Nis, Woolheater, Forsyth, Lahl, Caras, Varik, Hertz, and Tarnas - JOPA: So long, farewell, auf weidersehen, goodbye, pt 2/2
Jania Nis
(The Arcade, Deep Space 14)
Meeting businessOnce most JOPA members had arrived, Jania stood. She knew better than to wait for everyone. Some were still on shift and wouldn’t show til the meeting was nearly over. Others would send her messages the whole meeting: “Sorry running late.” “On my way!” “Be there in five!” “Sorry something came up.”
She wasn’t relishing this opening, and while she wanted to honor the JOPA members who had died in the last mission, she also wanted to get it out of the way. It hurt too much at precisely a time when she needed to relax and blow off some steam.
Nis: Thanks to everyone for being here. As usual we’ve got a few formal points to address before we let everyone go have fun. Most importantly, we’re sure you all know this meeting is a little smaller than usual. We wanted to stop and remember some folks. Every crew member we lost on this mission was a beloved member of the Butler family, but today what hurts the most is the loss of the four members of JOPA who didn’t make it.
Jania prepped a small presentation to play on the view screen with pictures and bios.
The first was a Vulcan named T’Rala Vos, a science officer who had been interested in astrophysics. It was her first mission after transferring from the Vulcan Science Academy, and she died while trying to collect data about the entity.
The second was a Human named Diego Marentes. Born in Mexico City, Diego was a helm officer who had served on the Oumuamua. He had been in a holodeck running a simulation when the attack happened, and had been mortally wounded inside. Although he made his way to one of the shuttles, he died before he was able to get medical attention.
The third was Bajoran tactical specialist Greel Thann, who had died while corrupted.
The fourth was the one that hurt Jania the most: Keema Jorell, a Trill nurse who had focused on exobiology. A warm, inquisitive young nurse who had recently been accepted into the symbiont program, she had talked to Jania about spending this shore leave heading home to prepare. Instead, she’d died when corrupted crew members invaded sickbay; she’d rigged a phaser to explode so the other doctors and nurses could get to safety.
The second face to appear on the screen was one all too familiar and Varik lowered his head out of respect for the dead. He had already made peace with what had happened to Diego but it still hurt to see his friend's face. Worse was the bio: he died before he was able to get medical attention. He died before Varik could get him medical attention. The Rekarian knew it was not his fault and there was nothing he could have done but it still hurt. It hurt bad.
When the presentation was over, there was a moment of quiet repose. Sam waited a moment, remembering those lost.
Forsyth: Those poor souls…
Caras: May we always remember their sacrifices, laughter, and lessons.
Woolheater: I know this ain’t the time for fireworks. And I know some of us are carryin’ ghosts right now. ::beat:: But we’re still here. And that means something. It has to.
His voice wasn’t loud - but it had weight. Like every word had been earned the hard way.
Woolheater: They gave what they gave so we could sit in this room. So we could eat, and talk, and mess with each other, and live. That ain’t flippant. That’s sacred. That makes - well - not worth it. But worth remembering. And worth remembering the best about them.
He looked to Jania, then out across the others.
Woolheater: So, let's share the stories, the good times, honor them by bein' loud and alive. Hell, make a little noise. You don’t honor the fallen by curling up and wilting.
He gave a nod. Not the kind you give a senior officer. The kind you give family.
Then - finally - a ghost of a grin touched the corner of his mouth.
Woolheater: The Klingons - they got it right - remember them in song and in our hearts.
He looked around at the gathered people. Friends and more…family.
The OEB's new helmsman spoke first, taking the uncomfortable plunge amongst unfamiliar faces.
Varik: I have not yet had the opportunity to meet some of you yet as I am newly assigned, but I am called Varik. Diego was the first person to welcome me on board the Butler. He showed me the Writer's Room and introduced me to some of the facilities on board. ::smiling:: He never mentioned any Junior Officer Poetry Association but I do not doubt he would have if given the chance. He was a kind soul and he loved that holodeck. He will be greatly missed.
Sam started clapping and hoped that others would join in.
Woolheater: Ensign Varik, welcome to the OEB. You are most welcome here in the JOPA.
The OEB’s helmsman passed an appreciative nod in Woolheater’s direction.
