The More the Merrier
Posted on Sat Jul 29th, 2023 @ 7:04pm by Lieutenant Commander Alyssa Maren
Edited on on Tue Aug 1st, 2023 @ 10:03pm
0 words; about a 1 minute read
Mission:
Episode 14 - The Poseidon Adventure
Location: Science Lab 1 - Deck 6 - USS Pioneer
Timeline: MD012 0830 hrs
With no one to spend shore leave with, Alyssa spent much of her free time on the ship-with trips to both the planet and station to see the gardens and the cultural sites. It gave the rest of her department more time for themselves. It was for this reason that she was in the main science lab going over data on the planet below when the door opened and a Trill in science blue walked in.
"Hi. Can I help you?" she asked.
Zanna looked surprised to see someone in the labs. "Oh, yes, hi. I am the new science officer. I just onboarded from the Academy! I am sorry, they told me to come down here first before I get settled. By they, I mean some woman in yellow." She shrugged.
"Coming here is fine. I'm Alyssa Maren. Shore leave is a good time to make some updates and changes as there's nothing for anyone to do--outside of botany." She turned back to the computer and pulled up a list of new crew. When she saw Zanna's name, she blinked in momentary surprise. "You're fresh out of the Academy and assigned here as an assistant?" That was almost never done and she wondered what there was about the woman to warrant it.
Zanna shrugged. "Well. I went to college on Trill, and worked for a bit at the National Science Foundation," she said, "So I DO have some experience," she said. "I am as surprised as you are!" She said. "The only thing I can think of is that I got a fantastic recommendation from my former employer," she said, with a shrug.
"That's always a possibility." Alyssa smiled. "I went to university on earth myself. What did you study?"
“Aerospace engineering and xenobiology,” the Trill replied. “Why do you ask?”
"I'm always curious," Alyssa replied. "I also like to know how to best utilize people's abilities. I studied history, archaeology, and anthropology myself. That's where I like to do most of my work, but I enjoy a number of fields. Do you like to work in your chosen fields, or do you like science in general?"
Zanna considered for a moment. "I DO prefer my chosen fields, but I am able to move comfortably through many things. I don't know much about archeology, I'll admit, and not a lot about botany, either, but I am always interested in learning, and I love trying new things," she said.
"Good to know." Alyssa smiled. "There are two of us who are archaeologists, so we have that covered, but I will definitely use you for anything that requires a biologist, as well as general science. Sometimes it's good to throw everyone at a problem to see if we can come up with a viable solution."
"So," Alyssa began, changing the subject, "Tell me something about your time in the Academy."
“Which one, ma’am? I attended the Trill academy first,”’ she said. “I found the Trill Science Academy to be top tier. Star fleet was more technical; as I’d expect-they’re training officers first, and scientists second.” She shrugged lightly. “I was definitely able to focus more on research than academics at the Starfleet Academy, though.” Zanna liked that type of work more than studying.
"Yes. Starfleet Academy focuses more on training officers to have a basic understanding of most positions and how to be a good officer, then on the science that is required. Civilian training goes into more detail as you're expected to find a job in your field and so need a different level of expertise. But I find both to be quite effective. So, you prefer research to field or lab work?”
“Lab work, but I’m comfortable doing both, especially on climate controlled planets,” she said, with a small laugh. “My biggest project right before I left was seeing if a particular type of plant on Trill has any medical benefits,” she said, “and I had to go out into the field AND do lab work.” She was hoping that she sounded capable and confident. “So that kind of project is right up my alley,” she said.
"That's good to know as well." Alyssa would make a note of Zanna's preferences later. "Although I can't guarantee anywhere we go to gather samples will be climate controlled. I've only found that once, and that was inside an asteroid." She took a moment to look over her new assistant to get a better feel for her. "Is there anything you think I should know?"
Zanna laughed. "Perhaps you're visiting the wrong planets," she said. "More and more of them are instituting climate-control technology. Everyone wants to be Risa," she mused.
She shook her head at Alyssa's question. "No, I don't think so. Anything you need to know is in my file. I am pretty much an open book in that way," she said.
Alyssa nodded to the last comment. She'd look over her file later. "As far as planets, I do tend to visit ancient ruins and lost civilizations far more than resorts. The weather and how they dealt with it is part of the culture and I prefer to understand the climate and the flora that thrives there when I'm doing research. But then, I am more interested in the civilization than the amenities. I'm sure most people like to go where they don't have to worry about the weather." She shook her head and smiled. "It's an occupational quirk. Getting back to the questions, are there any you have for me?"
Zanna nodded. "I understand. Since my interests are more in the physical sciences, I am much more of a homebody, I am afraid," she said. "I don't think so...maybe just....what will you expect of me?!"
Alyssa smiled. Zanna reminded her of some of her students when she taught science. "I expect you to do your job and I expect you to ask questions if you're ever unsure of what that entails. There's nothing wrong with being a homebody. I'm afraid that I like to go out and learn. It's part of being an archaeologist and historian. I want to see it for myself. I also enjoy research. Not everyone does, which is fine. I'll let you do what you're more comfortable with at first, and then as you get used to the routine here, I hope you'll want to expand your horizons a bit. But never feel like you have to do something you aren't able to do. We have enough scientists on the Pioneer to cover most of our bases."
Zanna nodded. "I understand. I can do that!" She said. "I am sure there's other things that will come up as we go, too," she said.
"There always are." In fact, in Alyssa's experience, that was more the rule than the exception. "Get settled in and have a look around. We've still got some shore leave so feel free to visit the station and planet too." She smiled at the new officer. "And welcome aboard."
A Joint POst By
Ensign Zanna Ligan
Assistant Chief Science Officer, USS Pioneer
Lieutenant Commander Alyssa Maren
Chief Science Officer, USS Pioneer
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