Exploration and Meetings

Posted on Fri Dec 4th, 2020 @ 11:55pm by Chief Science Officer Mika Rai'z D.Sc., Ph.D. & Chief Counselor Serephima Anilon
Edited on on Fri Dec 4th, 2020 @ 11:57pm

Mission: New Starts
Location: Shenzi’s Lounge
Timeline: 247912.30 1420

Serephima had taken Maralen’s advice and had been exploring FarVoyager—there was a great deal to see. After an unknown length of time, Serephima noticed a lounge that was open and appeared inviting. She moved inside and ordered a cup of tea and began to watch the people milling about.

Sitting at a booth not too far away was Mika, drinking coffee and going over a personnel file, hers to be exact, on a datapad. He paused with the cup halfway to his lips as he saw her over the rim of his mug, and then took a drink before deciding to touch on his link. Keeping his eyes on her, he spoke into it, “Counselor Anilon?” and smiled as he waited for her to respond.

Serephima’s eyebrows rose as her link came to life— a call before they even launched? Activating her own link, she replied, “Yes? How may I help you?”

She began to look about, trying to see who had contacted her.

"By joining me. I’m Doctor Mika Rai’z, second in command of FarVoyager. I’m sitting in a booth..." When their eyes met, he waved to her. His friendly smile remained. "That’s me you’re looking at now."

Serephima smiled and waved back. She said, “It would be my pleasure to join you.” She rose and got her tea, then moved to the booth where Mika waited. She smiled again, saying, “It is a pleasure to meet you.”

"The pleasure's mine." Having managed to pull his eyes away from her, Mika gestured to the seat across from his. "Please have a seat." When he looked back to her, he smiled and took in her features once again. "I apologise if it seems like I am staring,” he said as he realized that may have been what he'd been doing. "I'm not familiar with your species. You're the first Nandalone I've met."

Serephima smiled, saying, "That is not surprising. We have avoided off world contact for many years because of a terrible experience. It has been only in recent years that we have begun to venture past our own system again." She looked at Mika for a moment, then around at the other people in the cafe. She spoke again, softly, "So many species—so little strife...."

Mika had nodded at what she had first said. Although he was sure it wasn’t the same scenario, he felt he understood all too clearly, and could relate. Taking a drink of his coffee, he watched her look around. "Hopefully it stays that way," he replied.

“That is my hope,” Serephima replied, sighing. “So much more can be accomplished when there is no petty disagreements or territorial disputes... I think that is why I believe that I will like it here—there are many diverse species working together.” She offered Mika another smile, saying, “You have admitted to curiosity about my people—what may I tell you?”

Listening was a skill Mika was normally very good at, but this time he had to force himself to give her his complete attention, to not to go back to a time he would rather not. "Anything you would like to tell me," he smiled back to her.

Shenzi was slowly making her rounds of her customers. She was enjoying seeing how her place of business was flourishing.

Mika found his eyes tracking the very tall animal-like species in the background. Canine didn't seem accurate, and his attention was mainly on Seraphima as it was.

Serephima thought for a moment, then spoke softly, “As you can see Nandalones are a winged species—we live on a planet that is quite lush, with many different forms of animal and plant life. We revere all life and developed a type of technology that did not harm our planet. We are a peaceful people, but we do have a warrior heritage.” She smiled slightly, continuing, “Comfort Givers, such as myself, have historically played a dual role, both as Comforters and Protectors. It is very unwise to anger a Comfort Giver when he or she is in Protector guise.....”. She paused for a moment, then continued, “Both our Comfort Giver and Protector abilities were taxed when those we call Xander invaded...but we were able to rescue most of our people and be troublesome enough to the Xander that they eventually left. We then had to heal our planet." She sighed, "It made us fairly xenophobic for a time, but that time has passed...."

She looked at Mika, a slight blush on her cheeks as she said, “I fear I may have told you more of our troubles than about Nandalones themselves.....”

"On the contrary," Mika smiled again. "You have told me quite a bit. Your history and take on life says a great deal about your species."

"I thank you," Serephima replied, " I do not usually speak of our dark times--we have tried very hard to put them behind us. "

"I understand," Mika said thoughtfully, understanding on his features. "I am much the same way when it comes to speaking about my people's past and the effects it had on us."

Serephima smiled softly, saying, “It appears that we may have much in common in that respect, does it not?” She looked around again, her voice very soft as she said, “If only all species could cooperate....”

Shenzi finally brought herself to the table of a pair of interesting individuals. "Good day and welcome to the the Voyager Lounge." She said with a smile. "I'm Savannah Shenzi."

Mika had only nodded and smiled at what Serephima had said. His attention now shifted fully to Shenzi, gazing upwards as he took her all in. "I'm Mika Rai'z and thank you," he smiled back to her, thinking she must work there by her greeting, and continued pleasantly, "Are you the lounge owner, or an employee?"

Shenzi smiled down at the pair, as she leaned on her cane. "I'm the owner of this fine establishment. Are you two enjoying yourselves?"

"Very much so. You provide a very relaxing atmosphere," Mika lifted his cup, "and the Coffee is great. Would you like to join us?"

“Please do,” Serephima chimed in. “I am most anxious to meet as many people as possible. This is an exciting experience for me.”

"Why thank you." Shenzi said. "I was hopeful that I wasn't interrupting such a cute couple with my presence." She stated grabbing a chair, and easing into it.

Serephima stared blankly at Shenzi for a moment before finding her voice. “A couple? You flatter me, but Dr. Rai’z and I have only just met—a most enjoyable meeting, I must say.”

Mika had been about to respond when she had and found himself amused at her reaction. "I agree," he smiled, "And thank you, Counselor Anilon," he said, slightly stressing her name for Shenzi, having realized she hadn't offered it to him herself.

"Oh!" Shenzi said a little shocked and embarrassed. "I'm sorry that I misread the situation." She said. "I have to admit that you two would make a really cute couple."

"It’s alright," Mika smiled reassuringly and then noting the time, started to get out of his seat. "It was very nice meeting you both. I wish I had more time, but I need to be going."

“It was most pleasant meeting you Doctor,” Serephima replied with a smile. “I look forward to more conversations with you.”

Turning to Shenzi, she said, “I fear that I also must depart. I must prepare for the journey ahead. I look forward to seeing you again.”

"My doors are always open." Shenzi said slowly standing.

"That's good to hear," Mika nodded a goodbye with a smile to the both of them, taking his leave.