June 2008 - Post Selection

ON: The Fear Factor

Day 3 - Time : 23.00 - Scene : DM Lounge

The stars were flying by the window at a dazzling speed. To the eye, they always looked the same, giving the impression that they weren't moving, but they definitely were. Now that the rest of the promised fleet had joined them, the DM had lost no time to leave Dyerma IV. To June as soon as this had happened, the whole ship had been shrouded in a cold atmosphere. They were going to war and it didn't help that Erz would be taking part in the small away team sent to the Zychormca's main ship. She held her cup of red leaf tea tighter, feeling a bit better for its warmth.

She also took some comfort in listening to whatever words reached her from the table where Sertak and Wambui were sat. The two officers were sharing a game of chess, and although the Vulcan would probably deny it with all the power of his logic, he was doing all he could to date Wambui. How else can you describe his kind attention towards the security ensign? He had even been as bold as losing a game for her benefit. How could he explain this without losing his credibility as a die-hard logician?

Still it was a cute scene and June would not dream of interrupting them. She even took some pride in it. Not that she had anything to do with it, but it showed that the Federation consisted of people who had feelings and even the most withdrawn of species needed to show them form time to time. In her opinion, it took a mixture of intelligence and emotions to be classified as a superior species. Without a dose of empathy, individuals were limiting their choices and were nothing but animals. This was how she viewed the Zychormca.

In her search for data that other departments had not consulted yet, she had come across the mating habits of the Zychormca. A file that was about as thin as the medical documentation sent to the EMH. The Ziks, as Klam liked to call them, seemed to be so paranoid about the potential killing attempts made on their lives that they barely seem to tolerate any form of relationship. They were governed by a strict chain of command, where needs were tolerated, but just. It resulted in the crudest form of family bond she had even seen. Even among hyenas there existed a sense of belonging, where groups were formed. The Zychormca on their side were below this. When a birth occurred, the baby was almost left on its own, ensuring a strict natural selection from day one. Only the toughest would survive.

With such policies, it was a wonder that so many Ziks made it to adulthood. The fact it was the case was a credit to their endurance. Something that was real bad news for anyone who had to confront them. June was dwelling on this when a shadow appeared at her table. When she looked up, she saw a young man in a red shirt and a single pip looking at her with hesitation.

"Mrs Finh?" He asked. When June nodded, although she preferred to be called by her maiden name, he went on, in one long breath: "I went to see the Counsellor, wanting a session off the record, but she told me she couldn't do such a thing, and sent me to you. She said that you were a civilian, used to private conversations with the crew."

June raised an eyebrow that would have made Sertak proud of her. "Did she really say that?"

"Those were her exact words, Ma'am."

Even Vulcans came in all flavours, June reflected to herself, regretting the time where Tyvek was their Counsellor. "Sit down ensign. You are obviously new here."

He nodded eagerly. "Ensign Weller, I'm with ops."

"Well, contrary to our Counsellor's belief, I don't have 'private conversations' with anyone but my husband. However, being the former manager of this lounge, I'm used to chatting with the crew, in a confidential manner if it is what they want."

Weller relaxed a little. "That's what I would like, yes."

June smiled to encourage him. When it didn't produce any results, she added: "So, what brought you here, young man?"

"Fear," he replied, immediately avoiding her eyes. "You know how it is with the little guys. They never make it. And I have this nasty feeling that the Zychormca have my number. On the other hand, if I survive and this 'fear factor' appears in my file, I'm done. I can't believe I could be so unlucky on my very first mission!"

"Understandably. No one wants to leave a yellow streak behind them." June told him. Weller glanced at her, the image of someone who was unsure it had been a good idea to go to the lounge after all, and she went on: "There is only one group of people who isn't afraid in all this fleet, Weller, and that's the Klingons. The rest of us, we all are scared, but we do our best not to show it. Think of it this way: " If it wasn't for us, going ahead to stop the enemy, the galaxy would be endangered. You will survive, and be rewarded for it. It will also allow you to tell your friends and family what you and your ship have been through."

Weller wasn't convinced and added with envy in his tone of voice: "I bet the Captain isn't afraid."

"I don't know about you, but I would be scared shitless if my CO showed his fear. Captain Persson knows he represents a model for the crew, and there are certain situations he won't allow himself to be seen in. In a way, this applies to all of us, except you, perhaps, because you are so fresh from the Academy. But as soon as you gain responsibilities and have crewmembers looking up to you, you will have to change your attitude."

"In other words, I am a baby, so the yellow streak, it's all right." He replied, looking dejected.

"You won't feel better by thinking so little of yourself, ensign. Chin up! You are an Academy graduate, which is already a great achievement. In that respect, you are one huge step above me. Now, go to the bar to order yourself something to drink, and then you can tell me everything about the way you ended up on the USS Dark Matter..."

OFF:

June Craig Finh
Civilian Diplomat
USS Dark Matter