Posted by Lieutenant Eshrallias zh’Vheris (Chief Science Officer (Outgoing)) in Side sim: Lt. jg. Kanto’s First Day as CSO

Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Kanto (Chief Science Officer (Incoming)) in Side sim: Lt. jg. Kanto’s First Day as CSO
The Vulcan’s eyes opened as the chronometer announced that it was 0600. Today was the day that he officially took over as Chief Science Officer aboard the USS Endeavor. He did not feel any different today than he had any other day. He showered, shaved, and put his uniform on just like any other day. But there was a difference. He affixed the pips of a Lieutenant Junior Grade to his uniform instead of the basic pip of the cadet. As he put the pips on his collar, he glanced to his right where he saw the box that Vheris had given him the day before at the graduation ceremony. He gently turned it as he arched an eyebrow. As a Vulcan, he did not completely understand the sentimentality that came with events like promotions, anniversarys, birthdays and the like, but he accepted that it was a part of most cultures. Even Vulcans had their fair share of traditions, like the Pon Farr, the teachings of Surak, and the IDIC totem. He found himself wondering what could be in the box.

As he turned the box, he carefully opened the lid, to reveal the contents inside…

Lt. jg. Kanto, CSO

By now, Vheris was long gone, heading off to join a team of biologists in their embarkment on a new expedition. But even in her absence, a little piece of her remained in that small, black box.

Nestled between its cozy walls, three small objects rested. The first was the 24th century equivalent of a thumb drive, its face reading ‘Chroniton Study’ in messy letters characteristic of Eshrallias’ hand. The second was a small stone, rugged and sharp, albeit clearly of foreign land. Just between them, a thin sheet of paper (yes, paper) created a small barrier.

It read, in large print:

[Kanto,

I know how passionate you were about the Chroniton study. Sadly, you won’t have as much time to pursue that with your newfound duties as the Endeavour’s CSO. On this hard drive, I’ve compiled several different studies pertaining to chronitons, their composition, reaction to real-time, etc. Additionally, there are the foundations of a holosim that could give you a chance to test out several hypotheses before you go for the major experiment. Hopefully this will save you some time.. and maybe I’ll get to read your paper on chronitons in the new few years.

The second is a rock. I know, it’s bland. However, this rock is from the mountains of Andoria. Our people are infamous for our rivalry, but our comradery over these past months is proof that Andorians and Vulcans can work brilliantly together. This stone, one I have illogically considered to be ‘lucky’ since I was an adolescent, is my way of saying ‘thank you.’ I may have been your mentor, but you have given me more than you could ever imagine.

I hope you’re settling into the new job well. I know Vulcans don’t usually get stressed out, but if you do.. there’s always a bottle of Brandy nearby. Good luck, Kanto.

With great pride,
Vheris Eshrallias]

Kanto characteristically arched his eyebrow as he read the note. He had not realized that Vheris had taken such an interest in his chroniton experiment. I will make her proud, he thought, then immediately thought back to his talk with the Counselor on his first day aboard the Endeavor. He was lucky no one was around to see this sudden display of emotion. As he continued the note, he barely realized that he had set the box down on the counter top while he continued to read. As he finished, he set the note down gently in the box and picked up the rock. His scientific mind immediately began to classify it. He muttered to himself as he turned the rock over.

“Sedimentary, appears to have an approximate 2.9% erosion factor, likely caused by being substantially handled. Definitely acquired on a mountain in a very cold region, due to environmental fragmentation…”

Realizing that he was talking to himself, Kanto smirked quietly to himself. “I will miss you too, Lieutenant,” he said under his breath, then almost immediately regained his stoic expression. He put the rock in his pocket, then made his way to the CSO’s office. My office, he thought, though he did not think he would ever get used to that…

-Lt. jg. Kanto, CSO