Finding An Angle

Posted on 10 Jan 2024 @ 10:27pm by Ensign S'Ers-a M'Lyr'Zor & Petty Officer 1st Class Lysander Octavio

3,290 words; about a 16 minute read

Mission: Episode 19 - Tomorrow's Galileo
Location: USS Galileo-A Deck 3 - Corridor
Timeline: MD02 - 1900

[ON]

One would assume that having a time travel escapade as part of one's first mission aboard a new ship would be exciting, notable even, but for Lysander it was one thing: boring. There were no dashing capers available at the current time, and the security team had been put onto duties which were utterly tedious.

He shook his head as he walked along the corridor, his perfectly coiffed hair bouncing a little as he did so. He would have to spice things up when he made the holonovel. Perhaps an enemy fleet could be bearing down on them, or maybe some of the Galileo-B's crew were secretly Romulans in disguise! He would be saving the day of course, but how to make the best out of a boring situation... hmm...

Oof!

His daydreaming was suddenly interrupted at a bend in the hallway, his shoulder connecting quite violently and most inadvertently with a relatively tall female officer. Yellow collar, his eyes quickly darted over details as he recovered, ensign. Vulcan. His mouth formed into his usual winning smile, "My most sincere apologies, Ensign, sir," He composed himself and matched her gaze - what blue eyes. Most unusual, "I was... lost in thought about the current mission. Wasn't looking where I was going."

Sera had tried to avoid crashing into the rather oblivious looking crewman, but she was not successful. At least she did not drop the replicated parts that were needed for the EV repairs they were toiling on over on the 'B.' That would have cost her one hour 17 minutes that she already did not have to spare.

Biting back an uncharacteristic snarl of frustration, Sera simply stared at the NCO who was smiling in a most strange manner. "Are you unwell?" She asked as she quickly began to re-arrange the parts into a less precarious configuration.

"Unwell? No, no I am quite alright," he replied keeping a cheerful cadance to his voice. Vulcans were tedious beings. Not easy to sway with natural charms. He rubbed his shoulder, she was much... denser than she looked, "I did not... injure you, did I, sir?" He glanced at the parts, "May I assist you with anything?"

"Injure?" Sera replied. "Hardly." She looked at the parts and then to the dark-eyed petty officer. A Betazoid, perhaps?

One of her pieces was losing its purchase. Everything had been adequately balanced prior to what she would now dub, 'the incident.' It wasn't often that someone ran into her.

"You may take the leaning actuator off the top of parts I am carrying, since you are offering your assistance." She watched him in a scrutinizing manner. "You may also take any other piece that will inevitably become dislodged by removed that specific part."

Lysander gingerly did as he was bid, maintaining his handsome smile throughout the interaction. He could sense that she was frustrated by their collision, though it didn't take much excellence in being an empath to work that one out.

He probed deeper as he carefully created his own stack of parts. Vulcans always claimed they had transcended emotions, but Betazoids knew differently. What Vulcans had done was change the definition of 'emotion' and excluded various things they felt as and when it was convenient. Vulcans certainly felt irritation, impatience and frustration at inconvenience. He had sensed such things from Vulcans before. Self-righteousness too. Most Vulcans had waves of that coming off them.

This one was a little odd though. He couldn't put his finger on why. He made a mental note to get to the bottom of it. He might need... leverage one day and picking at people's quirks was usually an excellent way to manipulate them.

"There we are, sir, I have acquired a stack," he said cheerfully, "I shall escort you to your destination and little time will have been lost!"

Sera watched him in silence as he moved about in an erratic manner similar to a tiny colorful...bird was it? Yes...a hummingbird. It alerted instincts that she almost naturally squashed. She was no predatory animal, however, what she had evolved from was...and that primordial creature found him interesting in the way one would find a potential meal interesting.

How disturbing.

"Did you mean to make a pun regarding our current predicament?" Sera asked neutrally. She really was giving him the benefit of the doubt. In all likelihood, he hadn't realized his word choice.

He hadn't consciously done so, but he often found his unconscious bled genius into his interactions without him even realising.

