Lieutenant Divya Tam: A Noisy Distraction
mrsciroth
((Deck 5 Corridor, USS Thor))
Recreational programming was just as annoying as she thought it would be, based on everyone she had ever witnessed in the midst of the activity. It was much like watching her mother work on a ship. There would enviably be a pile of parts strewn haphazardly across the floor, language she and her siblings were never allowed to use, and possibility a tool thrown from the ship. And yet, her mother would emerge smiling and would boast about her accomplishment.
Oddly, the programming Divya had done in the course of duty had come easy. A practical goal made sense. A = 1/2 x base x height was a concept she could wrap her head around, but how to balance the eight colors that it took to create the look of a tree trunk was endlessly frustrating. She should have let the computer do it for her, but she was a painter. Her stubborn streak would not accept that she could create the effect with a paintbrush but not a formula.
As a string of that forbidden language erupted from her lips, she acknowledged her stubborn streak had taken over and allowed herself to take a break. The doors to the holodeck opened and reminded her that a world existed outside the dark room that taunted her with a half empty grid pattern. Yes, a walk was exactly what she needed.
DeVeau: Divya!
She had not gotten far when the sound of her name pulled her out of her thoughts. The scientist she had spent a mission planetside with was standing in the hall holding an adorable toddler.
DeVeau: Where are you off to?
Tam: Alora! Hello. I am seeking distraction from the frustration of holoprogramming. What are you two up to today?
DeVeau: Have you eaten Yet? We’re going to go all the way down to the main mess hall to eat. Thought it would be a nice change of pace.
Tam: That sounds lovely.
A walk to the mess hall and a conversation with a new friend was always good. A new crew member walked down the hall, and DeVeau flagged them down.
DeVeau: Good morning!
Meris: ::with a nod:: Good morning.
Divya nodded to Thor’s newest pilot.
DeVeau: I don’t think we’ve had the pleasure of meeting yet. I’m Alora. This is Shyla.
The toddler turned her silent stare from Divya to the new person. Divya recognized the intense curiosity she had seen in the child's mother as she ran around a new planet looking for poop.
Meris: It is a pleasure to meet you, Commander DeVeau. ::looking to Shyla:: And your offspring. I am Meris. I have been assigned as the Thor's new helm officer.
The pilot leaned over to examine the child and look for clues for conversation.
Meris: ::approvingly:: You have excellent taste in starships.
Tam: You certainly do. A heavy explorer will take good care of you.
Meris: A pleasure to meet you as well, Lieutenant Tam.
Tam: It's good to meet you, Ensign Meris. Please let me know if you have any special requirements for your quarters. ::pointing to the devices attached to her cheeks:: I personally like to sleep in an atmosphere without my breathers.
DeVeau: Shyla and I were about to head to the main mess hall for breakfast. Both of you are welcome to join us.
Meris: I would greatly appreciate joining you. ::pause:: Provided it is acceptable to you both?
Tam: A meal is made better with company. Shall we?
The group made their way into the nearest turbolift.
Meris: Deck 8.
Divya contemplated how many peppers she wanted to cram into her omelet.
Meris: If you do not mind me asking, have you both been aboard since the Thor's relaunch?
Tam: We have. ::looking at DeVeau:: How many weeks has it been now? Three?
DeVeau: Response.
Meris met Shyla's intense stare with one of their own. Divya made an effort to hold her laughter until she got to know Meris a little longer, at least for a few minutes.
Meris: Aboard my last posting, there were very few families. Is it difficult having a child on a starship?
DeVeau: Response.
Tam: We have quite a few crew members who live here with their families.
Meris: Are there many children aboard?
DeVeau: Response.
Tam: You should have plenty of opportunities to get used to children.
She grinned watching for their reaction.
DeVeau/Meris: Response.
Divya looked down at the plush toys in Shyla's hands. The tribble cat plucked a cord in her heart. It had been too long since she spoke to Hana.
Tam: Shyla, one of my very best friends, has a tribble named Teela. She helps my friend stay calm and even helped us in a mission. Does your twibble have a name?
DeVeau/Meris: Response.
Divya smiled at the child.
Tam: I am going knit Teela a Starfleet uniform like that one.
DeVeau/Meris: Response.
The turbolift stopped at Deck 8, and as the group stepped into the hall, the sound of children immediately filled the area and echoed off the walls. About ten children rounded the corner at a full run, followed by an adult. The adult glanced at them with a weary expression as he jogged after his pupils.
Tam: Did I mention the daycare and school have been sent up on deck 8?
DeVeau/Meris: Response.
(( Tags/TBC ))
Lieutenant Divya Tam
Chief of Operations
USS Thor
A240104DT4
She/Her (character and player)