S11 - Mission 7: Asteroid Katra

[Kali Reyes]

[Bridge]

Mahak did not comment on the chief's seemingly endless jokes, but nevertheless he did not appear to be offended, either.

"It would be agreeable to see your new fighter technology, Chief. On the Starbase Columbus I spent time in the Flight Control department. I have over a thousand hours spent in small craft over the course of my career." He said. "What does CINDERELLA do, exactly? A sorting program for what?"

[Turbolift]

She pressed the button for deck 15. They might as well figure out what's going down in Ops while everyone starts preparing the ship.

His comment didn't surprise her. She's seen his dossier many times when she was implementing Project Cinderella. "Are you looking to put yourself on the team?" she asked, sidestepping the project question altogether.

[Malcolm Adeyemi]

[Turbolift]

She pressed the button for deck 15. They might as well figure out what's going down in Ops while everyone starts preparing the ship.

His comment didn't surprise her. She's seen his dossier many times when she was implementing Project Cinderella. "Are you looking to put yourself on the team?" she asked, sidestepping the project question altogether.

[Turbolift]

"Yes." Mahak said shortly. His very nature made it impossible for him to be ambitious, sly, or tricky, but it also precluded any subtlety. When he spoke, it was direct, to the point, and could often be construed as rude. But at least he couldn't lie.

"I believe that my experience with shuttles and other small craft makes me the ideal candidate for the job." The Vulcan said.

[Kinley Garrison]

[ bridge -> CSO's office]

And the new kids. Oh, boy was this going to be a riot. She tilted her head at Garrison and Jyur. "Ops is especially keeping a close eye on you two! Show who's boss to the top!"

Kinley nodded at Kali's suggestion. "Got it." She commented. As she headed out to the turbolift.

[Main Science Lab, CSO Office]

"Garrison, Jyur, and Michaels, please report to the CSO office.  Tekin out." he said, sitting back.  This... this was bound to get interesting.

Shortly after the meeting was dismissed, Kinley took the liberty of grabbing her PADD before the meeting. She wasn't exactly certain that the Discovery crew had remembered to take a sample of the ion storm cloud, but hopefully someone had the presence of mind to do that before the Wells ship had attacked them. This problem intrigued her. But first things first, there had to be a change of command. As Kinley walked up to the CSO's office, she spotted Jettis. "Hey Jyur. You looked like you wanted to talk with me during the meeting."

[Kirok]

Bridge

Katcha got up from her seat and nodded in response to Nevir's orders.

"Aye Kommander." She replied, relieving the duty helm operator and setting course for the Badlands.

She set the course and engaged the engines at Warp 6. She hoped they would not have to go too far in as the Discovery was not nearly manoeuvrable enough to avoid the plasma storms. She then turned to confirm the course and speed to find that Nevir had left the Bridge.

"Ve are on course for ze Badlands Admiral. Varp 6. Do you have an exact location for zis base as it would not be vise to take zis ship too deep into ze Badlands. Ve do not have ze manoeuvrability to nawigate ze plasma storms if zey get too dense." She reported.

[Bridge]

As the group started to split up, Kirok instinctively raised his hand and offered them a parting blessing.  "Long life and peace" he said.  And then he moved back to the central chair.

"Thank you, Ms. Filitov.  I will send you coordinates in just a moment.  And not to worry, we will be on the edge of the Badland storms.  You may even recognize the area if you paid attention in your Federation history classes" the half Vulcan remarked as he settled into his chair.

Once done, he opened up the small computer station that was placed in the arm of his chair.  There a light blinked at him.  Undoubtedly another message from his father's wife, crying in desperation about his father's quicly declining health.

[Klabax Cottle]

[Bridge]

Klabax turned to his boss. "If we're quite done here?" he asked, still shaken from his flashback. He looked around the bridge, locating the emergency medkit. It seemed to be in the right place, and so that gave him comfort. He looked to his boss, waiting on his orders. He'd had enough time on the bridge for now. He just wanted to get below.

