Lost Harbor - atlantis-mission

Lost Harbor

Atlantis RP / atlantis-mission

The wheels of bureaucracy turn slowly, especially when impeded by events such as the Section 31 Crisis and the Xovul Conflict, but six and a half years after our initial visit to the "Garden of Eden" world Sevrekia, Atlantis has returned to conduct a formal survey of potential locations for the colony that has finally been approved for this planet. Many factors must be considered in initial site selection, such as climate, geology, seismology, biodiversity, potential pathogens, defensibility, and impact on local wildlife. We begin entering orbit of the magnificent blue marble to conduct remote appraisal of the candidate sites before sending an away team to directly examine the most promising locations.

After 2/10/2023 12:00 AM

@Atlantis Crew The wheels of bureaucracy turn slowly, especially when impeded by events such as the Section 31 Crisis and the Xovul Conflict, but six and a half years after our initial visit to the "Garden of Eden" world Sevrekia, Atlantis has returned to conduct a formal survey of potential locations for the colony that has finally been approved for this planet. Many factors must be considered in initial site selection, such as climate, geology, seismology, biodiversity, potential pathogens, defensibility, and impact on local wildlife. We begin entering orbit of the magnificent blue marble to conduct remote appraisal of the candidate sites before sending an away team to directly examine the most promising locations.

BEGIN MISSION

@Cdor Kathryn Harper: Aye capitana. :: guides Atlantis into a rather high orbit at an appropriate inclination to allow all of the sites to pass under the ship :: Target orbit achieved.

:: nods to Doc before looking around the bridge :: All: Shall we build a city, then? Please, begin your scans.

:: sits in the counselor’s chair, watching the viewer as they approach. Her role in this is more analyzing scans than initiating them, so she’s not quick to jump into action, just letting the others do their thing first. When the Commodore says ‘shall we build a city’, she cracks a small smile, pleased to be doing such exciting work. The smile doesn’t last long, though, it’s hard for her to shake the air of what she could only describe as a bad vibe. ::

:: although part of her still yearns for a new chapter of life planet-side, she has to admit that she's excited by this mission; she spent all night last night setting up and fine-tuning the scans, and she kicks them off before all of the words have even left Kate's mouth :: @Cdor Kathryn Harper Aye, Captain. Preliminary scans initiated.

:: straightens up on her elbows from her off-center seat as the planet first appears on screen, her eyes wide as she takes in its beauty brimming with life and possibilities. While she has visited countless colonies by now, the planning that goes into actually creating one and deciding where to build is a humbling privilege. The idea that what they learn and do in the next days ahead and how it will pave the way for the future of the settlement makes Kuari wish she could see into the future. Reigning in her excitement, she tells herself they're simply doing the surveying and may not actually be up to them on where it will be built, but still, she feels as if they're helping to make history. She watches Wright work at the ordered scans, then turns her head to smile at @Cdor Kathryn Harper ::

:: watches idly as the scan data comes in, trying to picture the new civilization that will be built on this beautiful planet. There was a lot to consider, from rocks to plants to animals to atmosphere and more, much of which was not her purview. She couldn’t help but wonder if this planet would someday be host to any new or interesting diseases, something much more up her alley ::

:: Knowing of her excitement for this mission, Kate happily watches Lexy eagerly start her scans, always pleased to see her wife in her element. She catches Kuari's smile and returns it for a comfortable moment before looking around the bridge to the other stations in an attempt to catch unfiltered reactions to the preliminary results of their scans. ::

:: there isn't much for a helm officer to do in this situation, but he does have the computer generate a map of the minute variations in the planet's gravitational field as it compensates for them while maintaining their desired orbit :

:: begins filtering the data through secondary algorithms as it comes in :: All: I'm looking for site candidates with the usual specifications - geological stability, soil quality, climate, biodiversity, drainage and water table, minimal hostile indigenous species... :: she continues to rattle off the various aspects being considered for anyone who's interested ::

:: looks at Lexy, intently listening as she rattles off what they're actually looking for. She's familiar with the concept in passing, but the specifics are interesting to her despite not being her area of focus. She glances at the scans on her console, having a bit more context for what's important now ::

:: While she's looking around the bridge, she notices the site below their orbital track appear on her chair arm's display. Seeing that it's a sub-tropical island, she perks up, given her origins. :: @All: Oh, what about that one? :: highlighting it with a tap on her display, she grins as she looks at the remote imagery coming in and starts to imagine a Federation colony on the island's shore ::

:: looks at the site Kate has highlighted and ponders aloud :: @All: Hmm. Looks like a reasonable quantity of arable land. Warm year-round. Plenty of rainfall. The area is seismically unstable, however, and the weather patterns could produce significant storms. Would require substantial seismic and atmospheric stabilization to optimize.

:: runs some preliminary scans on the planet from a tactical perspective, taking into account areas of suitability with natural defenses already in place, i.e. mountains, caves, etc. :: @Cdor Kathryn Harper Ma'am, there's a place on the northern continent that has a semi-circular mountain range with a decent plot of area that it naturally encapsulates. There's areas to the east and west with access to the rest of the land mass and has a waterfront. @Cdr Alexis Wright Commander Wright, I'm sending you the coordinates for environmental assessment. :: sends coordinates to Wright and Harper ::

:: listens to Wright's prerequisites of a suitable colony site, thinking the attributes over and agreeing on their importance, a small contented smile still on her face. The idea of an island colony sounded nice, but was only a little disappointed that it was an unstable location, as there were many more opportunities to explore. Ammora's site description perked her ears a bit, his understandably tactical perspective drawing her, and she looks from his station to Wright's, interested if his suggestion passes her qualifications ::

:: While the CMO was on the bridge shift; Alec was in the medbay, checking on records, double-checking schedules, doing what was usually expected of a medical officer. He was humming softly under his breath as he worked, accessing reports one after another, while the nurses and other medical staff did their own responsibilities. ::

:: Though the report on the island site isn't completely negative, a small look of disappointment crosses her face. Once Ammora speaks up, she looks down at the readings coming in as the ground track of their orbit approaches it, nodding as she reads before looking up. :: @Cpt Scott Ammora: That does look promising, and I'm not surprised that it's defensible. :: she turns from Ammora toward Ops, wondering what Lexy thinks ::

:: taps at her console without comment for a moment, and then sends an overlay to the main viewer, highlighting three specific locations: One in a large bay near the equator, one in a hilly arboreal forest adjacent to a navigable river on a southern landmass, and one in the rain-shadow of a semi-circular mountain range on a northern landmass :: All: Analysis has narrowed down potential sites for the first colony to the three shown on the screen above, prioritizing access to diverse resources, ecological stability, and defensibility respectively. You'll note that one of the sites is, in fact, near the location described by @Cpt Scott Ammora Lieutenant Ammora. :: she nods in his direction :: Each of the sites has their own positives and negatives, and it's difficult to weigh those from orbit, so I propose them as candidates for closer investigation via landing party.

:: sits up a bit straighter at the mention of a landing party, always excited for a chance to check out an alien world. Especially as this world would not be alien for long, as it would soon host Federation residents. She looked over the sites on the viewer, wondering which one would win out in the complicated analysis, and doubly wondering which one she might get to see with her own eyes before its chance to be developed. ::

:: looks at the places that Wright has mentioned, especially the one close to the one he had found. He sent a message to the security offices to prepare an away team security contingent, per standard operating procedure, as he awaited the official orders from the Captain. The planet seemed beautiful from space, but he was interested in what it looked like on the ground. Scott loved a good away mission. ::

:: grins and looks from Lexy to Kuari :: All: I think a landing party sounds like a wonderful idea! After all, we're selecting a site where many thousands of people will live, and there's more to living than what sensors can convey. @Cdr Kuari: What do you think, Commander?

