CHAPTER 3
Supplemental
Sumcha at the Table (The Elder Council)
Bashi, Tama
Rays of sunshine lit the council chambers. The walls were made of adobe and adorned by large paintings of scenes in Tamarian mythology. Seven Children of Tama sat around the heavy wooden table: four females, three males. All were of advanced years.
“Raki’s army waits at the gates! His army large; his fires hot,” warned one of the women, Balah.
“Chenza at court. The court of silence!” started J’tah, another council member, “Picard and Dathon at El-Adrel. The trade…the trade of Itah. Ria and Jiri when the hole was dug.”
A wrinkled male, Soora, added, “D’nas…Hito, his ears listening.”
“Kiteo, his eyes closed!” demanded Balah.
Soora observed, “Mira, once the horse was already gone.”
“Kailash, when it rises,” concluded J’tah. “Temarc. The river Temarc, in winter.” She stood, “The covenant of Tama. Ria…Ria at the crossroads.”
*****
D’nas, Zian, and two junior engineers shared a drink around a table overlooking the vista of space. The engineers, Crewman Jackson and Ensign Berep, sometimes worked with the helmsman and science officer and had developed an association. Berep, a Bolian female was a computer specialist and Jackson, a human male from Vega colony, managed the reclamation systems.
“So,” began Berep, “what will you do now, D’nas?”
He shrugged, “It will be the decision of the Sentinel Council.” The exchange officer added, “Though, I hope to be assigned to an explorer ship.”
“I really hope Starfleet will let us do some exploring while we’re out here,” commented Tang.
“There is a void region between, what you call, the Orion Cygnus and Perseus arms about 20 light years from here,” explained D’nas. “It takes some time to transverse.”
“So there isn’t much to see, is what you’re saying?” surmised Jackson.
“Not at all,” replied the Tamarian, “There are many beautiful places to go; many cultures to see.”
“Do Tamarians have something comparable to the Prime Directive?” asked Tang.
He unnaturally made a ‘so-so’ gesture. “We do not hide ourselves from less advanced civilizations as you do. We sometimes offer them assistance and technology that we feel they are responsible enough to have. But we do not impose ourselves on them either.”
“Holy crap,” came from Zian. He pointed across the room. The others turned. Counselor Kimula was sitting on Petty Officer Cheveyo Runningfox’s lap. She was sensually pushing her breasts near his face.
Jackson laughed out loud, “Looks like Runningfox is going to have a good time tonight!”
Berep chuckled, “So that’s what she’s like when she drinks.”
“For awhile, she was interested in Jinal,” remembered the science officer.
D’nas assumed, “Apparently, she’s stopped mourning.”
“No,” corrected Tang, “she’s drunk.”
*****
Karim bin Nadal gave a semi-concerned look as he observed the fondling of his Andorian friend from across the large recreational room. He recently joined a group around the dom-jot table. Among his company was Ensign Lemipil. He leaned over to the acting security chief, “She’s going to regret that in the morning.”
The Zakdorn jested back, “I don’t think Runningfox will.”
The first officer shifted to ‘shop talk’, “I hope you don’t feel…bitter about me asking for a new security chief, Ensign.”
She said genuinely, “Actually sir, I’m relived. I’m the first one to admit, I’m not ready to be a division head. I’m just thankful that Chief Hatora has been helping me out.”
Karim scanned the crowd, “Where is the chief anyway?”
*****
Hatora of J’bel sometimes felt like the grandfather of the boat, not the chief of it. He knew about the party, but had no desire to attend. That was for young people or idiots…often the same thing. He walked casually around the commons of Starfleet Academy. It wasn’t the real thing, of course. His daughter, Latora, often sent him holographic messages. She knew how much he enjoyed his time on Earth…and how proud he was that she made it to the academy.
