Meeting of the minds

Posted on Wed Oct 25th, 2023 @ 10:07pm by Lieutenant Commander Nicholas Coleman & Lieutenant K’lar & Lieutenant JG Dr. Jeksenri Vale Ph.D

2,479 words; about a 12 minute read

Mission: Episode 118 - "It's About Family"
Location: Science Library One
Timeline: MD1, 0800 hrs

[ON:]

Commander Coleman was sitting in Science Library One as he was reading over a few reports about the coming and goings of several officers within the science department. One of the newest minds to be added to the team was a historian by the name of Dr. Vale, who was coming from the Main Academy Campus on Earth for Starfleet Academy.

Coleman was intreguied, so he wanted to get everyone down there to meet, so he tapped his combadge and said, "Coleman to K'Lar and Vale. Can you two come down to Science Library One when you get a moment?"

=/\= Right away, Commander =/\= K'lar's voice transmitted clearly over Lt. Cmdr. Coleman's commbadge.

It took a little bit for Jeksenri to arrive, mainly for the size of Starbase 400 being a contributing factor in his tardiness.

He enters Science Library One, with a leather sachael over his body, tugging down his cardigan to straighten it out over his uniform.

"Commander Coleman, I Presume?

He asks as he approaches Commander Coleman.

Coleman looked up from where he was and looked at a young officer wearing something atune of a cardigan. He shook his head for a moment and just chuckled before replying, "Yeah, I'm Commander Coleman. I'm the Chief Science Officer and one of the leading Archeologist and Anthropologists onboard the Starbase. You must be Dr. Vale, the new historian?"

Jeksenri nods.

"Yes, Sir, I am. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Jeksenri took a seat across from him at the table, putting his bag on the table.

"I read your work on the archelogical sites of the Triangle and looking forward to working with you."

"Well, wait until you meet the other Science Officer I summoned. He's one of our genetic specialists and I think that he has done some research into several interesting genetic things over the last few weeks and months," Coleman replied with a smile as he went over to the replicator to order up three cups of Bajoran Tea. Coleman grabbed them out of the replicator and brought them over to the table, laying one in front of Dr. Vale.

As Coleman sat down on the opposite side of the table, Coleman took a sip of his drink and asked, "So, what brings you over to Starbase 400? I know you're a historian, but what else do you like doing and do you have any hopes of anything?"

"I was previously assigned as a Professor of History at the Academy, but in order to maintain certification for space/ground duties, have to serve a term in space every few years."

Jeksenri nods and takes a sip of the tea before continuing.

"My hope is to continue my research and teaching career, I understand there is the Academy Annex here as well as several schools for the families aboard. I am also hoping for an idea for my next publication, been a couple years and the folks at Tranquility Press get a little antsy."

The door to Science Library One opened with a whisk. K'lar entered quietly, fresh from breakfast at his favorite Klingon restaurant. His bronze Klingon features carried a gruff demeanor. He internally ruminated on the morning's taunts from Qorla. The female KDF officer has made a daily habit of pestering K'lar over his career.

His mood seemed to brighten as he approached Coleman and Vale. "Ah, Commander. Good morning. And to you as well", K'lar said as he nodded to Jeksenri.

"Ah, Lieutenant! It's so good to see you. How are the experiments that you've been running lately? Hopefully, they're well! Also, have you met Dr. Vale? He's the new Historian onboard! We were just talking about what he was hoping now that he's onboard the Starbase," Coleman said as he got up and offered up something to eat or drink to K'Lar and getting some more to drink.

Jeksenri nods in greeting to the Klingon.

"Yes, as I was saying, I was assigned as a Professor of History at the Academy up until recently. Space Service recertifications means I have to take a space assignment or lose my certification for space duty. I am hoping to continue my teaching along with bench research."

Jeksenri took another sip of his tea.

"I understand that you're currently engaged in genetic research, and i'd love to hear more about it."

He inquired to K'Lar.

"Indeed, K'lar said. "There are a few projects I am working on. Last week, I made an exciting discovery." The Klingon fought to keep his voice down. His facial features were wide with excitement. "I finally completed the genetic code of the B'ha'vaQat.. An ancient beast that once roamed the plains of Qo'Nos."

