Star Trek: Starbase 777

To: Lt. Cdr. Tevis Bor Pog. From: Commander Sadhbh Ní Dhúill. Well, well well. You're finally here, how was shore leave? You tan on a beach somewhere while insulting other tourists? Anyways it's been like 3 months since I've seen you and I've got a case of Antarian Cider for us to split. Meet me up in the drydock walkways over bay 12 it's where the Lir is parked, we'll reminisce about the good ol' days and toast to the old girl one last time. - Sadhbh

To: Lt. Cdr. Tevis Bor Pog From: Commander Sadhbh Ní Dhúill 19:30 hours, be there or be square. - Sadhbh

[Vara'l]

To: Lt. Cdr. Tevis Bor Pog From: Lieutenant Vara'l Tr'Hara. Re: Greetings Greetings Lieutenant Commander, Glad to serve sir, did my best to conduct myself to the standard expected despite what turned out to be as you rather accurately stated sir. Further I accept your invitation sir and shall be there at 1930 hours sharp tomorrow for the conversation. Regards, Lt. Vara'l Tr'Hara.

(edited)

To: Lt. Cdr. Tevis Bor Pog @Lieutenant Ayr th'Islador From: Ensign Essen Hello Lieutenant Commander Pog, I have a lot to say, sir. A lot I should have told you before. A lot I meant to explain, but I just didn't have the courage to do so. I see now that I need to approach this more responsibly as I do wish to further myself professionally. If I can, sir, can I please meet face to face with you once more, at your earliest convenience? For me to clear the air, fully, this time. Thank you in advance for your understanding. This wasn't easy for me to say. But now I know it's the right thing to do. Sincerely, Ensign Essen

[PADD] To: Ensign Essen @Lt. JG. Alan Grayson From: Lt. Cdr. Tevis Bor Pog Ensign, I appreciate your eagerness to reach out and explain in such a professional manner. I am currently residing in my quarters, if you’d like to meet here, I would be amenable. Best, Lt. Cdr. Tevis Bor Pog

[PADD] To: Lt. Cdr. Tevis Bor Pog From: Ensign Essen Thank you, sir. That truly means a lot. I'm on my way now. Sincerely, Ensign Essen

Within ten minutes, Essen arrived at Tevis' door. Hooo boy... Vara'l, then therapy, and then this? Not all at the same time, of course, and double and triple checked to ensured to be after her duties were finished for the day. This was really not like Essen. It was like a battle between good and evil going on inside her head. On the one hand, she loved to be rebellious and have fun, keeping things light and energetic in everything she did, causing chaos where she went. On the other... She saw how recklessness could cause legit serious consequences, regardless of how severe they may get. Despite having come from therapy, Essen was still nervous. It was just natural. One therapy session wouldn't cure her, obviously, but at least she wasn't trembling like she was with Vara'l. This was for Kaylee. Not just for herself. But for Kaylee too. If she didn't speak up, Essen surmised that the professional relationship between her and Tevis would have been ruined, possibly risking worse when it came to Kaylee. And it would have been Essen's own fault, just as it was before. But not today, intrusive thoughts. Not today. With a deep breath in for four, held for seven, and out for eight, Essen pressed the doorbell, waiting for approval to enter.

[D] Tevis had been sat at his desk, going through the truly astonishing amount of paperwork that stacked up when holding a position like his on a station the size of 777, when he heard the telltale chime of the door, and the mental prescence of someone standing outside with much on their mind. He straightened in his seat and raised a hand into the air, speaking with soft, measured tones. "Enter, please." He said, knowing full well who exactly it was.

Essen heard Tevis' voice and right away felt a chill run down her spine... But she quickly combated that. In for four... Hold for seven... Out for eight. Essen straightened herself up as well, before assuming attention, while still keeping herself somewhat loose. Then, she pressed the button to open the door. Stepping inside, Essen kept herself looking straight forward as per protocol. She stopped when she was about ten feet away from Tevis and his desk. "Sir," Essen said, noticeably with less fear in her voice, although still a little anxious. "Thank you again for letting me clear all this up, sir. Is now still a good time?"

