LtCmdr Salkath - Reaching Out

[Salkath]

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

With his back to the viewport showcasing the curvature of Earth's atmosphere lit up with sunrise, Salkath appeared to be facing the wrong way. Solitary at the small table overlooking the main floor of the ship's large lounge, the engineer consciously chose not to turn his back to any crew that might walk by, as would be necessary if he was partaking in the vista. Instead, he would engage any who passed by meeting their gaze and giving them an amenable nod. Before him on the table was a tea, some spiced variant of Earth vintage in honor of their location, and a game of solitary Kal-toh that was being given passing attention by the Vulcan.

Weeks of grueling, unceasing work in getting the Artemis back in order had taken its toll on Salkath. Rest, relaxation, and meditation had all taken a back burner to the vagaries of duty, though one would never find him complaining. Yet, the one deficiency that kept nagging at Salkath was that of being solitary. Though he was Vulcan through and through, scoffing at the notion of emotional triggers such as loneliness and boredom, he nonetheless had been assimilated into the greater mores of Starfleet and Federation values on the subject throughout his career. He craved social context, plain and simple. If only he wasn't such a stick in the mud.

Thus, having no natural outlets to engage others on such social pursuits, he did the only thing he could comprehend. He placed himself in a social setting, tried to hide the natural pose of disinterested distaste his face liked to conform to, and waited to see if any would take the bait. So far, no dice.

He idly placed t'an, or the rod play pieces, into the Kal-toh shape before him. More than once, the shape formed into an unplayable jumble and he was forced to restart. When concentrating, Salkath was slightly better than average at this game. He was not concentrating, however, so his performance was subpar. This did not bother the engineer, as this was simply a way to keep his hands busy while he observed the sparse passings of crew through the lounge. The longest conversation he had conducted while here was with the server. She asked after his drink choices, confirming it for the top-up of the beverage, as well as asking after the basics of his game. However, as it was a conversation borne out of duty rather than actual interest, it did not sate Salkath's social needs.  

He was starting to despair of his plan when he saw the approach of a young officer he recognized. Though their dealings on-duty had been sparse, he still remembered the security officer. The man had gone through a lot during the events of Frontier Day, more than many, in fact. It was heartening to see him out and about, and Salkath chose to reach out as he passed rather than just nodding like the others before.

Salkath: Ensign Kel. ::motioning to the seat across from him:: Do you have a moment? I will not keep you long if you are busy.

Kel: response

He took a moment to study the young man. To non-Vulcans, the habit of intently staring at others as they gave their full attention could be unnerving, though it was second nature to each other. It was interesting for Salkath to see how Solas' mixed heritage would lead him in this exchange.

Salkath: I witnessed you receive your commendation for your... travails during Frontier Day. ::nodding deferentially:: It was well received.

Kel: response

It was certainly a touchy subject. For a long time yet to come, any conversations that broached the subjects surrounding that fated day would be emotionally fraught, regardless of who it was. Even Salkath struggled with recounting his personal experiences, and he hadn't undergone the absolute violation of self that Solas had. Perhaps a graceful out was necessary in case this was a topic Kel didn't feel like broaching socially yet. He waved a hand towards the game on the table.

Salkath: Did you ever learn to play Kal-toh? My solitary game is failing spectacularly.

And indeed it was, Yet again, the discordant fractal shape of the structure indicated that Salkath had royally screwed up. He offered the Vulcan equivalent of an embarrassed shrug, meaning one eyebrow raised ever so slightly.

 Kel: response

TAG/TBC :)

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Lieutenant Commander Salkath

Engineer, USS Artemis-A

A239111MT0