A/N April 14, 2012- It was brought up to me that there is no "Lieutenant First Class" rank in Starfleet (or anything else) and to be honest, I don't know where I got it from. This chapter and the references in Chapter 17 have been changed accordingly. Let me know if I missed any in other chapters.
Original notes: This chapter came about because any time you try and figure out just HOW things work on Voyager you find that the writers never really thought one whit about it in lieu of 'dramatic' situations. For example, the Maquis crew all have 'Provisional' ranks which I wanted to get rid of and B'Elanna, according to some sources is a Lieutenant, Junior Class. So, I tried to make some sense of things and impose some order into the chaos. Creative license and all. This will continue a bit into the next chapter although that one will be a bit more fun I hope. Oh, and while I'm sure there'd be a replicator in the briefing room, I kept it out so my running Janeway-and-coffee gag could get some play. ;)
Chapter 16- Research and Administration
B'Elanna and Seven stood on either side of the viewscreen at the front of the room. Seven nodded to B'Elanna.
"Thank you Captain. As you all know, Seven and I were injured on our most recent away mission. The repercussions of this whole thing got me thinking and having some access to mission logs I did some research into previous away missions. Is anyone here aware that in the seven years we've been in the Delta Quadrant that we've gone on 183 away missions and there have been injuries ranging from mild to fatal on 71 on of those?"
Other than Tuvok and the Doctor, surprise flashed across every face in the room. "You don't have to tell me Lieutenant, I remember each and every time I've had to patch this crew up after an away mission. You still hold the cumulative record of eight concussions, seventeen broken bones and one alien parasite." The Doctor scoffed. Seven lifted an inquisitive brow towards her friend.
"Really?" was all Janeway could say. She looked between B'Elanna and the Doctor. She'd never really thought about away mission attrition. Each away mission was simply a new mission for her and they were all necessary on one level or another.
"It is likely, Lieutenant, that if you had higher security clearance, you would have concluded that on several of those missions completed without injury, certain actions taken and conditions experienced were conducive to an increased risk of injury as well." Tuvok stated matter-of-factly.
"Exactly. That's my point. Are we really ok with this?" B'Elanna was looking directly at the Captain.
Janeway furrowed her brow. "I'm not sure what you're getting at Lieutenant, we're Starfleet; danger is part of the job."
"Danger, yes- but what about risk? Does the risk always need to be so high? In all of Earth's history, military branches worked to ensure the safety of their members. Helmets and some sort of protective armour were a staple of Human military equipment. This trend even continued into Starfleet until the mid 2280's. Doctor, can you please enlighten us as to the medical advances pioneered during this time?"
The Doctor's matrix sharpened in pride as the attention of the room focused on him. "Well, during the 2270's through to the 2290's, medical technology and techniques advanced by practical leaps and bounds. Revolutionary procedures by Dr. Leonard McCoy; the first dermal regenerators and bone knitters as well as the cranial hemotoma reducers, cranial pressure nullifiers-"
"So basically, it was the advent of medical technology and practices that made older issues of cuts, broken bones and below level-3 brain trauma a virtual thing of the past?" B'Elanna cut the Doctor off knowing he'd talk forever if she let him.
The Doctor bristled mildly but composed himself. "In layman's terms, that is correct but only the tip of the iceberg in terms of-" B'Elanna cut him off again.
"Thank you Doctor- my point is that we've stopped protecting our people because our technology has evolved our society to not view certain risks as they once would have. I for one do not enjoy concussions, broken bones and lacerations, no matter how easily they are healed these days. It reminds me of a… discussion Seven and I had one time in Engineering regarding my rejection of her proposal to change the power regulation valves on the EPS relay grid connectors to a Borg design."
The Captain held in her snort but rolled her eyes mildly. B'Elanna glanced at Seven whose normally stoic face was showing the tiniest beginnings of a smirk. "Our… 'discussion' finally ended when I was able to explain to Seven that although the Borg design was more efficient, it caused an unacceptable heat build up in the valves that would require the valve to be replaced on a regular basis. On a Borg cube that is easily done due to the number of available working Drones and the available resources to continually replace the valves. It is simply not practical to do on Voyager. It was the mindset that needed a change, not the idea."
