AT/D12 - Science Complex

[Tyra Crawford]

== The Science Complex occupies a larger area than your average Science Lab. Taking up most of Deck 12. Specialist labs like Stellar Cartography are located on the same deck.

The Primary Science Lab is connected to the Chief Science Officer’s office. The lab contains two large scale replicators for parts, five consoles either side of the room for simulations and other research, two holo-tables, and six worktables with under table storage for science toolkits and other equipment.

Secondary and tertiary labs are smaller and each contain two regular replicators.Plenty of study alcoves are dotted throughout the complex, along with closed office cubes for focused work, and open-concept lounge-style idea exchange areas to facilitate scientific discovery and discussion. ==

[Carol Harriman]

<< Crew Quarters <<

== NRC Commander Judith Tucker, Science Officer ==

A slight smile peeked on Judith’s face as she entered one of her favorite places on the Artemis. Ah…home.  She nodded to the few officers who were working, finishing up on updates for the department. Judith was excited to get back to work, to give her something to think about without her son.  As she passed by the office for the department head, she remembered the days of her son playing on the floor while she worked long hours.

Well, I don’t have to worry about entertainment this go around. Tyra should appreciate that… I wonder how she’s handling being away from hers. 

She shook her head to empty the sad thoughts.  She went on to the stellar cartography lab, thinking that maybe they would have some data for where the ship would be headed. She could at least begin learning now.

As she entered the lab, her smile returned. It felt good to be back. She took a deep breath as she looked around to admire the lab. Then she approached the main console, plopping herself down to dive in. She started configuring the lab and then dove into looking for new data that would have been uploaded.  She dove in, losing track of time. It wasn't long before her mind was shocked by a familiar feeling. Judith's eyes narrowed in a slight pang as her son tapped into her thoughts.

~ Mom? Where's the shirt you bought me last week? The red one? ~ 

Knowing they weren't far and she could contact him, she grabbed her PADD and wrote a short and quick message. Just as she clicked send, Joshua responded again.

~ Sorry Mom... I know you're busy.  I'll go loo... (ping) read your email... but you could think to me...I know you don't like it. Miss you. ~ 

Judith smiled to herself as she heard Joshua close.  That boy!  Okay... where was I? 

[Lucy Devereaux]

Lucy liked the Science Complex of the Artemis. All the equipment you could need for almost every discipline of science and the room to work pretty much undisturbed. With the comm badge system it was next to impossible to get lost. Getting to know her fellow officers in the Science Complex wasn’t so easy. Each scientific substrata had its own clique. She’d come across this at the Academy. The bonus of being in the field was that when it mattered, they all came together.

The uniform fit well even if Lucy was ditching the comfort blanket of a larger sized uniform. Her concerns about her appearance causing a distraction were obviously unfounded, of course nobody risked the wrath of Captain Crawford. There was a very special Hell set aside that kind of person and rumor had it that the Captain knew where is was. The standard uniform wasn’t intentionally designed to arouse illicit feelings, as long as the cut was sensible.

It was an issue of form versus function.  Long as she couldn’t rip it by moving in a way that placed undue stress on the fabric, she was safe. She’d worked on making sure she had full range of movement during shoreleave. It had helped pass the time and was rather educational. Lucy knew that certain uniforms throughout the history of Starfleet had caused comment including two worn by her hero Seven of Nine as she integrated into the crew of the Voyager.

The recall hadn’t been a shock. You never really knew when a recall could be issued, shoreleave had been entertaining enough, up to a point. Lucy felt it was best not to speculate on where they were headed next. She was going over a revised version of the new Away Team packing list. It covered the essentials and kept the carry weight manageable. She’d even included a scrunchie. Alice bands were okay, just not her. Keeping that mane of copper under control when needed was an effort, but she’d manage.

Lucy gave the list one last go over before setting aside and waiting to see who turned up or if a general call went out for a meeting. The CSO’s office was unoccupied. Hopefully the Captain could find somebody sensible to fill the role. It certainly wasn’t a given. She hoped she could cope with whoever it was. She wasn’t ready for that kind of responsibility.

I’d like to learn to walk before I have to run.

[Lucy Devereaux]

== duplicate post ==

[Tyra Crawford]

== Lieutenant Commander Cera Morgan ==

Cera had been part way out of the cargo bay when her PADD had chimed. She'd assumed it was Tyra with additional orders but no, it hadn't been something so reasonable.

She'd read Elias' message twice while in the turbolift before she'd checked the time stamp on it, which illicited an eye roll. The idiot had spent a week and some days ignoring her messages, deciding to party with his friends and now, after the recall, he'd decided it was a good time to resolve things. Clearly, he hadn't read any of the messages she'd sent him, particularly the last one written with the help of red wine after she'd found out he was back and partying with the engineers. If he had, he'd have read her apology for her side of the tango and have likely understood how pissed off she was at his antics, pissed off enough that he probably didn't have enough wine to placate.

