Season 2 Episode 3: Monsoon Season

[Johannes Kentrat]

[Operations Center, USS Gibson]

Not bad, Ensign. Not bad at all.

You have 10 minutes Ensign to have the amplifiers ready and beamed into position. How is your Shotakan? Oh, and do not forget your mask en route to the landing party.

[USS Gibson - Landing on Shotaka]

It was not often Knox was annoyed at an entire race. But for destroying their own planet due to industrial ambition and technological advancement. Yes. She was annoyed.

For over three millennia harmony had existed between all species and the ecosystem. However the Shotakan's greed, carelessness and negligence lead to catastrophic consequences, scarring the landscape and permanently changing life on Shotaka forever.

[Shotaka]

Fortunately, the mask that the Doctor had prescribed allowed Knox to breath, however as she stepped outside and looked around, she held her breath.

How? How could they let this happen?

Though the mask also prevented her eyes from stinging, they still began to tear up by the sight. No animal, nor insect or plant life could be detected across the vast stacks that spanned the entire horizon. Pockets of cold dense air swirled between dry hot air leaving the lingering smell of ethanol and burnt keratin. Holographic vegetation began to fail in patches and the 'bubbles' of protected areas rippled and occasionally 'burst' revealing the true sky. Deadly acid rain fell and life support failed.

The planet was dying and the Federation knew it would take a miracle.

[Transporter Room, USS Gibson]

He didn't answer the quip about his Shotakan; he honestly couldn't tell if it was a joke. With as quickly as she spoke, it was hard to really get any response in, but he was busy slaving the amplifier network. The central sphere would act as a constant point, keeping orbit above the operational field at all times, while the relays built a sort of communications cage around it. Once the speed was constant and readings kept in, he sent off the control to Sciences. Operations could get access from them as trying to piecemeal every control would eat into his precious ten minutes.

"Sciences, you have the amps. Tell Meteorology that they're welcome." 

He felt the need to crack his facade, just a bit. Some jovial remnants would be necessary for his first trip to an actual planet. Mask in hand, he went on his way. He was so in a rush to meet utter ruin.

[Shotaka]

There was no sky in any study material that matched the utter ochre of the expanse above him. The floor of this decrepit old world had eczema, peeling in layers of solid film and crumbling to brimstone airs. The only beauty was in that film; its yellow gloss splitting sunlight into rainbows before it died. Johannes had the face of someone in a Starfleet instructional film, ready for tough work with eyes sprawling over the horizons. Yet his words betrayed him. His lips barely moved as he stood shoulder to shoulder with the commander.

"We don't have the room."

[Daniel Howell]

U.S.S. Gibson - en route to Engineering
Dan had been in his quarters since he had boarded the Gibson, awaiting for the ship to get closer to Shotaka before heading down to Engineering. The engineering department on the Gibson what some what on a reduced scale of what the department was on the base, which did create issues of it's own, such as a distinct lack of space, issues that could be quite easily overcome. He was walking down the corridor leading to Main Engineering, wondering what sort of challenges they would be facing with. Dan didn't really know much on Shotaka, only that they used some kind of bubble domes to prevent acid rain causing damage to the inhabitants and the environment.

Main Engineering
He turned the last corner as the entrance doors swung open. Engineering was quieter than Dan was expecting. Guess we're still waiting on crew. he thought to himself, before looking around thinking Place could do with a spruce up to. He carried on further in, revealing the quaint warp core the Gibson carried on it. He checked the matter/anti-matter reaction chamber which was well within tolerated levels. It was only then he spotted Jenna and Molly. He walked over to them calling their names as he approached from behind. "Jenna, Molly, how are you two today?"

[Michael J. Tritter]

[Bridge - USS Gibson]

"Coming up on Shotaka....now." The helm officer said, easing off the warp engines. The Gibson's high speed streak ended and they dropped into subspace.

" Welcome to Shotaka, traveler. " A disembodied, pleasant and feminine voice said the moment the planet appeared below them. " A great place to do business. Welcome to Shotaka, traveler. A gr-gr-great place to do b-b-business. Welcome...to...Sho... "

"Clean that up." The admiral demanded.

