Ensign Meris - But I Don't Want to Leave Friendless and Bankrupt
Meris/Brian
OOC: I think Natasha's reply was overlooked so I've tried to weave it back in.
(( Main Mess Hall - Deck 3, USS Artemis-A ))
The J'naii helmsperson had been looking forward to sharing a new experience with Doctor Bancroft in the Artemis' Main Mess Hall. The Doctor had recommended they 'let down their hair' and see what the Artemis had to offer in terms of recreation. They had not been prepared for the lively, convivial atmosphere that greeted them - and even less prepared for the presence of Lieutenant Tamio K'Wara.
K’Wara: Well now, this seems like a party.
Meris: ::quietly:: Do I have a veridian patch on my back?
Bancroft: ::without looking:: If you did, you’d already be in a holding cell somewhere exotic. So... probably not.
Satisfied by the Doctor's assessment, Meris turned their focus to introducing Bancroft to K'Wara.
Meris: This is Doctor Bancroft.
Bancroft: ::friendly, to K’Wara:: Dr. Roy Bancroft. The pleasure’s mine. ::to Tho’Bi, grinning:: Dr. Roy Bancroft - the pleasure’s all yours, I’m sure.
Meris tilted their head slightly, finding the Doctor's greeting unusual. Then they reasoned that Bancroft and Tho'Bi - both of whom had been aboard longer than they had - probably already knew each other. Turning their attention to the Andorian, they noticed he seemed to be trying to leave, only to be stopped by a woman the helmsperson did not know.
Cole: ::Big Smile:: Hi! Were you going to find me? That was very kind of you. ::feigning concern:: You weren’t trying to duck out on the fun, were you? ::smile turning to a smirk::
Meris: ::approaching the young woman:: I am Ensign Meris, Helmsperson, and this is Doctor Bancroft.
Bancroft: ::extending his hand, bright fake smile:: Roy Bancroft, Ensign, M.D., general nuisance. My friends call me Crashcart. Pleasure to meet you.
Cole: Nice to meet you, Ensign Meris. ::making mental note of their specific wording of position:: I’m Ensign Natasha Cole, Security. And I am already familiar with Doctor Crashcart. ::gently nudging his arm::
Cole: ::to K'Wara:: It’s nice to see you again, Lieutenant K’Wara. ::to all:: So, what's the game plan?
Roy pointed toward a game table advertising Galaxy-opoly. The board sprawled across the surface, littered with credit chips and plastic starships. A holographic Ferengi banker presided over the board and the chaos.
Bancroft: You ever played that one? It’s the galaxy’s longest-running war of attrition disguised as a board game. The Grok Brothers bought the rights from some ancient Earth company and made it “more engaging.” Which is to say, less about property and more about economic conquest and the occasional hostile takeover.
Meris tilted their head again, considering this. They were not familiar with the game, and something about Roy's description made the corner of their mouth twitch downward.
K’Wara/Cole/Tho’Bi: Response
Bancroft: ::gesturing to the table:: It’s a perfect way to spend three hours and end up friendless and bankrupt.
Meris: ::openly frowning:: That does not sound like an enjoyable way to spend three hours.
The last thing the J'naii wanted was to leave here friendless. If that were the outcome, they would have been far better off staying focused on their data PADD with the assignment from Lieutenant Vailani - much better off.
K’Wara/Cole/Tho’Bi: Response.
Bancroft: Don’t worry - the only real skill you need is the ability to crush hope without blinking. Flipping tables is a bonus.
Meris’ frown deepened at the description. Still standing next to Ensign Cole, they stepped closer until their arms touched, as if attempting to use the Security Officer as a shield against both the game and the Doctor’s words.
Meris: Aren't there any nicer games? Ones that help us make friends, rather than lose them?
K’Wara/Cole/Tho’Bi: Response.
(( TAG/TBC ))
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Ensign Meris
Helm Officer
USS Artemis-A
A240207M14