Ensign Eze Tapor - Carving Camaraderie
Ryan
((S'jenes and Tapor's Quarters - Deck 9 - USS Constitution B))
Tapor sat on his bunk, alongside his half-unpacked belongings, conversing with his new roommate as they stood besides the doorway. He hadn’t thought of home much since he set out from Earth to join the Constitution, though S’Jenes’ offer to cook reminded him of the nostalgic food he was half a Quadrant away from.
Tapor: I’ll have to think of some way I can be useful. Sadly, my hobbies mostly involve combat of some description.
S’Jenes: Combat disciplines require discipline, control, and precision. Those qualities translate well beyond physical engagement. Do not undervalue the strengths you bring.
Tapor grinned, gesturing to the sports equipment laid out on the bed. Once again, his eye is drawn to the wooden bowl S’Jenes gifted him.
Tapor: Actually, now that you mention it, my father is a carpenter and I picked up a thing or two from him. Perhaps I could make you something in exchange - you’ve already been so kind. I couldn’t ask you to cook for me and not give anything in return.
He watched for S’Jenes reaction, the faintest smile on his roommates’ face read to him like a toothy grin on someone less reserved.
S’Jenes: Repayment is unnecessary. I cook because it brings me fulfillment, not obligation. ::Beat:: However, if crafting something brings you satisfaction, I would accept such a gift with gratitude. A modest piece—shaped by one’s hands—often holds meaning far greater than the material itself. If you choose to craft something, I would welcome it. Not as payment, but as an extension of who you are. Such things tell a story—of heritage, of skill, of time invested with intention.
Tapor: Then it’s settled. I’m sure I can rustle up some appropriate tools and material on the starbase before we set sail. He - my Father, he works with pine, mostly. It’s soft, excellent for carvings. He had this trick he showed me, where he’d control his breathing to help keep his hands steady. ::He paused briefly, looking almost wistful:: He sculpted these huge panels for our local shrine. I remember him sitting with a picture of a Vedek who had passed a few years before, carving the faintest of wrinkles with a chisel. He can sit for hours at a time, always patient, never rushed.
For a moment Tapor worried he was boring S’Jenes with his prattling, but his roommate approached and inspected the wooden bowl on his bedside.
S’Jenes: Your father’s work reflects discipline and respect for the material. You inherited more than “a thing or two,” I believe. It shows in the way you speak about it.
S’Jenes turned to look down at him, Tapor met his gaze evenly.
S’Jenes: On some worlds, handcrafted objects are believed to carry traces of their maker’s spirit. I do not know whether you subscribe to such views, but I find the idea… harmonious.
Tapor: I think my Father would - I’m… More ambivalent. I think it’s more likely the ‘spirit’ we input to our creations are the strokes of a paintbrush, a strike of a chisel, or… Indeed, a dish seasoned to your own taste. The maker’s story told through other means, perhaps.
S’Jenes nodded at him, listening with what seemed a polite intent. Tapor smiled warmly back, the light catching off the green stone of his earring as it flickered. He wondered what story he might tell S’Jenes through his carpentry.
S’Jenes: I look forward to preparing your Hasperat. The spicier variety aligns well with my palate. I will attempt to honor your father’s recipe faithfully.
A subtle pause, almost reflective.
S’Jenes: I have found that sharing food often accelerates camaraderie among officers. Perhaps we might invite one or two others—if you feel comfortable doing so. There are two other ensign's that I would be honored to introduce you to; Ensign Mec and Ensign Maramox.
Tapor: That sounds perfect - I’ve already had the pleasure of meeting Maramox at the masquerade. They were lovely, and they seemed to at least tolerate me. I hope they both can handle their spice.
He grinned, Tapor’s main anxiety in his new posting was finding a new social circle, so far from everyone he knew and cared for. He was grateful for his new roommate’s kindness, already wondering how he could repay the favour.
S’Jenes: Very well. Once you settle on a time, send me a message and I will secure the appropriate ingredients. Fresh, where possible.
::A faint incline of the head::
It is agreeable to establish rapport early in one’s service. You navigate that process with thoughtfulness.
S’Jenes stepped towards the doorway, turning back at the threshold.
S’Jenes: Before I depart—if there is anything you require as you acclimate to the Constitution, you need only ask. I am at your disposal.
Tapor: I’ll keep it in mind, S’Jenes. The offer’s mutual.
Tapor leant back on his bed as the Vulcan officer left the room and the doors slid softly to a close. He glanced around the room, drinking in his first moments alone in his new home.
((OOC: I’ll give some thought to decorating and will post something in a day or two!))