"Ah you picked up on that did you," he nodded convincingly, "Very good, sir. I did not know Vulcans were so... attuned to wordplay." Lysander smartly fell into a stride with the Vulcan as he escorted her to her destination, "It is of course quite the complex situation we have found ourselves in but its all par for the course for us Starfleet veterans," he looked sideways with a glint in his eye, "Tangling with anomalies is just part of the job description."

Sera raised a brow as the Betazoid male readily took credit for his serendipitous word choice.

"Federation Standard is a rather...imprecise language. I am quite 'attuned' to this play of words that you speak of in order to accurately parse meaning." She returned to walking to her initial destination, the transporter room. The 'B's industrial replicator was damaged, so it was more efficient to return to the 'Galileo' and obtain the appropriate parts there.

"It is not." Sera disagreed blandly. "This is far outside of our mandate; case it point we are in violation of numerous Starfleet general orders and regulations. There is a distinct possibility of repercussions if we are able to successfully return home."

"I do not recall any courses at the Academy that discussed appropriate way to 'tangle' with anomalies. I maintain and repair ship systems. I do not...tangle."

Lysander laughed, it's musical cadance bouncing off the bulkheads around, "Hahah, oh Ensign its not what you're taught, its just the reality of the universe."

He returned to his usual cheerful tone, his smile glinting, "Surely you've heard of our swashbuckling forebearers, the likes of Kirk and, of course, Spock. He was one of yours," he nodded merrily in her direction as they walked, "They 'tangled' constantly. With anomalies, with aliens, even with time itself if rumour is to be believed." His expression briefly took on a slightly conspiratorial bent, "You can't touch on the edge of known space without some strange occurrences. Its part and parcel of it."

Sera raised a brow at his stereotypical comment. "Spock most certainly was not. He was S'Chn T'Gai. A completely different clan from opposite regions on my planet."

"But your viewpoint regarding what lies within our job descriptions is...unique." Unique, yes...inexplicable...also, yes.

Lysander raised an eyebrow, he had clearly very lightly brushed a nerve. As much as such a thing was possible with a Vulcan. His smile widened a little. The complexities of the clans and politics of Vulcans were of very little interest to him, but he liked to know people's... sensitivities.

"Oh my apologies. I'm afraid I do not know much of your people. Does your clan not share good relations with that of Spock's?" He asked innocuously.

"S'Chn T'Gai are the defacto rulers of Vulcan, Petty Officer, and my clan does not cultivate any formal relations with outsiders. It has a rather formidable reputation amongst the other noble clans...amongst all of the clans, really."

Sera did not mind explaining - she was not revealing any secrets after all. It was common knowledge to a Vulcan.

"Most interesting," It really wasn't, but Lysander's father had always said it paid to take an interest, "What kind of reputation might that be?"

"The clandestine kind, of course." Sera answered in an unreadable manner as she glanced over to his profile to observe his response.

Clandestine? Now that was undeniably interesting. What would bring a Vulcan from such a clan, that by her own admission had no relations with the outside, all the way to the back of beyond? Very curious...

All sorts of delicious scenarios filed through Lysander's mind. He would have to keep a close eye on this one. Why, with a few more elements the holonovel would write itself.

He was careful not to betray his fascination too extensively in his expression, continuing to smile as he glanced at Sera, "Wonderfully cryptic, ensign," his musical laugh echoed once more, "Vulcan society is certainly... richer than I was aware."

Sera raised a brow. "Yes." She agreed. "Quite rich." Now what type of richness she was referring to...well. Let him figure it out if he was of a mind to.

"I shall have to learn more. I'd hate to be... ignorant," he emphasised the final word, "The people of my homeworld are quite adept at clandestine activities you know. Some can read others exceptionally well." He was one such person, but she would not know that. "Vulcans have similar talents as I understand it?"

"No. I do not know, Petty Officer." Sera responded calmly. She had never spoken to a Betazoid before, and knew very little of their homeworld or society. She understood that they were telepaths, but to what extent? It was a mystery.

"and I am uncertain of what you speak regarding 'similar' talents." Discussing any Vulcan mental disciplines was not something she felt particularly comfortable in doing with this...person.

