Getting to Know You

Posted on Mon Dec 30th, 2019 @ 9:24pm by Major John Kayhill & Lieutenant Aenar Torek

1,147 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Food for the Gods
Location: USS Calypso
Timeline: TBD

ON

Aenar stepped from the transport's transporter pad, and made his way to the rear of the ship, acknowledging the transport's crew as he went. Finding the seating area, he took a place on one of the benches that ran along the bulkhead towards the rear hatch. There weren't many people aboard yet - there were still some transferring over. The Bajoran took a look at his PADD for a moment before putting it down and twiddling his thumbs for a little bit.

John was one of the few already onboard. Having been trained to catch shut eye when he could, John had closed his eyes just to catch a micro-nap. He opened his eyes as the man across from him started to twiddle his thumbs

"Nervous?", John asked.

The Bajoran shrugged and admitted 'a little.' He stared off into space, then focused more fully on the man opposite, 'I think it's a little natural - new assignment and all.' Aenar flashed a smile, 'you, however, look all sorts of relaxed.'

"A new assignment is just like a new day", John replied with a shrug and smile. "When you get out of bed in the morning, you never know what's going to happen. If you stay in bed, you will never find out and only get bed sores."

He nodded to the man.

"And yes, I am relaxed", John continued. "I learned early on as a Marine to get shut-eye whenever possible. You never know when you are going to be stuck in a situation where you can't get any."

He extended his hand to him.

"Major John Kayhill. I'm heading to the Calypso to take over her Marines."

'A pleasure,' Aenar replied taking the man's hand and giving him a firm handshake. 'Lieutenant Torek Aenar, the Calypso's new Chief Science Officer. I like that line about bed sores, makes sense, he concluded brightly.'

The unease he had been feeling ebbed slightly. Aenar wouldn't be the only new guy aboard ship after all. 'So, why the Calypso? Did you pick the assignment?'

"A choice, yes and no", John replied, looking a little defiant. "I was stuck being an Ambassador's babysitter for a number of years as sort of an administrative punishment so to speak. I used up a lot of favors to get off that assignment. The Calypso was the first opportunity that came my way, so there was no way I was going to turn it down. What about you?"

'Reassignment after a Leave of Absence to take part in Bajoran funeral rites,' grimaced Aenar. 'I'm looking forward to the Calypso though, there should be plenty of variety in her mission.' He looked directly at the Marine, 'I can't imagine that babysitting an Ambassador was much fun for you?'

"My condolences if it was a friend or relative", John said. "Loosing the ones you care about isn't easy. As far as being a bodyguard, it wouldn't have been too bad if it had only been say six months, a year tops. It was for three years and my charge was a very flighty Denobulan who I swear went out of her way to not pay attention."

'Thank you,' replied Aenar sincerely, 'I'd imagine a flighty, irresponsible charge would drive a man crazy - still, you've managed to earn your way to something you seem to look forward to - are you excited now that you've moved on?'

"More relieved than excited", John replied. "I am sure enjoyment of the situation will finally hit me once I am on board the ship. Yourself?"

The Bajoran nodded, 'yeah ... in all honesty there's only so much time you can take to grieve which is healthy I think. A new challenge will focus the mind and, you know, the Calypso's a science vessel, she'll provide me with so many opportunities. Just like you that element of adventure will hit once I'm settled aboard ship.'

"Well, unfortunately, if things are adventurous for Marines", John said. "that means we are expecting trouble."

'I guess,' Aenar. He stared out of the porthole.for a minute as the transport got under way. They would soon be at their destination. 'As a Marine,' he began carefully, thinking over the words, 'did you join up wanting to go look for danger?' The Bajoran looked back at the man, 'some of the older folks back home, those that fought in the resistance, they joined up for the danger rather than out of wanting to protect people, you know?'

"When I was ten, the colony I lived on was attacked by Borg", John said, sighing a little. "Although my parents and brother were taken, my younger sister and I were saved by Marines. I knew right then what I was going to do when I was old enough."

Aenar shook his head in disbelief, 'The Borg ... I can't even imagine what that was like. I'm sorry for your loss.' He reflected to himself that it was a traumatic way to find one's calling. The transport shuddered slightly as it went to warp.

"Thanks, but it was quite some time ago", John replied. "My sister and I both have found ways to adjust. What about you? What got you into the sciences?"

'B'Hala,' Aenar grinned at the recollection, 'the Prophets and the Emissary rediscovered the city when I was fourteen or so. I knew then I wanted to go into archaeology.' He shrugged, 'Starfleet gave a lot to my people, so I thought I'd carry on pursuing it with them. It's been quite an adventure so far.'

"An adventure it can be Lieutenant", John replied with a slight smile. "Let's just hope we just get the fun adventures as not all adventures are good things."

'All adventures are good adventures - I'm not an adrenaline junkie, but if there's not a slight element of danger involved, I don't think you're really living. Life is about testing ourselves.' Aenar leaned back in his seat, slightly more relaxed now. It wouldn't be long before they rendezvoused with the Calypso.

"Trust me Lieutenant", John said. "There is a difference between an element of danger and being up to your ears in it."

The Bajoran favoured the Marine with an easy smile, 'I guess you're the expert there Major!' Aenar felt the pull of the inertial dampners, and he glanced out the viewing port just to the right of the Marine. The starfield changed, indicating they had come out of warp. He nodded in its direction, 'looks like we're almost there.'

John briefly looked out the window and gave Aenar a nod. Other than that, the Major seemed rather nonchalant about the situation.


OFF

Lieutenant Aenar Torek
Chief Science Officer
USS Calypso

Major John Kayhill
Marine Company CO
USS Calypso

 

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