Anti-Green Conspirators

Posted on Thu Oct 29th, 2020 @ 7:25am by Captain Luka Mahone & Ensign Eris Ch'Thinor

1,542 words; about a 8 minute read

Mission: Equivalent Exchange
Location: USS Titania, Science Labs
Timeline: MD 08 : 1410 Hrs

Had Captain Luka Mahone thought he would be sitting in Admiral Matthews's ship for more than a couple days cramming a year's worth of knowledge into his head, he would have brought his dog. At least then he could have viably utilized a 'my dog ate my homework' excuse... or at least had some company.

But he was without pup, and therefore on his own. The young Captain could have easily spoken with anyone on the ship, but he felt out of place floating in space among people he wouldn't see in the next few weeks. He should have brought Davna along with him, or at least someone who could have added their sarcastic quips on the matter in front of him.

With little time between lessons, Luka could not make it down to the planet's surface with enough time to make it back. So, he decided to take a small adventure through the science labs. It was one of the few places he could peer in without having someone asking if he was lost. Here, he could peer into an unadulterated look at the inner workings without politics or implications of secrecy.

Simply scientists being... scientists. It was an atmosphere he had wanted when he first decided he wanted to try for Command. There were multiple science vessels out there in Starfleet, but many of them ended up in situations where they had to multi-task. Become diplomats while staving off a potential conflict between one race or the other. Not that Luka thought himself disillusioned enough in thinking he would not also find himself wearing those multiple hats, but he did think he would have himself a small science vessel to do all that in.

Now he had a whole colony to oversee. A colony that would not allow for simple scientific endeavors to be had. Not between the political landscape at the Command level and the hoops he had to go through just to allow any of the scientists to do more than look and discover.

But here, all they had to worry about was a potential Starfleet quarantine or two. Maybe an accidental first contact breech. Gone were the days for Luka to think that was complex.

His gaze caught sight of a young Andorian hard at work and, in his spontenaity, he decided to step into her view, not obstructing the experiment, but enough to let this Andorian know he was there. "... Pardon me, do you mind me asking what you're working on? Purely out of curiosity, of course."

Ensign Eris Ch'Thinor's antennae twitched with momentary irritation as they looked up from their PADD. Upon seeing the four pips of a captain upon their visitor’s collar, both their antennae and back straightened up into a stance close to that of attention. “Sir! Sorry sir, I didn’t see you enter,” they stammered, their face flushed a deep blue. “Um, well sir I’m in the process of cataloguing botanical samples brought up from the surface.”

Luka's eyes widened in surprise. "Oh, oh no. none of that." He waved a hand. "I'm interrupting you. Botanical samples? Are you collecting them from the planet below? We have a number of scientists who have most of that information, if you'd like me to get in contact with them. Perhaps you can compare notes? We've had a hard time trying to determine exactly which plants are and are not detrimental to the health of more than... ah... humans, which is only helpful for... one race of people on the Colony."

Eris relaxed a bit and, with a sigh of relief, responded “yes sir, I believe our chief science officer has been coordinating with the science team below. I’m simply doing the scutwork. However, there are a few samples that grabbed my attention. As you say, Xaeprea's colonial demographic is primarily human,” Eris turned and retrieved a small vial from a nearby tray and held it up “and something like this particular strain of Toxicodendron from the coastal rainforests would only present a mere irritation. But to some species, exposure to even a small amount can cause severe complications.” They paused to return the vial to its tray, a thoughtful look playing across their face as their antennae curved towards Captain Mahone. “Out of curiosity, Captain, what’s the makeup of the biology team on Haumea Colony?”

"I imagine quite a bit of the plant life here could upset even some of the more robust immune systems," Luka mused as he observed first the vial, then the specimens around them. Then his gaze turned to the Andorian. "That... depends on the nature of why you're asking, I think. The colony is large enough, and I must confess, I don't make visits to the scientific facilities to give you an accurate answer. We do have quite a few biologists on the colony, if... that helps."

Eris’ antennae twisted thoughtfully as they appeared to ponder a moment. “With such a large team, I’m sure you have things well handled planetside. On the other hand, it is an entire planet. . .” Their eyes locked on Luka’s as they appeared to make up their mind about something. “I have extensive expertise in xenobotany, and I’m no slouch at xenobiology either. If you need a hand, or an antennae, to assist down there I would be happy to apply for a transfer. Besides, it would be nice to round out my personnel file with some work down the gravity well, so to speak.”

Luka blinked. Then blinked again. And, for added measure, added some more blinking. "I... hadn't thought about it," he admitted. "We are trying to re-assemble a more thorough team, and a xenobotanist would certainly not hurt. - How many times have you been planetside?" Luka turned the question upon them, concern on his brow. "Have you been able to take a chance to look around at what we have to offer currently? As exciting as new discoveries can be, I don't want you to find out that you have an aversion to metal-eating animals and coniferous trees."

“I attended the Academy on Earth, did the same survival training as anyone else” they said with a hint of defensiveness. Then, sheepishly, they added, “Aside from that, I’ve lived my whole life on starbases and ships.” They noticed Luka’s brow furrow in concern and quickly explained, “On board the Al-Biruni I led a team of technicians to maintain the ship’s arboretum. And while I may not have experience with metal-eating animals, I found California’s redwoods to be one of the high-points of living planetside. I may not have as much experience as others, but I know I can do this job.”

"I'm not the least bit worried about experience," Luka stated, holding up a hand, "And please, I do not want you to think I'm concerned because of that. Haumea is not known for it's appealing landscapes and fun retirement plans. I wanted to make sure you were alright with it and weren't being put up to it by the Admiral or anything. You don't have to prove yourself to me, you already know way more on xenobotany than I ever hoped to. I do recommend you speak with Lieutenant Commander Brott as well. I'm sure he has his own... unique perspective." There was a pause, before Luka offered her a reassuring smile. "But, if the Chief of Science doesn't dissuade you and you don't go running in the face of marines, I wouldn't mind arranging a transfer for someone with your skills."

“Not to worry, sir, I would be surprised if the Admiral knows who I am. I’ll contact Commander Brott at the end of my shift, I’m sure he’d be amenable to the transfer. And…” Eris leaned in conspiratorially, “if we’re talking about the same Marines that have been living on Titania these past few weeks, giving them a wide berth shouldn’t be a problem. Most of them have little interest in laboratory work.”

Luka leaned in with Eris, caught up in the moment of the emotion. It took a beat, but he smiled at their opinion. "I'm pleased to hear I'm not the only one who'll think that on the colony. Do let me know if you have any issues with a transfer request. I'll see what I can do on my en-" he paused at the chirrup of his commbadge. "That... is probably the Admiral now, come to think of it. I shouldn't keep you any longer." He took a step back, nodding his head in respect. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Ensign, and I hope to see much more of you in the days to come."

And, pleasantries exchanged, Luka turned and took his leave.

As the doors slid shut behind the Captain, Eris let out a shout of excitement. They returned to their work cataloguing samples while cheerfully humming a tune. They thought to themselves that Xaeprea was just about as far as one can get from Andoria, and maybe the colony below could offer the new start they had been looking for.

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