Her fingers flew over her PADD as she typed out a quick answer before re-reading it. She didn't delete it ultimately but she didn't send it either. She suspected that he was only trying to fix things now because he could say he'd tried but the new missions prevented it, allowing him to hide further, but the reason aside, he didn't deserve a timely answer. He might not deserve an answer at all considering his message made it sound like they'd had a minor diaagree, not a knock down drag out fight followed by over a week of radio silence on his part.

She shoved the PADD into her pocket a little more aggressively than needed as the turbolift opened on the right deck. She took a deep breath but instead of steeling her spine like some, she slipped that mask of good graces and a sweet smile into place. She would not let an asshole upend her ability to perform her duties exquisitely.

Cera tried to make a point of dropping into each department on occasion; it was the easiest way to keep track of the ship's pulse, which was what she brought to the table for the command team. Yet, science wasn't a regular pit stop all things considered; she found that they were usually engrossed in their work and as a whole, not overly social, which made Intel gathering difficult. Today though, it seemed like a good place to hide for a bit.

The lab looked like it was starting to get busy with scientists focusing on their tasks, whatever that might be. She was looking for Judith, who she'd known since Cera's very early days as a yeoman sitting in senior staff meetings, but instead saw JG Devereaux, who had illicited quite the rumor after getting stunned two missions earlier but Cera had had very little contact with her.

"Hello, JG. How are you doing today?" Cera greeted Devereaux with a warm smile.

"Are we all busy on projects or taking a little break since the taskmaster is absent?" She asked, nodding towards the empty office.

Her dark eyes shifted around the main lab, taking note of who was and wasn't present. "Have you seen Tucker since recall?"

== Tag! ==

[Lucy Devereaux]

Lucy didn’t know where to file Cera Morgan. Definitely personable, but there was something eating at her even behind that smile. Lucy smiled as she enquired about what she was up to. Lucy had been having difficulty finding a research topic. Everybody had their pet projects. Commander Gregg had left a few extremely odd items behind. She’d discovered she wasn’t the first person to think of a packing list for Away Teams

“Revising the packing list for the next time I’m allowed on an Away Team. Commander Gregg left some odd recommendations. There’s a box in stores with a file attached about how to decapitate a corpse when you need to convince a group of civilian scientists that they are in danger, oddly specific. Think I’ll leave the grenades and explosive charges to Security.”

Lucy was sure she’d seen Commander Tucker on her way to the primary labs, but if she wasn’t in the office the next best thing was to ask the Computer.   

“I think I saw her earlier. Can always ask the Computer.”

It was hard to figure whether the Computer was always listening. It was definitely useful to have the Computer listening.

“Computer, please locate Commander Judith Tucker.”

[ Commander Judith Tucker, is located in the Stellar Cartography Lab, Deck 12.]

Or at least her comm badge was in the Stellar Cartography Lab. Protocol was to wear your comm badge on
duty.  Did she really have to be specific with the Computer? It certainly seemed to work.

“There’s your answer, Lieutenant Commander.”

== tag ==

[Lucy Devereaux]

As Lucy waited for Cera’s response she had this sense creeping over her that she should be somewhere. She couldn’t remember if somebody had drawn up the rota for the Bridge rotation. Despite how she’d felt at the end of the last mission a Science presence was still useful on the Bridge. Tactical knew stuff, but Science knew other stuff. She’d certainly found what wasn’t going on and she knew she needed to read up on the gaps in the stuff relating to what the Bridge needed.

“If you’ll excuse me Lieutenant Commander, I think I need to look after the Science Console on the Bridge. Hope you find Commander Tucker.”

Lucy got up from her console in the Primary Labs and nodded to Cera before leaving the Primary Labs and trying to remember where the nearest turbolift was.

>> Bridge>>

[Judith Tucker]

Judith was in a happy place, in the stellar cartography lab...or at least as happy as it could be with leaving her son behind. This would be the first time he wouldn't be with her for a mission entirety. She worked to intiate several projects for working, which would keep her busy. She would need that to fill her time. She included her continued work on improving the multitronic probes developed. Probes were necessary to support their learning but to have one that could think was even better. Things could happen and if one could make a few decisions quickly helped their knowledge. 

Coming to a point she could take a break to stretch her legs, grab some coffee, and a bite to eat, she spoke up to a science officer in the lab. 

"Be back in a minute Jill. Need to move around and grab a coffee. Would you like anything?" 

The younger science officer wearing a lieutenant ranking looked up from her console and smiled. "Thanks Judith. I'd love a fresh coffee." 

"You got it," Judith replied, getting up from her console. She gave a quick stretch, reaching to her feet and bouncing a little. As she finished, she turned to leave with a friendly response, "Be back in a moment!"

As Judith walked the science labs, she gave friendly smiles to other officers. She noticed the Commander Morgan, who she saw occassionally in the labs. 

She nodded at the commander as she greeted her. 

