Seasons

Posted on Tue Feb 22nd, 2022 @ 8:54pm by Captain Bethsabée Leroux & Lieutenant Darru & Ensign Nuna Lepine

Mission: Mission 5 - Babel
Location: Unknown Planet
Timeline: Day 274 09:00
1072 words - 2.1 OF Standard Post Measure

Nuna had been able to construct two weather balloons using local materials as well as non-essential components from the Atlantis. If all went as planned, the latter would still be recoverable.

Nuna had set up her launching station not too far away from the fruit tree that was the home of the six-legged bobcat sized squirrels the crew of Atlantis had discovered when they had gone spelunking. The "squirrel" that Nuna had nicknamed "Eugene" had come to watch Nuna launch her weather balloons, but was being respectful with his observation.

Both local and shipboard observations indicated the region the landing area was in was experiencing the local equivalent of an autumnal equinox. Hopefully, the readings Nuna was about to acquire would allow for accurate weather predictions for as long as the Atlantis was here.

"Ready to launch, Captain," Nuna advised her Commanding Officer back on the Atlantis.

Beth looked up from where she sat a the communication console covering it. Without Lexie on the duty roster, there was a gap in the comms rota so Beth was covering the shift whilst she was on the ship forgoing the planet to make sure the ship was covered. She could not expect the other officers to cover it all. "Go ahead Lepine." She advised.

Nuna made some last minute minor adjustments on the balloons when she noticed Eugene once again staring at the Vulcan science officer who had accompanied Nuna back to the surface for this metrological foray. "I'm not sure if Eugene is fixated on either your ears or some other anatomical difference between you and the rest of the crew, such as the difference in our mutual blood bases," Nuna observed. "His species has revealed itself to be both intelligent and perceptive."

Darru looked at the woman confused as she started to speak about a 'Eugene' but he soon followed her gaze and found the 'what' she was talking about. The creature seemed to be comparing them but it was probably something as simple as male or female or height. “The Captain will not allow you to keep it, Ensign. I would advise not getting attached.” He suggested turning back to look at the readings he was preparing to take.

The giant squirrel moved its most forward paws over its own ears as it continued to stare at the Vulcan. Nuna's attention remain focused on her control panel.

"Launching the first balloon now, Atlantis," Nuna advised. "Verify you are receiving telemetry."

"Understood." Beth's voice came from the communicator.

Nuna turned to the Vulcan. "Two centuries ago, the primatologist Jane Goodall was in the habit of naming the wild chimpanzees she studied in East Africa," Nuna began in a bland voice. "She did so not out of any desire to make 'pets' out of them. It was a reminder to her that the chimpanzees she studied were unique individuals, capable of experiencing emotions and being involved in family dynamics and social hierarchies that dictate a chimpanzee's daily life. In the same manner I've designated different squirrels that I have interacted with names."

"Atlantis ready to launch the second balloon," Nuna communicated to Atlantis.

Darru shook his head. He was not convinced at all, he knew humans but he had known this woman for nearly a year now and she was not much like the others. "Is that your field of expertise"? He wondered realising he did not even know that as it had not been his place to discuss much like his own. The science department had been destroyed by losing four crew members so quickly.

"Launch when you are ready Ensign Lepine," Beth said as a muffled male voice confirmed in the background that the data was coming through correctly.

"Launching the second balloon," Nuna announced, once again focusing her attention on her control board. "Verify you are receiving telemetry, Atlantis."

"I have been involved with the North American Northern Great Plains Restoration Project since my early childhood," Nuna told the Vulcan as she continued monitoring her make shift board. "Working on several sub-projects ensured I received an extensive education in all branches of biosciences and geosciences. In addition, I have a doctorate in mathematical and theoretical biology." A frown appeared on Nuna's face as she radioed the Atlantis. "Atlantis, verify the readings you're receiving on the geopotential heights."

The Vulcan tried to think if he had heard of the restoration project before but he came up empty. "I have no idea what the North American Northern Great Plains Restoration Project is I am afraid Ensign." The man admitted as Atlantis confirmed they had geopotential heights.

Nuna began packing up her gear. "My ancestors were the original inhabitants of that land, before other humans migrated there. One of the principles we held while living on the land was M'nadendimowin. The simple translation of M'nadendimowin is respect, though that single word does not due the concept of M'nadendimowin justice. It is the recognition that all beings have their own uniqueness, their own destiny, which must be respected. Thus, I could no more make a pet out of Eugene..." Nuna gestured towards the giant squirrel "...then I could of a fellow crewmember. He is a unique entity with his own destiny, which M'nadendimowin requires I respect."

Nuna stood up once she had her gear packed. "My ancestors were displaced by humans from the continent of Europe. The Europeans followed the mantra coined by the poet Rudyard Kipling, that it was their mission to bring civilization to the denizens of the other continents. The White Man's burden, it was called. Reminiscent of the Vulcan attitude toward humanity when humans became warp capable."

"One of the benefits of a United Earth that recognized all voices was that a Restoration Project could be initiated to environmentally restore my people's lands, after 'civilization' was brought to it," Nuna concluded. Gesturing towards the shuttlecraft with her head, Nuna added, "Shall we return to the Atlantis, Lieutenant?"

The man took in what she said adding points that she had mentioned to do his research on. It was something he liked to do when people mentioned things he had no idea what they were. He was a scientist even if his skill set was genetics, he was still a seeker of knowledge. “I believe that would be appropriate Ensign.” He said simply. It had been a simple study but it had been nice to escape the ship for a little bit.