Blind Us With Science

Posted on Sun Oct 13th, 2024 @ 12:12am by Lieutenant Colonel Jeff Fletcher & Lieutenant Commander Sidric Tobias PhD, MSST, BEng & Lieutenant Commander Nari Kavu
Edited on on Sun Oct 13th, 2024 @ 12:13am

4,399 words; about a 22 minute read

Mission: Boys of Summer
Location: Conference Room 32B. Santiago Bay Science Facility
Timeline: Mission Day 1

ON:

"How many of these do we gotta get through?" Jeff whispered casually to Sidric as they waited for the first candidate to come through the door.

Sid glanced at his PADD and suppressed a grimace "probably best I not say," he whispered back.

Jeff cracked his neck and had another sip of coffee. "Some days I regret giving up drinking at work."

The door chimed.

"Let us, how they say, go fishing," Sid said stretching his neck in preparation.

"Alright, let's reel them in," Jeff straightened up and started sifting through the data padds arrayed before them.

Sid smirked, "our first catch of the day?"

"Come," called Jeff.

The first candidate stepped through the door, a fairly tall thin man with dark hair and a crew cut. He had a friendly if somewhat presumptive expression, but presented well enough. Pressed uniform, clean shaven, waxed hair and the rest. He stepped up with confidence and waited to be addressed.

"At ease," Jeff said curtly, setting down the data padd. "Lieutenant Zane Emerson Ladd-"

"Reporting for evaluation, sirs." He snapped a crisp salute.

"At ease," Jeff said again, but smiled this time, and offered the chair. "Make yourself comfortable. I'm sure your familiar with myself, and Commander Tobias."

Lieutenant Ladd offered them both a short formal greeting. "It's a pleasure, and an honour."

"I'm sure," Jeff forced a soft chuckle. "You are putting yourself forwards as a candidate for the Director of Scientific Services. Myself and Commander Tobias have been reviewing your profile, but we'd like to hear from you. What makes you the fit for this job?"

"Colonel, Commander," Zane gave them a broad but almost rogeuish grin, raising his arms in a shrug that said 'there is nothing that needs to be said'. "You need look no further. I believe I am the perfect candidate for the job. I come from three generations of leading scientists in Stafleet, two Doctor Ladds and one Doctor Iman on my mother's side. I'm sure you heard of my great-grandmother, Commander Cilia Ladd PhD. I've worked in the field myself ever since graduating a year younger than average with exemplary scores, granted the rank of lieutenant a little more than two years ago, and I'll be planning not only to take my command exam later this year but next year I'll be graduating as a doctor myself. I won't bore with the details but I'm very proud of my thesis, it's quite fascinating."

Ladd flashed them another smile Jeff was sure would be self-described as a 'winning one' and seemingly waited their appraisal.

Jeff was speechless. "Well that... says a lot. It's a lot to consider."

Sidric raised an eyebrow off to a great start he thought darkly. "Yes, Mister Ladd, that is all well listed in your record, and your credentials are sufficient. What we are looking for is an insight into what specifically you believe you can bring to the role."

Zane Ladd's smile wavered, and he gave a nervous chuckle, but then doubled-down on the charm again with renewed intensity. "Well, Commander... as Director of Scientific Services - a prestigious role - I would ensure that Santiago Bay is at the forefront of development, quality, and excellence. The Sciences division would be the textbook definition of efficiency, pioneering the field in advancements and delivering whatever was required to further the goals of the Federation, and Sagan Prime. Just these last few years, my research into the novel concept on how to maintain warp drive without the deleterious effect on warp space... well, the details are in my profile. Perhaps one day the future of starships will be based on this thesis."

Jeff took a deep breath, again trying to process the barrage of of buzz words with which he'd been assaulted. "That... certainly does sound like... a lot. Could you tell us about your current position, where you're working now?"

"As you undoubtedly have read, I am in theoretical astrophysics, which is an exceptional area of sciences," Zane replied. Excited to talk about his field he continued, "perhaps what you may not know is how I have streamlined our simulation pipeline to be seventeen percent more efficient. It is this approach to exacting science that I believe will be of benefit to the role of Director." Ladd managed to pull the edge of his smile even further towards his ears.

Sid shot Jeff a subtle glance. "Seventeen percent you say? Quite impressive." Sidric looked at the man who was nodding proudly. "Do you have any questions for us?"

Lieutenant Zane E. Ladd gave his most winning smile yet. "When do I start?"

Neither Jeff, nor Sidric, could say anything for a long moment. Thus began a very long, slow series of interviews.