"It's an automated message and the problem is with the equipment on their side, sir. Sensors show that acid rain storms are sweeping over the planet. Anything unshielded is taking damage."

"Hail them."

"...nothing, admiral. No response."

"Move us into orbit over the most highly populated city." Adeyemi answered. He turned to Tritter.

"Looks like we're going in blind, commander. Still, they know we're coming. From the mission reports, I've outlined something for each department. We'll give our people a free hand while you and I coordinate and talk with the planetary leaders." The admiral handed over another PADD to Tritter. "Here's what I got."

The PADD read:

" This is Admiral Adeyemi to all hands. In 34 hours a storm system will decimate Shotaka on a planetary scale. We will prevent it. All senior officers, enlisted personnel, and designated civilians will soon receive orders. These people need our help, and by the grace of God we will save them and their world. Adeyemi out. "

[Location: USS Gibson, Bridge]

Tritter remained focused on the Admiral, he than nodded slightly after they finished speaking. He than replied with "Understood Sir, but we need to keep our heads on a swivel... Two and two is not adding up to four" His heavily accented voice was confident yet had a slight hint of concern as he spoke. This wasn't their typical tactical mission, but he knew that they had to treat it as one and get in fast, the element of surprise might be their best bet. He was pretty much ready to go, thats how the man's mind worked, he wasn't the type to be unprepared, ever.

[Operations Center, USS Gibson]

Not bad, Ensign. Not bad at all.

You have 10 minutes Ensign to have the amplifiers ready and beamed into position. How is your Shotakan? Oh, and do not forget your mask en route to the landing party.

[USS Gibson - Landing on Shotaka]

It was not often Knox was annoyed at an entire race. But for destroying their own planet due to industrial ambition and technological advancement. Yes. She was annoyed.

For over three millennia harmony had existed between all species and the ecosystem. However the Shotakan's greed, carelessness and negligence lead to catastrophic consequences, scarring the landscape and permanently changing life on Shotaka forever.

[Shotaka]

Fortunately, the mask that the Doctor had prescribed allowed Knox to breath, however as she stepped outside and looked around, she held her breath.

How? How could they let this happen?

Though the mask also prevented her eyes from stinging, they still began to tear up by the sight. No animal, nor insect or plant life could be detected across the vast stacks that spanned the entire horizon. Pockets of cold dense air swirled between dry hot air leaving the lingering smell of ethanol and burnt keratin. Holographic vegetation began to fail in patches and the 'bubbles' of protected areas rippled and occasionally 'burst' revealing the true sky. Deadly acid rain fell and life support failed.

The planet was dying and the Federation knew it would take a miracle.

Tritter had reviewed the PADD the Admiral had given him as well, he proceeded to read through the PADD. It had orders, as well as information about the planet's atmosphere, which was fairly similar to what Human's typically breathed, although it was advised they carry masks to protect them from the acid in the atmosphere. He also had an environmental suit packed away as well, in case they were needed. Tritter than received notification that they were within teleporter range of the planet. He than looked at the Admiral and said, "Ready to move Sir?" His heavily accented voice was oddly calm and confident as he spoke, he was eerily comfortable heading headlong into new situations.

[Malcolm Adeyemi]

[Location: USS Gibson, Bridge]

Tritter remained focused on the Admiral, he than nodded slightly after they finished speaking. He than replied with "Understood Sir, but we need to keep our heads on a swivel... Two and two is not adding up to four" His heavily accented voice was confident yet had a slight hint of concern as he spoke. This wasn't their typical tactical mission, but he knew that they had to treat it as one and get in fast, the element of surprise might be their best bet. He was pretty much ready to go, thats how the man's mind worked, he wasn't the type to be unprepared, ever.

Tritter had reviewed the PADD the Admiral had given him as well, he proceeded to read through the PADD. It had orders, as well as information about the planet's atmosphere, which was fairly similar to what Human's typically breathed, although it was advised they carry masks to protect them from the acid in the atmosphere. He also had an environmental suit packed away as well, in case they were needed. Tritter than received notification that they were within teleporter range of the planet. He than looked at the Admiral and said, "Ready to move Sir?" His heavily accented voice was oddly calm and confident as he spoke, he was eerily comfortable heading headlong into new situations.

