Lieutenant JG Niev Galanis - Hova the Rainbow
Niev Galanis
((Chief Science Officer’s Office – SRC Level 12, Amity Outpost))
Galanis: I understand a more permanent facility is against the spirit of our presence here… but it’s always wise to have redundancies. Have there been any efforts to establish a stronger science relationship with the colonies on Idrustix beyond the FDC?
Kivik: Ah! Now that is an interesting idea – and one that could well be put into practice. I think… The Second House of Betazed is, in fact, also called “The House of Mysticism and Science” (or something like that)... It was Second House scientists who first discovered the Barossa nebula’s benamite-rich asteroid fields. There may well be a possibility for us to establish some sort of joint project with them. ::Smiling:: Would you be interested in liaising with the Betazoids, Lieutenant? Getting… hmm, what’s the Federation Standard expression? Oh! Getting the ball on a roll.
Varati: We've had a long-standing, good and intensive exchange with the Betazoids—at all levels. If Fleet Command and the FDC leadership have no objections, then surely these ties should be further strengthened?! Enemies are made faster than friends. And especially against the Borg, we should all pull together. Who knows what insights the Betazoids have gained recently? And if the colonies on Idrustix are being expanded—why not add a few laboratories? Imza 4521 is probably "burned" for something like that for now. But with Commander Stros, we now have a perfect secret keeper on board. ::pause:: We just need to convince our superiors of the immense importance of these issues for the entire Starfleet and for the Federation...
It was a lucky thing D’Cyra bought Niev a few moments to process the concept behind the Second House of Betazed. The two topics seemed at such odds, it was hard for the practical minded scientist to wrap their head around. Brow furrowing, their head canted curiously to the side.
Galanis: Mysticism and Science? I’m certainly curious about what kind of work they perform.
Kivik: I’ll see what I can do to set up a meeting, then. I don’t believe Matriarch Mavenni Siyel is still in the sector. Perhaps with, hmm, Daughter Etraax? ::Looking up from nir PADD at Galanis again::Thanks for raising that suggestion.
Galanis: Of course, Commander. Better to have redundancies and not need them, rather than the opposite.
Kivik: ::Turning nir attention to Varati:: Oh, and on that subject, Ensign – there’s been a request from Matriarch Alora DeVeau, of the Fifteenth House of Betazed, as well. She’s looking for a science officer to join her scouting party as she looks at some potential colony sites. Maybe another opportunity for some relational planetary science?
Varati: Yes, that sounds exciting! I have hardly had the opportunity to deepen my relationships with the Nobles on a scientific level. And it's a good opportunity to get to know the decision-makers personally and test our modified exploration drones in planetary use.
Now Kivik stood, and it was clear the Chief Science Officer intended for the both of them to follow. Though the impression had been short, Niev was finding their worries about having a new boss being rapidly soothed by Kivik’s level approach to leadership. They’d certainly heard of the j’naii species before, but this was the first occasion Niev had ever met one in person. At least ne didn’t seem nearly as prone to disarming bouts of chipperness.
Kivik: Alright, there’s one more matter I’d like to get you both working on! I think you’ll find this rather exciting and relevant to your disciplines… But rather than talk it over here in the office, why don’t I show you?
Nodding their head, Niev followed along toward the turbolift, feeling the brief flutter of curiosity in their stomach. It wasn’t often a task was talked about like that. Mind filling with possibilities and potential outcomes, their aloof expression betrayed none of the budding excitement they were feeling.
((A Short Time Later… Stellar Cartography, SRC Level 17))
The Stellar Cartography level had been on Niev’s mind nearly since the day they set foot on Amity Outpost. What had followed had been the busiest year of the young Centauran’s life, leaving precious little time for idly exploring their own whims. If Niev had time for science, they were going to work on the tasks that took the highest priority. It was no wonder that the aloofness dropped straight off of their face, replaced by a wide-eyed marvelling at the starry expanse around the trio. The urge to spend hours here simply exploring the planets tugged at the back of Niev’s mind. There was other work to do now… but perhaps they needed to schedule lab time here more often.
Kivik: …As I was saying – our long range scans have picked up evidence of early Warp Drive testing occurring in the “Hovanic” system. The Kitty Hawk first charted the system two years ago with a probe but never had a chance to double-back, so the data we have is somewhat limited. That being said, I think you’ll find it interesting.
Varati: Yes? And we want to continue where Kitty Hawk started a few years ago? Check to see if there's another warp-capable civilization there now?
It was hard to beat around that subject with Commander Kivik around. Equally as hard as it was for Niev to keep their face from falling into a sullen, guilty expression every time the doomed ship was mentioned. It was just another ship. One that was important to their operations in the Delta Quadrant for a time. Niev was going to have to get used to hearing about its activities for as long as they remained stationed on the Outpost.
Varati: ::excited:: Wait… What?! ::to Kivik:: Do you mean...? And we're supposed to...? Like, a real exploration mission?!
Thankfully, D’Cyra provided an opportunity for Niev to ground themself back into reality. Head shaking, Niev indicated the console and gestured around at the lab as they spoke.