"So, Lieutenant Commander Spiegelman, you worked on the Lassiter, tell us about yourself."

"I see you worked for six years in Engineering before transferring, Lieutenant Baxter. What prompted the change?"

"Lieutenant Miller, you say you're working on a PhD in... 'Novel quantum effects in low-temperature quasi-zero-dimensional mesoscopic electron systems'... "

"Doctor Keppel... tell me more about your... "audible sound" research..."

"Thank you for coming in, we'll be in touch. Have a nice day," Jeff sighed and slumped back in his chair as the latest candidate left in relatively high spirits. He rubbed his eye and lifted his empty coffee cup with scorn. "How many was that?"

Sid stood up, rubbed his temples with his right hand and tossed the interview PADD back on the chair. "That, was candidate thirty-seven," Sid replied now stretching his arms back to loosen his shoulders.

"Forget Science Director," Jeff said deflatedly, "I'll marry the next person who comes in with a coffee."

"Would that be number five or six?" Sid asked.

"Coffee, or wives?" Jeff said dryly. With a malcontented grunt he got up and went to the replicator. "Another round of drinks, another round of applicants... send in the next one."

**Some time later**

"Thanks, we'll be in touch, enjoy the rest of your day." Jeff stifled a yawn as candidate sixty-seven left the conference room. He was barely able to muster the customary farwell he'd been using, since the candidates proved more taxing than anticipated. "How come none of the screenings and resumes mentioned anything about every one of these people being boring, brash or just... bad?"

"Ah, that's just scientists," Sid replied with an air of self awareness while leaning his head back to stare at the ceiling.

"I don't get it," Jeff gestured chaotically. "It's not even that they're bad candidates, it's... On the page they seem fine. In person, I don't think they'd fare well as division leader of the clown car show."

"Well, most academic types, especially PhDs, tend to lack the awareness of their social difficulties, let alone their lack of managerial skills," Sid replied still transfixed by the ceiling light fixtures. "Something about not possessing sufficient emotional intelligence. I could cite you several 'fascinating' papers to that effect."

"Two more," Jeff said, taking a deep breath to try and centre himself. Just the word 'fascinating' made him cringe after hearing seventeen candidates describe their thesis as just such. "Just two more, then there's an ice cold drink waiting in my office."

Sidric stood up, stretched, took a sharp breath, straightened his uniform, sat down and selected the second last PADD. "Come," called Sid.

The doors parted, and revealed a well-built and towering man. Jeff thought he looked at home more in the marines than in Sciences.

"I am Lieutenant Radahn," the man stated simply, folding his hands behind his back.

"Nice to meet you, I'm Lieutenant Colonel-"

"What did you say?" Radahn blurted out, his expression suddenly tightened with anger.

Jeff was stunned. "Excuse me?"

"How-how dare you?" Radahn seemed suddenly very flustered. "I don't need to be insulted like this."

"Insulted?" Jeff was at a complete loss, unsure whether to be angry as well or apologetic. He looked to Sidric but the doctor seemed unsure as well. "I'm sorry, how have I caused you offense, I haven't-"

"I take time out of my day for this application," Radahn pointed an accusing finger at Jeff and came across the distance to their table.

Jeff suddenly feared this would become violent, though he had absolutely no idea why the man became hostile. Instinct kicked in, for both the officers, as they stood when Radahn approached. He lent down on the desk, still of a height with them, and began pointing sternly again.

"I could be of genuine value to the Sciences Division Chief position, for Santiago and Starfleet. I'm missing the 'Day at the Bay' swimming contest for this..."

Wait... Jeff could see his hands better now the man was right before them. Oh shit, his hands are webbed, fuck, he's a goddamn Zaldan...

"...You Tarkalean sheep-herder!" Radahn continued furiously. "I hope an itinerant vagabond micturates on your leg in the street!"

Sid was suddenly on his feet, eyes blazing. “Who the fuck do you think you are? Radahn.” Sidric pointed aggressively. “Chief of Science is clearly not suited for you if your paltry swimming competition is more important. We need dedicated staff, not eight-hour tourists looking for their next holiday, I bet you’ve never seen a hard day’s work. You have no place to come here with your cocky swagger and throw insults at the Colonel.”

For a long moment, Jeff felt like someone had pissed on his leg in the street. He was in such shock he couldn't speak, but again didn't know if he should be upset as well, or try and find some way to calm the situation down, not that that had worked so far.

The situation resolved itself for him. After an incredibly tense moment, Radahn's anger faded into a wide smile and he chuckled quietly to himself.

"Friend," he gave Sidric a jovial but forceful backhand-slap on the shoulder. He stepped away from the desk and turned to Jeff, seemingly waiting.

