Introductions and Lunch
Posted on Wed Dec 27th, 2023 @ 8:04am by Lieutenant Ja'sol H'ros & Lieutenant Vura
Edited on on Wed Dec 27th, 2023 @ 10:44pm
0 words; about a 1 minute read
Mission:
Episode 14 - The Poseidon Adventure
Location: Ja'sol's Quarters - Deck 2 - USS Pioneer
Timeline: MD011 1200 hrs
Vura was sorting through all of the people that she had met thus far. Before the Pioneer left, she wanted to make sure that she met with all of the senior staff. So, she started down the list. To her surprise, she noticed that she had not yet met with the Chief Security Officer, a Bajoran. She wondered why he had not managed to make an appointment with her. Was he a person that tried to avoid counselors? Well, there was no way to find the answer without confronting him.
The Counselor asked the computer, "Computer, where is Lieutenant Ja'sol H'ros Re Seva?"
The computer responded. Lieutenant Ja'sol H'ros is currently in his quarters.
"Very well, can you direct me to his quarters, computer?"
Vura headed to the Chief Security Officer's quarters and rang the chime, patiently waiting for him to answer the door.
Ja'sol walked over to the door. " Enter." The door slid open. Ja'sol looked at the newcomer. "Please come in." He sat at the dining table. "So, what can I do for you today? " He asked while giving the newcomer a curious look and wondering what she wanted.
The Deltan returned a warm smile and strutted into the quarters. "What can you do?" she asked in a sultry voice. "Did you really ask that of a Deltan woman?" She laughed heartily. "Oh, that's rich." She switched the subject and asked, "May I call you Ja'sol?"
"Yes, you may call me ja'sol, and I was about to sit down for lunch. Would you care to join me?" he asked politely. "But I would also ask that you introduce yourself as well."
From behind the couch a cat came out and went directly to Vura and began rubbing up against her leg. "That would be Alejandro. It seems he likes you."
"Well, first of all, my name is Vura, and secondly, I don't know if Deltan pheromones work on felines. Third, I would very much love to stay for lunch."
Ja'sol walked over to the replicator. "I was going to be having a boneless and skinless chicken breast with melted Swiss cheese on top, a baked potato with sour cream and chives with a garden salad with a raspberry walnut vinaigrette and a large coffee. What would you like?"
"That's quite the meal," Vura told Ja'sol. "I'll take a Jibalian omelet with a Ktarian chocolate puff on the side."
Ja'sol thought a moment. "Well, it's a moderate meal. But after lunch I'll return to my office and finish up my reports for the day and then head over to the gym for my daily workout, so I'll need the protein for the lifting." He replicated her requested items and brought them to the table and sat them on the table in front of her and then retrieved his food. "You have nothing to drink, what would you like with your meal," he asked and trying not to overlook his guest's needs."
"Water would be fine," Vura replied. "Where would you like me to set myself?" she asked with a flirtatious smile.
He came back to the table and set the glass of cold water down. "Directly across from me would be good, I like looking a person in the eye while I talk with them. So, is your visit here today social or professional? And what do I owe the pleasure of the Chief Counselor stopping by just to see little ol' me? I am curious about that."
"Aw, darn," Vura told Ja'sol in mock disappointment. "Now you have gone and ruined it. I mean, first you asked for my name, and now you revealed that you already knew that I was the Chief Counselor. I would expect nothing less from a Chief of Security, but honestly, this could have been more fun if you pretended that you did not know a little longer." She pouted prettily at Ja'sol. "Ah, well, it still will not ruin lunch. And, you could call this both professional and social. After all, we're both Chiefs and we have not yet met. Admittedly, I'm new here but we will be working together, so.... Why not start here?"
"I am willing to us working together, with that I have no problem. It takes me a bit to open up to new people. As you well know, we are now helping the Cardassians rebuild after we've defeated them. I fought in those wars, both in space and on the ground. And before you ask, no I do not suffer from nightmares or stress. I also meditate a lot and workout to keep my mind and body in balance."
Ja'sol sat silent for a moment before he spoke again. "I'm going to ask you a favor, but I need to explain it first. On my last ship, the USS Venture, there was a member of the crew who I couldn't stand. She was a nosey meddling Betazoid who liked playing mind games, which I despise. And yes, she was also the Chief Counselor, so if we are to have a working relationship, then please no mind games. I'm pretty straight forward and I like to take time to get to know a person." He shrugged his shoulders." That's just the way I am," he stated simply and honestly, with no hint of judgement in his voice. "I know you're not her, But I thought it best if I told you about it up front to avoid problems in the future."
Vura leaned forward as Ja'sol started his monologue. She frowned at the mention of the Betazoid Chief Psychologist. "I appreciate you telling me this information," Vura informed Ja'sol genuinely. "I do like to have fun, I admit, but since I'm Deltan, that's all it can ever be. However, knowing what you have gone through, I'll make certain to curtail a good deal of it. Fair?"