At Essen’s approach, his previously neutral expression softened into a half-smile as he waved his hand about for a moment, before gesturing to one of the chairs in front of his desk. “Of course Ensign. But please, at ease before you sprain something!” He said with a soft chuckle and a smirk, before standing and making his way over to the nearby replicator, returning back to the desk with a teapot and two cups. “How do you take your tea?” He asked, expression open and light, no trace of the severe, commanding presence he’d had while on duty and giving orders.

Wha...tea?? And Tevis being this inviting and open?? Maybe Essen had truly misread Tevis back at the security base. She loosened up into her ease stance, no longer standing at attention. After Tevis gestured to one of the chairs at his desk, Essen followed his invitation and sat down. It was one night and day - one moment, he had the potential to intimidate Essen for weeks on end. The next, he was instantly approachable and much easier to talk to. This might be smooth sailing after all! "Oh, um," Essen said, sound a little surprised. "I usually drink it as is! Thank you, sir! That's very kind of you." This seemed like it would be a lot less painful than she expected. Perhaps this was all a misunderstanding on Essen's part. She hoped it would be.

Tevis took a seat in the chair across from Essen, and quietly fixed her cup of tea, handing it over on a saucer, before pouring his own cup of tea and dumping a massive amount of sugar into it, returning his attention back to Essen once he was done, feeling the emotions radiating off of her. With a soft smile he was quick to take a sip of his drink and nod to the other officer. “No problem at all Ensign. What can I do for you?” He asked, his tone genial and open, as well as his body language and facial expression being as relaxed and positive as ever, glad that Essen had come to chat.

Essen was still absolutely baffled by how much of a night-and-day situation this was. She barely had ever seen Tevis like this. She appreciated this more than she realized. Taking the cup and saucer from Tevis, Essen grasped it lightly and gave him a respectful nod. "Thank you, sir. Just what I needed, if I'm being honest." Essen took a sip - mmm! She didn't know what kind of tea this was, but whatever it was, it was certainly enough to calm her down! Did Tevis know she would be like this? If so, he was doing exactly what she needed to loosen up! "Well, sir, it's not so much something you can do for me, per se," Essen began. "It's something I should have done for you. When you called me into your office with Lieutenant O'Reilly, I'm sure you remember that I just... Could barely speak. I was like a dog with their tail tucked between their legs. But it wasn't just because I disobeyed direct orders. There's a whole other layer to it that I was just too scared to express. Now that I've taken some time to think about it, and after consulting with Lieutenant tr'Hara and Lieutenant q'Reth in counselling, I think it most responsible to go ahead and give you more of what was going on in my head. Lieutenant tr'Hara certainly did." (edited)

He nodded along as she spoke, his expression open and compassionate. “Of course Ensign, take your time. I’m here to listen.” He said, tone soft and quiet.

Essen said the same words she said to Vara'l, although not having it sound rehearsed. She didn't want to change a thing if Tevis would have a similar or the same reaction. "The officer I saved in the turbolift, sir. She and I began dating recently. She's my girlfriend. I acted out of love and affection to save her. But that was during a shipwide emergency where many more lives were in danger than just hers. I have discussed with her and declared that I can no longer break protocol even if she's in danger. And she understands, sir. At the very least, I can call for assistance from my post, if allowed. The rest is for counselling... which began yesterday before my first duty shift." Once again, holy fuck... she actually did it! Although, this time, she had the feeling that Tevis would have more to say than Vara'l. Especially as her senior officer, she was hoping maybe Tevis would see even more than Vara'l did.

He listened as Essen explained, nodding along, glad to be getting the full picture. He was altogether not terribly surprised to hear that she’d acted out of affection, something that even he, in some way could understand, even if it was something he’d not do himself. “I am pleased to hear that you have taken my and Lieutenant O’Rielly’s advice, as well as having such a good attitude about counseling. While I am still disappointed that you acted as you did, it is…good to know that you acted the way you did out of care for another person, rather than out of sheer rebelliousness. In my time, I have seen some pretty wiley people come through Starfleet, but you are firmly not amongst them. I hope that you carry this newfound attitude for order and dedication to duty through to the rest of your career. I shall be watching as you grow into the officer I know you can be with interest.” He said, the smile never having left his face.

