed a bit.

"What do you enjoy most about your work?" Ayren asked the younger women.

"I think it would have to be how I am always learning, to examine extracts from another planet and learn what makes it inhabitable is the most enjoyable, also working with people who share the same awe for scientific dicoveries is always a bonus." Skykin finished.

Ayren smiled widely. "Good, exploration is always interesting," she said. "I enjoy first contact and discovering new cultures and people groups. I am sure you will enjoy the Freedom, we have a great crew," she informed the new officer.

Da'nal grinned, Ayren being new to the crew herself, but he listened to the lieutenant as she discribed herself. A science officer needed to enjoy the idea of learning or the were definetely in the wrong line of work. "Have you always been interested in science or was that brought on by your symbiont?"

"Oh no, since I was a child I was always in forests and jungles studying soils and lifeforms, it was quite an up bringing. Although when I finally was joined the interest was intesified, from a former host I believe Sakul, he was a biologist" Skykin replied with enthuisam.

"A fortunate pairing then, how many hosts has your symbiont had, prior to yourself? If you don't mind me asking?"

Skykin thought for a moment, counting silently, "Um, I believe its fifty eight. Its one of the oldest symbionts in Trill history."

Da`nal was surprised to say the least. "I was unaware that symbiont's live that long. Does such an...," not wanting to say old, "...experienced symbiont put you at risk?"

"Nothing thats known, its odd though having so much knowlege aquired so quickly" Skykin smiled a bit

The knowledge of 58 life times...~incredible.~ "That must of took some getting used to."

-Like you wouldn't believe- thought Skykin, "In the beginning it was difficult to separate my feelings and needs from those of the past hosts, my diet changed, most of my emotional self changed although i think it was for the best, I was cripplingly shy before being joined. Hard to believe that, righ?t" Skykin smirked

Ayren had listened and shook her head. "I had not heard of a host that old," she said. "I am used to other's feelings and sometimes thoughts in my head, but another person living in me.... that had always facinated me," Ayren said smiling.

"Its not so much another person living inside me, than ominous memories that have now become part of myself, I can't imagine not having them anymore. But to sense peoples feelings and thoughts... that must be amazing" Nelle looked positively excited and interested.

"I guess it is really different. The feelings are not my own and we have barriers in place to seperate them, otherwise we will go insane," Ayren said smiling. "I hear thoughts as a background murmer, but it is not distinct. If I *listen* carefully, it would be intrusive and that would be wrong, like overhearing someone talking. Sometimes a person *shouts8 a thought with their minds, and I can't help hearing that, but usually I block that out," she explainied. "That happens more when I am close to a person," she continued.

Skykin listened intently, "Close emotionally or physically? I don't mean to be so questioning, its just in the nature" Skykin said apologetically

"It can be either, like family and friends or partner," Ayren explained. "My mind would get *used to* or familiar with their presence and would react woth more sensitivity to them."

As the women talked Da`nal waved over a waitress in oder to get things started. When she arrived Ayren and Nelle where still talking up the differences between symbiont memories and the telepathically reading of others. Whether thay noticed the waitress or not he didn't know, they seemed to be in their own little world.

Looking up to her he shrugged. "I'll have an order of qul DIr (fire skin) as an appetizer, some ghod toDbaj HajDobDu’ (Stuffed toDbaj legs), with a side of Qagh (gagh) and some Hurgh, and a bottle of blood wine."

The waitress looked at him apologetically. "I'm sorry Captain but we don't serve Klingon food here. This is an Italian restaurant."

Da`nal looked about him, then turned in his chair. He had smelled Klingon food bt it was coming from the establishment across the from where they were sitting. The openness of the area had provided a mixture of aroma's so he had simoply ordered what was on him mind. "I see.."

"Happens a lot actually. The blood wine I can do, would you like a few more minute?"

By now the two ladies had stopped and where looking his way. "Pizza anyone?"

"Oh yes, please." Ayren grinned. "Anything with garlic and chillies I am happy with," she said.

"Same please, oh and could I order some Andorian tea please" Skykin smiled politely

The waitress smiled and nodded taking there requests and answering questions. A short time later she returned with their drinks, appetizers, and not long after that their order.

They continued to talk as the ate and he had a good feeling about this new officer. He reached out the fill his glass when his commbadge sounded. =^= Captain Da`nal, please report to station operations. =^=

"Wonder what that's about?" Da`nal rose bowing his headslightly. "Excuse me ladies."

Ayren nodded her head and glanced at Skykin. "Of course, we are finished anyway," she said after getting an agreement from Skykin. "

Da`nal entered the busy promanade and tapped his his badge. "Captain Da`nal to Station Ops. I'm on my way."

---------------------------------

Captain Da`nal
CO

Ayren Kelan
CDO

Lieutenant Nelle Skykin
CSO

 

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