Kotir Arith/Ensign Notable Sims

USS Garuda
Lieutenant (JG) Kotir Arith
"You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Date of Birth: 236410.25 Species: Bajoran Current Rank: Lieutenant (JG) Position: Assistant Chief Medical Officer USS Garuda About The Writer

• Note: These are the Notable Sims of Kotir Arith as an Ensign. This is not his bio page. Please see here for bio.

Ensign Kotir Arith is a Bajoran doctor. After facing a hard time throughout his life due to the occupation of Bajor by the Cardassian people, he joned Starfleet. He currently serves as a Medical Officer aboard the USS Mercury under the command of Captain Aron Kells.

His path will take him on a long journey and help him overcome his past, and eventually help him rediscover his spiritual path so he can find true enlightenment his life and career. Even more importantly, for his people.

USS Mercury: 239004 - Present

Shore Leave at DSX: 239004

Stardate 239004.04: Space Sickness

((Kotir Arith's Temporary Quarters – Deep Space 10)) Personal Log: Stardate 239004.03 I have recently boarded the newly discovered Deep Space 10. I've heard stories of its finding and the USS Mercury while I was on Bajor. I shall soon hope to see if it lives up to its reputation. I was surprised to find out I was going to be assigned to the USS Mercury. Although, I hope my decision to return to Starfleet was not in vein. I worry about my people. Our planet, our existence and even our own being is rebuilding yet, I feel I am on the other side of the universe doing nothing to help. But it just feels right to come back to Starfleet. But then again my `right feelings' never did come out for the best, did they? -He sighs- I've been reading about my new Commanding Officer. Captain Aron Kells. 35 years old and human. He interests me. Even though I am used to Humans by now after spending the past few years with them. I did however hear the commanding officer for this station, Deep Space 10, is a Laudean. I sure hope there isn't many on the Mercury. My knowledge of them is far less than that of Humans and the Bajora. Although as a man of Medicine, I should really keep on my toes about that. It's strange. Here I am, in Starfleet. Never before did I think I would even leave Bajor, let alone work for the Federation. I just hope my small journey back to Bajor hasn't tarnished my understanding of Starfleet regulation. -There is a soft chuckle- Don't think my new Commander would be too impressed if that was the case. I'd probably be on a ship back to Bajor faster than it would to introduce myself. Although, at this point that is taking awhile. I hear they're away on a mission. I am anxious to get started but then again, I just have to wait. First thing on my list is to find out what I'm going to be dealing with for the times to come. I sure hope they aren't arrogant people. Rumors spread all over the quadrant that I never know what to believe. That is until I see it myself. -There is a short pause- Computer. End log. -Arith sighed. He stayed silent, perched up on the bed of the temporary quarters he was assigned to. He sat there, staring at the grey metal that concealed this room. It was empty and dull in here. But he didn't mind, he was used to that sort of thing. After a few moments, he placed his hands behind his head as he laid back on the bed. There wasn't much different with the ceiling. He didn't expect it to be either. He was deep in his thoughts. He was nervous, very nervous. This was going to be his first ship since he joined Starfleet, other than the USS Centris-A of course. He was 27, he felt so old going to the Academy. It was strange for him. He felt reserved because of it. He wanted to change it so much but he couldn't. Something was stopping him and he never found out what. He is just hoping it won't be the same again.