T'Karra
Security & Tactical
Posts: 96 Likes: 7
Rank: Petty Officer 3rd Class
Position: Fireteam Member
Species: Vulcan
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Post by T'Karra on Oct 16, 2020 11:07:45 GMT
[Turbolift to Deck 14, Front Ear Station] T'Karra followed along quietly. The crew members she served with were acquaintances at best. She did not see them as friends let alone family members. At least not yet. Vulcans were no strangers to loyalty and friendship, but these bonds were usually formed slowly and over time. She wondered again if excessive familiarity with near strangers was a crucial element to effectively serve with other humanoids. Her speculation was cut short at hearing the Commander's husband speak. "The belief that the enlisted quarters are inhabited by a disembodied spirit of the deceased is illogical," she began without hesitation. "Do many of the crew subscribe to this superstition?" Jovireh Velal Judith Eastman
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Jovireh Velal
Security & Tactical
[TI18]
Posts: 2,609 Likes: 55
Rank: Senior Chief Petty Officer
Position: Chief of Security/Tactical
Species: Betazoid/Romulan
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Post by Jovireh Velal on Oct 16, 2020 11:47:38 GMT
[Front Ear, Deck 14, Corridor] Jov glanced over her shoulder at the couple as Max commented on the crew believing one of the quarters was haunted, a slender eyebrow raised in amusement. "I'm afraid my cat isn't going to help with those rumors. She... Doesn't sound like most cats do." Her roommate at the Academy was constantly commenting on Kiz's howling and wailing. She was the only cat Jov had ever owned, so she wasn't sure how to describe the differences. Her gaze shifted over to T'Karra as the other woman commented on the illogical nature of superstitions. "Superstition is common among humans. Some are more... Devout to those beliefs than others."There! She'd almost passed the door before she saw the numbers. Stopping abruptly, she turned to face the others. "Since we're here, I'm just going to grab my PADD so I can take notes on the rest of the tour." Without waiting for a response, she went into her quarters, returning a moment later with a PADD tucked into her belt. "Sorry for the delay." Judith Eastman T'Karra
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Judith Eastman
Civilian
Grandma
Posts: 2,593 Likes: 84
Rank: Civilian/other
Position: Civil Servant
Species: Human
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Post by Judith Eastman on Oct 16, 2020 14:34:52 GMT
[Cmdr. Judith Eastman(-Williams) & Max Williams - Deck 14]"Ghost stories are absurd, as a general rule; nobody believes them as such. What does happen is that you may hear some odd noise at an ungodly hour of the night, and that makes you think," Judy explained the nature of ghost stories to T'Karra while Ms. Velal went into her quarters. "Sometimes, whoever's telling the story might bring it to life to prank a newcomer, but Max and I are too old for that."Then, they were rejoined by the young lady, with the PADD in hand. "The Promenade is next, right?" Max asked rhetorically. Judy nodded. "The Promenade spans three decks, 7 through 9, and a mezzanine above each. Deck 9 has some of the seedier businesses, which keeps the rents cheaper down there, but it's been changing for the better lately. You'll see," Judy informed, with the soft but informed cadence of a skilled tour guide.
Tag T'Karra and Jovireh Velal
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T'Karra
Security & Tactical
Posts: 96 Likes: 7
Rank: Petty Officer 3rd Class
Position: Fireteam Member
Species: Vulcan
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Post by T'Karra on Oct 17, 2020 13:45:09 GMT
[Spotty Alibi, Deck 9, Front Ear Station] Recalling a "practical joke" described during her own tour of the station, T'Karra asked for clarification of the word "seedy." She was quickly assured that no, there was not an excess of plants on Deck 9 and no, the carnivorous plant that terrorized the station and its crew would (probably) not be making a reappearance. Seedy was an adequate description of the promenade's lowest deck. The establishment they were currently visiting was so poorly maintained that the floors were coated with a substance, likely spilled drinks, that acted as a mild adhesive. It was all quite unsanitary. As they entered, she had inquired about the new recruit's education. "Crewman Velal, what was your concentration of study in Starfleet, aside from the general tactical and security of our career field?" It was the smallest talk she could manage without being personally intrusive; something she would rather avoid. Jovireh Velal Judith Eastman
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Jovireh Velal
Security & Tactical
[TI18]
Posts: 2,609 Likes: 55
Rank: Senior Chief Petty Officer
Position: Chief of Security/Tactical
Species: Betazoid/Romulan
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Post by Jovireh Velal on Oct 17, 2020 19:50:52 GMT
[Front Ear - Deck 9 - Spotty Alibi] They weren't exaggerating about the businesses here. Jov's posture shifted to walk with more confidence and authority as she allowed her senses to open. It was a subconscious shift, created from a lifetime of honing reflexes, and she only paused when they entered the Spotty Alibi. Looking down at the floor, she lifted her foot up and set it back down a couple times, clearly testing the stickiness. "Well that's not safe," she mused, speaking to no one in particular. Swiftly turning her attention back to T'Karra, she followed her farther into the bar. "My secondary focus was in Cultural Anthropology and Linguistics. I was raised with a blend of two cultures, but growing up on a private starship with a skeletal crew didn't give me much of an opportunity to experience those cultures as they are practiced on the home worlds. We moved to Earth, and there were celebrations going on every month of the year. I found it all fascinating, and wanted to learn everything I could about all the cultures I might encounter during my career."She knew T'Karra hadn't asked why she had chosen the courses she did, but as Jov was growing more comfortable with her current companions, she didn't see a problem with letting them get to know her a bit better. It helped fill the silence and made things less awkward, at least.
