: Posted by Lieutenant Heinrich Zimmermann (Chief Science Officer) in Ready Room CO meets with CSO
: : Posted by Captain Balian Ibn Barazan (CO) in Ready Room CO meets with CSO
: : : Posted by Lieutenant Heinrich Zimmermann (Chief Science Officer) in Ready Room CO meets with CSO
: : : : Posted by Captain Balian Ibn Barazan (CO) in Ready Room CO meets with CSO
: : : : : Posted by Lieutenant Heinrich Zimmermann (Chief Science Officer) in Ready Room CO meets with CSO
: : : : : : Posted by Captain Balian Ibn Barazan (CO) in Ready Room CO meets with CSO
: : : : : : : Posted by Lieutenant Heinrich Zimmermann (Chief Science Officer) in Ready Room CO meets with CSO
: : : : : : : : Posted by Captain Balian Ibn Barazan (CO) in Ready Room CO meets with CSO
: : : : : : : : Now that things had settled a bit, the new Captain of the Manhattan decided it was time to meet with each of the Senior Staff, these were the individuals he would come to rely on to coordinate their departments and serve his orders to those below him. That was how a smooth ship worked. Hmm Balian considered Lieutenant Hienrich Zimmerman, his Head Squint. It showed that Zimmerman did well at the Academy, very well, he had a decent staff, and Sheriye had not complained about working for the man. That boded well, this was a science and exploration vessel on a science and exploration mission, that meant a lot of work for Lieutenant Zimmerman, and that work had to be done well.
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: : : : : : : : =^= Lieutenant Zimmerman, Please come to my Ready Room=^= Came the voice of the new Captain, it was soft, rich, and velvety, the accent was hard to place as it was a blend of many.
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: : : : : : : : Captain Balian Ibn Barazan
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: : : : : : : Having finished up with the newest scientist on the ship, Sheriye, and her introduction with himself - Zimmermann was riffling through his PADDs and assorted documents on his desk, in his office. Though he certainly had filled out his fair share of paperwork through his numerous academic ventures, never had he expected the CSO position to take that to an entirely new level. Still - he enjoyed the challenge, and the scientific rewards of serving on the Manhattan were beyond immense. In a moment of clarity, the German found the stack of paper he was looking for, just as his communicator beeped with the Captain’s message.
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: : : : : : : =/\= “Ja, Captain. Right away, sir.” =/\=
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: : : : : : : Picking up the PADD he’d left to the side of the his desk, Heinrich somewhat mindlessly made his way out of the science lab, through the corridors, up the turbolift, and on to the bridge - all with very little active attention. The scientist’s mind was firmly stuck on the PADD at hand, laden with current scientific reports from all of the sub-divisions - if the CO was calling him in to quiz the CSO on his department’s activities, he would find the Manhattan in perhaps the most productive shape it had been since its commissioning. Still, the lieutenant couldn’t shake the slight feeling of unease at meeting the new captain, at walking into a whole valley of unknowns.
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: : : : : : : What will he be like? Soft, and easy to get my own way? A charlatan, with a ‘penchant for the sciences’? Perhaps the most likely - harsh, but fair? These questions swirled about Zimmermann’s head, as he pressed the chime on the CO’s door - taking a step back, and a final breath before he was let in to the den of the unknown.
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: : : : : : : Lieutenant Heinrich Zimmermann,
: : : : : : : Chief Science Officer
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: : : : : : When the chime rang, that same voice, though slightly muffled by the door, stated “Enter” and the door responded by allowing entrance into the Ready Room. Captain Barazan had taken over for the missing Captain Amundsen after consult with Starfleet Headquarters. That meant the ready room was no his ready room, and it now reflected the ecclectic style of the Captain. There was a bookcase with actual books in multiple languages. There was a common thread among them, strategy and tactics, war and combat. To the right of the desk behind the Captain was a rounded bronze shield emblazoned with images of hearth and home. There appeared to be a sword and spear attached to said shield that were from the same era. On the left was a different type of shield more of a tear drop emblazzoned with a double barred cross on a field of white. This time the sword was settled into a rack above the shield. Near the door was a glass case with several models of ships, There was a stand marked Manhattan but it was currently Empty. On the opposite wall were a pair of paintings, one of a Sailing vessel having a battle at sea, and the other of Pendragon class Battleship fighting the Dominion.
