((T’Fearne / Syrex, Temporary Quarters, Level 17, Deep Space Nine))
Dekas: =/\= Understood. It might take me a little bit of time to get there. My personal development is um… ::he cleared his throat and spoke a little faster for a second:: well I mean it’s an egg. So I will have to make sure I’m comfortable leaving first. And I’m still figuring that out. But I’ll let you know when I’m on my way. =/\=
Ensign T’Fearne paused for a moment, slightly confused as she processed his statement. “An egg”.
Oo An egg? Oo
She furrowed her brow, pondering the possibility that perhaps the Lieutenant had consumed something disagreeable. Maybe a bad omelette for breakfast? Food poisoning was often accompanied by a range of embarrassing symptoms. She certainly couldn't blame him for wanting to stay comfortable in his quarters until he was certain things had settled down.
Her voice, though polite, conveyed a faint thread of concern as she responded.
T’Fearne: =/\= I’m sure that would be acceptable under the circumstances. I will bring the necessary security equipment for the interview. =/\=
Dekas: =/\= Marvelous. I’ll let you know when I’m on my way. =/\=
T’Fearne: =/\= Thank you, Sir. I look forward to meeting you shortly. =/\=
Dekas: =/\= The same to you. Dekas out. =/\=
Her eyes narrowed slightly as she replayed the exchange in her mind. That poor officer, food poisoning was unpleasant. She hoped he sought medical attention and took the time to recover before attending the interview. Considering how intense some of the questions could be, she hoped he had a strong stomach and a clear conscience.
((Sometime later))
((Security Office, Deep Space Nine))
The activity in the security office was busier than usual during this duty cycle. The hum of monitors, PADDs flashing various reports, the occasional raised voice and intoxicated warbling from the holding cells floated through the complex... it all created a cacophony that made the office feel more like a bustling insectoid hive than a place of solemn duty. The subtle mix of exotic fragrances from the promenade floated in the recycled air, which the station’s environmental scrubbers struggled to fully filter out.
Ensign T’Fearne stood in the private interview room to the side of this hubbub, preparing for her encounter with Lieutenant Dekas. The room, a seemingly recent Federation modification to the station’s original Cardassian architecture, was clean, though she couldn’t help but notice how the faint smell of the promenade seemed to linger here, too. She completed the ritual tug on her uniform to straiten it perfectly into place and relaxed into an at-ease posture with the rigid calm that had been trained into her.
She felt a little wiser with this interview, still on the lookout for a shapeshifter threat, but logically, the probability was very slim. Similar to Leutennant Gila Sadar, the counsellor had arrived on DS9 at a tumultuous time, having left and returned to the ship. She had to acknowledge to herself that she was slightly nervous about this particular individual. Counsellors were not uncommon among her friends and family back home, but this was a work environment, a new and strange one with workplace hazards—like War.
A soft rustle at the door broke her concentration. She turned as Lieutenant Dekas appeared in the doorway, covered in a radiant display of plumage.
T’Fearne blinked, momentarily forgetting herself at the sight. The Lieutenant had not arrived alone—he was carrying something. Something very egg-shaped. The context of their comm conversation replayed in her mind. It probably wasn’t just any egg; it was his egg.
oO Ah. A family matter. Not an omelette, then. Oo
She felt her ear tips getting hot and green, and she braced with proper attention for an ensign to lieutenant.
Dekas: You must be T’Fearne.
T’Fearne::: Swallowing any residual embarrassment:: Yes, Lieutenant Dekas. It is a pleasure to meet you, Sir.
Dekas: ::in a humorous attempt to make this less awkward:: Hopefully the egg won’t cause too much of a disruption. I mean it can’t talk yet, but you never know when they’ll start.
T’Fearne::: rhetorically:: and who is this… little lifeform? My apologies again for interrupting you during your personal development. And if your egg starts talking during the interview at least its first words will be caught on holo.
She gave a slight smile and waved a hand to offer the seat, and he nodded and sat down across from her.
Dekas: So, you said you have some questions?
T’Fearne: Indeed. :: Making eye contact:: I have been tasked with conducting security updates for Starfleet personnel. Your file is on my list, flagged as requiring a standard security recertification. :: eyebrow quirk up:: Do you have any thoughts on why that would be, Sir?
Dekas: Response.
T’Fearne: I’m afraid that is all the information I can disclose. This will just be a standard security interview. I found it similar to the oath we take to join Starfleet or possibly your medical oath as a counsellor. Before we begin, these proceedings will be holo and audio recorded and will require both our codes to certify it for review and updating to your file. I just want to assure you that we can pause at any time if you need to take a break or attend to… to… your egg’s needs. If you have any other questions throughout the process, please let me know.
Looking curiously at his avian facial features she reached for a device on the centre of the table between them as her slender fingers adjusted a setting. The door to the security office slid shut behind him and clicked softly, a slight hum enveloped the room, muffling outside sounds and the light directed at the seated occupant brightened slightly. She watched the subtle play of movement in his facial feathers and settled herself into doing her job to the best of her abilities.
T’Fearne::: voice firm:: This interview is being recorded in both holo and audio formats. T’Fearne Elaazni, Ensign, Security Officer assigned to The USS Ronin - NCC-34523 acting as interview certifier. Please state your name, rank, and current duty assignment.
Dekas: Response.
T’Fearne nodded, satisfied. She moved to the next part of the interview.
T’Fearne: Thank you Sir. :: slight pause:: Have you ever had any business or personal dealings with an intelligent species that holds a grudge against the Federation?
Dekas: Response.
[[Tags/TBC…]]
(OOC: I am so glad you brought the egg! This interview is getting very Star Trek absurd.)
(OOC: I am happy to continue this as a JP or a back sim if you want?)
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Ensign T'Fearne
Security Officer
USS Ronin - NCC-34523
R240107T14
