JDL|aCO&CSEC;/CTAC|Cmdr. Dhej & Arrain tr'Verelan-"Unexpected Guests"

Posted on 241501.03 @ 4:26am by Arrain Maec tr'Verelan

Mission: Holy Cow

A Federation ship. Maec had seen schematics, pictures, models, and even a few interiors at the war museum above Jezerek but actually walking through one was well…entirely different. Nervous trepidation after stepping out of the bomber had slowly given way to guarded fascination as the trio was led through the Enterprise’s cavernous halls by their escort. They had passed so many aliens as they traveled the ship’s corridors that it almost seemed zoo like- a Trill here, a Bajoran there, and even a stray Caitian had crossed their path as they headed towards the primary lift. Turning to look back Maec noticed poor Fveirrolh languishing slightly behind gazing doe-eyed at every sight they passed. Fortunately Mhai seemed more composed as she wore a warm smile and as he found somewhat irritating seemed to wave eccentrically at everyone they passed.

As he gazed around it was readily apparent to Maec that on the Enterprise they were the strangers and save for a Vulcan who had appeared blissfully unaware of their presence the rest of the ships’ crew gawked as they passed. When they reached the lift the young human woman who was leading them pressed on the console and turned to face Maec. According what she had said the woman was an ‘Ensign’ which from what Maec could remember was equivalent to a Farein within the Galae.

“The Captain is making his rounds so I will be taking you to wait in his ready room.” She spoke as her blue eyes seemed to wander around. Finally she lifted her finger into the air “actually now that I think about it since there are three of you so maybe the observation lounge would be best?”

Maec stared at her wondering if this question was being directed towards him or not since he was not entirely familiar with the ship. Her toned seemed whimsical but Federation standard was not his strong point. He looked towards Mhai to see if she would say something but she seemed continent to wear that irritating and overly friendly smile. Deciding it best not to say anything Maec simply waited and followed the Ensign into the lift once it arrived. It took about three minutes to reach its destination and the trio was casually led through the ships large bridge. The bridge personnel all glanced at them for a moment when the trio exited the lift but quickly turned those curious gazes back towards their stations. The woman led them through a door and into a large conference room.

“Please wait here- the Captain will join you shortly. If you need anything please feel free to contact the Computer for help.” She gestured towards one of the wall panels and then saw herself out of the room.

Once she was gone Fveirrolh fanned himself as he collapsed into one of the empty seats “did you see that strange beast? With the teeth, whiskers, and those massive claws? I felt as if my life was flashing before my very eyes as if the dangerous thing would reach out and tear the flesh from my bones!”

“That thing” Mhai’s tone flared with irritation at the young servant’s bare ignorance “is a Caitian.” She reached out towards Fveirrolh’s raven hair but stopped herself and simply waved her hand at the large viewing windows that lined the opposite wall. “You would be smart, asking a lot I know, to calm yourself and mask your nescience.” She smirked “perhaps you should even go friend them!”

“Friend them!” Fveirrolh nearly jumped out of his seat as he stood up “radical! That thing…that kayshian is one foul looking beast. How can I friend such a thing?” He looked at Maec “wouldn’t you agree sir?”

Maec’s hand reached out and pressed down on Fveirrolh’s shoulder sending him back into the chair. “Enough, both of you. We are-” He paused as the doors hissed opened and looked up towards figure standing within the door frame.

Karim hadn't made it to his chair before an Ensign came to his side and said "Excuse me sir, you are needed in the Observation Lounge. We have received guests." Looking at her curiously, he said "Guests Ensign? Why was I not informed that we had a docking? We are traveling towards our new mission you know." Looking chastised, she cringed and replied "I'm not sure sir. I was advised that it was a quick docking while at warp sir. They apparently are here under orders from Starfleet sir."

Sighing, he nodded to the officer at OPS to keep command of the bridge and quickly made it to the conference room. He hadn't even made it through the door when he saw a group of Romulans at the table. Quickly regaining his composure, he stepped fully into the room and approached the group. Trying to appear firm but cordial he said "Forgive my confusion, but would someone mind telling me why 3 Romulan officers are sitting in my observation lounge without my knowledge?"

Maec tilted his head slightly confused by what the man just said. His eyes focused on the collar and he quickly recognized the rank but still the man’s words were confusing to him. Did Starfleet not inform him or had they all been misled from the beginning? A flare of anxiety began to tinge in his fingers as they started to tap on the table.

“Without your knowledge?” Mhai finally spoke up and then pulled a strange device from her pocket- well not entirely strange as they had seen them being handled by the Starfleet crewmembers throughout the ship. “I believe you will find the answer to your question on this device- this PADD.” She approached him and held it out for him to take “though I must admit I find it peculiar that you were not informed of the officer exchange...but” she paused and looked away almost sheepishly “with the current state of things in the Federation I guess it’s not too surprising for such a thing to get lost in the noise.”

“krehii fvakh rreki?” Fveirrolh looked at Maec a line of concern beginning to sketch across his forehead.

Maec simply shrugged.

Stepping forward Karim took the padd, and quickly reviewed it. Sighing, he placed it on the table beside him and said "I'm sorry everyone. As you have mentioned, being out here in the proverbial wilderness has left me a bit out of touch with the updates with Starfleet. I had requested a replacement for a department head who'd been reassigned, I just didn't know it would be with an exchange officer. Please let me introduce myself, I am Commander Karim Dhej, Acting Commanding Officer."

So the guess was right. Maec lowered his head in a bow “It is an honor to meet you Commander Dhej. I am Maec i-Ahaefvthe tr’Verelan the exchange officer assigned to assist you for the next year in your Tactical and Security departments.” He turned and pointed to Mhai “Mhai i-Kihai t’Neril who will be studying Federation culture and” he gestured at Fveirrolh “is a personal aid to assist both of us.”

Fveirrolh nodded his head apparently not understanding what was being said but seemed to assume it was something positive as he wore a wide grin as Maec spoke.

Nodding in response, Karim replied "It is an honor to meet you as well Arrain tr'Verlan, as well as your colleagues. I assume you've been brought up to date with our current mission? Actually before we get to that, did you have a high warp ship docking occur? I just didn't want anyone poking around your vessel without your permission."

"Yes, we docked- though it is not a real concern if anyone pokes around as they will not find anything of interest. It would be ill of us indeed to bring too many gifts as guests." Maec's smile held and edge "and yes we are aware of your current mission. At least as much as Starfleet would know which apparently might be less then we had thought."

Smiling very slightly, he said "Well regardless of how you came aboard, I am pleased to have you aboard. I will have someone show you to your quarters, and once you are settled Arrain, I would like you to report to your post on the bridge."

Maec nodded "Very well. I look forward to working with you."

"I do as well Arrian. I'll see you soon." he replied, and grabbing the padd, returned to the bridge to read it more thoroughly.

=/\=End Log=/\=
Commander Karim Dhej
Acting Commanding Officer
USS Enterprise, 1701-E

Arrain Maec i-Ahaefvthe tr’Verelan
Chief Tactical/Chief Security Officer
USS Enterprise, 1701-E

Mhai i-Kihai t’Neri (NPC apb Thomas)

Fveirrolh (NPC apb Thomas)