:: hears the Captain move forward on the away team idea, but still no official go ahead. His hand moves to his console only to see the indicator of 'Away Teams Ready' blinking the security offices' confirmation. He looks up at the beautiful planet again and looks forward to breathing some fresh air; between the starbase, the transport, and the Atlantis he hadn't gotten much in the way of natural breathable atmosphere. Glances up towards Kuari, and waits. ::

:: grins back at Harper :: @Cdor Kathryn Harper: Completely necessary in fact, Captain! :: thinks about the options Wright has brought forth, happiest probably with the most defensible position on the northern continent, but can't help but find the arboreal location the most attractive for personal reasons :: And there's no reason outposts can't be made later once the first is established. :: turns her head to check @Cdr Alexis Wright and @Cpt Scott Ammora's reactions as well ::

:: smirks at Kuari, nodding :: @Cdor Kathryn Harper @Cdr Kuari I have security teams on standby awaiting orders, Captain. We're ready to move on your order. :: Internally, hopes that he gets assigned to be on said away team. ::

:: stands at the Engineering station on the Bridge, watching the surveys and reports come in. His work really begins after they find a place, and his team will assist with the placement of structures and services. So watching what is going on is downright secondary. He turns his attention to the onboard sensor and support systems to make sure they're running nominally. Of course, someone, or several someones down in Engineering is also checking this, so it's really just perfunctory. And truth be told, he's a bit distracted with how much he's looking forward to the planetside work, and that makes him smile to himself. He turns to take a look at the planet on the main viewscreen, because there's nothing like seeing what's going on in the ultra-hyper HD of whatever a screen's pixels display in 2402. Of course, Jorvan knows the pixel count and density that people in previous generations could never have imagined. ::

:: certainly gets the sense from everyone present that they're all eager to explore a strange new world :: @Cdr Kuari: Well then, form an away team, Commander, starting with the site at the top of Commander Wright's list. I believe all departments will need to be present for this... :: grins :: including me. Once safety is established, of course, and at that point, I believe we can start bringing down more people to cover more ground. :: smiles as she looks around the bridge for reactions ::

:: can't help but smile at Harper's 'including me', then turns her attention back to her console and messages down to Sickbay that there's going to be a bit of an adventure and to be ready, not only for the possibility that some medical staff might get to go, but also because Sickbay had to be on alert any time someone was off the ship. ::

:: smiles at the Captain as he taps a couple more buttons on his console, preparing for the station hand-off. :: @Cdor Kathryn Harper Captain, I have a security team already prepared to meet the team. A second and third are already on standby for expanding to larger groups. We're ready whenever @Cdr Kuari is. :: motions for his replacement to approach and starts showing him where the tactical systems are at for his absence. ::

:: smiles and shakes her head, having predicted that Kate would say that, then reaches out to a few specialists on the science team and summons some unlucky soul to take her own place on the Bridge ::

:: climbs off her seat to stand on all fours in the center of the command area between @Cdor Kathryn Harper and Alexis, nodding at the former, smiling as she addresses the latter. @Cdr Alexis Wright: Commander Wright, please collaborate with Mr. Ammora on an ideal beam-down site for the northern mountain location, send the coordinates to Transporter Room One and prepare to join us. Have a survey team standing by as well. :: Kuari turns to look at Tactical. @Cpt Scott Ammora: Lieutenant Ammora, your security team will beam down first to check that the area is safe, and update you when we are clear to transport. You would of course accompany us on the second transport. :: at the medical station, she found Emily looking back :: @LCdr Emily Acacia: Doctor Acacia, your expertise would be valuable as well. :: looking all around at those she addressed, she checks for their acknowledgement, feeling she has a decent handle on the start of their journey preparations ::

:: bobs his head towards the Commander. :: @Cdr Kuari Aye, Commander. :: taps his commadge :: +Security+ Ammora to security, team one to Transporter Room one, I'll meet you there momentarily. @Cdr Alexis Wright Commander Wright, I've uploaded the coordinates to you for final confirmation of the beam down spot. I'll await you all in the transporter room. :: points out a couple of things to his replacement, secures his log-off on the console for the ensign taking over, and heads to the turbolift. ::

:: smiles and nods in the affirmative :: @Cdr Kuari: Aye. :: she sends a message down for a bridge duty replacement from Sickbay, and follows Ammora to the turbolift to head first for her office to pick up her field research kit and med kit (always better to be prepared) ::

:: enters the turbolift and sees that Acacia is following him, nodding as she steps inside. :: @LCdr Emily Acacia Commander, how's life in Sickbay these days? Computer, Deck Seven, Security Offices.

:: hears the call for replacement on the bridge duty, and heads up to the bridge quickly. With acknowledgments to the other remaining crew, he slides into the chair at the med station and pulls up the vital signs of the away team ::

:: nods in acknowledgement to Ammora :: Computer, Deck Fifteen. @Cpt Scott Ammora: Quiet. Just how I like it. :: she chuckles :: And how’s life in security? :: she makes what small talk she can on the short trip ::

@LCdr Emily Acacia :: smirks :: It's all right, I guess. Still easing into the role all around. Not a lot of pushback, yet. I can tell there are some folks who aren't thrilled by the 'acting' Chief coming in. I'm trying to not rock the boat and change things all around. Just tightening things up. Grey did a fantastic job keeping things running smoothly. Huge shoes to fill, no doubt.

:: smiles a comforting smile :: @Cpt Scott Ammora: I’m sure you’ll get used to it. Taking over a whole department always comes with a bit of friction, especially if your predecessor was doing a good job. :: she speaks from experience :: But from what little I know about your position, you’re filling those shoes nicely.

:: Scott accepts the compliment with a grin and a smile. There hasn't been a lot for him to be 'in charge' of recently, but the tasks he has doled out have been met with understanding and done with diligence. He knows there are people within the team that he may have some issues with in the future, but time will tell on that front. :: @LCdr Emily Acacia Thank you, Doctor, I appreciate that. :: The turbolift stops on his deck and, as the doors part he gives her a thumbs up. :: I'll see you in the Transporter Room shortly.

:: smiles and nods, returning the thumbs-up gesture. She rolls her shoulders back as the turbolift doors shut, taking in the moment of silence on her trip down to deck fifteen ::

:: at Ammora's and Acacia's confirmations, turns to the engineering console and smiles a bit more fondly. She was still getting used to Jorvan being back with them, in his new role :: @LCdr Jorvan Tav: Commander Tav! We will want an engineer down there as well, for consultation on basic build layout, to make sure we don't focus on an area that would never work, and give ideas of placement. Don't worry, I know you're not specialized as an architect, but starships don't generally crew those, do they?

:: finishes up a few final keystrokes on what he was doing before turning to face the Commander. :: @Cdr Kuari : They don't Commander, but the basics of building small structures is simple, relatively speaking. Besides that, I will be double-checking my work with architects back at Headquarters. But I'm certainly looking forward to getting my feet onto a new planet. I'd been on Earth way too long.

