Ensign Spelvan - An Unforgettable Experience
Tara Miner
((Aquatic Center, Ilyira, Deluvia IV))
The three Starfleet officers were at the aquatic center, watching a shark that appeared to be particularly aggressive. Spelvan demonstrated his usual Vulcan aplomb toward it apparently attempting to attack them in the tunnel.
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?
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: ::nodded:: Evolutionary processes always follow a logical path of least resistance.
As Spelvan was appreciating the predictability of evolution, they watched as a boy ran up to the transparent tunnel wall and hit it with the palm of his hand. The shark now seemed determined to hunt the boy and smacked the tunnel with its powerful tail, causing the structure to vibrate.
Vylaa crouched down to Spelvan's height to look at him.
zh’Tisav: Still think it doesn’t want to get in?
Sevo: I mean…it’s gotta be safe…
Spelvan took a deep breath. The shark's behavior was unexpected but not unusual. Logically, such situations would have been anticipated by the aquatic center's creators and they had to have safeguards in place to protect visitors.
Surely that was the case.
Spelvan: I am certain that the center must have security practices for situations like this one, as Ayiana previously stated.
The shark momentarily turned away, only to start heading toward the tunnel again at top speed. Spelva found himself slightly unnerved despite himself.
A pleasantly-toned voice began speaking from the intercom.
Intercom: Attention all guests: please remain calm while our defenses engage.
The white lights in the tube switched to a dull red as a shimmering forcefield activated just above the surface of the tunnel. Spotlights centered themselves on the shark as it rammed into the forcefield. The field flashed upon the moment of impact and the tunnel shook slightly. The spotlights seemed to be sending distortion waves at the shark. A moment later, the dazed shark swam away; the red lights in the tunnel returned to their normal white hue, and the spotlights outside shut off.
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.
Spelvan:
zh’Tisav: Response
Meanwhile, in the tunnel, a security officer approached the child that had antagonized the shark. They appeared to be having a serious conversation about the consequences of his actions, and the family was soon led away, presumably out of the aquatic center.
Sevo: Serves that kid right. Hope he got scared straight.
Spelvan: Perhaps he has learned the repercussions of antagonizing a wild animal.
zh’Tisav: Response
Often animals (especially predators) did not need encouragement to attack. The encounter brought the Vulcan back to his survival trial and how he had been attacked by the snake, all those years ago as a child. Even the presence of a humanoid (as in Spelvan's case) could trigger an animal's defense mechanisms.
Spelvan centered himself with some slow breaths as he and Sevo looked over at their Andorian companion.
Sevo: Vylaa, are you alright?
Spelvan: Yes, how are you faring?
zh’Tisav: Response
Spelvan: I must admit, that was not an experience I would wish to repeat.
zh’Tisav / Sevo: Response
The three of them were still in the tunnel, but Spelvan now felt a very low current of unease at the pit of his stomach - as if another shark was just waiting to make an appearance and attack the tunnel again.
Spelvan: Perhaps we have spent enough time looking at the fish.
zh’Tisav / Sevo: Response
---
Ensign Spelvan
Medical Officer
USS-Gorkon
G240208S11