- -After finishing in the Academy, Bajor was starting to rebuild after the occupation of the Cardassians. Arith found this a good opportunity to help his people. It had been a long time since he was in Bajor, and so many people were hurt and needed care. Something he should have given to his family. He sighed. Guilt started to sink in. His stomach began to feel like it was twisting inside of him. He never went home, not when he went back. His family were in extreme poverty when he left at the age of 17. For all he knows they could be dead.- -He rubbed his eyes until it was sore and very red. The thought of them being dead was unbearable to him. He tried to imagine what they looked like. Wondering if he even remembers correctly. He had no pictures, no memories, nothing. Just the guilt, the pain and the dishonor. He took a deep breath before sitting up. Too quickly at that. His head began to spin which didn't help his now churning stomach. He felt sick, sick with himself.- -He stood up and made his way to the door. Holding onto the support beams to stabilise his stance. After opening the door, he walked dizzily down a corridor. He didn't really know where he was going. He just kept walking, walking and walking. Finally he could feel his stomach giving up. His body began to shake and his mouth turned dry. He could feel his throat throb as if he was going to push everything up, and that it did. Instantly his mouth was filled with the contents of his stomach. His throat burned from the touch of the acid.- -All he could do was run. His face turned red as his cheeks were expanded. People watched as this strange Ensign with ridges on his nose moved quickly past them. Some even stopped to ask if he was alright. Others just stared. But he just kept moving, any second now and more vomit would come, and that would be a catastrophe. He made it to a bathroom. Dazed and confused, he got to a toilet. It went everywhere. He coughed and gagged as more started to come up. Filling his mouth and nose, the acid burning the lining it touched.- -It all stopped, and sighed in relief. Never before had he experienced something like that. He was sweating a little, and he still felt like he could vomit. Just there was nothing he could vomit. He looked at the toilet in disgust.- Kotir: How am I to clean this? -He whispered- -He groaned as he got to it. Even for a doctor he couldn't think of what was wrong. His head still spun, as if his brain was having a party and not a good one. He went to one of the Doctors on the medical level. There was no way he could be filled with that much guilt.- Kotir: Space sickness? -He looked at the doctor confused.- -The doctor nodded back. It was true. Even though Kotir had been on a ship before, it was years before that affected him. His confusion was immense but he realised what had brought it on. After taking a hypo to relax his stomach and head. He left for his quarter again. Just wishing that hypos would be able to fix his guilt. Just now he doesn't have the side effects to go along with it.- ((The following day)) -Kotir awoke. After cleaning himself up he got changed into his uniform. He wasn't on duty but he wanted to fit in a bit more. If he didn't wear the teal uniform people might mistake him for something other than a Starfleet officer. Even through all his guilt and self-hatred, he still felt proud to be a member of such a strong alliance that is the Federation.- -He left his quarters, feeling a bit better than he did yesterday. He made his way to the Mess Hall. His stomach needed attention after rejecting everything inside of it. He made sure he sat by a window. Looking out past the stars he smiled. He wondered where Bajor was from here, and also where the Mercury was. The anxiety to meet the people he would be serving with was high. He just hoped he would fit in better than he did at the Academy.-