[Shotaka]

Adeyemi stepped out onto the scorched hellscape. The landing are awas covered, but not protected from the wind or the stench. There was a scent of burning in the air, not an honest smell like wood smoke, but something that left an unpleasant, metallic tang in his nose and mouth. A lucky handful of rain drops swirled under the covering above them and scattered across his boots. Immediately the little drops started to smolder, eating into the material. In a few minutes he'd feel a sting, the acid in the toxic downpour biting into his skin.

There were a half dozen beings under a communal bubble shield that had began making their way over to them the moment the Gibson's ramp had lowered. From a distance, Adeyemi couldn't make out faces, not even if they were humanoid. A few seemed to be using personal vehicles to move about.

"I'm ready. Let's step off, commander." The admiral showed him how it was done, walking down the ramp, listening to the constant pattering of acid rain on the flimsy roof above them.

"Admiral Adeyemi?" A robotic voice asked when they were within earshot.

He squinted through the ever present smoggy haze. The figures finally became clear.

Given that their environment was constantly trying to destroy them, Adeyemi was surprised that they relied on so much technology. All wore masks or helmets of some kind, or had robotic limbs. Two of them were using joystick guided, tri-wheeled personal vehicles to walk. As they drew closer, he could spot the signs of generations of birth defects.

The one with the robot voice did not have a mouth, simply a loose, pouchy throat on top of which was a pair of lips that were slack and without muscle. The ones using the trikes to 'walk' had shriveled legs, guided their vehicles with weak, undersized arms. He saw crossed eyes, meager looking bones underneath their skin, and all of them wheezed, as if the act of moving about was simply exhausting.

"I'm Adeyemi. This is my first officer, Commander Michael Tritter." He said. He was suddenly aware of how hale and healthy both of them appeared. Mike was a colossus of fitness, and Adeyemi was a sleek older man with honed muscles and a confident air. They must appear quite the pair.

"Welcome to our prosperous planet, Admiral and commander." The robotic voice said as sad, cloudy eyes took in them both. "We need your help."

[Michael J. Tritter]

[Shotaka]

Adeyemi stepped out onto the scorched hellscape. The landing are awas covered, but not protected from the wind or the stench. There was a scent of burning in the air, not an honest smell like wood smoke, but something that left an unpleasant, metallic tang in his nose and mouth. A lucky handful of rain drops swirled under the covering above them and scattered across his boots. Immediately the little drops started to smolder, eating into the material. In a few minutes he'd feel a sting, the acid in the toxic downpour biting into his skin.

There were a half dozen beings under a communal bubble shield that had began making their way over to them the moment the Gibson's ramp had lowered. From a distance, Adeyemi couldn't make out faces, not even if they were humanoid. A few seemed to be using personal vehicles to move about.

"I'm ready. Let's step off, commander." The admiral showed him how it was done, walking down the ramp, listening to the constant pattering of acid rain on the flimsy roof above them.

"Admiral Adeyemi?" A robotic voice asked when they were within earshot.

He squinted through the ever present smoggy haze. The figures finally became clear.

Given that their environment was constantly trying to destroy them, Adeyemi was surprised that they relied on so much technology. All wore masks or helmets of some kind, or had robotic limbs. Two of them were using joystick guided, tri-wheeled personal vehicles to walk. As they drew closer, he could spot the signs of generations of birth defects.

The one with the robot voice did not have a mouth, simply a loose, pouchy throat on top of which was a pair of lips that were slack and without muscle. The ones using the trikes to 'walk' had shriveled legs, guided their vehicles with weak, undersized arms. He saw crossed eyes, meager looking bones underneath their skin, and all of them wheezed, as if the act of moving about was simply exhausting.

"I'm Adeyemi. This is my first officer, Commander Michael Tritter." He said. He was suddenly aware of how hale and healthy both of them appeared. Mike was a colossus of fitness, and Adeyemi was a sleek older man with honed muscles and a confident air. They must appear quite the pair.

"Welcome to our prosperous planet, Admiral and commander." The robotic voice said as sad, cloudy eyes took in them both. "We need your help."

[Location: Shotaka]

Tritter had taken a moment after the ramp came down. It was a very hostile and "unsafe" smell that put his nerves on edge. The haze about the planet made it hard to identify anything more than about one hundred feet away. He also felt thd occasional sting of acid rain drops on his skin, although the man did not flinch, as he had experienced much worse pain in his life.

