A Moment of Your Time

Posted on Fri Oct 31st, 2025 @ 2:37am by Commander Savar cha'Salik hei-Surak Talek-sen-deen & Lieutenant Commander Thriss Kla'ren

1,377 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: Character Development
Timeline: TBD

Savar went to seek out Lt. Commander Kla'ren get their opinion on the severe drought Bajor was currently experiencing. He did not like to intrude on another's time but this was a serious matter and he did not think Kla'ren would object. Arriving at Kla'ren's door he rang the chime and waited.

Thriss' quarters were in shambles. He had only returned a few days ago and due to the drought and a few other things, he hadn't had the time to unpack. Rynn had done a good job as acting cheng while he was gone. He wasn't actually due for another few weeks, but he forced himself to return early for this.

His thoughts were elsewhere, and thus he didn't process that the door chime had rung.

As he waited, Savar hoped the engineer would be able to give him a viable opinion facing Bajor with it's current weather problems.

Kla'ren had received good insight from numerous people, friends and colleagues alike, but only a select few of them really knew of the pain. To be poked and prodded. To be forced to make attempts on the lives of your friends against your will. It had been a while since then now and even he didn't feel like he knew despite the wisdom he received from the other Borg victims. After all he was only partially assimilated.

That didn't diminish his pain, but he still felt that he wasn't the worse case scenario of the Borg. Hell, the incident with the Sunfire and the Borg had been one of the best case scenarios against the Cybernetic beings. He heard the second chime right away, only realizing that it had rung before.

He sighed at his mistake. "It's open" The Andorian called out.

Hearing Kla'ren's voice, Savar stepped into the cabin and noticed but made comment on it's disarray. Instead he addressed the engineer. "I apologize for the intrusion but I need your opinion." He stated simply.

Thriss hadn't expected to see Savar so soon. Partially because he was due to see Rynn later, but mostly due to the fact that he had been trying to avoid him ever since he was assimilated. Being on leave helped with the avoiding part, but not facing his fears.

"It's alright Commander" he said trying to hide his anxieties about facing the man he tried to kill when he was a Half-Borg nightmare that he didn't want to wish on anyone. "I apologize for the disarray. It's been a bit hectic coming back from leave. What can I do for you sir?"


"There is no need to apologize or explain. I understand how hectic and short time can seem especially coming back from leave and returning to duty." Savar replied evenly before shifting topics. "Are you aware of the unusual weather Bajor has been and is currently experiencing?"

"I read some of the basic reports while I was returning to the Sunfire, though I was going to discuss things further with Commander Upland" Thriss replied, still feeling tense.

"From what you have read, have you an opinion?" Savar asked and then in an abrupt change asked. "Am I making you uneasy Commander?"

"It sounds like Bajor's power grid is aging which is likely snowballing into other issues. If the power grid is failing that it is my assumption that other vital engineering facilities and technologies are failing too. Fixing these will definitely help in the long term, but we need to find short term fixes to help tide over the population as well" Thriss said before trailing off. Savar had forced the interaction, but not in a bad way. Thriss needed to confront the fear of this conversation.

He waited a few seconds to gather the courage to tell Savar. "Sir, it isn't you that's making me feel uneasy. Rather, it's the fact that I tried to murder you as a Half-Borg nightmare when we were in Borg Space. I tried to take over the ship and kill everyone else on the Sunfire. So it isn't you that's making me feel uneasy, rather it's my bloody guilt" he vented to the XO before sighing. "I know that there wasn't anything I could have done to prevent it but-" he stopped himself.

Thriss gave a sad smile before putting on a blank expression. "I'm sorry for my tangent Commander. It's just been what's on my mind. I've had time to simmer down and think about it. But right now Bajor is what's important" he said, trying to change the subject.

Savar listened impassively as Thriss gave him first and opinion on Bajor's weather problems and then an explanation on his uneasiness. When he finished Savar offered a reply. "A logical assumption on Bajor's power grid however the weather satellites have been receiving routine maintenance. So, it would appear the problem goes beyond just upkeep."

He shifted his feet slightly as he broached the other topic, "You have nothing to feel guilty about. I hold no animosity toward you. You had been altered against your will. However, I realize that saying is easier then doing. You also recognize the fact that you could not prevent what happened. I suggest you remember that. It will help you move forward and put the incident in the past where it belongs.'

"Thank you sir" he said simply. Thriss would do the best he could, however he didn't feel too confident just yet. It would be a while before he could fully put it in the past.

He had a muse. "Have there been any signs of foul play? On the weather satellites or on the ground?"

"As to the satellites, I know of no tampering but I also know there as been no physical inspection of the satellites. The captain may wish to conduct an inspection or an investigation into the planet's weather problems."

"I can have an engineering team ready soon if needed" Thriss added.

"That may be needed in the future but for now, maintain them on standby. For now, I just want your opinion on this developing situation." Savar replied evenly.

"Aye sir" Thriss said. "I think we should look into anything on Bajor that could contribute to a drought, especially any other facilitates and equipment that are failing due to not being maintained.

"But foul play is still plausible, given certain events here that the crew and captain have dealt with" he added, referencing the Cardassian occupation in addition to the Captain's interactions between her and people who wanted to bring harm upon her. He didn't know much about that as it wasn't really his business, but still was a possibility that they couldn't rule out."

"Indeed. Many events are still possible and we must be vigilant in making sure to prevent any more damage being done to Bajor and it's people or....." He paused for a moment before concluding, "The Captain."

"Agreed" Thriss said, trailing off. "What do you need from engineering at the moment besides having a team on standby?"

Savar's reply was instantaneous. "Familiarize yourself and team members with the functions of the weather satellites as well as the Bajorian power grid. So if the team is needed, you can go right to work. I believe the humans call it hit the ground running."

Thriss smiled at the reference before returning his expression to a resting face. "I'll bring Commander Upland up to speed as well sir" he said, accepting the order.

Savar nodded. "Very good. I shall leave you now. I again apologize for contacting while you are off duty. However, I felt this was a situation that needed to be addressed quickly/ Thank you for accepting the assignment or potential assignment."

Thriss smiled lightly. "It's alright sir. This is my job after all."

"True. But all work will affect your performance and that is not advisable for you or the ship if your efficiency is decreased." Savar countered.

"I understand sir. I am better off than I was when I originally went on leave" he added. "If it does start affecting me however, I will take the appropriate action."

Savar nodded, satisfied with the answer. "Have a good rest of the evening Commander and thank you for your time." As he turned and exited the cabin.

 

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