Ensign Meris - Meris and the Galactic Curriculum
Meris/Brian
(( Molly Malone’s Irish Pub – First Promenade, Deck 225, Deep Space 224 ))
Sitting with Alex Storm at the bar in Molly Malone's, the conversation eventually shifted away from chicken wings to the officers they each reported to.
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?
Meris wondered how long it might be before they felt comfortable referring to someone by their nickname or, better yet, how long it might be before they themself had a nickname among the crew. The J'naii had to admit to feeling a pang of internal jealousy that Lieutenant Silveira already had one. Storm was fortunate to have a superior officer they were so familiar with.
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. 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'? Or did it come to you later?
As Meris entered her personal space, Alex shifted sideways slightly, placing her elbow on the bar, but maintaining 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.
The corner of the J'naii's mouth twitched upward at the emotion evoked by Storm's comments.
Meris: That must be very satisfying then - to have fulfilled your calling.
Storm: You mentioned how families are structured. Why don’t you tell me about your family, Meris?
Meris thought about this for a moment before they responded.
Meris: My family unit may be dissimilar to what you are accustomed to. My parents are Zereth, a scientist, and Tarell, an educator. My twin, Seral, is following Zereth’s path and already making a name for themselves. I was trained to follow Tarell’s example, but I never felt the calling to stand at the front of a learning hall. I prefer to think of myself as a courier of knowledge. My intent is to learn about the world beyond Andris J'naii, as a member of Starfleet, and then return to the homeworld to share what I have learned with others - thereby fulfilling my purpose to J'naii society. My family believes I am avoiding my purpose but I do not agree. Rather, I am building a galactic curriculum and providing a view that is rarely glimpsed by my people.
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: Indeed. ::nodding:: That is what I believe. ::a beat:: Lieutenant Storm, did you ever have moments where your family disagreed with your career path?
Storm: Response.
Meris: Had they disagreed, would you have presented an organized series of compelling arguments - or simply changed the subject to a more agreeable statistical anomaly?
Storm: Response.
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Ensign Meris
Helm Officer
USS Artemis-A
A240207M14