Ensign Sival - Peace and Olives
Sival .
(( OOC: Sorry if this is too prose-y. It’s good to be back! ))
As Sival was walking to the Clanhouse, a sense of peace fell upon him. This happened more frequently lately now that the structural damage to his brain has been repaired. He could now easily push turbulent emotions aside and summon a sense of calm. But this time, his tranquil state was tied to something deeper - Sival was looking forward to being among his crewmates again.
In a way, he felt closer to them after the incident with the hallucinations. That incident publicly exposed his and their deepest wounds. Yet despite all of them being vulnerable, they found safety and support amongst each other. It may be one of the catalysts that would bring them closer together and develop them into a bona fide ‘crew’.
Personally, building rapport and camaraderie was important to him. It was in his previous career, and it continues to be so now. Thus he hoped his crewmates here would become his friends. Friends who let the filter down a bit between their inner and outer worlds.
(( Clanhouse, Deck 10, USS Juneau ))
As Sival entered the Clanhouse, he thought about how it was an ideal setting for the Awards Ceremony. In contrast to the metallic, Starfleet greys that were prominent throughout the ship, the Clanhouse offered something that was semi-exotic, in Sival’s opinion. It radiated warmth with its natural wood bar and colorful symbols. Then, of course, nearby there were the windows. They spanned from floor to ceiling, making an entire wall a view into the cosmos.
Sival looked around and saw his crewmates in casual attire, chatting and laughing as they sampled food from the buffet. Servers weaved among them, offering drinks and taking empty glasses. Everyone seemed happy and having a good time. Sival decided that Lt. Cmdr. Quinn’s preparations were acceptable. And successful.
Sival realized how hungry he was. He worked his way through the crowd, nodding and exchanging polite “hello’s” and “good afternoon’s” as he passed people by. He had spotted a bowl of olives on one of the tables, and he was determined to get to them as quickly and efficiently as possible without being sidelined by extraneous conversations.
Olives first. Then chat.
He made it about halfway there, finding himself in about the middle of the room, when he unexpectedly was in a four-person group, all facing one another. As he looked up (he had been looking at his legs and feet to avoid bumping into anyone), he saw he was in the company of the captain, Lieutenant Stelek and another officer that he had not met before.
Oddas: Mister Dekas, Mister Sival, it is nice to see you here.
The captain seemed relaxed, perhaps a bit pensive. This assuaged any social anxiety Sival could have felt from accidentally bumping into his commanding officer. Instead, his facial expression softened as he lowered his shoulders to release any remaining anxious tension. He proceeded calmly.
Sival: It is agreeable to you, Captain. ::to Stelek:: Lieutenant. ::to Dekas:: Ensign.
It was indeed agreeable, if you put aside consideration of the olives, which Sival did.
Dekas: Response
As they talked, he had his thumbs in his pocket, absentmindedly looping them around as he took in the random sensations surrounding him. He could hear the clinks of silverware hitting plates and the hum of the replicators. He even noted how harmoniously the sound of drinks being poured complemented the collective murmuring of the crowd. Smells of cooked spices, sweet desserts and robust ales were added to the mix.
Yes, the olives could wait. Sival was perfectly content to stop here and take everything in among company. Taking a moment to smell the roses.
Stelek: Engineering is still where we left it, and I know they could use a hand.
Oddas: Though it did take a beating recently.
And so did Sival, along with the rest of the crew. Thankfully, all seemed to be on the mend.
Dekas: Response
Sival allowed his eyes to fall upon the feathered officer. He had never met one of his species before. He leaned forward and addressed Dekas.
Sival: I do not believe we are acquainted. My name is Sival. I have recently joined the crew as one of the doctors. Greetings.
Sival raised his hand, palm outward, and parted his second and third fingers.
Dekas: Response
Oddas / Stelek: Response
Sival put his hands together in front of him, then spoke.
Sival: Have you served long on the Juneau?
Dekas: Response
Sival nodded, understanding.
Sival: I look forward to getting to know you better, Ensign Dekas. Overall, the crew here is satisfactory.
Were he fully human, Sival might have smiled. Instead, he retained his cool, Vulcan exterior. Only the most observant would notice a slight dilation of the pupils or an almost undetectable movement of the lips.
Sival looked to his companions.
Oddas / Stelek / Dekas: Response
Sival suddenly felt a pang of hunger. He remembered the bowl of olives.
Sival, Captain, Lieutenant, Ensign, if you will excuse me please. Enjoy the ceremony. ::to Dekas:: It was a pleasure meeting you.
Oddas / Stelek / Dekas: Response
Sival made a beeline for the table. Olives never looked so good.