Taxi cab ride

Posted on 09 Aug 2017 @ 1:51am by Lieutenant JG Tris Shizn & Commander Allyndra illm Warraquim

1,551 words; about a 8 minute read

Mission: Episode 15 - Emanation
Location: Earth - San Francisco, Diplomatic section
Timeline: MD 36, 0900 hrs

ON:

There was a lot to do and coordinating the trip home along with the trip to Ryn had been a whirlwind. Fleet was eager to make good on the promise of the base and wanted to send along an expedition to Ryn. It was logical enough that she hitch the ride with the expedition and then on to Akkadia proper.

She had talked to Miraj but she was going on her own trip so that left her in the lurch but she had pulled up assigned personnel even those that had not had a chance to report aboard an now non-existent ship. Most had not been reassigned yet so Fleet was probably going to be easy enough to allow anyone to go on the expedition.

Allyndra had picked up the bio on one Ensign Tris Shizn. She practiced the name in her head hoping she had gotten the Andorian right. She had not worked with a lot of Andorians but most seemed to be a little short tempered but loyal as anything once they gave that loyalty. She had called him to the diplomatic quarters where she was currently staying to see if he would be interested. This was not a command to go, but rather a volunteer to go.

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Tris had been under Admirality's umbrella for several days now. No real assignment, but had been given several individual day tasks to keep him busy until orders were processed for him to permanent duty station. He had received an interesting 'invitation' to assist with a project that might take several days. He had been informed that this was to be a volunteer assignment, and not required.

Ens. Shizn made his way to an office in the Diplomatic Section of Starfleet, suite 48-25A. After only getting turned around twice, he located the office, confirmed the number, then pressed the chime.

As soon as he released the button, his Andorian senses seemed to be on high alert, as his antennae lifted up and back with a level of uncertainty. He normally could easily detect changes in air pressure, energy levels, and gravimetric changes, but this was very different. It was something he had never experienced before.

"Please enter," Allyndra said and waited. As the door opened she looked the man over and nodded, "Ensign Tris Sheeziiinnn?" she said. "I do apologize if I did not get that quite right. Allyndra," she greeted. "Technically Commander Allyndra illm Warraquim, but Allyndra is fine and preferred. Thank you for coming, I had the chef prepare a few Andorian dishes," she waved hand at the table. "Please enjoy while I talk to you about a little mission perhaps you might be interested in."

Tris entered the office and found himself facing a woman of slight frame. Her skin was very light, almost white, which was offset by her jet black hair with blue highlights. She was the most amazing woman he had ever seen. He of course listened to her explanation, but it almost did not register because of his distraction. After a pregnant pause he replied, "Yes Commander. I've been asked to assist you in any way that I can." He then looked down at the low table in front of the sofa. There before him lay a nice variety of foods he recognized from his home world, including the traditional 'redbat'.

"You have gone to quite a bit here," Tris began as he walked around the table. He took her invitation of 'enjoy' as genuine and this situation to mean that it was a casual setting, and she was more than likely needing to convince him, or she would have not gone to all this trouble. He sat down, picked up an orderv, and looked to her, so she knew he was listening.

"Someone else prepared it, but thought I might as well take advantage of the small perks the diplomatic area offers. Please help yourself," she again indicated the table, "I cannot partake, there are certain dietary restrictions I have."

Ens. Shizn's left antennae rose up quizzically prior to asking, "Forgive me for asking," he took a small bite mid-sentence then continued, "but is that because of your position, religion, or personal dietary needs?" Tris felt this diplomat wanted something from him. He wasn't going to be rude, but he did feel the need to be inquisitorial.

"I am from Akkadia, an allied world and we have recently negotiated a spot for the Federation to place a base. I need someone to pilot a runabout not only to take me home, but may be called upon to make trips to the proposed base. Of course, if you are interested I could arrange for a trip on Akkadia as well. I know a runabout is not a star ship so I will not fault you for turning it down." She knew that Andorians had a lot of pride and being a runabout pilot was pretty beneath someone trained for a starship.

The Andorian listened to every word she said and evaluated every word she did not. He calmly took another small bite. And soon said, "I am between major assignments and am currently taking on short term obligations." He paused pursing his lips thoughtfully while both his antennae moved toward the Akkadian before him. "Could you tell me how long a commitment it will be for this assignment?" He was actually concerned about not being available when the right Helm assignment came along.

"Overall if you did not rotate out, approximately twenty to thirty standard days. All I can tell you is that there will be a chance to navigate around pretty much unexplored territory. As I mentioned you would also be assigned once you got me home to being a pilot for necessary runs for the science expedition. However, that being said, personnel can be rotated out so if something more interesting came up you could accept that." Allyndra smiled and then added, "Not starship glamorous, but certainly getting to fly places no one else in Fleet has ever been before."

Tris's left eyebrow and left antennae raised up at the same time. He relaxed his gaze down to the food, and again picked up a nice morsel, popping it into his mouth. He chewed and made all the expected sounds of someone enjoying the flavors of the food. All the while, the Andorian was calculating his chances compared to the possibilities he might have during this short venture.

Tris looked intently at the Akkadia Commander, his antennae angling toward her, and stated, "I would need to have full autonomy over the craft, as regards to its functionality of the systems, weapons, and cargo." He continued matter-of-factly, "It is important to know all imparitive details before entering an area as you have described." He knew this was a great deal to expect, especially coming from only an Ensign, but he had more experience than most Ensigns. And he was right, and needed to make sure she understood this at the outset.

Allyndra cocked her head, "There will be an overall commander in charge, as far as the systems and weapons, that is up to you as pilot subject to the Fleet person in charge. I am sure you understand that there will be a chain of command on that. As far as cargo.....well that is under the civilian component. What it is you can get from the civilian scientist in charge, though I understand there will be one or more ops people with the group."

A smile came across his face. Tris felt that he had made his point, and she had answered in the only way she could, honestly and with proper regulations to follow. With nothing further for him, he angled and bowed his head slightly. Looking at her again he said, "I accept the commission. When and where shall I report?"

"Right now, the civilian in charge is working on recruiting. One Helena Wells, if you want to make arrangements to meet. There are two runabouts berthed at docks 42 and 43, ring C if you want to check them over. We leave in four standard days time. Any other questions you have for me or the mission?"

Tris smiled back at the unique woman before him. He picked up one more orderve, stated "No Ma'am." And rose to his feet, popping the bite of food into his mouth. A couple chews late added, "I will go down to ring C, check out the craft, and try to contact Ms. Wells."

"Very good, but you might want to amend that to Doctor Wells at least. I did look her up and she holds a Zee-Magness prize."

Tris was very impressed, his left eyebrow rising, as well as his left antennae. "Very well then. Doctor Wells it will be." He then smiled at the lovely, yet still unusual lady. With a courteous bow he turned and walked toward the door.

"Thank you, see you in four days." Allyndra said to the practically out the door Andorian.

Ens. Shizn stopped short of the door, turned back to the Akkadian and replied most courteously, "In four days then." A slight bow was given. The Andorian then smiled, turned, and walked out.

OFF:


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Allyndra illm Warraquim
Medical officer

Ens. Tris Shizn
Helmsman

 

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