Naruto: Infinity Divide
Symbiotic Relationships
Blanket Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Star Trek
AUTHOR'S NOTES:
And now for something completely different! This installment will explore our favorite quirky Trill's character a bit. The Trill race was mainly on Deep Space Nine for background, but they were in the Federation going way back. Here is Chapter 85, Enjoy!
Port = Left
Starboard = Right
[ ] Signifies a foreign language
{ } Signifies hand signs
…
Last time:
Planet Atra Orbit, NCC-638 U.S.S. Grissom
Commander Lyakat was speaking with Fleet Captain Naruto from his quarters aboard the Grissom. The Saurian scientist was explaining the situation on the surface to the blonde Vulcan. "The people of Rzom-thul consider you to be a great Sage, Doctor Naruto. It's a shame you can't stay for a while as they wake up."
"That's where you, Doctor Devlok and the many scientists studying the Tkon Empire come in Doctor Lyakat." replied Naruto. "I believe you've only scratched the surface of Rzom-thul now that it is open. Alison and I will be watching for your papers on the Tkon eagerly."
"It's still a crying shame this war is on, and the Wolverine has to fight in it." said Lyakat. "Minds like the Think Tank should be involved in loftier pursuits than fighting against the Klingons."
Naruto nodded. "I couldn't agree more." He gave the Vulcan Salute. "Peace and long life Doctor Lyakat."
The Saurian smiled. "Until we meet again Doctor Naruto."
…
Federation Space, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine
Jackie Nodaway saw Naruto step out of his Ready Room and onto the Bridge. The blonde Fleet Captain turned to Rafi and asked, "Course and speed?"
The Trill reported, "On course for Soll III, speed Warp Factor Four."
"Steady as she goes Rafi." said Naruto.
Rafi smiled. "Aye sir, steady as she goes."
After checking in with everybody, the Fleet Captain took the command chair and thought back to the first time he'd sat in in a command chair aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise as a boy so long ago. 'It's been a long journey, but it's been worth it.' he thought wistfully.
Shizuka spoke to him mentally, 'Getting sentimental in your old age, Fleet Captain?"
'Just reflecting on things Shizuka.' he thought warmly.
…
Chapter 85
Stardate 2286.104, Federation Space, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine, Bridge
While the Wolverine was travelling to Sol III, Chief Communications Officer M'rella was at her station monitoring incoming transmissions. Then something unusual came through on an encrypted frequency, a Priority One transmission from the Symbiosis Institute*① on Planet Trill for Lieutenant Raft Avana. M'rella's ears perked up and she asked, "Rafi, is your last name Avana? I've never heard you give a last name."
That Trill woman sighed slightly and said, "It was but I dropped the name when I entered Starfleet. Why do you ask?"
The Caitian woman replied, "I have a Priority One Message from the Symbiosis Institute on Trill for you. They say it's urgent."
Rafi frowned. "I wonder what the elders want. Pipe it through on the main screen M'rella." She looked over at Samui who looked concerned for her friend. "I have nothing to hide." said the Trill helmsman.
The screen came on and everybody saw the Trill Ambassador to the Federation, Curzon Dax*②. He was a young Trill in his twenties and seemed surprised to see the bridge crew of the U.S.S. Wolverine instead of just Rafi on a private channel. He said, "I'm Ambassador Curzon Dax of Planet Trill. I was hoping to speak with Starfleet Lieutenant Rafi Avana in private."
Rafi stated, "There is nothing you have to say to me that can't be shared with my shipmates old one."
Dax chuckled at the blatant disrespect and said, "You always were a little spitfire. The Symbiosis Institute has a proposal for you Rafi Avana. I believe you will be very pleased to hear about it, but I need you to come home to Trill to accept the offer in person."
"The Federation is at war you know." said Rafi. "Starfleet Command can't just bend the rules to bring me there at your whim Ambassador Dax. Maybe next time I come home on shore leave I'll swing by."