Fires of 48 Leonis II: 239007 - 239008

Stardate 239008.15: Have a Little Faith

((Turbolift, USS Mercury)) -Kotir entered the turbolift. He'd just left the Captain and the new ensign, Alora. He pulled lightly on his uniform. He brushed his hair. Even rubbed his ridges a little. He didn't know why but all of a sudden he felt uncomfortable. He had been having mixed emotions lately but he realised he had never been alone with them.- -It took him a moment to realise he was standing in a still turbolift. It wasn't moving. Nor did anyone disturb him in there. Everyone was busy doing their work. He felt a little out of practice. He dealt with the sick, injured. He wasn't fully sure why he was getting so scientifically involved. He wasn't a doctor. He did enjoy the change though. It brought a sense of comfort in knowing he made the right choice in his career.- KOTIR: Deck Six. -The turbolift begun to move. It wasn't long before he was stopping on the familiar deck. He knew exactly where to go.- ((Deck Six)) -As he moved along the corridors. He thought about the past. Long before Bajor had gotten it's independence from the Cardassian empire. There wasn't any replicators. No means of transportation, other than foot or animal. At least, for the Bajora anyway.- -He remembered life as a child. He even tried comparing it to how this species on the surface bellow were living. Not much was different. They lived in a makeshift home with a farm of no crop. It was hard. The volcano threatening to ruin their way of life, kill their people and whip them from existence. It's exactly how he looked at the Cardassians. Yet again the Federation was the saviour.- -He didn't know why he thought of this. Why it was on his mind. It just was. He was a troubled soul. Haunted by his past. He just didn't want it catching up on him.- -His thoughts went back to that man... "The Crazy Captain" as he called himself. Why was he so curious about Kotir's file. Kotir just had a bad feeling. It was a gut feeling. It made him sick and he couldn't explain why. Was it nerves, anxiety?... He didn't know.- -As he walked along the corridor, he heard people talking. There were rumours a Cardassian ship had approached the USS Mercury.- -Kotir felt his chest tighten. His breath became weak as he held his chest and leaned his back against the wall. His thoughts had become frantic. What were the Cardassian's doing. He was becoming light headed and woozy. He felt like his legs were going to fall from underneath his body. That was when he heard a voice.- I. Nyfe: Sir... sir. Are you alright? -His vision had become blurred. He could just make out the silhouette of a woman. The light shinning behind her. He tried to brush her arm off of him but he was weak.- I. Nyfe: I'm going to contact sickbay. -Kotir shook his head. He closed his eyes as he tried to snap himself back into reality. Trying to take deep breaths as he talked. The last thing he wanted to do right now was cause a scene.- Kotir: N... No.. I'm fine. Honestly. -He opened his eyes. The light still a little intense he tried to stand up. Ignoring the woman's comments of it not being a good idea.- Kotir: I'm a doctor. Honestly. I'm just a little dehydrated is all. -The woman helped him up. He was starting to make her out more clearly now. Blonde hair came down across her shoulders. Her face was soft but also stern. It kind of freaked him out.- I. Nyfe: What frightened you? -Kotir looked at her. A little accusingly. He was shocked at the woman's accusations. He wasn't frightened. He brushed his hair a little and fixed his uniform. He was in denial.- Kotir: I'm sorry I have to go... -He begun to walk away. But he still didn't feel comfortable knowing that a stranger, that woman. Spoke of him in such a personal manner. He felt the need to defend himself. As if he was accused of something horrible.- Kotir: By the way... nothing frightened me. -He turned and walked away. The woman however, she stood there for a moment. She had never felt such a strong, powerful emotion like that. Normally when she's walking through the ships corridors she doesn't use her empathic abilities to pry. But this... it was too strong to ignore it. The man was so terrified it gave him a panic attack.- -She was tempted to follow him but she didn't. Instead she turned the other direction and walked away. It was something she would regret for a long time.- ((Sickbay)) -Kotir entered sickbay. His face was red and his eyes felt a little puffy. He hurried into the nearby vacant Chief Medical Officer's office. He just needed to clear his head. There's no need to frightened of the Cardassians any more. It's just been a long, long time since he had even seen one. He took his job seriously. He wasn't going to let this get him down.- -He took out the medical tricorder he had used to examine the stasis pods. The many samples of DNA didn't take long to upload onto the computer. From there he would run some tests. Maybe now he could work out how and why Vulcan DNA would be found in some of those stasis pods.- -Kotir was grateful that this office was empty. He could rest his mind for awhile. His diagnostics would take awhile anyway. Even though he was grateful for the peace. He couldn't help but feel alone. It was something he was afraid of for a long time. His recent breakdown over the Cardassians was just a reminder of that.- -Kotir did something he hadn't done in a very long time. He prayed. He knelt on the floor and put his head in his palms which he also placed on the floor.- KOTIR: I don't know if you can hear me... -He smirked a little- especially when I'm all the way out here. I know I haven't spoken to you in a long time. But I just wanted to let you know... I'm sorry. -Kotir began to cry. Not because he was upset or angry. But because for the first time, in a very long time. He was beginning to have a little faith.-

