Sound of Mind and Body

Posted on Wed Jan 22nd, 2020 @ 7:51am by Commander Taeler Santu M.D. & Lieutenant Dessame Sar

Mission: In the Family
Location: Gym 1, Deck 3
Timeline: Early morning
1041 words - 2.1 OF Standard Post Measure

Since day one of Command academy Santu's tutor had told her that she should make sure to always take a moment in the morning to centre and ground herself. There was always so many things going to come an XO's way throughout the day and throw you off it was important to start the day off on the right foot. So that's why she was standing in a corner of the Gym, in front of a mirror, getting ready to start up a yoga routine.

"Nice to see someone else in here this early." Dessame offered as the woman lined up next to her. She too had always found yoga to be a relaxing and best way to start the day. Given all the demons she'd faced personally up to this point she didn't know where she'd be without this particular hobby.

Santu smiled, "Humans have a saying about an early bird," she took a bit of a breath, "Taeler." she introduced herself, without turning or extending a hand.

"Dessame." she replied in kind. It took a couple of seconds but her mind set off, that name... and then it hit her. New Executive Officer, replacing Parr whom transferred rather suddenly from the position. Smiling, and stretching her left arm out in a pose, she looked over at the woman. "Looking forward to heading off for our first mission?" she asked.

Santu followed suit in the new pose and gave a bit of a smile, "It's always better than being stuck in dock." She admitted. She didn't join Starfleet to sit in a Starbase. Some people preferred that assignment, of course. She focused on her breathing for a moment, "Dessame, you're Tac/Sec right?"

"That's right, ma'am." Dessame replied. "Am I that much of a giveaway?" she asked.

"Not really. I studied the manifest. Your name rang a bell." A sharp breath in through her nose, "What drew you to that line of work?" A soft and measure breath out through her mouth.

Dessame's form took a dip at the question. Her reasons stemmed from the deep rooted event that took place when she was a teenager. She shifted a little uncomfortably but chose her words carefully, "My colony was attacked by Orions when I was 15, I lost my home and parents and a lot more all in one day. Even in all that I found a small degree of comfort in protecting my younger sister, there has also always been a little fight in me." she gave a little shrug as her eyes glazed over, a memory flashing across them. "I suppose it stuck." Dessame added.

She wasn't sure how much of her history the XO knew, but this was hardly the time or place to discuss anything even remotely like that. They had also just met and she rarely talked to anyone about it apart from her therapist.

Santu broke her pose and looked over at Dessame, "I'm sorry to hear that." She had known loss back during the occupation, but was lucky that her direct family had remained safe. To hear of this tragedy was like a punch in the stomach. She didn't know whether to reach out or to let this go, "It's admirable that you found something positive in something so utterly tragic."

"Thank you." Dessame replied breaking her pose also and looking at the Bajoran woman. She had totally forgot, to be honest not even thought of this woman's life, or her peoples. "It has been 12 years now. I never forget..." In fact she relived it most nights in her dreams. "but I take a positive that I still have my sister. Others on my colony were not so lucky." She thought back for a moment, her best friend Perval didn't make it.

"Sorry Commander, I don't mean to compare my life to what happened during the Occupation of your people." Given she didn't know much about her new XO she was oblivious to the losses she may have suffered but felt maybe they were bonding slightly over past tragedies. She thought that was a little sad, but things like this bring people closer in strange ways.

"There's no point in comparing scars and bad memories," Santu remarked, she reached out and put a hand on the woman's shoulder, "If ever you need someone to talk to, then please don't hesitate to visit my office." She gave an encouraging squeeze.

"Thank you ma'am." Dessame replied a little out of character. "It means a lot, really." There was a strange sensation when Santu squeezed her shoulder. Dessame wasn't one for physical contact a lot given past experiences but the gesture was appreciated. "Have you settled in yet?"

Santu shrugged a bit, "As much as can be expected after the start we've had," a meek smile followed as she got back into position for the exercises they were doing, "I'm hoping to get around to meeting all of the senior staff in person today." She stretched out fully, "and you?"

"I've been here a couple of days so yeah I think I'm pretty much all set up." Dessame replied getting herself back into the position also. "I don't carry a lot with me apart from my personal weapon and some personal effects from Betazed." She paused for a moment to lean forward and stretch her back out.

For the next few minutes the duo went through the flow of the exercises without exchanging any words. A soft melody playing just loudly enough for them to hear. When the melody came to an end, so did their routine. Santu turned to Dessame, "It was a pleasure to meet you, Lieutenant. My offer stands, swing by whenever."

"Thank you, ma'am. I will do if I need too." Dessame replied as she finished off her latest position. "It was nice to meet you too. I'll no doubt see you on the bridge next shift."

"Looking forward to it," Santu gathered up her yoga stuff and made her way over to the exit. She felt that it had been a very good start of her morning, feeling refreshed and grounded to take the day head-on.

---

Lieutenant Dessame Sar
Chief Security/Tactical Officer

&

Lieutenant Commander Taeler Santu
Executive Officer

USS Athena