He than noticed the bubble making their way towards him, instinctively, he covered his phaser pistol incase they were to come under attack. Once the Admiral spoke, he nodded slightly and made his way down the ramp. He carried himself with his inate confidence as he moved.

Tritter carefully studied each of the figures, they had significant defects and they made him a bit edgy. The half humanoid, half mechnical types were foreign to him. He allowed the Admiral to do the speaking, his focus was on the group that had approached them.

[Jenna McKinson]

U.S.S. Gibson - en route to Engineering
Dan had been in his quarters since he had boarded the Gibson, awaiting for the ship to get closer to Shotaka before heading down to Engineering. The engineering department on the Gibson what some what on a reduced scale of what the department was on the base, which did create issues of it's own, such as a distinct lack of space, issues that could be quite easily overcome. He was walking down the corridor leading to Main Engineering, wondering what sort of challenges they would be facing with. Dan didn't really know much on Shotaka, only that they used some kind of bubble domes to prevent acid rain causing damage to the inhabitants and the environment.

Main Engineering
He turned the last corner as the entrance doors swung open. Engineering was quieter than Dan was expecting. Guess we're still waiting on crew. he thought to himself, before looking around thinking Place could do with a spruce up to. He carried on further in, revealing the quaint warp core the Gibson carried on it. He checked the matter/anti-matter reaction chamber which was well within tolerated levels. It was only then he spotted Jenna and Molly. He walked over to them calling their names as he approached from behind. "Jenna, Molly, how are you two today?"

[ Main Engineering ]

Molly was humming lightly as Jenna was running routine scans. They worked like a well oiled machine together. Though they were a couple, they swore it would not interfere with their work life. It was nice if they were on shift together, but those times where they got free time  together that they cherished most. Molly heard Dan first and poked Jenna lightly in the side.

The two ladies the turned to greet Dan. "I am doing well Dan. How are you?"Molly replied first. "I am doing great Chief. I saw the Doctor about my headaches,"Jenna said adjusting her glasses. "I don't think I'm out of the woods with all the pains, but this is much better." Besides the painful burning headaches due to the light sensitivity, her joints had a nasty habit or hurting or even feeling like they were on fire. Had she seen Cicero herself or even Mr. M, she wouldn't mind risking jail time for retribution.

[T'Prina]

:: USS Gibson | Sickbay ::

The doors to the Gibson's miniscule infirmary swept open with the typical hydraulic hiss. Through them limped/hopped/staggered what might have appeared to any uninitiated onlooker as the victims of a car crash or other such calamity. Kyan himself was sporting a black eye, which was nearly closed by the swelling, a bloodied nose, and held his right arm close to his chest, the hand and wrist hanging at an odd angle. Various other cuts, scrapes, and welts adorned his body as well, which was bare form the waist up. His gait also indicated a leg injury of some sort.

The woman with him was no better off. A makeshift bandage around her head was nearly soaked through with blood. Her nose appeared to be broken. The ring finger on her left hand was dislocated, and she was limping as well. The same cuts, bruises, and welts that adorned her little travel partner also dotted the ebony landscape of her own person.

The two of them would have been a sad sight indeed, leaning on one another for support and limping/staggering into the cramped sickbay.

They would have been.... had both their visages not been marked by smiles and laughter. Those however, fell away as the two of them got inside the room and noticed the open mouthed stares and gasps from the medics on hand.

Kyan squinted through his good eye at those assembled. "Oi, an 'ave ye never laid yer eyes on such injuries as these before that yer so awestruck?" he asked the room with a pained giggle. "Yet yer tools out an' get tae work!"

His ebony hued partner was somewhat less brash in this case, but spoke up also. "Fell down some stairs." she deadpanned.

[NPC Post as Dr. Jack Connors - USS Gibson - Sickbay]

Dr. Connors raised an eyebrow, a close imitation of the Vulcans he so admired. He didn't buy their story for a second, and neither did any of the techs. The Doctor kept his face neutral and tone of voice bland.

"I was unaware these vessels came standard with buttered stairs. Perhaps it would be safer for you both to use a turbolift next time."

