JP - Lieutenant Madison Marsh, Lieutenant Gila Sadar, Lieutenant Commander Robin Hopper, & Commander Alora DeVeau - “The Velestus Conference” - Part II
Madison Marsh
Part II
((Six Days Later – Tarola’n Conference Center, Tarola’n, Velestus))
The Conference was well and truly in the swing of things at this point, and Gila felt like her head might implode from all the new things she was seeing. Given that this was a conference dealing with the not insignificant field of medicinal science, there were numerous interesting symposiums, prototype demonstrations, open debates and panels of experts from across the Federation, and some outside the Federation as well. She felt slightly bad for Madi-net, as Gila’d been basically stuck to her in the time since they arrived, but thankfully, the chatty Centauran didn’t seem to mind.
To Madison, it was an incredible feeling to be with her best friend at a conference on her homeworld of Velestus. It was even better than taking in the beautiful tropical environment that the planet had to offer the many visitors who travelled there. She had enjoyed the panels and attending the presentations of various experienced researchers sharing the discoveries that they had uncovered throughout the universe.
Marsh: The practical applications seem like they can be beneficial and are a step in the right direction. Don’t you think so Gila?
Sadar: I’m not so sure about that… The possible applications are certainly promising, that’s not up for discussion, but it’s a matter of philosophical boundaries. Is it really necessary to use such complicated methods for even the most simple issues, that bedrest could just as easily handle?
A look of surprise was written all over Madison’s face as her eyes widened. She had expected Gila to agree with her opinion on what had appeared to be a promising study, but she had her own objections. That’s why Gila did stand out though, because despite being shy around others, she had begun to show courage around those she felt more comfortable with at her side. It was nice seeing Gila continue to come out of her shell and provide valuable feedback on the conference. It made Madison think about and consider other professional opinions. She truly valued what Gila had to say about everything whether Gila knew she did or not.
Marsh: Sometimes complicated methods are necessary to obtain long-term health goals. I think that in this case it would significantly reduce the amount of time that bedrest requires to recover. This would open up beds for new patients and let the cured return to their duties at an increased rate.
Sadar: ::sigh:: I guess so… But it’s a matter of unnecessary complexity to simple issues, Madi-net. There are still societies out there that have to contend with resource allocations, and from such a perspective-
It was Alora’s first conference since Shyla’s birth two months prior. Although some people told her to slow down and simply sleep when the baby slept, she couldn’t ignore the Conference. Too many interesting topics and too many notable speakers had drawn her away from Denali and over to Alpha Centauri.
She had never visited that particular planet before, but knew it was the home of Madison, a young woman who had come to Ops right before her transfer. The two had immediately hit it off, and Alora was quite grateful to have had the medical officer there when she’d gone into labour. How fortuitous she had been visiting during that point. Between her and Vahin, Alora had felt comfortable (well, as comfortable as one could be during labour) and safe during the whole process, and to be honest, she was quite happy that she hadn’t come home to empty quarters. After Maddie’s departure, she found the place very lonely, her situation quite overwhelming, and the lack of normalcy with her work likely contributed to it. That was another reason she was keen to attend the conference, and, of course, she had brought Shyla with her.
Now outside of the womb, the baby rested snug against her chest in a carrier fashioned after traditional Chinese carriers called mei tais. This particular one had a black fabric base and featured a quilt panel of green and purple. An African violet was embroidered right in the center, rather appropriate considering who the owner was. Currently, Shyla did what babies did most of the time at her age - she slept. She slept particularly soundly because she had not only just had a diaper change, but had just fed, and now Alora was free to go find a certain someone.
That someone came into view and a smile spread over the Science officer's face as her hand lifted and waved in an attempt to catch Maddie’s attention. She closed the distance between her and the now Lieutenant junior grade and offered a side hug. Gila, who’d been mid-sentence when the other woman approached, quieted and awaited.
DeVeau: Maddie, it’s good to see you.
Madison stepped forward and accepted DeVeau’s side hug warmly. It was always nice to be in the presence of her close friend and mentor. On top of that she was pleased to see her little patient Shyla. The baby had grown quite a bit since they were last together. She then gestured to Gila and back towards Alora to make introductions between the two women and baby.
Marsh: It’s wonderful to see you and my little niece as always. This is Doctor Gila Sadar. Gila, this is Commander Alora DeVeau and her daughter Shyla. She was my first First Officer on 118 Ops and the Narendra.
Sadar: Oh, uh, y-yes… ::nods:: N-Nice to meet you, Commander.
Alora’s attention immediately turned to the Mizarian. She couldn’t help but admire the lovely lavender hue of the woman’s skin. Silently, she made a mental note to find a variety of African violet that matched it.
DeVeau: Hello, it’s lovely to meet you.
