Lt. Nesre Salo - "One Is Silver"
Amanda Nordstrom
((8 Forward, The Writer’s Room, U.S.S. Octavia E. Butler))
Nesre had intended to simply sit in the Writer’s room for a quiet drink. Although she was still doing that, she found herself in the pleasant company of one of the newest members of the OEB, an Ensign by the name of Kimonzi. Even if it was unexpected, it was certainly not unwanted, for she found herself enjoying the conversation already. Like most who stepped foot out of the Academy and into the great wide universe, Kimonzi found herself thrust into a situation where she had to act in a manner seemingly contrary to what she was trained to do - she’d shot a superior officer. Her saving grace - that superior officer had told her to do so, and it had only been on stun. Nesre hoped she would find some solace in the knowledge that she had done the right thing, but understandably, the Trill was bothered that such a thing was necessary to begin with.
Salo: I imagine there will be all sorts of things that happen. Starfleet does try to prepare their cadets as best as possible.
Lahl: Oh, definitely, it’s just, different out here you know? And none of my past lives have experienced anything quite like this before. I’m the first Lahl to be a member of Starfleet.
So she was a joined Trill. Nodding, Nesre couldn’t imagine what it was like to have all those memories stored away in the back of her mind. On one hand, it sounded fascinating. On the other, it sounded confusing. Either way, those chosen as hosts underwent training for that very reason - among others.
Salo: I didn’t realise you carried a symbiont.
Lahl: Yeah, I am joined. The sixth in the line of the hosts of Lahl. I took a two year sabbatical from the Academy to go through the initiation. Somehow I was able to complete it in that time.
While Nesre was not ignorant of Trill physiology as well as psychology - after all, she had to be both as a medical officer and a counsellor - she wasn’t certain how long exactly that process took, only that it was intense and prospective hosts underwent a lot of scrutiny.
Salo: Then it sounds like you were a perfect candidate. I imagine it was a dream come true for you?
As Lahl considered the question, she scratched at her spots, and Nesre wondered if it indicated subconscious nervousness or if she was simply itchy. Perhaps it was both.
Lahl: Ah, I actually didn’t want to be joined until after I started at the Academy. ::still scratching her spots a bit:: But while I was there I realized that I had the qualifications thanks to my delayed start at the Academy, and my academic accomplishments. I was lucky to get my symbiont within two years.
She smiled, and though Nesre was not telepathic, she couldn’t help but think there was something hidden behind that smile. It wasn’t her place to dig, at least not there, for this was not a counselling session, but a chance for both of them to relax and get to know one another. Trying to dive too deep into one’s psyche could backfire.
Salo: I think that’s a testament to your intelligence and capability.
Lahl: Response
Salo: I wouldn’t underestimate yourself.
Lahl: Response
Smiling, Nesre sipped at her drink and considered the woman. The blue collar indicated the sciences, but she didn’t know what branch specifically, just that it wasn’t in Counselling.
Salo: So tell me about Kimonzi. What sort of things do you enjoy?
Lahl: Response
-- Lt. Nesre Salo Counsellor USS Octavia E. Butler M239008AD0