A slight clearing of his throat brought the others back to focus and they began to resume their tasks. He directed the Edosian nurse, Cadet Ch'tuntha, who had come along for the trip to see to the Chief while he worked on the Lieutenant. A quick scan with the medical tricorder told him the injuries were mostly superficial.

"Lt. Mackenzie, correct? Your reputation proceeds you. Though for some reason I was expecting you to be a bit taller, given what I've heard. Luckily, I can clean you up fairly well with the dermal regenerator. Even that bit of a fracture in your leg there. Good thing your 'fall' wasn't much worse." The doctor chatted a bit while making good with the regenerator. Despite the extensive look of the injuries, it didn't take long to fix him up.

[USS Gibson - Science Lab(?) 1]

Xander crouched, opening the cupboards beneath the counter on the far side of the room as he mumbled under his breath. "You've got to be kidding me. This is pathetic. Absolutely. Pathetic." He scowled at the near empty contents of the shelves and marked what was there on his PADD. It wasn't much. Some glassware: two 50 mL, three 100 mL, no 150 mL, no 300 mL, and one 500 mL beakers - most of which were in dire need of an acetone bath. Two 150 mL Erlenmeyer flasks - also filthy.  One test tube rack - no test tubes in sight. Seven weigh glasses haphazardly thrown in the corner - two chipped, one cracked down the middle. And a single, sad Petri dish. "Pathetic." He couldn't help but mumble it again. It seemed to be the only word fit to describe this laughable excuse for a science lab.

"Inventory? What inventory? There's nothing here. Nothing but dust and disappointment." Xander began ticking off his complaints on his fingers as he ranted, "I doubt there's enough glassware for any sort of serious experiment. There's basically nothing but formaldehyde in the chemical stock room. And everything in this room is twice as old as I am!"

He snorted, shaking his head in derision as he flipped his PADD around to face T'Prina. "Look at this!" Most of the columns on the screen were red, signifying that things were missing, or grey, signifying that they needed to be replaced. The only thing he found that was up to snuff, signified by a single green line across the screen was the fire extinguisher... Probably because whatever moron ran this disaster of a lab set himself on fire or something. Xander set his PADD on the counter and ran both of his hands through his already messy hair as he sharply exhaled. "Á¢â,¬ËœScience vessel' my ass. This is a flying history exhibit."

[USS Gibson - Science Lab 1]

T'Prina quirked her mouth wryly. She didn't much care for their current situation either, but she enjoyed having a dig at the temper prone ensign occasionally.

"Well then Ensign, I suppose once we get back to the Columbus, you will be that much more, appreciative of the resources we have there. Think of this as an 'educational' experience."

She gathered up her PADD and motioned for Dorset to follow her to the next laboratory, where hopefully they would find adequate supplies. In the corridor, a call went out over the ship.

" This is Admiral Adeyemi to all hands. In 34 hours a storm system will decimate Shotaka on a planetary scale. We will prevent it. All senior officers, enlisted personnel, and designated civilians will soon receive orders. These people need our help, and by the grace of God we will save them and their world. Adeyemi out. "

She looked over at Dorset, an eyebrow cocked. "He does not ask for much, Captain Adeyemi. Just a convenient miracle. I believe it would be prudent to run scans and bring up as much information on the atmospheric and meteorological patterns on Shotaka as are available."

She tapped her PADD to her chin, thoughtful. "It seems illogical that such a supposedly advanced technological world does not have a weather modification system in place to avoid such a catastrophic weather event."

[Leanna Mazal]

[Bridge - USS Gibson]
" This is Admiral Adeyemi to all hands. In 34 hours a storm system will decimate Shotaka on a planetary scale. We will prevent it. All senior officers, enlisted personnel, and designated civilians will soon receive orders. These people need our help, and by the grace of God we will save them and their world. Adeyemi out. "

[Gibson Main Lounge]

Two glasses of the sweet yet satisfying purple liquid later and Leanna was ready for the end of shift rush, happy that the Lounge was looking as welcoming as it could be and that it was well stocked. However once she heard the hail from the Admiral knew that she wouldn't be around to deal with it which in a way might be a good thing as she had a chance to help those on the planet below and also check up on her friend and distributor Mook.

