Inspection (Part 6 of 6)

Posted on 29 Jul 2022 @ 4:28pm by Commander Morgan Tarin & Commander Marisa Wyatt & Commander Scarlet Blake & Lieutenant JG Sofie Ullswater & Petty Officer 3rd Class Jeysa Zeror
Edited on on 29 Jul 2022 @ 4:29pm

5,188 words; about a 26 minute read

Mission: Episode 18 - Cold Station 31
Location: USS Galileo-A - Deck 4, Science Labs
Timeline: MD 06, 1545 hrs

Previously, on Inspection (Part 5)...

Blake's features remained neutral as she watched Mimi, but she was glad of her response. Tarin's reaction hadn't come as a surprise to her, not with how the rest of the inspection had played out. A lot of officers would be working late. "Are you ready to move on, Captain?"

"Yes. Let's go." Galileo's acting commander turned and quickly walked to the computer core's exit with long leg strides. As interesting as she found the technological achievements of Federation computer systems, staring at walls of sub-processors wasn't an ideal use of her time. The door hissed open and she returned into the corridor, then glanced down at her PADD to ascertain their next destination. "I think it's time pay a visit to our science chief on Deck 4. Number One, you have the lead."

Blake nodded, glancing wistfully down the corridor towards the turbolift. Instead of making her way to it, she found the nearest Jefferies tube hatch instead, opening it up so they could take the scenic route down one deck to the Science team.

And Now, the Conclusion...

[ON]

Deck 4

One of the Jefferies tube hatches hissed open on the deck below and out popped the curly-haired head of Galileo's new acting captain. Morgan briefly took in her surroundings from left to right then propelled the rest of her body out from the tight service corridor and into the main corridor. She stood back up to her full height and brushed off her uniform before turning back to offer a hand of assistance to both Blake and Zeror.

Jeysa stretched as she got out of the Jefferies tube, she was getting tired of having to crawl through jefferies tubes rather than the simple walk that would have been much easier. Mentally she checked off the departments they'd visited and was happy to realise they were getting close to finishing.

Blake took the offered hand as she straightened up, glancing around on instinct at emerging into a new room. She was curious as to what Morgan would make of the Science team. It was very much the heart of what the ship was about, but it was also a team of wide variety and shifting ground.

The brisk walk towards the chief science officer's office didn't take long. Approximately 0.6 minutes according to Tarin's PADD. It was there where Morgan slowed and pressed the chime.

Sandoval had been warned that Tarin was doing inspections, although she wasn't sure when it would be her turn to get a visit. So, when her door chimed, she took a quick glance around the office, taking note of what was on the various monitors, and stood. "Come in."

The door hissed open and Morgan led the Command cadre inside the small administrative room. She came to a halt then pushed a couple stray locks of her dark hair back behind her ears. "Lieutenant Commander Sandoval," she acknowledged the science chief. Initial observations of the office revealed its compact nature; certainly less robust than the Operations center they'd previously visited, yet teeming with LCARS displays detailing ship-wide research and lab reports. "I'm here to conduct an inspection of the science department. Where are the rest of your staff?"

"Working in the science labs," Marisa said, indicating the displays. "Each lab is set up to facilitate a specific field of science. We monitor the labs and work from here."

Tarin walked closer to the screens and peered at each one for a few seconds. In her experience, science departments and their operations were unique compared to the rigidity of the others. Their job - by nature - was to research, investigate, experiment then extrapolate. The result was a healthy dose of improvisation in their day-to-day work. "I see. What projects are your staff presently working on?"

One of the screens changed to show a list of names, projects, how long the project had been going on, and its progress. "One team is going over the unclassified data from the Latari system to study long-term affects to the system and its sun. Another is collecting and analyzing the data we have from the asteroid field to identify the gasses, particles, and elements it contains, and their potential effect on ships and personnel. Continuous scans are being run to collect data. That data is then collated and sent to the appropriate lab for analysis. Half a dozen are working on projects for Starfleet Sciences. Two dozen are working on research projects sanctioned by Starfleet." Sandoval turned from the monitors to look at the commander. "All scientists on this ship are allowed to work on personal research projects when they are not assigned to mission-specific duties. It's important for scientists to do research in their field and write papers. I monitor all ongoing projects and the time each scientist devotes to said project. They know that if they abuse this privilege, they will lose it."

The detailed project list on the LCARS display was fascinating, even to a Starfleet veteran such as Morgan. General science operations were clearly distinguished from their specialty planetary science counterparts with each element seemingly working in their own areas of expertise while coordinating their efforts. The department appeared to be well-organized - not that Morgan would have expected anything less. However, the science chief's casual mention of personal research drew the scrutiny of the acting captain.

"Your administration skills are impressive," Tarin complimented before shaking her head. "But for now, I want all personal research projects suspended. Our current mission doesn't afford that luxury. Re-task anyone not on assignment to begin historical research and analysis on this current sector of space. I want to know everything available in both Starfleet and non-Federation records - the who, what, when, where and why. Once we return to Regula I, your teams can resume their personal research."

"There isn't that much on the area," Marisa replied. "In addition, there have been teams doing research on this sector since we found out we'd be taking shore leave here. Since leaving Regula I, there's been at least two teams each shift doing more in-depth research as well as taking new scans. That is mostly the stellar and planetary sciences and the history department. As for the individual projects, most can be put on hold, but there are ongoing projects that can't be shut down right now. They require continuous monitoring by the science computer and frequent analysis by the individual scientists. There are three of those at the moment. Shutting them down will cost the scientist a great deal of trouble. As all individual projects are being done in their spare time, it will not take away from any work being done for the current assignment." The acting captain did realize that the scientists weren't on duty 24/7 and did have some free time they could devote to these projects, didn't she? Marisa didn't think it would be wise to bring that up as the answer would probably be no, they were to have no free time.

Morgan folded her arms across her chest after Sandoval finished speaking. It seemed the half-Vulcan was a step ahead of her. A welcome surprise. However, the words 'spare time' repeated in her head. Time better served for training and personal improvement, came her quick mental assessment. "Proceed, then. Any projects not essential to this mission or deemed critical to your department's operations are to be put on hold. This is a small ship with a small crew - I want any available personnel from your department reporting to Ops by zero-eight-hundred tomorrow for damage control training and re-certification." Her hazel eyes sternly conveyed her directive and she held out a hand to procure a PADD.

Jeysa handed Morgan another PADD, this one she'd already loaded with information about the various projects the science department had running just in case the Captain wanted to see them.

"With all due respect, stopping those projects at this point could be...problematic. That work is critical for ongoing research projects and authorized by Starfleet Sciences. If you want to stop them, you'll need to get authorization from the admiral that signed off on the project and the team monitoring their work. As we are under a communications blackout, you will simply have to take my word for it." She really needed to meditate more if she was going to spend any time with the acting captain. This woman clearly knew nothing about science or research. "I understand that you have no background in science, but I assure you that this research is how they advance themselves in their fields. The work is not frivolous and it is not a waste of time. Taking them away from their assigned responsibilities will be. I am also not going to assign them to sixteen hour shifts because that is when mistakes happen."

Scrolling her finger across the PADD, Tarin briefly looked up while Sandoval leveled her objections. Morgan's attention was more-so focused on the details of the various ongoing research project reports which were listed and classified according to their priorities. A momentary silence followed before she handed the PADD back to the Trill yeoman and addressed the chief science officer.

"Objection noted, but this isn't the time to pursue personal achievements and advancements. Those are outside the scope of this mission. Galileo was scrambled for a high-priority search and rescue mission...nothing more and nothing less." Tarin's dry inflection remained neutral albeit tinged with a dose of annoyance. "And whether you like it or not, I am in command of this starship and have the operational authority to repurpose its resources to accomplish our mission as I deem necessary. I don't need permission from Starfleet Command or Starfleet Sciences." She glanced back to Blake momentarily before returning her eyes to Sandoval. "I also assure you, you won't be putting your department on 16-hour shifts. They'll be doing 12 with an additional two under Ops supervision until we arrive at the cold station. That's an order."

"Are you doing the same for every other department?" Marisa asked. She wondered if it was because the woman had no idea what science did, or how they worked, and thus felt it necessary to do two hours a day under ops.

Sandoval had no intention of shutting down those three projects because she knew there would be repercussions that would negatively impact science's ability to do more than be at the mercy of commanders like Tarin. This wasn't about the mission, it was about control. Marisa had fought to get these projects on the Galileo, and she'd gone through proper channels--as well as pull a few strings. Not for her, but for the advancement of science, and to help with some important research. Research that the acting captain was going to destroy by her ineptitude. It was time to get her resume ready because she doubted she'd be on the Galileo once they got back to Regula I. If she didn't end up in the brig first.

And then another thought crossed her mind. The acting captain said any projects not deemed critical to the department. So, she'd insure that every single one of those projects became critical. "Unless you have every other department doing two hours with operations, then I prefer to keep my scientists working on the task at hand. You want answers, and we can get them--if we're given the time and resources to do so. I do not believe it best practice would be to divert their focus from gathering, collating, and analyzing data to re-training to do damage control at this point in time. We will likely need to go through any pertinent scientific data retrieved as soon as possible. Therefore, their energies are better utilized here, continuing their research on this sector of space and its history while preparing for whatever we find."

"If we can temporarily pull some science officers off of some of the non critical projects, that would give you some hours back for both the extra analysis you describe, and some time with Ops," Blake interjected lightly, shaking her head. If she could broker a compromise between them, then she would, but she also knew that it would need to not necessarily seem like a compromise. Captains didn't compromise in their orders. Chiefs of Science didn't compromise in their expertise. She'd rather not have a standoff on her ship. "Other departments have their own duties in the case of emergency. We have limited personnel who could provide back up if we need it."

The first officer's suggestion held merit. The acting captain wasn't opposed to flexibility where it was needed, but apparently the science chief was. Occasionally throughout her career, Morgan encountered officers with similar mindsets; the mentality that their department was above reproach combined with an inability to shift priorities outside of their comfort level. They tended to have limited longevity under their various commands and eventually drifted across postings until they left the fleet all-together. Tarin didn't know Sandoval well, but her first impressions of the woman were not becoming positive.

"An order is an order, lieutenant commander," said Tarin after a brief pause of consideration. "Commander Blake's proposal is approved. And just so we're clear - it's my prerogative to delegate this ship's departments and resources. Not yours." She spoke frankly and with little subtlety. "I hope we don't have a problem?"

"I can shift any scientists not working on critical projects, yes," Sandoval replied. "But we are understaffed, like the rest of the ship, so I will have to look at the crew rotation to see who might be available." She still didn't trust Tarin and didn't think she was capable of understanding how to work with scientists, but Marisa wouldn't compromise the safety of the ship. Her complaints could wait until they were back on the starbase.

The acting captain nodded once to signal her confirmation. "Good. Make it happen." Her focus then shifted away from the science chief and back to the office and its observation screens which displayed real-time surveillance of the various ongoing projects. "I need to inspect one of your laboratory facilities," she added after a long moment of silence. Tarin peered closely at one of the LCARS displays and isolated a familiar figure on the monitor. "Is that Ensign Ullswater?"

"It is. Do you wish to inspect her lab?" Sophie would have been Marisa's choice. She was highly competent and, if Marisa recalled correctly, had worked on something with the acting captain on the starbase. Even if she hadn't, she was one of the best officers in the department.

"Yes. Let's pay her a visit," answered Tarin. "After you." She stepped to the side and held her arm out toward the office's door to indicate for the department head to lead the way.

"Yes, ma'am." Marisa led them into the corridor and to the geology lab. Fortunately, it was a small ship and the labs weren't as far apart as on some of the larger starships.

When they arrived, Marisa walked in and stepped to the side to allow the others to enter. "Hello, Sophie," she said by way of greeting. "Do you have a few minutes?"

After a clatter of cutlery on crockery Sofie jumped up from her seat, wiping some goulash from the corner of her mouth with her uniform sleeve. Dread was building up in her stomach as to what her superiors could want from her but she still managed to blurt out "Good afternoon sirs. Of course, what can I help with?" with a quick nod to the two officers who had just entered.

