h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

*William looks thoughtful*

I see.

*He taps his stylus on his teeth*

But that's not a problem, we can do a saw-toothed formationm, that won't take up much more room.

*Tanna gives William a questioning look*

A saw-toothed formation?

*William nods briskly*

Yes - wait a moment.

*He scribbles a quick sketch, and projects it, too*


What we have now is this:

____________________wall
|__|__|__|__|__|__|



And I'd make something like this, instead:

____________________wall
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

Just with square boxes, of course. You can reach two sides of each, and the leftover spaces in between can be used for water pipes and so on.

*Tanna looks at the sketch and nods*

I understand.

This isn't at all what we were talking about when we discussed the topic the last time.</>

But does that work when every box has a different size? I mean, some plants are trees others tiny flowers or something...

*she frowns slightly*

Although the captain certainly doesn't want me to take get too many big plants.

*William chuckles to himself*

We can't very well build a different size for each plant, ma'am. We'll have three, maybe four standard sizes. I think the littler ones can share, can't they?

*Tanna nods*

They can, yes, of course. I didn't think there would be many seperate boxes anyhow. I thought all plants from an area would share.

*she stares at the sketch*

But something like your boxes could also be good for experiments. Changes in climate wouldn't affect other plants.

*William thinks he's finally being understood*

Yes, yes, ma'am - that's what I meant. And the biggest box can be large enough to accomodate several plants, certainly. It can be a good, oh, four metres wide or so.

* Eli is on the Observation Deck, sipping tea and watching the planet and the space station from his table. He's just finished his report for Frank 'Beancounter' Burns, and now he's wondering when the scientists of Lorenz Station will have time to meet him. He knows full well, however, that waiting's part of the job, so he doesn't fret over it as Kyra does. He just... wonders. *

*Sam is glad when the Watch is over, and leaves the office quickly*

*She takes the first lift going up, but is glad when it expells her into the hallway - it was rather crowded*

*She walks the few metres to the next one, counting herself lucky that not many people are going to crew quarters - they all want to be first in the mess*

*As she waits for the lift, she taps her foot impatiently*

*Tanna nods again*

That really sounds good, Sergeant. And it would be easy to add new ones when I get new plants, at least easier than if it would really be a 'building'.

* Rose is on her way to a crew mess hall. She's just finished maintenance on the Chrysalis, and still has to check the loading system of another, but as that's low-priority it can wait until after lunch. When she gets to the lift, she sees a familiar figure. Smiling to herself, she quickens her step and reaches the lift before the lift itself does. *

Hello, Sam. How are you?

*MacAlpine enters the Observation Deck, hoping to find Lt Dewhurst there*

*He fetches a cup of coffee and sits down at a table with a good view*

*There is already a man sitting nearby - a civilian - and MacAlpine gives him a brief nod*

Good Watch.

*He blows on his coffee, cooling it*

*William nods again, leaning forward eagerly*

That's it, doctor! That's why I-

*Sylvana interrupts*

we-

*William nods*

We are going to develop a modular sytem, with your ok.

*Tanna smiles*

Of course, Sergeant, yes. I think this system is a very good idea.

*Sam turns around, smiling back at Rose*

I'm doing well, thank you.

*She yawns, and quickly puts up her hand to cover her mouth*

Sorry, just been a long day. How about you?

*William stands up, smiling as well*

I'm glad to hear it, doctor. We'll get to work on developing it further.

*He holds out his hand to her, by way of sealing the deal*

* Eli looks in the direction of the voice and expertly suppresses a smile. He recognises the man from Lucy's description. And even if he hadn't, he knows most of the officers, if not in person, then from seeing them around. This must be the Lieutenant from the Library, the Terror of the Gaels. *

Good Watch, Lieutenant. I don't think we've met before, have we? Are you new on board, or visiting?

*Tanna also stands up and shakes William's hand*

Very good, Sergeant. Thank you.

* Rose returns Sam's smile. *

Glad to hear it. So you're back at work again? I'm okay, but I'm only halfway my long day. I'm on my way to have lunch. And you?

*MacAlpine is slightly irritated - a civilian, asking him that? And doesn't he see the Mariposa uniform*

No, *sir*, we have not had the pleasure. Lt Aleister MacAlpine, Information Officer of this ship.

*He rises, and holds out his hand to shake*