Posted by Ensign Paige Kidman (Science Officer) in Reporting to Duty
Paige stepped through the open office doors and approached the desk.

Coming to attention, she offered a respectful nod.

“Lieutenant Sha’Mori’ t’Liriena, Science Officer Paige Kidman reporting aboard the USS Ark Angel for duty, ma’am.”

She handed over her orders.

“I’ve completed check-in procedures and have been directed to report to you upon arrival. I’m looking forward to serving in the Science Department and contributing wherever I’m needed.”

Paige clasped her hands behind her back.

“Awaiting your instructions, ma’am.”

Ensign Paige Kidman
Science Department USS ARK ANGEL

Nala looked up from the sensor reports spread across her desk as the new arrival entered.

For a moment she simply blinked.

The formal posture.

The perfectly delivered report.

The ma’am.

It still felt strange being on the receiving end of that.

Just a few weeks ago she’d been the one standing at attention in front of senior officers.

Her ears twitched once before settling forward.

“At ease, Ensign,” she said quickly, rising from her chair and accepting the orders. Her eyes skimmed over them with practiced speed before setting the padd aside.

“And please—Lieutenant Shai’Mori t’Liriena is a lot of syllables.”

A hint of amusement touched her expression.

“You can call me Nala.”

Her tail flicked lightly behind her.

“I promise I won’t be offended.”

She stepped around the desk rather than remaining behind it, preferring the conversation to feel less formal.

“Actually, I’m still getting used to being the person people report to.”

The admission escaped before she could filter it.

Her ears flattened briefly.

“That probably sounded more professional in my head.”

Recovering quickly, she offered a small, genuine smile.

“It’s good to meet you, Ensign. Welcome to the Ark Angel and welcome to Science.”

Nala tilted her head slightly.

“Do you prefer Paige, Ensign Kidman, or something else? I’d rather call people what they’re comfortable with.”

She clasped her hands behind her back, unconsciously mirroring the younger officer’s stance for a moment.

“And while you’re answering that, tell me a little about yourself. Scientific interests, specialties, what you enjoy studying. Starfleet tends to put labels on people, but I’ve found those don’t always tell me what I actually need to know.”

The excitement that always appeared when discussing science crept into her voice despite herself.

“What kind of scientist are you?” she asked, genuinely curious.

LT. GJ Nala