Posted by Lieutenant Achilleas Petrakos (Chief Science Officer) in Side-sim: Time well spent?

Posted by Captain Dira Myqian (Commanding Officer) in Side-sim: Time well spent?

Posted by Lieutenant Achilleas Petrakos (Chief Science Officer) in Side-sim: Time well spent?
Posted by… suppressed (5) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)

It wasn’t the touch aspect she had shied away from, as it was okay, but it was the intimacy of a hug that she struggled to wrap her mind around outside of those with whom she already had that kind of relationship. Dira reached over and rested a hand on Achilleas’ arm and exuded a calmness, her dark eyes full of understanding. “Do you have a nick or diminutive name? I’ve been kind of curious since it’s something I see a lot of with multi-syllabic names. My name is so short that I never had one myself.”

Captain Myqian, CO

Achilleas looked up at Dira, his eyes filled with a mixture of vulnerability and gratitude. Her touch and calming presence helped ground him in the present moment, easing the whirlwind of emotions that had engulfed him. Her question about his name brought a small smile to his face.

“Yeah, actually,” he replied, his voice softer now. “My family always called me Lias. It’s easier and shorter than Achilleas, I guess. You can call me that too, if you’d like.”

He appreciated the gesture of familiarity and connection, even if it was through something as simple as a nickname. It reminded him that there was still room for understanding and building relationships, even in moments of vulnerability and misunderstanding.

CSO Petrakos

She smiled. Her reaction to him had been partly her instinct and partly a technique used in therapy when there was a risk or an active situation of spiralling. The grounding helped the nervous system and the question engaged the brain in something other than whatever the trigger was. It also gave her a way to move forward too, to ease past the awkwardness. “Lias… I like that. I think it suits you,” Dira said, removing her hand. “I’m trying to think of what name I would even have if I had a nickname. All I know is that the ones that come to mind in Federation standard would be either awkward or strange. I’m not sure if that’s a bad thing or not.”

Captain Myqian, CO

Achilleas appreciated Dira’s kind words and the effort she had put into making him feel more at ease. Her genuine interest in finding a nickname for herself intrigued him, and he smiled warmly in response.

“Well, sometimes awkward and strange can be endearing,” he said, his voice tinged with amusement. “But I believe a nickname should reflect something about you, capture a certain essence or quality. Embracing your uniqueness can be a wonderful thing.”

“This is true,” she said, tilting her gaze upwards.

As he sat on the floor, still clutching the medical tricorder tightly, Achilleas felt a gradual easing of his anxiety. Dira’s diverting conversation provided a welcome distraction, helping him calm his racing thoughts.

“I suppose, for me, one of the qualities that stands out is my meticulous attention to detail,” he continued, his voice noticeably steadier now. “I’m often focused on ensuring accuracy and precision in my work. It’s both a strength and a source of anxiety, but in this moment, our conversation has been a comforting respite.”

Dira smile. “I’m glad I could do that for you.” The tension within her had dissipated as well and she was able to push the moment far away into the back of her mind. At least mostly.

He looked up at Dira, his expression showing a genuine appreciation. “I think your curiosity and ability to engage others with thoughtful questions is remarkable. Perhaps your nickname could reflect that in some way.”

CSO Petrakos

She smirked and then broke into a chuckle. “Well, when I was a therapist I was Doc, but mostly because the title felt comfortable for people. A separation when they weren’t comfortable being on a first name basis.” Dira thought back to other terms of endearment she had had and quickly backed away from all that. Those weren’t memories she wanted to revisit right now. Certainly not after having all that wine.

“I don’t honestly know what would work. The play on my name in Standard is either a term of endearment or a four-legged creature, so I’m left with possibly my native tongues. Unless…” Dira sat back and thought for a moment and then smiled. “Maybe a play on my middle name, Asala? I never use it, but I do like it.”

Captain Myqian, CO

Achilleas listened attentively as Dira shared her experiences and thoughts on nicknames. He found her mention of being called “Doc” during her time as a therapist intriguing, recognizing the significance of creating a comfortable space for others. Her suggestion of using her middle name, Asala, for a nickname caught his interest.

“I think Asala has a lovely ring to it,” he replied, his voice filled with genuine enthusiasm. “It has a sense of elegance and uniqueness, much like your leadership style. It’s a name that carries a certain mystique, and it suits you well, Captain. Though how would you play off of it?”

Achilleas, while maintaining a respectful demeanor befitting their professional relationship, couldn’t help but feel a genuine desire to develop a friendship with Dira. The lighthearted conversation had begun to ease his anxiety further, and he appreciated the opportunity to connect on a personal level.

CSO Petrakos

As tipsy as she might actually be, Dira held her alcohol quite well (as evidenced by previous times around others). Most couldn’t even tell unless they were looking for singles signs or were scanning her. But there was a level of relaxation involved that slowed her to be much more her genuine self in this moment. Crossing one leg over her other knee, she draped an arm over the back of the sofa. “Hmmm. Well, Sala is the most obvious iteration. Or maybe Asa. Or pronounce it closer to Aza? With the Haliian accent the name rolls more like Aszala.”

She studied him for a moment, her brows lifting as she smirked. “You know, I don’t think I’ve talked about my middle name with anyone in well over a decade. It just never came up in conversation outside of the last person I explained it to.”

Captain Myqian, CO

Achilleas leaned forward slightly, genuinely intrigued by the various possibilities Dira presented for her nickname. He enjoyed the playful exploration of her middle name, seeing the different ways it could be pronounced and adapted.

“Sala, Asa, Aza, or Aszala,” he repeated, testing out each variation on his lips. “They all have a certain charm to them. I think the pronunciation with the Haliian accent, Aszala, adds a unique touch and gives it a delightful sound. It captures the essence of your cultural heritage.”

“Hmmmmm,” she said again. “That is very true. Things to mull over. But I don’t think I’d mind a select few using my middle name.”

Achilleas smiled, appreciating the relaxed atmosphere that allowed for such open and personal conversation. “I feel honored that you’ve shared this with me. It’s moments like these that help build connections and friendships. I hope our camaraderie continues to grow, Captain.”

He felt a warmth in his heart, glad to have found a common ground and a shared sense of openness with his commanding officer.

CSO Petrakos

A mischievous gleam appeared in her black eyes. “Lias…” she said, testing out the nickname. “We’re off duty and drinking, and if I recall correctly, the last time we spent time socially I crashed your date. I think you can at least call me Dira.”

Captain Myqian, CO