Duty Log | Fellowship Pt. 1 | Researcher SFSCI | LtCmdr Eelkom

Posted on 241701.03 @ 11:41pm by Ensign Eelkom Raiem
Edited on on 241701.04 @ 10:16pm

Mission: Ascension
Location: Earth - Starfleet Science
Timeline: One Year Prior

=/\= Begin Back Log =/\=

… One Year Prior …

… Part 1 …

“I believe it’s time to shift our mindset and focus back to the foremost foundations on which the Federation and Starfleet stand for…. Exploration… It is my hope that you will support this project in your next selection for the Davis-Dax fellowship.”

Raiem gave a stiff nod to the line officers and brass on the panel before him and tapped on the console which was integrated into the podium in front of him. The large holographic display behind him, which showed a large sensor pallet blueprint was replaced with the Starfleet science emblem.

“Thank you for your time.”

One of three brass officers rose from the panel and gave a polite smile. “Thank you for your application and your presentation Commander Eelkom.” Rear Admiral Munroe looked down at one of the PADDs in front of him momentarily before continuing.

“Consideration will be given to your proposal. Please remain in the common area until sixteen-hundred hours. The candidacy will be announced then.” The Admiral resumed his seat and the panel began talking to one another.

Raiem gathered the two PADDs to the right of him and exited the conference room. He made his way to the common area, which was located about fifty metres down the long grey-federation clad corridors. Upon entering the open and more beautifully decorated common room, he took notice of the several science and engineering officers each huddled in their own isolated spaces.

The silence of the area seemed almost deafening.

They were undoubtedly presenters as well which had precited him, each with their own project in mind for the grant and resources for PhD candidacy. Raiem sighed softly to himself as he claimed one of many empty chairs in the center of the room for himself.

This was his third time going through this….

What was that human saying he had heard many times…Third time is the charm?

“Heh…” He rubbed his temple a few times before sitting back and crossing his legs, moving his attention to the top PADD he held in his right hand. “I certainly hope that’s the case today…”

“Lieutenant Commander Eelkom. Yes. That is you!”

Raiem looked up to where he thought the voice was coming from, his left and grimaced only slightly as he registered who was moving closer to him.

“Lieutenant Commander Fitzgerald….” Raiem replied, trying his best to not sound annoyed or put off by his presence.
A poor attempt.

Lieutenant Commander Allan Fitzgerald was a classmate of Raiem’s in the Academy. The two had an unspoken rivalry with one another and had followed each other into service on the Crazy Horse. Fitzgerald was a bright and smart individual but also cocky. He took any chance he had to wave his successes in Eelkom’s face.

Fitzgerald was the perfect opportunist.

“I figured I might see you here. This is your third time presenting as well, correct?” Fitzgerald stood in front of Raiem with his arms crossed and a smug look on his face.

“Yes Fitzgerald… It is…” Raiem’s posture stiffened as he readjusted his seating position. He shifted his eye contact to the periphery of the man in front of him. If only to help him not get so ruffled.

“It’s my first time.” The man took a less threatening position and sat in an empty chair beside the Bajoran.

“Are you still trying to get that sensor pallet of yours made?” It was a rhetorical question. Allan knew full well the effort and years of work Raiem had dedicated this cause.

“I’ve shifted my focus into defense development…”

“Figures.” Raiem rolled his eyes, while looking away.

“You’ve got to adapt in this world Commander Eelkom. Especially if you want to be successful. Defense is what is hot now and will be for a while. It’s simply the Starfleet we live in these days.”

“Can you just go somewhere else Allan? Please..” Raiem shot him a frustrated look. He was in no mood to discuss the current affairs of being a Science Officer in a post-war atmosphere. Or having spent the past several years a conflict focused organization.

Fitzergald chuckled as he stood back up. “The truth hurts Eelkom… Good luck to you…”

Raieme thought to himself as Fitzgerald gave some distance. Knowing full well his words were meaningless. “Yeah… Right..”
He grasped the PADDs he held more tightly. “I have faith that it is time to start investing in exploration and true science once more...” His internal voice quivered only slightly, trying to remain strong.


… Sixteen-Hundred Hours – Common Area …


The room stood to attention as the panel entered from the hallway. Rear Admiral Munroe stood forward from the group and took center.

“Thank you all for your patience. All of you have done an excellent job in your preparations this year. Regardless of the outcome, I encourage you all to apply to present at the upcoming annual Starfleet science symposium. There is some great work here!”

The Admiral maintained neutral and stiff composure and looked at each of the officers before him.

“This year’s recipient of the Davis-Dax fellowship is… Lieutenant Commander… Fitzgerald. Congratulations Commander.”


To be continued….


=/\= End Log =/\=

Lieutenant Commander Eelkom Raiem
Starfleet Science / Research & Development

Rear Admiral Andrew Munroe
Starfleet Science / Starfleet Academy

Lieutenant Commander Allan Fitzgerald (NPC – Andrew)
Starfleet Science / Starfleet Security