LtCmdr Salkath - Time for Atonement

[Salkath]

((Second Promenade, Deck 227 - DS224))

When one had a narrow world-view about civilization - or more precisely, crowds - one Federation starbase looked about the same as any other. Sure, there were subtle and not-so-subtle differences, if one looked close enough. Deep Space 9, for example, had obvious Cardassian architecture sensibilities and a glut of Bajorans. Stations on the outlying sectors of Federation influence often had a more unsavory element of businesses, both legal and otherwise. If you were closer to a core member world, there were more citizens of that world on that station, and so forth.

However, when crowds were little more than a mass jumble of distasteful noise, jostling, and scents, then one starbase was as intolerable as another. If you had heightened senses, then even more so. Deep Space 224 fit that bill quite succinctly for Lieutenant Commander Salkath. The expected cast of miscreants ran rife around the station, considering its location near the Klingon Empire and other minor polities. The fact that the station housed various scientific interests mollified the Vulcan somewhat, but only just.

Considering that DS224 was a 'home base' of sorts for the USS Artemis, Salkath had decided before arrival at the station that he needed to familiarize himself with the facilities aboard. Though elbowing through the crowds made him regret that decision somewhat, ever a man of his word even if just to himself, he had disembarked his ship and found himself aimlessly wandering. He doubted he would remain much longer; the unhealthy and greasy-smelling excuse for food wafting from uninspiring establishments such as the earth-styled pub he had walked past earlier ensured he would NOT be eating out today. In fact, he had just turned around to start back towards the Artemis when he spied two faces he recognized. What odds. Three hundred ninety-seven decks on this station and here was where senior officers from one starship just happened to intersect.

In a matter of fact, it was the Artemis' executive officer and its chief science officer he was rapidly approaching. They were engaged in genial conversation, and hadn't noticed him yet. It would be exceedingly easy to sidestep into the crowds and allow them to pass, oblivious to his presence. Salkath almost chose to do just that. He did not have any social standing with either of them, and he would not want to deprive them of each other's company by being the proverbial 'third wheel'. Still, there was a reason that he did not have social standing with Jovenan at least, of his own unintentional making. And, since they did not engage in extracurricular fraternizing, Salkath had not had a chance to offer his apologies for the social faux-pas that he had inflicted on the Edo officer. This was an opportunity that was both past due and possibly not likely to repeat itself in the near future. So Salkath interjected himself in front of the two officers.

Salkath: Commander Dakora. Commander Jovenan. Greetings.

Dakora/Jovenan: response

Salkath: My apologies for interrupting your shore leave excursion. I promise I will not keep you long. I wished to say something to you, Commander.

He looked directly at Jovenan as he said that last part, imploring with his body language to not be rebuffed in his entreaty. Of course, Vulcan body language did not convey well.

Jovenan: response

Salkath: On Stardate 240105.30, I attempted to incite you towards actions that insulted your personal and professional ethics and sensibilities. I pursued a tangent of logic in that conversation that, in hindsight, was not only illogical but also unprofessional.  ::pause::  I have never been accused of being empathetic, but even that was a line too far for me to cross. I wish to offer you my sincere apologies.

Jovenan/Dakora: response

Salkath turned his attention towards Talos. It was understandable that what the Vulcan was saying, bereft of any context, would be confusing. And, to be fair, if he was going to atone to Jovenan for his actions, he would also need to atone to Talos as his superior officer for those same actions.

Salkath: I had urged Commander Jovenan to join me in decrypting the classified Fleet Formation technical files prior to the events of Frontier Day. It is a testament to her character that she did not acquiesce to my entreaty. ::he nodded slightly, as close a symbol of shame as he could express::  I realize that advising you of my insubordinate plans will require you to consider disciplinary action, but I needed to express my regret to Commander Jovenan while I had the opportunity.

Dakora/Jovenan: response

TAGS/TBC

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Lieutenant Commander Salkath

Engineer, USS Artemis-A

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