:: nods curtly at Tav, then gives her attention to @Cdor Kathryn Harper for any last orders ::

:: Kate nods and smiles to Kuari, finding her XO's assignments to be comprehensive and well thought-out, then looks around the bridge to address everyone else. :: Those of you not yet on an away team will get their chance soon. It will take a lot of us to do this right, so we will all share some of the work. After all, Starfleet is sending a few California-class ships in our wake, and by the time they arrive, we want to have the future colony site ready for their initial construction efforts. So, I will see all of you down there, at some point. @Lt Doc Navarro: Mr. Navarro, the bridge is yours. :: nods to Zorro before heading into the turbolift ::

@Cdor Kathryn Harper: Aye aye, capitana. :: Admittedly somewhat disappointed to not be going, he still has a job to do and turns back to the helm, preferring to run the bridge from a full station when he's left in command rather than from the limited functionality of the center seat. ::

:: nods to Navarro after listening to @Cdor Kathryn Harper's words, then follows her into the turbolift ::

:: gathers her field kit and darts into the TL with Kate and Kuari as the doors are closing ::

:: gets to her office and checks through her field research kit and med kit, methodically ensuring each one has all the instruments and supplies she expects them to. Once satisfied, she slings both straps over her shoulder and heads back out into Sickbay. She’s stopped by Nurse Flowers who has a question about a patient’s test results, which she looks over and agrees with the nurse’s treatment plan, handing them back off and heading out the door ::

:: Kate smiles to herself through the short turbolift ride with Kuari and Lexy and, once it concludes, she leads them into the transporter room. With a nod to the transporter chief, she opens a locker and retrieves a science tricorder and a hand phaser for her belt. While waiting on the rest of the away team and the scouting report from the surface, she looks at the transporter pad in anticipation before turning to her XO and her wife to speak: @Cdr Kuari: @Cdr Alexis Wright: I think this is one of the best parts of this job.

:: grins and nods her agreement despite the distraction of checking that all her gear is in place :: @Cdor Kathryn Harper It is. And it's been far too long since we've gotten to enjoy it.

:: arrives in the transporter room shortly after the first group, smiling at the trio and crossing to the locker to retrieve a hand phaser for her own belt as well. With all of her gear now squared away, she rolls her shoulders back and stands with the group :: @Cdor Kathryn Harper: @Cdr Kuari: @Cdr Alexis Wright: How exciting, getting out and getting some fresh air, eh?

:: nods as she's acquiring her own kit, including the phaser that gets slipped into her belly pouch :: @Cdor Kathryn Harper @Cdr Alexis Wright @LCdr Emily Acacia It sure is! :: checks around her at everyone as they grab their gear, an old habit from her Security days, making protocol is followed, even though it's not necessary she do so as she has full faith in those present ::

:: begins toward the transporter room on the next lift, and while he waits thinks of a few tools he needs from Engineering. Returning to his workstation, he sends a message to his crew, with instructions for a few of his key people with more planetside engineering experience to gather his toolbag and where they'll meet him on the ground. ::

:: walks down the corridor, Damien's words still lingering in his mind. He sees the doorway up ahead and takes a deep breath, still unsure of what to do. He waits for the inevitable hiss as the doors part and walks in. He sees Damien and team one standing next to the pad as the first people to beam down. Scott eyes the remaining people in the room and sees Harper and Kuari. Scott takes a deep breath, nods to Hill and his folks, and steps up next to Kuari. :: @Cdr Kuari Commander, can I, uh, have a brief moment of your, uh, time? :: motions slightly away from his security teams. ::

:: turns her head immediately to @Cpt Scott Ammora when she is addressed, her smile slipping at his seeming discomfort, concerned at what the problem might be. She gives him a curt nod and a glance @Cdor Kathryn Harper before going with him to whatever range he deems necessary for a private conversation ::

:: He doesn't know where to start, but he can see Damien's eyes on him from across the room as they step over to the side. As he ponders what he's going to ask Scott realizes that maybe it was just a simple request and not an 'off to the side' conversation. Well, too late now. Mustering his composure he just drops it out there. :: @Cdr Kuari Commander, I was wondering... uh, no, I was going to say that I think it may be a better choice if I lead the first team down. Given my new position, albeit possibly temporary, I think it shows good intentions for me to lead by example. If, of course, you find that acceptable.

:: keeps an ear out for conversations across the bridge, noting Navarro’s seat at the station versus center seat, then focusing on the vital signs of the away team even though they hadn’t left the ship yet ::

:: looks into @Cpt Scott Ammora's eyes for a moment, thinking, then the edges of her mouth turn upwards as she nods curtly again :: Ammora: I find it acceptable, Lieutenant. Go with your team in the first beam down.

:: Scott's breath catches in his throat before he immediately swallows it and nods in acceptance. :: @Cdr Kuari Thank you, Commander. :: He moves over to Damien and his team waiting. He looks into Damien's eyes and is met with an awkward acceptance. :: Damien: Lieutenant, let's go.

Damien> Scott: Yes, sir. Team, positions.

:: walks back to @Cdor Kathryn Harper's side, standing with the 2nd group to go down. She meets her captain's eyes, knowing she will understand what was asked by Ammora's actions ::

:: Kate shares a look with Kuari, contemplating the request and its timing, and the corner of her mouth perks up for half a second and an almost mischievous glint passes through her eyes as she makes a decision. She steps forward toward the transporter pad, all hint of mischief replaced by command demeanor and authority in her voice as she addresses Ammora. :: @Cpt Scott Ammora: What you have requested, Lieutenant Ammora, is the responsibility of a Marine Captain. :: she looks back over her shoulder to Kuari :: @Cdr Kuari: Wouldn't you agree, Commander?

:: gasps and clasps her hands together with a delighted expression, then immediately shakes it off and adopts a similar seriousness to Harper’s, even adjusting her stance to be more businesslike ::

:: Scott feels Hill bump him slightly as Damien passes him. Scott's expression stays solid and professional, but he knows that he's not THAT good to be able to hide his surprise. He quickly suppresses it, but can still feel the pulling sensation on his mouth as he fights valiantly to bury the prideful smirk. He also isn't stupid and reflects that he owes Damien an apology and that he needs to rely on the people around him to see what he doesn't and to use that resource to better lead. Still a lot to learn. ::

:: looks at Harper with big eyes of surprise and the smile comes easily to her face, but she tempers it a bit to give a more formal nod :: @Cdor Kathryn Harper: I do agree, Captain.

:: nods to Kuari :: @Cdr Kuari: There's only one thing for it, then. :: With a flash of her hand, Harper produces a pair of gleaming Marine Captain's bars. She steps up onto the transporter pad in front of Ammora and meets his eyes. :: @Cpt Scott Ammora: Mr. Ammora, as your commanding officer, it has been my privilege to witness your growth as an officer, a leader, and as a person since your arrival aboard Atlantis. And now, as a well-earned reward for that growth, it is my privilege and a matter of great pride to promote you to the rank of Captain in the Starfleet Marine Corps. :: Commodore Harper removes the single silver bar from his collar and replaces it with a double one, hoping that doing this in front of the other Marines will demonstrate to them her confidence in Ammora. She takes a step back, still on the transporter platform, and smiles. :: Congratulations, Marine Captain Ammora!

