Lt. JG Ollie Bergmen - Moments to Memories
CPT Arianus
(( Elysium – Main Lounge, Deck 6 – USS Artemis-A ))
Ollie listened to their voice, allowing his mind to drift with the subtle changes in diction and tone. He embraced the liberating warmth spreading within him, and as that warmth flowed through his body, he released the weight of authority and rank from his shoulders. Let Imril in; let them see the person he was hiding behind so many masks.
Bergmen: Touché. There's no shame in admitting that my record isn't much better… ::blink eye on Imril:: Workaholic to workaholic. ::sigh:: Do you know what? Let’s forget about those pips on our necks. Ollie, nice to meet you. ::extend his soft hand over the table, smiling::
Imril seemed taken aback at first. Maybe a little unsure... Yet, they reached out their hand as they smiled.
Imril: ::Smiling:: Imril. Well met.
It was a strange feeling to have their hand in his, sensing the nerve impulses in his own hand traveling to his mind. He pushed away those intrusive analytical thoughts that urged him to evaluate how soft the ensign's skin was or how strong their grip felt.
It mattered not at all, not here. Not now.
Bergmen: The pleasure is mine.
The lieutenant slowly loosened his grip, allowing Imril to pull away. He gazed at the contours of their face, looking deep into their soul, trying to read those unspoken thoughts as their hands once again wrapped around the cup of raktajino.
Imril: Do people shake hands on Gideon? Or is that something we both picked up from being in Starfleet?
Ollie tilted his head. Hearing those words, this question... was actually absorbing, because in their intonation came his realization that Imril was right—shaking hands was not his thing, not when he was younger…not on Gideon...even though it seemed like the normal thing now to do.
Bergmen: Actually... no. When I think about it now, no. We do not. ::looks confused for the moment, but he laughs:: And yet it felt completely natural to do it now… ::pause:: Interesting, isn't it? How simply life in Starfleet enriches us so profoundly yet unnoticeably…
Imril yet seemed to have the following question they wanted to ask, as they let the lieutenant's words hang in the air while savoring another piece of muffin.
Imril: Of all the ways you’ve seen people from other cultures greet others, what’s your favorite?
There were as many as he could and wanted to share, describe, and experience. Ollie’s fingers circled the rim of the glass, his eyes searching for the right answer in the coffee foam as if they were oracle tea leaves.
Bergmen: I… There are so many. ::pause:: But if I should pick one… ::pause, and glance at Imril:: I should, am I? ::chuckle:: Then, Orions. Their way, they greet each other, is so… ::gesture with hands:: informal, so personal, so… free-spirited? Is it even the word, let alone correct?
The lieutenant nervously bit his lip, trying to suppress the shine of enthusiasm that emanated into his face. He sensed that he wasn't quite hitting the mark, so he clutched his glass of coffee and took a deep sip.
Bergmen: ::sigh:: If I understood correctly, and correct me if I'm wrong. ::pause:: You hinted that the handshake is not a natural way for you to greet someone. And I actually did not meet Bactrican before, so see me as a blank canvas regarding your culture, and...May I ask, what is the way your people greet a friend?
Imril: Response
Ollie listened to Imril with keen interest, evident on his face.
Bergmen: That sounds… so captivating. Can we give it a try? Will you show it to me?
TAG/TBC
–
Lieutenant JG Ollie Bergmen
Operations Officer
U.S.S. Artemis-A
A240009JC1