Planned Social Interaction, Project Commencement

Posted on 13 Nov 2012 @ 12:34pm by Lieutenant Kiri Cho & Lieutenant Theron Rhodes & Lieutenant Commander Dea Mialin & Commander Andreus Kohl & Ensign Im'er Mor'an & Lieutenant Commander Pola Ni Dhuinn M.D.

3,028 words; about a 15 minute read

Mission: Episode 02 - Resupply
Location: USS Galileo, Deck 4, Transporter Room 2
Timeline: MD 05 1100 hours

[ON]

Kiri had arrived five minutes early and was pacing, glad that the transporter officer seemed to be otherwise occupied. She felt extremely uncomfortable out of her uniform. Other than when she went home she pretty much lived in it. To be on the ship in something else wasn't right, even if it was just to leave. Today it was a dress, blue panels with wide black edging around each one, no decoration other than the geometric pattern. Dark blue sleeves reaching right down to her wrists, tight to the skin. A flared lower half with small folds reaching down to her knees over black tights, even the neckline was close. With flat black pumps on her feet the only stand out part of her outfit was the pearl bracelet given to her by Doctor Dhuinn for her birthday a week prior. Black hair pulled back and braided into a short tail, even with makeup she could barely hide how tired she looked. Her best done to cover up the bags but there was nothing for the bloodshot eyes, the way the looked sore. Skin slightly paler, enough to make the spots down either side of her head stand out more.

After almost a minute the door hissed open, with expectation and a fair share of fear Kiri looked to it. Her heart starting to race faster, her breathing shallower. Nerves were starting to get to her, it was too much.

Lt. Rhodes walked into the Transporter Room. He immediately saw the anxiety upon Kiri. "Kiri" Theron said gently. "It is only me." and walked toward her.

Theron stood before her in casual clothes; medium to dark brown trousers with brown shoes with a rounded toe. The tan pullover shirt with collar was tucked in. over one shoulder was a large bag with a look like animal hide skin with a wide strap. His dark brown hat had a wide brim to keep the sun off.

Raising her eyebrows slightly Kiri flinched more at the perceived condescension than surprise. While she knew she hardly came across as normal she would rather he didn't act as if she didn't have a clue about what she was doing. It felt as if the worth of several peoples time was laid on her shoulders and she had to get it right. Wasting her own time was a sin, wasting other peoples was unforgivable. Trying to recover herself and rather worried about how she appeared Kiri managed a small smile, "Hello."

Theron could sense there was much going on and unspoken inside her, but chose not to probe, at least not now. He smiled and said encouragingly, "You definately look ready for a party."

"Oh, I didn't want to over do it," Kiri held her arms apart for a moment and looked down her front before settling back on Rhodes. While it did edge towards formal she would class it as public casual, what she would wear outside of her home if out of school uniform. Even that was rare for her when she was in school, in the Academy it almost stopped happening entirely. His clothes seemed more relaxed, they suited him somewhat but Kiri wasn't sure. Earthy tones were nice but, it just wasn't quite how she had pictured him.

Glancing down at his attire then at Kiri, Theron asked, "I hope I do not look out of place? I dressed for our walk later today. I do not to change my clothes unnecessarily."

Since she felt required to wear the bracelet Kiri had picked an outfit around that, expecting that she would get to return to the ship to change. If that was wrong then it might be a rather large problem, "What is the ground like, do you want me to change now?"

"Oh, no. You look lovely." Theron replied before he thought about how those words might effect her. then he said, encouragingly like and older brother, "I think everyone will find you attractive. And I am sure we can take time later to change."

Kiri was dumbstruck. It was rather rare that someone commented on her clothing, to have a complement in such a way was, wow, um, new. Placing her hands in her lap again and bowing her head she blushed, "Thank you, that's very kind," What kind of place did words like that come from? Was it a passing comment that was normal for his culture, or was it something more like her own? Where a comment like that was something you gave to someone you were enamoured with? There was too much to think about and her brain was tired, silence settled on her.

Theron smiled back. He sensed that the words she spoke did not fit exactly what was behind them. This was not the best time to get into anything deep. He was sure they would have time later to speak of these things, if she wished. So, it was best to change the subject, "The weather seems very nice, is the location to eat all inside or partially outside?"

"I think it has a courtyard at the back," Kiri wasn't really sure as she had intended to be inside. If the weather, something she hadn't accounted for expecting to be inside was nice by normal peoples standards, it might be troubling for her. While almost all of her was covered up, if she wasn't careful her face and hands could still burn if she was out in the sun too long. She hadn't brought a hat either.

Theron replied, "The courtyard sounds nice."

At short while later Dea entered the Transporter room. Dressing casually isn't something she did often just for the pleasure of it. Typically if she wasn't in uniform Mialin was dressed for a workout. Dea had choosen a matching pair of pants and a top in beige and green. Jewelry or makeup were two things she really didn't concern herself with all that often but today she'd put on a bit of both. The earrings that matched the outfit had been a gift from a friend on a previous ship. Nodding to the other two officer's as she entered the transporter room. "Hello," Dea greeted them she walked over to where they were standing.