"Hi Commander. It's great to see you in the labs. Did you have a relaxing shore leave..."  Judith paused, starting to wonder if this was more of a business call and added more. "...or is this a business? We can chat about shore leave later if it is."

[Tyra Crawford]

== Lieutenant Cera Morgan, Quartermaster ==

As Devereaux had excused herself for bridge duty, Cera had smiled and nodded her understanding. Her dark eyes had followed the redhead out of the room for a moment before considering the room as a whole. She was just making an educated guess on where the stellar cartography lab was located when the source of her quest appeared out of one of the department's labyrinth of halls.

Judith Tucker nodded at Cera and the blonde couldn't help but smile in greeting. "Hi Commander. It's great to see you in the labs. Did you have a relaxing shore leave..."

It was the pause that made Cera internally panic for a moment. Was it possible that her tumultuous shore leave had already became common knowledge? No, she had been incredibly careful to monitor the usual traffic to ensure that it hadn't become public knowledge; oh yes, there had been some comments about Ben's abrupt departure from DS9 as well as her own limited visibility during shore leave but nothing that she hadn't been able to bury under a couple of carefully curated tid bits of information.

"...or is this a business? We can chat about shore leave later if it is."

If there was one thing about Tucker that Cera had learned over the years , it was that she was very much to be taken at face value. She was honest, sweet and earnest, not at all one to play little games. That gave Cera some peace that she was still in control of the narrative, that everything would become public at her pace, which might be sooner rather than later if Ben continued to take the coward's way out.

"My shore leave didn't go as planned but I made the most of it, all the same. There's nothing a little wine can't fix, after all," she answered with a warm smile. "How was yours? How is your son doing? I'm sure he's gotten so big that I wouldn't even recognize him anymore!"

After they exchanged pleasantries for a few more moments, Cera focused on the reason for her trip, the reason other than her need for an escape that was in no way related to engineering. "I actually was stopping by to make sure that you had all of the supplies needed for your research. I usually get a combined supply request from the CSO but since the office is currently empty, I just wanted to make sure that I had received all of the requests and had fulfilled them adequately."

No sooner than she had let forth her officially reasoning for traveling down to the less traveled area of the ship, for her at least, than her PADD released a loud chime, indicating an urgent request. She smiled apologetically as she dug the PADD from its pocket, her brow furrowing as she read the message with its request to report to the Philadelphia for briefing. Firstly, she had no idea why the briefing was being held on that tiny little ship with its inadequate facilities; were they going to have to share chairs or just sit on each other's lap? Secondly, no doubt Ben would have gotten a similar summons and in such close quarters, there was no way to avoid him. Ironic considering he had been the one avoiding her but she frankly didn't want such a public encounter with him after everything.

And the best part was it was entirely his fault. If he had just answered her messages, any of them, they could have made their peace privately but no, he had partied with his little friends instead of begin even slightly responsible. His terrible timing with his dinner request was just icing on the cake.

For a split second, her frustration was clearly visible on her face before it was carefully hidden once more. She shot Tucker a flawless smile but it didn't quite reach her eyes. "I'm so sorry. The captain needs my attention elsewhere but please, check over everything and let me know personally if there is anything missing," she apologized, even as she stuffed her PADD back in her pocket and begun moving with a purpose out of science.

== Tag! ==

>> Transporter Room >>

[Aeryn Miller]

== Shoreleave Timeline ==

== Science Subplot - Primary Science Lab ==

With the ship still docked at DS9 and the crew on leave, Aeryn had taken it upon herself to explore the science complex, without worrying about duty or the Artemis heading for its next destination. This allowed the newly promoted CSO to immerse herself fully in her new domain, starting with decorating her new office and personalising it before taking a full tour of the complex. Aeryn had also made a point of introducing herself to her staff, knowing how important it was to make those connections early, especially since it was going to be new territory for her, and to silence any scuttlebutt that might arise given where she had come from.

Some of the things that Aeryn had learned from being head of security, could easily be transferred to her new position, specifically how she liked things to be done, and to ensure that the science department ran efficiently. The redhead also liked to think that she could be approachable, preferring to tackle any issues or problems straight away, rather than let them fester and stagnate, and not be resolved properly.

She also wanted to encourage discussions and debates, while keeping up to date with the latest discoveries and data that was pertinent to their areas of expertise. Although Aeryn understood that this was going to take a natural progression and wasn't going to force anything.

Eager to get started, Aeryn was currently in the Primary Science Lab preparing the items she would need for a project she had in mind and had left an open invitation in the lounge area for anyone who would like to participate. She hoped that it would go down well, considering that she was here to work and no longer wore the uniform that she was once associated with.

== Tag Devereaux and anyone else who would like to join in ==

[Lucy Devereaux]

The Artemis was still in dock at DS9. Lucy didn't know the full aftermath of their ‘mission’ to the Parhelia System. The Captain had authorised a department transfer for Aeryn. It was good news for Lucy with her own track record so far. An experienced officer with an interest in Science and somebody she could learn from.