He had been born and raised on Shotaka and they had met through Matthias but Mook always had a soft spot for Leanna and the two had remained friends and yes she was here because the next shipment was ready but considering the danger the planet was now in that no longer mattered as long as her friend remained safe along with the others that lived here.

A couple of minutes later her PADD pinged with the information regarding her orders and looked over at Rixxy. " Looks like we're going to the planet to assist the inhabitants and at the same time we can find Mook and make sure he's okay " she said " But first we need to change into something more suited to the planet then we can leave".

Rather than go to her quarters Leanna went over to the replicator and selected what she needed then went into the small store room to get changed. Then once she was done and Rixxy was ready headed out of the Lounge.

[Xander Dorset]

[USS Gibson - Science Lab 1]

T'Prina quirked her mouth wryly. She didn't much care for their current situation either, but she enjoyed having a dig at the temper prone ensign occasionally.

"Well then Ensign, I suppose once we get back to the Columbus, you will be that much more, appreciative of the resources we have there. Think of this as an 'educational' experience."

She gathered up her PADD and motioned for Dorset to follow her to the next laboratory, where hopefully they would find adequate supplies. In the corridor, a call went out over the ship.

She looked over at Dorset, an eyebrow cocked. "He does not ask for much, Captain Adeyemi. Just a convenient miracle. I believe it would be prudent to run scans and bring up as much information on the atmospheric and meteorological patterns on Shotaka as are available."

She tapped her PADD to her chin, thoughtful. "It seems illogical that such a supposedly advanced technological world does not have a weather modification system in place to avoid such a catastrophic weather event."

He rolled his eyes dramatically as the Vulcan spoke of the Á¢â,¬Ëœeducational value' of this experience. Xander was still of the opinion that "annoying" might be a better word to describe the whole situation. As he followed her out into the corridor, he made a face at the back of her head, sticking his tongue out, then grinned at the childlike satisfaction it provided him.

Not long after entering the hallway, the Captain's message came through the ship, and their orders popped up on their PADDs. Xander read them through three times to make sure he hadn't misheard anything. "Honestly, this seems more like he's asking for an inconvenient miracle if you ask me." He sighed, shaking his head and running a singular, frustrated hand through his hair. "We should make our way to lab three and see what we have in terms of scanners, I guess. Not that my hopes are high..."

At T'Prina's next comment, Xander paused, cocking his own head to the side as he considered her observation. After a second, he responded, "Not necessarily... If I had to guess, I'd say that they did have one. And they were able to continue abusing their planet because it allowed them to ignore the consequences of their actions... Except now things have gotten completely out of hand. I don't think any sort of weather moderator could fix this now..."

A short walk brought the two to the door of Science Lab Three. Xander made to walk in, but ended up bumping into the door when it failed to open. He involuntarily glanced over his shoulder to see if T'Prina had seen, then scowled at the door. His unpleasant disposition, however, did nothing to clear the way to the lab. "Now what's wrong?"

[Michael J. Tritter]

[Location: USS Gibson, Ramp]

Tritter knew he knew to get the Security Officers up to speed on their mission, as he still kind of saw it as his department. Theres a certain part of him that is hard wired that way. He had taken a moment to scan the area, he had noticed some... hostility forming with some of the locals he could notice from afar. He than tapped his comm badge and said, "Lieutenants McKenzie, Davis and Cadet Lachlyn, meet me at the ramp" His tone was it's usual confident and assertive, his speech was deliberate as he spoke. He had heard that the local's were having issues with keeping the peace and that they were going to need to step in.

[Kyan Mackenzie]

"And so you see me boyo, ye always wanna have some backups. Several if ye can manage, the which being a grup... ye should be able." Kyan explained as he indicated the assortment of weapons laid out before him. "Oi meself always loik tae have several options fer when the thing takes a southerly turn. Yenever can be knowin when one of these aliens, the which we have never met before, will get the idea to harvest our innards oe try tae have us for his dinner or any other crazy thing. An oi've seen all that an more happen. Specially now that our boss is an Admiral. They're always after getting themselves in trouble." The ancient child shot a glance over at the Admiral. 'An its as if when they get promoted, their sense goes away you see, and they get a bit wompy."