The Trill Ambassador frowned. "You know time is of the essence! Your family-"
"I'm in Starfleet now." said Rafi. "The Think Tank is my family. Leave me out of the Symbiosis Institute's grand designs. This transmission is over."
…
Planet Trill, Capitol City of Mak'ala, Symbiosis Institute
Ambassador Curzon Dax was in shock. "She just cut me off… I don't believe this."
He heard a chuckle behind him and saw the current head of the Trill Symbiosis Commission, "It seems you are losing your edge in your old age, Dax." the woman said mirthfully. "What are you going to do? There isn't much time left."
'I'm going to put in a call with the Starfleet Admiralty." stated Curzon. "I can't make Audrid Dax's*③ mistakes ruin things now. She had personal reasons for disliking for young Rafi Avana and it made her err in judgement."
…
Stardate 2286.106, Federation Space, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine, Captain's Ready Room
Two days later, Fleet Captain Naruto was conversing with Admiral Morrow on an encrypted channel. The Admiral said, "You know I don't like breaking the rules Fleet Captain Naruto. Normally I would have simply denied this request, but the Trill Ambassador Curzon Dax has specifically asked for your helmsman Lieutenant Rafi Avana to return to her homeworld, and report to the Trill Symbiosis Commission for a matter of great importance."
"And do we know what this 'matter of great importance' is?" asked Naruto. "Starfleet has a duty to safeguard its personnel whether they are officers or enlisted Admiral."
Morrow nodded. "We are in complete agreement on that point Fleet Captain. Keeping your crew safe is paramount, which is why I don't like giving these orders. I'm unaware as to why the Ambassador made this unusual request but if it puts her in danger then by all means pull her out of harm's way."
"I will see what I can find out from Lieutenant Rafi while we are enroute to Planet Trill Admiral…" replied the blonde.
…
U.S.S. Wolverine, Staffroom
Naruto called for a staff meeting to inform them of their new orders. After everyone was seated, the blonde Vulcan stated, "We have been ordered to proceed to Planet Trill by the Admiralty due to a request by Ambassador Curzon Dax. I was informed that Lieutenant Rafi is needed there but not why. Rafi, it is up to you whether you would like to discuss this matter or keep it private."
"Dax, that old bastard…" grumbled Rafi. "I would like to discuss it Naruto."
The blonde nodded. "Know that the officers and crew of the Wolverine will protect you at all costs."
The Trill woman smiled. "Thank you. I know you all have my back."
Ino asked, "Who is this Ambassador that aggravates you so much?"
Rafi drummed her fingers and said, "What do you all know about the Trill species?" She motioned the Doctor Shelly Wilson and added, "Specifically about joined Trills."
Doctor Wilson brightened up and said, "I've never met a joined Trill but as I understand it, a humanoid Trill acts as a host to a sentient Symbiont Trill and the personalities of the two merge. Symbionts often live many lifetimes and join several hosts throughout their existence. It's exceedingly rare though, so only the best and brightest Trills are chosen to be hosts…like you Rafi."
The helmsman said, "You are essentially correct Shelly. There are very few Symbionts to go around and the competition to be joined to one is fierce. My parents were both joined and were leaders in the fields of Astronavigation and Astrodynamics. It was my dream to follow in their footsteps and become a joined Trill myself."
"But you hold Doctorates in both those fields and are absolutely brilliant Rafi." said M'rella. "I'd think you'd easily qualify."
"Why do I get the feeling politics are involved…?" asked Shar dubiously.
Rafi smiled humorlessly. "Right you are, Shar. It's all controlled by the Trill Symbiosis Commission. If someone with influence there wants you out then you are out. Audrid Dax was high ranking and disliked me for some reason, so the old bat had me summarily ejected from the program, no questions asked. She became Head of the Symbiosis Commission before she kicked the bucket a couple of years back."
"And this Ambassador Dax is a descendant of hers?" asked Ino.
