Lt. JG Om-Zora - I'll try to make myself easy to understand
Ace Christensen
((A fairly secluded corner of The 47 Lounge, USS Ronin))
Inwardly he felt an extra twinge of annoyance about the mention of Sybil Nemes. Not because of Sybil as a person. He didn’t know her he had no opinion of her in either direction aside from respecting a scientist. More because somehow this conversation was still continuing. Some part of him wondered if he should put on the doctor mask. The one that allowed him to be gentle with patients who’d been through a particularly traumatic event. Niac certainly fit the bill for it, and in terms of the actual things that had happened, he was sympathetic. But more than that, something made him feel it might bother the Captain, who was likely trying to downplay his issues right now, to feel like he was suddenly being babied. It made it vaguely tempting. It wasn’t like he could reprimand him for an attempt to help him without seeming uncooperative in his healing processes.
But then the urge passed as quickly as it had hit him. As it stood, he’d claimed to be fine, and Om-Zora didn’t feel the need to be any warmer even in an attempt to see what would happen. It might also prolong it unnecessarily if he did so at the wrong time. So outwardly he was nearly motionless in response. Nothing in his posture, his tone, his expression, or even his feathers had shifted visibly.
Om-Zora: I have not spoken with her yet. I seem to keep just missing her. But I can make it a top priority, Sir.
Niac: I see. Well then...is there anything about this posting that you're looking forward to...beyond this conversation ending?
He elected not to confirm the last part of that, no matter how true it was.
Om-Zora: It has been a while since I stepped out of medical. And it is never a bad thing to refresh my knowledge in other areas.
Niac: Have you had the opportunity to look around the labs? Perhaps you could recommend some upgrades, I'm sure Starfleet has some new blinking box or set of glowing tubes looking for a home.
oO Cher-wit, I liked him better when he was out cold in sickbay, at least then he wasn’t trying to make asinine small talk with me. Oo
Om-Zora: I’ve certainly worked with better science facilities, but it is functional.
Niac: Well I'm glad you've found them so highly adequate..::a muscle twinged in his neck and his face tightened, betraying his growing exhaustion::...adequate...for your..needs.
He took a moment to think, then moved his hands from his lap to the top of the table, lacing his fingers in front him, and tilting his head just slightly. He softened his tone, not quite fully in doctor mode, just enough to sound slightly concerned.
Om-Zora: Captain Niac, are you sure you’re quite alright? Given the uncomfortable expression stuck on your face, you’ve been trying not to wince for quite a few minutes, I can contact Doctor Beck if you’re struggling. I’m certain he’d be more than willing to see you.
Niac: That won't be necessary but I appreciate it, Lieutenant. I'll shamble my way back to my quarters in my own time but I'm still glad to have spoken to you. This crew functions best when we understand one another...and I won't stop making an effort to understand you.
Om-Zora wasn’t sure how he felt about that. Or about the idea that these conversations would possibly happen more often. He almost stood to help the Captain. He could be annoyed all he liked but it wouldn’t be very good of him to watch as the Captain possibly injured himself further. It was just that he seemed to have it handled on his own.
Om-Zora: I will try to make myself easy to understand to keep these situations to a minimum, then.
The Captain gave a weak chuckle as he turned to leave.
Niac: I hope you find something meaningful in your new role, Lieutenant. There are many people who have invested enormous effort into trying to get the role you have begrudgingly accepted. Try to keep that in mind as you find your new normal.
Om-Zora: I’ll keep it in mind. And you keep in mind that should you need someone to transport you somewhere to avoid hurting yourself, do so. Your dignity is less important than your health, Sir.
He watched until the Captain was safely from the space before he relaxed, for whatever could count as “relaxing” for him. If he'd seemed like he would collapse before then, he would have stood to follow and insisted. But he seemed at least capable of making it to his quarters. Though, he’d ask the computer to check in to make sure the Captain had before he himself left the 47 Lounge.
But for now, he decided to keep reading what he’d been looking at before, and enjoying his alone time.
[End scene for Om-Zora]
—
Lt. JG Om-Zora
Science Officer
USS Ronin
J239802D12
Pronouns: He/him (character), They/she (player)