Ensign Sival - Here's to the Adventure!
Sival .
((USS Juneau, deck 10, Clanhouse))
Sival: The pursuit of ‘sciency things’ is often rewarding. Do you mind if I join you for a drink?
T’Lea: Please.
As T’Lea poured the beverage, Sival began to suspect that this was not curacao. Yes, it was blue, but it did not smell sweet at all. He inferred the other two likely suspects, given that T’Lea was the one enjoying it, were either Romulan ale or kali-fal, another Romulan drink. He had tried both before, but they were replicated. He would soon find out if this was the real thing.
As he drew the glass closer to his mouth, a strong aroma, which he could only describe as not-quite pungent, filled his nose. It was like a splash of cold water for his sinuses. Taking this as a warning sign, he cautiously took a sip. The liquid felt smooth going over his tongue, but when it hit his throat, he felt the sting. His head jerked back in response. He swallowed hard then put down the glass.
Sival: It has quite a… I believe the human expression is ‘a bite and a kick’ to it. Fascinating.
Sival eyed the box on the bar. It had a darkly-colored material inside of it.
Sival: Is that some kind of candy?
Sival hoped it was candy. He always enjoyed the opportunity to taste a new candy for the first time.
T’Lea: Yes, it is. It is a gift from our lovely Counselor. Liquor—something…
Trovek: Licorice. Liiiick-riiiis.
Licorice! Sival would snack on this back when he worked on Earth. He loved its sweet and smooth flavor. But this didn’t appear to be licorice - licorice was red, according to Sival’s experience at least.
T’Lea: ::at Arys:: And one of the ingredients is hot peppers?
oO Hot peppers? Oo
Trovek: Yes, but the heat isn’t too difficult to handle. If you are sensitive to it, I can recommend iced bloodwine to take the sting out of it.
What were they talking about? This didn’t sound like the licorice he knew at all.
T’Lea: I was going to lab test it before trying it myself, but if you feel adventurous, help yourself.
That piqued his interest. Being a ‘foodie’ was an adventure. Sival loved to taste unique foods, even ones that are quite offensive to the senses. He would eat anything once, as long as it was plant-based. He loved the thrill of experiencing a new sensation. He called it ‘the thrill of the taste’.
Trovek: ::trying to sound encouraging:: I believe in you.
Now Sival was extremely curious. He was also a bit confused.
Sival: Why does that not make me feel more assured?
He was joking. He was actually excited to taste this new food, a licorice with hot peppers that needed to be lab-tested and taken with bloodwine and friendly encouragement. Sival had never encountered such a food. He had to try it.
Sival took a bite. Immediately he noticed its texture was malleable and sticky. As it stuck to his teeth, he was struck by its extremely sweet yet, oddly, also slightly bitter flavor. It reminded him of fennel herb. He looked at his friends, and wondered why they were watching him intently.
Then it hit him, about five seconds in. The inside of his mouth began to burn, as if his tongue was coated with liquid plasma. When he tried to swallow, it felt like melted butter was sliding down his throat. Then the heat spread. To his nose, his eyes and the insides of his ears.
Sival squinted and scrunched his nose. He audibly gasped as he tried to inhale some cool air.
He immediately took a drink of the blue liquor. This time its not-quite pungent flavor was welcoming; its ‘punch’ a relief when it hit the back of his mouth.
He handed the box back to T’Lea, raising an eyebrow as he did so.
Tito: I would say your reaction, Doc Sival is… Fascinating.
Sival: Indeed.
He wasn’t able yet to talk more. He may need to take Arys up on her offer of bloodwine if he tries it again - when he tries it again. As painful as the experience was, it was also invigorating. He looked forward to the challenge.
T’Lea: Where did you spend your shore leave, Doctor?
Sival’s eyes widened. Shore leave. Sival hesitated because he did not know how to answer, or at least how to answer truthfully. How much would he say… what could he even say? Any misstep and he could lose everything. The threat was still very real. He decided to give a vague answer that was true without being really true. Hopefully they wouldn’t ask him to elaborate.
Sival: I spent my leave exploring Deep Space Nine.
Exploring! More like hiding and running for his life. It was not a preferred way to tour the station.
Arys handed her sweater to T’Lea. He noted the way she looked at her.
Trovek: I am not sure why I did that, but really, just go with it. ::she turned to Silval:: Tell us more. Oh! T’Lea found Oralians, and we’ve decided to steal a shuttle from DS9 and become… grave diggers?
Thankfully Tito spoke up before he had a chance to reply.
Tito: I think it falls more in the category of grave robbers. ::He shrugged with a raised eyebrow.:: That would be… More fun I think.
T’Lea: Indeed. A doctor would be a vital addition to our not-so-noble cause.
Sival wasn’t sure if they were exaggerating or not. ‘Steal’ a shuttle could mean just ‘take’ a shuttle. He always had trouble distinguishing between literal and figurative meaning.
Yet he was interested. Think of the possibilities! It sounded like this would be some kind of archaeological endeavor, but without the restraints of a formal mission. Think about the freedom to realize an objective without all the rules and bureaucratic obstacles getting in the way! This - making a dream a reality - doing something great because it CAN be done! That was what had always motivated Sival since he was a child. And that was a noble cause.
