Begonias Begone

Posted on Sat Jul 19th, 2025 @ 3:58am by Staff Warrant Officer Madelyn Steele & Lieutenant JG T'Avia Espinosa

1,330 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: Preservation Instinct
Location: USS Ontario | Chief Engineer's Office

Lieutenant (JG) T’Avia Espinosa stepped briskly into main engineering, the hum of the warp core a familiar, steady presence at the center of the room. She held a PADD tightly in one hand, the details of her request glowing softly on the screen.

Her sharp eyes swept across the bustling space before she moved confidently toward the Chief Engineer’s office. Engineers bustled around her, calling out diagnostics and updates, but she paid them little mind. They were worker bees in a technological hive.

Reaching the office door, she tapped the chime and waited.

When the door slid open, T’Avia stepped inside, standing tall and composed.

“Chief,” she began formally, offering the PADD forward. “I have a request for labor and materials.”

On the device was a detailed proposal outlining the renovation of the expansive and unnecessary botanical laboratory once overseen by Lieutenant Bálor. T’Avia had meticulously listed the conversion of the space into a state-of-the-art Astrobiology Laboratory: installation of holographic emitters along the walls, workstations equipped with tabletop holographic projectors for specimen modeling, an industrial grade replicator for complex molecular syntheses, and the addition of a small cargo transporter pad to streamline material transfer.

“I know this needs to approved by the First Officer and the Captain before anything can begin, but I believe this will optimize our research capabilities,” T’Avia added calmly, meeting the Chief Engineer’s eyes. "And it is best to prepare you for what I will need."

Madelyn slowly looked up from the PADD she was studying,the schematics of the Ontario, to the woman who came in like a storm. Raising an eyebrow. "This botanical lab, I'd like to look at it before I agree on anything, Lieutenant.I had no idea there was something like that here. Shall we head on there so that I can see this, area that seems to be an issue for you? And I do not agree upon something that the CO and the First Officer have not gone over, and approved. That to me seems like an end run. Second of all, my name is Chief Madelyn Steele. And I'd like to know your name besides Lieutenant if you would be so kind." She rose up from her desk to accompany the Lieutenant, to this botanical lab.

"I believe you may address me as Lieutenant or Ma'am," replied T'Avia. "I'm T'Avia Espinosa, Acting Chief Science Officer, and I am not seeking your approval nor trying to undermine that of the Captain nor First Officer."

T'Avia gestured towards the doorway. "We will walk and examine the space Chief Steele. I felt it prudent to notify you of my requested materials and labor in advance though in the future, if you prefer to not be notified until after my proposals receive approval, I will endeavor to do so."

"I didn't think you were seeking my approval, I was just making a statement as to my perceptions. I would though like to have the confirmation from all that is involved, before changes are being made. This way i can see what crew will be needed. There is though the red tape that is needed to be done. Therefore I will not set aside things beforehand until authorized. And maybe I am taking a little amount of umbrage with the items being pre ordered when it isn't approved. This might be you being precise and effective to have things done at your speed." her tone was even, without any anger.

"Yes, that is a logical assessment, Chief Steele. My time aboard Federation starships has been somewhat brief. Three years aboard one before this. Prior to that the VCF T'san s'at after years of study at the Vulcan Science Academy. Though I spent most of my life on Earth, I've found myself caught between two differing cultures."

"Two differing cultures?" Madelyn glancing at the lieutenant. She wasn't certain just what the lieutenant meant. She continued on her way to the botany lab. She did wonder though wasn't there other labs that could be utilized?

"Mexican and Vulcan" replied T'Avia. "Tequila and Plomeek broth" she added. "You had said you weren't aware we had such a lab? You must be new too. I forewarn you, Lieutenant Bálor was a botanist or at least portrayed one on the ship. He turned away lot of the science labs into hydroponics and airponics. There were a lot of plants, but he cleared those out. What's left behind is just the remnants of what was."

"I am new to the ship, I've not gone and made a complete exploration of the ship. And is there a place for those things to be had as well, or did he occupy too many of them?" Madelyn having a sense of curiosity.

"Botany is not my cup of tea, but I'm a scientist. It is important, but Bálor made it a priority. He hogged up several labs for it. It's a respectable science, but not one that requires that much space. The ship has an arboretum... he had more than enough."

"If the ship needs to grow its own food, I am sure there would be some space to continue that. Lets see how much disrepair is left behind. " Madelyn responded. "And depending on how large the arboretum is, surely there is someplace that if those who wish to grow something can, besides the arboretum."

"Chief, believe me, we have plenty of science space. Botanical research can easily be scaled back a bit and contained to a laboratory or two" replied T'Avia. "Decks seven and eight have science laboratories. Deck fourteen has the astrometrics, fifteen the arboretum...and there are additional multipurpose laboratories on deck sixteen."

Madelyn had a thoughtful expression as she listened to Lieutenant T'Avia presenting the facts as to how much room there was. "That is a bit of room to play with. Perhaps i can take a look at your hopeful plans with us inside the space so that i can visualize it better."

She had to remind herself not everyone thought like a Vulcan, even a half-Vulcan like herself. She could see things in her mind's eye and envision the space being utilized efficiently. "Very well. We will go into the space where you can visualize better. I do not want to make unnecessary changes, but efficient and effective ones."

"I agree, and I don't like it if there is unnecessary expenditures of material." Madelyn said agreeably.

When they stepped inside, it was indeed a mess, Madelyn frowning. "This does need being redone." she turned once she was in the center of the labs. "Okay show me what you have in mind."

Lieutenant T’Avia Espinosa stepped forward and proceeded to a console. The PaDD did not do it justice. If Madelyn Steele wanted to see it, she would show her. "This is what I had in mind" said T’Avia. She displayed schematics and a simulated representing of the space utilized more efficiently.

Madelyn scrutinized the schematics, looked out towards the space then looked back at the design. Her mindseye painting in and envisioning what T'Avia had in mind. "That is doable, and I like it. Send me the supply list, get the necessary approval and we can get this done for you." the chief engineer giving a firm nod. "How quickly can you get the approval from the CO?"

T'Avia contemplated for a moment. "I have been told that I can be very convincing" she stated. "I will get you my list and I will work on getting that approval promptly."

"Very well, that will suit me just fine." Madelyn glancing around once more at the space that would be redone. "Is there anything else I can assist you on? Otherwise, I won't take up anymore of your time. And thank you for showing me your idea."

Staff Warrant Officer Madelyn Steele
Chief Engineer
USS Ontario

Lieutenant T’Avia Espinosa
Acting Chief Science Officer
USS Ontario

 

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