Merrendis

Merrendis is a Starfleet officer currently serving as Chief Counsellor and Chief Diplomatic Officer on the USS Atlas.

Merrendis embodies the serene composure often associated with Risans, yet beneath her calm exterior lies profound emotional depth shaped by both love and loss. She is the emotional anchor of the ship, renowned for her steady, thoughtful demeanour and her ability to bring perspective to even the most turbulent situations. Her insight runs deep, as both a psychologist and a psychiatrist; she combines empathy with precision, helping others not just to feel better, but to understand themselves truly.

Her approach to counselling is quietly powerful: she listens more than she speaks, allowing her words to carry weight when she finally offers them. This calm authority has earned her the respect and trust of the entire crew, especially Captain Corbin. Their professional relationship is one of mutual regard and equality. She is one of the few people who can challenge him openly, holding up a mirror with compassion rather than deference. Corbin values her honesty and emotional clarity, often seeking her counsel in private when he needs a voice unclouded by duty or hierarchy.

As a certified first contact specialist, she often serves as one of the ship’s foremost interpreters of intent during diplomatic missions. She can read emotional undercurrents and defuse tension before it takes root.

Though she exudes warmth and kindness, Merrendis’s empathy is tempered by experience. Having lost her husband and children during the Synth attack on Mars, she carries her grief with quiet dignity. She speaks of recovery not as an endpoint, but as a continuing journey. This has fuelled her dedication to helping others navigate their own pain. She often remarks that healing is not about forgetting, but learning to live with what remains.

Beyond her work, Merrendis enjoys companionship and laughter, often sharing light-hearted moments with her close friend, Doctor Carrilion.