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: : : : : : Balian rose from behind the desk and stepped around it, offering a hand to the scientist. “Lieutenant Zimmerman?” Balian asked as the man entered.
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: : : : : : Captain Balian Ibn Barazan, CO USS Manhattan
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: : : : : As the doors opened to the will and command of the new captain, Heinrich was given his first glance of the ready room’s new interior design. Taking a few slow steps into the room, he took note of each individual item proudly on display; a portrayal of the El Aurian’s inner psyche and, most likely, his past experiences. Swords, spears, ships with cannons (both new and old!) - in a first impression, Zimmermann noted that the commanding officer clearly had a penchant for conflict. Taking a few more steps into the room, the German squared up to Balian as the captain himself made his way across the room to meet the scientist.
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: : : : : All these implements of war… The CSO pondered a slight moment longer, as the CO began to extend his hand for Heinrich to shake. …and all the while, somewhat tempered and restrained. Shields, images of peace and contentment, models of ships of exploration to mark a stark contrast - truly an enigma…
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: : : : : Zimmermann accepted the ranking officer’s hand, matching the other man’s firmness as a sign of mutual respect. “Ja, Captain. Lieutenant Heinrich Zimmermann, Chief Science Officer.” As the pair broke their handshake, Heinrich gave a slight nod and a respectful smile, taking a half step back, waiting to be further addressed by the El Aurian.
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: : : : : …one I sincerely hope I can put my faith in, as my superior. The German had hoped he could contain his inner thoughts, without his pondering spilling on to his face - whether he succeeded in that, however, was entirely up to however attentive the captain was to such minute changes in body language. The scientist tapped his PADD upon the palm of his other hand once again, awaiting further prompting from the CO.
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: : : : : Lieutenant Heinrich Zimmermann,
: : : : : Chief Science Officer
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: : : : Others had entered the room, and looked around, it appeared that the Chief Science Officer was analyzing the room, trying to create some hypothesis, and reading of the man that occupied it. He was certain the man had issues with the turnover rate of the Commanding Officer on this vessel. Balian moved back around the desk and settled into his chair. “Have a seat Dr. Zimmerman, can I get you anything?’ Balian asked.
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: : : Graciously nodding at the thoughtful offer of both a chair and refreshment, the CSO kept standing until Balian had taken to the seat opposite, then sinking down into his own. “Thank you, Captain. Und, nein, thank you - unless you insist on this being more a congenial meeting, than a formal one!” Chuckling slightly, Heinrich ceased fidgeting with his PADD, taking the liberty of resting it upon the CO’s desk. The scientist certainly wouldn’t turn down a glass of something hearty, if the CO were offering, although Zimmermann wasn’t sure if the El Aurian were to take a enough of a liking to him this quickly for that.
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: : : : Balian needed to make sure he made a good bridge here, this was the primary department of this command, it was a Science and Exploration Vessel, not Balian’s strongest suit, not in the least. Taking a sip from his mug of Coffee, “I will readily admit, that I am a Tactical Captain, Prior to this Command I was Captain of a Pendragon Class Battleship, Please catch me up on what your department has going at the moment”
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: : : : Captain Balian Ibn Barazan
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: : : The Captain’s immediate jumping to admitting his position as a tactical captain, the German was both relieved, and slightly worried. At the least, the man therefore seemed to respect that he wasn’t an expert in quantum mechanics, and would leave that to the boffins in blue. However, Balian’s quick jump to this defensive demonstrated that the CSO had been caught out in his slight psychoanalysing of the CO! Thankfully, he didn’t seem to mind - or at least, didn’t show it…
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: : Balian was used to be analyzed by one person or another. It was part of humanoid behavior. At least the Chief Squint had put it mostly in the open. The Captain accounted himself an excellent card player, with a great poker face, and he felt he was about to need that ability.
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: : : “Nein, sir. That is completely understandable! A captain who can make a snap decision in the face of danger is very comforting… As long as he doesn’t have his fingers in the pies of departments, especially where he has no experience. That’s what a chain of command is for, so the experts can go abo–” Zimmermann cut himself short quickly, but perhaps all too late.