I hope this works...

Jeff said calmly: "Get the fuck out of this office."

For a moment the smile fell from Radahn's face, but then it returned even wider and he guffawed.

"Friends!" The Zaldan scientist gave both of them very playful punches to the shoulder, still laughing. "We'll meet for beer and watching sportsball sometime! Haha! Go Bats!"

Lieutenant Radahn mimed swinging a baseball bat and then turned to leave of his own accord.

For what felt like minutes after the door hissed shut, Jeff and Sidric both stood stunned, until eventually they slumped back down into their seats.

"Zaldans," Jeff said, still in mild shock. "They train you for meeting different cultures, but you never expect it on the fly. And where did all that come from, Doctor Jekyll?"

Sid massaged his temples trying to reassert himself. “I think I might have a bit too much on my plate right now,” Sid replied in a rare admission.

"I dont blame you at all," Jeff sighed. "Long day."

=/\= Colonel, it's Ian =/\=

"Oh, this is my Yeoman, better take this."

=/\= Yeah, go ahead, Ian =/\= Jeff tapped his COMBadge lazily.

=/\= Looks like the last applicant hasn't shown. I messaged them but it still just says 'delivered', not 'seen' yet. =/\=

=/\= Best news I heard all day. Take the rest of the night off, get a beer, you earned it. =/\=

=/\= Cheers, dude =/\=

"And we're getting a beer, too," Jeff was about to pat Sidric on the shoulder but thought better of it and tapped the desk instead. He felt like he had a second-wind of energy after the news. "We're hitting the gun range. We need to let off a little steam. Invite Ari, too, she's normally keen for this."

Sid glanced away at the suggestion, “I think she would probably be too busy.”

||Later, at the gun range||

"Shame Ari couldn't make it," Jeff said casually as he aimed down range and let the holo-target have a few satisfying shots.

Sidric loosed several rounds from his snubnose Glockerson into his target in response, glad to have the auto noise cancellation of the range. “Since I am now full time here at the Base, we, I, decided on a few boundaries.”

"I see, no worries," Jeff said gently, and let out a deep breath as he fired twice. The holotarget registered two headshots, and Jeff nodded satisfactorily. "See if I can do that again reliably. I swear I'm actually a better shot after a beer or two."

"Just getting used to the new way of things," Sid ventured before emptying the magazine into a series of moving targets. "I think you are a better shot now that you have stopped trying to use the old SA."

"No, I've just gotten used to compensating for the sights," Jeff quipped, reloading the magazine. "The new way of things at home, or with work?"

Sid chucked at the old joke, “bit of everything, I guess” Sid replied. “Ariana has been teaching me new ways to perceive things,” Sid pulled up his shot analysis and grimaced, “even poor results like these. As for work I sometimes still try to beam over to the Eversonian at oh-five-hundred.” Sid waved the results away and reloaded. “I just need some time to adapt.”

"That's not that bad," Jeff glanced across at Sid's results. "I've seen certain pilots at this base who boasted of doing much better, but were honestly complete failures."

The gun range holographics wound down, dispersing the targets and setting but leaving the idle background in place. Jeff surveyed his own results. Pretty good... but could be better. His body shots had all been fairly consistent, but his headshots were fewer than expected. It helpfully noted his speed had decreased by nearly one-fifth... he felt that twinge still in his leg with every shot.

"I guess we're all still adapting," Jeff said to himself absent-mindedly, before snapping back to the present. "You and Ari are smart, reasonable people. I'm sure you'll come to some arrangement that works out-"

Someone in the doorway cleared their throat politely. It sounded like a woman, and Jeff and Sid both turned, half-expecting Ariana to have suddenly appeared as they were speaking of her. Instead, there stood a woman barely a little over five foot tall, with straight dark hair and a sweet youthful face. She was dressed in a Starfleet science division uniform and carried a tray of three drinks.

"Hello," the woman smiled warmly and gave a respectful nod. Her voice was quiet but confident, with a noticeable accent. "Lieutenant Colonel Fletcher, Commander Tobias?"

"Yes?" Jeff asked slowly, a little confused. "Sorry, we weren't expecting anyone else. You seem overly qualified for drinks delivery."

"I was told that the interviews were quite taxing, and that I should bring either coffee or liquor. I wasn't sure which, so I brought three coffee liqeurs. I hope that's alright." The officer set down the tray and extended her hand for a shake. "Sorry I'm late. Lieutenant Nari Kavu, Sciences."

"Oh, an applicant for the Chief position." Now Jeff was very surprised. He took her hand and shook it gently. "I'm afraid you are quite late, we actually ended the interviews nearly half an hour ago."