It was Tuvok that spoke up. His interest was genuinely piqued if he understood the Chief correctly. "Starfleet security protocols have evolved in a certain manner that protects rank but not necessarily personnel. You are suggesting the creation of armour for away team missions?"
"In a way. What I'm proposing is a small auxiliary joint department between Science and Engineering. Most project proposals that go to the Captain or I can often be put into one of two categories: Ship Modifications or Independent Projects. Ship modification projects basically encompass the entirety of Engineering and are often limited simply by resources, the technological interface, maintenance issues, etc. Independent Projects, however, often simply go straight to the Captain who often has to set aside or reject many proposals simply due to the fact that there is no proper department or personnel to handle them, correct Captain?"
"It is." Janeway thought she'd give B'Elanna and Seven the opportunity to further explain their idea before asking questions.
"Don't we also perform all the scientific duties that an exploratory Starfleet vessel does when possible?"
"We do."
"But we don't do much more than collect information, do we? Data collection is often how far things go unless we're in an emergency situation at which time it usually falls upon us on the Senior staff to step in and put the extra hours in to solve the problem." A quiet round of affirmative murmurs swept the table. Lieutenant Myles could only nod in agreement; the Senior staff was legendary for going above and beyond the call of duty for Voyager.
"We simply don't have the personnel for standard research. We have Xenobiologists, Stellar cartographers and general sciences personnel and if not for the fact that Ensign Wildman keeps it mostly held together and reports to Commander Chakotay, there wouldn't even be a stable Science Department on Voyager."
"You just said Sciences is understaffed and Engineering is often too taxed, how could we create another new department?" Janeway's curiosity towards what her Chief of Engineering and Astrometrics officer were planning was growing by the minute. So far Seven had said very little.
"Captain, what I would propose is this: all the sciences and their personnel be consolidated into a definitive Sciences department with a defined hierarchy and officially ranked Science officer. I can think of no one better for this position than Seven of Nine. It is time we recognized the work Seven has done for us and she has the intelligence and skill to completely oversee the amalgamated Science department on Voyager."
Seven was staring open-mouthed at B'Elanna. Well, 'open-mouthed' as far as the ex-Borg went. Her eyes had widened slightly and her lips parted at the sharp intake of air. B'Elanna had proposed her overseeing the Science department and their heading the new joint department, which she said she would do if granted the opportunity, but had not mentioned she thought Seven deserved a rank and official title. B'Elanna for her part thought it would be a nice surprise and show the Captain that it wasn't ego that drove the brilliant ex-Borg beauty- not that she ever thought the Captain would think that. Putting the Captain on the spot on occasion was also worth the risk in her eyes.
Janeway overcame her initial shock at the proposal as the sense of it worked its way through her mind. While promotions within departments were something that she could rarely do here in the Delta Quadrant, Seven was already 'officially' a part of the Senior staff and she certainly had the ability to oversee an amalgamated Science department which currently had no head. It was pretty much currently in a holding pattern- the same holding pattern it has been in since the Caretaker pulled Voyager into the Delta Quadrant. She looked at B'Elanna and Seven. Seven seemed genuinely surprised at what B'Elanna had said.
Chakotay began to speak. "Captain-" The Captain's raised hand cut him off.
"You know the powers I've been granted by Starfleet in our more recent communications- The Starfleet Rite of Conscription is not to be used idly, but it has a purpose."
"That was to remove command barriers during wartime, pardon petty criminals with starship experience and to allow for the full pardoning of the former Maquis among the crew here, Captain. It was also so you'd be able to remove the "Provisional" prefix from our ranks." Chakotay ran practically on automatic during staff meetings.
"It does not preclude the unique nature of our situation, Chakotay. The facts are that Seven is more than qualified to head a Science department on a Federation starship. Her gaining a rank is actually something that should have come a long time ago. We've asked her to know and follow our rules and she has done so… within reason- as have we all. While Seven could be considered a non-com and therefore qualify for Master Chief Petty Officer, I feel that her expertise, knowledge of Starfleet procedures and her experiences aboard Voyager should elevate her to commissioned status. Therefore, I believe that a rank of Lieutenant, Fist Class would be more than deserved." She looked to both Tuvok and Chakotay.
"I believe that Seven of Nine's service record would immediately qualify her for that rank and responsibilities associated. I would, however, insist she complete a standard Starfleet Commission Test, for her file."
