Posted by Captain Iphigenia Henao (Captain) in A Sitdown With the Boss

Posted by Commander Jaieh Vrenek (Executive Officer) in A Sitdown With the Boss

Posted by Captain Iphigenia Henao (Captain) in A Sitdown With the Boss
Posted by… suppressed (5) by the Post Ghost! 👻
Jaieh wandered through the corridors of the USS Leviathan. As good as this assignment had been to her, she didn’t feel like she knew the crew. Her feet stopped outside the Captain’s ready room. As good a place to start as any. She pressed the chime and waited.

-XO

Iphigenia was enjoying the final piece of her green chili chicken tamale when the unexpected ring of the chime echoed through the room. In a flurry, she hurriedly devoured the last bite, her mouth still full, she somehow managed to mumble, “Come in!” Before her visitor entered, she promptly disposed of the greasy paper towels that crumbled on her desk in a discreet waste basket concealed beneath it, all while deftly reaching for her Mandarin Jarritos bottle and taking a sip.

Henao, CO

Jaieh stepped into the office, fully aware she had interrupted something. “I hope this isn’t a bad time Captain. It occurred to me…” she paused, uncertain how to convey her thoughts. “It occurred to me that though we arrived close together, and have worked side by side, we haven’t taken the time to properly introduce ourselves.”

-XO

Iphigenia quickly composed herself, smiled at Jaieh, and gestured for her to take a seat. “Not a bad time at all, Commander Vrenek. In fact, I welcome the opportunity to get to know you better. Please, have a seat.”

Jaieh took the offered seat and did her best to relax a little.

Iphigenia leaned back comfortably in her chair, taking a moment to appraise her colleague. She was curious to learn more about her.

“Let’s rectify the lack of proper introductions then. It’s my fault we haven’t had time to become properly acquainted. I think the workload we faced when we took command was a factor. However, I’m glad you stopped by.” Iphigenia paused, taking another sip from her Mandarin Jarritos bottle before continuing. “So, what have you been up to? Anything interesting?”

Henao, CO

“Since getting back to the Leviathan?” She had been on the Leviathan crew roughly a year before receiving a return assignment to it. “I’ve been trying to settle some things that have been left in the air far too long. Since I came to the Federation, I haven’t really spoken to my family. Tricky now to get a message back, but… the time has more than come. What about you, Captain? What keeps you busy?”

-XO

Iphigenia smiled at Jaieh’s response, appreciating her openness. She leaned forward, resting her elbows on the desk, and clasped her hands together.

“Well, Jaieh, hopefully you dont mind me being informal at the moment, my responsibilities as captain certainly keep me occupied. Running a starship is no easy task, as I’m sure you know,” she replied with a chuckle. “But aside from the day-to-day operations, I try to make time for personal pursuits as well. I find solace in reading and exploring different cultures. It’s fascinating to learn about the diverse perspectives and histories across the galaxy.”

“There’s so much to be learned from other cultures. Exploring the people of the galaxy, you can find more wisdom than in any book.” Jaieh agreed.

She paused for a moment, her gaze thoughtful. “And, of course, I have my fair share of family obligations. They may not always be close by, but I make an effort to keep in touch and spend time with them when I can. Family is important to me, just as I’m sure it is to you.”

Jaieh nodded gently.

Iphigenia’s expression softened as she continued, “It sounds like reconnecting with your family is a significant step for you. I hope you’re able to mend those connections and find the closure you seek. Is there anything I can do to assist you in that endeavor?”

Henao, CO

“Unless you can persuade my mother that coming to the Federation was not about betraying the Empire, probably not. The offer is appreciated though.”

-XO

Iphigenia could sense the complexity of the situation and the deep emotions tied to it. “Family dynamics can be complicated, especially when there are differing perspectives and loyalties involved,” Iphigenia replied empathetically. “It can take time for others to see the intentions and choices we make in a different light. While I may not be able to directly influence your mother’s perspective, I can offer my support and understanding during this process.”

After a brief hesitation, Iphigenia decided to share her own family experience. “I can relate to your struggle. My father also believed I was making a foolish choice when I left behind the protective bubble he had built for my brother and me and ran off, his words, to join Starfleet. Whenever I contacted him, his first response was not a warm greeting but rather, ‘So, are you ready to give up this ridiculous dream of making a career in Starfleet and come back home?’ He couldn’t understand why I had to go, why I chose to live like a soldier when I had an infinite number of resources at my hand. However, I eventually mustered the courage to express how his words made me feel, as if I couldn’t succeed or wasn’t good enough. Surprisingly, he stopped saying those things to me and became more supportive.” She shrugged her shoulders then continue, “Sometimes, all it takes is open and honest communication to bridge the gap between family members. If you’re comfortable, perhaps sharing your reasons for joining the Federation and how it aligns with your personal values could help your mother understand your perspective better.”

Henao, CO

She locked her eyes on the desk between them, but didn’t really look at it. “People who are still loyal to the Empire are hard to persuade.” Jaieh laughed lightly and slowly lifter head. “Where are you from, Captain?”

-XO