Posted by Civilian Elijah Mercer (Professor / Scientific Advisor) in The Past is the Past and Now is Now [Tag Mercer]

Posted by Civilian Najma C. Moreino (Independent Reporter) in The Past is the Past and Now is Now [Tag Mercer]

Posted by Civilian Elijah Mercer (Professor / Scientific Advisor) in The Past is the Past and Now is Now [Tag Mercer]
Posted by… suppressed (3) by the Post Ghost! 👻
As the shuttle quickly sped through the vastness of space en route to OED, Najma Morieno found herself comfortably nestled in a seat by the window, gazing outward, lost in contemplation of the turbulent year behind her. Despite the occasional mishaps with her personality and getting kicked out of Starfleet, the journey to OED was a new start for her.
A mix of anticipation and excitement settled in her stomach and as she looked out the window the distant planet of the colony came into view.

Her thoughts were focused on the prospect of her new venture, the creation of StarScape News, her forthcoming podcast. The thrill of this venture, coupled with a desire to form meaningful connections on OED V, lifted her spirit. Despite her occasional sharpness, she harbored an eagerness to delve into investigative reporting, seeking to carve a distinctive niche in this burgeoning colony. Her podcast aimed to document the events and news unfolding on OED, adding her vibrant perspective to the colony’s narrative.

Najma envisioned her podcast as a vibrant chronicle of OED’s unfolding story. Thankfully, her father’s support had secured the resources she needed, and she had already found the perfect condo to establish her base on OED.

As the shuttle neared the spaceport, the intercoms crackled to life, and the pilot’s folksy drawl echoed through the cabin. “Intergalactic passengers from around the galaxy, we have been cleared for landing on the Oed V Spaceport. This will be your first stop before your final destination to the colony. Any pets, food, and merchandise will need to be cleared by customs. Please remain in your seats as we prepare for landing and do not attempt to exit the shuttle until the doors are opened. Thank you for flying with Galaxy Cruise Control, the only intergalactic flight service that will Fly You Anywhere in the Universe and Land You At Your Dream Destination.”
The announcement marked their arrival, the first step toward settling on the colony. Najma absorbed the details, her eyes scanning the diverse beings occupying the shuttle.

Seated beside a human-looking man, Najma couldn’t contain her excitement and struck up a conversation with him. She wasn’t used to trying to be friendly so it felt awkward for her, “Ahem…so, we’ve finally arrived at the famed OED colony.” She managed to present a smile, “They really hyped this place up back home. But, I’m not one to rely on people’s words alone. I plan to conduct a thorough review of the colony and share it across the galaxy through my new podcast.” Her words flowed out of her with determination, a sense of purpose, and self-importance. “I am Najma.” she said, “What brings you to OED? Anything exciting?” As they moved closer to their destination, the shuttle buzzed with the energy of new beginnings, as she waited for the man to respond she lifted her tote bag in her lap.

Najma Moreino
(Independent Reporter)

Elijah had noticed the woman he’d been sharing the seat with on the shuttle; she exuded both excitement and a hint of anxious anticipation. Her animated gestures and the lively cadence in her voice revealed a genuine eagerness to have arrived but a somewhat awkwardness in engaging in conversation with him. Her hazel, or green eyes of which Elijah was struggling to discern in different lights sparkled with a mix of curiosity and a touch of nervous energy. The static atmosphere of the shuttle seemed to amplify the anticipation between them, “Hi I’m Doctor Elijah Mercer. I’ve heard good things too.” He replied in greeting, “Oh you know after mastering quantum physics, teaching at the academy and unravelling the mysteries of subspace anomalies, I thought, ‘What’s the next logical step? Gardening, of course.’” He chuckled, “I’m the new Science Advisor and professor at the academy here, I guess you are academic in some form, a writer perhaps?”

Elijah Mercer
Professor / Scientific Advisor
Oed V

Najma raised her eyebrows in genuine interest as Elijah chuckled about his unconventional career shift. “Quantum physics to gardening, Doctor Mercer, that’s quite the journey,” she remarked, her smile reflecting a mix of amusement and curiosity. “And here I am, transitioning from Starfleet misadventures to the vibrant world of reporting on OED.”

