Getting Acquainted

Posted on Mon Feb 7th, 2011 @ 4:40am by Lieutenant JG Talri & Lieutenant Serena "Seren" Jones

1,130 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: The Forests of Mythraeli
Location: Stellar Cartography
Timeline: Pre-away mission

Talri's first shift in stellar cartography was almost finished, and she was quite satisfied with the progress she had made over the day, reviewing the charts that had been left for her and ensuring that everything was in order. It was as she was tidying up to leave that she caught sight of someone standing in the doorway.

'Yes?' she called out. 'Come in!'

Serena had heard a rumor that the ship got a new crew member on the ship. Being new herself, she was excited to know she wasn't the only one. Walking through the doors, she walked up to a woman that looked close to her age. "Hello," she stated warmly, "I'm Lt. Jones the ships Chief of Flight Control. Are you Lt (jg) Talri?"

'Indeed,' she replied. 'I am Talri.' She stood, and stepped closer to the other woman. 'Is there something I can assist you with?' she asked. 'I have all the maps in order - are you looking to chart out a course?'

"Well I wanted to introduce myself," started Seren, "I'm new here too. As for looking at a chart. Well I'm not sure. Its been quite some time since I've asked." Then she laughed a little, seeing Talri wasn't amused by it, Seren stopped laughing and put on a embarrassed look on her face.

Talri was not amused. Talri's features, as usual, betrayed no trace of any emotion, although she stared at Seren perhaps a little longer than was polite. She had never seen such volatile emotions so freely expressed, and she was unsure of how to react to the woman.

'If you are not seeking a specific chart,' she said carefully, 'then there is no sense in looking. Introductions, however, are welcome. You are new to this ship also? I arrived this morning. It is already proving to be - interesting.'

"My first day was as well," Seren stated in agreement, "No I arrived yesterday. You know the usual introducing yourself to your superiors and such. So what made you come to the Calypso?"

'It is the assignment that I was offered,' said Talri, a little unsure as to why such an explanation would be necessary. 'I presume the same is true for you?'

"Yeah you could say that," stated Seren looking around the room, "They needed a helmsman and I jumped on the offer." Then she looked back at Talri, "Nice room."

'It is adequate for the purposes of my work,' Talri agreed, 'although a little smaller than my last office. Prior to joining Starfleet, I worked at the Shi'Kahr Institute,' she explained.

"Really," stated Seren interested, "What was that like?"

'You have heard of it? I found it an interesting place to work. It was intellectually stimulating,' Talri replied. 'Then again, stellar cartography has also been so to me.'

"I heard of it from a few people," Seren smiled, "But isn't work always fun, when its not considered work. I'm glad you've found your calling. A lot of people can't say that. Or at least thats what I've heard."

'The notion of a singular purpose in life is not always logical,' Talri reflected. 'I am a stellar cartographer, yet that is not all that I am. It is only one aspect of my life's work. Moreover, fun is an emotionally-rooted value judgement and so is inapplicable, at least in my case. For you it may be different. Is that what piloting is for you?'

Seren looked at her with one eyebrow arched, "In a weird way yes it is. I see my fly abilities as a passion and as fun. Not as work."

'Yet it is your job,' stated Talri, and then: 'Do not concern yourself overly with the thought. We are different. It is to be expected.'

"Hum," thought Seren, "I'd never thought of it that way."

Talri looked back at her. 'Is it not truth?' she asked.

"In a way yes," agreed Seren with a smile on her face, "Do you have family? or is that too frank with you?"

'It is not,' replied Talri carefully. 'I have a family. A husband and children. Why do you ask it?'

"Just curious thats all," Seren replied, "Not many people on this ship could say they have a family, expecally if they're an officer. It would kind of nice for my sister to another mom aboard as well."

'My children are not here,' she told Seren, raising an eyebrow. 'They are in Korindet-Sivek in the house of my mother. Your sister and her family are aboard this ship?'

"Just her and the kids," she smiled, "Williams away on some sort of mission."

Talri nodded. 'It is a strange notion, to bring children aboard a ship such as this. However, it seems in certain circumstances to be the logical option. Perhaps this is true of your sister.'

"She couldn't bear leaving them with a family member," Seren stated, "Were a pretty family oriented people. We take care of our own as well as others as well. Perhaps you should go talk to her. She works down in the lounge area. She's just a welcoming as me."

Not for one moment had Talri considered bringing Liet and Amril with her. They were very young, and had much to learn. It would be difficult enough for Talri herself to adjust to this new life, let alone imposing it on them. And Sovrek - Sovrek had his own career, and it was right that the children had at least one of their parents with them.

'Perhaps I will,' said Talri, noncommittal, 'when I have the opportunity. If I do, I shall mention you to her.'

"If you want," stated Seren, "Either way it wont make a difference." Then she smiled at her. "Well I hate to leave in such a way, but I must be getting ready. I'm going on that new planet we found. I'm excited about it. I'm going to be gone for a week so I need to get things around. It was nice talking to you Lt. (jg) Talri. Hopefuly we could do it again?"

'Indeed,' said Talri, and then, thinking something more was necessary, as she would not see the woman for some time, she did as she would have at home, saluting Seren Vulcan-fashion, and intoning, 'Live long and prosper.'

Serena did the same jesture to Talri. After they said there goodbyes, Serena turned around and left the room and headed towards her quarters to pack for her grand adventure.


:OFF:

Lieutenant JG Talri
Stellar Cartographer
USS Calypso

Lt. Serena "Seren" Jones
Chief Flight Control Officer
USS Calypso

 

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