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. ==

[Aeryn Miller]

== Enroute to Earth ==

== CSO Office - Science Complex ==

With Artemis heading back to Earth and all mission-related reports and logs complete, there was still work to be done, and Aeryn had been in her office since her shift started. There was something tranquil about the space she had made her own, although she would easily admit it wasn't all kittens and rainbows being Chief, and if anything, she had learned a lot about herself and running her department. Going forward, she would take all of that into consideration to ensure that it continued to run smoothly and make changes where necessary. So while she had been going over the last lot of results from recent experiments, Aeryn also wanted to go through the personnel files, conduct reviews before the allure of shoreleave took over.

Her reasoning for doing so was to be preemptive, root out any issues now rather than later, and if needed, put plans in place with goals to work towards to resolve those issues quickly and efficiently. The CSO was mindful of being approachable, offering reassurance when appropriate, because at the end of it, she wanted those under her command to do well, succeed and flourish rather than hold them back. The same went for any disciplinary measures, as Aeryn wasn't a pushover, and sometimes her bite was worse than her bark. No one wanted to be made a fool of or waste time on someone who wasn't willing to put the work in; with that kind of attitude, they had no place in her department.

Aeryn believed herself to be a firm but fair kind of boss, and as her list became shorter, with each passing day, there was one particular Lieutenant she wanted to talk to, given what had happened the last time she was called into this office. Aeryn had hoped Lucy had remembered the terms of that particular meeting, the last warning she had given, because it was serious, and it hadn't been said out of pure spite despite the anger she had felt following the disaster of a briefing.

Moving over to the small sofa in the corner, with a coffee mug in one hand and a PADD in the other, Aeryn waited for Lucy to arrive.

== Tag Lucy ==

[Lucy Devereaux]

== Enroute to Earth ==

== CSO Office - Science Complex ==

With the mission over it was time for the review. Lucy had stuck her foot well in it at the briefing which had been disastrous even before her uncalled for input. She had a role to play, though she knew now that she had no gifts when it came to reducing tension. There was a new ship’s counsellor, but they hadn’t met. She had tried to keep out of trouble, but had barely done anything.

Aeryn was a reasonable authority figure. There certainly wasn’t a shortage in that regard. She had done a better job of running the department than Lucy and she was glad of that. Unfortunately Lucy had made herself Aeryn’s problem instead of being a valuable colleague. People were rarely angry with Lucy, mostly disappointed. She felt frustrated when she made the wrong decision. Trying too hard to fit in and only bringing shame.

These kind of meetings made her feel uneasy. She knew she was difficulty, and she wanted to be better. Better to receive Aeryn’s judgement, that wait too long and make it worse. Aeryn was in the Chief Science Officer’s office with a stack of padds and a mug of coffee, though she was sitting at the small sofa and table area, and not the desk.

Slightly relaxed, but still important.

“Lieutenant Commander?”

== tag. ==

[Aeryn Miller]

In her preparation for these evaluations and reviews, Aeryn had pored over each recipient's file in detail, while also ensuring that she took the appropriate breaks and finished at a reasonable time. She knew from experience what it was like to burn the phaser at both ends, and while it had proved to be an excellent distraction for ignoring her emotions concerning both the mission and breakup with Beka, Aeryn wasn't about to become some recluse, drowning herself in work or organising what she had planned for shore leave. The invites for the latter had already been distributed amongst the crew, giving them plenty of time to decide if they would attend or not.

Presently, however, Aeryn brought up Lucy's file, detailing what she already read, the highs, the lows, in the hope that she would be adding to it following the conclusion of this meeting. That wasn't to say that Lucy couldn't be a better officer, as presently she was more like a problem child, but all the CSO could do was continue being fair and firm, in the hope that Lucy could turn her reputation around and prove to herself and everyone that she still belonged on Artemis.

Taking a sip of her coffee, Aeryn sat back just as Lucy arrived, right on time, which was a positive start, so Aeryn didn't have to go chasing her down or send Security to fetch her.

" Ah, right on time, Lieutenant, please take a seat and feel free to get yourself a beverage from the replicator".

== Tag Lucy ==

[Lucy Devereaux]

== Enroute to Earth ==

== CSO Office - Science Complex ==

Lucy gave her options due consideration. She didn’t feel that she needed coffee, yet, and she wasn’t quite certain about a glass of water as that would make it feel too formal. She decided on a simple hot chocolate as it would dial down her nerves a touch and give her a focal point.

She sat carefully across from Aeryn placing the warm mug on the table. She couldn’t remember if she’d had a meeting like this on the Apollo. There had been counselling after Dvorak, but she couldn’t tell if she’d gone through the motions without actually doing anything constructive.

She looked at her department head, but couldn’t think of what she was meant to say. Protocols and procedures were strange things. They were meant to maintain order or functionality. Captain Givens was meant to be auditing or assessing the crew after the mission to find the Gryphon, or something to that effect, but this was different.

What do you do with a problem like Lucy?

Definitely not a convent in the Austrian Alps or there abouts. Lucy was quite a different box of cats.

== tag. ==

[Aeryn Miller]

Lucy soon decided on what drink she wanted, and as the other woman sat down across from her, and placed the mug of hot chocolate on the table, Aeryn took it as her cue to start the briefing. Not that the DH expected any small talk, not with the purpose of this meeting, though she did hope Lucy would be able to relax a bit; then again, it still felt as though Aeryn hardly knew her, even though they spent time outside normal duty hours in the lounge. That night seemed like a distant memory after what they had endured, but this is why it was so important for Aeryn to do this now, rather than wait.

" I know the situation was different the last time we were in this office together; however, that's not why I invited you here today", Aeryn began softly, wanting to set the tone and let Lucy know that she wasn't in any trouble.

Putting the PADD to one side, and gave Lucy her full attention.

" What I want to hear from you is how you felt the last mission went, specifically your role in it, and you can be completely honest as to how you think you performed your duties".

In Aeryn's opinion, this is what needed to be said, because it was all well and good to add her thoughts to the reports and Lucy's file, but then how could she grow and learn if it was all one-sided?

== Tag Lucy ==

[Lucy Devereaux]

== Enroute to Earth ==

== CSO Office - Science Complex ==

Lucy felt the question about how she'd performed her duty in her bones. She hadn't been even close to adequate. She’d had moments of just about competence, but she’d mostly been eating herself about her idiocy when she should have been focused on doing what she could do. Questioning whether she was being productive. She was part of a crew and she had a job to do.

“I was far too much up in my own head because I spoke before thinking. I’m surprised I had occasional bouts of competence, even though I barely did what I am trained to do.

