All of Our People Are Scientists

The whole idea of rank and hierarchy had been one of the hardest things for her to become accustomed to, when entering Starfleet.  There existed nothing similar for the Ki'tiki.  Though for any project or particular facet of a project, a leader would be chosen, and tasks assigned, that arrangement might last for only a few days, or perhaps more than a year.  But outside the work area, all Ki'tiki were equals.  It had seemed remarkable to Avi that the captain was always, and everywhere, the captain!

Avi looked up as a very attractive woman introduced someone to the Captains April.  Ah, another newcomer.  She had not seen anyone of his race before, so she – as unobtrusively as possible – took note of his appearance.  His hair seems to be... yes it is; changing color!  She wondered if that change might be triggered by similar causes to the deep-level changes that occurred within her own people when sexual attraction created possibilities for mating.  Of course, in the Ki'tiki those changes could be stopped if the person willed them to be.  Intrigued, she gazed toward the newcomer with peripheral vision, while sipping at her wine.  She felt the pleasure of anticipation when the stranger was invited to sit at their table, and he chose the chair next to her.

She was immediately impressed by his manner of speaking, as he turned to her.

"I am Kaiel, as you must have heard," he said, smiling broadly.  "I am afraid you have the advantage of me.  Would you be so kind as to tell me your name, and something about yourself?  You have stirred the scientist and the Sirenn within me.  Not many people can make such a boast on such short notice.  I trust I shall not fail to intrigue you as well, if only to maintain the delight of your company."

"Hello Kaiel.  I can truthfully say that thus far I find your speech mannerisms quite pleasing.  My name is Avi na-Ki'tiki.  Ki'tiki is the species-name of my people; the na indicates that we are those who relocated from our origins.  So far as I know, I am the only one of the Ki'tiki to join Starfleet.  Like you, I am a newcomer to the Arcadia.  I'm the newly assigned flight control officer."  She lowered and softened her tone then, to add, "I think there was some sort of drama connected with the previous officer."

She met his gaze then, and smiled, having learned long ago that smiling was a social art appreciated by many of the races.  She had come to realize that Kaiel often turned his gaze just a bit from her face.  She knew that in many people this was a result of shyness or insecurity, but in others it was a culturally instilled form of manners.  With Kaiel, it seemed to be a deliberate act.  She herself was having a problem in not staring at the faceted ovals above his eyes.  They were extraordinarily beautiful!  But she doubted they were mere ornamentation.  She had glimpsed the presence of light within them.  If she did not have to be concerned with politeness, she would ask directly about the matter – but, perhaps the time would come when she could do so.