Science to Science

Posted on Fri Dec 20th, 2019 @ 3:46pm by Lieutenant Aenar Torek & Commodore Samantha York

1,566 words; about a 8 minute read

Mission: Food for the Gods
Location: Bridge/Ready Room USS Calypso
Timeline: Between 'Uneasy Arrival & 'The Tribute'

ON

As Aenar stepped out of the turbolift to the Bridge, he tugged at his uniform, forcing it to sit better. Wouldn't do to be natty in front of your new CO, now. He quelled an uneasy feeling in the pit of his stomach. It'll be over before you know it.

He nodded to the duty officers at their stations. They paid scant notice to him, concentrating on their work. Aenar took a moment to appreciate the Bridge and its layout. So different from his previous postings. The three seats at the centre of the Bridge spoke to that brief time where the Captain, though in command, was first amongst equals. No ships since had had that configuration so far as he knew.

Reaching the Ready Room doors, he swallowed nervously and pressed the chime. On his arrival he had barely had time to stow his bag before being bundled into a turbolift and sent to the Bridge.

Sam looked up from reviewing data on the planet, hoping this time she'd find something they missed. "Come in," she said, setting down the PADD.

'Commodore,' said Aenar as he stepped through the door and into the room, giving a smart salute. 'Lieutenant Torek Aenar, reporting for duty.' He resisted glancing about the room as he waited for her response.

Sam smiled. "Hello, lieutenant. Welcome. I've bene expecting you. Please, have a seat." She glanced at the replicator. "Would you care for something to drink?"

'Thank you ma'am.' Aenar took the indicated seat and sat on its edge. 'Perhaps a raktajino, if I may? He was slightly taken aback by Commodore York. He had expected a hoary old officer in her fifties or sixties, like the others he had met. Instead she looked like she was younger than forty-five or so. She must be a formidable person.

"A raktajino it is," she said, going over to the replicator. She got his drink, and an herb tea for herself. She set them both on her desk and sat down. "I'm glad you're here. Our last Chief left a month ago. Your Assistant has filled in admirably, but she also has a new baby and would appreciate going back to her regular job." A frown crossed her face as she thought of Ronnie. "I was the original head of science on the Calypso and set up the department, so if you have any questions, feel free to ask."

'Thank you,' Aenar took the mug of raktajino, savouring its warmth. 'I have to admit, I wondered why the assistant on board didn't take the role. I'm glad I won't be creating conflict by taking a place someone else wanted to fill.' He shrugged in response her question. 'I have to admit, I haven't had quite the time to catch up on the specifics of the department. I imagine, however the department was set to coincide with both your mission priorities, and to assist in your own specialities as head?'

"Partly. I'm an archaeologist. There's not much call for that on a starship." She smiled. "Although if we do find ourselves in need of one, I like to step in and help, when possible. I wanted a department where scientists are encouraged to do personal research and publish, similar to those who work in academic circles--at least when they aren't busy with other responsibilities. So, I set up a secondary science database with its own backup generators to give them more autonomy. And I helped Lizzie design the arboretum. But, now that you're here, I will leave you to run the department. Although I will likely continue to help out if an archaeologist or historian is needed."

'That would be great,' Aenar smiled, 'being an archaeologist myself I know it can get lonely on a starship berth. ' He sipped his raktajino and adjusted the way he sat, 'I like the sound of how the department is set up. I imagine it's quite close to your heart given the effort you've put in to it. I'd just like to reassure you that I'm not going to make any radical changes. Just get a debrief of what the Department has been working on, current experiments and research and the like, to get the big picture.' He shrugged, 'I just don't think a department responds well to abrupt upheaval.'

"No, it doesn't, but there's nothing wrong with a little change from time to time." She smiled. "So, what sort of archaeological work have you done?"

'Well, my digs have mostly related to Bajoran ruins at B'hala, or a joint project with the Bajoran Archaeological Institute and Starfleet at Golanna.' He smiled, 'they're fascinating places - Golanna especially. I don't think I've ever heard of another civilisation using temporal mechanics in such a way.' Aenar thought to himself a moment, 'I suppose given the time portals have been shut down we'll never get a true understanding of their civilisation.'

"I haven't seen them, but I've kept up on the reports and papers," Sam said. "I've worked with the Vulcans on several sites on smaller worlds. For the past decade all I've been able to do is find places and pass them off to others. That's the down side of working on a starship."

Aenar smiled reuefully, 'that's been my experience of the past few years on a ship - the last site the Ganymede found, I had four hours on the surface, and a day's worth of sensor use, then off we trotted. Then I had to hand the after-action reporting off to another officer when I took my LOA ... Still, at the moment, I wouldn't change it for the world.' Curiosity overtook him for a moment as he looked the Commodore squarely in the face, 'would you give all this up to go back to digs full time?'

"I've thought about it," she admitted. "Right now, no. But one day I'd like to retire from Starfleet and go back to teaching, with digs in the summers. Or maybe just work on a dig full-time and take students for the summer. Right now, I have the opportunity to find something new, and I like taking my home out into the unknown."

'A ship berth is incomparable, especially if you enjoy it,' agreed Aenar. He smiled, 'but I don't think you had me summoned here for a chat about archaeological papers - we could do that off-duty ...'

"Not specifically," she admitted. "I did wan to meet you, and find out what you expect from your time here. Talking shop does fall under that category." Sam smiled. "So, what do you want from your time on the Calypso?"

He thought for a moment before answering. 'Variety,' Aenar answered at last. 'I've attempted a station posting, and I have to be honest with you, by the end, the routine got to me. I like for my skills to be challenged, and I think we can both say that a ship like the Calypso will provide what I need.'

"I like to think so," Sam said, smiling. "I also think you'll be a good fit here. Lizzie Jackson is the resident botanist. She runs the arboretum. I should warn you that she usually has cookies and ice cream in her workroom. She can show you around since Ronnie is on the planet." She paused for a moment. "To let you know what's going on right now, we came across an automated signal calling for help with repairs. It led us here. The planet has a pre-warp civilization, much like Earth's Victorian era, but with steam-power. Two of the team disappeared. The away team is looking for them. The machine seems to be in some sort of pyramid on the planet. I'll probably send you down at some point, depending on what the away team finds."

He processed the new information, 'so ... are we talking two different civilisations or one that split? That's incredibly fascinating either way.' Aenar nodded to the Commodore, 'if I could have some time to look at the reports I'll get up to speed and get ready to go - and I'd imagine your new Marine CO is itching to get going well.'

"We don't know yet," she said. "The machine is from a more advanced civilization than the one presently there. Why is yet to be determined." She entered a command in her computer. "You should now have access to the information we have so far. It's not much. Yet. I expect to learn more in the next few hours. Your input is welcome." She was meeting with the new Marine CO shortly. While the Marines had done well under the four platoon leaders, it would be nice to have a new commander on board.

Aenar glanced at his PADD and nodded in confirmation, 'seems to be all there. As soon as I digest this you can count on my input.'

"Good. If there's nothing else, "I'll let you get to work." She stood an smiled. "Welcome aboard, lieutenant."

He mirrored the movement and smile, 'thank you Commodore. I hope this is the beginning of something good.'

____
OFF


Commodore Samantha York
Commanding Officer
USS Calypso

Lieutenant Aenar Torek
Chief Science Officer
USS Calypso

 

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