Lucy had already received Security training from Aeryn, but this was different, in a good way. Another redhead in Science blue. Lucy had got through two missions by not really standing out. It had kept her from being shot or stunned. It was safe, but she didn’t feel productive. Mountaineering on Bajor felt more purposeful than studying rock samples, but things were dodgy for the crew.

It wasn’t hard to notice when Aeryn entered the Primary Labs. Lucy’s excuse was that she was bored and easily distracted. The CSO’s arrival meant she could shove her work to one side and find out if Aeryn needed a had with something more interesting. 

“Hey Lieutenant Commander, got something to stretch the gray matter? Been running simulations on energy emissions from asteroids and how solar radiation alters them.

“Just feel the need for a change of subject. If you’ve got something in mind.”

== tag ==

[Aeryn Miller]

Aeryn looked up from her preparations when she heard Lucy address her by her new rank, which Aeryn was still getting used to. It was an achievement celebrated along with her switch to a different department, and Aeryn knew it would become second nature to be addressed this way in time. Hearing what Lucy had been working on, Aeryn smiled softly, while finding it equally fascinating. It might seem like tedious work to some, but for the redhead, it was not to be dismissed.

Although she did understand where Lucy was coming from when the other scientist mentioned needing a change of subject, before asking if Aeryn had anything in mind.

" While that is fascinating, I understand why you want a change" she began, acknowledging Lucy's request. " I do have something that might interest you, as I'm hoping it could become a department project, especially in our downtime".

Gesturing for Lucy to come closer, Aeryn then showed her some of the items that she had been putting together. "I want to see if we can cross-pollinate these standard tomatoes with some of the more robust varieties from the Beta quadrant, see if we can increase production and longevity"

It might seem pretty basic, but it was always best to start small, and if they were successful, then the hope was to try other plants. Aeryn knew she could have also started with flowers, but it didn't hurt to try something different.

== Tag Lucy ==

[Lucy Devereaux]

The idea fascinated Lucy. She was initially put off by the idea as a series of Terran horror movies had involved carnivorous tomatoes, but they weren’t likely to run into that problem. Terran agriculture had involved the use of cross-pollination to breed in agreeable traits. Flavor, firmness, and longevity.

“Cross-pollination sounds cool. The trick would be finding complementary attributes. Does many me wonder what varieties the Beta-quadrant have to offer. Something that would go well with a salad or pizza?”

There was also the matter of something that would be nice made into a sauce or juiced in a Bloody Mary, though it wasn’t Lucy’s kind of drink. Did the Beta quadrant have pizza? A cotton swab was the perfect was to apply the pollen. Would it be adding pollen from what passed for a standard tomato plant on Terra or the other way around?

“Might also need to consider bio-filter shielding to avoid mixing pollen samples with the test plants.”

A little practical botany would be fun.

==tag. ==

[Aeryn Miller]

" Exactly, and you'll be quite surprised how many varieties there are" Aeryn replied, genuinely delighted at hearing Lucy's response to her idea. Okay, some of the varieties might not look like your average Terran tomato, but that's why this was intended to be a fun yet serious project. " I do like your way of thinking, and depending on how the samples turn out, we can taste test them on their own, or try them in some dishes to see how they fare".

She might not be the greatest of cooks, but Aeryn knew how to make a salad and a pizza, even if they cheated a little. Of course, all of this depended on the success of their combined attempts to achieve what Aeryn had initially set out, and with this being an activity for everyone, and not just one person, she was hopeful and excited at the same time.

Lucy made a suggestion that Aeryn agreed with because the last thing they wanted was for any mishaps to occur.

" Yes, I think we should to".

The CSO then shifted her focus to the row of test plants in front of them, along with cotton swabs, the carefully selected pollen, and the rest of the equipment that they would require to get things going.

" These are a mixture of Terran tomato plants, particularly Roma, Heritage, and Green tomatoes, gloves on, and we'll be adding the specific pollen of the beta quadrant equivalent to each one".

Aeryn then popped her gloves on and proceeded to space out the 12 plants, giving them six each to cross-pollinate.

== Tag Lucy ==

[Lucy Devereaux]

Lucy’s knowledge of fruit and vegetables only went as far as what her mom put in their meals or what she’d come across at college and the Academy. She listened and tried to take in what Aeryn was saying. Salad, pizza, and sometimes fried. The results of this experiment would hopefully be palatable. It would be informative to know how those native to the beta quadrant used tomatoes. 

With the plants spaced out appropriately Lucy started working on the bio-filter parameters. One sample of pollen from the Beta quadrant could be added to a tomato plant and after the sample passed into the bio filter no pollen could pass between the rest of the plants. The field would register the sample upon entry.