Shore Leave: 239008

Stardate 239008.26: Tea Time

((Comm Quad, DSX)) -After arriving on DSX, Kotir had done nothing but wander the vast station. He was entranced by all the new faces he saw and would continue to see with each return. He felt a somewhat sense of security here. Which was definitely an improvement from last time.- -He enjoyed the different sites he would receive as he circled the commercial quadrant of the station. It was vibrant and lush. He looked out to the stars, astonished by many of those stars people would travel from to come here. It was a life he wasn't used to.- -As he passed people, he made a little game. A bit typical of a doctor, guess the species. It was relatively easy for some, but not so much others. There was a vast array of different cultures, different structure. He was even slightly envious of those who worked here. Having these new sights, sounds, even smells, come to you was far different from going to it.- -Then again he liked being stationed on the Mercury. He was an explorer and a doctor. Not many people from his home could say that, not right now anyway.- -It wasn't until he reached a quaint tea café that he had stopped. There was something nice, and simple about this place. It almost instantly gave him cravings for stuff he hadn't heard of.- ((Tea in the Sky)) -Kotir entered the café, taking note of the name, the tables, the chairs, everything. He was just simply fascinated with it all. He was quiet happy to see there was an un-occupied table. It didn't take him long to reach it. He was already beginning to like this café, for a number of reasons. It was simple, not packed, clean... it just looked cosy. That was something he could work with, cosy.- -He looked around the room, expecting to see the most fascinating things. At least, that's how it would look. Kotir was always keen to take in as much as he could about the area he was situated. He always considered memory as the most valuable thing he owned.- -As someone took his order, he asked for something simple. He had never tried these foods or drinks. Not even on Earth. He was too much of a busy-body back then to just relax and enjoy his time. This is quiet the opposite of what he planned to do this shore leave.- -As soon as a simple English tea was placed in front of him. He sipped it. He wasn't too fond of the drink. But he was soon to realise how even the same tea could taste different even by the way it is made. For now though, he felt a little disappointed. Although he wasn't going to let it down. He was sure there was something else he could try. Maybe he should have talked to the waiter more about the tastes of what is on offer.- -He continued to drink the tea. It wasn't -that- bad. Besides, he wanted to be polite. But this did spark a new curiosity in him. He wanted to try so much, acquire an array of tastes. He wondered if he'd find something more appealing to him than Deka Tea, or even Mapa Bread. As he contemplated this, he soon came to the realisation someone was near to him. Whether they paid attention to him or not - he did not know. But he was keen for some conversation.- KOTIR: Hello there. Hanyu. -He nodded simply as he finished his sentence with the Bajoran greeting. Although he did feel a little intrusive, especially with how open he was being. Maybe he was just getting lonely, after all, he hadn't really made friends. He hadn't really spoken to people much outside of sickbay. Maybe it was time for him to change that.- Pritzker: Hello there. Pleased to make your acquaintance. Mind if I join you? Kotir: Sorry. I don't want to be intruding in your time of rest. Pritzker: (shakes head) No, not at all. I'm just exploring this station, actually. I'd love some conversation! -Kotir fiddled on the chair a little. Hooking the edges with his hands, still seated. He lifted slightly as he tried to shift into a more comfortable position. Far more comfortable in fact. He now had a good view of most of the café, including the entrance. It was also a relatively good seating position to converse with the other person. He took another sip of his tea, a little reluctantly.- Kotir: Are you a Starfleet officer? -Kotir asked this because even he wasn't wearing his uniform. He was quiet comfortable in the woollen cardigan which was over a simple black v-necked t-shirt. He loved wearing v-necked clothes, it made him feel more comfortable, relaxed. It was definitely something he'd wear off-duty. His trousers were navy, so the only bit of colour he seemed to be wearing was the grey wool. They reminded him of the clothes he wore growing up on Bajor. His family owned a farm, a small one at that. But it wasn't too hard for them to get their hands on wool to use. He liked it even more when they did the same on Earth with an animal known as a sheep. Although he'd never seen a sheep before.