Ensign S'jenes - The Next Step
James hassell
S’Jenes: Yes, Lieutenant.
S’Jenes waited as Yirah considered the crystal, keeping his posture composed while she examined it. He had asked for her perspective for a reason. As the senior science officer present, her assessment carried far more weight than his own initial observations.
Yirah: Well, if it is a piece of Kameryan technology— which seems the most likely to me given the circumstances— then is this a case of them simply losing the crystal or is it something cultural? For instance, is it some sort of gift, or perhaps a test to see if we return it?
S’Jenes frowned slightly and lowered his gaze to the deck as he considered the question.
Yirah: Given our last misunderstanding resulted in people dying we need to be sure.
S’Jenes: When we were on the surface, the Kameryans seemed very attentive to how we conducted ourselves. They watched our responses closely, especially during moments of confusion or misunderstanding.
S’Jenes’ attention shifted back to the crystal resting on the tray.
S’Jenes: If this was placed aboard deliberately, it may not simply be an object they lost. It could be a way of seeing what we do with it. Whether we keep it, study it quietly, or attempt to return it to them.
He paused briefly.
S’Jenes: Given how carefully they observed us before, I would not be surprised if it were meant as a test of our intentions.
S’Jenes watched as Indrid lowered his gaze back toward the crystal.
Yirah: Couldn’t say. Some sort of holo-emitter maybe, but then, how does one activate it? It doesn’t appear to have its own power source.
S’Jenes studied the crystal for a moment before responding.
S’Jenes: The technology we encountered on the surface did not always operate in ways our equipment immediately understood. Some of their systems seemed to respond to environmental conditions or proximity rather than obvious power sources.
He gestured slightly toward the crystal.
S’Jenes: It is possible the lattice itself stores or channels energy through resonance. Without the proper conditions or interface, it may simply remain inactive.
Yirah: We should have engineering take a look at it. Hopefully they’ll have a better idea of what it’s for.
S’Jenes gave a small nod of agreement.
S’Jenes: That would be wise, Lieutenant. Engineering may be able to determine how it interacts with our systems without risking damage to it.
His gaze returned once more to the crystal.
S’Jenes: And if it does confirm Kameryan origin, that may help us decide whether the appropriate course is further analysis… or returning it to them.
Yirah: Response
S’Jenes studied the crystal again, turning it slowly in his hand so the facets caught the overhead lights.
S’Jenes: Lieutenant, given what we observed on the surface, and how carefully the Kameryans watched our behavior, I am leaning toward the idea that this might be… a test. Something to see how we handle it.
He paused, considering the implication.
S’Jenes: If that is the case, then our approach here is delicate. I don’t want to risk doing something that could be misinterpreted.
S’Jenes: Would it be advisable for me to take it down to engineering, myself, for a closer look? Perhaps they can determine how it interfaces with systems without activating it accidentally.
Yirah: Response
He tapped his combadge.
S’Jenes: =/\= Ensign S’Jenes to Lieutenant Shimisi =/\=
A brief pause before the familiar voice of Shimisi responded.
Shimisi: =/\= Response =/\=
S’Jenes: =/\= I have a small crystal that requires assessment. I’d like to bring it to you for analysis. It is possible that it is Kameryan in nature. =/\=
Shimisi: =/\= Response =/\=
S’Jenes: =/\= Acknowledged, Lieutenant. I’ll bring it down immediately. =/\=
He lowered the combadge and glanced back at Yirah.
S'Jenes: I will report any findings to you, sir.
Yirah: Response
((Deck 10 hallway))
S’Jenes exited the Assistant Chief Science Office and stepped into the Deck 10 passageway. The hum of the ship’s systems was steady, a familiar rhythm that contrasted with the subtle unease he felt holding the crystal.
S’Jenes: oO If this is a test, what is the prize? Oo
The thought made him smirk faintly, though it didn’t reach his eyes. He had faced simulations and protocol drills before, but nothing quite like this... something that might be assessing intentions rather than skill. He adjusted the grip on the crystal, careful not to jostle it, and let his eyes scan the corridor. The passageway was quiet, the soft glow of the overhead lights reflecting off the polished floor panels.
Ahead, the turbolift doors opened with a gentle hiss, and S’Jenes stepped inside. The familiar scent of recycled air and ozone was oddly comforting.
S’Jenes: Deck 36.
The doors slid shut, and the lift began its ascent. He leaned slightly against the wall, the crystal cradled carefully in one hand. Around him, the faint vibrations of the turbolift thrummed through the metal floor.
S’Jenes: oO And what would they consider a “correct” choice? Oo
He sighed softly, shaking off the thought. There was no way to know yet, no protocol to follow for alien tests of intent. All he could do was get it to engineering safely and hope that Lieutenant Shimisi could shed some light. The turbolift slowed, approaching Deck 36, and S’Jenes squared his shoulders, preparing for the next step.