Lieutenant Ras El'Heem - Precarious
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((Deck 16, Science Lab, USS Khitomer))
Knowing there were some kind of unidentified filaments out there strong enough to arrest a starship at warp and cut through a glove with no resistance put a rock in Ras’ stomach. As far as he could tell, they were only in the nacelles, but the ship sensors hadn’t picked them up on their own, and were only able to be seen after focusing the sensors in the infrared spectrum. It tore any level of confidence the Kressari had about the EVA. He glanced over his shoulder at the ensign.
Melville-Kilpatrick: Doesn't sound good. Maybe it would be better to call it off...
He shook his head.
El'Heem: I think you’re right.
Ras cleared his throat and before he could press his comm badge to relay his reticence, Matthews came through again.
Matthews: =/\= It’ll be easier if it’s just me going out there. If I don’t have to worry about a partner, I can get a sample quickly and be back on the Khitomer before you finish saying KP’s full name. =/\=
Naxell: =/\= Captain’s prerogative, officers. I’m entering the airlock now. I’ll wait here, in case something happens while you’re on the hull. Lieutenant, are you registering my suit? Vitals? =/\=
He may have been the chief science officer, but Naxell was the captain. There was much else to do but follow his lead. Ras turned back to his console and watched the suit telemetry populate.
Melville-Kilpatrick: =/\= Vitals are registering on my end, sir. =/\=
El'Heem: =/\= ::hesitating:: we’re good to go on our end, fellas. Just…take it slow =/\=
Matthews: =/\= I’ll feel safer knowing you’ve got my back from there Ras. I’m not stupid. I know I’ll need help out there. But it’ll be more helpful with a person in my ear giving direction and watching my blind spots - Captain, permission to head out? =/\=
Ras nodded but didn’t respond.
Naxell: =/\= You can do this, and I’ll be back here. Permission granted. Beginning depressurization. =/\=
He watched the monitor as the airlock where Naxell and Matthews were began to empty.
Melville-Kilpatrick: ::quietly, to El'Heem:: Vitals stable...
Ras nodded. There was hardly anything to do but watch and hold his breath.
El'Heem: =/\= Not detecting any foreign contamination. Seems the cloud itself is in a vacuum as well. =/\=
He still wasn’t sure what to make of it. The cloud presented itself as a homogenous cloud, but the fact that no particulate whatsoever pushed its way in as the airlock cycled confirmed his theory that it may have been some kind of densely packed structure.
El’Heem: =/\= Pressurization is leveling out. Doors will be opening in t-minus 23 seconds. =/\=
Naxell: =/\= While that cycles, let’s set up a level 3 forcefield across the outer hatch, in case this cloud decides it wants to come in. =/\=
Melville-Kilpatrick: ::under his breath:: Which won't happen.
El’Heem: Can never be too sure…
Matthews: =/\= Response =/\=
El’Heem: =/\= ::voice steady:: It’s just like the EVA on the cruise. Steady breaths, ensign. =/\=
The force field materialized seconds before the airlock doors opened into the cold of space. Ras almost flinched as the captain spoke.
Naxell: =/\= Plan of action. If the cloud is within arm’s reach on the other side of the forcefield, we’ll pass the sampler through. If it’s away, we’ll lower the forcefield, and wait to see if there’s a reaction. =/\=
Melville-Kilpatrick: =/\= Sounds like a plan, sir. =/\=
El’Heem: =/\= No unnecessary risks, Matthews. ::looking to his second monitor:: Not detecting any filaments outside the airlock area, but all scanners get a bit fuzzy six meters out. Are you seeing anything in your visor? =/\=
Matthews: =/\= Response =/\=
That was reassuring, as long as he didn’t have to space walk outside the forcefield.
Melville-Kilpatrick: =/\= Looking good on my end. =/\=
Ras watched with bated breath as Matthews took his first step towards the opening.
El'Heem: =/\= Nice and easy now. =/\=
Matthews/Naxell: =/\= Response =/\=
Melville-Kilpatrick: =/\= Breathing and heart rate slightly elevated, otherwise normal. Don't blame you, honestly. =/\=
El'Heem: =/\= What’s the verdict? Are you going to be able to get a sample without leaving the airlock? =/\=
Melville-Kilpatrick/Matthews/Naxell: =/\= Response =/\=
He closed his eyes and pushed air out through his nose.
El’Heem: =/\= Alright. Tether secured, captain? We’re looking at, at least twelve meters.
Melville-Kilpatrick/Matthews/Naxell: =/\= Response =/\=
((OOC: Sorry for the delay, I’m stupid. Thought Matthews was up next and was waiting for him!))
TAGS/TBC
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Lieutenant Ras El ‘Heem
Chief Science Officer
USS Khitomer (NCC-62400)
K240106RE3