Ensign Jace Ryen - Bad Memory

[alongtheway]

((Jace Ryen's Quarters))

Jace stepped into his assigned quarters for the first time, the door sliding open with a soft hiss before sealing behind him.  The space was modest but comfortable - Starfleet efficiency paired with just enough warmth to make it livable.

For a moment, he stood there, letting the quiet settle around him.  He smiled, his very own quarters.

Ryen:  oO So this is home now. Oo

His duffel bag slipped from his shoulder and landed gently on the small couch near the wall.  Compared to the sprawling cities of Earth or the bustling corridors of Starfleet Academy, the room felt almost serene.  No crowds.  No chatter.  Just the faint hum of the ship's systems vibrating through the bulkheads.

Jace crouched beside the bag and began unpacking, placing items where they felt right.  Uniforms folded neatly into drawers, a small padd placed beside the desk terminal, and a few personal odds and ends that reminded him of where he had come from.

Near the bottom of the bag, he paused.

Carefully, he lifted out a small container holding a trailing plant with delicate strands of green and heart-shaped leaves.

Ryen:  Glad you survived the trip.

The pearl of hearts plant had come with him from Earth.  It had sat near the window of his apartment back home, soaking up sunlight and stubbornly refusing to die despite his sometimes questionable care.

Jace placed it gently on the small table near the viewport.  The strands of leaves spilled over the edge slightly, giving the room a subtle touch of life.  He stepped back, crossing his arms as he looked at it.

Ryen:  Not bad.

The room started to feel like his.  Just as he reached back into the duffel for the last few items, his communicator chirped.  Jace tapped it instinctively.

Ryen:  =/\= Jace here. =/\=

The captain's voice came through.

Niac: Response

Jace straightened slightly.

Ryen:  =/\= Yes, Captain.  My apologies.  I should have reported immediately after boarding.  I must have gotten turned around while settling in. =/\=

Niac: Response

Ryen:  =/\= Yes, sir.  I'm on my way now.  =/\=

The channel closed.  For a moment, he stood there staring at the small plant.  "Nice first impression, Jace.  Forget to report to the Captain the moment you arrive," he thought to himself.  His human side immediately began its familiar critique.

Ryen: oO Brilliant.  First day aboard and you're already demonstrating peak professionalism. Oo

He grabbed the edge of the duffel and shoved the last few items back inside, leaving the unpacking half finished.  

Jace took one last glance at the room before heading for the door.

((Captain's Ready Room))

Jace stood outside the captain's ready room and adjusted his collar while fidgeting with his fingers.  He reached out as he held his breath and pressed the chime as the entire universe seemed to freeze around him.

Niac:  Response

___

Ensign Jace Ryen

Security Officer

USS Ronin NCC-34523

R240303JR2