The hum of the shuttle and the distant chatter of fellow passengers created a backdrop for their conversation. Adjusting her position in the seat to face him, Najma continued, “I wouldnt call myself an academic, however I do have some experience in the world of science.” She was hesitant to mention getting discharge from Starfleet so she changed the subject, “I am actually here to star a new venture. StarScape News is my passion project, a lens to capture the stories that unfold on this colony. At this moment I am working for myself but I hope eventually I can get a permanent gig at the Federation News Network. In the meantime, I plan to do some independent reporting and investigating for my podacst. I want to blend the newsworthy wonders with the human narratives, and your role as the Science Advisor sounds like a perfect piece to this puzzle. Any groundbreaking discoveries or intriguing mysteries you’re hoping to uncover, Doctor?”

Najma Moreino
(Independent Reporter)

Najma’s enthusiasm intrigued Elijah; her aura burst with freedom and excitement, an unfamiliar yet appealing departure from the structured environment of Starfleet. While he appreciated the necessity of rules and regulations, Najma’s carefree approach resonated with him. He admired her adventurous spirit, finding a shared sentiment in the liberating act of doing what one truly desired. With a chuckle, he remarked, “Perhaps I’ll make groundbreaking discoveries in retirement, ones that might find their way into your articles. Though initially, I think I’ll relish the simple pleasure of enjoying the views and rediscovering the beauty of home.” He suggested. “Does that mean you plan on being on OED for a while? And why OED? He asked curious of all the places available to her.

Civilian Elijah Mercer
Professor / Scientific Advisor
Oed V

Najma let out a chuckle. “Oh, I’ve got my eyes set on OED for a multitude of reasons,” she replied, her gaze momentarily drifting to the passing stars visible through the shuttle’s window. “Firstly, the diversity of scientific endeavors happening here are grounbreaking. From terraforming projects to cutting-edge biotech research, OED is a goldmine of potential stories. Plus, the eclectic mix of cultures and backgrounds on this colony makes for exciting narratives waiting to be unraveled.”

Her expression turned thoughtful, “As for how long I’ll stay, well, that’s to be determined. I find the unpredictability of life fascinating. It’s like exploring uncharted space – you never know what wonders or challenges await. And that’s precisely what I want to capture in StarScape News.”

As the shuttle docked at the space port, Najma continuedas she pulled her tote on her shoulder, “I believe everyone has a story, and sometimes those stories lead to discoveries beyond what any lab can uncover. There’s a certain magic in embracing the unknown, don’t you think, Doctor Mercer?” There was a pause then she said, “Your transition here is interesting care to share why here when you could have gone any where else in the universe with your skills?”

Civilian Moreino
(Independent Reporter)

Eli enjoyed listening to Najma speak; she carried with her the pure sense of exploration, perhaps not scientific like him, but in sociality. It was clear to him that she had a drive and passion for her work. Well, anyone who moved to the outer edge of Federation space to kickstart their own news outlet had to, right?

Addressing her question now, he shared, “The truth is out here on the very edge of Federation space, the rules are still being written, and there are still plenty of things to be discovered. Not just scientifically, but also the way Starfleet and OED interact. I am sure you may have been made aware of OED’s voice in the General Assembly; they made quite the lasting impression on me. With all that in mind, I chose OED,” he explained, watching equally as the shuttle slowed, indicated by the ability to make clear the docking station floor.

Doctor Elijah Mercer
Professor / Scientific Advisor
Oed V

Najma flashed a smile at Eli, “Ah, the ever-evolving frontier of Federation space, where rules are mere sketches waiting to be filled in. It’s intriguing, isn’t it? And OED’s influence on the General Assembly, well, that adds a layer of mystery to the mix. I believe there’s more to this place than what meets the eye.”

She adjusted her tote. “But you see, Doctor Mercer, I’ve got my own curiosity buzzing. StarScape News is more than just reporting on the surface. There’s a lead, a trail that brought me to OED, something that hasn’t ripened enough to share just yet. But mark my words, it will unfold, and when it does, the whole galaxy might be talking about it.”

The shuttle docked and the pilot announced it was time to disembarked. Najma stood and glanced down at the colony from the spaceport. “Life’s one big puzzle, Doctor. Sometimes, you need to be in the right place at the right time to uncover certain pieces. And OED, well, it feels like the perfect stage for this particular act.”

She gestured toward the bustling space port. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a few leads to chase. The stars may hold the answers, and I intend to find them. I hope our paths cross again, Doctor Mercer.”

With a nod, Najma gracefully moved into the lively crowd.

Najma Moreino
(Independent Reporter)