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: : There was nothing said by the Captain, but his left eyebrow quirked a bit, and he wondered what the CSO had not said. Well he used the word experts so he likely meant himself, and the rest of the Dorktaculars. That was not fair, Sheriye was a scientist, and she was mostly okay, and but then again he knew her. It was kind of a strange form of judgementalism, Sheriye was okay, she was his scientist, the others were a mixture of dorks, geeks, squints, nerds, and weirdos.
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: : : “My apologies, Captain. In my time in Starfleet, I have dealt with far too many ‘experts’, who are anything but…” Bowing his head slightly, with a slight mix of shame and guilt upon his face, the chief scientist continued his apology. “…but you haven’t given me any indication that you’d be like this, and I’m sure you’d cede to my expert advice.”
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: : Sure Balian was likely to cede to the man’s advice, as long as it made sense. He was not going to blindly cede to anyone’s advice that was asking for trouble. He understood the difference between Arm Chair ‘experts’ and actual experts. As Captain it was ultimately his responsibility whether he was the expert or not, that meant learning to rely on this man to give him the correct advice on Science Issues, but not only Science Issues, the man was still a star fleet officer, and Balian owed the man a responsibility to aid in advancing his career, and future in such.
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: : : Picking up the PADD he had earlier set upon the CO’s desk, Heinrich prodded it a few times, before digesting the information, relaying it in response to the El Aurian’s question. “Ahh, so, ja, Captain. As you may or may not know, the Manhattan-class has 3 multi-purpose laboratories, and 20 specialised laboratories - including…” A long breath in marked the start of a rapid-fire listing of the ship’s science capabilities.
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: : Though his face did not show it as he lifted his mug and took a sip of coffee. He fought hard to maintain his attention and not begin hearing….Whaah, Whaaahwan, Whaah, Whaaaahwan. Balian decided that when the man was done, they needed a drink, to make this meeting a bit more casual. He knew that there was a good bottle of brandy in the bottom drawer. Wait, did he say 20 labs, and why the deep breath. Hiding behind the coffee mug, Balian buried a sigh in a long draw from the steaming liquid.
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: : : “…4 agricultural and botanical science labs, 3 biological and zoological labs, 2 chemical and general physics labs, 3 geological and other earth science labs, 2 computer science and computer engineering labs, and finally, 3 robotics and cybernetics labs.” Very contented with himself, Zimmermann gave a wide grin. Truly, the Manhattan was a marvel, the peak of scientific research potential - and Heinrich was in charge of it all!
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: : Oh the man looked as pleased a pig with a new mudhole, and bucket of slop. That was too man labs to keep up with. Hopefully the man knew how to delegate and arrange his own staff to cover them as needed. Balian had no idea, and he would have assumed that the Computer and Robotics Labs would have been seconded to Engineering. Hopefully none of their experiments escaped. That would be horrible, that had happened once on the Crusader. It had started off as slightly humorous but had ended badly, with a large mess.
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: : : Although the layout of the ship was impressive, perhaps moreso was the scientific turnout produced by the science department this reporting period. “Ship specifications aside, sir. The figures I have with me show that we’re operating at the most capable state we ever have been - over nine times as productive as when we left drydock.” Handing the report to the captain, breaking down the ship’s scientific output by sub-division and scientific field, the German beamed at yet another of his plethora of statistics. “That is to say, we currently have 32 major projects underway, and over 70 individual projects - all of which have the fullest of my confidence of resulting in breaking ground in their respective fields.”
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: : Balian nodded, personally he was never a fan of statistics. They rarely made sense. 9 times one was only 9 but it was still 9 times better, but what did that actually mean. Balian took the PaDD. His eyes moved over it scanning the contents of the Gobbledty goop that there. He would read it more thoroughly later, maybe use the computer to explain the big words to him. It was a true struggle to still his hand before it rose to rub the bridge of his nose.
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: : : A slightly more serious look befell the CSO as he returned to speaking once more. “Captain. I needn’t stress that this is all due to the fact that we are the lead ship of the leading class of scientific vessels, in the whole of Starfleet. So very much is counting on our ability to do our job.” Laying the PADD down gently on the Captain’s desk once again, Heinrich fired off his final volley in a polite but solemn tone.