"Thank you, and yes that is fair enough for me. I hope we can work well together. I know that your work is important and it helps me my job easier in the long run. If the crew has a good and capable counselor on board to deal with the everyday problems, then my job is that much easier to deal with and for that I'll thank you in advance. My job is difficult enough as is without a bunch of hotheaded stir crazies running around the ship."
"I'll do my best to keep your job simple," Vura replied with a small smile and then laughed, "My gut reaction was to tell you that I'm very glad that I have a big, strong man to protect us, but I am keeping my word to try and curtail myself with you," she acknowledged. "Seriously, though, everyone's job on this ship is important in some way. However, as you noted, we have similar functions, so I figured that I should meet you and learn about any concerns you had, as well, as get to know my colleague."
Ja'sol chuckled. "Well, it is part of my job to protect the crew and the ship, as well as enforce federation law on the frontier worlds and even act as soldiers in combat defending federation interest. I've got a good group of people in my department who I can trust to be there in the thick of things and have my back. I will say I was a little surprised when I first came to the ship, since I was the only male in the department. But I wouldn't trade a single one of them for anything, every one of them does their job above and beyond and I am proud of each of them," he stated with a certain amount of pride.
"I believe you when you say that," Vura replied confidently and smiled at Ja'sol. "You have been here a lot longer than I have. What concerns should I have regarding any crewmembers or morale?"
Ja'sol thought for a moment. "We've got a good crew, but they've been tossed up against pretty tough assignments as of late. Like the Prison we had to investigate with Romulan interference, a cult that operated and almost ran the prison and dismembered body parts washing up on shore. So, you've got work cut out for you, but then again, no one ever joins Starfleet because they think it's going to be easy. "
"I'm not completely convinced that last sentence of yours is true. However, I would agree that Starfleet officers need to be ready for anything. Can you tell me about those hard missions and who, in your opinion, might have been affected by them?"
"No one joins Starfleet because they think it'll be easy? " He asked. " I'll admit that some of the younger recruits join because of the thrill of excitement and wonder of seeing new new and exotic places and experiences they can't find anywhere else. The enlisted academy is one or two years depending on the division your training for, and of course the Officers academy as you well know is four years with the exception of medical which is five years. "
Ja'sol pondered Vura's last question. "As for who might be affected by our last mission, I haven't noticed any abnormal behavior as of late. I strongly encourage members to come to me if they have any problems or to seek a counselor's assistance if it's something I'm not suited to deal with. After our last mission they had a blowout party to get rid of the stress. If you'd like I could have you sit in on a briefing shift and could give you some time to talk with them, that way they'd know that they can come to you if they need to. Sound fair?"
"That would be wonderful," Vura replied enthusiastically. She had her doubts that everyone was over everything. Her personal meetings with some crew had told her otherwise and left her with more questions than answers.
"That should be no problem then. I can set it up as a group session and step out of the room so they can speak freely or I can set it up as a one on one. Whichever you prefer, either is fine by me. I have some fine young officers and crewmen under my command and I think they could benefit from your services." Said Ja'sol. "This isn't my first taste of battle, nor will it be my last. In my third year at the academy we were rushed to Mars to help defend the shipyards and the colonist from the Synth attacks. I was awarded a purple heart before I graduated from the academy. Then afterwards there was the anti-piracy, smuggling and drugs trafficking task forces, as well as taking down some slavers here and there. And of course, we went to the aid of Starbase 50 when the Breen attacked the station. " He shrugged his shoulders. "Not my first rodeo and not my last either."
Vura considered Ja'sol's words. She was a little concerned that he had such a taste for battle. Was he surpressing some of his own traumas? She tilted her head thoughtfully and said, "I think that I would prefer one on one sessions. You would be amazed what people feel free to say when there are not others around. There are often fears about being judged, consciously or subconsciously in a group. I could go into an entire discussion on group dynamics, but I fear that might put you to sleep and I'd rather not cause that."
"If you're able to help some of my security personnel then I whole heartedly welcome it. Some of them are pretty green still and haven't had the experience to mentally deal with such issues yet. That's why I always suggest after we have a mission like the prison we had to go in and help clean up that they speak with a counselor if they are having problems. If I see that they are still having problems and haven't been to see a counselor, then I'll make it an order. I need my people with their heads on straight and not melting down in the middle of a crisis."
"Not all problems are obvious. Even if someone does not think they have a problem, it is good to have someone that you can talk to without judgment."
Ja'sol thought a moment. "I agree. And, if I thought anyone from my department or even myself had such a problem, then I would have them or myself seek counseling. I focus myself with martial arts training and meditation." He rolled his eyes up towards the ceiling briefly. "And other activities and exercises to keep stress levels down."
"You do realize that you do not have to be so roundabout when you want to say sex," Vura replied with a small laugh. "Unless you were not making an innuendo, in which case, I apologize. However, it is fascinating how Terrans have so many innocent and conflicting views on discussing intercourse."
