Impressions & Assessments

[Capt Rian Kwai 0]

"I'm rarely uneasy about some of the missions and things we do these days, but this one simple dinner has my stomach in knots." Rian Kwai folded her arms across her chest, trying to calm the anxious feeling percolating through her body. "We've just invited an armed viper to break bread with us. And yes, I know we're trying to be hospitable and she's not likely to start an incident, but it still has me on edge."

 

Errrika BluRox wanted to make certain that there would be something for the Romulan woman to eat that would suit her, so she had the cook prepare not only a nice smoked trout, and roasted beet salad with crumbled feta cheese and walnuts, but also a hlai dish (similar to Earth’s chicken protein) that she had gotten from the replicators on DS9 back during the war to accommodate visiting dignitaries. She looked up at Rian as the rest of the food was being brought in, "I know Rian, but I don't think we should refer to her as an armed viper. She's fairly young, and wants to make an impression I'm sure. I believe she was assigned, as she was not too high in rank to be much of a threat to us. Though, I do intend to speak with her about the disruptor tonight at dinner, now that she's seen we're not going to shoot her." Blu paused a beat, “You're always uneasy when you’ve had to eat with me, now, I provide you a distraction and still you fret."

 

The food looked actually appetizing to the Trill, which she mentally noted as a positive sign. Although how much she'd be able to consume was another manner. "That's different. You usually offered me food after a traumatic event. I didn't want to embarrass you with my table manners with shaky hands." She smirked at BluRox.

 

Looking over at Rian, Blu reached over and speared a strawberry with a claw, and quickly plucked it from the sharpened digit, "Couldn't be any worse than my own when others aren't watching." Looking at the time piece on the mantle, "She should be arriving shortly. I don't want to make this an interrogation, I just wish her to feel comfortable here, while also reaffirming the boundaries which must not be crossed. Not crossed by she, or by our own crew. I want her to be comfortable enough to come to us, if anyone causes her difficulty."

 

"Has Holly been warned off?”

 

"Holly is aware of the situation, and while not outwardly being a looming presence, is keeping our guest under surveillance with all of the security devices, holo emitters, as well as she can monitor the computer access. I have instructed her however, not to delve into any personal logs the woman makes, nor her secure communications in sending her reports back to her superiors," Blu continued. “Rian, one matter before she arrives," Her ears swiveling back a bit with concern. "I want to know, and honestly, how you are feeling these days? And I mean honestly, not the normal bravado that you put on dealing with the crew. You were poisoned, and you hid it from me. That in itself is of concern."

 

There was a bit of a pause before Rian answered, then "I'm get there." She shrugged a little. "Let's hope Holly heeds your instructions. I hate to see her pop in suddenly and frightening the Romulan."

 

"No, I've spoken to her, and we'd rather keep her presence a secret. She will however, be circulating around in various guises, in order to help keep tabs on the woman." Blu looked at her. "And you're changing the subject. What has medical had to say on your condition? And has that tea that the Wydown woman suggested been of any help?"

 

Kwai snorted a little, picturing a ‘Where's Waldo’ version of a Holly hunt."I haven't been back to medical yet. And before you say I should go back....you're right. I just haven't had a chance yet. As for the tea," Rian wrinkled her nose. "It smells gods awful, but it seems to be helping a bit. Dinner tonight actually looks somewhat appealing to me." She flashed a self depreciating smile. "Happy?"

 

"For now, yes."

 

With fair amount of trepidation, Arrain Ael t'Mirok entered the dining room, her security detail remaining outside the room. She took a quick assessment of the room, nodding to each officer, Khre'Riov and Enarrain, as she spoke her greeting. "Jolan tru."

 

Nodding back, BluRox returned the greeting, "Good evening, I'm pleased that you were able to join us for a meal. You've met my executive officer, Captain Kwai already, so please, come be comfortable."

 

Kwai smiled and nodded. "Welcome, t'Mirok." She tried not to seem like she was staring at the woman's posture or the weapon on her hip.

 

"I am also fortunate that your superiors assigned someone with a name and rank that is easy for one of my race to pronounce," BluRox said, grinning at the young woman. "I've had difficulties with some of the Klingon and Cardassian names I come across, so many harsh letters and pronunciations."

