Posted by Lieutenant Hannah Lori Asimina (Asst. Chief Medical Officer) in An evenings delight: A dash of style, sips and friendship (Tag Jason)

Posted by Civilian Elijah Mercer (Professor / Scientific Advisor) in An evenings delight: A dash of style, sips and friendship (Tag Jason)

Posted by Lieutenant Hannah Lori Asimina (Asst. Chief Medical Officer) in An evenings delight: A dash of style, sips and friendship (Tag Jason)
Posted by… suppressed (22) by the Post Ghost! 👻
Eli, standing in the lobby, wore a navy-blue button-down shirt paired with well-fitted khaki trousers. The shirt’s sleeves were neatly rolled up, giving off a relaxed yet put-together vibe. His choice of a brown leather belt and matching loafers added a touch of sophistication to the ensemble. A silver wristwatch adorned his left wrist, subtly catching the light as he checked the time.

His neatly combed chestnut hair and well-groomed beard, and a faint hint of a refreshing cologne lingered in the air as he awaited the arrival of Jason and his fiancée. The overall appearance exuded a blend of professionalism and approachability, signaling both a readiness for a formal gathering and a genuine desire for a pleasant evening.

In his hands, Eli held a thoughtfully chosen bottle of local OED wine. The label indicated it was a rich red blend named “Stellar Harmony,” The deep burgundy hues of the wine echoed the warm tones of Eli’s attire, completing the ensemble for the evening.

Doctor Elijah Mercer
Professor / Scientific Advisor
Oed V

On the top floor of the building, Jason was standing at the bottom of the stairs looking up to see if Hannah was ready. He was dressed in navy blue slacks with a dark gray, button down collared shirt with abalone buttons. Dark brown shoes and matching belt showcased a comfortable yet sophisticated look. He smiled as he waited, until he finally walked up the stairs and to the open door into the bedroom. He leaned against the door frame and smiled as he caught her attention. Ready, love? We’re almost late. he signed.

Jason

Hannah turned as she caught movement in her peripheral vision. She smiled at him. Sorry, it took longer to scrub the day off than normal. Hannah had been working at a clinic at one of the mines, and there had been an accident. She’d come home covered in debris, dirt, and Blood- not her own.

She was wearing a midthigh length dress in a pale sage green with a matching floral paisley pattern. The bottom was trimmed in geometric stripes with a splas of colorful flora above that. It had cold shoulder sleeves that tied back together just above her elbows. She stepped into open toed flats and grabbed a small bag that held her combadge. Her long blonde hair was down around her shoulders and brushed until it curled.

She walked towards him, Ready. She stopped right in front of him and kissed him. “You look devastating.”

They left their apartment and took the express lift down to the lobby, exciting and moving toward the front. Hannah hadn’t met Mercer yet, but it was a goof bet the man waiting and looking about with a bottle in his hands was their guest and they moved toward him.

Hannah

Jason smiled at Elijah as they approached. “Mister Mercer, may I introduce Lieutenant Hannah Asimina… my fiancé. Hannah, Elijah Mercer.” He signed the letters of Elijah’s name as he spoke. Jason knew Mercer was a Doctor… and retired Captain and Professor… but Mercer himself had never told him that, and Jason wasn’t going to revel he had researh3d the new neighbor fully; as he did to everyone who moved into the building.

Jason

Elijah’s smile radiated warmth as he was approached by Jason and his fiancée, Hannah. “It’s good to see you again Jason.” In a moment of genuine curiosity and a desire to connect, he decided to learn a a small amount of Sign Language before the dinner. He had picked up the signs for ‘hello’ and ‘it’s nice to meet you.’ As he extended a friendly welcome to Hannah, Elijah placed the bottle of wine on the edge of a near by table and, with the motion of someone not practiced signed “Hello” by bringing his hand up to his forehead and then extending it outward. For “it’s nice to meet you,” he gently touched his fingers to his chest, then made a circular motion with his hand. He spoke the words as he usually would as to include Jason.

Hannah smiled, and it seemed she did a lot of that. It came easy and was welcoming. Mercer was using a different ‘dialect’ than what she used, but she knew it and followed easily enough. Thank you, she touched her finger tips to her chin and extended them outwards. When she spoke her voice had a thick accent that made it deeper and less enunciated than what would be expected. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Mercer.”

“Thank you both for allowing me to intrude Into what I would guess have been a quiet night” he added finally.

Doctor Elijah Mercer
Professor / Scientific Advisor
Oed V

“No intrusion. Oed is a very beautiful place. We enjoy seeing it.” Hannah signed as she spoke. To most it simply looked like she was one of those that ‘talked with her hands’, and most didn’t realize it was it’s own beautiful language.

Lt Asimina, SFAMO

“Indeed it is, and we are looking forward to showing you some of it this evening.” Jason said. He looked at the bottle and said “Is that traveling with us? Or should we have the front desk hold onto it until we return?”