He packed up his twin phasers in the shoulder holster as he spoke, then went about sheaving his various knives. The young security officer in front of him, who was going on his first away mission clutched his own phaser.... his only phaser... a little tighter as he listened.

"An ye should invest in some knives too, for they don't ever run out of batteries.' Kyan noted jovially. An this too....." he continued before being interrupted by the booming voice of their XO.

[Location: USS Gibson, Ramp]

Tritter knew he knew to get the Security Officers up to speed on their mission, as he still kind of saw it as his department. Theres a certain part of him that is hard wired that way. He had taken a moment to scan the area, he had noticed some... hostility forming with some of the locals he could notice from afar. He than tapped his comm badge and said, "Lieutenants McKenzie, Davis and Cadet Lachlyn, meet me at the ramp" His tone was it's usual confident and assertive, his speech was deliberate as he spoke. He had heard that the local's were having issues with keeping the peace and that they were going to need to step in.

"Welp, duty calls us the now, sure and it does." he noted, placing his last weapon - a miniature mek'leth in it's sheath on his back. After which he hopped down from his seat, followed by the other two security officers. The group made their way over to Tritter. Kyan peered up at him, craning his neck to do so.

"Here we are Commander, ready the now for your instructions!"

[Derek Black]

[Shotaka]

Fortunately, the mask that the Doctor had prescribed allowed Knox to breath, however as she stepped outside and looked around, she held her breath.

How? How could they let this happen?

Though the mask also prevented her eyes from stinging, they still began to tear up by the sight. No animal, nor insect or plant life could be detected across the vast stacks that spanned the entire horizon. Pockets of cold dense air swirled between dry hot air leaving the lingering smell of ethanol and burnt keratin. Holographic vegetation began to fail in patches and the 'bubbles' of protected areas rippled and occasionally 'burst' revealing the true sky. Deadly acid rain fell and life support failed.

The planet was dying and the Federation knew it would take a miracle.

[Shotaka]

Having grown up in the forested regions of northern Canada, Derek never lost his love for the wilderness, even after decades of serving onboard duranium grey starships in the blackness of space. That initial lungful of fresh air, tinged with an earthy hint of evergreens and moss, was what he looked forwards to the most whenever he made landfall, so it was with some sadness that he took his first steps onto Shotaka soil.

From underneath the protective 'saucer' overhang, Derek was held lost for words, overwhelmed by the destructive nature of greed and selfishness. Wanton industrialization had once threatened his own planet, centuries prior when the most powerful nations at the time decided to abscond environmental conservation in order for self-profiteering. He had always wondered how mankind could have been so shortsighted, so focused on personal achievement rather than the future. Their children's future. And now, on Shotaka, he saw the end result of what would have happened if Earth had continued on that destructive path.

"Chalice, what a mess." Derek muttered to himself, shaking himself free of the horror. Already, sweat was starting to form under his collar in the dense heat and smog trapped underneath layers of polluted clouds, similar to those that were predicted to devastate whatever was left of this civilization. It was a disaster of multiple dimensions, and he thought to himself, maybe they deserved this. Maybe this is the way mother nature's washing her planet clean. He couldn't help but pity them though; their outcome had been seeded long ago, by their predecessors. It wasn't their fault they had been left behind to reap the bitter crop.

A surprisingly large amount of medical supplies had been loaded into Gibson's cargo bays, and it was now Derek's job to find out where they could be utilized the best to alleviate some of the suffering. Walking down past a gathering of security officers and tactfully skirting around the greeting party, he stopped next to a young trill commander whose expression seemed to mirror his own thoughts, through the breathing apparatus they were all forced to wear. "Commander...Ensign." He added, acknowledging her equally youthful charge. Derek sighed softly, following their gaze out towards the desolate horizon. "Where do we even begin?"

[Auzual Knox]

[Shotaka]

Knox was deep in thought as she conducted her survey. Life signs were condensed and coincided with the regions of high energy intensities. And, then nothing. Nothing for vast expanses. Her anger had subsided as soon as she noticed the ravaged, decrepit and pitiful state of the Shotakans.

I hope this race have some sense left and are not too proud to accept our help...