"It is the first step towards possibly reviving a specimen for research." He knew the project was controversial. K'lar had been working on the project for years, finally crossing the important milestone.

Jeksenri parses his lips in thought.

"Is this ancient beast related in any way to the Targ that currently roams around the Klingon Homeworld?," Coleman replied, taking another sip of his drink before putting it down.

"In a way. The creature went extinct about 25,000 years ago. It is part of a line of creatures which split from a common ancestor over two million years ago. These animals are much larger and with thicker hides. A sample of their tissue was found in the frozen mountains of No'Mat thirty years ago. I have been one of the first to study it."

As Coleman placed his drink back down, he looked at the two gentleman and said, "Well, I've brought you two together because I wanted to see how you guys were doing. I wanted to see if there was anything that I could do to help you guys out? It seems like you're working on some interesting projects, both of you. But, what can I do for you guys?"

"I simply ask for the continued support which you have been providing, Sir. Starbase 400 provides lots of resources to help make this research possible". K'lar looked to Jeksenri. "I am curious. You mentioned you are also conducting research. What projects occupy your time?"

"As of right now, it's been mostly teaching. I've been hoping to find a spark of something to compose my next book on. My thinking is something now, on the history of The Triangle and SB400's role in recent events in the region"

Jeksenri commmented as he took another sip of tea.

"Starbase 400 is located within interesting space. Interesting discoveries often wash across our shores. Attached support ships spread far and wide." K'lar spoke expressively, gesturing with his hands as he tried to keep his voice down. "They are some of the first to respond the major events in the area."

"I do look forward to reading more of your work, Lieutenant", K'lar added.

Jeksenri nods as Coleman speaks up.

"Well, I think one of the old Constitution-Class Starship we had was one of our cadet ships. I'm sure that once we get a final count of how many ships we'll be able to have and which ones, they'll assign a cadet cruise for us? I know it has been a bit of time since we've actually had a big amount of cadets onboard, so it would be fun to have them back onboard," Coleman said, thinking about talking to Mike after everything started to calm down with the mirror universe, Changeling, and Borg threats.

"I believe there are a few cadets on station. Hosting a cadet cruise would be an excellent opportunity." K'lar turned to Lt. Cmdr. Coleman. "Perhaps you might know more about upcoming cadet cruises, sir.." K'lar figured the Chief Science Officer would be the most connected to inside knowledge.

"That does sound like a good oppertunity. I did some of the cruises on the Republic back at San Francisco"

"Was that one of those old Constitution-Class Starships? Wasn't that one that Captain Kirk served onboard before he became the Captain of the Enterprise?" Coleman asked, knowing that Dr. Vale probably knew better than himself.

"It is indeed Constitution Class, Block One. Kirk served aboard in 2254 to about 2259, where as an Ensign he discovered a circuit open to the atomic matter piles that lead to a career ending report for his former starfleet instructor, Benjamin Finney."

"That sounds like that would be a fun ship to have as a cadet cruise! No matter what century it would be in!" Coleman replied, getting up and offering both of the two scientists in front him a refill on their drinks.

"Thank you", K'lar said as he accepted a fresh mug of raktajino. "I have a cousin who was lost during a cadet cruise. The Cavalier was lost in space.. Presumed destroyed. It is unfortunate, but she is in Sto'vo'kor now." He sipped quietly. Tales of the USS Cavalier were sometimes told as a modern mystery.

"I remember hearing about that ship. Didn't they say there were multiple possible ways she was lost? Like, nobody could figure out what exactly happened to her? It was rather unfortunate because she had such a fine crew, including your cousin, Mr. K'lar," Coleman replied, looking over the duty roster for the next few weeks.

"Indeed", K'lar replied solemnly. "Some believe she may still be out there... Somewhere." He looked off to the distance momentarily.

Coleman punched in a few commands and allowed for the roster to come up on the screen in the library, showing all three members in attendance to see where they'd be for the next two weeks. Coleman got up from his seat and looked it over for a moment before looking back to the members of his team and asked, "Does everything look good for the both of you?"