The Trill woman said, "Curzon Dax is the same Symbiont joined with a new host. He would have Audrid's memories and for some reason wants to contact me on behalf of the Commission. The only reason I can think of is they want to join me with a specific Symbiont. The Commission ruined my life once but I'm not going to let it happen again."
"I have one question though it is out of simple curiosity." said Alison. Seeing the helmsman nod she asked, "Why did you stop using your last name?"
Rafi replied, "It was my own symbolic way of breaking away from my past."
…
Rafi's Quarters
Samui was over having a drink with Rafi and said, "I didn't want to bring it up in front of the others but that's how you lost your fiancé too, wasn't it?"
Rafi looked surprised. "You know about that?"
The blonde bombshell nodded. "Remember when we were Cadets, and you drank so much? One night you got really wasted and broke down crying. You said Jori left you because you couldn't be joined anymore. I didn't know what you meant at the time, but we ended up staying up all night until you calmed down."
Rafi bowed her head. "You are a good friend Samui. Jori and I met when we were twelve and both in the Symbiont Institute Program. We were inseparable. He was a genius poet and musician. I really loved him. When I got thrown out of the program, he dropped me faster than an unstable warp core. I was shattered inside and started drinking. I guess I was a real mess when we first met wasn't I?"
Samui replied, "I just wish I'd understood the situation better back then. I just thought you liked to party. Maybe I could have helped more."
The Trill smiled. "You have been my best friend since we were Cadets, Samui. That's good enough for me."
…
"Personal Log, Stardate 2286.112. Fleet Captain Naruto M'Fau reporting. We have entered the Trill System, which is where our helmsman Rafi's homeworld is. As she described, the planet's oceans have a purple tint when viewed from space."
"My crew has noted several points of interest on this world. Unfortunately, we are not here for shore leave but are here on orders to bring Lieutenant Rafi before the Symbioses Commission which is an important part of the Trillian Government. It is my hope that this matter is resolved without incident but somehow, I doubt it will be."
…
Planet Trill, Capitol City of Mak'ala
After entering orbit, Rafi beamed down in the company of her best friend Samui Schrodinger and was greeted by two members of the Trill Symbiosis Commission, a male and female. The female said to Samui, "You aren't a Trill."
Samui replied "No, I'm not. I'm a human."
Rafi said in an acidic tone, "Lieutenant Commander Samui Schrodinger is here to accompany me as both my friend and fellow Starfleet Officer. She's my witness in case the Commission does something stupid…again."
The two Trills looked highly offended, and the male said authoritatively, "Know you place young one."
The helmswoman smiled meanly. "I do know my place; out in space and not here on Planet Trill summoned against my will."
"Who are they?" asked Samui.
"They are low ranking joined Trills that are lackies for the Commission." said Rafi. "I doubt either of them is more than a generation old."
"You ungrateful child!" bellowed the female. "We are prepared to bestow the greatest of gifts upon you and you talk to us like this?!"
Rafi growled, "Kiss my a-"
That's when a male voice interjected, "Rafi, you are as fiery as ever. Look at how beautiful you've become!"
Samui and Rafi turned to face the voice and saw a very handsome brunette Trill male that was about their age. The blonde bombshell wondered who he was until Rafi said sadly, "Jori Modo…"
He smiled warmly. "It's Jori Salet now."
"So, you joined with the Salet Symbiont." said Rafi. "I guess all your dreams came true."
"Not all of them." said Jori as he reached out and caressed her face. "But soon they will! Once you've been joined, we can be together again! Rafi, now more than ever, I love yo-"
Jori never saw the vicious right hook coming from Rafi that completely flattened him. The young Trill woman yelled, "You disgusting, elitist pig! You aren't fit to breathe the same air I am! Take your so-called 'love' and get out of my sight!" He groaned pitifully in response. "What? No poetic comeback? You're losing your touch Jori." she said derisively.
"I think you broke his jaw…" said Samui flatly.
"Elder Salet!" screeched the two Commission members in horror.
"…Meta*④…" slurred out Jori. "Rafi is to be joined with the Symbiont Meta. Please forgive me Rafi." he moaned through the pain.