Looking from Rhodes to the other maybe friend Kiri found a small smile, "Thank you for coming," Her mind was rather a mess right now yet she tried to hide it all, focusing on the task and how to act. Judging by what Dea was wearing, maybe she had over dressed, it was rather too late to change now though.

Theron replied, "Hello Lt. Mialin. I am glad you could attend."

Mor'an arrived at the transporter room dressed, for once, in something that was not Starfleet issued. As much as she loved wearing her traditional clothing, she didn't usually like to while on board. This time she wore a sensible green blouse made from heavy fabric belted at the waist, black leggings and heavy brown boots. It was a outfit that was comfortable, sensible and elegant at the same time.

"Good Morning Mor'an," Kiri was really glad so many people had turned up, even though most had said they would, "You look nice." It wasn't something she would wear but wasn't something she disliked, her nerves were starting to give way a little now. It actually seemed to be going right.

"Thank you," Mor'an said, twisting her hand from her forehead.

Slower on the uptake this time Kiri quickly raised her own right hand, touching the first two fingers to her forehead before presenting them to Mor'an. The tiredness was still in her eyes but there seemed much less negativity.

Mor'an quickly touched her fingers to Kiri's, wondering what Del'an would think if she saw a non-Tarkannan greet a tarkannan this way. She smiled at Kiri, hoping to relieve some of the tiredness she saw.

When the doors to the passageway opened again, it was for Andreus Kohl. He walked into the Transporter Room clad in fitted khaki trousers and a pale blue shirt. The shirt was somewhat reminiscent of a buttonless oxford shirt, but was open at the neck, and shaded dark blue at the collar and cuffs. "Tell me," Kohl said breezily, "Where are we going exactly?"

"Hello Kohl," Kiri lit up a little more with a wider smile, "Um, it's a restaurant and bar called Yellow Leaf." Kiri had picked it out of the ones on the colony both for the name and the fact it looked rather similar to one she went to on Earth. The place that Pola had given her seemed darker, slightly strange. Hopefully she wouldn't mind but Kiri wanted this to go well for everyone.

Enthusiastically, Kohl clapped his hands together, and he said to Kiri, "Fantastic! I could murder a bacon sandwich." As he moved further into the transporter room, his gait was fluid and lacked hesitancy. He wore athletic shoes that were a shocking bright shade of blue. Unlike some, Kohl hadn't put much thought into Kiri's invitation. He took it as given that he would attend and he didn't worry much about what might happen or who might attend.

Kiri was rather taken aback by his overt display, it made her smile slightly but also made her back away slightly, as if he might bite her by accident like an excited puppy. Glad he was excited she had to comment practically, "I don't know if they serve those." After a quick look at the menu Kiri had found a range of cooked dishes, sandwiches weren't something she had considered.

Worried he had mispoken, to Kiri's ears if no other, Kohl stopped where he stood. He crossed an arm across his abdomen and he looked back at Kiri. "It's okay, that was only an example," Kohl said.

Kiri gave a weak smile, "Oh, okay," It didn't really matter then, that was fine. He seemed to relax slightly, at least to her eyes, that was good. His attention seemed to turn from her to the others in the room, stepping back Kiri moved out of the way, keeping to the edge of the room.

Raising a palm, Kohl waved at Dea and at Theron in turn. He grinned to see more familiar faces. Just the other day, he had been bemoaning how few friends he had made on Galileo, but perhaps that was only a transient state. Perhaps that was changing, and doing so fast. Crossing the room, Kohl came to stand an arm's length and a half away from Im'er Mor'an. "Good morning," Kohl said to her. "I don't believe we have met. I am Lieutenant JG Andreus Kohl. Assistant Chief Medical Officer."

Mor'an silently greeted Kohl with a gesture, a smile still on her lips. He was young for a medical officer. Not that she cared -- she was almost never in need of medical attention anyway. "I am Im'er Mor'an, Daughter of Im'er An'aley, of the Order of Ban'kina. You may call me Mor'an. I am a Red Squad Cadet."

"It's a pleasure to meet you," Kohl said in his formal timbre. "Have you ever visited Vega Colony before?"

"Unfortunately I have been to very few places besides my home," Mor'an said, her voice dipping with a touch of disappointment,"So no, I have not. Is that your home?"

"No," Kohl replied with a slight shake to his head. Sounding pleased, he said, "This is going to be a new adventure for me too."

Dea greeted Kohl and the others. It was nice to see she happened to be meeting more people herself. "Nice to see you joining the festivities," she commented with a slight smile.

Mor'an returned Dea's smile with a slight grin of her own. She liked the way the people of earth greeted each other -- it was so different from her own way.

Sharing his own smile between Mor'an and Dea, Kohl replied, "You as well. Now I know we'll be safe if a bar fight ensues," he teased.

