Cool Climbs

Posted on Mon May 28th, 2018 @ 9:34pm by Captain Patrick O'Connor
Edited on on Mon May 28th, 2018 @ 9:34pm

0 words; about a 1 minute read

Mission: Operation: Risa!
Location: Risa, Garamond glacier
Timeline: 2265

Patrick was sitting in the lounge of the waiting area. After returning from fishing, he wanted a few hours rest before moving on to the next part of his schedule. He took the opportunity to check in on the ship and spoke with Charybdis. He reaffirmed his desire that everyone on the ship take a few days on the planet and at this point, if anyone hadn't been down for at least one day, they needed to be sent down.

Patrick knew what his next leg of his vacation entailled. Rock climbing the frigid north face of the Garamonds, then paragliding down afterward. It was an extreme thing to do, especially considering the temperatures. The north face typically has temperatures in the single digits, which made it not only a difficult climb due to the sharp edges and steep verticals, but the temperature allowed for ice and snow to gather in places that added to the danger. Only a certain group of humans would find such a task fun, and so would Andorians.

It was at this point, while sipping his Andorian ale that Ania Zarath entered the lounge area. She looked a bit lost and out of her element, which wasn't such a stretch considering that the room was quite warm for Andorian standards. He decided that it was time for the shephard to tend to the flock a bit.

"How are you finding your time here on Risa petty officer?" he said to her as he approached.

As he approached her, he noticed the look of "being lost" in her eyes was actually annoyance and possibly disdain. She was still dressed in her service uniform, and had a pad in her hand possibly continuing to work on calculations. She was making her way to a chair when she realized he was addressing her, she popped to attention and became instantly alert.

Her antenna swiveled forward as she responded. "As well as I can as it takes me away from my duties Captain. But I do as ordered." Her voice soft and firm all at once.

Dutiful to the last. She was a tribute to her species. He wanted to put her at ease, but knew that her sense of duty would not allow for it easily. "Dh'lanthi zzlk'th shrash'lthyk m'bok" (translated: you cannot be on duty all the time) he told her in flawless Andorian. He smiled at her, trying to make her feel at ease.

She arches a delicate eyebrow at his words, her antenna swiveling quizzically. "Very well spoken Captain, however one must also remember for us, one is always on duty until there is no longer need for the job." She will gracefully slink her lean body into the curved chair in the lounge. "I take it your "Vacation" is going well so far Sir?" Her tone still firm, however there is a slightly amused glint in her eyes now.

"It is a bit too warm for my taste, so it must be unbareably hot for you" he said with a smirk. "But I will be back in more tolerable temperatures soon enough. Going back to the only cold spot on the planet, near the artic cap. It won't be the same as Andoria, but you are welcome to join me and take in the cooler temperatures. I am certain Lt Celes would appreciate knowing that the captain had a security detail while risking his life yet again." He smiled. It was a dirty play on his behalf to play on that dutifulness she had, and even play on the desires to be in a more tolerable climate, but he figured that she needed to get to know people, and the captain needed to his crew as well.

"Too warm? I would think that it was much more to your liking. The climate of your planet is very similarly matched. However the cold is definitely a nice thing, in comparison to here." She will uncross her legs and lean forward to set the pad down on the little table in front of her. "I really am not finished with my work that need to be finished, taking a little... shore leave, so quickly into my term on this ship was not something I was expecting to have to do. I however do feel that a Captain shouldn't be alone on a planet, regardless of how safe they claim it to be." She will purse her lips slightly and move to stand. "Where shall we meet Sir, I will be sure to acquire appropriate clothing and meet you."

Patrick smiled. she was putting forth effort, and he had to appreciate that. "I have a shuttle taking me off to the base camp in one hour. i will ensure your gear will be aboard. All you need is to be dressed for the part. I am told it will be quite chilly, temperatures in the single digits at this time of year, some wind gusts, and of course, we will be climbing, so make sure your clothes are appropriate for that as well." He double checked that everything was confirmed with her and then left her to do what she needed.

