LtCmdr Jovenan – A “friend” indeed
Jovenan
((Chief Science Officer’s office, Deck 9, USS Artemis))
Jovenan: The cryogenics team can take Lab 8.
Both of Jovenan’s palms were covering her eyes. Pressing her elbows to her desk, she found herself growing tired of the administrative duties her office carried. She loved science and her department, but unfortunately, as in every profession, the reward for dedication was less time with the art itself and more with babysitting one’s colleagues.
Milath: That’ll leave the Da’allium team without a lab.
The Science department’s administrative assistant’s voice was neutral, though peeking through her fingers, Jovenan could see that the Selkie NCO failed to hide the scorn in her eyes. Petty Officer Milath was Jovenan’s greatest critic — after Lt Commander Jovenan, of course. Jovenan suspected she would have wanted to run the department on her own, without having to consult the officer younger in terms of age and years of service. She leaned back on her chair and looked straight at Milath; she was the department head, and she was the one to make decisions regarding the use of the resources, even if – especially if – all options made someone unhappy.
Jovenan: They can’t have a lab for themselves unless they improve their emergency contingency plan. The project is in hold until then.
During Jovenan’s service, the ship had been taken over or incapacitated six times by her count, by pirates, alternate universe interlopers, tacos and other miscellaneous attackers. She had taken a much harsher stand on enforcing the safety regulation than some of the scientist were used to. It hadn’t gained her many friends, but at least the damages after the Frontier Day had remained reasonably minimal and the rules unviolated.
Milath: Until the other projects are done. Every long-term lab will be in use. That’ll postpone them for an unreasonably long time.
Silveira: =/\= Silveira to Jovenan
oO Oh dear God, thank you! Oo
Jovenan was quick to tab her combadge immediately after it chirped. She shot the Petty Officer an apologetic smile, only in part genuine, before the identity of the caller hit her.
Vitor… She had wanted to go and see him after the mission had ended, but she hadn’t known how and when. Right after they had all beamed in, make sure he is unharmed, hug him until they’d forget the awful experience? That had felt too clingy. Then, she had waited for too long, and now it felt like she needed a reason to see him. Did she need one to chat with her friend? No, probably not, but it might have felt awkward to just pop in without a cause, and besides, they may have been forced to address the issue they had promised to talk through later.
She was overthinking it, she realised. She needed to focus more on the present, which involved actually saying something in response to his call.
Jovenan: =/\= Jovenan here! Can I help you? =/\=
Silveira: =/\= I wanted to check in on you. See how you were doing after the mission. Also I need you… ::he realized the second he spoke that his words could be misinterpreted. He raised a hand even if there was nobody around.:: I mean I need to show you something…
Milath let out an annoyed grunt. Not wanting to take any part in the conversation, the NCO stepped away from the desk and instead moved aside to express her non-verbal dissatisfaction to Jovenan’s addition to the office décor, a large wooden Edo symbol. Jovenan, however, ignored her completely and didn’t even notice that she was still in the room.
Vitor needed her… opinion on some pressing matter. Maybe. He hadn’t actually said what it was he was showing and why. The fact alone that Vitor wanted to talk with her and spend time with her made her beam in anticipation.
Jovenan: =/\= Oh? What is it? =/\=
Silveira: =/\= I have a project I am working on and I want you to see it. That is, if you're up to it. If you already have plans or are busy with something I understand.
A personal project? Jovenan had liked very much of the cooking date she had had with him and Doctor Sadar, though the way he spoke, she suspected this may be something else than a dinner. She could feel the fascination tingle on her cheeks as her smile widened.
Jovenan: =/\= Of course I will come, I’d love to! Where shall we meet, and when? =/\=
Silveira: =/\= Response =/\=
Jovenan: =/\= I’m in my office, I’ll go to my quarters to change and come there right away. Is that okay? =/\=
Milath turned to Jovenan and crossed her arms. This time, Jovenan saw her but chose not to give her any attention.
Silveira: =/\= Response =/\=
Jovenan: =/\= Okay, see you soon! Bye! =/\=
Silveira: =/\= Response? =/\=
After the commline was severed, Jovenan stood up. Her flight towards the door was interrupted by her department administrative assistant. The much taller Selkie didn’t even need to do more than stand still to effectively block her way.
Milath: And the lab reservation?
Jovenan: Hm? I believe I’ve already made a decision. Meeting adjourned, go have a nice shore leave. Now, excuse me...
((Some time later))
((Deck 2, USS Artemis))
It hadn’t taken Jovenan long to change outfits. She had replaced her skant uniform with something more casual, a white t-shirt, a knitted navy vest and a denim skirt. It wasn’t noticeably more comfortable than the uniform, but she had chosen the clothes according to what she believed was more suitable for the occasion. Besides, it didn’t carry rank pips; she didn’t need a reminder of the flipped dynamic between them when it came to professional matters. She was there for him… for spending time with him.
Soon, she saw Vitor further down the corridor. Any attempts to prevent a wide grin from rising to her face only resulting in an awkward smile.
Jovenan: Hi. How, um, how are you?
Silveira: Response
TAG/TBC
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Lieutenant Commander Jovenan
Chief Science Officer
USS Artemis-A
E239911J11