SNIP

Ensign Shau’s shoulders tensed for a moment when it sounded like Skye didn’t like the idea. Hearing that she was open to carrying forward some old traditions, or creating new ones, was a huge relief.

A warmth filled his chest as her insights resonated within him. “I feel like I’ve been in a state of limbo… even after all these months. Like I hadn’t fully committed. I think it has to do with your father’s saying. We might be onboard the vessel itself, but the crew doesn’t feel like family yet, so the ship doesn’t feel like home.” He looked her in the eyes and gave a faint smile. “We need to take the first step. Do something to actually feel like part of the Chimera

The Risian eyed her for a moment. He was well aware that she’d been doing most of the talking. Ensign Shepherd had shared more of her past while MJ had offered only general ideas and withheld most of the details. And yet, he was the one pushing to ressurect an old tradition from his previous ship.

“Is there something in particular from your time on the New Jersey you’d like to honor by bringing forward in some way?”

Ensign MJ Shau - Security Officer - USS Chimera

---

Skye sat in silence while allowing him to do the talking, her posture seemed relaxed as she leaned back slightly on her chair. The ensign’s face had remained neutral at first, but eventually there became a mischievous smile. “There is no party without a dog.” That was the moment in which she picked up her PADD a second time, scrolling through the picture gallery until an image of a Bernese was brought up. Zephram, her service dog.

But when MJ brought up her father, all the hybrid could do was look away through the viewport. Hoping it wasn’t too obvious how homesick she happened to be. As an only child who had grown surrounded by adults, where her only friend was an Aenar, the one survivor who had made it off the shuttle alive. Along with her. No other children lived onboard the old vessel, which many had claimed as a Time Capsule still in service. Turning back, she opened her mouth to explain, but the Risian happened to be already talking once more.

When her gaze met his, both hands had clasped together over the table. Of course traditions would be considered strange on a vessel voided from modern Starfleet technology. “There were sometimes we would do movie nights in the crew lounge for everyone to join. New Jersey’s crew wasn’t that large. But we enjoyed each other’s company.” she admitted. “It’s a ship filled with life where technology didn’t reach us with all the knickknacks Chimera holds. Replicators were only beginning.”

She couldn’t help but laugh when remembering how many times modern technology had brought confusion to her as a Neanderthal in a modern setting. A story which the Science Officer had shared a few times before. That was the moment in which the Trian stood up, approaching a replicator mounted against the wall to order on a pair of drinks. Tragedy struck the minute the second glass hit the tray as the machine overflowed to soak her uniform. There was a look of disbelief before Skye actually started laughing at herself.

Ensign Skye Shepherd
Science Officer
U.S.S. Chimera - 98730 (Mjolnir Class)

MJ chuckled. “If you think you can convince the Captain… I can get behind a pet.”

The mention or old movies made him think of the Ferengi trideo dramas one of his old friends made them watch on the ,Picket. They were terrible… but he’d come to miss them.

“But movies… I think that’s a good idea. Good stories transcend format… and a lot of people will appreciate them more for the throwback aesthetic.”

The Risian thought about their options. “We can see what it would take to set something up in the lounge… but it might be easier to have the holodeck recreate a theater or something. At least until we generate enough interest.,”

Ensign MJ Shau - Security Officer - USS Chimera