Ensign Eze Tapor - Party Time's Over

[Ryan]

(( Masquerade Ball - Holodeck 2 - USS Constitution-B ))

Ezer: Yes, I suppose that was vague. I’m… Told I can be a bad loser. Often by worse winners.

Ch’Nilmani: Ah. You're one of them.

Tapor scoffed at the remark, regardless of Diz’mim’s even delivery. In truth, he felt faintly ridiculous whenever he thought back to some of his conduct as a young boxer. He hoped he had grown enough to conduct himself with grace, though he couldn’t be sure.

Eze: Perhaps - I’d probably not be on this ship without that side of myself. We’re all driven by different things. How about you, Sir? What brought you all the way out here? If that’s not too personal.

Ch’Nilmani: Nah. You're good. I actually got pulled from Outpost Echo on the fringes of known space and assigned to Commodore Rajel as First Officer. Pretty strange since usually COs pick their own FOs.

Eze: That does seem a bit odd to not find out why you were promoted. I hope for your sake you weren’t disappointed with the move.

Ch'Nilmani: Never did ask the Admiral why. I guess I was just happy to not have been cashiered out of the service. Plus Jalana hasn't deigned to fire me yet.

He raised an eyebrow at Diz’mim’s comment, his first brush with the internal politics of the Constitution. 

Eze: Do you think there would be a risk of that? Being uhh… Relieved of duty?

Ch'Nilmani: I actually did a stint in the Andorian Imperial Navy. I may not look it but I'm 51. Fought in the Dominion War in my 20s.

Tapor clearly exhaled at the mention of the war. So much of his training at the academy referenced the conflict with the Dominion from both a tactical and security standpoint, often delivered by veterans of the war. He wondered for a moment what momentous events he would have witnessed by the time he was Diz’mim’s age.

Eze: That's quite a thing to go through so early in your career. And no, I wouldn't have figured you'd be that ol-… Experienced.

Ch'Nilmani: Did you do anything before Starfleet or just straight out of your schooling into the Academy?

Eze: Nothing I pursued with any great intent. I umm… Didn't meet the standards for my first application to the academy. So I spent the interim mostly preparing.

He paused for a moment, remembering his first failed application. He had been so intent on the academy, he had never even considered the possibility of failure. It was a rude awakening he would never forget.

Eze: While I did that I coached boxing and did some work for my Dad. He's a carpenter by trade. I never really gave enough thought for what I'd do if it didn't work out. I suppose I should count myself lucky I haven't had to yet.

Ch’Nilmani: Response 

Eze: Yeah, maybe I'd be back in his workshop rather than out here. I'm happy with that choice. I always wanted to see as much of the galaxy as I could, now here I am right out on the edge, there's no turning back. ::He grins::

Ch’Nilmani: Response 

Eze: And I can't wait to get started, Sir. Thank you for the warm welcome, I'll do my best to mingle. 

Ch’Nilmani: Response 

Tapor resisted the urge to salute, instead offering his hand to Diz’mim to shake. He watched the FO turn and head off into the crowd, multiple crew members acknowledged the officer as he passed. Tapor let out a deep exhale, hoping he had made a good impression. He suddenly felt out of place, the lone uniformed attendee at the masquerade. Looking around, he searched for a friendly face to introduce himself to.

((OOC: Thank you for the welcome! Thought it best to wrap up before the mission. Looking forward to more!))

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Ensign Eze Tapor

Tactical/Security Officer

USS Constitution B

C240211TE1

He/Him