To New Friends

Posted on 05 Mar 2022 @ 5:49pm by Lieutenant JG Karras & Lieutenant JG Tris Shizn

3,140 words; about a 16 minute read

Mission: Episode 18 - Cold Station 31
Location: Regula 1 - Promenade
Timeline: MD 03, 1900 hrs

ON:

Karras made his way through the crowd, taking in the sights and sounds of the promenade. He didn't have a particular agenda; after a full day's work getting to know his new ship and at least the files of her crew, he was hopeful that he might encounter some of his new shipmates in person. If not, he'd at least find someplace new for his evening meal, and maybe some activity or entertainment to enjoy.

Tris was casually leaning against a barrier in the Station’s Promenade. He was just pondering things, watching station personnel walk by as well as Galileo crew members from time to time. He then noticed someone that seemed to be taking his time as he made his way down the Promenade. He was a young looking brown haired human, ‘if he was human,’ Tris thought.

Shizn then noticed the blue uniform, guessing that he might be part of the new medical crew that were coming on board the Galileo. Tris raised a friendly hand to acknowledge the young Lieutenant as he approached.

Karras noticed the Andorian waving him over. They were about the same height, and as he closed the distance the features started to appear familiar. Ah yes - flight control! Half Andorian, half Aenar if he recalled correctly. He'd just been reading the personnel file earlier that day, and his name was on the tip of his tongue... Shizer, Shiz...

"Lieutenant Shizn?", he asked, offering a hand. How he hoped he'd gotten it right. "I'm Karras. I believe I'm the new counselor on your ship."

Tris was a bit shocked when his name was spoken. His eyes opened fully while his antenna pulled back slightly in uncertainty. The Andorian wasn’t even sure if he should shake the hand extended toward him. But he felt much better when the man before him introduced himself. With a smile, Tris grasped this Lieutenant’s hand agreeably. “It’s a pleasure to meet you . . Karras, did you say?”

"Yes, just 'Karras'," the Counselor smiled, shaking hands. "It's nice to meet you, too. With shore leave underway, I've only met a handful of the crew." He returned his hand to his side but kept his attention on Tris. "Hopefully I'll be able to meet many more before we ship out."

Tris was curious about a Lieutenant with only one name, but he knew some societies and species did not use a ‘surname’. The Andorian’s canted slightly with concern when he then realized that this apparent human knew his name. Not every officer had access to ship’s personnel listing, and most wouldnt care. With a touch of hesitation in his voice Shizn asked, “If I may ask, how do you know me by sight?” His right eyebrow raised in curiosity.

"Oh, of course, sorry!" Karras apologized. "I've been reviewing crew files all day, trying to at least match names with faces and position. I didn't consider how strange it might seem to meet someone who already sort of knows who you are." He made a note to perhaps adjust his approach when introducing himself to the rest of his shipmates. "So, to be fair, I'm Ba'ku, 87 standard years old. This is my third assignment since leaving the Academy and it's the first as a department head. I think that's about all the information I've retained from every file read today, but feel free to ask me any questions you may have."

Tris was still a bit puzzled, frowning slightly. There were many confusing factors taking place with this Karras, Tris considered. He had read a small amount about the Ba’ku, which would fit with this guy looking only to be in his 20’s, but being almost 9 decades old, by what he said. Tris smiled before asking, “Department head? Of which department?”

"Counseling," Karras answered. "We are a department of three, including myself, but we're a department nonetheless." Which reminded him - he should make a point of seeking out Dr. Lovegood and Chaplain Thorne sooner rather than later. He did not want to interrupt their time off, but it would be nice introduce himself at least. Regardless, he returned his focus to Shizn. "How about you? Served aboard Galileo long?"

Tris paused, finally understanding how this Officer had reviewed the entire ship’s company. “Aboard the Galileo. Yes, a standard year and some now.” He spoke aloud, mostly to himself. “87 years.” He grimaced, “I would guess you have been about the galaxy for a good piece of that time? But not in the Federation until recently?”

"You would be guessing wrong," Karras admitted. "Most of my life has been spent on my home planet. As a people, we had put aside any use of advanced technology. We were content to lead simple lives... well, I mean I was, too, until we met the Federation. I guess I caught the exploration bug from the crew we encountered." His expression softened as his memories brought images of his village to mind. "So, I've only been out and about in the wider galaxy for the past ten years or so, six of which were spent primarily on Earth. I think it would be safe to assume anyone else is more well-traveled than I am."

Tris nodded slowly in understanding Karras’ situation. “I see,” he said smiling, but stopped suddenly, recalling Karras stating he was part of the Counseling Staff. The smile seemed to wash off his face, replaced with a slight concern. He wondered if he should broach the subject of the unknown Female Andorian he keeps seeing, but not able to recognize, nor does anyone else know her.

"Anyway," the counselor continued, "I was just looking around for something to do or..." his stomach softly growled, interrupting him. "Or, perhaps, find something to eat. Do you have any recommendations?"