- Pritzker: Yes, I am, I am a counselor, aboard the Mercury. Are you with the Merc? I haven't seen you before. Kotir: Ah, okay. Well I'm one of the Doctors in sickbay. Pritzker: My name is Ensign James Pritzker. It's a pleasure meeting a fellow member of the crew. Hope you don't mind chatting with a counselor. Kotir: It's nice to meet you. Kotir Arith... my name. -He smiled- Although on Bajor we use our surname first, so please, call me Arith. Pritzker: Certainly, Arith. You may call me James, or Jim. I'm okay with either one. -smiles- Kotir: Great, and no worries. I don't fear councillors. In fact I did take some classes at the academy in Psychology. I don't know what it is but everything about living things just fascinates me. Although I was always better with the medical side of things. I'll leave the psychology to you. -He laughed- Pritzker: From what I've heard, you arrived in the midst of the recent mission we were engaged in. Kotir: Oh no. I've been on the Mercury awhile now. I was there for the whole mission we've just been on. Although before that I have been ducked away in Sickbay a lot. It was kind of good to have a more 'fielding' experience. -He wasn't sure if he had the right way of getting his feelings across but he was pretty certain it didn't matter much.- Pritzker: [Response?] Kotir: So what would you suggest? -He looked at his tea- from here that is... I, umm, I still haven't grown accustom to this type of facility.. -He felt a little awkward, maybe embarrassed. He was guessing this man was a human. But who could be sure of that now a days by just looks? He assumed the man would have a better opinion than him. He just hated explaining it.- Pritzker: This is my first time here, but from what I've seen, there is a place called Jikku's not far from here, with a sort of eclectic cuisine, if you feel a bit 'adventurous', in trying new foods. There are other places, like a holosuite, and even an arboretum, too. Kotir: Ah. Well, I'll definitely try that. Thank you. -He nodded- How long have you been working on the Mercury?... if you don't mind me asking? Pritzker: Ah. Well, I'll definitely try that. Thank you. ::He nodded:: How long have you been working on the Mercury?... if you don't mind me asking? Pritzker: ::'(chuckli::g) Not at all. I've been with the Mercury about six to seven months, give or take a few weeks. Kotir: Oh okay. There must be more people on board than I expected ::Smirking:: Pritzker: Given the recent mission, I expect to remain quite busy, helping people sort out a wide range of feelings and thoughts. Kotir: Definitely. I think that last mission took it's toll on a lot of people. I thought it wouldn't have such a big impact though. You know on a massive level that is. Pritzker: Not really. In my profession, things like disturbed expression is quite common, following events, that often leave a sense of disenfranchisement. Kotir: I see. How many councillors are on board? I don't actually know. You think I'd have a general idea since our workspace is so close. Pritzker: So far, I am the only counsellor. Kotir: That's interesting... I thought a ship as big of the Mercury would have more, I don't know why though. Now that I think of it, even you are very well capable of helping a large amount of people over time. I'm presuming so anyway or else you wouldn't have stuck it through. ::He smiled jokingly but quickly moved on.:: Kotir: You are human, yes? Pritzker: I am human. Why do you ask? Kotir: Ah, well you can really take a guess on appearances these days really.. Although of course I look Bajoran. ::He pointed at his ridges:: But I could full well be part Cardassian. ::He laughed awkwardly and waved his hand:: But no I'm not. Pritzker: Actually, if you were, there would be other outward indications, as their genes are fairly dominant, from what I understand. How long have you been fascinated by new species? Kotir: Well ever since I joined Starfleet I was just fascinated by all the new species I was meeting. I'd never even met a human before. It kind of came a habit, a curiosity, to see what new people I could meet. Even if they look human. ::He shrugged:: Kotir: It's not an offensive thing to ask is it? Pritzker: That is subjective, depending on the individual's cultural morés, to be honest. Kotir: I see. (He sighed) Well, I should be going. I have a few things to do before this shore leave quickly comes to an end. ::He smiled and held out his hand as he got up.:: Kotir: It was nice to meet you James. I hope to see you again soon. Pritzker: Same here. (returns handshake) Kotir: Payal. ::He nodded and walked out of the café. He wasn't sure where he was heading but he was definitely ready to explore some more.::

