PNPC C2 Hamsan Dwich — Vulcan’t buy me love
jkpbem
(( OOC: All thoughts and opinions about other characters are expressed solely from the perspectives of Crewman Hamsan and Lieutenant Yalu. They do not necessarily represent (nor presume to represent) the actual state of affairs of the characters so referenced. ))
(( Hamsan Dwich’s quarters, Deck 2, USS Resolution ))
After an uneventful shift in sickbay and a quick sonic shower, Dwich had returned to his quarters and was currently lying in his bunk, staring at the ceiling and daydreaming. His thoughts meandered across a variety of subjects: his work, his family, his future in Starfleet, the path the Prophets had chosen for him to walk. And also Meidra.
Since their first date in the ship’s library, he and Meidra hadn’t had the opportunity to spend much time together. So much of their respective work consisted of looking after the captain and the refugees due to depart at Vulcan, and once they arrived, Dwich hadn’t seen much of her onboard ship. He had asked after her as casually as he knew how, and heard she was taking part in some kind of training exercise and had made plans to visit her family home. It could be days before she came back.
Dwich had noticed the difference in how they’d spoken of their families. He had told Meidra about his parents’ background, his brothers’ occupations and his own vocation to join the clergy. But Meidra had subtly deflected his inquiries and changed the subject, rather than discuss her own family. It could just be that they were still getting to know each other, and she didn’t feel comfortable talking about such personal topics with him yet. But Dwich thought there might be something more to it than that. Perhaps Meidra had a difficult relationship with her family?
Everything about her seemed a study in contrasts. On duty, she came off competent, professional, if a bit stoic. But there were moments when he noticed the shields drop ever so slightly, and her whole demeanour changed. He could just be imagining things, or projecting what he thought he observed onto her, but if he was right, it made him wonder what about her life thus far had caused such a dual nature to develop within her.
Feeling his stomach start to growl, Dwich decided to continue daydreaming later, after he’d grabbed a bite to eat in the mess hall.
(( Mess Hall, Deck 2, USS Resolution ))
Dwich entered the mess hall and found it to be fairly empty. With all of Vulcan at their disposal, the majority of Resolution’s crew was certainly spending their time planetside. After stopping at the replicator to order some veklava and ginger tea, he was about to sit at an unoccupied table when he noticed Lieutenant Yalu eating a cheeseburger in the far corner of the room. Dwich knew that Yalu and Meidra were friends; he’d seen them off-duty and interacting in sickbay enough to feel confident there was nothing romantic between them. He approached the helmsman, imposing even in a seated position, hoping to casually catch his eye.
Yalu: Can I help you, Crewman?
Hamsan: Lieutenant Yalu, we met a few weeks ago at Deep Space 224. You assigned me quarters when I reported aboard the ship. I’m Hamsan Dwich, Crewman Second Class.
The lieutenant smiled and nodded, but Dwich wondered whether he actually remembered him, or if he was just being polite.
Yalu: It’s good to see you again, Crewman. ::beat:: Would you care to join me?
Dwich sat down, pleased to accept the offer.
Hamsan: Thank you, Sir. Actually, there was a reason I wanted to speak with you. It’s somewhat personal, Sir.
Yalu: I am happy to help however I can. What’s on your mind?
Hamsan: Well—::beat:: it’s about Meidra. Erm, I mean Lieutenant Sirin, Sir.
The tall Trill smiled and his whole body language changed. Before, Dwitch almost felt Yalu looming over him like some kind of henge. Now, he appeared casual and laid-back, not at all what Dwich had expected.
Yalu: ::grinning:: What about Lieutenant Sirin?
Hamsan: Well, Sir. We’ve started getting to know each other. I know that you two are friends. I like Meidra, and I want to get to know her better. I’ve never really felt this way about someone before, and since you’re her friend, I was wondering if I could talk to you about it?
Yalu: Wow, what a question. I don’t know if I am the best person to talk to, Crewman. Frankly, I haven’t been a man interested in a woman romantically in, oh, 240 years? I am sure things have changed a bit since then.
Hamsan: I understand, Sir. I just don’t really know how to proceed. I mean, the Lieutenant is so smart and skilled at everything, and I just feel so ordinary around her. I want her to like me, but I don’t feel like there’s anything terribly impressive about me.
The helmsman leaned and momentarily scratched his beard, seemingly collecting his thoughts before he answered.
Yalu: I can tell you a couple of things, Crewman. Lieutenant Sirin is a highly intelligent, highly perceptive person. If she is choosing to spend her time with you, you need not worry whether she likes you. Be yourself. A genuine person is always better company than an impressive one.
Dwich nodded, grateful for the advice.
Hamsan: So maybe suggesting a trip to the Fire Plains isn’t such a good idea?
Yalu: ::chuckling:: That might be a bit much to start. ::beat:: Here’s an idea, Crewman: find out where the Earth embassy is located in the capital, and see if there’s a pizza place nearby. With so many humans living and working in the area, there’s got to be a pizza place.
Hamsan: oO Pizza place? Oo If you say so, Sir. Thank you.
The helmsman polished off the last remaining bite of his cheeseburger and set his napkin atop the plate.
Yalu: My pleasure, Crewman. ::standing, with a grin:: Anything else I can do for you?
Hamsan: No, Sir. Thank you for speaking with me about this. I really appreciate it.
Yalu: Anytime.
Yalu bussed his side of the table and left Dwich by himself, with his still-untouched plate of veklava. Dwich pondered the lieutenant’s words for a moment or two, then pulled a small PADD out of his pocket and started searching: ‘ShirKahr’ + ‘pizza’ + ‘restaurants’.
TBC
PNPC C2 Hamsan Dwich
Emergency Medical Technician
USS Resolution NCC-78145
featuring, and simmed by
Lieutenant JG Yogan Yalu
Helm Officer
USS Resolution NCC-78145
Justin
D238804DS0
As you liberate yourself in metaphor, think of others, those who have lost the right to speak.
— Mahmoud Darwish