Ensign Tess Evinrude - A Rare, Peaceful Moment

[Tess Evinrude]

((Musashi Lounge, Level B, Battle Module, USS Ronin))

Evinrude actually enjoyed the long walk to get there.

T'Fearne led them to and through one of the design features that made the Akira so unique - its catamaran hull sections. He'd yet to be assigned any duties related to the torpedoes, computer core, or transporter room, and hadn't found time to explore the narrow passages leading to the ship's battle module on his own. So, as the walkways narrowed into a tight ascending ramp, he started to wonder where she was taking him. He had asked, and she had answered: the Musashi Lounge.

That made more sense than any of the other options crossing his mind as they walked side by side through the ship's proverbial back alleys.

The Mushashi was truly an unbelievable space. It seemed out-of-phase, like it shouldn't exist on a Starfleet vessel, serenity nestled in between potent military hardware. He settled onto a seat at the counter, and a chef slid over real paper menus before silently returning to his grill.

Evinrude: T'Fearne, this place is...

He continued to take in the atmosphere. The hiss of the grilltop cloaked the pervasive thrum of the ship's systems. Swirl-patterened porcelain table settings sparkled out against a backdrop of dark wood. Exuding awed wonder, he met T'Fearne's eyes. For the first time, Tess noticed that they were true black, like polished onyx.

Evinrude: ...intimate. In a way I thought impossible to find, onboard a starship. ::He wore a small smile, and a feeling of gratitude.::

T'Fearne nodded, and her posture seemed to relax slightly.

T'Fearne: It is one of the Ronin’s hidden treasures. I recommend the nigiri. But honestly, everything I’ve had here is good. You can get the Bento Boxes as a “toogo”. Perfect for a quick mid-duty meal break.

Her pronunciation gave the humble human tradition of the to-go box an endearing character, and Tess' smile deepened. Suddenly, she glanced at him with a look of curiosity.

T'Fearne: I believe we were at the point of exchanging stories of how you came to be here—and you are not a “Starfleet brat”, but a “goodie-two-shoes”. So your parents are in Starfleet? What do they do?

Evinrude: ::He laughed gently at her mirroring of his phrases, and nodded.:: Both of them were, when I was born. And for a long time after, too, but my dad left Starbase 74's science department to teach when I was sixteen. ::His expression turned a little wistful.:: Chicago, the only two years of my childhood I lived planetside. My mom is chief tactical on the Charleston. She's...proud to see me finally in the fleet, I think.

T’Fearne raised an eyebrow.

T'Fearne: What’s the detour that led you to this duty station? Unless that’s private, of course.

Evinrude: :: He waved a hand.:: No, it's not private. Easy information to look up, actually.

Tess didn't like to boast about his accomplishments; he preferred to be judged on his actions. He often wondered if it made him bad at dates and interviews. As he continued, he slid a menu in front of her and pulled one towards himself.

Evinrude: I was able to delay commission after my cadet cruise by opting to further my education. The Academy was...perturbed when I dropped out of school to make holo-novels. I did that for a few years, part of a team. We were pretty young, but we had...some success.

T'Fearne: Response

He considered her question. Much of his trepidation in sickbay stemmed from what he was now figuring out how to phrase.

Evinrude: Well, when I requested re-consideration for an officer's commission, I was honestly surprised that they agreed. But the board, particularly one member, thinks I'll screw this up. If I'm found...unfit for duty, they'll pull my commission. No chance to appeal.

Sharing that lifted a small weight off his chest. Tess wasn't even sure how serious this Damoclean threat was, but that rear admiral's words had won: the ensign thought of them every duty shift.

T'Fearne: Response

Tess started to reply, but the itamae had stepped away from their sushi prep, and now stood politely in front of the two officers.

Itamae: Pardon me, are you ready to order?

Evinrude: ::To T'Fearne.:: If you order first, I can be ready.

The ensign's green eyes began to pore over the menu.

T'Fearne: Response

Evinrude: Hey, how do you feel about sharing food? ::He asked neutrally. Some people, he had found, are very protective of their order.::

T'Fearne: Response

[Tags/TBC]

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Ensign Tess Evinrude

[he/him]

Operations Officer

USS Ronin

R240111TE1