:: watches Harper's presentation and Ammora's face, thinking on how much he has grown in his role ::

:: his breath catches in his throat and he exhales slowly. Scott feels the added weight on his neck with multiple complexities - physical and with responsibility. He smiles openly at the Commodore as she announces his promotion. :: @Cdor Kathryn Harper Thank you, Commodore. It's an honor and privilege to serve you, the crew of the Atlantis, and the citizens of Federation. :: he steps back into his position on the pad, shifting his focus back to the mission. :: Survey team is ready for transport, ma'am.

:: she dips her head in a moment of quiet pride in her young officer before stepping down from the transporter platform :: @Cpt Scott Ammora: Well then, Captain Ammora, I won't hold you up further beyond saying the honor is well-earned, and that we appreciate your service. :: Kate turns to the Transporter Chief and gives the order to energize ::

:: takes a breath as he and the rest of the initial team shimmer away to the planet's surface. ::

@Atlantis Crew ACTION> The preliminary landing party appears on a pristine landscape, with rolling grassy scrub plains in all directions except to the west, where a mountain range rises nearby, its foothills dotted by scattered tree-like plants. The weather is sunny, pleasantly warm, and somewhat windy, with a hint of something resembling sage in the otherwise utterly clean scent of the air.

:: watches the Marines shimmer away on the transporter pad, prompting thoughts of what lies beyond. She's eager to see for herself, but she has learned a great deal of patience in her life, and she will also find out soon. Now, they will await Ammora's report. Kuari smiled proudly and turns her head slightly to catch @Cdor Kathryn Harper's eye ::

:: smiles and rests her weight on her back foot, knowing it may be a minute before they hear anything back. She's excited to see this alien world for herself, but doesn't mind the people who are good with phasers going before her. ::

:: waits impatiently for the security detail to establish their perimeter, eager to experience what lies below for herself. Having rechecked her own gear approximately five thousand times, she barely catches herself before reaching out to fiddle with Kate's ::

:: Swelling with pride, Commodore Harper stands even straighter as she watches the Marines shimmer away, and as Kuari catches Kate's eye, she might notice a slight sheen of moisture that is quickly blinked away into the command demeanor – this is one of Kate's favorite privileges of command. She turns away from the now-empty transporter pad and nods at Kuari. :: @Cdr Kuari: They won't be long, I'm sure. :: Through her link with Emily, Kate senses a vibe of eager anxiety along with a flash of what she reads as an expression of love from Lexy, communicated through her desire to fiddle with Kate's gear. Kate turns to her wife and smiles, understanding Lexy's love language even though she stopped herself from the actual expression of it. :: @Cdr Alexis Wright: Though I'm also quite eager to see these sites for myself.

Hill> Scott: North clear... Captain.

Chavrin> Scott: East clear.

+@Cpt Scott Ammora+ Understood, Captain Ammora. Be right down. :: Kate gestures to the transporter pad as she steps up before speaking with a grin. :: All: You heard the Marine. Let's go explore a strange new world!

:: eagerly joins the Captain on the transporter pad, resting a hand on the strap of her field research kit and grinning with excitement ::

:: smiles broadly and steps up onto the pad, still thinking about Ammora and going through her meager inventory in her head and protocol that will follow--but most of all, she's looking forward to what promises to be a beautiful planet and the opportunity to stretch her wings ::

@Atlantis Crew ACTION> Once the entire away team is up on the transporter pad, Commodore Harper gives the order to energize. With an upward slide of the transporter chief's hand, the second landing party shimmers away and appears within the protective perimeter of Ammora's team on the pristine landscape below.

:: looks around at the landscape, taking it all in. It’s beautiful, and she takes a deep breath of the fresh, non-recycled air. She retrieves a tube from her field research kit, pops in a few strands of grass, then stands back up and looks around at the rest of the away team’s reactions ::

:: sees the second team arrive. :: Survey team arriving! Normal spread to perimeter points! Adjust to use the shoreline as an unobserved barrier. So, North, Northwest, and Northeast focal points, I'll take central coverage. :: throws his rifle over his shoulder and proceeds towards the newly-materialized team. :: @Cdor Kathryn Harper Commodore, all looks in normal order. We're gonna use our teams to create a semi-circle of coverage to focus on the northern-most part of the accessible area. With your permission, I'd like to beam my second team down to push further out on the perimeter to allow more flexibility.

:: Once she's fully materialized, Kate takes in a lungful of the perfect air and exhales slowly as she looks around, nodding to herself in appreciation of her surroundings. When Ammora arrives to give his report, she listens as she looks around in appraisal instead of appreciation, then gives her assent. :: @Cpt Scott Ammora: Yes, by all means. Aside from the additional perimeter security, I think that the more that get to enjoy this, the better. Wouldn't you agree?

:: notes a second transport on the side window he pulled up on the helm console to aid in command without changing seats :: @Ens Alec Tallis: The main away team is... away. :: chuckles :: Keep an eye on them, doctor.

:: glances over at Navarro, a slight grin present :: @Lt Doc Navarro: Aye, sir. :: turns his attention back to the console to watch the vital signs ::

:: inhales through her nose as she materializes on the surface, drinking in the earthy aroma of the warm, dry late afternoon desert air. There are still a few hours before nightfall, but the shadows of the mountains are beginning to stretch toward the landing party's position as the yellow disc of the sun dips ever westward. She looks down at the parched soil that she stands on, the light wind occasionally sending puffs of loose dust across the plain and onto the shoes and lower legs of the away team. Looking around, she nods to Urundeda, an exoecologist from her team, signaling then to begin their analysis before pulling out her own geological equipment and setting to work. ::

:: spots something a little like a grasshopper. It’s yellower near its head and green near its hind legs, of which it has two powerful pairs for cycling and hopping one hop right after the other. She slowly starts to follow it, pulling out her holocamera and trying to get a good picture of it ::

:: looks around immediately after materialization at the wild open landscape, breathing in the fresh alien air like everyone else. The scent of their away team was recognizable, as was that of many of the carbon-based things one is accustomed to on M-class planets, most immediately the shrubs in the vicinity, but there is something new and different about it. The wide-open sky pulls at her, and with effort Kuari reminds herself that she is an officer with a job to do. She focuses on Ammora's voice, halfway through his instructions and eyes the Marine perimeter with satisfaction. Listening to his report to Harper and her response, she smiles, eager for everyone to enjoy the exploration and development of the new frontier ::

:: listens to the report, attempting to be all business, but let's face it: They're on a nearly-untouched planet. So, yeah, of course he's gonna enjoy it. Tav takes in the surroundings, takes a deep breath, lets it linger in his lungs before releasing it slowly, and then pulls out his tricorder and survey tools. :: @Self: Even better in person. :: He opens his tricorder and begins scanning and confirming the previous scans from the ship, adding information where appropriate. His team also begin their duties, and he "catches" them smiling at each other. ::

:: Taking a few steps around the area, Kate tries to imagine what this place could look like in a few years if they recommend it as the colony site. Pivoting from the buildings that only exist in her mind's eye to watching the reactions of her team, she doesn't need to be an empath to get the sense that her Rucara XO would like to take to the skies. Kate turns to her friend with a grin before looking skyward and making a request. :: @Cdr Kuari: Would you mind doing a little aerial scouting?