Jason

Apologies for the confusion. Let’s adjust that:

Elijah admired the seamless coordination of verbal and physical cues in Hannah’s communication, not wanting to stare, he casually picked up the bottle. “A small token of my thanks for firstly welcoming me to OED and secondly for this evening,” he expressed, offering the bottle to them.

With a lighthearted chuckle, he continued, “So, I do not know the local food choices, so I am completely at your mercy.”

Doctor Elijah Mercer
Professor / Scientific Advisor
Oed V

Hannah didn’t mind the stares, she was used to it from the curious. The ones who noticed. She found it polite rather than off putting. “Jason has excellent taste and knows all the best places. He has saved me from from the horrors of eating at the officers’ mess and the hospital cafeteria.”

Lt Asimina, SFAMO

“Well, Jason, it seems that you are the man in the know, so I think we should take your lead?” Elijah offered politely, not knowing enough about OED to select a place, and wondering if Jason had prepared somewhere with a reservation.

“I have just the place in mind.” Jason said with a grin. He led them outside to a waiting slider and held the door for Hannah. Once inside, they began to move through the city.

Hannah slid into the back of the slider. She greeted the driver warmly. She never used the car service unless she was with Jason, but Hannah noticed people, and no one was beneath or above her notice, and everyone deserved to be treated kindly. She slid across the seat and then settled into Jason’s side as the two men got in.

As they set off, he added, “So, Hannah, Jason explained to me that you’re in Starfleet medical? Do you enjoy it?” Elijah steered clear of the usual questions, opting for more trivial conversation.

Doctor Elijah Mercer
Professor / Scientific Advisor
Oed V

Jason

Hannah had a direct way of looking at people when they spoke, seeing more than just the person that was there. It was an adaptation, lip reading and body language, to help her pick up what sound couldn’t tell her. “I love my work. I won’t bore you with the gory details, but it’s very satisfying. I’m very lucky to have a career that allows me to pay forward my own good fortune. What do you do Mr. Mercer?”

Lt Asimina, SFAMO

Elijah engaged attentively. “Half the battle lies in discovering work that brings genuine fulfillment,” he remarked. “Presently, I serve as the Science Advisor to the government, and I also hold a teaching position at the local university. There’s a unique satisfaction in imparting my experiences and knowledge to the next generation of Federation minds,” he shared, maintaining the conversation while Jason continued to lead them through the bustling but navigable streets.

“So tell me, how did your paths meet? The exploration of the stars is only second to the exploration of love” he expressed.

Doctor Elijah Mercer
Professor / Scientific Advisor
Oed V

Jason grinned and said “We met on the sidewalk by a Cafe a few blocks from the apartment building. I chanced upon her, introduced myself, and the rest as they say us history.”

Jason

Hannah grinned as she glanced at Jason. She clearly adored him. “I didn’t realize I had dropped one of my implants, and he was chivalrous enough to return it to me. It was my first time out exploring Oed. I got lucky.” Even as she held Jason’s hand she continued to sign with the other. “What do you teach?”

Lt Asimina, SFAMO

Engaged in the flowing conversation, Elijah observed the genuine affection between the two individuals. When his turn came to contribute, he welcomed the opportunity to shift away from a subject where he lacked expertise. “I’ve yet to be formally integrated into the faculty, but my interests lie in social science—specifically, xeno-relations, political science, and anthropology. I’ve actually penned a paper or two about the Long-term Impact of First Contact Events on Indigenous Societies and Bridging the Gap Between Science and Diplomacy in Interstellar Relations. Though my primary focus is in social science, I do have some experience in xenobiology and a few other areas,” he explained, his voice demonstrating a clear passion for science.

Doctor Elijah Mercer
Professor / Scientific Advisor
Oed V

“That is quite a range. Do you have any prior experience teaching?” Hannah asked, genuinely interested in the answer.

Lt Asimina, SFAMO

“Indeed, on the surface, they may seem disparate, but there’s often a deeper interconnection,” Elijah replied, considering her next question. “As for my background, I spent a year at the academy facilitating command training and serving as a group coach. It’s incredibly fulfilling to witness the growth and development of young minds as they navigate their educational journey.”

“How has your own journey been?” He asked.

Doctor Elijah Mercer
Professor / Scientific Advisor
Oed V

Reilly sat back and listened to the exchange without interrupting. He liked that Hannah was so animated and inquiring; it was a good sign after the past few week’s ‘occurances’. He was also interested in if what Mercer said matched his somewhat unique file. Not that Reilly thought he was a fake or a plant; no Intelligence afaency would create a background like his. Far too easy to punch holes in. No, Reilly was genuinely curious about the man himself. The one who had made such a splash entrance into the Oed governmental scene.

