Posted by Lieutenant Commander Tannenn Keen (Chief Fleet Science Officer) in Ferrets Run (tag Mercer)

Posted by Civilian Elijah Mercer (Professor / Scientific Advisor) in Ferrets Run (tag Mercer)

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Tannenn Keen (Chief Fleet Science Officer) in Ferrets Run (tag Mercer)
Posted by… suppressed (12) by the Post Ghost! 👻
OOC: set for some time after the fiasco in the science lab, sorry again by the way.)

Previously…

Tannenn had most of her belongings settled and stored how she wanted, the twins; Ordo and Ryshi ferret’s enclosure covered the hole back room of the sitting room. There were see-through tunnels, soft spaces, numerous toys and food and water bottles at the bottom corners of the enclosure. When she was off duty she let them run around the room with her but when she knew she was going to be out for the day she triple checked the hatches were secure to make sure they would not get into mischief while she was away. In the rare instance if they did get out there was the fail safe, force field that would spring up if it detected them loose. She didn’t like the collar system since that could get them injured. Worst case they would tear up the furniture a bit and she would have to clean up the mess when she returned.

Now…

Tannenn shook her head as she entered her quarters. The cream and white blurs that ran between her legs as she entered took her a moment as her eyes looked to the back wall. The twins were not in the enclosure.

She spun on her heel and gave a short whistle that on most days brought the ferrets running back to her. The pair kept running down the corridor. Tannenn muttered a few choice words and started sprinting after her wayward pets. Had she forgotten to set up the force field barrier when she left? She shook her head she would sort it out after she caught the playful ferrets.

Tannenn Keen, CFSO
Ordo cream and white furred ferret, albino ferret, Ryshi. Litter mates.

OOC: feel free to edit anything as needed.

OOC: All good! Thank you!

After the recent events, Eli sought solace in his apartment, a space he had adorned with plants, vibrant paintings, and carefully selected furniture. The panoramic view outside provided an expansive canvas for his telescope, offering a momentary escape. Yet, as he strolled through the tower’s corridors, his thoughts drifted between reflections on recent encounters and the contemplation of his decision to join OED V.

The air seemed tinged with tension, and Eli couldn’t shake the feeling that some harbored a severe chip on their shoulder. While he acknowledged his role in the initial awkward introductions, he had genuinely attempted to mend bridges. However, if others chose to hold onto grudges, he pondered whether the effort to make amends should persist.

Deep in thought, Eli decided that maintaining a professional and courteous demeanor was paramount. He understood that genuine reconciliation required willingness from both parties, and if the lingering discomfort persisted, perhaps it was time to let it be. As his focus shifted from the incident to the breathtaking beauty of OED V, two flashes of color interrupted his contemplation.

In a sudden surprise, two creatures dashed toward him—one weaving through his legs, the other scampering up his right shin. As he reached his apartment door, it opened, allowing one of the curious creatures entry. Bewilderment crossed his face, and he couldn’t help but exclaim, “What the…” in utter confusion.

Doctor Elijah Mercer
Professor / Scientific Advisor
Oed V

Tannenn dashed after the ferrets and slid to a stop as she spied Ordo climbing up someone’s leg, while Ryshi dashed through the open doorway of that person’s quarters. “I am so very sorry for my pets’ antics they escaped from my quarters.” Tannenn said as she got closer to the person, whom Ordo was climbing on. “Ordo won’t harm you unless you harm him first he’s generally very playful and affectionate.” she offered her arm to her pet as Ordo looked up at his new perches’ face with bright copper eyes, Ordo gave a slight chirrup sound ignoring Tannenn’s arm and started climbing further up giving soft chirruping sounds as he moved.

Within the quarters, Ryshi dove beneath the largest piece of furniture and turned watching the doorway making soft chirruping noises rose red eyes bright.

Tannenn Keen, CFSO

OOC: if you want me to edit anything please let me know.

Elijah chuckled, finding the situation more amusing than annoying. “That’s quite alright,” he said, hoping there would be no damage to his new furnishings. “They are ferrets, aren’t they?” Being from Earth, he was familiar with ferrets, though having them roam freely indoors was a new experience.

“Yes litter mates playful and curious ferrets,” Tannenn replied in relieved tones. She was concerned that the person would try to grab at Ordo but they seemed calmly taking the experience of being explored by her wayward pet.

He recognized the woman as Keen, with whom he’d already had several encounters. His mood relaxed, and he shifted his attention from the ferrets to her, waiting for her confirmation before continuing the conversation, mindful of the ferret now exploring his waist.

