Posted by Ensign Dr. Madison Grace Marsh (Senior Researcher (Exobiology)) in Admiral Roebuck’s Office: Reporting for Fleet Assignment
Madison re-materialized on the transporter pad at Starbase Headquarters arriving thirty minutes ahead of schedule to ensure that she was not late for her appointment with Admiral Roebuck. She was dressed accordingly in her newly replicated standard Starfleet Science Officer uniform with the blue coloration on her shoulders nearly matching her Earth sky blue eye color which was arguably one of her most prominent features. Madison made eye contact and had a friendly smile come across her diamond shaped face when she addressed the transporter room Chief. “Thank you for the transport Chief.” The Transporter Chief nodded once in acknowledgement and returned a smile. “You’re welcome ma’am. Welcome to Starbase Headquarters.”

After exiting the transporter room, Madison made her journey to Admiral Roebuck’s office passing various Starfleet personnel and civilians on her route until she arrived at her final destination. She entered the office and her eyes met the Admiral’s gaze. “Hello Admiral. I’m Dr. Marsh. I was recently promoted to Ensign and am reporting for my fleet assignment.” Her accent was clearly Australian and she had a relaxed demeanor about her. She did not display any signs of nervousness around Admiral Roebuck and instead appeared completely confident in herself while being in the presence of prestigious company.

• Dr. Madison Marsh (Ensign - Senior Researcher)

For several minutes there was only silence. At the large, genuine oak desk, the silver haired man continued to study his terminal as if he had never been interrupted. Indeed, Dr Marsh could be forgiven for wondering if he had even heard her at all. But on that threshold where awkwardness might pass into irritation, he finally sat back, brought hands to rest under his chin, and turned a handsomely-boyish face on the newcomer.

“Dr Marsh. Please sit.” His smile was dazzling, genuine friendliness with a hint of mischief. “I was just reading your thesis. ‘The Influence of Genetics on Disease Resistance in Humans’,” he quoted the title redundantly to the author, relishing each syllable as if it were music against his tongue. “Fascinating. And from what Joseph told me, your conduct in the laboratory was, at all times, equally impressive.”

The beaming smile remained for a moment longer then, like a candle being consumed by the dark, in the blink of an eye it dissipated, replaced by an expression of deep anxiety and genuine concern.

“Dr Marsh,” his voice lowered to barely a whisper, the man sitting forward as if to impart a valuable secret, “how much do you know of the Leviathan? Or her captain, Zachariah Cobb?”

• Admiral Roebuck