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Post by tekopo on Mar 6, 2019 17:50:18 GMT
Name: Zanek Agar Specie: Trill (unjoined) Gender: Male Height: 1.84 meter Weight: 65 kg
Physical Description: Zanek is of above average height with a slight build. His complexation is relatively light, but with very prominent spots that have a vivid purple hue to them. He has an aquiline nose and narrow, piercing brown eyes that never seem to focus directly on whoever he is talking to, instead seeming to peer into the distance. He has black hair that are usually kept rather messy. His left hand is missing its little finger, and Zanek has declined interest into getting it artificially replaced. As far as can be seen, this impairment has not affected his abilities as a starfleet officer.
Rank: ensign Position: NAV
Background: Zanek was born to Zalia Xar (a joined Trill, previous name Zalia Davon) and Janek Agar on Trill(his parents were never really that immaginative when it came to names). Zalia, due to her joined status, never had a full attachment to Janek, and left both Janek and Zanek when he was young. Zanek's life on Trill was relatively uneventful, but even during puberty Zanek felt little affinity with the planet Trill and its customs. Once of age, Zanek left Trill, joining the federation merchant marine as a cargo handler aboard the SS Faro. The injury that he sustained to his left hand occurred during this time, as an issue with the targeting sensors of the industrial-scale teleporter crushed his hand. An investigation into the accident showed that it had occurred due to time-cutting efforts by several of the cargo handlers, including Zarek. Transferred away from cargo handling during his medical leave, he came under the tutorage of Marco Padoan, a skilled navigator aboard the Faro. This sparked a nescant interest in astronavigation that has managed to be sustained throughout the rest of Zanek's life. With a surging interest in charting the unknown sectors of space, Zanek quickly started to get restless in regards to his position within the Faro. Not seeing many possibilities for advancement within his current career, he decided to apply to the Academy in order to further his interests.
Educational History: Upon joining Starfleet Academy, Zanek specialised in Piloting, Navigation, Astrometics and Stellar Cartography. Thanks to his fastidiousness, he excelled in the latter two, but his instructors noted a singular aversion to risk-taking behaviour that stiffled his creativity when it came to piloting. This was evident within the annual piloting competion that the Navigation department held each year, where his results did not impress even during his senior year. Instructor Deliah Avernon was heard to comment when asked about the young cadet: "Zanek will make a skilled, effective officer. His attention to detail and efficiency will serve a future Captain well, but I can't see him being awarded many medals..." Zarek graduated in the middle of his class, with high grades within astrometics and stellar cartography and average piloting grades.
Starfleet Career: Zarek joined the USS Venezia as an Ensign, joining the stellar cartography department as a junior science officer aboard the ship. A commedation from Captain Demain was soon forthcoming, due to improvements in a data compression algorithm that was used to categorise sensor data and thus enable more detailed analysis of celestial bodies without requiring more thorough close range scans. It was clear, however, that Zenek was not happy, and applied for transfer as a Navigation officer. One of the reasons given for this request for transfer was that Zanek did not see much scope for advancement within the stellar cartography.
Medical History: Zanek is missing the small finger of his left hand, and has declined multiple times to get a prosthesis for it, citing personal reasons. Apart from that, he has a clean bill of health and does not suffer any serious medical conditions.
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Post by tekopo on Mar 14, 2019 12:37:34 GMT
Symbiosis, Part 1
It wasn't hip. It wasn't cool. It wasn't somewhere that students usually frequented, and it's out of the way location and slightly dingy appearance meant that only locals actually frequented it. But it had always been our space, somewhere I could talk to her and where we could share jokes and gossip without danger of other members of our faculty overhearing us. Or, to be precise, my ex-faculty, as I had already flunked out of my studies due to relatively low grades. Applied Warp Mechanics had always been a field that I was pushed towards by my father rather than my own volition, but Elen on the other hand had excelled.
Elen was a weird name for a Trill, although she had told me that her father was somewhat of a humanophile. I had visited her parental home once, and could attest for the fondness that her father had for all sort of human memorabilia. But I digress: Elen's dissertation on the effects of tachyon particles on the formation of both natural and artificially created subspace pockets had turned a few heads, and she was well on her way to gaining a second degree in Temporal Mechanics.
While I had fallen at the first possible hurdle in the eyes of the Symbiosis Commission, Elen had so far excelled in all of the tests and selection interviews. I wasn't in anyway jealous of this (I've never really wanted to be joined anyway!), but it was still a point of friction between us. And today, she had received some good news, although from my own perspective, it was anything but.
"So, what does this mean?"
She remained silent, thoughtful, like she wanted me to elaborate.
"I mean..for us?"