 

"Hann'yyo." Ael nodded again, but did little to change her posture. She openly scanned the room. "I wish I could say the same of the names of some of your crew. I am having a particularly hard time pronouncing the name of the Dheno au assigned as my security escort earlier." Her lips twitched a bit in what seemed to be the beginnings of a smile.

 

Errirka turning to look at Kwai for confirmation, "Bardolph? or Fenn? I'm certain if you let him know, he has a few nicknames that one might be a bit easier to pronounce, just ask him, he's pretty easy to get along with from my interactions with the man." She motioned to the table, “Please....have a seat, you have no reason to be standing there at a parade rest, this is not a formal review, but a casual occasion for us to get to know one another better. And do not worry; we will not be trying to interrogate you either."

 

"It's Bardolph." Rian chuckled softly. She had her own recollections of Whiskey's personality. To set the example, Kwai choose a seat and motioned to another for the Romulan to join them.

 

“Nicknames?" She raised a brow. "It is not appropriate for one to request private names in our culture. They may be given freely, but to ask is impolite." She took the seat offered to her apprehensively. Especially after her encounter with the scientists, t'Mirok found herself more on guard about her physical surroundings than usual.

 

"Trust me, he advertises his, asks 'everyone' to call him 'Whiskey'. I purposely don't, not really right for someone of my rank to be using nicknames too much, but you two, you are very similar in the duties you perform. I would not doubt he'd prefer you call him that. But if you are not comfortable with it, just keep working on the pronunciation, I'm sure you'll get it in time. How was your first day here with us? I hope all went well in the astrometrics lab?”

 

"It was...." Ael paused as searched for the right word to describe it that would not offend the Khre'Riov or alarm her either. "...enlightening." The Romulan picked up the napkin from her place and laid it across her lap. "Au have quite an impressive ship. How long has she been in service?"

 

Kwai glanced from t'Mirok to Blu and then back again. Enlightening had all sorts of connotations, and she was worried that the woman felt that the Federation was not willing to work with the Romulan officer. "We've only had her a few weeks now. She's a beauty, isn't she?"

 

Blu looked at Rian, and flicked an ear momentarily, indicating to the woman she wanted that looked into, without having to utter a word. Luckily they'd worked together long enough that she knew that Rian new some of her more subtle mannerisms, and not alarm the Romulan woman that they were concerned as well. "I'm pleased things went well then. I want you to feel comfortable here. However I would like to broach one subject if I may? Your sidearm. As you've seen, only a few of our security staff even carry a small sidearm while patrolling. I've noticed several people are quite nervous with that large weapon hanging in your holster. I hope you realize that nobody here is going to do anything to harm you now that you've been here a day with us, and that perhaps you would consider keeping it in your quarters. We will not take it away from you, but I would ask this small thing of you to please think on, in an effort to promote a more comfortable atmosphere for everyone?"

Ael's jaw tightened, after her experience with the science officers she was reluctant to relinquish her side arm. "I do na feel twelve hours is enough experience to determine that. However, I shall consider au's request." She nodded.

 

Oh crud, something had happened. Between Blu's look and the Romulan's posture, Kwai could see it. Rian shifted in her chair just slightly, trying to make herself look more at ease when in reality she wanted to jump up and stomp out to interrogate both Bardolph and Link and find out what had happened. "We certainly do not want to make you feel uncomfortable. I know this experience has to be difficult for you. Being in a strange place among strange people," Kwai tried to smile encouragingly.

 

Having become quite adept at reading the facial expressions of humanoids, Errrika now knew something had happened to make the woman uncomfortable, but knew that Rian would look into it. "That is all I ask of you at this time, but do know, it is something I would appreciate if you would do so.” She glanced at her first officer. “Rian, as we'll be here eating and conversing for a while, would you mind letting the security staff positioned outside the door, that they may go to the mess hall and get some dinner. There is no need for them to stand there and watch a door, and I doubt that our guest here is planning to shoot us both while we're having dessert," she grinned at the young Romulan, "At least I hope you would at least wait until after coffee?"

 

"Of course," Ael flashed a tight smile.

 

Rian chuckled softly, trying to keep a sense of humor about the situation; she stood and headed to the door to speak to the guard. Blu continued, "That's better, finally a glimpse of a smile." May I get you something to drink?”

 

"Tea, perhaps?" t'Mirok nodded. She watched the two women, observing how they worked together. "So au were na downplaying au's experience with this ship? Au have only had it a few weeks. Has it been fully vetted?"

