USS Seleya Mission Transcript 11209.23
Mission Number 688
Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations II
                
       DRAMATIS PERSONAE
Lilia Perfeito as Captain Alexandra Margarida Gomes (CO-Commanding Officer)npc Sana, Icky, Alt
Eldad Ben-Tovim as Commander Maor (XO-First Officer)
Mike Hiles as Commander Maximus Heller (CTO – Chief Tactical Officer)
Tim Schols as Lieutenant Commander Dylan Pandora (OPS – Operations Officer)
Einar Sigurðsson as Lieutenant Commander William York (CMO – Chief Medical Officer)
Aoibhe Ní Shúilleabháin as Ensign Caerys Lee (MO – Medical Officer)
Christopher Dickinson as Ambassador Envoy Savar (CIV - Civilian)
Karriaunna Scotti as Lieutenant Brianna Rose (SO-Science Officer)

Time lapse:  20 min

Ship Manager
              Karriaunna Scotti

The USS Seleya is in orbit of the planet Systemia. Captain Gomes is on the surface in a private meeting with the planet representatives and in subspace conference with the Federation President and some of the Ambassadors.

The senior crew was split in two and sent to distinct continents of Systemia. Their mission is simply to learn more of the Systemians and their planet through direct interaction with the population.

The First officer's team found themselves in the midst of what appeared to be a forrest. On close examination they found that they were in a city populated by the Arborea, one of the many sentient species of the planet. The Arboreans seem to do things at their own, vegetative pace.

The Second officer's team found themselves with the Ampha, a rather energetic amphibian species. Their city is built in knee-high water and everything seems to be adapted to it, from the Ampha themselves to their red-leaved multi-cotyledon plants.

Commander Heller's Log Stardate 11209.23.  My team is meeting the Ampha race on Systemia.  We are currently taking a tour of their city before joining them for a meal.  They are an interesting race and the area we are in is quite striking.

=/\= Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations, Part II=/\=

SO Lt Rose says:
::Basically recording everything in sight and just plain listening, she followed Max's lead.::

@ACTION: The XO's team slowly follows Carti to a large tree-like building. There, he takes Maor and H’ret to tour one of their factories, telling the rest of the team to enter the building, where someone else will meet them.

CMO LtCmdr York says:
::Sighs as he follows the appetizer around, his knee high booths protecting him from the foul water::

ACTION: Sana leads the team through the noisy watery city. He has to keep stopping so the rest can catch up. They arrive at a vast "clearing" with low tables with chairs. There are already a number of ampha sitting around.

CMO LtCmdr York says:
MO: Brilliant, I'm famished.
CTO Cmdr Heller says:
::Follows Sana as they approach an area that looks to be set up for dinner.  At least the chairs would keep them out of the water while they ate.::
Amb Envoy Savar says:
@::Silently watches the XO begrudgingly be led off, then enters the building, looking about to discover who will be their guide now.::
MO Ens Lee says:
::Is like a child at a summer picnic, a perceptible bounce in her step despite the water::
MO Ens Lee says:
CMO: Chief?
Sana says:
All: Please join us at the table. We received your biological details and made sure to find foods your bodies can digest.
MO Ens Lee says:
CMO: Do you think they'll be leaving behind a team of biologists to study all of this? ::Stares rapt in fascination at her tricorder readings::
SO Lt Rose says:
Sana:  Thanks... your thoughtfulness is appreciated.  ::Waits for Max to sit and then sits next to him.::
OPS LtCmdr Pandora says:
@::Enters the building with Savar and looks around to see who, or what, will be meeting them next::
CTO Cmdr Heller says:
Sana:  Thank you that is very kind of you.  ::Finds a seat near the middle of the table and sits down.::

@ACTION: The inside of the building is also made of wood, with a large staircase leading up. All around are several trees, which the team will now recognize as the Arborea people. They soon hear a buzzing sound approaching.

CMO LtCmdr York says:
Sana: Much obliged. ::Bows slightly before taking his seat, then turns to face Lee:: MO: I don't know, you should sign up.
MO Ens Lee says:
::Sits down next to an ampha and smiles, then stops, unsure if they use the same gesture as a token of friendliness, then wonders if her stopping smiling could be taken as an insult, so she starts again::

ACTION: As the team sits, the "frogs" at the table go quiet and watch them with curiosity. There are plates set in front of them with what looks like fish and fruits.