Shore Leave: 239010

Stardate 239010.27: Caught Off Guard

((Sickbay, USS Mercury)) - Kotir had entered sickbay not long before he had seen a familiar face. He approached the man rather casually. He didn't seem busy, neither did Sickbay. He wasn't surprised after it having been left in good hands. - Kotir: Lieutenant... it's good to see you. Del Vedova: What's your problem? - The Bajoran nodded. He looked around, unsure with how else to pursue the conversation other than in a professional manner. - Kotir: All quiet then? (he was referring to sickbay) Del Vedova: Yeah, pretty much. There was a bit of a rush earlier, but it's over now. Unless Zr Vr comes back in, that is. It's been dropping moltlings like there's no tomorrow, and the worst thing is that they're initially allergic to our atmosphere, which results in influenza-like symptoms. Kotir: The flu?... I hope you didn't contract it. - He smirked lightly. Although he was surprised that there wasn't much going on in sickbay. - Del Vedova: I don't think it's likely, but today's one of those days where I think anything's possible. Kotir: When I was younger my mother made me Ratamba Stew to rid me of the flu... (he shuttered thinking of it) Nasty stuff, very potent smell. Although I couldn't really smell much. - He shrugged lightly. That smell though, it was horrible... at least to him anyway. - Del Vedova: Count yourself lucky. The further I can be from a bad smell, the further I will be. What did it smell like? Kotir: I don't know what I could compare it too. If you really want to smell it, I'm sure the replicator could stir some up for you. (he smiled) Have you seen the Chief yet? I wanted to report to him. Del Vedova: I haven't heard. If he is, probably in his office. Last I did hear, though, he was still over on that hellhole of an Anchorage. - He smirked, really he should have checked before he asked. It seemed only logical for him to be in his office, and after all he was Vulcan. - Kotir: Thank you. I'll check there. Del Vedova: If he's not -- when you check -- we might as well go get something to eat. - Kotir was just about to leave when Del spoke more, it wasn't an odd thing to have heard but his tone of voice suprised him, he wondered if it was something nervous about asking or if he just didn't understand human's as much as he though he did. Although, he would have thought that to still be very plausible. After spending the past couple of years around them, there was still so much to learn about them and their own culture, it was kind of fascinating. Kotir took more than a moment before he would answer, so Del continued. - Del Vedova: We're on leave now, right? Hawkeye or Kyvur or the EMH can handle anything that comes in. Have dinner with me. (beat) If Saveron's not there. Kotir: I - um. I'll just see if he's there then. - He was caught of guard. He wasn't even sure of his own answer, if it even was an answer. He would say yes, he just wished he said it a bit less like a teenager, so awkward. - Del Vedova: You do that. I'll be waiting here. Kotir: Have you got much to finish off here? Del Vedova: Just a couple of charts to finish. Then I'll just be (beat) waiting. - Kotir nodded. Waiting? Was he going to be waiting for him?.. Again he was still caught of guard. He even started to feel warm in the face before he left to see if Saveron was there. - (Awhile after) - Kotir came back. Staff had been summoned by Commander Ross to the Holodeck. Kotir was surprised to get the casual invite, maybe it was a way to start off the shore leave. He wanted to go to Del before he left to get ready, having still been in his uniform. - Kotir: It seems I've to go to the holodeck. Some festivities are going on I hear. (He smiled) Would you like to join me? I know you wanted to get something to eat... but I'm presuming there'll be food there. Maybe even for free. (His smile from earlier turned into a bit of a smirk) Del Vedova: Response? - Kotir nodded, it seemed to be a habit of his. He started walking towards the exit of sickbay. He turned around as he was walking slowly. Still talking - Kotir: I'll meet you outside the holodeck then? Del Vedova: Response? - Kotir nodded again, with a smile. He even saluted slightly as he turned again on his heels as he picked up his pace towards the exit. - - He travelled along the corridors, his mind still on Del pretty much asking him out. It was a shock if anything, but he didn't think anything negative about it. If anything it was exciting, he heard there was going to be a fair or something on the holodeck. He wasn't really sure exactly what that was but he'd heard of them before, but had never been. He didn't understand a lot of the things humans did for enjoyment. Sometimes he just didn't understand them, they were alike in many ways, but they were also so much more different than the other. He felt like a lot of human's forget that, be it arrogance or just pride. He still wanted to try this "roller-coaster" he'd been hearing so much about. He had no idea what that even was. - ((Holodeck One, USS Mercury)) - He left his quarters in a very casual outfit. Wearing just jeans, a top with a woollen jumper and boots. Mostly people would just see him in his uniform, he was always so "work crazy", as his old classmates used to call him at the academy. But he was ready for something fun and "thrilling" as some people were putting it. It seemed to be creative such a great buzz around the place. Although it didn't take him long to get there, nor to find Del who was already there. - Kotir: Hey sorry, hope you weren't waiting long? Del Vedova: Response? - Kotir looked to see if he had recognised any of the other faces entering the holodeck. When the doors swooshed open he could hear the loud sounds coming from the room. People were screaming and laughing, everything sounded so energetic and alive. It kind of scared him, at least that's what he blamed for being nervous. As soon as the door closed again it was like that world was completely cut from ours. Gone in a split second, back