Posted by Lieutenant Commander Avik (XO) in Side Sim- Mining Colony of Feru III- The New Dawn Festival

Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Vora Zorell (Scientist) in Side Sim- Mining Colony of Feru III- The New Dawn Festival

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Avik (XO) in Side Sim- Mining Colony of Feru III- The New Dawn Festival
Posted by… suppressed (3) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)

Zorell nodded. “I don’t mind questions, ” she said , giving Jasper a small nod.

Entering, Vora wasn’t sure what to expect, but at least she had anticipated the narrowing. As the walls drew in closer, she had to steady her breath. She wasn’t claustrophobic, not in the traditional sense. Small spaces didn’t bother her. Being trapped inside a place did. There was a difference here and she had to fight to remind her mind that she was fine and there was a way out. “What sort of geological things are you interested in, Jasper? I have a Masters degree, so I know a fair bit. Though these days I’m studying stellar phenomenon.”

~Vora Zorell, Sciences

Jasper was a bit distracted and nearly missed Zora’s question. He felt the nudge from his mother, drawing his attention back to the conversation. With missing a beat, he smiled then proudly spoke.

“I like studying planets. Mainly the comparison of planet geographical landmarks and what’s happening in the crust. I also like gems and ores.” Behind him, his mother proudly beamed in silence.

The drippings on the rocks began to echo throughout the cavern as they went deeper. Crystal like forms began to crawl along the wall surface and add a glitter of shine within the darkness. Instinctively, Jasper reached out and brushed his hand along the beauty.

“What causes this?” He asked.

-Avik, XO

Vora smiled. She reached out and let her fingers caress the very tips of the formations, anticipating the way her memory would be triggered. This was a happy memory. Her first time exploring a cave and the moment she knew that geology was the right path for her just then. A way to explore a part of who she was still trying to understand amongst all the trauma she had experienced. There are two process at play here. The first is nucleation, which is where molecules suspended in a supersaturated liquid begin to clump together. Most commonly with crystalline formation in caves, it’s going to be calcium salts, but depending on where you are and the type of planet, it could be other things, like gallium or halite. But once they start clumping together, the way they do determines the formation, its structure. Crystal growth happens when these clumps grow together and it continues until ether supersaturation ends or the cave dries up. Does that make sense?” she asked.

There was something lovely about being able to share information like this. Vora would never say she was a natural teacher, but she had abundant enthusiasm for topics of interest and was never shy about sharing them. Well, most of the time.

~Vora Zorell, Sciences

Jasper clung on each of her words. His eyes glancing from her to their surroundings, imagining the event happening in front of him.

“I think so. Are there ways to identify if the formation was calcium salt or one of the others? Do you need specialized tools or is there a way to tell without them?”

“A tricorder is the fastest way, but anything that allows you to analyze the chemical composition will work. So a more complicated way would be to dissolve some of the crystal in a solution and have a strip that changes colour to indicate the presence of particular things,” Vora said.

His mother softly chuckle, happy to see him interacting and excited over learning. Jasper immediately looked at her then directed a question to her.

“Mother, do you have any questions?”

“Umm. Yes, but let’s not overwhelm Vora.” Her fingers gently rubbed his hand while waiting for Vora’s answers.

-Avik, XO

“You’re not overwhelming me,” Vora said sincerely, even as her emotions stirred. “I love being able to talk about this all. But I have to say Cassandra, I love how great you are about letting Jasper be curious. I wish I had someone do that in my childhood, but alas I was an adult before that ever happened.” Her maroon eyes flicked upwards admiring the grandness of the space for a moment before she settled her gaze back on Jasper. “My mom died when I was five, you see. So I didn’t have anyone who could answer all the questions I had. Questions are good. They allow you to see what is possible.”

~Vora Zorell, Sciences

Cassandra was amused by the Vora’s statement until the mention of her early loss. The mood seemed to shift briefly as her smile wavered, crumbling at the sorrowful realization. A hint of pity settled into her eyes before submerging from sight. Her fingers tightened briefly about Jasper’s hand as she clung to the very reminder that she was still here for him.

Curious about the topic, Jasper’s young mind immediately voiced his question. “Did she die from a disease too? Like my grandmother?”

Cassandra quietly inhaled then chided her son for his rudeness, “Jasper, that was a little rude. This type of topic is sensitive and Vora might not want to talk about it.”

-Avik, XO

OOC: Bumping this to keep on the board.
-Janice B.