Getting to know you

Posted on Tue Sep 20th, 2022 @ 3:45am by Lieutenant Etrara Khalten & Lieutenant Commander Malakai Starr [Taylor]

Mission: MISSION 0 - History Speaks
Location: tba
1627 words - 3.3 OF Standard Post Measure

Etrara had something on her mind. Not that it was the only thing crammed into it but it was one of the more important ones. Her deputy Lieutenant Commander Starr. The one person that she should know, who he was and what he was capable of. There was no doubt, she thought that they may not be friends. For one because of her Klingon visage and persona most people had pre conceived ideas about her. She sipped her ractajino and ordered herself another. Taking it from her replicator she signed, something that she did well as it was her stock in trade expression. She tapped her comm. =/\= Lieutenant Khalten to Lieutenant Commander Starr=/\= she waited.

Malakai was in the gym, just completing his workout when his combadge chirped. Taking a towel, he wiped the perspiration from his face and tapped it. =^= Starr here Lieutenant, what can I do for you? =^= His tone both pleasant and inquisitive as he waited for a reply, he silently wondered what his department chief was contacting him about. He wasn't aware of any problems within the tactical department. So, he waited for a reply.

Etrara put down her drink. “ Lieutenant Commander, we haven’t really talked since I came aboard and I was hoping you could spend some time in your day to talk with me. I feel it important that as the tactical team we find out what, as humans say ‘makes each other tick’. We can be as formal or informal as you like.” She waited for his reply.

Malakai didn't rush an answer, what the lieutenant said made sense, they needed to know and trust each other, and Malakai knew he didn't trust easily.
"I am at your convivence Lieutenant, whenever and wherever you would like to meet is fine with me." He then added, "I believe informal works best for this get together Lieutenant."

“I am most happy to do that Lieutenant Commander, I am free most evenings and can make lunch. Which would you prefer and when are you free?”

"No need to make lunch Lieutenant, we can meet in the Elysium lounge and have a working lunch if you like and i am free right now." Malakai replied.

“Yes, that seems fine Sir. I will make my way there. Khalten out.”

"As the channel closed, Malakai commented to himself, "This should prove to be very interesting to say the least." As he left the gym and headed for the lounge and his meeting with Khalten.

The Lounge was extremely busy. Everyone, it seemed was taking the opportunity to have a working lunch. A few people nodded to her and a couple smiled, but many stared at the tall well built Klingon and a few whispered to each other as she attempted to find the table furthest away from anyone. She placed her paDD on the table top and ordered a glass of water. As usual she did not order anything to eat as she did not want anyone watching her consume food. Not that it really mattered as, long ago she had learnt the manners of humans and others and she detested Klingon food; all that wriggling put her off and she no longer consumed meat. She sat and sipped her water watching.

Malakai entered the lounge moments later, his sharp eyes scanning the area for Khalten and then he located the tall, well-toned Klingon woman, sitting at a table removed from the rest of the tables. "Lt. Khalten?" He inquired pleasantly, "I'm Malakai Starr. It is a pleasure to meet you. Have you already ordered?" he asked looking for a waitress or waiter.

Etrara stood for a moment and then retook her seat. “No, thank you, I do not eat…lunch but I think I will have a Vulcan green tea.”

"Oh, I see." Malakai replied as he sat down. "I think I'll have a vanilla milkshake. Have you ever tried one?"

She laughed, “I tried hot milk and I did not like that at all! But, if you recommend one I will try.”

"That's the spirit!" Malakai answered with a smile. He waved the waitress over, "Two vanilla milkshakes please, with a cherry on top." The waitress smiled and left to get their order. "I think you will like this, Lieutenant."

Etrara grimaced, “dare I ask what a cherry is?” She said, “and please call me Etrara.

Malakai smiled broadly, "A fruit. A tasty fruit that adds to the overall enjoyment of the milkshake." Malakai explained. "Etrara, I would be pleased if you call me Malakai."