Essen, once again, even if she didn't realize it, let out a sigh of relief. Perhaps she wasn't as in as much hot water as she once thought. Turns out Tevis wasn't out for her after all - maybe it was meant to be simply instructive in the first place. Essen was just so blinded by love that she assumed the worst. However, Essen did let out a very quiet chuckle when Tevis mentioned rebelliousness. "To be honest, sir, I have assumed a rebellious personal lifestyle since childhood. My duties as a Starfleet officer, though, have never had room for sheer rebelliousness. That's partly why I even joined. To ensure others' safety, especially for reasons they can't control. Moving forward I need to ensure that everyone falls underneath that category." She considered getting into what gave her her scar, but decided not to. Maybe Tevis already knew that anyway - he was her senior officer, after all. Her reasoning for joining Starfleet may have already traveled fast around the starbase, as far as she knew. And, perhaps it was evident in her tone of voice and the words she chose that she did, truly, want to be a hero for others. "Thank you, sir... that... means more than you know," Essen said, with a polite nod at Tevis' eagerness to see her grow - which continued to shock Essen the more he expressed it. "If I might ask for your guidance on this... how can I regain your trust? Of course, including duties, but even beyond that. In your professional opinion, how can I prove myself worthy for you to say those -- honestly very humbling things about my career?"

Tevis himself was relieved to see Essen finally start to relax, and understand that she was not the focus of his ire, but had simply used that moment to do what was required of him as a senior officer, and as someone who demanded the best from his people, just as he demanded the best from himself for them. He gave Essen a wry smile when she laughed, pleased to see that she was taking all of this with a seriousness and appreciation, but also realizing it was not all doom and gloom. “That is definitely a worthy reason to join! I can say that there are some in the fleet that do not have as noble of reasons…” He said, letting a bit of Tellarite sass leech into his tone, showing Essen that he could take things on the lighter side as well. His smile turned earnest at Essen’s words, black betazoid eyes softening at the other officer’s clear care for how he thought of her. “You never lost my trust, as even in the heat of the moment I got a sense that there was some reason behind your actions, I was simply…disappointed, but now, you are making genuine strides to grow from it, to learn from your actions, to try and be a better officer. As your senior officer, and as someone who is invested in your wellbeing, there are few things that make me more proud than your actions as of late. Please feel comfortable to come to me if you need any guidance, or even a sounding board.” He said, tone full of openness and sincerity.

As Essen heard all of this from Tevis, her mind gradually relaxed more and more. This was... Mind-boggling! She didn't expect this in a million years. A small, singular tear escaped her eye. But not one of sadness. Of joy. Of relief. Of a sense of control over her life once more. "Thank you, sir," Essen replied. "I... Honestly am not sure what to say other than that. I viewed this whole thing all wrong before today." Sipping her tea, Essen realized something major. Tevis really did care about her, not just for her duties, but as someone to watch her grow. None of this was meant to hurt her. None of it. "That's very generous of you, sir, thank you," Essen said. "I'll be the first to admit guidance is what I need especially at this stage in my career. Not to mention a sounding board." Essen's mind swam. It was just unable to fully process for her as of yet. But as she sipped more of her tea and noticed Tevis' kind demeanor and expressions, it started to sink in a little more by the second.

“I am happy to have been able to change your view on this then. Part of my job is making sure that not only do you grow as an officer, but also as a person, and I am very pleased to see you makes strides to do both. Progress is a process, but with proper patience, determination and drive to do better, it can happen quicker than you’d think. When I was an Ensign, I myself struggled with impulsiveness, and the urge to do what I thought was right rather than my CO, so I absolutely understand what you are going through, but the fact you are course-correcting in such an efficient resolute way…well, there’s not much more I could want.” He said, finishing his tea, and setting the cup on the table, leaning forward in his seat to show he was engaged, and eager to listen. “I’d be glad to give you both, as I’m sure Lieutenant O’Rielly would be as well. We are here for you just as much as you are for us, and we want nothing but the best for you and the rest of the department. So, please do not hesitate to reach out if you need. For now though, how about we make a point to meet for tea every few weeks or so, that way we can check in and talk through your progress, as well as whatever questions or guidance you may need. Are you amenable to that?” He asked, taking in the miasma of emotions from the young officer.

