The New Boss

Posted on 25 Oct 2012 @ 3:33am by Lieutenant Commander Evelyn Coleman
Edited on on 25 Oct 2012 @ 3:37am

1,749 words; about a 9 minute read

Mission: Episode 02 - Resupply
Location: USS Galileo: Support Deck
Timeline: MD4 1417 Hours

ON:

"Lieutenant Coleman." The voice cut through the the hushed atmosphere of the support deck easily. Its owner strode forward, no-nonsense and prompt, coming to a stop in front of the grey-uniformed lieutenant. "It is my understanding that you are responsible for supporting personnel. It would therefore seem I am under your jurisdiction. I am Liyar," the Vulcan said, hands held behind him.

Evelyn blinked, "Liyar." she repeated, "It seems your understanding is correct." She said looking around. "You know, it is more appropriate to schedule an appointment with your superior than call for them in a corridor."

Liyar merely tilted his head. "An appointment." He parroted back the term as if she'd instead proclaimed he had five heads instead of one. "I was unaware of this provision. Then I assume I have disturbed you from your duties."

Evelyn chuckled, "I miss working with Vulcans," she commented more for herself than his. "Follow me back to my office."

Liyar nodded and fell into step beside her. They rounded another corridor before her office came into sight and he followed her through the threshold. "My transfer orders." Liyar held a PADD out to her detailing the circumstances of his tour, sanctioned primarily by the Vulcan embassy and Starfleet HQ rather than any actual transfer, it appeared his previous postings were entirely within V'Shar territory alone. "The majority of my assignments will no doubt be relegated by Captain Saalm, the Vulcan embassy and Starfleet's diplomatic detachment. However, I am amenable to completing any additional task you require of me. I am also capable of offering assistance to the repair teams."

"Please have a seat." She gestured to the chair as she reviewed the transfer orders. "The V'Shar is a very reputable institution, I hope your talents aren't wasted on a science ship." She said continuing to read the orders as she sat down. "Diplomatic Chief," she spoke his position as she lowered the PADD, "I am sure you'll perform your duty efficiently."

Liyar lowered himself into the chair, not too keen on repeating his mistake with Saalm. "Affirmative," he replied unselfconsciously, staring up at her guilelessly.

Evelyn looked at him, taking note of his hair style and mannerisms. She lifted the PADD and pulled up his personnel profile, she shifted in her chair as she lowered the PADD and looked at him, "Lieutenant, I'm reviewing your personnel file, and I must admit certain things did caught my attention...however before I begin, have you met with the Captain yet?"

"I have," Liyar confirmed, expression giving nothing of his inner thoughts away as he waited for her assessment.

She nodded, "Were there any concerns she had addressed with you during said meeting?" Evelyn asked looking at him.

"If Captain Saalm possesses concerns, she did not make them clear. Am I to assume you are concerned?" Liyar asked bluntly, not breaking his stare.

"I am unsure yet." Evelyn commented, "From the looks of it, you're relatively new to the Diplomatic Corp, and during your time on the Earth Embassy, you had difficulty with Federation Standard. Not to mention several other side notes..." She looked at him and smirked, "You're a black sheep aren't you?"

This time, Liyar did arch an eyebrow. "Black sheep, Lieutenant?" The eyebrow lowered, and he returned to the relevant point. "Your remaining assessment is accurate. I am new to Starfleet's Diplomatic Detachment. And as Miriahm-gotavlu is primarily psionic, I have had to adjust to your Standard." His cadence wasn't dysfluent in the slightest, but the heavy Miri'kahr draw shaped the words sharply, each sound enunciated distinctly. "I am available to alleviate any additional concern that you have."

"Black Sheep of the Family, is an Earth Idiom, to describe an odd or unique member of a group." She said leaning back, "Of all the concerns I have about you, this one question will suffice; have you ever acted violently without reason against anyone in general?"

Of course. Liyar made the connection rather simply. Even as Aide Kaurak understood the circumstances, it would still be in some odd report or another. "I do not anticipate repeating the event you reference," Liyar said, cutting straight to the chase. Because it was a reference, and despite his lack of proficiency in subtlety, even he could understand that. "Nor have I engaged in such behavior prior to that circumstance. I hold no ill will toward Mr. Kaurak. I believe he understood the mitigating conditions of my actions." It was not, after all, a fit of temper in the strictest definition. "I do," Liyar continued in the interest of full disclosure, "Possess combat training, I have utilized it in the past. I consider Dominion threat to be sufficient provocation." The last was said somewhat dryly, but his countenance remained neutral.

