Lieutenant JG Ollie Bergmen - Leaving them the space they asked for before
CPT Arianus
(( Operations Center, Deck 5 - USS Artemis ))
Ollie leaned forward, furrowing his brow in concentration as he listened to Imril's report to StratOps. He struggled to remain focused on his own role, but he had made a promise. He promised to give them space, and yet this felt wrong. So, Bergmen pretended he wasn't there, as if he were invisible in the room with them. He hid behind the data projections on the holoscreen, an anonymous presence who didn't truly belong.
Brexis: I’d like to hear the rest of what Lieutenant Imril has to say, but if you are needed elsewhere, feel free. I do appreciate your time. ::Beat, then a firm reminder:: And please, It’s Lieutenant.
There were three JGs in the room, speaking to each other. More precisely, she was speaking with both of them, yet they spoke only with her. That didn’t change the problem with the address, and Bergmen didn’t want to mistake Imril, them thinking he’s breaking his promise. Not that that fact would have any meaning with JG Brexis. And she was ignoring the tension anyway, just stating her opinion and turning to Imril once more with a smile.
Brexis: Please. Continue.
Imril: Of course, Lieutenant. I’m sure I don't have as full a picture as the Chief in terms of readiness. And I won't presume to speak for them. But I’ve been with the Artemis for roughly a year now, and we have an excellent team by my own estimation. They know what they’re doing. I trust them. I’m confident we can meet any challenge presented to us.
Bergmen pulled up several Engineering Duty Readiness reports on the glowing holodisplay to bolster Imril's presentation, just for Brexis to see. StratOps Lieutenant nodded thoughtfully as she absorbed the information, waiting for Imril to conclude.
Brexis: Do you mind if I get that information sent to me so I can go over it more later?
OPS JG nodded in acknowledgment as Brexis addressed him. He had no problem freeing Imril some time from administrative tasks. Most of his days were spent navigating the labyrinth of bureaucratic paperwork anyway, and he had already compiled the previously cataloged reports.
Bergmen: No problem, ma’am. I will send you the whole package, foldered and cataloged.
And as he said, he did. Brexis stood up in the meantime, straightened her uniform, and smiled warmly at both of them. Ollie noticed that she felt the tension, even though she didn’t know why Imril and Ollie were acting this way.
Brexis: Thanks to both of you, for your time. If I need anything else I will let you know.
Imril: ::Nodding:: Lieutenant.
Bergmen: ::nods:: Lieutenants.
With that, Charlotte headed for the exit. They found themselves alone, alone with themselves. Imril was the first to shatter the silence.
Imril: ::Embarrased:: Well, that was… a thing that happened. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make things more… this… than they ended up at the Elysium.
Ollie continued to stare intently at the flickering holodisplay, as if its glowing images held the power to undo the reality of what happened. Slowly, he nodded, as Imril’s voice broke the silence instead of them leaving. With a single keystroke, the holodisplay vanished, and Bergmen's chair turned to face the one he held so dear. Ollie's eyes fell upon Imril, drawing in the sorrow etched across his face.
Bergmen: No, please, don’t feel like that. It’s my mistake… I didn’t know she would drag you here like that, I… If I knew, I would not mention your work efficiency and just… (beat) I’m sorry. I didn’t know and should have. Should have said something to her. Keep you out of this and… I should have been better. Sorry.
Gideon hesitated, uncertain if his words carried any weight... or if they would resonate at all. Despite his doubts swirling in his mind, he noticed Imril's eyes light up with a hint of appreciation, nevertheless.
Imril: Thank you for respecting my request.
Bergmen: ::nods, smiling:: Always…
They exchanged furtive glances, their eyes flickering with unspoken thoughts. And Imril was unwilling to make their exit just yet. Ollie remained silent, his heart racing, waiting, what and if Imril would say something… anything… more.
Imril: Can I sit down?
If anything, Ollie didn't expect this. He should. It was a logical question. He was sitting, Imril standing… So, he smiled and pointed to the chair that LT Brexis took to his console - Koala knew where it came from.
Bergmen: Yeah. Of course. ::pauses and glances over his table:: Do you… Want something to drink?
Ollie felt a wave of regret wash over him the moment the question slipped from his lips, recognizing its inherent foolishness. If Imril wanted something, they would certainly get it themself.
Bergmen: Or… is there something I can help with?
Imril: Response
Ollie nodded quietly, giving them the space they needed to share. Leaned in slightly, a warm smile playing on his lips, he remained silent, as he didn't want to interrupt what was obviously more than anything important for Imril to voice.
Imril: Response
TAG/TBC
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Lieutenant JG Ollie Bergmen
Operations Officer
U.S.S. Artemis-A
A240009JC1