A Relaxing Evening

Posted on Thu Nov 17, 2016 @ 3:47am by Lieutenant Commander Alex Rho & Lieutenant Xylia Lischka

Mission: An Orion to Die For
Location: The Black Hole
Timeline: MD 2 || 1940 hours

It wasn't every day someone in her position discovered and disarmed a bomb. That didn't mean it never happened, just that it was a pretty rare occurrence. Not to mention there were currently people on board the ship that knew how the explosive device came to be along with how it came to be, and what it was supposed to be hiding. Thankfully, it wasn't her department that had to deal with that, but she did have to wonder if the Captain already had someone on the job.

The entire ordeal didn't sit well with her. The brig had people inside of it who were hiding something, and until they knew what that something was, there wasn't a whole lot that could be done. For now... it was nothing more than a waiting game even if she didn't like it.

Now, she sat at the bar in The Black Hole with a drink in her hand. The Lieutenant didn't plan to do a whole lot of drinking just in case she was called in for some reason. She didn't think it was going to happen considering all the personnel they had on the ship, but then, she didn't think she'd be called in when Krem and McNamara required a Security officer to accompany them onto the Zeus. Still, stranger things happened.

It had been a very long day for Alex, especially the early evening. Working on rebuilding the corrupt files with Tom had been interesting. But reading through all of the logs was going to take time. And that's why he secured it in the Analysis division with F.R.E.D. and instructions to find commonalities in the logs. After dropping it off, he went back to his room and changed out of the Mnemonic Clothing and put on regular clothes. Now it was time to relax. And that's why he was walking into The Black Hole for the first time since coming aboard. He paused and looked around the place, deciding to take a seat at the bar. As went over, he noticed a young woman sitting by herself.

"Evening," he said, walking up to her. The Intel Chief took a seat on the stool next to her.

Xylia saw movement out the corner of her eye before she heard the voice. She turned on her stool and looked up at the man, offering him a polite smile. The Security officer recognized most of the people on the ship, but she didn't recall seeing him before. He must have been one of the newest people to come aboard. It was sad that so many of her friends moved on to other things, but it just meant she would have the chance to meet new people. And, aside from that, she'd still be able to keep in touch with everyone else.

"Good evening," she said, her German accent a bit subtle at the moment since she was relaxed. "You must be fairly new to the ship."

"I am," he said, "I take it you aren't?" The bartender came over and Alex shook his head. He might take something later, but not now.

"No. I've been with the ship since her maiden voyage," Xylia replied as she extended a hand in his direction. "Lieutenant Xylia Lischka, Assistant Chief of Security and Tactical."

"Lieutenant Alex Rho, Chief of Intelligence." Alex took her hand hand and gently shook it. "Xylia, a pleasure to meet you. So you've had a chance to explore this cavernous ship, then. I'm jealous."

Xylia laughed. "I know this ship from top to bottom, but there's no need for you to be jealous, Mister Rho. You'll get there soon enough."

"Call me Alex, please," he said. "And I look forward to getting to that point. But I still have a long way to go. So, since you've been here since the maiden voyage, what do you recommend here?"

"I'll call you Alex as long as you call me Xylia," she said, gesturing for him to settle down on the empty stool next to her. "Please, sit. I was just about to order some food, do you want to join me? And as far as recommendations, that depends on what you're interested in."

Alex kind of wiggled on the stool and settled down as he relaxed more. "Xylia it is, then." He smiled and nodded. "Yes, I'll join you, thank you. It's been such a long day, that I don't think I want anything heavy or too filling. Something light, perhaps."

"You've had a rough day, too, huh?" Xylia asked as the waitress came over to take their order. She found herself ordering a grilled chicken salad with a side of ranch dressing and a chamomile tea. Not only did she like it, but it would help her relax. "Mine was pretty rough, too, and I'm glad it's almost over. Of course, there will be many more of them to come in the future."

