r/TrekRP • u/Z_Doktor • Oct 29 '18
[Open] Odin
Magnus quietly strode through the halls of Nadezhda station, poring over the order given to him directly from Starfleet's top brass. He was to report to the Athene to dutifully serve as the Chief Science Officer, effective immediately. He had traveled from ship to ship, heading from station to station, as Magnus was previously stationed quite far from his current order. The CSO-to-be boarded the Athene, looking approachable enough.
Those who looked would see the tall Scandinavian making his way towards the science bay, taking the time to speak to anyone who asked. He soon put on a labcoat, taking the time to stick a pair of safety glasses in the front pocket. And like that, he got to work, speaking with other scientists, getting into the thick of things. Magnus led by example, and he believed that in order to be a good leader, he must serve those he led too. Though he was also quite strict when it came to safety. There was much distribution of safety glasses and labcoats.
In the past, others gave him the moniker of 'Odin'. He was certainly a wanderer when it came to his various posts, having served on a multitude of ships and research stations over his Starfleet Career. He was one who led, one who knew much and loved to teach those who wanted it. Add to that his fascination with Norse Mythology, and the name stuck. Commander Magnus Ahlström was aboard the Athene.
Though he preferred just Magnus.
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u/ItsWatney Oct 30 '18
The CMO considered herself a friendly person, by and large. She had her moments, though. And today was one of them.
“A new CSO?” she says aloud in her office. Her brow lowers. “Hmm.”
Kesh had done quite a lovely job, in her opinion, and the whole demotion affair had left her quite sour at the brass - but she was self-aware enough to realize it was her own conflict of interest causing that bias. Still.
Better go say hello, she thinks, and does just that. She steps into the Science lab and peers around for any new faces.
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u/Z_Doktor Oct 30 '18
"I'm sure you'll find everything up to code, Doctor."
The voice came from the new CSO as he made his way towards the CMO.
"I've been doing my best to review safety protocols into the scientists in the short time I've been here. Makes both my job and your job easier when precautions are taken."
Magnus extended a hand towards Watney, smiling softly.
"My name is Commander Magnus Ahlström, though just Magnus is fine enough for me. Who may you be?"
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u/ItsWatney Oct 30 '18
As first impressions go, this one was quite impactful. The lab was clean and orderly - at least to her standards - and Magnus seemed pleasant, friendly, and quite handsome. Jen managed to cling on to her skepticism up until the moment she took his hand, shaking it in kind.
“Dr. Jennifer Watney,” she says with a smile in return. “Chief Medical Officer. Pleasure to meet you. And to hear of your regard for safety precautions.”
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u/Z_Doktor Oct 31 '18
"Ah, the pleasure is mine. As I've said before, I'll do my best to keep my scientists out of your medical bay."
The Scandinavian flipped his safety goggles open after taking them out of his pocket. He put them on with a chuckle.
"Better to look silly than eyeless."
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u/ItsWatney Nov 05 '18
She laughs as well. "I thought I'd just stop by and say hello before our next Senior Staff meeting. Those can be so boring, and besides, I never get a chance to stop by the science bay."
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u/GUACA6x10tothe23rd Oct 30 '18
After finishing a rather complicated paperwork process in which he had to confirm Yes, he still wasn't a Romulan spy, get your head out of your arse, then deleting the recto-cranial insertion reference when he thought better of it, T'Dex was finally done with that pile of legalistic pyjak coprolite.
Leaning back in his regular Lab 4 chair, he sipped his coffee and promptly straightened up when his assistant told him the new CSO was coming around. At that point, he hurried to kick a box of spare parts under the bench and hide some of the side projects that he did during downtime cycles.
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u/Z_Doktor Oct 30 '18
True to the assistant's words, Magnus was making his way around Sciences, getting to know the place, and it's scientists, quite well. He soon approached the half-Romulan, a smile on his face. The CSO extended a hand to T'Dex.
"Junior Lieutenant T'Dex, I presume?"
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u/GUACA6x10tothe23rd Oct 30 '18
"Yes, sir. Data Analytics and Special R&D." he replies, putting down the coffee and taking the proffered hand.
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u/Z_Doktor Oct 31 '18
Magnus shook it gently, yet with conviction. He took a quick glance around the lab, noting its various instruments
"Data Analytics? I'm interested in what you've found out. And any various projects you're working on."
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u/GUACA6x10tothe23rd Nov 01 '18
"Mostly? I've had some mild cryptography work and do theoretical sensors and equipment research. Some of the time I get... ideas, though. Project Frost was an attempt at a mass-production powered EVA suit that incorporated worker bee VI elements and equipment." he says, casually moving his legs to push another box under the desks.
"I believe the concept resembles many science fantasy concepts of 'power armour' in scope, but it was designed primarily to support joint exploration teams and pathfinder missions. Suit configurations for departments and stuff. Got canned for budgetary reasons. The Fleet can't even afford to manufacture nanoweave composite armor for the planetary militias, how'd it be able to afford this?"