She raised her eyebrows, “fruit you say!” Etrara was not quite sure about fruit, most of it seems to be quite squishy but, she was willing to give it a try.” The milkshakes arrived with what looked like a red ball mounted on the top. “I like the fact that it is cold, and looks frothy so, what does one do, drink the fruit?” She actually found herself to be enjoying his company.

Malakai shook his head, "No, you pull the stem out of the cherry and eat it. then you take a straw and draw the milkshake up through it or you can drink it from the glass. One word of warning, don't drink it fast or you'll get a brain freeze of a headache."

She took the cherry out of the frothy liquid and bit into it slowly, juice running down her chin. Laughing she took the glass and downed the drink in one leaving a milk moustache on her upper lip. For a moment she just sat there. “What is a brain…….AAAGGH” she screamed stood and hit the table with her fist. The table cracked and fell into two halves at her feet as she held her head.

Malakai looked at her, a bemused smile on his face. "You have just experienced your first brain freeze. I did warn you though. Just relax, the pain is momentary and will soon pass." He assured her.

Strata realised that people were laughing at her and her cheeks flamed. She picked up a cloth and wiped her face. “Let’s move to another table and try that again?” She whispered. They sat down, “shall we try this again Malakai?” She waved the server over who looked at the mess and then at the Klingon woman. She nodded her head and smiled. “Another two brain freeze milkshakes please?”Etrara asked. Looking him straight in the face she asked without preempt “do you feel any animosity towards me because I am a Lieutenant and your superior whilst you hold a higher rank?”

"Nope." Malakai answered simply. "Should I Lieutenant?" He asked honestly. His eyes on her as he waited and watched for her reaction.

“Honestly if our positions were reversed then I am not sure If I could be as forgiving as you, but, if you can live with it then I will not worry. I am sorry I had to ask, you may find me rather direct at times Malakai.” She ate her cherry and sipped her milkshake slowly as a look of joy spread across her face. “This is wonderful.” She visibly relaxed. “What do you think of our department currently?” She enquired.

"I can live with it,no problem Etrara. I prefer the direct approach as you will find me the same way." He nodded as she expressed her pleasure with the milkshake. "I am glad you like it. As for our department. It has the makings of being a truly exceptional one."

She nodded and produced her paDD. “I have been looking at how we can integrate tactical with other departments and the marines. I was hoping we could set up a monthly meeting with department heads, what do you think?”

"I think it is an excellent idea to get all the departments as well as the marines on the same page, united, so there are no surprises." Malakai answered.

Etrara nodded sipping her milkshake, you and I should meet every day to discuss any problems that crop up. Is there anything currently that you feel needs addressing?"

Malakai looked over his milkshake at her, "I think that is a good idea. That way we can curb any problem before it becomes major."

She nodded, “I think we should also have a representative from security as one of our main contacts. I do not know any of them well. Whom do you suggest?

"Go right to the top, Commander Lia Taylor. She is the security chief for the Elysium." Malakai replied as he had reviewed the Elysium's manifest before the Black Watch had come aboard the Elysium.

“Mmm,” Etrara finished her drink….excellent beverage although I never thought I would be drinking milk.” She smiled. “Will you contact her then Malaki?”

"I am glad you enjoyed and liked it." Malakai replied with a smile before nodding. "I will be glad to."

“So, I want you to have as much input as you want to have. You must have some ideas on how this can be formed up?”

"Oh. I'll give input and my voice will be heard." Malakai answered. "As to how to form things up. you first have to let them know that we're all equals here, and our goal is to keep the Elysium and the crew safe."

Etrara put her fingers together and leaned in to him. “Now that is interesting, do you know something that I do not, has there been problems before?” She asked Malakai

Malakai shook his head, "No, just the smart way to conduct business and not bruise egos." he replied with a smile.

“Well I will look forward to our first meeting then?” Etrara stood.

Malakai rose as well, "As do I Etrara, as do I.''