Posted by Lieutenant Commander Kastarak (First Officer / Navigation Officer) in One-to-one with Dr Lynset
As Kastarak reviewed Lt (jg) Dr Jenyfer Lynset’s file at his desk, he sat with the familiar stillness characteristic of Vulcan focus. On his PADD, the human woman’s profile detailed an upbringing that, even to him, clearly emphasized familial warmth and security. He inferred from this a probable emotional stability and empathy – qualities that would logically assist her integration aboard the Chernov.

The descriptor “girl next door” puzzled him slightly, though he understood it to mean approachable, friendly, and perhaps unpretentious. Such traits were beneficial for establishing effective communication with crew members from diverse backgrounds, especially in Sickbay – where Kastarak himself had been strationed during his first few years on the Chernov.

Her career path, marked by practical ambition, intrigued him. Choosing Starfleet Academy to afford advanced education demonstrated adaptability and clear, logical reasoning, while her specialization in virology underscored disciplined curiosity and intellectual rigour. Her postings, first at the galactic rim aboard the USS Donnerly, then on the Ogawa, indicated deliberate choices designed to maximize exposure to practical challenges in deep space. Yet Kastarak noted, with particular interest, her subsequent return to Starfleet Academy for further medical training. That choice, he reasoned, was a testament to humility and a commendable willingness to address her own intellectual gaps. Such self-awareness typically correlated positively with reliability and professionalism.

He paused briefly, placing the PADD on his meticulously ordered desk, aligning it carefully parallel with the edge. Her documented anxiety concerning zero-gravity environments required careful consideration. Kastarak reasoned that this anxiety, though potentially problematic in emergency scenarios, might also encourage thorough preparedness and vigilance – a compensatory measure humans sometimes adopted.

He rose smoothly and stepped toward the small replicator embedded discreetly in the wall, requesting a pot of tea. As the pot of tieguanyin materialized, he considered whether to prepare any alternative refreshments for Lynset. Humans often responded positively to gestures perceived as thoughtful, especially if there were options available. Acknowledging this logic, he requested a caraffe of water, placing it neatly opposite the pot of tea. He provided also small bone china cups and crystal glasses on the desk.

Returning to his seat, Kastarak noted her modest exercise routine, interpreting it as indicative of balanced priorities. Clearly, Lynset placed intellectual pursuits and scientific inquiry above physical dominance, consistent with her professional focus.

In summation, as he prepared for their initial meeting, Kastarak assessed Lynset as diligent, intellectually curious, empathetic, and notably self-aware. He anticipated few interpersonal difficulties but remained mindful of her anxiety regarding zero-gravity situations. With these logical conclusions carefully arranged in his thoughts, he settled back into his chair, fingertips lightly steepled, waiting for her arrival with measured openness and professional curiosity.

Kastarak, Lt Cdr
First Officer and Navigations Officer

Kas tarak
Ka starak
Kastar ak

Jenyfer had spent the better part of nearly an hour reading up the XO, Kastarak. She had been given medical clearance to complete her check in and come back to the CMO when done. Since he was her department head, it made sense.

Kastarak was Vulcan, medical backgrounded, and, from what she read, someone she already admired.

She had even dug for more time to find an audio clip of him pronouncing his own name. When she was satisfied she had the accent on the syllables, she continued to look through his records. Only the basics could be gleened at her level of clearance.

She sat, left leg curled up under her, nestled into the corner of her couch, padd in hand. She took a sip of tea and kept reading. The fact that he could speak but only Vulcan and English, but also Klingon and Romulan, impressed her to know end. She had no tongue, or ear, for linguistics. She would have to ask if he would be willing to teach her a couple phrases to at least not seem inept at ship functions. A Vulcan XO mean could easily mean Vulcan dignitaries. Even if she never went to such suarays, she could at least learn a phrase or two to settle nerves if they ended up on her biobed.

His childhood illnesses were what truly caught her attention. Sitting up and setting the tea cup on the nearby table, she started twirling one of her short locks of hair absently.

“Choriocytosis…” She whispered to herself. To survive such a thing was incredible. She would be curious if it affected him this late in life. Perhaps when in an ev suit where oxygen was sometimes lean?

When her chrono went off, she called out for it to turn off off, set the tea cup, still half full of half forgotten, cold tea, on the counter and went to change.

Five minutes before her scheduled appointment with the XO, she was outside his door tugging down the front of her uniform tunic. Her look was practically pass and review worthy. Her boots shined, uniform near, increased, and lint free. Her collar pip was set exactly where it needed to be. And her hair, though cut short enough to remain of her collar, was pulled back with a barrette of flat black so it didn’t hinder her sight.

Raising a hand, she palmed the door for permission to enter.

Lt JG Jenyfer Lynset
Medical officer