Ensign Janai Zol - A Chance for Good Memories

[Janai Zol]

(( Chief Science Officer’s Office, Deck 8, USS Valkyrie-A ))

As her first meeting with Commander Ada continued, Janai felt more and more at ease.

Zol: I could have gone bigger, I think. Filled his whole office or something. But I didn't want to mess up his day, and it wouldn't be a very Startfleet cadet thing to do - though Zol seemed to like the idea. We were only joined a month, back then.

Ada: Probably wise. ::beat:: What do you think of the tea?

Janai took a sip, considered the taste for a moment. The taste was familiar, something she'd had back on Earth, but she couldn't quite place it. Still, it was creamy, slightly oxidized, pleasant.

Zol: I like it, but I can't say I know it. What is it?

Ada: It's an Earth tea, camellia sinensis sinensis. An oolong, from the Anxi region in east Asia. Tieguanyin.

Janai took another sip, considering the new information. Meanwhile, Commander Ada seemed momentarily lost in thought. 

Ada: Let's talk expectations. What do you expect of me, as your superior officer? 

Zol: Well, uh, we already discussed my work expectations - I don't think I have more to add to those. 

Ada: I'm serious. This is your life, your career. I need to know what you need from me.

Clearly Commander Ada meant to pry deeper than before. Janai took another sip of the tea as Zol swirled around her belly. The tea was still hot, jolting her brain into motion.

Zol: Permission to speak freely, Commander?

Ada: Response

Janai sat there, fiddling with her hands for a few moments.

Zol: I love science. History specifically, but all science is lovely to me - it's a quest for understanding that never ends. But I would be lying if I said I didn't join Starfleet for adventure as well. I hope you can empathize?

Ada: Response

Janai put a hand on her stomach. She didn't feel Zol, not really, but she did feel something when she did that, a connection. 

Zol: From the moment Zol and I were Joined, I have been thinking. I am not just Janai anymore. I'm Zol too. And Zol deserves a full life - I deserve a full life, so that whoever comes next inherits good memories, and the cycle can go on. So that's what I expect, Commander. Chances for good memories. A way to ensure that I didn't become Joined for no reason at all.

Ada: Response

--

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Ensign Janai Zol

Science Officer

USS Valkyrie-A, NCC-76418-A
V240304JZ2