MSNPC Jin’Tauri Noram - Invaders
Peregrine Falcon
A solitary figure stood hunched over on the hill examining the ground. The stones called to them, though not by way of voice. Jin’Tauri had always been fascinated with stones, it was in their nature, their heritage, their very name.
Jin’Tauri saw a shimmering light on the ground and reached for it with greedy hands. They pulled up the object only to cast it away in irritation.
oO Just a piece of common pyrite. The glow of the aurora through the clouds must have caused the worthless rock to reflect light. Oo
They straightened and looked at the small rock they had thrown. A pang of regret at their outburst crossed their face, and they reached out to pick up the stone again.
oO Pyrite isn’t worthless. Maybe a chemist or a miner will be interested. Oo
They brought up their arm on which a wrist computer sat strapped and entered the coordinates of the Pyrite. Then they moved on to the next place to survey.
A flash of lightning nearly blinded them, and Jin’Tauri reached up to shield their eyes. As the flash faded and their vision slowly came back, they looked up and squinted at the offending clouds. Something was flying in the sky, it looked vaguely like a soyora. They shuddered at the thought of the disgusting slimy creatures from their home world. The flying object glowed red and blue, and as it passed, Jin’Tauri knew that it was artificial.
They were no longer alone on this planet. Jin’Tauri knew they had to get back to camp and warn the others. No one could be allowed to interfere with their plans for this world. The strangers would have to be repelled.
They raced back to their camp, but on their way back they heard strange voices.
S’Jenes: That interpretation aligns with the mineral ratios and microbial activity present in the soil. ::calm, certain:: If this planet was cultivated, it was done with sustainability as a priority rather than rapid extraction.
Jin’Tauri dropped to the ground and listened. Their body was tensed both to run and to fight. It was unknown whether the alien crew would see them.
Mec: Response
Foster: Well, let’s see if we can reach the higher ground over there. That should get us some better areas scans and maybe we can find some clues as to how this strange planet came to be.
Jin’Tauri felt a sense of relief when one of the aliens pointed towards the hills, a direction that would not cause the aliens to trample them.
S’Jenes: Elevated terrain would reduce exposure to subsurface pressure vents and improve sensor resolution. ::dryly:: It is also statistically less inclined to erupt beneath our feet. I concur with this course of action.
Mec: Response
S’Jenes: Stability appears sufficient… I prefer not to become a secondary Geyser Rider. ::smiles at Mec and then reading from the tricorder display:: Soil composition is layered but coherent. Upper stratum consists of silicate-rich loam with high organic content. Beneath that—basaltic substrate with sulfur inclusions and trace metals. Thermal gradient remains elevated but controlled. Moisture content is optimal for dense plant growth. ::a beat:: This hill appears resilient.
S’Jenes: I am considering a hypothesis and would value your perspectives. ::measured, almost careful:: Is it logical to assume we are merely reacting to the planet… or is it possible the planet is reacting to us?
S'jenes returned to looking at the tricorder readout.
S’Jenes: Given the pattern of geothermal vents, the timing of energy releases, and the plant distribution, the behavior is unusual for a planet of this classification. I am interested in your assessment—both from exploratory command and engineering standpoints.
The three alien crew passed as Jin’Tauri still lay in the grass. The talkative one was still chattering as the three’s voices faded into the distance.
S’Jenes: For completeness, atmospheric particulates remain unchanged at this elevation. No increase in toxic compounds. ::dryly:: The planet has not objected to our presence up here. Yet. Should we attempt to contact the other runabout? Perhaps they are experiencing the same phenomenon.
oO The planet may not object to your presence, whatever that means, but I do. You are not allowed here. This planet is ours! Oo
As soon as they felt it was safe to do so, Jin’Tauri sprang up from the long grass. They sprinted the rest of the way back to camp in search of Avoo’na. Avoo’na would know what to do.
Jin’Tauri: Avoo’na, there is a ship that has dropped out of the sky. It is not one of ours.
Avoo’na: response
Jin’Tauri: It’s worse. I heard some of them talking. The aliens are scouting the planet, and there are more of them. We’re being invaded.
Avoo’na: response
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