Posted Sept. 11, 2021, 5:35 a.m. by Lieutenant Junior Grade Zarus DeSai (Chief Medical Officer) (Jim Watkin)
Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Zarus DeSai (Chief Medical Officer) in Starbase function suite
Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Zarus DeSai (Chief Medical Officer) in Starbase function suite
“OK table rule this evening for our table at least: There are no ranks. You call someone by their rank, sir, or ma’am then you buy a round. Trust me it can get quite expensive,” he said, “but I’m just Ben as you well know.”
“Last point on the subject of rank,” Zarus said indicating to their solitary gold pip, “I am only an ensign.”
“Well in that case I suggest you act surprised when Andone hands you your black pip,” Ben replied smiling. “Come on. Ben is waiting at the table,” Ben said referring to his husband, the admiral, “There is someone he’d like you to meet and the first round of drinks is on me.”
-DeSai
Zarus followed the captain into the large room that had a large number of round tables in. Each table was set to seat between 5 and 10 with traditional pristine cutlery and glasses. There were delegates from a wide selection of worlds with their families and children starting to take their seats.
They approached their table where Zarus’ friend was already seated with a bajoran captain and child.
“I found them, Security was giving them a hard time cos the rank on the guest list doesn’t match the uniform,” Ben said, “No presentation yet.”
Both the Admiral and captain seated at the table rose from the seats with a smile. The Admiral widened his arms as though to invite Zarus for a friendly hug. Zarus did not hesitate to embrace him.
“It’s good to see you again, Zarus,” the admiral said.
“Good to see you too s..” Zarus broke off remembering what the Admiral’s husband had said about the table rules and correcting themself, “Ben.”
This was going to get confusing. Two officers named Ben on a table where informality was one of the rules of the day
“Allow me to introduce you to Captain Akorem Nevin and his son, Dakin Antos,” The Admiral offered.
Zarus raised a hand to cup the Bajoran’s cuffed ear as was their custom. The Nevin returned the gesture with a smile.
“Please. Just Nevin,” he said to Zarus before looking to the Admiral, “Next round’s on you, old friend.”
“Less of the old, we’re the same age,” The Admiral chortled as he pulled a seat back for Zarus to sit at the table.
-Zarus
During the convesation over the multiple courses of the luxery meal Zarus had learned that Nevin had been an orphan and was raised by cardassian foster parents. He attended the academy with Ben and Ben. Within hours of reporting for his first post out of the Academy he had found himself elevated to their CMO and within a year he had become a single parent to Antos. Zarus did not know the details, but the boy’s elaborate earcuff suggested his mother had been from one of Bajor’s upper classes. They also learned that after the evenings proceedings, Nevin and Antos were due to depart on a starship that would be passing by the outpost where Nevin was CO. Zarus could only assume that their invite to this function was infact to meet the pair, but so far had no idea.
Zarus had just returned to the table from the bar having slipped up on the ‘formalities rule’. The bill had been expensive and they regretted not accepting the credits that Nevin had attempted to slip to them under the table.
The conversation at the table seemed to dry up as Zarus returned.
“Did I miss something?” Zarus asked taking their seat.
Before any of the officers at the table could answer the child piped up.
“You’re going to be a captain like Dad,” he said cheerily, “Will they let you keep you blue hair?”
Not quite sure how to reply to the child or exactly what he was suggesting they answered honestly with “I think they will.”
“Awesome!” Antos exclaimed, “Dad can I have blue hair?”
“When you’re older, if you want,” Nevin replied to his son. He then turned his attention back to Zarus.
“Ben and Ben think you’ll be an ideal candidate for the Command Mentorship Programme,” he said, “And I agree with them that should you wish to engage in the program that you need a mentor from the medical discipline.”
Zarus let that sink in for a moment or two, still not quite sure what Nevin was saying. “Is that a recommendation or an order?” they asked.
“Neither,” Nevin replied without hesitation, “It is a suggestion and an offer. You have shown me that you take responsibility for your actions and mistakes, a trait that a commander of any rank requires. You have to decide for yourself which path you wish your career to take and if you opt for the mentorship program who you would like to be your mentor.”
Zarus smiled, “So you are saying you’re there for me whatever I decide?”
“I told you they were quick,” said the Admiral with his usual smile.
“Yes, and for my first piece of advice,” Nevin replied taking some credits and pushing them towards Zarus, “Take the credits. I remember how little allowance you get and how expensive that round was. Another good trait of a commander is knowing when to accept help.”
Zarus looked at the credits, “Thank you, but my mistake, my consequences.”
“Then you leave me no choice but to make it an order. Ensign DeSai. Take the credits,” Nevin said, “And that makes the next round on me.”
Nevin rose from the table leaving the credits near to Zarus while Ben and Ben laughed loudly at how things had played out.
-Zarus
© 1991-2024 STF. Terms of Service
Version 1.15.11
RSS Feed