NPC Dariell - Between then and now, I hoped to see you again
CPT Arianus
(( Passive Launch Bay, Sub-Level - Boraxian Cityship ))
Waiting is never easy. Not for those who pour their hearts into their work, and even more so for someone with the heartbeat of an engineer. Patience had never been his strong suit, but today felt different. He tuned into the steady hum of the environmental control, as if it were the heartbeat of the ship itself.
He listened to their fluctuations, tuning in to the slight variations that signaled it was time to replace the cooling liquid. He committed it to memory so he could relay it later when he returned to the Cityship. After all, the lesson on prevention had etched itself into his heart more deeply than anything else during the past few weeks. But it wasn't just that that had led him here and now, waiting.
The familiar hum of the Starfleet transporter finally pierced through the environmental control vent, followed by an even more familiar voice.
Tho'Bi: ::uncertain:: Ensign Tho’Bi, USS Artemis ::nervous stutter:: re-reporting as ordered.
The waiting was over. It was time to go.
Tho'Bi: ::uncertain, but impatient:: Hello?
As the soft shunt sounded, the doors slid open, and Dariell caught a glimpse of a familiar face they thought they would never see again as they stepped into the control room.
Dariell: ::smiles:: It’s an honor of mine to know and be known, Engineer Tho’Bi.
The Andorian engineer stepped back, surprise etched on his face—a reaction that was less pleasant than Dariell had hoped for. The young Andorian then began to ramble, his words tumbling out in a rush.
Tho'Bi: Darriel …I had not expected to see you again.
Dariell: Why so, Engineer Tho’Bi? Didn’t you come here to lend a hand with the refit of New Hope's bridge?
Tho'Bi: ::apologetic:: Forgive my surprise …I am, of course, ready to assist you in the overhaul of the bridge of ‘New Hope' ::bows slightly::
The young Andorian’s behavior genuinely surprised them. Had Dariell erred in seeking his assistance?
Dariell: For that, me sincerely thank you and express our gratitude, Engineer Tho'Bi. ::tilts his head:: I can't help but wonder why you seem to act so erratic now, so surprised? Please forgive my question; I'm only trying to understand you better.
Tho'Bi: But …I do not understand ::tilts head:: why we are here ::looks around::
Dariell’s curious facial expressions shifted as understanding began to dawn on them. Perhaps it was indeed unconventional for them to ask for his help, at least from the perspective of an Andorian engineer. While they had their own way of seeing things, he could—and likely did—have his own unique outlook beyond just their interaction.
Dariell: I was here, on Cityship. That’s simple is, why you are here, Engineer Tho’Bi. We could meet on New Hope, yes, you have your shimmer of light that brings you between spaces. (beat) But me seen your enthusiasm to know more when we got known. Light is nice, but did you glide the stars?
Andorian's expression shifted as if by a snap of the fingers. The worry that once clouded his face gave way to a gleeful, childlike excitement.
Tho'Bi: ::smiling:: Cool.
Yurum smiled back at Tho'Bi and gestured for him to head toward the door to the tube that led to the shuttle.
Dariell: Please follow me.
The journey may not have been long, but it was certainly captivating, especially with the glass tube providing a stunning view of the maintenance deck beneath. They could also spot their shuttle, held firmly in the tight grasp of metal claws, patiently awaiting their boarding.
Dariell: Magnificent, is it?
Tho'Bi: Response
Dariell gave Tho'Bi a brief moment to savor the pleasure of the experience, before they reached out, their hand light on Tho'Bi's shoulder. With a gentle yet firm gesture, they signaled that it was time to move on to the shuttle. As they entered, they shut the door behind them, watching through the window as the tube air bridge started to pull away from the shuttle.
Dariell: Please, sit in the right seat. ::points to the cockpit::
Tho’Bi: Response?
They followed Andorian to the front of the shuttle and took their seat on the left, their fingers moving in a fluid dance over the four keyboards, a rhythmic blur as they navigated the pre-flight preparations. The soft glow of the screens before them quickly illuminated their faces as the clatter of keys filled the air, blending with the hum of systems slowly coming to life.
Dariell: Does your Starfleet have shuttles like ours?
Tho’Bi: Response
The shuttle suddenly swayed forward and rotated as the mechanical arm deftly began maneuvering it into position for launch, aligning it with the entrance to the electromagnetic launch tube. As it drew closer, the blast doors of the launch tube slid open, revealing a shimmering passageway that beckoned the shuttle forward. As the shuttle's nose entered the electromagnetic tube, the arm let them go, allowing them to glide smoothly inside, pushed solely by magnetic force. Blast door shut behind them.
Dariell smiled and waved and gestured at Boraxian, who appeared on the screen outside, on their side, and then quickly turned to Tho’Bi, and pointed at the keys on the keyboard that hung over Andorial's head.
Dariell: Press both illuminated buttons together, and then pull that lever to your left away from you.
Tho’Bi: Response
TAG/TBC
–
Dariell
Yurum Mechanic
As simmed by
Lieutenant JG Ollie Bergmen
Operations Officer
U.S.S. Artemis-A
A240009JC1