A Friendly Prelude Part 1

Posted on Friday March 12th, 2021 @ 7:06am by

Mission: Jeepers Creepers 2: Creepers In Flight
Location: Officers Mess
Timeline: 239503.10

[ON]

Having finished her first shift aboard the station, Sakaan had gone looking for some light refreshment in the station's commercial district. The Vulcan had found a small Asian fusion foodstall that made an acceptable vegetarian dish, and had settled down to eat. As she did she kept an eye out on those that passed by on business. It was less out of caution, more out of curiosity. Sakaan wondered what they were up to - the Benzite with a satchel, was he a messenger? The Andorian with a box was most likely a delivery man - but why would he be carrying the box? And so she passed her meal, and uncharacteristically she ordered a second bowl.

Jo wandered into the officers mess, She was hungry. So she got a garden salad and looked around for a place to sit. She saw Ly Sakaan sitting down and wandered over to her.

"Excuse me Lt Sakaan, do you mind if I join you"? Jo asked.

Raising her head from her stir-fry veg, Sakaan looked at the human operations officer for a second. She nodded, 'that would be agreeable, Ensign Grant.' She quirked an eyebrow as she stirred her noodles, 'I noted in my report today your satisfactory performance in the Intelligence Center. I hope your superior takes note of it.'

"That was most thoughtful Lieutenant. However I just learned my supervisor transferred to another ship. It looks like I'm the only ops officer we have at the moment." Jo replied.

Ensign Grant took the seat opposite of Lt. Sakaan.

"May I ask you a question, Lieutenant?" Jo asked

"Do you find making friends here difficult?" Jo continued.

Sakaan looked at the Operations officer, quickly hiding her look of confusion. 'I'm unsure of your meaning, Ensign. I've only been aboard a few days and have only met a few of the senior staff. In my previous work ... it's been a challenge initially to be sure.'

"I've only been stationed here a sort time as well. Perhaps I will give it more time. What do you do for recreation Lieutenant?" Jo asked/

'Are you finding it difficult to make meaningful connections here, Ensign?' asked Sakaan thoughtfully, meal forgotten in front of her as she regarded the younger human officer, opting not to answer what she thought was a blatant attempt to change the subject.

"I've only met a few people since I've been here, You are one of them. My former supervisor was another."

Jo sipped her tea.

Its pretty much what I get for crawling through conduits. The only time I'm needed is when something needs to be fixed. Fortunately Im good at fixing things." Jo replied.

Quirking an eyebrow in response, Sakaan deadpanned, 'it's difficult to make friends when crawling around a conduit this is true.' The Intelligence Officer looked at the Ensign for a moment, felling sympathy for the woman's plight. Big stations could be cold and impersonal. An unhappy crew is an ineffective one. 'I enjoy running, Ensign, do you? I also enjoy hiking.'

"I used to run at the academy, I also like to hike. Do you know of a place we can hike, or perhaps you are referring to the holodeck"? Jo asked.

'I've not had the chance to familiarise myself with the station layout,' said Sakaan dubiously, 'perhaps the holodeck would be the logical choice. What's your preferred method of down-time?'

"I haven't had the opportunity to use the holodeck since I arrived. however I would be happy to join you at your convenience." Jo replied.

Jo smiled.

"Haven't had too much downtime since I arrived. I'm the only ops officer on this base, Normally I would read or go tot he rec center and play games." Jo stated.

'Downtime is a healthy and essential part of our day. I'm sure no-one would object to your taking it,' Sakaan mulled it over a moment, a micro-twitch to the cheek showing her perturbed e at the Operations Officer's situation. 'Perhaps you should talk to the Executive Officer about it, as the most senior officer in your department.'

Grant had piqued her interest at the mention of books. 'I myself find reading to be an acceptable way of winding down, as humans might say, at the end of a day. Mostly I read history books. What is your preferred reading material?'

"I read a lot of technical manuals, history books and philosophy books." I like to know why we are here and also how we got here. I find it helps to know what we've done so we can avoid making the same mistakes in the future. Helps me to have a more holistic view of who we are and our place in the universe." Jo replied.

'Indeed,' replied Sakaan with interest, 'a holistic view is quite beneficial. Your technical manuals will obviously help with your Starfleet duties, but do you find that your wider reading helps to inform your work? In the past I've found that technical manuals have assisted my information gathering duties rather well, when coupled with historical or philosophical works relating to particular species.'

"Yes I also find that they make me think in different ways so I know and learn to see rthings in many different ways." Jo Said.

'Yes, Ensign, I completely agree,' said Sakaan softly, setting aside her food and folding her hands together on the table. 'I find it similar to learning a new language. Like you said, it forces a new perspective on a person.' Pausing a moment as it wasn't really her place, she gave in to her impulse, 'what's it been like as the only senior officer in your department thus far? I imagine it must be taxing?'

"Even that helps me a bit. I could use some more workers, I mean the workload can be pretty intense, but I find if I attend to one thing at a time I can get through my day effectively and efficiently. So far nothing has broken that I couldn't fix or reroute. If we ever have to do a major refit I will need more hands to help. I'm sure they will come. in the future." Jo replied.

Her lips micro-twitched at the corners, indicating a smile, Sakaan nodded, almost earnest, 'I'm sure Starfleet will see the worth of Deep Space Three. Having a strategic asset of this size operating below capacity will, in the end, only work against the Federation's objectives in the region. I am sure they will provide you adequate support in the months to come.' Looking away for a moment, Sakaan looked back at the younger Ensign, 'usually after eating a meal, I take a short walk. Would you care to join me, if you're finished?'

"I am ready thank you I am delighted to join you. Any particular route you like to take?" Jo asked.

'There appears to be an arboretum a few decks down,' Sakaan observed, recalling a barely-heard conversation between two guests to the station from a few days ago. 'There may not be much planted now, but I imagine it has great views from outside its viewports. It might make for a diverting walk, if it interests you?'

[End] Part 1

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A post by:

Lt Sakaan
Chief Intel Officer
DS3

Ens. Jo Grant
Ops Officer
DS3