Meeting the New Chief of Intel
Posted on Wed Jun 5th, 2024 @ 8:36pm by Lieutenant JG Liora Valen & Commander Zhan V'Trell
Edited on on Fri Jul 26th, 2024 @ 8:07am
1,130 words; about a 6 minute read
Mission:
Carthage Rises
Location: Ready Room - Deck 1 - USS Carthage
Timeline: MD001 1500 hrs
Zhan sat in his Ready Room going over the bios of the new crew, while Anahera had the Conn. His CMO had been reassigned so Doctor Pierce was Acting CMO until further notice.
He was expecting an Intel officer and had left word for her meet with him when she came aboard.
Liora made her way to the ready room to meet Commander Zhan V’Trell. She diligently reviewed her new commander’s service record as part of her SOP (Standard Operating Procedure). She had also heard a few things about him during her time on Empok Nor. She was eager to meet the man in person. She had previous dealings with Orions, however it was her first encounter with one in Starfleet. She approached the room to the ready room and announced herself.
"Welcome aboard, Lieutenant, please take a seat." Zhan said. "Can I get you something to drink?" He asked.
"Thank you, sir. I'm glad to be here," she expressed, moving to an unoccupied chair across the desk from him. She settled into it comfortably. "I'll have some Jestral tea, please." It was a tea brewed from a Jestral plant native to Betazoid, similar to that of Earth's chamomile.
Zhan stood up went to the replicator and ordered Jestral tea, and a Coffee for himself.
Placing the drinks down, he said. "As I'm sure you're aware our mission is explore former Cardassian space, and provide aid where we can." Zhan said. "What you may not know is, that Starfleet Command has problems with several members of this crew, myself included and this whole endeavour is to keep us out of their hair."
Liora took a moment to process Commander Zhan’s word. She hadn’t expected such candidness. Keeping her expression neutral, she looked at the Commander. “What kind of problems?” she asked, reaching for her tea.
"Well since I'm an Orion, many believe I'm an agent for the Syndicate." Zhan said. "Commander Chernova is an ex-con, who exposed a much loved Admiral's plan to give a Federation colony full of people to a race of fungoid beings, to use as food and transport, in exchange for advanced technology and weapons."
“Are you, sir? An agent for the Syndicate?” she inquired, raising her teacup to her lips to conceal a playful smile. Her tone carried a hint of mischief, and playfulness. She jested however maintained a level of subtlety to gauge his reaction to her direct question.
"No." Zhan said. "My parents defected to the Federation in order to give me a better life, I would not risk that for a collection of brutes that just happen to share my skin colour."
Liora lowered her teacup. Her expression turned more serious as she listened. His words carried weight. “Thank you for sharing that,” she said with a sincere tone. “I apologize if my question seemed intrusive.” She said. Got to work on your timing. She thought to herself.
"I'm a scientist and humanitarian at heart, I just want those in need." Zhan said.
Liora nodded, reflecting on their mission as according to Starfleet Command. “I hope our mission will afford us opportunities for scientific discovery and to help those in need.” She didn’t think it wise to delve further into questions about his origins or about Commander Chernova. There should be plenty of opportunities for those conversations later.
"Anything else you'd like to know, Lieutenant?" Zhan asked.
“Is there anything else I need to know about our mission? Anything or anyone you’d like me to keep an eye on?” Liora asked.
"Not at this moment, you'll get a more precise mission at the senior staff meeting." Zhan said. "For now I'd just like to get to know the other senior officers aboard."
She nodded. "Is there anything you'd like to know about me?" she asked, sensing that the meeting might be drawing to a close. She took another sip of her tea.
"What made you choose Intell as a vocation?" Zhan asked.
“My brother and I both aimed to become Starfleet officers. He was certain about his path as a science officer, whereas I was uncertain,” she paused to take another sip of her tea. “During the Starfleet entrance exam, my scores caught the attention of Starfleet Intelligence. They approached me, and I found the opportunity interesting. And here I am.”
'Where does your brother serve?" Zhan asked.
"USS Pioneer." she replied.
"A fine ship. I believe the XO has family serving aboard her." Zhan said.
“That’s reassuring,” Liora remarked. “I’ve been anticipating a message from him to find out how he is settling in aboard the Pioneer. We typically keep in regular communication.”
"I like to keep in touch with my sister as well. Devi's a primary school teacher in San Francisco." Zhan said.
“It’s important to stay connected with family. How’s she finding teaching in San Francisco?” Liora asked.
"Oh, She loves it. San Francisco is such a melting pot of cultures and she learns something new each day." Zhan said.
Liora nodded. “That’s good. I enjoyed my time in San Francisco as well. It would be nice to visit sometime. Have you spent much time in San Francisco? Have you gone to visit your sister?”
"Yes, I spent most of the weeks, I had, with her, before heading to Empok Nor." Zhan said.
"Good. Do you have any other siblings? Liora asked.
"No, our parents stopped at two." Zhan said. "Devi and I lived on various science station, often there weren't any children around, so we made friends with the other scientists."
"I had a similar experience, except I have another brother," Liora said with a reminiscent smile, her thoughts drifting to Ethan. He was the biological child of her adopted parents, but to her, he was simply her brother. "Both sets of my parents were scientists," she chuckled, "but I never quite caught the passion for it."
"Science isn't everyone's cup of tea." Zhan said. "I won't hold it against you." He smiled.
"I appreciate that," Liora responded with a laugh. "Though I must admit, being around scientists all the time certainly gave me a unique perspective on the world."
"Glad to hear it." Zhan said. "If there's nothing else, you're dismissed."
Liora nodded. "Pleasure to meet you, sir. Looking forward to working with you." She stated as she put her cup down and headed out.
"You too." Zhan said. "I suggest you visit the XO next. Good day, for now."
A joint Post By
Lieutenant JG Liora Valen
Chief Intelligence Officer
USS Carthage
Commander Zahn V'Trell
Commanding Officer
USS Carthage
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