A Diplomatic Meeting

Posted on Tue Apr 14th, 2026 @ 7:38am by Lieutenant Rynna Csira & Lieutenant Tahlira Serin

1,942 words; about a 10 minute read

Rynna checked the computer to see where the new diplomat was, then decided to stop by and say hi.

Tahlira was in her quarters. She had meant to unpack the day she arrived, but the Chief Medical Officer had other ideas. He took her to Earth for horseback riding. He had insisted it was medicine. A prescription for her low vitamin D. Now, a day later, she was in her quarters, unpacking.

Since they were still on Earth, Ryn brought a box of chocolates with her as she headed for the diplomat's quarters. She wasn't sure if the woman would even want a visit now, so the chocolate was to help her get in the door. If she was busy, Ryn wouldn't stay long.

She paused at the door for a moment, then rang the chime.

Tahlira looked up from the small stack of items she’d been organizing and set a folded tunic aside. The chime caught her off guard. She hadn’t been expecting anyone.

“Come in.” She called stepping out into the main living area to greet her visitor. She was dressed casually. A pair of lavender shorts and a matching hoodie, her hair pulled back into a loose ponytail.

Ryn walked in and smiled. "Hi. I'm Rynna Csira. Welcome to the ship." She handed Tahlira. "I'm the chief of operations."

“I’m Tahlira Serin. It’s nice to meet you, Rynna.” Tahlira accepted Ryn’s hand with a smile as they shook. “Thank you for stopping by.” She gestured toward the seating area. She glanced around the room. A half-unpacked bag sat on the dining table. “Please, don’t mind the mess. I’m still in the process of unpacking.”

"For being in the middle of unpacking, this place looks pretty good," Ryn assured her. "A lot of us have only been here a short time, so you're in good company there, too. I'd only just arrived on the Majestic when we were recalled to earth to get a new ship."

Tahlira looked around her quarters. “I suppose I don’t have a lot of things.” She said with a shrug. Her attention returned to Ryn as she listened. “I’m glad to know I’m not the only new arrival.” She said. “This will actually be my first ship assignment. Before this, I was always planetside or stationed on a starbase.”

"Then welcome to your new home away from home. It's definitely different from a position on a station or planet. But you get to know others better on a ship like this."

“I can imagine. Shared space has a way of encouraging familiarity, whether one intends it or not." Tahlira said with a smile. She looked at her guest. “I’m looking forward to it, though." She added than asked. "Would you like something to drink?”

"Not unless you want one," Ryn replied.

Tahlira spoke as she walked to the replicator. "I was planning on having a lemonade but not the kind you'd find on Earth." She ordered two Serenitea Blend lemonades, and grabbed the glasses after they materialized. The liquid inside was pale rose-gold.

Carrying the glasses over, she handed one to Ryn before taking a seat. She took a sip. The drink was floral at first, but then it deepened into a smooth, honeyed citrus with just a light trace of spice.

Ryn took a sip, taking a minute to appreciate the different flavors. "This is nice. What is it?"

Tahlira smiled. "It's called Serenitea Blend....a Betazoid variation of lemonade." She took another sip. "It's made with lum fruit juice, blossom syrup, and a hint of vanna leaf. It's mixed with minternal water, and finished off with a few crystals of salt."

"I need to remember this. I think I have a new favorite drink." Ryn took another sip. "Did you grow up on Betazed?"

“I’ll send you the recipe. It’s easy enough to replicate once you know the right balance.” She said, taking another sip. Her gaze grew distant for a moment before she refocused on her visitor. “I spent several years there growing up. My father’s from Betazed.”

"Thank you," Ryn said, raising her glass. "I've never been to Betazed, but I hear it's lovely."

Tahlira nodded. “It is a beautiful place. You should visit if you ever get the chance. And Bajor as well.” She added. “My mother’s Bajoran, so I had the chance to spend time there as well.”

Rynna also nodded. "I visited there recently. Actually, just before the Majestic came to earth and we transferred to the Orcrist. I hope to go back and see more."

"I hope you do get a chance to go back." Tahlira said. "There's a depth to Bajor that takes time to see. Every visit feels a little different." She took another sip of her drink. What about you? Where are you from?"

"Fareni IV. It's not a large planet and not close to any major trade routes," Rynna said. "We have the convenience of modern technology with the added benefit of not being overrun by visitors. I noticed that Bajor had a lot of tourists, but that may be because of some of the festivities going on at the time. Or because DS9 is so close." Ryn shook her head. "That's not a complaint, mind you. I found the festival fascinating. I was simply comparing it to where I grew up. We get starship stopping by from time to time, but only in the capital."

