Lt. JG Ollie Bergmen - Sun, stars, and shadows over the moon
CPT Arianus
(( Elysium – Main Lounge, Deck 6 – USS Artemis-A ))
As he settled into the chair, he released the weight from his shoulders. Lieutenant Ollie Kimmi Bergmen glanced across the table at Ensign Imril as they sipped their raktajino, savoring the unsweetened taste in the moment, and he pondered what to say. He had never been good at it—opening conversations, making small talk—but now he was here, and it was up to him to open the book and start writing on that blank page.
Bergmen: So, it will soon be one year with us, if I am right? How do you like it so far? Life in the Starfleet. Artemis…
He could hear his voice reciting the words his officer had always used to open the conversation back in Blackwell, when he was trying to open him up. It was funny that he was using it himself. He hated it so much back then, as it required an honest answer rather than just a retort. Ollie couldn’t help but smile briefly as he remembered his former superior. So much of his wisdom then he didn’t listen to, considered it annoying… but now understood differently, as an officer.
oO I should call him to apologize for being a brat and show the man he made me into. Oo
Imril: ::Nodding:: Yeah, I’m coming up on my one-year-anniversary as an officer. Wow. I can’t say it’s all been fun, because it hasn’t. But the hard times have mostly ended in someone getting the help they needed, and that’s something I can be proud to have been part of. ::Looking around the lounge:: I like it here, on the Artemis. I’ve learned a lot. Accomplished a lot. Bettered myself, I think, or at least I’m on a path to it. And his ship certainly keeps me busy. ::Looking outside at all of the construction work:: Especially lately.
The lieutenant listened carefully to what the ensign was saying. Slowly nodded along as the words flowed, maintained eye contact, waiting for Imril to finish. As the ensign glanced out and then returned his gaze, he gave him a comforting smile.
Bergmen: I have been where you have been, too. And I can tell you - don't worry about it too much. You are just starting your career, so occasional stumbles are expected. The important thing is to learn from the experience, and as you mentioned, you are genuinely working on yourself to do better. I'm quite sure that everyone noticed that. ::smiles and raises his glass:: I definitely noticed. To you.
Ollie took a sip of his coffee as he eyed the puzzled expression on Imril's face, lost in thought as they reflected on both the past and the present. He grasped the meaning behind that expression. Understood the thoughts likely swirling in the ensign's mind. Tried to say nice, be supportive. Hoped he was.
Imril: How long have you been aboard the Artemis?
The lieutenant chuckled softly and set down his glass.
oO Interesting turn. Oo
His eyes wandered to the swirling coffee foam, where a hazy image formed within as if it could provide the right words to say. He let out a sigh and then turned back to Imril before he responded.
Bergmen: Just a couple of weeks longer than you. I think... it will be a year next month? ::chuckles:: Ah… But fifteen years in uniform before that. ::gestures to his chest:: I enlisted in ‘85 after Mars was attacked… grew through the ranks, became NCO while traveling the quadrant, from post to post… Assignment to assignment… Until I earned a commission last year, and here I am. ::sigh turn to short burst of laugh:: So technically, we both have the same experience with being an officer. ::nods:: Yeah.
Bergmen leaned back in his chair, leaving his words to drift off, giving the ensign time to absorb them. His eyes slid past Imril into the room's shadows, to something only he could see.
Bergmen: Funny thing, when I think about it now. I didn’t see you actually off work… Or drills… Even that shore leave we were off on Kahines with doctor Sadar was technically work. ::gaze back:: How do you blow steam? Did you make any friends onboard?
Imril: Response
The lieutenant straightened and rested his elbows on the table, supporting his chin as he listened to Imril's words.
Bergmen: Touché. There's no shame in admitting that my record isn't much better… ::blink eye on Imril:: Workaholic to workaholic. ::sigh:: Do you know what? Let’s forget about those pips on our necks. Ollie, nice to meet you. ::extend his soft hand over the table, smiling::
Imril: Response
TAG/TBC
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Lieutenant JG Ollie Bergmen
Operations Officer
U.S.S. Artemis-A
A240009JC1