Essen's smile grew and grew as Tevis continued to masterfully describe how he operated - and how he cared as much for Essen as a person as he did for Essen as an officer. That really set apart her preconceived notion of him, rather than reality - she liked reality a lot better. He was rebellious as an Ensign too?! What?! So Essen wasn't alone in that - she wasn't the first. And she surely wouldn't be the last. Essen's eyes practically lit up like a Christmas tree once Tevis offered to meet with her every few weeks to check in on her progress. He didn't have to do that - but he offered! He was going to give up his energy to ensure Essen was on the right track! That was something Essen certainly wasn't expecting. But she still appreciated it nonetheless. "Yes, please, sir, I am completely amenable to that," Essen said. "Thank you. Truly, thank you - I can't say I've received that in the past on other vessels. I can feel that will be incredibly helpful for me and for our professional relationship!" All of a sudden, Essen felt... Eager to see Tevis again. Yes - instead of feeling afraid, and that Tevis had a big red button labeled 'ruin Essen's life' - all that was gone. She found herself wanting to return, to check in with Tevis every few weeks. That way... She'd prove responsible, especially... to herself. (edited)

The wash of positive emotions coming from the Ensign was something that in equal measure relieved and sent a wave of pride through him, proud of the progress she’d made in the time he’d been posted aboard, especially given where she’d started from. He would gladly take as much time as she needed to help her become the best version of herself she could be, and would make sure that her eagerness to grow and change be noted in her file. “Well, I am certainly glad that here can be the first. I want all of my officers to know that they have someone fighting for them in their corner, and that they are supported. Plus, an excuse to sit down and have some tea every now and then, especially given how crazy things can be around here, is a treat!” He said with a wink and a smirk to Essen, teasing about how the Starbase always seemed to get into these crazy scenarios, almost as if it was a book or a holonovel being written… “Plain and simple, I am proud of you, and look forward immensely to see how you grow into the officer of merit I know you will be one day.” He said, simple and to the point, his voice and expression telegraphing just how much he meant what he was saying, and how sure he was of her future in Starfleet. “I hope that girlfriend of yours knows just how lucky she is to have someone as brave and loyal as you are.” He said with a wide, knowing grin.

Essen almost choked up with how much support that Tevis was offering her. It was like a breath of fresh air that even she didn't know she needed. All of a sudden, Essen now saw a clear path forward. Instead of so many 'what if's, Essen now saw an ocean of 'what can I do today's. "Your support is greatly appreciated, sir," Essen said, her smile now bigger than it was before. She also appreciated his sense of humor which was showing through to her for the first time. "You won't hear me complain about tea either. Tea's a good way to calm me down - just in case you didn't know." Then... Tevis said those five simple words. Simple - but effective. 'I am proud of you.' That left Essen speechless for a long moment, but her reaction was just as expressive if not more so than words. Of course, it wasn't over the top by any means and it was kept professional, but Tevis -- or anyone, for that matter -- could probably spell out what Essen was thinking just fine. Then, Tevis mentioned Kaylee. Not by name - but still enough for Essen to notice. "She is, sir," Essen responded, her smile even bigger. "That means a lot. I'm sure she would appreciate that just as much as I do." Then, a DING! on her PADD. "Oh! Sir, I hope you don't mind, permission to get going? I have some work I'd like to get ahead on, and I don't have any more scheduled shifts for the day." She didn't get up until Tevis dismissed her.

“Very good Ensign, glad you are taking the initiative, that’s something I would have done when I was your age.” He said, genuinely impressed. “I will message you next time I am free to meet. Dismissed.” He said, standing and throwing Essen a smile and nodding, letting her get to her work.

Essen nodded before quickly finishing her tea, standing up from her chair and exiting the room. This was going to be a good day - no. A good all-around time on 777.

[D] The CTO’s quarters had been painstakingly arranged by the Tellarite/Betazoid for the party, with tables set for folks to stand and talk, topped with electronic candles with simulated flames, as well as have drinks from one of the tables set out, as well as all manner of pizza on a huge table running from one end of the space to the other. The lighting was set dim and italian music was playing quietly to set the scene.