[Tekin Nevir]

[Bridge]

Jettis looked over at Kali, quirking an eyebrow with an almost-invisible smirk. "Noted. I'll keep that in mind." He commented. After they were dismissed, Jettis turned to look over at Kinley - only to be interrupted again. Closing his mouth, he uttered an 'aye, sir', and resolving to talk to her the moment he got a break.
Turning back to Kali, he nodded again with a smile. "Congrats, again, on your promotion. Try not to kill us all." He quipped. "But really, you'll do fine." He added a moment later, softer. Deciding he had nothing else to do on the bridge, he nodded to Mahak, excused himself, and headed to the Turbolift.

"Deck four," He commented to the computer, standing patiently as he arrived at his destination.

[Main Science Lab]

Just as he had almost reached the lab, he got Tekin's message.
He confirmed, rounding the corner to reach the lab. Stepping inside, he rang the bell to the CSO's office, waiting for the go-ahead to enter.

[ bridge -> CSO's office]

Kinley nodded at Kali's suggestion. "Got it." She commented. As she headed out to the turbolift.

Shortly after the meeting was dismissed, Kinley took the liberty of grabbing her PADD before the meeting. She wasn't exactly certain that the Discovery crew had remembered to take a sample of the ion storm cloud, but hopefully someone had the presence of mind to do that before the Wells ship had attacked them. This problem intrigued her. But first things first, there had to be a change of command. As Kinley walked up to the CSO's office, she spotted Jettis. "Hey Jyur. You looked like you wanted to talk with me during the meeting."

[Outside the CSO office]

Lieutenant James Michaels followed up soon after Kinley, himself also confused as to why he was called.  Seeing the other two he nodded.

"You must be the newest members of the science team.  Lieutenant Michaels, exochemistry and senior science officer." he said, extending a hand.  That's when Nevir called for the three to enter.

[CSO office]

Nevir has the files of each individual he had called.  He had to make a decision, not just for the department, but for the science team itself.  He waited for the three to enter, and then closed the door.

"I brought the three of you in because this department is in need of order.  Michaels can attest that I ran a fair, but strict department.  Science is the core of the Federation.  Everything around us, and everything we stand far is all in the name of science.  The only reason we build long range and deep space ships is for science." he said, standing up.

"Michaels is the senior officer below me.  But rank is only secondary to what I look for in science officers.  Starfleet regulations has a minimum standard for senior officers, but ask any command officer and they would agree that out here, regulations can be stretched."

"Kinley, you are a non-commissioned officer.  By that regard you are not eligible to hold a position of authority under normal circumstances.  Kali Reyes is a Chief, that is the only exception to the rule.  But here is a little secret about me.  I started as a crewman.  I worked my way up until my department head saw something and recommended officer training.  Now I am the Commander of a Starfleet vessel, and its First Officer.  Your career path is not set in stone.  In fact, you can always look to your side to prove my point."

"Jettis completed his OTC, and I have the confirmation from Starfleet right here.  You are now an Ensign in Starfleet, with all the rights and privileges.  Which means this is for you." Nevir said, handing over a box with a single pip inside.  He allowed a moment before continuing.

"While technically possible, the First Officer is relieved from his department to focus on the ship's crew as a whole.  Which means I can no longer be the Chief Science Officer.  For now, I have to select a replacement to act as the CSO in my stead for the time being.  The three of you were being vetted for such a role.  However, I have concerns that need to be addressed."

"While I respect you both taking the initiative, when the Captain calls for the department heads, that means the department heads.  Until Admiral Kirok officially promoted me to First Officer, I was your Chief Science Officer.  I sent you both a message with instructions, and unless you want to prove to me that your communicators were not functioning, my orders were ignored.  If I give an order that you are already following, then you should at the very least acknowledge the order, or let me know that you are already on it.  Kinley, I assigned you to the Science Bridge station for the meeting.  You did not take your station.  I had selected Jettis to be the one accompanying me, and I would have preferred that Mr. Jyur stayed with his department head.  Ignorance is no excuse.  If you are unsure how to react to certain orders, you ask."

