Snip

A lilt of her ember topped head came a half second before her response. “I am. Thank you. She is an impressive ship. I have not had time to completely see her, but I intend to soon. How you find the ship? I’m sure you have been here a while and isn’t your first. Any suggestions for a new crew member?”

Jenyfer
Medical

For Kastarak, the Chernov was home. He could not say it out loud, but it was his first thought.

“I am sure you will make yourself acquainted with the entirety of the ship shortly. It is a large vessel with a large crew, so there is no rush. I first came on board almost four years ago. I have served most of my Starfleet career here, save for a temporary assignment to the SS Tasmeen for three months. I began here as an ensign, newly graduated from the Academy.

“I would advise you to invest in the relationships with your colleagues in Sickbay. Especially Dr Symar and Nurse Sutalo. Thereafter, I find that building relationships across the crew will make one’s duties in Sickbay easier. Make time for yourself and your own needs. Speak to Dr Symar when problems arise. Work environment is important. As humans say, nip all problems in the bud. You can also come to me.”

He took another sip of his tea. He had been speaking from experience.

Kastarak, Lt Cdr
First Officer and Navigations Officer

Jenyfer took a sip of her teas, her eyes never parting from the XO. His words sounded more like his experience on the ship and she took it to heart that he would recommend the same to her. As he finished and took a sip, she nodded. “I try and keep the problems to a minimum. And that includes nipping those buds, as you say.” She smiled and added. “And I hope you know you can also come to me. I have a small, though varied, collection of teas. Not too many are fans of the mild, or sometimes strong, drinks. But you are welcome any time. And if that does not feel appropriate to you, I am happy to send a list and samples of some of my favorites so you can try them at your liesure.”

She set the cup, nearly empty, on the edge of his desk. “I know it may not be usual, but I hope you know, you are always welcome to speak to me. Captains, Executive Officers, even 2 I Cs and other Department Heads worry about the line crossing, if done appropriately, there is nothing wrong with it. In a large ship we are a family. That means older siblings, those of higher rank, can still come to younger siblings, lower ranks, as easily as in reverse. I apologize if that is out of line. The Ogawa rarely stood on rank outside of work. We all have strengths and weaknesses and to ignore those merely because of rank, hobbles and weakens the whole ship. Don’t you think?”

Her words were bold, clearly spoken and definitely outside of how most lower ranks spoke. But she had learned many things on the Ogawa. One was that communication, respect and support had to go both up and down the Chain of Command, or the chain was weak in a crisis.

Lt JG Lynset
Medical

Kastarak placed his cup down with a soft clink. He regarded Lynset steadily. While his expression was unchanged, his thoughts had shifted. Her boldness had not unsettled him. On the contrary, it had brought memories to surface up within him.

“Your perspective, doctor, is… unorthodox. But it is not unfamiliar to me.”

He allowed a brief silence, to prepare himself for the next step and to allow Lynset to prepare herself for what he was about to say.

“When I was newly assigned to the Chernov, I served under Commander T’Aria, the then first officer, and Captain Taggart, as today. Both held rank above mine, yet saw fit to entrust me with their concerns in moments of strain. At the time, I was a junior officer, a physician and a counsellor. The asymmetry of our ranks did not preclude a relationship of clinical trust. Nor did it diminish their command.”

He paused again, his gaze now slightly distant, parsing his memories. He found himself in an inverse position to the command of then and his role then, on one hand, and now the potential of a deeper relationship with Dr Lynset. Perhaps she could become a confidante to him. He thought of Dr Symar, for whom he held a great deal of concern, and who, for reasons obvious to the ones in the know, could not ever occupy the role Lynset suggested for herself. In his relationship with Symar, Kastarak could never show vulnerability. He could simply not be the weaker party in any sense in his relationship with Dr Symar. These details, as of now, would be too strange to share with Dr Lynset. Perhaps, in time, he would be able to share and seek her counsel. But now, that would be too early, and it may obstruct her alliance and rapport with Dr Symar and the other officers and crewmen of Sickbay.

He let out a breath. It was not a sigh, but close to one.

“Your offer, therefore, is noted. And it is not dismissed.”

His eyes returned fully to hers, the tone measured, but quieter.

“Should I find need for such a relationship, I will consider you a logical candidate to fill it. You are a fellow officer of clinical integrity. Moreover, you are a colleague who understands that hierarchy needs not impede support.”

Then, with a slight incline of the head, he continued:

“I will accept your offer of a tea list. And in return, I will prepare a sampler of Vulcan infusions for you to explore. In such exchanges, I hope our understanding for one another might become stronger, and, in time, our collegial relationship to become deepened.”

Kastarak, Lt Cdr
First Officer and Navigations Officer