Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Sovrk (Chief Science Officer) in Captains Ready Room- Check in with the CO

Posted by Fleet Captain Alexander Cochrane (Commanding Officer) in Captains Ready Room- Check in with the CO

Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Sovrk (Chief Science Officer) in Captains Ready Room- Check in with the CO
Posted by… suppressed (14) by the Post Ghost! 👻
A Vulcan male stepped off of the turbolift onto the bridge. The man walked onto the bridge and looked around for just a moment. He nodded to those around that currently manned their stations as he walked across the aft of the bridge. Somewhat slowly he crossed from port to starboard, seemingly he took in the sights of the bridge as he crossed over towards the door that separated the bridge from the Captains Ready Room. He lifted up his his hand and pressed the call button on the Comm beside the door so that it announced his presence at the door. His hand fell back to his side and he looked around the bridge a bit as he waited for an response. He stood there silently, his face seemed netural and expressionless, it almost teetered on solemnness.
Sovrk, CSO

“Come in.” a voice said from inside. The door silently slid open to reveal the office beyond. The office was organized, but had the feel of both authority… and peace. Two bookcases on one wall stood with shelves lined with actual books behind their glass doors. Pictures had been mounted around the room showing both places and people, many of them featuring the same person. Various odds and ends graced places here and there.

Displayed prominently, however, alone on a shelf high up on the wall directly behind the desk that sat opposite the door, was the lone figure of a gold Ox. Lighting had been directed so that it drew the eye of anyone who came through the door almost immediately. Below that hung a… coat, for lack of a better word… that seemed to originate from a vid from Earth circa the mid twentieth century. Specifically those years many referred to as ‘the 70’s’.

Seated behind the desk was the Captain. He looked up as the doors opened. His hair was black, making the bright blue eyes beneath the well-groomed hair even more intense. He had a youthful appearance, somewhat more so than the Captain’s pips at his collar would seem to indicate. He smiled and stood up and, holding out his hand, he said with a slight British accent “Lieutenant Sovrk . It is indeed a pleasure to have you aboard. Please, sit.” and he indicated one of the chairs set in front of the desk.

Cochrane, CO

Sovrk stepped inside. The man stood at 6‘1, looking at him he emanated almost a cold air and aura. Though his eyes took the time to scan the room as he moved through the now opened door. His eyes moved around, clearly he took his time to study the details of the room. His face shifted ever so slightly, he seemed to be taken in just a bit. His eyes settled on the bull and he tilted his head ever so slightly to the side a slight curious twinkle coming into his eyes. When the captain spoke Sovrk stepped forward and straightened out his head. He nodded slightly, which caused his black hair to slightly cover his dark eyes. He stepped forward across the desk and offered his hand to the captain. “Captain, a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” He spoke his voice even, the tone betrayed no hint of his thoughts, or feelings a true neutral. Once the captain either decided to take his hand and shake, or not Sovrk sat when the captain did, almost mirroring his movements.
Sovrk, CSO

Cochrane took the hand knowing the gesture was not the preferred one for Vulcans and he smiled. “Indeed. Please, be seated. Would you care for something to drink? I was just about to make some tea for myself. I am happy to share.” he said as he went to the replicator and ordered a pot of hot water and two cups.

Cochrane, CO

Sovrk nodded and sat down into one of the empty chairs. “Tea would be lovely captain.” He said giving another nod. He sat up straight and looked thoughtful. “I hope my arrival was most timely.” He added almost in a offhanded manner. “I would assume that you have seen my file, though I would admit that I know nothing about you captain… other than what the Admiral would say.... and all he said that you were a good man.” He raised an eyebrow. “It seemed like high praise.”
Lt.J.G Sovrk, COS

Cochrane smiled. “Well, the Admiral is a good man, so I will take it as a compliment.” He said with a chuckle. From a drawer he pulled out a small wooden box carved in Vulcan writing. It read ‘For Peace, For Health, For Remembering’. From the box came loose-leaf tea that, when he put it in the hot water to steep, came the unmistakable aroma of genuine Vulcan tea. Cochrane even prepared it in the traditional Vulcan way. Loose leaves steeped in hot water, no strainer or tea bag, and not stirred. He set a cup in front of Sovrk and said in perfect Vulcan “Na’ muhl’es heh haulan.” (For health and reflection.). He sat down and let the tea steep and looked at Sovrk. “I have read your file, yes. And I am glad you accepted the position. I think you will be a fine addition to the crew. But let us start with you. What questions do you have? About me, the ship, the crew… anything at all?”

Cochrane, CO

Sovrk’s eyebrows raised ever so slightly, just a percievable fraction of a inch. He let the tea steep for a few moments. “I can see why you were chosen as the captain of this vessel for this mission. It seems that you know plenty of my people, enough to give the comforts of home.” The corner of his lip upturned just slightly before going back to his neutral look. “I understand the mission as it was written in the briefing. That this mission is one of exploration and diplomacy. We are here in the the Delta Quadrent, an area that is largely unkown to the Federation, to find out what sentient species are here and make contact. While still not violating the Prime Directive, if I am not mistaken captain. The purpose seems to be relatively straightforward. Unless there is a hidden agenda.” He stated somewhat flatly, but not in a discourteous way. With this he reached over and picked up the cup, took a a small sip from it, then held it inbetwixt his hands looking into the teacup thoughtfully.
Lt.J.G Sovrk, CSO

Cochrane smiled slightly and said “I know Vulcan customs because my mother- stepmother to be specific- and my stepsister are Vulcan.” Alex omitted the part about his mother, Vash’tur, was one of the most celebrated poets in Vulcan history… at least recently. “And our mission is not contact-centric, but one of exploration and discovery. Thus a science vessel instead of something more… overtly a show of strength. Yes, we do follow the Prime Directive, but so far we have not had any kind of reason to test the boundaries of it. And as far as a ‘hidden agenda’ goes? If there is one, I’m not included in it… nor would I be. I believe in transparency. Secrets are dangerous to a ship so far from home and support.”

