Aboard The Argo

Science Center

---

Within this series of labs, crew members can perform any number of chemical, physics, or biological experiments. Also included within the center is the medibay, where medical robots can be located and used to heal anything from an upset stomach to severe loss of limb

---

Marcus carried his tomato in its case to one of the biological laboratories. Placing it on the bench in front of him, he waited for Pace to join him.

Pace walked in and started turning on scanners and setting up lab equipment.

Marcus retrieved two pairs of sterile gloves for the two of them to wear. Pulling on one of the pairs, he opened the case containing the tomato. "Anything you need to look into this?" he asked Pace.

"We should have everything we need." Pace said as he pulled on his gloves. "First, I'd like a scan over the entire tomato to see if there are any inconsistencies. Then, I'll cut it into separate samples for different tests."

Marcus nodded at Pace's words and stepped back so that the other man would have plenty of room to work. "After you."

With a nod to Marcus, Pace took the tomato to the nearby scanning equipment. He gently placed it in the machine and kept an eye on the screen for the results.

Marcus waited to hear what had happened to the fruit - what was the cause of the tomato's deterioration? He feared a contagion that could spread through the rest of the plants.

"...No inconsistencies..." Pace said as he took out the tomato and cut it into equal sections. "And so far, no apparent microorganisms." He began placing the different sections into different machines and solutions.

Weird, Marcus thought. Why is this tomato different?

Pace's frown only became deeper with every test he ran. "Well, it isn't contagious, at least. Looks like the tomato's just...old."

Marcus frowned as well, pulling off his gloves. "Old? How did a tomato plant age one of its fruit quicker than the rest?" He rubbed at his chin, the frown deepening.

"I don't know." Pace admitted. "I've heard of fruit ripening at different rates, but not this much of a difference."

Marcus shook his head. "It's very odd." He picked up an electronic tablet and started writing up a report. "Still, it's important we make sure that this is logged. We need to keep an eye out for this coming up again: once would be an anamoly, but more than that and we have a problem."

"If it happens again, I'd like to run tests on the gel before we throw it out." Pace said thoughtfully.

"Sure thing," Marcus said as he ended the report. "But I can't see that being the issue, otherwise the whole plant would have been affected." He shook his head and sighed. "This is all too much for first thing in the morning. My brain hasn't switched itself on yet."

"Well, with any luck, the rest of the day shouldn't be so eventful." Pace smiled at Marcus.

"I pray you are right," Marcus chuckled. "Too much excitement for one day for me... for one whole year! I like it when everything just continues along at its usual pace."

"Well, after seven years of continuity, today was rather unexpected." Pace agreed. "And on a ship in which everything is constantly timed and measured, surprises are rather unsettling."

Marcus nodded. "Since we're done here, would you be up for a game of chess? I've been looking forward to finding a challenging opponent - Tarke in engineering has failed to beat me once in seven years."

"Sounds engaging." Pace grinned. "I haven't played anything other than card games for a while now. Toya prefers bluffs over strategy."

Marcus laughed. "With that grimace perpetually on her face, I'm not surprised!"

"If she has a tell, I don't know what it is." Pace chuckled.

"Come, my friend, let's go get started with our game," Marcus said, heading out to Argo: Meat Lab.

"Right behind you." Pace followed Marcus to the Argo: Meat Lab.

"Alright!" Pace cheered to himself before he began digging around for supplies. "We'd need bioelectrical scanners...some containers for samples...geothermal goggles..."

Entering into the science center a bit behind Pace, Zhora couldn't help but smile at how excited the male was as she listened to the last of his words. Making her way to where he was elbow deep into searching, she began pulling out containers to find the things they needed as well. "I've got the scanners here, Pace." Pulling three out for the crew, she replaced the container and began searching some more. "If ya see the med kit over there, mind pullin' it out for me, hun? I figured I'd take it in case we find someone over there." Pulling out varying sizes of sample containers from the next container she relayed Alec's message to the scientist. "When we find everything that we need, we're supposed to be meeting up at the docking bay."

"Docking bay. Got it!" Pace grinned at Zhora before handing her a med kit he found in one of the cupboards. "Here you go! Looks like this one hasn't been used for anything."

"Perfect!" Taking the med kit from his hands, Zhora placed it with the rest of the supplies in front of her before standing up. "Is there anything else that we should take with us? I feel like I'm missing something here..."

"I can't really think of anything..." Pace chuckled. "Actually, I can think of a lot of things that might be useful, but nothing for a precursory search. If we take all the over-specialized equipment with us, we'd be loaded down!"

"Very true!" Smiling at the male, Zhora began picking up the scanners and sample containers and piled them up together before scooping them up into her arms. "Are you ready to head to the docking bay?"

"Yep! Let's go!" Pace grinned as he headed for Argo: Quarters B.

Following Pace's example, Zhora followed the male out of the area and to Argo: Quarters B.

---

Accessible locations from here:

Argo: Quarters B (accessed ladder)

Argo: Cockpit (accessed via doorway)

Argo: Meat Lab (accessed via elevator or ladder)

---

* Aboard The Argo * Argo: Start * Argo Characters * Argo Rules*