Lt JG Sera - Your mission, should you choose to accept it
Hope Forster
((Federation Park - San Francisco District - Starbase 118))
Sera had spent the last two hours running through the various sections of the commercial district using the physical exercise as a therapy of sorts. She had discovered that the physical expenditure reduced the…ah…lingering aftereffects she had been experiencing since Miranda VII. Between the physical exertion and intensive meditation sessions she had finally committed to—after informing the priest Nalaat on New Year’s eve that she would endeavor to put more effort into the process—she was finally returning to some sense of mental ‘normalcy.’ If normalcy could be construed by maintaining a punishing 5-minute mile average over two hours, that is. Her ground eating stride had been all but punishing even to her physical conditioning, and her trembling legs were proof that she may have overdone it.
She realized she had completed her run in the San Francisco district, which meant there was a bit of a trek to get back to her quarters. It was just as well, as the distance would prove an adequate cool down and give her the opportunity to let her mind simply…be.
As she walked down the path, wearing grey leggings and the infamous shirt that plastered—to her anyway—the most illogical abbreviation of StarBase 118, “STARB” across her chest, Sera used the opportunity to look about her surroundings.
She had taken a new route today and found herself in the heart of Federation Park. To a desert dwelling species, the verdant greens and riotous colors of flowering plant life was still jarring; even after spending 5 years on Earth. Nonetheless, the environment was rather peaceful at this hour. So focused was she on studying the highly cultivated surroundings that she did not take the time to identify the female who had set up an easel and stood staring at something with a paintbrush held between her teeth – which to a Vulcan was a rather aggressive visage. Perhaps it was just as well she hadn’t noticed her. Aggression was something that still simmered just beneath the placid surface of her control—hence the enforced runs and marathon meditation sessions.
Willow: Sera, right?
Sera exhibited a most uncharacteristic response…she started; her attention turning back to the female she had failed to notice. What an egregious lapse…
Sera: ::turning towards the woman, her mind flipping through the mental rolodex of names/faces:: That is correct. Greetings Ensign Haukea-Willow.
Sera looked at the easel and saw the beginnings of a painted landscape. The brush strokes were loose…impressionistic at the current point of Willow’s process of creation. She tilted her head and considered the layout of the elements upon the canvas.
Sera: Ensign Willow, your composition is most adequate. I would find it…agreeable to see the piece upon its completion, if you are amenable?
Willow: Huakea. Of course, of course. I would love to.
Sera: ::nodding in a satisfied manner:: Then—
Her statement was cut off at the tinny chirp which sounded from the zipped pocket on her thigh. She gave Willow an expression of silent apology and pulled out the small PADD and pulled up the alert.
An assignment had come through; and although Sera was off duty, it was an interesting enough request for her to enter in her ID to assign herself to the execution of it. She glanced over to Willow in speculation…perhaps?
Sera: Inquiry – I have just accepted an engineering requisition. Would you care to assist me with a phaser rifle modification?
Willow: Just let me pack up my supplies.
Sera: ::nodding:: Very well.
Sera would have offered to assist, but she hesitated; and upon observing Willow pack up her paints and easel in a particular manner, she was satisfied that allowing Willow to perform the task unaided was the correct one.
Once the Risan had all of her belongings stowed away and was ready to leave, Sera extended her hand in a manner that indicated to Willow that they would proceed at her convenience. The pair walked in silence towards one of the main turbolifts that would take them into the core of the station – where the vast expanse of engineering works was located.
Sera: ::having come to the understanding that most non-Vulcans valued ‘idle’ banter:: May I inquire as to the form of media you are employing for your painting?
Willow: Umm…Oil painting…I typically paint beaches. But I thought trees would be a nice change of pace.
Sera: Trees can be quite…exotic, depending on the species, I surmise.
Willow: ?
Sera tilted her head towards Willow in a gesture of amusement.
Sera: Although a large majority of Vulcan is covered in a desert biome; we do have a number of native trees. They are nothing like the specimens in Federation Park.
Willow: ?
Sera: For one thing they lack chlorophyl, so their foliage is not green…::looking thoughtful as she considers how to explain, and to do so successfully in federation standard no less:: Unusual solar activity many millennia ago damaged the ecology of my home world. The energy producing compound within the trees’ structure was fundamentally altered, causing the chemical to reflect a vibrant red color. During the dry season, the prevalent winds cause the desiccated leaves to…clatter? It is an impressive sound…and to be within them as the leaves are dislodged and swirl about…it is a fascinating experience.
Willow: ?
Sera: There is a Vulcan flora program that showcases the more intriguing plant specimens from my planet in the holodeck collection.
Willow: ?
Sera: Yes. Of course. ::she was far more comfortable getting down to business than exchanging in ‘small talk’ anyway:: You are familiar with the Mark 93A phaser rifle, yes?
Willow: ?
Sera: There has been an official request to modify it to a Mark 93A Block II. As I have become quite proficient in firearms modifications, it was only logical to accept the assignment. I have found these tasks to be far more efficient to have an additional set of hands. With your security background, I considered it logical to request your assistance.
Willow: ?
Tag/TBC
Lt. JG Sera
Engineering Officer
Starbase 118 Ops
J239812S14