Tag Judith Eastman T'Karra
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Judith Eastman
Civilian
Grandma
Posts: 2,593 Likes: 84
Rank: Civilian/other
Position: Civil Servant
Species: Human
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Post by Judith Eastman on Oct 17, 2020 21:55:14 GMT
[Cmdr. Judith Eastman(-Williams) & Max Williams - Spotty Alibi, Deck 9]At the entrance to the Spotty Alibi, Judy glanced down quickly at her own feet. She would not have worn sandals if she expected to go into this particular establishment. Max raised his hands slightly forward, offering to carry her, but she didn't think it would be right; it would be far too unpleasant if he were to stumble and fall, and it would be an odd scene for their current companions. She took his hand in hers, thus silently declining the offer. The older couple walked behind the crewmen and listened. It seemed Jovireh had had an unusual childhood, and hearing more about it would be fascinating. "It's good to be interested in different cultures, especially living on a station. It's a very cosmopolitan environment, very multicultural," Judy remarked, commending the young woman on the focus she'd chosen. "I actually grew up on a ship as well; my parents owned a freighter. Judy and our kids are landlubbers, on the other hand," Max shared. "What about you, T'Karra?"
Tag T'Karra and Jovireh Velal
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T'Karra
Security & Tactical
Posts: 96 Likes: 7
Rank: Petty Officer 3rd Class
Position: Fireteam Member
Species: Vulcan
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Post by T'Karra on Oct 18, 2020 0:51:47 GMT
[Spotty Alibi, Deck 9, Front Ear Station] As the new crewman began detailing her academic record, T'Karra ordered a sealed water from the bar. The unsanitary conditions of the establishment made her reconsider anything else. She avoided touching the bar or sitting on a nearby stool, instead opting to stand as she listened. Starfleet required basic culture courses for all recruits. The nature of their service demanded it. But it sounded as though Velal had chosen to pursue a more comprehensive understanding of cultures and languages than her peers. This would make her a tremendous asset on first contact and diplomatic missions. She nodded in agreement with the Commander, it had been a wise decision. Her attention shifted to Mr. Williams and she answered, "I had no experience with spacefaring vessels prior to my enlistment, sir." Jovireh Velal Judith Eastman
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Jovireh Velal
Security & Tactical
[TI18]
Posts: 2,609 Likes: 55
Rank: Senior Chief Petty Officer
Position: Chief of Security/Tactical
Species: Betazoid/Romulan
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Post by Jovireh Velal on Oct 18, 2020 2:08:33 GMT
"Did you grow up on Vulcan, then?" she asked T'Karra, following suit by ordering a sealed water, standing facing the others as she took a sip. It was getting gradually easier to forget she was conversing with a Commander. The casual clothing the couple wore helped with that. "My parents were both scientists. Their life-long mission involved genetically modifying plants from various worlds to find the best method to extend sustainability and yield in hydroponics. My father was required to send all of his research back to the Empire, but that was pretty much our only contact with Romulus. My mother always took me to Betazed for a vacation whenever Father had to attend a conference." Was she rambling again? She hoped not. But it had been awhile since she had done the whole "getting to know you" thing.
