Posted by Cadet Kanto (Scientist) in CSO Office: Cadet Kanto reporting for duty

Posted by Lieutenant Eshrallias zh’Vheris (Chief Science Officer) in CSO Office: Cadet Kanto reporting for duty

Posted by Cadet Kanto (Scientist) in CSO Office: Cadet Kanto reporting for duty
Posted by… suppressed (9) by the Post Ghost! 👻
As Kanto made his way through the corridors of the starship Endeavour, he was unexpectedly hit with a twinge of what he believes humans call regret. After finishing with honors at the Vulcan Science Academy, he spent several years on the Vulcan science vessel Lakur, studying anomalies in the Briar Patch. Recently, after much meditation on the subject, Kanto decided that studying anomalies was not the best use of his abilities. His betrothed, T’Lyr, suggested a career in Starfleet, much to the dismay of his father, the captain of the Lakur. The humans would say that he “missed” T’Lyr and his father, Krynvok. Of course, that was absurd, but he did feel a pain in his chest region. Maybe the doctor could take a look when she took his physical.

He approached the door to the CSO’s office, and composed himself before he hit the chime. “Cadet Kanto, reporting for duty aboard USS Endeavour, as ordered.”

Cadet Kanto
Science Officer
USS Endeavour

“Come in!” A sonorous voice broke through the silence which momentarily followed his brief report. Within seconds, the door would hiss open, revealing the quaint office of a scientist.

At the back of the room, there was a large desk, two chairs situated before the immense surface, which bore holographic images of the Dovarian Nebula, something this particular scientist held close to her heart. There were several small artifacts of the Andorian people, but the most prominent was a glass framed blade, curved in the characteristic ‘u’ of the prominent weapon of their society. Dwelling beyond that small area, the walls seemed to be adorned by several different pictures, ranging from the anatomical structure of a Vulan Sehlat, to the Andorian Blue Ribbon she held framed below an image of a group of seven Starfleet scientists. Beyond those few trinkets, her office was standard and almost bland, if one didn’t know the story behind it.

Sitting behind that desk, a large Andoria sat, writing up a report upon a PaDD. She bore a lean, athletic structure, snowy hair pulled back into the proper do. Pale eyes, born with the indifference of her people, seemed focussed upon the PaDD beneath her. When Kanto entered, however, she rose her head, the intensity of her gaze falling upon him.

“Cadet, please, have a seat.” She rose to a staggering height for a woman, “I am Lieutenant Eshrallias Vheris; yobiu may call me Lieutenant Eshrallias,” She wanted to clarify her last name, due to its formation. “Welcome to the Endeavour.”

Lt. Eshrallias

As Kanto moved toward the seat, his gaze went from the Andorian CSO to the Sehlat anatomy. It was an interesting choice, no doubt included because of its nature to help Vulcans feel at ease in a situation where they normally wouldn’t be. Talking about one’s feelings just wasn’t done on Vulcan. The cadet decided that he would indulge the lieutenant, and engage in the custom of “small talk.”

“Thank you, Lieutenant Eshrallias,” he said, then pointed to the Sehlat. “Their fangs are usually two inches longer than most anatomical depictions would suggest, you know.”

OOC: Sorry, got confused for a minute, as this thread was the counselor’s office… I made the appropriate changes. Also, I reposted this here in the CSO Office thread. :-)

Cadet Kanto
Science

OOC: Apologies! When this was being written, data was sketchy, so it was being wonky. :)

IC:
“The Sehlat?” Eshrallias rose her attention to the anatomical model of the species native to Vulcan. “Yes.. I always found it peculiar how they model them in such a manner. Alas, I suppose ‘close enough’ is sufficient for them.”

The scientist was never much a woman who discussing meager topics, although, she noticed how it seemed to set the young Vulcan at ease, if it were even possible. “I had a professor, back at the Academy, a Vulcan man by the name of Soren; he always spoke quite highly of the Sehlats. He is the one who gave me that model.. I never did understand his fascination with the species, until diving into their anatomical makeup. Truly fascinating creatures, don’t you think? Quite the formidable match to the Le-Matya’s brutality.”

“Yes, I suppose they would be,” Kanto answered, arching an eyebrow as he thought of it. “The sehlats are a bit more practical to domesticate, as well.”

“Would you like something to drink, Cadet?” Her accent was a bit thicker than most, as it bore both Andorian and Southern (American) tints, as she was raised by both sides of the spectrum. “Please, have a seat.”

Lt. Eshrallias
CSO

Kanto took his seat as he nodded. “Water would be appreciated,” he replied, “Thank you.” He thought that would be the end of the ‘small talk’, so he decided to get right to business. “Lieutenant, I believe I understand what my duties will be on board the Endeavour, so I just want you to know that I will perform to the best of my ability, exceeding expectations where I can. Do you have any specific orders? I would prefer to get right to work.”

Kanto was anxious, if you could even describe a Vulcan using that word. He wanted to prove to himself that he was able to do so much more than map anomalies and study plasma clouds…

Cadet Kanto
Science

“Don’t rush, Cadet. You will only cause yourself more anquish by doing so,” Eshrallias observed his willingness to hop right in, respecting his tenacity and energy. “I would like to discuss with you before assigning you orders. I am here to be your mentor, the final teacher before you take on Starfleet. I cannot help you, if I don’t know who you are.”

