JDL | Lt. Keál, Lt. Ch'Valenvok "Making Friends and Influencing People"

Posted on Tue Sep 15th, 2015 @ 9:16pm by Captain Kaleb Ch'Valenvok M.D.

1,067 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Agua Mala
Location: Chief Science Officer's Quarters, USS Vindicator

The medical suite was quiet, for the time being. Keál was seated at a diagnostic station in main sickbay finishing up the analysis of the last of hundreds of Asphan floral samples he, and the various science teams, had taken from the capital city and the surface in general. Many had mild medical properties based on immune strengthening compounds. A few had analgesic properties, while others still had astringent properties. Only three of the samples taken could be fatal to all known species while the list lengthened to sixteen fatal species when compared to Stenellis anatomy. One of the flowering species, Keál had himself brought back from the Royal Gardens, had the effect of negating the bio-electrical capabilities of the Stenellis when ingested. The exploratory study of natural medicine was fascinating for Keál and over the years had proven useful more than once.

The chirp of his commbadge followed by the computer stating, “You have a priority one communication from Lieutenant Ch’Valenvok, Chief Science Officer of the USS Vindicator.”

Keál didn’t know Ch’Valenvok, however given the political situation on the planet, the Enterprise was sharing orbit with the Vindicator as well as working with her crew to bring a favorable end to the negotiations. “Put the Lieutenant through in my office, please.” Keál said as he made his way across sickbay to his office. He sat behind his desk, pulled his uniform straight and pressed the view button on his desk display. Before him, on the screen, was a very young looking Andorian science officer. The Andorians as a species often looked rough hewn and haggard as a result of their home environment. This young officer did not possess any signs of weathering and that peaked Keál’s interest. “How can I help you, Lieutenant?”

“Doctor Keál, I have been tasked to work with you on cataloging the native plant species of Aspha. I have read your research reports and find your information very…” there was a slight pause as Kaleb searched for a non-offensive way to say lacking in total scientific scope. “medically based. I was hoping to be able to help round out some of the data.” While Andorians were known to be very blunt and elitist, Kaleb had been raised on Earth and unlike his father’s people he had developed an empathy toward the feelings of others and endeavored not to trample them just to prove his superiority. Though he was noticeably less blunt than his Andorian brethren, he still often missed the mark when speaking to others.

Keál smiled as the young science officer struggled to communicate his disappointment in the emphasis of the afore mentioned reports. “Lieutenant Ch’Valenvok, I am sorry my reports were limited in scope. Our science deparrrtment also did a thorrrough analysis of the specimens we brrrought back. Perrrhaps they would be more to yourrr liking?” Keál had worked with Andorians before and had, over the years, come to understand their tones and inflections. Never the less, he had been cooped up in front of a computer for hours pouring over the extrapolated data from his floral specimens and felt the need to entertain himself a bit with the young officer.
Kaleb’s antenna drooped a bit as the tone in the Doctor’s voice and the rolling r’s made him feel as if he had offended the Caitian who sat showing his pointed teeth on the viewer before him. “I did not mean to say your reports were poorly written, Doctor. Just that they were somewhat lacking in total scientific scope.”

Keál closed his mouth to keep from laughing and tried to hide his mirth as the Andorian dug himself in deeper trying to dig himself out. Social interaction was clearly not this Andorian’s strong suit. Something about his actions, movements, and mannerisms reminded Keál of a first year cadet being called upon to answer a question he hadn’t studied for.
Kaleb watched as the black lips closed around those pointed teeth and the feline face behind all that black fur became serious looking. “Doctor…I didn’t mean…”

Keál couldn’t stop himself from laughing now. The science officer was back pedaling as fast as he could and still sinking. “Lieutenant, it’s OK. I am just having a little fun on yourrr behalf.” Keál breathed between chuckles. As the laughter of the big cat abated, Keál’s smile returned. “I would be happy to work with you. Arrre you looking for something specific or just doing yourrr due diligence?”

“I was rather hoping that we could meet aboard the Vindicator and discuss this further. There are some things we are looking for but I don’t feel comfortable discussing them over a subspace channel.” Kaleb’s antenna were still drooping a bit but he was relieved he had not offended the Doctor. Though Caitians had been in the Federation for a very long time, they were considerably more rare in Starfleet than in the diplomatic corps and Doctor Keál was the first one Kaleb had ever met. Reading the features of the feline face was difficult and Kaleb made a mental note that he would have to do some light reading on the species before the Doctor arrived on the Vindicator. Kaleb did however enjoy the prospect of working with an individual who could enjoy a battle of sarcastic wit. Recovered from their downtrodden posture, Kaleb’s antenna were again proud and forward pointing. “I would also like to introduce you to our ships Doctor, Commander Rotek. He will have a few insights that will aid us in our endeavor.”

“I shall gatherrr my notes and prepare to beam over to the Vindiactorrr, presently.” Keál was excited to have a new mystery at hand. The thrill seeker in him thrived on these mini-adventures that had filled his days since arriving on the Enterprise. He had met a princess, toured an alien medical facility, discovered a new species of parasite, healed a fellow Caitian, and now was off to help solve an unknown mystery. Life was never dull and Keál liked that it kept him sharp.

- - -


Lt. Keál, M.D.
Chief Medical Officer
USS Enterprise, NCC 1701-F

Lt. Kaleb Ch’Valenvok
Chief Science Officer
USS Vindicator, NCC 78213-E

 

RSS Feed