Wisdom of the Ishanni

Posted on Sat Oct 24th, 2026 @ 2:43pm by Cadet Senior Year Elena Alberti & Sia Ishanni

955 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Echoes in the Triangle
Location: Crew Lounge
Timeline: Before Walking on Eggshells

Comprised of twenty-two decks, exploring the length and breadth of the Arcadia had become something of a quest. Restricted areas excluded, of course. For now that she had met Lieutenant White and also reported into the medical department, Cadet Alberti knew she would have to learn everything she could about the Constitution Class vessel. Starting with the basics.

Fortunately, she had time and little desire to spend it staring at the ceiling while lying in her bunk.

Starting on Deck two, she had methodically made a complete loop of the deck before moving on. Building a three dimensional map of the ship one piece at a time as she kept moving on and possibly looking quite insane to anyone who happened to wander past while she uttered the names of rooms and deck numbers under her breath while she walked. It was a slow process but a worthwhile one - at least to her mind.

While knowing your way about the ship was invaluable to anyone, she would be completing her first rotation with security. And she would be no good to anyone if she had to stop and ask the computer for directions or - worse - managed to get herself lost. Now wouldn't that be glory for the Hysperian people?

She paused in midstride when her next turn led to her the crew lounge. Not somewhere she really needed to see, but she imagined this was a popular place and likely saw a fair few moments of over indulgence and frayed tempers. Peering inside she noted it appeared almost deserted so decided it was perhaps a perfect opportunity to look around without disturbing anyone.

At that exact moment, Sia Ishanni was polishing the last glass to return it to it's place on the shelf after a morning of restocking and ensuring preparations were in place for a surprise party due to be held the following day. Hearing the doors open, Sia glanced over her shoulder, watching the young woman who entered and offering her a warm smile. "Welcome," she offered, gesturing around the room, "sit anywhere you like or right here at the bar if you'd like."

Elena looked towards the tall blonde who had welcomed her, offering a small if uncertain smile. "I... was actually just looking around if that's okay?"

"Of course," Sia replied with an easy smile. "You picked a perfect time, Cadet."

Elena eyes widened in surprise, to which Sia offered a small laugh as she added, "my daughter is also at the Academy. Third year. Jade. But I am being rude! My name is Sia, Sia Ishanni. I am the manager here."

As she spoke, Elena saw the woman hold out her hand and after a brief hesitation she moved forward and shook it. "Elena Alberti," she replied. Glancing around she added, "it seems a lovely place."

Sia grinned, "it is. Hard work to keep it running smoothly but worthwhile. Would you like something to eat or drink? Exploring can work up a hell of an appetite."

"Perhaps a water?" Elena decided. After all, she was thirsty. Climbing onto one of the barstools she sat, watching Sia pour her a glass of what turned out to be perfectly chilled water. She moved with the grace of a dancer, and seemed genuine. As she was about to take another sip, she asked, "what made you come to the Arcadia?"

Sia offered a wistful smile as she began re-arranging bottles on the shelf. "I don't often stay in one place too long," she confided as if it were a great secret, "and this opening came up. At the time my ex husband was serving on the ship but he recently went back to retirement."

Elena's eyes widened. "Ex-husband?"

"A long time ago. Fun times, but it wasn't to be. I can't imagine you have any of those yet," Sia chuckled. "I have two of them."

Elena took a long drink. During her time within the Federation she had heard others speak of their failed marriages and former spouses, yet it was an entirely alien concept to her. When you married, you were married until death. How had humans become so ... lost? She pushed that thought aside. She was not here to judge but to learn. And it was not as if she had not felt some poor soul deserved a better husband or wife at their side.

"So, where is home?" Sia asked, making casual conversation.

"Hysperia," Elena answered with a measure of reluctance.

Sia thought for a moment then shook her head, "no... doesn't ring any bells."

"That's okay," Elena smiled, relief clear in her voice.

"Do you miss it?"

Elena paused for a moment, glass of water in hand as she looked out at the view of the stars. "I miss lots of things about home," she conceded, "but I am not ready to go back. Not yet anyway."

"You have a career in Starfleet ahead of you," Sia pointed out with a warm smile, "the universe at your feet."

"Maybe," Elena nodded as she finished her drink. "But before that I need to make it out of the Academy. So I should probably go and finish my unofficial tour."

Sia offered her a warm, encouraging smile, "I am sure you will do great. Happy exploring, Elena. Oh, and perhaps come by on Thursday? It's Karaoke night. You will definitely see a different side to the crew."

Elena wasn't sure if that was a good thing or not as she said her goodbye's and continued on her way. She was almost at engineering when groaned and had to access the computer before not knowing drove her insane.

"Computer, what is a Karakoke night?"

OFF

 

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