Amb Envoy Savar says:
@::Quietly whispers ::  OPS: Have you been recording any of this?

ACTION: The Ampha next to the MO opens his mouth, trying to imitate her, but failing.

SO Lt Rose says:
::Relaxes a bit as the doctor seems rather.. charmingly polite.  So apparently he was capable.  She had not realized how nervous she had been having him on their team.::
SO Lt Rose says:
::Reaching for a piece of fruit, she sniffs it lightly before taking a small bite.::

@ACTION: The buzzing sound is followed by a humanoid-sized , low flying insect, which lands on its two legs in front of the team. They realize the insect is wearing clothes and what looks like a headset with a microphone.

CMO LtCmdr York says:
::Leans in:: CTO: You think they are going to say grace? ::winks::
MO Ens Lee says:
::Grins at the Ampha, feeling like she's making a friend::
Sana says:
::Having sat as well:: All: Please start. I hope you will enjoy it.
OPS LtCmdr Pandora says:
@CIV: As it happens, yes.. ::Taps his tricorder::
Amb Envoy Savar says:
@::Stands up straight and regards the creature in front of them ::  Insect: I am Savar.
CMO LtCmdr York says:
Sana: Thank you, it smells most delicious.

ACTION: Sana starts eating by using his long tongue to pick up stuff from his plate. The others do the same.

MO Ens Lee says:
::Glances around, unsure whether to dig in, or wait 'til the others do...::
CTO Cmdr Heller says:
::Glances around as the Ampha's around the table go quiet.  Then turns to look at the food on the table before reaching over to take some of the fish and fruit.::  CMO:  Guess not. ::Shrugs.:: Guess they find us interesting.
SO Lt Rose says:
::Lifts a brow at how refreshing it tastes and puts aside to sample another bit of her meal, pausing as she notes how the other eat.  The saying, when in Rome just would not apply here.::
CMO LtCmdr York says:
::Looks for utensils, but looks up and thinks to hell with it, do as the Romans do::
MO Ens Lee says:
::Sees the method the Ampha are using to eat and shrugs, thinking it'd only be polite to try the same, bends over, picks up a small berry with her teeth and, sitting up straight again, eats::
Icky says:
Amb/OPS: I am Icky. I am the producer of the documentary and I will be your liaison with the reporters. Anything you need, you can ask me. Please follow me.
CMO LtCmdr York says:
::Starts eating with his hands, then stops and stares at Lee, then shakes his head and continues eating::
Sana says:
All: Tasty is it not? We are very much looking forward to the different foods we will get from your people.
SO Lt Rose says:
::Finger foods always worked with her, so she pulls off a flake of fish and tires it.  While edible, it lacked... seasoning.  Politely she finished the piece and tried more of the fruit.::
Amb Envoy Savar says:
@::Resists the urge to respond with an 'interesting'::  Icky: As the producer, what is your vision for the finished product?

MO Ens Lee says:
::Chases another, bigger berry around the plate for a moment before catching it in her teeth. Sits up, crunches down on it and smiles::
SO Lt Rose says:
CTO:  Less dishes to do.
MO Ens Lee says:
::Wipes a bit of juice off her lip with a polite finger::
Icky says:
@::Turns around:: Amb: As you know we have many different species in Systemia. The documentary will introduce you to them.
SO Lt Rose says:
::Hides a smile as the Dr. Lee antics catch her attention.  Well, someone followed Rome even if they were not of that world.::
CMO LtCmdr York says:
Sana: It is delicious, reminds me of what we call Catfish on Earth. Hopefully you will receive many different types of exotic foodstuffs in the future.
Icky says:
@::Starts flying slowly up the stairs::
CTO Cmdr Heller says:
::Takes a bite of one of the fish.::  Sana: This is very good.  We will be glad to provide you with some of our food.  We have a wide variety of options.  ::Grabs some fruit and takes a bite.::
Sana says:
CTO: Can you not produce some while you are here?
MO Ens Lee says:
::Glances up, sees she's the only one eating this way and starts to feel self-conscious::
SO Lt Rose says:
::Leaning back in the chair, the first fruit she had tried in hand, she enjoys it while listening and watching.::
Sana says:
::Nods to York::
CMO LtCmdr York says:
::Takes a bite of the fruit...most savory::
CMO LtCmdr York says:
MO: Are you done playing with your food, Doctor Lee?
OPS LtCmdr Pandora says:
@::Just listens to the conversation between Savar and the insect creature, following Icky up the stairs::
MO Ens Lee says:
::Wonders if this is one of those cultures who find it polite to finish everything on your plate, or polite to leave a little left over. Frets as she dips in for a tiny fish::
CTO Cmdr Heller says:
::Frowns slightly at Sana's comment.::  Sana:  We can have some beamed down but we can't produce it here on our own.
Amb Envoy Savar says:
@::Forced to rely on his two legs, he follows the insect up the stairs ::  Icky: How did your planet come to be aware of the Federation?

