Post 253: Counting

Stardate:70626.0606
Title: Counting
Author: Ensign Xhian (Formerly 2 of 8 )
Time: After Misfits Inc. Pt. 2 and in and around As Blue As The Sea Part 3Scene:Various

Xhian had just finished dinner with February and Lily when Captain Zanh called to request he see to her special request. She let him know that the materials needed to complete the work were now in transporter room one with Quinlan.

Lily asked about the project that Xhian was undertaking, but he only replied "I am not at liberty to say at this time," and went to see to his duties.

As he walked to the transporter room he had a strange thought, *I have just made friends. Lair Kellyn, Lily, and February. Three friends.* He was also pleased to know that the Captain seemed to be satisfied with the work he had done thus far.

He continued on his way to transporter room one. When he arrived, Quinlan approached.

"So you're the new ensign the Captain has been talking about?"

Xhian looked at him, saying nothing as Quinlan continued to talk "She said she's very impressed with you and expects to see great things from you in the future." Quinlan said, in a very friendly manner.

Again Xhian only looked at the man, unsure of what to say. Finally he asked for the packages the Captain intended for him to pick up, and Quinlan indicated a small anti-grav unit in the corner. It held a large metallic suitcase and a small wooden chest, which presumably contained the gemstones he was to affix to the medals.

He had brought that case to Zanh earlier, with a selection of the medals he had completed in it so she could compare them and approve his work. The rest remained locked in his quarters so he could finish detailing them in secrecy when the crystal stones arrived. Zanh had told him that the crew would be very surprised by the care taken with their medals, and very honored by his meticulous work.

Xhian activated the anti-grav unit and pushed it forward. As he walked through the halls he noticed a few stares and whispers. He recognized two men as those who had stared at him on previous occasions. He didn't know which department they were from, but they were members of the crew. He walked past them on the way to his quarters, and as he did so one of the men turned toward him.

"Hey, Andorian tin man! Go back to your hive!"

He heard the man's companion laugh at the remark, but said nothing. He recalled now the words of Lily T'Ana from earlier this evening, when she said that people who judge you based on where you've been or by appearance are not worth paying any mind to. Xhian entered his room and set about completing his task. He carefully prepared each medal, lining them up so as to make sure he didn't miss one. In the time estimated he completed his work, setting the stones and all. The Captain would receive the medals well before the ceremony.

(0756 hours the next morning: outside the Captain's ready room)

As Xhian stood just outside the sliding doors of the ready room, Zanh Liis asked him to come in so she could see the finished medals. She looked each one over carefully and with profound silence and delight. She was amazed by the detail Xhian had put into them.

"I knew you were the right man for the job. Well done." Zanh exclaimed.
Xhian bowed his head a moment toward the Captain and only said "Thank you."

"If you ever get bored with Starfleet, you should really consider a second career as a jeweler,” Zanh added. "The craftsmanship is extraordinary, Xhian."

"I will consider it as a hobby then, Sir."

"Thank you again for all of your hard work on this." She reached out and offered her hand, and Xhian shook it firmly. "I've got to go, preparations to finish. See you at the awards presentation."

Afterward, Xhian left to get ready for the ceremony himself.(10.00 hours, in the Arboretum)

Xhian walked around the gardens as he waited for the ceremony to begin. In an hour the place was packed with people gathered to see and honor those who were on the away mission on Bajor.

When the presentation had begun, he watched as everyone stood in silence along with those to be honored. They called out the names of the recipients by department, and in turn each one received their medals.

At the end of the service, Xhian returned to the holodeck to continue working on his new designs. . .

Ensign Xhian (formerly 2 of 8)
Engineering Officer
USS Independence