Scientific Minds

Posted on Wed Sep 24th, 2025 @ 3:49pm by Lieutenant Commander Deanna Celes & Lieutenant Inara Senn & Lieutenant Ashlynn Regan & Lieutenant Phlox Ph.D.

542 words; about a 3 minute read

Mission: Holding Pattern Hijinks
Location: Science Lab 1

Deanna escorted Ashlynn and Phlox down to Science Lab 1. She knew that was where Inara would be hiding. She tried to make pleasant conversation as they made their way down, "Is this your first time aboard a Sovereign class vessel?"

Phlox was in a chipper mood, as would be expected for a Denobulan. "It is for me. I have been on several Nova and Intrepid class vessels for various scientific assignments, but this is the first time I have been assigned to a starship of this size. I look forward to this assignment."

"Before this I served on the Saber, and before that I served on the Valiant. Both of them are like ants compared to this, but I'm not complaining" Ashlynn started. "I did briefly visit the Enterprise during Federation Day while I was on shore leave. She sure was a beauty."

"How long ago was that? Was it before or after the Enterprise went to Romulus to meet with Shinzon?" Deanna questioned.

"This was well after that, about two years ago" Ash began. "When the Enterprise went to Romulus, I was just a wee cadet, fresh out of the ice."

Reaching the lab they entered. "Inara, a couple new arrivals for you. I begged the captain not to inflict you upon them, but he was quite insistent" she said with a grin.

Inara examined them head to toe, and then finally spoke. “Deanna, are you insane? I need subordinates, not peers—and they’re scientists at that. That means they’ll argue and complain with me more than usual over hypotheses. At this rate, I’d take that red squad cadet back rather than deal with these top-heavy egos.” She leaned back with a scowl. “Reassign them to engineering, demote them, or work some other Starfleet politics. Just get them off my roster.”

Ash raised an eyebrow at Inara's comment. James really wasn't exaggerating her personality. She opted to remain quiet and wait for Deanna's response. Ash knew her own place. Despite having two gold pips she was considered a more junior officer and even if she had any sort of career rated ego, it wasn't with science.

Deanna masked her feelings over how incensed she was at Inara's remarks. She looked back at the two officers and offered a flat smile and placed a finger up, indicating she wanted a moment. She walked over to Inara and spoke sternly in a soft tone, "Have you lost your mind? These officers are assigned to the science department, and you are currently the head of that department. If you wish to function as some petulant child, speak to the captain and he'll demote you or remove you accordingly if you feel incapable of doing your duty as a StarFleet officer. This attitude of yours is unacceptable."

Deanna made her way back to the pair of new officers. "You'll have to excuse the lieutenant. She has been under a great strain as of late."

"Well, perhaps we can talk later then" Phlox replied, still quite happy and personable.

Ash gave a sympathetic smile. "I'm also willing to wait. I get the feeling."

"Very well, let's get you to your quarters for now" Deanna stated solemnly, exiting out with the two science officers.

 

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