ACTION: Something nudges Lee's foot under water.

MO Ens Lee says:
All: Gah! ::Drops her fish::
SO Lt Rose says:
::Turns surprised toward Lee::  MO:  Is everything alright?
CMO LtCmdr York says:
::Gives her a stern look::
CTO Cmdr Heller says:
::Glances up at Lee::  MO:  Are you ok doctor?

CMO LtCmdr York says:
MO: Honestly..
Sana says:
::Frowns his frog eyes::CTO: How odd. How do you maintain your symbiotic relationships then?
SO Lt Rose says:
::Seeing the MO's face, she almost says something to the CMO but backs off as she waits for Lee's response.::
MO Ens Lee says:
::Looks up:: All: Sorry.. I just. ::looks into the water at her feet:: All: Something touched me. ::Watches everyone's faces as she waits to see how she should react::
SO Lt Rose says:
::Simply nods and turns back toward Sana as that conversation has caught her attention.::  Sana:  Symbiotic relationship to what?
Icky says:
@::As he leads the two officers into a large room with what look like cameras and several Arborea and more insects like Icky:: AMB: We developed warp technology some decades ago and started exploring outside our system. We ran into one of your subspace beacons and contacted you. We were very happy to know there was life beyond systemia.
CTO Cmdr Heller says:
::Frowns at Sana's comment but doesn't say anything as Rose asked the question he was going to.::
Sana says:
SO: Why ... to each other. If you do not provide food for one another how can you co-exist?
MO Ens Lee says:
::Looks between the CTO, the CMO, her legs, and back around again, spotting some algae around her feet. Frowns and takes out her tricorder again:: Self: Where did that come from?
CMO LtCmdr York says:
::Finishes the fish on his plate and looks at Lee:: MO: You are treading water, there is life all around us. Relax.
Alt says:
<Alt>::Is the ampha seating next to Lee:: MO: Must have been one of the Mixers. It was just curious, do not worry.
SO Lt Rose says:
Sana: Our... symbiotic relationship is not so overt.  And on a starship, we use energy sources to alter matter to our needs.
MO Ens Lee says:
::Looks up, confusion wrinkling her young brow:: Alt: The what?
Icky says:
@::Points to two chairs in front of the cameras where Pandora and Savar can sit::
OPS LtCmdr Pandora says:
@::Looks at Icky a moment before looking around the room, taking note of the equipment set up::
Alt says:
MO: The Mixers, they are everywhere and are curious whenever someone new arrives. Usually they can inspect you from a distance, this one must have liked you. Maybe you are lucky and it will visit you later.
Amb Envoy Savar says:
@::Nods his head slightly, then wonders if the gesture translates into their culture ::  Icky: That is a fortunate story.  There are other galactic powers that are less interested in positive relations.
Sana says:
SO: But that means you are competing for resources. How can you....you all co-exist?
MO Ens Lee says:
::Looks interested:: Alt: We don't have... "Mixers" where I come from. What is their function? Are they Animal? Vegetable? Mineral?
OPS LtCmdr Pandora says:
@::Upon looking back at Icky, he notices him pointing at the chairs, in front of the camera, wondering if they are about to become part of the documentary::