She smiled at that. I'm still not sure if it was in a kind or condescending way. Although the latter might have just been my own paranoia at the time.
"Was there ever an 'us', Zan?"
She laughed at my reaction, after my face drained of colour.
"I'm joking Zan! Just joking. Look, we had discussed this before and now that I know, well, things are going to be different for me".
She was right that we had had lengthy discussions about principally this topic. She didn't want to get into a romantic relationship until she knew exactly who she was going to be in the future, and that hadn't been clear until she had either flunked the symbiosis process or had been accepted. Secretly, I had hoped she would fail, but that particular possibility had collapsed a few minutes after we had sat at our table.
"I'm going to be a different person, Zan, you know that".
"That doesn't mean that we can't still talk. You'll still be Elen, just Elen..."
It was at this point that I realised that she hadn't told me which symbiont she was being joined with. Although, with retrospect, I honestly wish I hadn't asked the question that would naturally follow.
"Which symbiote are you getting joined with?"
It was at this point that her natural smile tightened by the minutest of fractions. Most people would have missed it, but I had been around her for a long time, and had become adept at judging her moods.
"I'd rather..."
She was stumbling with her words. For someone as accomplished as her, it was unusual.
"Look, Zan, I'd prefer not to talk about it at this time."
I reached out across to her, touching her hand.
"Elen, what's wrong? Did they deny your request for a specific symbiont?"
"No, Zan, it's just that..."
"Please just tell me. I want to help!"
Her eyes had been shying away, but now they looked at me, and I could see steely resolve within them.
"It's Xar. I'm going to be Elen Xar"
END OF LCARS EXCERPT 1
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Post by tekopo on Mar 14, 2019 13:52:05 GMT
For those curious, Zanek is more of a character study of unjoined Trills than anything else
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Post by pscotty90 on Mar 14, 2019 14:44:15 GMT
Damn. That’ll complicate a relationship quick. Great first log and I love the concept of getting more background on the Trill. I like this guy. Looking forward to having you on ship.
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Post by aoibheni on Mar 14, 2019 16:55:02 GMT
Well, I'm intrigued, for sure. Can't wait to see what the crew think of him on Monday.
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Post by Einar on Mar 14, 2019 19:59:04 GMT
great first log!
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Post by tekopo on Mar 20, 2019 16:18:54 GMT
Symbiosis, Part 2
Cutting corners was something that I used to be pretty adept at doing. Why do something right, when you can do it quick and almost as well? Well, my ideas within that particular minor subset of philosophy have been deftly put to the test, hence my lack of logs for the past week or so. Thankfully, I now have a nice reminder of why things are done properly, and it's a reminder that I intend to keep. Maybe one day the lesson will have been learnt, but for the time being, a physical reminder of what happens when I let my impulsiveness take over will do just fine.
To be fair, the issues with this mindset should have been abundantly clear during my last few years on Trill, before I joined the Federation Merchant Marine. I think I always allowed myself to believe that those were follies of youth, peer pressure taking its toll. Or, more worryingly, it might have been a small case of cult conditioning. During my convalesce and rehabilitation after the incident I will elaborate below, I had a chance to read texts on cult conditioning, depersonalization and othering of outsiders. I had started the research as a means to explore what exactly had happened to me, or perhaps in order to find an excuse for my behaviour. I've yet to make a full analysis, to be honest, and I think the future of this long-running log holds the possibility of an editing, pruning or even deletion of that particular chapter.
Still, to get back into the here and now, or rather, the here and now of a week ago, I'll let the official report do the honours:
-- Accident Report, SS Faro -- Reporting Officer: 1st Officer Williams -- Department: Cargo Handling and Transportation -- Causes of Accident: -- Crewman 1st Class Agar and Crewman Cosworth were tasked with the transportation of 20 containers of unstable bio-matter, to be transported from the cargo ship Sabine to cargo bay 5. -- SOP for the transfer is direct pad-to-pad transport, followed by placement of the containers to a retaining cage with in-built refrigeration using an anti-grav sled. -- Crewman Agar, after deliberation with Crewman Cosworth, disengaged the proximity alarms of the cargo transporter. -- Crewman Agar and Cosworth then modified the SOP, and transported the containers directly to the retaining cages. -- Crewman Cosworth operated the cargo transporter, while Crewman Agar remained near the cages in order to quickly plug the containers into the power supply and start the refrigeration cycle. -- Changes to the SOP were made, allegedly, in order to speed up the transfer operation. -- Description of Accident: -- Crewman Cosworth initiated a transport while Crewman Agar was resting his left hand on the retaining cage. -- Due to the disabled proximity alarms, the computer did not prevent the transport of the container into solid matter. -- Part of the container re-materialised within part of Crewman Agar's left hand. -- Crewman Agar was quickly transported to sick bay to receive emergency care. -- Description of Injuries: -- Crewman Agar: Complete loss of little finger of left hand, extensive tissue and neurological damage to ring finger of left hand, extensive tissue and neurological damage to the palm of the left hand. -- Crewman Cosworth: No injuries. -- Disciplinary Recommendations: -- Crewman Agar: Loss of leave privileges, demotion, detriment added to permanent record. -- Crewman Cosworth: Loss of leave privileges, detriment added to permanent record.