"Oh," Lieutenant Kavu seemed surprised, disappointed. "I messaged your Yeoman to explain my absence, I was dealing with a hemerethryin spill in the lab, but I was on my way. He said he passed it on, I understood everything was fine."

"One moment," Jeff apologised, taking out his comms device. There was no message from his yeoman, Ian. Anticipating that it might be helpful, Nari had taken out her comms and let the Colonel take it for inspection. Sure enough, there was a short thread of messages between the Lieutenant and Jeff's own yeoman, where Kavu explained her delay and Ian had agreed to pass on the message. "Now it's my turn to apologise, I need to have some words with my yeoman, I think. Well, since you brought drinks, and my yeoman is workshy, it definitely seem fairs to listen to your application, Lieutenant Kavu. Please just give me a moment to tidy up in here."

After ejecting the magazine and setting down his weapon, Sid walked over to the newcomer to shake her hand. “Sidric, pleased to meet you, Nari.”

"Sidric," Nari greeted him, sensing that if he was feeling familiar enough to use first names she would reply in kind. "Gentlemen, it's a pleasure, I've heard so much. Please, help yourselves."

Sid took one of the drinks from the tray and sipped it appreciatively. “I believe I have read some of your work on bioimplants, very novel stuff. Which makes me ask, why the change from research to management?”

"Thank you, doctor. At a certain point in a career," Nari said thoughtfully, picking up her coffee liquer, "a person sometimes finds themselves wanting to settle down. If I have spare time I'll continue some of my research, but after the recent crisis, the devastating attacks... I felt perhaps I should shift my focus to where I could do more good."

“Now that is a sentiment I can understand, the attacks have changed people in different ways. Sidric paused in brief reflection of Ariana, “and I hate to admit it to myself, but research does not leave room in life for much else.” Sid indicated to the engineering table in the corner of the armoury, “shall we sit?”

Lieutenant Kavu nodded deferentially, and she looked around the room. There was an engineering worktable for cleaning or tinkering with the firearms between uses, and a few of the taller stools from the engineering division. Colonel Fletcher had been sorting and replacing the weapons after use to secure them safely, and was coming back now.

"How are things getting on?" Fletcher asked them both with a friendly raised brow, hands folded behind his back.

Nari didn't even need to 'read' Doctor Tobias to know he would have been at home at the workbench, but she could tell the Colonel would prefer something less practical, informal even. She knew the interview would be smoother, for them and herself, in a more relaxed setting. "Perhaps the lounge outside, gentlemen?"

"Sounds good," Jeff agreed. "I'll bring the drinks."

The three of them went outside to the lounge, Nari and Sidric first and then Jeff with the drinks tray. As they took their seats around a small table, Fletcher quipped: "If you're worried I got them confused, don't be - I'm the empty one, he's the full one."

Sidric took his drink and took a small sip before setting it aside. "While I know you by your research, I have not read your résumé, I am sure it is exemplary, but regulations..." Sid grimaced wryly. "Unfortunately Jeff's Yeoman is less than professional, so I have to ask if you brought one with you."

"Oh, of course," Kavu set her Padd on the table and took a decent but reserved measure from her drink, trying to find the middle-ground between their two personalities. "Everything is on there. I won't bore with the details, and I hope my application speaks for itself. But I'll happily answer any questions you have."

"Thanks," Sid replied and quickly set about parsing the document. While he read he absently muttered "Daystrom, naturally, hmm the Lusaka, interesting.. References, yes, yes, huh I hope he's going well..." Sidric looked up to Jeff's expression of mild amusement, and passed him the Padd. "Yes, you have a very solid application. Tell me about your time as lead researcher on the Lusaka."

"I'm glad you asked, serving on the Lusaka was a real highlight for me," Lieutenant Kavu smiled and though back. "Adewale Ikande is a fine captain, we still keep in contact after his retirement. Most of my old team still speak regularly in a group 'Laze' chat, and my senior, Commander Delgado. Some of my time there was instrumental in my research, when Warrant Officer Morgan... well, for his modesty I'll say there was a console explosion that led to him needing some implants, and he graciously allowed me to work with him for my research paper. Of course, I wish I hadn't needed such first-hand experience for my chapter on emergency medical treatments, but Sam and I can laugh about it now. It's a running joke between us, he says that I only rushed to drag him away from the burning console and treat his injuries, because I wanted to study him later."

"Ah, no kidding," Jeff chuckled, and sipped his rapidly-emptying glass. "This one once, I was reading a report on a shuttle fuel shortage, out of thin air he beams into the middle of my office, pale as a ghost."

