Posted by Commander Shedda Mal’athar (Executive Officer) in Side Sim: A Side of New Friends (Tag XO)

Posted by Civilian Bezre Myrh (Diplomatic Attaché) in Side Sim: A Side of New Friends (Tag XO)

Posted by Commander Shedda Mal’athar (Executive Officer) in Side Sim: A Side of New Friends (Tag XO)
Posted by… suppressed (21) by the Post Ghost! 👻
The Officer’s Mess appeared clean and quiet. Bezre Myrh stepped inside, pleased by how clean the room was. Not that they expected a dirty room but they were particular about cleanliness and could always tell when a room was in need of a good dusting. Their skin would itch and (depending upon the severity of dust) turn red. They approached the replicator, not really in the mood to explain their dietary restrictions to the chef. Oh, they should have Serras write an explanation and prepare a list of approved dishes for the chefs to put on file. Yes, that would be perfect. But for now. . . replicated soup to sip upon at a table by a viewport.

Bezre pulled back their protective veil from their face and began to take careful sips of what appeared to be a cloudy broth-based soup that smelled bitter and sour. It wasn’t really a soup to anyone’s tastes but it was the perfect home remedy for uneasy stomachs. Bezre has yet to adjust to the motion of the Manhattan. That was their life though. Always having to adjust to every new environment but it was a noble kind of suffering for the good work they do.

Bezre Myrh - Diplomatic Attaché

Sitting at a small table for two next to the view port at the back of the mess sat. Cmdr Mal’athar. Her silky black hair was expertly pulled into a neat low bun and her lime green skin shone beautifully against the red neck and grey shoulders of her command uniform. Even just sitting and eating toast she was elegant and attractive. Her electric blue eyes flicked up as the door opened and took note of the new Diplomatic Attaché entering.

“Good afternoon Bezre Myrh. Welcome to the Manhattan.”

Mal’athar, XO

Bezre glanced up as their name was called, and smiled. If their memory served them right, and the pips on the collar correct, then this was commander Mal’athar. Bezre carefully picked up their bowl of soup and joined the XO at her table, “Afternoon, commander. Thank you for the welcome, I am excited to be aboard a Starfleet vessel once again.” Bezre perched on the edge of her seat, perfectly balanced, “Especially one as magnificent as the Manhattan. I can not begin to express how excited I am to see a ship of this scale dedicated to research and exploration!” It was truly a blessing to see the evolution of ships across the past two centuries.

Bezre Myrh - Diplomatic Attaché

Shedda grinned, “I have followed the planning and construction of the Manhattan class since the idea was first developed. I knew I would serve on one of them. A science vessel like this is a dream posting for a scientist. I just never expected to be first officer of the class’s primary ship.” Shedda set a hand to the bulkhead, “She is a magnificent ship.” She picked up her decaf coffee and took a sip, “How are you settling in?”

Mal’athar, XO

Bezre nodded along. Harian Myrh loved to stay up to date with exciting and new ship specs. Especially anything that went fast. A regular speed demon that one but a ship did not need to be fast to catch his eye. He would have been delighted by the Manhattan. They hummed in agreement. Though Bezre was no scientist, they understood the potential of the ship and the resources it carried and made readily available. “Quite well. My rooms were adjusted to my exact specifications. Serras called my accommodations ‘excessive’ and ‘picky’ but he thinks requesting any kind of accommodations as a sign of ‘weakness’.” They delicately sipped soup from their spoon, “How long have you and the captain worked together?”

Bezre Myrh - Diplomatic Attaché

Shedda smiled, “Our Ops officers are the best in the fleet. If you need anything for your rooms or your office, let them know.” The XO chuckled, “That may be a trait of trainees. Our previous Attaché had one, and she was under the impression that being an effective diplomat meant putting up with whatever was thrown at you to prove you were tough. Mrs. McKenzie fixed that misperception.”

She set her cup down after a sip. “Just over two years now. He’s a good captain to serve under and an exceptional man to learn from.”

