First Impressions with the Boss

Posted on 30 Jun 2014 @ 11:25am by Lieutenant Oren Idris Ph.D. & Commander Scarlet Blake

1,577 words; about a 8 minute read

Mission: Episode 06 - Legend of Souls
Location: USS Galileo - Deck 2, starboard Docking port
Timeline: MD04 - 1300hrs

[ON]

When the Captain of the small shuttle told Oren they were approaching the Galileo, the El Aurian couldn't help but feel a little disappointed. The shuttle really was something else and, for a brief moment, Oren contemplated the usefulness of actually owning one. He dismissed it quickly though. After all, he didn't even own a home, why would he need a shuttle? Where would he keep it? No, it just didn't fit right into his life at the moment.

When they finally docked with the Galileo after getting clearance, Oren's feelings of disappointment were quickly replaced with sincere excitement. He was finally here! Making sure all of his things were in order, Oren picked up Landi and, after a brief exchange with the small four man crew of the shuttle, he finally stepped aboard his new ship.

'It looks almost exactly like the old one,' was the first thought that entered Oren's mind as he looked around. It made sense, he reasoned, considering his last posting was a Nova class too. Then again, one couldn't properly assess a ship from the docking port so Oren went forward onto the actual ship. Setting down Landi, he secured her leash and proceeded to take out his schedule.

"Arrive on Galileo on time" he read, then rolled his eyes. "Ish" he said, tapping the little box to check it. There were seven more things he needed to do and, on top of them all, was meeting the XO.

No one had met him in the docking bay, per his own request. He'd already sufficiently embarrassed himself by missing the Galileo on DS9, he didn't need to take up any more of anyone's time. Besides, he was a capable person, he could somehow manage to stumble his way around and find the XO in her office.

Luckily enough, as with the Belgrade, the Executive officer's place of business was on the same deck the docking port was, so it was easy enough to find. Seeing the proper door, Oren took out a small mirror, checking his appearance. His hair was a mess, but that couldn't be helped even on the best of days. Tossing the mirror back into his bag, he quickly took off his jacket and folded it over the bag as well. Finally satisfied, he pressed the chime.

"Come in...?" Scarlet called out, frowning as she rubbed the back of her thumb across her forehead. She was stood rather than sitting behind her desk, but half bent over, reading a PADD on the surface. The events down on the mining colony were troubling to say the least.

As the doors in front of his opened, Oren was suddenly at a loss about what to do with Landi. A lot of people didn't like animals in their office or quarters.

"Um...hello," Oren said from the door, smiling a smile that looked too friendly and bright to be forced. "Commander. Do you mind if I bring her in there?" he asked tentatively, leaning down and scooping the puppy up to show her. "I'm very sorry for the inconvenience," he said honestly. "I just got here and didn't have anywhere to leave her. I'll keep her in my arms, I promise," he added. This was definitely not shaping up to be the smooth arrival and integration he liked to brag about with other anthropologists.

Scarlet arched an eyebrow as she watched, bemused for a moment. Well, it was certainly a first. And quite a unique first impression. Still, it seemed a waste of both of their time to send him away only to come back again. She motioned him in and to the chair. "So long as we don't make a habit of it," she chuckled, moving to sink down into her own chair. She swapped to a different PADD, calling up the new crew records. "Dr. Idris...?"

"Yes, ma'am," he said, looking oddly serious. The entire look he was trying to achieve was ruined by the fact that he had a puppy in his arms and that he looked like a teenager. He sat down, looking uncomfortable. "I'm really sorry about being so late to my post, but I completely lost track of time. And it will never happen again. Either of these things," he added quickly, blushing a bit. Uniforms always made him nervous, especially the red ones.

"I hope so," Scarlet nodded, holding his eyes, honest as she shook her head gently. "The Captain runs a tight ship here. He likes people to be on time and working hard," she said gently, half warning, but simply matter of fact in tone. "But I'm sure you know that. So why don't you tell me about yourself?"

"Well," Oren began. "I've been in Anthropology most of my life, but for the last few years I've been working with Starfleet's Science Corps. I was also enlisted in Starfleet for a short while, but I resigned when the war ended." Oren always kept stories about himself brief as he'd never felt completely comfortable discussing his own life experience. So he smiled and said "I also like small animals, good books and bad habits'."

"Hm..." she chuckled softly at the last, shaking her head as she looked over his record. "A nurse...?" she nodded, glancing back across to him. "Don't be surprised if Sickbay calls on you for an extra pair of hands."

"I would welcome it. My job as a nurse was some of the most fulfilling work I've ever done," Oren admitted with a smile.

Scarlet nodded, laying the PADD down on the desk with a soft breath. "So what are your specialist areas of study? What is it that really interests you?"

"Well, as an anthropologist, I've always been interested in family dinamics, gender roles, interspecies relations and how historical development affects everyday life. Recently, I've been conducting research into non-Allies, like the Romulans, Cardassians, Breen etc, as well as species with cultural and biological peculiarities like the Bynar and the J'naii," Oren explained, more excitement entering his tone. It was obvious that this was something he loved.

Scarlet nodded with thought, watching his face. He was about people. The research and science was a background to understanding people and how they worked, or so it seemed to her. "Well, that Cardassian knowledge might come in useful right about now. Let your department head know if you have any research projects you'd like to get started. We're a working ship, but as a science vessel, we like to support our scientists in their specialist studies."

"I will and thank you, Commander. If you would like, I can work with the diplomatic corps representatives on the ship to discuss a way to approach the Cardassians?" Oren suggested.

She nodded with a small smile of approval at the willingness to offer more and the initiative it spoke of in the man. "I think that's an excellent idea. It seems that not everyone is...comfortable with Cardassians yet," she said softly, but hoped it wasn't telling that she was one such person. "Thank you, Doctor. Is there anything you'd like to ask?"

Oren could feel a slight shift in her feelings, but couldn't quite put his finger on it. It was none of his business. Despite his burning curiosity to know everything, he knew it wasn't his right. "I understand," he said in regards to her mention of people's discomfort. "As for questions, I don't believe I have any at this time. If and when I do, I will make sure to speak up," he assured her with a smile.

"Well, you know where I am now if you do have any," Scarlet assured with a small smile. "Although your department head will be invaluable to you. Both the Chief of Science and Chief of Research are very skilled in the field. I'm sure they'll be able to help with any specific inquiries."

"I'll be sure to report to them immediately. Don't worry, Commander, I've never been accused of being shy," he said with a small chuckle.

Scarlet gave a wry smile and a look that clearly said 'I bet'. She shook her head lightly though, motioning to him. "Make sure you visit ops for your room, and you'll need to report for a physical and psych check up. If there's nothing else, then you're free to go."

"Oh!" Oren suddenly remembered. "I do have one question. Is there like a dress code I need to adhere to?" he asked, trying to sound as if he didn't care one way or another.

"You'll be given your uniform," she assured with a light shake of her head. "Not a Starfleet officer uniform, just a plain one. There's also some protective clothing and accessories as needed in the science area."

All of his attempts to remain indifferent failed as a crestfallen look overtook his expression. "Okay..." he said, nodding with the first faked smile of the the day. "Well, thank you. I'll be off now. Many blessings, Commander Blake."

"And to you, Doctor...I look forward to hearing about your work," Blake assured with a small but genuine smile.

"Thank you," Oren said, returning the smile with a real one this time. With that, he wished her another farewell and left, happy with how his first meeting with the XO went.


[OFF]

Oren Idris Ph.D.
Archaeologist/Anthropologist
USS Galileo

&

CMDR Scarlet Blake
First Officer
USS Galileo

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