Posted by Cadet Rhese Bowman (Scientist) in Checking in with the CSO (Tag CSO, Cadet Bowman)

Posted by Lieutenant T’Kam (Chief Science Officer) in Checking in with the CSO (Tag CSO, Cadet Bowman)

Posted by Cadet Rhese Bowman (Scientist) in Checking in with the CSO (Tag CSO, Cadet Bowman)
Posted by… suppressed (8) by the Post Ghost! 👻
snip

T’Kam’s face remained rather cold and emotionless, which wasn’t much of a surprise coming from a Vulcan. “Are you sure Cadet? I have heard that Tarkalean tea is supposed to have a relaxing effect on individuals. Though I hope you do not mind, but I will be having a beverage as well.” He turned towards the replicator before continuing, “Computer, one spiced Vulcan tea. Hot, sixty-eight point seven degrees Celsius.” As the replicator whirled to life creating the hot tea, he looked back to see if the cadet changed his mind at all and picked up the hot tea cup by it’s handle.

Lt. T’Kam (CSO)

Bowman thought for a moment. It occurred to him that while the Lieutenant’s face showed no signs of emotion or judgement, he had certainly already pegged the cadet accurately, given the suggestion. “Actually, a Tarkalean tea does sound nice. Warm though, please – 43.9 degrees Celsius,” he said. Rhese appreciated that at least the CSO was accommodating, and became disarmed somewhat in that T’Kam seemed to understand his nervous excitement at being posted to his first ship – even if Vulcans couldn’t relate to the feeling. Bowman was further assuaged, he found, as he noted that the Vulcan also seemed to have made it a point to be specific with his own drink order with regard to the temperature – he felt as though he was around something of a kindred spirit. While thus far Vulcans had remained something of an enigma to Bowman, he felt that at least he could relate to this Vulcan; and this realization began to set his mind at ease.

Cadet Rhese Bowman (Scientist)

“Of course. Computer, one Tarkalean tea, warm. Forty-three point nine degrees Celsius.” The machine systematically whirled to life again to create the beverage and he picked it up with his other hand, making his way back to his desk. He gently placed the Tarkalean tea in from of this cadet while setting his own in front of his chair before taking a seat himself. “Please feel free to take a moment to relax. I am still getting everything situated myself. I have just arrived to the Challenger myself yesterday.” He took a moment to bring up the Cadet’s record and academics on the desks built-in display, glancing through the major details. “Once you are ready we shall start with something simple, like introductions. Do not feel rushed, take your time.” With that being said he picked up his tea to take a small sip of the hot liquid before reading through bits of his profile.”

Lt. T’Kam (CSO)

“Thank you, sir.” Likewise, Bowman picked up the drink in front of him, took a sip, and carefully set it back onto the desk in the exact spot that the Vulcan had placed it originally. “Well, my specialties are centered within the life sciences: biology, with specific emphasis on botany and ecology, and zoology. Unfortunately, I was posted to the Challenger before some of my more advanced courses at the Academy, like the exobiology and xenobiology courses, could be completed.” Rhese had naturally been making some limited hand gestures as he spoke, he noticed then. It didn’t seem to phase him, though, as he continued: “So, I would imagine I would be most useful for surveys where the study of plant and animal life would be important, sir.” Then, it occurred to Rhese that perhaps the Vulcan had asked for introductions of a more personal nature… but he couldn’t be sure. Bowman had always been curious; but he did not like to assume. “What else would you like to know, sir?”

Cadet Rhese Bowman (Scientist)

He set down his cup as well before looking into the Cadet’s eyes, somewhat of a more serious tone came apparent in his gaze. “I would not take the Cadet cruise lightly if I were you Cadet Bowman. Starfleet has recognized your talents and has given you an opportunity to assist in crewing a vessel that is currently in service. This is training and yet it is not. If this vessel comes under the orders of a mission to accomplish you will be here to assist as you would if you were an Ensign ordered to this ship and if necessary take command of the vessel.” Despite his proper posture he seemed to sit up a bit more straight as he continued, “Advanced courses can still be taken in the future, but for now you must give your all as your assignment here. As is my duty to help assist you along the way and provide insight and guidance when needed.”

Bowman’s face flushed lightly. “My appologies, sir. I certainly did not intend to imply that I view my having been posted to the Challenger lightly in any manner! Quite the opposite; I am honored to serve on this vessel. I recognize that it is both training and service, and I welcome the opportunity. I meant, sir, only to say that I might have felt more prepared for everything we might find ourselves faced with, had I been able to study even more courses at the Academy.” At this, Bowman’s expression had become quite sobered. “And I appreciate your guidance, sir,” Rhese continued genuinely. “I believe that I will learn quite a lot from your leadership and from your example, and I am humbled to have been granted this posting, Lieutenant.”

He averted his gaze towards his cup with tea in it and picked it back up, taking another small sip. before looking back at the Cadet, the intense gaze gone, just a neutral demeanor was present. “Biology is always an important field, especially if the need for a planetary survey arises. My specialty fields are Warp Theory and Astrophysics if that gives you any insight as to what I find enjoyable about Science. I do know many other fields, however I am by no means an expert and strive to educate myself whenever possible. Who knows Cadet, perhaps you might be able to teach me a think or two, but tell me. What was your favorite thing about your Classes to date?” He brought up the schedules that he had in his classes for the past few years he had been a Cadet at the Starfleet Academy for review.