"Really?" Kavu inquired, looking between them amused.

"Then his kidney beams in a few seconds later about a foot to the side."

For a moment Nari was stunned, until she felt a potent wave of good humour wash over Jeff, and he burst into laughter a moment later. She couldn't help but chuckle with him. "Really? Was he alright, I mean, are you alright Doctor?"

"Oh we can laugh about it now too," Jeff said, and finished his drink, then saw Sidric's glare. "Well, I can anyway."

"And you do, often." Sid replied in measured tones. "Yes, I am alright, now. Just don't ask what passed for a sedative back then." Sid touched his temple vaguely remembering the shape of Jack Aeyers' fist. "Perhaps Jeff should ask some of the more job specific questions as you would be reporting to him."

"Of course. Let me see here," Jeff took the data Padd and perused it quickly. He trusted Sidric understood most of the Science specifics, and was looking through her history and skills. "This is quite impressive, comprehensive. I'd say your experience definitely leans more academic than practical, but you do have some field experience I see."

"Yes, unfortunately, in some cases," Nari nodded solemnly after a swig of the liquor. "Well, aside from my research, some of my more practical experience is regretfully in combat. As well as the chaos of conflict, the emotions, the thoughts... it can be quite overwhelming, even with experience."

"I understand," Jeff said thoughtfully. "I can't begin to imagine dealing with that on top of everything else. Not to be indelicate, but I understand you empathic or telepathic abilities would naturally lend an extra skillset in management or counselling I'd imagine?"

"Honestly Colonel," Kavu replied, familiar with the question, "when I was at the academy, and even as a child, I wanted to be a scientist because I enjoy it, I'm good at it. People would see 'Betazed' in my history and assume I'd want to be a counsellor or something similar, and perhaps part of me always wanted to defy that expectation, the fear I'd be achieving through gift rather than skill. Eventually as I grew up, I realised yes, I might have certain abilities, but everyone is skilled at different things. The more I tried to take a path away from other people, from my abilities, the more I realised how futile that was. Starfleet is teamwork, it's cooperation. And whether I used my abilities or not, I had to learn to wok with my teams and understand them. It ended up that I would take leadership positions more often than not, but I became fast friends and good colleagues with many people. And I hope, with or without my half-Betazoid abilities, I can be an effective and capable Chief of the Sciences division."

"A very practiced answer," Sid observed, indelicately. "It is good to know that you are capable under pressure, as unfortunately given our position out here on the border, and the very real threat that poses, you may find need for your field experience. As for Chief of Sciences, honestly I think you are the most competent, and pardon the expression, human, candidate we have seen all day. But to round out the questions, Sciences is a tricky division, it has to attract and satisfy talent on a Starfleet budget while competing with private research firms, and the talent we do have tends to act as kings of their respective hills. We also have a number of critical projects with tight deadlines, some relating to the Breen situation. How do you see yourself managing this division?

"Priority is always a tricky balancing game," Kavu pondered. "At the risk of answering a direct question indirectly, if we're talking about specific projects, I'd have to weigh many issues when I face them; importance, costs, success probability. Much of this, I expect, will be contextual based on what my teams are capable of, what command would want for the City. After the attack, I think many people were shocked at our vulnerabilities, and I saw firsthand some of what I think is needed. I actually had ideas about how the grav-trees and tidal repulsor technology could be used defensively for the city, but I can get more into that later. Ultimately, I would approach each project with two priorities in mind - 'how will this further science, and how will this further the city?'"

Sid nodded along as Nari spoke, admiring the deft side-step of his question into explaining her thought processes. When she had finished explaining Sid replied, "when you have the time to prepare it, I would enjoy reading your proposal on the grav trees and tidal repulsor tech."

Nari nodded politely. "And I'd be happy to share it, Commander. Your input would be invaluable."

Sid looked over to the Colonel, "Jeff, I think the last component is just a matter of sitting a command exam. Division heads should be at least Lieutenant Commander."

"I'm sure that will just be a formality," Jeff assured the half-Betazoid Lieutenant. "Much like, it seems, this interview was. You were, far and away, the best candidate."

"That gives me a lot of confidence in my team," Kavu joked.

"Oh, don't get me wrong," Jeff clarified, "outstanding scientists. But none of them were management material."

"I look forward to working with them," Nari smiled, and sippedc her drink. "I suppose I should go and make a few calls to my family. My parents will be so excited. Did you have any more questions for me, Colonel, Commander?"

Jeff gave her a winning smile. "When can you start?"

OFF

 

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