 

Errrika walked over and retrieved a carafe of hot water and set it on the table along with a cup and saucer for the woman, then turned back to get another pair of cups for Rian and herself. Lastly, she took a hinged wooden box from the counter, ornately carved with images of a fierce mythical Terran creature that was a gift from one of her friends upon hearing of the naming scheme of her shuttles. Opening the box found it felt lined, and a number of small containers of tea mixtures, and four small tea infuser balls. "Somewhat, I'm afraid we are still shaking her down. We were not to take possession of her for another few months, but our former ship, had an unfortunate accident in the Gamma Quadrant. So, we are still verifying some systems."

 

Ael focused on the creature on the box, curious at the carving. She stared at it longer than the preparations for the tea. "And au feel comfortable flying an untested vessel into a mission such as this?"

 

"Now, as for teas...I have quite a selection here. A gift I received before we left spacedock. There are herbal as well as regular teas, from Terra, Vulcan and other locations. Please, help yourself.” Blu spoke as she passed the box over to let the Romulan woman make first selection.

 

"We didn't have much of a choice. But our crew is capable of solving any problems she throws at us," as Rian returned to her seat.

 

"I really have no choice. My other ship was damaged beyond repair and I needed this one to rescue them, and the import of this mission is too great to wait for another ship to arrive. I would see our peoples remain at the truce we have between us, than a war started anew due to misunderstandings. I also hold grievance against this other ship and its captain and crew, and am ordered to bring them back."

 

t'Mirok took the box, examining the strange selections. She sniffed several of the selections before settling on one that seemed to be pleasing to the nose. She passed the box to the Enarrain, and then watched curiously as she passed it straight to the Khre'Riov without taking anything. Instead the Enarrain removed a small package from her pocket and prepared her own beverage. She glanced at the Khre'Riov for an explanation. “Grievance, in what way?"

 

Taking an infuser ball and a packet of a mint based tea from the box, she loaded the tea ball and placed it into her cup, pouring the hot water over it and allowing it to steep. "A personal grievance, but enough on that note," not wishing to elaborate.

 

"I see. And what is au's feeling about their appearance in the neutral zone. Is it that they've gone rogue, piracy or something else?"

 

Wrinkling nose at Rian's drink, Blu spoke to Kwai "Captain, you were not kidding about that medication, it is quite pungent, I can smell that all the way over here. Are you sure you don't want a bit of another blend to help mask the taste?" Turning back to t'Mirok, "A rumor has it that they have been dispatched after some sort of smuggling ring, but not by order of Star Fleet or the Federation Council. It is our duty to find them, bring them back, and find out who's wielding enough power that they are making demands of fleet ships outside of the chain of command. Your superior, noted that there were some concerns on your side of the zone as well, so it may well be that these rumors of a smuggling ring are true. However, there are always proper channels to go through.

 

t'Mirok glanced at Kwai, then back to the Enarrain. "Au find that smell unpleasing?"

 

"I find it unpleasing." Kwai sighed softly. "I apologize all." She placed a saucer over it so that the group could not smell it as strongly.

 

"Rian, don't be silly, I was just offering another to make it more palatable for you, no need to cover it." Blu glanced at the two officers. "Perhaps we should partake of the meal while it remains hot?" trying to deflect the attention away from Rian. "I was uncertain of what you would find pleasing, so I had both a Terran dish made, as well as something from your home world as well."

 

Ael made a mental note; so far she's on an untested vessel with rude science officers and an ill first officer. She wondered if her superiors knew what type of situation they were sending her into. She nodded a bit, "I'm willing to sample both."

 

"Surprisingly, it tastes better than it smells." Rian passed a plate to Ael to sample. "Can I ask you a personal question, if you don't mind? How long have you been in service with the Romulan military? And why as a security officer?"

 

t'Mirok speared something white and flaky, thinking this must be the Lloann'na dish the Khre'Riov spoke of. "Six years. I found I was better suited for dheno work than that of engineering or the sciences. I found it more pleasurable than sitting behind an etrehh screen during my duty shift."

 

"I began as a security officer as well, many years ago." Blu responded.

 

"I can see that," t'Mirok took in the Cait's physical stature.

