Ens Chevalier - When the next day arrives...
CPT Arianus
(( Jaseb quarters, USS Artemis-A, 2401 ))
As Jaseb looked upon the DS9, it was impossible not to feel impressed. The sheer size and majesty of the space station were awe-inspiring. Calm. Peaceful. It was hard to believe that he was here, alive. Suddenly, a sharp pang of pain shot through his side, causing him to hiss in frustration. He quickly rubbed the unaffected muscles through his uniform and took a deep breath. He closed his eyes, trying to focus on the present moment and push the pain to the back of his mind.
The events that he believed had taken place never actually occurred. Despite his vivid memories of the war on Betazod in 2376, he stood here, in his quarters, onboard Artemis in 2401. The Dominion War had ended, and the Federation had emerged victorious. Despite the disorientation and confusion he felt, he knew that what he saw and experienced was simply a figment of his imagination.
Chevalier slowly opened his eyes, his gaze was fixed on the station where Artemis was docked. It was the only thing that made sense to him in that moment - the anchor to his reality. He couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort wash over him as he stared at the familiar sight, knowing that it represented the reality he should hold onto.
The pain, as quickly as it came, was gone again. Jaseb smiled and turned off the lights in the living room of his cabin.
It's time for him to return to duty.
(( OPS Center, USS Artemis-A, deck 5 ))
Ensign Chevalier came to a halt at his designated workstation and picked up the PADD containing the list of stoppages for the day. As he scanned through the tasks that were piled up for him, disbelief washed over him like a wave.
Artemis and its crew may find themselves in the middle of a series of events that seem to defy all odds and are seemingly orchestrated by a powerful being from another dimension. However, despite the strange and otherworldly circumstances, some things remain the same. For instance, there are those who have not forgotten that Ensign Jaseb Chevalier received a reprimand for his actions during their last shore leave on Betazed. It was hard to believe how recently the world was making sense…
Jaseb was examining the list, and he realized that this was his absolution.
Maintenance readjustment and scan of isolinear chip in Junction Gamma-6-7. Replacement of all holodeck filters on decks two and three. Cleaning of the transporter platform Transporter Room 1 this forenoon, Transporter Rooms 2 was designated for an afternoon, and Transporter Rooms 3 should be cleared at night during the graveyard shift - all with a micro-resonator. The list continued, with each point being better than the last. He noticed a task that did not look like the one added to his ACOO.
He clicked on his commbadge and opened a channel.
Chevalier: =/\= Ensign Chevalier for Commander Dakora… =/\=
Dakora: =/\= Response =/\=
Chevalier's lips curved into a small smile as he heard the Commander respond. A flicker of surprise crossed his face as the Commander's words sank in. He hadn't anticipated the Commander being in service so soon, but life had a way of throwing unexpected curveballs.
Chevalier: =/\= Sir, I'm looking at my service task list right now; I have a meeting with you for a mission debriefing… Do you have a moment? =/\=
Dakora: =/\= Response =/\=
Chevalier: =/\= Understood, sir. I’m on my way. Thank you, sir. =/\=
Jaseb tucked the PADD with the work schedule under his arm and pulled another one from his desk to add to it. It never hurts to ask…
(( Corridor to First Officer's office, USS Artemis-A, deck 2 ))
Ensign Chevalier stepped towards the first officer's office, his heart pounding in his chest. He took a deep breath and ran a hand over his uniform, ensuring every crease was straight and his pips and combadge were straightened and polished. With a quick glance at his reflection on the shiny surface of the screen next to the commander’s office, he lifted a hand to smooth down any stray hairs on his head.
Every detail had to be perfect - he had to look flawless.
He took one last deep breath and pressed the doorbell.
After receiving confirmation, Jaseb approached the First Officer's Office. As he entered and the door closed behind him, he stood up straight, his posture reflecting the seriousness he should reflect.
Chevalier: Ensign Chevalier, reporting as per your orders.
Dakora: Response
TAG/TBC