Ensign Jaran Jira - Betazed 101
Jira Jaran
((Shuttle Griffin, Shuttle Hangar, Deck 11, Artemis-A))
Storm: Nat, can you help me with the preflight checks? Jira, can you get clearance for our departure? Trust me, the paperwork is filled out, so it should be a matter of formality.
Alex paused on the console briefly. The action of someone who had so much on their mind that they had to pull themselves out of autopilot mode occasionally through sheer force of will.
Storm: Sorry.
Nat stepped in beside her.
Cole: Alex, breathe. We have time for a clean reset.
Breathing was one among many things that Alex needed to do. She was showing elevated heart rate and breathing, and the colour in her cheeks said she was running hot too.
Jaran: Let's pause and all take a deep breath as a group. I don't even need a tricorder to see that you're physically overwhelmed right now.
Storm: I think it might be better, if you fly us out, Nat.
Alex gave Cole a wry grin.
Cole: Works for me. You’ve got enough on your plate without wrestling the helm too.
Nat slid into the pilot’s seat and set to work at the controls.
Jaran: =/\= Shuttlecraft Griffin preparations complete. Artemis shuttlebay, prepare for departure. =/\=
Storm: Okay. My checks are done. Jira’s gotten us clearance to depart. Take us out when you’re ready, Nat.
Her fingers moved quickly, checking readouts, confirming power flow, aligning the launch sequence.
Cole: Copy that. Let’s go get your daughter.
She glanced over to Jaran and Alex. She didn’t need to be a Betazoid to feel the tension in the air.
Cole: Alright, Griffin. Be kind to me.
Jira conspicuously eyed Storm. They were weighing her, and they wanted her to know it.
Jaran: I'm keeping my eye on you, lieutenant. Not just as your friend, but also as your doctor, at least for this trip.
Storm: Response
Cole: We’re on our way.
Those last words hung in the air for a moment. Jira took their eyes off Alex to look out at the stars. Shuttles always made them feel very vulnerable, but they needed to be steady for the others. For Natasha, so she didn't feel like she needed to care for two. For Alex, so that she could lean on whomever she needed.
Jaran: Nothing in between us and there now.
Storm: Response
Cole: So… what’s the plan? Jira knocks your ex out, or do you need me to weaponize my charm in the name of justice?
Jaran: Oh no. I'm not dosing anyone against their will again. Not so soon since the last time, at least.
Storm: Response
Jira knew the sound of a plan that was still... planning. In her defense, she hadn't had much time to work on it, and this trip was the time she needed to file down the edges.
Jaran: Well, we have some time. Why don't you break down what we have to expect when we get there.
Storm/Cole: Response
Jira nodded along. The politics of Betazoid social interactions were fascinating, and their rituals even moreso. Jira had been party to funerary rites in many cultures, but rarely one that put so much stock in the pomp of the thing.
Jaran: What are the views of the afterlife on Betazed? The ritual sounds fasci... ::beat:: Sorry. Not the point.
Storm/Cole: Response
She had barely finished speaking when a light on the console in front of Jira began to blink and beep. They were being hailed.
Jaran: Are we expecting a call?
Storm/Cole: Response
Tags/TBC