Star Trek: Starbase 777 - lt-so﹢lt-umali

Just like so many other days in the station, Paco walked to his quarters once his shift was done with some books on hand to do some light studying as part of his little cooldown routine, to which the idea of it in the first place always felt a little bit weird to him since the months he was first stationed in 777. As the doors of his quarters swooshed open, Paco quietly stepped inside and felt the emptiness of the other side of the shared common room, letting out a sigh of relief that at least he isn't the one that needed to change quarters. Again, another part of life in Starfleet in general that, although he had gotten used to, never really liked anyway. For a little while, Paco did his usual routine, putting his shoes aside, cleaning himself and his side of the space up, and finally getting himself a couple slices of hawaiian pizza, hot; A can of coca-cola, cold; and also the usual pack of dried mango slices. That last one not coming from the replicators, but from his own personal and well hidden stash. A bitter-sweet reminder of home. He also was wearing a light blue hoodie and the Starfleet Short shorts as he approached the couch, with the hood up as well since he liked the cozy feeling of it. After everything was set up, Paco quietly retired to the couch in the common area and skimmed through his PADD for anything good to read. News of the whole Anti-Synth Protests made him feel uneasy with a sigh of disappointment that some things never really change, but he still had hopes for a peaceful win for synthetic life in the end. After all, the Federation has already progressed socially this far, so it couldn't slide backwards over this... right? Regardless, he eventually found a fun article on the development of Klingon Opera, enjoying it alongside his food to take his mind off Federation current events for a while with the company of his Lt. Cmdr. Data poster.

Maya quietly read up through some bits of the chatroom as she vibed in the turbolift, glancing at the control panel in front of her every now and then when reading of rumors on the things being 'haunted' simply because she thought it was funny, especially since her cousin believed it to be the case with one of the lifts in particular. Speaking of which, her cousin being here was one of the things that made Maya look forward to during the transfer from the Rapture to 777, a light smile ran across her as she pulled up some photos from her last visit to him years ago. In particular was a selfie in the grounds of Starfleet Academy, a young bright-eyed Cadet Paco wearing his full blue dress uniform with her in the Gold and Black lower decks-style service uniform from after her time in the USS Masipag. Maya's arm was around his shoulder as they happily sat together in the 602 club, a last celebratory hurrah before she left for transfer to her next posting. She snapped out of her serene moment of nostalgia when the lift chimed at its stop to the Staff Quarters, mimicking the light swoosh of the doors before she stepped out and made way to her quarters. It was a bit nerve wracking to suddenly be seeing a close relative again after so many years, let alone be posted to work with them going forward, but the thought of it also gave her a bit of comfort since she would be closer to family. After a little bit, she was at last right in front of her assigned quarters, taking in a deep breath before she pressed on the door chime.

Enjoying his little cozy paradise with Klingon opera softly battling the silence, Paco was just about to take a bite from his pizza when he heard the door chimed in, which made him look around in slight confusion. Just right as he was getting into the good part about the more narrative side of the operas too. He didn't really know if he was expecting anyone, if he had a delivery of some sort, or probably someone going to fill in the other room. Regardless, he cleaned himself off and stood up to grab something by his workstation before he called out. "Come in!" As per his own tradition for anyone who would either visit or be is roomie, he pulled out a unopened pack of dried mango slices.

Hearing the familiar voice from the other side filled Maya with joy as the doors opened, of course she imitated the swooshing noise as they did. She promptly lifted up her bags and looked around for a brief moment before finally looking towards her cousin with a big smile, not even believing her own eyes for a brief moment. "Hey Pac's!" She greeted him softly as she stepped inside the common room. "Long time no see..."

"Mai..." Paco said in surprise when he saw his cousin walked in the room, dropping the pack of mango slices as he sprinted towards her. "I-I thought you were still in the Rapture! How you doing? why you here??" Paco asked as he hugged his cousin tightly, talking quickly as he took in what was a miracle for him to finally be able to see her in-person after their last visit together all those years ago. After a few moments of being clingy, Paco stopped talking after a sudden realization of something and looked up to her whilst still hugging Maya with a curious look. "...May dala kang pasalubong? (Did you bring any gifts)"

Maya chuckled softly as she took in the sudden hug from her cousin, returning the embrace and ruffling his hair a little bit. It was a nice feeling to be reunited with Paco again, a sweet wholesome feeling as she thought of all the catching up they would be doing... then that last little question popped up. "Pasalubong?? I just got here!" She said with a laugh as she playfully pushed Paco away a little bit to give herself some space. "But yes.. Syempre meron akong dala. Na miss ko kita eh. (Of course I brought you something! I missed you.)" She happily said as she carried her bag to one of the chairs letting out a tired sigh as she finally sat down. "Anyways, I'm being transferred." Maya casually explained as she looked through her things. "The Rapture was repurposed for the new Deep Space Mission, and so going forward," She pulled out a bag filled with various candies and chocolates before handing it to him. She simply went to a random shop in the promenade on the way here, much better than the replicated stuff and she knew Paco could tell the difference. "We'll be working together here. How does that make you feel, bud?"