:: turns her head as Harper addresses her, and a smile stretches back towards her finned ears. Kuari's eyes sparkle with daring adventure :: @Cdor Kathryn Harper Aye, Captain. :: with one last look at those around her, she bounds on all fours toward a marine at the perimeter, said marine darting to the side to avoid her, and flaps her wings powerfully until she is airborne ::

:: looks up and instinctively snaps her camera toward Kuari, getting a great picture of her with wings spread soaring through the air. She looks at the picture, smiles, then remembers her grasshopper and frantically looks for it. It seems to have gotten away. ::

:: watches Kuari go into the air, slightly envious of her abilities, but also laughs a bit at the unnerved look on the marine's face. He himself finally gets the opportunity to take it all in, visually taking in the breath-taking site and lavishing in the idea of an untouched world. Scott, of course, checks his people's positions and finds them appropriate before settting off north to do some of his own scouting near the base of the mountain range ahead. ::

:: With a content smile on her face, Kate watches Kuari take flight, and her eyes track the airborne Rucara for a couple of minutes before looking around the site at the rest of her crew, dutifully performing their assigned tasks. After a few more minutes, she pulls out her tricorder and moves to join her wife in actually getting something done instead of just standing around like a manager, but a thought fully forms that began in the time she spent watching everyone work, which she voices upon meeting up with Lexy. :: @Cdr Alexis Wright: Commander... we have so much ground to cover here. What would you think about inviting any members of the crew with any interest in contributing to the effort, perhaps with any outdoor talents they may have, to assist in gathering the data we need?

:: didn't notice the First Officer's departure, his head completely into his scan and plan work. He's mindlessly walking sideways, making sure that the photogrammetry is accurate, his scans updating the map. He notices something strange a few dozen meters ahead, where the information in his tricorder and what's on the previous scan is not even close, and goes to investigate. :: Self: Odd... :: As he approaches the anomaly, it's apparent that an animal has made adjustments. This planet's version of a beaver? ::

:: flaps around in an expanding circle around the party, gaining height, staying nearby until she can get a good idea of what the area around them looks like from above before wandering too far. The plains seem to stretch out further as she rises, the mountains to the west the most interesting landmark around. She can see the westernmost marine and settles into a glide far above and past him. Looking north, she thinks she can see a black seam of some kind...a narrow canyon perhaps? It's long and spindly, perhaps made by water. Looking forward again, she can see more trees beyond the lower reaches of the mountain, but on their side the trees are much shorter and sparse. It's clear the mountain ridge blocks rain from the settlement area, which looks fairly clear thanks to less vegetation ::

:: completes his current set of scans, by far the most immediately important, and now directs his teams to begin moving out to their respective scan areas. He once again takes a breath of the foreign, yet perfectly comfortable air, pulls out his PADD, and prepares to direct and assist any teams that might need it from him. And then he pauses once again to take in the beauty. :: ToSelfAndThoseInAudioRange: You don't get to do this while working at Starfleet Medical.

:: her nearly-inaudible muttering to herself as she gathers geological readings ends with a staccato squeak of surprise accompanied by a startled jump at the sound of Kate's voice due to her failure to notice Kate's approach or, indeed, anything other than what she was directly working on. She hastily straightens and tries to act unsurprised, clearing her throat as an attempted cover for that squeak, and keen observers can almost see the "loading" icon above her head as she belatedly attempts to parse Kate's question:: @Cdor Kathryn Harper Oh. Oh? Oh. Mm....hm. Yes. Right. Well, our preliminary data certainly show sufficient promise to warrant a deeper look. I have no objections to recruiting a small number of people with relevant skills to assist us. The number would depend on what Security can comfortably cover given the personnel at hand. :: smiles, perhaps a little too brightly, hoping that her answer matched the question ::

:: Kate easily picks up on Lexy's lack of presence for the question, which doesn't come as a surprise since she did interrupt some sciencing and this wasn't exactly a new response from her wife, who, to her credit, did arrive at a reasonable answer. With a smile and nod of thanks, she turns away, leaving Lexy to her work, and taps her commbadge. :: + @Cpt Scott Ammora + Harper to Ammora. Be advised that additional members of the crew will be joining us on the surface.

:: she then taps her badge again :: Harper to Atlantis. :: smiles when Doc answers :: + @Lt Doc Navarro + We are going to need some more people down here, Zorro. Put out a call for anyone interested in volunteering to use their outdoor hobbies to help us gather data.

:: Scott was sweating profusely. It wasn't from the heat, the gentle breeze off the water was keeping him cool, but it was the stress. He had called down his second team and had to then call his tertiary team down. He had a fourth team prepping in the event they needed MORE security. They had flanked out and doubled the perimeter points. He was thankful that the area was very well insulated, for the most part, for any outward hostilities. So, now, including himself, he had just shy of a dozen security personnel posted throughout the coverage area. ::

:: is currently clambering up a set of rocks, tricorder held to scan anything and everything as possible. This is what Alec enjoyed, making sure to keep himself within eye-line of Captain Ammora's security team, even if he was on top on a large pile of rocks with precarious balance that he had full confidence would not fall... his weight wouldn't be enough to dislodge them. ::

:: Lexy is carefully picking her way up the scree, noting that here as well, what little vegetation that exists among the loose jagged stones shows evidence of recent burning. This observation momentarily distracts her, and she loses her footing as the rocks that she steps on give way, but she is saved from tumbling down the slope with them by Kate's firm, steadying grasp on her elbow. Lexy gives her wife a sheepish smile and a murmur of gratitude, and then realizes she should clue Kate into her thoughts. :: @Cdor Kathryn Harper These talus aprons are evidence of rockfall. Screes are by nature unstable. The wide temperature variances of this region weaken and weather the rockface. Also. :: she squats down before what appears to be the burned husk of a twisted, scrubby bush making a go of it on this slope and scratches gently at the skin, revealing living tissue beneath :: Like we saw on the way up here, this is more evidence of recent fire activity, but also indicates that the flora may be evolutionarily adapted to take advantage of a regular fire cycle.

:: In her heart, Kimiko knows that someone could have simply been transported to the top of the cliff face that she is currently ascending in order to get detailed images of the basin below, or that Commander Kuari could have accomplished it with the flick of her wings, but she never passes up an opportunity to climb on a novel planet, even when it cuts into her normal sleep time. Knowing that she is potentially the first being to make this physical ascent is thrilling to her. ::

:: Kate smiles lovingly back at her wife when she steadies her, having become accustomed to this sort of thing, and it's just one simple way that she can offer her support to Lexy when she receives so much. She nods and listens as Lexy explains what she sees in the area, then looks up from the example of the still-living burnt bush to take a broader look at the area with this new information in mind. :: @Cdr Alexis Wright: Do you think that the fires in this area happen often enough to present a problem for a potential settlement?

:: takes a few long moments to look thoughtfully out over the landscape before speaking :: @Cdor Kathryn Harper I believe we could easily suppress the fire cycle for habitation purposes, but I think doing so long-term would be detrimental to this ecosystem. In short, it could be done, but there are valid concerns regarding whether it should. It's certainly possible that Main Science could dream up a way to allow the fire cycle to continue safely while maintaining a colony, but I'm not sold on it being worth the effort if we can locate a more accessible site, especially considering issues with water accessibility, unstable mountain faces, and seasonal temperature extremes. I think it's still worth gathering data on this site for a potential secondary colony, though.

