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"Musing by The Lights of The Stars"
(Previous Post: "Eyes Unclouded")
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Setting: USS ANUBIS, Deck 1, Observation Lounge
Stardate: 30146.0230

To those who take the time to look and listen, the universe is an endless source of knowledge and wisdom.  Not every story told is one of happy endings, but they are worth listening to nonetheless as they carry with them the knowledge of errors long ago made. Although she had been very young, the Shillian woman recalled this particular wisdom from her own father, a man who had perished along with the world that had once been hers.  The story had been a less than happy one, but over time it had formed the Chief Science Officer of the USS ANUBIS into the person she now was.

Following the unexpected wake up call initiated by the Commanding Officer of the USS ANUBIS, and the announcement of a new Officer coming on board, the Shillian Scientist stood alone in the Observation Lounge.  Her gaze, as well as her thoughts, had been lost amongst the streaking stars beyond the large window that stood between the Chief Science Officer and the vast dark void of space.  The past, present and future seems to come together as one in the streaking lights that rushed by the window, leading the Acting Executive Officer to pounder what had come to pass as well s what would soon happen.

"Sorry that I had to disappoint you Maya," Captain Morningstar said as he joined the Shillian woman in front of the large window.  Maybe it had been a natural gift born of the Native American ancestry of the man, for Erik Morningstar could be as stealthy as a cat if he desired to be so.

"You move as silently as a cat, and here I thought *I* was the shape-shifter on this ship.  That said though, you did not disappoint me Sir. I mean I was disappointed that the nature of our change in heading was not rooted in a potential scientific discovery, but that was not your personal doing.  As the Acting Executive Officer I am happy that we are getting a new Assistant Chief Medial Officer, this will enable us to better address any medical situation that we might encounter during our mission to the moon of PI ALPHA III and beyond.  I also suspect that this will allow Doctor Doyanne to take some time for herself, so far our Chief Medical Officer has been spending a lot of time in her department."

Erik stifled a grin at the amount of information the Shillian woman had always been able to compress into a single breath.  "The good Doctor does remind me of another very eager Officer of the USS ANUBIS."

The Acting Executive Officer turned to look at her Captain, a quizzical expression forged onto her features.  When she saw the look in the eyes of her Commanding Officer, the Shillian knew that he had been referring to none other than her.

"Maya," Captain Morningstar began, his voice being calm and supportive.  "There is nothing wrong with an Officer wanting to dedicate their time to their passion and duties. You would not be a Lieutenant Commander or the Acting Executive Officer of the ANUBIS if you had not shown that same kind of drive."

"You sound like you have been speaking with our Counsellor, Ensign Eve Dalziel," the Shillian said before realizing the mistake she had just made.  "I meant *Lieutenant* Eve Dalziel, a promotion that I would add is very well deserved.  We are fortunate to have someone like her on board to deal with our collective issues and problems."

"Well, if she was here I am sure that she would say something profoundly wise to thank you for your compliment," the Captain said while returning his gaze to the streaking stars.

"Being profoundly wise is in my job description," the Counsellor added as she came in and joined the two standing Officers.  "I thought that maybe I should drop in to see if my wisdom was required at this time.  I will admit that I was not expecting a *standing* meeting."

"Captain Morningstar was simply trying to cheer me up, well I mean he actually was cheering me up, pointing out that we are all where we are because we have worked and earned our positions through dedication to our duties and passions, whatever they may be.  That said, I have to make sure that everything is in place for our new Assistant Chief Medical Officer. I have to assign her quarters and check with Doctor Doyanne to see if there are any specific details that I need to address before our new Officer comes aboard.  Guess it would not hurt if I read her file to insure that any special requirements, should there be any, are properly accommodated."

The Captain and Counsellor watched in silence as the Chief Science Officer exited the room, lost in her thoughts and responsibilities.

"You have to admit that she is a dedicated hard worker," The newly promoted Lieutenant said with a gentle smile.

"Her dedication to her work and duties has never been in question," Captain Morningstar noted as he watched the doors that had closed behind the departing scientist.  "I just hope that she will not try to take on too much as she tries to fulfil the dual role of Chief Science Officer and Executive Officer."

"No worries.  I'll keep an eye on her."

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Jessica Solarik

Lieutenant Commander Maya
Chief Science Officer
USS ANUBIS

"To see the world in a grain of sand,
and a heaven in a wild flower.
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand,
and eternity in an hour."
- William Blake (British, 1757-1827)