SO Lt Rose says:
Sana:  The advantage of using energy to alter matter, is that matter is not destroyed and can be recycled.
Icky says:
@Amb: Oh, we have no desire for negatives. ::Lands on his two legs behind the camera:: Amb/OPS: Can you tell for the cameras what were your first impressions of systemia?
SO Lt Rose says:
::Looks toward Max, uncertain how far she should explain this as obviously this is a whole system where theirs, at least on their world, is not really.::
Alt says:
::Looks troubled as if the question doesn't even make sense and looks at Sana for help::
CMO LtCmdr York says:
::Finishes the fruit and places it on his plate, then wipes his hands on his already dirty pants....as for first contact missions, this one wasn't turning out to be that bad::
OPS LtCmdr Pandora says:
@::Takes a seat in one of the chairs and once again looks at Icky, waiting for Savar to lead once more::
Sana says:
All: I understand the technology. I do not understand how different species can co-exist if there is no biological dependence on one another.
MO Ens Lee says:
::Is concerned that she's messed up, and looks to the CMO for help, eyebrows raised::
Amb Envoy Savar says:
@::Looks curiously at Pandora, before turning back ::  Icky: When we arrived, we were contacted by Ar.  That was our first impression upon arrival.
CMO LtCmdr York says:
MO: Don't look at me kid, I'm just here for the ride.
Icky says:
@Amb:  Ar is the current speaker for Systemia. How did you find him?
MO Ens Lee says:
::Gives him a pleading look, a hint of puppy-dog eyes seeping in::
SO Lt Rose says:
Sana:  We do not have many species that share the in-between niches.  So we have learned to share the same things and recycle so there is more to share.

ACTION: Slowly the Ampha finish their meal and start getting up. Only Sana remains. Apparently they aren't big on table-manners.

CMO LtCmdr York says:
::Sighs:: Alt: These mixers, what function do they perform in your habitat?
Amb Envoy Savar says:
@Icky: He contacted our vessel upon arrival.
Sana says:
SO: Most strange. Our scholars defend that without biological symbiosis, different species are doomed to compete and only one can win.
SO Lt Rose says:
::Glances at Max for permission to continue or not::
Alt says:
::Right before he leaves as well:: CMO: Homogeneity. I have to go harvest before nightfall. Sana can help you much better than me.
MO Ens Lee says:
::Breathes a sigh of relief, not even aware that the CMO just rephrased her own question::
CTO Cmdr Heller says:
::Nods in response to Rose's unasked question.  They would learn about it sooner or later.::
OPS LtCmdr Pandora says:
@::Nods his agreement with Savar's responses so far::

Icky says:
@::Getting impatient:: Amb/OPS: Perhaps there are some issues with your universal translator. I mean to ask what was your impression of Sytemia and our people.
SO Lt Rose says:
::With permission, she turns to continue.::  Sana:  That is very true.  And it is the relationship of the majority of the worlds beyond yours.  Very few have a close symbiotic relationship with their world.  Yours is.. unique and special.
MO Ens Lee says:
::Nods to Alt as he? She? It? Leaves::
CMO LtCmdr York says:
MO: Homogeneity, interesting. ::Stands up::
MO Ens Lee says:
::Is finding all this First Contact malarkey exhausting:: CMO: This in a unique world... ::Looks up at the CMO, decides to follow suit and stands::
Sana says:
SO: It will be most interesting to learn from you. Perhaps someday we can even get.... well, let us not get ahead of ourselves. My introduction to the Ampha is complete. I would like to give you full freedom to visit our city and to invite you to spend the night with us.
CMO LtCmdr York says:
MO: One would argue that all worlds are.
SO Lt Rose says:
::Wishing Sana had finished the sentence, she instead thanks him and turns toward Max.::
Amb Envoy Savar says:
@::His eyebrow furrows slightly ::  Icky: Your people are varied.  I have not seen much of your world yet.
MO Ens Lee says:
CMO: Some more so than others. ::Bites her lip gently as she speaks:: CMO: Vulcan is pretty...samey.
Icky says:
@Amb/OPS: Very well. What can you tell us about your world then?
CMO LtCmdr York says:
MO: So eloquently put. ::Turns around to face Heller:: CTO: So, you think they have a bar?
CTO Cmdr Heller says:
Sana:  We appreciate your hospitality and for answering some of our questions about your race.  We look forward to learning more about you.
Amb Envoy Savar says:
@Icky: I come from a planet called Vulcan.
SO Lt Rose says:
Sana:  Do you have a hall of knowledge?
MO Ens Lee says:
::Smiles with pleasure for a split second, before realizing he was being sarcastic::
Sana says:
::Bows, taking the answer as a sign that they accept the invitation:: CTO: I must go to the harvest as well. I will return at nightfall. Meanwhile  the children will stay in the city and they can help you if you need.
Sana says:
SO: we have a library. About 1 Km in that direction. ::Points::
MO Ens Lee says:
::Thinks "Harvest"? "Children"? "Mixers"?.:: Self: Sometimes, a Universal Translator just isn't enough...
SO Lt Rose says:
Sana:  Thanks... and a good harvest.
CTO Cmdr Heller says:
::Rolls his eyes at York’s comment.::  CMO:  For some reason I don't think getting drunk will leave a good first impression doctor.
MO Ens Lee says:
SO: A harvest of what, though? ::Frowns::

