Biology of a Professional Relationship
Posted on Sun Aug 11th, 2024 @ 1:13am by Lieutenant Narin Valen & Senior Chief Petty Officer Sha’Zen D'Tem
Edited on on Sat Aug 17th, 2024 @ 7:42pm
0 words; about a 1 minute read
Mission:
Episode 15 - The Evil That Lies Beneath
Location: Biology Lab - Deck 6 - USS Pioneer
Timeline: MD006 1400 hrs
"Computer, locate Senior Chief Petty Officer Sha’Zen D'Tem," Narin requested.
"Senior Chief Petty Officer is located on Deck 6 – Biology Lab," the computer replied.
Narin placed his breakfast dishes into the replicator and left his quarters, heading for the biology lab. Since his arrival, he had been busy settling in, and one of his key tasks was to meet everyone on the science team. He found it important to introduce himself to each member and make himself available. Building a professional relationship with his team was a top priority for him.
A few minutes later, Narin stepped into the Biology Lab. "Good morning," he said, noticing Sha’Zen busy at work.
"Good morning, Lieutenant, how can I be of service?" Sha'Zen said.
Narin offered a smile. “I wanted to stop by and introduce myself. I’m Narin Valen, the new Assistant Chief Science Officer.”
"Welcome aboard, Sir, I'm Sha'Zen D'Tem, Chief Biologist." Sha'Zen said. "I know as Assistant Chief, you have to be a 'Jack of all trades', I believe is human term, but which science interested you most?"
"Thank you, Sha'Zen. It's great to meet you," Narin replied. "And while I do enjoy being a 'Jack of all trades,' my main interests lie in exobiology and planetary sciences. I find the study of alien life forms and the environments they inhabit incredibly fascinating."
"To you, I'm an alien, would you like to learn about me, sir." Sha'Zen asked.
Narin nodded, appreciating her directness. "Yes, I'd like that. And I hope you'll take this opportunity to learn about me as well." He valued understanding and connecting with his team, believing it would enhance their working relationship.
"I agree." Sha'Zen said. "Well my homeworld is mostly jungle we tend to live in tree villages, high above the jungle floor or in cave cities. Our tech is on par with that of the Federation, but we prefer this simpler life. We are raised as hunters and warriors from childhood, because of all the predatory animals with which we share our world. Personally, I was born in one of tree villages, went through the warrior trials. When the Dominion attacked my world, I joined our defense forces and killed many Jem'Hadar. Our natural ability to detect the presence of certain EM frequencies made their clocking fields ineffective against us, also they could track us, because our heat signatures merged with the heat of the jungle itself." Sha'Zen gave what might have been a laugh. "After the war I joined in order to peruse my love of biology. But you can take warrior out of the fight, but you can't take fight out of the warrior."
Narin listened intently, nodding as Sha'Zen shared her story. "Your background is quite remarkable," he said, clearly impressed. He couldn't help but feel a slight chill when she mentioned how many Jem'Hadar she had killed during the Dominion War. Despite the unease, he understood and shared the lack of sympathy for their common enemy, given his own history.
"Thank you. I do not mean to make you uncomfortable, I do not kill for pleasure, I only kill out of necessity, if I or my fellows are attacked." Sha'Zen said. "To kill out of revenge or so called honour, only causes more death, and one's own destruction." Then changing tac, the SerNumi asked. "Do you have any hobbies, sir."
Narin nodded. “I understand your perspective, and I can’t say I would have acted differently if I were in your position.” He appreciated the change of subject, as the recent conversation with Counselor Vura had stirred up emotions about the Dominion War. “I don't get to spend much time on hobbies, but when I do?, I enjoy reading. I also like spending time in the holodeck.” Narin hesitated before adding, “Recently, I’ve been trying to get back into meditation. How about yourself?”
"I practice my tracking, hunting, and fighting skills on the holodeck. I enjoy reading, mostly science journals, but I enjoy some Earth fiction too, it appears that humans are both frightened and intrugied by the life forms that inhabit their oceans." Sha'Zen said. "Oh and recently took up darts."
Narin nodded. "I read scientific journals as well. It's important to stay up to date with the latest research and discoveries.” He paused, thinking. “When you mentioned Earth's oceans, it reminded me of our marine biologist, Lieutenant Fellini. I'm sure she could share some stories about Earth and its many oceans."
