The XO Meets the Scientist

Posted on 14 May 2026 @ 4:15am by Commander Madelina Barnes & Lieutenant Daynah Ral

1,575 words; about a 8 minute read

Mission: Acceleration
Location: Science
Timeline: February 2, 2391 || 1100 Hours

Maddy walked out the doors of Engineering and back into the main corridor. Her empty cup—once full of her favorite protein shake—was still in her hand. She crossed to the nearest recycling station, lifted the lid, and let the cup fall in with a soft clatter.

Two departments down, more to go.

She brushed her palms against her uniform and composed her thoughts. “Computer,” she said, keeping her tone crisp. “Locate Lieutenant Daynah Ral.”

"Lieutenant Daynah Ral is in Science Lab 13, Deck 17" The computer replied.

“Deck seventeen,” Maddy repeated under her breath, committing it to memory. She pivoted on her heel and headed down the corridor to the nearest turbolift that was located at the end of the junction. As she approached, the door slid open with a soft hiss. She slipped inside, the lights brightening automatically to acknowledge her presence.

“Computer,” she said, straightening as the doors sealed shut. “Deck seventeen.” And with that, she was off.

***

Daynah had been in the lab all morning. She had to get a handle on this sample they collected from a passing asteroid. It was a metallic substance that they had not seen before. So, far it had been slow going and the stress wore a little on Daynah. Her usual well quaffed hair was slightly askew and she had a pencil in her hair. The pencil seemed to hold the hair off her face. "Gorram it. You're a computer and you can't make heads or tails of this thing." She said in frustration. She spoke to the computer often as they seemed to spend a good amount of time together.

The turbolift released Maddy onto deck seventeen with a soft chime, the door parting to reveal a quieter, cooler corridor. Science always felt different from the other departments—less bustle, more thought humming beneath the surface. She followed the curved hallway until the glowing 13 above a lab door came into view.

She slowed her pace.

Protocol first. Especially when she had no idea what kind of experiment Lieutenant Ral, or her department, was knee‑deep in.

Through the narrow window in the door, she caught a glimpse of movement—Daynah Ral pacing around a central workstation, hair slightly disheveled, a pencil jutting from the messy knot holding it back. She stepped to the side panel and pressed her thumb lightly to the sensor. The interface lit up, signaling the chime inside the lab.

“Lieutenant Ral,” Maddy said clearly, keeping her tone neutral. “This is Commander Barnes. Is it safe to enter?”

"Yes by all means. The substance is secure. I apologize for my appearance, but I am having a hard time with whatever this is. But welcome Commander Barnes." Daynah pulled her hair into a pony tail and straightened her uniform tunic.

Maddy stepped through the door after being granted access, the sterile lab air carrying a faint metallic tang that immediately told her she’d come to the right place. She offered the Lieutenant a small, reassuring smile as she approached. “No apology needed, Lieutenant.”

Her gaze flicked briefly to the containment field holding the mysterious sample, then back to Daynah. “I’m here to get acquainted with each department head and see the inner workings of their departments.”

She took a measured step closer to the workstation, careful not to cross any safety boundaries without permission. This was definitely one way to see how things worked here. “You mentioned you’re having trouble with the substance. Something unusual?”

"It is unusual, but at least on the surface it shouldn't be. A metallic substance that seems similar to silver found on Earth. However, it does have some minor radioactive properties hence the protection. The computer can't seem to identify it. So, I have been working element by element to find what it is. Such a task is slow going. But, welcome to the Black Hawk Commander." Daynah said with an easy going smile. She knew the new XO was aboard but did not expect her to make the rounds so quick. It spoke volumes to Daynah that the Commander wanted to hit the proverbial ground running.

Maddy stepped closer to the workstation, hands loosely behind her back as she listened. “Thank you, Lieutenant,” she said, returning the smile. “And I appreciate the welcome. I’ve heard a great deal about the Black Hawk, but seeing the departments in motion is something else entirely.”