“I froze when we were facing the Klingons on the planetoid. Couldn’t remember if it was heavy stun or kill. I was scared of triggering something in the cloning center, instead of looking to find anything that could have shed some light on what might have survived or been hidden from the Klingons.

“I know we operate on an expect-the-unexpected ethos. Starfleet goes out with an intention. Sometimes it is the security of the galaxy, sometimes exploration, but how do you process the things you see? The crew ended the qoH’s operation. That feels good.

“A weight is lighter when everyone lifts together, I guess.”

Lucy got lost trying to know how to express herself coherently. Too many thoughts. She was learning, but she kept learning the hard way. Her mistakes hurt people or put them in danger. It seemed easier to stare into the abyss and give up. She reached out and took a sip from the hot chocolate. It was good. She stared at the mug before putting it back on the table. She felt that she was her own worst enemy.

== tag ==

[Aeryn Miller]

The question seemed to hang in the air for a moment or two before Lucy began to speak, her words spilling out as if they had been stored in her mind for too long. Aeryn understood and had felt what it was like to get something out that needed to be said, even if it hurt, or showed your weaknesses. There were no excuses, no pleas for leniency, no empty promises, only the truth, a truth that the other science officer hadn't shown before. Perhaps it had been there all along, but she had let her actions take over without thinking properly. They also seemed genuine, as though a light had finally switched on, and the realisation became more apparent than before.

Aeryn chose to listen, to let Lucy talk without interruption, evaluating her automatically as to how they could make that change, make her the officer she needed her to be. What was the point of remaining on the ship, doing the bare minimum, and not being able to rely on her to do what was asked? Aeryn needed a strong team to be able to give instructions and not have to do twice the work. Lucy's admission told Aeryn that there had been too much self-doubt, and sure, she knew what it was like to freeze, to be scared; there was a time and place for it, and not in the middle of a shift or when faced with Klingons with a mission to complete.

The CSO thought about Lucy's performance, her evaluation of how she thought she did, and maybe it was too soon to send her on another mission, given her previous failings, but at the time, it was Aeryn's only choice to give her that chance, to see how she did, and this was now the proof of that. At the mention of the cooperative effort to end the clone operation and the Klingons responsible, Lucy wasn't wrong, and the crew worked together quite efficiently when faced with whatever they came across; however, that could only remain that way if everyone did their part.

Once Lucy finished, Aeryn considered everything, then spoke with her usual soft cadence. " I appreciate your honesty, Lucy, and I agree you weren't working to the best of your ability. The thing is, I need someone who doesn't let themselves get too far into their own head, to recognise that there is a time and place for that, and not when in the middle of a shift or during a mission. Maybe I should have left you on the ship, but the thing is, I thought I could rely on you to do what was asked and what was needed, but I guess I was wrong. Although that's not to say there isn't room for improvement, to learn how to deal with your emotions away from the job, because going forward, I need you to be on top of your game, to be able to carry out your tasks and do them well, without me constantly having to hover over you, to be your constant guide, when I have other duties to perform, and other officers to take care of".

" Do you think what I've asked is fair and reasonable?"

Aeryn couldn't keep having to stop everything to deal with her department's problem child, or having to constantly worry about what she was going to do, because if she kept behaving the way she was, she could very well end up getting herself or someone else killed, and really, Aeryn didn't want to do that paperwork.

== Tag Lucy ==

[Lucy Devereaux]

== Enroute to Earth ==

== CSO Office - Science Complex ==

Lucy broke. What was the point in continuing? Her emotions chewed through her like rice paper. Wasn’t it better to give up? Just resign, go back to Earth and be a third rate mediocrity. She was never going to be a good Science Officer. What made her think she ever had what was needed to be in Starfleet. She was beyond incompetent, a waste of space, and unstable in a crisis. The easiest thing would be to hand in her resignation and leave.

Then she hit a realisation. She wasn’t being fair to Aeryn who had put up with her, who was trying to make Lucy break her selfish attitude. Aeryn was being fair and reasonable. Lucy wasn’t meant to be ruled by her emotions or her lack of faith in herself. She had depths and a unique approach that made the right things happen, when she wasn’t running on her emotions. She needed to do the job in front of her.

“Yes.” she responded.

Lucy had a kind of empathy, but she had and had caused scars. There were all these healthy aspects about herself. She had grown up in a loving family and yet there was something wrong with her. She couldn’t quantify what it was, but it wasn’t meant to define her. The work mattered on a level she needed to grasp. Even a feather on the scales moved things. She was no force majeure, but she wasn’t meant to be.

She couldn’t keep hiding. She needed to do without being the engine of chaos she wasn’t meant to be.

== tag. ==

[Aeryn Miller]

If Aeryn was being honest, she didn't know how Lucy would answer that particularly loaded question, knowing that her response could mean the difference between the junior science officer continuing in the department or not. Would she see the issue for what it was? How her DH had laid everything out clearly, and what had to be done to try and find that fight, that determination? Otherwise, why had she wanted to be posted to a ship? Or was it simply that no one had picked up on this until now, and Lucy had kept it hidden?

Aeryn could keep speculating and speculating, running up different explanations, and internal questions, which quite frankly couldn't be answered, not unless she dug deeper; she wasn't a Counsellor. When Lucy finally spoke, the CSO should have been happy enough with a yes, but Aeryn felt as though Lucy could have said more, especially with her career teetering on a fine line.

" Good, I'm glad we've reached an understanding on what I expect going forward", Aeryn began. " But at the same time, is there anything you want to say on the matter? How do you want to improve? What goals do you want to set yourself, so we don't end up as we did before the mission?"

Hopefully, Aeryn could get more out of Lucy, for her to take ownership of herself and have that drive to achieve it all.


== Tag Lucy ==

[Lucy Devereaux]

== Enroute to Earth ==

== CSO Office - Science Complex ==

Lucy was in far too many minds mentally. She considered putting the mug of hot chocolate back in the replicator and leaving. She was scared to open her mouth and say anything to Aeryn. She knew she didn’t fit the criteria for normal, at least if there was an honest inspection. She hadn’t considered her mental health as something that was worth anyone’s time.

She hadn’t really taken responsibility for herself as an adult. She was either too loud or not exactly there. This was maybe a first step towards actually growing up, but she was still afraid of Aeryn rejecting her as a colleague. Lucy had difficulty with her words. An expansive vocabulary was just as much of a curse, if not more so than a limited one. She tried to form the words that seemed to sum up her muddled view forward.

“I don’t know about goals. I don’t know if in comporting myself I end up seeming cold. I’m not likely to be any more weird than I already appear to everyone else. I can hold back when it comes to empathy or humor, but I need to act when my actions are commanded or needed, even if I don’t think I’m being part of the solution. I also need to ask questions when something does not seem clear, even if it might seem strange.