"You both disappointed me, but as you are new on the ship, I won't hold it against you.  Both of you have high marks and good recommendations, otherwise I wouldn't even be considering you two for a leadership role.  For now, Lieutenant James Michaels, you are being promoted to Acting Chief Science Officer, with a field commission of Lieutenant Commander.  Kinley, I'm assigning you to the Bridge's Alpha shift.  I want you to start going through the data on the ion cloud, you'll even have access to my notes.  Jettis, you are going to set up and lead the team studying the Wells ship and the ion cloud's effects.  James, you have the responsibility of the entire department... but after I move my stuff out of this office." he said, raising an eyebrow to his officer.

"I will leave your selection of Assistant CSO to you.  I'd recommend observing the rest of your department to see who would fit the role best, including these two.  My office is always open, and I'm willing to hear out anyone with a problem. This of course will start now." he said, going to the front of the desk and leaning on it, crossing his arms.

"I give you all permission to speak freely.  Any questions of concerns?" he said, glancing at the three of them.

James merely shook his head. "None, sir." he said, to which Nevir responded by dismissing him, and letting him leave the office.

"How about you two?"

[Lennox Ainsley]

[Bridge]

As the group started to split up, Kirok instinctively raised his hand and offered them a parting blessing.  "Long life and peace" he said.  And then he moved back to the central chair.

"Thank you, Ms. Filitov.  I will send you coordinates in just a moment.  And not to worry, we will be on the edge of the Badland storms.  You may even recognize the area if you paid attention in your Federation history classes" the half Vulcan remarked as he settled into his chair.

Once done, he opened up the small computer station that was placed in the arm of his chair.  There a light blinked at him.  Undoubtedly another message from his father's wife, crying in desperation about his father's quicly declining health.

[Bridge]

It was unusual for Lennox to miss the call of the Admiral, but on such occasion, he had done exactly that and it resulted in the Crewman pelting down the corridors as quick as humanly possible to reach the bridge, almost flinging himself in.

Taking a couple of seconds to catch his breath, Lennox wandered up to Kirok with an apologetic look drawn heavily across his face. "Deepest apologies, Admiral. Got caugh' up wit' work. Will 'here be anythin' I can do?"

[Kinley Garrison]

Alright, this is a repost of my most recent post. Let's hope it works!

[Bridge -> CSO's office]

And the new kids. Oh, boy was this going to be a riot. She tilted her head at Garrison and Jyur. "Ops is especially keeping a close eye on you two! Show who's boss to the top!"

Kinley nodded at Kali's suggestion. "Got it." She commented. As she headed out to the turbolift.

"Garrison, Jyur, and Michaels, please report to the CSO office.  Tekin out." he said, sitting back.  This... this was bound to get interesting.

Shortly after the meeting was dismissed, Kinley took the liberty of grabbing her PADD before the meeting. She wasn't exactly certain that the Discovery crew had remembered to take a sample of the ion storm cloud, but hopefully someone had the presence of mind to do that before the Wells ship had attacked them. This problem intrigued her. But first things first, there had to be a change of command. As Kinley walked up to the CSO's office, she spotted Jettis. "Hey Jyur. You looked like you wanted to talk with me during the meeting."

[Kinley Garrison]

Sorry about the extra posting. Mea culpa. Here's my real newest post.

[CSO's office]

[Outside the CSO office]

Lieutenant James Michaels followed up soon after Kinley, himself also confused as to why he was called.  Seeing the other two he nodded.

"You must be the newest members of the science team.  Lieutenant Michaels, exochemistry and senior science officer." he said, extending a hand.  That's when Nevir called for the three to enter.

[CSO office]

Nevir has the files of each individual he had called.  He had to make a decision, not just for the department, but for the science team itself.  He waited for the three to enter, and then closed the door.

"I brought the three of you in because this department is in need of order.  Michaels can attest that I ran a fair, but strict department.  Science is the core of the Federation.  Everything around us, and everything we stand far is all in the name of science.  The only reason we build long range and deep space ships is for science." he said, standing up.

