Need a pair of hands and brain would be nice as well

Posted on 24 Feb 2018 @ 5:56am by Commander Allyndra illm Warraquim & Petty Officer 3rd Class Raine Ni-ya

4,186 words; about a 21 minute read

Mission: Episode 15 - Emanation
Location: Science Labs - SF - Earth
Timeline: MD 94, 0800hrs

ON:

HG strolled into her office and past into the lab wearing her usual frumpy brown leather jacket. There were PaDDs and boxes and data recorders scattered everywhere having been more or less dumped by operations that unloaded the Danubes. Everyone on the trip had scattered or been called away and now she was left with sorting this mess out and trying to get the data organized.

Well Fleet had given her permission to request people as she saw fit. "Computer put in a personnel request for a scientist mate please."

[Request has been posted, did you wish to specify when the being was needed?]

"Yes, tell personnel to pull anyone available like right now."

[Request has been modified and filed]

"Thank you," HG muttered and then took her jacket off tossing it over a lab bench chair and started to filter through the mess. Samples needed to be handled first then the data.

Raine had been surprised when she had seen the flash for her to report to the science labs. And yet...she was pleased. There was only so much spare time she could spend looking at what humans found interesting. She had learned a lot though.

She headed to the science labs in her uniform, her hands gloved as usual. The doors opened for her after a quick scan to confirm her identity and she walked in with her default expression of somewhere between bored and annoyed. "Hello?" she called out, looking around as the expression changed to a frown. "Anyone here?"

"Yes," a voice called back followed by a bit of hair. "Grab those cylindrical containers and bring them to the isolation lab. There was a bit of pause followed by boxes and sounds of things being shuffled. The hair came up over the counter to reveal a high cheek boned lady. "Wells, Helena by just call me HG. So...." she peered at the other woman for a moment. "Who are you?"

Raine looked at her, taking in her appearance for a moment. "Raine Ni-ya," she said before she moved to the cylindrical containers, picking them up and carrying them through. Following orders was something that came natural to her so she didn't even ask what it was or why she was doing it.

"So do I need to use the full name or can I just slip by with something a bit shorter name wise?" HG asked.

"What, is the full thing too much for you to deal with?" Raine said somewhat sharply before she let out a breath. "Raine will do." In all fairness, on her home planet people only had one name. She had taken a second one when she realised most humans did. Made it easier for her to feel a part of it. She put the cylindrical container down and turned to face the woman.

HG made a face. "Sorry if I offended. William, that is my brother, says I have the tact of Narcissican with a burr in his underwear. I just find shortcuts easier when possible. Well, then, let's try this again but since Raine is alright, welcome to the samples from Ryn. It is a M class moon in the Akkadian system. So are you a generalist, or did you have a particular specialty that you like?"

"Generalist," Raine said simply. It was what she had been taught and it seemed easiest to say that then what she had done before she came to the Federation. Saying you had years of experience with genetic alterations and analysis just wasn't a good thing to do. "What sort of samples are we looking at?"

"Alright, well then, let's get started on the samples in the containers. These are various plant and animal specimens we gathered....oh wait a second..." HG held up a finger. "Let me set a vid we took so you know what we are looking at. Grab a stool."

HG puttered about for about a minute but go things hooked up and on one of the larger monitors the scene unfolded. It was no documentary by any means, and definitely amateurish but got the gist. Of course, there was shots of the large planet but mostly concentrated on the sweeping plains of purplish vegetation. The shot then switched over to showing some very large bovine like animals, thick haired and with six legs. The herd moved methodically grazing but then got agitated and finally bolted. Soon it became obvious that a large cat, almost like one of Earth's old sabertooths but even larger and again with six legs was trying to cut a calf from the herd.

The herd continued until it got toward the edge of a cliff overlooking the ocean and then turned. The entire group wheeled around and begin to stampede back the way they had gone. The cat creature abandoned its pursuit as it made for safety from being trampled. The reason for the herds change of direction became apparent as six massive tentacles reached out of the water and over the cliff side and almost but not quite caught stragglers on the tail end of the herd. They slithered back over the cliff and into the water while the cat watched its erstwhile dinner stampede away. The scene shifted and it was now obvious the moon was in the planet's shadow. There flying through the air were large batlike creatures. They swooped and came down toward the ocean soon fish or fish like things could be seen caught in sharp talons and teeth.