“That is all I can think of.”

Lucy was a qualified officer with a decent set of skills. She had lost any sense of ambition. She wanted to be out in space as part of Starfleet. Their goal of exploration was the main attraction to Starfleet for her. That meant she also had to hold in her heart and head the defensive purpose of Starfleet. She didn’t know if she was a soldier, but she wanted to be a competent Science Officer.

Lucy lifted up the mug which had started to chill as she lost herself in her thoughts. Everything came with consequences. She needed to accept them. Stellar physics or the atomic structure of a crystal were her comfort food. She needed to be active and yet comfortable with being uncomfortable.

== tag ==

[Aeryn Miller]

Aeryn knew that what she was asking might not get the answers she wanted to hear, but at the same time, the Science Chief wasn't about to sign Lucy's transfer papers. While this could count as the junior officer's third or fourth chance, given her track record ever since Aeryn had known her, she was at least willing to help Lucy come to grips with what it was like to be a proper officer, to not mess up on purpose because mistakes happened to anyone, regardless of their level of competency. All it took was the willingness to see where she had gone wrong and how she was going to rectify that without bringing further shame to herself and the department.

Although for a moment Aeryn wondered what was going through the other redhead's head right now, remembering what it was like to be in Lucy's shoes, even if she hadn't created such chaos or warranted a chat like this. Not wanting to rush Lucy until she was ready to speak, Aeryn concentrated on her coffee, finding some solace in the warmth of the cup against her skin, because being a DH wasn't easy. Being weird wasn't necessarily a bad thing; there was a time and place for it, not to interfere, and hopefully, Lucy could turn that into a positive because while she wasn't stating specific goals, they were present in her response.

" It's all about finding the right balance, with your emotions and your work ethic, Lucy, and I'd say that you needing to act when your actions are commanded or needed, or ask questions, whether they sound strange or not, are goals to work towards, for you to achieve and for you to be a competent member of this department, because I don't need to tell you what will happen if we end up back here again after the next mission".

If it came to it, then Aeryn would have no choice but to involve the FO and Captain Crawford, something she didn't want to do unless it was warranted and hopefully this meeting would be enough for Lucy to realise and prevent that from ever happening.


== Tag Lucy ==

[Lucy Devereaux]

Lucy felt the need to grow up. There were things she was capable of, things she could and should do. She wanted to be a part of the Artemis. That came with responsibilities. Lucy’s emotions scared her. That cauldron of negativity that occasionally bubbled up in her. She needed to listen better to the positive reinforcement that Aeryn was giving her.

Lucy was haunted by her past mistakes and the loss of the woman who had saved her life. Sure it seemed easier and less emotionally expensive to hide from everyone and everything, but there was a spectrum of colours and a wealth of experiences to be found if you stepped out from your supposed comfort zone. Nihilism and pessimism weren’t the right way to go about life.

“I want to be better than what I’ve been. I need to put in the work. I can do this.”

Lucy considered her mug, then drained it. It wasn’t terrible, but it would have been better earlier.

“A good toolbox isn’t all the same tool, but so many jobs can be done with a good variety of tools, if that is the right metaphor.”

She needed to put that raccoon with the crowbar in its place. Lucy wasn’t a pacifist, but she knew she needed to stop hiding when she could do more by helping. It was about knowing. Things like when a hug was a good response and when it was better to assess the reality of a situation.

The crew had been through the wringer and wallowing in her own self pity wasn’t the right response. She didn’t think that she was a good team member, but being there for someone else was the start. Even if it was just being present. If she could make her aptitude for chaos a force for good she could do better. She also hoped she could nullify it, as it wasn’t always helpful.

== tag ==

[Aeryn Miller]

Aeryn hadn't taken on the duties and responsibilities that came with being a DH on a whim, even when she had been doing it in an Acting capacity. No, the redhead had given it some serious thought, aware of her abilities, her strengths and weaknesses before saying yes, and while that had sometimes left her questioning whether she was doing the right thing, she had chosen to learn from it instead. No one was perfect, no one could do this job completely devoid of understanding others, of knowing when to pull rank or not, and of the negative aspects of being part of the chain of command.

If she were to compare what she was like in Security with Science, she couldn't remember having to deal with too many issues, realising that this thing with Lucy had been a first. However, that didn't mean she couldn't handle it, to show some tough love which was needed, along with a positive reinforcement, but only if Lucy caught onto that fact. Thankfully, the conversation was moving in the right direction, despite her having to lay out the consequences, because if Aeryn hadn't done that, then she doubted she'd be getting the kind of responses that she was currently getting.

She couldn't, and nor did she want to pretend that this was a meeting between friends, that she wasn't being serious because she was, and if she had to get harsh, then so be it.

" That's what I wanted to hear, Lucy. I just need you to believe it, because if you don't, then how am I supposed to trust you?"

It was all well and good for Lucy to say it, but Aeryn needed her to understand the implications if she didn't. The metaphor she then tried to put across wasn't far off the mark with what Aeryn required for Lucy to be a competent and trustworthy member of her team.

" Something like that, but do you understand the implications and consequences if we end up in this situation again?".


== Tag Lucy ==

[Lucy Devereaux]

== Enroute to Earth ==

== CSO Office - Science Complex ==

Lucy didn’t want to find herself in this situation again. That meant changing for the better or some version that was in the ballpark. She served a purpose. She wanted to be a functioning part of the crew. She loved the crew, but wished she could consistently feel the same about herself.

“I don’t want to end up in this situation again. I feel the implications and consequences viscerally. I want to be a better crew member.”

Lucy thought about her motivation. What drove her to be a Science Officer.

“Aeryn, were you a stargazer? I was, still am. Sometimes I’d walk for hours with my parents late at night. We’d reach a point where we could look up at the night sky. No equipment or telescope. Look for the constellations. There’s so much out there. Learning and discovering.

“Last mission taught me we’re out here, not just exploring, but working to protect what is out here. Worlds, civilizations, cultures, and races. I saw the consequences of being out here. Still trying to figure out what to do with that, but I know it.”

Planetary science was in her bones, but there was that living aspect. Some were hostile and that also meant consequences. She wanted to let go of these mood shifts. Not letting them define her life and career. Her mental health was causing her concern. Her manic moments were brief, if only she could keep a lid on it. The depression clung to her like damp jeans, when it got it hooks in.

She needed to work on not letting her fears drive her into procrastination. She needed to believe in her abilities and she knew she had abilities. It was hard to trust herself, but she needed to.

