The Tao of Surfing (Part I)

Posted on Thu Jul 22nd, 2021 @ 4:19am by Lieutenant Commander Mira Jayde & Lieutenant Commander Jason Smoak

1,078 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: An Angel's Sacrifice
Location: Planetoid
Timeline: The First Night

ON


While the group they had settled for the night, Jason remained awake, and took the opportunity to wander around the area they decided to settle in to get a feel for its inhabitants, vegetation, and dangers. He would make note of what he found that was of interest and deal with any dangers he came across.

Eventually, he would find a peaceful area. It was almost beach-like which reminded him of home. He started a fire in the sand, surrounded by a circle of rocks, and sat by it looking towards the waves in the body of water ahead of him. What he would give for a board to surf and his wetsuit, but even surfing with just the board would almost feel peaceful to him. As he picked at the fire with a stick he paused for a moment, hearing movement behind him. For a moment he thought it was an animal sneaking up behind her, but the movement was less alien and more familiar.

"Can't sleep, Jayde?" He said softly as he put the stick down and went back to looking at the water.

"Looking for you," she said quietly.

"You found me." Jason said with a smile as he gestured to a place by the fire. "Have a seat. I surveyed the area, set some traps around the perimeter, so everyone should have a peaceful night. Should anything come up..." He said as he gripped a spear he fashioned from a thick tree branch. "I have this to help."

"Good idea." She sat down next to him. "And if you do not use it against predators, you can use it for hunting or fishing." She raised an eyebrow, but there was a teasing gleam in her eye. "I hope you do not consider me a predator."

Jason looked over to her, a playful smirk on his face, as he answered. "Depends on your mood." He let out a slight chuckle, looking down for a moment, before looking back up towards the water. "If we weren't in such an unknown situation, this would almost be relaxing."

She nodded, looking out over the water. "This is the type of place you would enjoy, yes?" At least they'd checked the water earlier and found it was safe for swimming. Maybe not the best for drinking, but it could be boiled. And, in time, they'd probably get used to it.

"I was raised in conditions like this." Jason said, looking over to her, smiling a bit. "You remember my family settled on Hawaii on Earth. We were outsiders, so it was important to embrace the culture. Especially to use kids. They didn't start treating us like family until much later. A family we were close to taught us about the history, traditions, and everything else. As we grew up, we did all we could, but it until we went through the same style of trails. Learning to hunt and track. Survive without modern technology for days, weeks if necessary. Learning about the history of the islands and its many beauties and dangers." He looked around a bit before looking back to her. "In a way, this place is no different. Maybe a bit hotter. Dangers may be a bit more hazardous, but nothing I am not willing to go through. More so because you are here. And the others, of course." Jason looked away for a moment, looking back to the water. "I'm not saying I would lead them, but I will do everything I can." He looked back to her and smiled. "You would be best to lead this group. I'll follow you, like always."

"I'm glad you're here," she admitted softly, watching his face. "We have a lot to do to get people settled, and I'm going to need your help. But...I'm also going to need you." She was worried, but tried not to show it. "What's the main ingredient?"

Jason nodded his head. "And you'll have it..." He paused slightly, looking away from her a bit, before adding. "For as long as I can give it."

She put her hand on his to get his attention. "What do you mean by that?" The way he said it told her there was something wrong.

He looked to her before reaching to his tunic on the ground by him. He took the tunic off to reveal a small box with a medical insignia on it. He opened it to reveal a hypospray and 5 vials out in a box meant for 15. "This was full when we left. Crashing on the planet shattered 10 of them. I can probably extend the 5 for a while, but after that, it will only be enough time my body will start to break down. I'll get sick. Go through withdrawals. And eventually..." He looked over to her and shrugged. "Well... you know."

"Can it be replicated?" she asked quietly. She wasn't going to admit that he was right. He couldn't be right. "We could use one of the shuttles. I'm sure there are others here that need medication, too."

"I wouldn't use a replicator for myself over everyone else here." Jason than turned to her. "Plus, I don't know. The compound was put together somewhere on Earth and forwarded to Medical when I joined. I don't know if it can be replicated, but I know it contains kironide which is rare. My body can't produce it naturally so I need the injections." He let out a sigh and added. "I won't put myself over the needs of everyone else. We need to survive here and this medication may not be able to be reproduced here. Besides, replicator power is going to be scared so we shouldn't use them unless absolutely necessary."

Jayde had been mentally running through different solutions. "I won't let anyone die if I can help it. Especially you. Shuttles run on power cells. If we're careful and dedicate two shuttles to medical. we should be able to take care of critical needs." She looked at him. "And that includes you. I'll also ask the doctor to get a team together to see if there are any local plants we can use as well." She and Jason had only recently worked out the misunderstanding that kept them apart for twenty years. She couldn't lose him now.

(To be continued...)

Lieutenant Commander Jason Smoak
Chief Security/Tactical Officer

Lieutenant Commander Mira Jayde
Executive Officer

 

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