making friends

Posted on Thu Jul 31st, 2025 @ 11:48pm by 1st Lieutenant Kayleigh London & Lieutenant Zara Kingston Ph.D.

Mission: Those who are left behind

IC slight backpost

Toni had told Kay about the new science chief and has asked her to have a chat with the new officer. Reading between the lines it was more a command to make Zara feel welcome and make sure that they did not lose another science chief. The previous one had not felt at home at a fleet ship at all.

So the next afternoon after her shift Kay changed into civvies and made her way to the science officers. There she knocked on Kingston's office door.

"Enter," said Zara. She recognized the face after the XO had told her about the different officers she could meet to acquaint herself with the crew. She stood up from her desk and held out her hand. "You must be first lieutenant London? I'm Dr. Zara Kingston. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Hi yes I am Kay." She took the hand with a grin. 'Toni told me you are new and could use some friendly faces around you. So just let me know what you would like to do and I am at your beck and call today."

"Well it looks like you're dressed for a casual engagement," Zara replied. "I think I could use a break reviewing this data. I've yet to see Ten Forward yet?"

"You don't mind, do you? I thought casual was nicer. I am in uniform enough hours in the day. And Ten Forward it is. We got a nice one, friendly staff as well."

"Not at all," Zara replied. "Honestly, I could use the break. Please, lead the way." She gestured forward to Kay. "So, how long have you been aboard the Resolution?"

"Not that long." Kay said. "I think about half a year now. It's been eventful. We were even able to save my foster brother and he even stayed on the ship. Alhtough it is not always funny." Kay rolled her eyes. "He is very protective, and I am a marine so we do fight from time to time." She chatted on. "His grandfather is my godfather."

"Oh wow, lots of family aboard, I see," Zara replied. "My brother, before he died, and I fought a lot as well." She laughed. "I don't know if I would be able to work with him on the same ship."

"Just my brother. And mostly we are ok. As long as he does not mother me. He is in the intel department. Melor is such a big guy now, it is hard to believe that he had to come live with us as he had such a hard time living among Klingons."

"Well, living among Klingons is not for the faint of heart," said Zara. "I would know."

"I wish." Kay said. "My full brothers lived on Qo'noS for two years when they were just toddlers before I was born. My dad was stationed at the embassy there. granddad's son married a human woman. When she was assasinated Melor had a hard time living with his dad, so he came to live with us."

"It's weird how similar our circumstances can be in such a huge galaxy. When my father died, my mother relocated us back to Earth, but my brother wanted to follow in our father's footsteps so living on Earth was difficult for him. He eventually left and moved back to Qo'noS to join the Force." She sighed. "I never got a chance to see him in person after he left. We only chatted via subspace."

"Do you still talk to him?" Kay asked. "And you should really meet Melor as well. I don't know how long he will be staying on the ship now that we have a new Intel chief."

Yes, the new intel officer whom she had already met and had an interesting meeting with. "No, my brother was killed in action a few years ago. I'll make sure to try and sit down with Melor before he leaves." As they reached Ten Forward, she looked at Kay. "So, what's your favorite thing to get to drink here?"

"I am so sorry.' Kay said. "I lost a sister." She shook her head to shake of the memories. "Well... I am not drinking alcohol at the moment so I am trying to find my favorite non-alcoholic drink. So far I think it is a mix of fruit juices, I am experimenting with that myself. And you?"

"I've been interested in trying stuff from planets other than Earth and Qo'noS," she said. She pointed to one of the vacant tables. "Will this do?" she asked.

"Sure I am not picky. They offer a lot of stuff here from all kinds of worlds. The real stuff not replicated." Kay took a look herself. "I think I am going to try betazoid juice today. Haven't had that in a while."

"Good choice," Zara replied. "Hmm, I think I'll try an Andorian sunset," she said after pondering for a few seconds. "So, Starfleet Marine Corps. How is it?"

"Fine mostly. Quarters on a ship tend to be more cramped and we move around a lot. But now it feels like I am a bit in the middle since I work for counselling and the marines. I see navy clients as well. I do hope to go back to full time marine duty once my punishment is over."

"Hmm," said Zara. "That's an interesting career change. What made you decide to fall into counseling?"

"My mum." Kay sighed. "I don't know how it happened, I always said I would stay away from what my mum and dad do but somehow I found out I was good at listening to people and I enjoyed helping them. So it kind of happened. It is also why I became a marine so mum and dad could not influence my career too much. Same as what Toni did chosing the navy."

Zara nodded. "I understand that. My family tried very hard to get me to do what my dad did. Fortunately, my brother was willing, so I didn't get too much backlash."

"Well I have a shitload of brothers." She grinned. "five and then my foster brother Melor who is annoying enough to be a real brother. Most of them are in the navy. But me being the only girl..."

She nodded. "I can understand that." She took her drink as it was delivered and took a sip, savoring the taste. "Delicious. I haven't had one of those in a while. How's yours?"

"Not bad." Kay said. "But I must admit that I have had better in the past. I do miss alcohol." She sighed. "Not that I am an alcoholic or something, I don't crave it but I miss the kick of a good whisky for example."

Zara nodded, understanding what Kay was getting at. She took another sip of her drink. "What do you like to do while you're off duty?"

"Right now I am finding new hobbies. Like reading and watching old holovids. But I also like to collect old weapons, so going to antique shops wherever I find them. And you?"

"Interesting," said Zara. "What kinds of things do you like to read? Myself, I'm fond of singing opera, reading romance novels, and painting."

"For me non-fiction and fiction books on history, and on ancient weapons but also a romance novel once in a while or a good thriller. So you sing? That is cool, have you ever done Klingon opera? I love to listen to it."

"Ah, yes, I love singing Klingon opera," she said. She smiled. "What I love even more was when I worked at the Daystrom Institute was getting my students to sing it in front of their peers in class."

"I bet not everybody liked that." Kay laughed. "But I would love to hear you sing some time. I am not a good singer myself but I have some recordings my dad made if you are interested. He sings ancient welsh ballads accompanied by a harp."

Zara laughed, thinking back to her students. None of them were brave enough to tell her to her face that they hated the Klingon opera singing, but she knew many of them hated it. "I'd love to hear those sometime," she said "And maybe I could give you some singing lesson if you'd like—although, I'd be a lot nicer than how I treated my students."

"My dad tried but he said that I hurt his ears." One of the few times during growing up that she had been frustrated with her father. "So I won't make you go through that torture."

"I'm sure it can't be more torturous than what I had to listen to when I forced my students to sing, but I understand."

"We'll see." Kay said with a smile.

Zara looked at her empty glass, which she hadn't even realized she had finished. "Well, I've finished my drink and think I should head to my quarters soon. I'm dying to get out this uniform," she said with a smile.

"I can imagine." Kay agreed. "See you around soon. I enjoyed chatting to you." With that she left herself.