Rafi looked completely shocked. She flipped open her communicator and said, "Lieutenant Rafi to Wolverine. Come in Wolverine."
"Wolverine here. We read you loud and clear Rafi." replied M'rella's purring voice. "What is your status?"
"Bad." answered Rafi. "I have two for immediate beam out."
Jori Salet saw Rafi and Samui shimmer out of existence and shed a tear.
…
Ambassador Curzon Dax's Office
Dax was looking at the beat-up Jori and thundered, "What in hell happened out there Salet?! I asked you to extend the olive branch, not get your face rearranged!"
Salet was black and blue. He said miserably, "I tried to tell her I still loved her, and she hit me…"
Curzon nearly face planted on his desk. "Get me in communication with the Captain of the U.S.S. Wolverine immediately!" he told his secretary.
…
Planet Trill Orbit, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine, Captain's Ready Room
Within minutes, Fleet Captain Naruto M'Fau was on a private channel talking to Ambassador Curzon Dax. Dax was angry and said, "…And then she hauled off and struck one of our honored elders!"
Naruto replied, "Jori Salet touched my officer inappropriately and she repaid him in kind. It seems to me that the aggrieved party here is my Lieutenant rather than your honored elder." Then the blonde's eyes sparked with chakra. "Give me one good reason Salet should not be brought up on charges Ambassador."
Dax said weakly, "The people of Planet Trill desperately need Rafi Avana."
The Vulcan raised an eyebrow. "Explain." he said.
"I cannot explain a private Trill matter to an outsider." said Ambassador Dax.
"Then I cannot help you." stated Naruto. "It seems this conversation has come to an end."
The Trill exclaimed, "Wait! Is there any way I could come aboard your ship and speak to Rafi Avana in person?"
The blonde said, "I will allow you to come aboard as a matter of diplomatic courtesy but do not expect to be welcomed by Lieutenant Rafi."
"Why do you not call her Lieutenant Avana?" asked Dax in a puzzled tone.
"Because she left that name behind when she left Planet Trill and joined Starfleet." explained the Fleet Captain.
'This is not a good sign.' thought Curzon Dax…
…
U.S.S. Wolverine, Transporter Room One
The Trill Ambassador was welcomed aboard the fast cruiser with a minimum of fanfare and Naruto was alone with Ensign Heidi Gaul at the transporter station when Dax materialized. The Fleet Captain gave the Vulcan Salute and said, "Welcome aboard the U.S.S. Wolverine Ambassador Dax. If you'll follow me, Lieutenant Rafi will be meeting you in the staff room."
Curzon Dax was silently escorted by Naruto and the blonde seemed to be content to lead the Ambassador along with a minimum of interaction. Judging by the looks coming from the bridge crew, Dax wasn't feeling welcomed at all. The Fleet Captain led Curzon into the ship's staff room and said, "Wait here Ambassador, Lieutenant Rafi will join you shortly."
Rafi came in a moment later with a tall, beautiful, and angry(?) Vulcan Security Officer who said, "Call me if you need me, Lieutenant Rafi."
Rafi saluted and said, "Thank you Chief Shizuka. I will." Shizuka stepped out and Rafi sat down while motioning Dax to sit across from her. She said, "Tell me what the Symbiosis Commission wants Ambassador."
Dax saw anger blazing in her brown eyes and said, "The Symbiont Meta's current host is dying of old age. Meta specifically requested to be joined with you, Rafi Avana. I don't need to tell you what an honor it would be to join with one of the oldest living Symbionts-"
Rafi looked bored. "Then it's too bad I was kicked out of the program, Dax. Tell elder Meta it's your fault that it's no longer possible. Is there anything else?"
Curzon's eyes widened in shock. "You-you're passing up on a chance like this?!" he practically screeched.
"Why do you care Dax?" asked Rafi. "You threw me out. I'm surprised you aren't dancing a jig."