Sadar: L-Likewise. Th-Thank you for taking such good care of Madi-ne- ehm, Lieutenant Marsh during your service at Ops…
Madison smiled in response to Gila’s mannerisms when addressing Alora as it was polite and cute in her eyes. Alora did take good care of her during their short tenure together. Madison still had the beautiful plant that Alora provided her with as a welcome gift to the station. That gift helped form an everlasting friendship that has continued onward after Alora left Ops for Denali Station. She was fully appreciative of the time that Alora had put into her as an Ensign. She grinned in response and added a touch of humour in regards to being cared for by Alora.
Marsh: She is quite a caretaker.
DeVeau: Says the one who took care of me after Shyla was born.
Alora clicked her tongue, smiling at her friend. Madison’s presence had made all the difference in the world, and when she had left…well, it hadn’t been the same. She elected not to tell Maddie how the first night in her quarters without anyone else, she had felt more alone than she ever had before.
Sadar: I, uhh, I heard you serve at Denali Station, Sir? ::sparkling eyes:: How is it? Is the anthropological survey of the Ring progressing well?
Madison shifted her gaze to Alora. She had been to Denali Station twice, once for participating in the Denali Invitational and again for the birth of Shyla. Both experiences were unique in their own right, but she was curious about the progress of the Ring that Gila was referring to.
Marsh: Yeah, I second that, how is the survey going?
DeVeau: Slow! But not due to lack of interest, it’s simply that there’s so much to explore. In fact, while I was recuperating from childbirth, some officers visited a city that was very similar to Denali in the hopes of finding out more about that city of course, but also about Denali herself.
The others had managed to get themselves in a weird situation on the Juneau, but fortunately, everyone had made it back safe and sound. Some of her scientists were still working on scans from both of the missions.
Sadar: That does sound like a good method to gain some perspective on the scope and function of the Ring, yes.
Madison perked a brow briefly as she inquired about the population since she was last there as a participant in the Denali Invitational. She wondered if that event sparked additional interest in the station or not. She shifted her gaze to Alora addressing her with the question.
Marsh: Has the population grown on Denali since the invitational?
DeVeau: Actually, the population on Denali has grown exponentially since the Invitational, which was Oddas’ brain child. It was a brilliant way to bring it to the attention of others and increase its visibility to the galaxy at large.
The Denali Invitational was a popular event. Corey Wethern, Ksivi-Sava, and herself finished in second place overall. She was confident that they would have won the race if several mishaps did not occur during the event. A concussion knocked her out cold and Ksivi-Sava was knocked out of the equation as well due to an unfortunate error. They were rookies and could have better luck next year if she decided to give it another run.
Marsh: Ah, that makes sense.
Sadar: B-But, is it advisable to have a significant civilian population on an alien station that we know so little of? I realise that the subsection of the Ring in which the Starfleet presence has a permanent residence has been thoroughly researched, but there’s still so much we don’t know.
Madison listened to Gila’s analysis of the situation. She had a point with what she was attempting to convey. However, there were plenty of factors that could be at work with Starfleet Command involved with Denali.
Marsh: I’m sure Starfleet Command has already researched that issue and deemed that the current population is within nominal parameters. However, that decision is well above my pay grade anyways. What are your thoughts, Alora?
DeVeau: Well, if you think about it, we often have colonies on planets, and we don’t always know a lot about them. What we do know, though, is that where Denali is, everything is safe enough for a city, so it should be all right.
Sadar: I suppose so. The Ring is one of the most significant discoveries in recent years. The anthropological excavation must be undertaken with great caution. It was built to last, evidently, but so much of its construction is still a complete mystery.
Madison had not really researched much about Denali Station and a lot of the information that she had heard in this discussion was news to her. She just recalled going there for a race and spending time there briefly. Her friend Alix Harford was recently assigned to the Medical Department there. She had high hopes to connect with her when their shore leaves overlapped with Starbase 118. The two of them were teammates on the Starfleet Academy Women's basketball team several years ago and she could use some work on her jumpshot.
Marsh: Interesting, I honestly do not know much about the station as a whole. However I do know that their medical facility is nice from my experience being there.
Sadar: ::slight smile:: In your defense, Madi-net, no one knows much about the Ring.
DeVeau: But we’re learning more about it. That’s the main reason why Starfleet is there. The Invitational means more people will come, which I think is a big reason why Commodore Oddas coordinated the event.
She glanced over at Madison, her lips turning down into a slight frown.
DeVeau: I didn’t realise you were there. Did you take a tour of the medical facilities?
Marsh: I was racing with Wethern and Ksivi-Salva in “Ensigns Joyride” when I was unfortunately knocked unconscious by debris during the Denali Invitational. I woke up and was in their medical center. It sucked, but I made a full recovery. Due to the injury I did not have much time to explore the station because I had to return to Starbase 118 for a mission. Do you girls have a brief rundown on Denali Station? If so, I’m all ears for it.
A question about the Ring was like music to Gila’s tympani, but instead of launching into an hour-long tirade about the most consequential and groundbreaking xeno-anthropological discovery this decade, she just shuffled slightly, looking at Cdr. DeVeau.
Sadar: I-I’m sure the Cdr. knows far more than I do.
DeVeau: There is far more we don’t know than what we do. However, I’m happy to talk about it, because it’s so fascinating!