Jason

Hannah was unaware of Mercer’s entrance to the colony. It was a compartmentalized and she wasn’t involved. “My career has been fairly benign. I did a year and a half at Star Fleet Medical refining my specialty. I spent several years on a medical and science support vessel. I really enjoyed my time on the Fearless. After that I served along the Cardassian border. When the position here came available, it was too good to pass up. Sacred Heart is doing amazing things in Medical innovation and whole patient care.c Hannah glanced out the window of the slider to the bustling city. “Out here on the frontier, they have no one but themselves to rely on. I am very excited to be part of that.”

Elijah empathized with her sentiment, as it echoed his own feelings about OED. The notion of being on the true frontier, not merely exploring space, but actively participating in a community striving to carve out its own identity amidst the chaos, resonated deeply with him. He admired her for embracing this challenge and working towards making OED a more integral part of the Federation.

“So, are you here as a special instructor or more long term? Director Enger has really made a name for Oed University in such a short time. I think she will single handedly put Oed in the galactic map.”

Lt Asimina, SFAMO

“I hope for a lengthy stay,” Elijah replied with a thoughtful nod. “Director Enger and I have crossed paths briefly, but my official duties are set to commence in the next quarter. It feels imperative to establish myself here on OED first. Moving homes and settling in is quite the undertaking, and I didn’t think it fair to immediately dive into a new job. Besides, while it’s a long-term commitment, it’s also part-time. It wouldn’t feel much like retirement if I were constantly working,” he chuckled softly.

“And yes, another reason I chose OED,” he continued, a hint of enthusiasm creeping into his tone. “Director Enger’s work with the University has certainly made waves. Starfleet, in particular, has shown interest in scholarships and similar initiatives, but they’re not the only ones. OED’s educational system may soon become highly sought after.”

Doctor Elijah Mercer
Professor / Scientific Advisor
Oed V

“Already is, actually.” Reilly said. “The University has already established a pretty highly regarded exchange program with several other institutions… even the Daystrom Institute is part of it. That is probably due to the fact that we have Daystrom Awardee living here on Oed. And the Klingons have established a number of scholarships for refugees and those who have the capability but not the ability to attend a higher education program. House Duroc, you should read up on them. Hell of a story tying them to Oed.” Jason said with a laugh.

Reilly

“It’s not just the university though. Director Enger is making waves at all levels of education. She’s just recently managed to get the top Early Education specialist to come and head up that part of Oed’s educational system. Runa McKenzie is sought after by a lot of people. I’m excited to see what she does for Oed.”

Hannah grinned, and there was the impression she might be laughing, but she didn’t. “Jal’na, Lady Duroc, is a wonderful person. She’s the best physical therapist I’ve ever worked with. The story between Lord and Lady Duroc is equally interesting. Right before I arrived, Sacred Heart’s charity foundation had a fundraiser. A bachelorette auction. Lord Duroc apparently won his wife in the auction. He also pledged a huge amount to fund multiple scholarships a year for anyone pursuing a degree in Physical Therapy. As for the rest of the story, I’m not sure how much is true and how much is exaggerated.”

Lt Asimina, SFAMO

Elijah listened intently, his interest piqued by the depth and breadth of OED’s educational initiatives, one of the main reasons for he being here at all. With each revelation, he found himself more intrigued by the intricate connections and contributions that shaped the educational landscape of the colony.

“It’s truly a wonderful thing to hear about the impact Director Enger and the University are having,” he remarked, his tone reflecting genuine admiration. “The involvement of the Daystrom Institute in the exchange program adds a prestigious dimension to OED’s educational outreach. And the Klingon scholarships for refugees speak volumes about the inclusive and humanitarian ethos being fostered here, I hope that it expands beyond the university and cultivates the same culture throughout OED.”

“Sacred Heart Hospital and the Oed Educational system are shinning beacons within the colony. Alice Shrine, the head Civilian nurse, runs the charity outreach. She has been working very closely with her counterpart at the university.” Hannah grinned, “No one says no to Alice. She is like everyone’s grandma and favorite aunt rolled into one.”

As Hannah and Jason continued to share their insights, Elijah’s curiosity deepened, his mind buzzing with questions and possibilities. “Jal’na Duroc’s story sounds remarkable,” he noted, his voice tinged with admiration. “It’s heartening to see such generous contributions toward education and community welfare. I’d love to learn more about the impact of their initiatives and how they’re shaping the future of OED, perhaps if you know how I may be able to meet with them, it’s been said I should try to learn more about OED and its people?”

Doctor Elijah Mercer
Professor / Scientific Advisor
Oed V

“Well, I only work with Lady Duroc. I don’t know her personally. However, Cmdr Fayth is a very good friend of hers. I can ask her to make an introduction if you like,” Hannah offered.

Lt Asimina, SFAMO

“I will give you fair warning. Doctor. Lady Duroc has a stellar reputation and has served the colony well.” Jason said. Lord Duroc, however… well… how to put this delicately…” he pondered more to himself than the others in the slider. “He’s insane. Even by Klingon standards. Or perhaps especially by Klingon standards.” and he laughed softly and shook his head.

Jason