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 Feb 28, 2021 8:36:38 GMT
[ Jovireh Velal / Devra Kul - Eastman-Williams' Quarters] With a curious expression, Devra paused as she processed Judy's initial statement. "Maybe I'm just not that familiar with Starfleet career paths, but ten years doesn't seem like nearly enough time to gain the experience necessary for Command," her voice filled with both understanding that the woman across from her hadn't felt ready in that time frame, and surprise that there were those who did. Jovireh smiled with amusement as she took another bite of lamb, offering her mother a brief telepathic explanation. "Humans are always in a rush to accomplish their goals." While she in no way meant that as an insult, she didn't want to risk it being mistaken as one by their hosts. A slight twinkle entered Devra's eyes as the only visible sign of their silent conversation. "Ah, that's right. Such a shame, really."The conversation shifted to the couple's grandkids, and there was no denying the way they both lit up at the mention. "Michael was very adorable promoting you," she commented, remembering how proud the kid had been on stage. Jov had been a little preoccupied trying not to panic over her own promotion at the time, but the six-year-old had provided a nice, albeit brief, distraction from her nerves. Feeling a sudden spike in her mother's mischievousness, Jovireh knew exactly what question was coming next. Turning a sharp gaze onto Devra, she gave her answer firmly, though there was no sign of the earlier awkwardness or embarrassment. "No. I told you ten years ago if you want grandkids you'll have to have another child." Devra chuckled with a light shrug. "Oh well, can't blame a woman for hoping," she replied whimsically. It was clear this was a conversation they had quite frequently, the answers always the same.
Tag 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 Feb 28, 2021 17:36:11 GMT
[Capt. Judith Eastman(-Williams) & Max Williams - Commanding Officer's Quarters]As much as Judy respected some of the thirtysomethings she'd met in command positions, she generally tended to agree that experience was an indispensable tool for command. Then again, she also saw immense value in the outside-the-box thinking of youthful officers. As for grandchildren, Judy had to hold in the first four comments that came to mind, the kind that could offend mother, daughter, or both, or might just be seen as gloating about her little angels. Max had something a little more tactful to say. "One of the advantages of living in a remote area like this is that people congeal into families beyond just our blood relatives. You make friends, and some of those friends have young children, and that's like having bonus grandchildren," he explained. "We spend a lot of time with Evekh, that's Chief Ozu's son, and with Leanna's kids.""Love is more powerful than genetics," Judy added, and Max nodded.
Tag Jovireh Velal
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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 Mar 1, 2021 7:37:12 GMT
[ Jovireh Velal / Devra Kul - Eastman-Williams' Quarters] Jov nodded at Max's description, nudging her mother with her elbow playfully. "See? There you go. Plenty of people on the station for you to adopt." She told her with a grin, combining both Max's comment of bonus grandchildren, and her own of Devra having another child. Jovireh never particularly felt like she was missing out not having any siblings, especially now that she was an adult, but she was sure there was someone on the station who was missing having a maternal figure in their life. And knowing her mother, Devra would be drawn to them like a magnet. The woman laughed and nodded, seeming to accept her defeat in the ongoing argument. "I see and accept your point," she replied, before focusing her playful look on her daughter once more. "But as soon as you and that boy of yours decide to get serious, we will have this conversation again." Jov didn't respond, just focused on finishing off the rest of the lamb on her plate, but her expression clearly read that wasn't going to happen. When she finished eating, she looked across at the couple once more. "I don't think I've ever met Evekh... I've only met the Chief briefly once or twice." The Petty Officer hoped to some day get to know people from the various departments a little better, but that just hadn't quite happened yet. "I don't even really see Lea's kids very often... when we get together it's usually at the Blue Beta or Evi's place. They're definitely little sweethearts though." And it sounded like they loved Lea's new boyfriend as much as their mother did, which was always a good thing. Her friend had been through enough... Jov was glad she had found someone who treated her well.
Tag 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 Mar 2, 2021 1:09:32 GMT
[Capt. Judith Eastman(-Williams) & Max Williams - Commanding Officer's Quarters]"You can offer yourself up to Lea as a babysitter... either of you," Judy suggested. "It's very helpful, for a new couple, to have a sitter. We sent the twins to Judy's parents far too often, in our day," Max added. For Leanna and Riyo, with Lea's kids so young, a sitter was all the more important. "As for Saya, Chief Ozu, she's an old friend of ours. We served together during the war, and, well...""We stayed close ever since," Max interrupted, before Judy could tell some story from Saya's past. "I think I told you, Jov, about how I like to help out younger people, pay it forward, so to speak. That's how Saya and I started out, and we've stuck together. I'm hoping I'll get to marry Evekh off to one of the grandkids."The comment about marrying Evekh off was a joke, but the message was clear, especially in light of Max's earlier comment about choosing families: Judy was in the business of bringing people together, and her friendship or mentorship was for the long haul.
