Surprise After Surprise
Posted on Sat May 30th, 2026 @ 6:34pm by Lieutenant Lorek & Ensign Sasha Zen
Edited on on Sat May 30th, 2026 @ 10:54pm
2,005 words; about a 10 minute read
Mission:
Prologue: Taking On Crew
Location: Deck 4 Quarters & Deck 3 Main Lounge
Timeline: MD004 - 1800 Hours
Ensign Sasha Zen materialized aboard the USS Resolute reporting for her next assignment. Stepping off the transporter pad, with a duffel slung over one shoulder, she approached the Operator.
“Good day Lieutenant, I’m Ensign Sasha Zen Flight Control Officer reporting for duty.” she offered with a smile handing over her orders.
Taking the PaDD he returned her smile before looking over her orders. “Welcome aboard Ensign. Everything seems to be in order…..give a moment and I’ll check you in.” as his hands ran over the screen. Looking up “Ok you’re all checked in and are officially a member of the crew.” as he paused a moment grabbing a device “Here is your duty PaDD compete with a map of the Resolute, your quarters assignment, and a temporary security code for your new home.”
Accepting the device “And what about my personal crate; that should be here already.” Sasha inquired.
“Let me check.” as his hands worked their magic on his screen “It’s already been beamed to your quarters.” the Lieutenant replied eyeing this beautiful woman over.
“Thank you Sir for all your help” she replied before picking up her duffel and hoisting it over her shoulder. PaDD in hand Sasha exited the transporter room with the device heading for the nearest lift.
As the Ensign walked out of the area the Lieutenant turned and watched her walk away thinking “Damn that’s nice” before returning his attention back to his duties.
Entering the lift “Deck 4” she called out as the doors swooshed shut and she was on her way to her new home.
Exiting the lift she glanced at her PaDD getting her bearings. Shortly she found her quarters then keyed in the security code allowing the door to open before entering. Walking in she heard the doors close behind her before walking into the bedroom. Setting her duffel on the bed Sasha open it and put the contents in their appropriate places. Looking at both her bedroom and head she thought “Surprisingly our quarters aren’t bad….not bad at all…..I think we’ll be very comfortable here.” Moments later she could sense Zen [Nice digs…..much nicer than I remember from my days on a Starship…..I like it here already.]
Walking into the living area she opened the small crate grabbing her civilian attire then going back into the bedroom to hang those in the closet as she commented out loud “ It’s nice having some civilian attire, so hopefully they’ll get more use here.”
Going back to the living area Sasha grabbed a water and refreshed herself. Walking back to the crate she unloaded her books before placing those on the shelves above her desk. Next she grabbed two holo photos; one of her parents and the second of a dear friend from the Academy. Lastly she unloaded a bag of holo candles placing them in various areas in her bedroom as she sensed Zen [You expecting company of maybe the male persuasion or are those for me] she commented with a laugh. “Never you mind….you never know when they’ll come in handy” Sasha replied with a grin.
Now that her quarters were all settled she decided a nice shower was in order to wash off the day while refreshing her at the same time. When finished she dried off, toweled off her long brown hair, then proceeded to dress and grab a crisp clean uniform. Once dressed she put her hair into a ponytail then splashed on some of her favorite perfume as she sensed Zen [Are we going somewhere] came the inquiry. “Yes I thought we’d celebrate and go have dinner in the Main Lounge before the rigors of duty start happening.” Placing her duty PaDD in her left thigh pocket Sasha secured her quarters before walking to the nearest lift “Deck 3 Lounge” she requested.
Moments later Sasha walked into the lounge. Looking around she whispered “Looks like everyone else has the same idea” as she noticed the lounge looked almost filled to capacity.
After selecting her meal and beverage Sasha walked a little ways slowly looking for a place to sit. Moments later she noticed a Lieutenant in the back corner sitting alone at a table for two. Making her way over she stopped by the table “Excuse me Lieutenant, the place seems to be pretty well filled…..would you mind if I shared your table with you” she inquired with a smile.
Looking up from is device he saw a rather attractive, tall, and slender Trill woman with long brown hair held in a pony tail making the uniform look nicer than he had seen in a long time “Please, by all means” he replied gesturing towards the empty seat before shutting off the device and placing it back in his right thigh pocket.
“Thank you Lieutenant” she responded as she took the vacant seat “I’m Ensign Sasha Zen, Flight Control Officer” as she unfolded a napkin placing it on her lap.
“Nice to meet you Ensign Sasha Zen; I am Lieutenant Lorek Chief of Security/Tactical” he answered with a smile.
Seeing this Vulcan smile surprised Sasha as she stumbled over her words a little wondering if she dare ask “If I may inquire Sir…..are you well…..what I mean are you feeling ok.”
Deciding to play along for a few moments “Yes, I am well…..why the query into my health” although he knew why see asked but he wanted to hear her to say it.
“Last time I knew Vulcans didn’t show any emotion and you smiled a moment ago; that’s the reason for my inquiry.”
