Nijil tr'Korjata

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The great thing about being a girl of eight years on a space station is the adults do all of the worrying and work. Annisha was no ordinary full-of-worry Rihan girl. For the good part of a year she has been without home or family. The Great Fire extinguished many families from ch’Rian. Just as many were split forever. She was in the latter camp. Add to this for many months no one wanted to take her in added to the heartache. Her situation seemed to be changing. “Nijil! Where are you?” A young Rihan shouted across the restaurant section of the Aegis Midway. The orphanage group went through single file on their way to the arboretum. Annisha found it hard to stay with the rest and find her hero. He had lunch there often when he needed to get away from the shuttle bay or more often main engineering. Away from work he was, sitting at the outskirts of the Rihan restaurant hunched over a bowl of hot soup. Annisha saw him first, bursting from the line of children to meet him. “Nijil! Nijil, I have good news.” She arrived at his side jumping up and down. Neither of them heard the Rihan orphanage headmaster. “What news do you have?” Nijil blew on his soup. “Someone is taking me in! A new mother and father! Lovan and Maivei I think. They are filling out the forms now,” Annisha said excitedly. She hugged his arm. Her hair rested on his hand. The news plus the touch sent him into an inward sorrow. She really needed a family right now. Often she seemed happy, but Nijil has seen that look before. Probably coached to put on a pleasant face. Who would want a sad child? With an equally happy face, “That’s great news Annisha,” hugging her back and kissing the top of her head. “When do you go? Where are you going?” The released each other. “Oh I won’t be going for a while, the adults have to write a lot of things down.” She looked back at the group, they had walked on a ways. She turned to Nijil one last time. “I get to go to a planet, not some stinky space ship!” “What planet is that?” He asked, listening closely. “A’tari IV. I have to go. Bye Ni Ni! Oh, tell your spotted friend!” She ran to meet with the rest, then was gone. “I’ll do that,” he said, knowing she’d not hear. Thoughts of Jylliene had escaped him today up to that point. He’d never heard of that planet before, but perhaps his ‘spotted friend’ did. “A’tari IV...” Nijil thought. He got up, gathered his things and left.

Galae Personnel File: Personal Data Name: Nijil tr’Korjata Gender: Male Age: Late 30’s Height: 1.75 m Weight: 69.4 kg Hair: Black, straight Eyes: Hazel Body Type: Average Place of Birth: ch'Rihan Joined: No Education History Both Nijil’s parents are farmers and as such he expected to follow in the family footsteps. That was until he met a childhood friend at the age of 10. Achel and Nigil were inseparable for over a decade, getting into trouble wherever they went. At the age of 16 the two of them ‘borrowed’ a damaged atmospheric shuttle from a scrap yard on the edge of town. After months of secrecy and a lot of other ‘borrowed’ parts the two of them completed repairs. Though his first choice was the Academy, it was the War College that accepted him into their engineering training. A fortunate accident of training schedules placed him in a more hands-on environment of support and smaller craft. He performed well on smaller vessels compared to larger systems of stations and warbirds. The main complaint of his instructors were his tendency to make exacting repairs rather than quick ones and talking back when he believed he was being wronged. Psychological Profile Seen as a competent officer in his engineering field. Tendency to remain in the background. Curious about other species in a decidedly non-Rihan manner. This was not tolerated while in the RES, but now that he’s attached to a Federation base this is a non-issue. The largest concern of his previous superiors was a inclination to divulge information too willingly. Commanders noting his skills simply kept him in the dark on matters of security. Upon receiving a commission to the Aehallh his outspokenness dropped off. A talk with his brother, already in the service of the Empire, is believed to be the reason. While he got along with fellow crew without incident, close friends proved fleeting. Observations upon his post to the Aegis revealed contact with a particular crew member of non-Rihan background. Other data suggests a different profile needs to be established looking forward. Galae Information RSE Aehallh, Third Engineer, all systems. Sky Harbor Aegis, First Assistant Engineer, small craft, all systems Medical Data An injury to his left hand on the RSE science vessel Aehallh Multiple concussions and other falling injuries Family Data Father: Niilan (farming, currently missing) Mother: Barissa (farming, currently missing) Sister: Jentela, 6 cycles older (teacher, currently pregnant and missing) Brother: Baroth, 10 cycles older (Last known location: patrolling the far edge of the Romulan empire)

Nijil sat dejected in his quarters. The room dimly lit. Just as he prefered. The computer consoles hummed again. Their readouts calculated subspace variances and decrypted all manner of Rihan transmission. Machines proceeding without question. Halting only with loss of power. So what was stopping Nijil? Was he some kind of fvadt varuul! Certainly not. Just nervous or gun shy. He laughed at himself about the latter, but perhaps it’s a real question he avoided answering. Annisha deserves the credit. The precocious eight year old knew enough to see an attraction existed and called him on it. Her innocent observation left him with a realization: The next move is his, she won’t wait forever. Jylliene leaving sickbay and walking past her door later that evening marked two moves he failed to make. At medical she at least seemed in a hurry to get back to her shift. The Captain may have granted them some time alone. Nah, more like wishful thinking. The message reply to his request for quarters included a regulation regarding relations with officers. Discouraged only. Passing by her door though...why? The worse thing she could do was say go away. Not this time. Nijil straightened his off-duty attire and headed for the exit. He glanced at the chrono: after midnight. Arriving at her door he lightly rang. “Jylliene, are you awake?”