"Well there you have it, the major players on the moon. We have some tissue samples from the cat, the bovines, a bat carcass and obviously some of the flora. After one party strayed too close to the ocean and almost got snatched up by that squid thing we gave it a wide berth. Wish we had samples but the thing is a monster and no one wanted to venture too close. We saw it easily snatch up one of those Auroch like things and they are even bigger then the extinct Earth ones, like they were nothing. Anyway, curious as to what genetics and composition there are. The bat things are only four limbed, the cat and the bovines six so the evolution does not seem right to me. We are suspecting that perhaps the moon was seeded by the Akkadians. The flora might be natural but that is what we need to figure out. Quesitons?"

"I take it that we have Akkadian samples to compare?" Raine asked as she frowned, watching the screen even when it was finished. Her mind was moving already. Environmentally, why would evolution decide six limbs? Made her wonder about the landscape more than anything. What was the atmosphere like? A moon would be different than a planet, she knew that very well. She waited for HG to speak but it was clear from how she stood there that she was itching to get looking at the samples.

"Well let's get the rest to isolation and you can get started. How is your background on genetics?" HG asked lugging a container toward the room.

"Better than your average student," Raine said and helped, shaking her head. "I can identify the major species within the Federation at a glance of their DNA without the computer telling me what I am looking at. Decent memory and I have a bit of a system to recognise the markers. Should be able to help you."

HG stopped in her tracks. She turned still holding the container. "If you can do that then you have a heck more background in genetics then you a letting on." HG put the container down and then leaned against the door frame.
"So want to tell me a bit about your background? You have me intrigued."

"I'm Cereijan," Raine said and met her eyes before she chuckled. "Don't worry, no one really knows what that is anyway. We're not Federation. What we are...are a bunch of idiots who had a hard-on for genetic manipulations. We tried to make ourselves gods. We also managed to have a civil war that reduced our planet to a wasteland filled with lethal radiation and gases. 300 years later and we were a moon full of people trying to reverse what our ancestors did to our bodies. I am a scientist. I started training when I was 12. When I was 20, I started working. I was...focused on genetics. Genetic manipulation, research and experimentation. It was my trade. So I know a lot about how genes work. How they evolve, what can be reprogrammed in my own species and what DNA strands have the highest chances of producing a person who can...reproduce." She stopped and shook her head, frowning. "Monsters. It's what we made ourselves. So I put all that behind me and went to the Federation. Where morals still matter. Where we have standards and rules."

HG listened politely. It was an interesting history and as she had first surmised that this Raine knew a lot more then your typical scientist mate.
"Interesting....well now here is another non-Federation species working with samples from another non-Federation world. Akkadia is not either and from what little I managed to pay attention to they had some sort of blow up in their past as well. You know you have a lot more background then any scientist mate. Maybe if you are willing and the powers that be say yes, I just might recruit you for full on lead lab tech. Think on that, now let me help you get these samples," HG had given a subtle indication that she knew that Raine had a lot more experience in this line of work then her, "and get you started." HG lugged the last of the specimens into the containment room and then turned. "Now then, go ahead gown up and whatever else you need let me know. I need to log some other observations in."

Raine nodded and moved to get the protective clothing, putting it on. She put on extra gloves as well, frowning slightly. "Thank you," she said, to the offer...or she thought it was an offer...from the other woman. "But I want to take my chances with Starfleet. Give back something good." With that she got to work, eyes focused and her hands steady as she started to work.

"Understood, but do not be surprised if I sometimes put in a request for help. I will admit when it comes to biology I am a bit out of my league. I envy you in a way. I would run off on a starship as well but if I joined Fleet they would stick my butt on Earth in a lab never to see the light of day. Anyway enough of that. Let me know when you have something preliminary." HG gave a sketchy salute and headed off to work on the astrophysics and other observations for the report so that the base could be set up properly.

Raine chuckled softly before she went back to her work. She frowned as she worked, not taking breaks, comparing and contrasting. She ran her tests. After what had been hours she sat back in her chair, reaching to rub the back of her neck before she stood and walked to remove the protective clothing. She headed to the replicator, getting herself some water, drinking it slowly. She had mapped the genetic makeup of the creatures, determined their origins. Or more, ruled out. The sea creature was not from the same genetic environment as the bat, bovine or cat. The bat was not from the same genetic environment as the bovine or cat. However...the genetics markers showed the bovine and cat were from the same environment, even sharing some of their DNA. But then again humans shared 50% of their DNA with the banana plant, so she was hardly surprised. Of course, the sequence and build up of those aspects of DNA were completely different. Humans were not bananas. They just have bits and pieces of the same numbers, like a code, but the codes were set up completely differently. Just because the letters were the same didn't mean the language was.

But Raine was sure the bovine and cat had developed in the same environment, roughly around the same time too. Too many similarities. The language was different, but shared root words. It made her wonder if the cat's prey was the bovine. Potentially. Speculative. Not her area anyway. But interesting regardless.