Lucy put on her own gloves and lifted a few cotton swabs. She proceeded to put one sample of pollen before her allotted half of the plants. She opened the first sample container and used a swab to gently lift some pollen. Botany was a strange field of science or some Lucy thought as she carefully applied the pollen to the stamen of each open flower. Plants could use the wind, animals or insects to propagate.

It was very restful work as Lucy worked through her allotted plants. She had tested the bio-filter and observed the pollen separate from the cotton swab as the swab passed through. It would avoid unintended cross-pollination until the fruit had formed. At least it would not affect watering or light absorption.

“That’s my side pollinated, Lieutenant Commander. The bio-filters seem to be holding up well. They can be lowered once we see fruit forming on the plants.”

Lucy’s mind wandered a little as she looked at the plants. Humans on Earth had altered the evolutionary path of plants bearing edible produce in order to make something hardy and still appetizing, yet there were so many varieties.

“The variety of fruit and vegetables can be a lot to take in. I’d heard that in Peru on Earth they have around two dozen varieties of potato. So much out there among the stars. Some of it not entirely safe for humans to eat. We’re still exploring. There’s times I wonder what I was expecting when I signed up for the Academy.”

== tag ==

[Aeryn Miller]

Six plants might not seem like a lot, but Aeryn was a great believer in sharing the work. Besides, the CSO had taken into consideration all the potential variables by starting the project with not only an even number of specimens but also a relatively small test group to work with. Depending on the success rate, it would allow the team to increase the number of plants, in the hope of achieving a much larger yield of produce.

So while Lucy got to work on her half, carefully transferring the pollen and ensuring that the biofilter parameters were at the appropriate levels, Aeryn turned her attention to six plants in front of her. This was the kind of work that Aeryn had loved back on the research station, and what she had managed to maintain through keeping various plants following her switch to Security.

That love was still evident even now, as her quarters were filled with various blooms and flora, which never failed to make her happy. She had that feeling right now as she added the pollen to each tomato plant, following the same steps as Lucy, checking the biofilters until she was satisfied that everything was as it should be.

" Exactly they can" Aeryn agreed when Lucy spoke to her. " I'm almost finished with my half also".

Her fellow redhead's next comment gave Aeryn food for thought, so to speak, understanding what she meant, because there was always something to learn and discover, even when you thought it wasn't possible. " I agree it can be, and I'm familiar with the varieties of potatoes in Peru. I also understand when it comes to being out among the stars, and how there's still so much to learn and discover, so it can be a little overwhelming sometimes".

== Tag Lucy ==

[Aeryn Miller]

== Mission Timeline ==

<< Briefing Room <<

Being a DH wasn't an easy task, and yet Aeryn embraced all aspects of the position that she had been given, regardless of how it affected her personally. If that meant reading her officers the riot act, so to speak, despite the Captain having done the same before Damian's arrest, then that's what she was going to do. Aeryn could have waited, but that might have defeated the purpose of what she wanted to say and make clear, especially with Artemis about to launch.

They had been tasked with an important aspect of ensuring that this mission would be a success and Aeryn wasn't about to have anyone slack or treat it like some afterthought as the CSO entered the complex and made a beeline for her office. Trusting that Lucy had followed her from the briefing room, Aeryn sat down in her chair and took a moment to gather her thoughts.

The redhead then set an alert for the following morning, before looking over the schedule and shift rotations just in case she needed to make any last-minute alterations depending on how this next half an hour went.

== Tag Lucy ==

[Lucy Devereaux]

On the turbolift down to the Science Complex Lucy remembered one more item the crew were meant to process before starting the next mission. The arrest and imprisonment of their Chief Engineer. There had been enough changes that she should really have treated it like a new crew. Stable doors and horses came to mind. She was stressed and wishing she could forgo the unpleasantries.

Better to be thought a fool than open your mouth and dispel all doubt.

Lucy followed Aeryn into the Chief Science Officer’s office. Watching Aeryn sit on her side of the desk told her it was pretty much as expected. She remembered not to sit down. This kind of exchange always began with the recipient of the lecture standing. The one giving the lecture might stand if they felt it was necessary.

“Lieutenant Commander?”

Why didn’t I keep my damn mouth shut?

Lucy had a terrible sense of deja vu. She really wanted this to be the last time she was on the receiving end of one of these. Obviously she still had lessons to learn, again.

== tag. ==

[Aeryn Miller]

Aeryn gave a sufficient amount of time before she looked up and acknowledged Lucy's presence. It wasn't to say that she didn't know what she was going to say to her proverbial problem child, but rather to let her stew a little bit more. At that instant, the CSO remembered ' hug gate' and the subsequent consequences of her being the one to give Lucy additional weapons training, and here they were again, having to deal with an issue, just because she didn't know what was appropriate or not.

" Give me one good reason why I don't assign you permanently to the delta shift" Aeryn began, maintaining the stern gaze that had appeared as she continued to look at Lucy. " I don't know what possessed you to think it was appropriate to suggest a drinking game in the middle of an already tense briefing, but I will not tolerate that kind of behaviour. I expect better from my officers, especially as said behaviour makes me look like I'm an incompetent DH".

