Lieutenant JG Meris: The Direct Consequences of Indirect Control
Meris/Brian
((Holodeck 3, Deck 5, USS Thor))
Taking the helm of the Osprey, Meris found themself translating an unfamiliar system into something they could understand, breaking down sail and rudder into cause and effect even as the delay in response challenged their instincts. Where starship piloting relied on precision and immediate control, this required anticipation, a willingness to act before the result could be seen. As Kreshkova guided and Ral moved to assist with the sail, the three of them settled into a rhythm, each taking on a role without needing to define it aloud.
For Meris, this was not just learning to sail... it was learning to relinquish a measure of control, to trust in a system that responded on its own terms, and to find steadiness within that uncertainty rather than resist it.
Meris: Extended exposure to direct sunlight can result in dermal damage. We may wish to consider protective measures.
Ral: Noted, Lieutenant. ::saluting::
Meris observed the salute for a brief moment, their head tilting slightly.
oO I believe the Lieutenant is being humorous. Curious. Oo
Kreshkova: Response
Meris: This body of water... is the Caspian Sea?
Kreshkova: Response
Ral: You can always ask the computer to give you a navigational chart, Meris.
Meris gave a small nod at that, filing the suggestion away as both practical and overdue.
It was then that the wind caught the sail and the canvas snapped taut with a sharp crack. Wyatt hauled in the rope hand over hand. The boom shifted, swinging across as the sail tightened.
Meris ducked instinctively as the boom swept across the open helm area only a few inches above their head.
oO That would be quite painful if one failed to anticipate it. Oo
Their grip tightened on the wheel, posture steadying once more as the vessel responded to the newly captured wind. The shift was immediate. The sluggish motion gave way to something smoother, more directed.
Meris: Mister Ral, you are part Human, correct? Does your lineage have any association with this region of Earth?
The Human/Betazoid turned back towards Meris.
Ral: Wyatt is fine when we’re not on duty. No, my mother is from England and we had a residence in Scotland but we didn’t spend a great deal of time on Earth to explore the planet further.
Kreshkova: Response.
Meris considered the correction, processing it alongside the information provided.
Meris: Of course, Lieutenant. ::a pause:: Where did you grow up? On Betazed?
Ral/Kreshkova: Response.
Meris listened as Ral spoke, their attention divided between the conversation and the subtle demands of the helm. The wheel required constant, minor adjustment, not forceful correction but steady guidance. Whenever they seemed to achieve equilibrium it would quickly slip away and the pilot would then need to work to reacquire it, then only to have it slip away again once found.
Meris: Spending so much time on a Starbase, was that the catalyst for your wanting to join Starfleet?
Ral/Kreshkova: Response.
As Ral continued, Meris’ gaze drifted past his shoulder toward the horizon. A darker line resolved into something more solid and they recognizing it as the approaching shoreline. The coast approached gradually but undeniably. The pilot’s posture shifted slightly, attention sharpening.
oO Course correction will be required. Oo
They briefly pointed towards the approaching shore.
Meris: Captain, I will adjust our course twenty degrees to port to avoid the coast.
They rotated the wheel with deliberate precision, counting the spokes as Kreshkova had demonstrated. The bow began to respond, slowly coming about.
Then the sail faltered. The taut canvas slackened, losing its shape as the wind slipped past it rather than filling it. The forward motion diminished almost immediately.
Meris held the wheel steady, eyes narrowing slightly as they assessed the change.
They glanced upward at the sail, then briefly toward Ral, then back ahead.
Meris: We are losing speed. Where has our propulsion gone? Mister Ral, you are an Engineer. Can you provide thrust?
oO This vessel appears to lack a redundant system for such an event. I’m surprised Commander Kreshkova hasn’t considered this. Oo
Ral/Kreshkova: Response.
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Lieutenant JG Meris
Helmsperson
USS Thor
A240207M14