Tag Jovireh Velal
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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 Mar 2, 2021 15:57:21 GMT
[ Jovireh Velal / Devra Kul - Eastman-Williams' Quarters] As sweet as Lea's kids were, Jov had no idea how to babysit. If it was just Ariana, she might have considered it. But Aven was still so small, and fragile, and unable to say what he needed. Universal translators didn't really work on cries. They really should though... Her mother, on the other hand, she knew would jump on the opportunity, even without seeing her perk up in the corner of her eye. Jovireh couldn't help but grin at Judy's hope of Evekh marrying one of her grandchildren. "Well, I hear it's not uncommon for kids who grow up together to marry each other someday. You just might get your wish." She had her own thoughts about that, of course, but it was far from being any of her business. And with all the kids in question being so young, marriage certainly wasn't imminent for any of them. There was nothing wrong for a grandparent to dream. Her mentioning helping out the younger people did bring back the conversation she'd had with her mother the night before. While Jov hadn't been planning on bringing it up, now that she'd remembered it the thought nagged at her brain. After a few moments of careful consideration while she took another sip of wine, she spoke again. "Speaking of helping... She told me you might be able to work some magic to get my conditions lifted?" At first she'd been excited at the possibility, and then hesitant when she realized it might look like she had ulterior motives for wanting those gone. But there was no harm in getting more information and making a decision later after she'd had more time to consider everything.
Tag 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 Mar 2, 2021 21:27:28 GMT
[Capt. Judith Eastman(-Williams) & Max Williams - Commanding Officer's Quarters]Judy was still favorable to the idea of lifting Jovireh's restrictions, but still, she glanced nervously to Max, until he nodded to her. "One of our rules as a family is no work talk at the dinner table, but Judy will make this up to me later," he explained to the guests. "That's right," Judy confirmed, gently caressing her husband's cheek before returning to the matter at hand. "I think the conditions they put on you are too draconian. One strike and you're out is... not how I think anything ought to work," she explained her own stance. "Now, since you've served so admirably, I think that as your Captain, I can help you dive into the bureaucracy and hopefully get things changed. I can't promise anything, so I won't, but I think it's a task worth doing."Judy was sure to downplay expectations, since although she was a very skillful operator in the fleet bureaucracy, she was not magical.
Tag Jovireh Velal
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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 Mar 3, 2021 9:35:35 GMT
[ Jovireh Velal / Devra Kul - Eastman-Williams' Quarters] Jov gave Max an apologetic smile, understanding many people tried to avoid talking about work in social settings. She listened as Judy explained her stance on the issue, and nodded in understanding. So it would be a bureaucratic stance, with her service record on Front Ear for support. That was certainly a preferable course of action than calling in favors - which some people might expect. "Thank you. I'll definitely think about it, and let you know if it's something I decide to go ahead with." Perhaps she'd offer a compromise... such as keeping the requirement to pass an annual psych evaluation. It did help having a direct contact with a counselor whom she'd been seeing for over a decade. Being on a list of 'crisis patients' was also beneficial; she never needed to wait more than twenty-four hours if she felt like she couldn't handle something and needed help. With the increasing dangers of the missions she'd been on... she didn't exactly want to lose that lifeline either. Devra had remained silent while they spoke, sipping her wine. She'd done her part by informing her daughter of the possibility, now it was between the two women to decide on. It was difficult not to voice her opinion, especially when it had been just the two of them, but she knew how important it was to Jovireh that she be able to navigate her career path on her own. The more years that passed, the more she reminded Devra of Endon. The same pride and stubbornness... but also the satisfaction in a job well done, and the determination to reach milestones on their own. She hoped the young woman knew how proud her father would have been if he could see her now.
Tag 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 Mar 3, 2021 19:05:03 GMT
[Capt. Judith Eastman(-Williams) & Max Williams - Commanding Officer's Quarters]"You can come by anytime you want to talk about it," Judy offered, touching again on her usual "my office is always open" promise. With the work conversation winding down, Max spoke back up. "We made brownies for dessert, but we can send some home with you if you're too full," he offered graciously. "I know the Captain over here will bring the leftovers into the office, to stuff her assistants."Anytime Max referred Judy by her rank, he was teasing, and so she playfully elbowed him.
