Episode 56. The Accidental Scientist
Context
- Coordinated Universal Time
- Friday, August 2, 2024 - 11:21 AM
- Location
-
- Space
- Lunar Orbit
- NATO Starbase
- Docks
- Timeline
- Schak'Irra Timeline
- Previously
-
After discovering that their reality is the result of a temporal alteration, Captain Rodriguez and her crew face a cascade of revelations. Tensions with Admiral Michaux reach their peak, then an unexpected duel between Agnes and Tarsi turns into mutual respect. While the temporal threat remains unresolved, life aboard resumes its rhythm, between doubts, exhaustion, and decisions still to come.
Characters
| Name | Affiliation / Branch | Title / Rank | Species | Original Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agnes V. Rodriguez | NATO / Special Fleet | Captain | Human | Schak'Irra Timeline |
| Angie Chen | NATO / Special Fleet | Commander | Human | Schak'Irra Timeline |
| Charlene Savea | NATO / Special Fleet | Lieutenant | Human | Schak'Irra Timeline |
| Manu | NATO / Special Fleet | Requisitioned Civilian | Human | Schak'Irra Timeline |
| Mess Hall Waitress | NATO / Starbase | Civilian Employee | Human | Schak'Irra Timeline |
Manifest
| USS Enterprise | |
|---|---|
| Affiliation | NATO |
| Location | Docked at the NATO Starbase |
| Captain | Agnes V. Rodriguez |
| First Officer | Angie Chen |
| Pilot | Eric Corda |
| Communications | Emilie Flores |
| Operations | Charlene Savea |
| Tactical |
|
| Science | N/A |
| Advanced Weapons | Eros Vitos |
| Sickbay | Victor S. Calpel |
| Counselor/Consultant | Manu |
| Custodian | Manu |
| Passengers | Tarsi (Confidential) |
TL;DR
Agnes, Angie, and Charlene go hunting for a new scientist, but every candidate slips away. In the end, Manu, the technician, finds himself promoted to Science Attaché, almost despite himself.
Story
For the rest of the day, Angie and I remain alone in our quarters writing the reports for the previous satellite mission. No sooner have we wrapped it up than we receive another briefing notice for August 5 at 3:00 PM, in the main conference room of the starbase.
Knowing it will most likely be the announcement of a new mission as part of reestablishing contact with Earth, I decide to tackle a problem I have been putting off for far too long: finding a science officer for the bridge.
The next day, Angie and Charlene accompany me to the starbase to get it done...
Lt. Charlene Savea Operations
Captain, why did Admiral Michaux not automatically assign us a science officer?
Capt. Agnes V. Rodriguez
Because that is the captain's job. The admiral only appoints key personnel, such as the captain and the first officer.
Lt. Charlene Savea Operations
And where are we supposed to dig one up?
Cmdr. Angie Chen Number One
I suggest we start with the dock mess and see who's around.
Capt. Agnes V. Rodriguez
Excellent idea, Angie. Besides, it is almost noon. We are bound to run into people there.
Lt. Charlene Savea Operations
And what am I supposed to do? I know nothing about science.
Capt. Agnes V. Rodriguez
Neither do we, you know. But since the person will be under your responsibility, you might as well help us choose.
Lt. Charlene Savea Operations
That's exactly the problem. I'm qualified in tactics, piloting, communications, and operations... but I won't be able to evaluate their work.
Capt. Agnes V. Rodriguez
That should not stop you.
I have gaps in certain areas myself.
That is precisely why bridge officers are indispensable.
As we approach the mess, we stop for a moment in front of the entrance to discreetly observe the interior.
The place is large, functional, almost impersonal, far from the bustle of the technical areas. A few tables are occupied here and there, but the atmosphere remains surprisingly calm for a rush hour.
I get the feeling this place isn't used very often, as if it had been left outside the beating heart of the base.
Without delaying too long, we enter.
Cmdr. Angie Chen Number One
We can sit there.
That round table looks perfect.
Capt. Agnes V. Rodriguez
Yes. Let us sit.
We take our seats around the table, the metal furniture creaking softly beneath our weight. Charlene immediately grabs the menu placed at the center and unfolds it with barely contained enthusiasm, as if she had not eaten in days.
Her gaze races over the lines. Her eyes suddenly light up, and a genuine smile appears on her face.
Lt. Charlene Savea Operations
Awesome, they've got fries today!
Cmdr. Angie Chen Number One
Didn't you say you'd started a diet?
Lt. Charlene Savea Operations
Um... me?! No, no... Emilie is the one on a diet.
Ever since we received the new uniforms, she has made it an absolute priority.
Cmdr. Angie Chen Number One
On that point, I understand her. Your uniforms do nothing but cause problems.
Capt. Agnes V. Rodriguez
I will mention it to Admiral Michaux... but I am afraid there is not much he can do about it.
Lt. Charlene Savea Operations
Thank you, Captain.
Before we can say anything else, someone approaches our table.
I look up and meet the waitress's gaze.
