Science Staff Arrival

Posted on Wed Nov 27th, 2024 @ 12:37pm by Commander Eva Grey & Ensign Erin Andala & Ensign Noa Oku

895 words; about a 4 minute read

The slim Japanese woman named Noa Oku shouldered her way carefully through the hallways of Starfleet Academy towards her destination. The solid gold pip of an ensign felt wonderful on her collar after fours years of wearing cadet stripes. What else felt great was the fact that she had actually been assigned to a science vessel. While not grand, the Nova class ships were usually dedicated to scientific assignments. They were also usually assigned to quiet, uneventful science missions where exciting dangers and high casualty lists weren't the norm as well.

Finding the transporter room that was her destination, Noa stepped inside and smiled towards the transporter operator and another ensign already waiting. "Is this the transporter assigned for departures to the USS Eclipse?" she asked.

"It is, Ensign, but I have to wait for the designated time frame," the operator, a lieutenant, replied. "It'll be a couple of minutes."

"Thank you," Noa replied.

Erin smiled towards the other ensign as she walked over. "Hi, Ensign Erin Andala," she said. "I'm glad I'm not the only graduate going to the Eclipse."

"Ensign Noa Oku," Noa said as she shook the other woman's hand. "I think we're the only graduates going to the Eclipse who are assigned to the science department. The rest are in other departments."

"I have to be honest, I don't remember you from my class group," Erin said.

"I was in the second class group," Noa replied. "We just received our assignments, which is why I'm just now getting here."

"Ah," Erin said with a nod. "So, I have to admit that I don't know much about Nova class ships. I had requested a research station assignment, but those slots were already filled up."

"Nova class star ships are most often assigned to dedicated science missions, although lately a few variants have been built for multi-mission capabilities," Noa said. "I'm not really sure which the Eclipse is. But, if I may ask, why did you want a research station? Those assignments are usually boring."

"To be honest, I wanted something safe," Erin replied. "Starship assignments are often dangerous, and I honestly wanted something quiet and safe. But if Nova class ships are dedicated science vessels, then the Eclipse might be perfect for me."

Before Noa could respond, the transporter operator signaled to them that it was time. They took their places on the transporter pad and only waited for a few seconds before the transporter beam whisked them away. When the beam released them, they were in the transporter room aboard the USS Eclipse. The small compartment only had two other occupants, the transporter operator and a woman wearing the three gold pips of a full commander.

Noa reached out and tapped the other ensign before she braced to attention. "Ma'am, Ensign Noa Oku, reporting aboard for assignment as science officer," she said.

Erin was only a second behind her companion. She braced to attention as well and chimed in after Noa. "Ensign Erin Andala, Commander. I've been assigned to the Eclipse as science officer as well," she said.

Eva raised her eyebrows. She had expected the two ensigns, but not at the same time. It was a small blessing, however, as it allowed her to get her new science officers settled in at the same time. "Good, you're both here," she said with a smile as she handed both of them a Padd. "Your assigned quarters and duty schedules are both on here, as well as some introductory information about the Eclipse. I understand you're both science generalists, so I want both of you to rotate through the labs so you can keep your knowledge and skills kept up to date," she said.

"Yes, Ma'am," Erin said. "Are the quarters shared?"

"Senior and command officers have single quarters, however all other officers have dorm style quarters," Eva answered. "Before I forget, I want both of you to report to medical for your physicals. All new arrivals are granted the remainder of the day to settle in before reporting in to duty tomorrow unless they're assigned to the overnight watch."

"Actually, Commander, I'd like to get straight to work if that's acceptable," Noa said.

"I agree," Erin chimed in.

Eva hid a smile as she raised her eyebrows towards the two ensigns. She could still remember her first assignment following her graduation from the Academy, and so she completely understood their eagerness. It was somewhat refreshing. "All right," she finally said. "After getting checked in by medical and settling into your quarters, I want the two of you to get acquainted with the science labs. I'm sure the two of you will figure out your preferences."

"Yes, Ma'am," Erin said, trying to contain her excitement.

Noa smiled and nodded her agreement. Like her fellow graduate, she was eager to begin. Nudging Ensign Andala, she smiled and nodded her head towards the door. "Let's go to sickbay so we can get started," she said.

Erin nodded in agreement and allowed her fellow ensign to lead her out of the transporter room.

Eva watched the two ensigns as they left the transporter room and smiled. As the doors slid closed behind them, she chuckled. With the two new officers checked in, she decided to move on to the next item on her list. There was still a lot to do before the Eclipse departed.

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