Starfleet Research platform

Callum wrestled with the straps helping to hold down the crates and other supplies, as the hard rain lashed against the platform. It was hard work, and the sheer strength of the storm was causing more than the dampeners could compensate for. Which meant the supplies the Anaheim had beamed down were in danger of being lost to the storm winds and rain. 

They had arrived hours before, the Anaheim on a supply run to restock the floating research platforms on the surface of the Class O planet. There were many aquatic species and flora, and Callum knew the platforms were researching everything from medicinal compounds, to new species and lifeforms. It had all seen quite beautiful and fascinating from his PADD, but the reality of a vast ocean surface became something quite different when the tidal forces became erratic and wild. 

Struggling, the crew and Callum were able to fasten the crates to the deck, strong cables keeping them from further damage. The other crew had been busy filling the small cargo hold on board the platform with the delicate instruments and research supply. Satisfied there was nothing else to be done for now, he moved into the observation deck and paused for a moment to shake off the worst of the water from his hair and uniform. He had been trying to help organize a shuttle run from the Anaheim to another platform, when the surge had hit and he had been forced to dash onto the deck. 

The stabilizers and hull of the research platform seemed to be handling the waves well, a testament to the engineering team on board, but the weather was still tasking the power system and making things more difficult. With the constant drain of power caused by the battering storm, there was little to do except ride out the intense and violent weather. 

Tapping his comm, he hailed the Moira Hewett, currently sitting the conn of the Anaheim. 

“Any word from the runabout Moira. Comms are a mess here with the power drain, and whatever else is stirring the tidal forces into a blender,” Callum asked, hoping the weather hadn’t taken something routine and made it a crisis. 

“Yes Captain. They have landed and were able to get stowed away before the hatches had to be sealed. The waves were risking flooding into the shuttle bay, so they are locked down. But our sensors indicate the aperture is quieting down. There is far less of the energy spiking from it now, it may even seal itself off given how low the energy readings are,” Moira responded over the comm, the signal less than clear due to interference. 

“Well that would be good news, hopefully the residual energy will expend itself within the currents and atmosphere. We were fortunate there are no coastal or aquatic settlements here. The platforms are at least self sufficient. If any orders from Starfleet arrive, or if the situation changes alert me please. For now, I am going to see what repairs and maintenance we can help with. Callum out”,” he said, as he tapped his comm ending the call. He figured there was no sense watching the rain and waves, when he could give the engineers a helpful hand.