Ensign Meris: The Pilot's First Mission
Meris/Brian
((Deck 1, First Officer's Office, USS Thor))
The USS Thor’s return to normal space brought with it a subtle shift in atmosphere, one Meris felt even before the deck plating beneath their boots steadied into its familiar hum. The crisis was over. The Modi was safely recovered. The Thor was already charting a course toward Seda. For most of the crew, that meant decompression, routine, and rest. For Meris, it meant a summons. Afterall, the mission to VX-LON-3 had been their first mission aboard the Thor. And a post-mission debrief on their performance was standard procedure following a new officer's first mission.
The J'naii helmsperson paused outside the First Officer’s door on deck one, just aft of the bridge and forward of the Away Team Prep Rooms. The location felt intentional. Close enough to command to matter. Close enough to the mission to remember it clearly. Meris straightened their uniform out of habit, smoothing a wrinkle that did not exist, and took a measured breath. Concern flickered through them, not panic, but the quiet, analytical kind. They replayed the mission in their head, noting decisions made under pressure, moments of hesitation, moments of certainty.
oO I did what I was trained to do. I believe I did it well. Oo
Whatever doubts lingered were tempered by confidence. The team leaders would have filed their reports by now. If there were criticisms, Meris thought they were prepared to hear them as they depressed the chime beside the door.
Herrick: Response.
Meris stepped inside, posture formal but not rigid, and came to a stop where before the Commander's desk.
Meris: Commander. Thank you for seeing me. Given this was my first mission aboard the Thor, I am reporting for my post-action review.
The pilot’s hands were clasped loosely behind their back, eyes attentive. They waited, letting Herrick set the tone of the debrief, even as another thought pressed quietly at the back of their mind. Beyond the mission review, there was a request they had rehearsed more than once. A shuttle. A brief return to J’naii. The first of many symposiums they hoped to give to their people, sharing what they had learned aboard the Thor starting with this first mission. They hoped to give the symposium not as an officer reporting facts, but as an educator beginning to fulfill their lifelong promise to their people.
Herrick: Response.
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Ensign Meris
Helmsperson
USS Thor
A240207M14