Posted by Ensign Rand Farquharson (Yeoman First Class) in Ships in the Night

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Roman Alden (First Officer & Chief Science Officer) in Ships in the Night

(snip)

Rand nodded with an almost smile. “My heart lies in the land of my ancestors. Where the thistle grows in the heath. Ach tha cianalas do-chreidsinneach agam dha na reultan. But I have an Incurable homesickness for the stars.” Rand did love it, and she wasn’t sure how long she would serve, but she always figured she would go home, because she’d never find a place she could feel relaxed. Eventually she would retire, wouldn’t she? “I…I could teach it to you.” It came out in a rush before she changed her mind.

Yeoman Rand

He listened to her translation intently, an odd ache in his heart for something he’d never truly known: A home, with people who cared. The only place he ever felt at home was the lab. The place where painful memories rarely plagued him, where he could focus. All he wanted to do was explore alien planets and life. And protect people. All his rules, the way he acted, he wanted his crew safe. “I’d be happy to learn,” he replied, taking her up on the offer.

~ Lt Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

Rand thought for a moment “Try this,” and then swallowing a playful smile she spoke very carefully, pausing to exaggerate the more complex sounds. “Chan e ciùban pròtain.”

Yeoman Rand

Roman’s reproduction of the sounds was not very graceful. It was the most English sounding Gaelic she’d likely ever heard. “I hope that isn’t the easy stuff,” he said after he’d attempted a second time to pronounce it correctly.

~ Lt Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

She listened and nodded, “That wasn’t too bad. You have an accent but that’s okay.” She laughed softly at his comment. “No there are easier things. But that one will put you in the cook’s good graces. The translation is ‘protein cubes are not food.’” She thought, “how about…saidheans.” Again she was careful to pronounce clearly and slowly. “Science.”

Yeoman Rand

“They fulfill dietary requirements, that’s all food has to do,” Roman replied, if a tad indignantly. He repeated the next word after her. “saidheans. Science. Got it.” He said, pronouncing it one more time to be sure he had it right.

~ Lt Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO