Green Around the Gills
Posted on 27 Mar 2016 @ 10:23pm by Lieutenant Benice Gyce Ph.D. & Ensign Calin
Edited on on 27 Mar 2016 @ 10:45pm
1,140 words; about a 6 minute read
Mission:
Episode 10 - Symposium
Location: USS Galileo, Security Office
Timeline: MD81: 1530 Hours
[ON]
Ensign Calin stepped off the shuttle ramp into the Galileo’s shuttle bay with stoic professionalism. A single duffel hanging off his left should contained all of his worldly possessions which were not limited to spare duty uniforms, his formal dress uniform, undergarments, hygiene materials, and several containers of Vulcan oils used for incense during meditation. Beyond that, the Vulcan saw little need for mementos, artifacts, or trinkets, so he didn’t pack any.
The Galileo’s shuttle bay was smaller than he was accustomed to back at the academy. Then again, with a crew of twenty officers, eighty-five enlisted personnel, and sufficient accommodations for no more than ten civilian advisors and representatives – including diplomats – the Galileo didn’t require anything larger.
Calin left the shuttle’s ramp open so that its cargo could be extracted by the bay crew, and proceeded towards the nearest turbolift he could find. The doors sealing behind him, the Vulcan extracted the Galileo’s design schematics from his memory, then gave the computer the order to take him to deck three where the security office was located.
A hum and two swishes later, the turbolift steered to a halt and the doors opened again.
The security office served a dual capacity as the ship’s brig. This was done as another measure of space efficiency on board the Nova-class Galileo. Most of the terminals were offline as well, and besides him there was only one other person in the room, one whom he recognized as the Galileo’s Chief of Security and Tactical – Lieutenant (JG) Benice Gyce.
He approached the desk she was working at, but said nothing. In Vulcan culture, it was inappropriate for a subordinate to start or even guide the conversation with their elder, and although this was especially the case in any Vulcan who hasn’t underwent Ka nifoor, Calin felt more comfortable with Vulcan tradition. He didn’t so much as even clear his throat for her attention.
"What can I do for you, Ensign?" Gyce never had to look up. She just knew the Vulcan overshadows so well from her previous partner, that it could only be her newest department member.
Calin raised one eyebrow slightly as he extended the PADD in his hand towards her. “Lieutenant. My name is Ensign Calin. Effective this moment, I am reporting for duty as Security Investigations Officer.”
As she took the PADD, Gyce took the moment to look at him. His pale complexion. His serious demeanor and slightly young face. Vulcans lived long, Gyce knew, and aged a bit slower, though his record spoke of a lifetime of memories.
"Is this your first posting as a detective, or have you interned somewhere? Your academy record isn't very specific on your training," Gyce asked conversationally.
An invisible sigh slipped through Calin’s nostrils. Every species in the quadrant habitually prefaced with a question before leading it up with an immediate second question or, in this case, a second question followed with a superfluous comment. It made formulating an appropriate response more… problematic. “This is my first duty assignment as a Starfleet officer in this capacity,” he began, ending the last word as though that would be all. While he began his career as a Valkyrie fighter pilot, for a Vulcan, the leap to investigations wasn’t difficult. “Should you require additional information as it pertains to my academy background,” he continued. “I am willing to provide necessary insight."
"Knowing how much training you have tells me who I should partner you with," Gyce explained just as seriously. "That being said, I've worked with Vulcans many times in the past. Your natural talents of analyzing and deductive reasoning are extremely valued in our line of work."
Calin bent starting at the waist in a subtle, nearly indiscernible bow. He chose not to express any sort of indebtedness to her comments because, as far as he and most Vulcans were concerned, everything she had just implied was a given; Vulcan mental superiority was why Vulcans had a propensity to choose the sciences as their specialties. In his case, he preferred investigative work.
Again, Calin presumed that asking who he would be assigned to would be leading the conversation, which might be considered rude behavior, so he remained idle.
"I think for the time being, I'll be your partner," Gyce thought aloud. "Whatever shift I end up putting you on, will not matter. Detectives go to work when cases first become active. But mostly, you need experience, and that is quickly gained with a seasoned partner."
"A logical decision," Calin affirmed. He considered the Bajoran in front of him for a moment, took into consideration her background both as it pertained to Starfleet and her time as a member of the Bajoran resistance. She was a storied officer, that much was certain.
"The skills you will master here are reading people and knowing when compassion is needed, instead of the harshness of Law," Gyce explained to him. "That is an art that comes from mastering the study of sentient behavior, and understanding why people do what they do."
Calin's brow wrinkled, he looked a little confused by what she’d just said. "I am adequately experienced in the interpretation of psychological behavior, social perceptiveness, persuasion, monitoring, and complex problem solving skills. May I make a professional query?” He asked, once again not wanting to lead the conversation without her consent.
"By all means," Gyce nodded.
“My responsibilities as Security Investigations Officer focuses on conducting investigations into criminal, fraud, counterintelligence, internal security and other concerns. The Galileo is a Federation starship manned by a Starfleet crew bound by specific rules and regulations as well as a code of conduct. Therefore, it is logical to believe that counterintelligence and internal security should be our two primary concerns. Your statement seems to conflict with this presumption. Please clarify.”
"We are here as detectives," Gyce elaborated calmly. "Knowing someone's intent tells us if there was a crime or just harmless mistakes... Be as it is, one that claims to be great in all skills, is generally not experienced. For we are always learning and growing."
Calin listened and took in what she was saying. It didn't fully answer his question, but perhaps it wasn't supposed to be a straightforward answer. After a moment, he nodded. "Understood, Lieutenant."
"Let's hope we never have to worry about internal investigations though," Gyce admitted with a small smile. "For the most part, we mostly handle small town issues."
“I shall endeavor to perform my duties optimally regardless of the circumstances.” Calin stated evenly.
"That's all I ask," Gyce spoke with a bright smile. "You're free to go, Enisgn."
[OFF]
Lieutenant JG Benice Gyce
Chief of Security and Tactical
USS Galileo
Ensign Calin
Security Investigations Officer
USS Galileo
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