“Ensign I am not your typical Vulcan…..you see my mother is human making me a hybrid” Lorek responded rather enjoying seeing this woman’s facial expressions.
With a grin “That certainly explains the smile” then she paused “I hope you don’t think me forward for the inquiry” she commented.
“Not at all” Lorek responded “And since you have a surname logically you must be a joined Trill; most Trills I’ve known are unjoined when they have only one name; since we are inquiring about one another.
“Touché, you’re very astute Lieutenant; yes that is correct I am joined. My symbiont’s name before her death was Zendaya and spent her career piloting ships in Starfleet until she retired from service” Sasha explained as she could sense Zen [Smart and easy on the eyes.]
Getting bored with the formality “Since we are both off duty perhaps we can drop the ranks…..Lorek would be fine” he suggested.
Hearing the willingness to drop rank she smiled “Thank you Lorek, that was becoming a bit annoying; and please call me Sasha.
“Sasha logically you two being joined was the right choice considering your choices of departments” he replied “How long have you been aboard the Resolute.”
“Actually we arrived late this morning and most of our day was spent getting our quarters settled before my duties start up; and you Lorek” Sasha answered before inquiring about him.
“This is my fourth day aboard. After getting settled my days have been filled with meetings with command, reading eighty three personal files, getting a feel for the department, and this morning an overall staff meeting” he responded thinking he had accomplished quite a bit after saying it all out loud.
“ Sounds like a busy four days. Tomorrow I’ll have to check in with Flight Control and I imagine I’ll end up in a simulator just so they can check out my piloting skills before they turn me loose on the real thing.”
“I am sure you will do just fine in that regard” as he paused “Tell me Sasha how do you enjoy spending your down time.”
Thinking for a brief moment “I do like to workout to stay in shape when afforded the time and also read books about different aspects of flight control and maneuvers” as she hesitated a moment “Don’t think me weird but I do like to draw from time to time…..mostly landscape type of drawings.”
“Drawing can be very therapeutic especially if you are good at such endeavors; at least that is what I have heard.”
Lorek was quite curious how Sasha would react to something a little more personal “I try to workout a couple times a week to stay in shape as well” as his sentence trailed off just for a moment “Perhaps you would consider working out together on occasion” then he sat back in his chair looking at Sasha “Not to seem forward either…..and it is to your credit working out…..logically the effects have been positive since I can not remember the last time I have seen a woman make the uniform look quite that good” as he smiled having put it out there.
Sasha was a little surprised at Lorek’s statement….but it was a good surprise....almost in a flirtatious way....as she leaned forward in her chair just a little to look interested but not desperate “I think I would like that….to workout together; I’ve wondered how intense of a workout a Vulcan would do. Looking into Lorek’s eyes “Thank you for such a nice compliment…..that was very sweet of you to say so” as a smile settled across her face.
Leaning forward matching Sasha’s posture he stated “Vulcans do not lie” as a smirk became quite evident.
With a smile “So I’ve been told” she responded then stood “Thank you Lorek for sharing your table with me……..and for an interesting as well an informative conversation. I should return to my quarters and get a good nights rest before tomorrow” Sasha commented then stood for a brief moment before taking and disposing of her tray.
Standing as well "Yes I should be leaving myself so someone else can have this table" as he paused "Would you like some company for the return walk back to your quarters" Lorek inquired wanting to spend just a little more time with Sasha.
"Yes, I'd like that" Sasha responded with a big smile thinking there was something about this Vulcan that was becoming more intriguing by the minute.
Leaving the Lounge they entered the lift “Deck 4” Sasha called out while Lorek didn't say a word; moments later they exited and walked to her quarters "Thank you for walking with me that was very nice of you. So which room belongs to you on this deck."
Lorek couldn't help himself and grinned "My quarters are on Deck 3 actually" he replied hoping Sasha would take the situation as intended.
"Let me get this straight.....so your quarters are one deck above mine and you offered to walk with me because......" waiting for his reply.
"So I could spend a little more time with you while making sure you arrived back home safely....I am Chief of Security after all" Lorek replied with a smirk.
Looking at Lorek for a few moments "Right answer" as she paused briefly "You certainly are a unique Vulcan Lieutenant Lorek; albeit a little strange but unique none the less."
Not quite sure how to resound to her statement Lorek merely gave a nod as he turned and made his way to the Lift "Deck 3".
Once inside she unzipped her uniform top before grabbing a water from the replicator and sat on the couch.
Minutes later she could sense Zen [So what do you think of Lorek….worth your time to get to now him better; I mean he did go out of his way to walk us back] came the inquiry. “Not sure yet….but time will tell.” [If my vote is worth anything I say go for it and see what happens.]" “We’ll see….we’ll see.”
A Post By:
Lieutenant Lorek
Chief Security/Tactical Officer
USS Resolute
Ensign Sasha Zen (NPC)
Flight Control Officer
USS Resolute
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