"Michaels is the senior officer below me.  But rank is only secondary to what I look for in science officers.  Starfleet regulations has a minimum standard for senior officers, but ask any command officer and they would agree that out here, regulations can be stretched."

"Kinley, you are a non-commissioned officer.  By that regard you are not eligible to hold a position of authority under normal circumstances.  Kali Reyes is a Chief, that is the only exception to the rule.  But here is a little secret about me.  I started as a crewman.  I worked my way up until my department head saw something and recommended officer training.  Now I am the Commander of a Starfleet vessel, and its First Officer.  Your career path is not set in stone.  In fact, you can always look to your side to prove my point."

"Jettis completed his OTC, and I have the confirmation from Starfleet right here.  You are now an Ensign in Starfleet, with all the rights and privileges.  Which means this is for you." Nevir said, handing over a box with a single pip inside.  He allowed a moment before continuing.

"While technically possible, the First Officer is relieved from his department to focus on the ship's crew as a whole.  Which means I can no longer be the Chief Science Officer.  For now, I have to select a replacement to act as the CSO in my stead for the time being.  The three of you were being vetted for such a role.  However, I have concerns that need to be addressed."

"While I respect you both taking the initiative, when the Captain calls for the department heads, that means the department heads.  Until Admiral Kirok officially promoted me to First Officer, I was your Chief Science Officer.  I sent you both a message with instructions, and unless you want to prove to me that your communicators were not functioning, my orders were ignored.  If I give an order that you are already following, then you should at the very least acknowledge the order, or let me know that you are already on it.  Kinley, I assigned you to the Science Bridge station for the meeting.  You did not take your station.  I had selected Jettis to be the one accompanying me, and I would have preferred that Mr. Jyur stayed with his department head.  Ignorance is no excuse.  If you are unsure how to react to certain orders, you ask."

"You both disappointed me, but as you are new on the ship, I won't hold it against you.  Both of you have high marks and good recommendations, otherwise I wouldn't even be considering you two for a leadership role.  For now, Lieutenant James Michaels, you are being promoted to Acting Chief Science Officer, with a field commission of Lieutenant Commander.  Kinley, I'm assigning you to the Bridge's Alpha shift.  I want you to start going through the data on the ion cloud, you'll even have access to my notes.  Jettis, you are going to set up and lead the team studying the Wells ship and the ion cloud's effects.  James, you have the responsibility of the entire department... but after I move my stuff out of this office." he said, raising an eyebrow to his officer.

"I will leave your selection of Assistant CSO to you.  I'd recommend observing the rest of your department to see who would fit the role best, including these two.  My office is always open, and I'm willing to hear out anyone with a problem. This of course will start now." he said, going to the front of the desk and leaning on it, crossing his arms.

"I give you all permission to speak freely.  Any questions of concerns?" he said, glancing at the three of them.

James merely shook his head. "None, sir." he said, to which Nevir responded by dismissing him, and letting him leave the office.

"How about you two?"

Kinley breathed a small sigh of relief. At least she wasn't going to be CSO just yet. She still didn't rule out the possibility of a worst case scenario, but for now, she was happy to be on the bridge, doing what she did best: science. Nodding her approval to XO Nevir's choice of CSO, she turned to the new XO. "Yes. Where might I find these notes of yours? I want to start analyzing them right away."

[Kirok]

[Bridge]

It was unusual for Lennox to miss the call of the Admiral, but on such occasion, he had done exactly that and it resulted in the Crewman pelting down the corridors as quick as humanly possible to reach the bridge, almost flinging himself in.

Taking a couple of seconds to catch his breath, Lennox wandered up to Kirok with an apologetic look drawn heavily across his face. "Deepest apologies, Admiral. Got caugh' up wit' work. Will 'here be anythin' I can do?"

[Bridge]

Kirok looked up from his small arm chair computer and offered Mr. Ainsley a nod.  "It is understandable, Mr. Ainsley.  I hope you were able to finish whatever it was that delayed you" the half Vulcan said.

"As it turns out, I do have an assignment for you.  We will be heading to an abandoned Start Fleet Intelligence base.  You and Mr. Marshall will be assigned to teams as we enter the base.  It would be wise if you two could review the plans for the base" he said.

