Ensign Savel - I Reckon the Reckoning Wrecked This Place
Savel
((Rakantha Province, Bajor))
This was the first time that Savel was involved in any scientific training since the Academy. Even then, it was not the focus of his studies there. It was a bit of a surprise to his family and some of his Vulcan acquaintances when he not only announced he was going to go to Starfleet, but that he wouldn't be pursuing a more technical or scientific duty post. He hadn't meant to be purposefully contrary to the perceived normalcy of a Vulcan science officer, but now that he was mostly settled into his position he was satisfied with the choice and was glad that he hadn't pursued that path.
He still found scientific discoveries and pursuits to be fascinating and worthwhile, so he was enjoying himself during this exercise. Even if it was just to familiarize himself with the more complicated features of a science tricorder.
Chevalier: We need additional data and scans, but within the first readings, there is evident cause for concern. The toxin levels in the soil, groundwater, and atmospheric conditions do not align with the degree of soil degradation observed. I would further investigate this before we report any conclusions to the lieutenant.
Savel: I concur, we should take some additional readings before we make any assumptions.
Before they could move on from their spot, Jovenan approached waving them both down to help get their attention.
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: Response
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?
Savel thought for just a moment before he responded, again looking over the data on his tricorder.
Savel: It is plausible to assume that it would. Flooding can have lasting effects on any stricken area depending on the severity.
Chevalier: Response
Jovenan pulled out her own tricorder to conduct a scan of the area as well. Even though it was highly unlikely her tricorder would produce a different set of data, Savel was curious what insights the scientist would be able to provide.
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?
It was always interesting when science intersected with the religions of certain peoples. To most everyone that wasn't a Bajoran, the Prophets could be explained for what they were in a literal sense. Even if that explanation wasn't the easiest thing to wrap one's head around, it at least eliminated some of the mystery surrounding their existence. To many Bajorans, however, the Prophets were more than just some species of alien that lived inside of a stable wormhole. Their unique state of existence gave them a mythical quality to those that had faith in their words.
When beings like that were involved, even if they could be appreciated and studied from a scientific perspective, it was difficult to determine the full scale of the effect they could have outside of their own unique plane of existence.
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: Response
There were a few different places they could go to, but Savel wasn't entirely sure what might be the best location for them to try next. He turned to Jaseb since they were teamed up with each other.
Savel: We could potentially learn more by taking another sample at a higher elevation, or we could move closer to the river where Ensign Gnai and Crewman Renirs are working. Do you have a suggestion, Ensign Chevalier?
Chevalier: Response
Their plans were settled then, so Savel looked over to Jovenan.
Savel: I concur with my colleague, and I believe we are prepared to continue our work. Unless you have another suggestion, Lieutenant?
Chevalier/Jovenan: Response
Savel reached down to gather his pack, placing it on his back once more and tightening the straps to hold it securely in place. Once it was settled in, Savel looked back at the pair of officers.
Savel: Very well, shall you be coming with us Lieutenant? Or will we be continuing on our own?
Chevalier/Jovenan: Response
TAG/TBC