He smiled as a recreation of his daughter walked toward him. It would be a one-way conversation; but he enjoyed it, none the less. Latora sat on a nearby stone bench. Her hair was long and black. Her eyes were artificially colored violet, a choice he didn’t endorse. She wore the gray cadet uniform with gold shoulders. Latora was a sophomore.
Hatora joined her and said, “Hello, Latora,” which began the program.
The hologram of his daughter looked at him and smiled, “Hello, father. I visited the Night Owl, like you recommended. You’re right, it a great place to get away and study.
My roommate is driving me crazy. She’s a Starfleet brat, but her parents are both command officers. She has such a sense of entitlement. She doesn’t even study because she expects her parents to pull in favors for her to pass. It’s so annoying.”
The Chief of the Boat listened with a grin as his daughter relayed her hopes and complaints.
*****
Folana Lemipil, prompted by alcohol, asked a fateful question, “Commander bin Nadal, what’s your opinion of our chief engineer?”
A curious look crossed Karim’s face, “What do you mean?”
“Well,” she elaborated, “as his superior, are you…concerned at all.”
He looked at the carpet for a long moment. “I see,” he said. Karim made a decision. He wasn’t sure if it was appropriate or not, but he followed through. “There was a time when I wanted him off the ship and out of the uniform. I felt just like you do now. What he did was…inexcusable. Leaving people behind is a cardinal sin in Starfleet.”
She injected, “So you agree that ‘Runsfast’ is a coward!” In her enthusiasm, her voice carried.
A few meters away, Commander Zo’Kama overheard the outburst.
“You’re talking about a senior officer, Ensign,” chided the XO.
“Sorry sir, but I don’t feel comfortable…”
His tone became even, “I understand where you’re coming from, but…”
A disembodied voice interrupted, “Commander bin Nadal, could you report to the bridge, please. The Tamarians are requesting the number of personnel participating in tomorrow’s ceremony.”
Karim tapped his compin, “Alright, bridge. I’ll be there in a minute.” He returned to Lemipil, “We’ll pick this up later.”
She timidly nodded, “Aye sir.”
The first officer walked to the exit and left. Not a second passed after the door shut when Zo’Kama addressed the security chief.
“What did you call Commander Windslow?”
The ensign, too inebriated to sense the reptilian’s animosity, answered, “’Runsfast’…since he ran so quickly from…”
The Arkonian could hear no more. Out of instinct, Zo’Kama insulted the young Zakdorn in the traditional Arkonian way. Her mouth opened and a short jet of liquid squirted out. The substance landed all over Lemipil’s face. The saliva wasn’t harmful, in fact, it had healing properties.
Folana wiped at her face in disgust, “What is this!”
“You will not insult Ethan Windslow or his family!” demanded Zo’Kama.
The liquid courage in Lemipil’s veins caused her discretion to fail. Her wet, gooey face morphed into a picture of rage. The Zakdorn’s fist connected with the doctor’s cheek. The tough scales scuffed up Folana’s knuckles.
The entire room froze as Zo’Kama fell to the deck. No one came to the doctor’s defense. No one aided the Zakdorn, either. Everyone was in shock.
The Arkonian slowly returned to her feet and glared at Lemipil.
The security officer regained her senses too late. She put up her open hands, “Doctor, I’m sorry. I…”
A scaled fist made a quick, right jab that rocked the ensign’s face. She stumbled back and shook it off. Folana’s logic was short lived. She rushed back at Zo’Kama. The two females punched, kicked, and scratched each other for several seconds before people began to realize this shouldn’t be happening.
Cheveyo and Kimula didn’t notice the brawl, as they were necking.
D’nas went to restrain the doctor. Berep and Tang held Lemipil’s arms. The combatants were pulled away, though; they still attempted to kick each other.
Jackson panicked. He found his combadge and uttered, “Captain Aurelia, there’s a problem in Jinal’s”
END OF CHAPTER 3
I enjoyed the scene with the Elder Council - trying to decode Tamarian-speak is challenging but kind of fun!
And Jackson goes and calls the Captain! Not cool at all!!! 
