Windrose, where the wind blows

[tothefly]

Who: Windrose crew and you, distinguished visitors!
Broadcast: Naaah.
Action: Windrose, various points in the near vicinity
When: Until we get off this frozen rock

[On New Year's Day, the crew on board the Windrose and those nearby may notice the chill as the doors to the cargo bay are left open, and their captain making quite a bit of noise as she inspects their newly expanded home away from home. This is likely to go on for a while. Feel free to come investigate, chat among yourselves, complain about the cold, etc!]

Comments

[dancingmd]

[...]

[.......]

[.............yeah she's staring.]

No... no, that - that makes no sense.

[unbearablynaive]

Frankly, neither does my contracting an illness at all. I find it highly unlikely there are any microbes adapted enough to evade my immune system.

[He shrugs, smiling just a little bit.] On the other hand, it could be that the cold ran its course and the ritual was simply performed at a fortuitous time. It was rather fascinating to take part in.

[dancingmd]

[Distracted:] I'm sure it was.

[She frowns.]

It must be simply be a coincidence that you recovered at the same time as the ritual. However, as for the rest of it, this pathogen has proven to be most unusual. You're not the only one for whom it should have been theoretically impossible - or in my case, at least difficult. We cured the common cold decades ago, so I have been vaccinated, though it's plausible enough that this is a strain that is resistant to the vaccine. Were I the only case, I would assume that was what had happened, but...

[unbearablynaive]

But you weren't. I don't suppose you've recovered any samples for analysis?

[Yet again he regrets the lack of a lab on the Windrose. But even so....]

Are you fully recovered now? I hate to pry, but you seem a bit out of things.

[dancingmd]

Allen and I both have collected and stored some samples, along with plenty of the Surrit's medication.

[She gives him a small smile.]

I'm all right. It's just been... a trying couple of months for me.

[unbearablynaive]

Very good. Please don't hesitate to let me know if I can help with any testing, as I do have a rather unique immune system.

[The smile is reassuring, though his brow is still furrowed in concern.]

I see. Is there anything I might be able to help with?

[dancingmd]

[Ah... more concerned androids. She shakes her head.]

I'm afraid not, but I appreciate the offer.

[unbearablynaive]

[He'd probably get along fabulously with Data okay.]

Certainly. Oh, and I've acquired several new plant species with supposed medicinal value. As soon as samples are ready, I'll pass them along for testing.

[dancingmd]

[And she's got Daneel taking care of her here. So many android friends to make!!!

Her eyes light up.]

Really? That's wonderful! Where did you find them? Here on the planet?

[unbearablynaive]

Yes, I found them while looking for cold treatments. One is supposed to help with respiratory problems, two are painkillers, and the last is an anti-inflammatory.

[How long before they can be harvested for useful crops he's not sure of, but the more renewable supplies they can gather the more it eases his mind.]

[dancingmd]

Oh that’s wonderful! [Especially considering that they don’t have a medic yet on the Windrose, which is no small cause of concern for Beverly.] Do you mind if I take a look at them?

[unbearablynaive]

It would be my pleasure. They're over in the cargo bay; I'm afraid there's not much room anywhere else.

[No, they don't have a medic, but they are all trained in first aid, at least.]

[dancingmd]

[She nods as she starts to follow him.]

That's where I have my garden on the Blue Fish as well. I think it'd be great if we could get something like this on every ship but... fleetwide organization never seems to go over very well here.

[unbearablynaive]

I believe a part of it is that we have little competition for our cargo bay space here. Other ships might use theirs for recreation or other projects, though I can't say I'm aware of any that actually use it for cargo. The other factor is that there's little incentive for fleetwide cooperation in the short term, and many fail to see the situation in the long term.

[It's not a terribly long walk, and in the cargo bay roughly a quarter is set aside for his projects - the kelp tank, growing the bacon kelp and rice-algae and populated by several glowfish, and the dirt beds which have some larger succulents and some tiny shoots of green separated by a divide. The succulents may be familiar from the desert moon; one of them is an aloe-analog.]

[dancingmd]

[She sighs.] I know. Back after one of the first attacks from that fleet that drove us into the nebula, few people even would agree that we should have some sort of coordinated tactical plan in the future, should they attack again. Or when, as it turns out. Honestly, I think the main problem is that we have a lot of people here who are suspicious of authority or organizations - and understandably so. Nevertheless, even if I understand their reluctance, I find it frustrating.

[However, once they reach the cargo bay, her attention is immediately drawn to the kelp tank.]

Oh, what a good idea! You got these from the beach planet, I assume?

[unbearablynaive]

[That's some food for thought. How many times had "emergency measures" become permanent in history, to the detriment of the populace? Too often for comfort.]

I did, yes. It cost me a fair amount of money, but I found I'd earned more than I expected by wearing only a swimsuit for several days. I was able to purchase the tanks there and adapt them for use here, and they've grown very well. The bacon kelp is especially popular as a trade material.

[dancingmd]

[Not to mention so many of these people have been persecuted by their governments and leaders. Beverly may be an idealist, but that doesn't mean she's naive.

Though she has to laugh a little at the swimsuit comment.]

They really did enjoy seeing us in our swimsuits, didn't they? I won't lie, I wish I could have kept mine.

[unbearablynaive]

They certainly did. Perhaps we'll have another sunbathing opportunity soon - this planet is rather lacking in that department, I'm afraid. [At least for anyone sensitive to cold.]

My hat and gloves will have to do, though since they were purchased rather than gifted, they ought to stay around in case we encounter more chilly weather.

[dancingmd]

[Beverly holds up her arm, looks at it a moment - such incredibly pale skin!]

I think I can probably pass on the sunbathing... the trials of being a redhead. But I do miss that planet.

[unbearablynaive]

I like the energy of a star in close proximity, although I don't tan. But I agree; it was a peaceful place and we were able to provide tangible help to the Nunnilis.

[And it gave him his pet fish, which were very useful during the blackout.]

[dancingmd]

Yes, I'm glad we could help them. That was the most important thing. And they're still doing well, did you know? I hate that we had to leave with no consistent way to keep in touch, but I spoke to some of the Nunnalis on Arslae who are in contact with them.

[unbearablynaive]

[That gets a bright smile.] I'm very glad to hear that. I did see some of the natives with the blue carapace but I hadn't asked about the fungus. Did you share knowledge of the vaccine with them as well, in the event it should become necessary?

[dancingmd]

It proved not to be necessary. There were a few visiting red Nunnalis who already knew and explained things to the blue ones. It seems the different colors are not all connected to the same hive-mind, but they still very much believe in the open exchange of information.

[unbearablynaive]

[He looks relieved and pleased at that.] That's very good; I can understand why that would be their philosophy, given their social structure.

Though I could wish we had our own lab aboard the Windrose in case we should need to make a quick analysis like that again.

[dancingmd]

If you ever want to use the Blue Fish's, just let me know and I'm sure Allen and I could arrange something for you. I know it's not the same as having one right on board, but...