Ensign Dylan Bryce: A Room with a Story
Kait
((CO’s Office, Deck 7, Command Center, StarBase 118))
The doors swished open, and Dylan stepped inside. She caught the Commander studying a painting with a level of focus she recognized from people trying to make sense of something outside their expertise. It mirrored the way she had stared at her own empty quarters recently, wondering how to make a space hers.
Fairhug: ::turning his head to look at Bryce:: Ahh, Ensign Bryce. Welcome.
Bryce: Thank you, Commander.
He looked back at the painting. She followed his gaze, taking in the somber palette, the weight of the figure at its center. It felt meaningful, though she wasn’t sure she was the best judge. Her own walls were completely bare.
Fairhug: What do you think?
She glanced between him and the room, piecing together the question. She kept her answer neutral because she lacked context, while he had focused on the painting when she walked in.
Bryce: About the office, sir? It has a clear sense of purpose.
He turned fully toward her, realization flickering across his expression as he clarified.
Fairhug: The painting! Does it suit the room? I think it may be a bit dark.
Now it made sense. She looked at the image more intentionally, noting the lone figure bent against the storm, the muted palette, the weight that seemed to pull the room inward. The story in it was unmistakable, even if she didn’t know all of it.
Bryce: It’s powerful. Hard to ignore. I’m not much of an expert in décor. My quarters look like they came straight out of an equipment catalog.
His shoulders eased a fraction, as if candor was exactly what he was hoping for.
Fairhug: Please, be honest! I’m trying to add some personal touches to the office, but I’m not someone who generally decorates. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
She let a small, understanding smile soften her expression and finally offered the fuller perspective he’d asked for.
Bryce: In that case… the painting clearly matters to you. That comes through. If you want the office to reflect something personal, it works well for that. If you’re aiming for a lighter atmosphere, you might balance it with something else. There’s no wrong choice here. It’s just a matter of what you want the space to say about you.
She kept her posture open, offering presence rather than certainty. Advice, not instruction. A measured honesty she trusted.
Fairhug: Response
Bryce: For what it’s worth, sir, it makes the room feel more like someone works here. That’s usually a good place to start.
Fairhug: Response
The moment settled between them, and Dylan let it. Then, sensing the shift away from the painting and back toward the purpose of their meeting, she turned slightly toward him. Not intrusive, simply attentive.
Bryce: You mentioned wanting to meet now that we’re back from Capricalia. How can I help today?
The question was gentle, steady. She let her hands fall loosely at her sides, giving him the space to move the conversation wherever he intended.
Fairhug: Response
~*~
tags/tbc
~*~
Ensign Dylan Bryce
Counselor
StarBase 118 Ops
A238909RJ0
“Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.”