Tris hesitated for a few seconds at the invitation, but then smiled replying, “I have to admit that they don’t have any quality restaurants on the station. But ya know, I did notice . .” He raised a hand to his right pointing with an extended finger. “There’s a small place at the far end of the promenade that cooks up food in a Bajoran style with a hint of Italian seasoning.” He shook his head uncertainly, “But I heard many like it.”

Karras's face lit up. "I love Bajoran food! That sounds fantastic... you know, I had shore leave on Bajor once. I spent it in a small village in... um, well, I can't recall what Province. But I do recall that it reminded me a lot of my home." He turned in the direction Tris had pointed. "Would you care to join me?"

Nodding agreeably, “That sounds . . “ Tris only hesitated for a second, but many thoughts went through his mind. The idea of good food did entice him a bit, but also him talking to this counselor about seeing a ghost might also be helpful. “Ah . . well, like a good idea.”

"Great!" He started in the right direction, but let Tris take the lead since he knew exactly where they were headed. "So tell me, have you been enjoying your shore leave?"

As they began to walk along the Promenade, Tris replied, “It has been . .” The Andorian hesitated slightly wondering how honest he should be at the moment. “Well, mostly good. I’ve tried to stay out of trouble.” He chuckled slightly.

Karras grinned, understanding that the answer implied his new colleague had been having some fun. "A solid approach," he affirmed, as the pair continued down the corridor. He soon caught the aroma of fresh Hasperat... and basil? They must be getting close. "The last time I got 'in trouble' was my very first assignment, Starbase 2. If you've never been, they have a fairly large arboretum that includes a fairly large pond. One that's big enough to swim in." He started to blush at the memory. "Anyway, a couple of crewmen thought it would be funny to assure me that it was a common practice to skinny-dip in the pond during Gamma Shift, if one ever felt like going for a swim. I love swimming, and when they clarified that skinny-dipping meant swimming in the nude, I didn't get suspicious at all. I had no idea that it would be culturally and professionally inappropriate. So, a few nights later, I decided to participate in what I thought was a station-wide custom. I was serenely floating on my back when a diplomatic delegation passed by while enjoying an evening stroll... you can probably imagine what happened after that."

Tris couldn’t help but close his eyes and shake his head side to side slightly at the situation Karra’s had gotten himself. Looking over with an encouraging smile, “I certainly can. Modesty is a funny thing from culture to culture.” He raised and placed a consoling hand on Karras’ shoulder, “Sometimes you never know what is seen as disgusting or disrespectful to another group.” He chucked, “You really have to do your homework when visiting or being around other cultures. Ya know, I attended a conference once where I found out one race in the Antares Sector believe that eating in public to be as disgusting as public deification.”

"Huh." The counselor cocked his head slightly to the side, trying to imagine the line of reasoning that would lead to such a custom. "I suppose I can see the logic in that belief; given that almost all cultures have some type of taboo about taking things into your body, be it food or drink or a partner or object of some type. Varying degrees of modesty, like you mention, or sometimes cultural mores regarding what should or should not be done in private."

Tris chuckled slightly adding, “That’s about the ‘long and short of it’, a friend told me once.” Looking up the Andorian stated, “Hmm, they look pretty busy.” He observed a crowd of about 10 or 12 people out in front of the food establishment. “I wonder if they are waiting for seating or something worse?”

Karras tried to peek over the crowd to see what was going on. "I can't tell... I'm hope it's nothing serious, because the smell coming from inside is making my mouth water. Are you okay to wait for a bit and see?" His stomach rumbled again, but the scent of what he assumed to be garlic mapa bread had him hooked for however long it took them to be seated.

“No problem. Waiting is not an issue,” Tris responded as they approached the talkative group of people. Shizn spoke up to one if the bystanders, “Excuse me. Is there an issue here?”

A smiling Bajoran woman turned toward the comment and replied, “Oh no. We are just waiting. We were told it would be just a few minutes, but it seems more like a standard hour.”

A tall human then turned toward them and he added, “They say it was a large group and they will be leaving any minute. But, they have to clear the tables.” He gave us a wink adding, “It’s definitely worth the wait.”

The counselor gave Tris a friendly shrug to indicate he was still game.

The group before the foodie then parted to allow a stream of people to exit. Tris lost count after about 14. He turned to Karras, “That’s a good sign.”

Karras nodded in agreement. "Shouldn't be much longer now. Thanks for making this suggestion... I've always preferred prepared meals to replicated food, and that hasn't always been an option in my experience so far. I've heard our ship has a galley and offers freshly prepared meals daily, and that sounds delightful. Have you enjoined the offerings there?"

“Oh yes,” Tris quickly replied. “Very enjoyable. My understanding is that they have a Chef, but he also allows others to come in and cook things for themselves, from time to time. Definitely not something most cooks would allow.”

"Probably not," Karras chuckled. "I wouldn't even know what to make if given the chance. I mean, I can make some basic meals, but I have no great skill or flair in the kitchen. I'm certain anything I made would be very simple and likely bland."