But if they really were planning to do something, and soon, then he would have to make some progress with his current dilemma. He needed someone who he could safely confide in for advice.
Sival: Sounds intriguing. I shall replicate a shovel at my earliest convenience.
And he really did intend to do so.
He noticed the captain step up to speak. The room focused their attention on her.
Oddas: Good evening crew, thank you for attending. ::pause, deep breath:: These ceremonies are a small way the Captain of a vessel can show her appreciation, recognize individuals for their hard work, and to embarrass themselves by giving speeches. I am quite pleased to be here today and do at least two of the three.
Sival emphasized. He was also uncomfortable speaking in public. And speaking in front of a group of people that you knew seemed to make it even worse.
Any: Response
Oddas: Our last mission required, grit, determination, and unusual strength - though not in the way we are used to. Anyone who had the pleasure of commanding my crew should have expected you all to rise to the occasion with your normal honor and steadfastness that affirms your place on the ship. For that, thank you.
Any: Response
Oddas: First, I want to recognize the entire crew. It is not easy to save a ship when battling internal demons. For that reason, and because the crew was able to solve the issues in the true manner of Starfleet, we have been awarded the Good Conduct Ribbon and the Starfleet Investigation Ribbon. Good work, and thank you again.
Kendrick: ::raising his glass of beer:: Hear, hear!!
Indeed, this took exceptional courage and bravery. Sival realized how strong his crewmates really were.
Oddas: During the mission several members of the crew were responsible for deploying Metaphasic Shields, an innovation that gave us the time needed to investigate the cause of our disturbances and to save the ship. It is my pleasure to award Ensign Falt, Lieutenant Tito, and Commander Quinn with the Innovation Ribbon. The teamwork and the thinking required for the solution was inspired.
Tito: Thank you Captain.
Any: Response
Sival applauded. He was inspired by their brilliance and cooperation.
Oddas: Additionally, gauging from the mission reports there were two crew members who helped their crewmates when time was especially grim. I am awarding the Unity Ribbon to Ensign Trovek and Lieutenant Tito, both of whom made their crew think about things in different ways and to see their way through the mission that could have been demoralizing.
Any: Response
Indeed. And when they were experiencing their own internal struggles at the same time. They truly deserved this commendation.
Oddas: Outside the normal flow of the mission, crew life continues - and in this case we get to recognize the hard work of the crew in another way. ::pause:: Over six months ago Commander Indobri became Chief Medical Officer. Running a department on the Juneau is not an easy task. People interrupting you at all hours, the paperwork, the organization, the paperwork ::smirk:: it all adds up and to recognize her dedication for the past six months she is awarded the Department Chair Ribbon. Congratulations Doctor.
Any: Response
Sival hadn’t been in the medical department those entire six months, but from the short time he has been with the doctor, she has been a model and an inspiration for him. Yes, she does seem to be quite busy, yet she always conducts herself with calmness and grace. Any Vulcan would be humbled to achieve such a state, and Sival had grown to admire her for it.
Oddas: We have in our midst Lieutenant Kendrick, recently promoted, and ready for new challenges. On the Juneau we like to reward hard work with more hard work, so effective immediately Lieutenant Kendrick is to assume the role of Acting Chief of the combined Tactical and Security Department. Congratulations, and good luck.
Tito: Congratulations Lieutenant.
Quinn/Kendrick/Any: Response
Sival applauded loudly. He had seen Kendrick at work, and he was happy for the man.
Oddas: I am sure the news has made it through the crew by now, but to make it official, let it be known that Commander Quinn has graciously accepted the role of Executive Officer, and Commander T'Lea has re-assumed her role as Chief Science Officer and Second Officer.
Quinn/Any: Response
Sival had wondered about this. Now he still wonders about it.
Oddas: Finally, if I could have both Ensigns Trovek and Ensign Falt come forward.
Oddas: Ensign Trovek, you have been with us a short time, but your dedication to the crew and the ship's well-being are obvious. Likewise, Ensign Falt, your dedication to the science staff, giving yourself to improve all around you has put you in the precarious position of deserving a promotion. ::she gave them both a sly smirk:: I hearby promote both of you to the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade, effective immediately.
Quinn/Trovek/Falt: Responses
Both were exceptional officers. He felt fortunate that he had the opportunity to work with them. He was truly happy for them.
Oddas: Again, thank you all for coming, you work hard, do amazing things, and I cannot imagine a better crew in the fleet. Please enjoy the amenities provided by the XO, and let's get back to work tomorrow.
Sival joined in the loud applause. He looked around and took in the view of this crew. A crew he belonged to. He realized at that moment how strong and resilient they were, and he felt very fortunate to be among them.
Any: response
Sival saw Lt. JG Falt standing nearby. He walked up to him to extend his congratulations.
Sival: Congratulations on a performance well-deserved. Your performance has been exemplary.
Falt: response
Sival: You deserve it. Did you have a productive shore leave?
Falt: response
TAG/TBC
Ensign Sival
Medical Officer
USS Juneau, NX-99801
J239808S11