First Impressions, Quiet Expectations
Posted on Sun Sep 14th, 2025 @ 4:08am by Lieutenant Tahlira Serin & Captain Elijah Rutherford
1,409 words; about a 7 minute read
Mission:
Mini Mission-Adjustments [USS Orcrist]
Location: USS Orcrist
[USS Orcrist]
Tahlira materialized in Transporter Room Three, the familiar shimmer fading as her boots settled onto the pad.
“Welcome aboard, ma’am.” The young Petty Officer behind the console said. “Please proceed to the captain’s ready room on Deck Three. He should be expecting you.”
Tahlira nodded, though she winced inwardly at the title. Ma’am. It echoed her sister’s voice from the day before. Here, though, it wasn’t a joke. It was protocol. A sign of respect. “Thank you.” She replied.
She reached for her bag, which had been transported onto the adjacent pad, but before she could lift it, the Petty Officer spoke again. “You can leave that, ma’am. We’ll have it delivered to your quarters.”
Tahlira paused. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, ma’am.” The Petty Officer added, already turning back to her console.
Going to have to get used to that. Tahlira thought, stepping out of the transporter room just as another crewman entered to retrieve her bag.
The corridor beyond the transporter room was quiet, but not still. A pair of officers passed her, deep in conversation, while a technician crouched beside an open panel along the wall. She reached the turbolift and stepped inside. “Deck Three.” She said aloud. The doors slid shut, and the lift began to ascend.
Tahlira adjusted the strap on her shoulder. While her main bag had been left behind to be delivered to her quarters, she still carried her smaller personal backpack. It contained a few essentials she preferred to keep close. A moment later, the doors hissed open and Tahlira stepped out onto Deck Three. She moved with purpose down the corridor until she reached the captain’s ready room. She pressed the wall panel beside the door, announcing her arrival.
Elijah had been expecting her arrival, he'd been notified as such.
When the door opened Elijah was already out from behind his desk, leaning against the front of the desk.
"Welcome to the Orcrist, Lieutenant Tahira." a warm smile greeting her.
"Care to have a seat?" Elijah motioning towards two seat where they could talk face to face.
Tahlira stepped into the ready room. Her eyes immediately noting the layout of the space and the man who had already risen to greet her.
“Thank you, Captain.” She said with a faint but genuine smile, her tone warm. She crossed the room as he gestured, moving toward one of the chairs. “I appreciate you taking the time to meet with me directly. It's a pleasure to finally come aboard.”
She settled into the seat. Her hands resting lightly in her lap.
Elijah settled in the other chair, taking a good look at Serin, "You are the first Chief Diplomatic Officer, I've ever had so, here we are. What drew you to becoming a diplomat?"
Tahlira adjusted her posture slightly. She turned just a little more toward him in her chair. A deliberate choice. She believed body language mattered. That openness invited opennes.
"I was raised between two very different worlds." She began. "My mother is Bajoran. She lived through the Occupation, and carried that weight with her. My father is Betazoid. A physician who believes empathy is a form of healing itself. Between them, I learned to listen to what was said, and what wasn't."
She paused for a moment, another delibirate choice. A moment to collect her thoughts. "I think that's what drew me to diplomacy. I saw what happens when people stop listening. When fear and pain speak louder than understanding." She smiled. "Even the smallest agreement, when it's built on trust, can hold more power than any show of force."
"Trust can be a delicate thing to develop and it needs nurturing. I am looking forward to seeing what develops as time goes on." Elijah mused.
He was also watching her body language, his own was that of open and congenial. "I am wondering as to whether a diplomatic officer's skill will radiate pout to the rest of the crew.
“Trust is delicate.” She agreed. “But it’s also resilient when given the space to grow. I don’t expect to change how a crew operates overnight but if I do my job well, I hope diplomacy becomes more than just my responsibility.”
"I have been told that Diplomatic officers can also step in as Morale officers. How do you feel about doing such, along with part of the counseling staff?" this was interesting for Elijah to find out.
Tahlira considered the question.
“I wouldn’t call myself a therapist. I’m not licensed or formally trained in counseling beyond what’s covered in diplomatic coursework. My background is in negotiation, cross cultural communication, conflict resolution where a counselor’s focus is on mental health, emotional wellness, psychological support.”
She paused. “That said… I do understand people. And I know how to listen.”
There was a subtle hesitation....brief but present. “I wouldn’t presume to replace anyone on the counseling staff. But if there’s space to support their work...to offer someone a quiet conversation before something heavier settles in...I’d be willing to try.”
"Well its more about interactions with the crew and perhaps boosting up their mood level. Like for instance, planning an event. That sort of thing. "
Elijah rubbed his chin slightly as he was thinking over his own words. "Well, for starters, getting to know the crew would work oujt."
Tahlira nodded. This conversation wasn’t unfolding quite the way she had anticipated, but she reminded herself that every new post comes with its own challenges and opportunities. “I think I can manage getting to know the crew.” She said. It was something she’d already intended to do. In any profession, diplomatic or otherwise, relationships mattered. Connections built trust, and trust opened doors.
"The Orcrist won't be heading out on her maiden voyage just as of yet. You will have a couple of days at best to get yourself settled in on the ship and maybe even have a short shore leave. If you wish to spend time with any family members you've not been able to do so." Elijah remarked.
Tahlira nodded. "I appreciate that, sir." She said. "You mentioned the maiden voyage. What exactly will the Orcrist be setting out to do?" She asked. If she was going to serve as the ship's diplomatic officer, understanding the mission would be the first step in preparing for what lay ahead.
"I will be finding out just when that will be happening, hopefully soon. I though will be taking the family to go see family back in Scotland, which will be fun." Elijah having a light in his eyes.
Noticing the twinkle in his eyes at the mention of Scotland, Tahlira smiled. “Scotland has a charm all its own.” She said. “I’m glad you’ll have that time with your family. Those moments matter more than we often admit.”
"That is something that I am ready to admit, my family is very important to me."
There is a beep upon his PADD, which he pulled out from his uniform pocket, "Hmnn looks like I will be having a meeting tomorrow with some StarFleet officials."
Tahlira nodded. Her own family was important to her, and she made a point to stay in regular contact. It was reassuring to know the Captain had a family of his own. She’d often found that those who did tended to approach decisions with a bit more care and perspective.
“Do you think it’s related to our maiden voyage?” She asked.
"It looks to be a good possibility, at least from what it looks like , once I get the details I'll be able to give out the information to the crew. In the mean time. I also need to go meet up with my wife and kids. My apology for this being a short conversation but we will have more time to chat as time goes on."
Tahlira nodded in understanding and rose up from her seat.. “Of course, sir. I appreciate you taking the time to meet with me, even briefly.”
She smiled. “I’m looking forward to serving aboard the Orcrist and being of use in whatever capacity I can. Enjoy the time with your family.”
A post by
LT. Tahlira Serin
Chief Diplomatic Officer
USS Orcrist
Captain Elijah Rutherford
Commanding Officer
USS Orcrist
RSS Feed