What to bring

Posted on Sun Mar 8th, 2026 @ 10:18am by Legate Andrinn Orin

Mission: Season 6: Episode 6: Conglomerate
Location: Deck Two-Andrinn Orin's Office
Timeline: MD1, 0630 hours
733 words - 1.5 OF Standard Post Measure

[ON:]

Andrinn had gotten up early to start work because he knew that they were getting close to Teevs' homeworld. One of the things that he had thought a lot about lately was about how Teevs and his people perceived meaning and how literal it could mean sometimes. Much like the whole butterflies in the stomach part, which Andrinn and Teevs had talked about recently.

Andrinn had talked with Teevs either in the briefing recently or outside of it about maybe bringing in some idioms. Maybe use them as a way to bridge the two people or as a cultural offering. Andrinn had been working on making a database full of them, but wasn't sure what ones to bring. There were just so many that could be awesome, but there were some that could possibly start a diplomatic incident.

So, naturally, Andrinn pulled up his little database full of those idioms and started to sift through what he had and what might be a good one. One of the first ones that popped up was a Trill quote about first contact and it made him chuckle as he read it and read it again.

"A pool does not fill up faster because you stare at it," was the idiom in question. Andrinn remembered this quote because both of his parents would quote it to him as he was growing up. Living in a house full of diplomats and becoming one himself, Andrinn appreciated it because it meant that things come together naturally, including first contact and diplomatic talks. You can't force one side or another to make it work any faster or slower than anyone wants.

Flipping through the database, another idiom came up that was important too. It came from the El-Aurians this time and it was definitely something that fit them, as they were a race of listeners. "Listen longer than you speak. Time always finishes the sentences" was the quote this time. Basically, remember to listen and observe too because everyone has their own voice and intentions. Their own ways of understanding the world and universe around them. Just make sure to listen!

Andrinn let out a soft sigh as he thought about his parents and how he missed them. They were some of the people that taught him how to be a diplomat and shaped him into the man that he was today. As Andrinn was getting ready for today and thinking about first contact with the Lonions, he just missed being able to talk to his mom about making first contact with such an interesting species.

Snapping back though, Andrinn continued onwards with his database. One of the Betazoid idioms and sayings that came up made him appreciate what the Lonians might be feeling about this whole first contact too. While the Lonians were a space fairing species, this was their first time meeting a species from the Milky Way Galaxy. So, they must've been nervous. So, the Betazoid quote of "The stars don’t judge the mind. Only the choices." was especially meaningful today. It basically meant that don't judge someone by your own assumptions or fears. Let their actions speak for them, alongside what they might say. Especially if they say something early on that might be mean or made out of fear too because they don't know what's going on either. Let their actions speak too.

Making a note of all of the idioms thus far, Andrinn continued onwards and realized what time it was. He starred back at his computer and said, "Is it that late already? I need to head off to the transporter room before I'm late! Computer, transfer the entire database for idioms into PADD #3154-A111 please." The computer chirped and said, "Transfer in progress. Transfer will be completed in approximately 3 minutes, 12 seconds."

Tapping the PADD against his free hand, Andrinn couldn't help but chuckle and said, "No time like a computer waiting to upload or download something. Sorry, Avalon, if you're listening! You're doing a wonderful job. Just hate waiting."

A few minutes later, the upload of the database was completed and Andrinn grabbed a few more things and headed out of his office to the transporter room to be beamed down with the rest of the landing party. As he was leaving, Andrinn said, "Here's to making some more History."

[OFF:]

Legate Andrinn Orin
Chief Diplomatic Officer
USS Elysium