"Oh maybe you don't know? My my your clan certainly must be isolated. So they do something called a 'mind meld' I'm told, merging brains or something. It's quite different to us Betazoids, we just have to be... near you to know what you're thinking." He glanced at her and winked.

"A 'mind meld.' You don't say." Sera responded drolly. "They are considered quite...intimate." She considered what he had said about Betazoid telepathy...looking inward for a moment, Sera understood that he was not lying. There was a subtle sensation in her mind. It appeared restrained, but Sera did not know how easily a Betazoid could enter a mind. None of this was comforting to her.

"I thank thee for thy candor on your abilities. No doubt your honorable nature would not take advantage of your abilities in going where you are not...welcome?"

"Oh of course," Lysander would have put his hand gracefully over his heart if he had not got his arms full, "I am a paragon of honour. Quite notoriously so." His eyes glinted.

He had, of course, tried to delve into her psyche (why wouldn't one use the wonderful gifts that had been provided!). But alas there was little to gain. Other than a hint of the sardonic. He would have to watch this Vulcan carefully. She was... annoyingly difficult to read.

"I, of course, only use my special senses in moments of dire need. They have been highly beneficent to previous crews."

Sera raised a brow in incredulity. Did she trust what just came out of Lysander's mouth? Absolutely not.

"I have but only your word on this. I have no opinion on the matter, Petty Officer." She replied neutrally. If nothing else, he was helping her get some of the needed parts to the 'B.'

"Perhaps you should consider using your 'special senses' on the 'B' crew...to ensure their veracity?"

"I could... I very much could," Lysander's tone dripped with a ponderous conspiratoriality, "But the Captain has ordered us to do as the B's admiral wishes. As an adherent to ethics I am bound to keep my senses at bay among them." He glanced at Sera again, asking innocently, "Do you not trust them, ensign?"

"I was not suggesting to work against Admiral Saalm's wishes, Petty Officer." Sera responded. "But regarding trust...we do not know for certain what their true motivations are. However, I understand your reticence. Your honor and restraint in using your innate abilities are to be commended."

Learning he was telepathic was an interesting piece of data. Sera would have to learn more about the Betazoid species and culture...Octavio had the potential to be a valuable asset. It was logical to cultivate a casual association with this NCO. He seemed the type of individual that enjoyed learning--and sharing--unconfirmed information around the ship.

She may have been tough to read, but it was quite clear to Lysander that this Vulcan disdained the future admiral and her plans. A useful little note to remember for later, he mused.

"Well for the benefit of the crew, of our crew, I would of course seek to ensure everything was... above board. Particularly with such a respectable officer such as yourself, ensign, reinforcing my own... faithful and legitimate interest in the other crews motivations..."

He flashed his smile at her and raised an eyebrow, "Could you not... meld one of them and find out all about their plans?"

Sera's brows shot upward and a small sound escaped her mouth at the audacity of such a suggestion.

"I cannot go where I am not wanted. A meld is an intimate thing, Petty Officer...and for what questions I would be asking, it would not be a gentle thing."

She made a non-verbal gesture with her head, as her hands were occupied with equipment. "I suppose it does not matter. We have our orders. It would only be more reassuring to know such things - so that Captain Tarin is not being misled."

Another involuntary reaction from the Vulcan. Lysander's grin widened yet further. These melds were a touchy topic... Perhaps there was an angle there? Another bit of information filed away for later use.

"Not gentle? Hmm that sounds troublesome," not something he'd care to endure at least, "But I suppose if it came to the crunch... I believe Spock once said 'the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few'. The Federation is at stake as I understand it." He gave a conspiratorial glance sideways to Sera. What utter tripe, but he liked probing for reactions.

"And yes, of course, when you put it like that, I would be most remiss if I did not want to ensure the Captain has all the information she needs," his tone dripped with honeyed conviction, "I could absolutely extend my senses the... appropriate amount. To ensure veracity and the like."

"Spock was quoting 'Surak,' Petty Officer." Sera corrected gently. She wasn't going to allow a S'chn T'gai to be given credit where it was due, to the 'Father of Vulcan Logic.' "And it is just the Federation's future that is at stake, apparently. You would be doing your part...imagine if you were to uncover something important..."

