Posted by Captain Orvos Legen (Commanding Officer) in The Parthenon - The Calm Before the Storm

Posted by Commander Serena Stone (Executive Officer) in The Parthenon - The Calm Before the Storm

Posted by Captain Orvos Legen (Commanding Officer) in The Parthenon - The Calm Before the Storm
Posted by… suppressed (6) by the Post Ghost! 👻
Orvos’s life had taken a drastic change from the familiarity of having Janna around. He was effectively forced to try and make friends outside of his typical sphere of influence. Challenging as it was, he had found time to amend his relationship with his long-ago first officer Dawson from the Aurora – a ship they both commanded centuries ago. Things had changed between them over the years. What had once been a betrayal on both their parts, was now reconciled. The details were now left to the past. Together they moved on.

In fact, it was the very reason Orvos now found himself walking into the Parthenon. The pair would meet every few days, sharing a meal, chatting. Members of the crew also took notice.

One of the servers happened by him and said, “Ah, captain! He’s at table 13, sir.” Orvos grinned and gave the man a nod before moving to Dawson’s location.

Orvos quietly sidled up to the table. Dawson, brought his beverage to his lips before saying, “I was beginning to think you wouldn’t show. With all the hustle and bustle on the ship now, I thought you’d be too busy.”

He shook his head as he took a seat at the table. “You should already know, never too busy for a friend.”

Dawson had taken a swig of his drink before smiling. “Indeed! And you ought to know how much I love being very serious about things.” This time both of them chuckled.

“So what’s the hustle about anyway? Crew’s a bit more active.” remarked Dawson before a server came up to drop off the typical beverage Orvos always ordered - a Wildchild Iced Tea (flavors of blueberry, elderberry, and hibiscus mixed with a hint of sweetener).

Orvos leaned back. “Well, seems the ship is headed to Wer Beta III. Going to be helping them with their weather problems it seems.”

“We the only ship or something?”

“Only ship. For now anyway. I’m sure the crew can handle it. There’s been a lot changes, I know, but they come together when it’s needed.”

-Captain Orvos Legen, CO
-Dawson “Stillwater”

Serena made her way through the doors into the Parthenon and headed for the port side service area to see what was on the menu for lunch, as one of the offerings the Mythology-class fielded was for fresh cooked meals. Replicators were available all around as well, but being able to cook actual meal was its own art and luxury. Even startin from replicated ingredients often made a better product than something wholly replicated. Everyone said replicator food was quite good, ad it was. But over time the sameness came through, at least for her. When she said it was the exact same meal every time, it wasn’t hyperbole. But with actual cooking, the chemistry was always al ittle bit different. Sometimes wildly different, depending on all sorts of factors. And there was even the quantum factors in attention and intention in the cooking. A meal prepared by living hands always had an extra, indefinable quality. Especially when that person loved what they made, or the people they made it for, or both.

Marishka might have been gone, but the staff that stayed still carried that care and legacy. And suddenly she found herself missing the fiery Orion that made the crew lounge more than just that, but an experience all the time.

Seeing nothing of interest on offer for now, she made for the replicators and quickly got herself something she’d picked up a long time ago. A wrap that was a mix, with fresh veggies, creamy but spicy sauce, tender savory meats and some extra carbs in the form of something akin to seasoned potatoes, pulled from Earth traditions and Bajoran fare where the spice came in. It was always flavorful and though it might set her mouth ablaze, it was worth it. With the wrap came an iced coffee loaded with creamer and a bit of sweetener.

Nearby she spotted Dawson and the captain chatting. From the look of the table, they’d only just started talking. The two had become much more chummy lately. She supposed that was a good thing. There had always been this tension and strain around the two of them. It wasn’t her business to pry but she got the sense it was history that went way back. Whatever it was, perhaps they’d made some kind of progress and buried the hatchet. Anything that made life easier.

The redhead blinked. Stop staring. I wasn’t… more like zoned out. Her face blossomed with fresh heat. Great, now I look like a walking tomato. Serena huffed at herself and scanned the room, looking for a place to park while she took lunch break and got some chow. But it was kind of busy. She chewed her lower lip. Do I dare intrude? .. I should have just gone to my quarters.

Cmdr. Stone, Executive Officer

Orvos was still talking to Dawson. Something about the Parthenon and how different things were now. How people had come and gone. Dawson was well aware of it all and had moved on. Orvos tended to care deeply though, and it was typically never good for him to be alone.

Dawson allowed Orvos to chatter on to him, even when he happened to catch sight of Commander Serena Stone staring at them. He lightly laughed to himself as she hadn’t made any particular indication that she registered his own gaze back. He briefly looked back to Orvos and nodded at him, indicating he was still paying attention. When Dawson looked back, the commander seemed to be looking about the room once more.

He smiled for a moment as he waited a moment longer to catch Serena glancing their way again. His eyes were intent, clearly having focused on her. If she caught him looking, she would see him briefly glance to the other chair available at their table before looking back up to her with a brief nod.

He then turned his attention back to Orvos as though nothing had just been communicated in such subtle tones.