== tag. ==

[Aeryn Miller]

If Lucy didn't want to end up in this situation again, she would need to put the work in; the fact that her troublesome officer felt the implications and consequences Aeryn had mentioned was definitely a start. As hard as it was to carry them with you, it was also a test to see if you could move on from it, to learn and improve. A test that Lucy desperately needed to pass if she was going to fulfil the promise of being a better officer. " I sincerely hope that you don't, Lucy, and if you want to be a better member of this crew, then you need to prove it to yourself and not just me".

Lucy then asked a question, one that at first didn't seem relevant to the conversation until the other woman gave the CSO more information, and Aeryn realised that this must have been one of the reasons why Lucy chose the Sciences. Romanticism and looking back to those defining moments were all well and good, but if it allowed Lucy a moment to ground herself, to be fully aware of why Aeryn needed to push her, then she didn't mind answering her.

" I was, but my main focus was on Botany, absorbing everything that my parents taught me, and experimenting as much as I could".

Hard to believe that she didn't remain on that particular path until her life took an unexpected turn, but like all good things, Aeryn had found a way back to it, something she intended not to take for granted, but rather make the most of every opportunity.

When Lucy continued, it was as if the realisation had suddenly become apparent, although the last mission was perhaps more emotionally demanding than those they had endured before. Another wakeup call, if anything, especially when it came to your own mortality. " Last mission wasn't easy on any of us, but if it taught you that lesson, then processing everything will be easier. However, you need to remember that no matter what the mission is, those same principles are equally important, because we are out here to do more than explore space, regardless of what we encounter, and I don't need to remind you that this wasn't your first mission".

Lucy wasn't a fresh out of the Academy Middie, and yet Aeryn didn't want to delve quite into how she had managed to achieve the rank of Lieutenant if she hadn't upheld the goals of Star Fleet or understood them till now.


== Tag Lucy ==

[Lucy Devereaux]

== Enroute to Earth ==

== CSO Office - Science Complex ==

It wasn’t so much what they encountered, but who was doing the sending. Lucy had been letting her doubts fester. Aeryn had been her first CSO. Lucy had been paired with her on Utopia Planitia. Lucy felt she’d put up a good pretence after Dvorak, but she’d let her composure slip with the saboteur. Seeing a crying woman had caused her to put everything in jeopardy including her own life. A desperate person was not someone you comforted.

The Brittany had unfortunately turned out to be a trap. Then there was the ship they’d had to steal back from the Cardassians. Starfleet had arrested Benjamin Elias after they’d got back and Damian Coleman before they’d left on the most recent mission. Lucy wasn’t the picture of mental health, yet Aeryn was trying to salvage her, if it was even possible.

“How do you get over losing someone? I’d go from one mission to another just doing the work being there. Slowly losing confidence in Starfleet and myself. I met Zherru and thought I’d found my anchor. Then she died saving me.

“I don’t think I’d feel the way I do at the moment if I hadn’t seen those clones. We’re sent to so many places for so many reasons. Knowing that being there serves a purpose.

“It’s easy to pass for normal when you do the job in front of you and don’t stand out much. I like small social situations, but don’t know how to react to discord. There are times when I feel like there’s something wrong with me, but I don’t know what it is.”

Lucy got up and put the mug back in the replicator. She watched the computer dereplicate the mug. Lucy liked botany from an observation standpoint. What was the point in burdening Aeryn with her doubts and inadequacies? Lucy knew she had failed Zherru and felt no stability in herself.

What was she looking for? She wanted to be out among the stars. To find that all that she had experienced had some purpose. Life was suffocating. Lucy wanted the oblivion of sleep, but the longer she ignored her feelings the worse they’d get. She wanted to be able to coexist with her emotions, not let herself trample herself with every little emotional scar.

She hesitated before sitting down again. She needed to leave, to stop wasting Aeryn’s time. She wanted to stop feeling like this, to stop feeling that she should never have enrolled in Starfleet. She had been in Starfleet for too long and still felt like she’d done nothing. She was not useless. She had skills, sort of.

There were too many words in her head and nothing sounded right. Even when she spoke she couldn’t make herself coherent. There was nothing truly taxing in being a Science Officer. Her difficulty was in being Lucy Devereaux at the same time,

== tag. ==

[Aeryn Miller]

Peeling back the layers was never an easy task. The longer she sat there, the more Aeryn was getting to see the real Lucy, something the other redhead had clearly been hiding behind ever since Utopia Planitia. How could she forget the mistake she made there? A tale that still got brought up now and then, added to her list of blunders, and the very thing her DH was trying to avoid in future. But then there was that vulnerability as Lucy started talking, specifically her past and possibly the reason for everything.

Getting over someone you lost was something Aeryn understood, having gone through it herself when Merle had died; the difference was that she had learned to move on, not to let it cloud her judgment or affect her work. She also hadn't started to lose her confidence or her faith in the Fleet, but people weren't the same, and grief was still an unknown entity, something people handled in their own way.

" You never truly get over them, you just learn to accept that they're no longer around, and keep living to do them proud. You also never forget them, I know I don't with my late Fiancé. The only time I had an issue with losing confidence and my love for the Fleet was back in the Academy, otherwise I wouldn't be where I am today".

What Lucy needed was the cold, hard truth, to hear that not all was lost, and as the other woman continued, Aeryn wasn't sure what else she could say to make her feel better.

" That's exactly it, we have a purpose for doing what we do, and yes, it affects us in different ways, but that's when you have to learn to separate work from everyday life. I don't think there's anything wrong with you at all, Lucy, other than you need to have some faith in yourself and stop standing out for the wrong reasons. If you don't know how to react to a situation, then you don't; you keep quiet or stick with someone who can deal with it, because you know what happens if you mess up, and we don't want that".

Giving Lucy some food for thought as she took away her cup, Aeryn focused on her coffee, although it wasn't difficult to see the hesitation in Lucy's eyes before she sat down again.

" I don't want you leaving here until we've got everything resolved properly".

== Tag Lucy ==

[Lucy Devereaux]

Lucy quietly absorbed Aeryn’s words. To do Zherru proud she needed to be her better self. Lucy wasn’t lost on Aeryn’s loss and how she’d processed something so deep. She found herself grasping it all, then finding it slipping. She smiled softly when Aeryn said she didn’t think there was anything wrong with her. She was herself with all the bits.

Lucy did need to work on her process. She felt raw when her thoughts returned to Zherru. To never forget, but keep living, be there for the next person who needed you. Of course there was the caveat of picking her time. Not to freeze, but to think, better. She had it in her to be good. She needed to hold onto that.

“Thank you.”

Lucy had a thought about how the Vulcans were really good at cool logic and emotional control, but she couldn’t see herself coping with Pon Farr and the every seven years thing, but that was part of the observation. Vulcans had other times when they could. She’d have to work on herself the Terran way, but better. Not, I think I can, but I know I can.