A Little Girl and a Strong Woman Nijil and Annisha headed down to the midway without Jylliene. The Rihan girl had more questions. Some he could answer, others embarrassing to contemplate. The life could not more fast enough. They grabbed their two drinks at a place down the walkway from that bar and sat. “So, Trills have those spots on their bodies…do they go all the way down?” Annisha asked in the middle of Nijil’s mouthful. Choking, “As far as I know they do. I do not have first-hand experience.” He held it together, finishing his slug. “And that thing, inside them,” she continued, “Does she have one of those insider her wiggling around, eating her insides?” “What? Certainly not. The thing a symbiote and does not eat a Trill’s inside. As for the wiggling, I don’t know. I’ve never asked her.” Too bad his drink did not contain alcohol he thought. “I bet it does,” a smiling Annisha said as she sucked up her drink through a long winding straw. Her eyes crossed and she twitched her head. “Oh, oh. My head hurts.” She closed her eyes now. “It’s a ‘brain freeze’. The discomfort will pass,” he said with a grin. “If you are finished I can take you back to the temporary orphanage.” The girl looked disheartened. “Aww. Can’t I stay with you?” He did not know how to answer, though he should have realized she might ask. Time froze for him before he replied. “I’d like for you as well, but this is not the time. I just can’t.” His answer felt dismissive. So many children who would never see their parents again. So many Federation races who may possibly turn their backs to Rihans in need. “We will talk about this later, okay?” With big eyes, she nodded. He got up, took her hand and headed back to the orphanage. Neither of them spoke on the way back. The engineer remained in a bit of shock at her asking him. She walked with an air of disappointment. Another rejection by the closest friend she had. For all of the fortune passing his way of late he too had few friends. What she found in him other than her hero left him baffled. After minutes of walking and turbolifts, they arrived at the passageway into the orphanage. “Now you behave yourself. I’ll do what I can to find you people to live with.” He bent down and gave her a hug. “Jolan tru Annisha.” “Jolan tru, daehlen,” she said, returning the embrace. She scurried off in the direction of the orphanage’s headmaster. The woman gave him a stern look. Nijil simply nodded and turned to go to his quarters. A long silence marked the walk back. The closer he got to his place the more he thought about Jylliene. What did I see earlier in sickbay? Jylliene’s terse explanation of her injury made little sense. She spoke to her mother and then broke her wrist. Must have been some conversation. Was it some old disagreement? Wait, she mentioned speaking of me. Was it about me? The last thing he wanted to do was mess this up. Not like the last time. Hindsight demonstrated leaving his first love had been the right move. Well, she left him, but it is unimportant now. Plasma out the manifolds. His walk took him past her quarters first. The curiosity rose as he passed each door. Was his thoughts for himself or for her? Was there a difference? How about… There it was. The door. Jylliene’s door. Perhaps if he pressed his ear against it he could hear something. No. He needed to respect her personal space and family relations. He had to know if something he did caused this. Let her calm down. She needed a friend. She is a strong woman. His hand closed in on the door chime. Creeper, give her time. Closer. She is probably resting. Closer still. My e’lev. Millimeters away… Stop. Nijil did stop. He backed his hand away from the chime. He turned and walked to his quarters a few doors down, gave a look back down the hall then entered his place.