Lt. T’Kam (CSO)

At this, the Cadet’s face brightened noticeably. “Oh, well… I suppose what I enjoyed most, sir, was learning about the biodiversity on the various worlds of the Federation.” Rhese could not help but feel a sense of nostalgia now, reminiscing quietly about his childhood years in Alaska; how he’d watched the insects as they developed through their various stages, during the short spring and summer season months which are characteristic of the far northern latitudes on Earth. And how, too, after ‘break-up’ (when the winter ice has thawed just enough that the flowing waters of the rivers and streams become visible, and carry the chunks of ice downstream as they continue, melting away as they go) as it’s called by the locals, everything begins to blossom and green up, seemingly overnight (though of course, it happens in the matter of one to two weeks)! Indeed, Bowman was a bit lost in the moment, then – which he realized suddenly, as his slightly distant gaze turned quickly back to the ‘here and now.’ “It was all fascinating, really,” he continued. “But it reminded me of home, in a lot of ways.”

Cadet Rhese Bowman (Scientist)

OOC: Ugh. Somehow messed up my snip as well as the inter-cut between your comments. Sorry! Any advice? :(

OOC: No worries, that happens to me fairly often lol what I usually do is I just make sure where I want to insert that there’s a blank space above and below my reply with no carrot symbols, just a blank line above and below and it should do a cut in normally. A+ for effort though! Cut in replies can be a little tricky sometimes, but you caught on to them pretty fast!

IC: T’Kam nodded. “The beginning of Science and discovery tends to always start with questions about ones surroundings. In the field of Biology I suppose that it is more of a curiosity of one’s surroundings. How does this exist? Why does a certain species act in a certain manner? Why does this feature look the way it does? All sensible and intelligent questions that one could think growing up. I believe you could have a bright future in this field Mr. Bowman, that is certain.” He closed and dismissed the console from his desk letting it go dark. “Tell me, what are you aspirations as a person of Science?” He placed his hands together, resting his forearms on the edge of the desk, leaning slightly forward to give the cadet his full attention, curious as to what his answer would be.

Lt. T’Kam (CSO)

Rhese took a moment to gather his thoughts before answering, as he picked up his tea. He thoughtfully took a small sip, and then carefully and deliberately set the cup back onto the desk. “I’d like to develop more efficient growing techniques for plants so that they’d produce more while requiring less time and resources. It would go a long way towards assisting in efficiency for… say, new colonies, or – or even with increasing the food supply of a starship!” Bowman was visibly enthusiastic as he spoke; it was easy to note that he was one who was passionate about his work. “I could even see myself working to create various hybridizations of existing vegetables, for example, to accomplish these kinds of goals. Some types will probably be more suited to certain specific kinds of environments, and not others – so it would be an ongoing process… a lot of experimentation,” the cadet continued. “That’s one of the reasons why I felt that Starfleet would be a great fit for me, sir. And,” the cadet added, “why I hope to show that I can be a great fit with Starfleet, too. I know that I’m going to learn a lot – a lot more than I’ve already learned at the Academy, even!” Bowman smiled. He truly was grateful for this opportunity.

Cadet Rhese Bowman (Scientist)

T’Kam followed along, listening to all that the cadet had to say, taking a sip of his own tea here and there as he listened. “I see, increased production and efficiency for newly formed colonies would be incredibly beneficial for food sources early on or even for plants to begin a change in climate on a terraforming project.” He recalled the mention of the hybridization of crops that would require extensive experimentation and raised his eyebrow, “As for the experimentation, that is one of the more beneficial parts to the process of Science in my opinion. You test, you fail, you learn. This cycle repeats itself many times throughout your career in Starfleet. I would like to impart some wisdom if I may? Do not be afraid of failure or think of it as a mistake. I would implore you to see it as something to learn from; an educational experience. This is what propels knowledge forward. If humanity was afraid of failure, I doubt they would have invented their warp drives so early, let alone be leaders amongst the United Federation of Planets.”

At this, Bowman merely nodded in agreement. Failure was, after all, one of the greatest teachers. Bowman picked up his tea and took a few more sips as the Vulcan continued.

He leaned back again so that he wasn’t leaning forward against the desk anymore. “I believe I have learned a good deal about you so far and that should be enough for today, though I would like to change the prerogative and ‘flip the script’ so to speak. Do you have any questions for me Cadet?”

Lt. T’Kam (CSO)

The cadet took another drink from his tea as he thought for a moment. He had not anticipated that T’Kam would offer this opportunity! Question after question ran through his mind; but finally, he seemed to settle on one. Bowman leaned forward somewhat, and set the tea back onto the desk, and then returned to a straightened posture as he spoke. “Thank you, sir! On the trip over to the Challenger, I took the time to look into your service record so I would have a better idea of how to best serve in your department,” Bowman began. His face then began to relate a curious expression, and he tilted his head slightly as he continued: “I did wonder, though, why you chose to serve in Starfleet rather than, say, the Vulcan Science Directorate, or the High Command?”

OOC: D’Oh!
IC: Cadet Rhese Bowman (Scientist)