Mal’athar, XO

“I shall do just that, don’t worry.” Bezre said. There was no weakness nor shame in wanting to be comfortable in one’s own living space. “It must be! Serras has a lot of peculiar traits and beliefs, especially when it comes to politics but he’s doing his best.” The man had a difficult life and the past few decades really did a number on him. Bezre could relate. Sometimes life was unfair and too chaotic to understand. “He has an exceptional service record,” They agreed, “And quite handsome too. I look forward to getting to know him better.” After a pause they smiled at Shedda, “And the rest of the senior staff. We will be working closely together from now on after all.”

Bezre Myrh - Diplomatic Attaché

Shedda grinned slightly. “Life can be strange, but it is those experiences that make us all so unique.” She finished the last bite of her toast and wiped her mouth with her napkin. “We are all here on the same mission. It is important that we are able to work as a team. Have you served aboard a star ship before?”

Mal’athar, XO

“Two of my previous hosts served on multiple ships. Both Trill and Starfleet,” Bezre Myrh began, “Harian Myrh was an accomplished fighter pilot. He loved fast ships and I couldn’t even begin to describe how much he loved piloting. He designed flight simulations that are still in use today. His call sign was Lightning, because he struck fast and hard before vanishing into the black.” Sometimes Bezre dreamed of being in the pilot seat, streaking through space at warp speed. It was one of their nicer dreams.

They sipped more soup, “As Bezre Myrh, this would be my first Starship posting. Though part of me finds it strange to be on the civilian side and not as an enlisted officer.” Everything was different from the civilian perspective. A novel experiance for the trill.

Bezre Myrh, Diplomatic Attaché

She remembered Revna talking about the transition from officer to civilian. Ah, but that reminded her. “Our counselor is part of an exchange program and civilian as well. I do hope you take the time to meet her.” Sair was a delightful addition to their crew and did an excellent job. “I meant to ask, do you prefer Bezre or Myrh?” Shedda had known several Trill in her time. Some preferred their host name and some their symbiot.

Mal’athar, XO

“Hmm, oh, I’m sure I could stop by to say hello,” Bezre demurred, playing with her spoon for a moment, “I’m sure she’s quite lovely.” They supposed it wouldn’t hurt to meet with the counselor but they didn’t have need for any actual counseling sessions. “I have no preference for either name though I do prefer they/them pronouns. She/her are acceptable as well,” Bezre said, “I take it you’ve met a few joined trill in your life?”

Bezre Myrh, Diplomatic Attaché

Shedda nodded, “My first department head was Trill. Our medic on the colony I grew up on was Trill, unlined. I have served with others, but knew them best.”

Mal’athar, XO

“We’re quite an interesting bunch, aren’t we?” Bezre chuckled. Most Trill tended to leave an impression upon other alien people, joined or not. A quality that helped distinguish Trill diplomats from the rest. Bezre had to work hard to stand out from her peers at university and later at the Federation Embassy. “So, what sort of entertainments could I find on this ship? I do enjoy a busy social calendar.” Especially now that she had Serras to take care of the minutia of their planning and organization.

Bezre Myrh, Diplomatic Attaché

Shedda looked at Bezre and her attire, and of course she had seen the environmental request when it came through. She wasn’t sure if she would like a natural space, but many events were held there. “We have a lovely garden. A former officer designed and planted it. There are several ensemble groups that perform regularly, and a drama troupe. One of our teachers holds art classes. We hold movie nights and pot luck dinners. There is a group that meets regularly to play board games. We have a full gymnasium as well. There is a little something for everyone.”

Mal’athar, XO

“A garden, how delightful,” Bezre said, “Ship arboretums are so fascinating. They must be carefully designed with consideration to the space and the impact on overall ship resources. Not unlike designing spaces for newly terraformed worlds. I shall have Serras review a list of the plants and prepare myself accordingly.” A ship garden should not be too bad with the right prevention and preparation. “Painting classes would be wonderful. My parents are exceptional artists and I am fortunate enough to have inherited even a faction of their skill.”