Alora had to admit, she’d hit the jackpot when it came to assignments for scientific exploration. With so many places and undiscovered surprises, it was almost heaven for scientists.
A few meters away, a woman wearing a simple, yet bold, green-and-purple wrap dress approached one of the many high-topped tables that dotted the periphery of the conference hall’s concourse with two sectioned trays in hand, and a confused expression on her face.
Robin furrowed her brow, looking around for Lt. Commander DeVeau – whom she’d just been talking with before zipping over to some of the local vendors to grab lunch for both of them. They’d met several weeks before, proctoring Starfleet Academy final exams aboard Starbase 118, and Robin was thrilled to learn that Alora, evidently a mutual friend of Commander Wil Ukinix, would be attending the upcoming conference on Velestus as well. Now, however, her companion for the day seemed to have vanished…
Hopper: ::Spotting DeVeau at last:: Oh! There you are.
An embarrassed grin spread across her face, as she set the trays down on the table and made her way over to the group quickly. She wasn’t familiar with either of the others, but had no opposition to making new friends.
Hopper: I hope I’m not intruding on a ‘reunion’ or anything – I was just off grabbing a bite. ::Chuckle:: Not sure about you three, but I’m always starving at these things. Doctor Robin Hopper, by the way.
Alora shook her head, a smile offered to the newest member to join them. She and Robin had met during an academy exam and Alora was quite happy to find out that she, too, was attending the conference. As the doctor introduced herself, Alora had to admit she knew some pretty amazing people, present company included.
DeVeau: You’re not intruding at all. This is Madison Marsh, also a doctor. And I just had the opportunity to meet Doctor Gilar Sadar here.
Madison waved her left hand informally to greet Doctor Hopper as she did with pretty much everyone off duty. She was quite the casual woman at times. As always she enjoyed making new friends and meeting other people, so this was a plus for her. She feeds off of the energy of others because it replenished her own through social interactions. She mimicked Alora’s smile to add additional empathy and understanding to the introduction.
Marsh: Hi Doctor Hopper, it’s nice to meet you.
Hopper reached across the table, offering her new acquaintance a friendly handshake.
Hopper: Oh, ditto!
Meanwhile, Gila was shuffling in place. So many people… She almost subconsciously moved in place, trying to hide behind her woefully shorter friend.
Sadar: G-G-Greetings, Doctor Hopper… I-I’m Doctor Sadar…
Robin noted the Mizarian woman’s trepidation and offered her an encouraging nod as she spoke, withholding the customary handshake. The poor thing seemed awfully shy – but Hopper was no stranger to helping introverts come out of their proverbial shells. In her experience, all it took was a little extra friendliness on her part!
Hopper: Well, it is very nice to meet you as well, Doctor Sadar – May I call you Gila? ::Not waiting for an answer:: And Madison. ::Clasping her hands together:: I take it from Alora’s familiarity with you both that we’re all Starfleet gals? Where are you all posted?
Robin already knew Alora’s, so she didn’t interrupt and let the others answer for themselves.
Conventions like this were always interesting because so many people from so many places came together for a brief time. It didn’t just afford the opportunity to reconnect with old colleagues but also to form relationships with new ones.
Madison served on both the USS Narendra and Ops 118. It was an assignment that provided her with the opportunity to experience a mix of both ship and station life. She was never away from home for far too long when aboard the Narendra to the point where it was nice to get away from the station on a mission every now and again. In her opinion, the Narendra was the best looking ship in the fleet anyways, so that was a perk as well. She loved the style of that particular model and could not think of a better option at that point in time.
Marsh: I serve as the Assistant Chief Medical Officer on Starbase 118 Operations and aboard the USS Narendra.
Sadar: The USS Artemis-A, out in the Borderlands. I was posted to the Artemis right after me and Lieutenant Marsh’s graduation last year. ::brief pause:: A-And you, Doctor Hopper?
Robin nodded enthusiastically as the others shared their postings – it seemed that none of them currently served aboard the same ship or installation, which she found both surprising and exciting. Considering Amity’s remoteness, it was a bit of a treat spending time in the company of Starfleet Officers she wasn’t already quite familiar with.
Hopper: Amity Outpost, aaaall the way out in the Delta Quadrant. I’m the Chief Science Officer and, recently, the station’s Second Officer. ::To Sadar:: Did you say The Artemis? That’s Addison MacKenzie’s ship, isn’t it?
**************
Lieutenant Madison Marsh
Mission Specialist
Starbase 118 Ops
ID: O240006MM1
&
Lieutenant Gila Sadar
Medical Officer
USS Artemis-A
ID: A240006GS1
&
Lt. Commander Robin Hopper
Chief Science Officer and Second Officer
Amity Outpost
ID: V239806K11
&
Commander Alora DeVeau
Chief Science Officer &
Second Officer
Denali Station
&
Matriarch of the 15th House
Betazed
M239008AD0
--
Mission Specialist
Starbase 118 Ops
ID: O240006MM1