"Commander?" Janeway threw an inquisitive eye at her first officer.
"I have to point out the fact that you are appointing a former Borg a Starfleet rank- but I trust you Captain." Chakotay knew there was little he could say at this point and his weak smile did not help matters. Seven was more than qualified and Voyager was not a democracy. His objections were mostly habit as he didn't particularly care. It seemed that he would end up with less work out of this deal, so he kept his mouth shut.
"So noted. Computer: Replicate Officers pips, rank Lieutenant and beam them directly to the briefing room."
After the blue glow faded, a small box sat on the conference table directly in front of the Captain. For the briefest moment, she wondered why she had never had a replicator installed in the room. She stood after taking the box and the rest of the room got up and stood at attention. B'Elanna turned to face Seven and began a salute with the biggest smile she could muster. The rest of the room followed suit, with Chakotay being last, as the Captain approached Seven.
"You can still refuse, you know." She gave Seven her best pointed smile. Seven briefly glanced at B'Elanna who gave the slightest of nods so Seven shook her head.
"Let it be noted in Ship's log that Seven of Nine, formerly Annika Hansen is hereby granted the full field commission of Lieutenant as a Starfleet officer by myself, Captain Kathryn Janeway under the authority of Starfleet Command. She is also granted the title of Science Officer in charge of a newly restructured Science department on Voyager and the responsibilities associated. Computer: note the stardate." She stepped back after pinning the pips to Seven's think plum-coloured collar. She snapped into a salute joining the rest of the members standing at attention.
Seven may have been in shock, but she was able to snap a crisp salute in response to her Captain who was grinning like a Cheshire cat. Janeway dropped her salute after a moment and the rest of those gathered followed suit. Seven was the last to drop her arm.
"I-I... Thank you Captain, all of you. This- this is unexpected- but very welcome."
"It's been long overdue, Seven." B'Elanna was still smiling as she spoke. A quick round of congratulations followed from everyone in the room, including Chakotay, although his lacked the enthusiasm of the rest- which included Tuvok and his display of rare praise by using words like 'efficient', 'exemplary' and 'punctual'.
"Oh my, this is exciting! I think this calls for a celebration, I could whip up a nice leola root puree..." Neelix was half-way through planning a full meal before he even finished his sentence. Tom's eyes were beginning to light up at the possibility of a party.
"No thank you, Mr. Neelix, I believe I will be too busy in the near future to participate in a 'party'. This is more than enough." Seven certainly didn't think her gaining a commission was something worth wasting ships resources on; resources she and B'Elanna were going to be needing access to.
"Seven's right Neelix, but I always love your enthusiasm- besides, you should be planning for this away mission leaving in two days, Ambassador." Sometimes the Captain found it necessary to stick a pin in the jolly Talaxian's enthusiasm for the good of the ship.
'Besides, a nice celebratory cake will cap a nice roast dinner I have planned for Seven this evening anyway...'
"Now, everyone sit and let's hear the rest of Seven and B'Elanna's proposal, so far what we have is an approved amalgamated and condensed Science Division headed by Lieutenant Hansen herself, but I would like to hear the rest of it, ladies?"
B'Elanna now nodded to Seven after everyone had seated. "Captain, Lieutenant Torres and I propose to create a new department specifically for the purpose of Independent Project "Research and Development" which would be co-run by the Lieutenant and I." Seven called up a rotating schematic of a small lab on the viewscreen.
"Ah and so the restructuring of Sciences under you makes even more sense." Janeway tapped her chin in thought.
"How so?" Tom wasn't following, it was all interesting, but he still didn't see where it was all going.
"Captain, if I may?" Harry looked at his Captain who gave a slight nod. "Tom, if Seven is the head of Science and B'Elanna is the head of Engineering, then they do not have to file any requests for data access from either department, it cuts out a lot of unnecessary time and 'red tape' as it were." Tom nodded in understanding as Seven waited patiently for the helmsman to catch up. Lieutenant Myles, who had no real experience with the administrative side of Starfleet outside Security, could see the sense of it.
"We still have to talk about resources here ladies, how will you pull this off?" Janeway had been studying the lab schematic while Harry was talking to Tom.