Kirok looked down at his computer again and tapped a few buttons.  "I have sent the plans for the base to you.  And Ms. Filitov, I have sent the coordinates to you" Kirok added.

[Kali Reyes]

[Turbolift]

"Yes." Mahak said shortly. His very nature made it impossible for him to be ambitious, sly, or tricky, but it also precluded any subtlety. When he spoke, it was direct, to the point, and could often be construed as rude. But at least he couldn't lie.

"I believe that my experience with shuttles and other small craft makes me the ideal candidate for the job." The Vulcan said.

[Turbolift]

"We'll see what CINDERELLA has to say about that." Her PADD blinked to life as she mentioned it. While she started imputing the code into her program, the turbolift whirred its way down. "Remember the massive email I sent to the crew about their favorite candy?"

[Malcolm Adeyemi]

[Turbolift]

"We'll see what CINDERELLA has to say about that." Her PADD blinked to life as she mentioned it. While she started imputing the code into her program, the turbolift whirred its way down. "Remember the massive email I sent to the crew about their favorite candy?"

[Turbolift]

"I do." Unlike candy, Mahak' face had gone very sour. "I am still receiving responses from that. I do wish that you had not thought to include me in that message chain. I do not enjoy being awoken at 0300 to a message from a crewman who works in the plasma transfer room, especially if the message simply states 'KIT KATS' in all capital letters."

[Kali Reyes]

[Turbolift]

"I do." Unlike candy, Mahak' face had gone very sour. "I am still receiving responses from that. I do wish that you had not thought to include me in that message chain. I do not enjoy being awoken at 0300 to a message from a crewman who works in the plasma transfer room, especially if the message simply states 'KIT KATS' in all capital letters."

[Turbolift]

Kali stopped playing with her PADD to abruptly laugh. "I'm sorry!" Though she wasn't really apologetic about it. Her smile was genuinely infectious. "There's a method to my madness, you know. Figured you'd appreciate the importance of gathering data, even if it is junk food. Starfleet computer systems carries a limited amount of data on its users, not really enough to make a good algorithm out of it. But things like food, hobbies, and personality matrixes - I made the perfect matchmaking software without infringing on personal information."

[Malcolm Adeyemi]

[Turbolift]

Kali stopped playing with her PADD to abruptly laugh. "I'm sorry!" Though she wasn't really apologetic about it. Her smile was genuinely infectious. "There's a method to my madness, you know. Figured you'd appreciate the importance of gathering data, even if it is junk food. Starfleet computer systems carries a limited amount of data on its users, not really enough to make a good algorithm out of it. But things like food, hobbies, and personality matrixes - I made the perfect matchmaking software without infringing on personal information."

[Turbolift]

"Intriguing." Despite himself, Mahak was genuinely interested. "How does this software work? What does this have to do with CINDERELLA and our current predicament?"

[Kali Reyes]

[Turbolift]

"Intriguing." Despite himself, Mahak was genuinely interested. "How does this software work? What does this have to do with CINDERELLA and our current predicament?"

[Deck 15]

The turbolift finally came to a stop and opened for them. She continued on to chatter excitedly about her program. "Well, it all comes down to the Admiral's recommendation, really, but if he's unable to come up with reserves, CINDERELLA should help. Basically, I plug in the filters for the job we need and it cross-refs all of the crew and ranks out the best officers for the job. Example..."

When they reached the offices, Kali reached the main console and started to tap at it. "So, lets say we need a pilot for this mission. I just plug it in like so - helm experience, flight hours, stress level of this mission aaaaand - bam!"

Several dossiers blipped into existence with percentages attached to their files. She pointed at Mahak's. "There you are! And it's got everything from your approximate hours, to your studies, to experience on the field. All from one candy bar, really. Or lack there of. You still owe me an answer to that, by the way."

But not only was he in the top percentile, CINDERELLA made him the toppiest one. One decimal away from a hundred percent. Damn Vulcans and their efficiency.