A New face

Posted on 29 Nov 2020 @ 4:37am by Commander Amelia Fox & Ensign Hok

Mission: R&R - after facing the Planet Killer
Location: Amelia's office
Timeline: R&R day 3
745 words - 1.5 OF Standard Post Measure

ON:

Amelia was in her office going over the new personnel files before they left Starbase. One caught her eye. "A Ferengi security officer? That's a new one on me."

Hok's journey from Earth, to Starbase 308, and finally to the Andromeda, had been long and, to a point, uneventful. Being a Ferengi in a Starfleet uniform, he had gotten a lot of stares. People that were curious asked him about joining. There was even one zealous security ensign that accused him of impersonating an officer. Even on the Andromeda, he was getting stares. Ignoring them, he reached the XO's office and rang the chime.

At the sound, Amelia looked up from her screen. "Come in." The door opened and she raised an eyebrow.

When Hok entered, he made it a point to watch the XO's reaction. He smiled inwardly to see she was slightly surprised.

"Ahh, you must be Ensign Hok. I was just looking over your file. Come in."
She gestured to the chair on the other side of her desk.

Hok sat down and placed the padd with his orders onto the XO's desk.

"To be honest with you, I was quite surprised. There are still not that many Ferengi in Starfleet. Opportunities for profit are rather rare in the Federation, so what made you decide to join?"

"Profit comes in many forms," said Hok. He liked that the XO, who hadn't formally introduced herself, was direct and to the point.

The question about why Hok joined Starfleet was a touchy subject. He hadn't told anyone that he was there only to prevent himself from being killed by the Orion Syndicate.

"My people have gone through many reforms the last twenty years," said Hok. "Opportunities are there that never were available before. I decided to take advantage of that."

“And serving with clothed females is not a problem for you? Or taking orders from one?” She fixed her eyes on him, seeing how he would respond to her authority.

"As I said, ma'am, those reforms started twenty years ago," said Hok. "Though that was once the cultural norm on Ferenginar, my people have dealt with many races that don't have that belief. It won't be a problem." He wondered if the XO had some sort of insecurity she was taking out on him.

She held the stare for a moment longer before she broke into a warm smile. “I’m glad to hear it, Ensign. I like to get a feel of who I’m serving with and thus far I think you’re going to make a fine addition to the crew.” She offered him her hand. “I’m Lieutenant Fox. Welcome aboard the Andromeda. Tell me, do you play poker?”

Hok shook hands without hesitation. He appreciated that Fox felt he was going to be a fine officer. Though he still wanted to earn profit, he fully intended to do his best in Starfleet. Security was his business back home and to be the best, he learned everything he could. Starfleet opened a wide range of weapons and combat disciplines he could add to his skillset.

"I play poker, but I prefer Texas Hold 'Em," said Hok. He had run a hold 'em game when he was at the academy.

"Good." She said. "I think you and I are going to get on just fine, but I warn you, I've been told my poker face is carved in marble. Is there anything you'd like to know?"

Hok didn't mind that Fox had a strong poker face. With his enhanced hearing, he could detect the slightest change in someone's breathing. Sometimes, if he concentrated, he could hear a heartbeat. That's why he did well at the table.

"I don't have any questions," said Hok. "I'm just glad to be coming on board."

"Then I'll let you get settled in, Ensign. Have you checked in with our head of security, Ensign Leighton yet?" Amelia asked as she got to her feet.

"No, ma'am. Not yet," said Hok. He didn't notice when he first entered the office, but he sensed that Fox might be with child. Not prying, he didn't concentrate on listening.

"I believe you'll find her either on the bridge on in the security office. I hope you enjoy your tour on the Andromeda. We'll be shipping out in a few days. Dismissed, Ensign."

Hok nodded and did a quick 180, stepping out of the XO's office. His unexpected journey was underway.

OFF: