Face-to-Face with James Ramort

[James Ramort]

[USS Discovery | on the Way to Deck 1]

The order came unexpectedly. He had just been busy setting up a new experiment with the Subspace Transceiver when the Computer informed him that a message for him had been issued. After opening it it included only a short paragraph. He was to report to the XOs Officer at a specified time. No Information about what it was about. No Indication why he had been ordered to report to the Commander.
Shutting down the Experiments Assembly for the time being he checked his Uniform again. He didn't want to appear lacking in his first proper Conversation with the First Officer after all. His shoes had been cleaned, his Uniform was straightened and he had taken an extra moment making sure his new Rank Pip was polished and shining in the clinical bright lights of the Lab. There was very little he could do more to prepare, so he headed out.

The Corridors on the way to the Bridge were busy with people, Officers carrying Pads between Stations, Crewman on their way to the Ships vital areas to keep it running smoothly. Luckily he was the only one taking the Turbolift to Deck 1. This gave him one last second to take breath before he was arriving at Deck 1, the Ship's most central Nexus.

[USS Discovery | Deck 1]

The Door of the Lift opened with a slight hiss of its hydraulic systems revealing the familiar corridor and its Doors leading to the Bridge, Briefing Rooms and the Offices, Chief among them of course the Captains own Ready Room but adjacent his own Destination. The First Officers Office, second only to the Captains own. Taking one last second to make sure he was ready for whatever was coming his way (he still didn't know why the Commander had requested his presence but the sincerely hoped it was nothing tragic or otherwise negative), then he pressed the button next to the Door giving Indication to the Person inside the Room that a visitor was waiting outside.

[Rayek trLhoell]

Commander Rayek tr'Lhoell
[USS Discovery - Deck One - XO's Office]

If anyone were to ask him what he'd missed the most while being on leave and then temporarily reassigned, it would have been this - these face-to-face 'Meet 'n' Greets' with the crew.

His office, so near the bridge, had been spared so his furniture was as it always was.  The soft grey loveseat along the wall beside his replicator; the uncomfortable metal chair placed across from his desk; and the cushioned armchair placed to the side of his desk so that a person seated there could talk to him more informally and without having to talk across a work surface.   These were his 'office tools'.  A fact he'd had to explain to some hapless starbase operations staff member working in the quartermasters office, when Rayek returned to the ship to find his office furniture replaced with items more standard to Starfleet.

At the time, he'd was told that they had been recycled. It took a strongly worded requisition and several messages back and forth with exact specs, for Rayek to have identical furniture replicated and sent to his office.

Now he waited in anticipation for the first individual to arrive - Lieutenant Junior Grade Ramort.  Rayek had his PADD open to the man's file while on his desktop screen, Rayek had the security video footage of the hallway outside his office.

Finally, the man arrive - on time - though, Rayek had been waiting for several minutes. At the chime, Rayek called out "Come in!" which activated the automated doors.

Rayek had to quell a sudden urge to rise from his seat and greet the man with a hand shake.  No!  That was not how these were designed.   He needed to observed the man's actions and choices first.   Remaining seated, Rayek turned off his desktop monitor.

"Thank you for your promptness, Lieutenant." Rayek acknowledged the man standing before him.  "Please take a seat." Rayek stated though he was careful when speaking to be looking down at his PADD leaving it to the young officer to figure out what seat to choose.

While Ramort did that, Rayek cleared his throat and rose from his desk chair.  His long legs took him to the nearby replicator where he ordered a chai. He looked over towards Ramort.

"Would you like a refreshment?" he asked as he picked up his own drink from its receptacle.

[James Ramort]

Commander Rayek tr'Lhoell
[USS Discovery - Deck One - XO's Office]

His office, so near the bridge, had been spared so his furniture was as it always was.  The soft grey loveseat along the wall beside his replicator; the uncomfortable metal chair placed across from his desk; and the cushioned armchair placed to the side of his desk so that a person seated there could talk to him more informally and without having to talk across a work surface.   These were his 'office tools'.  A fact he'd had to explain to some hapless starbase operations staff member working in the quartermasters office, when Rayek returned to the ship to find his office furniture replaced with items more standard to Starfleet.

[...]

Now he waited in anticipation for the first individual to arrive - Lieutenant Junior Grade Ramort.  Rayek had his PADD open to the man's file while on his desktop screen, Rayek had the security video footage of the hallway outside his office.

Finally, the man arrive - on time - though, Rayek had been waiting for several minutes. At the chime, Rayek called out "Come in!" which activated the automated doors.

Rayek had to quell a sudden urge to rise from his seat and greet the man with a hand shake.  No!  That was not how these were designed.   He needed to observed the man's actions and choices first.   Remaining seated, Rayek turned off his desktop monitor.

"Thank you for your promptness, Lieutenant." Rayek acknowledged the man standing before him.  "Please take a seat." Rayek stated though he was careful when speaking to be looking down at his PADD leaving it to the young officer to figure out what seat to choose.

Entering the Officer he felt like something in him tensed. It wasn't a muscle as much as an instinct. He felt watched. That probably was to be expected. You weren't called into the Office of one of the most important Officers on the entire Ship without having to expect to be observed. If only through the Ship's own internal Sensors, which there were plenty off on Deck one as he knew, or through additional means he didn't know but he was sure his words and actions here would be analysed or at least reviewed later on. If not immediately or in Person he himself could think of three different algorithms himself stored in Discoveries Database of the top of his Head that were able to interpret humans subtle signs and tells, and that were only the ones in the scientific database. Security surely had even more specialised tools and the First Officer had access to all these tools stored on board.

After entering he went half the way from the Door towards the Desk and then stood at attention, just as Protocol dictated. He could have sworn he saw the Commander tense up a little bit, as if wanting to make a motion but stopping himself a fraction of a second later. Only to reach for the Monitor, maybe his eyes had just betrayed him, confusing the motion of turning it off for something more.

Standing the way proper he acknowledged the superiors thanks with a confirmatory nod, not yet been given permission to speak either by the bonds of protocol or the Commander himself. Instead a new task was presented to himself. A new challenge. The part of his brain usually engaged in unravelling the Universe felt this being a new mystery needing solving. There was a right choice here. And the option to lose his standing immediately the same way.

The Commander had not indicated a seating for him to take so he could only guess that his choosing of one would be evaluated as his first test. Presented to him were three options and he had only little time to pick the correct one, and there surely was a correct one. First the armchair next to the Desk. Cushioned but taking a seat there indicated a certain familiarity. It would require taking a long way through the officer closing Distance. Through protocol Distance was a measure to indicate respect and had to be carefully managed. Eliminating too much of it would be a sign of disrespect, leaving too much though being a sign of disrespect by the same measure. The Armchair was to definitely too close. Most likely meant to be reserved for friends and trusted colleagues to be used in private Discussions and when working on complexe problems. This was supported by its upgraded cushions. Able to support their bearer for longer.

The couch on the Wall also was wrong. Being placed on the Wall the Commander would be forced to turn his head towards him. Something he might offer himself as a sign of respect but if demanded a sign of assumed superiority. The space to the Desk was also far too large.

His eyes now darting to the remaining chair, uncushioned and placed in a way to facilitate direct communication across the Desk. A chair designed to be used to present its inhabitant to the rooms owner, not meant to offer relaxation to them but instead have them cut their talk short to save the time of the busy executive officer. This first riddle thus was easy to solve. There was only one correct choice.

He closed the room's remaining distance towards the hard chair with only two more steps and took up his seat. The chair wasn't the same issue as the normal version onboard the ship but it wasn't like he was about to complain. He had endured a lot worse at the Academy, not to speak of Frontier Day. A chair that wasn't as soft as some other wouldn't make him flinch.

While Ramort did that, Rayek cleared his throat and rose from his desk chair.  His long legs took him to the nearby replicator where he ordered a chai. He looked over towards Ramort.

"Would you like a refreshment?" he asked as he picked up his own drink from its receptacle.

The Commander immediately presenting him with the second test.

"Thank you but no."

He only had entered and thus far junior to the Commander in Rank. They also weren't familiar enough either to accept a Drink. If he had accepted the Drink he would have indicated a lack of respect. As the ordered in junior it was not appropriate to casually sit in this Office and drink anything.

Instead he focused on the Commander and taking his tea, offering him his full attention.

[Rayek trLhoell]

Commander Rayek tr'Lhoell
[USS Discovery - Deck One - XO's Office]

Entering the Officer he felt like something in him tensed. It wasn't a muscle as much as an instinct. He felt watched. That probably was to be expected. You weren't called into the Office of one of the most important Officers on the entire Ship without having to expect to be observed. If only through the Ship's own internal Sensors, which there were plenty off on Deck one as he knew, or through additional means he didn't know but he was sure his words and actions here would be analysed or at least reviewed later on. If not immediately or in Person he himself could think of three different algorithms himself stored in Discoveries Database of the top of his Head that were able to interpret humans subtle signs and tells, and that were only the ones in the scientific database. Security surely had even more specialised tools and the First Officer had access to all these tools stored on board.

After entering he went half the way from the Door towards the Desk and then stood at attention, just as Protocol dictated. He could have sworn he saw the Commander tense up a little bit, as if wanting to make a motion but stopping himself a fraction of a second later. Only to reach for the Monitor, maybe his eyes had just betrayed him, confusing the motion of turning it off for something more.

Standing the way proper he acknowledged the superiors thanks with a confirmatory nod, not yet been given permission to speak either by the bonds of protocol or the Commander himself. Instead a new task was presented to himself. A new challenge. The part of his brain usually engaged in unravelling the Universe felt this being a new mystery needing solving. There was a right choice here. And the option to lose his standing immediately the same way.

The Commander had not indicated a seating for him to take so he could only guess that his choosing of one would be evaluated as his first test. Presented to him were three options and he had only little time to pick the correct one, and there surely was a correct one. First the armchair next to the Desk. Cushioned but taking a seat there indicated a certain familiarity. It would require taking a long way through the officer closing Distance. Through protocol Distance was a measure to indicate respect and had to be carefully managed. Eliminating too much of it would be a sign of disrespect, leaving too much though being a sign of disrespect by the same measure. The Armchair was to definitely too close. Most likely meant to be reserved for friends and trusted colleagues to be used in private Discussions and when working on complexe problems. This was supported by its upgraded cushions. Able to support their bearer for longer.

The couch on the Wall also was wrong. Being placed on the Wall the Commander would be forced to turn his head towards him. Something he might offer himself as a sign of respect but if demanded a sign of assumed superiority. The space to the Desk was also far too large.

His eyes now darting to the remaining chair, uncushioned and placed in a way to facilitate direct communication across the Desk. A chair designed to be used to present its inhabitant to the rooms owner, not meant to offer relaxation to them but instead have them cut their talk short to save the time of the busy executive officer. This first riddle thus was easy to solve. There was only one correct choice.

He closed the room's remaining distance towards the hard chair with only two more steps and took up his seat. The chair wasn't the same issue as the normal version onboard the ship but it wasn't like he was about to complain. He had endured a lot worse at the Academy, not to speak of Frontier Day. A chair that wasn't as soft as some other wouldn't make him flinch.

The Commander immediately presenting him with the second test.

"Thank you but no."

He only had entered and thus far junior to the Commander in Rank. They also weren't familiar enough either to accept a Drink. If he had accepted the Drink he would have indicated a lack of respect. As the ordered in junior it was not appropriate to casually sit in this Office and drink anything.

Instead he focused on the Commander and taking his tea, offering him his full attention.

After the Junior Lieutenant's decline of his offer, Rayek returned to his desk, noting along the way where the science officer had chosen to sit.  The metal chair - of course.  It was to be expected, the well-trained and fast rising officer was a product of the Starfleet Academy.   Rayek felt a slight sense of disappointment, which for a moment baffled the Romulan, until he realized it was he who had changed.

In the past, during his time as XO on Katra, Rayek would've approved of these types of choices by the junior officer; honestly because the Romulan at the time, thought it meant that the officer would be easy to control.  Give an order and they'd obey no questions asked.

Now Rayek wanted those who did question; he was interested in drawing forth individuals who stood out from the expected.  Well, perhaps once he explained the reason he'd called the man to his office, the Ramort would loosen up some.  Rayek sat down and took a sip from his chai, before setting it aside on his desk.  He then looked towards Ramort with what he hoped was an open expression.

"I scheduled this meeting with you, not as a review of your performance to date - which is excellent, I must say... thus the swift promotion. Do not doubt yourself in thinking it is only because of our recent losses, though that does play a factor... but moreso it is by skills and qualities of an officer you've shown so far -- but I disgress.

This meeting is intended as a time set aside for us to talk and get to know one another better.  I believe my role of ship's First Officer comes with a responsibility to the crew to provide what they need to succeed personally as well as professionally.  To do that properly, I would like to know more about you.  Like what interests and hobbies do you have outside of work?"

[James Ramort]

Commander Rayek tr'Lhoell
[USS Discovery - Deck One - XO's Office]

After the Junior Lieutenant's decline of his offer, Rayek returned to his desk, noting along the way where the science officer had chosen to sit.  The metal chair - of course.  It was to be expected, the well-trained and fast rising officer was a product of the Starfleet Academy.   Rayek felt a slight sense of disappointment, which for a moment baffled the Romulan, until he realized it was he who had changed.

In the past, during his time as XO on Katra, Rayek would've approved of these types of choices by the junior officer; honestly because the Romulan at the time, thought it meant that the officer would be easy to control.  Give an order and they'd obey no questions asked.

Now Rayek wanted those who did question; he was interested in drawing forth individuals who stood out from the expected.  Well, perhaps once he explained the reason he'd called the man to his office, the Ramort would loosen up some.  Rayek sat down and took a sip from his chai, before setting it aside on his desk.  He then looked towards Ramort with what he hoped was an open expression.

"I scheduled this meeting with you, not as a review of your performance to date - which is excellent, I must say... thus the swift promotion. Do not doubt yourself in thinking it is only because of our recent losses, though that does play a factor... but moreso it is by skills and qualities of an officer you've shown so far -- but I disgress.

This meeting is intended as a time set aside for us to talk and get to know one another better.  I believe my role of ship's First Officer comes with a responsibility to the crew to provide what they need to succeed personally as well as professionally.  To do that properly, I would like to know more about you.  Like what interests and hobbies do you have outside of work?"

When he heard the commander's words, some of the tension in Ramort eased. He had not known what to expect, perhaps there were complaints about his service, perhaps there was bad news from his homeplanet. But it seemed that the commander just wanted to get to know him.

Still, he could have sworn he saw a brief look of displeasure on his face as he turned away from the replicator. As if there was something about him that he didn't like, as if he had done something wrong. Surely he had requested and read his personnel file before the meeting. Maybe there was an entry in it, an entry he didn't knew himself, a note that told of something that gave the commander cause for worry. Even if Ramort couldn't think of what it might be.

A little unsure what the first officer expected from him in response, he began cautiously:

"I'm originally from Luna and still have family there. But we moved to Cerberus early on, in the Cetus III system. A beautiful planet but far removed from the developed planets of the Federation. Both in terms of its astrographic position and its level of planetary development. As a result, I grew up close to nature. Our house was on the edge of Pike City and it was only a short walk to the great outdoors. I liked to go hiking there often. There was a hill not far away from which, if you climbed up, you had a fantastic view of the stars. I spent many hours there, watching the ships take off and land..." he thought for a moment, "And I also went to the spaceport itself a few times and looked for my way onto every available ship. I think I was always looking for a way to reach the stars."

Taking a moment to ponder the next words: "At the Academy, I always enjoyed using the holodecks in my free time to simulate different environments. Strange planets under strange stars, and to explore. Although you can never find anything on the holodecks that the Federations computer systems don't already know, there's still so much I don't know myself!
"
It felt strange to tell the more experienced officer about his life like this, but he was determined to answer him as truthfully as possible.

"Also, there's a game we used to play on Cerberus, Life Ball, you play it with 6 players each and at the Academy I used to play it with the local teams. Unfortunately, I haven't found enough players for a game on the ship yet. On Babel... well .... Most of the officers there had enough to do with their own situation to even think about try playing a game."

Deciding that this would have to suffice for now and not wishing to pepper the first officer with a minute-long dialog about the rules and tactics of life ball, he stopped himself. Waiting for the answer from his counterpart.

[Rayek trLhoell]

Commander Rayek tr'Lhoell
[USS Discovery - Deck One - XO's Office]

To Rayek, it seemed his explanation of the meetings purpose did help the junior lieutenant feel more at ease - as less like the officer was here to receive punishment. The Romulan listened attentively as the human explained about where he'd grown up and how his interest in space began.

At Ramort's mention of using the holodeck often to visit far off worlds, Rayek nodded.  He and Tess did that often with their son.   It was their only way of showing Fvienn, his homeworld of Meridian - now destroyed, or Romulus consumed by the Hobus star.

The holoprograms of each were written by Rayek for his son, so that Fvienn could learn about where he came from.  Now as he listened to Ramort speak, the Romulan picked up his PADD and jotted down a note to himself to copy both programs over to the holodeck main computer, rather than just his personal files.  Hobus was destroyed 15 years prior and Meridian little over 2 years ago so it was unlikely any of the new officers would have ever had opportunity to see or experience the beauty of either planet.  This might change that.

By the time Rayek, had finished making his note, Ramort had begun to share about a game seemingly unique to Cerebus.  It's name piqued Rayek's interest.  "Life Ball, you say?  Do you think you could recall the game rules for this?  I ask because I hope to have the bridge crew participate in some team building exercises and have been told sports and games are a good way to do this.  This 'Life Ball' could be an option."

[James Ramort]

Commander Rayek tr'Lhoell
[USS Discovery - Deck One - XO's Office]

To Rayek, it seemed his explanation of the meetings purpose did help the junior lieutenant feel more at ease - as less like the officer was here to receive punishment. The Romulan listened attentively as the human explained about where he'd grown up and how his interest in space began.

At Ramort's mention of using the holodeck often to visit far off worlds, Rayek nodded.  He and Tess did that often with their son.   It was their only way of showing Fvienn, his homeworld of Meridian - now destroyed, or Romulus consumed by the Hobus star.

The holoprograms of each were written by Rayek for his son, so that Fvienn could learn about where he came from.  Now as he listened to Ramort speak, the Romulan picked up his PADD and jotted down a note to himself to copy both programs over to the holodeck main computer, rather than just his personal files.  Hobus was destroyed 15 years prior and Meridian little over 2 years ago so it was unlikely any of the new officers would have ever had opportunity to see or experience the beauty of either planet.  This might change that.

By the time Rayek, had finished making his note, Ramort had begun to share about a game seemingly unique to Cerebus.  It's name piqued Rayek's interest.  "Life Ball, you say?  Do you think you could recall the game rules for this?  I ask because I hope to have the bridge crew participate in some team building exercises and have been told sports and games are a good way to do this.  This 'Life Ball' could be an option."

[USS Discovery | Deck One | XO's Office]

He noticed the Commander was taking notes while he described his childhood and how he went outside the colony to see the stars. Ramort couldn't be sure but it probably wasn't a far off bet to figure it was somehow related to what he was just talking about. But the Commander also seemed to be legitimately interested about Lifeball.

"It could be a great option. The game is quite adaptable. It features two teams that can vary in size from 3 up to 6 Members per team. The playing field can hold multiple shapes but always has to be mirrored along a central axis to create two mirror sides. The axis is marked by a rope or other way or marking the barrier while leaving a space under itself. The rope is hung up at approximately knee height. The game uses a single ball that is given to a team at the beginning of the game by using a coin flip. The teams can pass scores by two ways:

First and mainly, you can pass the ball onto the other team's side and have it touch the ground there. The point is only scored if it passes over the rope and is not caught by the enemy team. The other way to score points is to pass the ball under the rope and hit an enemy player without them being able to catch it. Every player hit in this way has to leave the game. If all players but one of a given team are eliminated, they get one last ball, their Lifeball, and can try to eliminate an enemy player. If they fail their game is over, if they win a second player gets restored to their team. The game ends either by one team being eliminated or the game timer running out.

The flow of the game can be adapted by changing the shape and size of the field as well as the height of the rope. Depending on the changes implemented, it can be a game of speed and agility or extreme precision and training for hand eye coordination."

Thinking for a second and taking a mental index of his personal database.

"I think I even have some programs for different configurations for playing fields in my Database. I could provide these if you want to use them for Training with the Bridge Crew."

[Rayek trLhoell]

Commander Rayek tr'Lhoell
[USS Discovery - Deck One - XO's Office]

Rayek listened closely, following Ramort's description of the game.  It seemed a sort of mix of soccer and dodge ball if he was understanding it right.  "Interesting... the means of passing the ball to the other side... is it by hand or foot only or any means?  Regardless, yes;  I am definitely interested in obtaining a copy of the program."

Believing this to be an appropriate lead in to the subject of holodeck programs, Rayek gestured to his PADD.  "I've made myself a note to share a personal program to the ship's general holodeck database... it's of Romulus.  Specifically, the Firefalls and the capital city of Ki Baratan; and another of Meridian. My wife and I had just built a home there, in which to raise our son. The program is mainly of the house - but also includes the main Meridian village as it was just prior to the planet's destruction."

Rayek paused a moment, then gave a slight sad grimace.  "It seems the Elements have decided for me that a planetary home is not for me."

[James Ramort]

Commander Rayek tr'Lhoell
[USS Discovery - Deck One - XO's Office]

Rayek listened closely, following Ramort's description of the game.  It seemed a sort of mix of soccer and dodge ball if he was understanding it right.  "Interesting... the means of passing the ball to the other side... is it by hand or foot only or any means?  Regardless, yes;  I am definitely interested in obtaining a copy of the program."

Believing this to be an appropriate lead in to the subject of holodeck programs, Rayek gestured to his PADD.  "I've made myself a note to share a personal program to the ship's general holodeck database... it's of Romulus.  Specifically, the Firefalls and the capital city of Ki Baratan; and another of Meridian. My wife and I had just built a home there, in which to raise our son. The program is mainly of the house - but also includes the main Meridian village as it was just prior to the planet's destruction."

Rayek paused a moment, then gave a slight sad grimace.  "It seems the Elements have decided for me that a planetary home is not for me."

[USS Discovery | Deck 1 | XOs Office]

He seemed to have steered up some painful memories, which wasn't what he had intended to do. The Commander's past was something he wasn't informed about and prying into the ships database or questioning longer serving crew members was not something he wanted to do. It felt highly inappropriate and also probably would violate a few regulations, not speaking of the alarms he would probably trigger in the ship's systems. He knew the Commander had been from the Romulan Empire originally at least, but he wasn't aware where from exactly or much more besides in regard to the Commander's personal life or history.

"I am very sorry to hear that, I didn't know... I am sure it was beautiful. I can't even imagine how it has to be to lose so much. I really feel sorry for talking so about Cerberus III, please accept my sincere apologies!"

He hoped the Commander could overlook this error on his side, in the future he would do his research on his others more thoroughly to prevent any such missstepings repeating.

[Rayek trLhoell]

Commander Rayek tr'Lhoell
[USS Discovery - Deck One - XO's Office]

[USS Discovery | Deck 1 | XOs Office]

He seemed to have steered up some painful memories, which wasn't what he had intended to do. The Commander's past was something he wasn't informed about and prying into the ships database or questioning longer serving crew members was not something he wanted to do. It felt highly inappropriate and also probably would violate a few regulations, not speaking of the alarms he would probably trigger in the ship's systems. He knew the Commander had been from the Romulan Empire originally at least, but he wasn't aware where from exactly or much more besides in regard to the Commander's personal life or history.

"I am very sorry to hear that, I didn't know... I am sure it was beautiful. I can't even imagine how it has to be to lose so much. I really feel sorry for talking so about Cerberus III, please accept my sincere apologies!"

He hoped the Commander could overlook this error on his side, in the future he would do his research on his others more thoroughly to prevent any such missstepings repeating.

At Ramort's apology, Rayek held up a hand and shook his head to wave off the continuation of such comments.   "You have nothing to apologize for.  I wanted to know more about you.  Your home and the planets you've lived on are a part of that, much like Romulus and Meridian will forever be a part of me - and as for the holodeck files, I'm am happy to have this opportunity to share these files with someone who might enjoy them."

He reached for his chai, then paused.  "Are you certain you wouldn't care to get yourself something?" 

[James Ramort]

Commander Rayek tr'Lhoell
[USS Discovery - Deck One - XO's Office]

At Ramort's apology, Rayek held up a hand and shook his head to wave off the continuation of such comments.   "You have nothing to apologize for.  I wanted to know more about you.  Your home and the planets you've lived on are a part of that, much like Romulus and Meridian will forever be a part of me - and as for the holodeck files, I'm am happy to have this opportunity to share these files with someone who might enjoy them."

He reached for his chai, then paused.  "Are you certain you wouldn't care to get yourself something?"

[USS Discovery | Deck 1 | XO's Office]

"To be entirely honest, Commander, I am not sure if it would be appropriate for me to casually take a drink. I am only a Lieutenant Junior Grade after all."

Although he felt like some of the cold and rigid structure of Protocol had been broken up by their reciprocal sharing of past histories, he still dared not to presume to relax his position within the confines of Starfleet Regulations. Despite all sharing of personal details there still was a barrier in the room, established by the chains of command strung all throughout the ship and deeply instilled into his head as part of his training.

"Unless of course the regular conventions of procedure among the Crew can be seen as lenient in these circumstances."

Not sure as to if the lessons he had to take at the academy might have missed the actual practice onboard a ship he extended a careful query as to what the commander actually expected as an answer from him.

[Rayek trLhoell]

Commander Rayek tr'Lhoell
[USS Discovery - Deck One - XO's Office]

[USS Discovery | Deck 1 | XO's Office]

"To be entirely honest, Commander, I am not sure if it would be appropriate for me to casually take a drink. I am only a Lieutenant Junior Grade after all."

Although he felt like some of the cold and rigid structure of Protocol had been broken up by their reciprocal sharing of past histories, he still dared not to presume to relax his position within the confines of Starfleet Regulations. Despite all sharing of personal details there still was a barrier in the room, established by the chains of command strung all throughout the ship and deeply instilled into his head as part of his training.

"Unless of course the regular conventions of procedure among the Crew can be seen as lenient in these circumstances."

Not sure as to if the lessons he had to take at the academy might have missed the actual practice onboard a ship he extended a careful query as to what the commander actually expected as an answer from him.

Rayek nodded.  "Exactly, in this circumstance, I am waiving off regular conventions to allow for a more open and relaxed discussion between you and I.  This is not a review of your work; not a reprimand, nor a reward.  This is me attempting to learn about you person to person, so that you are more than just a name on a roster to me." Rayek had found that those type of connections were important for him to make. It prevented him from assigning personnel to dangerous missions uncaring, and thoughtlessly.  If each member had a story, then he would work harder to ensure they were kept safe and secure.

That he might also use the information gained to assign personnel to tasks better suited to their skills and interest was a bonus.

Rayek help up his drink, and head-nodded towards the replicator in a last offer to Ramort.

[James Ramort]

Commander Rayek tr'Lhoell
[USS Discovery - Deck One - XO's Office]

Rayek nodded.  "Exactly, in this circumstance, I am waiving off regular conventions to allow for a more open and relaxed discussion between you and I.  This is not a review of your work; not a reprimand, nor a reward.  This is me attempting to learn about you person to person, so that you are more than just a name on a roster to me." Rayek had found that those type of connections were important for him to make. It prevented him from assigning personnel to dangerous missions uncaring, and thoughtlessly.  If each member had a story, then he would work harder to ensure they were kept safe and secure.

That he might also use the information gained to assign personnel to tasks better suited to their skills and interest was a bonus.

Rayek help up his drink, and head-nodded towards the replicator in a last offer to Ramort.

"In that case I would like to take a tea, if that is alright."

Tea always had a calming effect on him. It reminded him of cups of tea in self heating containers, drunken under a star lit sky, while hunting for the launches of Ships from the nearby spaceports. A fine smell of the essential oils released by decomposing pine needles nearby. Their dark figures casting long shadows before the endless sea of stars. Lots of happy memories. He still needed to find a spot on the ship that featured a great enough view of the star all around them to take a good cup of tea there.

Taking the cup of tea from the Replicator, he returned to the seat and pondered for a second if asking the commander for a recommended spot would be advised, but since he had invited a more informal setting the question just might not be out of bounds.

"Forgive me asking but if I might ask for your far greater knowledge of the Discovery, what might be a good spot to catch a cup of tea one day while looking out on space around us? I sometimes miss the great view I was offered back home but imagine from within Space itself it can only be even more magnificent."

[Rayek trLhoell]

Commander Rayek tr'Lhoell
[USS Discovery - Deck One - XO's Office]

"In that case I would like to take a tea, if that is alright."

Tea always had a calming effect on him. It reminded him of cups of tea in self heating containers, drunken under a star lit sky, while hunting for the launches of Ships from the nearby spaceports. A fine smell of the essential oils released by decomposing pine needles nearby. Their dark figures casting long shadows before the endless sea of stars. Lots of happy memories. He still needed to find a spot on the ship that featured a great enough view of the star all around them to take a good cup of tea there.

Taking the cup of tea from the Replicator, he returned to the seat and pondered for a second if asking the commander for a recommended spot would be advised, but since he had invited a more informal setting the question just might not be out of bounds.

"Forgive me asking but if I might ask for your far greater knowledge of the Discovery, what might be a good spot to catch a cup of tea one day while looking out on space around us? I sometimes miss the great view I was offered back home but imagine from within Space itself it can only be even more magnificent."

Rayek nodded when Ramort finally accepted his offer of beverage.  "But of course.  Please help yourself to the replicator."

The Romulan sipped at his own chai as he listened to the man's order, taking note of the type tea the man preferred.  While the Ramort returned to his seat, Rayek prepared to prompt for more information about the man, but Ramort surprised him with a question of his own.

Rayek smiled a bit, appreciative of the man's impression that he had significantly more time on the ship.  In reality, he was still just settling in himself - evidenced by the disarray of his quarters and the lateness of these 'Face-to-Face' meetings.

Despite this however, Rayek did have an answer.  As First Officer, it was his job to know the ship inside and out, and Rayek was known to be quite diligent in regards to his work.

"I take it you found the usual gathering places to observe, like the Forward and Aft Lounges, too crowded? Then I would recommend either the VIP guest quarters or the conference room as both provide wide amazing views both while stationary in orbit or when at warp."

Rayek knew this first hand as he'd planned to take Tess to the former in celebration of their anniversary on January 2nd.  However, that had been delayed due to a mission.  Perhaps for Saint Valentine's Day, Rayek could surprise Tess.

[James Ramort]

Commander Rayek tr'Lhoell
[USS Discovery - Deck One - XO's Office]

Rayek nodded when Ramort finally accepted his offer of beverage.  "But of course.  Please help yourself to the replicator."

The Romulan sipped at his own chai as he listened to the man's order, taking note of the type tea the man preferred.  While the Ramort returned to his seat, Rayek prepared to prompt for more information about the man, but Ramort surprised him with a question of his own.

Rayek smiled a bit, appreciative of the man's impression that he had significantly more time on the ship.  In reality, he was still just settling in himself - evidenced by the disarray of his quarters and the lateness of these 'Face-to-Face' meetings.

Despite this however, Rayek did have an answer.  As First Officer, it was his job to know the ship inside and out, and Rayek was known to be quite diligent in regards to his work.

"I take it you found the usual gathering places to observe, like the Forward and Aft Lounges, too crowded? Then I would recommend either the VIP guest quarters or the conference room as both provide wide amazing views both while stationary in orbit or when at warp."

Rayek knew this first hand as he'd planned to take Tess to the former in celebration of their anniversary on January 2nd.  However, that had been delayed due to a mission.  Perhaps for Saint Valentine's Day, Rayek could surprise Tess.

"I don't think I have the access rights to visit the VIP Quarters without explicit clearance from Security or a Senior Officer sadly, but I will try to get some time booked in the Conference Room if we get some downtime onboard and my duties in the labs allow me to."

The thought of the broad panorama already taking hold in his mind and painting a smile on his face. The hot green tea in the cup in his hand only adding to the image. If in fact such a dream could become reality on the Discovery a lot of dreams he had held for years would finally take their shape in an actual experience. His journey to the stars finally taking a moment to rest and settle after the horrors of Frontier Day and everything else that had happened, keeping him from taking a moment to actually realise he had made it.

"Then again, with the current situation in the Labs and our continued shortage in Scientists it sadly might be some time until I get the time necessary."