Scientific Minds

Posted on Thu Jun 4th, 2020 @ 9:49am by Lieutenant Valenna & Lieutenant Alexis Aenera

Mission: Around The World in 8 Days
Location: Science Lab 1 (Main Office)

Alexis rounded the corner at a fast pace, she'd just gotten back on board a couple hours ago and instantly dived into the shower and had to look perfect. She'd heard that she'd been replaced as the Science Chief and there was NO small sense of relief at that! Yes, she'd have to report to someone before the Captain, but it meant that there was a lot less pressure on her. Now, if only she knew who was replacing her. She hadn't even stopped to check that out, just stashing her bags of new items haphazardly on the floor before that wonderful, delicious shower. It had definitely been an interesting night before, with that young man.... But it was making her late.

Her two inch heels clicked as she walked, black tights under a uniform black skirt and proper blue blouse (albeit modified for comfort) and a white lab coat that fluttered with the wind of her passage. Her makeup was spot on and her hair was bound with a single band at the top to semi-control it. She glanced at the ground as she rounded the final then stopped dead with a final click-click as she looked up at the woman standing there, someone familiar, and Alexis's mouth turned up in a smile, "Valenna? How did they drag you away from the Academy?"

The Klingon scientist had been standing in front of a desk inside the main office of science lab 1, reviewing science personnel, current research projects, and assignments. She wanted to get herself fully acquainted with the department aboard the Astraea. She had a hot cup of coffee on the desk as she was slowly drinking. She tugged at her Starfleet uniform. It was a weird feeling being back in it. While she had been teaching at the Academy, she had been able to wear civilian clothing. She hadn't even noticed Alexis entering the lab. She turned around. "Professor Aenera--apologies, Lieutenant Aenera, a pleasure to see you again." She put the PaDD down. "I needed some time to do field work," she said and shrugged, "and the Dean of Arts & Sciences recommended an extended sabbatical after being too hard on my students."

"Well thank the four deities you're here!" Alexis exclaimed, rushing forward and throwing her arms around the Klingon woman in excitement, "Trying to run the department has been like herding cats! Well, not that the cats don't want to be herded, but I've just never been good at that sortof thing.. Gimme a bunch of students any day of the week." She backed off a step, "But with you here, I can get back to trying to figure out where that damned anomaly is.. You don't mind that I've taken Science Lab Three for my own, do you?"

Valenna carefully embraced Alexis in the hug--a custom that she was not too fond of, but realized it was fairly common within the Federation and Starfleet. "Of course I don't mind if you take science lab 3 for yourself--you were the chief science officer after all." She took a long sip of coffee. "And what anomaly to which you are referring? A new project?"

"Oh, no, no, no, no, no, trying to find the one that ate the Rhea." Alexis referred to one of her former ships as she released Valenna, "I still have all of my readings and records, but since it's a transient anomaly, finding it's literally finding a needle in a haystack, but one day I'll find it, and then..." She shook her head, "But that's not important right now! What's important is that you're here! Just to warn you, we're a bit short on people, need another junior officer and a few more specialists, but finding them is hard apparently. I've got a class going to try to bring in people that desire to learn more about Science that may eventually be able to help us when we need it."

The Klingon scientist nodded. "Ah, yes, of course." She reviewed her PaDD. "Yes, I was just noticing the severe lacking of department personnel here on the Astraea. It's quite impressive you've been able to keep the department together for so long." She shrugged. "I'll try and send out some word for scientists to join, but I doubt I will have any more luck than you will." Valenna crossed her arms leaning against the desk. "Let me guess, a few engineers?"

"Three of them, one's from my basic Astrophysics classes back in San Fran, trying to become a warp specialist." Alexis rolled her eyes, "One Security, two Operations, one from Medical and two from Flight Control. I'm not sure just how many of them'll actually turn into something useful, but what the hell? Even if we give them a bit of extra knowledge, it can't hurt!"

"Interesting," said Valenna. "I would like to drop by one of your classes one day in order to observe their progress," she replied. "The department could use some...variety. I may have worked in astrophysics and weaponry for ten years, but my speciality is cultural anthropology so I would prefer not having to bring out the intro to astrophysics or quantum mechanics textbook." Valenna frowned and pondered for a moment. "So since you have been serving aboard the Astraea for some time, would you like to enlighten me on the crew here?"

"If we get some people interested in that side of Science, how about you take them under your wing? I'll take all the physical and theoretical sciences and even chemistry candidates?" Alexis grinned, "But most of the crew is pretty good from what I've seen." She waved a dismissal, "We just got a few senior officers replaced, so I haven't had a chance to check them out, but the
Captain is a bit strict, but as you can see, she still does let her subdepartments handle themselves as long as things get done."

Valenna smiled and nodded. "Sounds good to me. I am excited...to work again," she said, or as excited as a Klingon could show. "I did have some worries about my ability of cooperation, but I am sure I will be able to integrate into the crew well enough to work as a team." She let out a sigh. She was not used to showing this vulnerable side to most people, but since Alexis was a colleague she felt comfortable enough to do so. "If you will excuse me, Alexis, I do have some reading I must finish, but it was very nice to see you again. I look forward to hearing news about your...anomaly."

"Of course, Valenna, and if you have any questions, don't be afraid to comm me!" Alexis resisted the urge to bounce over and give her another hug, instead giving a small but energetic wave before departing the room.


OFF:
Lieutenant Alexis Aenera
Science Officer
USS Astraea

Lieutenant Valenna
Chief Science Officer
USS Astraea