Damaged Crops

Posted on Tue Apr 28th, 2026 @ 11:17pm by Ensign Emily Douglasdale & Ensign Kynian Th'kyrheth

1,210 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Operation Shadow
Location: L'Dira Vegetable Reserve

=Backpost=

Seana had driven the two officers about fifteen minutes from the rest of the away team. Bypassing several neighborhoods, then eventually found themselves stopping at a large field. Exiting the vehicle, they could see the field consisted of crops as far as the eye could see. Some of the crops were dying, but many of the others looked well on the far end of the field. Douglasdale couldn't help but wonder if the effects of the Grid carried all the way out here. Which in reality wasn't too far. The residences of some of the people were closer than this place.

"We believe the effects of the Grid reaches all the way out here," Seana explained, while pointing out the dying crops. "We just started noticing the damage that is slowly creeping out this way."

Kynian hopped out of the vehicle and had practically started taking readings before his boots hit the dirt. "Did it look like this when you noticed it, or has it gotten worse since then?"

Turning her head, Seana stared among the field. "The damage to the fields has progressed since I last came out here a week ago."

“Hmm. Did anyone notice anything before a week ago, or is that the first data point we have?” Kynian asked without looking up from his scans.

"Its been noticed over an extended period of time," she answered. "The government denied that it had anything to do with the Grid. Then things got progressively worse. Crops dying, livestock got sick and the people became sick as well over time. At this point, the evidence has mounted up and the government is having a hard time, denying what's happening here."

"Oh, that doesn't sound good," Kynian mused. "Hopefully T'Ria can help with the people, at least. Now I'm happy to take my own readings, working on that already, but I don't want to reinvent the wheel, so to speak. Is there anything else you think I should know about this?"

"Wouldn't recommending sneaking a quick bite," Seana joked. There was a nervous laugh that followed. At first, she tried to lighten the mood. But realized that the joke may have been distasteful, due to the seriousness of the situation. She wasn't too familiar with the humor of these Starfleet Officers were like. "Sorry about that."

Kynian seemed momentarily confused “Sorry for what? It’s a useful warning. Not that it was on my to do list or anything, of course, but I’d rather things go this way around than the reverse.”

The L'Diran nodded in acknowledgement. "I hear this Federation consist of several worlds. Which world are your people from?"

He gave her a quizzical look. "My people? Well, I'm from Andoria, but the Meridian has crew from all over if that's what you're asking."

"Is Andoria similar to my world?"

Kynian laughed a little. “Not at all. I’ll admit, I’m still not used to describing it, but it’s a lot colder than here, all frozen over. Where I lived, the settlements were mostly underground just to stay protected and warm.”

"How could anyone or anything survive on a world where the temperatures are so low?" Seana inquired. "As a scientist this is planet I would be interested in seeing for myself."

“How can anyone survive somewhere as hot as here? We’re adapted to it, the same way you are to your world. And as a scientist, if you ever do visit I’d love to hear your insights.”

"Excellent point," she chuckled. "I will definitely be petitioning to visit worlds in your Federation that a very different from own. Just curious on how things actually grow."

"A lot of our buildings are underground where it's easier to keep things warm and protected, but the specifics of our agricultural practices depend on the region and the crop. I'm hardly an expert in it, but I can see if I could send you some more detailed sources if you'd like."

"I would be very interested in seeing that."

Emily had spent quite a bit of time circling around the other side of the crops. Taking scans of the plants and soil samples. This was nowhere near her expertise. But she knew when something should not be consumed. Catching up to Kynian and Seana, she nodded to them both. "Ensign the entire on the side of the field is contaminated."

Kynian’s antennae flicked back a little. “Oh my. Can I see your readings?”

Handing the device over to Kynian, the Warrant Officer was curious about the possible solutions. "Any ideas on how to resolve their issues?"

Kynian looked the readings over, idly tapping the back of the tricorder. "Hmm. I've got a few, but I'd like to get a few more readings of areas that haven't been contaminated first. Can't resolve an issue until you know what the goal is."

"Not really sure to find a non-contaminated section out here," Douglasdale brought up.

"There's a section across the field over there that hasn't suffered contamination," Seana mentioned as she pointed in the direction they needed to check out. Leading the officers, the scientist was literally embarrassed that her people allowed things to get this bad. Yes, the Federation clearly was advanced in technology and what they knew about science. But the L'Dira weren't that far behind and could have been doing better to advance themselves. But instead, they allowed things to get worse. Making a mental note, Seana would push for advancement and counter the political goals which tended to take priority over the people.

A few minutes later, they arrived at their destination. The crops at this location were flourishing and doing quite well. "Here it is. Not really sure how long they'll do well."

“If we do our jobs, they’ll be doing well for the rest of their life cycle. Speaking of, are these at about the same point as the crops from before?” Kynian said, taking readings of the healthy plants and comparing them to the damaged ones.

"Give or take a day or two ahead of the others," Seana answered. "But, basically the same cycle. As you can see, these are about half a mile away from the other location."

“I have to ask. For every obvious assumption, there’s a species that violates it. But okay, that’s helpful. I have a much clearer idea of what we’re dealing with now.”

"It seems like the effects of the Grid is extending the level of its damage on a daily basis. Do you need to gather any further information?"

Emily looked over to the Ensign. "Do we need to gather any more data?"

Kynian shook his head. “I don’t think so. We won’t know until we test it, but I’ve got a few ideas I think could work here… and a few more ideas in case those don’t work, and if the backup plans fail I’ll pull in some of my coworkers for their opinions.” He smiled, bouncing a little on the balls of his feet. “We’re going to fix this.”

=================
Ensign Kynian Th'Kyrheth
Science Officer
USS Meridian

Warrant Officer Emily Douglasdale
Helm Officer
USS Meridian

Seana apb Andre Hunt
L'Dira Scientist

 

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