Posted by Lieutenant Faye Calloway (Mission Specialist) in Computer Science Lab 2 - Curiosity Killed the Cat

Posted by Ensign Kiama Naim (Scientist) in Computer Science Lab 2 - Curiosity Killed the Cat

Posted by Lieutenant Faye Calloway (Mission Specialist) in Computer Science Lab 2 - Curiosity Killed the Cat
Posted by… suppressed (7) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)

“Hey, I was being nice,” Faye said, the smirk shifting into a smile as she turned to face the captain. “I didn’t yell, I didn’t threaten to beat anyone up. I mean, let’s be honest, I don’t think we’re expecting me to be standing about with welcome balloons, now are we?”

~Faye Calloway, Data Scientist

Watching the Captain and Faye, Kiama felt a cold shiver run down her spine as she heard the other woman talking about yelling and threatening to beat someone up. She was most definitely grateful that neither had been the way she was “greeted” by her. Yet all that made her only more curious. What was behind that door that explained and justified all this? She was longing to know, but pushed that to the back of her mind, knowing full-well that she wasn’t allowed to know and that she’d get in serious trouble, if she started to poke around and was caught; which was bound to happen.

~Ensign Naim, Scientist

Cochrane smiled a friendly smile at Calloway, and said “Point taken. If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were getting soft, Lieutenant.” with a wry smile on his face. Turning to the Ensign, he said “I’m glad to hear you say that, Ensign. This ship has been taking the proverbial wind out of people’s sails recently. I hope your excitement is contagious. I mean, we do have a mostly unexplored Quadrant of the galaxy in front of us and we are on board one the finest science vessels the fleet has to offer. I’d say that would be cause for excitement. Wouldn’t you two agree?”

Cochrane, CO

Faye let out a snort at the ‘soft’ comment.

“Most definitely, Sir. And I’ll do what I can, for I’m looking very much forward to exploring this Quadrant. It’s a great honour for me to be part of your crew,” Naim replied. “There is so much to see; so many new cultures and planets to explore. Just to think about all we can learn!” Even without her wide smile and the twinkle in her black eyes, the excitement in the young scientist would be hard to miss.

~Ensign Naim, Scientist

She had her own brand of enthusiasm, but no one could ever accuse Faye of being cheery about it. More just… very focused to the exclusion of all else. Which usually worked in her favour because it kept her out of trouble. “And a whole lot of people who won’t want to see us about, but uh, hey, we can only hope the balance is tipped in our favour, right?” Faye said with cheery smile she couldn’t quite make genuine. She was excited about being out here, but it was different for her. Different probably than most people on this ship. that and she had never had the kind of enthusiasm Naim had and was honestly a tiny bit envious.

She gestured to herself. “I’m Faye, by the way. Faye Calloway. Mission Specialist. I handle data processing and security for the ship, and am technically, sort of, attached to the science department. After a fashion.”

~Faye Calloway, Data Specialist

“Nice to meet you,” replied Kiama with a warm smile and still overly excited. “I’m Kiama-” she started and then felt heat rush into her cheeks. “And I already introduced myself,” she concluded sheepishly. But her embarrassment didn’t last long. At least not on a surface level. Mentally she was still kicking her own behind when she added, “A Mission Specialist? That sounds fascinating! What exactly does that entail?” It was almost as if someone had turned in switch in the scientist. In a matter of a heartbeat she had turned from overly excited (almost like a child on a sugar rush) to highly focused curiosity. Her black eyes were locked on Faye and she had almost forgotten that the Captain was standing next to them.

~Ensign Naim, Scientist

“Uh…” Faye glanced briefly at Cochrane before focusing on Naim. “Basically it means that my work specifically supports the ship’s mission. Normally this means it’s a sort term thing for a specific assignment, but mine is tied to our exploration of the Delta Quadrant, so it’s more long-term. I’m more or less making sure that what we send back to base gets there intact and what we pick up along the way doesn’t harm the ship’s computer systems.”

~Faye Calloway, Data Specialist

Without consciously noticing it, Kiama had not only slightly shifted her weight, but actually moved a step closer towards Faye while she listened to her fellow scientist reply. “I had no idea that might be an issue,” she admitted with merely a hint of self-consciousness. “Then again, I’ve always been better with organisms than with computers. Not counting the most fascinating computer there is: the brain.” As she said that last word there was a sparkle in her eyes that would be hard to miss. Yet those words were also followed by the faintest of sighs, since she wasn’t sure how much, if any work she’d be able to do in her favourite field.

~Ensign Naim, Scientist

Faye couldn’t help but be slightly amused at Naim’s embarrassment. “Yeah well, those organisms with brains are the ones I’m actually worried about. Data is data, but it’s sent and corrupted by methods that those brains devise. Not only do I have to work on the technical side, I have to think about the psychology of people I’ve never met to make sure I have us prepared for anything.”

“Fair point,” Kiama admitted with a nod. “Your work surely sounds intriguing and very complex. It’s like … being a psychoanalyst and computer specialist at the same time.”

~Ensign Naim, Scientist

Faye snorted. “Almost, but I’m not allowed to make jokes about craziness, but suffice to say I don’t think you want me psychoanalyzing *anything,” she said with a firther amused grin.

Calloway glanced at Cochrane. “You know, all that work sounds like a dual job. Who do I talk to about a raise around here?” she deadpanned.

~Faye Calloway, Data Specialist

Cochrane returned her glance and said “You should ask the guy in charge. I’d be careful, though. I hear he can be a right terror when someone brings up budgetary and fiduciary additions.” in the flattest manner possible. Turning back to the Ensign, he said “So tell me, Ensign. What are you looking forward to the most about being here… and by ‘here’ I mean both the ship and the Quadrant.”

Cochrane, CO