Dinner Guest Part I Jylliene entered her quarters after her shift and changed for dinner, then hit the communicator on the wall. “Jylliene to Nijil. Are you available? Did you have a preference as to where we should eat tonight?” In his own quarters, now only a few doors down, he heard the comm chime. He was holding some things and was unsure where to place them. He decided to hold on and hit the button with his nose. “I was having one of the midway locations deliver food to my room.” The sound of something falling, the crashing of metal, could be heard over the comm on Jylliene’s end. “Can you give me a minute?” Jylliene winced, and hoped her timing hadn’t led to anything too horrid. “Of course. I’ll be along in a few.” She closed the channel and figured at least that she could try to do something a little different with her hair. After walking to the bathroom, she looked in the mirror. Up? Well, it was already up anyhow. Different updo? Nah. Down, then? She nodded to her reflection, and pulled out the pins. Quick brushing...better. Nice, actually. Returning to the living area, Jyll checked the chronometer. A couple of minutes had passed. Barely. Jewelry? She glanced through the small box at her bedside table and found a necklace that looked promising. Putting it on, she went over to the mirror again, and nodded her approval. Back to the chronometer. That took...okay, now one minute later. Three minutes. Enough time? Maybe? Yes. She didn’t really want a lot of down time before dinner. She wasn’t really ready to process the possibilities of the mission ahead yet. The pleasant distraction of dinner with Nijil was indeed, very welcome. Jylliene exited her quarters and walked down the hall to his door, then rang the chime. “Just a second,” Nijil replied from the outer comm panel. That minute seemed longer, but it gave him time to clean up the mess and get the other things ready. Was there enough light or too much. Never mind she’s at the door, he thought. He ran to the mirror to see if he somehow hurt himself again. He walked back to the door and waited a bit. Jylliene waited patiently outside the door. Mostly patiently. She hoped that the crash hadn’t indicated ruined plans. Or a re-injured back. Or some new injury. “Is everything okay?” she called through the door. “Yes, please come in,” he said as he turned down the lights. Jyll entered and smiled as she looked around. “Very nice. Welcoming. Aefvadh..ing. Hm. What would that be? It’s good to see you, e’lev.” That word again. He hoped she used it like it meant, but now would not be the time to ask. All over the quarters sat candles. He heard they were quite mood setting, but after a while he wondered if it was supposed to be in the dozens. So many in fact he had to disable the fire suppression. “It’s good to have you here e’lev.” It felt good to say. Jylliene looked about again, and gestured toward the cushions surrounding the low central table. “May I?” she asked, approaching one of them. He nodded, “Please. Dinner will be here shortly.” A bottle of ale and two glasses were already set out. Nijil waited until Jy sat down. “Is this the infamous ale I’ve heard so much about?” Jylliene asked, glancing at the bottle on the table. “There was one in the cargo container I received. A note mentioned to save it for a special occasion and do not drink alone. I can think of no more special occasion.” Was he getting soft or less of a Rihan? He threw the notion from his mind. “I’m touched - hann’yyo,” she replied, softly, smiling at him. “Shall we open the ale, then? Or is it better with food?” “It’s strong with or without food.” He sat down opposite her. She looked...he had not words in Rihan or Standard. “You look nice.” “And you look refreshing,” she replied. “It’s good to see your face over dinner after finishing a shift. Or on a day at liberty. Anytime. I’m fumbling over my words now. May I ask for a glass of ale, then?” He touched her hand, “I’m having trouble with words as well.” He lifted his hand to open the bottle. He did not know the vintage, but then would not know what a good year was. The cork popped off. A whiff of its aroma caused him to go wide-eyed for a second. “Prepare yourself.” He poured his then hers. He raised his glass. “To...What is there to toast to?” “Life? Wait...no...how about...mnevher?” She glanced at him quizzically, not sure if that was quite the right word. “You are picking up the language well.” He raised his glass again. “May fortune favor our future.” Dierik ly beradar, she inwardly replied in her own tongue as she raised her glass. May it be. Part II Jylliene’s head swam a bit. The ale definitely had a kick to it. It likely didn’t help that she had already finished one glass - and dinner had not yet made it. Probably shouldn’t have downed it quite THAT quickly, she thought. Eh well. Live and learn. The door chime rang. “It’s here!” Nijil jumped up like a Ferengi leaping for latinum. After a few moments, he came back with several white containers of steaming hot food. “I searched for something I’ve never had. ‘Chinese’ I believe.” He smiled as he began to open the boxes. Some of the choices reminded him of home and others were foreign. “Oh, how inconsiderate.” He sat the boxes down so Jy could have first dibs. He took another drink. She looked in the boxes and selected one of the entrees, scooping some out onto her plate with her fork. Meat with what appeared to be little trees. Interesting. She also chose some rice, then gestured to the boxes for Nijil to take what he wanted. Jylliene took a bite, and smiled. “Good choice,” she said. “Thanks.” Each bite caused Nijil to pause to savor it. He nodded for some, not prepared for the spiciness of others. He looked up at Jy to see if the food was all right. “Sorry the quarters are still sparse. I’ve moved most of my things here, but it’s not setup yet.” He laughed. “My old bed and no couch. I’ve