"Ullswater," Tarin addressed the ensign with a subtle nod of respect from their previous encounter on Regula I. "I'm conducting a ship-wide inspection of Galileo and I wanted to see one of our laboratories." She glanced around at the various spectrometers and isolation modules present within the room. "Commander Sandoval speaks highly of you, so you were...volunteered." It wasn't the complete truth, but close enough.

Sandoval raised an eyebrow at the words. The acting captain wasn't above lying, if it suited her. But to what end? Of that she wasn't sure. Was it to put Marisa in an awkward position or Ullswater? It made her like and trust Tarin even less than she did before.

"Ah, well." Sofie still looked and felt a little surprised and overwhelmed but at least an inspection was a little less serious than her intimidate fears would have suggested. "Yes, this is the geology lab, here we perform the important chemical-spectroscopical analyses that help us map out the geology of the places we pass through, the equipment here is mostly micro scale analyses but larger mysteries on planetary petrology and geology also get pondered within these four walls." She could feel herself rambling a bit, using many more words than were necessary, her nerves were getting to her.

Blake watched with a neutral expression, hands clasped behind her back, looking attentive to Ullswater's explanation. In truth though, the words 'important' and 'geology' had never particularly gone together for the ex-marine. She had never felt entirely at home in the Science labs. She'd never been naturally inclined towards the sciences, not by interest or skill. So long as they all had what they needed to do their jobs down here, that's all that mattered to her. The why and the how was of little consequence to her. But it worked, with Lirha being much more interested in the Scientific field, they balanced each other. "Have there been any problems caused by the hasty departure from the base?"

Ullswater tilted her head for a moment looking from the commander to the captain. The real trouble she had had with the departure had been her work on the station as opposed to any of the comparatively trivial work she was doing here. "I would have liked to better prepare the staff who took over the observations of those crystalline structures we discovered back at the starbase. I hadn't realised we would be leaving so quickly. That said my specialty in that area is academic and I'm sure when it comes to locking down hazardous substances the team there is more than prepared." then with a more hushed tone she enquired "Do you know how long we'll be out here, I wouldn't want to leave them too long sir."

"I can't predict the future," Tarin answered to the best of her knowledge. "Ideally a couple weeks...but in this sector of space?" She shrugged and gave a familiar head tilt which emphasized the unknown nature of their current operation. Then, in a rare gesture of outward solidarity, she vocalized a reassurance to the young ensign. "Don't worry, Ullswater. Your samples are in good hands on Regula I. Think of them as something to look forward to when Galileo returns."

"It is a science station sir, and from the people I spoke to while I was there I'm sure you're right." She did her best to sound reassured but in her head she was calculating what kind of damage those things could do over the course of a fortnight if they were able to slip through the net.

The acting captain slowly began a walk-through of the compact geology lab. Her keen eyes observed several specialized instruments including spectrometers, atomic sequencers, electron microscopes and micrometers alongside a plethora more which she couldn't immediately identify. It was an impressive array of powerful scientific equipment - excluding the nearby food dish "Do you eat in your labs often?" Tarin queried, her attention now focused on the lab's small transporter assembly within its designated containment chamber.

The ensign watched carefully but with some satisfaction as her superior eyed up her pristine instruments. That was until the question came and her heart sunk a bit "Sometimes sir." In honesty Sofie had been doing it with quite some frequency in the last week but really she had no idea how the captain was going to react and she really didn't want to have to explain herself too much.

Tarin finished her visual examinations then turned to face the young science officer. "I don't want to see it again. You can use the science office, the mess hall or your quarters for your meal breaks. You as well as anyone know the risks of cross-contamination," she chided.

Sofie gave a sheepish nod in return "Of course sir. I'll not do it again."

Galileo's commander returned her eyes to some of the advanced technology in the geology lab. As cutting-edge as it was, it was only as good as those who properly maintained it. "When was the last time you re-calibrated all of this lab's instrumentation and sensors?"

