Lt Alex Storm - Family Ties
Karen Morris
(( Molly Malone’s Irish Pub – First Promenade, Deck 225, Deep Space 224 ))
While the name Vailani wasn’t one with which she was familiar, Silveira was one with which she was well acquainted.
Storm: I have not met Lieutenant Vailani, but I knew Lieutenant Silveira before I was stationed here. We are old friends. You’ll like the Silveira - Sil - I think. But tell me, were you born to fly - if you know what I mean - or is flying what you were best at in your Academy aptitudes?
Alex uncrossed her legs and leaned forward slightly as if genuinely interested in the J'naii's answer.
Meris: No, I was not 'born to fly'. In fact, I had never piloted any type of craft prior to attending the Academy Flight Workshop the summer before my first year at the Academy. I had sought opportunities that might take me off the J'naii homeworld. Those opportunities are generally few and far between. Starfleet was one such opportunity and, after meeting with a recruiter, they suggested I take a series of aptitude tests to see where I might put my talents to use in the Fleet. I achieved high marks for spatial awareness, reaction time, and situational judgment. Based on my scores, an Academy Counselor suggested I participate in a Flight Workshop in the months before I started my first year. It was there that I learned the principles of flight and had my first opportunity to fly a training craft.
Storm: I’ve never really known any J'naii. I've only ever interacted with one other J'naii, Meris. Why don’t you tell me a little about your people? I’d be interested to learn about them through your eyes.
Meris: ::thoughtfully considering the question:: Well, Lieutenant, J’naii society is... efficient. We have no gender, which confuses some species who cannot imagine conversation without 'he' or 'she.' We simply use 'they' for everyone. Romantic relationships occur, but probably not in the manner you're familiar with. These are always between two J’naii. Anything else is seen as a dangerous deviation - which, I suppose, is our version of a strong "no entry" sign. Families are structured around shared responsibility, not biology, and no one argues over who the 'real' parent is. Our disagreements are usually about who forgot to water the hydroponic plants. In short - we value harmony, shared purpose, and societal balance. It works for us... most of the time.
Meris: What about you, Lieutenant? Were you 'born to Tactical'?
As Meris entered her personal space, Alex shifted sideways slightly, placing her elbow on the bar, but she kept her friendly smile.
Storm: In many ways, I was born to Tactical. My mother was a peacekeeper - kind of like a tactical officer. I was able to spend time in the office with her and others when I got older. I shadowed a couple of different officers. And when I went to the Academy, it was a very natural choice for me. I like knowing that I’m keeping people safe.
Meris: Response
Storm: You mentioned how families are structured. Why don’t you tell me about your family, Meris?
Meris: Response
Storm: You’re right. That’s different than most societies that I’m familiar with. But isn’t that part of the wonder of the Federation, we are all different, but we can work together in harmony.
Meris: Response.
~*~
Tags / TBC
~*~
Lt Alex Storm
Tactical Officer
USS Artemis
O240103SK2