:: Doc is below Jester on the face of the cliff, looking up towards her as he continues to plan his ascent. He's mostly following her lead, as he was never a climber before their relationship, but since then, she's certainly motivated him to get to the tops of several cliffs. Doc also shared her appreciation of the novelty of their situation, as it was increasingly rare to get to be the first person to do anything in this day and age, though he would have to settle for second in this case as Jester was definitely the faster climber. He drives his climbing axe into a small gap that she had used and, after testing its solidity, pulls himself farther up. ::

:: reaching above her head, searches the cliff face above her with callused fingertips and tests a portion of her weight on a small ledge, clicking her tongue in frustration as the ledge fractures and crumbles, tumbling over her companion on its way to the surface far below. :: @Lt Doc Navarro Shit. Sorry! :: she calls down an apology to Zorro, about two meters behind her, concerned about his more novice climbing skills on this weathered, unstable face :: @Lt Doc Navarro As we're approaching the top, the face is becoming more and more treacherous. :: she looks up, gauging:: about 7 meters to go. I might be able to get to the top and pull you up with a rope, but I think putting your weight on this could be asking too much.

:: has gone for a walk with one of the science teams, taking plenty of holo pictures of plants and bugs as well as a few samples when she gets the chance. She keeps back a few feet so as to not interrupt the sciencing going on, but keeps an ear to the chatter about the site ::

:: Doc quickly tucks his head in as the debris falls over him, and he's fortunately spared any painful impacts. Once he looks up again, he considers his climbing partner's words, and doesn't hesitate in trusting her judgement; he knew from her tutelage that Jester was an excellent climber and, after all, they trust each other with their lives when flying together in combat. :: @Cpt Kimiko Suzuki: Alright, if you want to try the rope, I'm game, otherwise we can abort the climb. It's your call!

:: nods along as she listens to Lexy's analysis, then looks around the area, finding herself not wanting to do any harm to its ecosystem :: @Cdr Alexis Wright: Alright then, we will get what data we can and move on to the next site. :: takes a deep breath of the pristine air, then claps her hands on her hips and smiles :: Besides, we would not want to rush off too quickly, since most of the crew just got here.

:: begins setting up his workstation to take in data from the various engineering teams. On his PADD, he's already tracking the data coming in from the geological surveys and marks places where blasts are indicated, as well as areas where they can pull sand and rock for the concrete. He begins planning out preliminary stockpiles and landfills, creating cut and fill zones, and reclamation zones for after the final structure is complete. As a joke to one of the techies back at HQ, Jorvan sets one of the blast zones to be performed by quantum torpedo and smiles to himself. ::

:: smirks wryly :: @Cdor Kathryn Harper Oh, no, we certainly wouldn't want to deprive them of that. :: turns her gaze over the landscape with the new intention of data + enjoyment instead of just scientific interest :: @Cdor Kathryn Harper I think I have the data I need from this particular talus deposit. Is there anyplace in particular you'd like to go? :: she nudges a precariously tilted group of rocks with her toe and watches as they skitter down the slope, leaving ever more rocks to tumble in their wake ::

:: Kimiko pauses to consider the ascent before nodding, partially to herself and partially to Zorro :: @Lt Doc Navarro Let me see if I can make it. Stay there. :: all business, she turns back to the tricky rock face, gingerly reaching for handholds and footholds with a small prayer that they won't crumble under her weight with each move, and slowly, carefully begins to pick her way upward ::

@Jester: Standing by! :: Zorro braces himself a bit more securely into a position that he can reasonably maintain, then looks upward to watch the remainder of Jester's ascent. While he's careful to watch for any falling debris that she might inadvertently dislodge, Doc admittedly also really enjoys watching her climb. ::

:: Kate scans the area with her sharp pilot's eyes, eventually locking on to a small copse of tree-like plants on a nearby foothill that a few other members of the crew seem to be converging on. With one hand, she shades her eyes from the glare to try to get a better look, while pointing it out to Lexy with the other. :: @Cdr Alexis Wright: I wonder what they have found. Shall we join them?

:: spots some crew members on a hillside after a long flight, having surveyed the area from above. She lowers altitude in curiosity, then recognizes @Cdor Kathryn Harper and @Cdr Alexis Wright together a short distance away. She should gather reports from all departments for the captain, but she figured it couldn't hurt to see how they were doing and if they had made any discoveries on the surface that would result in any new orders. It could have been done over comms of course, but why not see what they were up to for herself? Noting that their backs were turned from her approach, Kuari chirps from the air a distance away so that she doesn't startle them and begins to land on the closest sturdy surface ::

:: has processed all the data he can from what has come in so far, and pulling himself mentally from the scans sees that he's pretty well alone right now. There is a gaggle of crewmembers all heading the same direction, so, eh, why not, he decides to head that way as well. As he starts walking, he spots a Rucara zeroing in on approach toward another group of crew near a grove of trees, and decides to meet his old friend there. He picks up the pace. ::

:: Kate immediately recognizes Kuari's chirp and looks skyward, easily picking out the Rucara in the air as she makes her approach to land nearby. :: @Cdr Alexis Wright: Before we join the others, I think that we should find out what Kuari saw from the air. :: She starts to close the short distance to where Kuari is landing. ::

:: This is not something new to her. The crumbling, weathered cliff face grows ever more precarious as she cautiously inches her way upward with slow, deliberate movements. She knows that haste and loss of focus could be deadly in this scenario. She also knows that Zorro is watching, a distraction she repeatedly dismisses only to find it once again tugging at her attention from the corner of her mind a short time later. There are a lot of positive things to be said about... interpersonal entanglements... but this particular aspect of it is one that she finds frustrating. How is one supposed to achieve a meditative flow state when one's mind is filled with this kind of useless frippery? As her internal voice scolds her with these words, one of her footholds suddenly crumbles under her weight; after an instant of panic she is able to quickly catch herself, but finds herself even further distracted by the deep embarrassment that he had seen that happen. Ugh! She cannot help but feel intense displeasure with herself. Frustrated, Kimiko closes her eyes and wills herself to focus on taking slow, deep breaths, quieting the chatter inside her mind and regaining emotional distance before setting her jaw and returning the whole of her focus to the ascent. Only three meters to go. ::

:: at the sound of Kuari's chirp and the beat of her wings, Lexy instinctively grins and looks skyward, shielding her eyes from the sun with her planed hand. Now that she's not completely mired in data, she can feel the familiar thrill of seeing her friend soaring through the air. She picks her way across the scree-covered slope, her strides not as long as Kate's due to anatomical difference, but also headed toward where Kuari is landing ::

:: watches Kuari fly over, still completely envious of her abilities :: Damn I wish I could fly. :: takes a moment to relish in the beauty of where they're at, then turns it off. :: Team One, spread to the perimeter! Team Two, move to the mountain slope! Team three to the shoreline. Look alive people, look alive! :: moves to the center of the designated area, not knowing what is what, but maintain his standard protocols. ::

:: Doc ducks away once more from the falling debris, then returns his attention to Jester, having no doubts that she will be successful. After all, she is his climbing teacher, but he'd also seen the determination and skill that she has brought to everything they've done together over the past few years. Were the task not so intense, he might offer some encouraging words, but for now, he continues to quietly watch and admire. ::

:: little thoughts continue to nibble at the edges of her focus as she nears the top of the crumbling cliff face, but she has regained her ability to dispassionately observe that they are occurring and allow them to fritter off into nothingness. Looking up, she frowns, re-evaluating the path that she'd chosen for their ascent with a steely gaze now that she is able to get a closer look at it. :: @Lt Doc Navarro Upon closer inspection, the suitability of this approach looks to have been deceptive from below. I don't think it's safe. :: she casts her eyes to the left, and then to the right, considering her options, making mental calculations taking the size, weight, and flexibility of her body into account, along with the integrity of the cliff face and potential visual distortions presented by the stark, angled shadows cast by the bright mid-afternoon sun :: @Lt Doc Navarro But I think I see an alternate approach. I'll just need to move a meter and a half to my left. :: Without waiting for a response, she begins gingerly making lateral movement, working her way toward a new ascent path ::

:: reaches out with all fours for a rocky outcropping, the looser areas of gravel near it letting go of dust in the sudden bursts of air as Kuari beats her wings one last time to slow her descent. Her claws scrape a moment before holding her fast and she holds her wings up, testing the surface for stability before smiling at @Cdor Kathryn Harper and @Cdr Alexis Wright. Being in the great outdoors with few surfaces to bounce the sound of her voice, she's not afraid to raise her volume a little. Harper: Checking in, Captain!

