Ensign Kel Solas - Kel'Toh 2: The Reckoning
Xander Fulton
((Elysium Mezzanine, Deck 5 - USS Artemis))
Salkath: Perhaps a competitive match will surprise us both with our skills, then. I would be honored if you would play me.
The two started divvying up the t'an sticks between them, and the Commander began resetting the Kal'toh board for a match. When they were finished and ready to begin, Solas looked at Salkath and waved his hand.
Kel: By all means, senior officers first.
Salkath scrutinized the board closely as he fingered his t'an. Solas watched him carefully, trying to do his best and prepare for whatever his next move would be..
Salkath: I almost expected you to rehash that old Earth saying, "age before beauty". Which I still would not be able to refute. ::he placed his rod while rising a mirthful eyebrow towards his opponent:: Such distractions are a valid strategy, but I will not concede this game so quickly.
He smiled as the board reshaped itself into a passable form. The game was afoot.
Kel: Don’t worry commander, we’ll ruin the board yet.
Despite his warning, Solas did not ruin the board with his next placement. In fact, he found to his delight that it took on a much more geometrically pleasing shape.
Salkath: ::placing his next rod:: We are almost ready to deploy again, if the nattering rumors of the crew are to be trusted. How fares your department?
Solas frowned as he considered his reply, trying not toe spread his attention too thin, lest he ruined the board too early.
Kel: Well security is rather lax at the moment ::placing his rod:: Or relaxed I should say. Probably for the best, last thing we need is security firing their phasers at every creak in the deck plates.
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.
That was no small offer, and Solas knew it. In a bureaucratic entity such as a Starfleet vessel for non-critical requests, the normal chain of requisition meant that someone would need to bring a request to their direct reporting officer, who would move it up the chain of in command, until it reached their departmental head.
Solas had just been offered the bureaucratic equivalent of a chainsaw.
Kel: The replicators in the Security Center can’t make a nice hot sandwich to save my life.
When Salkath, placed his next piece, it threw the board into a discordant shape. He could barely hide his disgust in himself.
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
His lie was hardly convincing but Solas decided he’d a little bit of fun with the senior officer. After all it was just a game right?
Kel: Not to worry sir, as I mentioned before, we’ll ruin it soon enough.
As Solas placed his next piece, the board swerved smoothly, like a wave upon the shore. When the board was finished changing, it had adopted a roundish, semi-circular shape. It wasn’t a victory by any means, but Solas had just taken a comfy lead. Somehow.
Salkath: Response
Solas scratched his head with one of the pieces.
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?
Solas actually didn’t expect this to be taken up by Salkath but he hopped the illogic of the phrase would help the match.
Salkath: Response
The board shifted again, this time adopting a more settled, flat shape. Looks like Salkath had managed to cut that lead. Solas considered his next move.
Kel: Very good sir. You must get a lot of practice.
Salkath: Response
TAG/TBC
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Ensign Kel Solas
USS Artemis-A
Security Officer
A240101KS3