become a slob here.” His fork found another artificial schezwan chicken. “Not a slob. Someone who has just moved in. It takes some time to get things sorted out.” Nijil laughed again. He’d drank more than his fair share of the ale. “I’m a bit...tipsy. If that’s the right word. Oh and I lied to you earlier. You look really good.” He felt flush in the face now. The likelihood of him saying drink-encouraged things did not cross his mind. “So... Oh my. Well, has your family ever visited the station? I don’t hear you speak of them much.” “No, they haven’t. I’d not mind inviting them out, but almost as soon as I arrived, we went out on the planetary survey, then the other one, then the station retaking, then...” she paused. “Well, it just hasn’t necessarily been a good time to ask them to stop by. Wonder if it will ever be?” She grinned at this, but inwardly, did worry. Had she gotten herself an assignment that would never quite be a stable location? “I’m not sure if my parents would visit me here. They are people of the land not metal deck plates.” He paused. “Consider yourself lucky you can ask them. Ha, what would they think of me, enemy of the Federation?” Nijil no longer considered these people his enemy. “This is rather uncharted territory. Would that the circumstances leading to this had never happened.” She paused. “Though I’d hope we’d have met under some more favorable circumstances, somehow.” “You as my prisoner? Sorry sorry...” Nijil jokingly quipped. He started to look directly at her now. He looked a tad lit. She giggled. “No, no, you’re beginning to sound like our Daise security there.” Wait, did I just giggle? What am I, five? She eyed her glass. She didn’t remember having topped it off. Jylliene decided it would be a very good idea to finish her food before having more of the ale. She glanced at Nijil’s plate. “Would you care for more?” she asked, gesturing toward his empty plate with her fork. “Please before this drink goes to my head.” Jylliene nodded, and then looked about the table. Hm. They only had their forks, which they had been eating with now, to do so. Perhaps she could carefully empty some of the box onto his plate. Having decided to attempt it, Jylliene began well, but ended up with half the box on his plate in one sudden shift of the contents. She blushed, and quickly righted the box. “I’m sorry!” Nijil leaped up, thinking either he’d been hit with food or she got it on her hand. “Are you alright? Oh, I thought it got on you...like last time. She giggled. Again with the giggling? Really, Jyll, get a hold of yourself. “No, no, I just didn’t mean to dump quite so much out.” She eyed the mound of food. “Hope you’re still rather hungry.” She grinned. “I’ll manage,” He said smiling widely. … Nijil did manage. The two of them finished the last of the food. Either it was good or they were both hungry. One thing’s for certain, the Romulan Ale was a strong brew. Jylliene leaned back against the wall, a spare cushion behind her back, in a kind of makeshift chairback. “That was delightful.” “Nothing compared to the company,” he added without a thought. She grinned at him. “Is that you or the ale speaking?” “The what? What did I say? Oh no, I’m sorry to offend.” His eyes looked worried. Jylliene laughed. Oh good, not a giggle. Good good. “No, no, you’ve done nothing to offend me. You’re just a little more...forthcoming. It’s not necessarily a bad thing. And for the record,” she added, “I agree. Good food, but more enjoyable company.” “I have more things to say and more I’m thinking about. Uh, what am I saying? The ale is strong.” He could see the light from the candles flickering off her face. She seemed a little flushed herself. “I solemnly swear I will not hold what you say against you when we both clear our heads, provided you do the same,” she replied, grinning. “The ale is definitely strong. And good. My first taste of it. Hann’yyo.” He reached out with his hand and brushed her cheek with the back of his finger. “I’d really rather wait until I’m not floating, or you're not floating.” He retracted his hand. “I’m glad you liked it. Hard to get in the Federation does not mean everyone will like it.” He smiled broadly while looking into her eyes. Nijil was sleepy now. Wait, what time was it? He looked at a clock on the far wall. “Oh my, it’s nearly 02:00! When do you need to get up?” He asked in a lazy panic. She thought. “In...about five hours. Shift starts at 0800. I had better get back to my quarters if I expect to get any sleep.” Jylliene stretched. “How about here?” He nearly whacked his own head with his palm. “Nevermind, you’d not sleep well here, not in that lumpy thing,” he said pointing at his small bed in the other room. Nijil got up...whoa...and leaned a bit. The flushed Rihan held out his hand. She’d need it as the station was experiencing an attitude problem. He should inform the Chief. She took his offered hand and stood up. So far, not too bad. A little unsteady but - Jylliene slipped off the dress shoes. Much better. She’d make sure she had breakfast before the shift as well. “Will you be okay? Don’t forget to reactivate the fire suppression system.” “Yes. I’ll have the computer get all of that. I just wanted you to have a good evening, not a late morning.” “I had a wonderful evening,” she replied, smiling. “But we’ll try to keep evenings of this length to rare events. Before we end up falling asleep on duty.” “Agreed.” He escorted her to the door. “Do you need a walk home, down the hall? “Na, hann’yyo, e’lev. You can certainly watch me to my door from here, if you’ll feel better, though,” Jylliene replied, grinning. “Sure.” He remembered something she said earlier about not holding him to anything he said right now. Not sure she meant actions, he pulled her closer and laid a kiss on her. He figured he’d not feel loose enough to do this later. She smiled. “Perfect ending. Good night.”

