Posted by Civilian Karilan Massat (Owner, Quill and Parchment Books) in Dasca’s Apartment - Let Us Make Mr. Melvil Dewey Proud

Posted by Captain Eela Dasca (Lt. Governor) in Dasca’s Apartment - Let Us Make Mr. Melvil Dewey Proud

Posted by Civilian Karilan Massat (Owner, Quill and Parchment Books) in Dasca’s Apartment - Let Us Make Mr. Melvil Dewey Proud
Posted by… suppressed (4) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)

“We all need a bit of a respite every now and again.” they said with a smile. “And it was my pleasure to do it.” They took a few more bites in silence before saying “So how are you doing, settling in? I know things are probably vastly different than you are used to. But how are you feeling? About the transition and the new environment? And do not worry, I promise I do not spread gossip. You are my friend. I would not jeopardize that.”

Massat

Eela nodded, sensing their sincerity. She finished chewing, swallowed and twirled the fork in her fingers before answering. “I’m settling in better than I thought I would. I really like it here, much to my surprise. But… it’s been a hard transition. I don’t think I fully understood at first just how much I’ve given up to be here, or rather how many huge changes in my personal life were required of me. I’m ninety light years from where I have was trying to rebuild my life, so I’m finding myself rather introspective. I’m gaining perspective on everything that’s happened the last few years and not all my realizations are positive ones. And there’s nothing inherently wrong with that, but I’m trying to work through what to do with this new knowledge, if anything. Some days it’s rather overwhelming,”

~Eela Dasca, Lt. Gov.

“Overwhelming.” Karilan said with a knowing smile. “That should be the single word motto of this colony.” and they laughed softly. “I do not know of anyone, myself included, who was not overwhelmed by this place when they first arrived. Which is odd. I have lived in much larger places. More crowded, more affluent, more impoverished, more complicated.... but this place? This place is like…” and they thought for a moment. “It is like perfect storm of opportunity, failed dreams, pride, resentment, poverty, wealth… and honesty couched in terms of mistrust.” and they laughed again, a bit louder. “I do love it here.”

Massat

She listened as she ate, having long become an expert at eating quickly, even as she was giving someone her full attention. But sitting here with Karilan was vastly more enjoyable than sipping her soup from a mug as she had planned. “Do you miss Starfleet?” Eela asked. Her answer to the same question had changed since she had arrived here and it was probably one of those tiny details that had made her transition here easier in some ways.

~Eela Dasca, Lt. Gov.

Karilan thought for a moment and said “I miss the work. I truly enjoy working on ship’s systems. And the challenges that such an environment provides is unmatched. But I do not miss the politics. And the inevitable self-imposed caste system that came with the structure.” They ate a bite and pushed the mostly empty plate to the side. “I miss the individuals that make up Star Fleet, but I do not miss Star Fleet… if that makes any sense?”

Massat

Dasca nodded as she chewed. “I think so. I never liked the distinction between officer and crew. I understand it, but I never found it necessary on a day-to-day basis.” She set her fork down. “I do miss the discipline. And I miss meetings that generally were on time. I swear Karilan half the struggle with my schedule is getting people to remember it’s a schedule for a reason.” She blew out a breath and then grinned.

“I miss my starship, the way you build a family there. I know I can have something similar here in the form of a support network, but it feels less… cohesive. More like individual relationships. And there’s nothing wrong with that, but with my kids and granddaughter on Earth, I don’t really have a lot of people here. But I am very grateful for the ones who have found their way into my life,” she said, giving them a warm smile.

~Eela Dasca, Lt. Gov.

“You are struggling with something Star Fleet fails to warn us about when we leave.” they said with a smile. They took a drink and then said “They do not tell us how easy we had it when it came to meeting people. And the fact that we were in a shared space under extreme stress at times… it was only natural we would bond with one another. Out here…” and they waved a hand at the general existance around them, “… out here we are on our own. People are not subject to all the same rules and policies like on a ship. In Star Fleet, I feel we trade a bit of individualism for the sake of cohesive crews. And we should, no doubt. But the reality of existence is not so well regulated… and it makes finding connection and common ground sometimes very hard.”

Massat

Eela nodded. “I think that’s a huge part of my transition right now. As a Haliian, I need connection on different levels to exist as a functional and sane person. And now I’m navigating a lot of it from a different place. I didn’t have a fully monogamous marriage, but I was married for forty-years. I was really young when Cory and I got married, so any further relationships I had were secondary to the one I had with him. I’m single again for the first time in a very long time, and even in friendship I get nervous because of my role here. I can suss out if someone is genuine in their interest in getting to know me as a person and not just because I’m in a position of power that might benefit them, but…” She shook her head. “It’s unchartered territory for me. I think that’s why I appreciate us getting to know each other so much. It’s been truly wonderful and much needed.” Being so open with them felt as natural as breathing and she indeed trusted Karilan’s discretion.

~Eela Dasca, Lt. Gov.