Lt JG Taj'el - "Voluntold"
Taj'el
((Corridor near the 47 Lounge entrance - Deck 4, USS Ronin))
It appeared he was knowledgeable regarding starship design. Taj’el acknowledged, with some reservation, that their own familiarity with such matters remained limited to foundational principles. They inclined their head slightly as he explained the irregularity of the shuttlebay. While Taj’el did not consider themselves particularly insightful, it was evident the man possessed a methodical thought process, having logically deduced the source of their confusion.
His conclusions contained a measure of assumption, though they were not without merit. Taj’el had, in fact, observed that the turbolift frequently opened onto Deck Four. The deck appeared to function as a central hub, with several communal areas located there. It would have been more efficient had they taken note of their deck positioning earlier. Retrieving their PADDs and the bag from the floor, Taj’el offered a restrained nod of appreciation for the assistance provided.
Evinrude: Deck nine, shuttlebay one. ::After a beat, he turned back to the officer.:: Are you our new phytologist?
Taj’el: Pardon?
Observing him raise an eyebrow, Taj’el mirrored the gesture. They had registered his words, yet the reference to a phytologist had momentarily disrupted their processing, requiring an additional interval to fully acknowledge his statement. They were not, in fact, a phytologist; however, it was not reasonable to expect that he would have been aware of this distinction.
Evinrude: On your PADD there. ::He gestured with a gentle jerk of his head.:: Looks like a botanical study. I just assumed you were one of the new science transfers.
He was observant, a logical conclusion derived from the available evidence.
Taj'el: Logical, but incorrect. I am Doctor Taj’el, a Lieutenant Junior Grade assigned to the USS Thor. I was visiting your vessel for a limited duration.
Evinrude: Oh, I see! The Thor, Vesta class...shuttlebay's on deck four, I think? That explains the confusion. ::He smiled, and continued to make polite turbolift conversation.:: Some of the plants here on Logali IV resemble Trill species, curious.
Once again, Taj’el found themselves mildly impressed that he possessed knowledge of the USS Thor. Their own understanding of starship design remained limited, making his ability to identify the deck of the Thor’s shuttlebay a noteworthy display of familiarity.
As he continued, Taj’el raised an eyebrow. It prompted the question of whether his knowledge extended to plant life as well, an area in which he appeared to surpass them. Taj’el had deliberately avoided the study of botany, and thus concluded that this ancillary project would present a measurable challenge.
Taj'el: You saw similarities in plants? ::The statement was voiced partially to themselves:: Fascinating… that is insightful.
Anticipating that further inquiries might be warranted, Taj’el noted that the turbolift came to a halt. The man exited, then turned back toward them. Adjusting the weight of their bags upon their shoulders, Taj’el followed him off the lift.
Evinrude: Well, welcome aboard. Though I imagine you've felt welcome already, the Ronin's a friendly ship. Tess Evinrude, by the way, operations.
He extended his hand. Taj’el recognized the gesture, commonly referred to as a “high five,” though presented at a lower position. They briefly assessed the situation, then verified that they were, in fact, wearing gloves. This precaution was habitual and seldom neglected, yet it remained prudent to confirm.
Concluding the conditions were acceptable, Taj’el reached forward and brought their hand against his. The interaction was executed with measured precision. It served as a small, but notable, indication that they were adapting to such exchanges.
Taj'el: Evinrude… It was a pleasure, then, sir.
Ah—operations, not security.
Evinrude: Nice meeting you. I'm heading that way... ::He pointed through the doors that led to the maintenance end of the shuttlebay.:: ...to take a shuttle I'm working on out for a test flight. See you around!
Taj'el: Very well. Be safe, then.
((Short timeskip - Shuttlebay 1 Maintenance Bay, Deck 9, USS Ronin))
Taj’el had taken some time to observe the shuttlebay, initially intending to inquire about transport to the planet. However, the earlier reminder that the officer they had already spoken with possessed insight into plant life prompted them to reassess their plan. Assistance was required, and they did not possess the inclination to seek a more suitable specialist.
They turned and proceeded toward the maintenance section. Upon arrival, they noted him leaning over his work. Taj’el set their bags down and approached from behind, leaning in to observe his task. Their movement produced little noise, unintentionally so, as they examined what he was doing. It appeared he had concluded his work, which presented an appropriate opportunity to request his assistance with their new objective.
Taj'el: Lieutenant Evinrude, did you have a moment?
Evinrude: Hm? ::A look of recognition as his mind switched gears.:: Oh, hello again Taj'el! You...need a ride?
Taj’el took a step back and gave a subtle shake of the head, then followed with a slight nod, indicating that a descent to the planet would still be necessary.
Taj'el: Yes I am in need of your assistance.
Unaware that they had not yet explained the nature of the requested assistance, or that their intention involved accompanying him to survey plant life, Taj’el had not accounted for the practical implications of such a request. Additionally, the presence of a shuttle under his purview further reinforced the assumption that transport could be arranged, though this detail had not yet been formally addressed.
Taj’el: Did you construct this? You mentioned a test flight earlier.
Evinrude: response
Taj’el: Is it currently available, and safe to descend to the surface?
Evinrude: response
Taj’el did not dislike flying; rather, they found the view screen during advanced maneuvers to be less than agreeable. Consequently, the prospect of traveling aboard an untested shuttle did little to put their mind at ease.
Taj’el: Then, if you are capable, we should proceed to the surface. I intended to gather samples of underwater plant life.
Once again, Taj’el had not fully recognized that they had neglected to inform him of their expectation that he would accompany them on the task.
Evinrude: response
Taj’el: Was there anything I could do to assist with the prelaunch preparations? My piloting skills were limited; however, I am proficient with checklists.
Taj’el knelt beside him and examined the work he was performing, methodically attempting to deduce the subsequent steps through logical analysis.
Evinrude: response
[[TAGS/TBC]]