K'lar stood and moved briskly towards the screen. He squinted to focus on the print. "It appears I will be covering care shifts in the arboretum. Klingon warriors often practice herbalism to treat injury and illness. Now may be a good chance for me to introduce some of these medicinal plants."

K'lar looked over the schedule to see what Jeksenri and the other officers would be working on.

"I am assigned to the Academy Annex, to revamp it's programs." Jeksenri commented as he reviewed the schedule.

Coleman smiled as he heard both of the science officers talking about their assignments and he replied, "Hopefully, you both like your assignments? I know you said you liked being apart of the Academy Dr. Vale and K'lar, I know you like your genetics. So, I assigned you to work with some of the arboretum staff. I'm glad that you two like it. Any questions about the assignments?"

"A thought did occur", K'lar said in his gruff voice. "Maybe we could find a way to link the cadets with the arboretum research. They could definitely find work there and in the botany labs. It would be an honor to work with Lieutenant Vale on this."

K'lar looked from Nicolas to Jeksenri, eyes bulging with excitement.

"Well, I think that there are some new classes on botany, terraforming, arboretum research, and other similar stuff. Maybe, you can help teach that kind of class, K'lar. I think it's right up your alley!" Coleman said, matching both Vale's and K'lar's excitement.

"There is a lot that can be done with these topics", K'lar said as he leaned forward. "I shall look over the curriculum and devise a plan of coursework." The Klingon spoke as if he were planning a military operation, features growing stiff with determination.


"I agree. I will begin my write ups on class scheduling and pull the relevent cadet files to review the current status of the Academy Annex and where improvements can be made. Is there someone at the annex in a leadership positions there, Commander?"

Jeksenri posed to Commander Coleman.

"At the moment, I'm not sure who is the person in charge. I'm thinking that it might be the people in charge of each department, until I figure out otherwise. Let me figure out who it is and I'll get back to you guys once you write up your coursework," Coleman replied, not sure who was totally in charge of the cadets onboard the Starbase.

"I look forward to learning more, sir", K'lar replied with a grunting laugh. "I will need to brush up on a few topics myself. These Federation cadets are sharp! Smart..."

Coleman looked down at the PADD he had placed down on the table, which was now trilling. He picked it up and input a few commands before looking over at the two gentleman and saying, "Well, some good news for you, K'lar. Looks like you've just gotten a promotion, both in rank and position. You've been bumped up into the position of Assistant Chief Science Officer and a new rank of Lieutenant. Congrats on that, sir. I'll make sure that pip gets on your collar soon enough."

"Qa'pla!" K'lar accidentally spoke a little too loud for the library. A Bolian reading a PADD in the distance leered at the Klingon with lowered eyelids. K'lar flashed his teeth at the cobalt officer with an apologetic smile. "This is a great honor. There is much I must do to prepare for this new position. Today has proven to be most fruitful. Is there anything extra you will require of me in this new position?"

"Well, lets start out with the new cadets that I'm sure that we'll be adding onboard the Starbase first. I know that you and Dr. Vale have a lot of stuff to work on, as well as each of your bits of research. The only thing I think I'd like to see is that new research that Dr. Crusher and her teams have been doing into the new changelings that came out of the Gamma Quadrant. I'd like to make a report on them, if you haven't begun working on anything for that. Is there anything else that you gentleman require of me?" Coleman replied, smiling just as bright for the two gentlemen in front of him, excited for the future.

K'lar took the PADD which sat on the table and made a note to study Doctor Crusher's research. "I will look into these Changelings, sir. All is clear, no questions here." He looked to Jeksenri.

“I have no questions” Jeksenri nodded to them both. He had everything in hand for the moment. He wrote the last of his notes and closed his notebook.

"Okay, if there's nothing else, I say we adjorn this meeting and meet up again soon. I'll send something out and we'll make it happen!" Coleman said with a smile, allowing for the two men to head out to begin working on their respective projects.

[OFF:]

Lieutenant Commander Nicholas Coleman
Chief Science Officer
Starbase 400

Lieutenant K'lar
Assistant Chief Science Officer
Starbase 400

Lieutenant JG Jeksenri Vale
Historian
Starbase 400

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