Lt. Commander Ayiana Sevo - Shark Attack!
Aaron Schimmel
((Aquatic Center, Ilyira, Deluvia IV))
The trio had entered one of the clear tunnels between domes. Vylaa had discovered the glass was interactable. It displayed information on the sea life swimming around. As sea life entered the frame’s field of view, they were outlined with red highlights. Ayiana tapped on one and it froze the image, zoomed in on the creature in question, and brought up more information about said creature.
Sevo: It’s like an interactive encyclopedia.
Spelvan: Fascinating. Such an interface would be ideal for medical teaching.
zh’Tisav: Way to take the fun out of it…
In the distance, a larger life form started approaching. As it resolved through the low-light depths, Ayiana realized it looked very shark-like.
Sevo: Uh oh. What’s that?
Spelvan: From the way it is moving, likely a predator of some kind.
zh’Tisav: You’re asking me?
As it got closer, people were able to make out details; a few visitors gasped. It had a long tail like a whip and was coming straight for the tube. Rather than being scared, Spelvan was calmly reading the information of the creature.
Spelvan: It appears this is a type of shark that uses its whip-like tail to stun its prey.
zh’Tisav: The whip-tail shark… I guess the guy who does the names was on vacation.
Sevo: Common name. Bet the scientific name is something unpronounceable.
Spelvan: Many underwater such as sharks rely heavily on sense of smell, so I do not believe it would attempt to enter the tunnel, since it cannot smell us.
zh’Tisav: Yes, but what about people tapping on it? It can hear, right?
Sevo: Doubtful. The tapping is very small. Plus, they must have defenses against things like this. Right?
As the shark came close to the tunnel, it veered off, traveling parallel to the tube. People gasped and gawked at its body as it swam past. Ayiana even heard some claps.
zh’Tisav: Funny how fish on different planets all have the same basic chassis.
Sevo: Evolution prefers the most energy-efficient shape needed for a particular niche. Turns out, fins work very well for aquatic movement.
Spelvan: Response
A different child, a pre-teen boy this time, slipped past his parents and ran back up to the tunnel wall and gave it a resounding smack. The shark barrel-rolled, pivoted, and struck the tunnel with its tail mere centimeters from where the boy's hand had landed, causing the whole structure to vibrate.
If that had been her kid, Ayiana would have smacked him.
zh’Tisav: Still think it doesn’t want to get in?
Sevo: I mean…it’s gotta be safe…
Spelvan: Response
The shark turned and swam away from the tunnel, then turned again, head pointed straight at the tunnel. It quickly began accelerating and Ayiana felt sweat under her brow. This sort of thing must happen all the time…
Intercom: Attention all guests: please remain calm while our defenses engage.
As it approached, the lights in the tube dimmed, and red lights appeared. A forcefield shimmered into place millimeters above the surface of the tube, clearly seen through it. Spotlights tracked the raging shark as it approached the field. As it hit, there was a small shake and the momentary flash of the field, and the shark looked dazed. Traveling through the spotlight beams were waves of distortion hitting the shark. After a few seconds, the shark veered off and away into the distance. The spotlights turned off, along with the red lights, and the calmer white lights returned to full strength.
Intercom: The attack has been repelled through a combination of shields and sonic repellers. Please do not be discouraged from your visit, and thank you for your consideration.
Sevo: Well…that was something.
zh’Tisav / Spelvan: Response
Off to the side, Ayiana saw a security guard approach the parents of the boy who smacked the glass. It looked like a serious discussion; the parents even tried to plead with the guard for her son, but in the end they were escorted away. Good.
Sevo: Serves that kid right. Hope he got scared straight.
zh’Tisav / Spelvan: Response
Speaking of scared, how was Vylaa during that? She was having enough trouble maintaining composure here as it was.
Sevo: Vylaa, are you alright?
zh’Tisav / Spelvan: Response
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Lt. Commander Ayiana Sevo
Mission Specialist
U.S.S. Gorkon
Image Collective
Wiki Ops
V239109AS0
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