HG looked up as she heard the isolation room doors open up and saw Raine go get some water. Her tea had gone cold but that never bothered her that much as long as it was tea. She waved taking a sip and then put the cup down and said, "Taking a break or did you get something already?"

Raine looked at her before she motioned to the room. "Bat and the Loch Ness monster are from unique sources. Not sure where, I'd have to look through more samples to find their source. But the bovine and the feline share enough genetic markers to have been from the same environment. I'll run more tests, I need my eyes to have a break though."

"Seems to corroborate what the Akkadian hinted at. She said that she thought that records indicated that they seeded the world with species from some other planets in their system. Besides the moon we got the samples from, there are three other places in the system that have lifeforms though we did not get to study any of them. There is Akkadia itself which is Class O, the next one out is Class P and then the next one after that is Class N. However one the last one there is a titanic shield volcano that reaches up high enough and has Class M conditions on it. I am going to guess that the sea life is probably all from Akkadia, the rest well is speculative. We were not allowed to go any further into the system to explore. It will be interesting to see if the flora looks like something imported or native. Good work by the way."

Raine gave a small nod of acknowledgement, frowning as she considered it. "I'll have to cross check the other samples. Maybe there are some hints there. I will also run the DNA against the Federation database. If enough markers come, I can get an alert. Can narrow down the solar system if nothing else."

"Sounds like a good plan," HG replied and leaned back in her chair putting her feet on the desk. "So if I can pry and tell me to bugger off..." HG considered a moment that the alien might not be familiar with slang terms. "That is tell me it is none of my business and to leave well enough alone, but talking about your people's genetic manipulations. Sounds as if your people do not reproduce in say...the natural way?"

Raine watched her for a long moment before she shrugged lightly. "As a population we are generally infertile. Some males and females are able to produce eggs and sperm that has the potential for life, but the added conditions of our Moon makes carrying until term very unlikely. Eggs and sperm are harvested and the next generation are grown in facilities. Not that different to mushrooms," it was clear it did not bother her to talk about it, her words were a matter of fact. "The Scientists always aim to produce generations that can reproduce naturally, but whenever we have succeeded the subjects have had...something wrong, leaving their DNA useless. Until that is perfected, we have to let nature take its course within the constraints of a lab. A next generation is better than nothing, even if it is never the image our..." she searched for a word to fit. "Government would choose," she added after a moment, clearly translating.

"Interesting. A sort of dilemma then. Well, even if you head on out on ship you are welcome back here to conduct experiments or maybe I can arrange for some techs that you can have conduct some experiments. Scientist mate or whatever bloody rank they put you at, I can spot talent and yours is not to be wasted. Might be long range if I cannot get you stay but you have a spot here in the lab no matter what. Now then, Raine Ni-ya," HG used the full name to show she could remember it. "Let's get another hour in and then my treat for lunch. Deal?"

Raine watched her with complete shock. In her life, she had never heard anyone say that. Among her people, she was one of many. The thing that had made her different had been her radical views. But no one had said that she had talent. And that she shouldn't be wasted. She swallowed, frowning, her mouth moving but nothing coming out. "I...Deal," she finally managed to get out, blinking.

"Good, then back to work for a little bit more. I am going to put a request in for techs to help you out, might get grad students but maybe at least give take the load off and they could use the guidance as well. An hour and then lunch. Right, now shall we crack on?"

"Yes ma'am," Raine said and nodded, moving back to her area and outing on the protective clothing again, her eyes distant as she mentally created a list of what tasks she would do in what order and anticipated time.

HG watched a moment while the geneticist headed off. She just could bring herself to just think scientist mate. She then turned back to her own work.
The timer went off and she looked up and nodded and started shutting the terminals down. She got up and headed off toward the isolation room and tapped on the glass.

"Hour's up, lunch time Raine," she shouted through the glass.

Raine was staring at the screen that was doing the comparison, eyes narrowed in concentration. She lifted her hand and held up a finger, a signal she needed a moment. Only once she had finished looking through that comparison did she add in another cross reference and stood, moving to remove her protective clothing before coming through to HG. "I think we might have a result by midnight at this rate."

"Excellent, don't overdo it though. I am getting a couple of grad students coming in. I sit on their committee so they do not have much choice if they want their degree. Funny, I remember being in the same spot, guess we just pass the torch on to the next lot."

"Hm," Raine nodded weakly before she let out a breath. "Let us hope the next lot are smarter than we are. Or else they will repeat our mistakes. Or worse. Not read our notes."