Alyssa strolled up to the entrance of Tevis's quarters, while still having an eye out for anything that might strike and pose a threat to her. So far so good - everything seemed normal. Alyssa then peered inside - yeah, this looks like the right place. Really cool decorations, simulated candle flames?? Alright, this was awesome! And the scent of pizza filling the air certainly confirmed that for Alyssa. Right away, she stepped inside, still keeping her eyes sharp in ensuring her - and others' - safety. Holy moly-- this was a shit ton of pizza! Not that she was complaining at all, but it was a lot of pizza! This might be a bustling party after all! She was looking forward to meeting new people, especially others within the Tactical department.! Alyssa didn't see anyone she knew yet - was she the first one? It looked like it. She didn't even see anyone in the room at all yet. Maybe she was looking in the wrong place?

Soon behind Alyssa was the familiar unhinged, somewhat-rebellious Vulcan girl, Essen, and in hand with her was Kaylee. She held hands with Kaylee, keeping her close, and approaching the entrance to Tevis's quarters. She was excited to go to the party, to have some pizza, to spend even more quality time with her girlfriend. It was even better that Tevis organized this party. She was pleasantly surprised by this - Tevis was already cool, he just got cooler and cooler by the day! Essen hoped this sort of thing would happen more often. Pizza parties in the CTO's quarters, especially this nice? That was super special! "You ready, love?" Essen asked Kaylee, keeping their hands interlocked. Essen squeezed Kaylee's hand three times quickly, smiling at her. Essen slowly walked inside, ensuring Kaylee wasn't too far behind, so that they both were together in walking into Tevis's quarters for the pizza party.

Kaylee followed Essen to Tevis's quarters. She was actually quite nervous, this was a TACTICAL pizza party and she wasn't exactly in that division. But I guess, if there was pizza, and Essen, how could she say no? She nodded as Essen asked if she was ready. Just hearing the sweet pet name from Essen made her smile. "Ready, darling." She squeezed Essen's and 3 times back, and followed her in.

Essen felt soothing chills when Kaylee called her 'darling' - it was something no one else had ever called her in her life, and especially not in this context! Kaylee truly loved her - and that in turn made her rethink her own opinion and view of herself. It was almost like Kaylee had told Essen she needed to give her life a makeover - and indeed, makeover her life she did. Essen noticed the huge display of pizza inside, taking a look at all of the different types of pizza and how long it stretched for. [D] On a part of the table not too far from Essen was her very own kryptonite - or at least one of them - chicken bacon ranch pizza. "Is... Is that...? Chicken bacon ranch??" Essen said, immediately her mouth slacking open. While still holding onto Kaylee, Essen was laser-focused on the pizza. Damn, she loved food! Perhaps she got a wee bit carried away.

He'd been so engulfed in his task of making sure everything was laid out properly, that it'd taken him several moments to realize that people had arrived at all. He quickly pulled a Picard maneuver with his uniform, before turing to face his guests with a sharp nod of his head. "Greetings Commander and Lieutenants. It seems you are the first to arrive. Feel free to dig in as you please." He said, before triple checking everything was set, and moving over to grab a slice himself...his favorite being the Hawaiian pizza with extra anchovies on top...a New Berlin classic...

Vara'l slipped into the room then, as quiet as the tall Romulan could have ever managed to be, conscious that he'd happened to arrive later than he'd have preferred. Silent steps conveying him as he entered well past the door and inside as he clasped his hands together and looked around the room as he took in each face that presently seemed to be present. With a slight smile crossing his face as he seemingly managed to slip in mostly undetected for now and due to having recognized at least two familiar faces, Vara'l started over to the nearest pizza. A slice of pizza selected and picked up carefully when he came to a stop. "..Pizza." Vara'l half smiled to himself then as he proceeded to dig in to the pizza slice he'd grabbed.

Essen smiled - it seemed Tevis was just as much in his element as a host than as a lieutenant commander and as CTO! It also seemed to Essen like Tevis was very happy. Hopefully she was correct about both of those assumptions. Essen immediately took two slices of the chicken bacon ranch pizza after getting a plate for both herself and Kaylee. "Here you go, babe! Not sure which types of pizza you like, I should have asked beforehand. My bad." Essen didn't waste any time as she was in a sort of magnetic pull from the pizza, scarfing down half a slice in what seemed like less than twenty seconds. She obviously didn't mind that anyone else was there, she especially didn't mind if Kaylee saw her like this - it was just another reason for Kaylee to love her, right? Essen looked over to Kaylee after finishing one slice. Then, she finished her half of the greeting for Tevis. "Evening, sir! You've outdone yourself in putting together a party of this scope. You are making for a very good host." Then, with a breath, Essen went for it. "Sir, as you've expected, I'd like to introduce you to my baby girl. The one you indeed have heard so much about. This is my girlfriend - Lieutenant Junior Grade Kaylee Valkyrie, Engineering." Holy fuck... she actually was doing it! She broke the barrier - and she actually did it!