Alex thought grilled chicken sounded good. But he wasn't much of a salad guy. He placed an order for a grilled chicken sandwich with a tomato slice and a peppermint tea to drink. "I have no doubt that there will be many more. It wouldn't be Starfleet if we didn't have a lot of rough days. But while we're waiting, why don't you introduce me a bit to the ship. Tell me, what is there to do around here in the off chance that we get some free time?"

Before the waitress walked away, Xylia added a side of fries to the order before turning her attention back to Alex. She looked thoughtful for a moment. "If you're looking for things to do during your free time, then you definitely want to check out deck ten. It has everything. A craft store, candy store, flower shop, an arcade, tattoo parlor, theaters, a salon and spa and so many other things. It's next to impossible to be bored on this ship."

Alex laughed a little. "Deck Ten it is then. Maybe I'll check that out sometime." He was enjoying getting to know Xylia, contrary to the stereotype of Intelligence officers. Perhaps the Captain was right in what he said at his dinner. And it wouldn't hurt him to at least make some friends. "Where are you from?"

"You won't be disappointed. If you're interested, I can show you around a bit when you have time," she offered. The German woman hadn't been kidding when she said she knew the ship well. In fact, Xylia knew every place there was for any potential boarders to hide. It was all part of being as prepared as she could be to keep the ship and her crew safe. "I'm from Berlin, Germany on Earth. It's been a long time since I've been back, but there's hope that I'll get back there some day. How about you? Where are you from?"

"Ah, not too surprised. I haven't met too many individuals yet that aren't," he said. Alex fully expected the follow-up question since he was the one who began the vein. And he was, as always, fully prepared. "I'm from the Ullian homeworld. Born and raised, as you humans say."

If he'd been expecting a surprised reaction from Xylia, he didn't get one. She picked up her tea when the waitress set them down in front of their respective patrons, then took a sip. "Are you a telepathic?"

Well, this is going better than usual. Smiling, he picked up his drink and took a sip, projecting his statement into her mind. Yes, I am very much telepathic and very much Ullian...as far as my blood and birth...despite my rather human appearance.

Xylia didn't even seem to be offended by the fact he used his telepathy to respond to her. She offered him a smile and took another sip of her tea before she spoke again. "I imagine that comes in handy being Intel. If you need to communicate an order to one of your people, you can do it without even having to speak."

He set his cup down and spoke, "It does, very much. On another note, I trust that I did not impose by speaking to you telepathically. Most get upset when I do that."

"Not at all," Xylia replied with a reassuring smile. "As a matter of fact, I think it's a bit interesting that you're able to do it. About the only special skill I have consists of finding and disarming bombs. Well... there are other things I'm good at, but none of it is as interesting as telepathy."

"Glad to hear it," he said. "Finding and disarming bombs is a pretty important skill, though. And I'm sure the other things you're good at are as well. But telepathy does have it's rough times. Continually keeping mental barriers in place so you're not overrun by the emotions and thoughts of thousands of others, to start." He paused a moment, "How familiar are you with Ullian telepathy?" Most people thought of telepathy immediately and didn't give a whisper of a thought to the memory retrieval aspect of his people.

"I know a little bit. Not enough to impress you, I'm afraid," she replied honestly as their food was places in front of them. Xylia tried to know a little bit about most of the species they could encounter in space, but it was only ever enough to give the basics. "I couldn't imagine needing mental barriers up to keep the thoughts and emotions of others at bay, though. That's got to be a bit trying at times."

"It can be," he said, "especially when you first start out." He looked down at his food and nodded. "Ullians are more than telepathic. We also retrieve and rebuild lost, forgotten, or hidden memories. Before we begin eating, may I have permission to enter your mind and demonstrate? It's much easier than trying to explain the specifics. That way, you'll know a little bit more about Ullians."

Xylia smiled. "You have my permission."

Alex turned on the bar stool to face her for the first time since sitting down. He slightly bowed his head and closed his eyes. He slowly entered her mind and saw many things in the forefront. Not one of which was heavily fortified areas, which Alex guessed were the Starfleet Security sections. This whole process involved Psionic Stimulation and careful questioning of the subject in order to recreate the full perfect memory. He spoke to her telepathically, True history is that of memory rather than written accounts and records. Memories are personal accounts of lives touching the times they pass through. Think, Xylia, is there a time that you can no longer recall? A time that you wish to recall?