Silver Merit Award Dabi (Spanner) No More Nijil tr’Korjata Note: This event takes place before the log entitled: "Mind full of mindful" “She had a great time.” “You kept her there too long.” “She enjoyed the Ale.” “More like you were loosening her up with it.” “She needed relaxation.” “You were thinking of another relaxation.” “I’m sure they got out safe.” “You should have heard something by now." Nijil still felt the effects of the Romulan ale from the night before. Most of the pain centered in his head. His Id argued back and forth with his ego like a muon wave build up. Luckily, for this engineer there is no risk of a warp core breach. The lower pylon shaft, the very lower pylon shaft provided a place to collect ones thoughts. It also housed some of the network relays and sensor processors. The most striking feature is the long way down. Network Node B-D132-117. Pylon B, Deck 132, Number 117. The order called for a complete swap out. Easier than a diagnosis. Part of the job before replacement is to determine the failure and log it. That is where the micro interphasic coil spanner came in, or so Nijil hoped. The device started to give him trouble back before the attempted takeover. Engineering replaces these all of the time. Should have been a brand new spanner, but Nijil found comfort in knowing flaws. However this time… “Why won’t you initialize?” He shouted aloud. No one would hear of course. Not the tool. Not anyone. One did not walk into this shaft via a wrong turn off the midway. A harsh sound echoed. Clank! Clank! Physical violence had no impact on the tool’s function. It lay unresponsive in the engineer’s hand. He tightened his grip. Tighter. A reserve of pent up negative emotions came to a head. “Veir na hae au dhraeu?” (Why do you not work?) “Veir!” He exclaimed into the void. Against the railing, he pounded the broken tool. Tears of pain and loss let loose from his eyes. “Why was I not able to save you? No one had to die! I tried to find you all!” Unable to hold his anger he punished the tool until its upper arm gave way. The force of the impact threw the broken part toward Nijil’s cheek. The ripped edge cut a gash a few centimeters long. The enraged engineer cried out from the sudden sharp pain. “Fvadt! Fvadt!” With a stark resolve, he used his remaining strength to throw the spanner down in the abyss. It clanked against the sides of the shaft as it tumbled down several decks. After a few seconds, a weak thud echoed back at him. The tool now destroyed and out of reach. The pain remained for Nijil tr’Korjata. It manifested itself in the physical and emotional. He felt the green blood begin to drip down his cheek. A trip to sickbay…no. Too many questions. Explanations for his outburst and the destroyed spanner are expected. He needed to calm himself down. The humans in this Federation prescribe time to heal. Nijil is Rihan! They do not bow down to weakness. This Rihan however was unlike others of his kind. Not as xenophobic, devious or cunning as the rest. His ego deflated compared to his contemporaries. Things had been this way for a long time, perhaps even before the disaster on his home world. The probable loss of his mother, father and sister weighed heavily. While many Rihan turned their rage toward the Breen, Nijil just twisted his inward. The only bright spot over these last months were finding a new place to call home. Aegis provided a place to work and, more important to Nijil, a venue away from enraged Rihans. As Nijil’s breathing returned to normal he thought of perhaps a brighter spot in his situation. A Trill whose quick friendship surprised even a moderate Rihan like himself. She could help. She would understand, maybe not now, but over time. The engineer grabbed up his kit, sans spanner and headed for the long ladder climb back to the rest of the station. The wound needed healed without involving station medical or his superiors. Nijil wiped the tears from his eyes and started to climb.

