Peel - Just A Science Kind Of Day Pt.1

Posted on Sun Jun 28th, 2026 @ 9:49pm by Captain Jamie O'Connell & Lieutenant JG Sayvek

Mission: SHAKE DOWN IN A NEBULA
Location: S/M: A New Hope
Timeline: Stardate: 79956.0

::ON::

~ New Hope Colony ~

[ Deck 1 Arrival Area ]

Head Scientist Erica Bain waited at the indicated coordinates for the Science Chief to arrive from the USS Peel. She was a woman in her late forties, short black hair and brown eyes having worked her way up from a Lab Tech to overseeing the Agricultural and the Science areas for the habitat. Since the Peel was positioned above the habitat Erica saw the opportunity to maybe get some assistance with a couple of areas. Minutes later she saw a Vulcan male materialize in front of her. Walking up to the him "Good Morning Chief , I'm Erica Bain the Head Scientist for New Hope" she stated with hand extended and a smile on her face.

The term chief was still new to Sayvek but not unwelcomed..
" It is agreeable to be here. I have studied your issues and am looking forward to assisting you." Sayvek replied.

"Thank you Mr. Sayvek, if you'll come with me we'll make our way to Module #2 where I could use your expertise concerning our Hydroponic Fields." Erica replied as the two made their way there.

Walking into this massive farm, as several people were busy working, Erica explained "These are our Hydroponic Fields where we raise all sorts of different varieties of lettuces and tomatoes; this takes up most of Deck 1. We also have what we call a Vertical Farm on Deck 2 which uses primarily traditional farming methods to grow all our own fruits and vegetables. Then on Deck 3 is our Aquaponics area where we raise all our different varieties of both fresh and saltwater seafoods" as she paused a moment "The one of the area I could use your knowledge on is here with the Hydroponics; more specifically getting the water nutrients to perform better."

" I see what you mean . I will need to consult my computer for these power needs. Please show me more." Sayvek added.

Taking a PaDD from her pants pocket Erica brought up a data table "The primary nutrients consists of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium; these don't seem to be an issue. The secondary nutrients of calcium, magnesium, and sulfur seems to be the problem. I seem to be struggling getting the secondaries in the correct proportions to the primaries" She explained hoping Sayvek may have some insight.

Sayvek took the padd and started his analysis by first
checking the K:(Ca + Mg) Ratio: A good standard target ratio for many crops is roughly 4:2:1 (4 parts Potassium, 2 parts Calcium, 1 part Magnesium) by parts per million (ppm). If her Potassium is way higher than that 4:2 ratio relative to Calcium, she needs to drop the Potassium or raise the secondaries.
He then reviewed the Nitrogen Source: Ensure that the Nitrogen is primarily coming from Calcium Nitrate (Ca(NO_3)_2). This is a double-win: it provides Nitrogen in the preferred nitrate form and naturally hitches it to a secondary nutrient (Calcium), preventing them from fighting each other.
​Isolate the pH: Secondary nutrients, particularly Calcium and Magnesium, become much harder for the plant to absorb if the pH drops below 5.5 or rises above 6.5 in a hydroponic medium. She should ensure her pH isn't swinging wildly, which can mimic a ratio problem.

" I have to confess that I use a Vulcan gemini based computer program to help me make some of these concepts. We are a dry planet but we appreciate the concepts of farming. " Sayvek confessed.

"It's a way to give the Colonists fresh non replicated food which helps everyone stay much healthier and we don't have to depend on outside food sources which is a big plus financially" Erica replied then continued "Could I take a look at your data; maybe it'll shed some light on the situation."

Sayvek shared his padd which contained those details.

Looking over all the data presented " Of course the pH levels....how did I miss that or more importantly why didn't I notice that" as she pause a few moments before looking up at Sayvek "Thank you Chief, I think this will solve my dilemma. If you have the time I'd like to show you some of our different Labs; I think you'll like what you see" Erica commented with a smile.

" I am honored to observe." Sayvek replied.

"Splendid, we'll proceed to Module 3-Deck 1 that's where our three primary Labs are located. We have a Biology Lab, Chemistry Lab, and a Planetary Sciences Lab" Erica explained as they made their way to the Science and Research area.

Entering Erica started explaining the Labs " This first one is our Planetary Sciences Lab where we're been researching the Mutara Nebula" she commented. The Lab is a very state-of-the-art facility featuring a round Holo Emitter showing a 3D rendering of the Nebula. Also there were many screens displaying all sorts of information about the Nebula "As you can see we are pretty well equiped here with three to four people staffing during the day."

" Has there been any evidence of changes made from the Nebula after the Genesis Wave effect? " Sayvek asked.

Thinking for a few moments "Some minor changes but nothing to concerning; the most evident was the colors are much more vibrant now but we will continue to monitor the Nebula since the habitat is sitting in the middle of the anomaly" Erica explained "Have you had any experiences with such a anomaly as this one before?"

" There are ironic phenomena and various reports throughout the sector. One claim is that this area is a holy site capable of reserecting the dead. The oldest of which was the rebirth of Captain Spock of Vulcan." Sayvek replied.

"That's interesting. I've heard the same story but thought it was nothing more than a fable....a tall tale.....or a myth. Is there any data to support all the stories we've heard over the years" Erica inquired with her interests now peaked.

" I would actually like to find out. Do you have a shuttle? If we could collect enough empirical data to support my theory I believe the effects of the proto matter and the genesis effect is still active. Even here." Sayvek replied.

Thinking a moment "No, not really" as she paused "Maybe you could borrow a shuttle from your ship? It would be interesting to see what we find out plus it would give me some data with a challenge for once" Erica responded with a smile.

