Logical Luminaries
Posted on 12 Sep 2024 @ 7:17pm by Lieutenant JG Rhiannon Hokir & Brek - Timeless Treasures Art Gallery
Mission:
M4 - Falling Out
Location: OC, Arrival Docking Bay
Timeline: Evening MD26
1226 words - 2.5 OF Standard Post Measure
T’Sheng stood on the periphery of the chaotic observation hall, her expression impassive, perhaps even bored, as befitted a Vulcan of her standing. Beneath this composed exterior, however, she felt restless. The constant influx and outflow of people, occasionally verging on collisions, reminded her of the time she had spent in Kalara City, bustling with energy and danger. She didn’t cope well in crowds. She needed space and quiet, maybe two of the most precious commodities in the universe.
Nevertheless, she fulfilled her duty, awaiting the arrival of the Vulcan engineers, dispatched by her own people, to participate in the Engineering Conference hosted on O.C. They were curiously, late. Or maybe that, knowing how busy the docking centre would be, they waited patiently on their ship. She would have chosen a similar strategy, prioritizing efficiency and avoiding unnecessary stress.
A familiar yet unpleasant voice pierced the cacophony, delivering a contradictory statement: "Hewmons say that money isn’t everything. How can that be, since you can’t purchase anything without it? And stop shoving me, Little Beetle! I'll be out of your way soon enough."
“I’m not shoving you! No, not this way Ara, this is the restaurant zone. You are going to miss your ship!”
The voices faded and T’Sheng averted her gaze, sparing herself the spectacle of art dealer Brek and his troublesome relative.
Noting the Vulcan ahead as her own gaze followed Brek’s passage, Rhiannon bit her lip and, with a small shake of the head, moved up to join the woman. “Good day, ma’am. All well for you?”
“As far as I know, Lieutenant Hokir.” T’Sheng replied. “Although I fear that this is going to be a long day.” Obviously, she was quite used to long hours, but those hours, she preferred to spend working for Admiral Harshman. Still, oftentimes, the only way out was through. She then relaxed. You could not go wrong chatting with a Betazoid. They were always so well disposed, they could turn any negative thought into a positive one.
"Tell me, Lieutenant," T'Sheng continued, pausing for effect, "has your department managed to accommodate all the demands of the Logical Luminaries? I must say, the name the Vulcan engineers chose for their team is rather grandiose... Specific requirements for temperature, humidity, and air quality? Soundproofed quarters? Exclusive access to meditation rooms and replicators serving only Vulcan cuisine?"
Rhian smiled. “I will admit, it was a good deal more … expressive than I am used to coming from a Vulcan; that said, the parameters were very well defined and we have ensured that everything is properly addressed. My chief did have those on our staff who are Vulcan review the space, but we would be more than open to outside reference in order to tweak anything last minute which might need change.”
T’Sheng nodded her head. Everything was as it should be on OC’s side: Perfection at every level. She hoped the same standard of excellence would apply to the ‘Logical Luminaries’ and that there would, indeed, be no last minute changes.
“I am impressed by the efficiency of your department. Ah. I believe our guests have arrived.” The Vulcan diplomat announced, maybe with a hint of concern.
Six Vulcan science officers, walking in a cluster, had just cleared customs. Unlike other arrivals, they presented themselves without additional luggages and their expressions were a mix of bewilderment and fatigue. One officer was trying to decipher information on a PaDD, while the others gazed around with a mix of curiosity and apprehension.
“The luminaries seem to have abandoned all logic behind them,” T’Sheng commented. “I fear I will need your assistance in welcoming them, Lt Hokir.”
“Of course,” Rhian assured the woman even as she moved forward to greet the officers - her uniform and, hopefully, her bearing offering something of a grounding presence. “Welcome to Obsidian Command, I am Lieutenant JG Rhiannon Hokir and this is Commander T’Sheng.
The nearest of the Luminaries settled their focus on Rhian. “You are members of this station, not guests?”
“I am the assistant Chief of Operations. Did you bring luggage with you? If so, I can take your information and have someone from my department secure and deliver it to your guest quarters.”
“We have decided to travel light and were assured that our luggage would be delivered promptly to our quarters.” The leader of the group said. The man directly behind him whispered something and he added: “However, it is always wise to be cautious. So it would, indeed, be best if you were to check the status of our belongings, Lieutenant Hokir.”
”Consider it done,” Rhian assured him.
T’Sheng, who had not taken the trouble to announce that she was a guest of sorts on this station, was about to direct the odd ‘Luminaries’ towards the turbolifts, but the engineer went on, speaking fast, which sadly, made him sound somewhat insecure.
“I am Lt Sterek, and with me are Lieutenants S’Keral, T’Kas and L’Tel, as well as Ensigns S’Thar and T’Ven.” They all nodded in the exact same way. “We did not expect to see such an...”
“Eclectic assembly.” The Vulcan female named T’Kas interjected. “It is refreshing, to say the least, to see that this engineering event is attracting so many enthusiasts.” She added a subtle, almost invisible smile. "Might we be able to tour the station at some point?"
“Yes, it would be most excellent.” Ensign T’Ven went on. "Our Vulcan facilities are quite different. Everything here seems fascinating."
“Riveting,” another Vulcan chimed in.
“Spellbindingly captivating,” yet another Vulcan, obviously used to having the last word, concluded.
The young Vulcans were so excited that T’Sheng almost winced. She could practically hear the exclamation marks in their voices.
“What do you reckon, Lt Hokir?” T’Sheng asked. “Would a tour be feasible, given the event’s schedule?” She saw, just in time, the return of the Ferengi art dealer, and she then stated: “But let us not linger here too long, as we might inconvenience incoming travelers.”
Tapping their names into her pad, Rhian sent through the message to her people to confirm that their belongings would be properly routed. “I believe a tour could be facilitated. I would recommend small bursts of the primary areas that could niche into your schedule without eating up huge sections of time. I can forward you the proposed segments and the proposed duration of each tour. You can decide if you want to group them together or spread out, but I would recommend taking a bit of time today just to get adjusted to your space and regroup for your endeavor.”
“This is an excellent suggestion,” T’Sheng replied, now eager to leave the bay. “I look forward to seeing your recommendations, Lt. Your help is much appreciated.” She then addressed the group. “In the meantime, dear Logical Luminaries, the only sensible course of action after such an excessively lengthy day, is to go to your quarters. If you would follow, please.”
They dare not disobey, and before long they vanished into a turbolift, avoiding any encounter with the Ferengi art dealer. Given her high status, it would be inappropriate to be seen conversing with such a lowly individual in public.