Jylliene looked at the console. She was about to walk off - she had actually just briefed Lt. Roberts, but saw a notification come through right as she finished. Glancing at it, she smiled, and informed the lieutenant that she would take the information to the intended recipient herself. She hit her communicator. “Jylliene to Nijil,” she said, as she headed toward his quarters. Something beeped. Nijil looked around thinking one of his displays found something interesting in the subspace soup he’d been scanning for months. A small display was blinking, but upon waking it up nothing happened. “Ugh. Where is the indicator coming from now?” he asked himself. The sound chirped again. “Elements...” He tapped his badge. “Nijil here.” Jylliene grinned, and spoke into the badge. “Your new assignment - your new quarters, I should say - just came through. Would you like me to show you to them? I can help you start moving your things.” “He paused for a moment. Getting a new room should have taken longer right? Captain was a busy Captain. “So soon? I was not expecting anything so quickly. Really wanted to get me out of your place hmm?” “I was in no hurry. It’s been nice to have you there. But I’m sure you’ll appreciate having a bit more room to stretch out while you analyze your data.” Being there had been far more than nice for Nijil, but he’d not say anything to her about that. “Time is a greater enemy to my searching than space. I bet the closet there is as large as my entire place here.” Nijil looked around. “What time is it? I’ve lost track of time since getting Jorahl’s report.” “It’s 1600 hours. Shift just ended. I’m just to your door now.” She tapped the communicator, then rang the door chime. “Who’s there?” “Jylliene,” she responded with a chuckle. “Is that the Dabo girl I met on Deep Space Nine coming to visit?” He asked. “Don’t know. Is she cute?” “Very much so.” “Well, maybe she’ll end up out here one of these days. Never know, with Drankum’s connections. Mind opening the door?” “Better be as good looking,” he said as the door opened. “Jolan tru and Dabo! Get in here.” The Rihan waved his hand to show her in. “You’re in good spirits, e’lev,” she replied, grinning. “Shall we see what your new place looks like? And is there anything you want to take over immediately?” E’lev he thought with an internal grin. “I have to disconnect a lot of things, but...,” he grabs his sole plant. “This should do. Let’s see what deluxe closet I am getting.” Jylliene led Nijil through the door and toward his new quarters. “It’s on deck nine, same as mine. Not right next door or anything, but down the hall.” “I was going to say I would lose it if it was right next door. Would mean the tea would not get cold.” “Well, really, even just a few doors down would do similar. Especially compared to before. Let’s see...” Jylliene glanced down at her PADD, then pointed to a door. “There it is,” she said, as she approached. “I think it should be set for your access. Give it a try.” The engineer placed his hands on the door lock. The door hissed open like every door on the station. He leaned inside and looked both ways before crossing the threshold. He stepped in and stood in the middle of his living quarters for a moment. Jylliene stepped inside behind him. “How does it look?” “I’ve never lived in a place this large, even at home. It’s humbling. On a warbird this large a space is reserved for officers of a higher rank. I knew yours were large, but this seems larger. I will have to thank the Captain, if bugging her is the right thing to do.” Nijil ended his long answer and went to the window. “A window...” “Well, you could always send a message of thanks. As long as you don’t imply that I’m moving in here with you or anything like that,” Jylliene replied, grinning. “I’ve made sure I won’t make any requests like that any longer. I can’t get over that and I imagine you won’t let me forget.” Nijil looked out the window to see what kind of view. Some starship of Federation design was orbiting directly out his window in the distance. No klaxon’s sounding battlestations. A bit of an odd feeling. “I already told you, I’m not bothered by it in the least. Truly. The captain hasn’t said a word to me about it, and if she did, I’m sure I could explain it simply by repeating the word, “Engineers”. Jylliene smiled at him. “So please, don’t worry about it. You’re fine. Now, you have a lot to unhook in your previous quarters, I imagine?” “Yes. I did not use the finest Federation standards in hooking things up. I imagine the lighting will improve upon my leaving that space.” Nijil smiled and walked over to Jylliene. He hugged her tightly, saying nothing.

Sky Harbor Aegis Message Utility System (SHAMUS) Stardate: 2387.165, 13 June 2387 Time: 23:57 hours Aegis time To: Captain Kirel Chirakis From: SubCenturion Nijil tr’Korjata Subject: Request for better quarters I hope you are well when this message does get your attention. First, let me thank you for taking me in at this station after the confusion and tragedy of the gamma ray burst that decimated Romulus. I know I said I would take any accommodation when offered a position here. The quarters given were small and I did not complain at the time. Now after a slight accumulation of items the room has shown to be too small. I have a collection of processing units and devices to monitor them for scanning subspace transmissions to and from Romulan territory. Tapping onto the stations cores would be a policy breach and not a good show of trust. My bed now is stuck in its small and uncomfortable configuration. Jylliene, your very capable operations officer, has a particularly comfortable couch I would love to get a replica of, but it will not fit in my current quarters. We have talked at great length about this furniture over our tea sessions. I have sat in it, read in it and even slept in it just to get a restful sleep. I have wondered if Jylliene has done this rather than her own equally delightful bed. Perhaps I could request replicas of both pieces. Almost sounds like I should ask to remain in her quarters instead if accommodations are scarce. Anyhow, if I am to expand my personal comfort in my quarters I believe my productivity will improve around the station. Jylliene’s would surely improve as well. She has not complained at my overnight layovers, but I am sure if I continue I will wear out my welcome. While I am only a lowly SubCenturion I believe she is the most capable and trustworthy non-Rihan I have ever met. For a time I sat alone in the midways and mess halls until our chance meeting. I have read of how the rest of the galaxy regards Romulans. I expected people to avoid me while stationed at Aegis. She has not said go away or whispered behind my back (is that the right phrase?). I would trust her with my life and that of the Sky Harbor Aegis. Perhaps I have gone on too long. So to make a long story short is there a way to have quarters roughly the same configuration as Jylliene’s? I presume the same deck would afford the most similar setup. Unless she finds the same deck unsettling. Are there regulations concerning the proximity of crew quarters? Anyhow, thank you for your time and I hope to continue to best your expectations of me and my people. Nijil tr’Korjata 1st Assistant Engineer, Small Craft Specialist *** Nijil sent this out while resting comfortably on Jylliene's often mentioned couch. As he read the request letter to make sure it arrived he stared at it in shock of what information he passed on to the Captain. He pulled the blanket over his head knowing he was unable to unsend.

