Open House - Part I

Posted on Sat Dec 30th, 2023 @ 11:48am by Lieutenant K’lar & Lieutenant Commander Nicholas Coleman & Lieutenant JG Dr. Jeksenri Vale Ph.D & Cadet Freshman Grade Ryan Sampson IV

1,421 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: Episode 118 - "It's About Family"
Location: Section R1, Level 1220, Research Lobby H33
Timeline: Present

Lieutenant K'lar, now donning the role of Assistant Chief Science Officer at Starbase 400, found himself in a realm far removed from the stoic seriousness often associated with Klingons. Embracing his newfound responsibilities with gusto, K'lar had taken on an additional role that was unexpected by many—teaching biology to the next generation of Starfleet cadets.

The Starbase's open house presented a perfect opportunity for K'lar to showcase the lighter side of science. As cadets wandered through the vibrant array of science booths, they couldn't help but be drawn to the lively Klingon. Surrounded by bubbling flasks, colorful concoctions, and an air of infectious enthusiasm, K'lar stood at the center of his biology exhibit.

"Welcome, young minds!" he bellowed, his deep voice resonating through the open space. "Today, we embark on a journey into the wonders of biological oddities. Forget the conventional! Embrace the quirky!"

As cadets gathered around, their curiosity piqued, K'lar gestured to a table laden with peculiar-looking fruits and vegetables, each more alien than the last. "Behold! The extraterrestrial produce of our galaxy. Now, who among you dares to take part in our gastronomic adventure?"

A brave cadet stepped forward, and K'lar handed them a spiky fruit with hues of iridescent blue. "This, my friends, is the Gargulan Thornfruit. Rumor has it, one bite can transport your taste buds to the edges of Klingon space. Are you ready to test your mettle?"

With a combination of trepidation and excitement, the cadet took a bite. K'lar watched with a grin as expressions of surprise and delight danced across their face. "Ah, the sweet and spicy dance of the Thornfruit! A delicacy among Klingon chefs. Now, let's explore the science behind this marvelous creation."

As the cadets engaged in lively conversation about the biochemistry of alien flora, K'lar's passion for teaching and love for biology shone brightly. He moved from one experiment to another, explaining the unique properties of each specimen with a blend of scientific precision and Klingon flair.

Coleman had been up in Ops working with the Admirality on getting several experiments underway as the Academy Cadets came onboard and were shown around in the science open house for them. Coleman was excited to see how everything was going, so the first chance he got to get away from Ops, Coleman jumped onto the turbolift and headed down to the Research Lobby on Level 1220.

The quick ride lasted for only a few moments as the doors opened up to a lively amount of chatter and experiments going on. Coleman walked out of the turbolift and into the lobby to see several cadets and others running around the tables, talking to professors, and just getting to know more about the sciences.

Coleman wanted to find Dr. Vale and Lieutenant K'Lar to see how the two men were doing. He also wanted to see how the first set of cadets were doing and if they were finding their way around the Starbase okay. Walking around, Coleman managed to find K'Lar first and saw that he was talking to several cadets about the fruit K'Lar made him try the night before.

"Although the taste of the Bolian horned fruit is too sweet, note the improved rates of efficiency to the test targ's immune system."

"Don't let him lie to you. It's the best dang thing in the quadrant!" Coleman said, coming up besides K'Lar and letting K'Lar finish up his experiment.

"Commander Coleman!" K'lar walked from behind the booth to greet Nicholas. "Cadets. Meet the Chief Science Officer of Starbase 400, Lieutenant Commander Nicholas Coleman."

The cadets cheered, clapping loudly for several lingering moments.

"Perhaps you would like to address the students, sir?"

Coleman came over to K'Lar and patted him on the back and said, "You were doing quite well with that, my dear Klingon. I don't think I've ever seen anyone be so passionate with a wonderful experiment as you and Dr. Vale have been. By the way, you haven't seen Dr. Vale yet, have you? I've got a young cadet that I'd like for you two to meet after you guys are done with your experiments."

"Thank you for the kind words." K'lar grinned as he spoke. "I am sure Doctor Vale should be nearby. The details of his schedule escape me. How were things at Ops?"

Meanwhile down the corridor, a huge lecture hall filled with eager students and visitors. At the lecutrne at the front of the stadium style seating, Dr. Jeksenri Vale was giving a lecture on the role of the MACOs in the Earth Romulan War and thier eventually intergration into the modern Starfleet Security and Marine Corps.

Coleman heard Dr. Vale giving a lecture on the Marine Corp and MACO History from the Earth-Romulan War of the 22nd Century. Coleman looked back at K'Lar and laughed as he said, "Well, Ops is well. I think that they're still trying to figure out the whole thing about the you know what with the you know who, if you catch my drift." Coleman waved at the cadets that were still around and didn't want to scare any of them and give away too much quite yet.

Coleman looked back at what K'Lar was experimenting with and listened to what Vale was talking about. He looked to the side of him and exclaimed, "Oh! By the way, I wanted you to meet one of the newest cadets that came by to see what Starbase 400 was like and our science department. Lieutenant K'Lar, I'd like you to meet Cadet Sampson. He's going to be with us for a little bit and figure out what science concentration he'd like to go into."

Cadet Sampson came to the forefront and stood at attention, saying, "Cadet Sampson, sir. It's nice to meet you, Lieutenant, and I've heard a lot about you!"

K'lar and Coleman could hear the lecture as it was broadcast on a nearby viewscreen, playing for some cadets who weren't down the hall. K'lar had focused more on those around him.

"Cadet Sampson! It is an honor to help guide you on your path to the sciences. Tell us. What are your interests?" K'lar listened curiously, eyes widening.

"I've just started out in the Academy, sir. I know I want to do something scientific, but I'm not sure what yet. That's why I came here today, so I could meet you, Commander Coleman, and Dr. Vale, among others. Any ideas, sir?" Simpson asked, wanting to gather as much information this day as he could.

"I think you would really enjoy biology", K'lar said as he placed three bundles of berries on separate plates. Each had slight variations in color and texture. "You see, we do a great deal of work in genetics. This fruit has been bred and crossed to produce new phenotypes. Have a taste of each." K'lar looked to Commander Coleman as well.

As the fruit was sampled, K'lar said, "If you work in Starfleet biology, you won't just study. You will create as you explore. There is, of course, much life to discover as well. The field has a great deal of room for advancement and specialization. After all, if I... A Klingon.. Finds fulfillment in this field, surely you would as well."

K'lar looked forward to the chance to teach a biology course to those attended courses on Starbase 400's satellite campus of Starfleet Academy.

"Sir, these taste completely different than what they actually are. Not only that, but they're sweeter and taste a ton better than what they actually are. Did you create these here on the Starbase?" Sampson asked, curious as to how the Klingon officer was able to do what he did with the fruit.

"I have been working on these seeds since my prior posting." K'lar carried a proud air as he spoke of his plants. "A look into the history of fruit shows how rapidly they developed. Look into the history of the watermelon for example. It was bred to be the red, sweet fruit we enjoy today."

K'lar smiled, showcasing his sharp teeth. "The question is.. what change will you make on the world around you? As a Starfleet cadet, the chance to do so is certain. I hope I can help guide you along the start of your career, Cadet Sampson."

"Well, I hope to make you, Commander Coleman, and Dr. Vale proud while I'm learning onboard, sir. It's going to be such an amazing time here!" Sampson said, taking another bite of the fruit to finish it off.

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