Tahlira thought for a moment. “I don’t think I’ve heard of Fareni IV before. It sounds peaceful.” She smiled and nodded. “You’re right about Bajor it can be overwhelming during festival season and being so close to the wormhole and Deep Space Nine has brought more than its share of visitors.” Her gaze dropped briefly to the now-empty glass. “It’s been a while since I’ve been back…”

"I think there's a time and place for most things. I loved Fareni, but I belong here now. At the same time, if I want to go home for a visit, it would take a month of traveling to get there and back, and then I'd want to stay for a week, so I don't go back often." She raised an eyebrow. "Maybe you should plan for a visit to Bajor for your next shore leave?"

“I can see how that would make visiting difficult.” Tahlira said with an understanding nod. “I’d planned to visit Bajor myself before coming aboard, but my sister’s here on Earth. She’s attending the Academy. I decided to spend a little time with her before we leave orbit.”

"That's wonderful that you can spend some time with your sister." Ryn wished she could see her father again, but for now, she had to be content to talk to him over the comms.

Tahlira nodded. "It is. We don't get to see each other often, and once she graduates, it'll be even less. So, I try to take the opportunity when I can." She leaned back slightly. "What about you? Any family nearby or are they all still back home?"

"They're all back home. But I talk to them regularly."

Tahlira smiled. “That’s good." She said. For a moment, a comfortable silence fell between them then Tahlira glanced toward Ryn with a curious tilt of her head. “What do you think our first mission will be?”

Ryn thought for a moment. "I have no idea. I'm looking forward to getting out in space and see how the ship performs."

“Me too," Tahlira agreed. She was eager to begin their first mission, though ship operations weren’t exactly her area of expertise. Still, she was curious to see what life aboard the Orcrist would be like. Looking at Ryn, she asked. “I’m assuming you’ve served on a ship before?”

"I have, but this is my first time as department head," Ryn admitted. "Well, if you count the Majestic and Orcrist as one. I was on the Majestic for a week, so I don't think it counts. Besides, the entire crew transferred to the Orcrist. Is this your first time on a ship, then?"

Tahlira nodded. “It is." She admitted. “Most of my postings have been planetside or at embassies. This will be my first time actually serving aboard a ship.”

"On a ship this size, you'll have a chance to get to know most of the crew."

“I can see that.” Tahlira said with a nod. “So far, I’ve only met you, the captain, and our chief medical officer.”

"Then you have a lot of people still to meet." Ryn smiled. "They're a good group. I've met most of the senior staff and some of the others, but I like the ones I've met. Even the counselor is nice."

“I’m looking forward to meeting the rest of the crew.” Tahlira said, then paused as something occurred to her. “Oh! I still need to meet with the counselor.”

Ryn smiled. "Yes, you do. But he's a nice guy." And he was--if a bit of a flirt.

Tahlira smiled. “That’s good to hear.” She said. “A kind counselor can make all the difference especially on a ship where everyone’s learning to find their footing.”

Ryn nodded. "Since this is your first assignment not on a planet, what do you like to do and can you do it on a starship?"

Tahlira thought for a moment. “I enjoy studying history and philosophy especially how different cultures approach peace and conflict. And languages. I’ve always believed how people speak says a lot about how they think.”

She smiled. “I also practice meditation, and I play the violin to unwind. Most of that works well enough on a starship.”

"What about you? Tahlira asked.

"I play the keyboard and sing," Ryn said. "And I use the holodeck to go climbing and hiking." She paused. "Vanya in intel plays the violin. You should meet her. In fact, we're getting a group together if you're interested."

Tahlira smiled. “You play and sing? That’s impressive.” At the mention of Vanya, her interest clearly sparked. “Another violinist? I would very much like to meet her. And I'd love to hear you play and sing." She added.

"I'll let you know the next time we perform in the lounge," Ryn said. "I'd also like to hear you play. I love music."

Tahlira smiled warmly. “I’d like that.” She said. “It’s been a while since I’ve played for anyone besides myself.”

"Perfect. I love playing and listening to music. I'll see what I can put together."

“If you need any help organizing it, I’d be happy to assist." Tahlira said with a faint smile. “I am a diplomat, after all.”

"I've been talking to people, off and on, so I'll see how many people want to join in. Then we can talk about logistics when we get together. I know I'd appreciate someone who knows how to organize."

Ryn checked her chronometer. "I should go. But I'll definitely be in touch."

Tahlira followed her glance to the chronometer and nodded. “Of course.” She said, rising from her seat. “I’m glad you stopped by.”

"Me, too." Ryn liked the diplomat, but she did have a list of things to do that day. "Thank you. See you later." With a final smile, Ryn headed back to operations and her next repair job.

A post by

Lieutenant Tahlira Serin
Chief Diplomatic Officer
USS Orcrist

Lieutenant Rynna Csira
Chief Operations Officer
USS Orcrist

RSS Feed