Post 247: Misfits Inc Part Two

Stardate:70624.0100
Title: Misfits, Inc. Part Two
Author: February Grace and Lily T'Ana
Scene: Dining room at Seven
Time: After Part One
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"Excellent! Slide over February, make some room." Lily extended her hand. "I'm Lily T'Ana, science. It's nice to finally meet you, Mr. Xhian. I've heard a lot about the great work you've done around here lately."

February slid over in the round booth, and patted the spot next to her. "Have a seat, Ensign."

Xhian sat down, eyes darting back and forth between the ladies. He didn't know what to think or say at first. He ordered his food and drink, nodding and listening as the two women talked about their day and about recent events on the ship. His food arrived and he began to eat, glad to see that the two of them seemed entirely capable of holding up the conversation without his input if necessary.

Somehow, listening to their chatter put him at ease. Maybe the fact they often spoke in unison, finishing each other's sentences reminded him a little of the hive mind. Their thoughts were busy, alive. Electric.

Becoming aware that their guest hadn't said much over the course of his dinner, Lily T’Ana put a gentle hand on his shoulder. "So, Xhian- I can call you Xhian can't I? How are you liking it here so far?"

"Liking?" Xhian asked. "I am finding my assignment is allowing me the chance to apply my skills in varied and challenging ways."

"That sounds like something you put on a resume'! How do you like it here?"

"I am not certain, "Xhian said, furrowing his brow, "That I know how to answer the question."

"Do you like being here? Have you made any friends yet? "February elaborated.

"I have been working all the time," Xhian remarked, as he finished the last bite of his fish and chips and set his fork down in precisely the same spot it had been in before he began eating. "I feel-" he stopped, not sure if he should continue.

"You feel what, Xhian?" February encouraged. "Go on, you can tell us. We won't say anything to anybody."

"I feel as if I might not fit in here. I may be too different."

"Too different?" Grace began to laugh. "More different than I am? I'm a newly joined Trill still adjusting to the ways of my, uh, eccentric symbiont," she pointed to her glasses. "I'm half blind, and from what I'm told, I couldn't come out of my quarters well dressed if my closet opened up to the inside of a Paris boutique."

"And get a look at these," Lily pulled her long hair back on the sides, revealing the gentle points at the top of each of her ears. "I'm Vulcan. And Romulan. And Human. Try fitting into any of those groups individually when you’re all three combined. It's interesting, to say the least."

"People do not judge you because you are different?" Xhian asked.

"Maybe some do. But who needs them? We're doing just fine without their input, thank you very much. We pick our friends based on who they are, not what they were or where they've come from." Lily replied.

"That's right. Everyone has things about them that make them different, or feel like the odd-man out sometimes." February spoke as much as a reminder to herself as she did to try to make the Ensign feel at ease. "Each of us, we are what we are. We just have to go from there."

Lily smiled and nodded to February, hoping that she would remember those words after the conversation had ended.

"I have usually not stayed long enough in one place to make friends." Xhian added.

"Well, you have two new friends now." Lily grinned at him and watched as just a hint of emotion seemed to cross his face.

[Captain Zanh to Xhian.]

Xhian tapped his badge. He'd been expecting Zanh's call. "Yes, Captain?"

[Our package has arrived from Bajor. I’m leaving the case with it in Transporter Room one, please see Chief Quinlan there. He'll release them to you so you can work your magic. I need them by 1100 hours tomorrow morning, make it your top priority.]

"As you wish, Captain. It should not take me any longer than six hours and twenty two minutes to complete the assigned task."

[I knew you were the man for the job. Thanks again, Ensign. Zanh out.]

Lily and February exchanged glances. "What was that about?" The Trill inquired, curious.

"I am sorry, Lieutenants, I am not at liberty to divulge that information." Xhian remarked. "Not even to my . . . friends." The word seemed as unfamiliar to him as the meaning it held. "I have to leave now." He rose from the table, reminding himself to try to return their friendly gesture by extending his hand.

While he shook each woman's hand he was calculating in his head how hard he should squeeze so that he did not accidentally injure them with the handshake.

"Bye, Xhian. Thanks for your company." Lily shook her head a little as the man walked away. "We'll have to work on him. He'll warm up."

"He's been through a lot, you can tell." February concluded. "But in time, I think he'll be okay."

"So will you, February." Lily said, returning to the serious tone she had taken with her friend earlier when she'd found that she had been hiding out in the arboretum, alone in the rain. "So will you."
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Lt. February Grace
Helm/Flight Controller
USS Independence

Lt. Lily T'Ana
Science
USS Independence

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