The Last Straw?

Posted on 01 Jun 2022 @ 7:15am by Commander Marisa Wyatt

713 words; about a 4 minute read

Marisa dropped into a chair in her quarters and closed her eyes. She needed to meditate, to get her emotions under control. She hadn't been this angry since Kreanus. Somehow it seemed fitting. That was when she first met the crew of the Galileo and this mission would probably be the last time, she worked with them.
 
"Computer, start log." She waited for the chime to continue. "Commander Morgan Tarin, the acting captain of the Galileo, has decided, in her infinite wisdom, to stop all independent science projects—even the ones that need daily monitoring and have been going on for months—because she thinks my department should train to do damage control.
 
"In spite of the eight to ten hours a day—soon to be twelve—they put into studying this system, the asteroid field, and finding anything they can on the history of this region, she doesn't think it's enough. Nor does she consider that doing in-depth scientific research in their field is of any benefit to Starfleet.
 
"I explained that all but three projects could be put on hold, and those needed daily observation, but it wasn't enough. Every project must stop immediately, regardless of the consequences. I would have explained that they only need an hour a day of monitoring and inputting data, but she wouldn't listen. She doesn't understand that they aren't shirking, they aren't rushing through their assigned tasks. The work they're doing in their free time is important to their advancement in their chosen field and to the advancement of science in Starfleet.
 
"She appears to be of the opinion that the only science we should do is what she assigns. And then we need to help other departments with damage control. She has no idea what science even does. I doubt she even cares. Nothing I've seen from her indicates she cares about anything but her own narrow views."
 
Marisa paused. "I know I'm ranting. She cares more about military discipline as shown through daily PT than she does about science—or people.
 
"I tried to explain that those three projects couldn't be stopped without permission from Starfleet Sciences. Those are important research projects given to specific scientists because of their abilities. Shutting them off now would mean months of work will be ruined, and it will damage not only the Galileo's reputation, but that of Starfleet because those three projects are being run jointly with Federation Sciences. She wants twelve-hour shifts, when science isn't currently overburdened—just because she thinks we're slacking. Just because she doesn't understand science doesn't mean we need to cross-train in damage control. If it comes down to all hands, my department will pull their weight. Even if it is helping to repair systems without her intervention.
 
"I've been keeping a log of everything that involves science, along with all corroborating data. I refuse to shut down everything because she doesn't see the value. I may have to ask some of the civilian scientists to take them over for now, but as they aren't Starfleet, they should have a bit more leeway.
 
"If I'm not thrown in the brig, or brought up on charges, I will resign my commission as soon as we get back to Regula I. I will not work with that woman again. I've brought my concerns to Commander Blake, but she is in a tough position and won't go against the acting captain, either. I can't really blame her for that.
 
"The mission we're on right now is important. We lost too many colonists in the Latari system, and I have to help find out what happened and rescue any survivors. I also have to do my best to ensure that all the scientists on the Galileo get back safely—if I can. But once we're back on Regula I, I'm done. I've dealt with too many people like Commander Tarin in the past and I refuse to do so except in this emergency."
 
She hesitated again. "Computer, end log and mark it as confidential. Only myself and Luke Wyatt have access." That was in case she didn't make it back.
 
The computer chimed its acknowledgement and she stood to find where she'd put her meditation candle.
 
____
Lieutenant Commander Marisa Sandoval
Chief Science Officer
USS Galileo-A
 
 
 
 

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