Reporting In (Part 2)

Posted on Thu Jun 5th, 2025 @ 1:10am by Ensign Sung Jin-Ah & Lieutenant Megosho Gehente
Edited on on Thu Jun 5th, 2025 @ 1:10am

1,084 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: ARYL 1X01: Bound for Cold Frontier
Location: Office Complex - Deck 6
Timeline: After Part 1

Previously, on Star Trek: Ark Royal:

Jin-Ah proceeded to grab her chopsticks and grab her first bite. The taste could be described as Korean barbecue for someone uninitiated, but for Jin-Ah, she could clearly tell that whoever made this had never been to Pyongyang, as the spices that had been used gave the taste a flavor more in line with barbecue that would be found in Seoul instead.

"Not bad for some Seoul style pork..." Jin-Ah noted. "But, as I always say, you've never had it until you've been to Pyongyang."

'Apologies, Ms Sung, I wouldn't know the difference,' Meg replied contritely as she sat opposite her junior officer and watched her manipulate the chopsticks for a moment, before picking up her own set. 'I'm not entirely familiar with the history of your people, but I would like to learn some more if you're to serve with me on the Ark Royal, if you don't mind?'

And now, the continuation:

"Sure." Jin-Ah responded. "Though I do warn you it is a rather strange one. The century that we were divided, for instance, still carries some lingering stigmas with it, especially in regards to Pyongyang. Apparently, North Korea was a pretty crazy nation, and even though Pyongyang is the peninsula's historical and de jure capital, some people to this day still associate it with North Korea, and tend to treat Seoul as the de facto capital, and most of what people tend to associate with Korean culture today originated in South Korea. But, I guess that's just what happens when two countries are unified into one. I'm sure the Germans and Irish have similar stories to tell..."

'One country divided in two? Presumably, this is much before Earth united under one planetary government?' Meg asked inbetween delicate bites of pork. To her the barbecue tasted perfect, the meat grilled to perfection, and the side deliciously tangy. It bothered her slightly that she couldn't tell it was regionally correct, but decided that it was down to Sung Jin-Ah's superior knowledge of her home country's cuisine that she knew there was difference at all. 'And that divide still persists to this day? The differences must have been stark for that to happen.'

"Well, when you consider that one country was Marxist, and the other was capitalist, yeah I suppose you could say they were night and day even before North Korea was sanctioned into isolation." Jin-Ah admitted.

'If one country was forced to isolate itself from the rest of the planet, I'm sure the differences would be quite remarkable.' Meg took a sip of her drink, then asked, 'are you yourself then from what would have been termed North Korea? Or are you and your family located elsewhere?'

"Oh, we're from Pyongyang, so very much former North Korean soil." Jin-Ah explained.

'How utterly fascinating,' Meg replied sincerely as she helped herself to more of the food. 'And what's it like? Clearly it's going to be quite different from my background, growing up in the Rigellian Colonies.' She sighed fondly, 'life back there is ... slower, more leisurely, you know?'

"I'd imagine." Jin-Ah said. "We city folk would call that kind of lifestyle... Rural? Backwoods? Probably a whole bunch of derogatory terms I shouldn't say..."

Meg chuckled, taking no offense, 'yeah, backwoods maybe. We're an important trade center, but it's not at all like Earth. It feels like there's space to breathe. If you walk an hour out of one of the cities you'll be surrounded by nature and no-one. Quite peaceful.' She looked away, wistful for a moment. 'It's been a long time since I've been back.' She brightened. 'Anyhow. Personal histories are fun and all, but let's talk about the future. Specifically yours. What do you hope to achieve here now you've arrived aboard one of Starfleet's finest ... how did you put it now? ... ah yes, relics?'

"Well, as I alluded to earlier, I've heard that my step brother is also aboard." Jin-Ah stated. "I am hoping to use this opportunity to try and heal our strained relationship... And maybe, just maybe bring him around and get him to see me the way I see him..."

Jin-Ah blinked as she snapped back to reality and realized her new boss was likely expecting an answer more along the lines of her professional career:

"Oh, I... Suppose I need to give a more career-oriented response, don't I?" She asked sheepishly, rubbing the back of her head.

'Personal goals are good, too,' Meg replied with a widening of her smile, sympathetic to her officer's strained relationship. 'But, yes, unfortunately, some professional goals will be handy for future assessments and, you know, general guidance and ensuring that we can adequately further those goals as a department.'

"Well, I suppose a good start would be to get to Lieutenant JG." Jin-Ah said the first potential career goal that came to her mind. "There's just something about Ensign that screams either 'rookie' or 'screwup', am I right?"

'It depends on how you look at it,' Meg replied with a smile. 'You might be indispensable in your position.' Her expression turned serious. 'But I understand your point - no-one wants to be left on the bottom rung. We'll have a look at crafting a duty schedule that will help you get to Junior Grade in a timely fashion. And make sure there's a mentor you can touch base with. The rest ... that will be down to you.'

"Of course." Jin-Ah nodded as she finished her food. "I won't let you down."

Grinning in return, Meg nodded, 'I'd expect nothing less from you - now, don't let me keep you from anything pressing! I'm sure you have plenty to do!'

"Thank you, ma'am." Jin-Ah nodded, accepting the dismissal. "I'll take it the yeoman will clean things up here?"

Clearing up hadn't even occurred to Meg. She paused and thought a moment, 'I assume so,' she eventually replied with a smile. 'But don't worry about it - I'll deal with it presently Ensign.' Holding out her hand she concluded with a 'it's been a pleasure meeting with you, and I hope we work closely together.'

"I hope so too, Lieutenant..." Jin-Ah said as she shook her new boss' hand prior to taking her leave.

Posting by

Lieutenant Megosho Gehente
Chief Communications Officer

Ensign Sung Jin-Ah
Communications Officer

 

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