to the soft humming of the ship and the pitter-patter of feet on the floor as people made their way towards the holodeck. He looked towards Del who had been answering him this whole time, not having heard a word he said. - Kotir: I'm sorry. I - (he sighed). I've never been to a - fun fair - before. - He pronounced the words as if he'd just been learning them for the first time. He had an idea of what each meant separately but never had he thought the two could come together to create such an event. It was fascinating but also intimidating. - Del Vedova: Response? Kotir: Sure. Lead the way. - Kotir smiled but took a deep breath as Del turned around towards the door. He followed him into the room. It was amazing. There was a great contrast between the night sky and the lights coming from the attraction. He was in utter awe at what he was seeing. It was spectacular! He wanted to run around and just see what everything was. It was very appealing - he could see why people were so excited. Although there was one thing he couldn't get. He decided to ask Del as they headed to sit down. - Kotir: What is the function of all this? Del Vedova: Response? - Kotir felt his face warm up again. It was clearly a weird thing for someone to ask. - Kotir: I see... We didn't have stuff like this.. on Bajor. - He was still looking around astonished at the sights and sounds. As they sat down, the Commander made his way up to the podium in front of them. Kotir watched, waiting to see what was going to be said. Even if this was a casual event, he predicted some formalities would still happen. - Ross: I'm sure you'd all agree that life on the Mercury hasn't been easy of late. The high stakes of our missions, our captain on trial; it's been a time of uncertainty and trials. So this is opportunity for us all to take the opportunity to relax, leave that world behind and just have a little fun. - Kotir nodded as the Commander spoke. Everything he said was right, everything hadn't been easy on the ship lately. But he enjoyed the idea of an opportunity to relax. - Ross: But before we dive into candy floss and G-forces, Ensign DeVeau, would you come to the podium, please? - Alora was the woman Kotir had grown fond of working with. He noticed her as she stood up and walked to the podium, he could only imagine how anxious she would be. - DeVeau: Yes Sir? Ross: Ensign Alora DeVeau. You've more than proven your dedication and skill since joining the crew of the Mercury. It's with great delight that I promote you to the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade, with all the accompanying rights and privileges. DeVeau: Me? ROSS: Well done, Lieutenant. DeVeau: Wow. Thanks. I mean...thank you sir! - Kotir smiled, he was happy for Alora. She definitely deserved it. He continued with his applause until everyone stopped. - Ross: And now, Ensign Kotir? - Kotir looked around for a second, expecting someone else to get up. His face heated up though, because he knew exactly who'd just been called. This was the second time today being caught off guard. Not that he didn't mind these ones! He was still pretty shocked however. He stood up, not really looking at anything. His main focus was to get up to the podium without making a complete fool of himself. It brought back the fond memories of graduation from the academy. The day he got the pip which had graced his collar for almost a year. Now it was time to add to that. He couldn't believe it. - - He had reached the Commander. He felt a little wary, maybe this was just a dream. Or even worse, what if someone was behind him, and it was actually their name that was called. That wouldn't look crazy at all. He looked back for a moment, no one was there. It was him. He reached out his hand to shake the Commander's as he took the box from his hands. He couldn't hear anything. Everything was like a blur, it felt like time was moving slowly but too fast all at the same time. He just prayed to the prophets he didn't faint! - Kotir: Tha - Thank you sir. - He nodded. Taking the box from the Commander's hand, he turned around to head back to his seat. His hands shaking lightly he brushed the box lightly as he sat back down next to Del. It was such a strange day, but it could quite possibly be the best day of his life. He turned his head towards Del, he appeared to already be looking at him. He didn't pay much attention to the Commander now as he finished up. He whispered softly, it was almost as if he was talking to himself, but Del answered. - Kotir: This is so strange. Del Vedova: Response? - Kotir stared at the box in his hands, he didn't open it. Although he knew already that inside would be the black pip which will compliment the golden one already in place on his uniform. He would wait until he was alone. He could treasure the moment of pride as he'd put on the pip. Maybe he could even pick up the courage to dig up his other box, but he knew he wasn't ready for that. Not yet. He brushed his ear where his d'ja-pagh should be. He shook his head and slipped the box he was holding into his pockets before turning back to Del and smiling. - Kotir: I heard it's a bad idea to eat before getting involved in -this- stuff. - He was referring to the rides. Poor Kotir had gotten space sickness the first time he had stepped onto a shuttlecraft. It was definitely a bad idea. - Del Vedova: Response? Kotir: Well - what do you want to do? - Kotir looked around, almost everyone had seemed to go off to explore the funfair that had been created for them here. There was a lot of rides, and a lot of food. The dilemma had two tempting paths; eat now and face getting sick in front of Del, or wait until later and risk getting so hungry you feel sick and dizzy anyway. He felt a lot more towards the later so he made a suggestion before Del made up his mind. - Kotir: How about we look around, and then eat? Del Vedova: Response? - Kotir smiled as he stood up to go. He knew it would be a good night, even though a lot of stuff had just happened. He still felt nervous. -