Pre-Interview

Posted on 11 Mar 2013 @ 2:26am by Lieutenant Jacob Pendleton

1,443 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: Episode 03 - Frontier
Location: USS Galileo - Deck 4, Pendleton's office
Timeline: MD 3 0930

[ON]

Jool stopped in front of the door indicated and hit the chime to the office, hoping that this was the correct office. She'd just hate to talk to someone that she wasn't supposed to - well, without intending to at least.

But, she did intend to talk to Pendleton.

She double checked her ship map and then hit the chime.

Behind the door she could hear the sounds of a wailing saxophone which sounded something like old time Jazz (http://youtu.be/bpUtb1G4FoU) beautifully done; when the chime sounded again the music stopped and soon the door opened and Jacob stood there in a old muscle shirt and shorts. His massive muscles stood out even more than when he was in uniform. He looked a the woman and said in his usual deep but somewhat soft voice, "May I help you?"

Jool looked over the lieutenant with a smile. "Oh, I certainly hope you will." She was already envisioning the shots and this guy on camera. Unlike Doctor Panne, this was something that could sell science to important demographics. She was relatively sure that he had some brains as well, if he rose to become a chief research officer on the Federations science flagship. Even if he was as dumb as the muscles would have one believe - she could take care of that in editing. "Yes, I do hope you will help me with my problem," she said again, smiling up at him with her emerald eyes.

"Please come in." Jacob's quarters were decked out with posters of Political and Civil Rights Leaders such as Robert Kennedy, Franklin Roosevelt, Gandhi, Helen Keller, Ed Roberts, Cesar Chavez, Dr. Martin Luther King, etc. An electronic keyboard stood in a corner, as did the stand for his saxophone. The far wall had a huge map of Wisconsin on it with colored push pins embedded in it marking the many towns and cities he had visited of his home state. On his desk were various pictures of friends and family alongside a clear resin box that held a oblong leather ball preserved within with a plaque which read: "Final Superbowl Championship. February 2, 2166. Superbowl CC. Freedom Stadium, Sydney, Australia. Green Bay Packers 49, New Zealand Meteors 35"

Jacob smiled at her, "Please have a seat miss umm.." he showed her a comfortable (if rather large) chair.

"Fenta. Jool Fenta, Federation News Network," she said as she took the offered seat, crossing her legs and leaning forward to better be able to 'converse' with him. "I'm here because, as I'm sure you know, we're doing a series of stories regarding this ship and the planned exploration of the new star system. I'm looking for resources to help with that. Resources like handsome researchers who can also make the discoveries accessible to the common man at large." She looked around the room. "Which certainly it looks like you could."

He smiled at her, "Much appreciated for the kind words Ms. Fenta. And I am Lieutenant Junior Grade Jacob Pendleton, the new Chief Research Officer aboard the ship. I am honored to help you out as much as I can and as far as protocol allows of course." He pulled up his own chair but then thought a second and then asked, "Where are my manners? Can I get you a drink?"

"A Denubrian Sunrise would be nice," she said, looking around the room. So far, so good. "So, Lieutenant, you work out? A lot?" she asked, smiling.

"I do once I am done with any projects I am working on. Research must come first at all times." He got up and ordered her Denubrian Sunrise from the replicator and then ordered himself a grape Nehi soda. He handed her drink to her, "Here you go Ms. Fenta. Enjoy." He tilted his bottle in the "toasting" position then took a good drink of the delicious grape flavored, carbonated delight.

Jool accepted her drink and waited for him to get comfortable. "Obviously you are aware that Starfleet Command has asked media aboard the Galileo to document this recent discovery. Obviously you would also be aware that we would want to have interviews with people, to bring the science stuff down to a common level for our viewers. In that vein, we're looking for people who will be able to give accurate information while also making that information accessible." Jool smiled as she leaned forward slightly. "And that you're pleasing to the camera doesn't hurt a single bit."

Jacob gave her a quizzical look, "Pleasing to the camera? Me? That is very nice of you to say Ms. Fenta, but I don't think I am anything special excepting for my size, but I do appreciate the compliment."

"Oh, Mister Pendleton, you are being much too modest. Trust me, I'm something of an expert on the camera. I've had to be to get where I'm at today. But more and more you show me that you should be the focus of my feature's, my 'go to Science Guy' to help explain any significant discoveries that may be made."

Jacob frowned, "Go to person? I hardly believe that Dr. Panne would be pleased with that as SHE is our Chief Science Officer." He took another drink of his soda, "But I will gladly give you time as I have it regarding what we find as long as I clear that information first with the Science team."

Jool waved her hand, "I've already spoken with Panne. I'd rather use her but, unfortunately, she's rather elitist and is unable to fully understand how to bring herself down so that the average viewer will be able to understand the amazing discoveries that will be coming out of this expedition. She comes across as being quite, unapproachable and unsympathetic. If Starfleet's wish to show the better side of their aims is to come off, then I need to find someone that can be approachable. A more common touch if you will."

"Well, as I said, I will be happy to give you what I know and have found out but only after the information has been agreed to be given out as per Starfleet protocol and procedure dictate. As per the 'common touch', well Science is not 'common' in the terms you are putting it into, some of the things we find may not be able to be put into 'common' terms, so just be advised of that. I am not saying that I underestimate the viewers at home to be able to process intricate information, rather, some of the material may come across as 'dull' or 'lengthy' no matter what one does with the information they give." Jacob took another drink and then got up to get himself another soda.

"Great," Jool said, finishing her sunrise. "Don't worry about 'dull' or 'lengthy' Mister Pendleton, that's for me and my team to worry about. Don't worry, I'm sure you'll do fine. More so, I'm sure that you'll inspire a lot more of my viewers to become a bit more educated on science." She smiled. "Also don't worry, the commitment won't take up much time, just a few minutes here and there."

She brushed against him as she returned her glass to the replicator for reclamation. "And Starfleet Command is the one that sent us here, Mister Pendleton, I assure you they'll be most appreciative of cooperation to make both our 'missions' successful."

Staring at him for a moment, noticing the grape soda and other accoutremant of the quarters, "Though, I'm going to have to ask that you do wear a proper uniform for the interviews. I wouldn't want things to be too...distracting."

"Of course Ms. Fenta, I would always be and act in a professional manner. Besides, I seriously doubt I would be much of a 'distraction', the science should be the real distraction after all." He looked at her empty glass and asked, "Shall I get you another of your drink?"

"No, Mister Pendleton," Jool said, "I think I've been...distracted long enough. I have a few others that I need to speak with before too much longer. I like to have things set up and ready to go for when the time comes." She clasped her hands at her midsection. "I'll contact you when there is more to...discuss."

He stood up, smiled and bowed respectfully to her. "Very well Ms. Fenta. Have a great day and the further interviews you still have to conduct."

[OFF]

Jool Fenta
Federation News Network
USS Galileo


Lieutenant JG Jacob Pendleton
Chief Research Officer
USS Galileo

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