Galanis: I wouldn’t expect the Commander to bring two planetary scientists to the Stellar Cartography lab if we were ready to explore these planets right away. Preparation is always key.
The stars zoomed by as Kivik input the coordinates for the system of interest, Niev paying rapt attention to their configuration. Binary stars. Just like home.
Kivik: The Hovanic system is a wide binary star system consisting of two co-orbiting K-type stars. Local star charts purchased from a Nygean merchant indicate the stars are called “Hova” and “Uwe”. ::Pointing towards the two orbiting stellar bodies:: You can see they orbit a shared barycenter several hundred AUs apart… But what is really interesting… ::Tapping the controls, zooming in even closer:: Is that each star hosts a distinct and stable planetary system. Uwe has five planets orbiting it and Hova has seven… and in each planetary system there is one planet supporting complex lifeforms: Hova III and Uwe II. Take a look.
It was Niev who chose to step up to the console first, adjusting the angle of the map to get a better look at the orbits of the indicated planets. The systems were quite a bit further spread out than Alpha Centauri was - Niev doubted any of the planets experienced the extended twilight of Velestus.
Varati: I'm actually a little speechless... this is... this is a unique opportunity!
Galanis: Unique barely begins to describe it. This is the kind of work every Starfleet scientist looks forward to. ::looking toward Kivik:: Do we know anything about these species yet?
Kivik: Here’s where it gets more fascinating: From our brief survey, it seems that the Hovans are a warp-capable species already, though they showed no interest in responding to our attempts at communication. The Uwezo (as they are apparently called) were, as of two years ago, still pre-warp. But that has since changed! As such, we’re in discussion with the Federation Diplomatic Corps about sending out a team to investigate further and make contact. In preparation for that survey, I’d like both of you two work together to profile the two planets…
As soon as Kivik sent the objectives over, Niev was already pouring over their own PADD, their eyes dancing back and forth across the screen.
// Hovanic System Planetary Science Objectives //
Conduct detailed analysis of each planet’s surface conditions to determine Planetary Class. Map continents and identify major urban centers.
Determine any other relevant details related to planetary geologies, atmospherics, gravitational forces, plate tectonics, and biospheres.
Review sublight broadcasts to profile inhabitants’ appearance, dress, and begin Universal Translator analysis on local languages to support future FDC communication attempts.
// End //
Kivik: Any questions?
Varati: ::excited::That's what we're here for, right?! ::pause:: Then we should put all other projects aside for now and prepare for this task! I've never done anything like this before, and I'm hoping for your support, Commander Kivik!
Galanis: On the contrary, Ensign Varati. This is what we planetary scientists specialize in. You’re going to do just fine. But I do agree - we’ll make this our highest priority and begin immediately, Commander. I assume we have permission to use whatever resources we need, within reason?
Varati/Kivik: Response
There was hardly a moment wasted. Though Niev hadn’t let themself outwardly show it quite as much as D’Cyra, they hadn’t had a chance to properly dig into a specific planet since their studies at the Academy. There were so many to chart and classify in the Delta Quadrant quantity had to take precedence over deep diving for quality. At last, the scientist was going to get to see some of Starfleet’s finest instruments put to full use.
Galanis: Computer, transmit new directives to any probes on standard surveying duty within range and begin transmitting survey data to this console. ::looking toward Varati:: I suggest we work together instead of just alongside each other. Better to combine our experience and act as a team than treat this like two individual projects.
Varati/Kivik: Response?
Galanis: Preliminary data is already streaming in. Hova III seems to sit in roughly Planetary Class P - a majority of the surface is covered in ice. While there may be complex systems of crevices and caverns below the glaciers, most of the surface lacks significant topography. Uwe II, on the other hand, is quite the opposite - while it falls within Class M parameters, it’s near the borderline of Class N in many ways. It’s a humid, warm planet - I’m getting quite a bit of interference with the geological sensors. That usually indicates dense, tall flora - perhaps not dissimilar to a rainforest on Earth.
Varati/Kivik: Response
Swiping a finger across the console, the view around them plucked out one of the planets, enlarging it before them while still keeping the larger map of the system in view. As data streamed in, the image quickly began to sharpen and come into clear view. Before them was a planet of beautiful blue and white hues, glinting like a cracked marble in the starlight and speckled with darker spots.
Galanis: Hova III is already showing some curious indicators. The dense ice it’s covered in is made mostly of methane, with trace amounts of ammonia. Given the atmosphere falls within breathable parameters, it’s safe to assume the methane hydrates remain highly flammable. Any team visiting the surface needs to be made aware of the risk of starting an ice fire. It also seems to be very tectonically active - I’m detecting a lot of glacier movement and multiple surface hotspots. If I’m reading these scans correctly, concentrated within these hotspots are very large, hoppered formations of bismuth.
They paused for a moment as they imagined what it must look like. Hoppered crystals were already quite striking, and with the prominence of the bismuth around those areas in the initial scans, these must have been colorful, latticed formations that stood out among the ice for miles around.
Galanis: Those may be a good place to start searching for urban centers and signs of industry - whether the Hovans congregate around these places or avoid them. Are you seeing any indications on your scans?
Varati/Kivik: Response
TAG!/TBC…