Tag T'Karra Judith Eastman
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Judith Eastman
Civilian
Grandma
Posts: 2,593 Likes: 84
Rank: Civilian/other
Position: Civil Servant
Species: Human
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Post by Judith Eastman on Oct 18, 2020 4:11:12 GMT
[Cmdr. Judith Eastman(-Williams) & Max Williams - Spotty Alibi, Deck 9]The older couple opted to order water as well, sharing one bottle between them. They listened, again, to what the youngsters had to say. "That sounds like a nice balance, and Betazed is a lovely place to spend time, especially while growing up," Judy remarked, not mentioning the reason she'd been on Betazed in recent times: her ship during the Dominion War had fought in a failed liberation attempt, and she'd paid visits to the memorials for the fallen. "By the way, there's no need to call me 'sir'. You can just call me Max," Max said, as T'Karra had addressed him as 'sir' earlier. He was almost allergic to the formality. "And you can call me Judy, if it's not too awkward. Save the 'ma'am' for when I'm on duty," Judy followed up, aware that this could be a very tall order for a green crewmember.
Tag T'Karra and Jovireh Velal
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T'Karra
Security & Tactical
Posts: 96 Likes: 7
Rank: Petty Officer 3rd Class
Position: Fireteam Member
Species: Vulcan
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Post by T'Karra on Oct 18, 2020 13:48:18 GMT
[Spotty Alibi, Deck 9, Front Ear Station] T'Karra answered in the affirmative when her fellow crewman asked about Vulcan. She then struggled to maintain a carefully neutral expression when the woman mentioned her upbringing... with mixed results. Rising eyebrows were a bit conspicuous. Admittedly, she was surprised to encounter someone with shared ancestry and Romulan heritage. The Federation and Romulan Star Empire were tentative allies, and Vulcans began joining Starfleet in greater numbers around the mid twenty third century, but her interactions had been primarily with humans until now. Her contemplation ended with the Commander and Mr. Eastman's commentary. She appreciated their efforts to put them at ease, but she was not human. The attempts at informality were wholly unnecessary and the prospect antithetical to her nature. Vulcan society considered ceremony and tradition to be of similar value as their adherence to logic. Everything from their greetings to their associations had an order to it; there was a calculated way to navigate all aspects of their lives. "I will take your requests under advisement," she said to the couple, walking back out to the promenade. Putting the filthy establishment behind them to continue their tour seemed practical. On their way to the public replimat, she asked, "Which languages are you proficient in?" Jovireh Velal Judith Eastman
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Jovireh Velal
Security & Tactical
[TI18]
Posts: 2,609 Likes: 55
Rank: Senior Chief Petty Officer
Position: Chief of Security/Tactical
Species: Betazoid/Romulan
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Post by Jovireh Velal on Oct 18, 2020 14:54:10 GMT
[Front Ear, Deck 9, Spotty Alibi/Promenade] When T'Karra confirmed she'd been raised on the Vulcan home world, Jov couldn't help but wonder what it was like to grow up planet-side. Natural!y her own life would have been very different, in two extremely different ways, depending on which of her parent's home world it had been. Due to her father's belief that she would not have been accepted on Romulus because of her appearance, had her parents chosen to settle down it most likely would have been on Betazed. While Jovireh agreed it was a wonderful place to visit, she doubted she would have been happy living there. She was pulled from her thoughts when the humans requested the two Crewmen call them by their first names while off-duty. Jov wasn't sure how to feel about that, and was grateful when T'Karra respectfully declined the notion. However... If that was what they wished to be called, it would be disrespectful to not comply, wouldn't it? "I will do my best to remember that," she settled for the simple response. As T'Karra left the sticky establishment, Jovireh followed, thankful her feet no longer stuck to the floor as she walked. When asked what languages she had learned, she smiled thoughtfully. "My parents taught me both Betazoid and Romulan before my telepathy developed, though I'm only fluent in one of the Romulan dialects. At the Academy, I became proficient in Human English and Klingon, and learned a decent amount of Cardassian. I learned enough Vulcan to make due, but I'm better at understanding it than I am speaking it." She never doubted that being telepathic helped her pick up new languages quickly. If she didn't know the exact translation of what they were saying, she was still able to pick up their meaning. Judith Eastman T'Karra
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Judith Eastman
Civilian
Grandma
Posts: 2,593 Likes: 84
Rank: Civilian/other
Position: Civil Servant
Species: Human
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Post by Judith Eastman on Oct 19, 2020 0:46:33 GMT
[Cmdr. Judith Eastman(-Williams) & Max Williams - Deck 9]Judy hadn't expected a smooth transition to more casual terms. A Commander could ask for a lot of things, and get most of them, but there was no way around it - a Commander was separated by pips from the crew, even when the pips were not on her collar. On their way, towards the public replimat, the conversation rolled on. "That's an impressive set of languages; I'm a little jealous. Languages can be such a beautiful window into the culture and worldview of the people speaking them," Judy said. "Human English, for example, can be confusing with all its conflicting rules, and words that look similar but sound different. It's messy, but it works anyway, and I think that's an apt analogy for humankind."The XO said these words not with deprecation or disdain, but with a sort of pride that her species had risen so far, in spite of, or perhaps because of, their ridiculous nature. On the walk, Max cast his eyes around, noting the assortment of businesses and store fronts, some old and some newer. The last time he (and Judy) had been here was weeks ago, when his friend Pieter's club Delirium had opened.
