Posted by Fleet Captain Alexander Cochrane (Commanding Officer) in Side-Sim: Attachéd To The Job: Bezre Myrh Arrives (Tag CO)

Posted by Civilian Bezre Myrh (Diplomatic Attaché) in Side-Sim: Attachéd To The Job: Bezre Myrh Arrives (Tag CO)

Posted by Fleet Captain Alexander Cochrane (Commanding Officer) in Side-Sim: Attachéd To The Job: Bezre Myrh Arrives (Tag CO)
Posted by… suppressed (13) by the Post Ghost! 👻
“When was our shuttle due to arrive, Serras? Because it’s late and now my whole schedule will be thrown off,” Bezre studied their reflection in viewports of Event Horizon Station. They were dressed to impress, a purple bodysuit made of Tholian silk underneath a sheer black coat that covered them from neck to ankle. A matching and neatly wrapped headscarf covered their head and was the anchor for a thin black veil that drapped over the rest of their face. “This artificial light is making me itchy, you did send my specifications for my living quarters, didn’t you?”

Serras, a forced smile upon his face, answered, “Yes. I sent your room requirements two weeks ago along with your medical records to the Chief Medical Officer. Your bags are correctly packed and the shuttle is not late it’s due to arrive in two minutes.” He cut an imposing figure, especially next to Bezre. Where they were small and dainty he was tall and broadshouldered.

Bezre frowned at their reflection before nodding, “Good. Just testing you,” They added with a satisfied smile. The shuttle arrived one minute early and the two boarded without any delay. When possible Bezre avoided the transporter because no matter how many engineers tried to explain that there were no side-effects to transportation Bezre’s skin would itch for hours afterwards. The shuttle ride was entirely uneventful. The two sat in comfortable silence, taking the time to decompress and settle their thoughts. Once docked inside the Manhatten Bezre left Serras to handle their luggage and ensure the rooms were to their exact specifications. A lovely ensign greeted them in the docking bay and guided Bezre to the CO’s office. At the exactly scheduled time Bezre arrived outside the CO’s door and pressed the chime to announce their presence.

Bezre Myrh, Diplomatic Attaché

“Come in.” a voice said from inside. The door silently slid open to reveal the office beyond. The office was organized, but had the feel of both authority… and peace. Two bookcases on one wall stood with shelves filled with actual books behind their glass doors. Pictures had been mounted around the room showing both places and people, many of them featuring the same person. Various odds and ends graced places here and there.

Displayed prominently, however, alone on a shelf high up on the wall directly behind the desk that sat opposite the door, was the lone figure of a gold Ox. Lighting had been directed so that it drew the eye of anyone who came through the door almost immediately. Below that hung a… ‘coat’, for lack of a better word… that seemed to originate from a vid from Earth circa the mid twentieth century. Specifically those years many referred to as ‘the 70’s’. Bright red, lined in fur, it looked like it would belong to someone named ‘Pookie’ or perhaps ‘Moe Bootie’.

Seated behind the desk was the Commanding Officer, Fleet Captain Alexander Cochrane. He looked up as the doors opened. His hair was black, making the ice-blue eyes beneath the well-groomed hair even more intense. He had a youthful appearance, somewhat more so than the Fleet Captain’s pips at his collar would seem to indicate. He smiled and stood up and, holding out his hand, he said with a slight Terran-British accent “Ah, yes. You must be Madame Bezre Myrh, the new Diplomatic Attaché assigned to our little home-away-from-home. Welcome to the Manhattan.” As the Manhattan was one of the largest ships in the entirety of Star Fleet, his use of the word ‘little’ was almost certainly hyperbole.

Cochrane, CO

Bezre flashed a full smile as they stepped into the room, letting their gaze fall where it may as they took in the space and the things that occupied it. That gold Ox must have an interesting story behind it, it made for an eye-catching centerpiece. Able to dominate the room in the absence of its owner. Though, it paled in comparison to the handsome captain who commanded the space effortlessly. Bezre wondered if the jacket behind him was for casual wear or special occasions only. Something to find out and inquire about later.

They accepted the captain’s hand, offering a firm handshake in return. Harian Myrh’s memories told that Starfleet captains preferred solid handshakes under smiling eyes, “It is a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance, Captain. I have looked forward to this meeting ever since I read your service record.” They released the captain’s hand, bringing back within the protective covering of their outer coat. “And I must express how honored I am to join your crew. It has been far too long since I have seen a ship of this size, especially one dedicated to research and exploration.”

Bezre Myrh, Diplomatic Attaché

“Please, do be seated.” Cochrane said and gestured to one of the chairs in front of his desk. “Not the typical reaction I get from those who have read my record, but I’ll take it.” he said with a smile. Of course her file would have been ‘edited’ for civilian consumption, so some of the more colorful parts of his career would have been omitted, but it was still a nice compliment. “Would you care for any refreshment? I was about to get some coffee for myself.” he said as he walked towards the replicator on the wall.

Cochrane, CO

“Oh? And what is the ‘typical’ reaction to your career?” They took a seat, perched delicately upon the edge, “Water would be perfect, thank you.” Bezre took in more of the room around them, noting the photos on the walls and little details. Starship captain offices were rather fascinating. Especially to Myrh who has met many a captain and glimpsed many personal and public captain spaces.

Bezre Myrh, Diplomatic Attaché

Cochrane retrieved the coffee and water, returned to the desk and set the glass of water in front of Myrh. Seating himself, he smiled slightly and said “ ‘How can you possible be in command?!’ is the typical one, I think.” and he chuckled. “So how was your trip? First time crossing a worm hole?” he asked and then took a sip of coffee.

