After her meeting with the CO and XO, Elyss walked the ship trying to familiarize herself with it. Eventually, she found herself on deck 9 outside the archeology lab. With a smile and sense of adventure, she activated the door and entered. Only a couple of officers looked up to acknowledge her presence so she focused in on the closest one, an NELt Perch. “Hi, I’m new to the ship and I’ve done my boarding evaluations. The chief wasn’t available so I reported to Capt Glenn. The first officer was also there so I’ve met with command and am ready to assume my duties.”

Perch turned away from his station as she spoke. “I’m NELt Adam Perch, and you are?”

“Oh, Zavey, Elyss Zavey.” They shook and then she clasped her hands in front of her.

“Nice to meet you. Don’t mind the others. We all get a little zoned in on our projects and can get tunnel vision. Sometimes, I think a bomb could go off and some of them wouldn’t notice.” He had a nice laugh. “Zavey…oh yes, I remember seeing your name on the roster yesterday. Let’s go see where you’ve been assigned.”

Grateful for his help, she followed him to a wall monitor that displayed daily duties for the entire department. Using a finger to mark his place as he scanned the 194 names, he stopped one name from the bottom. “There you are—looks like you’ve been put in biochemistry for the moment. What is your specialty?”

Looking up at the tall man with incredibly blue eyes, she grinned. “Genetics, actually.”

“Really? Well that sounds interesting. I’m sure the chief will adjust your work assignment once the two of you meet and he hears that. But for now, you’re on deck 10. I’ll let NELt Alonzo know you’re on your way. Sound good?”

“Excellent. Thank you.” She turned to go as he headed for the intraship communications panel. “I hope to see you again.”

Lieutenant Junior Grade Elyss Zavey
Junior Science Officer USS Merrimack