"Audrid threw you out due to personal bias." explained Dax. "She was wrong. The Symbiosis Commission has reversed her decision. What do you want me to do, grovel?!"
The young Trill woman growled, "No, I want to see you suffer, Dax. I want to see you writhe on the ground on your belly knowing you failed utterly. That's what I want. I know you idolize Meta above all others."
Dax recoiled in horror. "You'd give up this honor just to hurt me?"
Rafi's face was set in stone, and she nodded. "I would."
The Ambassador looked shattered and said, "I-I don't know what to say… Rafi Avana, I beg of you, talk to elder Meta. Believe it or not or not he is totally enamored with you and your exploits. He has been watching you and the famous Think Tank from afar and wishes to be joined with you. Just talk to him. Please, you'll see I'm telling the truth."
"Get off my ship Ambassador." she replied coldly. "Tell elder Meta and the Commission you failed."
…
Planet Trill, Capitol City of Mak'ala, Irez Meta's Home
Irez Meta was just over a century old but was in misery due to his failing health. He'd always wanted to journey into space to explore but never had the chance in his many lives. Then he'd read about the fantastic adventures that young Rafi Avana had along with the Think Tank. They'd even been to Planet Romulus!
It was rare that a Symbiont requested someone as the Symbiosis Commission generally took care of all that. Meta had always been joined with philosophers, doctors and leaders but now he wanted a life of exploration and adventure.
That was when Irez saw his nurse let Curzon Dax into his room. "Dax, my friend! I've been eagerly awaiting news from you. Did you get in touch with young Rafi Avana? Is she on her way here?"
Curzon looked crestfallen. "I'm…sorry Meta. She's up in orbit in space above Trill but has no interest in joining with you."
"But why? Am I not good enough?" asked Meta in a hurt tone.
Dax waved his hands. "No! It's nothing to do with you! I don't think…"
The elder joined Trill said, "You yourself said she was an ideal host before she chose to join Starfleet."
"Audrid Dax…she threw Rafi Avana out of the program." admitted Curzon. "Now Avana's daughter won't join with anyone."
"Reverse the decision then!" ordered Meta. "We can't have her thinking she's unworthy! The girl is already a bona fide hero!"
"It isn't like that…" replied Dax. "The decision has already been reversed."
Irez Meta frowned. "Then how is it Curzon…?"
…
Stardate 2286.113, Planet Trill Orbit, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine, Counselor Yamanaka's Office
Rafi was talking with Counselor Ino Yamanaka about her current situation. The Trill said, "Back when I was a teenager, the idea of being joined with a Symbiont like Meta would have been like a wildest dream come true but now it seems like several lifetimes ago."
"Is it something you just no longer desire?" asked Ino. "I get the impression you're acting out of vengeance instead of what you may or may not want. I'm not telling you that you are right or wrong. I just want to help you to get past the anger so you can make an informed decision."
The Trill woman said, "I don't really know if I want to be joined any longer. I don't want to change because I love my friends but at the same time, the vast knowledge that a Symbiont like Meta has could be a huge help to the Think Tank."
"Putting others ahead of yourself is admirable but you have to think of what you want first." said the Betazoid. "I've come to know the Think Tank very well and I know if you change in personality or stay just as you are that they will still be your friends and stick by you. Just consider the possibilities and stop thinking about the one called Dax. It's not healthy to dwell on anger. He isn't worth the precious time you've already wasted on him."
…
Samui Schrodinger's Quarters
Rafi was befuddled. "I've received an invitation from elder Irez Meta early this morning to join him for dinner Samui. I don't know what to do."
Samui cocked an eyebrow. "Do you mean an order or an invitation Rafi?"
The Trill smiled weakly. "For you, it would be like being invited to tea with a member of your British Royal Family on Earth. I could turn him down, but it would be a terrible insult."
The blonde bombshell winced. "Ouch. That puts it in perspective for me. Maybe you should go just to meet the guy. It might be cool."
"Oh, it would be cool to meet the elder!" gushed Rafi. "The point is I want to meet him, but I don't want to be manipulated by him."