Anger simmered underneath the surface, but unlike Devereaux, Aeryn knew when to keep her emotions in check and what to say when faced with a difficult situation.

" It also tells me that you haven't learned your lesson from your previous mistake, or at least that's what it looks like, and quite frankly, it's not acceptable, especially from someone of your rank".

The way Lucy acted reminded Aeryn of a fresh out of the Academy Midshipman, rather than a Lieutenant. A rank that Aeryn herself had shared with Lucy until recently.

" As far as I'm concerned, this is your final warning. Do you have anything to say for yourself?".

== Tag Lucy ==

[Lucy Devereaux]

Lucy felt hollow. Aeryn was right on a few of her points. Delta shift wasn’t the threat she thought it was. The opportunity to give up of social interactions and effectively disappear from the daily life of the crew felt like a win. Giving up on falling in love again hurt a little, but there were greater costs. While going home would be her failure she wouldn’t be around to upset anyone, including people like Aeryn.

Lucy couldn’t figure if there was something functionally wrong with her.  From Aeryn’s perspective this was the second time the junior officer had done something that a sensible person wouldn’t have. Lucy was capable enough to know that she shouldn't have. The gap between the understanding and the action still needed work.

Off-duty was so very different from on-duty. Things you shouldn’t say in a meeting. It was functionally a new crew and nobody wanted a socially incompetent officer adding to everybody’s upset. Lucy was certainly no diplomat. She had part of an idea as to what a Science Officer was meant to be, but sometimes she couldn’t see the point in being or doing anything. It would have been better if she didn’t act as if she could do anything beneficial for those around her.

“No, Lieutenant Commander. Anything I might say to rationalise my behavior would only come off as an excuse for not meeting Starfleet standards or filtering myself appropriately.

“If I can fix myself, that would be progress. If I fail, hopefully your next junior officer will not be like me.”

Lucy was only a Lieutenant Junior Grade. She couldn’t figure how she’d made it this far and still been so immature. Aeryn was her first Department Head. Lucy had never been an adequate Science Officer. If she had been Zherru would still be alive.

Better to become a ghost. Can’t keep disappointing people.

== tag. ==

[Aeryn Miller]

If she was being honest, Aeryn wasn't sure how Lucy was going to react to her effectively tearing a strip off of her. Would she be remorseful and apologetic or possibly be in denial about it all? Not that the CSO could speculate, as ultimately it was down to Devereaux as to how she chose to respond. When Lucy did speak, Aeryn didn't know how to feel, perhaps she even expected a little more. That being said, it did appear that Lucy understood the consequences of her actions, thus preventing the junior officer from digging herself deeper into the proverbial hole that she had created.

" Good, because this isn't the time for excuses, not when we're about to face the unknown again, and I need to know that I can trust you".

The analogy that Lucy then used as she continued, spoke more of just her not knowing when and when not to keep her mouth shut, or think properly. This reminded Aeryn to look over Lucy's files again, as the senior officer considered her words, before speaking.

" Whether you succeed or not, is up to you, Lucy, because if you're willing to try, to do better and not be considered a liability, then you'll take this final warning seriously and prove to me, and the Captain, that you can do this job".

That's what it boiled down to, and quite frankly Aeryn didn't want to be, minus a member of the department, not with the task ahead, and yet it was now in Lucy's court, so to speak, whether she would accept the final warning, and show that she was capable of being a functional member of the crew. If not, then, well Aeryn would deal with it accordingly.

== Tag Lucy ==

[Lucy Devereaux]

That makes three of us.

Lucy wanted to prove to herself that she was a competent Science Officer to herself as well as to the senior officers. She had the training to overcome certain aspects of her liability factor. She needed to work on her social filter while on duty. The reactions to her not reading the room properly gave her a means to avoid in the future, but she couldn’t make any more missteps like that again.

It was a little confusing that Aeryn had called her Lucy and not Lieutenant Junior Grade Devereaux. Maybe it was an easier shorthand than going full formal. The crew were an odd blend of ranks and professions. The new project seemed a little ambitious. Nebulae were a cauldron of material. She preferred the phrase stellar nursery. They were a frequent pain in the neck as probes could generally only see so far.

“I’m looking forward to seeing what these fancy new probes can do. Would prefer that we weren’t on the outs with the Cardassians, but that’s the hand we’ve been dealt.”

It did mean she’d be working with Engineering, but these cross-departmental projects were good for getting to know fellow officers. Lucy had a lot of interpersonal work ahead of her and she was starting from pretty much rock bottom. It’d be hard, but it would be worth so much in the long run. 

“I also look forward to proving myself to you, Aeryn. It’ll be good to be doing some actual science work.”

