Ens Chevalier - I think we'll figure it out with a little more time
CPT Arianus
(( Rakantha Province, Bajor ))
The fresh, mechanically filtered air was a welcome change from the stale air onboard the ship. The sun was high overhead, and the soothing sounds of Bajoran nature were carried on the breeze, bringing a sense of calm to their faces. Plus, there is good companionship in Savel. What else could someone ever wish for?
Standing together, two ensigns delved into their discoveries, their voices filled with a mix of wonder and curiosity. Science in its purest form, unfolding before their eyes.
So, when Jovenan approached them, she needed to wave them out to get their attention because those two were more interested in the results of their scans than their surroundings.
Jovenan: Hello! How are you two doing?
Savel: I am currently content, and intrigued by what we have found so far. ::looking down at the data readout on the tricorder:: There are indeed signs that the soil here was intentionally poisoned, which was well recorded, but I believe we have found additional data to support that the area was further harmed by a more natural occurrence.
Chevalier: Also known as data does not correspond to the expected results within the margins of scientific error. What was expected was natural correspondence being poisoned and drained by contamination, but our expectations, supported by observations, do not appear consistent with measured toxicity.
Jovenan: Fascinating. Hmm… This area suffered from severe flooding in the 70s. That would have happened maybe just a decade after the final poisoning round by the Cardassians. Would you imagine that has a role in what we see today?
Jaseb bit his lip and thought about the lieutenant's words. He checked his measurements and rechecked them with Savel's once again.
Savel: It is plausible to assume that it would. Flooding can have lasting effects on any stricken area depending on the severity.
Chevalier: Yea, if we consider the bigger picture and stop focusing only on the toxicity caused by the Cardassians… yes. If we had more information about this event, we could add additional data to compare our measurements.
The Lieutenant took her tricorder to add a new set of possible data to the equation. As many say, more eyes see more.
And this was even more applicable if a fresh set of eyes was the eyes of a seasoned scientist.
Jovenan: Yes. It was what the Bajorans refer to as the Reckoning, a series of natural disasters caused by the unusual behaviour by the wormhole. Supposedly, it was because of a fight between the Prophets and the Pah-wraiths. The proportions were off the scale from what geology alone would have predicted. Does that sound like a better explanation?
If someone would propose this explanation as a valuable scientific fact to be considered everywhere else than on Bajor, they'd be dismissed as a religious zealot. But the past three to four decades have led everyone in the Federation to reconsider texts that were once dismissed as religious fairytales. Prophets and the Pah-wraiths were real. Ethereal, all-knowing, and all-powerful entities, not resting on a cloud above our heads but in the heart of the wormhole, which many now doubted was a wormhole at all. But what other explanations did they have?
According to the Guild of Paperpushers classification, a wormhole is a rift in space that allows transportation between two points with another rift at the end, regardless of whether it is uninhabited or filled with wonders, gods, or creatures of horrors. So, the Bajoran home of the almighty is a wormhole. Period.
Savel: I believe so, however, I would like to continue to gather more samples just to see if we can support our theory with the data acquired.
Chevalier: I would agree with You, Mr. Savel. More data always supports better understanding.
Plan concluded, agreement settled. They could continue.
Savel: I concur with my colleague, and I believe we are prepared to continue our work. Unless you have another suggestion, Lieutenant?
Chevalier nodded to sign his agreement with a colleague.
Jovenan: Response
Savel bent down to pick up his bag, which he slung over his back. After adequately securing his bag, he turned toward the two nearby officers.
Savel: Very well, shall you be coming with us Lieutenant? Or will we be continuing on our own?
Jovenan: Response
Jaseb followed Savel’s example and got ready as well.
Chevalier: I recommend taking samples gradually as the terrain increases. It would be good to get measurements from a place not directly exposed to the flood mentioned.
Savel/Jovenan: Response
TAG/TBC