Lt. Cmdr. Katsim Peri - "Oversight"
Amanda Nordstrom
(( Office of the Chief of Science, Deck 10, USS Octavia E Butler ))
Avander’s first official visit as the executive officer was awkward. Peri was used to seeing him outside of missions in a more informal manner. On missions, of course, their focus was on their job, but this was a little bit different. It had been weird with Wes, too, and she still hadn’t quite found a good place to fall. So generally, on duty, it was formal, off duty, it wasn’t. It was as if she were two different people, and sitting there, she realised the same approach was necessary with her friend.
So she would remain formal. As Avander asked questions, she found herself thinking a bit more about her own experience. Compared to others, she’d had it easy. Perhaps she’d just had too many experiences and become numb. Or simply resigned. She remembered one time how Wes had come to tell her about the rumours people were spreading about the two of them (rumours that perhaps were foreshadowing of what was to come), and she’d simply said to ignore them. Over the years, she’d learned that talk was talk. Even if people believed what they said, getting angry and fighting about it wasn’t going to do any good.
As they continued their discussion, Peri relaxed a little. He asked about the mission and how she fared, but then he turned the matter to her thoughts on others, particularly Yinn and Brzezinski. Of the former, Peri saw how they had handled it with a strength that she admired. Of the latter, she’d heard a rather disturbing report.
Katsim: She was attacked, physically, by Counsellor Stendhal, albeit it was some strange manner of an evil twin which may affect how they work together, and I’m uncertain as to the long term ramifications in general. I…well, perhaps it’s best if you read the report rather than get it second hand.
Promontory: Uh. I did read it, but it read like speculative fiction. I mean, an evil transporter twin? Like that episode with April? Or I think it might've been Pike.
April? Pike? Peri blinked, uncertain who he meant, but thankfully, Avander didn’t dwell on who for very long.
Promontory: At any rate, I’m interested in your assessment. I’ll talk to Dr. Toz about her counselor, but I’m interested in your evaluation of how Bz… how your neuroscientist is holding up. I have a pending request for new lab equipment but some of the listed reasons seem a little beyond the scope of her purview.
Katsim: How so?
Promontory: Something about continuous monitoring of crew neurological functions?
Reaching up, Peri tried to recall the requisition. She didn’t remember that bit in it, but if she had missed it, then it was definitely something she should address.
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.
Of course it was. A hint of colour came to Peri’s cheeks. Somehow, she had missed something. While she generally left her officers to their own devices, she did always review PADDwork. Somehow, something had slipped past her, and it disconcerted her, even if Avander did offer a friendly grin.
Katsim: Of course. I’m sorry, I must have missed it when I reviewed the information.
While she understood Brzezinski’s passion, there were limits and boundaries that shouldn’t be crossed.
Katsim: I’ll make sure to speak with her.
At least it was a one on one conversation. At first, she had struggled with that as well, but over time, Peri had gotten used to it. It was a lot better than having to hold meetings.
Promontory: Response
Katsim: Was there…anything else I missed?
She hoped not. Likely Peri would pour over any other requisitions just in case. The last thing she wanted was to lack competency.
Promontory: Response
Well, that was good, but still, Peri resolved to make sure she didn’t have an oversight like that again.
Katsim: Is there anything else you needed to discuss with me?
Promontory: Response
-- Lt. Cmdr. Katsim Peri Chief Science Officer USS Octavia E. Butler M239008AD0