Ensign Meris: Small Victories, Long Journeys
Meris/Brian
((First Officer's Office, Deck 1, USS Thor))
Even as the first officer framed this remedial training as support rather than correction, Meris could not help but feel they were being punished. Asking about shore leave became a small test of how much ground they had lost, and learning it remained untouched felt like a narrow but meaningful victory. With that opening, they chose to advocate for themself and for their people, explaining the weight of serving as a cultural ambassador when so few J'naii ever leave the planet. What mattered most was that Meris spoke deliberately and without rushing, beginning to trust that asking and explaining could be as important as acting.
Herrick: I believe you’re certified on the Arrow-class runabouts, am I right?
The pilot nodded.
Meris: Yes, Commander. Although not as common as the Type-XIs, the Arrow-class runabouts are still part of the standard flight curriculum at the Academy.
Meris chose not to disclose that they had not scored particularly well on the Arrow-class. After all, Commander Herrick had only asked if they were certified and they were.
oO Certified does not mean exemplary. But it does mean certified. Oo
Herrick: Then I think the Jörð is free and clear for you to use once you’re ready. ::tapping the PADD:: It’s a long trip, do you have anyone keeping you company?
In truth, the pilot had considered asking Naledi to accompany them. But committing to such a journey with someone they barely knew felt like a risky undertaking, even for the most extroverted of crewmates. And Naledi, as much as Meris was becoming fond of them, was not particularly extroverted.
Meris: I will have the computer to keep me company.
The pilot imagined they would play a fair number of memory games with the computer during the long journey. Perhaps they would also listen to the audiobook of 'Lessons in Perspective: Writings on Culture, Curiosity, and Connection' by former First Minister Noor. It had been quite popular on their homeworld while they were away at the Academy. They resisted commenting that perhaps they could also get a jump on Commander Herrick’s remedial training during the trip.
oO Best not to tempt fate with sarcasm. Oo
Herrick: Safe travels, and I’ll look forward to your return. Dismissed.
The pilot nodded once again and rose.
Meris: Thank you, Commander. If I find an appropriate trinket along the way, I shall acquire it for you. I believe that is an old Earth custom I have heard of before. And good luck on Seda. Hopefully, I will return in time to enjoy the last few days of the Festival of Sensatia with the rest of the crew.
The J'naii helmsperson turned and proceeded out of the office, passing an ensign carrying a stack of PADDs as they went.
oO I do not envy the Commander all that PADDwork. Oo
As they stepped out into the corridor, their combadge chirped. The sound was sharp and unmistakable in the quiet corridors of deck 1.
DeVeau: =/\= Commander DeVeau to Ensign Meris. Please report to my office. =/\=
[End Scene for Meris]
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Ensign Meris
Helmsperson
USS Thor
A240207M14