SO Lt Rose says:
::Turns toward the others as the area clears::  All:  Rather trusting of them to leave their children.  Almost scary really when it will come to dealing with other more aggressive species.  Which makes me wonder if they are really up for that.
OPS LtCmdr Pandora says:
@::Looks over to Savar for a moment, before answering that question for his own home planet:: Icky: The planet Earth, which is where I am from, hosts a variety of climates and species, both aquatic and land borne.
CMO LtCmdr York says:
::Only smiles at Heller::

@ACTION: The CSO and XO's visit with Carti was a very slow one. But they did manage to learn how the giant tree-buildings were carved and assembled. They soon join Icky (the giant insect), Savar and Pandora in the recording room.

SO Lt Rose says:
MO:  This species... this world, lives in a symbiotic relationship so it could be just about anything.
Icky says:
@OPS/Amb: Ah so you are of different planets as well. Did you manage to develop a functional symbiosis between Earthers and Vulcans?
MO Ens Lee says:
SO: If it's a part of their biological system I'd love to find out more... Might be a paper in it. ::Smiles at the thought::
SO Lt Rose says:
CTO:  I can probably gather a lot more information with fewer gaps if I check out their library.
CTO Cmdr Heller says:
MO:  Well you have time to do some exploring and scans of the area to learn what you can.
MO Ens Lee says:
::Can't keep the look of glee off her face. If she gets a paper out of this, her mother might finally stop nagging her about wasting her life in a tin can in space::
XO Cmdr Maor says:
@CIV: Savar. Have you made friends with our gracious hosts yet? ::Offers a nod of his head at the direction of the giant insect::
Amb Envoy Savar says:
@::Ponders for a moment :: Icky: Similarities in the physiology of most Federation species have allowed us to cohabitate and work together.  Our differences contribute to unexpected advancements of ideas.
CTO Cmdr Heller says:
CMO/MO:  Why don't you two take what scans you want and learn what you can.  Rose and I will check out the library and learn what we can there.  We'll meet back up at sundown and find where we will sleep for the night.
OPS LtCmdr Pandora says:
@::After hearing Savar's response, he nods his agreement::
CMO LtCmdr York says:
::Makes a sloppy salute::
MO Ens Lee says:
::Smiles, nods to the CTO, hops on her toes very slightly, coming back down in the water a little fast and causing a mini wave to splash outwards::
SO Lt Rose says:
CTO:  Sure you want to come with me?  Library research is not exactly the more interesting part of a first contact.
CMO LtCmdr York says:
MO: For god's sake Lee. I will send you back to the ship.
Icky says:
@Amb: ah so you are not symbiotic? But yet you do not compete?
MO Ens Lee says:
CMO: But it's so exciting, Chief!
CTO Cmdr Heller says:
::Takes a step back to avoid getting water over the tops of his boots and smiles at Lee's excitement.::  SO:  I could have Doctor York accompany you if you would like, he might be better with some of the biology than I would be I'm sure.
SO Lt Rose says:
CTO:  Now that is pure mean... ::With a shake of her head she heads in the direction pointed out.::
CMO LtCmdr York says:
::Turns his back to her:: MO: Just take your scans and try and be a little less excited.
MO Ens Lee says:
::Frowns at the CMO's back, a little put out by his lack of interest in everything around them, but not enough to wipe the smile off her face:: CMO: Yessir!

=/\= Pause Mission =/\=