PT 007 Xho and Duma

Commander, 9:03 PM

Commander Xho tries to find Duma.

USS, 9:04 PM

After asking around a bit, you find out he's taken one of the Illusion chambers for the day.  Apparently recreating an orcish past time from his homeland.

Commander, 9:06 PM

Commander Xho is not sure whether she should bother him, and just tries hailing from outside the chamber to ask if he has a few minutes.

USS, 9:06 PM

Over the comm you hear the sound of violence and chaos.  "Commander.  Hello.  Everything ok?"

Commander, 9:08 PM

Yes. I was wondering if I could speak with you for a few moments. However, it does sound  like you're busy.

USS, 9:09 PM

Duma: "...I can probably take a break.  Can you give me five minutes to towel off?"

Commander, 9:09 PM

Of course.

USS, 9:12 PM

After about ten minutes he exits, completely out of uniform.  He is dressed in what you assume to be orcish exercise gear, a light, tank-top-esque tunic with armored padding but still maneuverable, tight pants made of brown leather with red symbols and sandals.

USS, 9:12 PM

Duma: "Hello Commander."

Commander, 9:14 PM

I apologize for interrupting, but I have meant to speak with you for quite some time.

USS, 9:15 PM

Duma: "...has there been something wrong with my work output?  If this is about that crab incident, I stand by my actions.  It was a very threatening entrance."

Commander, 9:17 PM

Certainly not. There is nothing wrong; I was just hoping to meet in a less formal context.

Commander, 9:18 PM

Commander Xho may or may not even be capable of being less formal, frankly.

USS, 9:18 PM

Duma looks at his attire.  "Well, this is as informal as I get so...ok.  What's happening?"

Commander, 9:19 PM

Nothing is happening per se. I meant to ask how you are doing in your assignment, and I was curious as to why you chose to come here.

USS, 9:21 PM

Duma: "I feel I am doing quite well in my assignment.  Operations are functioning as well as could be expected, given the circumstances."

USS, 9:21 PM

He directly ignores your second question.

Commander, 9:22 PM

... frankly, I am not certain why you have your position and I have mine, instead of the other way around.

USS, 9:23 PM

Duma: "...I didn't try for your position, if that's kind of what you're getting at."

Commander, 9:23 PM

Why not?

USS, 9:27 PM

Duma: "There's a long answer and a short answer to that.  The long answer is that I understand my strengths well and I knew, even with my scores, I wasn't gonna do well in a personnel-centric position.  Even putting aside the bias against orcs that we're all too dumb and barbaric for those sorts of jobs, I didn't test well socially, just intellectually.  Operations Officer was my way onto the ship and I know these ships are where I'm gonna want to be.  I am smart, calm, level-headed and able to keep everything running under pressure.  ...this fit better."

Commander, 9:28 PM

All extremely accurate. Though I do think you sell yourself short.

USS, 9:29 PM

Duma: "Maybe.  But I know where I fit.  And more importantly, I know which chair I ultimately want to sit in, and it's not YOUR chair.  I think this'll be a better path for me to get it."

Commander, 9:32 PM

Commander Xho nods.

Commander, 9:32 PM

Let me know if there is anything I can do to assist.

USS, 9:33 PM

Duma: "...why are you surprised to be where you're at?"

Commander, 9:34 PM

Many factors. Different cultural mores, racism, lack of prior experience in this specific role in comparison to other candidates.

USS, 9:35 PM

Duma: "...about half the things I mentioned."

Commander, 9:37 PM

Yes. I did not think I would get this far, given the political ramifications.

USS, 9:38 PM

Duma: "...you wanna come blow off some steam?  I could use a sparring partner."

Commander, 9:38 PM

Certainly. I will do my best to keep up.

USS, 9:40 PM

Duma invites you in and you realize the inside he's set-up is an orc tavern.  He's been running a barfight in here over and over and finding improvised weapons to use to beat the illusory opponents.

USS, 9:40 PM

Duma: "No using the whip, though.  That'd be cheating."

Commander, 9:41 PM

Commander Xho nods.