Ensign Meris - 'Random' Encounters
Meris/Brian
(( Main Mess Hall - Deck 3, USS Artemis-A ))
During their onboarding physical, Doctor Bancroft had suggested that Meris consider visiting the Main Mess Hall to experience some of the culture and opportunities for relaxation the Artemis had to offer. They had agreed, on the condition that Bancroft escort them there and show them around. Meris was not quite ready to venture into such an unusual place on their own, and since Bancroft knew more about it, he was the natural choice for a guide.
When the duo entered, Meris was surprised to see how lively the place was. The space was intensely colorful, with holographic video screens displaying a variety of media. Several gaming tables were set up throughout the room, most with small groups gathered around them. Some were playing 3D chess in a sort of tournament, while others were deep in a session of Qupids - a strategy game focused on pairing up the right historical figures with the right historical events. The most festive table, however, was playing Rules of Acquisition: The Game. Meris had watched people play it in their Academy dorm’s game room but had never really figured out the rules.
Meris: This place is quite lively!
Bancroft: Response.
Moving through the space and observing the various people, the J’naii noticed that few officers were sporting more than one solid and one hollow pip. It seemed the crowd was largely made up of junior officers and enlisted personnel. At the Rules of Acquisition table, a crewman was about to steal all of an officer’s hard-earned latinum through the application of Rule #31. The officer threatened disciplinary action, and Meris was not sure whether they were joking.
Meris: You do not think he is serious, do you...
Bancroft: Response.
They were about to move on when a familiar voice spoke from nearby.
K’Wara: Well now, this seems like a party.
Meris turned toward the voice and was surprised to see Lieutenant K’Wara in another unusual outfit - though this one was much more muted than the one he had worn on the bridge. Was he here for Lieutenant Vailani’s data PADD? But they had not finished their fourth draft yet. They knew they should have kept working on it instead of coming here to mingle. Was K’Wara tracking them? The lieutenant seemed to be addressing both themself, Bancroft, and an impossibly tall Andorian standing nearby. While the Andorian responded, Meris leaned toward Bancroft and whispered.
Meris: ::quietly:: Do I have a veridian patch on my back?
Bancroft: Response.
Breathing a small sigh of relief, the J’naii pilot looked to K’Wara, then glanced up and further up at the Andorian.
Meris: Yes, quite lively, Lieutenant K’Wara.
Tho’Bi: ::quiet, friendly:: Hey. I’m Tho’Bi. En-Ensign, Engineering.
Tamio K'Wara glanced around the room.
K’Wara: It’s good to meet you, Tho’Bi. My name’s Tamio. ::friendly look to Meris:: Arrived around the same time as Meris, right?
Tho’Bi: Eh... a bit before. Risa shore leave.
Meris: I believe the lieutenant meant that he arrived around the same time as me. In fact, he arrived a day after. ::a beat:: I am pleased to meet you, Ensign Tho’Bi. I am Ensign Meris, helmsperson. This is Doctor Bancroft. ::motioning to Roy::
Bancroft: Response.
K’Wara: Well, I’m dying to try one of these things. Have any of you played these games before? Afraid I’ve never really dabbled in board games before.
Meris considered the question before responding.
Meris: I have experienced some of these games at the Academy, and I was part of the Academy 3D Chess Team. But Rules of Acquisition - the rules have always eluded me.
Meris’ eyes flickered as they noticed Tho’Bi attempting to slip away. They could not fault the Andorian, as they felt much the same way, but it seemed it was not to be, as another officer stopped the Andorian in his tracks.
Tho’Bi: Hey!
Cole: Response.
Meris stepped forward to greet the Human who had stopped Tho’Bi.
Meris: I am Ensign Meris, helmsperson, and this is Doctor Bancroft. ::again motioning to Roy::
Bancroft: Response.
K’Wara: Response.
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Ensign Meris
Helm Officer
USS Artemis-A
A240207M14