Sayvek concurred and then hailed the USS Peel.

[ Captain I apologize for the intrusion but I need a shuttle and a pilot to conduct some experiments with Erica...I mean Head Scientist Bain.] Sayvek requested.

~Peel Bridge~

"No apology needed Lieutenant, I'll contact Ensign Barot and she'll contact you when she's near the Colony to beam you two aboard. Happy hunting Mr. Sayvek" O'Connell replied. Tapping his comm "Ensign Barot I need you to grab one of the Type 9's and head for the Colony. When you arrive contact Lieutenant Sayvek and beam him and the Head Scientist from the Colony aboard. Take them wherever they instruct you so they can do some experiments" O'Connell explained.

"As you wish Captain. I'll be leaving the shuttle bay in about ten" Sam replied happy to be getting back out into space.

~Shuttle~

Soon Ensign Barot exited the shuttle bay and within minutes she arrived at the Colony. Tapping comms "Lieutenant Sayvek, Ensign Barot here. I've locked onto your signal anytime you're ready....just say the word and I'll beam you both aboard" Sam informed the Lieutenant.

" Confirmed. I will get with Dr Bain and prepare to beam up." Sayvek replied.

Erica joined Sayvek in the Science lab carrying a small bag with her PaDD containing data on the Nebula along with a trip-corder to download information into from the Shuttle "I'm all set Lieutenant Sayvek anytime you're ready" she commented looking forward to this new adventure.

" Bring us up Ensign Barot." Sayvek requested. A moment later they were aboard and prepared to begin their work.

" Ensign takes us to these coordinates and come to a full stop. If there is any languishing proto matter material it should most likely be detectable there." Sayvek concluded.

Looking at Sayvek "Certainly Lieutenant; anything to get off the ship for a little while" as she turned her attention the a lady "Hi, I'm Ensign Samantha Barot your pilot" she commented with a smile.

"Ensign Barot very nice to meet you, I'm Erica Bain Head Scientist for the Colony ; it's been awhile sine I've experienced travel in a shuttle" Erica replied returning the smile.

"Likewise. Lieutenant the coordinates are entered so here we go" Sam stated as she accelerated the shuttle then making a wide bank turning to the coordinates.

Shortly they arrived then she came to a complete stop "Ok Lieutenant, do your thing" Sam commented sitting back in her seat.

Sayvek was glad the Captain had approved the use of a shuttle as the on board computer was almost as good as the one on the Peel. Every scan would be read with a 100% accuracy.

" I am scanning an element of protomatter in grid 76. That proves my theory that components could be present." Sayvek replied. " Ensign Bain do not approach grid 76."

Grabbing her PaDD Erica downloaded the grid map from the shuttle's computer and color coded that area in red. Looking up at Sayvek "Duly noted Lieutenant" she responded.

" Now reading small traces of these particles in numerous grids. If some of these radiations were to bombard a ship or a station it could alter the alloys of said property. Not to mention the life forms. We will need to scan your hydroponics systems for these readings." Sayvek said with interest.

"That doesn't sound good at all! Hopefully the hydro items are fine; I wouldn't want the inhabitants to become ill because of this" Erica responded with some concern in her voice.

" Ensign slowly return us to the station. If I am correct the contaminated stellar dust could already be everywhere. A hundred years is not that long ago when dealing with this form of radiation. I now see why your systems may not have worked. These dormant particles may have reactive with our newer power systems. " Sayvek added.

"As you wish Lieutenant; we're close enough where I can take us back at one half impulse. It will take longer but the disturbance to the space around the shuttle will be minimal' Sam responded as she turned the shuttle around."

" Dr Bain the shielding on the station should be sufficient as long as it is meta phasic or meta genic." Sureth added.

"That's a relief!! I was imagining all sorts of horrible outcomes.....you know the kind that keeps you up at night" Erica confessed but feeling more at ease now.

" It has been over 100 years since anyone has been to this sector officially." Sayvek started to say when he suddenly saw just the opposite on a sensor. " This should not be possible. I am scanning a ship at extreme sensor range that is not the USS Peel."

"Oh crap!" Ensign Barot stated "So much for taking things slow.....we need to get back to the Colony asap" as she increased speed "I'll contact the Peel to let them know."

" We need to report this to the Captain. Doctor are you expecting any other ships?" Sayvek asked.

Thinking for a moment "Not that I'm aware of" Erica responded starting to get a little nervous about another ship in the area.

"Lieutenant are you going to return to the Colony or are you going to return to the ship" Ensign Berot inquired. Moments later she tapped her comm "Captain O'Connell, Ensign Berot, we've picked up a ship heading to our coordinates on long range scanners."

["We just picked up the ship on our scanners as well. Return as soon as you can with or without Lieutenant Sayvek.....I don't want you out there in a shuttle if things happen to go south" O'Connell ordered.]

"Understood Captain; I'll return soon....Berot out."

" If I am needed on the Colony I would like to continue. I am understandably curious about the nature of that ship given the quarantine in this sector."Sayvek replied.

Sam turned in her seat "Lieutenant, the Captain didn't specify you needed to return to the ship. If you feel you must stay to continue your work on the Colony then by all means do so" the Ensign responded.

" I would like that very much." Sayvek replied.

"And I could use the assistance until we know hydroponics are safe for consumption" Erica stated being quite glad for the extra help.

Minutes later the shuttle was back to the Colony "Lieutenant we're within transporter range; I can beam you both back to the exact location you beamed out" Sam explained anxious to get back to the Peel.

Sayvek was also intrigued and prepared for the beam back.


Tbc