Dotting the I's

Posted on Tue Oct 17th, 2023 @ 4:09am by Lieutenant Ryssa Dari & Captain Robert Burke

1,458 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: EPISODE 1: SHAKEDOWN
Location: Briefing Room
Timeline: Previous to Launch

::ON::

At the first opportunity, Ryssa checked the captain's location and headed for the briefing room. She didn't know why she often felt awkward at this first mandatory meeting, but she did.

As she took a breath outside the door, she paused ever so briefly and then rang the chime.

Turning from the large windows that lined the briefing room, Burke faced the door and called 'Enter!' He had opted for a change of scenery and had moved across the Deck from his Ready Room to the Staff Briefing Room. Located towards the aft it offered a splendid view looking down towards the aft of the vessel. The Titanian had found himself wool-gathering in the viewports more than once this morning, focusing on the Martian surface rotating below them.

The science officer walked in and was immediately taken by the view. "Hello, captain. I can see why you're here today."

'It's quite the sight isn't it,' Burke replied with a smile. 'Hard to imagine we've achieved so much on that planet in such a short amount of time.' Burke motioned to the table, 'take a seat. I have coffee if you're interested. Or I can send for something else. How are you finding the ship so far, Lieutenant?'

"No coffee, thank you. I'm fine." She smiled and took a seat. "The ship is impressive, as is the view. Science has everything it needs for now. But then again, there's no telling what we may encounter."

'That's an issue we wrestle with constantly, Lieutenant,' Burke said, returning to his seat and moving a pile of flimsies out of the way so he could better see his Chief Science Officer. 'I am hopeful that Operations and Engineering have enough design templates to whizz up anything you might need while we're away from Federation space.'

She chuckled, knowing that this, too, was also an issue ship personnel wrestled with on a regular basis. "If not, we'll just improvise. I don't want to be the problem child on the Hecate. Besides, isn't science supposed to come up with alternate solutions when facing a problem?"

'That's is what you're here for,' Burke replied with a smile. 'So, forgive me for being forward, but I've never served with a Betazoid before. I understand most have telepathic abilities of some sort?'

"It's fine. There aren't a lot of us in Starfleet." Ryssa didn't mind being asked. "We're all telepathic with other telepaths, but our abilities can vary. Some of us are both telepaths and empaths. Some are just telepaths and some are just empaths." She smiled. "And before you ask, I'm both."

Quiet for a moment, Burke followed the woman's description, then broke out into a smile, 'utterly fascinating - and not just touch telepaths as the Vulcans mostly are?'

She smiled at his reaction and shook her head. "No. We can't pick up thoughts through touch. We pick up surface thoughts, or what you're thinking of at the moment, if they're strong enough. It depends on how strong the telepath is and how strong the thought is. If it's a mental shout, it's hard to avoid." Betazoids were still relatively unknown, so she was glad he was asking questions. "We have laws against prying, so if we don't have permission, we don't look deeper." She didn't add that there were instances when that was necessary, as those were rare.

He cocked his head as he listened, then nodded in understanding. 'I'm sure there's a briefing document for me somewhere in my to be read pile - Command was kind enough to provide me with run-downs of each of the species represented amongst the Hecate's crew. We must be one of the most diverse in the fleet from what I've seen.' Burke spread his hands, 'so what compels a Betazoid, and you specifically, to join Starfleet and see the universe.'

"The same as most." She shrugged. "I want to explore new star systems and nebulae, ancient civilizations and new cultures." Her smile grew. "The best way to do that is in Starfleet."

'Yes, funny that,' Burke replied. 'If I understood your background, you're quite the all-rounder when it comes to the scientific disciplines. Was that by design, or did you just find your interests change over time?' Taking a sip from his china cup, Burke gave Dari some time to answer his question.

"Neither, actually." She chuckled as she thought about it. "It's more that I have a number of interests that I feel go well together. At least in my way of thinking. They all help me understand more about a culture. Literature often reflects the thinking of the time, and how they see their world. Plants show what they ate and what they used for medicine. Then you have the history, archaeology, anthropology and language." She decided not to bring in art and music as those were more along the line of hobbies. "Where do your interests lie," she asked, curious.

'Professionally? Military and political history and works of anthropology, mostly,' Burke replied. 'I enjoy getting to know the members of the Federation, and keeping up with the trends of our near neighbours.' He shrugged, 'I try to keep that to my duty hours, however. I much prefer good a crime novel after hours.'

"Books are a good way to relax. I discovered Sherlock Holmes at university, but I find I'm partial to fantasies and fairy tales for relaxation."

'Arthur Conan Doyle has been a favourite since childhood,' Burke replied. 'I'm currently working my way through the works of James Lee Burke. Quite atmospheric novels, even if I'm not sure they're entirely about the crime rather than the detective himself.' Burke paused a moment, 'he's not a relation, I don't think.'

"The computer could help you find out," she replied, smiling. She loved talking literature with someone who had an appreciation for older works. "As for the books, I think the best books help you relate to the characters as well as the story. Otherwise, you don't tend to care as much about the story or the characters."

'That's quite right. It's why I never enjoyed Asimov's work as much because of it - he was more eager to communicate his ideas than developing his characters - they were ciphers I felt,' Burke relaxed in his chair, enjoying the turn in their conversation.

She nodded, agreeing with his comment. "It's why I generally prefer fantasy to hard science fiction. I like to relate to the characters as much as the story. And I like to see how some writers twist old tropes." She thought for a moment before continuing. "Some mystery writers do an excellent job of creating character as well. Especially across a series."

'The better ones do,' Burke replied with an acknowledging nods, 'I find some have very little change in their protagonists. And don't get me wrong, I enjoy the hard-bitten, cynical detective, but it wears thin after a few books.' He quirked an eyebrow, 'does your interest in folklore and fairy tales extend to your professional duties too? I don't think I've met a folklorist in Starfleet yet.'

"Only as it pertains to the history and culture of a people. Folklore and mythology are often ingrained in society's beliefs and behaviors." She couldn't help smiling as she added, "They're also wonderful cautionary tales."

'That they do, Lieutenant,' Burke replied smoothly. 'Now, I think I've taken up enough of your time. I'm sure there's a bug in one of our science devices that needs ironing out before it drives you round the bend.'

"I take the hint," she replied, smiling. "And I will take my leave of you to check out the department. Thank you for your time." She enjoyed the chat with her new boss and looked forward to working with him.

'Thank you for yours,' Burke replied as he got to his feet and escorted the Chief Science Officer to the door. 'Apologies for taking up so much of your time this morning. It's always nice to meet another book-lover, so I expect to hear more from you on the subject while on our mission.'

"There's no need to apologize. I enjoyed the conversation and look forward to future opportunities." She smiled as she paused at the door. "If there's anything you need from me, let me know."

'Wil do, Lieutenant,' Burke replied affably.

Ryssa gave the captain a nod and headed to science, curious to have a first look at her new department.

::OFF::

Captain Robert Burke
Commanding Officer
USS Hecate

Lieutenant Ryssa Dari
Chief Science Officer
USS Hecate

 

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