Varik: Thank you, Sam.
Caras: I am glad to have known some of them. Here is to them.
Forsyth: Hear, Hear.
Jaren didn’t know any of those who had been lost, but he listened attentively and paid them his respects silently. He didn’t feel the need to add anything; to do so may seem false. The best he could do was to try and be there for those who were still here.
Nis: Now it’s important to say something else; and we want this to be positive even if it’s bittersweet. Leading JOPA has been a great time in our life, and being a part of it was a privilege. We think JOPA is a lot more important than even we give it credit for most times. It helped us settle into the ship, and we bet it helped some of you, too. The pranks on our seniors are acts of love, and they seem to understand that. We don’t prank people we don’t like, after all--it’s a privilege, and if you don’t prank us one of these days, we’ll cry about it. That said, JOPA can be a weapon if needed. There aren’t many bad senior officers in Starfleet, but the bad ones better shake in their shoes, because you’re out there, together. Be bold, all of you.
Another thing weighed on Jania: She hadn’t picked her successor. She’d had a few people in mind--one of them Vala, but that now seemed out of the question. There were others, but they’d gone and transferred on her. It felt hard to blame them; there were many who had bad memories of the carpeted hallways of the Butler.
Before she could spiral, Morro spoke up and she paused to listen.
Caras: One more thing before we get started… Pay your respects to Jania for leading this. She picked this up from one of the best people to ever run it, and don’t tell him… because you can’t - But I think she has run it perfectly. I know we only tend to talk about former members in whispers, but I implore you while you’re here to pass on Jania’s name in your conversations as another one of the best to ever do it. I’ve had some of my best times in these gathering, it’s a club that you know you’ll only be here for a short time so you know to really enjoy it and create bonds you know are going to last, the pranks whether they are successful are not; are memories you’ll hold on to dearly. Jania was the one running most of those. So Jania, I know this is the last one for a handful of us. Thank you for the good times.
Naturally, Jania sobbed. As people gravitated towards the breakout tables, Jaren slipped out. He wouldn’t be gone long but he had one small thing to collect from a shop nearby.
Breakout tables(Table 1: Varik, Caras and Hertz - played by Woolheater)
Caras: I know we’re kind of only meeting one another in passing, but it’s still good to meet you. This is both my last poetry session, and one of my last gatherings on the USS Octavia E. Butler.
The Rekarian regarded the unfamiliar man with a warm expression.
Varik: A pleasure to meet you as well.
Hertz: I'm new here too. Wallace Hertz, OPS, Dilithium Reuptake Immediate Processing or D.R.I.P. for short. I've studied Engineering but I'm really a systems guy. ::looking at Caras:: This is your last JOPA? Where you headed?
Caras: I leave for another posting on the USS Thor soon.
Another one going to the Thor. Varik had apparently arrived to the OEB during a significant personnel shakeup. He had been wondering why he was assigned to the Gamma Quadrant but now had a plausible idea as to why.
Varik: The Thor seems to be the talk of the station. I will admit I do not know much about it.
Hertz: I heard that's a great ship. What a great posting Lieutenant. Jainia put together that tribute piece. One of the big reasons I'm here is because two others in OPS didn't make it. One of those was Ensign Martin. Did any of you know him?
Varik shook his head.
Caras: I did. The ship isn’t that big and I usually make it a hobby to at least introduce myself to everyone on the ship. I’m glad to know that they got to make another impact on someone before they left this world. I feel a little guilty, Marentes must have been in the holodeck next to us during the event. Maybe things would have gone differently…
Hertz: I think all the new crew, including myself, are very much aware of the loss of life. We want to do this right and honor the survivors and the ship. I'm pulling double shifts. Not just for the DRIP system, anywhere I can lend a hand. After this, I go back to work. Hey, those burgers from Woolheater look good. Excuse me guys? Nice meeting you Lieutenant. Best wishes on the Thor sir.
Varik: Of course, Hertz.
Varik offered a wave to the OPS officer as he departed for some burgers.
Caras: right, I don’t want to drag this party down. Parts of it are bittersweet, but it’s supposed to be a celebration. So what do you tend to do to celebrate?
