Greetings with the Alien Archaeologist
Posted on Sat Jun 15th, 2024 @ 4:02pm by Lieutenant Narin Valen & Lieutenant Mignon Mejia
Edited on on Mon Jun 17th, 2024 @ 10:35pm
0 words; about a 1 minute read
Mission:
Episode 15 - The Evil That Lies Beneath
Location: Science Lab 3 - Deck 6- USS Pioneer
Timeline: MD002 1400 hrs
Narin found Mignon in one of the science labs, knowing she had been occupied with routine tasks during her recovery. With a nod of acknowledgment from the doorway, he approached her and introduced himself. "Hello, I'm Narin Valen, the new Assistant Chief Science Officer,"
She looked up from her console. "Hi. Welcome aboard. I'm Mignon Mejia, resident archaeologist. Well, one of them, anyway. Alyssa has far more experience than I do." She didn't mind it, as she loved talking shop with Alyssa when she could.
"Thank you, Mignon," Narin responded with a smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm looking forward to collaborating with both you and Alyssa. I'm sure there's much I can learn from both of you."
Mignon gave him her full attention. "What's your expertise? We don't have a large department, but it's surprisingly diverse."
"My specialty is exobiology and planetary sciences," Narin replied. "I'm fascinated by how life evolves on different planets and how various planetary environments shape that evolution."
"I'm fascinated with how life and civilizations develop, too, but more from a history/anthropology/archaeology focus." She smiled at Narin. "I've done more science on this ship than my previous ones. You'll like it here."
Narin smiled. "It sounds like we share a common passion for understanding the diversity of life, just from different angles." He glanced around the lab, appreciating its setup. "I'm sure I'll enjoy it here."
"You will. The Pioneer's got a good captain and a good crew. I really like it here." A shadow clouded her eyes for a moment, then she shook it off. "The captain is good about giving us things to do. I've heard of some ships where science does its own thing, except for the bridge rotations."
"That's great to hear," Narin replied, noting the fleeting shadow in her eyes. "Having an engaged captain and crew makes all the difference."
"It does. So, where are you from?"
Perhaps it was time for him to dispel the unsettling emotions stirred by her question. Narin drew in a deep breath, realizing that for many, this would be straightforward. However, for him, it evoked certain memories of past traumas he was still grappling with. He glanced away momentarily, taking a moment to gather his thoughts and emotions. "Well," he began, his voice steady but tinged with a hint of vulnerability, "I was born on Betazed. But during the Dominion War, things got... complicated. I ended up moving around quite a bit."
"I'm sorry." Her voice was soft. "I was born and raised on earth, but both my parents are Betazoid. It was a difficult time. I'm glad you found your way to Starfleet."
"It was indeed a challenging time," Narin agreed, reflecting on his past. "After leaving Betazoid, my sister and I were taken in by friends of our parents who lived on Earth. However, Earth proved to be unsafe, so we relocated to a planet called Elysium Prime, where we resided until both of us decided to join Starfleet." He paused, realizing he had divulged quite a bit to someone he had just met. "I apologize for sharing so much," he added. "I've been encouraged to talk about certain things I've been reluctant to discuss in the past."
"It's fine. Sometimes you just need to talk to someone, and I'm also Betazoid. Only, my parents were well-established on earth, so we didn't have any real problems. We also tried not to stand out, which allowed us to fit in." She could pick up how he was feeling, but didn't mention that, either. "If it helps, I cut off my own foot because I was convinced it wasn't mine."
"I appreciate your understanding." Narin replied with a nod, a sense of relief washing over him as he found common ground with the Betazoid woman. “Thank you for sharing your own experience." He paused, considering her last statement with a mix of concern and curiosity. "I hope you're doing better now.” His tone gentle and supportive.
"I'm getting there," she saud with a chuckle. "I'm a lot better than I was, now that the toxins have been flushed out of my system, but I'll need to visit the counselor for a while before I'm fully recovered. Cutting off your own foot isn't something you soon get over."
"I can only imagine," Narin replied, his tone sympathetic. "Recovery takes time, especially from such a traumatic experience. It's good to hear that you're on the path to healing, though. And seeking support from a counselor is a wise step." He paused, considering her resilience. "If you ever need someone to talk to or support in any way, feel free to reach out. We're all here for each other."
"Thank you. I'll keep that in mind. Right now, I'm taking it one day at a time." She appreciated his offer. It was nice to know she could talk to someone besides a counselor and Alyssa.
