Snip

Stovik settled before an unoccupied workstation within the Xenobiology laboratory cluster and activated the first dataset from the Sentinel’s recent survey records. Layers of environmental scans, biological telemetry, and anomaly reports unfolded across the display.

His attention narrowed immediately.

Around him, the activity of the laboratory faded into the background as he began the methodical process of examination, verification, and validation. Lieutenant Kross had requested competence.

The data would determine whether it had been supplied.

Stovik
Science Specialist

Kross lowered her coffee cup onto the edge of the workstation and folded her arms across her chest as she reviewed the latest updates scrolling across her display.
Her eyes moved briefly toward the activity in Subsection Three before returning to the report in front of her.
“Hm.”
She made a small notation on her padd, then brought up the personnel file she had been examining earlier.
After a moment, she tapped her combadge.
“Lieutenant Kross to Science Operations.”
She paused, waiting only long enough to continue.
“Update the anomaly review queue. Any flagged survey discrepancies from the last six cycles are to be routed through my office before final submission.”
Another tap ended the transmission.
Kross picked up her coffee again, took a sip, and returned her attention to the wall display, studying the incoming data with quiet concentration.
Lt. Selene Kross Chief Science Officer
USS SENTINEL NCC 1191

Stovik had nearly completed his review of a second survey package when Lieutenant Kross’s transmission carried across the Science Department.

The Vulcan’s eyes remained on the display for a moment longer as he completed the final verification sequence. The atmospheric variance he had identified was now fully documented, along with the supporting telemetry and environmental modeling that explained the anomaly.

A response was warranted. Stovik tapped the comm control on his workstation. “Specialist Stovik acknowledges.”

His voice was calm and even, carrying only as much volume as necessary. “The discrepancy identified within Survey Record Four-Seven-Alpha has been analyzed and verified. Preliminary findings indicate periodic atmospheric sensor interference caused by suspended crystalline particulates interacting with active scan frequencies. The variance is minor but measurable.”

He attached the completed report and supporting data package to an internal transmission addressed directly to Lieutenant Kross’s office.

“The analysis has been forwarded for your review in accordance with departmental instructions.”

The transmission sent, Stovik closed the report and returned his attention to the anomaly queue. Several additional flagged records remained awaiting examination.

Without further comment, he opened the next file and resumed his work.

Stovik
Science Specialist