Lieutenant JG Meris: Meris Has a Plan (And It's a Good One!)
Meris/Brian
((Corridor, Deck 5, USS Thor))
The corridor was quiet at this hour, the usual hum of the ship settling into a steady, almost meditative rhythm. Soft lighting traced the edges of the bulkheads, casting long, clean lines across the deck. Meris moved through the space with measured precision, boots striking in an even cadence that suggested calm while concealing the far less orderly energy coiled beneath their composure. Anyone observing would have seen a disciplined officer. No one would have guessed how much thought had gone into the next thirty seconds.
Their uniform was immaculate, as always. While many officers would have chosen more relaxed attire while off duty, Meris neither possessed nor desired such an option. Their wardrobe consisted entirely of two regulation Starfleet uniforms, each maintained with exacting care. The absence of alternatives had never felt like a limitation before.
oO This may be a limitation. Oo
They came to a stop outside Naledi’s quarters. For a brief moment, they simply stood there, hands clasped neatly behind their back, posture aligned, expression neutral. Their eyes flicked once to the door, then steadied. They drew in a slow, measured breath, holding it just long enough to smooth the edges of anticipation before releasing it again.
oO This is a pre-arranged social engagement. I’ve been invited… sort of. Oo
They lifted a hand and pressed the chime.
The sound echoed softly beyond the bulkhead. In the silence that followed, Meris adjusted their stance by a fraction, rising slightly onto their toes before settling again, as if instinctively calibrating their posture for the height difference they were about to encounter. Their fingers tightened briefly behind their back, then relaxed.
The door slid open to reveal the Xindi-insectoid Meris had been seeking. Their height filled the doorway, presence immediate and unmistakable.
Naledi: Response.
The J'naii officer inclined their head politely, their gaze lifting to meet Naledi’s compound eyes without hesitation. A small, inconvenient hitch caught in their throat, a reflexive response they had not entirely expected. They cleared it subtly, regaining full control before speaking.
Meris: L-Lieutenant Commander Naledi. It is good to see you again.
Their tone settled into something even and composed, though the faint tightening of their fingers behind their back suggested effort rather than ease.
oO That was smooth. Completely smooth. Oo
A beat.
oO No one noticed the stutter. Oo
They continued, shifting seamlessly into a more structured cadence.
Meris: I have recently heard that Deep Space 14 is hosting a traveling Xindi art exhibit. It includes pieces from multiple subspecies, including Insectoid contributions. It seemed a good opportunity for us to participate in our previously arranged... date.
The word lingered just slightly longer than intended. Meris did not visibly react, though their posture aligned a fraction more rigidly.
oO That was deliberate. Oo
A pause.
oO That may have been too deliberate. Oo
Naledi: Response.
Meris inclined their head once more, continuing without hesitation, as if the moment required no clarification.
Meris: I noticed that you weren't scheduled on today's duty roster, so I thought this might be a good opportunity for us to view the exhibit together. That is, if this remains an agreeable activity, I would appreciate your company and your assistance understanding the art I’m going to be witnessing.
They held Naledi’s gaze steadily, their expression composed, though there was the faintest hopeful lift at the corner of their mouth. It was subtle enough to be missed by most, but present all the same.
oO This is normal. This is entirely normal. Oo
A beat.
oO Do not mention the forelimbs. Oo
Their eyes briefly darted to Naledi’s strong forelimbs.
oO Ohhhh, those forelimbs… Oo
Naledi: Response.
((Tag Naledi))
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Lieutenant JG Meris
Helmsperson
USS Thor
A240207M14