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Posted on Thu Jul 4th, 2024 @ 8:40pm by Lieutenant N'vok Holv & Lieutenant Anna Esquivias

Mission: Season 6 HIATUS
Location: N'vok's quarters
Timeline: Shortly after the Arena mission
1017 words - 2 OF Standard Post Measure

N'vok had laid the table with semi-formal dishware and a selection of dishes that had been popular at the Academy the year when Anna had graduated. A set of origami flowers provided color.

The Vulcan waited patiently for his guest to arrive.

Anna arrived at N'vok's door. She activated the chime.

"Enter," said N'vok standing. "Welcome, Ms Esquivias. I hope there is something here that you will like." He stepped around and pulled out a chair for Anna.

"Thank you, N'vok," Anna said as she came in. She took a set in the chair that he pulled out for her. "Oh! Beans and rice! Just the way they made it at this little place when I was in the Academy!"

N'vok nodded and returned to his chair. "I am pleased that it pleases you, Ms Esquivias. I hope that you are settling in well. The Elysium is not at her best but it is still a lovely ship."

"I am, thank you," she said. "It's good to be back aboard a starship."

N'vok nodded. "Please, feel free to begin," he said with a gesture to the food.

Anna took a bite. "Just like it used to be!"

"While it was under . . . better circumstances, I was away from Starfleet for over twenty years before taking this post on the Elysium," he said, after having a bite of salad. "So, I have also had to adapt to changes in Starfleet from my earlier time in service. If I might be of any help in assisting you to adapt to things, please let me know."

"It hasn't been that long for me," she said. "Starfleet hasn't changed much. What I've been through..." She shrugged. "I don't want to dwell on it. I just want to feel normal again."

"That is understandable," said N'vok. "Briefly putting on my scientist hat, should you feel comfortable in the future talking about what you experienced, such information would be useful for our understanding of the local cultures. But that is entirely at your option."

"I think I understand the culture of the slavers well enough," she said with a scowl. "Not so sure about anyone else. They weren't exactly in their normal, natural condition."

N'vok raised his hand. "As I said, for another time. I was not seeking to spoil the mood. My apologies, Ms Esquivias."

"It's all right," Anna said. "I understand."

"Now, how are you finding your department? Operations is vital to science, you keep all of our scanners and computers running properly," he said.

"I am still settling in a little," Anna admitted, "but everyone has been great."

"Starfleet is a family," said N'vok. "And we are glad to have you back. If science can be of any help, let me know."

"I will," Anna said. "I appreciate it."

N'vok nodded. "What else can be done to help you feel more at home? I often host philosophical discussions over dinner, just to get people talking and thinking if such is of interest to you."

"What sort of philosophical discussions?" Anna asked.

"Whatever people wish to discuss, of shoes and ships and sealing wax, of cabbage and kings," replied N'vok. "I have no wish to restrict discussion only to facilitate communication."

"Interesting," was all Anna said in response, though she seemed to be mulling over the idea in her head.

N'vok raised an eyebrow. "I would expect you to approve as communications is part of Operations' portfolio."

"Oh, I would like to come," Anna clarified.

"I am glad to hear that," said N'vok. "It is a good chance to get to know some of the other crew."

"You promise you're not going to quiz me about T'Plana-Hath or anything?" She smiled and took another bite.

"If you wish," said N'vok. "It is more free-wheeling than dilectic. Discussing government structures, cultural roots, speculating on what might be happening with pop culture back in the Federation. Just a chance to talk and stretch one's mind for a bit."

She laughed. "I was wondering what had happened with pop culture back in the Federation!"

"We can catch you up a little bit on that," said N'vok. "But I was watching a mystery series and I still do not know was behind it all."

"Which series?" she asked and then shook her head. "Nevermind. I wouldn't recognize it anyway. It was a traditional narrative story?"

"Yes, set on Star Base One during the early years of the Federation," said N'vok. "The historical details were expertly done."

"How early?" she asked. "Back when the first four members were still a bit unsure about the whole thing and Starfleet was still used to being an Earth organization?"

"Yes, that period. A very exciting time for the Federation and one that could have gone disastrously wrong," said N'vok.

"That does sound interesting," Anna said. "How closely does the mystery tie to the history?"

"Very well, the Andorians and Tellarites are waiting for an excuse to blame the other side, the Vulcans are actively obstructionist when anything touches on them and the Terrans are clueless on how to deal with the others," said N'vok. "While the murder is fictional, historical characters are woven into the plot and setting with attention to detail. Not that it is my area of specialty but I have not noticed any historical inaccuracies."

"I have the series if you would be interested in watching."

"I might," Anna said, "though I am honestly not that in the mood for passive entertainment. I want to get back into the world."

N'vok nods. "What would you like to do? A nice walk to hydroponics perhaps? Or to the forward observation bay? More strenuous activity seems counter-indicated right after a meal."

"The forward observation bay might be nice," Anna said. "I don't mind artificial entertainment either. Just the sort where I get a part."

N'vok stood and offered a hand up to Anna. "Then let us go. There is a holodeck version of Moonlight Murder but it followed up on C plots that do not reveal the answer to the main plot."

Anna took his hand. "Sounds like fun!"