Samui smiled. "Then take someone with you… like Naruto."
The Trill woman blinked. "Ummm…he said I could bring a guest, but I was thinking about you Samui."
The grinning Augment woman said, "That's why you need Naruto. He can't be manipulated by anybody. You also know he wouldn't back down if God threatened to harm you. Trust me, Fleet Captain Naruto M'Fau is just who you need on this mission Lieutenant Rafi."
…
Captain's Ready Room
The Trill Lieutenant had come to see the blonde Fleet Captain about a very important matter. Now Naruto was surprised to see Rafi of all people acting shy around him. The helmsman said, "I've been invited to dinner this evening…"
"You need clearance to go to the surface?" asked Naruto.
"Well, there's that but it's with a famous elder." she replied.
He raised an eyebrow. "You are well trained in diplomacy Rafi, I trust that-"
The Trill said embarrassed, "It's not that. I kind of need a, well…"
The Vulcan set down his tablet and said, "Just spit it out like you always do Rafi. It's me, Naruto."
Rafi felt all the tension leave her body and she laughed. "Sorry Naruto, I'm allowed to bring a guest and I need you to go with me to dinner. It will be a great honor to meet elder Meta but I'm afraid he might be trying to manipulate me. I need you to be my reality check so that doesn't happen."
Naruto said, "I'm surprised that you don't want Samui to join you."
She answered, "Samui said I should take you because no one manipulates Naruto of Vulcan. I'd feel better if you would come with me."
"When is dinner?" asked the blonde.
"It's at 18:00 hours." said the Trill woman.
"Then I'll clear my schedule Rafi." stated Naruto. "I trust dress uniforms are appropriate?"
"Yes…and thank you Naruto." she said with a smile.
"It will be my pleasure Rafi." replied the Fleet Captain.
…
Planet Trill, Capitol City of Mak'ala, Irez Meta's Home
Irez Meta was very excited to meet Rafi Avana and the famous Fleet Captain Naruto to boot! He lived in retirement but had an affluent home. Meta hoped that Rafi would accept his invitation to become joined with him. A lot was riding on this for the elder.
His nurse Qorra said, "Now elder, try to keep your sense of humor in line. You tend to get out of control, and these are strict Starfleet Officers. One of them is Vulcan for the love of-"
They heard the door chime and Qorra said, "They are here elder. Remember…behave!"
…
A nervous Rafi and a stoic Naruto were at the front door of Irez Meta's large home and Rafi whispered, "What if I make a bad impression?!"
Naruto said, "Steady Lieutenant Rafi. I have full confidence that you will do well." 'I should have had Shelly give her a mild sedative…'
Qorra came to the door and saw the visage of the two Starfleet Officers in their full-dress regalia with rows of medals on each of them. She gulped and said, "Welcome to the residence of honored elder Irez Meta. I am Qorra, his nurse. I hope that you enjoy your visit."
Naruto nodded and said, "I am Fleet Captain Naruto of Vulcan, and this is Lieutenant Rafi. Thank you for your kind invitation."
'Oh my, he's so formal! The elder is going to make a total fool of himself.' thought Qorra with a cringe.
Naruto was reading Qorra like a book and wondered why the nurse was visibly grimacing…
…
An hour and a half later Irez Meta and Rafi were laughing uproariously and having a royally good time as they discussed anything and everything. Naruto was sitting in silence as he drank his tea. 'They are like two peas in a pod.' thought the blonde.
Qorra was horrified. 'They are just alike!' she thought as images of Planet Trill crashing into its sun flew through her mind. 'This is horrible!' She whispered to Naruto, "I'm terribly sorry Fleet Captain. The elder usually isn't this out of control!"
"It is of no concern nurse Qorra." replied the Vulcan quietly. "I'm quite used to it."
