Ensign Meris: The Helmsperson Checks In Before Checking Out

[Meris/Brian]

((Deck 10, Sickbay, USS Thor))

 

The doors to Sickbay whispered open, releasing a familiar blend of antiseptic, recycled air, and something faintly herbal that Meris could not quite place. Deck 10 always smelled like controlled order and quiet urgency, even when nothing was actively on fire. The J'naii pilot stepped inside and paused just long enough to let the space settle around them, shoulders easing by a fraction after the tension of their prior meeting with Commander DeVeau.

 

They moved toward the intake area, boots scuffing softly against the deck plating. Technically, their onboarding physical should have been completed before the mission to the VX-LON-3 outpost. Practically, the universe had other plans. Meris suspected that Lieutenant Nera would not be thrilled by the delay, though the thought carried more curiosity than dread since they had yet to meet the Chief Medical Officer of the USS Thor.

 

They submitted their name to one of the intake nurses and waited to be called. As they waited, Meris became aware of an unfamiliar presence in Sickbay. A Starfleet uniform cut with precise lines, posture impeccable, expression carefully neutral. Pointed ears. A Vulcan. Meris wondered if they were newly assigned. They hadn't had a chance to review any of the roster updates that had occurred during the VX-LON mission.

 

Taj'el: Response.

 

The pilot motioned as Taj'el called their name.

 

Meris: I am Ensign Meris. Helmsperson. Are you new here as well?

 

Taj'el: Response.

 

The J'naii officer inclined their head politely, hands folding behind their back out of habit.

 

Meris: I arrived aboard just prior to the VX-LON mission. I'm afraid I didn't have a chance to have my onboarding physical completely before we were called to duty. I was hoping to get caught up on that now.

 

Taj'el: Response.

 

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Ensign Meris

Helmsperson

USS Thor

A240207M14