A new face

Posted on 06 Jan 2026 @ 5:19pm by Lieutenant T’Mari Rael & Lieutenant JG Aerie Mak
Edited on on 06 Jan 2026 @ 5:42pm

674 words; about a 3 minute read

Mission: Epitaph
Location: Crew Lounge

T’Mari was enjoying being able to take time off her usual duties if only for a few hours, she always made time for herself as well as those who needed to talk to her, a rundown Counsellor wasn't going to help anyone. Sitting at a table looking out of the window onto the stars she took a moment to sip her drink before putting the glass down again.

Mak stepped into the crew lounge, reading a PADD and carrying his semi-bitter but sweet Java coffee, the kind that his mother would make whenever he would tinker in his work garage on New Bajor. Placing it on the table, he noted a smudge on the surface. Pressing his finger on it, he felt a slight moist texture. Exhaling, shaking his head, he wiped the table with the cuff of his clean uniform and sat down. The chair creaked, causing him to pause. It had a slight wobble. Getting up, he picked up his chair and placed it upside down on the table to check it out.

His padd beeped. Distracted, he picked it up and noticed he received a message from New Bajor. Tapping it, he leaned against the wobbling chair and started reading it.

The sight of someone tinkering with a chair on one of the tables caught T’Mari’s eye. It wasn’t the usual thing someone did when they came to the lounge. Curious she got up from her seat and walked over politely clearing her throat as she approached. “Is there a problem with your seat?” She offered a polite smile.

"Huh?" Mak looked up, momentarily distracted. He looked at the chair he leaned against and cleared his throat, "Oh. It wobbled when I sat down. Thought I would fix it."

“Well I guess there’s nothing wrong with that” T’Mari smiled. ,”I’m T’Mari Rael ships Counsellor.”

"Aerie Mak, Operations," Mak put the padd down and offered a handshake.

T’Mari smiled as she politely shook hands. “It’s nice to meet you Mak. Are you new onboard? I don’t recall having seen you before.”

"I only joined a few days ago," Mak nodded, placing his arms behind his back and straightening his shoulders a bit, "So, I'm still finding my way around."

T’Mari nodded. “In that case welcome aboard!” She smiled warmly. “I’m afraid I’ll have to call you up for your psych evaluation at some point, but right now let’s not worry about that. I’m enjoying having some time to myself at present. The ship is pretty easy to get around once you’ve got the layout into your head.”

Mak nodded, "Ah, yes. Small ship. Familiar corridors."

T’Mari smiled. “So have you managed to get settled in yet, or are you someone who prefers to drop off luggage and then get right on with their work?”

Mak paused, keeping his arms behind him. He quietly processed his thoughts before responding, "I prefer to work. I find having something to do keeps me occupied."

T’Mari nodded. “Do you find time for yourself? Having time off is just as important as working. Unless there’s a specific reason you prefer to keep busy.”

He shrugged, "I try to find some time for myself, but theres something about this ship that keeps me occupied. Ops' a big department. Doesn't mean I don't try."

“I think we’re all guilty of that one from time to time” Amber grinned. “I’m probably more guilty than most, the job of a Counsellor is a busy one.”

Mak stiffened slightly as the conversation edged into personal ground. Keeping his straight posture, he politely nodded, "I should get back to work, Counselor. It was nice to meet you."

T’Mari noticed the shift but politely nodded. “Of course, I’ll let you know when your evaluation is due.” she smiled warmly before heading back to her table.

Mak nodded, turning to grab his padd from the table and left the crew lounge.

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