Twenty Questions

Posted on Fri Apr 24th, 2026 @ 7:48pm by Lieutenant (J.G.) Oakham Khen Ziren & Lieutenant Commander Kuzos

1,379 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: 9a. Oubliette - Short Treks
Location: Security chief's office
Timeline: TBD

Newly arrived on board, Ziren glanced at her PADD then at the paneling in the corridor which flashed in helpful directions. She ignored the stares as she passed several officers, holding her head up high to show she wasn't an underdog to be picked on. The Cardassian-Bajoran was, if anything, very proud of her mixed heritage and quite the contrast to her fairly shy fathers.

"Commander Kuzos?" She queried, knowing from her transfer orders that she was actually looking for a Vorta. "Lieutenant Oakham-Khen Ziren sir,x he added, "reporting for duty."

Kuzos looked up from the PaDD he was reading. A smile coming to his face. it seemed liked forever since he had smiled. "I am Kuzos. I take it you have your orders with you if you do may I please see them?" He replied then added. "Please sit Lieutenant, would you like something from the replicator before you tell me about yourself."

The hybrid woman smiled pleasantly, surprised at the genuine warmth coming from the Vorta. It was so opposite of the tales she'd been spun. "Tea please," she requested politely as she offered the PADD containing her transfer orders. "What would you like to know sir," she asked, knowing most were mainly curious about the fact of her very existence.

Kuzos moved to the replicator with a fluid grace. Upon reaching it he turned back to the Lieutenant. "Any special tea Lieutenant as you did not specify." Then continued, "I want to know about you. I can see your file, look at your records at any time but they don't tell me about you. What do you do in your free time? Your likes and dislikes, any hobbies or favorite activities?"

"Well, I have two fathers...pappa Ren is a security officer and pappa Zee is a doctor. As a child I was always following pappa Ren around and I followed in his footsteps. I never cared much for a sickbay, to be honest." she chuckled, her eyes sparkling. "I like to swim, and I like to practice on the range. Hand to hand could always use improvement and I like to investigate security mysteries." Ziren looked up. "What about you sir?"

Kuzos returned from the replicator with a cup of green tea. "Green tea." he said handing her the cup. "It is known for its soothing properties." He moved behind the desk and sat down. "As for me. I am not a clone as many Vorta are. I do go to the range. I also like Earth 20th century music. Specifically groups like the Beatles and Rolling Stones." He tilted his head at her. "Swim? I haven't tried that. Is it relaxing?"

Cupping the tea between her hands, she considered the question. "That really depends on why one is in the pool. It can be relaxing, but it can also be a workout. It really depends on the purpose. I do like pulling lanes, but I'm just as happy sitting in a hot tub for a few hours and some relaxing music." She tilted her head in curiosity. "First generation?" She asked, "I've never meg a Vorta before now, and my fathers never really spoke about them. I've heard stories of course...of different varieties. What's your favourite weapon type on the range?"

"I shall have to look into it. it sounds fascinating. Yes, a first generation. I hope you aren't disappointed in meeting your first Vorta." He smiled. "I'm sure you have heard stories about us. I hope you keep an open mind. As to my favorite weapon on the range. I know many people like the hand held phaser and it is a good choice. However, I prefer the phaser pulse rifle. I can fire either sustained rate of fire or bursts. A truly excellent weapon. What is yours?" He inquired.

"I'm a Bajoran Cardassian hybrid," Ziren chuckled, "how much more open minded would you like me to be? I prefer the rifle too, far more stable and accurate than a hand held. Better range too for that matter. But I like archaic weapons too. At the academy I got into archery, which is very good for eye hand coordination. Earned me many a discoloured arm before someone told me to use arm guards."

"All true." Kuzos agreed readily. "Archery? I have read about it but you are first person I have met who actually partakes in it. Something else for me to try. I should make a list." He chuckled at the thought. "Since we are exchanging, discussing favorites, what type of food is your favorite? I confess I have grown quite fond of Italian food, Spaghetti, Lasagna, Ravioli and of course pizza."

"Pappa Ren makes the best hasperat," Ziren smiled happily, "but while at the academy there was this place near the grounds that had amazing pizza. Funnily I actually also very much enjoy greek food. I do prefer fish over meat but I'll eat both." She paused. "So....is there anything I need to know? Anyone to watch out for or keep an eye on?"

"I haven't tried in Greek food nor have i had hasperat yet. I should try them both." he mused. he grew silent when asked about anyone to watch out for or keep an eye on. There was a lot he could say. but he didn't. What he did say was, "I don't want my feelings to color your views on the officers and crew you have yet to meet. I think you should form your own opinion. As to who to keep an eye on, the entire crew." He said smiling. " Be observant but not intrusive. Make friends and learn from this assignment."

"Of course," the young woman agreed. "I assume you do follow your own advice? You do make friends right, I would feel really bad if people wouldn't keep an open mind about you, same as I don't feel right if people judge me because of my parentage."

"I have made a few friends." He admitted thinking of Amber, Aidan and Sora. He nodded, "You will find that some are not as open minded as you and your enlightened view and still harbor old feelings." He replied simply. "I would be disappointed if you are accepted and treated warmly."

"Oh I have no doubt." She seemed to sober. "My parents taught me to keep an open mind. I don't expect others to and I've been at the brunt of intolerance. But I have to believe in the best of people, as you should sir. And if you have friends you're a rich man, sir." She smiled again. "Anything else I should keep an eye on? Anything on a mission I should know about?"

"A healthy attitude, you will go far with it. What you should know is this, be true to yourself, your goals and ideals. Now for now go and get familiar with the Enterprise, introduce yourself to others and make new friends. Remember my door is always open for you should you need to talk to me about something mission related or you just wish to talk." Kuzos answered decisively.

"The same goes for you sir...if anyone treats you unfairly...let me know? Maybe we can organise a class about tolerance sometime of that's what it'll take." She set her cup down on the desk and stood. "Thanks for the tea."

Kuzos stood up from behind his desk. "I shall keep that in mind. A class might not be such a bad idea. Hold onto that idea. As for the tea, you are welcome, it was my pleasure." The he thrust is right hand out towards her. "A human custom of welcome and friendship. I do not quite understand it but it seems to make them happy." He smiled at her. "Welcome to the Enterprise."

She took the offered hand. "Thank you sir, and it's a good custom, it makes people connect. I'll take some time to explore the ship, and start my first shift tomorrow."

Kuzos nodded, his smile still on his face. " A good plan to be sure. While you explore the ship, make sure you get something to eat as well." He paused for a moment and then continued. "I look forward to working with you."

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