A Friendly Drink

Posted on Wed Jul 29th, 2020 @ 7:05am by

993 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Under A Glassy Surface, Where We Don't Belong...
Location: Ships Lounge

Between returning from shore leave and prepping medical for whatever lay ahead, Nim had barely had time to stop and breathe, which was probably a good thing. Being busy meant she didn't have time to think, and time to think just led to dwelling and melancholy, neither of which sit well with her. That was largely why she found herself now, at the end of her ship, walking into the crew lounge. There was definitely enough noise and distraction there to keep her entertained for at least a little while. Grabbing a drink from the bar and a plate of finger foods, Nim turned and looked around for a likely table to join, not wanting to sit alone.

Finally, walking up to Midori, she smiled warmly. "Do you mind if I join you?" she asked hopefully. "It's busy tonight, and I hate sitting alone."

Midori was sitting alone and wasn't really looking to see who was around her. When she heard a voice, she was startled a bit, "Um, yes. That would be fine." She moved her drink closer to her and watched Nim as she sat across from her.

Nim sank into the seat and slid her plate onto the table. "I'm Nim," she said with a smile. "Chief Medical Officer. You're the new flight control officer, yes? Midori? Such an unusual name."

"My mother's idea. It means green. Instead of the usual color of eyes that a baby starts out with, mine were green. She thought the name would be fitting." She took a sip of her tea, "So, is Nim your name or is it short for something?"

The Trill laughed softly. "Nim is short for Nimeeh. I'm named in honour of the Trill deity for courage and wisdom. It was my father's idea, much to my mother's disgust. She wanted to name me Yaudzees." She grimaced as she plucked a salad leaf from her plate with her fingers and stuck it in her mouth.

Midori chuckled, "At least you can shorten your name and it sounds good. I cannot imagine everyone calling me Dori. If and when I have kids, I'm not going to name them after anyone or anything. And their names will be simple." Midori swallowed after taking a bite of her food and then followed it with a sip of her drink, "So how long have you been the CMO on the Dreadnought?"

"I came on just before our last mission," Nim said with a smile. "I was lucky to get the posting, she's an impressive ship. Though truth be told, I still find her sheer size overwhelming. I've had to use site to site transports a few times in medical emergencies because I wasn't confident in my ability to find my way quickly. How are you finding it so far?"

Midori shrugged, "I don't know. It's overwhelming. I'm nervous but excited to get my chance on the bridge. This ship is 6 times bigger than the Intrepid but I've been practicing."

"Only six times bigger?" Nim asked with a laugh. "I don't know, it's huge, I know that much. I can only imagine it must be a bit nerve wracking to be on the bridge trying to control it!" She shook her head slightly. "I'll sick with sickbay. I can handle broken bones and tummy bugs."

"Well, hopefully my steering the ship won't send anyone to see you." She chuckled, "I have to admit that I am nervous about it. Practicing on the holodeck isn't like the real thing. It just doesn't feel the same."

"I think when I got my transfer orders, I somehow managed to completely overlook the sheer size of this ship. Like, I read it, but I didn't REALLY read it, or it just didn't register. And seriously? Do you think a ship this size could bank hard enough to hurt someone?" She laughed. "I suspect it would steer like a small planet wouldn't it?"

"Pretty much." She finished her drink, "Although I'm nervous, I'm excited too. I'm going to the bridge later to get the feel of the ship. What are your plans after we're done here?"

"Anything that avoids me ending up back in Sickbay or in my quarters," Nim replied with a shrug. "I'll probably see if there's a holodeck available, or go check out the promenade area. Some of the shops stay open fairly late. How about you?"

"I have an office to set up. That is the only thing I haven't done yet. I also need to meet with the others in my department, introduce myself and then, rest." She exhaled, "I've been running nonstop since I've been here."

"Maybe you should prioritize that rest," Nim said with a smile. "Call it doctors orders. You need to take care of yourself or you'll burn out, especially in a ship this size."

"I will, I promise. I do have a habit of trying to fit in everything in one day." She smiled, "As soon as I check out my office and meet with a few of those in my department, I'll go take it easy, well, at least until tomorrow."

"I'll hold you to that," Nim replied with an easy smile. "I'd hate to have to relieve you of duty on your first day," she teased lightly.

Midori chuckled, "Well, in that case, I will absolutely rest. That wouldn't look good to the CO."

Nim was about to respond when her commbadge chirped. "Lieutenant Vixil, please report to sickbay."

She sighed and rolled her eyes. "Well, looks like my plans for the evening have been changed." She shook her head as she stood up. "I mean it though, get some rest in, okay? I will be checking up on you," she winked as she pushed her chair into the table. "It was nice to meet you, and seriously, welcome to the Dreadnought."

With a smile and a wave, Nim started for the door. Sickbay was waiting.

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