Posted by Lieutenant Commander Kiama Naim (Chief Science Officer) in XO’s Office - Introductions

Posted by Commander Shedda Mal’athar (Executive Officer) in XO’s Office - Introductions

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Kiama Naim (Chief Science Officer) in XO’s Office - Introductions
Posted by… suppressed (4) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)
Shedda listened, Naim certainly seemed pleased with her department. And fresh out of the Academy and already a DH. She sat up straight in her chair, hands clasped and resting on the edge of the desk. “Hypothetical, if you were to loose all of your lab heads right now, who would you put in their place. Tell me each lab and why you would pick that person.” Shedda knew there were no transfers getting ready to take place. What she was interested in was seeing how familiar Naim was with the individuals of her staff and if she was looking at helping them each achieve to their potential.

Cmdr Mal’athar, XO

With her dark eyes ever so slightly narrowed, Kiama allowed herself a moment to ponder that question as she went through each lab and all the scientists under her care in her head. After all, not only did you have 18 labs to consider, but also a very large number officers. Touching her right index finger first to her left thumb, then to her left index finger and so on, Kiama counted down the labs as she replied. “I’d put Ensign Leonora Strutton in charge of the Botanics lab. She is one of the youngest botanists on board, but not only is she exceptionally talented in her field, but she is also good with people. Including quirky scientists. And she knows how to support others and delegate tasks to those better suited. In the General lab I’d put Lieutenant Ithiv Ch’qaothrot in charge. In my opinion they should be a Department Head already, even though that would mean we’d lose an exceptional scientist and wonderful person. But they keep insisting that they prefer being a junior officer as it leaves them more time to actually do what they love instead of all the admin work that comes with the CSO position. For Astrophysics I’d choose Lieutenant P’Riarr. He definitely has the potential not only to be in charge of a lab, but also to be a CSO. He just lacks some confidence in himself and I think, if done in the right way and with the support he needs, giving him that position might be a good thing for him.” A warm, almost tender smile played across her dark features as she talked about her officers and unless Shedda stopped her at some point, Kiama continued like this till she named each of the 18 labs and the person she’d put in charge if she had to or wanted to make any changes.

~Lt. Cmdr. Naim, CSO

Shedda listened carefully as Naim spoke, even jotting down notes as she listened. She let Naim talk, only occasionally stopping her to ask for clarification or an example. “We are a science vessel and our primary mission is scientific investigation. The captain wants to meet with you and I every week to go over the scientific priorities we should be focusing on and fulfilling our directive. He wants that meeting on Tuesdays from 0900 - 1100. I propose we meet on Sundays or Mondays to go over the agenda and address any new projects or concerns we need to address before meeting with the captain.”

Mal’athar, XO

“That sounds like a good plan to me,” Kiama nodded. “Thank you Commander.” Tilting her head slightly to the left she added, “Is there anything else you’d like to know or talk about? Also, what are you’re expectations for me and the Science Department?” She looked at Shedda intently and full of curiosity. Always eager to learn more and to understand better.

~Lt. Cmdr. Naim, CSO

“Is there anything your department needs? From what I have seen and been told my predecessor was exceptional as an XO, but there are always bumps in the road in a switch over. I want to make sure that nothing of urgency gets lost in the shuffle. As for my expectations. I expect that your department, to a person, is efficient, follows the scientific method, is curious, and not afraid to ask questions. Many of the things we will investigate will be assigned to us, but so many more will be because of the passing observations and questions your department will ask.” Shedda smiled slightly but warmly, “I doubt we will get to them all, but we will do our best to check off as many as we can. I started out as a science officer, and I love to be in the lab, and planet side, or at the controls of the sensors. And on my own time you will probably find me sneaking some hours in the labs, but I want you to understand, and make very clear, that the labs are your domain, and if I should find the time to put in hours there, you are the boss.”

Mal’athar, XO

“Equpiment-wise and the like almost everything was taken care of while we were at Event Horizon. The only things that are still open were a few more … exotic requests from a handful of my officers. Nothing that is crucial, though. Actually -” Kiama handed Shedda the PaDD she had brought with her. “On there you’ll find a list of everything that has been requested and it’s marked whether or not that request was able to be filled and who filled it and why. It also has a list of all the science projects currently underway. Both the ones that were assigned to us and the ones my officers and I want to do.”

Shedda looked over the information for several long silent moments. Some of the more unique things weren’t difficult to get but they were not close by. She tapped on her console and transferred the report. “Some of these things we might be able to get somewhere local, others are specific to a location on the other side of the wormhole. I’m sure Chief Warrant Darach is on top of it. But I’ll keep an eye out incase we can find it sooner.” She then went back to the list going over the projects the department was working on. Her face alternated between indrawn brows, surprise, smiles, nods, ‘hmmmms’ of thoughtfulness, and intense curiosity, and some wistfulness. “Impressive. You have a very active and curious department. I’m glad to see that they are allowed personal projects. I know sometimes there just isn’t time for such things depending on mission objectives. I can not wait to see what comes from your department.” The sentiment was overwhelmingly genuine. Shedda had a moment to realize she needed to be very careful. She could easily, without meaning to, show preference simply because of her love for science.

“You are more than welcome to come by the labs any time. What field did you specialise in and is there anything in particular you’d like to work on?” Kiama asked curiously and with a sparkle of excitement in her black eyes.

~Lt. Cmdr. Naim, CSO

“I dual majored in archeology and anthropology. Then added a minor in geology because knowing all about that helped to identify what was and was not artifacts. And knowing that can help determine how the soil and earth affects the remains of a civilization. I am happy to help in any lab that needs it. Though you don’t want me working in cybernetics or heading up chemistry. I can assist but I would need clear directions.” Shedda grinned slightly she knew her strengths and weaknesses. “What about you Cmdr? What is your scientific specialty?”

Mal’athar, XO

“That’s good to know and thank you for the offer. I’m sure I’ll take up up on it,” Kiama beamed and then continued, “I’m a neuroscientist. I actually got my degree and PhD in that field at the University of Betazed. I led a few research projects while I was at the university and after I finished my PhD I continued working for the university for a while. I was offered a research and teaching position. But in the end I decided to continue to follow my heart and to try and stop letting my mother dictate what I’m doing with my life. So I enrolled at the Academy and picked biology as my major and biochemistry as my minor while also trying to broaden my knowledge as much as possible. Though especially when it comes to fields that rely heavily on advanced mathematics. Abstract formulas have never been my forte.” She chuckled softly. “But thankfully, there are many officers on board who are excellent at those things.”

~Lt. Cmdr. Naim, CSO

Shedda was actually very curious about Betazoid society. Like Orion’s they were a matriarchal society, and even with their telepathy they were honest, compassionate, and refreshing people. Or maybe they were those things because of their telepathy. Either way for Shedda they were everything that was wonderfully opposite of Orions. “Neuroscience? Why didn’t you become a doctor instead?” It wasn’t a judgements question just purely curious. Naim would be able to pick up on that since Orions, as a species were easy to read and Shedda had nothing to hide.

Mal’athar, XO