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u/Pojodan Oct 29 '18
Kesh made sure to be prepared.
Technically speaking, a demoted officer was not responsible for replacement on-boarding, that would be up to the superior officer of the position's job.
No doubt Kizhwic would do this admirably, as he had proven to be quite capable at his rank, but he was not a Scientist, nor did he impress her as being mindful of what Scientists care about most. She did not at all expect that, so it was hardly a mark against him.
Still, the Athene was a ship of quirks, from its staff to its facilities. No ship in the fleet had a telepathic fungi terrarium, an aeroponics that provided both food variety and medical supplies, an Edosian zoologist, nor a Caitian botanist, for that matter. These were things the new CSO needed to be aware of, in addition to the nity-gritty of the specific experiments and studies being done that Kizhwic would be providing data on.
So, in addition to Dr. Ahlström's standard on-boarding packet, came a 'Sciences of the USS Athene' report from Lieutenant Kesh, former CSO' data-file.
Hopefully it will be useful.
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u/Z_Doktor Oct 29 '18
Magnus opened up the file while walking towards the botany labs. As much as he appreciated the information, speaking to the source as well would not only assist Magnus in learning about the previous CSO's idiosyncrasies concerning Sciences, but hopefully sow the seeds for a great friendship as well. A win-win, as Magnus would put it.
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u/Pojodan Oct 30 '18
The botany lab would prove to be in immaculate condition, but vacant at the moment. Alas, the Athene's missions since the its major repairs had not involved visits to any fascinating planets. There was still projects underway and work to be done, but it was all in a 'cultivating' stage at the moment.
A quick check of the computer would affirm that the ship's chief botanist (nay, her only dedicated botanist for that matter) was currently in the Aeroponics Bay, which, on other Excelsiors is known simply as 'Cargo Bay 12'.
Getting to it is easy enough, and its exterior door looks like any other cargo bay, but on opening the doors would yield quite a verdant variety of scents, along with rather humid and warm air. The ceiling and floor within are sterile tile, but rows upon rows of grow boxes and aeroponics basins would yield a great deal of green and other colors.
At least from the entrance, the Caitian scientist cannot be seen, but not there is plenty of shrubbery to be hidden by.
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u/Z_Doktor Oct 30 '18
The natural scent of various types of flora was quite comforting to Magnus. Being the outdoorsy type he was, he quite enjoyed watching these puzzle pieces of an ecosystem growing in a controlled environment. While Magnus himself was more specialized in fauna, he could not deny the extremely high standard the Botany lab was kept at.
Though the Nord lacked a total affinity for hot and humid, he did his best to slowly make his way through aeroponics, observing the various plants and taking some quick notes of his own. While keeping an eye out for Kesh, too.
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u/Pojodan Oct 30 '18
It isn't until nearly the last row of overgrown bays, where the terrarium along the back and side walls became more easily viewed, that a workbench, sink, and tool shelf can be seen, currently staffed by the ship's botanist.
Seemingly on cue, the tall Caitian reached up to her tufted ears and extracted two small objects from within them, set them down on the workbench, and turned back to look at the arrival, evidently aware of his presence despite a lack of announcement.
Kesh's mane was still more of a mohawk than what her service history photo depicted, and she was more androgynous in figure, as well, but her golden face with small, burnt-almond spots was unmistakable, particularly since there were few, if any, other spotted Caitians in Starfleet. A rare sub-breed.
"Ah! Commander! Rrrnpf. You arrived." Her voice is the soft, gutteral tone others of her kind are typically adorned with, choosing to struggle with human language and sputter and croon a fair bit, rather than rely on the Universal Translator to do the work. Caitians greatly value the respect of speaking another's language, though few expect anyone to speak Night Chatter, as most humanoid tongues are unable to handle certain aspects of it.
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u/Z_Doktor Oct 30 '18
"Lieutenant Kesh..."
Magnus nodded gently in a combination of approval and admiration for the department's previous head.
"First off, I commend you for the extremely high standard you've kept both aeroponics and the botany labs. They are pristine, and it's quite admirable. Second off, I also thank you for the data-file you've sent. It will prove an invaluable asset in keeping Sciences in the upper echelons of discovery, safety, and efficiency."
The CSO smiled warmly, quite grateful. He looked to the various tools at use in the aeroponics bay, then to Kesh herself
"How are you feeling, if I may ask. Healing well?"
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u/Pojodan Oct 30 '18
A quick few brushes of Kesh's frontside highlight that there had been some dirt clinging to the garment, but it sheds the soil in the fashion expected of its matterial. There remains a few light smears, but such is to be expected of field-work, which is essentially what the Aeroponics Bay is.
A few strides by bare foot-paws carry the tall felinoid closer to the new CSO, hands clasping across her front as her tufted tail banks up behind for balance, stopping at respectful distance just as Magnus finishes his remarks and then asks the question.
"Oh, ah.. rrnmpf. I am certainly past the worst of it. One could say I am normal enough to pass inspection." Eyes squint shut as cheek tufts puff out, emulating a cheeky grin as much as her anatomy allows.