1 Hour Later

Patrick waited at the shuttle lobby with his climbing jacket in hand. The shuttle had been confirmed as ready and they were loading the gear as he waited for Ania. He had taken the time to confirm the temperature and was quite happy to find out that it was currently 7 degrees farenheit. the wind was gusting as 24-27 mph, making it even better. He simply needed for her to arrive so that they could leave. It was going to be a great trip in his mind.

When Ania arrived, it was at first glance as if she had not prepared for the cold. She was in a tight fitted suit that looked like she would have to be peeled out of it, and carried a light weight jacket of some indeterminate material. Her white/blue hair had been pulled out of her face, and her eyes were clear and focused. On her feet were sturdy boots that seemed to bend very well and she also had gloves into the belt on her waist along with another small bag that seemed to "jingle" when she moved. She also had a large what might have been a knife attached to the belt.

As she got closer she nodded at the Captain. "As ordered Sir. Shall we?" Looking him up and down briefly "I assume you are ready then, nothing else you need or require?"

Patrick nodded. "After you." The two boarded the shuttle and it took off, taking them to their destination. They arrived and disembarked the shuttle and made preparations at the base camp, several locals at the camp making sure everything was ready for them to go. Once they had gathered everything Patrick looked to her, "Time to go. You ready?" He had a jovial tone and was obviously very excited to get started.

"Of course Captain." she nods to the guide and then will start a brisk walk up one of the many paths winding towards the cliff face. Having studied the several paths, she decided to take the medium Terra slope, it would afford a good amount of "danger" that she assumed the active Captain was looking for, and would give her the ability to study his movements and assess if he was halfway capable of traversing a harder slope the second go round up the face. This one would only take a couple of hours, easy work for an Andorian, a pink skin on the other hand, should find it challenging enough. "This I found to be a good place to start and get our bearings from what I read of the maps Sir, once we're warmed up, we can take the next path up the higher slope and across the short valley." pointing to the west and then upward. "This shouldn't take us more than a few hours..." Looking back at him to make sure he heard her.

He smiled. "If you require a warm up, then sure. Follow me." he took hold of the rock and began his assent, moving at a cautious but steady pace, far faster than what was likely thought by the Andorian female. He was a good 10 feet up before she even took hold of the rockface.

Arching her eyebrow she will shake her head watching his movements before moving slightly to the right of him and following his pace. This pink skin thinks that ice climbing is not taxing and you can treat it just like anything else, he will learn differently I'm sure. She did notice while he was being "cautious" he wasn't looking at the different fissures and cracks as closely as he should for ice, this meant instead of him going up a solid section of the face, he actually started gravitating towards some of the weaker sections. Growing up on the ice, gives a little bit more of an advantage to her as she moved to the side and made sure to not follow in his wake and started to relay the spikes in and waited for the moment when his ice pick failed him. Keeping a careful gathering of the rope, she set her belay and continued to ascend the slope.

When she came slightly next to him, and he looked at her, she nodding her head pointing to the spot he was at "you might be slightly careful there Sir."

He nodded his understanding. He was aware he was taking a dangerous path up this rugged rock face, going up the ice covered spots that any Andorian child would tell you is foolish. But that was part of the fun, the thrill of the unknown. Would the ice give way? Would he lose his grip and fall? So many questions that needed answers, but only time would tell. He certainly was enjoying this climb, and more than that, he enjoyed having the company. It had been too long since he had been in the company of Andorians.

He continued his assent, and she beat him to the top by less than a few meters. It had been an excellent race, and one he wouldn't mind doing again. He looked out in the distance and admired the view. It was quite breathetaking. He set his large pack down on the cold rocky ground and began to pull out the glider. "Ready for the trip down?" He smiled as he watched her eyes grow large seeing his method of getting down.

 

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