[USS Charon, Guest Quarters]
"The Captain is expecting you in twelve point eight four minutes, t'sai."
"Indeed she is."
For what reason Rehu would wish to speak to a scientist, T'Pelar had no logical explanation for. Surely, the woman was aware that as civilians, her guests were not going to be ordered about at her leisure. Still, she had been given command of Charon by Starfleet, however unwise this action had been in the Vulcan's opinion, and logic dictated that matters would progress with less difficulty if the Captain cooperated.
However, T'Pelar doubted the latter was likely.
Childish posturing, perhaps. Sharpness of a commander accustomed to the military, very probable. But simple reason and logic? No, one could hardly hope for such a thing.
The tall woman brushed some none existent dust off her heavy robe and walked towards the door, Sakov falling into step behind her.
[USS Charon, bridge]
They exited the turbolift, greeted by an assortment of curious glances which T'Pelar completely failed to acknowledge. But like a wrong note in a sonata, there was one who in turn took no notice of the new arrivals and therefore immediately drew the Vulcan woman's attention.
The councilwoman returned the greeting offered by the Betazoid in the center chair with a brief nod, but her teal-blue eyes returned to the long haired one in the helmsman's chair. Somewhat curious, although one of them might be inclined to keep distance unless approached by an esteemed member of council.
Satisfied for now that the young one meant to be courteous, T'Pelar swept through the Ready Room doors at precisely the agreed upon time, and her expressionless gaze fell on the woman behind the desk. Raising her hand in the Vulcan salute, the tall Vulcan came to a halt 1.3 meters from the polished surface, cluttered with PADDs.
It was strikingly unusual and troubling to Shiarrael that members of the Vulcan Science Council would visit the Charon so far away from home. Not to mention that these Vulcans were not just any guest from the science council, but the old woman, Shiarrael's senior by many decades, was the head of it.
T'Pelar- she wondered what thoughts lay hidden behind that cool veneer. "Welcome aboard the Charon esteemed councilwoman. You have traveled very far to be here-" she paused to study that expressionless facade, it remained still, like an aged stone, even her thin strands of hair seemed to be anchored steadily "I must be honest. I find your presence a bit puzzling."
'Puzzling' being the most diplomatic term Shiarrael could muster in standard. Insulted was her feeling- although a bit more subdued than it would have been had Aiden not been the one who delivered them.
"Your welcome is duly noted, Captain." T'Pelar's stance remained unchanged, although Sakov fell into a courteous half-bow of greeting behind her right shoulder.
"My presence and that of my staff is self-explanatory." Sharp eyes took in both the appearance of the Rihanha and the desk, and although there was not even the flicker of an expression, let alone comment, they rested rather eloquently on a PADD that outlined the last batch of repairs.
"Even accounting for extraordinary circumstances, Charon was expected to reach the Stellar Cluster 3.2 standard months ago."
She did not say, you have apparently chosen to turn this into a combat vessel and have it dragged to a Rihannsu Fleet Facility barely holding together, but a brief, almost lazy glance towards the window where Warbirds floated casually in orbit conveyed the message without words.
"The stellar cluster is not the only thing of interest in this area of space councilwoman." Shiarrael smiled an attempt to preempt the scowl that was trying to edge its way into her expression "however, I am pleased that you are now here to keep us on track." Sarcasm dripped from her comment, she could see the other Vulcan raise a brow subtly "but I will remind you that there is only one Captain on this ship. So I hope you will keep that in mind and not interfere with my crew's work." 'It's hard enough to keep them on task without your inspiring presence;' she thought and held her smile.
Insincere smile aside, the Captain proved to be quite what T'Pelar had expected.
How one could find it interesting to nearly have one's ship destroyed, on more than one occasion nonetheless, that was one thing. But to assume that childish stance of insisting on her authority in ship's matters? What did that young one believe she was commanding?
"I was under the impression Charon is a science vessel." The Vulcan stated in a voice devoid of any but the most subtle of inflections "As such, one might assume your crew would appreciate the assistance of some highly proficient … colleagues."
To Sakov's sharp ears, there was just a hint of condescension in the latter part of the sentence, but to one who did not know the councilwoman as well as he did it would have passed unnoticed.
Of course, compared to even T'Pelar's junior aides most of the people calling themselves Scientists on board this ship were little more than enthusiastic children.
'…Appreciate the assistance of some high proficient colleagues' roughly translated to 'we are here to ensure you imbeciles do not ruin this.' It was hard not to sigh, 'perhaps I am being too harsh' Shiarrael wondered for a moment but she was certain that whatever the case may be the Vulcan's intention resembled the latter more than the diplomatic former.
Arrogance was apparently one trait their people still had in common. Shiarrael's smile eased into a thin one, she studied the woman and her aid for a longer moment. She could sense tension, ever so slight but present.
"Yes, this is a science vessel. Our scientists are quite proficient in what they do. I hope you will remember that and not interfere in their work. Since you are such proficient people I am certain they will welcome your assistance."
For just the briefest of seconds, Sakov thought the councilwoman would actually comment on this, as he picked up a brief shift in her stance that usually indicated she was on the road to irritated, and accelerating fast.
But for once, T'Pelar seemed inclined to let the sarcasm pass, rather than put the obnoxious one in her place.
"Indeed I believe they will." Her monotonous voice spoke volumes to the hazel-eyed Vulcan standing calmly behind the councilwoman, and he could not help but raise a brow at the Captain who still managed to keep a smile in place, however razor-thin. He was getting the impression it would be unwise to dismiss this one simply as a soldier without the ability to comprehend more .. complex concepts.
"If that is all, Captain," T'Pelar continued, interrupting Sakov's train of thought "I should appreciate an update on our departure schedule. And I assume the request for a tour of the sensor pod has been relayed?"
Shiarrael dipped her head in a crude half nod "that is all. I have relayed your tour request. Lieutenant Doyle will see to it. Our departure schedule is depending on engineering's progress. I expect it to be no longer than a week. We will leave as soon as we are able."
If T'Pelar was displeased about yet more delays, she gave no sign of it.
"Very well." Returning the Captain's nod with a fractionally tilted head, the Vulcan pivoted around and made for the door, long robes billowing about her tall figure. Silently, Sakov favored t'Rehu with another courteous half-bow and followed.
As the doors closed Shiarrael stared at the grey metal her finger gently tapping on the wooden desk top as she thought about their presence. There was something more to this- she could feel it. But what?
[End]
Captain Shiarrael Rehu
Commanding Officer
USS Charon
&
T'Pelar (APB Chaya)
Vulcan Science Council
