[JP] Lt. (JG) Ezra Zerva, Ens. Morda & CPO Khitsu - Welcome to Security, Part Beta

[steve...@yahoo.com]

((Security Suite, Deck 8, USS Khitomer, enroute to the Nebula within the Ceram Archipelago))

Khitsu: While I don’t wish to spoil anyone’s time here, it is prudent to tell you that :: longish pause :: my history with Betazoids has not been pleasant. I won’t go into details beyond saying that associating ranks somewhere below surgery without anesthesia on a list of favorite activities.

Ezra made a mental note of that. Just how were they going to get along with any Betazoids on this ship, he didn’t know. He only hoped things wouldn’t get too complicated.

Morda listened for the lieutenant’s reaction, but deliberately didn’t look at him: the security team, despite their casual banter, were pros -- pros who were trained to follow eyes, and who would decidedly clock the officers giving each other A Look. Khitsu hadn’t exactly said he wouldn’t do his duty when it came to Betazaoids, and he’d stopped short of saying anything about Betazoids themselves; he’d shared his own experience and perspective. But it was offputting, and the broad strokes were surprising coming from a chief. Morda wondered how he’d managed working with Betazoids before -- given his time in service, he must’ve encountered them; given his rank, it must not’ve stopped him from doing his job. But still…

Pearl: Good thing we don’t have any Betazoids in security. I guess that means you’re going to avoid our new Intelligence Officer then? On the count of her being Betazoid and all.

Just as he’d clocked Khitsu’s comment, Morda appreciated the beta shift lift speaking up.

Zerva: Nobody will be able to avoid Lieutenant Semara now that she’s working in Intelligence. She’s got a sharp mind and is able to handle herself quite well. Since you seem to be in a chatty mode Petty Officer Pearl, why don’t you introduce yourself next?

oO There it is. Oo Morda thought. Zerva knew one of the team would push back, and then he’d tied a bow on it and moved things along. Morda made a note to check in with Zerva on this when they had a one-to-one.

Pearl: Welp, my name's Jackson Pearl, all though some folks here just call me Jack. Petty Officer Second Class, Beta Shift. I like the game Tempest—

Alamenda: Which you suck at still. ::to everyone in the room:: I offered him another chance to try and beat me again on shore leave, but he lost. Again. Made some Latium too.

Jackson Pearl just gave a frown. He tried his best, but it wasn’t in the cards for him this shore leave.

Bechtel: ::smuggly:: You left out the part where I smoked your butt in Tempest on the last shore leave.

Bakr: I can attest to that! I made some good Latinum on that win ::smiles at Betchel::

Alamenda: Don’t think I forgot ::gives him the double eye stare:: We need a rematch.

Wynters: Good thing I didn’t have any more Latium for you to lose

Zerva: ::to Siggy:: Alright Petty Officer simmer down now. If you put half as much energy into your work like you do playing a game of Trill Tempest, you get more work done. Why don’t you go next?

Alamenda: ::half mocking a barely raised hand:: Petty Officer Third Class Siguay Alamenda, but I prefer Siggy. I’m really good at winning Trill Tempest, well except for that one time. ::looks back over to Betchel:: My favorite version is the Vulcan one. That’s about it.

Bakr: ::raises hand:: I guess that means I’m next? Or rather last as it were ::chuckels::. Hello, my name is Faisal Bakr. Petty Officer 3rd Class. My wife is a civilian doctor back on earth. I competed on the Academy's wrestling team and the Federation Olympics, where I got a silver medal. My first posting was on DS33 as a security officer following the events of Frontier Day. I like spending my off hours in a kitchen making vegetarian meals for members of the crew, well all except for crewman Chell. He has a habit of getting everything all over his uniform, while trying to tell me how to prepare my meals. ::rolls his eyes::

Ezra made a mental note. He would love to try some of Bakr’s cooking. Lieutenant Jg. Michaels enjoys a good Vulcan dish. He thought about if he could get Bakr to cook a meal for the two of them some time? The one concern he had? He didn’t want anyone to think he was playing favorites with any of the security crew members. Maybe he should ask Semara instead?

Zerva: Thank you Petty Officer Bakr. Is there anyone else?

Ezra’s eyes scanned the room. He knew they were forgetting someone? But who?

Ezra’s eyes settled on Petty Officer Corly who had remained silent all this time. She was standing instead of sitting in an at ease stance. Her eyes seemed to be scanning the room, without them moving about. It was clear to him, she wasn’t a very chatty person. Maybe it was the Romulan side of her parentage or something else? She gave Ezra a nod instead of raising her hand::

Zerva: Petty Officer Corly?

Corly: Corly. Thivana. Petty Officer. Third Class. 

The room fell silent for a moment. Ezra felt like there was more she could say but wasn’t.

Zerva: Anything else you’d like to add?

Corly: ::sternly:: No.

Pearl ::under his breath:: Way to suck the life out of the room. 

Alamenda: ::whispering to Jack:: Remind me not to invite her to any parties

Clearly her ears worked just fine.

Corly: I do not wish to discuss my personal life. ::arms folded across her chest:: If I must participate in this exercise ::beat:: I use classical music for mediation purposes only. I keep an updated file on Starfleet manuals and protocol. I noticed some of you, slouching in your chairs. This is bad posture and could result in ineffective work. I recommend swimming exercises. They have helped me immensely  ::pointed sigh:: What more do you wish to know?

It would seem when push came to shove she could engage in conversation.

Zerva: I think that will do, thank you Petty Officer Corly. Anyone else?

Maryu: I think that’s everyone sir.

TBC

——————

Lieutenant (JG) Ezra Zerva

Security Officer

USS Khitomer (NCC-62400)

A240101EZ2

------- and -------

CPO 3rd Class Arden Khitsu

Security

USS Khitomer (NCC-62400)

as simmed by

LtJg Lera Michaels

Engineering Officer

USS Khitomer

K240106LM2

------- and -------

Ensign Talon Morda

Security Officer

USS Khitomer

K240212TM3