JP: Ensigns Meris, Taj'el, and Vharo: The Paths We Choose, Part 2
Grace
Vharo: To change the subject ever so slightly in an effort to cover all the bases of this burgeoning friendship before we inevitably end up stranded in yet another subspace bubble sometime next week, why do you do what you do? Everyone has reason to put themselves through this and no I will not be accepting the Starfleet recruitment line as ample reason at this time.
The corner of the J’naran’s mouth quirked upwards slightly at the Security Officer’s comment.
Taj’el sat a fraction straighter as Vharo mentioned friendship. Had they been successful, then? It appeared they had fulfilled the objective of forming amicable relations, which would likely reduce the probability of future misunderstandings or issues on Taj’el’s part.
Taj’el: I believe that is, somewhat unexpectedly, a personal inquiry. However, in the interest of fostering friendship, I do not object to sharing, provided you are both willing to reciprocate. It would be equitable.
Meris motioned with their hand.
Meris: Of course. Turnabout is only fair. Go on.
Vharo: Well, I was hoping to avoid revealing all my secrets but in the light of fairness I will relent as well.
Taj’el activated their PADD to make notes, as preparedness was always advisable. They had already commented, regrettably, on Ensign Maris’s duty post and briefly considered whether an attempt should be made with Ensign Vharo as well. After a moment of reflection, they determined it was more logical to allow the other two to guide the exchange and to respond as the conversation progressed.
Taj’el: I have a background in science. I attended the Vulcan Science Institute but ::pausing briefly to select the appropriate term:: was unable to advance my career path there, and therefore chose to pursue an alternative. I joined Starfleet and later transferred to Medical, as it offered a clear and reliably measurable standard of success. I find the scientific foundations of medicine agreeable; that is the primary reason I practice it.
Taj’el considered adding further detail but concluded that their response sufficiently met the rubric of the question. They therefore simply looked to the other two.
Meris: I am curious what the clear and reliably measurable standard of success is. Rank?
Vharo: Rank is a valid form of success but I would not say reliable, not everyone has earned the rank they wear in the same manner as another. Though my experience on such is ::she paused as if to find the word:: biased so I would not be surprised if it is not the same opinion.
Taj’el: No, success is not determined by rank. To be direct, in the field of medicine, success is survival. If I can cure an individual, alleviate pain, or prolong life, then I have succeeded. At present, this is what I have chosen to focus on.
Before Taj’el could become distracted by their past failures, Meris fortunately seems to continue the conversation.
The pilot decided it was their turn and began to explain their story.
Meris: On J’naii, children are encouraged to follow in the footsteps of their parents. One of my parents is a scientist while the other is an educator. My twin, Seral, displayed an aptitude for science early in life and has since become a highly regarded scientist on our homeworld, surpassing our parent.
Meris’ tone was completely even as they discussed their twin sibling. The two were somewhat estranged from one another. Seral was busy with their science work and had little time to keep in touch with their twin, it seemed.
Vharo: While I suspect it may have been a touch more literal then in most cases, it always amuses me to see the similarities of parents across species, some things do not change it seems.
Taj’el: Interesting. There are some similarities on Vulcan. My mother was a scientist, and thus I was as well; however, I chose a different path.
Meris: This meant that I would need to fulfill the role of educator… which is not something I particularly relish. Even as a child, I knew that path didn’t quite fit, though I tried to convince myself otherwise.
Vharo: ::she quirked a brow.:: Ah, quite literal in fact. Educating does take a particular drive, it is a skill like any other so understanding that you do not have the wish to do so early is important regardless of the expectation.
Taj’el: Ah—then it is less akin to Vulcan. It is a necessary replacement rather than a strong suggestion. I, too, did not follow the same path, yet it appears my culture does not attach the same stigma as yours.
The interesting culture was something Taj’el put in their notes, they knew little about both races and wanted to make notes of things to look up later. However they were now interested in how a teacher became a pilot.
The pilot then went on to explain what had brought them to their current line of work which was, perhaps, what Taj’el was really interested in. But Meris often had trouble explaining this portion of the story without including everything that had led up to it..
Meris: Following secondary schooling, I was successful in convincing my parents that I would have more to teach my fellow J’naii if I spent time away from the homeworld. They agreed, somewhat reluctantly, and I set out for Earth. A recruiter administered an aptitude test and I achieved high marks for spatial awareness, reaction time, and situational judgment. Based on my scores, the Academy Counselor suggested I participate in a Flight Workshop in the months before I started my first year ... and the rest is history. I actually had never even piloted anything, not even a hover car, before leaving the homeworld.
