Chapter 9. Playboy Lu Sen
In a broad arc, the shuttle approached the planet's surface. The vast expanse of grass beneath them shone in an attractive green. The blades of grass sway in the wind, looking like a green wavy ocean. Only a few shrubs spoil the overall feel of this otherwise flat area. This is in the southern region of the planet, which is already closer to the South Pole than the equator. Still, there is no ice, no lasting frost. The vertical planetary axis keeps the climate here mild throughout the year.
This area was chosen as the initial study area because it is surrounded by rivers and lakes. This is a clear boundary that can be determined not only with maps and computers, but also with the naked eye. On a planet with no independent continents, but only huge lakes and rivers, such a symbol is very important. The area chosen covers an area of approximately 150 square kilometers and is certainly one of the first choices for establishing a colony. However, it is almost indistinguishable from the rest of the same latitude. The first measurements from the ship revealed a very limited diversity of plant species. Unlike Earth, where continents have always separated and merged during different geological periods, resulting in different populations adapted to the environment, here there is a dominant type at almost every latitude. As a result, the planet's vegetation and animal world appear monotonous. After these first scans, botanists were disappointed. They worry that their work is not nearly as interesting as they originally hoped.
"Now that we're about to land, please go back to your seat, don't smoke, and adjust your seat to an upright position," joked Dre Ingmar, the shuttle's pilot. is a reference to ancient airline announcements from Earth. However, all he got were confused looks. Few people know history so well as to be familiar with the declarations made more than two hundred years ago.
The shuttle left the ground just a few centimeters and landed gently on the soft grass. The low hum of the engine ceased. The scientists began to pack their bags and the instruments they had brought with them.
"We have landed and are ready to disembark. Thank you very much for choosing to fly on the Kuafu IV," Ingemar continued humorously, turning off the last instrument. There was a sudden strong tap on his shoulder, and his head turned. Joseph Yves stood behind him, looking at him mischievously.
"Mr. Ingmar, have you ever been told that you are not normal?" This didn't sound like a joke at all, but a serious question.
So Ingmar looked at him with big eyes and finally replied, "Yes, I hear that a lot. It's not completely made up."
Yves grinned. "I like you, Mr. Ingmar. Keep it up. Ordinary people are boring after all." He then turned and followed his colleagues as they exited the shuttle.
Ingmar turned around, raising his eyebrows slightly, and looked at Daisy from his driver's seat, who was still supervising the unloading of larger technical equipment in the shuttle. She must have grinned at Yves's comment. "You've just been elevated," she commented.
"Really? What if this comes from the mouth of a childish ghost?" Ingemar was not sure.
Daisy tilted her head. "If this comes from the mouth of a sixty-year-old childish ghost, it may be true."
Ingmar stood up. "Okay," he smiled and exited the shuttle.
The chief engineer watched him leave, then shook his head at him. His humor was certainly to her taste. However, she had heard about his romantic adventures with women, which caused her to develop some dislike for him. He shouldn't treat other people like that, it's an inexcusable flaw of his. As a result, she hesitated between liking and disliking the young man, and was not yet sure what the final result would be.
The last batch of mechanical parts is removed. The engineers who accompanied them will now assemble all the parts so that researchers can start using them.
Daisy also left the shuttle and picked up a data tablet, which recorded the blueprints and locations of all equipment. This way she can oversee the entire installation process. This was her mission for the next few hours. And once everything is set up, she can enjoy the rest of her day on the planet. Feel the sun on your skin, the green grass on your feet, and the wind on your face. The view inspired her and motivated her team to achieve their best results.
As construction progressed, Jeffrey gathered the scientists. Although they can only conduct limited research without sophisticated instruments, they are not completely useless. They can get a preliminary understanding of the situation through local landforms, put forward some hypotheses, and collect some small samples. Now Jeffrey must coordinate it all, as the Vulcan wants to use his time as efficiently as possible. It would make no sense if everyone just walked around as they pleased on this land with complex terrain.
At first, it seemed difficult for Jeffrey to control these scientists and prevent them from acting independently. However, his logical thinking and structured way of thinking seemed to endear him to them. As they worked with them longer and longer, their respect and recognition for Jeffrey grew. Initially, none of the scientists wanted to admit that there was a coordinator reporting to them. After all, they are experts in their fields and are used to having assistants and staff reporting to them and then making their own decisions. Now they had to admit that Jeffrey was perfect for the job. The Vulcan's expertise now comes into play, and he's earned the scientists' trust. He was extremely knowledgeable in every field and every scientist would be honored to have him as his assistant.
So they collected their first soil samples, filled different test tubes with water, flipped and rotated stones, looked at plants, mosses and fungi, and watched for small insects. In this way, scientists gained an initial understanding of the situation. By the afternoon, all the equipment was installed and the real data collection could begin. They don't have much time left. In the evening, they will return to the spacecraft. On this first expedition, no one will stay. The multi-day mission will begin in a few weeks. During this night, instruments and equipment will record everything, automatically collecting more samples and then studying them in the laboratory. They could stay here longer only if it was clear that there was no danger to either the crew or the planet's vegetation.
