08-05-2025, 03:40 AM
The arrival of his Chief Medical Officer and First Officer brought the simmering topic of their guest of honor to a full boil. Ameen listened, his expression carefully neutral, as Dr. O'Fee gave her rather... blunt assessment of Mediator Kestir. He then caught Keir's comment about the uncomfortable dress uniforms.
He offered his First Officer a wry, sympathetic smile.
"I think the discomfort is an intentional feature, Commander. Keeps us on our toes." He gave a nod of agreement regarding the room. "And I agree, Lieutenant Ra'an and her team have done an incredible job."
His attention then turned back to the main subject, prompted by Amila's direct question from a few moments ago.
"What's he like?" she'd asked. Well, that's the million-credit question, isn't it?..
"To answer your question, Lieutenant," Ameen said, his voice calm and measured for the benefit of the small group, "Mediator Kestir is... energetic. Very confident." He chose his words carefully, deciding not to engage directly with Dr. O'Fee's more colorful description. "He is also the key to this entire mission. Our job is to provide him with a supportive and professional environment so he can do his."
He then addressed Keir's question about their guest being a no-show, and O'Fee's theory. "The Doctor is correct," Ameen confirmed. "Our guest is still preparing. I believe he was in need of a new wardrobe, given the circumstances. I expect he'll join us shortly."
And I expect he'll make an entrance, Ameen thought. This whole evening is an exercise in managing chaos. But it's our chaos to manage...
He gestured towards the bar where the Bolian, Moxi, was waiting.
"In the meantime, let's not let these excellent preparations go to waste. Please, everyone, get a drink. Mingle."
He gave Amila a brief, appreciative look, a silent 'thank you' for her work. He then lowered his voice slightly, his tone shifting from that of a commander addressing his staff to something a little more personal, though still quiet and professional.
"Amila," he said, "since you're the architect of all this... would you join me for that first drink while we wait?"
== Tag ==
He offered his First Officer a wry, sympathetic smile.
"I think the discomfort is an intentional feature, Commander. Keeps us on our toes." He gave a nod of agreement regarding the room. "And I agree, Lieutenant Ra'an and her team have done an incredible job."
His attention then turned back to the main subject, prompted by Amila's direct question from a few moments ago.
"What's he like?" she'd asked. Well, that's the million-credit question, isn't it?..
"To answer your question, Lieutenant," Ameen said, his voice calm and measured for the benefit of the small group, "Mediator Kestir is... energetic. Very confident." He chose his words carefully, deciding not to engage directly with Dr. O'Fee's more colorful description. "He is also the key to this entire mission. Our job is to provide him with a supportive and professional environment so he can do his."
He then addressed Keir's question about their guest being a no-show, and O'Fee's theory. "The Doctor is correct," Ameen confirmed. "Our guest is still preparing. I believe he was in need of a new wardrobe, given the circumstances. I expect he'll join us shortly."
And I expect he'll make an entrance, Ameen thought. This whole evening is an exercise in managing chaos. But it's our chaos to manage...
He gestured towards the bar where the Bolian, Moxi, was waiting.
"In the meantime, let's not let these excellent preparations go to waste. Please, everyone, get a drink. Mingle."
He gave Amila a brief, appreciative look, a silent 'thank you' for her work. He then lowered his voice slightly, his tone shifting from that of a commander addressing his staff to something a little more personal, though still quiet and professional.
"Amila," he said, "since you're the architect of all this... would you join me for that first drink while we wait?"
== Tag ==