“I know that I can be myself for the right reasons. I know that I will. I do have a very specific set of skills, but I need to keep them well maintained and ready.”

The balance between action and inaction. To do, especially because it mattered. Not exactly a pilot, though doing the practice would be a useful skill to have. She had transporter experience and that mixture of Security training and all her Science training. A steady flame, not brilliant, but a bit steadier. She had a lot to live down and a lot to live up to. She might even fall in love again.

== tag. ==

[Aeryn Miller]

Despite the reasoning behind Aeryn wanting to talk to Lucy, she was still a warm person at heart, so when Lucy thanked her Aeryn smiled warmly, while silently hoping this hadn't all been in vain. Even with Lucy beginning to get a grasp on everything, didn't mean it would end well, but she didn't need to keep repeating herself about what would happen if the same issues continued to crop up, and make Lucy completely untrustworthy when it came to her role on the ship. So if sharing her past and her experiences helped then the Science Chief didn't mind opening up, because she had learned that it was okay to do so, and also when it was relevant and appropriate.

She wondered what would have happened if she hadn't been strong, hadn't been a little stubborn, and quickly realised it wasn't worth overthinking it, as paths diverged when they were supposed to, and you had to endure tough times to get where you needed to be. That didn't stop Aeryn from wanting to continue bettering herself, and yet it seemed as though Lucy hadn't gotten as far as she had. She hoped that would come, as Lucy continued and spoke again.

Her response needed that belief behind it, that conviction that she wasn't just saying what was right to convince Aeryn and not sound completely hopeless and lost.

" You do, and it's more about not knowing that you will, but that you can, I can be better, I can be myself, I can behave appropriately, I can be relied upon otherwise we'll end back here again, and you won't have learned anything".

Having belief in yourself was an important tool for any person, to be capable and functional without letting emotions take over at the wrong moments as that could prove to be disastrous.


== Tag Lucy ==

[Lucy Devereaux]

== Enroute to Earth ==

== CSO Office - Science Complex ==

Aeryn was right, but that didn’t mean it didn’t hurt. That was what growth meant. It was what you did with the pain. Recently it drove Lucy into inaction and that wasn’t healthy. If she wanted to be she needed to do. She didn’t feel right repeating Aeryn’s words, but they were accurate and succinct. They encapsulated where she’d gone wrong. She could be everything she hoped to be, within what she could control. 

“Yes, I can be better, I can be myself, I can behave appropriately, and I can be relied upon.”

The trouble Lucy had caused had come from both being herself and not being herself. She needed to behave appropriately, be reliable, and better. She needed to believe in herself. She was capable, even if she didn’t feel her words would ever be enough. 

“I don’t think I can prove my sincerity by my words alone, but I want to prove it by my actions, behaviour, and silence where and when appropriate.”

She thought about Seven of Nine. Coming from the Collective and becoming her own person. The irony was not lost on Lucy. Her social skills weren’t so different. She need to prove herself to herself and be part of the crew. She was glad she had a department head like Aeryn. She was relentless and didn’t give up. Lucy’s biggest battle was with herself, maybe that had always been the case.

== tag. ==

[Aeryn Miller]

Aeryn didn't know what else she could say in order to make Lucy realise the magnitude of the issues she had caused or for her to prove that she was worth keeping her place on Artemis. There were only so many ways to get the point across and the DH didn't want them to end up going round in circles. Having this meeting in Aeryn’s opinion had been the right call to make, and Lucy being able to open up more than before was a bonus. Sure she could think why now ? However there was no need to go down that particular path as sometimes it was the easier option to take, and this was all about going forward rather than looking back.

Lucy repeated Aeryn’s mantra almost perfectly, but Aeryn thought it still lacked conviction and confidence, traits that Lucy needed to work on. In fact there would be lots of work involved in getting her up to par as it were if she intended to succeed.

The foundation had been laid as Lucy then realised it would take more than words to prove her worth.

“ Exactly, we've got a long road ahead of us and this is just the beginning” Aeryn replied as she got up from the sofa. “ I think that's enough for today, I'll schedule another meeting to discuss your progress after the next mission, but I will be monitoring you closely throughout”.

== I think that's a good place for us to stop, so we can get ready for the new mission ==

[Sovar]

== Recall Timeline - some hours before actual launch ==

It was logical for Sovar to visit the Science Complex before the Artemis set out on her mission. Having studied Astrophysics at the Vulcan Science Academy, he understood the rigors of science all too well. While both the Biko and Endeavour had adequate labs, he found the Artemis to be one of the few ships he might consider satisfactory. Nearly the whole of Deck 12 was given over to all things science. Specialist labs were situated throughout, with plenty of study areas, and the inclusion of office cubes and work-spaces for contemplation and independent study.

While making his way through the deck, he passed by the Stellar Cartography lab, choosing to inspect areas he would be less familiar with first. He instead made his way to the Primary Science Lab. In Sovar’s mind, it would be telling what kind of research and experiments were being run there, likely directed by the Chief Science Officer herself. While he had read Aeryn Miller’s dossier, a compressed profiling rarely gave the whole picture.

As he walked about, Sovar inspected the consoles and the data contained therein. A brow raise often followed after a few moments spent at a terminal, though his stoic face revealed little of what he was thinking. One in particular made him linger just slightly longer. The console in question was running an analysis on the viability and potential DNA-sequencing of a septotriticale seed grain. While mundane, Sovar could understand the potential of an even more robust, hardier grain that could withstand disease, and grow in many more environments. There would be many worlds that could benefit from such a discovery.

Still, it wasn’t enough to keep his attention for long, and Sovar moved on to inspect other consoles. Occasionally he would stop and tap the controls. At one, partially hidden from view in a nook, was a PADD. Picking it up, Sovar found it locked (as it should be), with a quote being the only thing visible on the display.

[Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet.]

“Indeed,” he said, musing internally as he still held the PADD in hand.

== open tag! ==

[Aeryn Miller]

== Recall Timeline - some hours before actual launch ==

Food in the break lounge had been a raucous affair as Aeryn and her team reconnected over a buffet style meal, gossip and general chit chat. In all it has been the perfect dose of medicine for the Chief and for the group as a whole because each of them knew it would change once the ship launched. There was some speculation as to where they were headed next, a natural response now that leave was over, however neither of them dwelled on the topic for too long before they dispersed after Aeryn had gone through the project list.

Some projects were starting, some were finishing and others were at varying stages including Aeryn's ongoing cross pollination project. There had been some encouraging results so far, and the occasional failure but it was to be expected given the nature of what the scientist was trying to achieve. The successes were celebrated because this was a long term aim to help potential struggling societies and so forth. Most of this work took place in the Primary Science Lab, Aeryn's personal favourite where she could study, experiment, go over the data and talk to others at the same time.