Vharo had a bemused look as Meris finished their story, now the J’anii’s story wasn’t as cliche as she’d expected but she’d be remiss if she didn’t see the similarities with countless other Cadets. The revelation however that they’d never piloted anything prior to the Academy shocked them given the Helm officers' abilities but then again Vharo hated flying so what would she know.
Vharo: Well, two interesting and rather unique stories so far. Unfortunate catalysts for the journey but the end result does make up for it I would think. The piloting of starships and saving of lives is something to be proud of.
The J’naran nodded in agreement.
Taj’el: I admit it is an interesting account. I do not believe I could ever pilot a ship. It appears you have done well in finding your own path. On Vulcan, children are permitted to learn through experience. They are allowed to acknowledge emotion and to explore all aspects of themselves. I believe this philosophy could serve as a valuable lesson for many species.
The Orion closed her eyes for a moment, her time had come. If she were more vain she could say they’d saved best for last but that was far far from the case.
Vharo:I will warn you this story will not be nearly as entertaining. Now as you well know Orions are rare in Starfleet and for good reason, we are not Federation members and our relationship with the Federation is strained even today. My parents were and still are Free Traders so my expectation was I too would be a Free Trader as it is a guild profession and a respected one, unfortunately my mother hates her work and decided long ago that I would not be doing it so she sent me when I was still a child to study under a Matron much to my reluctance.
Meris: Was this on your homeworld?
Taj’el: I do not possess extensive knowledge of Orions, only some historical context. Contemporary developments are unknown, as you stated, since they are not members of the Federation. What is a Matron?
Vharo: A Matron is a Clan teacher, she teaches the old ways. I don’t mean syndicate, I do mean much older. That aside I was successful in my studies so by the whims of the Clan I was elevated above such work as that done by Free Traders, to do so in spite of this would be ::she drew her lips into a thin line.:: frowned upon. My wish to see the stars and explore was wiped away with a single mark inked into my skin.
The pilot was slightly surprised by this. Obviously Saeihra Vharo was sitting with them so they had clearly found another way to the stars.
Meris: And yet, here you are…
Taj’el: It appears you had your own path in mind.
Vharo: ::waved her hand absently, exhaling her amusement.:: See, my mother is quite lovely but very sneaky. She knew that I wouldn’t give up on my wish just because someone had told me too but she knew that I would also not go against the wishes of our Matron. So for my eighteenth name day, they got me a shuttle ride to Federation space and a metaphorical seat at an Academy entrance exam. I scored high in spatial awareness and physical fitness to a point I almost became a Marine but the Marine instructor was not available for questions and the Security one was so alas I am here wearing yellow instead of green.
Meris: So, like me, you are here at the begrudging acceptance of your parents.
Idly, Meris wondered how many other officers on the Thor had a similar story.
oO Surely someone aboard is here at the insistence of their parents… Oo
Taj’el: I will admit that you both have chosen paths I could not. As I have stated, I do not believe I possess the… what do humans say… the “guts” for flying. Nor do I favor physical confrontation, which would preclude a role in security. It appears that, should I ever require such skills, I have encountered two individuals who were willing to defy parental expectations in order to pursue them.
As they had all now told the stories of how they’d gotten there, Meris decided it was probably time for a topic change.
Meris: Did you both receive the invitation to the Festival of Sensatia? Are you planning to attend?
Taj’el: I did not? ::Checking their PADD, under a lot of work information they found the notification.:: Correction, it seems I did. I was caught up with my work here and I didn't notice.
Vharo: Yes, I did receive said invitation. I’m uncertain if I’ll be able to find time to attend in the first place. We do have a distinct lack of security officers compared to the amount of enlisted aboard at the moment and we still have manning requirements during shore leave.
Meris: Unfortunately, I have business to attend to off the Thor. I’m returning home for my first lecture. With luck, I’ll be back here in time to attend at least some of the festival… but it is a long journey. I’m not sure there will be time.
Taj’el: As in, you are returning home to teach? You are still using the pretext of education for your learning? That must be a difficult balance, traveling for lectures. Could such instruction not be conducted over subspace?
Vharo: ::she gave Meris a quizzical look:: A long way to travel but I trust you will gain something positive from the trip, if nothing else it should reaffirm to your parents that your original decision was the correct one.
Taj’el reviewed the invitation briefly, noting that it would be logical to visit the planet at least once, even if it did not fully align with their interests. However, the reminder of their aversion to physical contact introduced a measure of uncertainty, countered almost immediately by the recognition that such situations would require eventual acclimation. They exhaled softly and leaned into their hand, suspecting that the counselor might record an unfavorable assessment should they decline to participate in such an event.
