Reflection

[Asyle 0]

Asyle entered her quarters, which had been assigned to her. Fresh from having her tracking pellet implanted, she rubbed the back of her neck where the feeling was returning from the nerve block used before the minor surgery to place the device.

 

"Remember your orders, Ensign," the security officer's sarcasm obvious in her using Asyle's provisional rank, "you must wait for a security officer to get here before you leave your quarters." And without waiting for any questions or comments, turned and left her standing, alone and by herself.

 

She had been issued from the quartermaster some basic personal supplies, uniforms, shoes, a communication badge, and a Star Fleet manual "Customs and Courtesies for New Officers." She turned away from looking at the closed door as the security officer leave her room, and slowly looked around it, stopping to look at herself in a mirror over her sink.

 

She walked up to place her personal items away, and picked up her brush for her hair. She looked at it, as if she had never seen one before. Indeed, her use of a brush for her hair had never been needed before since male Pakleds didn't have much need for them. She had always kept her hair short, the males never grew their hair long and she had impersonated them for so long.

 

She began to brush her hair, slowly, imagining what it would look like long. Her dark brown hair had a hint of a curl to it, and in her mind's eye she envisioned herself with shoulder length hair. She put the brush down, and went to pick up the manual to see what the regulations were for female hair styles.

 

After reading the manual for a few minutes, seeing the various pictures of human styles approved while in uniform, she stood up and began to get ready for sleep. She had spent so much time in the brig, without blankets or sheets, she quickly stripped off her uniform. And just as she was ready to through it over a chair casually, she stopped and looked at the single pip on the collar. She rubbed it a few times, as if it were not real. A slow smile crossed her face, and she placed the uniform carefully away.

 

Asyle pulled the sheet and covers back, stiff from being new as they were, they were luxurious to her. She thought of the Captain, the XO, and the curious Lt. Victra. Soon, she would be at work in engineering, and would have a second chance at making a first impression on the Trill chief. She had no desires for anything else except learning about the systems in use on the Excaliber, and proving herself to be at least a competent engineer. With a sigh of relief, she laid down.

 

"Computer, Lights out."

Edited October 19, 2008 by Asyle