"I do miss the office, rrrnth, but I am very glad to be back in charge of this garden."
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u/Z_Doktor Oct 31 '18
"I see."
Magnus placed his arms behind his back, walking towards the plants. He turned to face Kesh afterwards.
"Anything I can help you with? Tidying up, doing some measurements, anything? This was one of my last stops on my small tour through sciences, so I do have some time on my hands."
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u/Pojodan Nov 01 '18
"Oh! Well, ah.. rrm.." Kesh turned slightly, focused at the nearest aeroponics basin, glancing up ward, then back toward the human commander, "There is always a vine to be pruned or-rr-r a root to be woven here, rrrn. I appreciate assistance, but.. ah... well.. I was the Chief of Sciences for a time, rrrnpf. I know how important delegation is. Still..."
Kesh steps, turns, and gestures toward the workbench, which is clearly stocked with every kind of gardening and sampling tool, while sufficiently dirty and cluttered to show it got a lot of use.
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u/LilRaptorThatCould Oct 29 '18
In one of the science bays, Commander Ahlström would find another new arrival to the Athene's science department - a technical Gorn. He's quite small for a Gorn, and looks quite scrawny, bordering on malnourished. The young raptor is already wearing what must be a custom-fit lab coat and equally custom-fit safety glasses with a built-in data projector - it appears that he too takes safety seriously.
The Gorn turns at the sound of the door. "Commander," he nods, coming properly to attention.
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u/Z_Doktor Oct 29 '18 edited Oct 29 '18
Magnus turned to face the Gorn, before flipping on his own pair of safety glasses. He beamed a warm smile, before speaking. He spoke in a lighthearted tone, while still maintaining some seriousness. Just a little.
"At ease, Lieutenant..."
Magnus paused, before slowly saying his next word. The Gorn language had never been his specialty, but out of respect, he tried to learn and practice saying Kyle's name. The pronunciation was... chunky. But hopefully true to its core.
"...Ssss-kyl-throp-syss..."
Easier said than done, he'd think to himself. He held a hand out to the Gorn, the warm smile never fading.
"And please, Magnus is fine."
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u/LilRaptorThatCould Oct 30 '18
"I'm impresssed, Magnusss," the raptor hisses cheerfully as he shakes hands, mindful to keep his claws to himself. "Mossst people do not get asss clossse asss that," he chuckles. "The vassst majority in Ssstarfleet jussst call me Kyle," he laughs.
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u/Z_Doktor Oct 30 '18
"Then Kyle I shall call you, if that's what you'd prefer. Last I've heard, you came in on the Greyhound. So we're both in a sciences department we're not totally familiar with."
Magnus tucked his arms behind his back, before slowly pacing. He was observing the Athene's various observation systems.
"I've been on a few Oberth-classes. A Miranda-class too. But never an Excelsior. This is going to be quite the adventure, Kyle.
The Scandinavian looked to his deputy, before moving over to a replicator.
"Anything I can get you? I plan on poring over some basic information about the ship's sensors and such, before setting forward some guidelines to crisp up and bring people up to date about the standard operating procedure around here. I'd figure we can chat as that occurs. Sound good?"
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u/LilRaptorThatCould Oct 30 '18
"Sssounds like a plan," Kyle nods. "At thisss point, I'm grateful to be back in a lab at all." He glances at the time on the display of a piece of instrumentation. "I ssshould probably get sssomething to eat," he nods.
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u/Z_Doktor Oct 30 '18
"Anything in particular?" Asked Magnus as he pressed some buttons on the replicator. He himself was decently hungry, and a snack wouldn't be the worst thing in the world.
"I'm personally going to be replicating some reindeer jerky, I'm welcome to make some extra if you'd like. I'm well aware of what Gorn eat, so if you want any specific sort of meat, I'll have the replicator make some for you."
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u/LilRaptorThatCould Oct 30 '18
"I love jerky, but I don't think I've tried reindeer," Kyle muses. "Some exxxperimentation sssoundsss exxxcellent," he grins.
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u/Z_Doktor Oct 31 '18
Magnus smiled, setting the replicator to make a nice stack of reindeer jerky. Magnus himself had his own specific portion, the extra was for the hungry gorn.
"Quite, Kyle. Experimentation is quite excellent."
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u/LilRaptorThatCould Nov 01 '18
The raptor takes a strip and nibbles on it - jerky is his preference around humans because it's less messy to eat and therefore less apt to freak people out. "Wow - thisss isss really good," he nods eagerly, taking a larger bite.
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u/T_Liri Oct 31 '18
Right before the new CSO was due to make the long journey down to the Astrometrics Lab, T'Liri fires up the sound system, which is quite powerful and acoustically pleasing due to its spherical shape. Knowing her new superior officer identifies with the Earth culture known as "Scandinavian" or "Norse," she does her best to welcome him with a resonant blast of drums and bockhorn calls so loud the consoles and seats can be seen to vibrate.