ISS Artemis 24 on return course to Elli's Chance in orbit planet 6 system 612-744

Date 1184-269 Imperial Standard

Time 2037 Shipboard

Mel checked the time when she heard the knock on the door. 'Thirty-six exactly, I should have written down the seconds,' she thought. She considered calling to enter but felt it better to go open the door. The commander was a good man but his temper was legendary in the sub sector. She did not want it focused on her any more than it already had been.

As expected Ishyn was standing there. "Are you ready?" he asked. Mel nodded. "Good but it will take forever if you give your report by playing 'mimes and signs' so go ahead and speak."

"Thank you, sir. I did not want to presume anything."

A ghost of a smile crossed his face, "You may have learned something Ms. Coburtain. Please proceed."

Ishyn took a seat on the bunk while Mel set the tri-d screen to mirror her computer display. "I hope you will think so after I am done. The data is in a very raw state."

"It is bad practice to kill the messenger. You soon stop getting messages. Let's hear what you have."

"I'll give you the short summary. This scientist was researching what he referred to as semi-organic self-organizing compounds, or SOSOCs."

"That sounds like a really made up acronym."

"Agreed sir, I believe he thought it would sound good to the mission sponsor. There definitely was more to this than the university cover story. There is a report for that already completed and much thinner than the other. Before you ask, no it does not mention who the greater report is going to."

"Makes sense, he took a big chance already having two reports in the same place. Probably had a plan to separate the data later." Ishyn sat thoughtfully for a moment. "Maybe we can grab more log data to see if there was a possible drop point for the real data. I digress though, our job is to get in then out fast, if we have to."

"Has Vrain made progress in repairing the regulator?"

Ishyn shook negatively. "Go with the purpose of the research."

"The research was into the possible uses of these SOSOCs. They are very unusual compounds. Composed primarily of carbon and silicon, they have long chains that can respond to electrical impulses. The chains can change their physical shape while maintaining their chemical continuity."

"Interesting, how would they be used?"

"They were looking into uses triggered by bio-electricity, wound care, protective layering, a whole gamut of possibilities."

"Any aggressive uses?"

"Not directly though it is implied that such use may be possible. There does not appear to be any successful control experiments so everything is theoretical."

"Does this relate to those creatures?"

"I believe so. The compounds were gathered in the field and are apparently naturally occurring. There is some information identifying the planet and location but I have not looked into that."

"Save that for later," Ishyn directed, "we have enough to deal with here."

Mel continued, "I think those creatures use some these compounds but I don't know how or what it could help or hinder us."

"We have nearly a day before we reach Elli, will that time help?"

"I am an engineer, not a chemist, sir," Mel chewed her lip.

"I am going to regret this," Ishyn muttered. Then louder, "Out with it, what do you need."

"I cannot say for sure, but directly examining the sample..."

"You are insane, yes?"

"No sir, this data is looked at from a chemical viewpoint. I am trained to deal with the physical as a totality. Maybe I can see something a chemist would miss."

"You are asking me to trust a first year engineer to find something a biochemical researcher missed? Is that what I am hearing?"

Mel looked at the deck, "I guess so sir."

"What?" Ishyn barked. "My ears are old, can't hear what you youngers say."

"I said yes sir, that is what I am asking. I don't know..."

"Enough!" Ishyn stared but Mel just stared back, until he smiled. "That is what I want from my crew. Confidence. You will do what has not been done by others. We are scouts; we never know what we are getting into but will find out and inform those who can't do what we can do."

"So you will let me try?"

"With some restrictions of course."

"So is my house arrest lifted?"

Ishyn tapped his foot, "You put me in a difficult position apprentice. I think have done well so far with this data. Officially I cannot completely absolve you; I will have to put at least a reprimand in your. Understood?"

"Fully sir."

"Val"

"Sir"

"You will also get into haz-e gear. In addition you will draw weapons and combat ammunition. You will accompany Mel at all times when she has the sample. You will stand watch at arms when she needs to leave the sample. Maintain a reaction distance at all times. Understood?"

"Sir do you think that is fully necessary? And what about the approach?"

"It is probably totally overreacting but better that than us joining the dead ship in orbit. I will take bridge duties myself.'