Varik: Personally? Drink. ::grinning:: I used to be a bartender before attending the Academy and I am always curious to try new cocktails and liquors. Species have their differences, but I guarantee you will always find at least one member of that species that appreciates a libation. ::raising his glass of water in a half-salute:: And yourself, Lieutenant?
Caras: Drinking is half of it for me. The other half is talking. It doesn’t have to be drinking, it can be any kind of social activity, but I’d be saying if the drinking didn’t help the talking. A celebration is usually a great place to chat people up and find out what they are really about, and depending on what they are celebrating their deep thoughts on a topic. Speaking of which, since this is my final I might go out of my lane discussing this, but any pranks in mind.
Varik: I am not sure whether it would help or hinder if the first impression I am making with some of these officers is a prank. Though… It could be fun.
Caras: You don’t have to tell me who, or even what, just if you have a really good one you’re excited to get someone with. I suggest Nielsen. Guy thinks he has all the contingencies planned out. I think the hardest would actually be Greaves.
Varik: Response
Caras: I actually have a list of ideas I’ve never used.
(Table 2: Nis, Woolheater, Tarnas)
Nis: Hello Sam. You mind if we sit with you?
Woolheater: ::glad to see her:: Hey Doctor Nis! You're looking much better - oh - of course….sit…you're looking much better!
Nis: Are you enjoying the potluck?
Woolheater: Oh, I loved it. All the food and all of the chatter. All of the love in this place; its all good.
He was happy to see her again and she was doing so much better now.
Nis: We wanted to thank you again for what you did in the arboretum. There’d be another name on that list if it weren’t for you—
Woolheater: :: shakes his head - embarrassed:: Jus'....doing what they trained me to do. That's all. Probably not as good as you would a done it if we had been reversed. It's true, by the way, doctors are the worst patients!
She laughed, but then scrunched her face in false reprimand and pointed to her arm.
Nis: You know, if you’d been a bit slower on the curves, we wouldn’t even have this scar…
Before he could make any sign of guilt, she added,
Nis: It’s a pretty cool scar, though.
When Jaren got back to the Arcade with a small delicate plant in his hands, he headed directly towards Jania’s table. She was chatting with Mr Woolheater who he’d met while doing music therapy for Ensign Morton. They hadn’t talked much, but Jaren had already learned a lot about the man. Out of everyone who had attended, he seemed to know Morton the best. He was a skilled musician and had quite the sense of humour if his pun cracking was anything to go by. He had suggested the group head to the writer’s room to enjoy the jams and get a drink. However, his suggestion seemed to have been lost in the group chatter.
Tarnas: Hi Sam, good to see you again. And Jania, I believe it is your birthday - I thought you might enjoy this plant.
Jaren had met Jania recently when he’d gone to see her about the sickbay rebuild and then she had filled him in on all of the ship’s gossip, and introduced him to ‘poetry club’. That had been a welcome bonus and while they walked and talked, he had noticed her office was very bare, and very clinical. Having greenery around promotes good health and wellness. Since he didn’t know Jania very well and hadn’t been able to get sufficient clues from his nosing around, he thought it might make her working environment more homely.
Nis: Oh, look at that! It’s beautiful. What is it?
Tarnas: A Latharen bloom, native to the river valleys of Trill. They only open under twin moons, which makes them rare even on their own world. Trill poets call it the “memory flower,” because the petals shimmer faintly in colors said to echo the moods of the one who tends it. I hope it brings a touch of home to your spartan office.
Jania tilted her head as Jaren spoke.
Nis: Can we speak in private for a moment?
Jaren nodded, excused himself from the table and stepped aside with Jania.
(Table 3: Forsyth, Lahl)
Alex had her burger ready and started looking around for a place to sit, eventually finding one near the side of the wall.
Forsyth: Let's sit here, dear
Lahl: Hey Alex. How are you doing?
Kimonzi sat down next to her girlfriend with her plate of food. She was willing to try just about anything so she’d grabbed a little of everything.
Forsyth: I’m good, especially after seeing you.
Lahl: Glad to hear it. How was your shore leave?
Alex picked up her burger, and gave a concerning look at her girlfriend's plate of food.
Forsyth: Besides running into the Ex, it's been good so far.
Lahl: Well that’s good. Glad that was the worst of it.
