A Favor for a Favor
Posted on Friday, 17 March 2023 - 6:38pm by Commander Soral & Ensign Oriana Skye Sety
Mission:
Operation: Lobes & Liberties
Location: USS Standing Bear | XO's Quarters
Timeline: 2396
ON:
Oriana sat at her desk staring at the screen. The numbers and names of items and tasks swam in front of her until everything seemed to blur a little. She sighed and shook her head. “This is no good.” She stood with a frustrated grunt and walked to the replicator. “Give me something sweet and caffeinated.”
“Please restate your request,” came the monotone reply.
She bit her lip to keep from telling the computer what it could do with its comment. “Alright,” she said licking her dry lips. “Let us try this. A caramel flavored coffee. Cold.”
“Specify temperature.”
“Of for the love of all…”
“Computer Soral blend K-3. Large glass.”
The replicator pad shimmered and shone until the swirl of molecules formed a brown liquid in a tall glass. She turned at the familiar voice. “Commander…thanks.” She smiled sheepishly.
A small mirroring smile tugged at Soral’s lips. “The computer can be… quite frustrating at times.”
She sighed. “Yeah.” Turning around she picked up the glass and took a tentative sip. “Oh, my Goddess, this is …. Amazing.”
“An old Earth drink I was quite fond of for a long time, especially during my studies at the Academy. There are times I still find the taste…comforting.”
She smiled, “It is, very.” She took another sip and then turned back to Soral. “So, Commander. Now that I am caffeinated and sane, how can I help you?”
He held out a PaDD. “I need some items and I need to ask you for…a favour.”
“If you’re about to ask me to rush it, I have to disappoint you.”
“No, I wish to speak to you about perhaps adding to your duties.”
She raised an eyebrow in a manner that would have made a Vulcan green with envy. “Oh?”
“I know that you are no longer the yeoman however …. I require a part time assistant. The paperwork is… winning its battle with me.”
She laughed. “And your sense of humor is getting better.”
He simply inclined his head.
“Alright. Let us sit down and chat.” She motioned for him to take a seat at the small table off to the side.
Soral stood for a moment and then headed to the offered seat folding his large frame into the tight corner.
“Yes,” she said sheepishly, “It is not the most comfortable spot but it’s all that’s available. The new ship is not as luxurious as the old one.
“I am afraid that I… or rather my counterpart ensured that.”
“Aren’t you trying to talk me into helping you? That does not help.”
“Indeed.”
She smiled, “Well you were saying you need an assistant of sorts.”
“Indeed, and I trust few to take the role.”
“Then I am honored. How often do you need an assistant.”
“I few hours twice a week?”
She grinned. “That can be arranged. I think I have enough leeway in my duties here to spare that. I am however, going to ask for your help in return.”
Soral tilted his head to the side as if to say, proceed.
“Hamura…they haven’t been the same since…the merging and I’m worried.”
Soral gave a nod. “I am concerned as well. That is something you do not need to request. I shall assist them as much as I can.”
She let out a breath that she didn’t know she had been holding. “Thank you, commander.”
“Can I be honest with you?”
“Of course,” Soral said.
“I’ve been feeling discombobulated since Hamura moved to senior quarters.”
Soral smiled, “Indeed. It was so in my univer…In my counterpart’s universe.” He closed his eyes and fisted his hands. Only when he felt a gentle touch on his knuckles did he open his eyes.
“It’s okay, you know, to be feeling like you are both him and you. From what I studied of Vulcans…even the greatest minds would find this a bit difficult.”
“Indeed.” He studied her a moment. “May I ask another favour?”
She smiled. “Of course.”
“You once told me that you have a librarian friend who had access to many books that were Vulcan and…others. I require some assistance with research will you put me in touch with her?”
“LillyAnne Takari.” She grinned, “Best librarian in the galaxy. She’s on the Fitzgerald. She just got back from her honeymoon.”
“Thank you, Ensign.”
Oriana sighed. “Anytime, Sir. Now I should get started on this list.”
Soral inclined his head. “And I should go and check on Hamura.” He stood and headed to the door.
“Commander Soral?”
Soral stopped and turned. “Yes?”
“Why don’t you see our guest first. I know you told me once you wished you had talked things out after the um…talent show incident. Perhaps this is the universe’s way of saying it’s time.”
He stared at her a moment. “You have grown very perceptive.”
She smiled. “It’s this damned job. More responsibility more details…more time to think.”
“I shall take your advice.” With that he turned and left.
Oriana smiled as she headed back to her desk. She had a few calls to make and equipment to track down. Despite what she told Soral she’d prioritize his list. Then she would finish her shift, go home, take a shower and turn to a good book. Something to get her mind off her worry and off her troubles. For a few hours she would escape reality and just live between the pages of the latest book on her nightstand.
OFF:
