Tumbling in science

Posted on 25 Mar 2026 @ 6:29pm by Commander Suzanna Batenburg

584 words; about a 3 minute read

Mission: Arawyn’s Itchy Trigger Finger
Location: USS Arawyn

//// Science Lab /////

Suzanna sat opposite Sorvak in the Chief Science Office. They had been discussing the updated science department requisition list for the next resupply window for the last hour. As a Science officer at heart, part of her just wanted to sign off on all of it. However, that was unlikely to happen when it got to the next-level approvals, and she would not be doing her job if she didn't challenge what was on the list.

"The materials science division is also requesting a molecular cohesion analyser and a matter phase transition chamber upgrade. We are encountering more unknown compounds and synthetic materials during surveys and away missions, and current equipment limits our ability to analyse exotic polymers, alloys, and biosynthetic substances." Sorvak explained.

Suzanna nodded in agreement, "that one will not raise questions, especially after what we just went through, and the excellent support that the Science team provided."

Sorvak inclined his head in acknowledgement. "Exobiology is requesting two additional level four bio containment units and a portable exometric sensor drone package for planetary surveys. At present, sample collection from hazardous environments requires too many personnel on the surface. I will show you the current units,"

Sorvak stood, and Suzanna followed him into the lab. She examined the mobile unit that stood on one of the tables, two others were nearby when suddenly the deck shuddered, Then the impact followed, Anyone standing in the Science lab as well as any object not bolted to the floor, tables or walls flew through the air.

Suzanna and Sorvak both fell to the floor, unable to catch themselves, not helped by the flying objects, bio containment units, drone packages, molecular cohesion analysers etc. The lights flickered and went out. Followed momentarily by the red flashing lights and red alert klaxon.

Suzanna lay on the floor dazed for a moment, wondering what happened, the ship was still shuddering. They were under attack. "What the hell..." her human half mumbled under her breath. It took a moment for her bio control to be able to do a quick check, her left lower arm was broken, and at the moment pinned under a heavy object. The Dark Matter Containment Spectrometer, her mind, identified the object as she tried to get a grip on the situation.

Suddenly, her arm was free, two science team members lifted the bulky spectrometer from her arm and she sat up. "I need something to support my arm, a towel will do," She said, focussing on pain relief through her bio control. "How is Commander Sorvak?" she asked as she took the towel, improvising a sling for her arm, and slowly got to her feet.

She looked next to her, and saw scraps of his uniform, as he was buried under equipment, “help me free him, and get a medic down here.”

“I’m cross trained,” a young ensign said as she came over with an emergency med kit.

Suzanna tapped her comm badge, “Batenburg to Sickbay.” Nothing but static. “Comms must be down. Let’s try and free the Commander,” she couldn’t help with that, being injured, but coordinated as science personnel lifted one after the other object off Sorvak. “We need to get him to sickbay,” Suzanna stated.

The Ensign with the med kit nodded, “he is unconscious, head injury, suspected subdural haematoma, from the flying equipment, several other haematomas, and potential internal injuries in the abdomen.”

Cmdr Suzanna Batenburg
XO USS Arawyn
Everything fits, otherwise we'll make it fit

 

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