HG just chuckled. "Well none the less you will have some extra hands when we get back. Teach them well. Now then what kind of foods does your kind tend to like?"

"Oh...we're vegan," Raine said and smiled weakly. "And it will have to be a smoothie, we...do not have as good digestion as humans." Which was true enough.

"Well then let me think...there is Pure Love and Siggi's Skyr. You might find the later intriguing but not sure if it will fit your dietary requirements. A sort of yogurt but thinner and a bit different. Are you familiar with yogurt?" HG asked. She knew a few things about some the races but one needed to tread carefully without too many assumptions. She was not a diplomat but it did not take one to realize that scientifically there were sometimes big differences in metabolism and ability to handle foods, not everyone was a Bolian after all.

"I have heard about it. But..." Raine hesitated before she met her eyes. "I find the concept of consuming another species' milk to be...unpleasant. Smoothie might have been the wrong word to use. Just...vegetables or fruit, with some water to loosen it will do for me."

"Well Pure Love it is then. They have fruit and veggies of all kinds and can make smoothies out of all of them, or you can have them individual and they sell drinks as well of all kinds but alcoholic. So you sound almost like the Akkadians that we just left. They are mostly frugivorus with a touch of heamotphagia due to reduced digestion system to lighten them for flight. For your people then is there a reason for reduced digestion or is it a side effect of your gene experiments?"

"No, I suspect at one point our ancestors were more like...birds," she said before she shrugged, unable to answer it. They had no research into their ancestors, not that far back, and any biological remains were now on a planet with radioactive rain and unbreathable air. A wasteland.

"interesting, well I won't bother you more as I get the sense that this is not a pleasant subject for you. My brother tells me that I can be thick as molasses in January in England. Well here we are. Take your time deciding and again my treat." HG held the door open and waved a hand.

The shop was filled with people and the smell of fresh fruit especially permeated the air. Sounds of machines whirring and general hubbub of activity and conversation punctuated the rest. HG waited politely while Raine took a look at the menu and got used to offerings.

Raine looked at it all, but smiled when she saw a smooth tomato and basil soup. Vegan as well. She nodded before she moved to the machine, taking a breath before she got her selection. Warm and comforting could be a good thing at times.

HG had simply snagged some tea, her preferred one of Oolong and had also grabbed a table that was a bit out of the way. She waved as she saw Raine turn to look for her. "Over here!!" HG called.

Raine walked over, holding the bowl of soup close. She sat down and watched her, frowning. "You should eat something properly. Tea will not be enough."

"Oh I practically live on sugar and tea. Got that way in grad school. Had a scone this morning and trust me, if I eat too much I would look like a tethered blimp. I should get more exercise but always something coming up. So how's the soup?"

"It's...soup," Raine admitted with a weak shrug. "Better than the things we had back home. Taste was not always...high on the list. If it kept you going it would do."

"Oh? Well you really should try out the various places while I have you. Learn and experience all the joys of the various places. I suspect all too soon Fleet is going to pluck you back and then it is back to completely synthesized stuff or as you say, 'enough to keep you going'. Mind you, I am not a gorm, but I can still appreciate something with flavour."

Raine watched the other woman for a long moment before she smiled weakly, nodding. "I am going to learn new flavours And places. I...do enjoy learning. Yet some pleasures here are...lost on me."

"Oh? Like what? Don't tell me your people are like Vulcans or something. Food, drink, gambling, pleasures of the flesh, and more to enjoy and partake which I try to do to keep myself grounded." HG waved a hand at the window looking out toward the promenade on the station.

Raine looked at her for a long moment before she smiled weakly. "We are not Vulcans. We have emotions. But we are practical. And without the resources to gamble, or eat anything that is not on ration...drink...now that is different. You can do a lot with some recycled water and a bit of good leftover vegetable matter and sugar."

"Well then you are going to have to allow me to corrupt you in the ways of lavish living while I have you. Prepared to be spoiled." HG toasted with her cup of tea.

Raine finished her soup and nodded, watching the other woman. "It will most certainly be a new experience..."

"Well then, there is this little place just down the way, they have Tongo and Dom-jot. Ever played?" HG asked.

"I...do not play," Raine admitted before she tilted her head, studying HG closely before she narrowed her eyes. "Although I did learn a game called poker at some point."

"They have that. Well then, come on, let's go fleece a few credits off the unsuspecting." HG winked at the young Ensign.

Raine rolled her eyes before she nodded, standing with her. "I have a decent poker face after all..."

End

---
HG Wells
Civilian Scientist
[NPC of Allyndra illm Warraquim]

&

Crewman Raine Ni-ya
Scientist
[NPC of Constantin Vansen]

RSS Feed