 

Errrika, hoping that this dinner and being upfront and open with this woman, would help her relax and trust them. Someone had to make advances towards peace, and honestly, after all the battles of late in the Gamma Quadrant, she found she would rather have peace at home, than war here as well. However she took in the Arrain's assessing eye, seeing her judging their words and actions, and knowing she would be cataloging it all as would be her duty to do so. She only hoped if when the time became necessary, that she would be able to trust the woman in return.

 

"And au, Enarrain?" t'Mirok turned to Kwai just as the woman was taking a bite. Kwai was thankful however that Blu kept the conversation going while she chewed furiously to keep up.

 

"Yes, while many of my people tend to go into communications, having a fine ear, I found I was not patient enough to just sit and listen to static. Growing up in an embassy on the Klingon home world, I had to learn to fight early in life. It sort of stayed with me."

 

"Au people are na warriors by nature?" t'Mirok tilted her head.

 

"Many mistake my race with that of an older more warlike race, but most of my people prefer peaceful relations. However, we will respond if we are angered or wronged, and then those that made the mistake too often to provoke us, soon learn the error of their ways."

 

“I see," She nodded. "I must confess. I do na understand how au quii can keep the peace, so to speak, with so many individual races on board a small vessel. Between the humans, auselves, and the man with the strange hat down in science. Quii react so differently to situations. How do au keep auselves moving in the same direction with the same purpose?”

 

" It's not easy, but we have goals and rules and procedures that make it possible. Plus mutual respect for each other and each other's cultures." Rian answered, picking at her food a bit.

 

“A small vessel? Well, yes, I suppose so by your Teronix’s size.” Dishing herself up a bit of of the trout, but mostly taking the beets and greens, Errrika sat back down with her meal in hand as well to have something to eat. "One thing that is stressed at the Academy is diversity. Everyone is expected to respect each other and their differences. I expect no difference from them here on board either. Though truth be told, occasionally you do find that one or two bad apples that just cannot work with others. I had that occasion a few times growing up, but you find that those type of people, do not last here long, nor do they advance."

 

Blu continued. "And though I know that many of the crew here grew up, knowing your race as 'the enemy', things have changed since the Dominion War. Currently, our people are at a truce, which I would one day hope to see become a lasting peace. I expect you, as a member of this crew for the duration of this mission, to respect the crew here, but I expect the same of them. And if you do not receive that respect, my executive is in charge of personnel, I expect you to speak with her, and things 'will' be cleared up soon enough. It is one of the reasons I broached the subject of the weapon before, as it will set you apart, and cause the others much worry."

 

Ael’s face soured once more, not bothering to hide her distaste for that comment in light of her current experiences, Ael laid down her cutlery as to not give an impression she was attacking. She sighed softly before speaking, looking for a way to keep from speaking about that particular incident. "I find au's dehno staff to be well mannered and knowledgeable."

 

Setting her cutlery down as well, she sat back in her chair to listen to the woman, "But.....? Come, out with it. This is why I wanted to have this dinner, to make sure things were meshing well, and I want you to feel welcome. If someone has wronged you, it will not be tolerated."

 

"Au science team leaves much to be desired." Feeling a bit as she's tattling, but she's peeved enough as it is. "Io accused me of purposely omitting information while another shoved me away from a station I had been permitted to use, then warned me off using my weapon, which to that point I had na even touched." She leaned back in her seat, hands folded in her lap. "I know na their names, they did na bother to introduce themselves. But Etre Bar-doluf." She winced as she mispronounced the dheno's name. "Bardolph must know of them, ie?"

 

Rian groaned inwardly. "On behalf of the crew, I apologize. I'll speak with them."

 

"Indeed, our apologies. Here we tell you about diversity, and our own crew forgets all they stand for. It will not happen again, "Blu looked over to Rian, "Will it Captain? I will ‘not’ see a guest ‘ever’ shoved? Do you wish to press charges?"

 

"Na. I will trust au to resolve the situation as au see fit."

 

"Of course." Rian nodded. She could tell by Blu's tone and ear placement she was not happy.

 

"Let us try to put this unpleasantly behind us for now, and enjoy the meal and company. And Arrain, let me just say, I do understand how you must feel. I've had a few very bad first contact situations where those not knowing of my race, have thought me little more than an animal, and have treated me as such. I can understand if you are angry, as I know I have been as well in similar situations, which is why I will not stand for it on my own ship. Again, I offer you our apologies. I hope you are at least enjoying the food selections? If you require anything in particular programmed for your replicator, please let us know and we'll see to it. We also have a chocolate raspberry torte for dessert as well, unless you would prefer something else?"

