Stardate 0700809.1027.
Title: Somewhere I belong. . .
Authors: Ensign Xhian and Zanh Liis
Scene: Quarters of Ensign Xhian
Time: Following "Someday You Will Find Me Part 3:(early morning)
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If anyone knows anything about Ensign Xhian, it's that he has one hard shell to crack.
Even after he has finally made some friends here: Zanh Liis, Salvek and Kellyn, Stratton, February, and Lily. . .he still keeps to himself a lot. He performs his duties as usual, but at least now he'll ask for help if he needs it, knowing that his crew mates "have got his back", as Zanh frequently reminds him.
It's taken him a long time to begin learning how to trust people and overcome his prior life as a Borg drone in order to integrate with the crew. He believes he's on the right track, and that the progress he's made has been notable, not only to himself but to his crew mates as well.
At dinner he may even talk to whoever is in the bar at the time, even if the conversations may not turn out as long as others might expect. This is just Xhian's way, and he really was making an effort to become more sociable.
As of late he hasn't had much time to work on his inventions, due to all the overtime he'd been putting in during the virus crisis and its aftermath. Also, at the continued urging of his acting CO, he has tried to focus on his work while he is at work, and then after hours, shift his focus to taking up some leisure time activities instead of just work, work, work, all the time.
He has discovered that he's developed an interest in studying the 'rock music' of Earth, circa the late 1950's to early 21st century. This was recommended by Zanh herself, along with the suggestion that he might seriously try his hand at jewelry making and other crafts because it was "apparent that he had a natural gift for it."
The first thing Xhian made was a necklace; crafted from of the left over chips of Bajoran gemstones Zanh had given him to keep. She did this to thank him after he worked so hard on the engraving for the medals presented to those who had served on Bajor during the weather crisis.
He'd also been collecting various objects (with her blessing) that others might view as having little or no value; such as the burned wires and circuits and such of the ship, damaged by the computer virus. He used these items to make Zanh a one of a kind pendant, and after making the item he put it away, deciding he would present it to her later on.
The second thing Xhian made was an acoustic guitar. From scratch. By hand. Those who had occasion to pass by his quarters could often tell when he's off duty, because he had begun to play the guitar quite often. He finds himself drawn to artists who seem, like himself, to be searching for their place. Or songs on the topics of travel, or unrest. To most, it simply appears that this is just the style of music he prefers, and not a personal statement of any kind.
Captain Zanh had spent most of this night in Sickbay, but had given up on the uncomfortable bio-bed by the current time of about 0400, and was slowly moving through the halls toward her quarters for a long shower and a hot coffee.
She heard music emanating from Xhian's quarters, and paused outside the door. Finally, she decided to knock.Yes, the Captain still chose to knock on doors, finding it much more effective in getting people's attention most times as opposed to the chime, which was so familiar many just tuned it out.
Xhian answered the door, guitar still in hand.
"Morning, Mr. X. May I come in?"
Looking around his quarters and seeing how they were filled with various artwork and crafts, he cleared a place for Zanh to sit just in case and said, "Of course, Captain. Come in, but please, watch your step "
"Thanks, but I'll stand, I don't mean to bother you by staying long. I just heard some impressive music and was curious if you were playing it." She walked around Xhian's quarters, taking in all the art. Sculptures, carvings, paintings, various types of jewelry he had laying out on his desk. All things he'd made himself. Lastly, she admired his guitar.
Xhain observed her reactions carefully. She seemed to be awestruck, just offering an 'ah,' or "mm," of appreciation with each new work she noticed.
"You've been busy." Zanh said at last with a smile, as she took careful note of the very high detail and quality care he put into each piece.
"I apologize for playing my guitar at this hour." Xhian began. "If I have disturbed you,"
"Oh no, don't you worry about it X. I'm plenty disturbed already." She winked at him, and he just blinked. "This work is truly amazing. I knew you had it in you."
Xhian bowed his head humbly, then glanced over toward his desk and invited Zanh to look in the right-hand drawer. She did as he asked, and found two small silver boxes and opened them up. When she saw that they contained necklace and bracelet sets bearing the Bajoran symbol, she whistled softly.
"Wow. Interesting materials," Zanh inspected the insignia up close."What are they made of?
"They are made from the discarded Independence parts I asked you if I could recycle. They've been plated with platinum and gold so as to prevent irritation to the skin of the wearer."
"Ooo!" Zanh exclaimed excitedly. "That is really something! One of these better be for Lair Kellyn, because if she sees someone else wearing actual parts of her beloved Independence as jewelry she might knock 'em flat to get her hands on it!" she joked. "Seriously, though, whoever these are for- they are going to be very pleased. I'm proud of you, X."
"Actually, Zanh Liis," Xhian said, while pulling out a third box of silver and gold "This one is for you." He handed it to her, and for once, Zanh really had no idea what to say.
"Oh, thank you, but I-"
"Please." Xhian explained, " I appreciate the time you've invested in me since I came aboard the Independence. Your guidance has been. . .helpful. I would like to demonstrate my appreciation by the giving of an appropriate thank you gift."
"Seeing you find your stride is all the thanks I could ask for,"
"I insist," he indicated the box again, and she finally pried the lid open.
She marveled at the intricate, understated, antique- looking pendant inside.
"Wow, I, don't even know what to say, Xhian," she watched the light bounce off of the azure crystal stones, surprised at the sudden emotions that welled in her knowing that she was holding something so much a part of her home world in her hands. As well as something that one of her own had put so much time and care into, specifically for her. She'd never been given a gift like it. "It's astonishing. Thank you."
Suddenly, there were loud voices outside the door. "Security! Open up!"
"What the hell?" Zanh asked, and Xhian opened the doors. A security team rushed in, and addressed the captain.
"Are you all right, Sir?" the first security officer asked, while the second tapped his badge and informed Sickbay that the captain had been located.
"I'm fine, what's the deal?"
"You were reported as missing from Sickbay, Sir, we've been doing a deck by deck search for the past half an hour because your com badge is,"
"In my quarters." Liis cringed. "Apologies, to you, and those in Sickbay, gentlemen, it's a long story. I promise I won't scare you like that again. You can go now." She noticed that the two had frozen in the doorway, staring in amazement at Xhian's handiwork displayed around them.
"Actually, Sir, Dr. McKenna insisted that when we found you, that we see you back to your quarters personally."
Zanh snorted. "You can tell Mother Hen McKenna I'll stop in to see him before I start duty shift, but that's the best I can do."
"Sorry, Sir. I'm afraid we must insist."
"Oh, fine. Give me a minute." She noticed that several other members of the crew from surrounding quarters had gathered in Xhian's doorway, curious to see what the commotion was about. Xhian, so protective of his solitude and his privacy, winced.
"Move along people! Nothing to see here." Zanh intervened, trying to spare Xhian any further intrusion.
*Note to self:* Xhian thought, *From now on, play guitar in a place where I am completely alone and won't draw such attention.*
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Ensign Xhian
Engineering Officer
USS Independence
=/\=Zanh Liis
Acting CO
USS Independence NCC-90791