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Posted on Sun Nov 23rd, 2025 @ 10:18am by Lieutenant Commander Aidan Datari & Lieutenant Commander Kuzos

1,578 words; about a 8 minute read

Mission: Short Treks
Location: Security chief's office

Medical checkup seen to, Aidan first settled his daughter in his new quarters under the watchful eye of the holonanny. Then he picked up his carefully locked weapons case, even though the weapons would later be displayed on the wall. Safely out of child reach, obviously. "Behave," he told the little girl as he kissed her cheek.

He swung the case across the shoulder and told Sherlock where he was going. "Wait with zipping in until I call for you," he reminded the mini-dragon, "we don't want to scare people." Sherlock warbled in a tone that could be interpreted as a mix of amusement and mischief. "I mean it," the Trill insisted.

Next, he headed out towards the chief's office and walked in after announcing his presence. "Lieutenant Commander Aidan Datari, here to have personal weapons checked in," he reported.

Inside the security office Kuzos stared at the stack of PaDDs on his desk. They reaffirmed his theory that the Federation thrived on 'paperwork' and without it would wither and die. he was roused from his musing by the sound of his chime and the presence of Aidan Datari who announced he was here to have his personal weapons checked in. "I see." Kuzos replied standing up from behind his desk. and noticing the gun case. "How many weapons do you have to check in Commander?"

"Three sir," the Trill answered politely as he offered up the case, opening it to reveal two ancient Terran swords and an Andorian ushaan-tor. "And I need to make mention of my ah...pet. companion, is probably more accurate." As he finished, out of nowhere a blue mini-dragon the size of his arm's length. "Sherlock I told you to wait," he admonished the blue, who settled down next to the cage. "I apologise sir, I told him to wait to he called. He's usually more obedient, he's just curious and eager to explore,same as I. He's harmless and won't be flying around without me in attendance, you have my word."

"Three." Kuzos repeated. "Two Terran swords and and Andorian ushaan. Very good Commander. I will register these to you, You plan to keep them in your quarte......" His voice dropped away as a tiny blue dragon zoomed into the room. Kuzos eyes were as big as saucers at the sight of the dragon. "A dragon? How utterly fascinating." he exclaimed as he studied the dragon. "How, may I ask did you come to have a dragon as a um companion?" As Kuzos studied the dragon utterly impressed with it.

"Your guess is as good as mine. When I was eighteen, I was walking across an alien market with my then partner, and someone shoved what appeared to be an egg in my hands. I never discovered who or why. Within seconds, this fellow here hatched. We share a kind of bond, in that he communicates in images. And I can sense what he feels." The Trill shrugged. "He's very friendly and an excellent babysitter. I have no trouble at all leaving him to watch my daughter." He paused, considering the half question asked earlier. "Yes sir I plan to keep these in my quarters, likely on display but safely out of reach for a child. Though, I was about her age when I was given my first weapon."

Aidan looked thoughtful as a fond memory flit through his mind. "My foster father wasn't my father yet, at the time, and I spent quite some time with his deaf daughter. Usually interpreting for her." He smiled apologetically. "Sorry... My foster father is Andorian, hence the ushaan. Is it permitted to carry it on away missions, its quite useful as digging tool too. Its actually mining equipment, aside from a weapon."

Sherlock chirped, interrupting the chatty Trill. "Oh... He wants attention, he likes his scales to be scratched." Another apologetic smile. "Like I said, he's friendly."

"An amazing story to be sure and what an interesting creature." Kuzos remarked straightening up. "He certainly appears friendly but even so, I would restrict his access of flying around to just the holodeck. it is probably safer for all involved. Is he the last of his kind? I certainly hope he isn't. I would greatly enjoy having one a a companion. What does his diet consist of?" Kuzos was eager to learn all he could about the mini dragon. "As for you bringing the ushaan on away missions, I see no reason that you cannot bring it. However the Commodore will probably make the final decision on it."

"Meat, his diet consists mainly of meat but he'll make do with replicated. If permitted he can hunt during away missions. He's fast he won't be seen if we don't want him to. He can sort of teleport to locations he's been to before. Watch..." He drew the blue's attention. "Sherlock, go back to Saeri." The blue chirped and suddenly seemed gone. "I don't know how he does it, he can't explain either. As for the last of his kind, I understand that he's not but I've never seen another and I don't know where he comes from. And I doubt he'll complain about a holodeck, or perhaps an arboretum, he can just zip there."

Kuzos watched as the fire dragon seemed to suddenly disappear from view, "Amazing. Utterly amazing." He exclaimed. "He is definitely unique to be sure." Then got back to the matter Datari had come to see him about. Henpulled out a scanner, entered Datari's name, rank, assignment of ship and quarters. Then scanned the swords and ushaan. Into ship's inventory of personal weapons.

Aidan waited patiently as he watched the Vorta work. Patiently, until curiosity got the better of him. "Are you the only Vorta in Starfleet?" He asked after a long silence, "or are there others. I've not seen any during my tenure at the academy."

Kuzos looked up as he finished logging the weapons to Datari. "I am the only Vorta is Starfleet. I was originally the Dominion's choice as liaison officer to the Enterprise, selected by Founder Odo. However the commodore offered me a rank and position in crew even though I still retain my rank as captain within the Dominion military. Founder Odo agreed feeling it would hopefully make our alliance stronger"

"Must be very lonely then," Aidan observed, "are they treating you alright?" He could understand people being wary, but never having had any interactions with a Vorta, Aidan was trying to be open-minded. "I'd love to learn your language, if you ever feel like conversing without the UT. I'm a linguist in heart and soul, despite being in astrometrics now."

Kuzos stopped and looked at Aidan, "I am accustomed to it. As far as being treated alright, I am treated with all the civility and respect of a diplomat." he replied simply and moved to a different topic. "The Vorta language can be difficult to learn however if you are willing to try then I am willing to teach you. I must confess I do not know how good a teacher I will be."

"Only one way to find out," Aidan smiled, "if you're happy to try, then I'm a willing student. I love learning new languages, and conversing without the UT. Consider it a hobby. And if you're part of the crew, certainly you're due the respect of a fellow crew member, and not just a diplomat?" He started to return his weapons to the case now that they were properly checked in. "Sherlock seemed to like you, and if he does, so will I."

"I am willing to try." Kuzos answered, not commenting on the issue of acceptance or lack of by the crew. It was what it was. Thankfully crew members like Amber Laurell, Sora and now Aidan saw past his appearance and where he came from to see him as an individual. His smile grew at the mention of the mini dragon. "I am pleased that he does, I like him as well and would like to know more about him." He paused and looked at Aidan, "I would like us to be friends." He replied simply but with conviction.

"So would I," the Trill answered earnestly, "I'll send you what I know about Sherlock, which isn't much really. And you'll let me know when you want to converse in your language? If you like I'll take my daughter too, might as well teach her too right? Can never know when technology decides to fail on us."

"I appreciate any information you have on him. I find him quite unique." Kuzos replied with a smile. "I will definitely let you know when I am ready to begin teaching you to speak Dominionese. As for your daughter by all means bring she may find learning a new language a benefical way to spend time. I only hope I can make it interesting for you and her."

This time, the Trill laughed. "Commander, she's four. Anything new is interesting to her, at least for a while," he told him honestly, "I look forward to hearing from you commander." With a final nod and wave, Aidan left the office.

Kuzo's smile grew even brighter. "I look forward to our next meeting!" He shouted after Aidan. He was already looking forward to their next meeting. it should prove to be quite interesting and entertaining and in addition, his rather small list of friends had been expanded by one.

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