-Dawson “Stillwater”
-Captain Orvos Legen, CO

Eyes landed on her again, more than just a passing glance. It was part survival mechanism, part social mechanism, being able to feel someone’s gaze. It worked blindfolded, ad sometimes even through walls, as scientific studies had found out. It was especially sharp in people with high perceptions or were in occupations similar to hers, as well as trauma survivors. The distinction overlapped.

Her own gaze snapped to the source. Dawson. Then his gaze shifted to the empty chair, just for a moment. Serena inclined her chin, then let it drop and drifted their way until she was in conversation range. At the same time a recent corridor encounter with Dawson flickered across her mind. What had that been about? “Afternoon, gentlemen. Captain.” She gave them both a nod and a small smile but one that seemed to catch the light just right, enough to soften the normally aloof redhead’s demeanor.

Cmdr. Stone, Executive Officer

Dawson gave a respectful smile and gave his head a bow, seeing that she had taken the suggestion. Orvos had stopped mid-sentence, not anticipating the arrival of his first officer at his table. He knew the captain had been taken off guard. Probably had been so focused on what he was saying that his sense took a backseat. Dawson knew Orvos well enough to figure he was right.

“Ah, Miss Stone,” replied Orvos. “A good afternoon to you as well. Is everything ok?” he inquired.

The redhead nodded. “Oh certainly. I just noticed you two seemed very amicable. I hope I’m not interrupting.”

Dawson shook his head. “It’s ok Serena,” he said using her first name with intentionality on his part. He wanted to see how it rolled off the tongue to be fair. And to see her reaction before continuing. “Take a seat. Won’t you join us?”

She blinked as a strange sensation rolled through her, like a faint static tingle, at the use of her given name. It was odd to hear it. Especially from Dawson, whom she really only had a distant working relationship with. It was more familiar and less formal than she was used to most of the time. But he was also a civilian. Still it was appropriate to use her rank or last name in most situations. But at the same time, this was…a somewhat casual situation. But she wasn’t opposed to it either. An unconscious smile flickered across her face, not much more than a micro-expression.

Orvos glanced up to Dawson, blinked twice and then smiled inclining his own head to the seat. “Yes, I apologize. I’m still not used to people showing up without some sort of concern.” he said, hoping to reassure her of being welcome.

Dawson gave Serena a sympathetic look. He then gently pushed the seat out with his foot from under the table. “How are you?”

-Dawson “Stillwater”
-Captain Orvos Legen, CO

The chair slit out, an invitation. “Oh I… uh don’t mean to intrude.” But then… why had she come over here? But then Dawson seemed to have something in mind, from the glances, to the chair and the question. And her name. Was he just being friendly, making small talk? It was hard to tell. At the same time, the place was busy. That hadn’t change din the last fifteen seconds.

Slowly, she sat down the plate and drink....

Cmdr. Stone, Executive Officer

Dawson laughed. “Oh you two. You’re not intruding Serena. Orvos and I were just catching up on things. New mission. Lots of hustle and bustle on the ship now. I hear we’re under two days travel time now till we get there. I’m sure you’ve had your fair share of disaster relief?” he inquired of the commander, taking the lead in the discussion from the get go. He could sense the lack of serious connection between Orvos and Serena, so taking the lead in it felt natural.

Orvos for his part, allowed it, prefering to soak up and observe.

-Dawson “Stillwater”
-Captain Orvos Legen, CO

Serena teased down into the seat and scooted closer. “I kind of lived through it. Though I’m sure you two have had your own experiences. But after getting out here to the fleet, there have been a few situations. Maybe not on this scale. Search and Rescue/Recovery.” Rescue was the happier side of the business. Recovery the grim side, and something she always found regrettable. But at least recovering remains meant something for the families and the loved ones left behind.

“Nothing on this scale. I feel like Starfleet’s response is a pittance. Not a real response. Not for a whole planet. Our maximum evac capability is only 10,000. It won’t even make a dent. Assuming we have to start evacuating. We could cram a hand full more onto shuttles, but…” She shook her head. “I hope we can solve this, or the Wer Betans are going to be an endangered species soon.”

Cmdr. Stone, Executive Officer

Orvos decided to speak up this time. “It’s unfortunate really, that Starfleet couldn’t dedicate more resources. I’ve found many people though who are quite good at working under pressure. This will definitely test the crew.”

Dawson took a sip of his beverage and relaxed. He was definitely comfortable, and made no effort to hide his thought or feelings at the moment. “You have a fairly new ish crew. I know, it’s part of the job. Missions are always changing. I get it. Either of you think Athena has any chinks in her armor? Anything to be worried about?”

Dawson listened to their replies respectively. Was it essential information for him? Not necessarily. But if it got the pair to take more and express themselves, all the better.

-Dawson “Stillwater”
-Captain Orvos Legen, CO

Did she dare express anything but full confidence in the Athena crew? With a civilian? Some of the new seniors she didn’t know, but they all seemed capable.There was one senior she kept an eye on, and had since she’d arrived. The man was … enigmatic at best. Performance, spotty. Much of this situation might hinge on him and his department. But so far, despite her misgivings, he’d performed adequately. Did she really want to warp into this situation with merely adequate though? Maybe he just hadn’t had a chanc to really shine.

“We’re actually running with a full compliment for once,” she said. “I think we’ve got our bases covered.”

Cmdr. Stone, Executive Officer