 

"Na, this is quite all right." She smiled tightly, na wanting to press or offend them further. Whatever she needed, she could easily replicate when she returned to her quarters. "In fact, if au do na mind. I think I will retire early. It has been a long day and I am quite exhausted. If au would excuse me?"

 

"Certainly. Perhaps we could do this again someday. I would like to hear your thoughts on my old acquaintance t'Rexan, as she is much changed since our last meeting. And that impressive ship you serve upon as well, it is a thing of beauty ... from a distance," grinning at her. "A pleasant night to you then, and tomorrow we begin our hunt anew. And if you need anything, please let the Captain know."

 

"Of course." Ael nodded, pushing back from the table and heading to the door.

 

Both Republic officers stood and nodded as the woman left. Rian, waiting until the woman had disappeared before speaking. "I can tell she was trying not to speak ill of the crew, but something has set her off."

 

"Holly, I want a video playback of astrometrics from earlier today." Blu spoke.

 

The disembodied voice of Holly answered, "I have already sent it to both the Captain's and your terminals. You're not going to be happy, the Romulan told you the truth."

 

"Thank you Holly, and thank you for waiting until she left."

 

"Thanks Holly," Rian sighed softly. "After you" She motioned to the terminal.

 

"Let's see it....Holly, please play back anything pertinent." As both women watched the footage, Blu started to frown as the recording went on. "Well, this makes us look like a bunch of hypocrites, telling her how much the Federation embraces diversity, and here she's being treated poorly by both new and old staff alike. Though I do believe the sidearm is part of it, I should not have given in on that point, but had I not, I'm not sure we'd have been given access to their space."

 

Bites her lip, hesitating, "What if they wanted you to press the issue? To see how serious you were or how easily you'd give in?" Rian frowned. "She's not made one motion to grab for it, lesser officers I've seen have...in fact they flaunt it. She's not so much as touched it. And unfortunately, the two of them made a fool out of you with your speech that it's not tolerated. Gotta figure out how to repair the damage. Or find someone with a bit more tact who can deal with her."

 

"She seems comfortable with Bardolph, perhaps they can work together from an auxiliary station. As for our science staff, I want it made crystal clear, that what our policies are, and the damage they may have already caused. This woman is our 'guest'! I will not have us embarrassed by the actions of a few minor officers who can't hold their tongues or follow orders. Deal with them Rian, and if they do not comply, then they can come talk to me. I'd be more than happy to leave them in a life pod floating....."

 

"Don't worry, I will deal with them."

 

"One simple dinner, was all I wanted to have, and we end up spending near half of it apologizing. Perhaps when we do find the Excalibur, we can beam science over to it, and then accidently blow it up?"

 

Holly materialized in a seat beside them, "I could arrange that for you if you like."

 

“Absolutely not! I was just jesting to blow off steam," Blu quickly amended.

 

Rian snickered softly, "I don't know, I kinda like that idea." She teased, stabbing a piece of the dessert.

 

"I'll continue to keep her work periods under surveillance then, to make sure she's not being treated unfairly?" Holly asked.

 

Blu rubbed at her head, "And I was just starting to feel a bit better, now my headache returns."

 

"Relax. I'll take care of it with science and I'll talk to Will about his security team. It's only the first day; things have got to get better." Rian spoke softly.

 

"It's because you are stressed. And you went on a mission. You're supposed to be resting. For that matter, you should go take a nap, it's been over 18 hours since you last slept, and you know the medics said you are to sleep at least once every 10 hours." Holly fussed.

 

Rian felt a bit sorry for Blu to have Holly as a nursemaid, she picked up the remains of her dessert plate. "I'm going to head out. I'll keep you posted."

 

“Very good Captain. Why don't you take the rest of that chocolate torte back to your quarters for later, it's pretty good. Good night Rian," Blu said heading for the couch.

 

"No, no, no. You'll halfway sleep, then get up and work. To the bedroom with you," Holly said. "Good night Captain."

 

"This is plenty. Thank you." Rian departed as quickly as she could before she could witness whatever Holly was going to do to Blu. Holly waved to Rian as she left, and took Blu by the arm directing her towards the bedroom.