A Welcome to Dr. Jezra Siv, Part 2
Posted on Sat Nov 30th, 2024 @ 5:17pm by Captain Remy Johansen & Commander Maxun Spello & Lieutenant JG Jezra Siv MD
1,465 words; about a 7 minute read
Mission:
Shore Leave & Ship Repairs
Location: Starbase at Barisa Prime
Timeline: MD 1
"The medical and science facilities are impressive, they took a lot of unused space from the Galaxy Class's original design and expanded on the Medical Bay, added more lab space, and places to open up in cases of large scale wounded or sick. Hopefully we won't need those, but if something isn't where you want it, we can talk to maintenance," Remy offered.
"You know that by saying that, you jinx it, right, Captain?" Jezra said with a joking smirk. "I can take a look at the specs and let you know, but as long as something important isn't on the opposite side of the deck, I'm fairly adaptable."
"I'll throw some salt and walk backwards through a door later, scout's honor," Remy responded.
The conversation was interrupted as an Andorian appeared, dropping off three menus and a plate of steamed Shaysha, their only appetizer. He then stood idly nearby, prepared to take their order.
Jezra thanked the server and only briefly glanced at the menu. "I already had my mind set on the redbat noodle bowl. I'll do Srjula to drink, too."
Maxun looked to Remy, to let her order next.
Remy didn't have a lot of experience with Andorian food and was normally an adventurous eater, but since the occasion was a simple lunch she settled for a quick decision on something she had eaten before. "I'll have the tuber root stir fry, medium spicy. Just water to drink - no ice." Remy nodded to Spello. They had a casual way of communicating with one another since their experiences on the Arkadian vessel where Remy was only an acting-captain and not expecting a command, and Spello had entrusted her with a secret about his people to earn her own trust.
When the waiter looked at Maxun, he gave his order for impararay, with a side order of hari. He also asked for a glass of Andorian Ale, though the yellow one, not the blue.
As the waiter left Remy turned to Jezra, "Not to put you on the spot or anything, but I know that Commander Spello and I would both like to get to know you a little bit. Not just from a work standpoint - we know you are more than qualified for the position. But from a personal standpoint. I think the Commander can vouch for me when I say that I don't like to waste any time getting to know the senior staff."
Jezra smiled at Remy, understanding where she was coming from. "Of course. I think the more obvious one is that I'm a bit of a foodie. Past hosts aside, the culinary arts are just another type of chemistry. If there's no objection, I might even offer to cook a meal or two in the mess." The Trill's expression turned thoughtful as they considered what else to say about themselves. "Let's see... I've been in all but the Delta Quadrant, I'm left-handed... I'll likely introduce a weekly game night at some point."
"I'm sure the crew would love it if you cooked. There's actually a few places on board where something like that can happen," Remy confirmed with a nod. "There's a rotating restaurant of sorts with guest chefs. Of course, you can requisition for your own cooking equipment too. I like to leave the mess elsewhere."
Maxun listened intently as Jezra spoke. When there was a break in the conversation, he asked, "If it's not too personal a question, how old is your symbiote?"
"Two hundred and twelve years," Jezra replied to Maxun.
Maxun nodded as he did the math in his head, "So, you've had a few hosts since your first joining?"
The Trill nodded in response. "I'm the sixth."
He nodded, clearly impressed by what was just said. "Someone who is on par with me for both memories and experience. Were all of your hosts doctors?"
A couple of servers returned to the table with their plates of food and small dishes for sides and condiments as well as drinks. The food was colorful and aromatic, though the interruption short, as the wait staff worked quickly to not disrupt the conversation. "Can we get you anything else," one of them asked?
After a brief glance around the table, Jezra shook their head. With a nod, the server left. "Only two of them," they answered.
Remy wasn't sure how Jezra felt about talking about all of their hosts, but she felt like she should at least give the doctor an out if she wanted to keep the conversation light. "If you'd rather talk about something else, we certainly can. Don't mean to put you on the spot," the Captain interjected. "I'm sure there will plenty of time for stories of old. What sort of games do you play?"
"I do enjoy various card games," Jezra said, pausing briefly to inspect the food. A keen eye could almost see the subtle transition to her inner chef as she took in the sight and smell pf the food. "I've spun the dabo wheel a couple of times. I like the games that make you think. How about yourselves?"
I can hold my own in poker," Maxun said with a slight grin. "I also enjoy chess and pareses squares.
Remy noticed that the doctor inspecting her plate and watched for any signs of disapproval. At Maxun's mention of poker Remy recalled the ship's poker night where she had more fun dressing the part than actually playing. "I've tried poker, I haven't played enough to be any good," Remy responded. "I should probably invest in finding some quieter hobbies. A lot of the holoprograms I used to enjoy just aren't as rewarding as they used to be."
"My relaxing hobby is holophotography," Jezra offered. They paused to take a bite of their food, closing their eyes briefly to enjoy it. "Oh, wow. Anyways, the holodeck is a great place to practice."
"That's an interesting suggestion. I'm hoping for a chance to look at some wildlife this week. Though practicing on the holodeck might be a better idea. It's probably better to pay attention to your surroundings when you are out in nature, and not fiddle with holoimager you know nothing about," Remy agreed. "Any particular subjects you like to photograph?" Remy asked.
Jezra gave a few examples, then the rest of their meal had such conversations sprinkled in, where the three got to know each other a little better. By the time they were finished eating, the place had died down from the rush, now about three-quarters full instead of a line out the door.
"Thank you again for the meal," Jezra said with a smile. "Remind me how long the ship is docked here?"
"At least for the rest of the week, perhaps all of next week as well," Maxun replied. "However long it takes for the combat damage to be repaired."
"Hopefully NOT a full two weeks, but I think engineering expects at least five days before we're space worthy again. After that, there may be some minor repairs, but we could get called out anytime after that," the Captain verified. "Hopefully that's enough time for you to have some R & R and get your bearings."
Jezra nodded in understanding. "Should be plenty of time to get settled then," they said with a smile.
"Either of you have anything you're looking forward to doing while we're here," Remy asked as they left the restaurant.
As they had not made their relationship pubic yet, Maxun did not say that he was looking forward to spending time wth Chrysanthe. So instead, he replied simply, "I've never visited this world, so I'm gonna do some sightseeing."
"I heard there's a tour on the planet tomorrow," Jezra mentioned. "It seems like a few of our crew are going, so I might tag along." They finished their drink and set the glass on the table. "That food was... wow. Is this where the ship usually goes for repairs and resupply? Because I now have a favorite restaurant."
"It might be for a while anyway, while we're assigned to this sector," the Captain replied. "Our last stop was at Starbase 76 for resupply, but we hadn't made it out this far yet."
As they made their way back to the docking area the three looked at one another and prepared to part ways. The Captain and First Officer both reminded the new Chief Medical Officer to appreciate a few days off and let them know that they were available if anything was needed.
[Off]
Captain Remy Johansen
Commanding Officer
USS Astrea
Commander Maxun Spello
First Officer
USS Astrea
Captain Remy Johansen
Commanding Officer
USS Astrea
Commander Maxun Spello
First Officer
USS Astrea