The report omits the gory bits: the screaming, the floor being covered in blood and me passing out. Let's just say that having something partially re-materialise inside my body is not something that I want to experience ever again. On the other hand (ah, get it?), hard lessons that stick with you for life usually entail a high price. At least this time, this lesson only took away part of my hand.
The doc tried his best to repair most of the damage, although it would be hard to repair everything unless I got the hand replaced somehow, either biologically or cybernetically. I was asked (repeatedly, if I may add) if I wanted to have at least my little finger replaced.
Originally I said that I would think about it. And I did. And honestly, I don't think I do. People can slip, even when they had first-hand experience with their inequities. And maybe, just maybe, being able to look at my left hand and see those inequities is more valuable to me than having my finger replaced. And thankfully, this time it was me that suffered the consequences. If it had been anyone else, if I had injured or even killed someone because of my rashness, well, my conscience wouldn't be able to live with that.
So a lesson learnt, a permanent injury gained, and the distrust of every single person on the Faro for the foreseeable future. Not bad for a week's work, eh?
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Post by tekopo on Mar 25, 2019 15:02:43 GMT
Join log with CJ Short!
Inala had done the thing. She'd overridden her impulse to stay on the ship, put on something resembling beach clothes, and swallowed her nerves enough to beam down just in time to see Jeannine have fun. Successful outing, right? As much as part of her was screaming to turn around and go back to the ship, the new pilot's suggestion was a happy medium: a nice, cool booze shack just off the beach, where she could find a corner and sort-of-hide, even if it mean having to be chatty.
"Much better," she muttered, as she stepped inside. Her eyes immediately scanned the corners, finding them all full. 'Less better,' she thought to herself.
"I guess you get to pick where we're sitting," she added to Zanek.
Zanek looked around the room, trying to find somewhere where they wouldn't be troubled: he had meant to just have a drink by himself, but as the humans liked to say, misery loves company, and hopefully being able to chat with a least one Zorya officer on amicable terms would help him get over the initial slump of his introductory meeting on the Zorya's bridge. With all the more secluded spots already filled with a mixture of off-duty Starfleet officers and locals, the only eligible spot was a table next to the currently empty band stage. Not exactly a corner, but it would have to do.
"That table is as good as any..." he said, leading the way towards it.
"I don't believe we have made introductions yet. I'm Zanek Agar, pilot and cartographer," he added, proffering his hand for a faux-formal handshake,
Inala followed along, all the while giving her clothing semi-discrete tugs to assure maximum coverage. She sat, thankful at least to have one side free and clear, to which she put her back. She'd been just about to order a drink when he made the introduction, and she froze for a moment in silent horror that she'd missed this part.
"R-right," she stammered, smiling nervously. She wiped off her hand and briefly took the offered handshake.
"I'm Inala," she replied. "Engineering."
With the introduction made, Zanek quickly ordered a drink, some suitably fruity synthehol concoction made with local fruits, many of which he was unfamiliar with. Zanek looked at Inala and could see that she seemed to be nervous. He was no social butterfly himself, but this was mostly by choice. This had been a pattern in his life: initial interest in other people quickly dissipated, once the thrill of getting to know someone turned into the doldrums of familiarity.
"Before you ask, no, I'm not joined. Just a regular boring unjoined, I'm afraid, trying to find my way without hundred of years of combined memories to help me" he said, a smirk on his face, the last part said jovially but with a distinct sharp edge to it, "What about you? You said you come from Chicago, right?"
Inala returned the smirk. She didn't entirely know what that was about, but she could certainly appreciate certain race-related exasperation.
"Chicago, yes," she replied. "Born and raised. I'm only half-Orion, and no, I don't produce mind-bending pheromones." She ordered her usual: a White Russian. She hesitated only a moment before trying to continue the conversation.
"So, are you fresh out of the Academy, or...?" she asked.
"Nah, I did a stint on the USS Venezia, doing Stellar Cartography. Wasn't for me though..."
Zanek took the drink as it arrived and took a sip. It was sweet: way too sweet, and there wasn't an edge to it at all. Disappointments seemed to be the order of the day, although Zanek had to admit that you didn't meet a half-Orion every day.