The antenna on top of the Andorian’s head angled outward, trying to grasp the concept of not being able to prepair food for oneself. Tris then smiled with his antenna becoming more vertical, “Well, it’s a good thing they get to cook for us then.”

The line ahead of them started to move, and it wasn't long before the two Galileo officers found themselves at a small table for two. It was covered in a simple white tablecloth with a lit pillar candle as a centerpiece. A waiter had swiftly stopped by to give them each a handwritten menu and to take their drink orders.

"I'll go with a glass of springwine," Karras said before turning his attention back to the menu.

Tris accepted the slim menu, turning it over and back again quickly before looking at the waiter, “Yes. Springwine sounds good to start.” He then concentrated on the details in his hand.

Karras perused the fusion menu, his mouth starting to water at the offerings and their enticing descriptions. He was mostly sure he was going to order the Hasperat Ravioli, but the Bajoran Shrimp Pizza was also making a strong argument to be the meal of choice. He looked up so we wouldn't be tempted by anything else listed and tried to make his decision, taking in the ambiance of the small eatery.

"You know, if the food tastes as good as it sounds, we may have just discovered a true gem of a place." He looked directly at Tris. "It seems perfect for a casual dinner with friends, like with us, but it could also be nice destination for a date night. Are you seeing anyone currently?"

Tris looked up from his menu nodding his head in agreement. Yet then paused to consider before replying, “Well, that is if the anticipated date isn’t too squeamish about traditional foods being . . ‘Fusionized’. “ He smiles and asked, “Are you ready to order? I think I’ll be enjoying the calimary salad.”

"Sure," Karras answered, wondering why Tris had seemed to sidestep the question but deciding not to press it. Some individuals did not like discussing their personal lives, and that was fine. There was also the chance he hadn't heard the question, being focused on the menu. But again, it was all good.

The waiter returned with their springwine and took their orders, Tris the salad and Karras the ravioli. The counselor considered his dining companion. "Anything you want to talk about while we wait for the food? I'm an open book if you have any questions, but I'd also enjoy hearing any stories or anecdotes you may have."

Tris picked up his glass of wine and took a measuring sip, then looked deeply into the glass and swallowed. Setting the glass down, yet still looking upon the wobbling surface of the drink, the Andorian asked, “Without putting on too much of a ‘professional hat’, how do you define someone who has been seeing a unknown person, on several occasions, but the were apparently never there?” He lifted the glass again and took another sip before looking directly at Karras.

The counselor cocked an eyebrow, intrigued. "Well, first of all, I'd call them an individual. I don't define sentients by any conditions they may or may not have... but I get the feeling you'd maybe like to know what potential conditions, or causes, there might be?" The question had been in part rhetorical, and Karras had the clear impression Tris was talking about himself. However it was also clear that the Andorian was perhaps... testing the water, he believed to be the correct expression, and he had no intention of trying to put him on the spot and be more specific.

"So, generally speaking, at first glance I would think this 'someone' could be under a great deal of stress. That they might... and I emphasize, might be hallucinating, or perhaps dealing with a suppressed memory of some sort? Those would likely be my first suppositions," he continued, reaching for his own glass. "I would be very quick to point out that these possibilities are only that - possibilities - and that they don't, in and of themselves, carry a value of good or bad. Such judgments are reserved for cultures to impose. Like, with hallucinations? Humans consider them troubling, Denobulans consider them healthy."

An eye was cocked at the meir comparison to a Denobulan. Tris relaxed again and took another sip of wine. “Well put,” he began his reply, “About what I expected from my, . . a hem, vague question.” Tris set the glass down and asked, “I don’t know if they are hallucinations or some other kind mental gymnastics.” He swallowed slowly then added, “I d have to confess that none f this has effected my performance as an officer aboard ship.”

Karras nodded, convinced. he'd only known Tris a few minutes, but he could tell intuitively that duty was of great importance and that any real concerns would be reported at once. "That's fine, we can keep this between us, if you'd like. And I'm willing to help you get to the bottom of this, if you're ready to try. Nothing sudden or drastic, mind you... for one thing, I'll need to brush up on Andorian psychology and physiology, but I will not force anything if you're not comfortable."

Tris hesitated for a moment, not responding, not replying to him, not looking away. He appreciated so much the concern and understanding that came from his new acquaintance, Karras. This was not just what he wanted, but what he needed. He sighed and tried to smile slightly uncertain how to reply, but then, “Thank you. That is extremely kind of you. That . . just might help.”

Karras nodded with a warm smile. "You're welcome. I'll get started on my research tomorrow, but for now..." he leaned back from the table as the server arrived with their meals. Both plates were picture perfect, and the aroma was captivating. The counselor reached for his fork, then lifted it in a sort-of salute to Tris.

"To new friends."

Tris found this gesture to be quite odd, temporarily forgetting his own personality issues. Possibly something from his work? he thought as his left antenna angled off to the left a bit. Irregardless, the Andorian lifted his for in a similar salute, “Yes. To new friends.”



[OFF]


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LTjg Tris Shizn
Helmsman
USS Galileo-A

and

LTjg Karras
Chief Counselor
USS Galileo-A

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