Lt Cmdr. Avander Promontory: One Down
Avander Promontory
(( Office of the Chief of Science, Deck 10, USS Octavia E Butler ))
Despite a bit of an awkward start, Avander’s first check-in with a department head had gotten around to discussing a few important details of the science staff. There were a few issues, but they seemed to be well-in hand. The officer who had been mentally combined with one of the diplomacy staff seemed to be doing fairly well. A neuroscientist was assaulted. The inquiry into the assailant, a counselor of all people, was on his to-do list. However, the victim seemed no worse for the wear, besides some lab equipment she wanted replaced. In her requisition form she had also mentioned running continuous monitoring of the ship’s neurological state.
It seemed to Avander to be unnecessary, but he trusted Peri.
Promontory: Something about continuous monitoring of crew neurological functions?
Katsim: I see.
Promontory: Perhaps a conversation would be in order. I’m leaning on you and the other department heads to help sort these things out within your domain.
It was only fair, Avander thought. He had to supervise all 500ish crewmembers, the department heads, perhaps a few dozen. But he had every confidence in Peri, a fact he tried to highlight with an encouraging grin.
Katsim: Of course. I’m sorry, I must have missed it when I reviewed the information.
Despite his attempts at reassurance, the chief blushed. It wasn’t much against her gray skin, but Avander had known her long enough to read the subtle sign. He had unwittingly embarrassed her.
Katsim: I’ll make sure to speak with her.
Avander nodded. He wanted to reassure his friend, but at the same time, a conversation was probably in order. He tried to frame his next words as encouragingly as possible.
Promontory: That’s good. And whatever assessment you make, I trust you, I’ll sign off on it!
Katsim: Was there…anything else I missed?
Avander felt a pang in his stomach, his friend was obviously still feeling bad.
Promontory: No, no (throwing his hands up and waving them), you didn’t miss anything. I just wanted to follow-up. (beat) Probably just asking because there’s so much going on aboard and I was feeling like I’m only half-informed. (giving a weak smile) But you’re grand—we so appreciate all the work the science department performs. Really.
Avander didn’t feel he was succeeding in his efforts to run a good check-in with management. He again resolved to do a little more prepping before his next one.
Katsim: Is there anything else you needed to discuss with me?
Promontory: (slightly uncomfortable) Uh. No. No, that’s it. (beat) Keep up the good work!
Katsim: Response
Avander rose to leave. It was a little weird to dismiss himself from someone else’s office. Maybe he should schedule the next one of these in his own office. He turned back at the door.
Promontory: (with effortful sincerity) Keep up the good work!
Katsim: Response
As the doors slide shut, Avander. Sighed.
oO Medical next. Oo
He silently vowed to do better in the next one.
Tags/End Scene for Avander