EXETERRPG: (3 - 1144) aCTO Ensign sg Jori, SO Ensign sg Xava Denlorr

[Renee Bishop]

 Mission: A New Day Dawns
Day: 3
Stardate: 2446.01.30

(Earth, France, Saint-Emilion, aCTO Ensign sg Jori, SO Ensign sg Xava Denlorr, 1144)

Jori sat on a park bench across from a restaurant in the small French town of Saint-Emilion. It was a warm day, so she was wearing a short-sleeved white blouse, slacks, and comfortable shoes. Her head was adorned with her Deltan silk band. In her four years at Starfleet Academy, Jori had the same roommate, Claudia LeBeau, who was serving as a nurse in a local hospital. They were meeting at noon for lunch.

Taking in the sites, and the stares and odd looks, mostly from boys, Jori thought about how her Starfleet career began. She wanted to be part of something special, and so far, had that in ways she never expected.

"Excuse me, Ensign Jori."

Jori had been so lost in her reflections, she hadn't noticed the young woman in a blue Starfleet uniform.

"That's me," said Jori cheerfully. "What can I do for you, Ensign...?"

"Ensign Xava Denlorr. I'm in science, assigned to the Exeter."

"Welcome aboard, so to speak," said Jori. "Is there something you need?"

"I'm getting settled in. I've toured the ship and met my department head, Lieutenant Cortez. I have two brothers serving in the Shagra Military Path, and since you're the chief of tactical, I wished to present myself before you."

Jori knew about the four Shagra in the academy, but she hadn't met any of them. Learning about their ways, she understood what Xava Denlorr meant by 'present myself before you'.

Jori stood up and faced Xava, looking directly eye-to-eye, both hands in fists touching one another, her elbows extending outward.

"I am Ensign Jori of Delta IV. I live my Path and my Path is to serve. We serve together and in service we live."

Xava made the same gesture with her hands. "We serve together and in service we live."

The two women nodded.

"Would you sit with me?" said Jori.

"I will," said Xava.

"So, you decided to track me down here in southern France?" said Jori after she was seated.

"Yes," said Xava.

"You honor me, but based on what I'm hearing, it will be a few more weeks before we head out again. You could have waited."

"Waiting isn't the Shagra way. When a task needs to be done, we do it."

"I get that, but since there's time, why don't you enjoy yourself? Have some fun," said Jori. "You're off duty. Wear some casual clothes. Be girlie." She chuckled.

"I will be girlie some other time," said Xava.

"Suit yourself," said Jori. A few moments passed. "I understand your people are considering Federation membership, so why did you choose to join Starfleet?"

There was a brief expression on Xava's face that made Jori think she asked a dumb question.

"I did not choose," said Xava. "There was a call to compete to represent my world. It was my duty to respond, and my sacred honor to be selected."

"I'm sure you won't disappoint your people," said Jori.

"No, I will not."

"There's a Romulan I know," said Jori. "The two of you would get along really well." She giggled.

"Ravok Shara? I remember him from the academy," said Xava.

Jori felt an emotional sting. Pushing past that, she shifted the course of the conversation.

"I'm meeting my old roommate for lunch. Is there anything else?"

"There is just one thing, if I may ask."

"Okay."

"Why did you join Starfleet? I've studied your culture and I'm curious about your reasoning."

Jori supposed it was fair to answer, as she had asked Xava that same question. Taking a deep breath, she thought about what to say.

NRPG: To be continued.

(reply none)
(posted by Renee)  
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