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Traveller Map: Exocet

Sometime after coming aboard the Pioneer, Mikhel meet with Eleni to store the specimen and discuss research options. Mikhel advised Eleni of his call for information, and that the Pioneer was given as the collection agency.

Mikhel discussed how any research into the Duct Spiders would be conducted, and how to care and feed a creature Mikhel knew almost nothing about. Mikhel was hoping some useful information came along that would give him a starting point that wouldn't kill the little creep immediately. He only had the one specimen.

And that was when it hit him. Studying the Duct Spider, and any of its buddies, meant organised, and continuous, torture. How else did one figure out what was good or bad for a creature, but exposing it to different things. How did one explain to a creature that you were just trying to figure out what was safe, and what was not, except to do things to it. It didn't come with an owner's manual. That was what Mikhel wanted to write. But, that meant doing bad things to a defenseless, and possibly intelligent, creature. Bad words!

For light reading material, as a pseudo-advisor to her new pseudo-advisee, Athena sends Mikhel the current Galactic IACUC/OLAW Guidebook, an basic SOP outline for research - partially filled-in with information he wouldn't know about lab rules, but leaving blank sections he'll need to complete once he know what kind of research he wants to do, a handbook on care of galactic invertebrates, and a psychological first aid pamphlet specific to those in the veterinary and science world of animal care. At the end she notes there are other resources available, but these should be a good start.

Mikhel opened the email from the Doctor, and was pleasantly surprised at the references provided. Very quickly, that surprise became dismay at the volume of reading it represented, and the realization that he didn't know a LOT of things about what he was considering as a hobby. He had already started putting together a list of references to review to reaffirm his knowledge of a ship's doctor's responsibilities and legal regulations (there would be differences between military and civilian ships, and undoubtedly peculiarities on this specific ship). He was going to need jump time to scratch the surface of the research path, as he focused on the doctor review.

To Pioneer Head Doctor from M. Dromah
Thank you ever so much for the recommended reading list. The rucksack full of reading highlights a serious lack of knowledge in a medical area I've never had to consider. I am daunted, but also grateful for being provided with a path into the light of knowledge.
Mikhel Dromah
Soon to be Ship's Doctor, so called

Athena to M Dromah: "Focus on your upcoming medical duties. When you have a moment, submit a completed SOP and a certificate indicating you have done the training for the IACUC rules. You will find a small refresher quiz in the ship's system. All researchers must take it annually. Our statis system is top-line so the duct spider can remain as is until you are ready, Doctor."

To Pioneer Head Doctor from M. Dromah
Species Marking? If I get more than one, yes. I will have to find a way to mark the spiders that won't interfere with their biology or social structure (if there is one. I am anticipating this). And, until there are replies to the broadcast message, I have no idea as to feeding and habitat required. It is a relief that the specimen can be preserved until I can make a decision on how to proceed, with any idea of the scope of work.
Perhaps others have not taken this up, for exactly this reason.
Mikhel Dromah
Soon to be Ship's Doctor, so called

Mikhel shakes his head, and takes a deep breath. 'Humane Endpoints' was a distressing topic to read for Mikhel. In scientific study, one has to be prepared for all contingencies. And if a study of Duct Spiders has a goal of advising the universe about how to deal with them, there will have to be a chapter on euthanasia. And someone has to explore the most effective means, which requires Duct Spiders be exposed to lethal situations. Mikhel may not be the person to do this...