Cochrane, CO

Bezre sipped at their water, drinking a quarter of it before setting the glass back down. Their smile was full and knowing, “As I said, an excellent record for a captain. A good captain is creative and sometimes unorthodox. You strike me as a man more than capable for the responsibilities of leadership.” They smoothed out their veil until it lay in a more flattering shape, “No, not my first trip, but the experience is no less for its familiarity. It was, however, a novel experience for my student. Watching him experience his first trip through a wormhole was a delight.”

Bezre Myrh, Diplomatic Attaché

Cochrane nodded. “Well, I am glad that the trip was an uneventful one.” He took a sip of his drink and then said “All right. Down to it, shall we? Tell me, Ms. Myrh; how do you see your role here on the Manhattan? Where do you feel like you would want to ‘fit in’ to our operational model?”

Cochrane, CO

“Right in the middle of the action,” Bezre answered without second thought, “If you’d have me I would join you on the bridge and act as your advisor. I carry with me the experience and wisdom of my previous hosts who grant me a broad range of perspectives that you and others may benefit from. After all you won’t always need me in the role of a dedicated diplomat and I would much prefer to make myself as useful as I can.” A quality either shared by all the Myrh hosts or perhaps a desire born of Myrh itself. Bezre smiled, “I like to be in the know, if you know what I mean. Many interesting things happen aboard starships.”

Bezre Myrh, Diplomatic Attaché

“True…” Cochrane said hesitantly, “… but the problem there is that you are not a member of Star Fleet. Protocols and such stipulate that you cannot be posted on the bridge. We would, absolutely of course, want you there when we are interacting with other species… especially if it is a first contact scenario.” He paused and looked at her for a moment and then said “And to be completely honest? I am not one to allow just anyone on my bridge. This ship operates a bit differently than most. We are closer than most crews… a symptom of our being so far from the familiar and expected. The Bridge Crew especially is close knit. And I take advice form all my team. So a dedicated advisor could be perceived as a slight to their input. And I certainly don’t want that… although I am open to the opportunity to have the perspective of you and the Myrh Symbiote’s experience.”

Cochrane, CO

Bezre picked up on the Captain’s hesitance, and offered an understanding smile in return. “Captain, it’s alright. I sometimes forget I am a civilian these days after being enlisted twice through my previous hosts. This is your ship and you have final say in how it is run. If having a dedicated advisor could cause a snag between you and your crew then you are by no means required to humor me. If you’d like, whenever you feel that you may benefit from my perspective or need my advice we can sit down and have a nice chat. That way no one’s toes are stepped upon.”

Bezre Myrh, Diplomatic Attaché

Cochrane sat silently in thought for a moment, and sipped his coffee. Finally, he said “Our previous Attaché was given a great deal of leeway to operate By Ambassador S’tek.” and he paused. “Did you meet the Ambassador on your way to us? He is the Federation Ambassador to the Delta Quadrant on Event Horizon station, back at the worm hole.”

Cochrane, CO

“Ambassador S’tek, yes, I had the opportunity to join him for dinner on the station. He’s quite the conversationalist. What a way with words he has, I told him he missed a calling as a poet. We talked at length about my background, especially my internship at the Federation embassy on Trill. I wish I had more time to talk with him, but I am sure that opportunity will present itself again before long.”

Bezre Myrh, Diplomatic Attaché

“Oh, I’m sure you will be talking to him frequently.” Cochrane said with a smile. “Although it will via comms. We do not go back to the station all that often. So I hope you really like your quarters.’ and he chuckled. “Now, some policy and procedure formalities. You as the diplomatic attaché have access to most, but not all, areas of the ship. You are free to invite dignitaries and host events as you wish; but those events do come secondary to the ship’s mission so you will need Command Staff approval before the event or arrival of any non-Federation or Star Fleet visitors. We will of course do what we can to accommodate your needs to conduct diplomacy; but the core of the ship’s mission is exploration and discovery. Additionally, I would invite you to attend any mission briefings we have so that you can determine any diplomatic or foreign relation issues that we may need to contend with. You will need to work closely with ship Security for your events, so I strongly recommend developing a working relationship with the Security Chief, Lieutenant Commander Fayth. We also have a civilian chef on board who is in charge of our Officer’s Mess kitchen. If you wish to have meals at an event, you will need to give him as much notice as possible. Questions so far?”

Cochrane, CO

Most but not all areas. They supposed that will do. This was, unfortunately, the downside to civilian life but what to do. Bezre inclined their head, indicating they understood the captain. “I shall familiarize myself with the Lieutenant and the rest of the Command Staff. We will be working closely together from now on, I want to be on good terms with all of them.” They knew the life and trials of life in service aboard ships. Sometimes far from loved ones, family and home. Not everyone had the privilege of bringing their families with them and sometimes a holosuite wasn’t enough to create the feeling of one’s home. “A civilian chef? That’s quite a luxury you have here, I’ll make my introductions to him as well.” And make sure that he understood their complex gastrointestinal needs. This body was so sensitive to so many things. “None so far though be assured that should I have any I’ll not hesitate to ask.”

Bezre Myrh, Diplomatic Attaché

“Excellent.”Cochrane said approvingly. “I am a firm believer in the old human adage ‘The only stupid question is one that isn’t asked.’, so please… any questions or concerns I want to know about. Preferably before they become issues or problems.” He paused a moment and then said “So with that out of the way, would you care for a tour of the ship? Or would you prefer to unpack and postpone until you are more settled?”

Cochrane, CO

“Understood, captain,” Bezre said, then waived their hand, “Serras is taking care of all that and I’m here already. Let’s take that tour now,” They were excited to see the ship and what it had to offer. Of course they looked at the public records of the ship and its specs but that wasn’t the same as seeing it all in person. “You must be very proud to be Captain of a fine ship.”

Bezre Myrh, Diplomatic Attaché