Sifting Through Sand
Posted on Wed Dec 11th, 2024 @ 7:26pm by Commander Marisa Sandoval & Major Hastios Eilfaren
Edited on on Thu Dec 12th, 2024 @ 2:42am
1,595 words; about a 8 minute read
Mission:
Like Sands Through The Hourglass
Location: Kok Station, Calson Nebula
Timeline: MD001 - 1600 hours
As evening approached, Hastios, having met with Captain Thorrin earlier that afternoon, found himself in need of sustenance. His considerable size and build required a constant high-calorie intake to maintain his form; otherwise, he risked withering to a mere shadow, undoing nearly three centuries of meticulous physical conditioning.
While heaping his plate with food at a local eatery, he spotted a woman who bore the unmistakable traits of the Herodotus' first officer: long dark hair, hazel-green eyes, and a pensive demeanor. She sat alone, quietly nursing a drink and toying with her meal, lost in thought.
Hastios hesitated, debating whether to introduce himself or respect her solitude. Yet, his marine instincts, as conspicuous as his physical presence, propelled him forward. "Commander Sandoval?" he inquired, seeking confirmation before proceeding further.
It had been a busy day and Marisa was enjoying a cup of ginger tea after finishing her salad. She looked up, recognizing the man from his personnel file. "Hello, Major Eilfaren. Yes, I am Marisa Sandoval."
"Do you mind if I join you?" Hastios asked. "I don't want to intrude on your meal if you want to be by yourself. I can understand that amongst many that moments to yourself are rare." he smiled.
"I do not mind company. Please, have a seat." She planned on visiting the major officially, but a casual visit would be a nice way to begin. "How has your day been so far?"
Nodding in gratitude, he drew out a chair, settled his sizeable plate on the table, and took a seat opposite the Executive Officer. "It was uneventful," he stated succinctly. "The journey to the station went smoothly, took a brief tour, and the Herodotus docked this morning, so I seized the chance to inspect its exterior. I also had an earlier conversation with the captain. Have you had the opportunity to meet him?" inquired Hastios.
"I have. He is a man who is not afraid to speak his mind. I look forward to working with him." He also gave her much to think about. She was fairly certain it would not be the first time. She took another sip of her tea and set the cup down. "How was your meeting? Have you met before?"
Hastios agreed with her assessment of the man. El Aurians could be quite guarded with each other, maybe their listening abilities made them more reserved with their own kind but Hastios was far from a psychologist. "He does like to think of himself as a wise old general." he said, as that was his impression of him, also his age of half a millennium old. "My meeting was good. Always good to get a sense of someone face to face, see what they are all about. Human's do say first impressions count and I do believe that. Our paths haven't crossed before but know of him... I like to know how many of my people serve in the fleet due to our numbers. You are... half Vulcan? Is that right?" he could tell by her slightly softer features and the emotions he could sense coming from her.
"I am. My mother is Vulcan. My father is from Earth," she said, inclining her head in a half nod to acknowledge his observation. "I agree that you learn more about someone by talking with them face-to-face. True communication is more than words." She smiled. "I have heard that El Aurians are noted for their ability to read and understand people."
"An interesting mix," Hastios nodded, beginning to eat. "I've always found half-Vulcans more fun than the full-blooded ones," he chuckled, then listened to her observations about his species. "Indeed, we possess unique abilities. The skill to read and comprehend people is honed through practice. Living for centuries, sometimes even longer, we learn to notice the subtle cues of those around us. Each species exhibits certain shared traits, from facial expressions to muscle tension and even the slightest involuntary twitch," he explained, taking a hearty bite of his medium-rare steak. "Our listening ability, a pheromone release is a significant asset. They allow us to coax others into revealing their deepest fantasies, feelings, and thoughts with minimal effort, which can serve noble purposes or, regrettably, be exploited for personal gain."
