LtCmdr Salkath - So Vulcans Really Can Socialize After All

[Salkath]

((Yem-tukh Nar-tor’i, Second Promenade - DS224))

Ever the one to state the obvious, Salkath summarized their conversation thus far in terms of appreciation for what his two colleagues had shared with him. Besides, the meal appeared to be coming to a conclusion, and it felt prudent to express that gratitude.

Salkath: It is insightful to learn how we all took distinct paths to arrive in Starfleet, and to our current positions on the same ship. I am thankful that opportunity brought us to our meal today.

Jovenan: As am I. And thank you for sharing your stories! And introducing me to Vulcan food, of course. It was delicious.

He nodded politely, glancing at the first officer; the thanks were due more to Commander Dakora making the suggestion in the first place. Salkath did not know this establishment even existed, but now that he did, he knew he had a familiar spot for casual meals when their mission parameters brought them to the station.

Dakora: I agree! We'll have to make a point of doing this more often!

Salkath: I would be honored to join you both for a meal in the future. 

He meant it too. Though there were likely no Edo restaurants on DS224, there certainly must be one that featured cuisine that Jovenan favored, and Talos likely had preferences as well that he might be willing to share. It would be only polite for him to suggest they choose a venue more along their personal tastes should this opportunity present itself again, and Salkath was definitely willing to indulge those. He nodded curtly to the waitstaff as they removed the vestiges of their meals, and turned back as Jovenan posed a question.

Jovenan: If I may still ask one personal question, how are you planning to spend the rest of the shore leave? Do you have any interesting hobbies, or will you be meeting with someone here?

Dakora: Me? I really just plan on taking it easy after these past few missions. ::His face lit up as he recalled something:: Oh! But I'd like to hit up our old friend Gabe Osuna for some holodeck surfing. He's still around here somewhere! How about you?

The Vulcan couldn't help but wonder if this individual was a friend to his two dinner companions, or to the Artemis in general. If surfing referred to the watersport that he thought it did, then it didn't seem like an efficient source of relaxation, but adrenaline seeking was all too common a favored pastime for others for Salkath to find it surprising.

Salkath: The engineering chief has asked me to arrange for project allocation in the department, but other than that, I am not certain. Meditation, surely, and familial obligations. ::they both looked expectantly to Jovenan::  And yourself, Commander?

Jovenan: I’ll be continuing my tour around the station. I think I’ll at least go and check out the arboretum later. It’d imagine it is much larger than what we have on the Artemis. And… I’d like to meet up with, um, some other crewmembers later, but nothing has come up yet.

Dakora: Well that all sounds like fun. ::He cast a furtive glance at the maitre’d who kept glaring in their direction.:: but I think we'd better clear out before they forcibly eject us for inefficient use of dining space.

Despite his mirth, the cautious glance that Talos gave towards the waitstaff showed the uncertainty in his assertion. Salkath felt obligated to reassure his colleague.

Salkath: They would not be so brazen, but yes, loitering after a meal is uncommon. Shall we depart?

Jovenan: response

Talos pushed back from the table, bowing his head to each of them briefly.

Dakora: Thank you– both of you– for a great lunch! But I should probably get back and knock out some of that PADDwork backlog before I have any more fun.

Jovenan: response

Salkath stood smoothly, meeting eyes with each officer in turn. He nodded in kind to Talos and indicated politely to Jovenan to precede him as they made their way towards the exit to the promenade.

Salkath: My thanks again for allowing me to join. May the remainder of your visit to the station be fruitful.

Dakora: Enjoy the rest of your shoreleave!

The three officers separated once out on the promenade and went their ways. Salkath still needed to find a tailor for some casual off-duty clothes, there was bound to be some establishment on one of the promenades that could handle Vulcan fashion without unwanted and unnecessary embellishments. Considering that he had almost retreated from the station earlier to escape the crowds, he now found them almost bearable. The throngs were not less populated than previously encountered, but Salkath's unexpected and strangely therapeutic social session with his fellow officers had mellowed his mood and tempered his idiosyncrasies just enough to tolerate the sights and sounds of the bustle. This had been a fortuitous day so far, indeed.

TAG/END for Salkath :)

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Lieutenant Commander Salkath

Engineer, USS Artemis-A

A239111MT0