Tag Jovireh Velal
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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 Mar 4, 2021 13:35:12 GMT
[ Jovireh Velal / Devra Kul - Eastman-Williams' Quarters] Jovireh nodded at Judy's invitation, content to leave it at that. Having spent the last dozen years believing those conditions would always be part of her career, the possibility of them being gone was a lot to consider. She was grateful her mother hadn't tried to add her input, and made a mental note to thank her later. Jov knew how hard it was for the other woman not to voice her opinion on any topic, especially where her daughter was concerned, but she had been doing a very good job at upholding her promise to not try and influence the young woman's career in any way. At the mention of brownies, Devra paused thoughtfully for a moment before answering. "Oh, I think I might be able to fit one," she replied with a small laugh. When Max teased Judy about feeding her assistants, Jov's face lit up in an amused grin. "I remember that time I worked a bridge shift on the Mac... I was so confused when I walked in and there was food everywhere!" She laughed, remembering standing at the tactical station and just staring around for a few moments before Mabel had brought some of pizza over to her. "And every one else was eating as comfortably as they would in the mess hall. I started wondering if eating on the bridge was an officer perk that no one tells the noncoms about. It wasn't until you asked for suggestions for the next time that I realized it just the way you do things." The rest of that mission she was happy to avoid talking about, but as she only worked one shift on the bridge it would unfortunately be obvious which one she was referring to. Hopefully focusing on the food part of that day would be enough to keep the conversation light, and not particularly 'talking about work'.
Tag 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 Mar 4, 2021 16:45:50 GMT
[Capt. Judith Eastman(-Williams) & Max Williams - Commanding Officer's Quarters]The older couple worked in tandem on clearing the table of the main course, and bringing out the dessert, while still engaging in the conversation. "She's Jewish; it's how they show affection, and you reciprocate by eating," Max quipped, though the joke was undergirded by a lot of truth. "Beyond that, I have a very... civilian approach to my job. I think the fact that I care about all of you, my crew, and that you know that, makes me a better leader, much more so than having shiny pips on my collar," Judy added. The brownies they set on the table were still hot and very fresh, putting them a level above even the usual bridge treats.
Tag Jovireh Velal
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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 Mar 4, 2021 20:00:03 GMT
[ Jovireh Velal / Devra Kul - Eastman-Williams' Quarters] "I'm sure it's a gesture the crew appreciates," Devra commented at Judy's explanation of her command style. She wasn't too familiar with the regulations of Starfleet, but from what her daughter had told her over the years she could see how such a caring approach would be unexpected, but also effective. When they brought the brownies over, her eyes widened slightly at the delicious appearance and aroma, noticing from the corner of her eye that her daughter perked up a little as well. "It seems like just yesterday you were always trying to take off with the entire tray of whatever I baked," Devra teased her with a smile. Jovireh laughed at the memory and gave a small shrug. "I still love baked desserts, but that was before staying in shape became a literal matter of life and death." There was a reason security personnel were held to higher standards of fitness than the other departments. It was up to them to chase down and physically subdue suspects. Well-rounded nutrition was equally as important as a rigorous workout routine.
Tag 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 Mar 4, 2021 21:02:51 GMT
[Capt. Judith Eastman(-Williams) & Max Williams - Commanding Officer's Quarters]Judy laughed as well. "You have to enjoy all things in moderation. Even in your line of work, or for that matter even at my age, a little indulgence never did any harm."Max served all four of them, with small portions for now. "As a kid, you can inhale as many sweets as you want, and just work it off in a sugar rush," he said. "It's a shame we lose that superpower."He sat down, as did Judy, and they dug in.
Tag Jovireh Velal
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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 Mar 5, 2021 20:42:28 GMT
[ Jovireh Velal / Devra Kul - Eastman-Williams' Quarters] "I certainly miss those days!" Jov replied to Max with another laugh before taking a bite of the brownie. "Mm! Now this is one of the best desserts I've had in awhile!" she declared with appreciation. Truly, the entire meal had been far better than what she normally ate, but that was likely her own fault for eating mostly replicated food. Devra waa also eating with obvious enjoyment. "It's amazing that you both have such natural talent for a shared passion," she complimented the couple.
Tag 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 Mar 5, 2021 21:46:00 GMT
[Capt. Judith Eastman(-Williams) & Max Williams - Commanding Officer's Quarters]"The real secret is experience. We've been doing this for a long time, and we're always learning and improving," Max accepted the praise, with a bit of philosophizing. He thought of just about all his talents as learned ones, developed and honed over years or decades. "Max actually started out as a pastry chef, so this is peak experience coming from his end," Judy added. "It really prepared him for being a grandfather.""Being a pastry chef, I learned how to make good sweets, but it was by being a dad that I learned food is tastier when it's Targ-shaped," Max joked, alluding to that common child-like tendency to want cookies, chicken-nuggets, or whatever, to be in a certain shape.
Tag Jovireh Velal
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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 Mar 6, 2021 19:16:01 GMT
[ Jovireh Velal / Devra Kul - Eastman-Williams' Quarters] Devra tsked with a slight shake of her head at their modesty. "Skill is taught, and important. But talent... It's always obvious when someone was born with a talent for what they do. It always adds something magical."Jovireh piped in after another bite. "People are more likely to spend their lives loving what comes natural to them." She was an example of that. While she was only half the age of the others at the table... She'd had a lot of hobbies over the years. None of them had been quite so fulfilling as doing what came naturally to her.
Tag Judith Eastman
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