Ensign Jace Ryen - For their tomorrows

[alongtheway]

((Ready Room, Deck 3, USS Ronin))

Jace tilted his head and raised an eyebrow as he listened to the Captain explain to him all of the dangers that the USS Ronin faces regularly.  The area of space was truly dangerous, and something deep down inside Jace began to raise a certain level of enthusiasm at the thought.  It surprised him that this was his first reaction to the news, and then he realised that the idea of putting himself to the challenge with such a professional crew was exactly what he wanted.

This wasn't the quiet, predictable assignment he had half-expected.  This was the frontier.  Dangerous.  Uncertain.  Alive.

And somehow, that felt right.

Ryen:  Understood, sir.  ::a small, respectful nod:: I, appreciate the warning.  It sounds like the Ronin doesn't see much in the way of routine assignments.

He allowed himself the faintest hint of a smile.

Ryen:  Though I suppose that's exactly where we're meant to be.

Niac:  It's a fair question, you did happen to catch up with us while the ship was on leave.  Deep Space Thirty Three is our main staging base in the region, just on the inside of Federation space adjacent to the Isles themselves.  It has gotten a number of substantial defensive upgrades over the last few years as the threat of the Lattice Alliance grew but ultimately it's meant to be a diplomatic platform...or so the Ambassador who commands the station would like us all to believe.  So far the Alliance hasn't been...receptive to the idea.  

Jace listened intently, committing every detail to memory.  A staging ground, a diplomatic hub, and a potential flashpoint all in one.  His mind began to piece together the implications.  Supply lines, defensive perimeters, evacuation contingencies.

And somewhere in the back of his thoughts, a quieter realization surfaced.

oO This is real.  I'm really here. Oo

Ryen:  I'll make a point to familiarize myself with Deep Space Thirty Three, sir.  ::a brief pause, then more thoughtfully:: If tensions with the Alliance continue to escalate, I imagine it becomes more than just a waypoint, it becomes a line that can't be allowed to fall.

He shifted his weight ever so slightly, prepared to soak in as much information from his new Commanding Officer as possible.

Niac:  Make good use of this downtime Mr. Ryen...our moments of relative relaxation don't tend to last long.  Make sure you check in with Sickbay and our Counseling staff while you have the time but don't sequester yourself aboard.  Avail yourself of the opportunity to see somewhere new...you can bring a tricorder down to the planet if scanning something would help you relax...because when the call comes, the Ronin answers.  Always.  For their tomorrows, Ensign Ryen.  Welcome aboard the Ronin.  

For just a moment, the weight of those words settled over him.

oO For their tomorrows. Oo

It wasn't just a motto, it was a promise.  A responsibility, this Jace could see.

He straightened just a bit more, resolve quietly locking into place.

Ryen:  Aye, sir.  ::firm, but sincere:: I'll be ready.

A small pause followed, just long enough for something more personal to slip through the cracks of formality.

Ryen:  And, thank you Captain.  I won't waste the opportunity.

Niac: =/\= Computer...if I was deceased, could I sing the chorus of 'Aktuh and Melota' this tunelessly?  Observe....=/\=

The doors to the Ready Room slid shut behind Jace with a soft hiss, after being dismissed by the Captain.  He exhaled.  Only then did he realize he'd been holding his breath.

The corridor stretched ahead, alive with the quiet hum of the ship.  Officers passed by with purpose, conversations low and focused, the rhythm of a crew that knew exactly what it was doing.

And now he was part of it.

[End Sim]

__

Ensign Jace Ryen

Security Officer

USS Ronin NCC-34523

R240303JR2