Despite her previously sheepish demeanor and current general anxiousness Sofie bristled at the implied accusation behind the captain's words. Her indignance could be clearly heard as she delivered a considered response "Captain we run a tight ship here, our instrumentation is regularly calibrated in every lab and our staff of technicians are some of the best I have ever worked with. I personally oversaw the routine maintenance of the equipment in this lab less than 48 hours ago." She gestured over to Marisa as she finished "I'm sure Commander Sandoval has already told you, this is a science vessel, we get this sort of thing right."

Marisa nodded, both pleased at Sophie's response and indignant that the acting captain would imply that they were lax in handling their responsibilities.

"Good." Tarin was satisfied with the ensign's reply and especially the sense of pride she expressed in her duties. The acting captain wouldn't accept anything less. Yet, as much as she believed Ullswater, words didn't preclude due diligence. "I'm sure you won't mind then if we confirm your work?" Trust, but verify.

Yes, of course I mind, "No, of course, whatever you need to do." Sofie reluctantly went to pick up her dinner so it wouldn't get in the way of the further inspection. Hoping it might get this over faster she added "Please don't prod too much if you don't know what you are doing sir. Some of these instruments are very delicate."

Sandoval was silent, knowing that anything she said or did would only make Tarin think she was trying to cover up for Sophie or that she didn't trust those in her department. Neither was true.

"Tricorder," Tarin requested from the Trill yeoman.

Jeysa handed over the same tricorder Tarin had used for all of the inspection so far, when Tarin turned away she tried not to chuckle. At the rate Tarin was using it she'd wear out the buttons before the end of the inspection.

The senior commander took the procured instrument from Zeror then unfolded it. The tricorder's interface panel illuminated to allow her to input several external diagnostic commands into its protocol. After completing her configurations, Tarin slowly and methodically walked through the geology lab while scanning each piece of instrumentation, sample collection devices, and biocontamination filters. She paused momentarily in front of each to hold the tricorder in front while silently observing the readings.

Approximately two minutes passed, then Tarin gestured to Zeror for a PADD.

Setting up a new note section with 'geology lab' as its heading Jeysa handed another PADD to Tarin.

A short moment transpired while the ship's new commander input her findings into the official inspection log. When she was finished, she handed the PADD back to the yeoman then addressed Ullswater. "Your instruments and equipment appear calibrated within Starfleet standards. But several of them are off by point-zero-two to point-zero-three microns. That might be good enough for Starfleet, but that's not good enough for me. I want you to perform a Level One diagnostic on all of them this evening and re-calibrate everything in this lab."

Marisa was sorely tempted to take that tricorder from Tarin and tell her she was checking to be sure the commander had calibrated it correctly in the first place. The acting captain was hell-bent on justifying her existence by finding fault with everything and everyone. Did she not realize that she herself was in serious need of a psychiatric re-calibration? She clasped both hands behind her back to help her keep from saying something to get herself, Ullswater, or her department in trouble. She couldn't wait to get back to Regula I and get away from Tarin, one way or another.

Ullswater looked slightly more dismayed that usual at the captain's observation. Of course she intended to double check after the captain left but the statement left her with no idea of exactly what ranges would in fact be acceptable to Tarin. She wanted to ask but it was obvious that doing so was just asking for trouble so she bit back her tongue and let it all happen.

Now finished with her observations of the science department - albeit a brief walkthrough, Tarin handed her tricorder back to Zeror then gave an appreciative nod to the science ensign. "Thank you for your time, Ullswater. Carry on," she remarked before turning on her heels and heading for the exit. With the rest of the cadre in tow behind her, Morgan halted once they were outside of the lab and back in the main corridor. She addressed the blue-collared lieutenant commander.

"Mister Sandoval," Tarin's arms were now clasped professionally behind her back as she spoke to the shorter Vulcan. "Your department has failed inspection. This laboratory, while appearing pristine, needs further calibration and carries the risk of protein contamination from lax eating habits. Habits that you're responsible for, as department head. And...your resource delegation is questionable during an emergency mission such as this one. There's a time and place for personal research, but unfortunately, this isn't it." Tarin glanced to Blake then back to Sandoval. "I'll be back at zero-hundred hours to re-inspect the geology lab. I also want you to run another full diagnostic on Galileo's primary and secondary sensor suites, including the main deflector array. Tighten up those tolerances. This mission depends on it."