Doctor Elijah Mercer
Professor / Scientific Advisor
Oed V

Ordo circled his waist three times before climbing up to settle around his arm making soft chirruping sounds. “That is Ordo, I think Ryshi went into your quarters I will pay for any damages if there are any, I am Tannenn Keen and again I am very sorry for this, I will have to double check the security on my quarters so this doesn’t happen to anyone else.” Tannenn was more than embarrassed but at least for the moment the person was taking it well, it was then she fully looked at their face, she actually felt a blush spread, as she recognized Doctor Elijah Mercer.

Tannenn stood still a moment as she looked him in the eyes, “Well, Doctor Mercer it’s been a few encounters of chaos and surprises only fair I guess that the twins add a bit of chaos on my part.” She said in lightly joking tones, hoping he would forgive the ferrets intrusive introduction.

Tannenn Keen, CFSO

“Please, call me Eli,” he chuckled. “I’ve started to grow accustomed to the chaos that seems to be following me around like a bad habit.” He explained that the recent week had been less than enjoyable for him, but there had been one or two silver linings, the first being Jason and his fiancée, Hannah, and the other stood in front of him now. “Well, shall I invite you in, Lieutenant? Otherwise, I’d be a terrible host to your furry companions.” He gestured toward the open door, inviting her in with a warm smile.

Doctor Elijah Mercer
Professor / Scientific Advisor
Oed V

Tannenn smiled in relief, “If I am to call you Eli than please call me Tannenn as you are not an officer and owe me no honorifics on rank.” she laughed softly, “Well at least one of them is waiting for the invitation to enter.” Ordo unwrapped himself from Eli’s arm and lightly scrambled down the left side of Eli’s person before dashing between his feet into the quarters and scampered beneath the largest piece of furniture nosing Ryshi and then the two scampered out to watch Eli and Tannenn while making soft pleased with themselves chirruping noises.

Tannenn followed Eli through the doorway and chuckled at the two ferrets, “You rascals are just asking for trouble aren’t you?” she said with wry amusement, as the two ferrets chased each other before Ryshi ran over and scampered lightly up Tannenn’s left side and finally settled across her shoulders and nosing her neck while Ordo scampered back to Eli and looked at him a long moment before scampering up his right side again and settled himself across Eli’s shoulder’s sniffing his neck but not touching yet.

Tannenn just smiled as she ran a gentle hand over Ryshi’s silk white fur. “Yes you’re still cute but you’re still a rascal.” she said softly to the ferret. Which earned her a light chirrup as Ryshi turned to eye Ordo and Eli rose red eyes bright. Tannenn glanced at Eli with a raised brow, “Do you want me to pick him up or are you alright?”

Tannenn Keen, CFSO

OOC: As always let me know if you want me to edit anything!

Tannenn’s presence was a welcome sight for Elijah, and he felt a sense of camaraderie with someone who had made his initial days on OED more manageable. The ferret on his neck seemed to share the sentiment, playfully nuzzling against him.

“Well, Tannenn, would you care for a drink?” Elijah gestured toward the living area, where Jason’s gifted bottle awaited. “Jason, on of our neighbours brought this as a welcoming gift, and it’s not one to enjoy alone.” With a slight grin, he allowed the ferret to explore its newfound playground on his shoulders.

“As for the title ‘lieutenant,’ it’s more than just a rank; it represents hard work and dedication. Lieutenants and ensigns are the backbone of Starfleet, tirelessly working to uphold its principles.” Elijah moved toward the replicator, inviting Tannenn to join him in choosing a beverage. “So, what can I get you?”

Doctor Elijah Mercer
Professor / Scientific Advisor
Oed V

“I haven’t met all my neighbors yet, projects and these rascals have been keeping me one my toes since I got here.” she gave a wry grin, “I will share one glass with you, if you wish I should be fair to warn you I don’t really have the pallet to appreciate it like a true lover of wine and liquor would, plus I am a light weight and get the giggles far to easily which can either be amusing or annoying depending on your likes and dislikes.” she paused again and added as Ryshi nosed her ear, “The rascals will be fine with water, unless you think they deserve a snack, they adore scrambled or hard boiled eggs.” she said lightly as she watched Ordo just treating Eli like a member of the business/fesnyng (pronounced as fez-ning). Tannenn was glad that neither Ordo or Ryshi seemed to have clawed any of Eli’s furniture, she hoped they would continue to be good ‘guests’.

LtCmdr Keen
Chief Star Fleet Science Officer

“Computer, replicate two glass tumblers, a bowl of water, and a bowl of cold scrambled eggs, please.” The replicator chimed, transforming into existence the requested items. Elijah attended to the ferrets’ needs, placing the food and water on the floor. He then poured a glass of wine for Tannenn and himself.