With a slight smile Dea nodded, "Thanks for your vote of confidence Kohl. Problem is if we encounter any bar fights your skills we'll be needed as well. Let's hope we don't."

Maenad arrived, albeit reluctantly, in transporter room two in a simple white sleeveless blouse and knee-length black skirt. She wore a pair of black tights and simple black derby shoes; her hair was sort of unkempt, but not unruly, and it showed that she had reddened her lips somewhat. Her face was sullen, but she gave the group of mostly strangers a tight smile. She hadn't been looking particularly forward to involving herself with a large group, especially after what had happened at the reception. But, Kiri had extended her an invitation and she didn't want to disappoint her; she seemed the type to choose her friends carefully.

"Hello everyone," Maenad said as she joined the group, her hands clasped behind her back.

Turning towards the sound of the opening doors, Kohl let out a small relieved sigh. Now he knew he wouldn't be drinking an entire bottle of wine on his own. Grinning at the new arrival, Kohl said, "Lieutenant Panne. Hello! I'm so sorry, I lost you at the reception yesterday."

She was glad to see that Kohl had been invited too, and Maenad smiled at him while shaking her head. "Are you hungry?" she asked him, not wanting to revisit the day before.

"Thirsty, more like," Kohl said. He cocked an eyebrow at the implication, as he took a couple of steps towards the entryway. "Got to start shore leave rightly."

Maenad laughed under her breath, looking at the floor. Still smiling, she glanced around at the other faces in the room. Everyone seemed to know each other quite well, making her feel like the odd one out. She was hardly noticed at all, it seemed. Still, she tried her best to seem friendly, and Maenad stood there with her hands behind her back waiting for them to get underway.

Everyone was enjoying themselves so far, at least they weren't fighting and seemed to be talking okay. Almost everyone had turned up bar one, one that Kiri felt she owned something to. Since she was so busy planning however it felt as if there was a wall between her and everyone else, that she wasn't really taking part. Was that right? She didn't want it to be but she couldn't look at the big picture if she was too involved right?

Entering the door at a run, Pola was trying to finish a plait she'd been putting her hair into. Despite this being the first day of shore leave, she seemed more busy this morning then when she was on duty. She'd had to grab the XO before he left and start to organise a serious of tests. Her face flushed, she looked around at the gathered people. "I'm so so so sorry. I got caught up, I hope you haven't been waiting too long." Tying off her hair, the CMO smoothed her hands down over the sky blue tunic which fell down to her thighs, a pair of black trousers underneath with flat ballet shoes to finish the look. Under the tunic, at her hip, the faint outline of her commbadge could be seen, she'd drawn the short straw and was the Doctor on call for any emergencies on the ship.

"Its okay," Kiri spoke softly concerned, "You aren't late, we can go if everyone is ready?" She looked around, so far so good, even if she was starting to get very anxious on the inside. Stepping towards the transporter pad she tried not to show it, her breathing was becoming harder.

Looking around, Pola found that she recognised everyone except for one woman, smiling softly in her direction, the Doctor made a note to introduce herself on they got to the place they were going to. Stepping up behind Kiri, she moved to her own pad to await the transportation.

Stepping up onto the transporter pad, Kohl stood in place beside Pola. He nodded at his Chief Medical Officer and then his eyes wandered to the doorway. Kohl wondered, idly, if Cyrus had been invited to come with Pola.

Dea nodded making her way to the transporter pad. A change of scenery would be a good thing. She looked forward to just enjoying some time off duty for a change.

Maenad followed Kohl and the others onto the transporter pad. Part of her would have preferred walking the whole way; being cooped up on the Galileo while it was on the planet had an entirely different feeling than being in space. In space, there was no thought of going outside or breathing fresh air - being on a planet, there was. Either way, she was glad to be getting outside.

Theron had remained quite through most of the gathering. It was a pleasure for him to watch all the social interaction. He had not gotten to know many of the members of the crew yet. He had just smiled and nodded as they all waited to leave the ship.

Standing there on the transporter platform, Andreus Kohl took a small step forward. He behaved in much the same way Pola had warned Kiri he might do. For whatever reason --be it impatience, or protecting Kiri from having to be decisive, or in-born bossiness-- Kohl gave the order to the transporter operator: "Energize." And they all vanished from Galileo in a wash of sparkles with a jaunty hum.

[TBC]

---------------------

Lieutenant (JG)Kiri Cho
Assistant Chief Science Officer
USS Galileo

Lieutenant (JG) Maenad Panne
Chief Science Officer
USS Galileo

Lieutenant (JG) Dea Mialin
Chief Flight Control Officer
USS Galileo

Lieutenant Pola Ni Dhuinn
Chief Medical Officer
USS Galileo

Lieutenant (JG) Andreus Kohl
Assistant Chief Medical Officer
USS Galileo

Cadet Senior Grade Im'er Mor'an
Red Squad Intern
USS Galileo

Lieutenant (JG) Theron Rhodes
Asstistant Chief of Security
USS Galileo

RSS Feed