A Fine Mess Joint log, Nijil and Jylliene Jylliene selected a cup of coffee and turned to look for a seat. There were none to be had. Half the ship must be here. The Bolian twins sat at the table with the best view. A Lieutenant from Cestus III started to get up...only to let someone else sit in his place. A hushed silence fell over the room as if at a wake rather than close to a meal hour. She was all but ready just to take her coffee back to her quarters. She glanced about to see if anyone looked ready to get up, but didn’t see...wait, a seat appeared to be free! It was off to one side and rather in a corner, but she did not care. She ran. Aegis’ newest engineer should have stopped at the fourth cup of caffeinated spice tea, but the replicator could create a nearly infinite amount. His nose was glued to the PADD in his hand. Could this be the good news he’d been searching for all this time? He frowned and looked up. He appeared only a meter away from the far wall. How no one was injured along his trek was unknown. Where was his seat? Whoever took it would be sitting among his other padds and notes. On elements! His notes. He panicked. Jylliene drank her coffee and glanced about her. Someone had left a sizable pile of PADDs about - oh dear. She doubted someone would leave their things behind, so somewhere in the room, someone was going to be heading this way and looking for their chair. She glanced about and spotted the Romulan engineer she had met on the bridge right about the time of the explosion. He looked...slightly agitated? She leapt up. Nijil looked about. Someone jumped up in his peripheral view, but they failed to catch his eye. Best to head to the center and pretend to be just arriving rather than showing everyone he’d lost his seat. He put his best try not to really be looking for my mess face on. He slowly walked ahead. Jylliene watched the man, a somewhat puzzled expression on her face. “Pardon me...Mr. tr'Korjata?” she called to him. “Ie?” He’d been caught with his PADDs down. She gestured toward the pile of PADDs, then to the chair. “Was this your seat?” She stepped back out of the way. Doing some kind of ancient Rihan run, panic and green-in-the-face ritual he arrived at his long lost table. Why was she here? Nodding in confirmation, “Ie.. I mean yes. These are my things. Notes,” Nijil began to see what she may have seen, “Engineering items...people I know.” He did not have the energy to ask her to go somewhere else. Actually there was no where else to go. “Perhaps we should share this table. It is quite busy now.” The Romulan took the opposite seat, shoving the PADDs into a neater pile, then placed his cup down. Jylliene smiled appreciatively. “Thank you,” she replied, and sat back down, cupping her mug in her hands. “You’ve been busy - the work of an engineer is never done, I imagine,” she added. “Na, it is not. I have to ask, did you see anything on these PADDs?” He looked a tad worried. “No,” she grinned, as she replied, “I only noted that I was surrounded by them. And only after rushing to claim a seat.” She thought about adding a mildly chastising remark about his leaving something he deemed sensitive unattended, but she had no idea if he’d take it in the teasing way she’d intend - so she let it drop. He exhaled in relief. “There are no state secrets here,” gesturing to the pile. “At least I don’t believe so.” Elements, was he actually nervous around this human with a strange pattern along the side of her face? “You have striking hair, Mr. tr’Korjata.” “Oh?” He feels his hair. Perhaps he combed it without remembering. No, it was in bad shape. “Oh.. My activities should not affect my appearance. I’m not sure how we’ll I’d do in Starfleet. It’s this cursed tea I’ve grown attached to.” He rubbed his eyes. “I meant it as a compliment, in a way. It reminds me of when my parents were buried deep in their work with a publication deadline. It reminds me a bit of home - and for that, I thank you.” Jylliene smiled at him again. “Home. Mine is gone on two fronts. These pictures and holo recording are all I have now.” She winced. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to cause further pain.” She wanted to go on, to apologize further, but she stopped there. She doubted she’d have anything she could say that would help at all. “It’s alright. Many Romulans have suffered and I understand our reputation in the alpha quadrant. Many would turn a blind eye toward our plight. My life is seemingly to become a member of Starfleet. If only my father could hear me say that. The Galae is in disarray, factionalized. Who would have thought.” Nijil takes a sip. “Oh, and our prospects of finding a new home has been reduced by one.” Jylliene nodded. “That was...quite an explosion. I don’t know if they’ll get it figured out or not - the cause - but I have to admit, I’m almost - *almost* glad it’s gone. It was