Ensign Meris - Painting, Throat Singing, and the Other Thing

[Meris/Brian]

(( Captain’s Ready Room – Deck 1, USS Artemis-A ))

 

As Meris continued discussing their assignment with the Captain, the conversation turned more personal. The J'naii thought it commendable that MacKenzie wanted to get to know her officers on a deeper level. They hoped to do the same with their fellow crewmates, eventually. It would make Meris’ report back to the J'naii homeworld that much more interesting if they could include personal details like the Captain's favorite foods, for example.

 

MacKenzie: The Borderlands presents its own unique set of astronomical challenges, particularly where piloting the ship is concerned. What do you know about the region?

 

Meris: You're of course referring to the space-faring monsters, yes ma’am?

 

The corner of the J’naii’s mouth twitched slightly.

 

MacKenzie’s eyes widened in return, as though a secret had been revealed without her knowledge.

 

MacKenzie: ::softly:: Those very ones.

 

Meris: ::more seriously:: I did spend part of the trip to Starbase 224 familiarizing myself with the local space lanes and stellar phenomena. I confess that I’m quite anxious to get a first-hand view of the Paulson Nebula. I’ve also completed simulations of navigation within the Briar Patch, the Celendi Nebula, and the Azure Nebula.

 

MacKenzie: I’m glad to hear that. From what I’ve been told, the simulations aren’t exactly perfect – the real thing leaves a lot to be desired. No matter, I’m sure you’re up for the challenge.

 

Meris: I’ll certainly endeavor to do my best for you, Captain.

 

MacKenzie smiled and offered the J'naii a friendly nod.

 

MacKenzie: One of the benefits of being assigned to this sector of space is that I think we get some of the best views of the galaxy. Hopefully they don’t disappoint.

 

Meris: I'm sure they won't, sir.

 

MacKenzie: So, Ensign – what do you do for fun when you’re off duty?

 

That required some serious consideration from the J'naii. Attending the Academy had exposed them to so much from so many different cultures, and they’d adopted some of what they’d encountered into their personal daily routine. It was a long list, but three things immediately came to mind.

 

Meris: I’m quite fond of abstract painting. I’ve also developed an affinity for Tamarian throat singing. I find their metaphorical speech and layered harmonics to be quite soothing. And, of course, there’s sexual intimacy, which I found to be quite popular and stimulating while in attendance at the Academy.

 

MacKenzie: Response.

 

Meris: What about you, Captain? May I inquire as to what you like to dedicate your free time to?

 

MacKenzie: Response.

 

(( Tags, and TBC ))

 

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Ensign Meris

Helm Officer

USS Artemis-A

A240207M14