Ensign Ollie Bergmen - Little diplomatic mess - part 1

[CPT Arianus]

(( Wallace Colony, Kahines II ))

Lyara: What the hell was that?

The words left Ensign Bergmen motionless and wiped the smile clean off his face.

Bergmen: I thought it would be better to talk with those two alone, without possible interference from Fiell. Our intelligence contact more or less agreed, so I decided to proceed. You know, people tend to expect more privacy, and when they are given it, they are usually more honest.

Ollie's answer clearly didn't sit well, as he could tell in that moment.

Lyara: Well, the next time you feel the need to make a major decision like that. Consult us first, our guide is here to help us. ::Beat:: And don’t misgender them.

Bergmen shrugged and muttered a response that suggested he had some understanding of the conversation. Lyara averted her gaze from the second ensign and gestured towards the settlers.

Lyara: I’ll handle this.

Bergmen: If you wish…

Ollie followed Lyara as she walked towards the silo and greeted the two settlers with a friendly wave. Settlers paused their tasks and came over to join them. The Caitian was the first to approach the two officers, followed by the older man. They appeared welcoming and seemed to anticipate visitors.

Hazel: Afternoon, we were informed you wanted to speak with us?

Lyara nodded in agreement and offered Caitian a slight bow as a gesture of respect.

Lyara: Yes, I’m Ensign Lyara Alroyo and this is my colleague.

Ensign Bergmen friendly nodded with a smile.

Bergmen: Ensign Ollie Bergmen. Starfleet Operations.

Caitian reciprocated the subtle bow to Lyara and gestured towards herself.

Hazel: I’m Hazel.

The older man moved ahead and extended his hand for a handshake to both Starfleet officers.

Barto: And I’m Barto, it’s a pleasure to work with you guys.

Bergmen: It's a pleasure to meet you both.

Lyara: The pleasure is all mine, we just wanted to know if you wanted to answer some questions over lunch. ::She looked up at the afternoon sky:: Although we’re getting close to supper aren’t we?

Hazel and Barto laughed with Lyara about the time frame. The two settlers then exchanged glances and shrugged.

Barto: Why the hell not?

Ollie exchanged looks with his fellow officer and exchanged shrugs.

Lyara: How’s gagh sound?

Ensign Bergmen's expression was hard to miss; it conveyed a mix of disgust and an urgent urge to vomit. Klingon cuisine certainly wasn’t on his list of top choices—it was more like, "I'd rather die than eat that."

oO But what else could I do? Oo

So, without uttering a word, Bergmen silently trailed behind his colleague toward a place where even hell could be seen as a privilege for the fortunate.


TBC

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Ensign Ollie Bergmen
Operations Officer
U.S.S. Artemis-A
A240009JC1