PNPC Nadevia Virtavi-Yaros - A Rare Find

[LT Tamio K'Wara]

(( Elysium - Deck 5, USS Artemis-A ))

A uniform of gold could mean many things aboard a Starfleet vessel. The wearer of the uniform could be amongst the service workers of the crew, the ones who ensured the usage of the Holodecks was reserved and utilized in a proper manner, the ones who ensured that the showers and the transporters functioned properly. They could also be amongst the Engineers, that most wondrous of vocations, that ensured the continued function of the vessel itself, the medical professionals of the technological world. Or they could be the guardians of the crew, the ones to protect you in a time of need and crisis.

And based upon the priority of the Lieutenant before her - to ascertain whether Nadevia, who to the naked eye had no Starfleet training to rely upon, felt safe in her residence aboard the Artemis - Nadevia surmised that she was dealing with one of the latter.

Virtavi-Yaros: Your concern is most understandable, Lieutenant. Ah, do pardon me, I fear I quite overlooked the proper courtesies in my eagerness to speak of my profession. If I might inquire your name, and beg forgiveness for the delay with which I do so?

Storm: I’m Alex Storm.

Nadevia offered a polite nod at now knowing the name by which her conversation partner conducted herself, even if she didn’t miss the hesitancy with which she offered that knowledge.

Virtavi-Yaros: The pleasure of making your acquaintance, Lieutenant Storm, is truly exquisite. As to your concerns, allow me to assure you that I feel perfectly secure aboard this most estimable vessel. The crew, if I may be so bold, ranks among the very finest in the Quadrant. And though there was, admittedly, a rather alarming episode most recently wherein the entire starboard side was exposed to the void, I have suffered no injury - save, perhaps, the occasional loss of a few bobs and baubles from my quarters.

Storm: And bobs and baubles can usually be replaced without immense difficulty as long as they aren’t family heirlooms.

That notion made Nadevia’s smile widen a bit. The notion that she, the tertiary scion of a mere Branch of the grand Virtavi dynasty, would be allowed to bring any family heirlooms away from Kantare, was ludicrous to her.

Virtavi-Yaros: I would not presume, Lieutenant, to suppose how familiar you may be with the customs of Kantare, but I do assure you - no treasured heirlooms of the Virtavi dynasty met with an improper fate in the rather unceremonious venting of my quarters. All such articles of true value remain quite secure within our Legacy Vault on Kantare itself. ::adjusts hair slightly:: Now that I have acquainted you with the purpose Starflirt serves aboard this vessel - and indeed, within the Fleet at large - I do hope you might be persuaded to give it fair consideration.

A familiar crack in the gentile hospitality Alexandra had offered her during their conversation occurred as soon as Nadevia touched upon the possibility of her signing up for Starflirt, but Nadevia’s expression didn’t change. She was so familiar with the reluctance that the crew treated her choice of occupation that it didn’t bother her. Instead, it just made her all the more persistent.

Storm:  While I am sure that some people would find this concept of needed connection helpful.  I should to tell you that I’m married and don’t currently find myself in need of your services.

See now, that was the way to truly surprise and astound Nadevia Virtavi-Yaros. For a moment, she was certain that she had misheard, but as she relived the memory of that sentence five times within a second, she clapped her slender pale hands together with clear joy.

Virtavi-Yaros: How truly delightful to hear - and I must say, something of a rarity amongst your fellow officers. Do forgive me, should my enthusiasm in speaking of our service have caused you the slightest discomfort; it was never my intention to do so.

Nadevia’s enthusiasm dimmed slightly as she noted a dark shadow passing over the woman’s features at her expression, and she lowered her hands. While she couldn’t claim empathy or telepathy like some other species could, Nadevia considered herself quite competent at gauging people. She had to be in order to be a good recruiter, and she sensed that Alexandra wanted nothing more than to change the subject in that moment.

Storm: But being new on the ship, as you earlier surmised, I am open to making acquaintances, eventually even to making good friends.  Everyone needs those - real connections - don’t you think?

Virtavi-Yaros: Indeed, I do. Far too often, I witness Officers - many of whom I have come to regard with real affection during my time aboard the Artemis - choose to close their hearts to connection, driven by a fear that such bonds may falter or be cruelly severed by the hand of misfortune. And yet, I would venture to suggest that while this may shield them from sorrow, it likewise dims the richness - the very colour and value - of their daily existence. To my mind, that is a sadness all its own, and the far more grievous one.

Storm: Response

Virtavi-Yaros: I never learned the name of the philosopher who uttered these words, I confess, but it is something I once heard during my time at Starfleet Academy on Earth: ‘Don't miss out on something that could be great, just because it could also be difficult.’ Despite the simplicity of its construction, as is commonplace for Earth sayings, it struck me then, and strikes me still. I daresay it is a reflection from which we might all take some comfort - and perhaps, some courage - particularly in these uncertain days.

Storm: Response

TAG/TBC

PNPC Nadevia Virtavi-Yaros

Starflirt Representative

As simmed by

LT Tamio K’Wara

Operations Officer

USS Artemis-A

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