Forsyth: I still feel bad about it. You shouldn’t have been in that situation, and now you must think a little less of me.
Lahl: I think that you were young and scared, like many of us were at that age.
Forsyth: Young and foolish more like….
Kimonzi sighed, she was doing better, but Alex still needed some work on her confidence.
Lahl: Well, when we are young and scared like that, we don’t do our best. And we shouldn’t be judged on our worst day.
Alex reached out and took Kim hand in her own, giving it a gentle squeeze. She was really glad to have someone like Lahl, and her friends who supported her.
Forsyth: Are you still excited about moving in together, you will be putting up with my bad jokes more.
Lahl: I’ll have to retaliate in kind.
She was already thinking of different ways that she could make bad jokes for Alex. Though most of her thoughts involved pranks about taking advantage of Alex’s height.
The low shelves were going to get so much work.
Forsyth: How are you handling the extra workload in engineering with Morro, must be a lot?
Lahl: It is, but I’m learning to delegate as well. I’m not “just” an engineer, I’m also the chief. I technically have staff.
Alex took a bite of her burger, while listening to her girlfriend talk about work. She enjoyed just hearing Lahl talk, and could do so for hours if they could.
Forsyth: A brilliant Chief, must be a lot of planning.
Lahl: Yeah, it’s a lot of figuring out what I need to do and what I can delegate to others.
Forsyth: Hey, Valk likes paperwork. He would be happy to help you, if you want?
Alex held back a snickers, as she could not wait to see Valk's reaction when he got dumped with a load of paperwork.
Lahl: Do you think he would?
Forsyth: Oh trust me, he will.
Lahl: That is good to know.
Forsyth: And if you would like, I could visit you and keep you company while you work in the office?
Lahl: As long as it doesn’t keep you from your own duties.
Forsyth: Of course, babe. I'll even bring lunch, how does that sound?
Lahl: Sounds good.
Suddenly, Jania stood up and called everyone for their attention.
Jania hated to interrupt, but she needed to say one other thing.
Nis: Once more this is our last JOPA meeting, and that means someone else gets to lead this wacky bunch from now on. So without further ado, we’d like to introduce the new JOPA president. This was a difficult choice for us, because we’re very attached to JOPA and it matters a lot what happens to every one of you in the future, in your interactions with senior officers, and in your interactions with each other. But in the end, we knew who it had to be. Although this is his first JOPA meeting, this person has already done an absurdly good job of making sure we’re all comfortable on the ship, and we have no doubt he’s going to keep up the JOPA custom of protecting junior officers when need be--and pranking seniors when need be.
Tarnas: ::Standing up next to her:: Surprise! It’s me. Ensign Jaren Tarnas, operations officer for those who don’t know me yet. When Jania introduced me to ‘poetry club’ just the other day, I had no idea she would put me up for this role. ::spreading his arms with a grin:: JOPA. Where the juniors are united, the seniors are unsettled, and no one ever eats alone in the mess. Jania, you’ve given us something worth fighting for - and pranking for. Let’s keep this fire burning.
Nis: Great. We can finally sit down and enjoy our drink.
Forsyth: Congratulations, I'm sure you do great.
[End Scene]
Lieutenant Jania Nis
Chief Medical Officer of Physical Health
USS Octavia E. Butler NCC-82850
O240108JN2
she/her/they/their (character accepts either); he/his (player)
"Let your heart guide your hand."
&
Ensign Samuel Woolheater
Security Officer
USS Octavia E. Butler - NCC-82850
O240111SW4
&
Ensign Wallace Hertz,
D.R.I.P.
USS Octavia E. Butler - NCC-82850
O240111SW4
&
Lieutenant Kimonzi Lahl
Chief Engineer
U.S.S. Octavia E. Butler
O240107KL4
&
Ensign Varik
Helm Officer
USS Octavia E. Butler
A239709VR0
&
Ensign Jaren Tarnas
Operations Officer
USS Octavia E Butler NCC-82850
O240205VM3
&
Lieutenant Morro Caras
Engineering Officer
USS Octavia E. Butler
O240106MC1
he/him/his (player/character)
&
Lieutenant. J.G. Alex Forsyth
Tactical
USS Octavia E. Butler
D239910AF1