:: Doc's less-experienced gaze searches the rock face to Jester's left and, after several seconds, he thinks he's spotted what she's going for. :: @Jester: Sí, that does look better! :: Not that she needed his opinion, but he felt that he should offer at least some encouragement while her focus was just a little less intense. With a quick readjustment of his position to ensure he can maintain it while he waits, Doc goes back to watching one of the women he loves in her element. ::

:: Kate laughs as she fans some of the dust kicked up by Kuari's landing away from her face; she always enjoys seeing the enthusiasm and vigor that getting to stretch her wings on a peaceful away mission brings out in Kuari. Her laugh fades into a grin as she asks for the report. :: @Cdr Kuari: How do things look from the air, Commander?

:: grins with excitement as the dust settles, eager to hear Kuari's report and daydreaming about having such an ability herself ::

:: Kimiko frowns slightly in concentration, Zorro's voice from below barely intruding past the fringes of her consciousness. It is fortunate that there happens to be a less-weathered section of the cliff face, sheltered ever so slightly by grace of angle from the erosional force of the prevailing winds, she thinks to herself, as she slowly and deliberately makes her way upward, testing every hand and foothold carefully before shifting her weight to it. Despite this, she is able to make quick work of the final meters and, with a grunt, hoists herself up onto the ledge. She rolls to lay on her back, one leg dangling off the cliff, and looks up at the alien sky as she takes a moment to catch her breath. Less than a minute later, she is on her feet and securing a rope to a large boulder before sending the other end down to Zorro. ::

:: spots Kate and Alexis when she sees Kuari land, making her way towards them as her wandering hadn't taken her too far. She flips through the pictures on her holocamera looking for a good one to show off, and she settles on one of a creature similar to a butterfly, with wings like pink flower petals, that she had captured sitting on a wildflower. She looks to Kuari expectantly as she catches the tail end of Kate asking her how things look, quietly turning the camera to show @Cdr Alexis Wright the image she captured while they listen ::

:: holds her wings out a moment, and gingerly folds them in, not used to using them so much. Short flights from now on, she thinks :: @Cdor Kathryn Harper: As you can see from the ground, the whole area is very dry on the eastern side of the mountain ridge. I can see the tops of lusher trees peeking over the lower parts of the ridge, but I have not explored over there yet. I haven't seen any dangerous creatures, but we haven't been here long. :: notes @LCdr Emily Acacia's approach and smiles in acknowledgement, then points her head northward :: From up high I think I could see the river, far that direction, but from this far it just looks like a long, spindly black line, no water to be seen, but from what the scans show, the water runs deep.

:: Doc watches Jester complete the climb, impressed, then smirks as he watches her leg dangle over the side while she catches her breath. When the rope comes down, he tests it first with one arm, then starts to walk up the side with its assistance. When he reaches the top, he sits next to Jester and takes in the view as he rests. :: @Jester: What a climb, and what a view! Nicely done there at the end, too. They should name this place Suzuki-yama! :: holds up a hand for a high five ::

:: turns slightly and silently oohs at @LCdr Emily Acacia 's holophoto of such an eye-catching biological specimen, flashing her friend a quick grin before turning her attention to Kuari's report, which she nods along with. :: @Cdor Kathryn Harper What Kuari is describing matches my expectations based on our orbital observations and knowledge of typical atmospheric patterns on this sort of planet. :: speaking to everyone present :: Overall, my impression is that this site holds some potential as a colony site, but that the fragility of the desert ecosystem, accessibility of water, and so on, would count heavily against it when we make our final evaluation.

:: Kate listens carefully to Kuari's report, then greets Emily with a smile and a nod before Lexy's summary. She looks around and considers the situation, integrating the new information with what they have already learned, then addresses her XO. :: @Cdr Kuari: The data we've gathered will be useful to the planet's future scientists, so we can give everyone a bit more time here to stretch their legs — and wings :: grins at the Rucara :: — but I think that we should consider moving on to the next site. Would you concur?

:: watches critically as her less-experienced climbing partner makes his way up the unstable rock face, her jaw tensing ever so slightly every time the face crumbles beneath his feet, but she's confident in his athleticism... and in her own abilities to properly anchor a rope. She stands at the edge of cliff, evaluating his progress and offering suggestions as he makes his approach, her arms folded across her chest with no outward sign of her internal, irrational concern for his safety. As he reaches the top, she widens her stance and braces herself, offering a hand to help pull him up and over, which he accepts. Once they are seated a short while later, legs dangling freely over the drop below, she joins him in appreciating the view and slaps her palm to his when it is offered in a classic pilot gesture of shared victory. :: @Lt Doc Navarro We can name it whatever we want, you know. Doesn't really matter what anyone else calls it. :: she continues gazing out over the desert below, but after a brief hesitation - silently and without fanfare - reaches over and takes one of his hands ::

:: notes Suzuki and Navarro sitting on the edge, and shakes his head slightly, continuing to climb up with his tricorder stored back in the pouch this time… hey, he needed both hands free, clambering up the rocks to get to a ledge that would allow him better scanning of the natural materials, never leaving the borders set by Ammora’s troops ::

:: nods thoughtfully as the others discuss, not having much to contribute aside from silently showing Kate the same picture of a petal-winged butterfly that she had shown Lexy as she listened ::

:: takes in Wright's professional opinion solemnly, and nods to Harper :: @Cdor Kathryn Harper: I concur. Thankfully, we have multiple sites to explore! :: smiles at everyone ::

:: listens intently, nodding his head in agreement. Scott surveys the locations of his teams and counts to make sure that all his teams are accounted for. Once confirmed, he steps forward. :: @Cdor Kathryn Harper Ma'am, all my teams are accounted for and are awaiting orders. We'll wait for all others to transport to Atlantis and then we'll follow suit. Just give the word.

:: nods to Kuari, then looks around at the assembled officers with a smile before returning to her XO :: @Cdr Kuari: Alright then, let's give everyone another hour before they have to be back aboard, and we'll start fresh with the second site tomorrow. ::turns to Ammora :: @Cpt Scott Ammora: The word is given, but make sure at least some of your people get a bit of time to enjoy the place while everyone wraps up what they're doing. :: Now that their course of action is decided, she leans closer to the picture of the butterfly that Emily is showing her, and zooms in a bit on the detail in the wings. :: @LCdr Emily Acacia: How beautiful!

