[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

[waco_jim]

"It's a nickname, of sorts," Jim says. "Hell if I know how I got it. I'm not even from Texas."

It's one of many things only Mel Brooks knows.

[dreams_dont_die]

"Texas?"

The reference is completely lost on Dylan. He's assuming it has something to do with the apparent nickname, but just what, he's not sure.

He's not even sure just where Texas is, and in this time and place he can hardly even guess. He thinks it sparks a memory from somewhere far-off in his memory, which means it's probably from Earth. Humanity started on Earth, but he has no way of knowing just when Jim is from.

"But you're from Earth?"

[waco_jim]

"Texas is with Earth, but not really of it, if you catch my meaning," Jim says.

"But yeah, I'm an Earthman. I come in peace. Among other things."

He raises his hand and gives a mock Vulcan salute before chuckling a bit too loudly. He's had a few.

[dreams_dont_die]

He doesn't catch his meaning. Not at all. But Dylan's used to that; he knows Harper and he's constantly hearing references to Earth culture or history that nobody else on the crew, especially not its captain, understands.

Dylan raises his eyebrows, shaking his head ever so slightly.

"Right. Coming in peace I like."

[waco_jim]

Jim smirks and takes a swig from his hip flask.

"Well, it's been a while since I've come in anything or anybody," he says. "Hopefully I'm not out of practice."

[dreams_dont_die]

Dylan's eyebrows lift for a surprised moment, then his gaze drops, his lips press together and he fidgets, his weight shifting from one foot to the other.

He's not entirely sure of the slang there, but if it means what he's getting the impression it means, that, at least, is not one of his problems.

Which does not mean it's a topic he's keen on discussing outside of very specific circumstances.

"Well, uh, good luck with that."

[waco_jim]

Damn, he's not up for it. Pity.

"Thanks," Jim says. "I could use it."

[dreams_dont_die]

Dylan rubs a hand across the back of his neck.

"Yeah. Well. You never know."

He's not the person to ask for advice on that front, whatever Harper might say about him from half-imagined ideas of what actually goes on in Dylan's life. Sympathy, though, he can do.

To an extent. Harper doesn't get much, though Harper kind of brings that on himself.

[waco_jim]

"Yeah," Jim says, his eyes already beginning to scan the rest of the buffet line. "Who knows what the future'll bring?"

He casually gives Dylan a firm pat on the shoulder. "Well, it's been nice talkin' to ya. Catch you later, maybe."

[dreams_dont_die]

"Peace. Freedom. Happiness."

He's not entirely joking.

He's known as an optimist and those are the ideals he fights for. Not quite the ideals of the Commonwealth, but some of the things that should be everyone's right that aren't, necessarily. Not in the Long Night.

He's smiling, certainly, smiling like he believes in what he's saying.

"You too. Enjoy the food. And I'll, uh, see you around." He returns the pat on the shoulder, briefly, before he turns to head back away from the buffet.