"Taking it one day at a time is a wise approach," Narin responded with a reassuring smile. "It's a lesson I've learned over the years, though sometimes it's easier said than done, especially when it comes to our personal lives."
Mignon nodded. "That it is. But on a positive note, all four of us are doing well. It helps knowing that the problem was chemically induced--especially when the random thoughts pop up. So, to turn to more pleasant topics, what do you do when you're not doing science?"
"I'm relieved to hear that all of you are doing well," Narin responded. “When I’m not doing science, I enjoy visiting the holodeck. I indulge in some physical activities. Recently, I’ve been rediscovering the practice of meditation, something I used to incorporate into my routine regularly. It’s been a bit of a challenge to return to it. I find it that my mind tends to wonder.” Narin shrugged his shoulders. “What about you?”
"I like the outdoors." She chuckled at the comment. "I'm glad there are holodecks for that. I also enjoy books and music. The last two I can do in my quarters, which has been a help lately."
"I suppose I'll have to keep you at the top of the list for away missions," Narin said with a smile. "I enjoy the outdoors as well and tend to volunteer for away missions anytime they come up." Grabbing a nearby chair, he took a seat across from her. "What kind of books and music do you enjoy?"
"Most of my preferences are from earth, although I enjoy classical music from Vulcan. I also like musicals." She grinned. "Not a lot of scientists agree with me on that. And I like to read fantasy, sci-fi, and mysteries." She cocked her head to one side. "What about you?"
"I'm not very familiar with Earth music, but I've enjoyed some classical pieces from Vulcan," Narin paused. He reflected on her musical preferences. He became slightly embarrassed by the contrast with his own habits. "Actually, it's been a while since I really just sat down to listen to music, where that was the only activity I was doing. Usually, I have music on in the background while I'm working or catching up on readings. I tend to listen to Lo-Fi music. It's non-distracting, almost like white noise. Not sure if you're familiar with it, but it's great for when you need to focus."
"I'm not. I use something with strings, or Gregorian Chant. It's basically ancient monks singing prayers and can be quite soothing. Especially when they sing in Latin because I don't know the language well." Only the scientific terms she used regularly.
"That sounds intriguing," Narin replied. "I might have to give Gregorian Chant a try. I’m always interested in finding new ways to help with focus and relaxation.”
"It's different, but I find it has a timelessness to it that appeals to me from time to time." She cocked her head to one side. "So, you like to meditate and listen to music while you work. What kind of holodeck programs do you like?"
“I enjoy fantasy and sci-fi in novels, and that preference carries over to my holo-programs as well,” Narin said, pausing to reflect for a moment. “I also like using the holodeck for recreational activities like hiking and other physical pursuits. How about you? Do you enjoy going to the holodeck?"
"I do. Especially when we spend so much time in space. I like camping and hiking, when I have the time." She smiled and added. "And I like reading fantasy as well."
“It’s good to have those escapes.“ Narin smiled in return. “What’s your favorite fantasy book or series?”
"Old or modern?" She shook her head. "Never mind. Old would be a series of books by an author named Anne McCaffrey about dragonriders. Modern would be Alexa Komenskia's fairy tale retellings. She's got a dozen books out with tales from five different worlds. They're pretty good."
Narin nodded and asked curiously, "Do you own physical copies of any of these books, or do you usually read them on your PADD or some other method?"
"I have some physical books, but my quarters are too small for many, so the rest I read on a PADD," she said. "Do you have physical books?"
"Most of my reading is done in electronic form, except for one fantasy trilogy," he said. "The trilogy is called Chronicles of Elarian and it's written by Taran Inariel," he paused for a moment. "It was my mother’s favorite set of books, and she insisted that my siblings and I read it."
"I haven't read that one. I'll have ot look it up." She smiled. "It's always good to find new books to read."
"When you're ready for a new series, I'd be happy to let you borrow my copy," Narin said. "Just promise to take good care of them."
She raised a hand. "I promise. I know the value of a printed book. Thank you." The idea of a new book by an as yet unknown author made her smile. It was just what she needed during these last days of her recovery.
Narin chuckled. "I'll stop by later and drop them off for you, if that's alright?"
"That'll be great. Thanks." She smiled at Narin. "And thanks for stopping by. It was nice talking with you."
Narin returned the smile. "You're welcome. It was nice talking with you too. I'll see you later." Narin nodded to her, and headed out of the lab.
A Joint Post By
Lieutenant Junior Grade Narin Valen
Assistant Chief Science Officer, USS Pioneer
Lieutenant Junior Grade Mignon Mejia
Alien Archaeologist/Anthropologist, USS Pioneer
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