:: Doc smiles to himself as he squeezes Jester's hand in his; while the gesture may have been simple between partners in other relationships, it was far from simple when coming from her, and this fact is not lost on him. :: @Jester: Suzuki-yama it is, then. :: Doc chuckles quietly before returning to appreciating the view and sharing a comfortable silence with her as they rest from their exertions. After a bit, a mischievous thought sneaks into his mind, causing him to turn to her with an impish glint in his eye. :: @Jester: You know, I doubt anyone else will make it up here, and I don't even see Commander Kuari in the sky. We could, say... christen Suzuki-yama.

:: nods dutifully and takes a few steps away, disheartened to be leaving the site, but moving on could be exciting when she thought more on it :: @Atlantis Crew: Kuari to away teams, orders are to be back aboard Atlantis in one hour from now. :: she gazes around the vista from the steep hillside, from the flat desert below the mountain and the area now tucked away in the shade within its ridges that was to be a potential build site :: Make sure to enjoy what you can on the way back. Kuari out.

:: Kimiko scowls at him as Kuari's message comes over the communicator; she pulls her hand free of his and stands, folding her arms across her chest as she steps back and huffs, making a show of looking around disdainfully before meeting his concerned eyes, the slightest smirk twisting the corner of her lips as she playfully nudges his rear with the dusty toe of her climbing boot :: @Lt Doc Navarro You heard the XO. We've only got an hour. Chop chop.

:: nods, stepping aside to notify the Science teams that are on the clock to refocus their efforts toward sample collection, which she knows will be enjoyable for them ::

:: moves away from the group to a central point between all of his teams. :: +Security Teams+ Ammora to Security Team Leads, please convene at my location for further instructions. :: waits for a bit, taking in the scenery and admiring the beauty of the spot that they are scouting. Scott watches as his teams slowly trudge into view and to his location after they've acknowledged his call. :: All Security Personnel: Nice work, everyone. Looks like we'll be moving to a new location. In the meantime, you've got some time to enjoy yourselves and relish in the fresh air and nature. Await my call for transport back to Atlantis. :: Scott sees nods from everyone as they all meander off to do some exploring of their own. Scott smirks with pride. ::

:: Kate watches everyone start to disperse to enjoy the last hour of this excursion in their own way, then takes a look around the site once more, smiling at whoever is left as she tries to spot a likely source of additional geologic samples that she knows her wife will want to gather. Her keen eyes spot an exposed sheer cliff face a bit farther up the mountainside, but not so far that they couldn't reach it on foot with time to spare. She points it out to Lexy. :: @Cdr Alexis Wright: Would you like to head up there? I imagine there are some great metamorphic rocks to sample, and they will not gather themselves! :: grins ::

:: returns Kate's grin, and cranes her neck to look where her wife is pointing, feeling very loved :: @Cdor Kathryn Harper: Okay! You know I'll never turn down an opportunity to fill my pockets with geological samples for purely scientific purposes. :: an undercurrent of amusement colors her tone as she begins trekking toward the weathered face, filled with excitement about what she will find there :: @Cdor Kathryn Harper: This is a bit silly, perhaps, but it never ceases to amaze me that the geologic processes that we humans observed in our own planet long before we ever left its surface can be extrapolated to rocky alien worlds across the galaxy. If only Alfred Wegener could have seen it for himself!

:: spends the rest of her time wandering around collecting samples of plants, snapping pictures of bugs, birds, and critters, and answering any questions the science team she lingers around may have for her ::

:: Scott moved across a clearing, watching the local vegetation sway in a gentle breeze. The wind ruffled his hair a bit, but he smoothed it back down (as if that was going to stick). Scott slung his phaser rifle over his shoulder and kept trudging up to a ledge overlooking a moderately-sized river laying out in front of him. The scent of fresh water wafted over him and he closed his eyes. It wasn't San Francisco Bay, but it was real and it was beautiful. He took a breath and spun on a heel, looking out across the terrain and the smattering of people meandering to and fro in their last moments before returning to Atlantis. ::

:: Kate walks with her wife toward the rock face, nodding along as she considers the similarities in geologic processes that Lexy pointed out, until the unfamiliar name trips her up. :: @Cdr Alexis Wright: I am not familiar with Alfred Wegener. A scientist from Earth, I assume?

:: nods :: @Cdor Kathryn Harper Yes. In the early 20th century, he proposed a theory that the continents were moving, and that they had in the past all fit together into a supercontinent. Things we take for granted, now. He had multiple lines of evidence to back up his claims, but he couldn't quite work out the exact mechanism of how the continents were moving, and so he was laughed out of the scientific establishment. He perished while on an expedition to gather more data for his theories, but a few decades after his death, the establishment was forced to reckon with the mounting evidence that he'd been on to something. :: looks over at Kate with a small smile :: I think of him often when I worry that my research won't be accepted by the scientific community. Though I hope my profession has grown more open-minded since then.

@Cdr Alexis Wright: That is the beauty of science. Even if some scoff at your research, someone else is going to try to repeat your results. If they succeed, then your idea gains traction, others take it seriously and, eventually, it becomes... scoff-proof! :: chuckles :: Peer review is a powerful force, and as a community of peers expands from just one's home planet to an entire Federation of them, the inbuilt biases crumble.

:: Doc chuckles and smirks at her feigned dispassionate prodding, their eye contact remaining unbroken as he quickly matches her wolfish gaze while slowly pulling his legs up from the abyss and rising to his feet, and as he speaks, a growl of lust rumbles from the back of his throat. :: @Jester: That might be enough time for what I have in mind. :: Knowing exactly what she wants, he steps away from the precipice, picks her up and throws her over his shoulder in what is clearly a practiced motion, then purposefully strides toward a convenient slab of rock to begin the next vigorous part of their usual climbing ritual. ::

:: after closing the comm to all of their people on the surface, she watches as Harper and Wright begin to scale the mountainside, Ammora open his own comms to his team, and Acacia begin looking around at the ground with interest, no doubt doing science things. She smiles softly to herself, hoping everyone is enjoying their time left. She tests her wings briefly, but they are sore from overuse and Kuari decides to explore from the ground for a while. A few flaps get her onto a nearby ridge along the mountainside, the crumbling dry soil falling away under her claws and collecting mostly in the nooks and crannies of the rock. She thinks she sees a small creature scurry into the shade nearby, possibly a reptile of some sort. For the next little while, she amuses herself trying to find it, being careful not to inhale too much dust as she sniffs. Moving on up the ridge, Kuari delves into bigger nooks and crannies, some that she can fit within, and enjoys the physical challenges of exploration for her remaining time at the site ::

:: After what seems like forever, Scott finally diverts his gaze from the river landscape and back to the main portion of the area they're surveying. He smirks to himself as he trudges back up a small incline and looks towards the areas where his teams are stationed and milling about. Scott makes a mental note to rotate his landing teams for the next round to ensure that everyone gets a bit of planet-side exploration. He taps his combadge gently. :: Security Teams: +ST+ Ammora to Security Teams 3 and 4, please report back to the beamout spot and prepare for return to Atlantis. Security Teams 1 and 2, please spread out to cover the holes and get ready for your return call. Ammora out.

:: acknowledges the comm responses, and from his position, Alec neatly descended to join the rest of the crew on the ground, with a few scans of interesting formations and other natural materials that wouldn't be familiar from Earth, but clearly different from earth-grown resources ::