Posted by Ensign Khiryn Donivas (Scientist) in ENS Donivas CSO Check In (Day 2) (Deck 13 General Science Lab)

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Liam Madison (Chief Science Officer) in ENS Donivas CSO Check In (Day 2) (Deck 13 General Science Lab)

Posted by Ensign Khiryn Donivas (Scientist) in ENS Donivas CSO Check In (Day 2) (Deck 13 General Science Lab)
Posted by… suppressed (6) by the Post Ghost! 👻
“Computer, silence alarm,” Khiryn said groggily.

Despite his general reluctance, he forced himself to open his eyes and climb out of bed. He didn’t reach for coffee as some other officers might. Instead, he made his way directly to the sonic shower.

Once inside, he enjoyed the sensation for a few moments… luxuriating in the relaxing low-frequency vibrations. Once he was suitably clean, he adjusted the dial and turned up the frequency. The sensation was jarring, felt throughout his entire body like nails on a chalkboard. The Akaali withstood the aural assault for as long as he could, then slapped the controls to turn off the sonic shower.

Now fully awake, if not relaxed, Ensign Donivas went about his morning routine. In no time at all, he was back on his way to Deck 13 to check in with the Chief Science Officer.

He’d tried this the day before, but the CSO had been out. While he was waiting, Khiryn had become invested in a side project Lt Rowe had been working on. Time got away from him, a common occurrence when the young academic was working, and before he knew it, he had to run to another check-in appointment.

That project was the main reason he was so tired this morning. He’d stayed up much later than he’d intended, trying to ferret out new insights from the limited data they had available.

Ensign Donivas was a little embarrassed… it wasn’t exactly the first impression he wanted to make on his new department head. He also wondered how Lieutenant Commander Madison would handle a new officer who failed to check in on their first day. His experience with senior academics ran the gamut from overly militant to laissez-faire.

Like a man on a mission, Khiryn entered the General Science Lab again, approached the CSO’s private office, and chimed it to let the occupant know there was a visitor.

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

Liam sat drinking tea in his office with one hand and his other held Scales, a small iguana-like creature. Dusty red feathers sat upon his crown while he basked in the heat radiating from his perch. Usually the only reason he ended up in the CSO’ office was due to escaping his habitat. In this case, repairs were being done after some wear and tear had been discovered. This was the easiest solution to ensure the little critter didn’t get into mischief.

At the sound of the chime, both individuals glanced up at the same time.

“Come in,” Liam said having an inkling on who his visitor was.

-CSO, Liam J. Madison, Sci.

Khiryn entered when prompted and maintained his bearing while reporting in. “Ensign Donivas, reporting for my initial check-in, Commander.”

The Akaali standing before the CSO had a spare build that made his uniform almost appear too large for him. He was of average height and had a medium skin tone. The Ensign had a mop of dark curly hair that almost masked the anterior crests on either side of his forehead. His most notable features were a rather prominent nose and a pair of dark-rimmed glasses.

The new Science Officer assessed the Chief Science Officer while waiting for a reply. He appeared a little older, but did not seem overly upset. Hopefully, Janna was right, and he’s not the type to be upset that I didn’t check in yesterday.

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

Liam had brought up the officer’s records as he felt the Akaali observe him. He lingered a moment longer on the words then turned to the officer, his hand gesturing to the seat. “Take a seat, please. Would you like something to drink?”

There was no indication of hostility or anger in his voice. Just a sense of calm in his address giving evidence to what Janna had said. He would touch on the reasons for the absence shortly, but only after the officer had settled in.

-CSO, Liam J. Madison, Sci.

Khiryn took a seat and replied politely. “No thank you Sir, I just had my morning meal.”

He noted the Lt had a file pulled up in front of him and knew the man was likely reviewing Khiryn’s file. That made sense… and the Akaali had nothing to hide. He was well aware that his first four years in Starfleet consisted solely of academia and research projects, and that this was his first starship posting.

Ensign Donivas was prepared to make up for any lost ground and prove that he was an exceptional scientist. And hopefully, a good officer as well… but that part of his academy training had yet to be put to the test.

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

“Understandable. If you don’t mind, I will get me some tea and we shall get started.” With those words, he lifted up and walked to the replicator. With a few presses on the console, a fresh pot of hot water, tea cup, tea leaves and a strainer appeared on a tray.

After bring it back, he prepared the tea and left it to steep. He then turned to the obvious. “I see this is your first starship posting. If you don’t mind my curiosity, did you request it or was it assigned to you? And what are your current thoughts so far about the Athena?”

Of course the CSO knew the answer, but he wanted to hear it from the junior officer. It was a slight test of honesty and a chance for insight.

CSO, Liam J. Madison, Sci.

Ensign Donivas thought he saw a cup already sitting on the Chief Science Officer’s desk, but assumed it must have gone cold already if he was making another one.

“I did request a shipboard assignment, Sir. My career to date has consisted entirely of research projects. While they were fulfilling, it felt like it was time to branch out.” He left out his frustrations about being left off completed papers… and his subsequent concerns about advancing in rank. After talking with Janna, he was no longer certain that was the solution to his problems.

“I did not request the Athena by name, though. I don’t have nearly enough influence to pull something like that off.” He smiled briefly at the thought of an Ensign wielding that much power. “But I am glad to be stationed on an exploration ship. And the Athena has been more than welcoming so far.”

Some of his mentors may have nudged things along a little… but that, again, was not something he felt needed to be mentioned.

“I’ve been helping Lieutenant Rowe with a side project already. I was happy to be included on my first day aboard.” Ensign Donivas made sure to meet the Lieutenant Commander’s gaze. Taking responsibility for one’s mistakes was important, especially for a scientist whose career had largely been built on careful observation and accountability.

“That’s actually why I missed our meeting yesterday, Sir. I lost track of time while digging through those data sets and didn’t realize it until our scheduled meeting time had already passed. I apologize for wasting your time.”

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

OOC: Bumping to the main page.

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