Lieutenant JG Meris: Every Game Ends
Meris/Brian
((Backroom, The Starlit Decanter, DS14))
The final moments in the room made it clear that whatever had drawn them there was neither random nor entirely adversarial, but something more deliberate and difficult to define. Caras chose to treat it as theater, leaning into the performance, while the others accepted the risk with varying degrees of comfort, leaving Meris increasingly aware that they alone were resisting a role that had already been assigned to them.
The note addressed to them did not answer anything, only confirmed that they had been seen, understood, and perhaps chosen for a purpose that remained just out of reach. As the game moved toward a conclusion and the illusion of control slipped further away, Meris was left with the unsettling realization that the real question was no longer what the Proprietor wanted... but whether they had already begun to become part of it.
Is’Kah: Divya, could you let your tricorder run? We might gather a few clues. Now, while that runs, let’s finish the game, and investigate later.
The steady hum of the tricorder scanning filled the room, a counterpoint to the soft shuffle of cards and the quiet tension settling over the table as play continued.
Meris: I will start the bidding at one hundred.
The pilot pushed their chips forward with measured precision, the motion controlled, almost ritualistic.
Caras: Bet, raise $700
Tam: Response.
Is’Kah: I’m going all in for 5,700.
Is’Kah moved in all zhen chips with a single, confident motion.
Meris’ eyes lingered on the growing pile at the center of the table.
Meris: Well, that is one way to ensure a quick resolution to the game. I will call.
Caras: Guess that puts me all in. If you win this hand Is’Kah, I’ll give you that tour.
Tam: Response
The cards turned.
Is’Kah: Full house, sevens over twos.
Meris’ brow lifted slightly as the hand was revealed.
Meris: That beats my fives.
Caras: Only a straight, the best straight Ten to Ace, but alas.
Meris glanced briefly at Caras’ cards.
oO Impressive but ultimately insufficient. Oo
All eyes turned to Tam.
Tam: Response.
The moment lingered as the outcome settled, not just of the hand, but of the evening itself.
Meris: I suppose now, all that is left is to deposit our tokens?
Caras: Sure. I guess I do have something. Not sure what it’s worth to anyone else, but I suppose that might be the point of this.
Tam/Is'Kah: Response.
Caras stood and retrieved his item, turning it in his hands.
Meris: What will you each deposit?
Caras: Well I did have a specific program I wanted to try at the arcade tonight. Somewhat one of a kind, I made it myself, Possibly the best one I’ve ever made. But I will say, occasions like this are pretty rare too. Good snacks, Good drinks, and dare I say... new friends? Hard to put a price on that.
Meris inclined their head slightly.
oO New friends has a nice ring to it. Oo
They watched as each offering was placed beside their own pips, the small insignia now seeming more significant in context.
Meris: I hope the Proprietor finds what they are looking for.
Despite everything, the statement was sincere.
Caras: Call enough people to this place, I bet they will.
Tam/Is'Kah: Response.
Meris’ gaze drifted once more across the room, lingering on the shelves, the tokens, the unseen observers.
Caras rose and turned toward the cameras.
Caras: Well, Proprietor, I thank you for a wonderful evening, filled with good times and a bit of mystery.
Meris rose smoothly from their seat, stepping beside Caras. There was a brief hesitation before they settled into stillness, posture straight, hands lightly clasped behind their back.
Meris: Indeed.
Tam/Is'Kah: Response
Caras: Well, We all got here separately, but how about we all leave the same way? I think that will be more emblematic of the night.
As if in response, a door opened at once.
Meris’ eyes narrowed slightly as they studied the revealed lift beyond the doorway. It appeared to be quite antiquated.
Meris: I do hope this lift is safe...
Caras stepped forward and the pilot followed them, examining the interior with quiet scrutiny. The design felt... outdated. Mechanical in a way modern Starfleet systems rarely were, all hard lines and visible seams.
Tam/Is'Kah: Response
((Alley, Promenade, Deep Space 14))
The doors opened, and the space beyond felt... different. Not truly fresh air, not on a station, but something looser, less contained. The ambient sounds of the Promenade drifted faintly, distant conversations, the hum of late-hour activity, but the alley itself was quiet, almost expectant.
Meris stepped out and paused, scanning the space with quiet precision, their gaze moving from shadow to shadow.
They drew a slow breath. Something felt different.
oO The pressure is gone... or reduced. Oo
Caras: This is close to where I came in at. I will say that it was an interesting night. Some of it kind of magical in a weird way. Meris, do you still feel that the proprietor is an adversary? Not that I can blame you, consent is core to a trust relationship. I still don’t know how they knew all those things, but then again, I lost so maybe i’m easier to read than I thought i was.
Meris considered the question carefully, their gaze briefly distant.
Meris: I did not think of them as an adversary, nor do I now. Only as an unexplained variable that has not fully earned our trust.
Tam/Is'Kah: Response
The J’naii helmsperson stood there a moment longer, noting the absence of the room’s influence. The clarity was immediate and subtle at once.
Meris: Well, I suppose this is where we part. It has been... an interesting evening. I thank you each, but I believe I will return to the Thor now to reflect on what has transpired.
Caras/Tam/Is'Kah: Response.
Meris looked between them, pausing briefly on Caras and Tam before settling on Is’Kah.
Meris: ::to Tam:: Commander. ::to Caras:: Commander. ::to Is'Kah:: Chief. If I do not see you again before you depart, it was a pleasure meeting you and getting to know you. Good evening to you all.
They inclined their head in a small, respectful bow, then turned and began their walk back toward the Thor, their posture composed but their thoughts far less settled.
oO The game has ended. But the question remains. Oo
((Tags/End Scene for Meris))
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Lieutenant JG Meris
Helmsperson
USS Thor
A240207M14