Cochrane, CO

Sovrk nodded and looked up from his tea to look at the captain. “I see. Yes, it seemed that contact would be a good first point to start with… who would know more about any species both biological and mineral in composition better than a sentient species if we can broker a deal and treaty, I would imagine it could help to expedite the process somewhat. But in times where that is not available it is just as available to survey ourselves. I am one for doing the work, but one must always keep an eye out for possibilities, so long as they do not compromise their own values.” He took another sip of tea. “Then we are of the same mind captain. The misuse of information whether it be through intentional misleading, or withholding will not benefit anyone. To make informed decisions one would need to have access to all information, of all sides. It would be up to the person then to see if their decision would further their goals. I am not a glory seeker, but I do want to facilitate and help my people in our growth and discoveries. It would be unwise and un-logical to say that we are at the end of our growth. As a sentient life continues, it must continue to interact with the stimuli of it’s enviroment to adapt, grow, overcome, and survive. Stagnation is what leads to destruction. So one has no time to grow complacent. ” He paused and nodded once more to his own thoughts. “I do not have any questions of you or the crew at this time. But there may be a day where my curiosity would grow enough to have some. I would hope that when such a day comes you would be inclined to offer your knowledge and wisdom.”
Lt.J.G. Sovrk, CSO

Cochrane chucked as he sipped his tea. “Knowledge I am always happy to share, Lieutenant. Wisdom? That is not something I have ever been accused of having an abundance of, bit what little I do have is yours for the asking.” and he chuckled again.

Cochrane, CO

“Then I give you my appreciation.” He said and sat the cup on the desk. He then placed his hands into his lap. “Is there anything further that you require of me captain?”
Lt.J.G Sovrk, CSO

Cochrane nodded slightly as he sipped his tea. “Actually, yes there is. This is not the typical post for a Science officer. It is, dare I say, unique. We are the largest science vessel in the Fleet… and we are also the lead Federation vessel in a vast unexplored area. I command the Manhattan, Lieutenant. But I am no scientist. Therefore it will fall to you to assist me and the XO in determining mission parameters, prioritizing tasks, and developing policy and procedure to help the ship and crew work at maximum efficiency. I trust you are ready to take on such a task?”

Cochrane, CO

The corner of Sovrk’s lips upturned, while it may look like a smirk, especially since the rest of his face remained neutral, that was about as best as he could smile. “I understand Captain. It is a big responsibility I will do all in my capability to do so. Anything that is necessary I will do my best to provide. I can believe I am ready, but only time will tell if that truly is the case Captain. I will give the Manhattan all of my energy and effort. The XO is your right hand mand, I will be your left, or his right. Whichever works better.” He gave a nod his lips smoothing out to their more natural looking position.
Lt.J.G.Sovrk, CSO

Cochrane nodded and said “You best is all I ask for, Mr. Sovrk. You give that, and I guarantee that your time on the Manhattan will be not only productive and interesting, but it will the foundation for an amazing career.” He sipped his tea and then said “So do you have any concerns? Reservations? I would much rather we adrress them now, than later.”

Cochrane, CO

Sovrk tilted his head to the side as he considered something. “Yes Captain. Interesting and enlightening as is I hope it to be. I do not think there were be any issues. I do think that if anything were to be of issue it would be a discovery that would be fundamentally and diametrically opposed to what is currently believed to be possible. It will take some time to adjust to the belief, and it would have to be one that I could bring back to Vulcan. It may be difficult to change my peoples thoughts on such a subject. But it is a challenge that I would relish.... that being said I have told you I will do my best in my position, it is new for me to be a head of my department… on what in your words the largest science vessel in the fleet. It is a large pond to have landed in. Being my first in starfleet can be a little… intimidating I suppose. But as I said I will do my upmost for the Manhattan.”
Lt.J.G. Sovrk, CSO

Cochrane smiled and nodded. “I believe that you will. Well, I know you have some other things to coordinate for your arrival. Please know my door is always open, and I look forward to working with you.” Cochrane rose and extended his hand. “Welcome aboard.”

Cochrane, CO

Sovrk himself also stood up, he then reached up and grasped the Captain’s hand. “Thank you Captain.” He shook once before releasing his rather firm grip. “I am sure I will see you a good amount Captain.” He then turned towards the door. “If you require anything further Captain, I am going to orient myself with the station on the bridge, and then head down to the labs.” He took a few steps towards the door, abit slowly incase the captain had anything else he needed.
Lt. JG Sovrk, CSO

“Ensign Drell is on that station now. They will be a good source for you to use to familiarize yourself with the ship. See you soon, Lieutenant.” Cochrane said as the door slid closed behind Sovrk.

Cochrane, CO