Creature Comforts

Posted on Thu Apr 24th, 2025 @ 11:47am by Petty Officer 1st Class Enam Nemec & Lieutenant Xalanth & Ensign S'Niri & Ensign Quinn L'khet

1,305 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: Gone, Without Ever Knowing the Way
Location: USS Astrea (to guest quarters)
Timeline: MD 00, 2030 Hours

They had put the Bajoran/Cardassian hybrid in a soft interview room with a comfortable enough chair and had given him tea and offered him food. He tried to feign patience as we waited for his formal interview, but Starfleet's idea of interior design was depressing at best. His eyes were growing numb at the dull greige walls, with nothing of interest to even catch his eye.

When Jeda noticed the red reptilian appearing officer returning he perked in his seat, hoping for some action finally.

"Hello, sir." Xalanth said politely in the tone expected of Starfleet security. " I'm afraid your interview has been delayed for a while. If you'd accompany me we'll get you set up in some guest quarters till there ready to see you."

"Alright then," Jeda replied just as politely. he stood up from his seat and straightened his tunic before walking over the assistant chief of security. "Will someone be able to gather my things? I wouldn't mind a shower and a change of clothes if that's the case."

"Of course. " Xalanth said as he tapped his comabdge =/\= Ensign Quinn can you please collect are guests belongings and have them brought to quest quarters six =/\= he ordered.

“Yes…Yes sir. I’m on my way.” Quinn replied from the Quartermaster’s office.

Xalanth then before turned to Jeda. "If you follow me sir we get you to your quarters."

"Anything to get out of this dreadful suite. Tell me who designs these ships of yours? Do your detainees start spilling their guts to you out of sheer boredom from staring at these god awful walls?" Jeda prattered.

"I wouldn't know sir the ship's interior design isn't my department and is far above my paygrade." Xalanth replied calmly as he lead the way. He had ensign S'Niri outside to bring up the rear. Just in case their guest tried anything.

As they walked Jeda continuously checked over his shoulder, watching S'Niri with a close eye as if she might pounce on him at any moment. "Is all this security really necessary? I am the one who called you. And with valuable information I might add."

"Standard protocols." S'Niri purred. "Relax. I won't pounce on you unless I have to." So jumpy, these types of people. S'Niri always found it pretty hilarious. Maybe it was the saber teeth that did it. Or not. Who knows?

"You'll have to forgive me if I seem a little on edge. My life of feeding information to Starfleet as finally caught up with me as evidenced by the particularly rugged looking Nausicaans that your intelligence officer put on the view screen as we were leaving Rag City," Nor explained. "And I don't mean to say rugged in a good way. Not at all."

"I can reassure you sir you a perfectly safe on the ship. You'll be safe here." Xalanth tried ensuring the man his tone stayed the same calm tone.

"I'll feel a little bit more confident about that once we've reentered Federation territory. And for that matter, I wouldn't mind being tucked away somewhere in Alpha quadrant after this debacle today," Nor stated somewhat testily. "Quite an interesting day, and team of yours that I met. Though I suppose neither of you have had an opportunity to learn much about that just yet."

"No sir we've not been debriefed yet." Xalanth replied in the same professional tone.

"I am sure you will hear about our departure from Freecloud soon enough," Nor stated with some stilted irritation. "Some individuals were not pleased with your intelligence officer, and I do believe we were followed by some Nausicaan brutes."

"Our intelligence team is more than capable of handling some Nausicaan's." Xalanth replied calmly. Speaking from direct experience Fulvia had dealt with things harder and tougher than some local hired thugs.

When Xalanth and S'Niri arrived to guest quarters six with Nor, the quartermaster, Quinn was standing in the corridor waiting patiently for their arrival. In front of Quinn was a small anti-grav dolly with Nor's two small bags.

“Sirs, I have personal effects of the prisoner. Two bags of clothing items and miscellaneous effects. Please confirm everything is accounted for and sign on the PADD” Quinn said handing over the PADD to Xalanth.

With a nod, Xalanth took the PADD and looked through it. "Everything in order no bugs or traps?" He inquired.

"No, Sir. Major McEntyre and his team did a through scan and inspection. No bugs, traps or any malicious articles." Quinn replied.

"Good, good, good." Xalanth said as he ticked off everything on the padd before handing it back.

Quinn takes the PADD looking it over before keying the doors to the quarters, opening it up. "If you'll step inside, sir. I hope you'll find your accommodation satisfactory"

Nor watched the timorous young Catian officer interacting with his reptilian superior species with interest. Fascinating, thought Nor. Don't felines eat reptiles for dinner?

"Would you like to show our guest around Ensign Quinn?" Xalanth inquired.

Quinn looked up at Xalanth like a deer caught in headlights. He nervously fumbled with the door panel before the door opened, and then showed Nor into the quarters.

“If you’ll follow me. Sir” Quinn spoke to Nor as the doors opened to let them into the quarters.

"Of course, Mr. Quinn. As you wish," Nor replied. His voice was smooth, melodic, but seemed almost trained as if he were trying to pacify his audience. The Bajoran/Cardassian followed the young Caitian into the guest quarters as instructed.

That made the Caitian blush, or close to blushing as a Caitian could. Something about that voice, that shook him to the core, pierced him, making him unsteady in his steps. He took notice of this man behind him, he was sauve, smooth, a voice like rich honey.

"Standard guest quarters. One Bedroom, One living space, One Refresher. Toiletries are in the refresher and can be requested from any replicator along with standard food options." Quinn explained as he showed the space to Nor.

"Help is available from the main computer at anytime by voice prompt. Media can be accessed from any vid screen."

"Why thank you, Mr. Quinn. This is more than adequate," Nor replied. "And do I call you if I need anything?"

Quinn nearly squeaked like a small mouse again at the sound of Nor’s voice. He definitely was weak to it and it showed.

“Yes…Yes, that’s correct, you call me if you need anything” Quinn replied, nodding his head.

Nor smiled at Quinn in a way that was impossible to read, but the hybrid did seem quite pleased. "Excellent. Why, I think these accommodations will suit me quite nicely then."

"Very good, sir. If you need anything else, feel free to let us know." Xalanth added as he huddled his team out of the room. Waiting till the door closed was closed Xalanth let out a sigh. " Ensign Quinn I recommend you redo the civilian handling course on the holodeck, You can't let them get under your skin," he said calmly.

Quinn’s ears drooped. He chastised himself internally for letting that man get under him, all flustered, hot and bothered. He nods to Xalanth in understanding, better than a reprimand.

“Aye sir” He spoke softly not wanting to catch any more of Xalanth’s ire than he already caught.

---

Lieutenant Xalanth
Assistant Chief Security Officer
USS Astrea


Ensign S'Niri
Security Officer
USS Astrea


Ensign Quinn L'khet
Quartermaster
USS Astrea

 

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