Stardate: 61113:1033
Title: Familiar Differences
Author: Ensign Tarek
Time: After "Intruder Alert"
Scene: Starbase 9, USS Relentless Corridor and Bridge

Ensign Tarek had a great feeling of anxiousness growing in his stomach. Even though Tarek is half Vulcan, he sometimes lacks his mental restraint. He has his mother to thank for that. Tarek believed that serving Starfleet Intelligence as an exchange officer alongside the Klingons would be an excellent way for him to practice his self control. This would also prove to be a most valuable experience for the young ensign.

Tarek had a unique ability among his people. If he wanted information he could take it. All he had to do was concentrate. This is due to his incredible mental abilities. Tarek had learned Klingon in record time at the academy but had never actively practiced the robust language. He now had his chance aboard the Vor'cha Cruiser IKS Vor'nak. His biggest challenge was Jor.

Jor was the first person to challenge Tarek's right to be serving alongside Klingons. It was not until after Tarek adapted a more Klingon way of response – which led to a broken nose for Tarek and a shattered arm for Jor - that Jor finally accepted Tarek as a warrior and became his friend.

*There is a lot more to this ship than what I was told* Ensign Tarek thinks to himself upon his arrival to Starbase 9.

The young Vulan/Betazoid officer, having been newly assigned to the USS Relentless, knew that there was a lot more here than meets the eye. His mental scanning of everyone that passed by told him that. Tarek picked up on the surface thoughts of every person that walked past the docking port to the ship. It did not take him long to know that the Ferengi were attempting to do the impossible; steal from a Federation War ship. Tarek despised Ferengi greed but admired their will to succeed.

As Tarek approached the docking port to present his orders to the security officer on duty, Tarek pondered as to the nature and temperament of his new crewmates and he couldn't help but think of how Jor would handle this situation.

"Crewman, could you direct me to the Bridge?" Tarek asked as he entered the docking corridor. Tarek knew exactly where to go having familiarized himself with the schematics of the ship a full month before arriving. He just thought that the young crewman was one of the most beautiful human women that he had ever seen.

"Yes, sir. Follow this corridor to the turbolift. If you have any other questions just ask Relly," replied the young crewman.

"Relly?"

"Relly is the ship's computer sir," replied the crewman. Tarek thought it quite amazing that the crew of the ship had given their computer a name.

"Thank you, crewman." Tarek gave his best Vulcan nod and turned to walk down the corridor. He did not need his mental ability or his Betazoid roots to sense a mutual attraction. It was times like this when he preferred the Klingon method.

"This is going to be very different." Tarek thought to himself as he walked down the corridor. Tarek knew that his adjustment to serving aboard a Starfleet vessel would be a challenge, but like the rest of his life, it would only take a short time to adjust.

"Bridge," Tarek stated as he entered the turbolift. "…and now Starfleet thinks that my Klingon tactical training will be best served aboard the Relentless," Tarek thinks to himself while waiting to meet his new commanding officer and receive his first duty assignment. "It is a logical conclusion considering the nature of our mission and who am I to argue with logic," Tarek joked to himself.

Tarek had to relearn the human fascination with humor after having been on Vulcan for so long. He took ever chance he could to practice developing his wit to the level of his logic.

As the doors opened Tarek got his first look at the bridge. It was a beautiful site. He stepped out of the turbolift and walked towards the Captain's Ready Room. Captain Alex Khavok was a man that Tarek was very anxious to meet.

============
Ensign Tarek
Tactical Officer
USS Relentless
NCC-11966
============