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Science Station - The Arrival

Posted Oct. 26, 2018, 6:21 p.m. by Lieutenant Nijix Tavim (Chief of Security) (Janice B.)

Posted by Captain Felix Rhodes (Captain) in Science Station - The Arrival
The science station hung lazily in space along the shared border of three powers. Granted the Romulans had become somewhat less of a power since the Hobus event, and the Klingons more hungry for territory as a result, but the science station still sat there and collected it’s data, served as a base of operations for vessels exploring the newly ‘opened’ areas of the old Romulan Star Empire.

It was also where Captain Felix Rhodes, formerly of Starfleet Command’s Fleet Operations, and prior to that Captain of the U.S.S. Broadsword, waited for the Challenger to arrive and deliver cargo to the station, a very specific piece of cargo, apparently. What it was, Felix had no idea. Once the Challenger arrived, the orders he brought with him would be delivered to the Academy vessel and result in the current Captain, Weir, being assigned a new and urgent duty to take effect immediately. There was already another Starfleet vessel waiting for the Challenger to transport the Captain to his new assignment.

Adjusting his collar slightly Felix stood and looked out the window of the stations small lounge at the stars outside, each only a small speck of light, but each one holding a story dating back millions of years. Some held life, others the memory of such but all of them, were a discovery to be made or already made. For the Cadets on the Challenger, it was the wide open spaces for which they had prepared for four years at Starfleet Academy. It was the promise of their future, exploration, and experiencing things that had never yet been discovered. It was why they did what they did.

Looking at his reflection in the window, Felix noted the lines on his face and the grey in his hair. He was no longer the naive Cadet, the brash Lieutenant or even the confident Commander. He had seen war with the Dominion, lost friends, loved ones. Explored places and seen things he could fill memoirs with, but he was not yet old by his reckoning. A shade over 50, he didn’t think he looked it although those lines around his eyes and the grey flecks in his hair and beard betrayed him.

He had brought with him an Officer at the other end of her career, his new Chief of Security who by all appearances, was young and promising. With Trill however looks were deceiving and Felix knew that his new Security Chief most likely had more locked away in those memories of hers than he would have from his whole life to come. With a small smile, he glanced at the time piece above the Lounges bar. She was due here soon, as was most of the other off duty staff around meal time. With limited time to talk, Felix hoped he could get to know her a little more before the Challenger dropped out of Warp. He was far more comfortable talking to his crew off duty than on, and unlike many Captains, enjoyed getting to know them better.

Captain Rhodes, Incoming CO

Nijix didn’t quite look the part she was supposed to when she walked to the lounge. Unless someone glanced at the pips on her uniform, they might’ve actually mistaken her for a Security cadet passing time and over excited for the Challenger to arrive. Against her forearm rested a common PAAD while her other hand wielding a pen stylus, its tip swirled across the screen to jot down quick sketches of any individuals that caught her interest. It was one of many little exercises she used to draw on memories and connect with the previous’ hosts lives her symbiote held within.

Occasionally her bright blue eyes flickered up to ensure she didn’t bump into anyone else using the corridors, then dipped back down to the PAAD. Her arm made each movement with a purpose. Several thumbnail sketches of officers decorated her screen, crude representations that only focused on what got stuck in her mind.

Realizing she was approaching the Lounge entrance, Raji’s familiar presence become dominate. His memories scratched at her mind as if to tell her to make a good impression and come in without distraction. Agreeing with him, she quickly powered down her PAAD then slipped it into her side satchel.

Nijix smiled at his confidence surging into her usually timid nature. It was always a comfort for her and she enjoyed feeling the aspects from the prior hosts enter her. The sensation reminded her she was never truly alone because four others had walked the same path she did now. Sometimes her imagination took over, giving each one a voice to bestow wisdom or bounce off of.

The Trill pushed her thoughts into the present while she felt her eyes instinctively surveyed the area. She easily singled out her would be CO based on his file picture, her lips curled into a confident smile.

When she approached him, her attention drifted toward the sight of the Challenger. It was to be her career’s first test. A swarm of butterflies darted along her stomach before they faded into oblivion. Memories edged to the surface to remind her she wasn’t the only host to feel inadequate for a new position, but the emotion would shortly pass with time. This made it easier to overcome.

“Captain Rhones. Lieutenant Nijix Tavium, I look forward to serving with you, sir,” she said proudly then followed up with a more casual statement, “It always amazes me to watch a ship pull out of warp with such grace. My drawings or paintings could never mimic the beauty accurately.”

-Lt. Nijix Tavium, CoS


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