LtCmdr Salkath - How the Mighty Have Fallen

[Salkath]

((Elysium Mezzanine, Deck 5 - USS Artemis))

It was highly amenable for Salkath to get to play Kal-toh with somebody else for a change. It was even more amenable for some social company, outside the constraints of interactions on-duty. So much so, that the engineer was feeling magnanimous.

Salkath: If you note any deficiencies that require extra attention from the engineering crews, feel free to contact me directly. I will ensure that they are made a priority.

Kel: The replicators in the Security Center can’t make a nice hot sandwich to save my life.

This was an easy fix, especially with replicators being within his particular specialty set. The engineer nodded, noting the request in his mind for immediate action once he was back on duty. However, this and other distractions proved too much for Salkath, and though the game wasn't lost by his next placement, it definitely threw the board into a discordant shape. He could barely hide his disgust in himself from his face.

Salkath: That was suboptimal...  oO Poker face, you fool! Oo  ...for you. I have you right where I want you.  oO Smooth recovery, phew Oo

Kel: Not to worry sir, as I mentioned before, we’ll ruin it soon enough.

The ensign was hardly prophetic, as his next move rearranged the Kal-toh board into a much more geometrically pleasing shape. Salkath nodded in appreciation of the masterful play.

Salkath: Not at this rate, Ensign. Well placed. 

The pressure was on, and the duo fell into a comfortable silence for a minute while Salkath planned his next move. After a couple false starts, he managed to find an acceptable placement and the board morphed into an irregular polyhedron.

Kel: What about you sir? Any engineering projects you think could use some more muscle. Either to guard with or use to lift those heavy objects off the tall shelves?

He extended the same consideration to Solas, waiting until the young officer placed his next t'an, before responding.

Salkath: You may jest, but I do have a personal request. Do you know the science officer, Lieutenant Gnai? I just assisted it with a replacement suit for navigating while on duty. Should it come to the Security center with a request for assistance, phaser or CQC certification perhaps, then I would consider it a boon if you saw to it personally. 

Any deficiencies Gnai had in certifications in the next little while could very well be due to Salkath's errors and not Gnai's. If the adjudicating officer was aware of that and took that into account, then perhaps Gnai would not be harshly treated for something beyond its control. Salkath had considered making that request of Lieutenant Savel, but then he would have had to explain to the Vulcan why it was of such importance to Salkath. And that would be an uncomfortable conversation indeed. While mulling over this, his next placement smoothed the board considerably, placing Salkath in a much better position in the game than he had been earlier.

Kel: Very good sir. You must get a lot of practice.

Salkath: Not as much as one would prefer. Especially since my transfer aboard the Artemis. In fact, you are my first opponent in many months.

He watched Solas plan his next move, appreciating how well the young man was utilizing both a logical approach alongside a measure of passionate instinct. Salkath did not always enjoy playing with non-Vulcans; they often thought that 'winging it' was an acceptable strategy in Kal-toh. It very rarely was. However, a measured balance of logic and gut feeling? That may very well be a winning strategy.

Kel: response

And with that placement, Solas managed to achieve that perfect rounded shape that signified victory. Salkath sat back, satisfied that it had been a fair and challenging match, and took a sip of his tepid tea. He motioned to the server for a fresh cup.

Salkath: Your skill in the game is notable. No need for modesty, you bested me fair and square. Very acceptable game, Ensign.

Kel: response

Salkath: I am still off-duty for a few more hours, and plan to remain here for a while longer. Would you consider a rematch?

Indeed, the senior Vulcan planned to people-watch some more regardless of whether Solas remained or not. It was social-adjacent enough for his relaxation needs, a fact that he found mildly surprising.

Kel: response

TAGS/TBC

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Lieutenant Commander Salkath

Engineer, USS Artemis-A

A239111MT0