Miscommunication
A/N: All Vulcan terminology courtesy of the Vulcan Language InstituteDisclaimer: Paramount owns all. I'm just borrowing.
Chapter 2
Hoshi Sato glanced about Engineering as she walked past the warp core to the Chief Engineer's office. She didn't get down here much, so the setting always seemed a bit exotic.
I wonder what the Commander wants, she thought. His communiqué had simply requested her presence and her silence. Maybe he needed a code decrypted? But in that case, why hadn't the orders come from the captain? Actually, now that she thought about it, had his message really been an order? Or was it a personal request?
All speculation ceased as she rounded the corner and came upon Commander Tucker outlining some engineering task for two crewmen. She waited patiently for him to finish. Once he sent the crewmen on their way, he came straight to her.
Hoshi! Great! Let's go! He led the way to his office and shut the doors behind them once they had entered. When he faced her, however, his purposeful manner disappeared. Um, have a seat, Lieutenant. Would you like something to drink? He waved vaguely at a pitcher that probably contained coffee. When Hoshi shook her head no, he then waved at a half-eaten ham sandwich. Some food? Again Hoshi shook her head no, perplexed by his behavior. What was going on?
Sir, you said you needed my expertise? she finally queried. He nodded, running his hand through his hair. When he made no other response, Hoshi persisted. Is it an Engineering matter? Or Communications?
Finally, he met her eyes. No, it's...well, it's kinda personal. When Hoshi remained silent, he went on. I...um...I need language lessons. You're the expert, so I was hopin'... he trailed off, looking at her apprehensively.
Hoshi was a bit shocked, but she tried to hide it. Well, of course I could help you with that, sir, she responded. I've done a lot of teaching. What language did you want to learn?
I'm okay at memorizing the words and stuff, Trip went on as though she had not spoken. It's just that my pronunciation really stinks. He began to pace the office. And like I said, it's pretty personal. I wouldn't want anyone to know about it... He trailed off again.
You can rely on my discretion, Commander, she assured him in her most professional voice—Hoshi Sato, Communications Officer. What on earth could be so personal about learning another language?
You promise? The engineer pounced on her statement. You swear you won't tell anyone?
His earnest plea catapulted Hoshi back to her childhood. Should I say, Cross my heart and hope to die?' she wondered. Or maybe just offer to pinkie swear. That was always good enough for the other kids on the block.
she began, trying to keep the exasperation out of her voice. Lieutenant Reed considers me a very low security risk. I would think that would be enough for you, as well. He continued to pace and glance at her with apprehension. She sighed, giving in to his paranoia. Okay! I promise, I won't tell anyone. He stopped pacing and looked at her hopefully. Now, what language do you need to learn?
Trip clasped his hands together and looked nervous again. Okay, this is getting ridiculous, Hoshi thought. she prodded.
he blurted so fast that Hoshi could only blink at the incomprehensible statement.
Commander Tucker repeated himself, but did not reduce the velocity of his delivery.
His second utterance was no more intelligible than the first, but Hoshi's trained ear caught the significant word.
she asked incredulously. You want me to teach you to speak Vulcan?
Commander Tucker looked at her for a brief moment, then dropped his eyes to the floor and nodded. Hoshi noticed that his ears were flaming red.
Ooooooooooooh! she thought, suddenly enlightened. Yes, this certainly is a personal request!
Too bad he'd sworn her to secrecy. She would have loved to crow to Travis about how the ship's grapevine had been right on the money!
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Once Hoshi had managed to get her superior officer past his initial embarrassment, she convinced him that they should discuss their language attack strategy over a snack. Luckily for the commander's paranoia, the mess hall was nearly empty for their discussion.
Commander Tucker was happy to explain that he thought it would be a sign of respect to a fellow officer if he took the time to learn her language. Hoshi's eyes ached with the effort to keep from rolling them. She must not have been very successful, because the commander apparently felt the need to defend his position.
It's just that she called me her friend—in Vulcan. I was real flattered, but when I tried to call her friend' back—in Vulcan—I ended up calling her
Hoshi sought clarification. You called her thelik' or
Tucker nodded miserably. The second one, I think. I'm not the swiftest guy in the world, but even I know that you never call a woman fat. Even if she's as big as the starboard nacelle!
The engineer seemed truly distraught at the idea of having insulted Sub-Commander T'Pol. Since she's a Vulcan, she would never say so, but I think she was pretty pissed off.
Hoshi ran though all the potential vocabulary that could have caused this misunderstanding. There seemed to be only one possibility, but she wanted to make sure. Okay. So Sub-Commander T'Pol called you... Hoshi eyed him in the hopes of clarification.
Thy...they...something that started with th,' anyway! Commander Tucker was unwilling to even attempt the offending word.
Hoshi ventured.
The engineer's eyes lit up. That's the one! She said it means good friend.'
Hoshi eyed him speculatively. That's not all it means, she thought. Yep, the ship's grapevine definitely had those two pegged.