The CSO had left to check the latest crops currently stored in an environmentally controlled side room, not realising she had left her PADD behind until she entered what she called the greenhouse and almost swore. 

She did what she could before turning back, answering one of her new Ensigns as the redhead headed back to where she must have left it. “ It's okay Moses, it should be in the main lab” she assured her fellow scientist before she realised that someone was holding her PADD in his hand, her gaze shifting to the pips on his collar. 

Aeryn decided there was nothing she could do but be polite especially since she didn't know who this Commander was.

“ Hello Commander, can I help you with anything?”.

== Tag Sovar ==

[Sovar]

== Recall Timeline ==

There was almost nothing that showed outwardly on Sovar’s face that betrayed the quick flash of rumination that happened within. The quote on the PADD had welled up thoughts and memories from the past. Mentally, he acknowledged the cavalcade, giving everything just enough time to have its moment in the spotlight of his mind. Beyond that, he neatly packed them up and placed them back where they belonged. His focus wasn’t on those things. Instead it was in the Science Complex, on the Artemis, where he had been assigned his first Command position.

“ Hello Commander, can I help you with anything?”.

Sovar’s head had turned first to the approaching officer before his body followed. The arrival of the Lieutenant Commander, and her question, were met with a raised brow. He was certain that the officer was Miller, but she hadn’t introduced herself, and so he considered his next step of decorum.

“Salutations Lieutenant Commander. I am Commander Sovar,” he spoke in his usual robust voice.

“Your arrival is timely. My inspection of the Artemis had led me here to the Science Complex. I was curious to see what kind of research and experiments were being run by the science team, led by Chief Science Officer, Aeryn Miller. During my rounds I observed this locked PADD lying here.”

Sovar turned and motioned to its previous resting place,

“The quote on the display, Hawking, reminded me of my time at the Vulcan Science Academy. Perhaps this would be better left in your charge,” he offered the PADD.

“I am unaware of where a lost property repository would be on this deck, and the device owner may be looking for it.”

== tag! ==

[Aeryn Miller]

It wasn't that unusual for Aeryn to have visitors to the lab; however, the as yet unknown Commander's unexpected arrival had caught the redhead off guard a little. She also wouldn't have just left her PADD lying around either, so this was definitely on her as she learned of the Commander's name and why he had chosen to visit the complex. While this wasn't the kind of first impression she would have liked to give, Aeryn had to make the best of an already slightly awkward situation. Although the saving grace, as it were, looked to be a shared interest in the Sciences thanks to one of Aeryn's favourite quotes.

Hoping she wouldn't blush when Commander Sovar offered her the PADD in question, she accepted it before deciding that she better come clean, as well as introduce herself properly, like she should have done in the beginning.

" Thank you and welcome to Artemis, Commander. My apologies for not introducing myself properly when I arrived; you see, I was in a rush to retrieve the PADD I accidentally left behind", she began in her usual warm tone. " I'm Lieutenant Commander Aeryn Miller, and I assure you that I don't always do this kind of thing".

Aeryn indicated the aforementioned PADD she now held in her hand and hoped she could turn this meeting around; otherwise, she wouldn't have gotten off to a great start with who she assumed was their new FO, or at the very least a guest aboard the ship. Time would only tell as she latched onto some of the information Sovar had shared with her, and quickly made him an offer.

" Would you like a proper tour, Commander? We have a lot of different projects, experiments and research going on at the moment, some new, some ongoing, and I'd be happy to show you and discuss them with you".

If the Commander accepted, Aeryn believed they could move on from this moment of embarrassment. Besides, she enjoyed showing off the work underway in the complex because she was proud of what they were trying to achieve and had achieved since she had taken over the department.


== Tag Sovar ==

[Sovar]

Sovar looked into the science officer’s grey green eyes while noting her auburn hair during her gracious, if possibly flustered, response. There was an acknowledgment in his mind that he had not announced his visit. Plus, there was the strong possibility that many of the crew were expecting Commander Coleman to be returning. All in all there was no surprise to Sovar in the Lieutenant Commander’s response.

"...I'm Lieutenant Commander Aeryn Miller, and I assure you that I don't always do this kind of thing".

“I am pleased to meet your acquaintance Lieutenant Commander Miller. My earlier comments were not an admonishment, nor was my aloof introduction meant to spur you into an apology. In fact I appreciate meeting another scientist who, if I may infer based on the PADD, studiously keeps notes on the Science in which they conduct. In that regard, if we are trading quotes, then perhaps it is logical to use the sagacious words of another Earth scientist.”

Sovar then paused, the tiniest corner of his right lip trending almost upwards before he spoke again,

“'The only difference between Science and screwing around is writing it down,'” a raised brow followed the end of the sentence.

“A quote which, while not my favorite, does seem apropos. I should also communicate clearly that I am currently the Acting First Officer for Artemis; until such a time as, or if, Commander Coleman returns.”

Miller then offered to give a proper tour of the department, which had Sovar nodding before expressing his sentiment verbally.

“I would highly value a tour, but more so your insights. As we begin our wander through the complex perhaps you can advise me on a casual, as yet possibly incorrect, observation I have made.”

As he joined up with Aeryn, Sovar’s voice dropped in timbre, sounding ever so slightly relaxed. Also, his arms were tucked behind his back in parade rest. Otherwise there were no other outward appearances to support that he was more loosened up. His face had returned to stoic since he had shared his science related quote. Sovar followed Aeryn’s pace, keeping his strides near synchronized to hers.

“I am unsure if the phenomenon I have observed is localized strictly to Artemis. However, there does seem to be an above average distribution of those with red hued hair on Artemis. By my current estimation it seems that from twenty, to even thirty, percent of the present crew complement has that hair colour. Compared to scholarly articles which suggest that such hair is actually rare among humans; perhaps only one to two percent for all human populations in some estimations, and two to six percent in others. Such a stark difference would be, if true, a statistical wonder. It could suggest some kind of anomaly may cause, or attract, those with red hair to Artemis. Or there is a deeper psychological or sociological explanation, perhaps due the namesake of the vessel itself.”

He shifted his shoulders toward Aeryn, but continued his pace with her.

“What are your thoughts?”

==tag!==

[Ardanna Svenson]

== oops wrong account ==

[Aeryn Miller]

Aeryn wasn't sure what to make of Commander Sovar. As such, the apology felt necessary because, at this point, the DH didn't know whether he was a stickler for protocol or someone she would get along well with. It wasn't like she had any telepathic abilities to get an inkling of who he really was. Time would no doubt be the deciding factor regarding her opinion of him; that is, until he answered her greeting, and she realised that maybe he wasn't so bad after all. Sure, he wore an extra pip on his collar, but that seemed a little inconsequential since he was also a scientist, one who shared some things in common with her.

