To be honest

Posted on 06 Aug 2012 @ 10:22pm by Ensign Rhett Brubwick & Command Master Chief Markum Quinn
Edited on on 07 Aug 2012 @ 4:07am

1,212 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Episode 01 - Project Sienna
Location: USS Galileo/Main Engineering
Timeline: MD-5 1200

ON]

Rhett had set an appointment with CWO Quinn a day ago. Now he was standing outside the man's office. He pressed the chime.

The door opened and a young Petty Officer exited the Chief's Office. He stopped and saluted to the diplomatic officer. "Sir, the Chief is in a mood. Someone broke his favorite hyperspanner. Good luck." he said as he scurried off towards points unknown in Main Engineering.

Markum was standing with his back to the door, facing his coffee maker. Ever since he enlisted in Starfleet, 32 years ago, he still loved his coffee brewed, not replicated. It had to be hot, sweet, and double strong...at the very least. Officer and enlisted alike would offer money for some of his fresh brewed coffee, and his ever rarer shared Domestic Mars bottled beer he kept stashed who knew where. Markum smiled as he heard the petty officer warn Brubwick. "Come on in Ensign. Take a seat. Want some coffee?"

Rhett shook his head, "No thank you. I've never found coffee to my taste." He took a seat across from the Chief Engineer. I know my message was somewhat vague, but I've stopped by to ask if I could interview you for a research project I have recently begun."

Quinn took a long sip of his hot caffeinated brew. He leaned back in his chair and put his feet up on his desk. With raised eyebrows he looked intently back at the young officer across from him. "Research project? What are you researching Ensign?"

Rhett smiled, "I'm studying the experience and perceptions of humans and non-humans within Starfleet. Basically, I'm conducting a series of interviews across the Galileo to see how humans generally perceive their non-human peers, and vice versa. Basically, my research question asks if there are systems in place within Starfleet that favor humans over other species."

Quinn took another sip of his coffee. "I wouldn't say for for just humans, but most definitely for humanoids in general. Everything from the Captain's seat to the crewman's quarters. For example, if we had a Pahkwa-thanh as a member of the crew, they would find it very hard to sit in a chair on the bridge, or move about in the shower due to their enormous tail. The reptilian species would require specialized needs to perform their duties as expected." Quinn placed his mug on his desk. "I guess that the best two examples though for the argument about Humans/Terrans would be, that the accepted official language of the Federation is English, originating from Earth. Also, Earth's standard One-G gravity is the standard on all Starfleet vessels."

"Also, all Starfleet vessels are also set to a 24 hour clock, which I understand is relatively rare. The systemic prejudice against non-humanoids is clearly documented, and I'm really asking if there aren't some remnants of humanity's prejudiced past still lingering about in the system of the fleet. I guess my question for you really revolves around the differing thought processes between species. As an engineer you deal with technology from every species in the Federation, and some that aren't. Although I understand that the physics and scientific principles behind every kind of technology are the same, have you noticed any differences in the arrangement of components when working with human versus non-human technology?"

"Yes, especially when working with Romulan technology in regards to their faster than light drives. They create an actual singularity inside of their ships to achieve power and propulsion. The Tholians have a few neat things that they have too. I have been very fortunate to see and work with all the things that I have."

"So, would you naturally arrange things in a different way than Romulans or Tholians? Or do their designs match what you would expect from a human engineer? For example, if a human were to create a singularity-type drive, do you think it would be arranged similarly to a Romulan drive?"

Quinn looked down, then up, then back towards Rhett. "Interesting thought. I don't think that humans would attempt such a feat, out of fear of attempting to harness an almost uncontrollable power. We won't even attempt that now. As for the Tholians, well they already use a matter-antimatter based propulsion system for their ships. In fact, most species use the same basic propulsion drive systems."

It hadn't been the answer he was looking for, but the question was probably not clear enough. "Okay," he said thoughtfully, "but even with a matter-antimatter drive, are they all pretty much arranged the same, or do species put them together differently?"

Markum raised an eyebrow, "Ah, yeah, if you have a firm understanding of basic matter-antimatter propulsion systems, then you could get you way around most any other species that uses it to. The hard part is getting to understand their written script."

"I see." Rhett's hypothesis had been mostly disproved. All of the research he had done thus far pointed to the general perception that there was no human-centric bias. "I think those are all the questions I have for you right now, well, except for a personal one, if that's okay?"

"Certainly." replied Quinn

"What has been the most exciting piece of technology you've ever worked with?"

Quinn thought for a brief moment, not quite sure how to answer. "Well, I'll tell you the most exciting piece of technology that isn't still classified. Quantum slipstream drive. Hands down. It is an excellent and revolutionary form of propulsion. Too bad it isn't in widely used in the fleet."

"I thought that was just experimental." Rhett couldn't help but become excited. "I mean, I read a journal article where they talked about proof-of-concept testing, but I had no idea it had actually gone full scale."

"Very limited. Mostly for deep space explorers. As you can imagine." Quinn was impressed that Rhett had kept up on the newest techs. "I'm impressed. Not many take the time to keep up on things. I thought I was the only one ." replied Quinn with a smile.

Rhett shook his head, "Not remotely the only one. While I don't keep up with all of the newest technobabble, I do try to keep up with most of the new ideas and developments that come around."

"One day, I imagine all of the ships of the line will have one. It's much more efficient, and temperamental too." replied Quinn. "Unless someone comes up with a better system that is."

"Wow. I'm impressed." Rhett looked down at his PaDD. "I don't really have many more questions for you, right now. If I think of any more, would you mind if I stopped by?"

Quinn gave a nod, "Feel free, anytime is always a good time."

The diplomat nodded. "Thank you for your time." He extended his hand.

"My pleasure assured." Quinn.

After releasing his grip on the engineer's hand, Rhett left the office. His research was not exactly going as he had hoped. Nevertheless, part of research is sometimes finding out that things don't always go the way you foresee.

Quinn picked up his PADD and went over the daily specs reports for his department.

OFF]

Ensign Rhett Brubwick
Acting Chief Diplomatic Officer
USS Galileo

RemoveChief Warrant Officer Markum Quinn
Chief Engineer
USS Galileo

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