The door slides open. With the ship not yet underway, there's no way to really reserve time, just use the holos. Tarek eyes the surroundings, then looks to the helm. "Fascinating."

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Her heart rate goes through the roof, but she manages to keep herself from jumping when she hears the door open. She maintains steady control of the helm as she is in the middle of reversing the ship out of docking. It is a while before she says anything, mostly because she is focused, partly because she's afraid the first things out of her mouth may sound... less than calm.

"Can I help you?" She asks in an even tone, eyes still on her equipment.

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"Simply curious as to why the assigned helm was practicing maneuvering out of space dock. Though, for that matter, we are the only two Vulcans assigned to the ship. I had hoped to meet with you before we were underway."

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"My assignment to Helm was a clerical error, I am trained for navigation." She replies, finally clearing the docking station. She then orders the computer to change the program from docking maneuvers to space combat simulation.

She turns to look at him as the computer adjusts the programming. "I suggest you sit."

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He moves to the tactical station and settles in behind the simulated controls, punching in the basic tactical protocols. Not his primary station, but he could fill in, in an emergency. "If you are practicing your piloting, then I would assume that the clerical error did not permit finding a more trained helm. I was curious as to the posting, as your records did not include any training at the helm. I had assumed you must have had additional training previous to joining Starfleet, as your Vulcan academy records were not included in your file. An assumption, obviously, in error."

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"It was the Captain's decision to continue with the assignments as posted." Was that a tiny, little hint of resentment? Nah, couldn't be.

The simulated ship suddenly finds itself in the middle of a firefight with three Romulan warbirds.

Very funny, computer. Her eyes narrow at the main screen at the front of the bridge, but then she jumps right into evasive piloting maneuvers. Apparently, she remembered more than she thought.

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He puts in the appropriate counter-responses, including fire to help keep some distance, and additional power to forward shields. "The captain has very little history to draw on to guess at her reasoning, but what there is, plus her posting to this ship suggests a tendency for unconventional tactics. But rarely acting without cause. I am certain there was some reason, unless you are simply the best available resource for the position."

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Okay, so this isn't so bad. She wouldn't be able to thread a needle with this thing, but at least they won't die... immediately.

She still was trying not to think about the map the Captain had shown her, that was a worry for another day.

"It is highly unlikely that a recent Academy graduate would be the best available pilot on a ship of two hundred persons. Nevertheless, you are correct, there undoubtedly is 'some reason'. I am certain the Captain has, at least, some sense of leadership, otherwise she would not be the Captain."

She calls for the computer to end program and turns to face Tarek.

"What is your name?" Sometimes the flat-out bluntness of Vulcans made her want to laugh, they have no shame at all.

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"I am Tarek, son of Kaltak. As for your observation regarding the best candidate for piloting, I would assume you have not studied the duty roster? While there are a number of distinguished and capable individuals among the 40 Starfleet graduates so-far assigned to this ship, there is frequently not a lot of depth at many important positions. Should you require assistance, however, the third officer, an Andorian stationed at Ops does have some piloting classes and flight time logged."

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Hmm... Kind of cute. Talks a lot, though...

"Interesting. I will speak with this Andorian if it becomes necessary."

She dips her head a moment. "I am T'Pari."

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That draws the typical Vulcan sign of curiosity, the subtle raised eyebrow. She didn't name either parent. "It is a pleasure to meet you, T'Pari. In addition to the Ops officer, I would recommend you speak with the science officer. She is also a stellar cartographer. I believe the two of you would have much to talk about."

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It was her turn to quirk up an eyebrow.

Another cartographer, huh? That could work out nicely.

"Interesting. With such a small crew I was not anticipating any duplicate training sets. However, I could see potential advantages to multiple cartographers for mapping out where we are going." ...Oops.

She holds his gaze, trying not to give off the impression she didn't want to say that. She didn't want to think of where it was this ship was headed at all. Why wasn't she told about this before they sent her out here? Someone made a mistake, of that she was certain.

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He's perceptive. That much is fairly certain. And, worse, he possesses all of the typical Vulcan curiosity.

"There are definite advantages when on a mission of exploration. I have spoken with her a little, as her secondary specialty, xenogeology, corresponds somewhat to my background in xenoarcharchaeology. I am looking forward to some opportunity to work with the science teams, even though that is not my primary assignment. Incidentally, if you wish to review her file, as you will likely be working together, it is available in the spaceport. I can also forward you a copy. There are some interesting individuals on this voyage."

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Indeed.

"Thank you, that would be most helpful."

She pauses, and then, "What is your assignment?" Curiousity is contagious, it seems.

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"I will have the science officer's files sent to your personal computer then. And I am part of the security detail."

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"Excellent."

She nods to Tarek. "I am going to set up my quarters. Thank you for your assistance."

She turns and starts to head out of the holodeck.

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