JP: Lt JG Promontory & Lt Kessler & Rox & Johnson & Ens Herrick & Ens Tyber & Lt JG Nijal & Ens Vomek & Ens Dahlquist: JOPA: The Next Generation Part I
Avander Promentory
((Mission Pod - Deck B - USS ‘Oumuamua))
It hadn’t taken Avander long, after being stationed on the ‘Oumuamua before joining the Junior Officer Protection Association (JOPA). JOPA was sort of an open secret. It wasn’t official, but rather tolerated. It existed, in Avander’s mind, because it needed to–junior officers often needed help and many of them were too intimidated by senior officers to ask and get help from them. The fear might be overblown–at least the senior officers on the ‘Oumuamua had been much more approachable than one might guess at first blush–but nevertheless, it was a real fear for many. JOPA existed, therefore, to make up that gap and enable junior officers to get oriented and move forward until they were able to stand on their own.
Which is why Jack needed to be kicked out.
He had, very deservedly, been promoted. As such, he was no longer a ‘junior officer.’ JOPA rules were very clear on this. He could come to one last meeting, then he was out. Avander wanted to make sure that Jack’s last meeting was a good one.
Avander adjusted the holo-emitters, they would be crucial for the ceremony–if Jack was going to be kicked out and his promotion celebrated, Avander would make sure it was done in style!
Continuing his inventory of preparations, Avander ensured all the newest (junior) additions to the crew had been invited. Their first task would be to navigate to the “B” deck, up on the mission pod. The door chimed and Avander turned to see who was the first to make it.
Promontory: Welcome!
Tyber : :: looking around the mission pod :: I am not sure I should be here.
Promontory: Nope, right place, right time. I’m sure the others will be here shortly.
As if summoned, the doors chimed again, revealing the youngest and probably least ‘official’ member of the group, Zarah Johnson. Unlike Tyber, there was no hesitation. She entered without the slightest lack of confidence, and exuded in her smile and every movement she made. Taking a seat next to the Klingon, a face that was unfamiliar but didn’t daunt her in the least, she crossed one leg over the other, then stuck her hand out to the man.
Johnson: Zarah. Nice to meet you Tyber.
There was no further conversation for the doors hissed open and more members shuffled into the room.
Somewhat cautiously, Lina entered the room. She did not really know what to expect of that meeting. The only thing she knew was that rather shady invitation she had received.
Dahlquist: Hello.
Since she did not really know many people, she headed over to her roommate Tyber and found herself a ‘quiet’ spot near the wall.
Josh looked around, the newly minted Ensign had only come aboard the ‘Oumuamua recently and now found himself standing on the side of the room as it continued to fill. He had heard of this in the Academy, but it seemed more like a rumor — a pack of junior officers gathering in a club-like manner. It helped ease the feeling of being overwhelmed since he came onboard.
Promontory: I suppose some introductions are in order. I’m Lt (JG) Avander Promontory and I’ll be the host tonight.
Yes, introductions were necessary, for while Zarah knew some of those gathered, enough new faces were present that she required their names. And why not be the second person to say something?
Johnson: I’m Zarah Johnson, student and future cadet.
One hand lifted and offered a salute to the actual crewmen and officers gathered.
Zi immediately sat up a little straighter. She didn’t realize that there would be a cadet – no, a future cadet! – with them as well. Much less that the future cadet would be Lieutenant Johnson’s daughter!
Nijal: (quietly) Oh wow.
Herrick: I’ll go next… I’m Josh Herrick. ::doing a quick smile and wave to the room:: I’ve just started in the engine room. It's good to meet you all.
Vomek: ::nodding to Herrick:: Vomek, helm. Linguistics is my side hustle.
As the doors opened before her, Rox burst into the room. It was a big night for her.
Rox: Evening all. ::seeking out Avander:: Hey, Promontory. What are my official duties as head of JOPA?
Rubbing one of his temples, Avander suddenly feared he might have a headache coming on.
Promontory: Rox, you’re not the head of JOPA.
Rox: Well of course I’m the head of JOPA. I just sent the whole ship back in time. No one can beat that prank.
Avander reminded himself of his intention to treat Rox with more charity. She was, of course, not making that any easier.
Promontory: That… that’s not how any of this works!
Rox: What do you mean? I can’t be head of JOPA? It’s because I’m not an officer isn’t it?
Promontory: :: partially relieved :: Well, yes, actually. Among other things. The “O” stands for “officer.”
Thinking about it, Rox could see his point. Having a crewman lead the Junior Officer Protection Association probably didn’t make a lot of sense. Still.
Rox: Fine, your loss. ::walking over to lean against a well::
Fortunately, Jack arrived at that point, taking the focus off Rox and her pouting.
Jack had deliberately delayed his arrival to the JOPA meeting. He had mixed feelings about this meeting, knowing that most likely it would be his last due to his promotion to full Lieutenant. Jack had enjoyed his time with JOPA and the people he had met here he hoped would continue the tradition as he had tried to do.
Kessler: ::walking up to Avander while nodding to others in the room:: Lieutenant. Looks like we have a good crowd tonight.
Zi exchanged looks with the officers around her, and held up a single index finger to her lips. It was a human gesture she’d come to like quite a lot, and meant that they should be quiet. Not that she expected anyone to spoil the surprise, such as it was.
Vomek was becoming slightly bored as he stood with his hands on his hips near the middle of the group.
Vomek: Are we getting this thing underway? I’ve come up with several secret languages and a secret greeting. ::turning to Nijal:: Eep ap ort ah ah. ::offering his hand::
Nijal: Oh! I have (beat) no idea what that means.
She gave an apologetic shrug, and hoped that she hadn’t ruined things too much for Ensign Vomek.
TBC
Simming by:
Lt JG Avander Promontory
Intelligence Officer
USS Oumuamua
O239910AP4
&
Lieutenant Jack Kessler
Chief Tactical Officer
USS Oumuamua
T239901JK1
&
Rox
Nurse
T239811VK2
She/Her (character)
He/Him (player)
&
Zarah Johnson
Civilian
USS 'Oumuamua
M239008AD0
&
Ensign Josh Herrick
Engineering Officer
USS ‘Oumuamua
Writer ID: O240005JH3
&
Ensign Tyber
Security officer
USS Oumuamua
O240001CT3
&
Lieutenant JG Zimedia Nijal
Engineering Officer
USS 'Oumuamua
V238208LV0
he/him/his (player) & she/her/hers (this character)
&
Ensign Simon Vomek
H/C/O Officer
USS Oumuamua NCC-81226
T239811VK2
He/Him (character and player)
&
Ensign Lina Dahlquist
Science Officer
USS ‘Oumuamua
D239009VD0