LT Cmdr Quentin Beck - Climbin' Like Popo
Quentin Beck
((‘Pike’s’ Peak AKA “The Chair”, Endicronimas V))
One might have thought his experience in the mountains of Bajor during the literal beginnings of the Occupation might have put Quentin off mountain climbing - hard enough to do with two hands, let alone missing one entirely - but in truth, he'd been rather excited when Raga had approached him to offer the invite. It had been entirely too long since Quentin had the opportunity to do any kind of climbing that wasn't just on a social ladder.
While hardly an expert, he'd gone climbing with his cousin Sam a handful of times over the years before he'd joined Starfleet, and had logged enough hours to have at least some idea what he was doing without needing to ask for advice. He found he was just a little rusty, but things were coming back quickly as they made their way to the cliffs.
Raga: Ah, here we are. “Pike’s Peak.” Since I wasn’t sure of your aptitudes for climbing I chose an easy one.
The Doctor didn't really mind. He wasn't sure he'd have the confidence to attempt something much more difficult, at least not until they'd managed to scale this particular challenge successfully. He was a little disappointed there hadn't been any snow - the peaks in California were typically quite snowy, after all - but the cold more than made up for it with the way it bit into his bare cheeks.
He had dressed as best he could for the occasion, wearing something like a thermal jumpsuit that had been sewn into insulated coveralls, and a pair of very warm-looking ear muffs were settled over his ears. Protective goggles rested on the end of his nose, though he lifted them now that they were not walking into the wind, and settled against his forehead instead. His cheeks and the tip of his nose were a rosy red color from the cold. Strapped across the center of his back was a decently sized travel bag that held the majority of things he thought he might need, plus some provisions for emergencies.
Kel: Did they name this after the peak on Earth?
Beck: ::shaking his head:: Colorado, this ain't. I am pretty sure it's a joke.
The Al-Leyan shifted the rather large pack on his back and nodded back at the others.
Raga: Exactly, but not quite. One of the doctors on the Blackheart told me about this one. A play on words or something. Referencing the mountain back on Earth, but this one is named for Captain Christopher Pike.
His brow arched as he looked from Raga to the mountain and tilted his head a little to the side. While he was not as familiar with Pike's years serving as the Captain of the Enterprise, he knew at least a little about what the man had gone through and what status the Enterprise had been in before it was handed over to Kirk. But nothing told him why they would name the mountain after the old Captain.
Kel: Interesting. That explains "the Chair" I suppose.
Raga: It does sort of resemble a chair. ::he shrugged:: Humans.
The XO snickered. Shaking his head, Quentin shot Raga a playful but dirty look.
Beck: Hey, what's that supposed to mean?
It was a rhetorical question and was treated as such.
Kel: So what's our next move?
He shifted his feet and moved to peel off the glove covering his prosthetic hand, tucking it into one of his many pockets.
Beck: We should find a good, flat spot to get set up. Something level, so we don't have to worry about anything sliding away. Like the prefabs, for example.
Kel looked around as Raga led them to the base of the mountain proper before setting down his pack.
Raga: Right, this looks like a good place to make a base camp. Shouldn’t take long to set up these prefabs. ::he smiled:: I appreciate you two coming along. I had considered offering to teach one of my classes while we’re here but the point of us being here is to relax.
The corner of his mouth twitched upward as Quentin removed his other glove, tucking it into the same pocket as the first before unfastening the strap holding the bag to his back.
Beck: I'll admit to being a little disappointed, then - while I have some experience with it, I know yours is far more extensive and I'm sure I'd learn more than a thing or two. But you make a good point - I think we really need to relax after all of that. ::shaking his head:: To think I missed Risa only to almost die to the plague…
The Trilldorian picked a spot and started hauling out one of the shelters.
Kel: Over here seem good?
Beck: Looks good to me.
As the first box started to expand, Quentin collected one of the others and selected another spot a little further away.
Kel: Here we go!
Dropping to one knee, he set the box down and adjusted the angle slightly before activating it and stepping back.
Beck: I remember the last time I had to do this, I had to build a shelter from scratch. Too bad I didn't have enough blankets to make a blanket fort.
Raga: Response
Unsurprisingly, V'Len immediately found some greenery he was interested in collecting.
Kel: I need my sampling kit.
Beck: ::laughing softly:: You brought your sampling kit?
Raga: Response
Kel: Firstly this plant is in bloom and I'm sure Lt. Wells would love to study this. ::pulling out some tubes:: Secondly there may be spores in here that would be interesting.
Grinning and shaking his head, Quentin sat down on a stump not too far from his shelter and turned over his bag.
Beck: You nerd. At least tell me Wells is a girl you're interested in. And one that you're actually actively pursuing this time around.
Raga/Kel: Response
Rolling his eyes with a smirk, he opened the zipper and pulled out a small holorecorder.
Beck: You know exactly what I mean, V'Len. Tell me something, does Wells look at all like a certain Security officer we all know who is currently on leave?
Raga/Kel: Response
His eyes sparkled with mirth as he extended the legs attached to the recorder.
Beck: Right, right, nevermind. Forget I said anything.
Pushing himself to stand, he carried the mounted camera to the far side of the camp and set it up so it was facing toward the mountain.
Raga/Kel: Response
Beck: I used to be a lot better about documenting trips and vacations. This seems like a good a time as any.
Raga/Kel: Response
[Tag/TBC]
Lieutenant Commander Quentin Beck
Chief Medical Officer
USS Ronin NCC-34523
A238810SA0