Posted by Lieutenant Commander Kiama Naim (Chief Science Officer) in Lounge - Icebreakers and Appetisers (TAG Kiama)

Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Namid Argimeau (Scientific Intelligence Officer) in Lounge - Icebreakers and Appetisers (TAG Kiama)

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Kiama Naim (Chief Science Officer) in Lounge - Icebreakers and Appetisers (TAG Kiama)
Posted by… suppressed (2) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)

While Namid had talked, Kiama had listened attentively, her eyes never leaving her new friend’s face. At the same time she had managed to start on the stew and not make a mess of things. Reaching for Naimd’s hand with her free one, she gave it a gentle squeeze and said, “You haven’t. I could listen to you talk forever, I think.” As blood rushed to her cheeks as well, Kiama felt suddenly a little shy and dropped her gaze.

Namid’s gaze drifted to their fingers, their cheeks ravaged by a roseate flame. Though a trace of bashfulness betrayed them, Ami didn’t pull away. They instead coaxed their free hand from their lap and gave hers a hearty squeeze. After a moment, they hummed, “likewise.”

Lifting her gaze at that single word, Kiama smiled warmly while happiness seemed to radiate from her. For several moment she just looked at Namid in comfortable silence.

“Uhm,” Kiama laughed softly and shook her head. “To answer your question: I think my favourite place right now is this ship,” she admitted, suddenly turning a solemnly. “It hasn’t always, but now it really feels like home and … like I belong. Like family. I haven’t felt like in a very long time.”

“As for where I’d want to visit: That list is endless,” Kiama chuckled. “Most of the Federation member worlds are on that list plus numerous other places. But on the top is probably Xahea. I’ve only seen it photographs and read about it, but it seems like an absolutely fascinating place. And the connection Xaheans have to their planet … it blows my mind and I’d love to study that.” Her black eyes sparkled with excitement as she thought about that.

~Lt. Naim, CSO

Namid absorbed Kiama’s words with notes of intrigue and warmth. They hadn’t commented when Kiama discussed her relationship to Manhattan and her crew, but the fleeting concern that melted into compassion spoke volumes they could never reach. Without realising it, their smile spread to the corners of their face, shedding its impish glint for harmony.

“The Xahean’s connection to their planet is… unfathomable and beautiful. I could only imagine experiencing it first hand,” Namid lowered their spoon, having spent several minutes trying to avoid splatters of cream on their uniform. Noticing the excitement gracing her eyes at the prospect of research, another question fluttered into their mind: “When are you happiest?”

— Namid Argimeau, Scientific Intel

“These days?” Kiama asked, mostly rhetorically and then continued before Namid could answer. “When I’m with people I care about and when I’m working on a science project I feel passionate about. I also started to try to do things in my sparetime simply for the fun of it and that don’t include reading research papers. I wouldn’t say those things make me feel the happiest, but I’m beginning to really enjoy them.” Despite her stiff posture, Kiama seemed to be perfectly at ease and she seemed to radiate happiness. Partly because of what they war talking about, but just as much, if not more, because of her company. Looking Namid straight in the eyes, she asked, “What about you? When are you the happiest?”

~Lt. Naim, CSO

Namid’s face lit up, kindled by the happiness Kiama exuded. “What kinds of—” their sinewy frame shook with soundless laughter at her mention of research “—guilty. Anyway, what kinds of things have you dabbled in?”

“The Captain started to teach me how to play the violin. I never thought I could find myself to enjoy taking music lessons, but I actually do. And I braved the holodeck since we last talked and went ice skating. I’m not god at either yet, but I enjoy both and I guess that’s all that matters, right?” Kiama grinned a little sheepishly.

“I have nothing but respect for violin players,” Namid gritted their teeth, “playing takes serious concentration and skill.” They lingered for a moment, their admiration erupting into a subtle vivaciousness. “Woohoo,” their smile broadened, “how was skating?”

“I’m happiest when I can laugh. Not the ‘socially acceptable’ or ‘obligatory’ laugh, but the roars and sputter of giggles that continue until my gut begs me to stop,” Namid held her gaze, “especially when I can share that with others.” Their smile grew a little heavy as the memory of Raziah passed through their thoughts, but they shrugged it away. “Of course, I love the stage and whatever time I get to spend with my loved ones. But, it’s always the sentiment that makes it worthwhile. Never the event.”

— Namid Argimeau, Scientific Intel

“I know what you mean. I’ve sat in the most boring lecture at the Academy, but a friend and I would draw pictures and write messages and then send them to the other one. I don’t even remember what the lecture was about, but I have very happy memories of it,” Kiama laughed as she remembered those hours.

Namid rested their chin on their knuckles, listening attentively as Kiama recounted the memory. Amusement danced through their expression, but they didn’t say a word; they simply enjoyed listening to her.

“When you are on stage, what are you doing?” Kiama asked curiously, her forkful of stew hovering forgotten in midair.

~Lt. Naim, CSO

Namid snagged another bite of pie to give them a moment to think. “I was five when my father enrolled in tap dance. For several years, I was basically stubbing my toes and calling it ‘art’.” They laughed, inwardly shaking their head. “Then, my drama teacher cast me as the dormouse for a strange rendition of Alice in Wonderland,” Namid’s eyes glittered with a fusion of humour and wistfulness, “I was 13 at the time. Since, I’ve developed a love for dance, musical theatre and bad poetry. It’s been a while since I’ve practised, though.”

Argimeau was an amicable person who enjoyed listening. But they couldn’t recall the last time they’d prattled on about interests and passions like this. They often maintained silence about themself, fearing they’d drive people away. Kiama was different. Something about her made them feel completely at ease. Like they could talk about rocks or snails, and she wouldn’t think them strange (even though she’d have every reason to). It was an unfamiliar sensation, but they welcome it.

“Did you dabble in any extracurriculars as a child?”

— Namid Argimeau, Scientific Intel