Xylia looked thoughtful. She couldn't remember anything she wished to recall, but then, if she'd blocked something out for whatever reason, she wouldn't. "I... I don't know, " she said in an almost defeated tone.

Alex heard her words and tone, but not with his ears. As she started trying to remember, he saw images flash quickly by in a blur. It's okay, he thought to her, perhaps there is a fond memory from your childhood in Berlin that has faded. A museum trip? A family outing?

Xylia closed her eyes. It didn't take long for a memory she hadn't thought of for a long long time to surface. She was eighteen years old... just stepping off of a transport at the academy for the first time. She felt a ton of different emotions all at once, and those same memories began to invade her once more. Why did she never look back to that day? It was one of the best days of her entire life, and changed things for the better.

Alex smiled as he saw her stepping off the transport. In her mind, he brought the memory to the forefront so that it was all she focused on. He cleared away the fog that had began to cover that memory. It was as clear and bright as the first time she'd remembered it. Look at you! Happy, full of excitement, and ready to become a Starfleet officer.

Xylia smiled and opened her eyes, revealing tears having welled up in them. "I... haven't thought about that in years. Not with everything that's been going on," she said softly. "That was, and still is, one of the best days of my life. Thank you, Alex. I really mean that."

Hearing her speak, Alex slowly backed out of her mind. He opened his eyes and said, "You're welcome Xylia." He then noticed the tears and handed her his napkin. "My blood kindred are unique. Telepathy is just one of a couple of things they teach. If a Ullian wishes to put his mind to it, no pun intended, he will learn that he is capable of many other things. But that's a story for another time, perhaps. But you, I can tell you had a great time at the Academy." Alex took a bite of his sandwich.

"I did have a good time. I learned a lot of what I know today because of those four years I spent there," she said as she poured her dressing onto her salad. "I'd like to hear some more of your stories in the future if you'd like to share them with me."

Alex's countenance didn't change, but his mindset altered slightly. "I'd be happy to share a couple of stories, Xylia. But most of mine aren't as...happy and bright as the ones behind the memories you have." Truth was, he'd left the Ullian homeworld, it's people, philosophies, and even appearances behind for a reason. As a result, most of his stories, his past, was darker than the normal person's. He took a drink, washing down another bite. "So tell me more about yourself." The slight paranoia that always plagued him caused him to want to know more about the people he served with. Especially, if he was having dinner with one of them. And who knew, he might accidentally enjoy himself in the process. Yet even in the security of the ship, he kept his mind open to what was happening around him.

"There's not much to tell," she said with a smile, though if he really wanted to know about her, who was she to deny that? "Well... what would you like to know first? Personal or professional?"

"Hmm, let's start with professional," said Alex. "Even though though you've been on the Triumphant since her launch, I'd imagine she wasn't your first assignment."

"It wasn't. I've been aboard a few ships, but only one of them really stands out more than the rest. While I was on board that ship, I was held prisoner with other members of the crew, stole a shuttle and went on a suicidal rescue mission to get our Intel officer back, survived a lacerated liver after the secondary bridge exploded during a pretty heated battle and went to look for survivors on other decks before collapsed. That's how I knew I was in bad shape. That's just to name a few," she replied. "It was definitely not a boring post, that's for sure."

Alex had just swallowed another bite of sandwich and shook his head. "I agree, that was most certainly not a boring post." He had seen how challenging being a Security officer was on his previous posting. But he had been on the other side of the desk for that one. "That's quite exciting for a first duty station, if it was your first one."

"It was my second. This is my third," she said, taking a bite of her salad. "What about you?"

"This is actually my fourth duty station. I didn't stay too long at my first two; two years at the first and one year at the second," he said, pausing to take a drink. "My third assignment has been the longest so far at four years. I have a feeling that my second duty station could have been longer. As far as fun and exciting events, I'd tell you, but then I'd have to wipe your memory." Nary a smile, nor a smirk, appeared on his face. He didn't chuckle, either. He just took a drink and looked at her.

