Science for Duty

Posted on Fri Jun 23rd, 2023 @ 9:48am by Lieutenant N'vok Holv & Captain Gary Taylor

Mission: MISSION 0 - History Speaks
Location: Captain's Ready Room
Timeline: Pre-current mission
797 words - 1.6 OF Standard Post Measure

N'vok had dropped his small carryall worth of things in his quarters. Since his return to Starfleet, he had realized how comforting the clutter of little things around his home had been, all little memories, patiently waiting to be accessed. Starfleet had little time or space for such things, however, and he had willingly chosen this path, so no point in wasting time on regrets, such was not the path that Logic dictated. Still, the thought was there.

"Computer, if he is not occupied, please connect me with the Captain."

"Affirmative," replied the computer. "Connection established."

"Captain, this is Lieutenant N'vok, your new science chief. If you have time to meet, I would like to complete the formalities of arrival at a new posting," said the Vulcan.

Gary was in his ready room when the call came from Lieutenant N'vok. "Certainly Lieutenant. I have the time right now. Please come to my ready room and we can discuss your new posting."

"I will be there directly," replied N'vok.

---

True to his word, N'vok made the journey to the Captain's ready room in good time. He pressed the chime. "Lieutenant N'vok, reporting as requested."

Hearing the chime and N'vok's voice, Gary replied, "Enter." Standing behind his desk to meet the new science chief and welcome him to the Elysium.

N'vok enters and nods politely to the captain. "Thank you for your time, Captain. I was honored to be assigned to the Elysium, she is a ship with a fine reputation and a most interesting remit." He pauses. "What questions do you have for me? And are there any tasks that science can immediately help with?"

As N'vok entered, Gary raised his right hand in the traditional Vulcan salute. "Peace and long life to you N'vok. Please have a seat. First question is, would you like something from the replicator? If so, help yourself."

N'vok returned the salute and then sat. "No, thank you, Captain. It is kind of you to offer."

"I am looking forward to getting started," he added. "Though the briefing I was given was short on our planning mission, if any."

Sitting down, Gary nodded. "You're coming into a good department; the former chief science officer is on an extended leave of absence due to events in her personal life. However, the staff has covered for her and never missed a beat."

"The omnicompetence of Starfleet is one of few constants in life," said N'vok. "It is my hope that I will not prove to be a disruption to that harmonious relationship. New chiefs sometimes cause resentment, earned or not."

"I think you will find the science department aboard the Elysium is second to none. They are all professionals and your appointment as chief won't cause any disruption in the way the department runs. I would not worry about your presence being a disruption."

"Such is my hope," said N'vok. "As is usual for science, we will be pursuing our own paths of research until we are called upon to help Starfleet in some manner. But, given that the Elysium has some fairly new technology, is there anything, in particular, you would have us monitor or study?"

"Nothing that comes immediately to hand." Gary replied with a shake of his head and a slight smile. You have standing orders to make good use of the technology you have at your disposal. So, investigate the spacial anomalies or the occasional quasar. Learn what there is to learn and then we can add the information to the Science and Federation databases and that will help those who may not have the technology to do any investigating on their own."

N'vok nodded. "It will be a good task. I must say, I look forward to being out among the stars. My previous service in Starfleet was almost entirely station based, which, while among the stars, is not quite as . . . exciting as service on a starship."

"A statement I totally agree with." Gary answered. "Being on a starship especially on like the Elysium, that goes into deep space is an amazing experience and having experienced it, I wouldn't settle for anything less. Nothing against life on a station but there really isn't any comparison between the two,"

N'vok nods. "I look forward to experiencing it first hand. Naturally, we in science will be ready to take on any task you need us to. But if there is nothing else, I would like to meet with my team and get settled in with them."

Gary shook his head, "No nothing else Mr. N'vok other than to again welcome you to the Elysium." After finishing, Gary rose and raised his right hand again. "Live long and prosper Mr. N'vok."

N'vok stood and returned the gesture. "Live long and prosper, Captain."