Posted by Commander Maxwell Harkness (Executive Officer) in Mess Hall - Open Thread

Posted by Cadet Catt Beñnet (Scientist) in Mess Hall - Open Thread

Posted by Cadet Simon Starr (Security Officer) in Mess Hall - Open Thread
Posted by… suppressed (5) by the Post Ghost! 👻
[Snip]

Rhese had finished his apple slice, and proceeded to also finish the last bite of his akutaq before pushing his tray away slightly, to indicate he was finished. “Well, it would of course be your project, Catt. But I’m willing to assist in any way you’d need. Though I would also like to produce a couple of units to grow my seeds in. The yields of the lettuce varieties, in particular, are very high – most likely we could produce enough for several fresh salads per day.” Talking about the fresh food reminded him again of the delicious foods provided by the Counselor – the apple slice itself had been particularly good. He turned to look again at Korczak, smiled, and said “Thank you again, Commander, for sharing this with us. It was all delicious!”

Turning back to his Caitian crewmate after a beat, Rhese’s expression changed gradually to a look of concern, as he continued: “You do raise good points about the mass of the project, though, Catt. We’d have to be careful not to exceed our means, depending on the space allotment. We could work out some way to create a ‘backup’ artificial gravity system, too, to avoid issues if the main system went down for some reason… but you’re right in that there’s no way to guarantee something couldn’t go wrong at some point. Though, there have been several successful hyrdoponics projects – even for additional food on missions to remote sectors where resupply of the ship couldn’t be guaranteed – on multiple starships. Perhaps we should look into their logs in order to better anticipate potential issues we might face. As to starting a hydroponics bay here on the Challenger during the cadet cruise, it could easily be something that could be maintained should one or all of us be reassigned, with some training… though I definitely understand your reluctance to set up your project here, not knowing how long we’re to be assigned to this fine vessel,” Bowman concluded. He looked, again, to Commander Harkness, hoping he might have some advice or input.

Cadet Rhese Bowman (Scientist)

“It is definitely an interesting thought,” Max said as he looked around at the cadets. “We could probably reinforce the super structure under one of the cargo bays, and include a secondary inertial dampening field to help minimize any effects of shifting load. We could set aside some space for your experiment Cadet Bennet, if you would like. And we could bring on some additional seeds from the starbase before we leave. I think it would be a good project, and can be used to help improve the ship. And of course like any good experiment, if it doesn’t succeed by the time you leave the Challenger, there is nothing wrong with that. But we have to start somewhere.”

Sitting up, he leaned on the table. “So if we were to start this project small, just to start. I can get you a cargo bay, but what would you need to get started?”

Cmdr. Harkness - XO

Korczak listened intently as the exchange took place, but kept his face passive and seemingly preoccupied with the discussion. He watched the Cadets interact, particularly Bennet, and was quite pleased… and more than a bit surprised… that she had stepped out of her shell in such a fashion. He made a mental mark to note her profile when he returned to his office.

Looking down at the now empty plates, he smiled and gathered up the plates and put them back into the bag. An advantage of being as non-descript as he was, leaving a table of people engrossed in conversation had never been an issue. He tended to blend into the furniture wherever he was, and that was fine with him. With a polite nod in the direction of the table in case anyone noted his leaving, he stood and walked out of the lounge.

Korczak, CNS

Starr noted that the counsellor was excusing himself and nodded back in his direction. “Thanks again for the much more substantial than usual meal, counsellor” he nodded as he left. “I should also take my leave as well, I wish you every success with the project, and as I mentioned - if you need someone to make sure things don’t get disturbed, let me know - it sounds like a really interesting project so, keep me in the loop, OK” he said smiling, rising from his chair to go to his quarters. He had an early start tomorrow.

Cadet Simon Starr, Security

Catt smiled and nodded to the Xo.
“Thank you sir. Well engineering will need to move the tanks into place. Cargo transporters and gravity lifters should be fine. Then it’ll need to be secured and power hookups each of the tanks is half a2 ton dry. It’s when they are supplied with liquids nutrients and the plants that they get truly heavy. I moved them to storage with cargo antigrav lifters of standard design. The risk is more momentum when moving them as they retain considerable mass. The water will likely be available from the station. The nutrients are in dry form right now so not more than a ton of cargo. I of course only opted for soybean when I procured seeds. So if you desire a more varied yield it will need to be supplemented. “,

And she turned to her fellow science cadet.
“The project will of course be under Lt. T’Kams lead as he is the head of Sciences on Challenger. I have no desire to be credited so you are welcome to take primary researcher credit. Circumstances of my past would likely cause issues in some scientific communities that could reflect badly upon any research my name was attached to. As the research itself is in my opinion important I would avoid tainting it in that manner.”,

Catt had again said to much and cringed inwardly as questions were sure to follow. Questions always questions then judgements and she sighed. And shook herself out of that train of thought.

Cadet Catt Bennet. Sciences. USS Challenger.

“Nonsense Cadet. This was your idea, your project, you take the lead on this. Consider this your senior research project.” Max said as he picked up his cup and took a drink. “Contact engineering and have them start the transfer of the materials. We will not have much time here on the Starbase before the brass sends us off again.

“Cadet Bowman, I’m putting you in charge of finding other crops that are good to start our setup. Procure them from the Starbase as needed, under my authority,” he said turning towards Bowman. “Okay, what else do you need?”

Cmdr. Harkness - XO

Catt’s ears flattened as the XO made it clear she was not going to be able to keep her name from being front and center on the eventual research paper. To argue the point would be impolite. She just nodded said, “Yes Sir!” Took up her padd and started typing out a request for a Engineer . Making sure to specify the required duties and expected duty hours required. She submitted this to the engineering department as a work order forwarded it to the Chief Engineer and CC’d it to the senior staff. All the while she was trying hard to lift her ears and still her tail which had become unruly at the XO’s insistence she take credit. As for her ears they remained Tightly in a defensive posture. She was deeply ashamed at this unsightly emotional display and the lack of self control that the ears and tails antics would signal to another Caitan.

Cadet Catt Bennet. Sciences. USS Challenger.