There is still a little time before returning to the Republic. Dre Ingmar lay on the grass not far from the shuttle, letting the sun shine on his face. This sun is slightly less intense than Earth's sun, but just as pleasant. He frowned, a little angry, as a shadow passed over him. So far, he hasn't let the clouds interrupt his enjoyment.
Daisy's curly hair blocked him from the low sun. She looked at him with a deliberately angry expression. "Is this what you call a job?"
Ingmar closed his eyes and moved a little, letting himself lie in the sun again. "Yes," he said slowly. "This is my favorite way to work. And you have no right to say anything. Because I'm higher than you in my position."
Daisy thought she had heard wrongly at first. He really doesn't want to highlight the hierarchy now. However, he didn't say anything more, and she felt that what he said was not literal. Instead, she too lay down on the grass next to him. The warmth of the sun is really comforting. After a few minutes, she had to fight off sleep.
"It would be perfect if there was some classical music right now," she said, just to stay awake.
Ingemar snorted first and looked a little sleepy. Then he spoke anyway. "Even better is to have a nice young lady with you."
Daisy felt offended again. Dre Ingemar's moral integrity is like that of an elephant. The best case scenario is that he says nothing. She was ten years older than him, although she didn't feel old.
Ingmar seemed to realize what he had just said, because his eyes widened and he coughed deliberately. "I was sorry," he stammered. "I just want to say that under this beautiful sky, you can also have beautiful love. Of course, that requires a charming girl." Damn it, I stepped on a trap again. "It's not that you're not charming. I... uh... it's just..."
"Ingmar," she interrupted sharply.
"Um?"
"Shut up."
Ingmar felt the temperature suddenly rise. He felt a little hot under his uniform, but he believed the best thing to do now was to stay quiet.
The rest of the afternoon passed uneventfully. Daisy occasionally dozed off during this period, causing her neck to feel a little sore and earning her a glance from Ingmar. She silently prayed that she wasn't snoring or talking in her sleep.
As dusk fell, they were all in the shuttle again. It slowly rose from the ground, leaving behind squashed grass.
"This is your volcano sunrise." Lu Sen put a glass of transparent liquid on the table, right in front of his friend Mark. He was holding a glass in his own hand, but the liquid inside had a bluish tinge to it. He sat down with his cup and then raised it to his friend Mark. "Cheers." They both drank.
The noise in the whole room was not very high, although there were people sitting at every table. This was partly because most people present were talking at a normal volume, and partly because there was no alcohol. All drinks are strictly non-alcoholic. This prevents crew members from coming to work drunk after a night of partying. In addition, you can avoid the intoxicating mood of alcohol that can lead to arguments and physical violence. The advantage of this is that the conversation is very disciplined and the noise is relatively low.
It was a very ordinary night on the ship. There aren’t many entertainment options though, so private events are mostly concentrated at the bar and lounge deck. Although it has only been a few days since the Republic spacecraft set off, some small groups and circles have already been formed, and most people stay in their own circles. Only on the casual deck are different groups competing in various sports. Such a duel is naturally very noisy because the contest must be conducted loudly.
"How are you getting used to on the boat?" Mark asked. This was a question that was bound to be asked since he had just started participating in this mission.
"So far, so good," Lu Sen replied. He placed his drink on the table and sat comfortably in his chair. "My team is friendly to me and my work is going well. What about you, Mark?"
Mark answered his question in the affirmative, even though he had been here for over a year. But it felt good to have him here from day one. His team in the engine room was outstanding and he was sure he had never worked in such a harmonious environment. The people here are great and he has made many friends. Friendships seem to be formed easily here. However, he was very happy when he learned that his best friend in his youth, Lu Sen, was now serving on the ship. Although Lu Sen worked in the laboratory, they finally got together again. Just like the old days.
“It’s just the women on my team that make me feel a little hesitant,” Lu Sen confided to him softly. "There are only girls around our age. The others are much older. And I don't have the opportunity to work directly with them. Now I don't know how to strike up a conversation with them."
Mark laughed. "You were not so shy before. I remember before..."
Lu Sen shrugged. "It's different from before. I have to work very hard now, otherwise I'm worried that those two girls are not at the same level as me."
"There are other women our age," Mark reassured him. “And developing relationships in a direct work environment is inherently problematic.”
"Do you have any experience in this area?" Lu Sen's curiosity obviously increased. He leaned forward slightly and got closer to Mark.
Mark rolled his eyes. "I don't have time for this," he replied irritably.
"Yeah," Lu Sen nodded somewhat insinuations. "You always have time for these things."
“If you want to experience the wonders of the universe, you don’t have time,” Mark explains. “Women just distract you.”