When he spoke again, there was a ghost of a possible smile on his lips, which disappeared instantly as though it never happened, and yet Aeryn was sure she saw it, choosing to focus on the quote instead. " That is a good one which I need to remember, and it's not often I meet a scientist who is as studious as I am".

Sovar then confirmed his position, and at the mention of Coleman, the all too familiar pang of missing her friend and mentor reared its ugly head, a feeling Aeryn managed to keep to herself, because it wasn't Sovar's fault for being Damian's replacement. " I understand, Commander, and I hope you enjoy your time here".

Aeryn's tone was sincere because she truly meant it, and she wasn't being biased either when it came to the ship or her loyalty to it. Artemis had given Aeryn a purpose, and while it was Damian who made her see that, she wouldn't be where she was now without his belief in her. Sovar agreed to the tour before asking for her insights regarding an observation he had made or incorrectly made. This caught the redhead's interest immediately as she answered him.

" Certainly".

As the pair made their way out of the primary lab, with the intention of Aeryn starting with one of their biggest projects, Sovar's voice dropped slightly as he began discussing the subject of the observation he had mentioned. Listening as he spoke about the number of redheads on the ship, and his thoughts on the matter, Aeryn hadn't thought about it like that. Whether it was some anomaly or deep-rooted sociological or psychological explanation, she couldn't say for certain, but she understood why he had come to that conclusion. There was also no denying how many there seemed to be in one place, and maybe it was just a happy coincidence.

" I have to say I've never really thought about it like that before, although you are correct that there are a lot of us with red hair; I always assumed it to be some fluke or coincidence that we ended up in the same place. My Ma would probably swear that it was simply fate that brought us all to Artemis".


== Tag Sovar ==

[Sovar]

“Fate? Intriguing.”

Sovar’s dispassionate tone and face did little to reveal the inner workings of his mind. While the observation itself had been genuine, Sovar had made the revelation to Miller as more of a way to build camaraderie through levity. A technique, it seemed, he still had to work on.

He also had noticed the slight change in Miller upon the mention of his predecessor. Sovar knew that Coleman would have made connections with the crew, and some of them would likely be missing Commander Coleman’s presence. Though he was uncertain of the exact depth of relationships that the previous commander possessed with his subordinates, particularly with the department heads. There was something about Command that often, though not always, brought people together.

“Thank you, Lieutenant Commander Miller, for indulging my momentary inquisitiveness on the subject of hair pigment.”

They had, while talking, moved out of the primary lab. There was a nostalgic comfortableness for Sovar to explore science-based areas of the ship. While he’d be equally at ease in Security, Tactical, or even the Bridge, there was something different about exploring the uniqueness that the sciences had to offer.

“You had, before I interrupted with my observation, spoken of new and ongoing projects, experiments, and research being conducted. I am interested to know what Aretmis, and your team, are focusing their efforts on.”

Sovar prepared to follow Miller further, paying attention not just to the science around him, but to her specifically. This was his chance to understand and get to know her, before the rigours of both command and mission influenced things. A better chance, in his estimation, to know the real Miller.

[Aeryn Miller]

“ Words I sometimes live by and use without thinking, the latter especially when it comes to the sciences”.

Sovar was someone she didn't know well enough yet and so Aeryn kept herself from adding how she sometimes used the word intriguing when referring to either member of the sexes in a more romantic and personal way. Her short-lived relationship with Beka hadn't put her off the idea of dating women again, but for the time being Aeryn was content in her own skin to be single for a while. After all it wasn't uncommon for her to be that way and if the opportunity did arise she would be in the right headspace.

The new FO and perhaps a potential friend then thanked her for indulging him with his inquisitiveness regarding red hair. “ I rather quite enjoyed discussing it Commander and would happily do so again on any subject or if you have any other insights”.

Talking to a like minded individual enabled Aeryn to show her true self just as she would with Mara, Hally, Robin or any of her other friends and maybe Sovar would also be counted among them. The conversation reverted back to what Aeryn had mentioned earlier with Sovar being interested in what Artemis and specifically her team were focusing their efforts on.

“ Mainly the phenomenon we encounter on our travels, collecting and analysing the data we get from it, or if faced with a specific issue or problem relating to a mission. Although I do encourage personal projects, I have one myself that involves cross pollination and creating new and more sufficient food items. Can I show you where I was prior to our meeting?”

== Tag Sovar==

[Sovar]

Miller had been incredibly accommodating of Sovar since his arrival, despite the initial awkwardness. She seemed eager, curious, and observant, the latter a skill she no doubt honed in both science and security. That was yet another thing that they shared in common; both had backgrounds in uncommon pairings. Sovar’s brow rose when he considered that fact.

“ I rather quite enjoyed discussing it Commander and would happily do so again on any subject or if you have any other insights”.

Sovar nodded thoughtfully, then listened as she spoke further to some of the projects that the Artemis and team were working on. It did seem, to him, that details were sparse at the beginning, but as Miller went on it became apparent that her interest was somewhere else. While there was, no doubt, spectacular amounts of data gathered from their journeys, it seemed that the Lieutenant Commander had a personal project which, was at the forefront of her mind.

Young Sovar would have understood that completely, and he allowed himself a brief moment of reminiscence for the boy before Star Fleet. How lost in obsession he had become when studying n-body problems in the early days of his academic career. Exploring how easily elements of chaos could be introduced into dynamic systems. The research he made in trying to see if there were gravitational variances in the sector that Rubicun was in. Anything to uncover evidence of something lurking in the cosmic vastness that could explain his father’s disappearance. It was not something he thought of often, but it never truly laid at rest in his mind.

“Can I show you where I was prior to our meeting?”

“Yes, please do. I am… keen to see your work,” the end of his sentence would have sounded like there was more to it, but he continued the train of thought in his own head.

And understand your fascination with botany.

It was not a field that Sovar himself had studied much in. While there were general courses that were undertaken at the Vulcan Science Academy, the study of plants wasn’t a particularly strong suit of his. Though he did not begrudge anyone their specialities. Additionally, Sovar was genuine when he expressed a desire to see Miller’s work. What a scientist worked on, and how they studied it, could say more than reams of dossiers and personality matrices.

“Spare no details,” Sovar finally said with a decisiveness that he hoped would not broker an enquiry.

[Aeryn Miller]

Regardless of how keen Aeryn was to show off the next stage of her personal project, the redhead would understand if the Commander preferred to see something else first. There was no denying how busy the department was, even with the ship still in space dock, and there was always something happening; it gave Aeryn great satisfaction to see it alive and bustling, knowing how supportive she was of her officers' interests and work. Pride was another word for how the DH felt about her team, and not just what she was working on, because this was a collaborative effort to maintain a positive reputation and outlook when it came to their role on the ship.

