Posted by Lieutenant Elyss Zavey (Chief Science Officer) in Fantail Lounge

Posted by Lieutenant Thalos ch’Ravik (Chief Of Security) in Fantail Lounge

Posted by Lieutenant Elyss Zavey (Chief Science Officer) in Fantail Lounge
After a long shift on the bridge, Elyss returned to her quarters for a shower and change of clothes. Dressed in a white, off the shoulder top and full skirt with a leafy print, she now sat at one of the tables working on an individual puzzle whose goal was to remove a pin that was held all the other pieces in place. Next to her elbow was a cup of coffee and a glass of white wine. She hadn’t been sure what drink she really wanted, so had gotten both. Zavey sighed and rolled her neck to ease tight muscles there. For just a moment, she closed her eyes and tilted her head back to take a couple of deep breaths.

Lieutenant Elyss Zavey
Chief Science Officer USS Merrimack

Thalos had just finished his shift on the bridge when he entered the lounge, intent on a moment of quiet to recalibrate his thoughts. The ambient lighting was low, the hum of conversation muted — an environment conducive to reflection.

Then he saw her.

Lieutenant Zavey.

His antennae reacted before his conscious mind did, a faint, involuntary twitch as they registered her presence. He dismissed the reaction as irrelevant data, though he knew better. This would be… an opportune moment to know her as a woman, not merely as the Chief Science Officer.

He approached, posture formal, tone measured.

“Are you alright, Lieutenant?”

There was no mistaking the restraint in his voice — controlled, professional — but beneath it lay a carefully contained curiosity. Whether that formality would remain depended entirely on her response.

Lieutenant Thalos ch’Ravik
Chief Of Security
USS Merrimack

She didn’t hear him approach, but as soon as he spoke, her eyes fluttered open. “Oh, Lt, I’m fine, thank you.” Her hand sneaked up unconsciously and rubbed the back of her neck. “A little extra stress that I can’t seem to shake, I guess. I thought coming here and redirecting my thoughts with a brain game,” here she gestured to the puzzle on the table, “would help me relax. I’m not having much luck yet.”

Blue eyes scanned the handsome Andorian. After really noticing him on the bridge, this was her first opportunity to get to know him better, so she took a chance. “You’re welcome to join me if you like?”

Lieutenant Elyss Zavey
Chief Science Officer USS Merrimack

Thalos was… unexpectedly pleased by the invitation. It was an emotion he noted, acknowledged, and made no attempt to suppress.

“I would like that very much.”

The smile that followed was small, restrained, but genuine — the kind rarely seen from him on duty. He took the seat across from her, antennae angling subtly in her direction as he settled in.

For a moment, the formality of rank lingered between them — two officers, off-duty but still shaped by duty. Then, slowly, that invisible barrier began to thin.

It was a simple thing — sharing a table in a quiet lounge — yet it felt like the beginning of something far more complicated.

Lieutenant Thalos ch’Ravik
Chief Of Security
USS Merrimack