Ensign Kovar - Ready, Set, Go
Kovar
((Liarmo Junction, Adamas))
The transition from the Gibarian disaster to the Gorkon had been quite disorienting. Kovar, from the start, had not been quite sure what service in Starfleet would be like, but he would have never considered what he and his crewmates had experienced. Battling hostile extra-dimension lifeforms noncorporeal and otherwise had never occurred to him. So much for being a simple engineer. Even he could not help but suppress a shiver as he recalled what had happened to him, Maezel, and Commander Marshall inside that installation. Its true origin and purpose would likely remain a mystery to him. The Vulcan made a mental note to check-in with Maezel at some point during their shore leave.
Now he found himself wandering through the twisted streets of Liarmo Junction with his superior, the Gorkon’s Chief Engineer, Lieutenant Commander Doz Finch. Grateful for her suggestion, he was both curious about the chosen location of the crew’s shore leave and about her, as Finch seemed to be everything Kovar was not. She was jovial in temperament with an almost ever-present twinkle in her eye, and it was a matter of mathematical certainty that his own had never twinkled, even once.
However, from what he understood they both shared an appreciation of tea and a devotion to their chosen vocation as engineers. All in all, the new(ish) ensign looked forward to learning all he could from the Chief.
Finch: They’re trading all sorts of things here, though the bulk of it appears to be vehicles and random parts.
Kovar: Indeed, and I have to say that the majority of what we have seen thus far is in an unacceptable state of disrepair. I do believe that the standard term is, ::he paused to lift and inspect an item:: well, junk.
They continued down the avenue weaving through countless sentients engaging in commerce, all the while a cacophonous sound of disassembly surrounded them. The activity of the megapolis was unlike anything that Kovar had ever experienced, even on Vulcan. The main difference, naturally, was the chaos, but even so, there was an unspoken logic to it all, though not to his people’s standards, hidden under the surface.
Finch: What do you think?
He paused, unsure of what exactly the chief was referring to; however, given the non-specificity of the question, he assumed that Finch was curious about what he thought about the market.
Kovar: This area is…distinctive. There is considerable evidence of commercial vitality present here, as well as a ::he paused again:: creative approach to engineering principles. I am not sure I would be in the market for anything here.
They continued to walk in silence and take in the sights and sounds. Then Finch turned to Kovar with a large smile on her face. The ever-present twinkle was indeed there.
Finch: It’s a magnet for interstellar racers, apparently. Are you much into racing, Mister Kovar?
Kovar: A good question, Commander. Competition is not inherently irrational. When it serves to refine skill or strengthen interpersonal bonds, it possesses utility. However, as a means of satisfying emotional impulses, such as those of the gambler or thrill-seeker, I confess that its value is less evident to me.
Kovar: So, would you consider yourself a racing fan?
Finch: Response
Kovar: I see. The thought had never occurred to me.
Finch: Response
Engineering Officer
USS Gorkon, NCC-82293
G240302K13