…
Meta was soon explaining the situation with Audrid Dax to Rafi and Naruto. The elder was frowning. "You see, Rafi's parents Riz Avana and Ilia Syv were both joined Trills and happily married. Audrid Dax wanted to marry Riz when they were young and was terribly jealous of Ilia as a result."
"So, Dax hated Mom and me by extension." said Rafi bitterly.
"Yes." stated the elder. "That was why she threw you out of the program. Curzon openly admitted this to me only yesterday. Had your parents been here today it never would have happened."
That was when Naruto asked, "If I may ask, what happened to your parents Rafi?"
Rafi replied, "They were testing a new astronavigation system and vanished. No one knows what happened to them. I was eight at the time. That was when I made the decision to go into space and find out. To be honest, it was a naïve idea, but I still wonder. I don't remember them that well honestly."
"It was a great tragedy." stated Irez Meta. "They were both so young and bright and disappeared into the mists. You are the very image of your Mother Rafi. She was a vibrant young woman."
Rafi's eyes moistened a bit and she said, "Thank you elder Meta."
Irez said, "Rafi, I know that my reasons for asking you here were rather transparent, but I think we get along rather well. This old body doesn't have much time left in it. I've had a good, full life as Irez but Meta needs to be joined with another. I'd like that new host to be you, Rafi Avana."
Rafi looked over at Naruto with hope in her brown eyes. At the unasked question, the blonde said, "You know we all fully support you Rafi. You are our comrade but more importantly are our precious friend."
The Trill woman looked at Meta and said, "I will join with you elder on one condition; I don't wish to give up my career in Starfleet or in the Think Tank. If the Symbiosis Commission can't handle that then the deal is off."
Irez Meta sat in thought and smiled. "I wouldn't have it any other way. I'll get in touch with the Symbiosis Institute and inform them."
…
Stardate 2286.114, Planet Trill Orbit, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine, Recreation Deck
A small celebration was held for Rafi by the Think Tank and many friends aboard the U.S.S. Wolverine. As Rafi would be assimilating eleven previous personalities into her own, (not to mention the 660-year-old Symbiont Meta), there were definitely going to be some changes.
Rafi explained, "A Trill Symbiont is joined with a new host through a surgical procedure. The Symbiont is placed within the abdomen where it develops a connection to the host's body. Once they are joined for ninety-three hours, the Symbiont and host become interdependent and inseparable and would die without each other within hours."
"I wish I could be there for the procedure." said Shelly Wilson. "Both Greg and I requested to be there for the surgery but were denied because it's a private Trill matter."
Ino propped her chin up on her hand and said, "I'm more interested in the previous host's personalities."
The Trill helmsman said, "Symbionts take all the memories of the previous hosts with them, so the new host gains those memories as well. I've been reading up on elder Meta's previous hosts and I'll be his twelfth. He's had six male hosts and I'll be his sixth female host so I should have a very balanced personality once I'm joined."
Kloene cringed. "Don't say that Rafi. If you are balanced, then the whole galaxy will change its axis!"
Naruto interjected, "Having met elder Irez Meta, I am certain that Rafi will remain unhinged as ever."
"Awww, come on guys! I'm not that bad!" whined Rafi.
…
POSTSCRIPT:
*①: Symbiosis Institute -Also known as the Symbiosis Commission, is the Trill government organization responsible for nearly all aspects of the selection, joining and care for both Trill hosts and Symbionts.
*②: Curzon Dax -Is a joined male Trill and the seventh host of the Dax Symbiont as of 2286. He is the Trill Ambassador to the United Federation of Planets. This character was seen on Deep Space Nine when he is much older.
*③: Audrid Dax -Was a joined female Trill and was the fourth host of the Dax Symbiont. She lived from 2224 until 2284. Audrid was the head of the Symbiosis Commission from 2264 until 2280.
*④: Meta -Is an OC Symbiont born in 1626.
This chapter was a lot more fun to write than the last one because it's new, fresh material. I've also wanted to expand on Rafi (among others) for a long time. Next chapter we'll continue with Rafi for a bit. See you next time. Blue out. 3/30/24