Lieutenant JG Meris: The Osprey's Helmsperson
Meris/Brian
((Holodeck 3, Deck 5, USS Thor))
Stepping onto the Osprey, Meris found themself in an environment that resisted the kind of control they were accustomed to, where motion was constant and the systems they relied on simply did not exist. Kreshkova moved through it with effortless familiarity, speaking of the vessel not as machinery but as something alive and responsive, while Ral settled in with quiet ease beside her. As the conversation turned to how the ship was actually guided, Meris began to see the underlying structure beneath the unfamiliar surfaces. It was a system governed not by direct force, but by cooperation with the environment itself.
Meris: What is my role? Where do you need me... Captain?
Beside them Wyatt laughed, and the J'naii officer glanced his way, uncertain what was amusing about what they had said. The designation had seemed both appropriate and efficient.
Sasch set her hands on her hips and gave him a playful scowl.
Ral: Yes, where do you need us Captain?
Kreshkova: Meris, vould you like to pilot her?
The offer caught them off guard, though only for a fraction of a second. Their gaze shifted from the wheel to the sail above, then back again, mapping the relationship between control and propulsion as best they could with limited data.
They gave a small, deliberate nod and followed as Kreshkova guided them toward the helm. The wheel felt unfamiliar beneath their hands - larger than expected, lacking any form of feedback beyond resistance and motion.
oO Navigational sensors would come in useful aboard this craft. Oo
Meris: Can you show me how it's done?
Ral: Response.
Kreshkova demonstrated, turning the wheel with measured precision.
Kreshkova: Zhis is how ve steer. You use zhis vheel to turn zhe bow of zhe boat. ::Gesturing to the front of the boat:: I just moved her four points to port. Each spoke of zhe vheel is a point. Port is left, and starboard is right.
Meris watched closely, their attention narrowing as they followed the chain of cause and effect. The bow did not respond immediately. There was a delay, subtle but undeniable.
oO The wheel does not turn the vessel directly. Oo
Their eyes flicked briefly downward, as though they might somehow see through the deck.
oO The rudder beneath the hull redirects the flow of water. That altered flow produces lateral force. That force reorients the bow. Indirect control. Oo
Meris: I see... the wheel alters the orientation of the submerged control surface. The resulting hydrodynamic forces then influence the vessel’s heading. There is a delay between input and response. Not an entirely efficient design.
Ral: Response.
Kreshkova: Vyatt, you could help me secure zhe sail, so she catches zhe vind better.
As they moved forward a larger wave rolled beneath the ship, lifting it more sharply than before. The deck tilted, then settled.
Meris’ grip on the wheel tightened slightly, but their posture remained largely unchanged, their stance compensating almost automatically.
oO Manageable and predictable vertical displacement. Oo
Their gaze flicked briefly to Kreshkova as she steadied herself, noting the difference.
Meris: Steady as she goes, Captain.
oO If you can’t beat them, join them. Oo
Ral: Response.
With Kreshkova and Ral moving to adjust the sail, Meris remained at the helm, attention fixed forward. The subtle delay between input and response became easier to anticipate with each passing moment. Small corrections replaced larger ones, their movements becoming more efficient and precise.
They allowed themself a brief glance around. The simulated sun hung bright overhead, its warmth settling across their exposed skin. It was not unpleasant, but it was... persistent.
Their eyes shifted toward Ral, noting the absence of his uniform jacket, then briefly toward Kreshkova in her bikini top.
oO Sustained exposure to ultraviolet radiation remains inadvisable. Even simulated ultraviolet radiation can be harmful to one’s dermis. Oo
Meris: Extended exposure to direct sunlight can result in dermal damage. We may wish to consider protective measures.
Kreshkova/Ral: Response.
Meris returned their attention forward, though their gaze soon drifted outward across the horizon. The water stretched endlessly in all directions, broken only by the motion of the waves. There were visible landmarks in the distance but nothing they were familiar with. They did not observe any navigational markers.
oO It would be helpful to have access to navigational charts of this region. Oo
A faint crease formed between their brows.
Meris: This body of water... is the Caspian Sea?
Kreshkova/Ral: Response.
Meris considered the response as they continued to guide the vessel forward. After a moment, their gaze shifted slightly toward Ral.
Meris: Mister Ral, you are part Human, correct? Does your lineage have any association with this region of Earth?
Kreshkova/Ral: Response.
((Tags/TBC))
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Lieutenant JG Meris
Helmsperson
USS Thor
A240207M14