It was Ja'sol's turn to laugh. "It's a good thing I'm not human then. Eldorians aren't so shy when it comes to sex. In fact, some people say that we're hedonistic at times. I do seek out companionship from time to time when I have the need," he said with a shrug.
"A luxury that you have and I do not," Vura observed with a matter-of-fact shrug.
"From what I understand they have relaxed the regulations on Deltans slightly. All you have to do is find someone to declare that they want a relationship with you that is intended for marriage and get approval of the CMO and the Captain and be married within six months so as not to affect the crew's morale or performance. I also know that species with pheromones are required to suppress them as well. I know that has to make thing difficult for you at times. Eldorans have a gift as well, I can't read your thoughts, but I can sense what you're feeling. I can tell that you've gotten to the point that you don't let it bother you that much being the professional counselor that you are."
"I wish it was that simple, regarding Deltans. Now, we certainly can engage with other Deltans. There is at least one other Deltan on board, so should I desire basic intimacy, it is available. So, in that, you are correct, the lack of physical contact is not an issue at this time. I stand by my oath."
"The original ruling from Starfleet came out in the 2260's about Deltans having to be celibate. But Starfleet has matured since then, not even Starfleet can deny you your reproductive rights. It's taken a century to do such, but there are still limitations," stated Ja'sol.
"If you mean that we are permitted to have intimacy with other Deltans in Starfleet, then you are correct. However, normally there are no other Deltans on ships. We're not a species that likes to leave Delta IV, normally. Remember, our mere touch will drive non-Deltans into frenzied desire. Physical intimacy can lead to madness. It would be irresponsible of Starfleet to allow us to do more, as much as it pains me to say it."
" Well I guess I learned something new today. I was always told that the pheromones from Deltans were airborne like the Orions, I guess I was wrong. " Ja'sol admitted. " It must make things rough on you at times, being the only one of your species around for lightyears. Ja'sol sighed. " I know how that feels, I'm currently the only Eldoran in Starfleet that I'm aware of. My people don't quite trust Starfleet as of yet, we've only recently gotten out from under the rule of the Romulans and aren't so trusting of outsiders as of yet. "
"There are a great many misconceptions about Deltans, but frankly, I think we like the mystique." She posed cutely and then remembered her promise. "Sorry. Force of habit." She sat up more straight in her chair to make Ja'sol more comfortable and to try and diminish her flirtatious ways. "There are things that are more difficult than being the only Deltan on a Starship. However, this ship is exceptional, should I need to commune with my species. Very rare indeed."
Ja'sol nodded. "I understand force of habit all but too well. I have my little ticks as well, but those are mostly reserved for when I'm investigating a case." Ja'sol looked at Vura and thought for a moment. "I do have a question for you about Deltans, if I may." He paused briefly before continuing." It is my understanding that Deltan females wear ornate head pieces at times. Is that personal preference? Religious or ceremonial?" he asked out of curiosity.
"Personal preference," she answered simply. "And don't be shy to ask. I know that I won't be," Vura told Ja'sol, turning on some of the charm. "I find bald to be beautiful. Why not flaunt it?" She wrinkled her nose lightly as she continued. "Besides, who wants those silly head pieces? They obscure all the beautiful earrings that I can put on. Just too busy for my taste."
"I only asked out of curiosity because while I was at the academy some years ago, there was a female Deltan cadet who always wore those headpieces and complained to her girlfriends about how heavy they were. So, I've wondered about it for a while now. So, it is something akin to a human female wearing a hair accessory, a personal preference. Thank you for the insight, it's never good to assume on a culture that you're not fully versed in."
"Beauty can be painful," Vura replied laughing. "And we Deltans are the most beautiful of all," she informed Ja'sol without a hint of conceit.
"In all my time in Starfleet, I have only met three Deltans. All were female and I will admit that they were all very attractive, But I have yet to see or even meet a male Deltan. I could look it up in the database when I have the time to do so. I imagine that the males are a rather handsome lot, if they're appearance is akin to the females of the species. I find it interesting to learn everything I can about a species I am not well-versed in." He paused a moment and thought. "For example, placing your hands upon your hips is a innocent gesture amongst humans and several other races that i am aware of. However, if you do such to an Eldoran you're likely to start a fist fight. It's about the same as a human giving the middle finger to someone."
"That's a rather lengthy discussion regarding cultures and their etymology and one that I'm not prepared for today." She rose from her chair. "I would hate to cut this short, but I do have an appointment soon. We will have to do this again."
Ja'sol gave a nod. "Perhaps we can," he answered. "Have a good day counselor. Besides, I do need to get back to my duties as well."
"Until then." Sauntering out of Ja'sol's quarters, she made a mental note to schedule more time with the Chief Security Officer.
A Joint Post By
Lieutenant Ja'sol H'ros
Chief Security/Tactical Officer, USS Pioneer
Lieutenant Vura
Chief Counselor, USS Pioneer
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