[BACKSIM] Lieutenant JG Niev Galanis - Thirty-Six Boots
Niev Galanis
((Physical & Warp Science Lab, Level 7, SRC, Amity Outpost))
Galanis: Why did you stay? In Starfleet, I mean.
Varati: Good question, Lieutenant... Despite everything, I can't feel hatred towards the Borg. Contempt, yes. I don't want to start a campaign of revenge either, even though that would be Orion tradition. Perhaps it's more of a "now more than ever" attitude. To show that together we can withstand any challenge. That our individuality enables a more peaceful coexistence than a generalized, homogenized collective.
That brought a slightly raised eyebrow to Niev’s face. They’d expected optimism from the Orion, but the mention of a lack of hatred struck on something the Centauran hadn’t thought much about. Did Niev hate the Borg for what they’d done? For what the Collective had made Niev do? They searched for that sizzling, fiery sensation as they thought about the collective and didn’t so much as find smoke. Like the Borg themselves had been, Niev only felt a cold, bleak kind of darkness toward them.
Varati: I hope that makes some sense to a veteran of Frontier Day. Maybe it's just naive of me... but without faith in a better future, everything we do, our entire mission, would be pointless.
Galanis: You make an interesting point… I can’t say I’d describe my feelings as ‘hatred’ either. It feels misplaced. Like being upset over a tricorder doing what it was programmed to do. There are other feelings more apt for the Collective…
Niev refrained from vocalizing the specific feeling they were thinking of, though they felt a pang of it. Cold, calculating technology and science run rampant with its own objectives. It was a scientist’s worst nightmare, and the galaxy seemed ready and willing to provide a constant stream of examples.
Varati: And what are your matters for staying? I mean, you would have every reason to retreat to Velestus or somewhere else. And nobody could blame you, after what happened.
That brought Niev’s activity with the tools to a brief stop, the corner of their mouth twitching down slightly as the inevitable mirroring of their question came back. It was a question they’d had a hard time answering even in counseling.
Eighteen innocent lives. Thirty-six empty boots.
Taking a short breath, Niev’s head slowly shook.
Galanis: There wasn’t any other actual option. We all saw why we needed Starfleet, and why Starfleet needs us.
Varati: I understand... that certainly wasn't an easy decision. ::pause:: I can only hope that we will be spared such violent conflicts in the near future. But as the saying goes, "Per aspera ad astra." Perhaps it is these experiences that ultimately make us stronger? That prevent us from getting the idea that we need to "conquer" other worlds? ::another pause:: Will you come with me next time I go to karaoke with Robin and some others?
Galanis: The Federation is made up of many cultures that have learned the folly of conquering well. We just need to make sure we don’t forget… I’m sorry, did you say ‘karaoke’?
The Centauran paused for several moments, looking extremely befuddled. Niev knew they’d heard that word somewhere before, but it was so fleeting and rare that they hadn’t the faintest idea what it actually meant. The context of the word suggested it was some kind of social outing, but the confusion caused Niev to hesitate, their response caught on the edge of their tongue.
Varati: Okay, it doesn't have to be decided here and now. But I think we'd all be happy if you joined us. You don't even have to sing... humming along is fine too! ::smiles::
Galanis: I… well, I’ve never actu-
Before Niev could finish their sentence, they were rudely interrupted by the sudden klaxon. Quite literally saved by the alarm.
Varati: Hey! What's going on? You can't even have a calm, creative work conversation!
It was only a few words into the announcement that Niev was beginning to clean up their workspace, rapidly stashing away tools and saving the work on their PADD.
Varati: Wait… What?! A distress signal from the region bordering the Trenvonn area and possible subspace corridors? It seems you never really get a quiet minute here? Argh!
Galanis: Maybe we’ll get a chance to field test your new optics after all, D’Cyra.
Varati: Okay, then I guess I'll have to head up to the OPs... Good luck with your mission! Like I said, a functioning buoy network would be invaluable!
Niev couldn’t disagree with that one. But they’d have to concern themself with the buoys later. There was a distress signal to respond to. The Centauran just hoped the Trenvonn would be keeping their drones to themselves this time.
END SCENE for Galanis
