Offer to help

Once the two Greys working in the Feeler lab had fully extracted the egg, they began directing the floating disks to move it into another lab. As you stood watching it get taken away, you felt it was time to discuss something with the doctor. "I don't have a role yet on the Starpoint, and I realize my technical understanding is not nearly as advanced as many of the crew, but I would like to continue to help out like this."

"Don't understate your contribution," said the doctor. "It was your curiosity that led you here, and your analysis of the hydration levels that hinted at something in the soil. Furthermore, your hunch that it was an egg, and your deduction that it was feeding on the Feeler were both correct. Regardless of your technical prowess, you possess valuable skills. If you'd like to help further, I will recommend to the captain that you should be allowed to serve as one of the crew on board the Starpoint." After a short pause he asked, "Is there a particular area where you would like to work?"

"I think I can help here in the Feeler labs, which seem relatively similar to what we call greenhouses on Earth. In training for the Odyssey mission, each of the crew had a bit of training in everything. Since our technology is so much more primitive than yours, much of that probably isn't very useful here. However, one of the subjects that might still be somewhat applicable here is agronomy. It wasn't my favorite class, but it was one I passed with high marks. I also have a basic understanding of botany and biology which might be helpful."

"Are you aware of the potential risks in dealing with Feelers?" he asked.

"That they're intelligent and cunning, and they'll likely try to mate with me and implant their seeds in me?" you replied. "Yes, I'm aware of that. I'm also acutely aware that the Starpoint currently has a semen shortage, and it is being rationed to the Cunis in amounts short of their dietary needs. Once the semen packets from the Odyssey are exhausted, adding my own dietary needs to that will just exacerbate the problem. Furthermore, Feelers seem to possess a language, possibly vibration-based. I'd like to try to help understand that as well."

"Valid points," said the doctor, then he turned and looked through the transparent wall. "Provided that the captain approves, you can begin by serving in the Feeler labs starting tomorrow. Your first priority will be nursing this one back to health. In addition, I recommend assisting with the regular pruning and harvesting to become more familiar with the Feelers' physiology and behavior. Your MPAD unit can provide you with the current schedule."