Finally reaching the bottom of the cliff face Bacshi paused before taking a step onto the surface of the crystal sea. The portion that ran up to the cliff had a washboard texture to it as well as a slight rise, but the similarity to ice made him a little wary of his step. One food on, no problem. Second foot on, he paused, no problem. He made a move to step up to the top of the rise, and felt a slight slip. Pushing a little onto his toe, he stepped up.

“It seems okay for the moment, but there are a few smoother areas that i suspect have very low surface friction.” He explained turning with care as Wren took her steps on to the sea.

“Magnetise? If there’s enough metal particulates. Failing that the boots should have crampons. We could skip the first option and go straight to them if you like.” Wren offered, one of the advantages of having the person with a hand in logistics, meant they had a better idea of the features of equipment or uniforms. Bacshi smiled at the thought of using crampons, it seemed this mission was full of firsts.

“Particulates are actually low enough that, magnetics might not work all the time.” Bacshi responded, eyes down at the tricorder for a time, sweeping it in an arc and having the range far enough to obtain good data.

“Crampons then, always wanted to try them out for real. Sequence two, one on the leg panel.” Wren informed Bacshi could see a glimmer of a grin before she reached down to key in the sequence. He followed her lead tapping at the leg panel, a computer message confirming the deployment sounded in his internal suit systems.

Stamping the supporting leg into the crystal, then shuffling his foot, or attempting to shuffle his foot, the spiky addition to the sole of the boot providing traction and resistance.

“Take a stroll a meter or so out and then take a sample? what do you reckon?.” Wren gave a suggested course, born not from uncertainty, he knew her better than that, it was likely a bit of deference to Bacshi being the science officer or at least he hoped.

“That would work. If we take from these high points, we should be able to narrow beam phaser sample chunks.” Bacshi agreed, starting to move a little further on to the solid state ‘sea’, purposely stamping each step to ensure he had grip, although this slowed his progress a little he felt it necessary. A half turn back towards Wren as he pointed out the series of swell formations, made sure they were both on the same page.

Wren paused, then moved a little way towards Bacshi, paused again, this time dropping her right knee to the surface. “This one looks good.” She commented, her intent behind the actions now clear, gauging an appropriate sample. Bacshi also dropped a knee, also inclining his head over to the left side.

“I agree. Would you mind?” He responded and requested.

Wren’s response was a grin, and to reach for and draw her phaser, tapping on the control keypad. “Setting six, thermal, narrow beam.” She repeated her setting choice, setting which seemed sensible. “Firing.” Her warning call came a moment or two before the energy beam lanced out and struck the high point. The deftness with which she moved the beam, told of an experience with this type of weapon. The beam sliced through the crystal leaving a marked cut, then the precision beam veered off breaking the surface of the crystal at an unexpected angle, it continued on its trajectory flashing past the suit helmet of one Isshan Bacshi.

“Shit!” Wren exclaimed, her finger lifting off the button and pointing the phaser straight up, a trained reaction to a wayward shot. “You okay? That was. What was that?” Following up with a pair of queries in rapid succession.  

“Unnerved but still whole.” Bacshi responded after an understandable pause, his mind racing with what if’s, also with potential reasons. “Refracted beam?” He half stated, half question to himself, pulling his tricorder once more, setting it to a more focused scan. Looking specifically for particulates or even formations that could cause a refraction effect,

“More than likely.” Wren responded, then fell silent for a moment or two. “What about a wider beam? Melting a larger area equally could mitigate any ill-effects.” Came her next suggestion, a natural follow on and a reasonable assessment. Bacshi was about to respond when interrupted.

“Away Team to Bridge, check in time.” Merrova’s voice filtered through the comm, evidently she had opened a joint line for all to hear.

“Bridge receives.” Came the perfunctory response, satisfying protocol. But the voice was that of their captain, who tended to a more personal touch. “How is it down there Commander?” This time was clearly no exception.

“Like nothing i’ve ever seen, sir. To think baring this event or major diplomatic strides, this place would have gone unrecorded by the Federation.” Merrova’s response, restricted slightly by the comm channel and the effects of being in a contained suit, was still full of expression and enthusiasm, her intention to take full advantage of the opportunity was clear in both the words she chose and the manner she delivered them.

“Scan data and samples a plenty I presume?” Morr responded.

“Aye, we managed to gather a number of samples and plenty of data, there appears to be crystalline trees. Scan is inconclusive at present but hopefully analysis will shed more light.” Merrova relayed the experiences of her team, largely smooth sailing, and perhaps more in terms of results. Any idea that she was going to turn competitive, was quassed with her next statement acknowledging the difficulties. “But the environment is not without its dangers as team two can attest. Commander Wren, you’ve recovered from your near fall? Have you made the foot of the cliff?” Her inquiry came across genuine and slanted in a way Wren appeared to feel comfortable picking up the report.

“Aye, no ill effects, but at least we have a safety margin when it comes to density. We have indeed made the foot of the cliff.” Wren explained, taking a pragmatic approach to the whole event, compartmentalize and move one, which seemed to fit with how Bacshi had observed Wren operating.

“The surface looks like and has the properties of ice, so it’s gorgeous to look at but bloody hard to move about on. We’ve deployed crampon attachments which have made a difference. But were two for two in the brushes with death. But i’ll put the rest in my report, suffice to say sampling the ‘sea’ might take a bit of time” Wren’s next expressions were tinged with mirth and wonderment, she threw a couple of glances in Bacshis direction, as she spoke as if trying to include him somehow.

“There might be another way. Scans show the side facing the star to be more fluid. Which we should take advantage of, and take liquid state samples.” Morr responded, presenting another course of action for the away team to follow, a pause followed. “This is a good time to regroup and restock with life support. Bacshi you’ll head the team going back to the warmside, you’ll keep Racshaw with the addition of Charnack for technical support. Merrova and Wren your expertise are needed onboard ship.” He decided, issuing orders that were unexpected, but not unwelcome, Bacshi decided to take full advantage of the opportunity presenting itself,

“Perpare for Transport.” The statement came a minute before the dematerialization effect took over. Bacshi left the crystal sea and its view of the black of space, pin pricked with the light of a thousand stars. Reforming in more familiar surroundings, the containing walls of the transporter bay, the familiar sight of the operator behind the screened controls, Merrova and Racshaw stood a few meters from him now despite being several hundred moments before. Of course his attention settled on the beaming face of the red collared captain who had personally come to meet the returning team, for Bacshi this only highlighting the importance his captain attached to the endeavor to explore the planet despite any risk and uncertain that surrounded them being there, but also that whatever changes he would make and whatever information he chose to impart next would be key going forward.