"To be honest..." Paco asked as he got the candy bag and sat back down on his spot in the couch before he popped a small chocolate in his mouth. "I'm just glad you're even here. I've been feeling kinda homesick lately," He took a deep breath as he admitted this as he looked back at how far he has gone since graduating. The events he went through in the station especially... the chocolate tasted pretty good which was comforting "Actually being a Starfleet Officer is... scarier than I thought. Working with you would make things less scary I guess, 'cause family."

"Aww Paco..." Maya felt pity for her little cousin, knowing how deeply the feeling of homesickness weighed on her as well during her first assignment away from home. She stood up and approached him before she knelt down and gave him a reassuring embrace. "I know being in Starfleet can be scary at first, but you'll never have to face it alone." She said as she sat to sit next to him in the couch, wrapping an arm around his shoulders. "Knowing you... You'll always have friends who'll have your back, and as of today, so will I." She said with a reassuring smile. "Besides, nobody said you cannot leave the station. We have shore leave this month! And isn't your birthday coming up?"

Paco smiled as his cousin embraced him, feeling the comfort of her words and company as he looked back to those he had met so far since arriving here and the more memorable moments he experienced. Shore leave didn't really come up to mind until now when she brought it up, nor did his own birthday, a lot of stuff had slipped his mind from either work or other things. It would feel nice to finally visit earth again, at least for a few days, to reunite with family, and also relive the comforting warmth of home since the station always felt weirdly cold. He took another small tiny square from a chocolate bar before softly saying. "Thanks, Mai..."

"No problem" Maya simply nodded as she saw Paco feel a little better, relieved to know he could have something to look forward to for himself. She couldn't imagine what Paco had gone though since the last time had seen each other, but she was glad to see that he has been doing well. "Anyway, I'mma hit the sack... the move's been a lot, and my first shift starts in the morning... Let's get lunch together when you're free." She said as she stood up to stretch before she gave her cousin a head pat and playfully ruffled his hair a little bit, walking over to her personal quarters and letting out a deep breath. "Night, Pac's." Maya said with a soft tired smile as the doors swooshed open. She did a double take as she finally noticed the Lt. Cmdr. Data poster right across from her and, not knowing how to feel about its gaze... or why Paco held on to it wherever he went for so many years, gave it a subtle nod of respect before she walked in her room to finally retire at bed.

"Night..." Paco quietly said shortly after the doors closed. He took a little bit of time to think, reaching over to his PADD scrolling over a list of personal contacts before finally reaching the name of his father. They had spoken to each other on occasion, but beyond subspace conversations, Paco had never really visited home since after he graduated from the academy. It was a bit nerve wracking, taking in a couple of deep breaths as he thought about what exactly to say, but after a little bit, he was able to send something to his dad.

To: Donato David Umali From: Lt. JG. Paco Ruiz Umali Hey Dad, How are you? I'm thinking of visiting home in a couple of days for our Shore Leave this month. I know Starfleet isn't exactly what you had in mind in terms of where I would be going with my life, but thank you and Lola so much for all your love and support on my path here... I hope we could make up for all the lost time we had since we last saw each other... because I plan on using on staying home with you and the family... Also Maya is here and she's coming with. She suddenly dropped by and said she got transferred to the Station... so we're co-workers and roomies now! pls give Tiyo Mhar and Tita Rae my regards. We both hope to see you all soon! Love & Miss You Dad! Paco

After the message was sent, Paco took a sip of his coca-cola and laid back down in the sofa, letting out a sigh as he resumed his little cool down routine as the Klingon Opera which had quietly played throughout all of this continued on in its transition to its final overture.

To: Lt. JG. Paco Umali @Lt. JG. Paco Umali From: Lt. Cdr. Evoras Lhai'Ivek Under consideration of the quality of your recent work, as well as your assumed capability to handle molten tables, tired colleagues, paperwork and suchlike, you’re being offered a position as ACSO. Attached to this message there is some informative material on what this position would entail. Should you have any further questions, it would be convenient if you could inform me, preferably via a reply to this message. In case you accept or should you feel it would be beneficial if you could ask me further questions in person, it would be appreciated if you could come by my office at some point in the near future. Sincerely, Lieutenant Commander Lhai’Ivek

To: Lt. Cdr. Evoras Lhai'veh @Lt. Cdr. Evoras Lhai'Ivek From: Lt. JG. Paco Umali I feel very honored for the offer, I'll see you in your office when I can. Respectfully, Lieutenant-Junior Grade Umali