"Chalice, what a mess." Derek muttered to himself, shaking himself free of the horror. Already, sweat was starting to form under his collar in the dense heat and smog trapped underneath layers of polluted clouds, similar to those that were predicted to devastate whatever was left of this civilization. It was a disaster of multiple dimensions, and he thought to himself, maybe they deserved this. Maybe this is the way mother nature's washing her planet clean. He couldn't help but pity them though; their outcome had been seeded long ago, by their predecessors. It wasn't their fault they had been left behind to reap the bitter crop.

A surprisingly large amount of medical supplies had been loaded into Gibson's cargo bays, and it was now Derek's job to find out where they could be utilized the best to alleviate some of the suffering. Walking down past a gathering of security officers and tactfully skirting around the greeting party, he stopped next to a young trill commander whose expression seemed to mirror his own thoughts, through the breathing apparatus they were all forced to wear. "Commander...Ensign." He added, acknowledging her equally youthful charge. Derek sighed softly, following their gaze out towards the desolate horizon. "Where do we even begin?"

"Ahhhh. Black. Remarkable resemblance to Christian, no? Though when I saw you as a baby, I thought you had more of your Mother's features. Beautiful woman. I did suggest that they join me in Risa."

Knox was surprised to see the image of her friend there, however knew that it was his son. She patted him on the shoulder just as she had done when meeting his father before him. Nazar loved his mother, but respected his father too much to make any form of pass.

"Right. We have windows of time and pockets of acceptable conditions to find and implement a sustainable long-term solution for this planet's viability and life support."

"You shall have your hands full organizing the make-shift MASH like-units for the Shotakan's immediate medical issues. But we shall need security to help ensure safety for your teams. From what I can tell, there are too many 'in need'. This may cause issues once they realize the wonders of Federation medicine. Oh, and Black. Use your resources wisely."

Knox to Cadet Tanner. If Commander Tritter can spare you, we need someone to establish and maintain security for the medical unit for the Shotakan's. As well as work with the medical team directly to make sure our guests are satisfied with their service. Do be careful. Though their bodies may be fragile, their robotics and energy weapons are far from it. Knox out.

She nodded to Black and then looked to Kentrat, who she hoped had been analyzing readings during their discussion.

"Ensign. Have you found a pattern to these chaotic energy signatures? I think it is time that we ask to take a look around the ILE? (Institute for Life and Environment)"

[Leanna Mazal]

[Shotaka]

After stopping off to get both her and Rixxy a breathing mask, Leanna slowly made her way down the exit route remembering the short stint as working on her and Matthias's freighter and how different it compared to leaving a Starship. This was definitely a first and an experience she would more than likely not forget in a hurry even more so when she took a glimpse at the scenery in front of her.

An small audible gasp escaped from her lips as she took it all in and from Mook's description he had painted a scene of normality but it was nothing compared to the absolute despair and destruction that was laid out in front of her. Her instincts to help were more prominent in that moment as a single tear leaked from her eye and rolled down her cheek. She wasn't normally this emotional but after everything she had been through lately had weakened her usual strong resolve but how could she not be affected by what was going with the planet.

Trying to regain her focus and composure she noticed the small group already on the surface including those from the Columbus but of course didn't want to interrupt whatever they were doing but at the same time knew she had to find Mook. " Let's go find Mook and find out what needs to be done " she said her voice a little shaky through the mask as she continued to the surface and walked past those already gathered. Forcing herself to keep moving as the emotions emanating from those nearby especially the natives threatened to break her resolve and had to find some kind of respite soon.

[Tanner Lachlyn]

[Location: USS Gibson, Ramp]

Knox to Cadet Tanner. If Commander Tritter can spare you, we need someone to establish and maintain security for the medical unit for the Shotakan's. As well as work with the medical team directly to make sure our guests are satisfied with their service. Do be careful. Though their bodies may be fragile, their robotics and energy weapons are far from it. Knox out.

=/\=Tanner here. I'm just with Commander Tritter right now. I'll speak to him however once that's organized, do I meet up with the medical team now or will I meet them on the surface? Tanner out.

Although she'd only been with Tritter for a few moments when the call came in, Tanner was feeling a little overwhelmed and unsure at her ability to handle such a task, "Sir," She looked to Tritter, "Any advice for this situation?"