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: : That was indeed true, for a science vessel the Manhattan was a beauty. She had all the bells and whistles except an AI thingy, which he was fine with, the Ship already talked back, he did not really want it thinking on its own. What if it decided it was the better Captain, or that the Crew all needed to go to sleep for their protection? Ugh, between AIs and Android, it made the Captains skin crawl.
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: : : “My staff - and I’m sure, all of the other department’s staff, too - have some of the brightest minds in the whole of the Federation - many of them who will run laps around me as they complete their works. I sincerely hope you’re able - and more importantly, willing - to take on that responsibility and legacy.”
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: : : Lieutenant Heinrich Zimmermann,
: : : Chief Science Officer
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: : Responsibility, Legacy….What?!? This man was acting like they were making history. Balian already understood where the man was coming from, and that he was definitely a great man for the Job. Maybe someone that reported more to Jack than himself. That was a mental note worth keeping. Balian grinned and leaned to the side opening the bottom drawer.
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: : “Herr Zimmerman, it seems that we need to toast to that Legacy. I think I have just the Thing” Balian said as he pulled out the bottle and two glasses. At least after this he should be seeing the Chief Tactical Officer, and that was an officer that should make sense to him. Scientists just were a bit odd to Balian, and that was fine, he knew he was odd to them. Pouring two stiff drinks and nodding towards the CSO to take one.
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: : Captain Balian Ibn Barazan, CO
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: The scientist gave a slight coy smile as the CO brought the bottle into the scene. As the glass in front of him was placed down with the slightest clink, and as the straw-coloured liquid flowed from the larger container into the smaller serving flute, Heinrich continued in his attempts to work Balian out. As the captain placed the brandy bottle down on the desk and relaxed back into his seat, the lieutenant leaned forwards, picking up the tulip glass with an inquisitive ‘hmm’. Loose enough to be able to drink on duty - at the least, between his senior officers, and in the privacy of the ready room. Even if he isn’t exactly a man of science, I’m sure we can get along quite well….
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: At the very least, the drink would serve to ease the conversation from business into something slightly less formal. Zimmermann could be relaxed - even humorous - under the right circumstances! Perhaps the ‘tactical captain’ could learn something from the scientist - or, in an even better scenario, the German could learn something from Barazan. If the pair were going to be working with each other for a long while, it would be more than beneficial for them both to learn to work with the other effectively - and to even enjoy the experience!
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: “Indeed, captain - this does seem like an opportune moment. To the Manhattan?” A rising inquisitive tone accentuated the question, as the CSO raised his glass slightly in the traditional symbolic gesture.
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: Lieutenant Heinrich Zimmermann,
: Chief Science Officer

Balian nodded, and lifted his glass, tapping it against the one held aloft by his CSO. “To Legacy, Adventure, and the Manhattan, may she continued to glide through the dark, as a hub of enlightenment, and hope.” Balian stated. Before pulling his glass back. Part of him wanted to take the taste of the beverage all at once, but he was a connoisseur when it came to his beverages, they were to be savored, not gulped, like some barbaric heathen, still in his father’s tent on campaign for the first time. In most men there was a thin veneer of Barbarian amidst the gloss of civility. With the Captain it was more the opposite, there was a thin veneer of civility, over the heart of a Barbary pirate, or some warlord time had forgotten.

“I can’t keep you from duty much longer Herr Zimmerman, unfortunately, we all must pay the paperwork dragon, lest he rise up to eat us in our hour of need.” The Captain admitted savoring his drink for a moment. The only thing missing was a cigar. But those were actually against all the ship board rules he had ever learned. Fire was bad in an enclosed, artificially controlled space, and all rules that avoided it were strictly adhered to by the Captain. “Perhaps if you are willing we can find a more conducive atmosphere for a discussion on History, or Art, as I will not try to bandy the amateur on any of the Sciences against you.” Balian was also fully willing to admit when he was not the best at something. He had passed all the required sciences for a Tactical and Security Officer at the Academy, but that was where his knowledge ended.

Captain Balian Ibn Barazan

OOC: I’ll to replying to this in some free time I have!

~Levon