Retrieving a glass of water, she set it before him, offering a calm smile. Taking a seat, she crossed one leg over the other. “Tell me, Cadet: what is your specialty?”

Lt. Eshrallias
CSO

Kanto took a sip from the water before answering. He could not begrudge the lieutenant for taking her time, as it was a reasonable request to know more about those under her command.

“Astrophysics and Astrometrics, but I have minors in geological studies and biology, specifically flora of different ecosystems. I was stationed on my father’s science vessel, the Lakur, for twenty years before I joined Starfleet. We were mapping the expanse known as the Briar Patch, studying anomalies and the like. It seemed like it was time for a change, so I applied for the Academy. That brings me here, to you.”

He found himself hoping that Lt. Eshrallias would approve of his answer, as it would lend validation to his being here, now, on the Endeavour.

Cadet Kanto
Science

“Most of the scientists who come through here are clueless dreamers, searching for validation in the stars. They come to Starfleet, hoping to find to sort of purpose, something to yearn for in the realm of science.” Vheris remarked, impressed by what he had offered her. Eshrallias was no easy woman to impress, her Andorian heritage enough to place fact behind such a superstition about her. “Many of them find something, anything to pursue– but only a few of them find a purpose.”

“It is not common I see a man come through who has already seen the stars, who knows what he is capable of, and what he can do.” A faint smile tugged at the corners of lips so dark a shade of blue, they resembled Earth’s deep oceans. “You bring intellect and experience with you, Cadet. And that will make you not only a student, but also, in your own right, a teacher from time to time. Perhaps your experience could teach me a few things and vice versa.”

“I do not wish for our work relations to be one-sided. I am not here to act as your professor, merely a guide towards your path in Starfleet. I want you to know that you can speak up at anytime, tell one of us scientists that we are wrong, just so long as you have proof.” Vheris hummed, wishing to make it quite clear that he wasn’t to be silenced, like he might have been in a classroom. “What fascinated you the most about the Briar Patch?”

Lt. Eshrallias
CSO

“There is not much to tell, really,” he began, then took another sip from his water. “It is a difficult region to travel. It grows at a steady rate of approximately 0.3209 km per stellar year due to the expanding of debris and gasses. The fact that it was created by the effect of two supernovas colliding was fascinating, but in the end, it really is just a briar patch, if you can pardon the expression.”

“Fair enough. I suppose, at some point, you will find that not every scientific endeavour is particularly enthralling.” She mused, shaking her head, the ice behind her eyes remaining frozen in place, even if her calm voice could have threatened to melt it.

Again, he took a sip from the water, then continued. “I am eager to continue my studies, and if there is any way I can be of assistance to you, you have but to let me know.”

Cadet Kanto
Science

“All right, then I won’t keep you much longer,” She nodded. “Tell me one last thing: what are your strengths and weaknesses in this field? What can I help you with,” She inquired, leaning forwards onto her forearms.

Lt. Eshrallias

“My strength,” he began, “is in making sure my weaknesses do not stay such for long, lieutenant. I believe my main weakness is perfection. I strive for it in my duties, and as such, sometimes deadlines can be a problem. But I will see to it that it does not become a major concern. I would appreciate it if you would never mince words with me, and if I am failing in my duties, I would ask that you address it to me at your earliest convenience.”

Cadet Kanto
Science

“I don’t believe you’ve ever worked with an Andorian, have you?” She smiled, “We are not people to bother mincing words and throw them around freely. If we have a problem, you’ll know it.” She assured, “Perfection will get you little in this trade. Science isn’t about figuring out the perfect answer to every question. It is about the trials and the tribulations that get us to that answer, so you can reflect upon that and utilize the same processes that worked, at a later date. It’s an endless cycle, science. But by no means is there a direct answer.” Eshrallias understood the perfectionism in his nature, knowing Vulcans to be studious and concise scienists. However, she believed he had the potential to move past that and grow. “Your strengths and your weaknesses can be your greatest ally, especially the latter.”

Kanto took a moment to consider that. “You are correct in your assumption that I have never worked with an Andorian before, lieutenant. This is actually the first opportunity I have had to work with several peoples that I have never seen before, other than across a viewscreen. I do appreciate that you will not treat me any differently than any other officer under your command. I see that I will have much to learn from you, and I am intrigued about what we can accomplish here.”

She paused, “Do you have any questions you need answered about your posting, the ship, et cetera?”

Lt. Eshrallias
CSO

“I actually do have a couple of questions, Lieutenant,” Kanto began, knowing that this was the best time to ask about any of his concerns. “What is the Endeavour’s policy about scientific pet projects? I do have a couple ideas about personal projects I would like to work on, in my spare time. What, if any, resources would I be able to use to complete them? Other than that, I would like to know if you have any orders, standing or otherwise, for me.”

Cadet Kanto
Science

“The Endeavour is an Academy ship, so she is a bit more strict about personal projects. Although, we encourage them here, as it gives you the chance to work on your own and explore something of your own interests.” She paused, trying to simplify what she knew of these regulations, and chose to go with a basic answer. “Check with me before any of these projects, and we can discuss what materials you need, and determine whether or not they will be permitted here.” She nodded, “Anything else?”

Lt. Eshrallias
CSO