“Here, it’s rather fruity, so perhaps you’ll find it more appealing than the traditional hard reds,” he explained, handing her the glass.

As they settled, Eli opened the conversation. “So, ferrets?” he inquired, leaving the question open-ended.

Doctor Elijah Mercer
Professor / Scientific Advisor
Oed V

Tannenn took the glass and sat down not sipping it yet, “They belonged to the previous host, Iria she didn’t have any other family to take them and until I find someone that I feel will care for them like she would have I am responsible for them.” Though after six months she was pretty attached to them herself now but she was still being mindful that they could be even happier if they had a family that was around more often then she was with her work schedule. Plus it didn’t help that Iria’s fiancee had not wanted to keep the ferrets once Iria had died. His whole attitude had changed, Tannenn and Keen had back and forth theories but Tannenn really felt that he’d only been with Iria because she was a joined Trill. Some folks were like that some where not. It took time and experience to find which was which even then they still got past logical thinking when feelings got involved. Iria had wanted children but her fiancee did not and was very vocal about it. Tannenn took a small sip and blinked in pleasant surprise, it really was a lighter fruity flavor and didn’t burn her nose as much as most wines tended to do.

LtCmdr Keen
Chief Star Fleet Science Officer
OED V

“Trill society has always fascinated me,” Elijah began thoughtfully. “I find it intriguing how hosts can, through the joining process, inherit aspects of previous hosts while also evolving into something entirely new. It’s a delicate balance between continuity and transformation. I’ve often pondered why some Trill embrace the interests of their predecessors while others reject them entirely.” He paused, observing the lieutenant commander’s demeanor. She appeared somewhat withdrawn, lost in her own contemplation.

“Are you okay?” he inquired gently, sensing her thoughtful state . “You seem a bit lost in thought.”

Doctor Elijah Mercer
Professor / Scientific Advisor
Oed V

“I am sorry I got side tracked with a thought of Iria’s former fiancee.” she shook her head ruefully, and gave him a light smile, “This wine is much nicer than any I have had before it’s flavor is one even Keen was surprised by so thank you from both of us.”

Ordo and Ryshi drank some of the water and almost dove into the eggs but thankfully they stopped just short of making a true mess and seemed to be enjoying the treat if the chirrups and soft nosing where anything to go on.

“How are you doing after the I will say fiasco from the lab? I personally would welcome you on the team if you have the time, but you shouldn’t have been able to walk in with out us being notified, you were coming.” Tannenn shook her head softly. It was a puzzle for another day though.

LtCmdr Keen
Chief Star Fleet Science Officer
OED V

“Honestly, I think it’s unfolded as anticipated,” Elijah responded, taking a thoughtful sip of his drink. “Given that the investigation is still ongoing, I’m not at liberty to divulge much.” He paused, shifting the conversation slightly. “How long have you been stationed on OED? And more importantly, do you enjoy your time here?”

Doctor Elijah Mercer
Professor / Scientific Advisor
Oed V

“Four whole days and the chaos has been interesting thus far. Though it could be worse.” Was she enjoying it here? That took a moment to ponder and then she nodded with a smile, “I think I will enjoy it even with the chaos. Besides yourself there is another I have met recently that I can see having pleasant encounters in the future.” Tannenn said and laughed softly as Ordo finished his eggs and was cleaning his face in the water dish that Ryshi was trying to drink from. Normal for them in a moment Ryshi would go to the other water dish and drink from it then after eating clean her face in the one Ordo settled on for washing up.

LtCmdr Keen
Chief Star Fleet Science Officer
OED V

Elijah glanced over his shoulder to observe the creatures, noting their simultaneous activities of eating, drinking, and grooming themselves. He made a mental note to leave some dry food and water out in case of another escape; at least they would be drawn to that rather than causing further mischief in his apartment.

“I’m glad you anticipate more pleasant encounters,” he remarked, turning back to his companion. “I was starting to wonder if they even existed on OED,” he added with a light chuckle. “It’s refreshing to have at least one friendly face to turn to.” His gaze wandered to Jason and his fiance, and then to the new reporter, Najma.

“I suppose I’ve been a bit harsh on OED,” he continued, reflecting on his recent experiences. “I’ve met enough nice people to outweigh the initial unpleasantness, and who knows, maybe we’ll be able to reconcile.”

Turning back to his companion, he probed further, “So, tell me, is there anything fun to do around?”

Doctor Elijah Mercer
Professor / Scientific Advisor
Oed V