Sciences
Posted on Thu Feb 9th, 2023 @ 3:42pm by Lieutenant Commander Anahera Chernova & Lieutenant Mackenzie Kovaks
Edited on on Mon Feb 13th, 2023 @ 3:59pm
1,339 words; about a 7 minute read
Mission:
Carthage Rises
Location: USS Carthage - Science Labs
Timeline: MD001 1230 hrs
Lieutenant Mackenzie Kovaks had inventoried all the science labs, checking to make sure what she had in the computer matched what was actually in each lab. She had complete faith in Starfleet, but she also knew that it was far too easy for a few items to fall through the cracks. She heard that once six boxes labled Petrie dishes turned out to be tongue depressors. Medical already had more than they needed, so the boxes went to the cargo bay until they could be replaced.
While Kenzie wasn't going to open boxes, she was now sure that each lab had everything it should. That was her first priority. She had a list. It did contain meeting her new commanding officer, but she wanted to have something to report and as she still had a few hours until it was necessary, she figured she could put it off a bit longer.
Anahera walked into the Science Labs in search of Lieutenant Kovaks.
Science had never been Anahera's best subject, but she'd pick a few things up over the years. Mostly explosives and humanoid anatomy, which has helped her in her former life.
Not seeing anyone, she called out. "Lieutenant Kovaks, are you in here?"
"Somewhere," came the reply. Kenzie crawled out from behind a row of monitors and stood. She immediately noticed the other woman's pips and then realized who she was. "Commander, how can I help you?"
"I'm Anahera Chernova, the new XO, I'm here to introduce myself and see if I can be of any assistance to you." Anahera said. "I must warn you that my science knowledge is severely limited."
Kenzie laughed. "That's okay. I know a lot about science, but I tend to focus on that a bit too much. I've done a quick inventory. So far it looks like we've got everything we'll need. Is there anything in particular you'd like to see here?"
"Do you know anything about cybernetics?" Anahera asked.
"Some, but it's not my area of expertise. Is there a particular area of cybernetics you're referring to?" It was a fascinating field, and Kenzie liked robotics and their various uses in science.
"My right hand is a cybernetic prosthetic and is over 100 years old." Anahera said. "The thing is its beginning to break down, and I was hoping you'd know how to fix it, or replace it." She added.
"I might...I know the technology has improved tremendously in the last 20 years. I've worked on bots of various types, but I could do a little research and ask a few questions to fill in the gaps in my knowledge." Kenzie raised an eyebrow. "Who have you talked to so far?"
"I looked into it myself, I have a background in Engineering, and although I understood the fundamentals, it was a bit out of my wheel house."
Kenzie nodded. "Come over here. Let me get some detailed scans so I can make a virtual model of the one you have. That will give me a basis to work from, and if I run into any snags, I'll reach out to some friends." She led the way to one of the stations that was set up to take the scans and make the virtual reproduction.
Anahera followed Kenzie to the station for the scans. She placed her right hand on the plate and waited for the Science officer to activate the machine. "I'm ready when you are." She said.
Kenzie nodded and set the scanner. She needed both physical and cybernetic data to create a virtual hand for testing. She wanted to do as much as she could to make a hand with all the modern cybernetics without it feeling different. After several minutes she saved the data. "All done for now. I should have something for you in a day or two."
"Thanks, Lieutenant. So what made you join Starfleet?" Anahera asked.
"The best way to explore the galaxy and learn more about science and history is to join Starfleet. So, here I am." Kenzie grinned. "How about you? What brought you to Starfleet?"
"An act of kindness." Anahera said. "Before enlisting in Starfleet, I was a smuggler, among other things." She began. "I was smuggling food, medical supplies and weapons to the Bajorans during the Cardassian Occupation, when I met and fell in love with a Bajoran Jol Teela, she lived with her younger sister, Reena and worked at a shelter, she wanted to be a teacher." A tear drop formed in the XO's eye. "One night, when I was off world, Teela was raped and beaten by some drunk Cardassian soldiers. They left her to die in an alley where Reena found her the next day on her way to school." Like every time she told the story, Anahera found herself flooded with anger, sadness and guilt. "Once I returned, I tracked down and had my revenge on her attackers. I then grabbed Reena and fled with her to Earth. At Starbase 1, I surrendered myself to Federation authorises on the condition that Reena be granted asylum." She paused a moment to calm her emotions. "They accepted and I was tried, convicted and sent off to New Zealand to serve out my sentence. One day I was visited by a Starfleet officer, who gave me a choice, enlist in Starfleet where my skills and experience could be put to good use, rot away in my cell. I chose Starfleet and after nearly a decade here I am." She said. "Sorry for the long story."
"Don't be sorry. I appreciate your sharing it with me," Kenzie said. "That's quite a story. I'm glad you found your way to Starfleet."
"Thank you, for not judging me." Anahera said. "Its a nice change."
Kenzie raised an eyebrow. "You're welcome. At the same time, I'm sorry you have to thank someone for treating you the way they should." She shook her head. "I hope this ship will be a new beginning for you."
"From your lips to whatever the Gods use for ears." Anahera said. "Let's hope the Cardassians don't hold a grudge." She added with a wane smile.
Kenzie couldn't help smiling. "Well, if they do, let's hope they're smart enough not to cause trouble or they'll just make it harder for all of them to work with Starfleet. I don't think their leaders will want another war."
"I hope so." Anahera said. "But, there are some hard liners that dream of the glory days, and some Cardassian officers that defected to the True Way."
Kenzie shook her head. "There always are. Hopefully, we won't have to run into many." Although she'd heard there were a few in the area...
"Would you like to go for a drink later?" Anahera asked. "A said I said earlier, my science knowledge is servery limited and I wouldn't mind learning more."
Kenzie mentally reviewed her schedule for the day. "Yes, I think I can manage that." She always loved talking science and it would be nice to make some friends on the ship.
"Good." Anahera said with a smile.
Kenzie wondered if they'd meet any other senior staff while they were there. It would be nice to meet them off-duty when they were more relaxed. She'd make a point of knowing who the various department heads were, just in case. "Is there anything else I can do for you?"
"No, thank you. It was a pleasure meeting you Lieutenant." Anahera said.
"And you, Commander." Kenzie smiled at her new first officer and glanced at the computer to ensure all the scans of the hand were properly organized so she could start taking apart the holographic duplicate later.
Anahera smiled as she left the Science Department, happy to have made a friend.
A Joint Post By:
Lieutenant Mackenzie Kovaks
Chief Science Officer, USS Carthage
Lieutenant Commander Anahera Chernova
Executive Officer, USS Carthage
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