"I prefer Ms, Lieutenant Commander, or Doctor Sandoval," Marisa corrected--her tone cooly and professionally Vulcan. While she was a hybrid, she was also her mother's daughter. "In order to ensure that every lab meets your exacting standards, all scientists will be taken off their current assignments in order to comply with said orders. This will necessitate that they be unavailable for any PT or remedial training until they are finished. Primary and secondary sensor suites will need to be offline for a full diagnostic. A level one diagnostic should not take more than a few hours, if no problems are encountered. In addition, there is an 87.295% chance the main deflector array will need to be taken offline as well." Marisa was furious. The Galileo didn't have enough time at the starbase to complete repairs. They were running with a skeleton crew and Captain Bligh failed her department, even though they were within specs according to regulations, because they weren't good enough for her. On top of that, she expected the Nova class to perform like a dreadnaught. This, too, was going in her report to Starfleet when they returned.

Tarin narrowed her eyes at the woman. As much as Vulcans attempted to control their feelings, they still possessed tells which their Human counterparts were naturally adept at interpreting. "You have until zero-hundred this evening to get it done," she acknowledged. "Meet your deadline and have your personnel ready for their training regimens starting tomorrow." She then pointed a finger to the science chief to reinforce the most pertinent concern the lieutenant commander had raised. "And make sure to coordinate with Ops during your sensor diagnostics...the secondary deflector array can compensate for the main deflector if it needs to be taken offline." Looking around the geology lab one last time, Tarin took a satisfactory breath before turning to walk to the exit. "That's all, Mister Sandoval."

Ullswater glanced between her three superiors in the room, caught like a mouse watching a cat fight. As the captain walked back out of the lab Sofie tried to give Sandoval something of a thankful or reassuring look. She quickly looked away though, Vulcan eyes seem so unreadable that she couldn't be sure if anything was appreciated or not.

The geology lab's door swished shut behind the Command cadre once they were back in the main corridor. Tarin briefly paused to look her XO squarely in the eyes. "Is every department on this ship usually this sensitive? Or is it just me?"

"They take pride in their work, and in some departments you're failing them for things that are within regulation," Blake pointed out with a slight tilt of her head rather than a shrug. "Most people here love what they do...and when you love what you do, it becomes part of who you are. A measure of what you love becomes a measure of you."

It was a sound explanation, Tarin privately admitted. She hadn't considered the personal nature with which some of Galileo's crew identified with their duties. To her, a ship was a ship and an inspection was an inspection. There was no greater thought to the procedure except to determine readiness states and conduct soft personnel evaluations. Ultimately, every starship performed as well as its crew was able to maintain and operate it -- maximum efficiency was the never-ending goal. "Noted." It was a subtle acceptance of the XO's critique.

Blake nodded with the response; it was all that she needed. It was her job to offer her opinion or give it when asked, it was up to the Captain to decide how to use it. "Are you ready for Engineering? The main level is three decks down from here, however you'd like to get there."

"Make it so, Number One," Tarin concurred, her chin high and her wrists once again clasped behind her back. "Through the nearest Jefferies tubes, of course."

Of course, Blake thought with a wry intake of breath, her knees already aching at the prospect. She followed instructions though, getting the hatch free before crawling inside. There were a number of reasons she hadn't become an engineer; Jefferies tubes were going to be added to that list.

'Oh come on, not the Jefferies tubes again.' Jeysa thought, the only thing good about their trips through them was she now had a better idea where each one led, after Tarin clambered in she went in after her.

[OFF]

--

CMDR Morgan Tarin
Acting Commanding Officer
USS Galileo-A
[PNPC Saalm]

CMDR Scarlet Blake
First Officer
USS Galileo-A

PO3 Jeysa Zeror
Yeoman
USS Galileo-A
[PNPC Mimi]

Ensign Sofie Ullswater
Science Officer
USS Galileo-A

LCDR Marisa Sandoval
Chief Science Officer
USS Galileo-A

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