"Are you serious?" Lu Sen looked at his friend in surprise. "Women are the greatest miracle. There is nothing more amazing than them in the entire universe. Kissing, touching a woman, it is the greatest experience. How can you say women distract you? Listen to me, my Friend, you've been in the computer room for too long. Come out and see the women. Keep your eyes open. Otherwise you might miss something if..." He paused. Mark seemed to have stopped listening to him. Instead, he stared intently at the bar door, seemingly mesmerized. Lu Sen turned around and looked in the direction where his friend was staring. Suddenly, a young woman stood in the doorway. A wonderful woman. A flawless woman. Her skin is bronze, her face is symmetrical, like an angel's, and she has long black hair. She wears folk costumes that accentuate her very feminine figure. She glanced around the room with a slightly arrogant look, as if she thought she was superior. Mark didn't seem to mind, however, as he kept looking into her eyes and his previous views on female distraction seemed to be forgotten as she slowly walked towards the bar.
"Wow," Lu Sen exclaimed excitedly. "She's a really nice woman." He glanced briefly at his friend, who was still staring at the woman. "I think this lady is out of reach for you, Mark. She will definitely not be interested in a repairman like you." Obviously, Lu Sen himself was also very interested in this lady. Willing to see one's friends become opponents. Suddenly, Lu Sen turned his eyes back to Mark again, his eyes widened, as if he thought of something unexpectedly. "I know who she is," Lu Sen said.
Mark looked away from the woman and looked at his best friend. "Who?" he asked.
"She must be the captain's daughter," he explained. "You've heard the rumors about what an extraordinary beauty she is. And she's on board now."
Mark nodded slowly and turned his gaze back to her. Of course, he had heard of it too. While he didn't always pay attention to shipboard gossip, the topic was certainly ubiquitous. Since they left Starfleet Base 478, there had been almost no other topics of conversation.
"And these rumors are all true," Lu Sen said happily and looked at her again.
Tiny had gotten her drink and was now looking for an open seat. Her eyes swept over everyone present, and she seemed to have no superfluous feelings for the officers other than contempt. No one knew the reason behind it, but her attitude left an extremely arrogant and arrogant impression on those present. Therefore, no one was interested in giving up their seat for her. Slowly, she approached Mark and Lu Sen’s table.
"Watch what you do," Lu Sen whispered to his friend. He hesitated for a moment until she was close enough, then slowly stood up. "Hi," he said, trying to put enough emotion into his voice, but it came out ridiculous. "You must be looking for a place to sit. We have an empty seat here." He pointed to an empty seat on the table that was comfortable enough to sit down.
Tiny looked at him with a glance, then briefly at the table, and finally challenged his eyes. "Where should I sit? On your lap?"
Lu Sen looked at the location he had provided with some surprise and realized that although there was enough space, there were no chairs. This is so embarrassing. But he recovered quickly and smiled at her. "That's no problem. I'll get a chair in a minute. But it's nice to sit on my lap."
She rolled her eyes and said, "Don't bother, I'll find an empty seat myself." After that, she wanted to keep walking, but Lu Sen wasn't going to give up so easily.
"It's really no trouble. Come on. We don't want to miss you just like this." He pointed at himself and Mark, who would rather crawl into a hole at the moment. Lu Sen is really good at making himself look stupid, and it's incredible that he occasionally succeeds in front of women. Only this time Lu Sen got involved with him.
Tiny looked down at Mark. He giggled in embarrassment, looking unsure of himself. She turned around and left silently, even if Lu Sen tried to persuade her, it was of no use. When he finally sat down, there was a chuckle from the next table. Clearly, his performance has been noticed by everyone around him.
"Good job," Mark hissed. "We will become the laughing stock of the entire crew in the next few days." His anger towards Lu Sen was not pretending, but the more he spoke, the more angry he became. He couldn't understand why his friend Lu Sen would put them in such a situation. Just the way Tiny walked was enough to show her arrogance. He had no chance at all.
Lu Sen waved his hand self-righteously. "It doesn't matter. As long as you see me with another woman tomorrow, everything will be made up for. But it may be difficult for you." He even smiled, very confident about this. And that only made Mark angrier. Lu Sen seems to be insensitive to others and does not consider other people's feelings. Or just because they've known each other for so long? Maybe serving on a ship together is not such a good thing. Maybe he was too attached to old memories of their friendship. After all this time, they have all changed. Maybe that friendship no longer exists.
Mark stood up with difficulty with anger. "I'm leaving now. Do whatever you want." He turned and left, leaving Lu Sen sitting there alone with a puzzled look on his face. On his way to the door, he felt the entire room's eyes on him. He tried to keep his gaze forward and took a few quick steps. Before leaving the room, he saw out of the corner of his eye that Tiny had indeed found an open seat. But he could not see who had offered the chair to the haughty woman. He also couldn't understand why someone would do this. Maybe it was another playboy like Lu Sen who had hopes for her. But Mark is already looking forward to returning to the simple atmosphere of the cabin again.