Taj’el: I admit, I had intended to focus on my research during this downtime. However, I believe the senior officers would take note if we made the effort to participate in the festivities. I do not handle large crowds well; therefore, I may require some form of security.
It might have been interpreted as a joke, were it not delivered with such flatness. Their gaze shifted to Vharo as they spoke. If Taj’el were to endure the situation, they would not do so alone; however, if she simply declined the invitation, Taj’el would be absolved and could use that as a counterpoint
Vharo met the gaze of the Vulcan, her features almost hiding the ghost of amusement at what she interpreted as a sincere point but one that if said by another would’ve been quite the joke. Looking down at her PADD and the invitation strewn across its face the Orion let out a series of quiet hums before relenting to her predicament with a slight nod. She wouldn’t be able to hide shipside this time, some company might make the experience at least tolerable.
Vharo: I can’t argue with the intent behind your point and I wouldn’t object to your company. I trust I can find some space on the duty roster for a trip down if even for a few hours.
Meris: I’m sure you’ll both have a great time.
Taj’el: It would be an educational trip, as I am certain there are numerous new observations to be made. After all, we are in the Gamma Quadrant. Considering that this is the second planet I have visited since my arrival here, I can also state with some certainty that this one will be considerably more enjoyable, at the very least because the atmosphere is breathable.
Vharo: Quite right, a significant amount of the cultures in this Quadrant are new to most so it would be interesting to observe them. I do wish however that we stopped above a world whose traditions didn’t require or at the very least strongly suggest that I set my clothing on fire and replace them with paint. I’m understanding but for the case of our trip I will not be doing such.
Meris, who was rather fond of painting in the buff, shrugged.
Meris: If you choose to participate you might find the experience quite liberating.
Vharo’s attention shifted briefly to her wrist to check her watch as her commbadge let out a soft bloop, indicating an incoming message. The brunch meeting would be cut short it would seem as duty was quite literally calling her. She reached up to tap her commbadge in response, acknowledging the wordless message as she picked up her PADD to read its actual contents.
Vharo: You will have to forgive me, it would seem I have one more meeting for the road. ::she set her PADD back down:: This was quite nice, if we find our schedules free another day we shall have to do it again.
The pilot nodded and watched as Vharo rose to leave..
Meris: If I don’t make it back in time to head down to Seda, I expect one of you to acquire something local for me. Something representative of the culture here.
Taj’el: I can deduce, logically, what would be acceptable to you, Ensign.
Vharo dipped her head towards her fellow Ensigns, tucking her PADD under her arm as she began stacking her small mountain of bowls neatly in preparation for her departure. As she did so a pang of apprehension shot up her spine as if her own psyche was reminding her that what she’d done was wrong. A pang that was mercifully short-lived as she let an internal sigh shooed the errant feeling, she needed new friends and between the rotten luck she’d shared with the J’naran and the absolute horror that she was yet to share with the Vulcan at that celebration it was almost too familiar of a start.
Vharo: I suspect I will not see you before you depart, Meris. However I wish you a safe trip, try to avoid discovering any anomalies on your way back. I would hate to have to come looking for you on my day off. ::she then directed her gaze towards the Vulcan:: I shall find some time for us to attend the celebration once we arrive, if anything does change you know where to find me.
The pilot’s mouth flirted with the idea of eliciting a chuckle.
Meris: I make no promises.
Taj’el: Then it is satisfactory, thank you Ensign Vharo.
Taj’el regarded the matter as a puzzle: selecting the most fitting gift to acknowledge an emerging friendship from a new planet.
Once Vharo departed Meris looked to Taj’el.
Meris: I should be going as well. I need to check in with Commander Herrick for my mission one debrief and then I’ll be departing later today. ::a pause:: I hope both you and Ensign Vharo enjoy Seda.
Taj’el: Thank you Ensign Meris, I trust your flight will proceed without complication, and that your visit will be equally uneventful.
Meris nodded and raised their right index finger to their brow ridge. They then lowered it with a snap in a kind of mock salute before they too rose and departed.
Watching the other two depart, Taj’el remained seated for a moment, satisfied with the outcome of their efforts. There was no physical reward to be gained; nevertheless, they had exercised due diligence by seeking out crewmembers whose assistance might prove beneficial and, in time, improve their condition. After their moment of thought they collected their PADD and also left.
((END))
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Ensign Meris
Helmsperson
USS Thor
A240207M14
Ensign Taj’el
Medical Officer
USS Thor
T240211T14
Ensign Saeihra Vharo
Security Officer
USS Thor
T240209SV3