Sera strung her words along, having been studying the Betazoid male as they walked and conversed.

"Surak?" The name didn't ring a bell. He shrugged and gave a nonchalant look, "Never heard of him." He paused, then took on a highly philosophical tone, "That's the thing about fame, ensign. Who said what originally doesn't matter. The galaxy will remember Spock for that witticism. Its cruel but it is the way of things." He gave a little raise of an eyebrow to Sera.

Sera opened her mouth to disagree, but instead hedged with, "An interesting point of view. I shall consider your words. Regardless, as we may be in a less than ideal situation and such data could prove priceless. We have been thrust into a scenario where we may save a 'doomed' Federation."

"Saving the Federation..." He nodded his head slowly, "I'm an old hand at it you know. I've been part of saving it since the Dominion War." This Vulcan had a strong interest in his powers. His imagination ran wild with possibilities. What was her angle? He glanced at her again and continued to smile his winning smile, "As you say, if I find out anything pertinent I will of course ensure it is divulged to the appropriate persons."

"Appropriate persons...of course. That is imminently logical, Petty Officer Octavio."

"Oh logic is my middle name, ensign. I try to take the rational path," as long as it serves my interests, "Perhaps you might point me towards any... suspicious activity. Should you witness it." He once again gave her a disarming smile.

Sera watched the young Betazoid male bare his teeth to her and it was only her control that kept the unease from showing. Smiles often did that...for what was a smile but the baring of sharpt teeth that could potentially eat you.

That she would have such a thought while watching the petty officer as he carried supplies was noted. Initial observations did not show him to be of any particularly great intellect, however there was something sinuously cunning about the male.

So noted, inner ley-matya.

"Admiral Saalm, naturally...but...you may consider looking into Vral. Lieutenant junior grade Vren Vral."

Lysander's head twitched a little and his eyes widened, "Vren Vral? Would that be a relation of our very own Chief of the Boat? You have suspicions about them?" Oh that would be delicious, he mused, he had found the Master Chief most tedious. Meeting some future spaghetti relative could open some doors...

Sera tilted her head in a gesture that denoted consideration. "I have not met the COB...I cannot answer your question regarding the Lieutenant's parentage...however, his behavior towards the engineering team..." and myself "was curious. I am concerned he knows something that has not been shared with us...and knowledge is power, Petty Officer."

and to be unknown is to be unconquerable. Sera thought to herself.

"Well you have informed the right security officer of your suspicions, ensign," Lysander's syrupy tone could barely conceal his satisfaction at finding out about a potential target aboard the B, "I will do some due diligence and find out why this individual has been acting so oddly." He batted his eyelashes, the picture of dutiful innocence, "For the sake of the safety of our crew of course."

Oh to have something over the Chief of Boat... he'd have rubbed his hands together were they not full.

"Your rationale is quite logical. For the safety of crew." and for the satiation of my curiosity. Sera added to herself.

As they rounded the curve of the deck, the transporter room doors beckoned ahead. Sera considered what kind of information Lysander could possibly gather. It would be fascinating to see just what the Betazoid male could discover.

Lysander gave her a final look and a noble smile as the doors slid open, "Well ensign, I will endeavour to assist you with a formidable stack for your transport." He moved closer to her and began shifting parts deftly into her arms. As he did so he used his proximity to really focus on what she was feeling. Hmm. Definitely something was niggling at her. Maybe this Vral angle would yield some extra fruit from her as well as the Master Chief...

"There we are," he said with a cheerful cadence, "Stay safe over there," he winked.

"That is the goal, Petty Officer." Sera responded blandly as she remained still so he could jenga the parts he was holding back into her arms.

"I thank thee for the assistance." She ended formally, and then turned and stepped up onto the transporter pad.

"One to beam to Galileo-B."

[OFF]

Ensign S'Ers-a M'Lyr'Zor
Deputy Engineering Officer
USS Galileo-A

PO1 Lysander Octavio
Security Officer
USS Galileo-A
[PNPC Vala]

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