She glanced around the lab, then back to Daynah with a hint of curiosity. “How long have you been at it today?”

"Ummm, what day is it?" Daynah began with a laugh. "Actually, I am probably going on the thirteenth hour. Ral needs little sleep, and so he makes sure that I have just enough to stay functioning. At least he does when there is something that has piqued his curiosity." Daynah had a habit of talking about her symbiote as if it was a separate being sometimes. Whenever, she was critiqued for this she simply stated that it was a separate being and should be treated as such.

Maddy’s eyes flicked from the shimmering, contained sample back to Daynah, and the concern settled in almost immediately. Thirteen hours. Even for a joined Trill, that was pushing it. She stepped a little closer, her posture softening but her tone taking on the unmistakable cadence of someone who cared enough to intervene. “Lieutenant… thirteen hours is impressive, but it’s also too much,” she said gently. “I understand Ral’s curiosity—and yours—but neither of you will get anywhere useful if you’re running on fumes.”

Her gaze swept the lab again, taking in the scattered notes, the half‑finished scans, the subtle signs of someone who had been pushing herself past reasonable limits. When she looked back at Daynah, her expression was firm. “I need you to take a break. Not a suggestion—an actual break. Step away from the sample, get something to eat, breathe air that isn’t filtered through a containment field. You’ll think more clearly afterward, and the work will still be here when you return. You’re the Chief of Science for a reason. But even the best minds need rest to stay sharp.”

It is often said that joined Trill are of two minds, this was a moment that proved that thought true. Daynah had an internal argument. On one side there was a person who knew the commander was correct. On the other side was the mind that needed answers and still had none. After a moment of silence where the internal debate raged on Daynah spoke. "Of course, Commander. Too right you are. Would you want to join me?"

“Join you…?” Maddy echoed, a hint of curiosity warming her tone. “What did you have in mind, Lieutenant?”

"The Black Hawk has a great pub of sorts. Talons on Deck six. I think I would be remiss if I did not show the new XO all the amenities." Daynah said with a smile.

Maddy’s expression shifted the moment the word Talons left Daynah’s mouth—recognition first, then a flicker of something warmer, almost amused. “Talons,” she echoed, a small smile tugging at one corner of her mouth. “I know it well. My husband actually just took over managing the lounge.”

She let that settle for a beat, the realization clearly softening her posture. The idea of stopping by suddenly felt less like a detour and more like… well, a pleasant coincidence.

Still, duty tugged at her from the back of her mind. She had a tour to finish, more department heads to meet, a ship to understand from the inside out. But Daynah’s invitation wasn’t frivolous—it was connection, rapport, the kind of thing that made a crew more than names on a roster.

Maddy drew in a thoughtful breath. “I should keep moving through my list,” she admitted, though her tone held no firm refusal. “But… showing the new XO the ship’s amenities does sound like a perfectly valid part of orientation.”

"In a past life I was a Starfleet Captain. I say this so you understand that I speak from experience. You need some food, and a good drink if you intend to make through this inspection. Come on and if you want I will tell you all the dirty secrets of the crew." Daynah smiled warmly. She knew better than most that gaining a friend as soon as you boarded a ship was always useful. She hoped that a friendship had just been sparked.

Maddy’s brow lifted—just a touch, the kind of expression that said bold move, Lieutenant. She cleared her throat softly, posture straightening into something both professional and human. “Lieutenant, I keep up with my wellbeing so I can be the best version of myself while I’m on duty,” she said, tone firm but not unkind. “And I expect my department heads to do the same.”

But the edge in her voice softened as she added, “That being said… you’re right. Food and a drink wouldn’t hurt.”

She gestured toward the door with an open hand, inviting Daynah to fall in beside her. “Come on. If we’re going to visit Talons, we might as well do it before you collapse on your workstation.”

With that, she set their course—deck seven, Talon's, and a much‑needed break for them both.

 

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