"You know what they say: if you aren't on the bridge, you might as well not exist..."
Zanek cut himself short, realising that what he had just said wasn't something that you necessarily wanted to say to Engineering officers. Even on the Venezia, a relatively small ship, they had ruled their kingdom in main engineering with an iron fist, and engineers were the last people you wanted to piss off.
"I meant, in the eyes of the command staff at least. I didn't mean...you know. Sorry..."
Inala couldn't help a small, rueful smile. Memories of Starbase 56 and the questioning of her status filled her mind unbidden.
"Don't worry," she assured, "Engineering knows full well where it stands. If you ever get the chance to see what the EPS interchanges look like, make sure to invite Jeannine so she can take a holo of your reaction."
She took her drink with a small nod, sipping and savoring the chocolatey notes.
Zanek was pleased that she hadn't taken the comment too harshly. He did feel like he was fucking up at every possible chance so far, however. This wasn't uncommon for him, however, he had always struggled a bit in social situations, even when he was at his best.
"Well, hopefully you'll let them know that I'm not such a bad guy, even if I'm part of the bridge crew," Zanek said, finally able to relax a little bit. "So tell me, how is the senior crew? Anyone I should stay clear from, apart from that CTO that told me to fuck off?" he said, a smile on his face, making it clear that the sting of that particular encounter had been lessened somewhat.
Inala arched her brows in thought, trying to think of what all she knew about the bridge crew.
"I haven't dealt with him much myself, but from what I hear, Douglas is a bit, uh, odd, I guess, but you already know that, now," she said. Her thoughts then went to Commander Gutey, but she knew better than to touch that topic, at least for now.
"Apart from him, I haven't really mingled with the bridge crew. Been too busy doing Engineer stuff, and panicking about social anxiety."
"Join the club." he said, with a smirk, then raised his glass "At least we have something to toast to that isn't something cheesy like 'New Beginnings' or 'For Starfleet'."
Were Jeannine there, she'd take it upon herself to find something even more cheesy to toast to, but Inala didn't quite feel up to the task. Instead, she simply raised her glass.
"Welcome to the Zorya."
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Post by tekopo on May 13, 2019 18:48:19 GMT
Turbulence
There are stereotype that are almost always believed to be true, and Zanek knew was the victim of two of them. The first was one regarding his heritage, and it involved his status as an unjoined Trill. The joining was one of the things that almost everyone knew about the Trill, a cultural highlight that had spread amongst other races as soon as the discovery of joined Trills had been made and the information had been officially divulged by the Trill government. Since this tidbit of information was the one principal thing that other races knew about the Trill, almost everyone that Zanek had met had assumed he was joined, which had led to less-than-pleasant conversations. It was true that Starfleet seemed to attract more than its fair share of joined, and that some of the more decorated and remembered officers within Starfleet were joined, but that still didn't account for the number of people that thought ALL Trill were joined, when in fact only a tiny minority of Trill were joined.
The other stereotype that had affected Zanek's life was the one of the hotshot helmsman, the pilot that flew for the love of flying alone. Zanek had never felt this love, and to him flying was a means to an end, a way of reaching a goal, an unknown place, rather than something done for the pure sheer joy of it. Where others at the Academy had pushed the boundaries, Zanek had stayed safe, going for the distance rather than speed, make the destination the goal, not the destination.
And even now, with Zanek's first official duty, as he flew Lieutenant Commander Rousseau and Lieutenant Commander Douglas down to the surface in order to search for the missing ensign, Zanek was only thinking of the destination. He had submitted his flight course to ground control and he was determined to stick to it: safety was paramount.
This modus operandi had caused problem for him at the Academy and for a long time Zanek could not understand why. More troublesome helmsmen, with higher degrees of risk-taking, had awed and amazed the instructors, even as they broke the very same rules that Zanek had clutched to so tightly. To Zanek it had seemed almost lunacy, something that fomented a casual disregard for the rules, but in the last few years he had finally understood the motivation. Starfleet, with its impetus focused on innovation and creative thinking, wanted pilots that were not restrained overtly by safety regulations that were sometimes too stifling, too cumbersome to use during a heated moment or a fight.
Although Zanek had understood this, he still didn't accept it. To take risks and to risk lives for a brilliant manoeuvre might work sometimes, but not all the times. And if you went fast or flashy, but didn't reach your destination, what was the point?
"5 minutes to the LZ, we might hit some turbulence," said Zanek to his passengers, diverting some power from the thrusters to the dampeners in order to limit the effects of turbulence. Even if it didn't cause an issue, turbulence could cause trouble, and to Zanek, it was better to be safe than sorry...
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