Stopping By the Science Lab

Posted on Fri Dec 13th, 2024 @ 2:14am by Commander Marisa Sandoval & Lieutenant C'Mila Juli
Edited on on Sat Dec 14th, 2024 @ 12:48am

1,241 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Like Sands Through The Hourglass
Location: Science Lab, USS Herodotus
Timeline: MD001 1700

ON

Marisa wanted to get familiar with the ship and senior staff before they left the starbase, so she spent some of her time simply walking the decks. As she passed the science department, she stopped to look inside. Until now, she'd spent a good part of her Starfleet career working in science and she was curious about the department on the Herodotus. and if the chief was around, that would also give her a chance to say hello.

Juli was examining the science lab with some scrutiny as she drank hot chai from a thermal mug with the Herodotus' logo printed on it. It was smaller than she was used to, but she was also getting the impression that this wasn't the mission where she'd be running science experiments simply for the sake of science. She turned at the familiar swoosh of the doors and saw who she assumed by appearances was the first officer standing at the threshold. Juli did a quick search around her and placed her cup on the nearest counter and crossed the floor to greet the commander.

"Lieutenant C'Mila Juli, Chief Science Officer," Juli announced as she paused at attention in the middle of lab.

Marisa acknowledged Juli with a nod of her head and took a quick look around. "Hello, lieutenant. I'm Marisa Sandoval. I stopped by to say hello and see how science is doing. Do you have a few minutes?"

"Of course, Commander. What can I do for you?" Juli responded. She maintained formality, as was her practice with senior officers until otherwise given permission.

"This is an informal visit. I simply wish to meet you and ascertain if you or your department have any needs before we depart." She raised an eyebrow. "What branch of science is your focus?"

Juli relaxed a bit and nodded. "It's nice to meet you, Commander. I was just doing the same thing myself," Juli commented gesturing to the lab. "I double majored in astrophysics and chemistry at the Academy. At different points in my career, one might have taken precedence over the other, though they certainly can intertwine," Juli responded. "I am interested in so much more than just that though, and I read a lot so I think you'll find that I can be pretty resourceful in a lot of areas. I try to be anyway."

"Excellent. I know you will be a great addition to the crew. I have a fondness for science myself. I studied social sciences. If I can be of assistance in those areas, let me know. Otherwise, I'll leave you to run the department as you see fit." Marisa didn't want to step on the chief's toes. She simply loved her work and enjoyed helping out.

"Thanks," Juli said with an appreciative nod. "I'm sure we'll all be helping each other out quite a bit with a crew this size. I think there's a Human phrase, wearing different hats?"

"Yes. We all must wear different hats at one point or other." Marisa smiled. "It is one of the reasons I look forward to serving on the Herodotus." The chance to actually see history was another. It was an incredibly opportunity for a scientist.

"I can agree with that. I do my best work when I'm busy. I honestly still don't know what to expect here, but I'm good with getting a handle on things as we go. This kind of mission is definitely a hard first for me," Juli responded.

Marisa nodded. "Yes. I believe the only person who really has an idea of what to expect is the captain. I look forward to gaining additional historic knowledge, even if none of it can be shared." It was still an incredible opportunity to see what historians got right--and what they got wrong.

Juli smiled. "Honestly, I like the idea of getting to do something that so few people get a chance to do. There's something kind of thrilling about it."

"Yes. There is definitely that. Working here is an incredible opportunity. I personally believe that science will get the most out of this assignment, but I am sure other departments will disagree." But Marisa was getting off track. While she wanted to get to know the other science officer, she did have other questions. "I also stopped by to ask if you have any additional needs for your department."

"You know, now that I think about it we could use a few small drones. We could get tricorder tech into something pretty tiny, but if we go just a bit larger we'd have more capabilities to penetrate shielding, see deeper below ground. Since we hope to use the transporter more than the ship, that could be useful. Do you think there would be a problem with that?" Juli asked.

"I think it would depend where we go." Marisa wasn't sure it would be a good idea if they went to a more primitive location, but there was definitely a benefit to what Juli suggested. "I will ask the captain. If he has no problem with it, I can make sure you have the parts necessary to create a variety of these probes."

Juli smiled. "That would be great. What about you or the Captain. Is there anything you'd like me to be working on or doing while we wait for the rest of the crew to arrive?" She asked.

"Double check your inventory. Now is a good time to bring on any supplies your department may need. That and get familiar with the ship." As everyone but the captain was new, there were bound to be some requests and Marisa would prefer to take care of them now than after they left the station.

Juli nodded. "I will. The ship especially. I never dreamed I'd be serving on a time ship in my career. I definitely want to spend as much time as possible learning my way around some of the unfamiliar systems."

"Agreed. There is much most of us need to learn about the ship--myself included. That is second on my list of things to do." First was meeting the senior staff. Marisa was not familiar with time ships, but she would be by the time they left the station. "Is there anything you need from me before I leave you to your work?"

Juli shook her head. "I don't think so, Commander. But I'm not shy about asking, so if I think of something, I'll let you know." It was true, she wasn't. She'd been a department head for long enough to know that the only way to get things for your department and crew was to advocate.

"Good. I am glad I can rely on you to tell me what you need. As we both know, not everyone is comfortable doing that." She smiled. Juli was a good fit for the ship. That meant a lot to Marisa as she, too, had been a chief science officer. "Then I will let you get back to your work."

"Thanks for stopping by. It was nice meeting you, Commander," Juli replied with a smile.



A Post By


Lieutenant C'amila Juli
Chief Science Officer
USS Herodotus DTI-30656



Commander Marisa Sandoval
Executive Officer
USS Herodotus DTI-30656

 

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