T'ali's Zorya exit log.
With Einar as Jeremiah Perez-Rome.
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“in light of recent unfortunate, if unavoidable, events,” she began, “and mindful of the need to show respectful observance of my crewmate's cultural practices, I have determined it appropriate to pay you a farewell visit prior to disembarking.”
She pondered her wording as the turbolift doors opened onto deck 6.
Yes, she thought, that was a suitable greeting, under the circumstances.
She walking slowly to Perez’s door, raised her index finger and pressed his doorbell once.
“Yeah, come in” she heard over the com moments before the doors slid open, revealing a extremely Spartan environment consider he was human. Jeremiah sat on the sofa, nursing a cup of coffee not bothering to stand up “Smiley!”
T'ali stepped in, already discomfited by his complete informality, and that nickname. That was something she certainly wouldn't miss. “In light, of recent unfortunate…” she began, but paused.
“Cat got your tongue?” he asked as he stood up, walking over to deposit his empty mug in the replicator.
“My tongue has not been seized by any manner of animal, feline or otherwise."
“Can I get you something? Boiled water? Unseasoned tofu?”
“I am not due a meal for several hours.” She looked around his quarters as she continued to stand. “It appears you too, are preparing to depart,” she observed.
Jer looked around and chuckled “Ah...no. I found my place like this after I was released from Sickbay….I have some suspects in mind, but so far they are avoiding my calls”
“Perhaps they are merely safeguarding your possessions. I believe the liberal theft of a departed human’s goods is a tradition rife among earth cultures.”
Jer shrugged as the mug disappeared into atoms and energy and he made his way back to the sofa “It's called a practical joke Smiley. You must have had some pulled at the Academy?”
“I see.. nothing.. practical about it.” she observed, raising an eyebrow. “My classmates soon tired in their attempts to goad me,” she lied. “Humans, it must be noted, lack the persistence necessary to make a success of many of their endeavors. Especially the more trivial ones.”
Jer looked down at his right hand “yeah, but we make a mean cheesecake”
“Having never experienced
cheesed… cake…” she replied, “that is a claim I can neither confirm nor deny.” She looked at him then, as she stood with her hands clasped neatly behind her back in the middle of his living room. “Has your recovery proceeded apace?”
“Apa what now?” he asked as he made himself comfortable on the sofa “And can you please sit down, this feels like a recital”
“I do not intend to remain long, Ensign Perez-Rome,” she explained, noting the lack of alternative places to sit. “I have but come to offer a customary farewell. I believe it is a common practice among humans to wish each other well in future endeavors prior to a lengthy absence. Dismissing the obvious flaws in this most human of conceits, I have nonetheless chosen to observe the practice now.”
That caught his attention “You’re leaving?”
“I have requested a transfer and it has been granted.”
“Smiley, you gotta learn to use less words” he said exasperatedly as he stood up “Why? What’s happened?”
“Fewer.” She watched him stand with effort. “The correct phrase is ‘fewer words’”.
Jeremiah growled silently “Fine, fewer words! Why are you leaving?”
“Am I to believe you have not heard about the… incident... in the Science labs?” she quirked an eyebrow. “In essence, I do not believe this crew are capable of trusting me henceforth, and so, my efforts will yield greater rewards on an alternative ship.” She blinked, valiantly hiding her discomfort at admitting to a flaw. “A ship that contains neither Lt. Stark nor Ensign Lenali, preferably.”
He crossed his arms instinctively, the shake noticeable before he clamped down on his arm “I heard….but I don’t think anyone blames you for any part of it. Mistakes happen, T’ali. It's alright to admit them and move on…”
“They do not happen to me. I will nonetheless be eager to hear word of both officers’ recovery, as well as your own, Ensign. Perhaps you will undertake to keep me apprised.”
He grinned mischievously “You asking me to write?”
T’ali shifted. “If that is your preferred form of communication.” She avoided his gaze.
Jer continued smiling as he raised his arm, despite its shakes and held up his hand in the traditional Vulcan greeting “I’ll be in touch, I promise. Live long and prosper, Smiley”
T’ali’s attention fixed on the familiar hand gesture and something flashed briefly across her face. She unclasped her hands from behind her back, intending to echo the salute, but she paused. Instead, she tentatively stretched her hand out in front of her in accordance with human customs. It felt odd, but she persevered.
“Fair winds,” she said, “and a following sea.”
Jer chuckled silently and put his arm out, grasping hers “Godspeed T’ali”