Scientific Opinions (part 2)

Posted on Sat Sep 24th, 2016 @ 3:43am by Lieutenant Illise Hale

1,004 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Shadow Dance
Location: Operln Complex for the Sciences
Timeline: Current

PREVIOUS

Illise’s vehicle drove along the main road towards a tall building at the center of the complex. There she was met by three scientists, one male and two females, in light blue coats. The shorter female had a smug expression on her face, while the taller one seemed excited and the male simply looked pleased to be there.

CONTINUED

“Lieutenant Hale,” the smug female stepped forward as Illise exited the vehicle, “Welcome to the Operln Complex. I am Doctor Verrhi, and these are my colleagues Doctors Pythl and Brek.” She indicated to the male and female behind her.

“It is a pleasure to met you.” Illise extended a hand in greeting, but the lead scientist hesitated for a moment before taking it. She shook it stiffly, while the other two were more casual about the exchange. Illise got the distinct feeling that Doctor Verrhi didn’t like having her there. Her suspicions were confirmed when next the scientist spoke.

“We have been instructed to give you a tour of the facilities, but you will not be granted access to any of our more sensitive experiments. You may use your scanning device in authorized sections only, and may be required to submit to random searches…” Verrhi

“Verrhi!” Pythl, the male scientist, cut her off in a disapproving but hushed tone. “This is an exciting time for our people. The Lieutenant is our guest, not a spy. Certainly you could try to be more open-minded. You are a scientist after all.”

Verrhi looked at him reproachfully. “We do not need the approval of these people, nor do we need them judging our culture or our progress. We have already touched the stars without them, and will continue our exploration without them.” She stared intently at her colleague who simply sighed and rubbed a spot above his right eyebrow. Apparently this was a old arguement. The third scientist had remained silent throughout the exchange, watching Illise with a pained look on her feline face. Finally she spoke.

“This is all besides the point. Lieutenant Hale is here at the request of our government to observe our achievements, not judge us for where we are less scientifically advanced than her own culture.”

“Doctor Brek is correct,” Illise decided that it was time she interjected something into this ‘discussion’, “The Federation is made up of many different cultures at different stages of technological, scientific and cultural development. It is those differences that we value. They enrich all of us. The Federation is based on cooperation and interchange amongst those cultures. I am not here to judge you, but to add my observations to those of others from my ship in order to get a more complete picture of your society.” She looked kindly at the lead scientist, who still had a stiff expression. “It is not my place to decide whether or not you are ready to join the Federation, but whatever the outcome of the application, as a Starfleet Officer and a scientist I value to opportunity to learn about your people.”

Doctor Berk seemed quite happy with what she had said, and nodded to herself. Verrhi looked less than convinced, but studied Illise curiously.

“Let us begin then,” Verrhi said, “and we will see if what you say is true.” Without waiting for a response, she turned and led the way into the building. Doctor Pythl sighed again but followed her, leaving Brek to walk with Illise.

“It really is very exciting to have you here with us, Lieutenant.” Brek said with a smile.

Doctor Verrhi led them through the main building, which she explained contained mostly clerical staff. They soonn found themselves back outside in a courtyard. A trolley waited for them and they travelled to a series of medium-sized domes to the north of the complex. At their center was a squat rectangular structure five stories high.

“This is where we conduct our environmental reclamation research.” Verrhi said as they entered the central building. This piqued Illise’s interest.

“I had a tour earlier today at the Royal Museum, where I saw a mural depicting the ecological disaster that faced your people. You have achieved a remarkable recovery.” Illise told the team.

“Yes,” Verrhi acknowledged, “We learned much from that unfortunate time in our history. The research conducted here has roots in that near-tragedy.” She led them into a monitoring room where screens displayed data for all of the domes. Each held a unique ecology in various states of either decay or recovery. However, one looked different from the others.

“What are you studying in this one?” Illise asked.

Brek answered, stepping up to the monitor Illise had indicated. “That environment simulates the conditions on one of our third planet’s moons. We are conducting experiments in atmospheric conversion using nature-inspired processes.”

Illise looked closer at the data. The baseline showed that the atmosphere to be toxic, with high levels of methane, sulfur and carbon monoxide. Inside the dome several cylinders were spaced at regular intervals containing a strikingly green viscous-looking substance. The display told her that they contained some form of algae-based compound.

“The current atmospheric readings indicate a 1.23% increase in oxygen content, and a reduction in toxic factors by 2.4% in the last month. It is a slow process, but shows much promise.” Berk smiled as she reported the results.

“Impressive.” Illise commended.

“Of course this is only a test.” Brek continued. “If we were to take this data and apply it to a planetary conversion, the scale of the project would need to be increased accordingly. Also soil and water conversions would be required. Then there is wildlife...”

“Terraforming is an incredibly complex process.” Illise told her. Brek mouthed the word ‘terraforming’ silently to herself. “Most races in the Federation opt for colonizing planets with similar atmospheres to their homeworlds, with as little ‘conversion’ as possible.”

“Does that not create conflict?” Pythl asked. “With the rarity of suitable planets in the galaxy, surely converting less-suitable planets would be more common.”

TBC

 

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