"Captain, as you know, the creation of the Astrometrics lab was done through the combination and renovation of two previous science and stellar cartography labs. In doing so, Ensign Kim and I re-routed and upgraded sensor power conduits and upgraded the energy capacitors between decks 7 and 8. Above Astrometrics on deck 7 is a small lab that had previously been used for stellar cartography data storage and analysis. Since the creation of Astrometrics, this small lab has not been in use due to redundancy. Lieutenant Torres and I have determined that using a small number of resources, this lab could be easily converted into a technological 'Research and Development' lab, operating on limited hours and drawing power from Astrometrics."
"Specifically, Captain, Seven and I would operate the R&D lab for the first 4 hours after Alpha shift. We both normally work 12 hour shifts in our respective divisions, mostly because we're workaholics, but I've been trying to organize things for a while now to get myself a bit more free time. With Carey running Beta shift in Engineering, and Nicoletti and Gilmore running Gamma shift, I think that in a couple months I can even have Engineering running in non-emergency times on a standard schedule. My crew works their hearts out and have been for seven years, a proper schedule with proper days off would benefit everyone. Carey can float between Alpha and Beta covering my days off and Nicoletti can float between Beta and Gamma covering Carey and Gilmore's days off while getting her own days off in between. The lab we've selected already has a Holographic dias two-point-three metres in diameter which was previously used for up-close analysis of planets and celestial bodies- this would save us from taking up Holodeck time. All we would need is one Engineering-grade replicator installed for working prototypes. Seven has said that Astrometrics operating at 80% power will still provide data on the space around Voyager in a 1000 light-year radius during those four hours we're running the R&D lab."
"B'Elanna, you'd cut back to regular hours in Engineering? This is like a fantasy of mine that doesn't involve Juan Valdez..." she shook her head in a 'never mind' gesture to forestall the questions from the sudden curious faces around the table, "We've still got to discuss Crewman Gilmore, but we can do that in private. And Seven, you'd give up 20% power in Astrometrics for four hours a day?"
"It can be easily done due to the schedule of the scans, Captain. Normally I perform scans at the start of Alpha shift and spend the rest of the shift analyzing the data beginning with the nearest 100 light-years for the Staff meeting reports, and the rest of the radius for the rest of the day. Comparative analysis is also done during this time to catalogue any changes from day to day. I then run scans at the end of Alpha shift for analysis and report during Beta shift. With the restructuring of the Science department, I can assign crewmen to do the analysis on the 'afternoon' scan during Beta shift for my review the next day. This is of course all on the contingency that we are not in an alert situation."
The proposal actually made a lot of sense to Janeway but she still wanted some things cleared up. "So if I understand this correctly, this new "R&D" department will consist of one lab that currently isn't in use but can be easily converted using minimal resources and one Engineering-grade replicator. The two of you will be running the lab after Alpha shift in essentially a volunteer capacity researching the projects that don't fall into a category that usually requires a whole department. This sounds doable B'Elanna, so lay it out for me, what's the catch?" She knew B'Elanna had something more that she was looking for.
"Secure access Captain, just Seven and I under yours or Tuvok's oversight but with the power to requisition 'experts' if they are willing and able to abide by the proper security protocols- we don't want what we're doing gossiped over the pool table at Sandrines." She looked pointedly at both Tom and the Doctor. Tom was leaning on his elbows at the opposite end of the table. The Doctor bristled mildly but said nothing.
"For example, if we are designing a new helm interface, then we could ask Paris for assistance, but he has no other access in the R&D lab; same would go for Medical and the Doctor, etc. Seven and I feel that one thing is for certain: we need to be more proactive in our defence against the Borg. They are our biggest threat. Every time we encounter the Borg we are left scrambling for ideas with little time, with this R&D lab, we can be constantly doing research, bouncing ideas and creating prototypes- another reason for wanting to create a set of specialized armour for the crew, Captain."
Myles perked up at this. The logistics part of the proposal wasn't really up her alley, but getting new armour certainly was. She never liked going on away missions with so little protection, it made her feel exposed. She wanted in. She looked to Tuvok who seemed to be in deep thought although he returned her look with a small nod before speaking.
"Captain, I believe this may be a worthwhile venture. Having a lab dedicated to researching new ideas in several fields including combating the Borg on a regular basis could potentially benefit Voyager greatly. I do, however, have two requests."