Bezre Myrh, Diplomatic Attaché

“The garden is a work of love. It is both artistic, peaceful, and working. There are several garden beds available for planting on a first come first use basis.” Shedda cupped her hands around the warm cup. For once she wished it was regular and not decaf. Ah well she preferred it that way. “I have no artistic ability at all, but I do enjoy art. I am fairly good at growing things though. My father is a farmer.”

Mal’athar, XO

“That’s good to know,” Bezre said. Who knows what sorts of things people would grow in the community beds. Best to keep an eye out for that. “Good thing then, that anyone can appreciate art. Just like anyone can take pride in working with their hands. Jahin, my first host, was a hobby wood carver. He loved taking a block of wood and working at it piece by piece until the finished product revealed itself. I imagine farming is much the same, tenderly and carefully caring for a living thing until it flourishes.”

Bezre Myrh, Diplomatic Attaché

The XO smiled softly, her gaze momentarily away as she remembered. “My father said it brought him peace to nourish life after the life he had had.” She raised her cup to her lips. “I’m an archeologist. I feel the same way about digging up and piecing together artifacts.”

Mal’athar, XO

Bezre’s eyes brightened, “We must sit down sometime so I could tell you all about the archeological sites on Trill. What ruins have you been too?” Myrh remembered the long hours and tireless work of sorting through archeological finds. Connecting the pieces to uncover the story hidden in the remains of the past. Valle proved again and again that there even in this age of information there was still plenty left to discover even on one’s homeworld.

Bezre Myrh, Diplomatic Attaché

“During the Academy I worked on a dig on Qo’noS, Bajor, and Ventaxia. I’ve been to Gorlon, Igiri, Ventan, Tagus III, Marlonia, Landris II, and Golana. My favorite though was temple ruins in Carcoln Gap on Thoveiturn.” Shedda had published several papers over the years, but Thoveiturn was her claim to fame, and she was still studying the data collected.

Mal’athar, XO

Bezre recognized each of those names, and the significance they held. The Trill sighed wistfully, “All impressive. You’re making me feel so nostalgic. Almost enough to wish my next host would be an archeologist but that’s just wistful thinking. You must have published your findings, I must read them. Perhaps I can live vicariously through you instead.” They shot a playful smile to Shedda, “I think you would love the ancient ruins on Trill. The art we preserved across the centuries is inspiring, many have dedicated their lives to keeping ancient art practices alive so that we can ensure the history within can be preserved for many centuries to come.”

Bezre Myrh, Diplomatic Attaché

“The ship’s computer has many of those locations on file for the holodeck. You can explore them in depth that way.” Mal’athar nodded, “It is on my list. I have always wanted to visit Trill and see the ruins.” She chuckled slightly, “Then again, almost every ruin I have read about is on my list.”

Mal’athar, XO

“You can ‘visit’ those locations but it’s not the same as actually being there and working as part of the dig site,” Bezre bemoaned, with a wistful sigh. You could visit the locations but it wasn’t just the discovery of new artifacts or uncovering clues to ancient lives. It was understanding the people working along side you, sharing your theories or trials over dinner. Sleeping meters away from your site, falling asleep to the sounds of native life and wondering if you were hearing the same soundscapes as those hundreds of thousands of years ago. “If you ever do get the opportunity I would be happy to write you a quick guide. There are all the famous and well-known ruins but some of my favorite sites were the ones that slipped under the public’s notice.”

Bezre Myrh, Diplomatic Attaché

Shedda chuckled as their new diplomatic attaché bemoaned her plight. She understood it all too well. It was hard for her to imagine it had been over a year since she came to Manhattan and been on a proper dig. She missed it. “My favorite sites are always the ones that slip by unnoticed. They tell the richest stories.”

Mal’athar, XO

“That they do,” Bezre agreed with a nostalgic smile. “Any other hobbies or interests? You’re very easy to talk to.” It would be very nice to make some friends since she will be aboard the ship for the foreseeable future. As much as she liked Serras he was just one man and Bezre preferred a large social circle to interact with.

Bezre Myrh, Diplomatic Attaché