"Hey... I've known many Intel types in my time... even dated a few. I know better thsn to ask questions," Xylia said, lifting her hands up in the air as if to surrender. You don't have to worry about that from me."

Alex let out a bit of a smile. "Heh, sounds good then. But...you don't have to surrender. I'm not taking prisoners or anything. So, since you brought up the personal by mentioning that you have dated a few Intel types, what is the person of Xylia like?" Alex took another bite of his sandwich, which as getting smaller by the minute. But that was okay; he still had his peppermint tea and that was easily refillable.

Xylia pushee the fries she'd ordered toward him as she grabbed one. She didn't have any problems sharing with anyone. "I'm athletic. Anything that makes me break a sweat is okay in my book. I love boxing. I once went into the ring with an instructor, and beat him. It was pretty eventful."

Alex took a fry from the plate and looked at it. He hadn't had this particular human cuisine before, but he followed her example and took a bite. It was actually pretty good. "Overcoming one's instructor in a contest is pretty eventful. Though, I'm not that familiar with boxing."

"Well..." Xylia began, dipping another fry into some ketchup. "Maybe I can teach you, if you'd like."

"From what little I know of it, it looks like it could be a good hand-to-hand tactic to know," said Alex. "As a security officer, have you ever used it in a fist fight?" Alex took another fry and put it in his mouth.

"I have. Sometimes, it's not easy to unholster a weapon right away, so you need to create that opportunity," she replied, popping another fry into her mouth. "It comes in handy, that's for sure. How about you? Without going into any kind of detail, have you ever had to fight during a mission?"

"Most of my missions have been the sort where you don't want to get noticed and make a scene," said Alex. "But still, the simple answer to your question is yes, I have had to fight a few times." He picked up another fry and looked at the dip that Xylia had been using. He dipped the fry into it to give it a try.

"It's called ketchup," she said, gesturing to what he'd just dipped his fry in. "Sometimes, fighting is necessary. I don't like doing it, but if a situation calls for it, then there's no choice."

"Thanks," said Alex smiling. "If I have to fight, I prefer to begin my battles in the mind. I can typically overcome an adversary in that manner rather easily. Then they can be subdued without harm coming to them. But that's an individual. Attacking a group of minds isn't as easy." He dipped another fry and ate it.

"What do you think? Think you're up for a little boxing?" she asked with a smile.

He had picked up another fry and was holding it in the air. "Hmm, I think I would like to learn sometime, yes." He put the fry in his mouth and chewed, wondering...what was her agenda? Did she have one? Why would a Security officer volunteer to teach the Intel Chief how to box? "Yes, I'm up for it."

Xylia smiled and gestured for their bill. When it arrived in PADD form, she pressed her thumb to it to authorize the transaction, then looked back to Alex once again. "How's tomorrow night sound? That is.... if you don't have anything else going on."

"Tomorrow night sounds fine. And it would seem that I need to work on my reflexes and speed, too." Alex grinned as Xylia took the PADD. "Looks like I owe you a meal, Xylia."

"You don't. Not really," she said, offering him a smile. "Thank you for such a relaxing evening, Alex. Hopefully, we can have more of these in the future. Tomorrow night, then? Holodeck two at nineteen hundred?"

Alex smiled at her and nodded. "You're welcome, Xylia. It was rather relaxing, wasn't it. So I shall see you tomorrow night at nineteen hundred on Holodeck two." He turned and slid off the barstool. "And thank you for dinner."

"You're welcome. Maybe we can do it again sometime," Xylia offered as she slipped off of her own stool. "Until tomorrow." She offered him another smile, then made her way out. For some reason, she couldn't wait for the following night to roll around.

"Perhaps we can do this again," said Alex as she slipped off the stool. "Until tomorrow, then." He smiled and watched her leave the restaurant. Tomorrow night would be fun. He then left and headed back to his own quarters for a good night's sleep.