Saddle up

Posted on Tue Feb 12th, 2019 @ 8:19am by Lieutenant Commander S'hib

Mission: MISSION 0 - History Speaks
Location: DS9
767 words - 1.5 OF Standard Post Measure

"Wonder how long I'll be here." S'hib thought, staring at the large red gear of a door rolling open. Cadets and Ensigns alike flooding past him to get onboard Deep Space Nine.

Normally he would have been watching everyone, studying, listening and learning from all the various social interactions. But after eight hours couped up with the same dozen humanoids he was rather exhausted.

Besides, everyone was so eager to leave and head for their next assignment or docked ship.

S'hib, on the other hand, was the last to even take a single step, letting out an audible sigh as he ducked under the airlock and onto the station. His first assignment would be aboard the U.S.S Elysium, and he had no idea when she would arrive.

Soon enough he was the only one walking through the station's corridors and towards the promenade, everyone else had practically sprinted past him. But then again, S'hib wasn't in any rush to go sit in his temporary quarters for what might be weeks let alone days.

"Guess I'll get something to eat." He mumbled walking into the station's promenade, moving a hand up to rub his left eye while looking around. Trying to take in this new and bizarre environment, The sprawling catwalks and tightly packed staircases all busy with people.

A lot more people than on the boat he just arrived with.

It must have been a logistical nightmare for the station security S'hib questioned with a frown, looking around at the melting pot of different races.

They were all trying to swindle each other out of something, At least that's what he had heard at the academy. Then again, he heard a lot of things at the academy.

"Excuse me, Ma'am?" he queried, moving towards a humanoid behind a large market stall, colourful fabrics and jewellery folded and hung every which way. "Where can I go to get some food?" S'hib continued once he caught her attention.

"Down that way." She motioned Irritatedly before quickly shuffling over to real customers.

"Ok," S'hib whispered, confounded by her tone. "That way." He said sarcastically cheerful while spinning on a single hoof and slowly meandering down the promenade.

But after a few minutes of walking S'hib couldn't decide what was worse, being brushed off so nonchalantly by the woman at the stall, or having nearly everyone else he walked past stare at him. In all fairness, he was most likely the first Sequus to ever visit DS9.

Still, he wasn't quite used to the attention even after 6 years in the academy. It was remarkably easy to bump into someone who had never met, let alone heard about his race.

"This smells like the right direction," S'hib muttered as his nostrils flared, A violent wall of spices replacing what was odourless recycled air moments ago.

S'hib squeezed past a few patrons beneath glowing signs and extravagant decor, and soon enough was stood awkwardly at the bar.

Even hunched, he was at least a full head above everyone else.

"Hello stranger," Said a toothy-grinned Ferengi gliding over to his newest customer. "Can I get you some hay? Maybe an apple?" He quipped with a slight giggle.

Standing up to his full height and leaning over the counter, S'hib looked down at the Ferengi whos smile was now slowly uncurling at the sides. "I'll have a salad." He snorted with a slight glare.

"Certainly!" The Ferengi replied with a burst of nervous laughter, scurrying down the other end of the bar.

This was going to be a long day S'hib thought as he sat down on a nearby stall, Running a hand through his mane and exhaling deeply.

"Why the long face?" The Ferengi asked curiously a few moments later while sliding a silver bowl full of numerous alien leaves and vegetables in front of S'hib. "Oh wait, that wasn't supposed to be a joke by the way." He added suddenly aware of the connotations once S'hib snapped his head up with a burning glare.

"It's ok." S'hib finally smirked. "I've heard them all before." Shaking his head slightly while tilting the bowl towards himself with one hand. "Say, you got any dressings or sauces." He added looking up at Ferengi who was still smiling. "I'm not exactly on a diet."

"Of course!" The Ferengi exclaimed excitedly while scrounging up an armful of bottles. "Name's Quark by the way." He added, placing them awkwardly on the counter and extending his hand.

"S'hib," He said shaking Quarks hand. "Thanks for the food."

-OFF-

Ensign S'hib
Security Officer
USS Elysium - Currently on DS9