Awkward Social Cues
Posted on Wed Mar 31st, 2021 @ 8:02am by Lieutenant Commander Payton Bray & Lieutenant Serra V'lon
1,150 words; about a 6 minute read
Mission:
Frizzle
Location: Science Labs
Timeline: MD - 01 : 1724 hrs
"And that should be the grand tour."
Payton may have exhibited more than a little excitement at the prospect of being able to hand off the reigns of the science department to someone else. The favor that was called in was starting to look more and more like a semi-permanent position, especially with how quickly they seemed to run through anyone in the science department. But, with the lack of a chief of science, Payton's original expedition to the rest of the planet had to be put on hold.
Well, now she could put her foot down and say 'No more!' And she would do so with a bright smile as she showed around the Vulcan Lieutenant Serra V'Lon. Hopefully this new chief of science wanted to stay on one planet.
"Most of the security codes should be passed to you by the end of the hour - Lieutenant Veaya is rather efficient, so if there are issues, she can sort them out fast. You may want to speak to Lieutenant Harrison if you want to do a little rearranging of the organization here. These modular set-ups are good for that, it's just a matter of getting the right people to cooperate and-... I should stop before I go on too far. Questions? Comments? Concerns? All of the above?"
"Your tour was sufficient," Serra responded, bowing her head very slightly in acknowledgement. The tour had been inefficient, but filled with information - some of it admittedly useful. "Recent reports indicated some sort of subterranean cavern system that is still to be fully investigated. I would be fascinated to hear your professional opinion on the discovery."
"Oh, the actual discovery was wild." Payton let out a laugh. "From my understanding, there was a weapons demonstration that occurred and it blew an entrance into the caverns. We had to check our scans again to make sure we didn't miss it, but sure enough - there was interference that had been missed during initial scans that prevented us from seeing the whole thing to begin with. We suspect that the plant life we've also discovered on further expeditions have something to do with that as well, but until we get proper structures in there, we can't reach the plant life to get a better look. It's just wild all around."
"Have you managed to identify the source of the interference beyond the supposition that it was caused by the plant life?" Serra inquired, wondering where that theory had come from. Certainly in her experience of ancient cultures there were many things that could explain sensor disruption. It piqued her interest. "No indication of cloaking technology, or inhibitors of any kind?"
"None that we could find." Payton responded plainly, before gesturing to one of the various scientists bustling about the area. "I'll make sure that report makes it's way to you, but the prediction so far is that it's the plant life itself that might have some natural method of keeping itself hidden, either via accident or due to adaptation needs. But the root formations we have found belong to flora that is at least a hundred years old, if not older, which is why we want to get in there..."
"Fascinating," Serra nodded thoughtfully. "I look forward to reading it." Aware that she was going to be receiving a full commentary, she parked the conversation for the moment. "And the colony itself?" she asked. "Are there any particular...nuances? I believe the human phrase would be 'things to avoid'?"
Payton shook her head. "That all depends on what kind of things you intend to avoid." The blonde leaned against one of the consoles lining the room. "We have a number of pubs and bars, a few codex-filled libraries, and a number of other establishments being erected as we speak. Do you like dogs? That may be a thing if you are not a fan of dogs..."
Serra twitched just slightly at the thought. "I am not. I have found that their scent is particularly objectionable for many Vulcans." She paused, recognising that might not appeal to a human's sensitivities. "However the libraries may be of value. Is there a reputable social space for officers to gather here on the colony?"
"The Captain has a dog." Payton didn't nor did she want to elaborate on the matter. That dog was not just any dog, not with the size and amount of energy he had. But, aside from that... "Ah, that's a bar. Or two bars. The more popular one is more of a brewpub. It has food and all that in it, but it's a civilian establishment. The Silver Tongue, I think it's called?"
The Captain has a dog. Serra logged that thought. Unfortunate, and probably uncomfortable, but unlikely to make a serious concern. Provided she maintained enough distance. "I shall have to investigate this Silver Tongue," she acknowledged. "I am curious how the various cultures represented on the colony interact in social spaces. It should make fascinating research."
Payton let out a laugh. "I'll let you know where it is. The establishment is known for it's handcrafted beverages, most of them alcoholic. But I'm sure they'll have something for everyone's palate. They pride themselves on it. I don't think you'll have much trouble researching the establishment. But, tell me, what is it you do like doing normally? Aside from scientific research. Is there another... hobby, you may have?"
"Aside from meditation and regular calisthenics I also prefer reading and studying historical artifacts and cultures," Serra replied. "Unfortunately I do not partake in alcoholic beverages."
Payton waved a hand, shaking her head. "You cannot be the only one who does not regularly enjoy alcohol. I know most of the colony's denizens do, but..." She trailed off, shrugging as if that would answer things, but smiled instead of elaborating. "Perhaps we could discuss research some time. I always enjoy listening in to another's perspective on the topic of cultural history."
"As do I. That would be acceptable," Serra bowed her head slightly. "Once I am satisfied with the arrangements here, it would be agreeable to share our observations at this Silver Tongue establishment."
"Great!" Payton clapped her hands together. She could not wait to hand this whole department over to someone who had more desire to run a department than she did. There were enough people who found some satisfaction in paperwork; she was not one of them. "I'll let you get settled then. I've got a volunteer duty to prepare myself for. There are some students who are looking forward to a field trip."
"I understand. It was good of you to provide an overview; I anticipate our working relationship will prove efficient." Serra gave another incline of her head before returning to the office space that had been assigned to her, ready to begin her work in earnest.
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