Tag T'Karra and Jovireh Velal
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T'Karra
Security & Tactical
Posts: 96 Likes: 7
Rank: Petty Officer 3rd Class
Position: Fireteam Member
Species: Vulcan
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Post by T'Karra on Oct 19, 2020 2:15:59 GMT
[Promenade, Deck 9, Front Ear Station] At Crewman Velal's mention of a joint Betazoid upbringing, T'Karra wondered very briefly if the young woman could read the surface thoughts or deeply embedded emotions of a Vulcan. Considering her race's own psionic abilities and the fact that their two species' midbrains were comparatively similar, it was certainly a topic worth discussing in the future. "Indeed," she said, turning her attention back to the Commander. In her relatively limited personal experience with humans, she could agree that they were an amalgam of paradoxes that managed to prosper in the galaxy. She was not entirely sure it was an appropriate thing for her to comment on, but it was no less true. And what of you?" she asked, glancing at the older couple. "Do either of you have a command of any additional languages?" Jovireh Velal Judith Eastman
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Jovireh Velal
Security & Tactical
[TI18]
Posts: 2,609 Likes: 55
Rank: Senior Chief Petty Officer
Position: Chief of Security/Tactical
Species: Betazoid/Romulan
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Post by Jovireh Velal on Oct 19, 2020 2:42:13 GMT
[Front Ear, Deck 9 Promenade] Jov smiled at the Commander's compliment. Her talent in linguistics had always been a source of pride for her, and having it acknowledged by others was validating. "Thank you. It's true when they say that for every language you learn, the next one becomes easier. English did give me a bit of trouble though... I'm still much better at the verbal communication than the written there. I can't imagine trying to learn it as a native language, with no telepathic abilities to help it make sense..." It only cemented her opinion that humans were determined to do everything the hard way, just to prove they could. That was an opinion she tended to keep to herself, though. As T'Karra asked the same question of their companions, Jov allowed her eyes to sweep across the promenade. This was supposed to be her tour after all, it would be beneficial for her to be familiar with at least some of the places they passed on their way to the next destination.
Tag Judith Eastman T'Karra
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Judith Eastman
Civilian
Grandma
Posts: 2,593 Likes: 84
Rank: Civilian/other
Position: Civil Servant
Species: Human
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Post by Judith Eastman on Oct 19, 2020 4:19:09 GMT
[Cmdr. Judith Eastman(-Williams) & Max Williams - Deck 9]"We speak a few languages. We both speak Hebrew and French - Earth languages - and I also speak passable Bajoran. Max speaks deceptively good Klingon," Judy answered the question asked of the couple. "It comes in handy, speaking Klingon," Max added, with a tone that implied he had stories to tell about just how this fluency had served him. Having caught first Max, and then Jov glancing around, Judy decided to step into the role of tour guide. "In any case. Let's see the sights here. That over there is "Take Me Gagh", the Klingon restaurant. There are the Federation News Network offices, and this, over to your left, is a place called "Delirium". It used to be a very seedy empty lot over there, but now it's taken up by a lovely nightclub," she pointed out a few businesses, gesturing at each with her free hand. Judy and Max themselves hadn't dined at the Klingon restaurant, had attended the club once (Pieter was a friend, and he ran a great establishment, but it wasn't their scene), and didn't interact much with the station press (Judy did when she had to), but the XO made a point of knowing every business on the station. She was dedicated to her station and the people on it.
Tag T'Karra and Jovireh Velal
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