Ensign Meris - A Crash Course in Vailani Survival
Meris/Brian
(( Primary Sickbay, Deck 7 – USS Artemis-A ))
The J’naii helmsperson listened intently as Doctor Bancroft described their Chief of Operations. Given that Lieutenant Vailani was Meris’ immediate superior, they were determined to make a strong first impression. Their meeting with Captain MacKenzie had started a little rocky but had ended on a hopeful note. They intended to do better with Lieutenant Vailani.
Meris: I actually have not met the Lieutenant yet. I was hoping to complete my assignment and present it to them as a kind of reverse welcome-aboard gift. ::thinking:: If there is any insight you can provide about the Lieutenant - any guidance on how to make a good first impression - it would be most appreciated.
Bancroft: ::raising an eyebrow:: Lieutenant Vailani values accurate work, quick answers, and quicker exits. ::a beat:: With that said, I honestly couldn’t tell you if it’s even possible to make a good impression on her, first or otherwise. Jury’s still out on that one - probably because they’re all terrified.
Meris’ brow furrowed at the description. They might already have failed the “quick answers” part, having spent the entire day on the PADD from the DS224 engineers. But accurate work? That was their stronghold. No one could out-accuracy a J’naii, and they silently made a solemn pledge to themselves on the spot.
Meris: Then I shall redouble my efforts. I will return to my quarters, work through the night, and ensure my conclusions are absolutely solid before presenting the PADD to the Lieutenant in the morning. Or would it be better if I arranged an ‘accidental’ meet-up over breakfast? Perhaps there is a flower they like? Or a sonnet they might enjoy hearing as I present my findings?
They looked at Bancroft the way a puppy might look at someone who held the keys to the treat jar.
The doctor froze mid-thought, as if wrestling with some internal crisis on how to respond. His grip on the edge of the biobed tightened like it was the only thing keeping him upright.
oO Is he all right? Oo
It might have been only a few seconds, but to Meris the pause felt interminable. They were just about to ask if Bancroft was okay when the doctor finally spoke.
Bancroft: ::sucking in a breath through his teeth:: Look, Meris... I like you. Or, at least, I think I could come to like you - it’s a bit early yet. In any case, both as your doctor and as a colleague, I’d prefer it if you didn’t become Vailani’s latest snack. So I’m going to give you this as plainly as possible:
Meris tilted their head slightly, receptive to his advice.
The doctor straightened and began ticking off points on his fingers.
Bancroft: One - Vailani hates accidents. Do not arrange an ‘accidental’ meet-up. Two - I don’t know her feelings on flowers, but if I had to guess, they probably rank somewhere between ‘diplomatic faux pas’ and ‘class-1 felony.’ Three - just make an appointment. Show up. Present your work clearly and concisely. Then leave before she smells fear.
Meris nodded at each point, holding up their PADD halfway through to take notes.
Meris: This is good. This is helpful... ::scribbling::
Bancroft exhaled the sort of deep, controlled breath one might expect from a diver surfacing after a long plunge.
Meris: ::holding the PADD:: Thank you, Doctor, for your suggestions. I shall try to take onboard your recommendations and will endeavour to... ::glances at notes:: ...“just make an appointment.”
Bancroft: ::deadpan:: That said... you might have something with the sonnet idea. I’ve heard she could have... let’s call it a specialized academic interest in classical romantic poetry. If you happened to recite one at the end of your presentation, purely for rhetorical flourish - well. Who’s to say how that might be appreciated?
Meris added a final note to their PADD.
Meris: An excellent note. Thank you, Doctor. ::thoughtful:: I did take up Tamarian throat-singing at the Academy, and I have been practicing a piece called “Lady Kijalt, Her Heart Open.” It is very romantic. Quite powerful. While not strictly poetry, I believe it could make an excellent selection to present for the Lieutenant.
Bancroft: Response.
Meris considered something else he had said. Reaching out, they placed a hand gently on the doctor’s.
Meris: And, Doctor, I like you too. Or, at least, I think I could come to like you – as you said, it is a bit early yet. However, we will need to address the Burrowing Fen Worm you have wriggling beneath your nose. I find it difficult to focus on our conversation when it’s staring at me like that.
They withdrew their hand and resumed a proper, upright posture atop the biobed.
Bancroft: Response.
(( Tags / End Scene for Meris ))
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Ensign Meris
Helm Officer
USS Artemis-A
A240207M14