Kaylee ate the slice of pizza Essen got for her. She actually did like chicken baco ranch pizza, thankfully, and ate about half of it before Essen started introducing her to Tevis. She set her plate down on a nearby table and offered a handshake to Tevis. "Nice to meet you sir, I'm Kaylee." She introduced herself, not that it was necessary thanks to Essen introducing her already, but what else was she to say?

Tevis had been mid-bite when he heard the familiar voice of one of his Lieutenants addressing him, and was quick to finish up and set down his plate before turning to look up at the two, a pleasant grin on his face, eyebrow quirking up only slightly at the term of endearment. “It is a pleasure to meet you Lieutenant, I have heard much about you.”

During the time Kaylee introduced herself to Tevis, and while Tevis responded, Essen's reaction was the exact opposite of what it would have been a few months before. A few months back? She'd try and immediately get Kaylee out of Tevis' sight, in the interest of her protection... ...and now? Essen actually stepped back and watched as Kaylee approached Tevis! And not only that, she had a growing smile on her face, one she even had to cover up holding both hands over her mouth and nose. She couldn't contain -- well, in fact, she COULD -- contain her excitement. But that didn't stop her from displaying, however calmly, how excited she was that Kaylee and Tevis finally met. Essen was hoping this would be a crucial barrier to break between both her and Tevis, and between Kaylee and Tevis. It was a leap of faith that she took just now, and one that certainly took a lot of strength to muster, even after she had originally asked Tevis. But for right now, all Essen did was stand back as Kaylee and Tevis finally met, and she practically bursted with excitement while staying still and holding her hands over her smile.

Vara'l remained for a time before, as the time he'd afforded to pop his head in so to speak to the party reached its end, he then slipped out. His movement careful as he slipped out and attempted while doing so to avoid being spotted, something he'd reckoned might have then disrupted the conversation that happened to be in progress at the time. He then departed the area having enjoyed some pizza and socialised where possible.

She chuckled lightly at Tevis's response to her, and was a little off guard at 'lieutenant' until she remembered that, once again, yes she was promoted. "All good things, I'm sure, sir! I have heard quite a bit about you as well." Kaylee noticed Essen's excitement and was happy. She couldn't exactly tell why Essen was so excited, but it made her feel good regardless. And Tevis didn't seem so bad.

[D] After chatting and getting to know Kaylee, as well as talking through things with Kaylee, as well as the rest of the partygoers, things wrapped to a close, and everyone when their seperate ways, except for Tevis, as he spent some time getting his quarters back to normal, and preparing for the next day's work.

A Secret Santa gift arrived for Tevis: The gift that arrived to the station’s CTO was a medium-sized box wrapped in a striped bear brown and white wrapping paper, the short handwritten note dangling off of it’s curly silver bow and reading as followed:

Heyyy, Happy Holidays! This racket (racquet??) was funky and I thought you’d like it as a sports appreciator. It can be switched around into different types, which is kinda cool - I didn’t even know there were different types of tennis rackets before! Hope you put this thing to good use, sir - supposed to be sturdy, too. This is not an invitation to test it. P.S. The little glowing tennis balls are a bonus. They stick to walls, and also people - like, really, really well. In case you ever get annoyed at someone in your department >:”D P.P.S. I considered getting you something akin to a NERF gun, but I was talked out of it. Boo. Maybe they’re right, though - sending a gun-shaped gift to the CTO of the station might have been… a bit risky...

Inside was a brand new racket, coincidentally tactical red in it’s color - it was nice and sleek looking, appropriately picked for Tevis’ height, and with a handy instruction manual on all the quirks it had. The aforementioned pack of tennis balls was also inside of the wrapping paper - they were almost half in a normal tennis ball’s size, if not even smaller, brightly coloured, and slightly squishy. They did indeed stick to things they were thrown at - definitely not an invitation for a potential shenanigan or two…