"I do not know Lieutenant Fellini well." Sha'Zen admitted.
"Nor do I," Narin admitted. "But this could be a great opportunity for you to get to know her."
"Can you cook?" Sha'Zen asked. "I have found that food is an effective way to get to know humans better.
“I can follow a recipe,” Narin replied with a chuckle. “Cooking isn’t one of my strengths, but I do enjoy a good meal. How about you?”
"I can prepare SerNumi food, but I do enjoy some human and Vulcan food." Sha'Zen said.
"What is SerNumi food like?" Narin asked.
"It depends on what part of the planet you're on. In the jungle area I come from, there are a lot of fruits, nuts, and other edible plants. Grela (a bird), zuel (an arboreal mammal), and on rare occasions Tuk'Nar beasts, which a large fierce bovines, that just happen to be invisible." Sha'Zen said. "Other places have access to fish, and kh'tanik similar to crabs or lobster." She paused a moment. "My subterranean brethren grew a large variety of crops in artificial solar farms and have some domesticated animals."
"Did you ever manage to get a Tuk'Nar?" Narin asked, curious about the rare beast she mentioned was invisible.
"I have, but not alone, it took four of us to take it down, and there was a feast in our honor, where the beast was the main course." Sha'Zen said. "I was cooked slowly and the meat melted in your mouth. The flavor was strong, but not unpleasant."
"So, not invincible," he said with a smile. "Sounds like it was quite the accomplishment."
"It is an accomplishment and a great honor. It bonds together all those that achieved it, back through the centuries." Sha'Zen said as her skin became a dark blue signifying her pride.
Narin observed the change in her skin as she spoke of her accomplishment, noting that it probably signified her pride. He smiled. “That’s great. Unfortunately, I have no such stories.” He paused, thinking for a moment. “Well, I did once help grow a giant pumpkin,” he chuckled. “Not that it compares to your achievement.”
"The growing of a large fruit or vegetable takes time and care, it is a worthy achievement, you should be pride." Sha'Zen said. "It is not something I could do."
“Thank you,” Narin said with a smile, feeling a sudden sense of accomplishment. “There’s definitely a science to it.” He paused before asking, “So, what are you currently working on? Anything I can help with?”
"My pet project is working on plant based weapons and equipment for the Marines. I am working with my friend Sergeant Thompson, she's a Marine corpsman and botanist." Sha'Zen said. "I am currently testing and new fibre created from a Bajoran fungus that we can use to make light weight and hard wearing fatigues."
“Plant-based weapons and equipment have a lot of potential,” Narin said, recalling several articles he had read in scientific journals. “How is the project progressing? Are you encountering any significant challenges?”
"Sergeant Thompson has used plant-based projectiles to effectively disrupt sensor and targeting equipment in the field." Sha'Zen said. "Some of the tech is essentially alive, so requires specified storage arrangements. Also several plant-derived fibres have failed testing."
"I see. While I don't have much experience with plant-based weapons, I'm always eager to learn. If you ever need assistance, don't hesitate to ask. Also, if there's a demonstration of any of this tech soon, I'd love to be invited."
"Of course, you'll need the the proper clearances, but I can take care of that." Sha'Zen said with a smile. "I am glad to hear of your interest in my work."
"Thanks, I appreciate it." Narin said.
"You are welcome." "What projects do you have in mind, while you are here?" Sha'Zen asked.
Narin considered the question for a moment. “That's a good question,” he replied. “I have a few ideas in mind, but it will depend on how much time I have to dedicate to them.”
"Okay, you can keep your secrets, until you are better settled." Sha'Zen said.
Narin laughed. “Thank you, I will,” he said, though in truth, there were no secrets to keep. He still hadn't decided which project to focus on now that he was back on a starship. “However, if I start working on something in your area of expertise, I’ll be sure to ask you to join me.”
"I look forward to it." Sha'Zen said.
"Good," Narin said with a smile. "I think I've taken up enough of your time for now. I'll let you get back to work."
"It is fine, I enjoy meeting new people." Sha'Zen said before returning to her work."
"I'll make sure to stop by again then." Narin said then nodded to her, and headed out.
A Joint Post By
Lieutenant Junior Grade Narin Valen
Assistant Chief Science Officer, USS Pioneer
Senior Chief Petty Officer Sha’Zen D'Tem
Biologist, USS Pioneer
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