Ens. Senak - Amplectere, Part I

[Ens. Senak]

((Arboretum, Deep Space 33))

Breath. Inhale. Exhale. The air was fresh and clean, a stark contrast to the recycled air of the ship. Senak took a deep breath, savoring the scent of the flowers and plants that surrounded him. The Arboretum was a place of peace and tranquility, a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of the station. He, who had spent most of his life on Vulcan, found the Arboretum to be a welcome respite from the cold, logical world of his homeworld. Here, he could let his guard down, if only for a moment. He walked slowly, taking in the sights and sounds of the Arboretum. The soft rustling of leaves, the gentle chirping, the warm rays of light filtering through the canopy of trees. It was a sensory overload, but a pleasant one. He closed his eyes, allowing himself to be enveloped by the sensations around him. He could feel the warmth on his skin, the soft breeze ruffling his hair, the earthy scent of the soil beneath his feet. It was a moment of pure bliss, a moment of connection with the world around him. He opened his eyes and looked around. The Arboretum was alive with color and life. Flowers of every hue and shape bloomed in profusion, their petals swaying gently in the breeze. Trees towered overhead. It was a symphony of life, a celebration of the beauty and diversity of the natural world. Senak smiled, a rare expression of joy on his usually stoic face. He felt at peace here, at one with the world around him.

The Vulcan was one of the first to arrive at the Arboretum. He thought, perhaps, that he would come early so he could enjoy the tranquility of the place before it became crowded with people. He found a bench and sat down, closing his eyes and letting the sounds and scents of the Arboretum wash over him. He felt a sense of calm wash over him, a sense of peace that he rarely experienced in the hustle and bustle of the ship. He was content to sit there, lost in his thoughts, until he felt a gentle touch on his shoulder.

Ohnari: Response

Senak: Ah. I did not hear you approach. ::His smile faded slightly::

Ohnari: Response

Senak: I am well, thank you. And, yes, indeed, I will need to attend to a medical check-up soon.

The ensign gaze shifted to the flowers that surrounded them. He reached out and plucked a small, delicate blossom from a nearby bush. He held it up to his nose and inhaled deeply, savoring the sweet scent.

Senak: It is a beautiful flower, is it not? The colors are so vibrant, so alive. This bright red hue is quite striking.

Ohnari: Response

Senak: I am not sure, Lieutenant. I am not well-versed in the language of flowers. But I believe that this particular blossom symbolizes passion and love. It is quite fitting, given the vibrancy of its color.

Ohnari: Response

Senak: Hmm. A smile, you say? ::He looked down at the flower in his hand, a thoughtful expression on his face:: I have smiled. So it seems. Perhaps being away from my homeworld has brought out a different side of me.

Ohnari: Response

Senak: It is hard to say, Lieutenant. I have spent most of my life on Vulcan, where emotions are suppressed and logic reigns supreme. But I have found that there is beauty in the illogical, in the chaotic. It is a different kind of beauty, but beauty nonetheless.

Then, the tranquility of the Arboretum was shattered by the arrival of more people. Senak watched as it filled with life, with laughter and chatter. He felt a pang of regret that the peace and quiet of the place had been disturbed. But he knew that it was inevitable. Captain Shayne was on the stage, addressing the crowd. Senak listened, his expression neutral, as the Captain spoke.

Shayne: Here we are again.

So it seems. Although Senak has not been here before, he knew that the Captain was referring to the crew's previous visit to the Arboretum. Recognition is what this event is about.

Shayne: I have boxes for you. Commanders Water, Lieutenants Jacin, Zenno, Hobart, Onhari, and Ensign Zerva-step forward, preferably single file.

Shayne: First allow me to express my gratitude-it's much easier to honor you at once, so by all means continue doing what you're donig; but for the love of god, don't do that for the Purple Heart.

The Purple Heart? He wondered what that was. Humor? Or something else? The Vulcan still had much to learn from the crew of the Arrow.

Jacin: ::To no one in particular:: Can't promise anything.

Zerva/Ohnari/Zenno: Response

Shayne: First contact is the single most dangerous duty and responsibility an officer can engage in, and it’s harder to imagine a task with more riding on a successful outcome. While it may not have necessarily been how we’d choose to become acquainted with the Emisan people, your conduct in extraordinary circumstances is deserving of the First Contact Ribbon. Congratulations.

The Captain approached each officer in turn, a box in his hand.

Jacin: ::Tentatively:: Thank you, sir.

Waters: Thank you, sir.

Zenno/Ohnari/Zerva: Response

Shayne: Furthermore! As evidenced by your (relatively) safe return, and the overall success of our mission, I'm pleased to award each of you with the Diplomacy Ribbon, for your excellent representation of Starfleet values and neogitation. Congratulations.

Zenno: Thank you, Captain.

Zerva/Ohnari: Responses?

Shayne: And now I release you. Fly, or risk further praise!

When the Captain had finished, Senak thought the end was near. But then the Captain spoke again. Another award? The Vulcan did not expect this many awards to be given out. He truly is not accustomed to the ways of Starfleet yet.

Shayne: Mr. Dewitt! Step forward and be recognized.

Shayne: Lieutenant, your efforts during this mission were instrumental in our success and I am grateful for your contributions- please accept the Captain’s Commendation.

Dewitt: Response

oO So it seems this will last much longer than I anticipated. Thankfully, the flowers keep me company. And most of all, my name has not been called. Oo

What an interesting individual. That is what some might think of Senak. Many would work day and night to receive such recognition. But not him. Rewards, praise, recognition. None mattered to him. He was content to be in the background, to do his duty without fanfare or applause. But deep down, he knew that someday, he might have to step forward and be recognized. And when that day came, he would, much likely, do so with nothing more than a nod. For that is who he is.

TAGS/TBC

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Ensign Senak

Engineering Officer

USS Arrow

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