Lucy wanted to develop an actual social circle. It was too easy to be the lone kid that nobody talked to. She drifted into stuff mostly by accident or not perceiving properly. Beneficial accidents like meeting Jaclyn were rare and much rarer than she wanted to admit. Going outside of her comfort zone was what she needed for growth. Being sensible was a good approach also.
A work in progress, preferably with no more missteps.

The Artemis was a great crew. Lucy knew she couldn’t expect things to remain unchanged. Serenity to change the things that she could and accept the things that she couldn’t. She liked the explorational goal of Starfleet, but that meant being ready to be used like a cross between a galactic police force or military.

== tag ==

[Aeryn Miller]

Aeryn wanted to believe that Lucy would make the right decision regarding her career and that she wouldn't throw it all away, because she couldn't deal with the reality of it all. It was more than doing a job, one that the Lieutenant had the potential to do well in if she was willing to put the hard work in. So, as long as she adhered to the warning that had been given, then perhaps there wouldn't be a repeat of this discussion.

All the CSO could do was monitor the situation, keep a close eye on Lucy's progress, and evaluate her performance during and after the upcoming mission. Lucy then brought up the new probes, particularly how she was looking forward to seeing what they could do, as well as her thoughts about being so close to Cardassian territory.

" Exactly it is, and we do our job to the best of our ability as always, despite who we might be in proximity of. As for the new probes, I feel the same way, and I'm looking forward to seeing what they can do".

Her first mission as CSO would involve something that would make one hell of a difference between success and failure. Failure wasn't an option as Lucy then said something else, something more specific to what had been discussed.

" Good, and will, but, don't expect me to go easy on you either. You'll be under a lot of scrutiny on this mission based on what we've discussed, and I hope you're ready to show us that you can handle what's expected of you".

Aeryn then consulted the PADD that she had left on her desk before Lucy's arrival. " You're scheduled for a bridge shift tomorrow, and I expect you to be there on time, without any delays".



== Tag Lucy ==

[Eun Ju Han]

To say she had a bad night was an understatement. There had been times in life when Ju had not slept well including the nights before her biological substance donators came to visit, when her brothers moved out to start lives of their own, when her Halmoni died, the night before she entered Academy, and the night of Graduation. Now she could add the night Damian was arrested to her ever growing list of crap sleep. The bed did not look like a bed any longer. Instead, it looked as though some vicious beast had attacked all the covers, pillows, blankets, and sheets which were strewn haphazardly around the room in her efforts to find sleep.

Slamming an angry hand down on the PADD at her nightside table to shut it up. The incessant beeping ended mid beep and Ju rolled off the bed and onto her feet. Rubbing the grit from her eyes as she made her way across her Quarters to the bathroom so she could shower and et ready for shift. Half-way across the small Quarters she tripped over an errant pillow causing her to take three massive steps, bang her head into the bathroom door frame, say some very un-Ju-like verbiage she had likely picked up from Mara, and kick the offending pillow across the room.

Once she had showered, brushed her teeth, and tossed her long dark hair in a pony tail Ju dressed in a uniform and got herself together for shift. The water had helped wake her up and she requested the computer to make her a strong but very sweet coffee. While it brewed and cooled she picked up her Quarters she wouldn’t have to mess with it after shift and sorted everything back out. Shoving her PADD into her pocket she took her to-go cup of coffee with her. The cup was her usual cup. It was black but covered in sticker like designs that were either in Korean or names of popular Kpop bands she liked.

The Commander had told her she didn’t have to be on time to shift but she didn’t think being alone was a great idea right now. She needed to be busy and what better way than to start working on these fancy probes they needed to get ready for the Nebula. Who even is our Captain at this point? Do we have one? Two? Seven? Did Crawford grow two heads? Was Givens secretly her sister or her clone? Who even knew at this point? The most vivid memories she had from yesterday was Mara going off the rails and her boyfriend getting arrested. She also remember sharing her pocket-candy with Jaein.

He seemed like a solid Chief.

Ju hopped on the Turbolift, it was probably good that the coffee had not fully started her brain because it was easier to stay numb when her brain wasn’t firing on all cylinders.

“Science,” she said firmly finally taking a sip of the coffee. The sweet caramel coffee was heavenly and did wonders for her brain. As the Turbolift shot her through the ship towards Science she thought about what the day would hold. She would be working with Science to adjust the probe to the specs they needed it to be so they could work in the Nebula. Ju ignored everyone that got on and off the Lift with her and concentrated on her coffee and retaining her sanity.

Once the doors opened, she stepped out onto the Science Complex. She headed through the Complex for a moment until she found some familiar faces. Why is everyone red-headed on this ship? Is it contagious? Do I turn red after I’ve been here long enough? Looking at the two women, she decided she might as well speak, that way they could get the awkwardness out of the way and just get to work. The Commander hadn’t arrived yet, Ju thought she might be early, but again, staying at home was not good idea.