Waitress
Hello, ladies. May I bring you some menus?
Capt. Agnes V. Rodriguez
Hello.
We'll have three menus, please. Charge them to my account.
Waitress
Very well.
Please extend your arm so I can scan your chip.
Capt. Agnes V. Rodriguez
Tell me, it is noon and I do not see many people. Is that normal?
Waitress
Yes. This mess is relatively far from the base's work areas.
We mostly receive officers assigned to ships, but since they already have their own canteen, they rarely come eat here.
Capt. Agnes V. Rodriguez
Well, that's just our luck.
We came here to recruit.
Waitress
For which positions?
Capt. Agnes V. Rodriguez
A science officer for the Enterprise.
Waitress
Ooh... good luck with that.
Capt. Agnes V. Rodriguez
Why?
Waitress
Since July 15, the scientists have been hiding out in their labs.
They are afraid of being assigned to a ship.
Capt. Agnes V. Rodriguez
Seriously?!
Why is that?
Waitress
Because of the war, obviously.
Everyone saw the state the Mercator was in after the Russian attack.
And honestly... you can't really blame them for trying to avoid it.
Capt. Agnes V. Rodriguez
The Mercator was three kilometers from the point of nuclear impact.
It was not prepared to withstand such a shock, unlike the starbase ships.
Waitress
How do you know all that?
Capt. Agnes V. Rodriguez
I was commanding the Mercator.
Waitress
Well... you could say you had a close call.
Tell me, is it true you sent that behemoth into a dive?
There are so many unbelievable rumors about that ship that no one can tell what is true anymore.
Capt. Agnes V. Rodriguez
It is true.
When we were in the heart of the mushroom cloud, we ended up vertical.
There was no other way out than to perform that maneuver.
Waitress
Good grief... that takes guts.
Capt. Agnes V. Rodriguez
Apparently.
That is what Admiral Michaux told us.
Waitress
I will bring you your menus.
For your search, you should go down to levels 35 to 55.
That's where you'll find your scientists.
Capt. Agnes V. Rodriguez
Thank you.
After the meal, we go down to the levels where the science section is located.
We spend hours talking to people, only to be met with polite refusals... or much less polite ones.
The mess hall waitress was right.
None of them is interested in the position I am offering.
Running out of patience, we eventually return to the Enterprise.
In a corridor, we then cross paths with a familiar figure...
Capt. Agnes V. Rodriguez
Heeey... hi, Manu.
Manu Requisitioned Civilian
Ooooh! Hi Agnes.
Hello Charlene, Commander Chen.
Capt. Agnes V. Rodriguez
Still mopping the corridors?
Manu Requisitioned Civilian
Looks like it, doesn't it?
Someone has to do it!
Capt. Agnes V. Rodriguez
Yes... and I see you still do it with the same enthusiasm.
Manu Requisitioned Civilian
You guys don't look so good.
Did you have a fight or something?
Cmdr. Angie Chen Number One
No, Manu. We are just a little tired.
We spent the day dealing with the base scientists.
Manu Requisitioned Civilian
Ha ha ha!
They're a boring bunch, huh?
Why did you go see them?
Cmdr. Angie Chen Number One
We tried to recruit one for the bridge.
Manu Requisitioned Civilian
Let me guess...
None of them accepted.
Cmdr. Angie Chen Number One
Nothing gets past you, Manu.
Manu Requisitioned Civilian
Scientists are all the same.
When I was doing my chemistry baccalaureate, I could not stand them.
They are boring as hell. I could talk to you for hours about all those oddballs.
Capt. Agnes V. Rodriguez
You studied chemistry in high school... and you're a custodian?!
Manu Requisitioned Civilian
Well, yes!
Why, does that surprise you?
Capt. Agnes V. Rodriguez
Charlene... would someone with a high school chemistry background qualify for the position?
Lt. Charlene Savea Operations
Yes, that qualification would be enough.
But he has to be registered in NATO's science section to qualify for attaché status.
Manu Requisitioned Civilian
Heeey, hoooold on... two seconds, ladies.
You are not going to recruit me again, are you?!
Capt. Agnes V. Rodriguez
You already work for us.
We could give you a trial in that position. What do you say?
Manu Requisitioned Civilian
Um... you know, Agnes, it's been a while since I worked in that field.
Capt. Agnes V. Rodriguez
That's not a problem.
I'm not specifically looking for someone experienced.
Manu Requisitioned Civilian
All right... but only to help you out until you find someone.
Capt. Agnes V. Rodriguez
Agreed, Manu.
Charlene, can you take care of the necessary paperwork?
Lt. Charlene Savea Operations
For the registration, I cannot promise anything by Monday.
But that does not stop us from starting work before then.
Capt. Agnes V. Rodriguez
That is exactly what I wanted to hear.
Science Attaché Manu...
Welcome to the bridge.
Manu Requisitioned Civilian
Grrr... Agnes, now you owe me one.
Capt. Agnes V. Rodriguez
Ha ha.
Next time, try not to talk so much.
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