"Go ahead Tuvok." The Captain felt that if Tuvok was approving, it justified her own current willingness to give this idea a go.
"First, I believe that in order to maintain a consistent level of access for Lieutenants Hansen and Torres, Lieutenant Torres will need to be promoted to full Lieutenant as well. Second, I would like to have oversight on this department; however, my time is already limited. I feel that Security would also need to have access if there will be weapon and armour research being produced. If Lieutenant Myles would be amenable, she is more than qualified to be of assistance to Lieutenants Hansen and Torres, her weapons and combat expertise would be useful and I would like her to be the representative assigned from ship's security who reports directly to me."
Tuvok may be Vulcan and may have mainly tactile telepathic abilities, but he could feel the anger rolling off Lieutenant Torres towards Commander Chakotay during the meeting. Although the Commander hadn't spoken up regarding oversight, he would have been within his rights to do so. Cutting off any potential conflict seemed to be the rational choice for the Vulcan. It also made sense to have a Security presence within the division anyway.
"You may be right old friend, but we have to maintain a chain of command, with two more Lieutenants, who has chain of command priority in an emergency?"
B'Elanna spoke up before Tuvok could respond. "Captain, if I have to take the con in an emergency, we are already in enough trouble that chain of command is probably a moot point anyway. You really want first contact to be done by 'Captain B'Elanna'? We'd end up in twice the number of scrums we do now."
Janeway snorted, "Just twice the number?" she quickly held up her hand and gave a wicked smile to the half-Klingon. B'Elanna just rolled her eyes- the remark probably wasn't that much of an exaggeration in truth.
"I just want it clear that we're equals in the R&D lab and that I am Queen of my domain- Engineering- outside that, Seven can boss me around all she wants." B'Elanna crossed her arms and threw a slight mock-challenging look at her ex-Borg compatriot. Seven resisted the urge to roll her eyes and tilted her head slightly in acquiescence.
"Seven, you'll have to take the Bridge Officer's Test, the sooner the better maybe the day after you take the Starfleet Commission Test as well. I'll talk to Tuvok and administer the tests myself while he is away. Can I assume that neither of you will have any issues working with Lieutenant Myles? She'll be there for assistance and insight- which I can tell you from experience is pretty useful to a scientist- final decisions will be up to the two of you."
B'Elanna simply nodded to Lieutenant Myles and looked at Seven who answered. "That is acceptable Captain."
Janeway then turned to Myles. "So, how do you feel about being volunteered for even more work?"
Myles was practically rubbing her hands together in anticipation. "If I can help and it does not interfere with my current duties, this is the kind of thing that is right up my 'alley' as the old saying goes."
"Good. Chakotay?" Janeway was surprised he'd been so quiet.
"Sounds like a good idea to me Captain, I just hope Seven doesn't go offering herself back to the Borg, it would make the whole thing pointless." He didn't notice the look of venom that briefly flickered across B'Elanna's face.
"You're walking a dangerous line Commander. I think we can all safely say that Seven has no desire to back to the Collective- any more than the rest of us would and I trust you to remember that." Her voice was low and the warning was clear. The big man merely nodded and gave another of his classic 'stupid grins'.
The Captain then turned back to the two women standing at the front of the room and smiled. "I officially approve of this plan. Ladies, I want full documentation on my desk by 1600 hours with the proper requisition for resources you'll need. Seven, you now have two days to restructure and organize the Sciences division and I'll expect a full report on the details of how you are going to run things by the end of the week; your first report to the Senior staff encompassing all of the Science division will be at next week's meeting- but Seven, let's keep it under 40 minutes if you please, just give us the highlights. This can't interfere with your work with the Doctor this week either, B'Elanna. You ladies are volunteering for more work; I hope you're ready for it."
"Thank you Captain and we are." Both Seven and B'Elanna moved back to their seats and slid several PADDs over to the Captain. Her eyes widened slightly at the arrival of the PADDs but somehow she should have known better.
"Well, thank you ladies. Now, if no one minds, I'd like to break for lunch. We can get staff reactions when we come back in 30 minutes and B'Elanna, shall I make a big 'to do' over your new pips, or can I give them to you after lunch?"
B'Elanna laughed. "After lunch is fine Captain."
End Chapter 16