An Aquatic Second Contact - Part 1

USS Cerritos
Mariner entered the room to see Tendi and T’Lyn in the midst of a discussion.

“…I disagree that there isn’t any purely terrestrial life forms on any of the islands,” T’Lyn said.

“But I don’t think there would be any,” Tendi said. “Most of those islands are just atolls.”

“But those that aren’t atolls?” T’Lyn asked.

“Are rather small,” Tendi responded. “With an average size of two square kilometres.”

“You have a point there,” T’Lyn said. “But the largest island is approximately seven square kilometres. I would think that would be a sufficiently large surface area.”

“But that island is one of the most industrialised,” Tendi said.

“That’s true, but even extinct examples of purely terrestrial life would still count.”

Mariner cleared her throat.

“Hi Mariner,” Tendi said.

“Greetings,” T’Lyn added. Mariner could tell there was some annoyance at the interruption.

“That discussion was interesting, but we’re not here for a survey, just laying the groundwork for future surveys,” Mariner said.

“Not entirely true,” T’Lyn said. “We will be surveying some of the shallower seas around their main settlements.”

“That’s great!” Mariner said. “But you do know what I have done in the past.”

“I thought you were turning over a new leaf?” Tendi asked.

“With the support of the Captain and Commander Ransom, rather than going behind their backs.”

“And that is what you did in the past?” T’Lyn asked.

“You have heard of my reputation, right?”

“I have, and I can see why someone would do that, given that I had done some similar things in the past,” T’Lyn admitted.

“Really?” Tendi asked.

T’Lyn nodded.

“The events of the past year have changed me. I’m no longer the headstrong and insubordinate officer I was.”

“That’s a long story,” Tendi said to T’Lyn’s look.

“Let’s get to work,” Mariner said as she put her PADD on the table.

“Of course,” Tendi said.


( Eali Toromi Station )