242005.28 | "Welcome to CST"

Posted on Thu May 28th, 2020 @ 11:29pm by Ensign Noq Vodd

Mission: Dust Stirring

=/\= Holography Lab, Cold Station Theta

“Ensign, may I see you in my office, please?” Lieutenant Palmer asked as he approached a young Bolian from behind.

That Bolian's name was Noq Vodd, and he had been been working on the primary reason for his assignment to CS Theta – an ambitious project to create stable holographic decoys to aid vessels in star ship combat. His current focus with regard to this project was finding a way to create offensive capabilities that actually caused damage to the opposing vessel. In short: he needed to turn off the safeties on a massive scale; and there was a lot more that was needed to create the vision of the project's creator, but somewhere he'd heard the phrase “One impossible thing at a time,” and that had become his mantra.

It wasn't often that he needed to interact with the station's staff due to the nature of his assignment; technically, this specific R&D project assignment under the command of a civilian contractor: Doctor Reilly. As a junior officer, it wasn't often he needed to consult with those outside of his work group, and that was what made the appearance of Lt Palmer so strange—what could the station's Chief of Operations want with a random Ensign he'd never met.

“Of course, sir,” the enthusiastic Ensign replied, dropping the PADD he'd been working on as if it were too hot to handle. “If this is regarding the physical integrity test next week, my estimates were as... conservative as I could make them,” he continued as he approached and fell into step with the Lieutenant. “You see, I understand that maintaining the balance of resources is one of the more challenging aspects of your job, especially considering the massive scale of the station's resources, and juggling them with the expectations of...”

Noq didn't stop talking until they'd reached Palmer's office and with a look of exasperation the Lieutenant held up his hand in the universal gesture that encouraged others to be quiet, thereby interrupting Noq's explanation of the disastrous and, quite frankly embarrassing events that preceded the presentation of his final project in Advanced Intergalactic Communication at the Academy.

“Ensign,” the Lieutenant began, forestalling his initial inclination to grab a seat and offer his guest a drink—seemed as if they'd be there for hours if the verbose Bolian was given the opportunity to get comfortable. “Your project leader has impressed upon me how pleased he is with your work on this 'Photonic Fleet' project, and feels that you are ready for a position with a bit more responsibility.”

“Really?” Noq replied with a bit more enthusiasm that was necessary. “That's fantastic news! I'm so glad that she feels that way!” he continued to exclaim. “You know, I was really excited when she chose me—of all people—as a holo-tech on this truly groundbreaking project. Right out of the Academy--technically before the day I graduated. Did she tell you the story? You see, I was actually having dinner wi--”

“No, she didn't, but why don't we discuss that another time?” the Lieutenant interjected. Thankfully, Ensign Vodd didn't immediately attempt to resume his vocal train of thought.

From his perspective, Vodd felt that the fascinating tale of the moment he received the first official assignment of his Starfleet career was an experience that any officer could understand, and what better way to learn about him than to hear about the things he'd accomplished and struggles he'd worked his way through. It had only happened a few short months ago; thankfully he had also learned over the course of his Academy instruction that when a senior officer interrupted him it was protocol to stop talking.

“What she did tell me,” the Lieutenant continued, “was that she feels you would be a good fit here. After reading over your record, I agree.” As he reached for a PADD he winced, realizing his mistake almost immediately. The break in conversation was an opportunity for the Ensign to resume his babbling.

Noq thought nothing of saying “That's high praise coming from such a brilliant and experienced scientist,” during the split second when the Lieutenant paused to take a breath. “Did you kno--”

“THESE are your orders.” Palmer thrust the PADD into the Bolian's blue hands, glad to've forestalled another wandering narrative, but feeling slightly guilty at his own brusqueness. “We're giving you a couple days to get your affairs in order, then you are to report to Commander Merlin, as you'll be joining the station's Operations Department as Alpha Shift Ops Officer.”

“Really!?” Vodd exclaimed a second time, with even more excitement in his body language and the pitch of his voice. “Thank you SO much Lieutenant! I can't wait to work with you! This is an amazing opportunity, and, y'know while I am really enjoying working with Doctor Reilly, the opportunity for real-live deep space duty is huge! Do you have any idea? Just before graduation EVERYBODY was hoping to get out there among the stars to live their Starfleet fantasy. I remember one of my best friends—and roommate—so many funny stories with this guy. Anyway...”

What have I done? Palmer wondered as he pinched the bridge of his nose.

“... but even though I lost the bet, holography was one of may favorite courses of study, so I didn't really care. I mean, I was recruited by a civilian with enough Federation clout to basically have her own star ship! Can you believe it!?” Vodd concluded, pausing as if he anticipated Palmer's excitement to rival his own.

“Yes,” Palmer deadpanned. “You're standing here, and I've read your service record, so yes, I ca—Ensign. I'm sorry but I have a lot of work to do. Your station credentials have already been authorized, so you can pick your quarters and move in on your own; just make sure you report to the Commander prior to your first shift. Dismissed.”

“Do you mean like the day before, or an hour or two before?” Vodd asked, almost as if he either didn't understand that he'd been dismissed, or maybe didn't hear it. “First impressions are important, and I really want to make a good one if I'm gonna be working with the CO of this place for however long he'll have me. Should I bring him something? Not like a bribe or anything, but maybe a cup of coffee. Tea? Does he prefer tea? Some people don't mind either, but some are absolutely opposed to one or the...”

By the time Noq took his leave from the Lieutenant's office, Palmer knew that he would do whatever it took to avoid attending any staff meeting the Bolian planned to attend. A full day could pass and Vodd would only be halfway through introducing himself.


=/\= Ensign Noq Vodd
Chief of Operations, Cold Station Theta

 

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