driving me quite nearly mad watching them investigate when there was another planet waiting to be explored.” She sighed. “No matter now, regardless. Off to the next one, and let’s hope this one holds more promise than the previous ones.” “I hope so.” He picked up PADD with only a picture of a young-looking Romulan woman displayed. He laid it back on top of the pile. “Do you mind if I ask who is in the picture?” she asked tentatively. He gave her a look as he pondered her question. “It’s not a bondmate, but my sister. Three months with child.” This clearly soured his mood. His expression showed it. She frowned. “I’m very sorry. I didn’t mean to pry. She is very lovely.” “Yes. Don’t worry about the prying. I’ve not been a typical Romulan for some time. No one has asked. I think Captain Ramson is the only one I’ve spoken to for any length since I arrived. It was a strange experience at that.” Takes another drink. “I’ve had more time with her as my captain since arriving than under Captain Chirakis. I didn’t really expect to spend so much time on a starship after being assigned to a starbase,” Jylliene said. “Seems to be very comfortable in command of the Aegean.” This was definitely a bit of a test - she hoped the change in topic would relax him a bit. Well, as relaxed as she’d ever seen a Romulan, anyhow. Or it would make things worse. He stared at Jylliene right in the eyes. “She did something to me. Something I was not prepared for...a passing of information sprinkled with emotion and memories.” He thought for a moment. “I’ve heard of Vulcan’s and their mind melds, but this was something the war college did not teach us.” She suddenly reminded him of someone, probably a memory not his own. Jylliene nodded slightly, a bit surprised at first, until pieces starting coming together in her head - the verbalizer, a memory of a colleague of her mother’s - she’d have to look over the roster a little more closely; she hadn’t really spent much time except on learning about Captain Chirakis and Mr. Dabi. “This universe is not about me. So, what of you?” Nijil had no specific questions, but just curiosity. Jylliene pondered that. “Just a girl out to find herself. Well, not really. My parents were in academia, and I was set to follow in their footsteps. It wasn’t until I quit the preparations for being joined that I decided my path led elsewhere. In this case, to Starfleet. Thankfully, I think my parents are accepting of it -- even if perhaps they had envisioned a different destiny for me.” No bondmate to...tie you down? I’m not sure of the phrasing.” “Bondmate? Oh - oh, no - well, no, I have no bondmate, but that wasn’t what I was leaving. Have you not met a Trill before?” Jylliene replied, smiling. “Joining is being joined with a symbiont. I saw someone I knew well change completely after joining - the symbiont’s personality was perhaps a bit overpowering for him - and I wasn’t sure I really wanted that. That’s what I left.” “Sounds invasive if you pardon my outlook. All of this...” he spread his arms wide,”...is new to me.” “In that particular case, it was. In many, many cases, it isn’t. It’s a joining, not a conquest, if that makes sense? The host gains the memories of the symbiont and, yes, the personality can come through. That’s why there are preparations - to make as certain as possible that the match will be suitable. But - well, I just wasn’t ready to risk it.” “Sounds like you would gain a lifelong consciousness or friend...whatever it is Trill call it. The universe can be a cruel place alone.” She nodded. “You do. You’re never really quite alone. And that is both good, and bad.” Jylliene thought for a moment, and then added, “I suppose it is very similar to a bondmate.” He looked down at his nearly empty tea. “Over the past few months I would have sacrificed much to gain a friend, some ear to listen. My people are slowly breaking apart. My family is lost. It would be easier if I knew they were dead.” He looked up at at her cup. “Bah. I’m depressing the room.” “If I can be an ear for you sometime - anytime - I will.” She smiled slightly. “It would be appreciated. You still have not touched a quantum singularity yet,” he added. Jylliene laughed. “No, I haven’t.” She glanced up, and her eyes widened. “But I think perhaps next time - how long have we been here??” The room was empty, save for the cook, who was glancing their way impatiently. “What do you... where is everyone? What time.. oh my! I am late, or soon will be.” Nijil placed his head on the table. “Well, that won’t get you there any faster. Can I help you carry any of this?” “Yes, to my little hole-in-the-bulkhead of a room they gave me. I nearly have to sleep standing up.” Nijil began to stand and handed her a selection of PADDs. Jylliene accepted them as she stood, and prepared to follow. The doors opened upon their approach and closed just as silently behind them.