Checking Things [Ended]

He had finished what he was doing, and had taken a moment to lightly meditate at his desk, to clear his mind. He opened his eyes as she came in, and rose to his feet.

Were he a Vulcan, and had he not experienced what he had experienced during the battle, M'Ral might have been all business. But he was a very compassionate person, and he could certainly sympathise with Tricia McAdams. Both of them had lost their superiors, and both had witnessed things that would unsettle even a stoic Vulcan. He hoped that they would work well together, and might even aid each other in the healing process - though he was no good with providing comfort, as evidenced by the small incident in sickbay.

His voice was not devoid of emotion, though thanks to the meditation he was feeling calm. "It's good to see you here, Lieutenant," he said, rising from his chair. "How are you feeling?" It was a legitimate question; if she wasn't feeling well he didn't think she'd perform her duties well...and besides, he sympathised with her, and wanted her to know this.

Tag: Tricia / Any

It was good to see her smile and assert that she was feeling better, though hopefully that smile wasn’t false and she wasn’t just speaking of her injuries. M’Ral knew that many species could hide their emotions behind a “false” emotion. It was rather unhealthy, but wasn’t much different from the suppression he had done earlier. However, that was necessary and with the proper discipline he would be fine. As for Tricia, it was pretty obvious by her next actions of looking down at the floor. He waved the crewman away; he needed to speak with her alone.

“I heard what you told the Ensign in sickbay,” he said, his voice rippling with waves of emotion. Being of Romulan and Vulcan heritage – both of them possessing heightened emotions – it was harder to control himself when he let his emotions take presence. If it hadn’t been for the meditation, he would have been completely emotional. “I am sorry. I had...a similar experience. If you ever wish to talk to me about what happened, please feel free to do so.” He looked down at his desk, then at her. “Maybe it would do us both some good. We both need to be at our best. Security is of utmost importance on this ship, if we are going to avenge our shipmates and win this war against the Borg.”

He realised he hadn’t yet given his name. “I’m sorry,” he said. “I haven’t even introduced myself.” He walked from behind the desk, and extended his hand to her for a handshake. “Lieutenant Commander M’Ral.” He knew her name; he had seen her file and that of every other security officer assigned so far. But he would of course allow her to properly introduce herself.

Tag: Tricia

“That’s good,” he replied when she stated she intended to see a counselor, and that she was willing to be his friend. Of course she’d do her best – she was a Starfleet officer, and he expected no less from her. Some people avoided counselors because they wanted to deal with things on their own. It was a pride thing, and M’Ral didn’t really see the reasoning in it. And as well, it was a mostly human thing – Klingon as well – and M’Ral was neither of those races.

“I am pleased to get the chance to work with you,” he said, noting the smile and returning it, with some effort even though he was indeed glad to get the chance to work with her. “Everything is pretty much in order here,” he said. “Have you had a chance to tour the ship?”

Tag: Tricia/Any

"I see," he replied. "This was my first time on a Galaxy-class, as well. Now that I've been on this one, all other ships seem...smaller." He was grateful that she was willing to tour the ship with him. "I'd be happy to give you a tour," he said - though he realised there were some parts he shouldn't go to - at least not now as they would stir up emotions he needed to keep suppressed. "When we are done I can show you how things work in the security office, unless you have already looked into that," he told her.

Tag: Tricia

M'Ral looked over at her as they walked. "I suggest you do that once we're done with the tour. And after that, you should rest." He had noticed she looked very tired. "It isn't healthy to work while exhausted and we need our security team at its best, especially now." The former chief had given this lecture to him as well; occasionally an officer would protest, but the chief made it an order. M'Ral hoped he wouldn't have to do that.

Tag: Tricia

That was good; she was willing to take care of herself. She would make a capable assistant head, he was very certain, and when he wasn’t available she would be there to make sure things were done properly. M’Ral managed to smile. At least things were moving smoothly here.

“So where are we headed?”

“Wherever you would like to go,” he replied, as they neared a turbolift. “What would you like to see first?” M’Ral had had a chance to explore most every part of the ship; it wasn’t out of curiosity, but a need to familiarise himself with it because being able to get where he needed to go was important. He was security and he wanted to be there when people needed him most.

Tag: Tricia