Her mother would argue with him that half Vulcans were more of a pain than interesting, but she did allow her children to find their own path. "I did not know about the pheromone. It makes sense that your ability to listen and get people to talk is both nature and nurture." She picked a cherry tomato from her plate and ate it before continuing. "So, why did you choose Starfleet Marines?"
"I might say it's a closely guarded secret, but as our people venture more into this region of space, the more others learn about us," Hastios replied. "Why did I join the marines? It just made sense," he said, gesturing to himself with a chuckle. "But to be more serious, after roaming the galaxy, writing a book, I served in the military among my own kind, survived a Borg attack, and arrived here aboard one of our Arks. I eventually joined Starfleet, and now here I am, sitting across from a very interesting and beautiful woman," Hastios declared confidently, never one to hold back his opinions. "The universe's vibrations can resonate in mysterious ways."
Marisa's eyebrow raised as he spoke of his journey to the Herodotus. Then, when he complimented her, one side of her mouth quirked up in a smile. She liked his self-assurance. There was also a lot she hoped to learn from working with him. "I admit I have not paid much attention to how the universe's vibrations resonate. You must enlighten me some time."
Noting the lift in her emotions Hastios could do nothing but return the small smirk he had seen grow on her face. "Everything has it's own vibration, some of us sense it deeper than others and that can be why when a temporal infraction occurs some us of feel it more strongly, or it affects us in different ways." he replied. "But I won't bore you with the details just now. Have you been on board yet?" he asked referring to the Herodotus.
"Just long enough to check in." She was fascinated by his ability to sense vibrations, but she would hopefully have an opportunity to ask him questions at a later time. "I decided to come here for a meal before doing a walkthrough. Have you?"
"Not yet," Hastios replied, reaching for his drink. "My kit and bags are on board, but I decided, much like yourself, to explore a bit of this station before boarding." He took a large gulp of his drink and looked out at the passers-by. The variety of species on board was somewhat limited due to the station's location and its relatively new status, but he was confident that would change with time. ~No pun intended.~
Marisa nodded. "Did you choose this assignment, or were you chosen?" Either way, it would be good to have two El Aurians on board.
"Chosen," Hastios stated plainly, then elaborated. "My superiors felt I would be an asset to this mission, and the head of the DTI concurred. I'm not fond of others dictating my future behind closed doors without my presence, but it's a situation I've become used to in the marines," he expressed with resignation. "What about you?" He turned his gaze to the striking woman.
"Chosen, mostly. I was asked to report to DTI and offered the position, but I was given the choice to stay or walk away." Her meeting with Isaacs still left a sour taste in her mouth, but she didn't regret her decision. "So far, I've only met Captain Thorrin and now, you."
"I heard the head of the DTI is either someone you like or someone you don't." Hastios thought out loud. "However, I am glad to have met you, Commander, and do hope we work well together." he nodded as if to affirm that thought, cement it.
"Yes, he is that. He is also someone I do not trust." She raised a hand, knowing she probably shouldn't have said as much. "But I only met him the one time. Perhaps you will have the opportunity to form your own opinion." Answering his second comment was a good way to change the subject as she didn't feel comfortable talking about Isaacs in a public setting. "I, too, am glad to have met you and look forward to working with you."
Hastios acknowledged the commander's words with a nod. He knew to trust his own judgment, yet he was aware that first impressions and rumors often intertwined. Standing up, he indicated his intention to depart. "And I, commander, shall see you on board," he said, bowing his head and giving a small shrug of his broad shoulders. He paused, allowing her the courtesy of bidding farewell before he would take his leave.
Marisa inclined her head in a nod. "It was a pleasure to meet you, major." Meeting her second El Aurian had gone much better than the first. She couldn't help smiling at the comparison. At least there was balance.
A Joint Post By
Commander Marisa Sandoval
Executive Officer
USS Herodotus DTI-30656
Major Hastios Eilfaren
Chief Security & Tactical Officer
USS Herodotus DTI-30656
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