It turned out that Sovar was equally keen to see what she had been working on, and for that Aeryn appreciated the Commander's intrigue because it wasn't every day that she got to show the higher-ups stuff like this. Botany was an interesting subject to study and learn from, and the scientist was thankful for the opportunity to do what she loved.

" This way, Commander, and certainly I'll give you all the details, I'll also be able to show you all of the data that's been collected so far".

The latter was easy enough thanks to the information stored in the data banks and not just her work PADD. But for now, Aeryn focused on the grow lab she had been working in, hoping it would gain a decent reaction from the new FO. Leading the way, Aeryn made the introductions as they passed members of her department, before coming to a stop outside the room she had mentioned. " I hope you like what you're about to see, Commander", Aeryn remarked as she opened the door.

Once inside, the temperature change was immediately noticeable, as was the layout of the room with rows upon rows of different plants in varying stages of growth. A mini climate within the confines of the room, perfect for what Aeryn was trying to achieve. " This is our second one of these rooms dedicated to sustainability through cross-pollination in the hope it provides better crops and foodstuffs for those who might need it, or even when it comes to longer space journeys so we're not so reliant on replicators".

Aeryn stepped into the room properly, and continued to explain the set-up. " I first started with tomatoes, and it's since grown to include other fruits, vegetables, seeds and grains, and we monitor it all quite closely".

== Tag Sovar ==

[Sovar]

Sovar followed the auburn haired CSO, going to a section of the Science Complex that he had yet to venture toward. As they continued to their as-yet-unknown, at least to Sovar, destination they passed by several other crew members. Miller was prompt in providing introductions, and all of them seemed genuinely curious or even excited to meet Sovar. There was a sense that he was getting, that science was perhaps a not oft visited department, and he made a mental note of it. Making regular appearances in the complex would be easy, and would offer him some chances to indulge a side of him he’d not worked on since the Vulcan Science Academy.

" I hope you like what you're about to see, Commander", the CSO remarked, and it drew a brow raise from Sovar.

“I trust that your studies will be suitably intriguing to me, Lieutenant Commander Miller.”

Heat and humidity were the things that hit him first, and Sovar couldn’t help but take a deep breath in as he entered the lab. He walked far enough forward that the doorway closed behind them, and really let the warmth sink into his frame. For a brief moment Sovar closed his eyes and focused on breathing in the bask-worthy fresh air.

Miller began to speak of her project and what it was focused on. It caused him to awaken and take in the room for what it was; all about them were different types of agricultural foodstuffs. Varieties that he recognized, then others that he did not. Colours combined with scents, and it was suddenly much more obvious to Sovar why botanists would enjoy the tangible parts of their studies.

" I first started with tomatoes, and it's since grown to include other fruits, vegetables, seeds and grains, and we monitor it all quite closely".

“Impressive.”

While it was only one word, it was high praise. The sheer number of foodstuffs and crops that were on hand were surprising, and Miller was correct in her assumptions. Having crops that were easier to grow in different environments, more durable, and deliver more edible nourishment for better return on resource investment, was incredibly important. Especially to colonies, whether they used replicators or not; biomatter was always required, and energy demands sometimes outstripped supply. The latter part Miller herself had spoken to, as starships did encounter emergency situations where energy was rationed: Voyager herself being a prime example.

“It would seem these are, then, the fruits of your labour,” Sovar began investigating some of the vegetables and fruit.

“Do you test the stability of the cross-pollinated species and their tolerance for adverse conditions and disease? What is your methodology?”

It was then that Sovar recognized a familiar fruit that most Vulcans would find at breakfast.

“Gespar,” he said before moving toward an area dedicated to them.

“An unexpected find in this eclectic nursery of produce. Are there species that you are focusing on, and how do you determine those that you do select? This would generally be considered a delicacy as opposed to a staple. Or is that, perhaps, your intention?”

Sovar stood straight up, realizing he was not even facing Miller anymore, having become engrossed in the medley of variety surrounding him. Turning about to face her, he gave the slightest of bows. Even then, his countenance had loosened significantly in the warmth, and Sovar seemed somehow more at ease.

“Apologies for the number of questions, Lieutenant Commander Miller. I hope my queries do not feel like an interrogation, but instead show my eager inquisitiveness.”

==tag Miller==

[Aeryn Miller]

So far so good Aeryn thought to herself, happy to see her staff be so welcoming to the new FO; then again, they were a friendly bunch, and the redhead expected nothing less from her team. She also managed to draw another raised eyebrow from Sovar, something the scientist imagined she would see more of during their tour. That being said, she was confident that Sovar would find everything he was about to see intriguing, or so she hoped. " I hope they will be, Commander".

The FO's initial reaction to the new environment reminded Aeryn of how she felt about being in this room, seeing it as an extension of who she was; it also wasn't uncommon for her to lose her uniform jacket or come in here during her off-duty hours to work or check on the status of what they were growing. Now that she was back from leave, those efforts would continue, and she had to admit that she was looking forward to it, as well as hearing what Sovar thought of it all.

Impressive was high praise indeed, and Aeryn actually smiled when Sovar said that; the analogy he used next wasn't lost on the scientist either because he wasn't wrong with his choice of words even if they could be construed as a pun. " Very much so, yes, although I can't take all the praise, as it's a team effort".

While Aeryn was the main lead on the project and liked to be hands-on, the DH had learned to delegate where necessary; her trust in those who oversaw things when she wasn't available or needed elsewhere reflected in what Sovar was seeing. Watching as he began to investigate, Aeryn considered Sovar's questions about testing the stability of what they were growing and about her methodology. " That's the next phase of the project, which is still in the planning stages, so I would welcome your input on how we should go about it".

Aeryn soon realised that Sovar's attention was elsewhere; then again, she shouldn't have been surprised when the FO spotted the Gespar, liking how at ease he was being in what was essentially a high-tech greenhouse or how delighted he appeared to see the delicacy. She also didn't mind the number of questions being asked or how eager Sovar was, especially with the bow he offered her.

" No need to apologise, Commander; I welcome these kinds of questions as it's not often that I get to talk with someone who understands the Sciences outside of this complex, and to answer your questions, it started with favourites, but as the project grew we tried to focus on what would appeal to everyone, although we couldn't help including things like the Gespar, that was Ensign T'Vala's suggestion and I'm happy to see how well it has thrived. The Milaberries, however, have seemed to take over, and I was going to harvest some if you would like to try a couple?"



== Tag Sovar ==