Lt. JG D'Cyra Varati - Think big!
D'Cyra Varati
((Physical & Warp Science Lab, Level 7, SRC, Amity Outpost))
Galanis: For the entire drone network? Just what kind of upgrades did you have in mind? It’s not as though we’re lacking in resources down here. What you’re talking about sounds almost like a full refitting.
But her little demonstration wasn't over yet. She walked over to one of the lockable cabinet compartments, entered a security code, and then took out several tube-like boxes and presented them to Niev, even though they looked somewhat sceptical.
Varati: Guess what this is!
Galanis: Some kind of… equipment? An upgraded component for the drones? …Chocolate bars?
D’Cyra gave a half-nod, which then turned into a slightly embarrassed grin. She quickly turned her head slightly to the side, although this didn't prevent her cheeks from darkening a little.
Varati: Don't worry, I've washed and disinfected my hands since meeting Annamae, in case you had any concerns... And no, no chocolate. But yes, some kind of equipment!
She carefully released the small latches on the top of the tube and then very gently slid out a transport holder. Several deformed and differently coloured lenses and mirror discs were attached to it. As the holder slid out further, small boxes packed in foam – wavefront sensors – came into view.
Galanis: …Is that what I think it is?
She looked up at Niev with a curious "Well?" look.
Varati: I think so... I can tell from your expression that you've realised these are components for adaptive optics that we can use for our telescopes and cameras. Luckily, I didn't have time to install them in Orange 1 & 2 before the storm. ::pause:: Why do you think I travelled to DS9 in person half a year ago?
Galanis: Well, D’Cyra, you have my attention. But a component is one thing - a strategy is another. What’s the goal you’re picturing for the network with this?
Oh dear... wasn't Niev at all enthusiastic about something that was just being built? A spirit of discovery and all that?
Varati: Well, that's part of my plan. Admittedly, I had to give it a little push, add a catalyst, so to speak, you see? The neutronic storm is the perfect excuse to change things. With the improved optics, we can take better pictures of the Nurioopta Solar Nebula, the Benamite field and the Barossa Nebula. Hello?! A real scientific breakthrough, eh? This shows just how important we at the SRC are here, alongside the FDC… Think big!
Galanis: Response
Think big and outside of the box. Discover, explore, endless data... maybe even some space serpents or other entities...
Varati: Just think about the new possibilities we have with Hova III and Uwe II. And then there's Idrustrix... The Delta Quadrant is practically within our grasp – it just needs to be explored.
She paused for a moment, because she could imagine what concerns Niev might have.
Varati: I know, Frontier Day... But we would also gain advantages in this regard if we could look further and more accurately into the distance.
Galanis: Response
She could have predicted the reaction. Not a good topic. D’Cyra didn't want to reopen old wounds. On the contrary: she wanted to alleviate their fears and show them that they could speak openly – if they wanted to.
Varati: It must have been gruesome, right? It's okay if you don't want to talk about it – or with me.
Galanis: Response
D’Cyra carefully slid the holder back into the tube and placed it securely on the desk behind her. Then, in a highly awkward manner, she squatted down on the swivel stool in front of her. oO don’t rotate! Oo
Varati: Okay... or not. I just wanted to let you know that you can talk to me if you want. Just an offer. No obligation.
Anyway, back to the "plan." I'd like to hear your opinion, your professional opinion as a planetary scientist, on how and what we can improve on the drones and buoys. The more precisely we can explain our positions, the better the chances that the plan will be accepted.
Galanis: Response
Tag/TBC
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