“Hello Commander, Lieutenant, I’m here to help with the probes,” Ju stated with a kind but slight smile on her face.

==Tag Science Ladies==

[Aeryn Miller]

Now that Aeryn had laid out the expectations regarding what they had discussed, including where Devereaux needed to be when it came to launch, Aeryn saw no reason to keep the junior Lieutenant any longer. After all they needed to get some sleep, and be ready, and besides there was nothing left to say, that Aeryn already hadn't mentioned.

" Go get some sleep, and I'll check in with you tomorrow".

Once Lucy had been dismissed, all Aeryn had to do was make a note of everything, and ensure that all pre launch checks were carried out ahead of time. This would save precious minutes come the morning, especially since she would be meeting Engineering to make a start on the probes. With everything complete, Aeryn then logged off and made her way out of the Science Complex, very much looking forward to a nightcap and winding down before the real work began.

== ETL with permission from Devereaux ==

== Next Day - Early Morning ==

Following a slightly restless night's sleep and finally being able to process the events from the day before, Aeryn had arrived early at the Science Complex. Tasks that needed her attention were dealt with, aided by a new blend of coffee that the CSO had acquired during shoreleave.

Fuelled by caffeine, Aeryn checked over the schedule, satisfied that all science systems showed in the green, something that she forwarded to the Bridge, before her attention shifted to the arrival of Ju.

" Hello Ensign, and ah yes, I'm looking forward to working with Engineering more closely" Aeryn said warmly, as she got up from her desk .

== Tag Ju ==

[Eun Ju Han]

==My apologies if I interrupted the timeline, I thought you were already on the next day!==

Ju was just glad to have something she could put her mind to. Being in her Quarters wasn’t going to do her any good, Mara was likely on-shift somewhere, her boss was probably working as well, and Ju hadn’t even though to check in with him. That might be a mistake in hindsight.. she mused to herself as she took another sip of her coffee. Today was probe day. Nothing truly excited Engineers quite the way that redesigning something someone else had already designed but, better. There was something good about it. When you had fixed someone else’s design to do something outside its original scope and it was even better if you made it look effortless.

I doubt anything will be effortless today.

“Good morning, Commander,” Ju said with a soft smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. Normally, Ju was bubbly and full of life but the last twenty four hours had really been yard on the young Ensign who was still figuring out her place in the world. Now her boyfriend was under arrest, she had spent last night eating more sugar than was even remotely healthy, and now she was up bright and early for work. Commander Jaein had told her to take her time coming in, but she had decided not to listen to that. It wasn’t that she didn’t think she could use extra time it was just that being alone meant her brain was thinking and she would rather expend that energy with work.

She knew that schematics had been shown briefly at the meeting the day before but she couldn’t really remember much about them other than having seen them. She also remembered that Omdor may not be here himself but that didn’t mean she couldn’t get to work. Ju would be grateful to have something to do with her hands which didn’t include strangling Caitians.

“Did you have a copy of the schematics and a location you would like me to get started on? I’m a little early for my shift but I would prefer to get started if that’s all right with you, Commander,” Ju said to the Chief with another half hearted smile for a moment waiting to see if she could get started. The Commander seemed nice enough but Ju didn’t have a lot of experience with her, she just knew her from being at the parties that Ju had attended thus far. Still, it was professional time and Ju was ready to get started. Depending on if she was going to be working with Miller or by herself would determine if she would put music in her ears and just concentrate on work or if she would be making casual conversation around her boyfriends recent arrest.

==Tag Aeryn. Sorry for the delay was waiting to see if anyone else was joining I didn’t want to cut anyone off!==

[Aeryn Miller]

== It's all good :-) ==

Aeryn smiled warmly as Ju responded to her, although she would have been remiss not to notice how the engineer's smile didn't quite reach her eyes. Understandable considering what had happened the previous evening, and how Aeryn herself still hadn't fully come to terms with it. It was one thing to see her friend and mentor marched away under the most awful of circumstances, so she could only begin to imagine how Ju must feel as she knew Damian on a more intimate level.

The CSO did know how valuable it was to find a suitable distraction, something to focus on so you couldn't dwell on events or the repercussions that came with trying not to show your true emotions. So, while they didn't know each other that well, Aeryn was determined to help Ju as much as she could.

When Ju spoke again, her attention shifting to the reason why she was there, Aeryn was able to answer the engineer, as she picked up the PADD containing the probe schematics. " I do, and I've set aside one of our larger labs to make it easier for us to work on the probes. There's nothing wrong with being a little early, as I've always been that way, so yes, we can definitely get started".

Aeryn then paused for a moment, as she considered if she should say something about Damian or not, before settling on what made the most sense, leaving it open for Ju to answer if she wanted to.

" Before we go, I just wanted to let you know that I'm here if you need to vent, talk, or want to get drunk".

The Commander had survived some of the worst times in her life and was still there to show for it, so she wasn't going to sit by and not do anything.

== Tag Ju ==