Kingship: fitting science officers into a survey ship

A newly discovered phenomenon prompts Kingship's fictional admiralty to put science officers and small astrophysics teams aboard survey ships. They analyze sensor information but remain outside the operational chain of command and hold no authority over the rest of the crew. Rachel Scott wants the posting because it combines research with her wish to serve in space. Endeavor's laboratories and central computer allow her to continue theoretical work, while the long periods of routine surveying provide field experience. The captain worries that an officer without much shipboard experience will become another responsibility for the command team. He also questions whether the monotonous daily work will occupy a scientist with her qualifications.