Evelyn nodded looking at him, her eyes studying his expressions, "Liyar, I admit, I never encountered a Vulcan like you before. From your hair style to personality, I find you fascinating." She grinned at him. "I'm looking forward to working with you in the future."

"As you say," Liyar replied. Beyond the perfunctorily dull deliverance, a small almost psychic thread of amusement seemed to encompass the words. His hands were folded in front of him almost casually, index fingers and thumbs together. It was the only variation to his otherwise stiff posture. Whatever thoughts he possessed about the intelligence officer were largely hidden, though he observed her with an eerie focus that appeared as if he were attempting to memorize the entire meeting.

"Yes this will be interesting." She grinned, "An El-Aurian who is tired of listening and an unorthodox Vulcan." She nodded, looking down at the PADD. "I suggest you research different human idioms, and expressions, it'll help you understand your comrades a bit more."

The Vulcan in question arched an eyebrow once more in Evelyn's direction at that assessment. At least he had an answer as to how he could feel her presence strongly even through his shielding. Humans usually broadcasted at much lower frequencies, but an El-Aurian could certainly manage it. "I have enlisted the assistance of Crewman Athlen in the matter," he told her with a nod, getting back to their discussion. "He has proven to be competent thus far."

"Excellent. If you require more assistance, I happily volunteer." Evelyn offered grinning at him. "I don't know why, but there is something about you, Liyar, I can't put my finger on it, but...I'm excited about you joining this crew." She chuckled to herself, "It's going to be fun." she mused.

"Fun," Liyar repeated to himself dully, eyes staring at the wood paneling of Evelyn's desk as he attempted to sort that one out. "Am I to assume at this juncture you do not possess any specific orders for me?" he asked bluntly once more.

Evelyn watched him and she straightened her posture in her chair. "I apologize, I didn't anticipate I'd have these meeting with you....frankly didn't expect you to call me out in the corridor." She turned to the Computer terminal and her fingers darted on the console. She pulled out a blank PADD. "You are the Diplomatic Officer, who has very limited exposure to other cultures and species. While I don't anticipate you'll perform your duties poorly, I would like to make sure you won't unintentionally cause an incident for this ship and crew." She handed him the PADD. "This is the list of various species I anticipate this ship will encounter during the next few months. Once you learn about their culture, mannerisms, you and I will do a holographic simulation to test your skills. I expect you to pass flawlessly and above my expectations, you understand me?" She said firmly.

"Acknowledged," Liyar assented. He took the PADD, eyes scanning it calmly. The majority of the outline remarkably resembled what Crewman Athlen had already assigned him to study. Then again, he mused as he memorized the list of common species, Lieutenant Coleman's suggestion was vastly superior to Athlen's (admittedly farcical) attempt to sign him up for an interspecies sensitivity training seminar courtesy of Starfleet PR. With that unpleasant thought in his head sufficiently motivating the economist, he looked up and nodded, meeting her eyes once more. "I shall endeavor to do so."

"Good. Because I will not have the efficiency of my department be impaired." Evelyn replied. "Before I dismiss you, may I make a final suggestion?"

"As you wish, Lieutenant," Liyar agreed placidly.

"This crew is coming off of a very stressful mission. When you encounter them, please try to attempt to alter your demeanor. Someone who hasn't been discipline in controlling their emotions would think you come across as arrogant, condescending, and rude. Some may say you come across as mean. I don't however I doubt others have over a hundred years exposure with Vulcans like I have. So please do you best, even if you have to make an effort, try to be a bit more respectful." Evelyn said seriously, not wanting to insult him.

Tilting his head, perhaps due to the fact that her statement was not what he expected to hear, he listened, no outward change indicating offense. When she was finished, he remained silent, as if contemplating her words, the cogs in his brain turning. "Which aspects of my demeanor do you consider to portray these characteristics?" Liyar asked her after a while, with no trace of skepticism.

Evelyn leaned backed and frowned, "I had a feeling you were going to ask that, and I admit, it's hard to describe to a Vulcan." She said sighing, trying to think. "You know...let me rephrase that, disregard my last request. Come to me if you have any incident with a crew member, whether a verbal confrontation or anything that might be a misunderstanding."

"Acknowledged, Lieutenant," Liyar said with a blink.

She nod in return. "Any questions you have for me?" She asked.

"No," the Vulcan responded monosyllabically, still halfway between examining the PADD she'd given him, looking at her from over the top of it.

"Alright. You're dismissed." She smiled.

Liyar stood, tucking both the PADD and his hands behind him once more. With only a nod, he turned and strode out once more.

OFF:

Lieutenant Evelyn Coleman
Chief Intelligence Officer
USS Galileo

Lieutenant (JG) Liyar
Diplomatic Officer, SDD/VDF
USS Galileo

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