Signing On
Posted on Mon Jan 20th, 2025 @ 9:13am by Commander Zhan V'Trell & 1st Lieutenant Marjani Smith
Edited on on Tue Apr 1st, 2025 @ 3:51pm
1,444 words; about a 7 minute read
Mission:
Carthage Rises
Location: Castus' Kanar Bar And Lounge - Promenade Upper Level - Empok Nor
Timeline: MD001 2000 hrs
The escort crew that Marjani flew with, took some time off. This meant the Marine Pilot was between jobs. Currently there were no assignments to take diplomats to meetings and she was told rather firmly to take some time off. However, Marjani wanted a plan after that. Shore leave would end and Connor would be leaving. Marjani sat at a table in The Breakers, nursing a drink as she pondered what would be her next move.
Growing up around scientists, Zhan wasn't exactly what you'd call a 'social butterfly'. Truth be known, he preferred to spend his 'off-time' reading the latest science journals, but since he now had his own command, and with much 'encouragement' from Anahera, his XO, he now found himself in a bar on Empok Nor.
He ordered himself an Orion tea, and looked for a table.
He spotted a female Marine sitting alone, took a deep breath, let it out and approached her. "Lieutenant, is this seat taken?" He asked.
Marjani gave a start at hearing someone's voice nearby, her eyes came into focus, traveling up his chest towards his features. "Hello, no the seat isn't taken, have a seat, take a load off your feet." her voice having a light southern drawl to it. She gestured towards the chair across from her. The Breakers was becoming busier since she had arrived and Marjani didn't notice it until just now.
"I'm Marjani Smith, what's your name?" lifting her bourbon to her lips as she watched the Orion man. She didn't mind sharing a table with him. Its the neighborly thing to do anyway. Her mama didn't raise her to be an impolite person.
"Thank you, good to meet you, Marjani, I'm Zhan V'Trell." Zhan said sitting down. "So, what do you do around here?" He asked.
Zhan had felt the stares from the patrons as he'd approached Marjani, Orions weren't common in Starfleet and those that were, were seen by some as untrustworthy. Zhan was trying to change people's minds about his own people, but it took time.
"I am between jobs at the moment, but I do fly escort for cargo ships, and at times I fly diplomats to where they have their meetings and negotiation, along with protection details as a bodyguard. I am a marine besides a pilot. I go where I am needed, but not attached to a ship." Marjani finishing up her drink and signaled for another one. "Would you like something to drink?" as the waiter came to their table.
Marjani shifted her weight in the chair, making herself comfortable. She caught sight of some glances in their direction but only shrugged it off. "What do you do around here? "
"No thank you, I have some tea." Zhan said. "I'm Commanding officer of the USS Carthage, its a Sabre Class starship attached to the station, we're preparing for a mission in former Cardassian Space." He added taking a sip of his tea.
"A Sabre Class Starship, those are beautiful." sitting up straight and leaning forward, Marjani greatly interested. "And a mission into former Cardassian territory. I've been through there a few times." The waiter brought over a drink for Marjani, who accepted it with a "Thank you." turning her attention back to Zhan. "How long have you been in command of the ship?"
"Just over three months, but my XO has almost two centuries of experience in space, both in and out of Starfleet and I will be relying on her knowledge and experience." Zhan said.
"Ohh! Congratulations on the command position. I remember when I was first put in charge of a fighter squad unit, I was a bit nervous at first but I ended up getting into the rhythm of things there. " A sip of her drink, as Marjani had a thoughtful look in her eyes. She could feel an itch to be at the helm of another ship, but, she was on call for where she was needing to be at.
"Thank you." Zhan said with a smile. "I know we've only just met, but you're in between jobs, and I require a Chief Pilot, so how would you like to join the crew of the Carthage? I can work it out with your superiors, if you like."
Marjani lowered her glass, quirking up an eyebrow in surprise as to the offer, gazing rather long at Zhan. This was a surprise but she'd be a fool if she didn't take the offer. "If you can do that, I will accept your offer. A chance to be at the helm of a Sabre, most definitely yes!" giving a small fist pump in front of her chest, flashing a huge smile.
Zhan raised his cup and with a smile, toasted. "To new adventures." He said.
"To new Adventures." Marjani echoed then took a long drink to finish it up. "Just give me the word, and I will be ready." She was going to be needing to let Connor know about her new assignment. She wasn't certain how he will take it but this was a great opportunity for her.
"So, is there anything else you'd like to know about me, before I get things in motion?" Zhan asked.
"Have you ever played baseball? And what do you like to do on your personal time. I have always believed in finding out what someone in command does to relax! Do you have any hobbies?" Marjani was honestly interested.
"I've tried baseball, one of the Scientists on the station were I was born, taught me the game, I'm not very good at it, but I do follow the Paris Lumieres team." He smiled "As for other hobbies, I like to learn, right now I'm into geology, cultural studies, and creating the best chesse cake recipe."
"Cheese cake? Oh I've got to try that, if you ever want a taster for that. And well if you are interested in playing a baseball game with me, I would love that. I used to be part of a team, where we went and did charity baseball games raising money for those who were affected by the wars. I remember when the baseball team was dissolved, we played our best, then we gave the kids our equipment and boy were they happy." Marjani gave a slight chuckle. "I even gave away the very shoes on my feet as a momento for that last game. " her voice became husky with emotions of telling about that memory. "Just the lighting up of the kids faces, so happy they got to have something from us."
"My latest creation is a half and half mixture of Vulcan Lemeric cheese and Ricotta, with a Boysenberry sauce, I'd be happy to get opinion of it." Zhan said. "I can imagine the feeling of doing good."
"I would love to try that, it sounds rather tasty. Okay so do you have family? Any siblings?" Marjani was certainly wanting to know more.
"Great I'll prepare some for you, once we're underway." Zhan said. "My parents are both scientist that defected from Orion to the Federation and are currently assigned to a Science station near Pacifica. I have a younger sister, Devanka, we call her Devi, who training to be a doctor, she also teaches self-defense to children, in her off hours."
"Wow, that is an impressive family you have. That is great." Marjani giving a smile. "As for me, I don't have any siblings, unless you count my cousins. We fought and squabbled like we were siblings." Marjani chuckling. "I guess in some aspect I didn't miss out much when it came to having siblings. If I needed help in any situation, they had my back." Marjani gave a little bit of a stretch. "and as for your cheesecake I will hold you to your promise, most definitely. "
"Devi and I would fight like cats and dogs, but we were always there for each other when it mattered." Zhan said. "As for the cheesecake you'll get the first piece." He smiled. "As I said, we're preparing the Carthage for launch. Stop by, when you're ready. It was a pleasure meeting you Marjani and I look forward to working with you."
"Thank you, I appreciate this chance." reaching out to shake Zhan's hand then rose to her feet. "I will be seeing you soon enough." Marjani flashing a brilliant smile, before she left The Breakers.
A Joint Post By
First Lieutenant Marjani Smith
Pilot
Commander Zhan V'Trell
Commanding Officer, USS Carthage
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