Samantha Richards - I Don't Want To Let You Down
Samantha Richards
((Chief of Science’s Office- Deck 9, USS Artemis))
Meeting with Jovenan and taking a look around the Science Center, had Sam excited for her new adventure on the Artemis. There was no mistaking that she already missed her Science buddies from Amity, but that was the great thing about science. It was the same no matter where you were in the galaxy.
Jovenan: I’ve got some of your old work here, but I’d like to hear more. What kind of research projects have you been engaged in recently?
Sam settled herself into a chair and interlaced her fingers before resting them across her belly.
Richards: Well, it wasn’t long ago I got to do a planetary survey of Gramineae IV and helped sort through the findings and did research on some of the bioluminescent flowers we found and we were even able to start growing some of them in the Botany Labs. My latest bit of research was on a Chalcopyrite Crystal asteroid we found just hangin’ out in the DQ. I unfortunately had to pass that off before I left, but it was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen.
Jovenan: Petty that you couldn’t finish your project, it sounds absolutely fascinating. But may I take it that you also have competency beyond planetary science?
Enthusiastically, Sam nodded.
Richards: I do specialize in Planetary Science, but I did take some Botany and Astrometric courses at MSU, so I feel like I am fairly well rounded. ::Rubbing her belly:: In more ways than one.
It was a silly joke, and Sam knew it, but Jovenan smiled so maybe it wasn’t as bad as she thought it was.
Jovenan: That’s good. We really need people who can tackle onto problems in multiple fields.
Richards: I am curious as to what kind of research has been going on here? What’s a typical day look like here in the Science Center?
Jovenan leaned back and rested her hands on her lap. Sam was grateful to have someone around who reminded her of Robin Hopper. Of course they were vastly different people, but they both had calm and comforting demeanors that Sam really felt at ease with.
Jovenan: Our work is… rather fluctuating. The Artemis changes location frequently, so we often have to switch between hyperfocusing on a specific mission or scanning our destination and continuing our long-term, less urgent projects in-between. We just visited a Genesis planet - our landing parties were limited in size due to security concerns, and someone with your skill set would have been more than a welcome addition - but once we depart Risa, we are expected to resume with our other projects, such as analysing the results from our past missions… Until something unexpected happens. But I assume that isn’t much different from the routine you’re already used to.
Richards: Unexpected is fairly typical no matter where I go. ::Chuckling:: Life seems to think I thrive in chaos, so I just roll with it.
Jovenan: Besides the missions and our own projects, there’s the bridge duty that rotates between officers, Which is, uh, something I’ll need to check with the Captain if you’ll be expected to take part in it. Did you do anything like that while on the Amity?
While some things were similar to what Sam already knew and worked with, Starship life was vastly different.
Richards: No, we didn’t- well if we did it wasn’t something the civilians took part in. If that is something you and the Captain would like me to do I am more than willing to join the rotation.
Jovenan: Okay. By the way, how’s your competence with other Starfleet systems? Databases, computer architecture, research publishing platforms, sensors… weapons? We mostly use stuff that’s specifically made for Starfleet, and they can be different from the civilian ones.
Richards: Thankfully I spent time on the Indy-B, one of Amity’s support ships, I was given a crash course on the systems as soon as I got there. Now I am comfortable with all of it. ::Tilting her head to the side:: I have received Starfleet field training and had to get comfortable with the systems. If there isn’t something I know how to do, I’ll ask for help. And I’d like to believe I am a quick learner.
She hoped she hadn’t sounded too overconfident in herself, but it felt like there was so much riding on her being accepted and becoming a real part of the crew.
Jovenan: Response
Richards: I just want to show everyone I can do this. Pregnant or not, I have a lot to offer and I don’t want to let anyone down.
Oof. Her insecurities were showing and she could feel her face turning red. The emotional whiplash was almost impressive- if it hadn't been so frustrating.
Jovenan: Response
Richards: Is there anything else you wanted to go over? When we wrap up here would you like to go grab a coffee and have some less professional chit chat? ::Smirking:: We've got some catching up to do. ::Beat:: If you aren’t busy, that is!
Jovenan: Response
TAGS/TBC
Samantha Richards