Lt JG Taj'el - Swimming!!!
Taj'el
((Shuttlebay 1 Maintenance Bay, Deck 9, USS Ronin))
Taj’el: Was there anything I could do to assist with the prelaunch preparations? My piloting skills were limited; however, I am proficient with checklists.
Evinrude: Actually, that would speed things along. The Type 4's preflight checklist is essentially the same as a Type 6, and similar to our Type 9's...minus some systems. Here, this is a list of what I've replaced...definitely double check my work on these components, and then just walk through a standard preflight.
As a medical officer, they had completed four years at the Academy followed by an additional four years pursuing their doctorate. As a result, many of the more general Starfleet courses from their early training, such as piloting and other shuttle operations, had been deprioritized during their advanced studies. They were therefore unfamiliar with much of the terminology, and references to various type designations held little immediate meaning for the small doctor.
However, when provided with clear instructions and structured lists, they were highly proficient in following them. The Lieutenant appeared somewhat uncertain, though ultimately acquiescent, as they pulled up the necessary information on their PADD. Setting down their bags, they ensured to ask whether there were any questions.
Evinrude: Once I finish with this hydraulic filter and button up the panel, I'll join you.
((Brief timeskip - Type 4 shuttle, 12000 meters altitude and descending - Logali IV))
The still-unnamed shuttle was performing admirably, though Taj’el would not have been able to assess this objectively, as they maintained a light but steady grip on the seat. They disliked front-row seating during unpredictable flight conditions, and turbulence fell firmly within that category.
Reviewing their navigation display, it was logical to consider an alternative location; however, they first needed to determine where else similar plant specimens might be found.
Evinrude: So you think the storm will move clear of your sample area?
Taj'el: Unknown. I can only hope this does not adversely affect the specimens.
They were not the most proficient copilot, but they made a conscientious effort to ensure no systems displayed errors.
Evinrude: Are there any other places here on Logali that have what you're looking for?
Taj'el: There are certain aquatic plants with known healing properties. I intended to test them and determine whether extraction is feasible.
Evinrude: That's...fascinating! ::He said earnestly.:: And potentially time consuming? When should I pick you up? ::A beat.:: Assuming you don't have other plans.
Taking a deep breath as they pushed through the storm, Taj’el reclined further in their seat and closed their eyes. They had been allowing their emotions to influence them too heavily of late. After a brief logical exercise, they opened their eyes once more to observe the view.
Rising carefully, they moved forward to take in the surroundings. The experience rendered much of the earlier fear acceptable in retrospect. It served as a clear example that fear did not alter circumstances, and in this case, it had ultimately been worth enduring for the aesthetically pleasing planet below.
Taj'el: Yes, a bit time consuming. ::soft breath:: Seems your shuttle is doing well.
Missing his question about pickup, they remained distracted by the view and their planning of the small expedition. Returning to their seat, they retrieved their PADD and reviewed the plant data they intended to collect. The specimens appeared to grow at greater depth than Taj’el had initially assessed, indicating that diving would be required.
They glanced toward Lieutenant Evinrude, giving him a brief, clinical once-over in an attempt to determine whether he was physically suited for aquatic activity.
Taj’el: Can you swim, Lieutenant?
Evinrude: response
Taj’el: We may need to acquire diving gear, and I will require an underwater containment bag.
Evinrude: response
Looking back out the view screen, they allowed a faint smile to form. This was one of the aspects of Starfleet that proved more rewarding than the Vulcan Science Academy; such vistas could not be experienced within a classroom.
Straightening in their seat, they noted an open area near the water’s edge that appeared suitable for a landing site.
Taj’el: Are we able to land there? It would likely be the most efficient location for transporting equipment and materials.
Evinrude: response
[[TAGS/TBC]]
