Ensign Spelvan - Oozes of Unusual Size

[Tara Miner]

((Research and Development Wing, Gibaria Outpost))

The two Vulcan ensigns and the Vice Admiral had arrived at the research area of Gibaria Outpost. Reynolds explained that their mission was to rescue the head scientist and retrieve information from the scientific database. They came upon a door covered in a red ooze, which Spelvan determined to be (for now) not dangerous. 

Spelvan: Access appears to be by retinal scan. We would require a scientist or staff member to enter.

Valek: The next logical question concerns the means of accomplishing this objective. I assess that cutting through the door with phasers entails a significant risk of catastrophic damage. Ensign, do you have a recommendation?

Spelvan looked up warily at the much-taller Vulcan, raising an eyebrow. Brute-forcing their way through with a phaser blast would certainly be less than ideal. Earlier, he had caught Valek catching glances at him and hoped he wasn't making a bad first impression. 

Spelvan was getting an idea, however, and checked once again at their maps.

Spelvan: Agreed. It does appear there is a surveillance room in this wing of the facility where we might be able to disable the retinal scan. 

Reynolds: Response

Then again, the surveillance room could be retinally locked as well. They wouldn't know until they tried, the Vulcan supposed. 

He shivered, holding one arm close to his chest for warmth as he pulled out his tricorder. He eyed the creeping red ooze on the edges of the door again. 

Spelvan: As for this, ::He waved at the door with his tricorder:: it appears to be an organism called a slime mold. They are sometimes mistaken for fungi. I will try to get a greater sample size for further analysis. 

Valek/Reynolds: Response

As he approached and brought his tricorder closer, the slime mold reacted. In a split second, the sticky strands reached outward and slammed the tricorder out of the doctor's hand with surprising force. The device clattered to the floor, echoing in the otherwise empty corridor. When Spelvan looked back, the goo appeared exactly as it had before, shimmering and immovable. 

oO Like a carnivorous plant snapping its jaws shut on an insect. Oo

Spelvan: I rescind my previous opinion about the creature's hostility.

Valek/Reynolds: Response

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Ensign Spelvan
Medical Officer
USS-Gorkon
G240208S11