Posted by Ensign Khiryn Donivas (Scientist) in Ens Donivas CNS Checkin (Deck 11 Counseling Suites)

Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Janna Kingston (Counsellor) in Ens Donivas CNS Checkin (Deck 11 Counseling Suites)

Posted by Ensign Khiryn Donivas (Scientist) in Ens Donivas CNS Checkin (Deck 11 Counseling Suites)
Posted by… suppressed (3) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)

Ensign Donivas leaned back as well. I suppose I can believe that… ship duty wasn’t my first choice either. Had things with senior academics gone differently, he might be on another research project right now. He had been leery of ship life at first… but this last month had opened his eyes to the possibilities it offered.

“I… will do my best to keep my mind open.” He said finally. Khiryn would love it if Athena proved to be as ideocratic as Janna implied. He could not ignore his past experiences… but he could try to segregate those feelings from the shipboard culture for the time being. “I’ll remind myself that all I really want is to do my job and contribute to my field.” The Akaali chuckled. “I didn’t much care about rank until it became a barrier to that goal. And I have already met a few interesting people onboard.”

Ensign Khiryn Donivas - Science Officer - U.S.S. Athena

“Tell me more,” Kingston said. “You don’t have to name names or anything, but just any of the encounters that felt notable.” Coming from such a different career space before, ship life could be a challenge. It was important that he keep himself open to what all that might look like.

~Janna Kingston, CNS

Khiryn smiled. “James Rowe. A fellow Science officer. I was on my way to check in with the CSO and the Lt roped me in to investigate some anamolous sensor readings.” He’d become so invested that it had actually consumed a huge chunk of time, leaving Ensign Donivas only a small window before he made his way to the Counseling suites.

He blushed slightly… but hoped it wasnt visible beneath his complexion. “We… actually got a little caught up in it. I just realized I’ll need to reschedule my check in with the Chief Science Officer.”

Ensign Khiryn Donivas - Science Officer - U.S.S. Athena

Janna actually laughed. “Oh, I suspect that Lieutenant Madison might actually understand being consumed by science. In any case, I’m glad you’re getting to know other members of the science team. It’ll be important to have the rapport as you go along. How do you think that encounter has shaped how you view the ship already?”

~Janna Kingston, CNS

Ensign Donivas thought for a moment. “Everyone I’ve encountered has been more than welcoming. I didn’t open up quite as much about my concerns with Rowe as I did with you, but he also assured me that the ship will offer me plenty of opportunities, if that’s what I’m after.” Khiryn glanced at Janna and gave her a faint smile. “I suppose multiple people giving me the same data points is a good sign.”

Kingston winked at him. “Funny how that happens sometimes, right?”

Honestly, the Akaali did have a good feeling about the Athena. He was sure he’d have his share of assignments, but he was no stranger to hard work. Additionally, the science labs were well appointed, and he felt like he’d have flexibility to pursue side projects… such as the sensor logs Rowe brought him in on… as long as he completed his primary duties. “I’ve only been onboard a short time, but I have to admit that my limited exposure to the crew has made me feel optimistic about my tour here.”

Ensign Khiryn Donivas - Science Officer - U.S.S. Athena

Her smile was genuine as she nodded. “And that’s a great place to be. It’s good when we have our doubts shifted early on. The rest you just have to give time and see what happens. But if you’re making connections and feel hopeful about your work, I think you’re going to settle in here just fine.”

“Are there any other concerns you feel we should discuss? Or any other questions you want to ask me?”

~Janna Kingston, CNS

“No…” Ensign Donivas started as he mentally reviewed their conversation. “No, I think I’m good.” He returned her friendly smile. “Unless you have any non-counseling advice you want to offer? Tips from an experienced crew member to a new arrival? Secret replicator recipes? Holo-suite programs I might enjoy?”

He didn’t believe he’d had a lot of free time this first week or two. He intended to focus on work… and the side project with Rowe. Still… it never hurts to get a little friendly advice to make the most of my eventual off time.

Ensign Khiryn Donivas - Science Officer - U.S.S. Athena

“Well, the Parthenon, our lounge, is a special space. Always something happening there, and often there are small events happening in the lower level space, so keep an eye on the message board. And I happen to know that if you tell people you’re up for group holo novel programs, there will be people who join in depending on the program theme.” She sat back in her seat and grinned. “And the rest? As as experienced officer, I will tell you this: pay attention to what’s happening around you, to your colleagues, to the people you encounter as you go about your day. Try to see different parts of the ship and be open to new things. The ship and crew might surprise you in ways you’re not expecting. They do have a consisten habit of doing so.”

~Janna Kingston, CNS