Do you think he saw us?

Posted on 15 Apr 2019 @ 6:09am by Lieutenant JG Lilura Karakalakss & Commander Amelia Fox
Edited on on 27 Apr 2019 @ 1:21am

Mission: Shakedown
Location: Starbase 308
Timeline: MD2 0700
1032 words - 2.1 OF Standard Post Measure

ON:

Having met the ships new doctor, Amelia decided she had time to meet the new Chief Engineer. All she had was a name, and an exotic one at that. She entered the Officers mess looking for Lieutenant Karakalakss.

Around the mess hall were mainly Terran races, but there was a smattering of other races about. However, at a table near the kitchen, was a rather unusual race, clad in a Operation/Engineering uniform. The form was of the typical female type humanoid found in the galaxy, but she had a larger head in that there was a large muzzle upon the face, two large expressive ears a couple of inches shorter than the muzzle on either side of the head just above where the typical terran humanoid ears would be, with a full volume of head hair that was braided and going down her back. Behind her was a tail that curved down to lay near her, then back up to be holding her mug of whatever she was drinking. She opened her mouth to take a bite of a leg of some critter before her and she sheered right through the bone and began chewing happily.

Amelia approached one of the officers in the mess and quietly asked "I'm looking for a Lieutenant Karakalakss." The officer indicated a table and Amelia raised an eyebrow in surprise. It was not what she had been expecting. She made her way over.

"Good morning, sorry for interrupting your breakfast. Lieutenant Karakalakss I presume?"

Lilura swallowed her food, took a drink from her mug by using her tail to clear her mouth and throat, then turned and smiled up at the newcomer. She said, "Greetings, I DO happen to be Lt. Karakalakss, new Chief Engineer of the Andromeda. From your pips, as our Captain is a Commander, I would gather that you're either the XO or second officer? So, please, if you would like, have a seat and join me for lunch. I would love to chat with you."

Amelia sat "Thank you, I do suppose i have time for a quick bite but, nothing as exotic as what you're having." She signaled over a waiter who came over "Porridge and a glass of orange juice please." She turned her attention back Yes, I'm Lieutenant Fox the XO. I've never met a Soliodaran before. I believe there are not many in Starfleet."

A pleasant low gurgle sounded out from within Lilura's chest. She answered, "Not to exotic, maybe. I asked them to bring me something heavy on meat proteins with gourds and tubers, and this is what I got." She now bow/curtsied politely as she crossed her arms, then brought down both hands along them with the hands ending in front of her with palms up. "Greetings, Commander Fox, XO, Officer Liason. It is nice to meet you." With the formal greeting out of the way, Lilura continued. "You are correct in, not many, for either Soliodarans or Soliquoy. We go through a rather rigorous vetting process to satisfy Starfleet that we can serve as a valued crew member without harming them."

The waiter quickly returned with a bowl of porridge and a glass of juice which he placed in front of Amelia. She looked back at the other plate. “That seriously reminds me of something I saw scurrying about one of the cargo bays. And is it true what I’ve heard, that your race produces venom?”

The gurgle sounded again as Lilura replied, "Soliquoy and Soliodarans are one of the few sentient races who are venomous mammalian. Soliquoy are the more dangerous as shown by striping and markings all over their backs and tails, while Soliodarans are less so as shown by the yellow markings on my face, and down my side and thighs, which can't be seen in clothing. Not to mention, big teeth, big claws.. similar to a Gorn being vetted, actually in temperament and such." She gurgled again, "I took it all in stride. After all, I'm the unknown here, and I want to experience other cultures and peoples. I think it is rather grand for living this one life the Creator has given us by exploring other sentient creations, their fashion sense, and dating rituals."

“Well I’m glad your on our side. Your markings are quite beautiful though.” Amelia mused. “Have you seen your new post yet. I understand Starfleet have decided to honor the Andromeda with an upgraded warp core.”

Lilura brightened even as the area under her whiskers darkened with a minor blush. "Why, thank you for the compliment. I love your green eyes, just.. it's hard to compliment what else when your in your duty uniform. Most humanoids don't have fur or markings." She shrugged a little, then her countenance got a bit steely. "And, oh, yes, I have seen my new post. Yes, an upgraded warp core, upgraded controls, upgraded bioneural pathways, upgraded intermix chamber, all set to factory default. I have been up to my ears in adjustments for alignments, routing, and overlay functionality assignments. The differences between Starbase and Starship engineering crews. So, it has been so much 'fun' trying to get the ship ready for her voyage while balancing getting shore leave in for the ship personnel, besides myself."

"Well as long as when the Captain says engage and we don't just sit there." Amelia replied with a smile. Then as she stood "Look, I've got a meeting with the Captain shortly but I'll pop by engineering and have a look at what tweaks you've implemented and any improvements you want to go over, sound good?"

Lilura stood as well. She smiled with her ears cupped full onto Amelia and replied,"Sounds good. I look forward to seeing you again, Ex Oh."

Amelia extended her hand once more. "It was a pleasure to meet you Lieutenant."

Lilura reached out and shook Amelia's hand. The size different was apparent, besides fur on the digits except for the inner gripping areas, which were 'skin'. "Mutual, Ex Oh, mutual. Have a great day."

OFF:

Lieutenant Amelia Fox
Executive Officer
USS Andromeda

Lieutenant j.g. Lilura Siana Karakalakss
Chief Engineering Officer
USS Andromeda