Welcomed Distance
Posted on Wed Aug 21st, 2019 @ 4:51am by Lieutenant Elara Evander & Captain S'vona Daughter of T'nare
Mission:
Down the Rabbit Hole
Location: Base, Captain's Ready Room
Timeline: MD: 04, Time: 1000 Hours
Fitting her whole life hadn't ever been hard for Elara, it had come easily enough when you didn't put down roots...when nowhere really felt like home (or somewhere to get attached to). She had clothing, which was really the bulk of her bags, her one item she'd clung onto for decades, and then some frames for holo-images. Leo thought she was weird, but that wasn't anything new. When she'd gone to see her brother on leaves, she was always surprised at how much he had...it was mind blowing to her. He had nothing from their childhood, but he'd built so much...held onto certain aspects of his life that he chose. She supposed she did the same in her own small way, but for Leo it was engineering trophies and projects and momentos.
As she walked through the station, it was crowded and far too bright, but Elara had prepared for that. Though she was traveling in uniform, she had come prepared with a hooded small shawl that was the same teal color that matched her uniform. The hood of it was enough to keep most light out, it also acted as a barrier to keep people from deciding she was a good person to talk to. Though she'd prepared herself for this, she found part of her overwhelmed being around so many. Once she was settled, Elara knew she'd rein it in and it wouldn't be an issue.
Making her way towards the Andromeda, she wondered if her grandfather would talk to her. He'd warned her against taking this assignment, telling her that he didn't want her out so far. He'd gone as far as to tell her that he had a bad feeling about it all. Elara hadn't given any of it much weight. Her grandfather only called to check in on her every few months, she'd really never gotten past him not wanting to take her in after her parents were killed (even if it had been for a bit). So, now when he wanted her to do something, she normally did what she wanted anyway...and then heard about it from Leo later (he was closer with their grandfather). Every new position, though, always presented itself with a different opportunity and adventure and that's what Elara was focusing on. Not all science could be done from the safety of wherever her grandfather was best for her to be.
Being directed to her quarters on the Andromeda was a bit of a weight off of her and she pulled down the hood as she walked through the hallways. Settling in would settle her. Just hanging up clothes and basically putting things where she put them on every assignment...but it would be enough for her. When the doors to her quarters opened, she basically went on autopilot. Setting her bags on her bed and immediately placing the frames and her special item next to her bed to ensure no damage before going to hang everything up and place additional footwear in the bottom of the closet. Pulling the shawl off, she hung it up as well. She moved to the mirror and fixed her hair knowing that she would have to report in and didn't want to look all frizzy and a mess as she didn't feel like that would make for any kind of good impression.
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Moving towards the CO's office, Elara had pulled her hair out of the loose braid it had been in before and had ensured that her red curls didn't look at crazy as they had when she'd arrived in her quarters even though they were free. She'd fixed her uniforms probably more times than was needed, but the good first impression was what she really wanted. She'd found that there were benefits of making a good impression, at least that's what she'd found on her previous assignments.
She hit the chime when she got there and entered when called for. "Captain," Elara greeted cheerily. "Lieutenant Elara Evander, science, reporting as ordered."
"Welcome aboard, Lieutenant. At ease. Have a seat. Did you have a good flight?" the Vulcan asked making a bit of small talk.
Taking a seat, she internally told herself to relax a bit. “I did. Thank you. I used the time to read up on studies on terraforming and their impact on the core of planets," Elara shared. She tried to keep up on a variety of topics in her field even if they weren't something that she'd apply. You never know when a smidge of something you read might come in handy later on down the road. She also felt like it made her a bit more varied than others.
"Sounds like an easy way to pass the long flight. You will you definitely have your work cut out for you," the Captain said using the human euphemism. "We leave in three days. Use that time to make sure you have everything you think you will need on a deep space assignment. I will be providing a partial mission brief upon departure. Do you have any specific needs I can help you with prior to us leaving port?"
"No, I shouldn't," Elara said. "I just need to let my family know that I might not be as reachable as they have been used to."
“Yes, we will be on a deep space mission outside the range of subspace communication. We will be doing drop messages as required. Right now, the duration of the mission is expected to be minimum six months. Of course, that may change depending on what we find. Uncharted territory and all.”
She'd seen Leo not too long ago, so she didn't think that would be an issue, he'd likely not even bat an eye at her not seeing him for that long. However, she was certain that her grandfather would have things to say about her being out of contact and so far away. Elara didn't care, though, it was a good opportunity and she was looking forward to what was out there. "I look forward to it, Captain," Elara said brightly.
"I am pleased. I will let you to your department, Lieutenant, unless you had anything else?" The Vulcan asked.
"No, that's all," she said as she got to her feet. Additional items might be necessary later down the line, but she also knew how to make things work with what she had. Elara was sure that it would be fine once she got settled into the science labs and got to know her department. Getting up, she felt like this was a good first meeting. "Thank you, Captain. I look forward to serving under you."
“I look forward to working with you as well, Lieutenant. Dismissed.”
Captain S'vona, Daughter of Tunare (NPC)
