[Away Mission:] Arrivals Post, Alemar III (Party Post!)

[ten_fwd_npcs]

"Welcome, everyone, to geothermal field two-nine-one," Dr. Johanna Sk'Amor says, once everyone has gathered in the entryway.

The shuttlebay the group has just left is behind them, while the large entrance to the facility is directly ahead. The building is quite spacious, and despite the high volume of visitors no one is cramped for space while standing here. It's like a museum lobby, with fixtures in the center of the room and wings on either side. While the design is not as bright and clean as the Enterprise, the high ceilings and white walls give a feeling of spaciousness. To the right is the main observation room, where the convex wall making up one full corner of the drilling facility is primarily floor-to-ceiling windows. The vistas beyond are stunning: tall, grey mountains and low valleys, all covered with snow. To the left is a winding staircase that leads to an upper level, and beyond that are several labs.

"This is one of five scientific outposts located on Alemar III," the doctor continues. "At one time we had seven, but two have been destroyed by earthquakes. Alemar III is highly geologically active, so our remaining facilities have been reinforced to withstand even the most devastating natural disasters. There's nothing to worry about, our engineers are some of the best in the quadrant, but if you feel some tremors while you look around just keep in mind that this is normal.

"Two of our outposts are at the polar north and south of the planet, while the other three, this one included, are evenly spread across the globe. Our staff is small, only about ten scientists and five archaeologists, and enough engineers to keep everything in working order. In all, the entire planet only has about ninety occupants at any given time. It's rare that we're able to entertain guests.

"If you'll follow me, I'll show you some of the work we accomplish here."


[ooc: This post is open to those who signed up for our game plot only! As it's being run party post style, all characters are encouraged to tag in and mingle; since teams have not been divided yet, any participating character can tag anyone else, you don't have to stick only to those on your teams. You may also tag in as many top level threads as you choose if you're doing the full tour, just be sure your character ends up in the room where their team will be positioned for the rest of the plot (for those who will be divided in the mines due to cave-ins, the main mine connects to many other rooms and alcoves, so simply tag in under the Main Mine subheading and have your characters move around the different passageways to explore. Wherever rocks fall, that's where the rooms will be divided). Threadhopping and backtagging are encouraged! This post will remain open for as long as it takes all characters to tag in.]

Comments

[just_a_chemical]

"All our power at home is geothermal," she says. "But the city's foundations are... not floating, not exactly, but there's shock absorption. It's all done with hydraulics. The ground may move but the buildings don't, not to the same extent."

The part where she lives is in the most geologically-active area of the city, but it's also completely suspended, so they never feel anything.

"I doubt that can be done in a facility that's just tunnels underground. But they'd have to reinforce in other ways, wouldn't they? They wouldn't bring us somewhere unsafe."

[morphitudinous]

"...I'd assume not," Billy hoped, though he looked like he wanted to ask more questions about this geothermal power. It seemed absolutely interesting.

"They've just requested our---Starfleet's help, right? No malevolence involved."

He hoped. Again.

[just_a_chemical]

"That depends on whether you trust Starfleet," she says quietly, glancing around. "Which I'm not sure I do. Is four hundred years long enough to eradicate the negative traits of humanity? Are they really so... so altruistic as they say? No money for anything. I don't trust that."

She's the product of two failed utopias. Trust is in as short supply in her city as new shoes are.

[morphitudinous]

"I see your point," Billy had to admit. "I've always hoped better natures would prevail, and I would love to believe the world can be this way. I hope it can be, someday. But I don't know if it can ever be."

He rubbed at his temple, frowning at the personnel passing by.