Breakfast Memories

[Sorehl 0]

In the confines of the turbolift, Sorehl reflected on his introductory meeting with the Excalibur engineering team. They had covered duty logs and modes of address, as well as establishing future, informal morning meetings. They were as he suspected, a professional team. Similarities between Feanor and another officer brought back memories of the first meeting he’d held as chief science officer aboard Starbase Aegis…

 

* * * * *

 

Ensign John Blair slid his tray onto the circular table, joining those assembled for the first staff meeting with their new department head. Blair glanced toward Lieutenant Sorehl, who sat perusing a PADD in one hand. The remnants of an unappetizing mush lined the bowl in front of the Vulcan. Ensign Satav Ozak sat across from him, her tray holding a bagel, some unknown cereal, orange juice, and a dark liquid. Smells like tea, Blair thought.

 

"You guys have got to learn to have a real breakfast," he began. "Something substantial like..."

 

"Swine flesh and chicken embryos, Mr. Blair?" Sorehl completed.

 

Blair winced. "Ham and eggs," he restated. "Somehow it doesn't sound as good when you say it."

 

"Shall we begin, then?" Satav gracefully pushed her tray aside, while Blair took the signal to commence his meal in earnest.

 

"First," Sorehl began, "allow me to express my regret for not conducting this debriefing sooner. As you are aware, recent events in adjoining sectors have required my presence at Ops." Satav looked across at Blair, now paused in mid-bite. The Klingon invasion of Cardassia was the foremost topic of onboard discussion, particularly its effects on Aegis. She wondered if he would share an analysis. Instead, the Vulcan merely glanced at his PADD, beginning at the top, "Security has determined that the individual apprehended aboard the USS Gandhi was indeed a Maquis operative."

 

Satav spoke first. "Just how did he evade our tricorder sweeps? No life scans registered."

 

"Cryptobiolin and triclenidil," Blair mumbled through chewed food. He set his fork down. "Chemical agents that can dull life signs to routine scans." Sorehl raised an eyebrow. Blair glanced over nervously, an over-abundant smile spreading on his face. "I, ah... saw Dr. Lekar's report."

 

Satav frowned, diverting attention. She drew on her medical background. "Those drugs have harmful side-effects. Irreversible ones."

 

Sorehl nodded. "It would seem the subject ignored those risks.” He tabbed the PADD, continuing. "Second issue, assignments. Onboard positions will remain unchanged. I have elected, however, to assign each of you official duty stations in the Ops Center to assume under Alert conditions. Blair, you have Science One, Primary Sensors. Satav, you will assume Science Two, Planetary Sensors."

 

Satav wondered about how these assignments would affect her project in non-biological sociology. Seemingly echoing her thoughts, Sorehl continued. "Undoubtedly, you will have specific questions for me. An informal setting would be ideal. I shall try to make myself available here each morning. Be aware, I have never led a department before. Suggestions are welcome. I have no ego to bruise."

 

"If you eat here every morning," Satav noted, sipping her Vulcan herbal mixture, "you should try the saya. It's really excellent."

 

"I shall take your word for it. I prefer to avoid beverages with stimulants." Sorehl paused, lowering his voice. "A final note. It is evident that Aegis' neighborhood has changed in recent days. The Maquis will undoubtedly use this lull in Cardassian strength to advance their cause. The Klingons… they are more difficult to predict. Be flexible." He glanced around the table. "Anything else? That is all, then."

 

The Vulcan stood, then leaned in toward the still-seated Blair, "Of course, you're not excused till that plate is clean."

 

Blair chuckled, watching the lieutenant stride away from the table. Good one, he reflected, for a Vulcan. Suddenly, the smile dropped. Did Vulcans joke? Blair glanced at his plate. He'd be sure to order less next time...

 

* * * * *

 

The turbolift doors parted, rousing the Vulcan from his recollection. It had been a good introductory meeting, even if it had kept him from joining the senior staff. He stepped out onto the uppermost deck, intent on learning what action Excalibur was considering toward the Dominion ship.

Edited May 23, 2004 by Sorehl