New Arrival

Posted on 24 May 2013 @ 11:31am by Lieutenant JG Victoria Crawley
Edited on on 25 May 2013 @ 12:53am

1,114 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Episode 03 - Frontier
Location: USS Galileo: Deck 4, Dr. Panne's Office
Timeline: MD08: 1630 hours

[ON]

Maenad was sitting behind the desk in her office sipping at a cup of tea that was getting cold. She curled her lips at it, peered into the rustic water, and set it back down. That's too bad, she thought. That morning, while Maenad was looking over the day's agenda, she learned that a new lieutenant junior grade was being assigned to her department. Coming from the USS Venture was a young psychologist who had just graduated from the academy. Yet another underling who was more recognised than she ever was, thought Maenad with a taste of ire in her mouth.

She was due to arrive shortly, so Maenad turned off her computer screen to use her onyx reflection as a mirror. Her hair was straight enough, her light application of makeup showed nicely. She fixed her collar so that it showed properly, yawned, wiped her eyes, and then turned her screen back on. For some reason, her thoughts went back to the dead wolf from a few days before, and Maenad's expression went concerned. The chime sounded, she straightened her posture, and said "Come in."

Victoria sucked in a deep breath as the doors to Dr. Panne's office opened. She forced her legs to move, nervous about meeting her new department head for the first time. She still wasn't quite used to life on a starship, so everything was new and strange to her. It didn't help her nerves at all.

Ignoring her shaking knees, Victoria stepped forward to face Dr. Panne and stood at attention. She was determined to do this right. The last thing she needed was to slip up in front of her and look completely incompetent.

"Victoria Crawley, reporting in."

Every time a new face came through her door, every single time, Maenad was reminded that she was on a starship with the ridiculous convention of militaristic discipline. And, just like all the times before it, it sickened her. But she said nothing about it and her face remained blank and disinterested until she allowed the faintest of a smile. "At ease," she said, standing up. "Maenad Panne," she introduced herself, showing her white teeth, and extended her hand. The purple beneath her eyes was as prominent as ever today, something she hadn't been able to see very well in the reflection of her computer screen, and it was the only over sign of her stress and fatigue.

Maenad rounded the desk and gestured toward the couch beneath the windows. "Let's have a seat," she suggested. "Would you like a drink, or something to eat?"

Victoria relaxed a bit and sat down on the couch, shaking her head. "No thank you, though." She smiled a little, not wanting to look too excited. "Oh," she said, standing up suddenly and handing Dr. Panne her PADD. "My transfer orders."

Maenad took the PADD from her, leaning forward in her chair to accept it. She glanced at the screen before setting it flat on her lap. Once Crawley had sat down again, Maenad crossed her legs and leaned forward on them, arms crossed over her knees. "I understand this is your first assignment," she told her. "How long have you been out of the academy?"

She cleared her throat before responding. "I graduated last year, ma'am. I've been helping a friend with her work for the past several months since graduating. Then I was assigned here. I was told to board the Venture and from there I would disembark and take up my post here." Victoria chewed on her lip. She wasn't usually this nervous about things. She usually was able to retain her composure, even in dire circumstances, so the fact that she was such a mess was not helping. At least Dr. Panne seemed like a nice person.

She tried to seem affable, but didn't know how well she was doing. Maenad could feel the woman's nervousness in the air, and could see it in her movements. "What kind of work?" she asked, curiously.

"It was a minor research position at Starfleet HQ. We were mostly studying the Vulcans. I was more of an intern than anything else, but I did assist with some of the more difficult research. I was recommended for work on a ship about two and a half months ago and was told to go to the Venture shortly after that." Victoria smiled slightly at the doctor. So far, so good.

Maenad scratched behind her ear, trying not to seem impatient. "Right, but what kind of research was it? What about Vulcans were you studying?" She wondered how Crawley and Liyar would get along.

Victoria clasped her hands in her lap. "We were studying cases of trellium poisoning and hyperthyroidism in Vulcans and trying to find ways to reverse the neurological damage caused by them. We didn't make much progress in the few months that I was there, unfortunately."

"Wow, that's interesting," she said. She thought that perhaps Kohl would be interested in her work. Maenad and Kohl had recently discussed adding medical research to the fold; maybe something could be worked out. "Several people on board would certainly be interested in your work," Maenad explained. "Once you're settled in and feeling comfortable, I can set up a meeting with our chief medical officer, if you would like."

Victoria brightened a bit at this idea. "That would be great! I look forward to it." She couldn't resist the chance to talk about her work with someone else. He might even have some valuable insights. The thought made her smile again.

"Have you reported into Commander Holliday?" asked Maenad, shifting in her chair.

Victoria nodded. "Yes, I took care of that yesterday."

"Good, good," was Maenad's reply. "I suggest you spend the day familiarising yourself with the ship and crew, and you can report for duty tomorrow, if you're comfortable."

"That sounds good to me." Victoria breathed a silent sigh of relief, happy that the hard part was over.

"Good," Maenad breathed, sitting back in her seat. "Do you have any questions for me?"

Victoria thought for a moment and shook her head. "None that I can think of at the moment, but give me a day or two and I'm sure I'll have enough to drive you absolutely mad." Her smile widened a bit.

Returning her smile, Maenad extended her hand. "Well, then, welcome aboard."

Standing up and shaking the doctor's hand, Victoria responded. "Thank you, doctor. I look forward to working with you."

[OFF]

Lieutenant (JG) Maenad Panne
Chief Science Officer
USS Galileo

Lieutenant (JG) Victoria Crawley
Psychologist
USS Galileo

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