It’s Not Graverobbing; It’s Archaeology

Posted on Fri Sep 1st, 2023 @ 9:32pm by Lieutenant Commander Alexander Espersen & Captain Calypso Skyie & Lieutenant Mark Valleroy & Ensign Raven Windancer & Ensign Minerva Delacroix

Mission: Ancient Civilizations
Location: Unnamed Class M Planet

The planet was exactly how the vendor had described (albeit from second or even third hand information). Bright, dry, a strange shade of yellow-orange that was different enough from Mars that Alexander Espersen wasn’t bothered by familiarity.

It was also hot. At least the sensors said as much. They hadn’t touched down yet, so the hatches remained closed. For now, they flew through the upper atmosphere, looking closely for any sign of the previous archaeological dig site.

“Anything?” Alexander asked, standing behind the pilot and copilot stations, occupied by Markova and Valleroy.

"Looks like some ruins scattered about in a few locations in the general vicinity," Mark said. "Some plant and animal life. The climate leaves a lot to be desired. Not the kind of place I'd want to consider for my next shoreleave."

Lieutenant Kenny Stanson, the 30 year old Exobiologist, stared out the shuttle's front window's and let out a soft whistle.

"Dang, this place's worse than the Ropme Desert on Vampet III!" Kenny said rolling his eyes.

Having grown up on Vampet III, Kenny knew all about deserts...and did NOT like them one bit!

"Live a little, Mr. Stanson," Alexander joked. "The desert brings with it unique challenges both to the living and the mechanical." He put his hand on Mark's shoulder. "Set us down near one of the smaller sets of ruins," he suggested. "Biggest ones are likelier to be picked through. Let's start small. We can always move around with the buggy."

Kenny rolled his eyes and harumphed softly.

"Sensors are picking up what looks like some sort of smaller settlement a few kilometers to the east, or what's left of one anyway," Mark said. "If there are no objections, I'll set course for it."

He looked back in the hold toward Ms. Delacroix and Mr. Larson. "How are things looking back here? Ready for deployment?"

"Absolutely," James Larson said in a voice that absolutely belied the look on his face, which was one of concern, "Why am I even here? I'm Operations, well, okay, I'm good with logistics and historical patterns, but still!" It was almost a whine than anything else.

Minerva had her tricorder and audio-visual recorder ready. She was unsure of what to expect but she was excited to get off the ship and actually have the chance to conduct an initial archeological survey. She looked towards the front. "All set sir." She glanced James Larson. "Take it easy sugar. Stay hydrated and you'll be just fine."

"Be just fine, right..." James grumbled, "I don't even get to drive the buggy, just a passenger and an extra set of eyes."

Kenny snorted softly, he wasn't being snarky by any means...but aye carumba this was cray cray!

“You’re also there to assemble equipment, Ensign Larson,” the XO reminded him sternly. “And yes, to be another set of eyes to the scientists and myself. You can never have too many eyes.”

“Let us know when we reach the landing zone, Mr. Valleroy,” Alexander called forward.

Kenny grinned as he relaxed into his chair, waiting for them to land.

"Coming up in the landing zone now," Mark said. "There's a good landing spot just outside of the ruins, with a few other ruins nearby that are within easy driving distance. Everyone ready for a bit of fun in the sun?”

Kenny smirked at the irony of Mark's words.

[These guys are gonna HATE the heat within like six minutes of being out there!] Kenny thought to himself.

And so the shuttle made its final approach, the crew ready to begin their adventure….