ILLUMINARRPG: (7, 0945) 2/O&COps CMDR Dieter Gregory

[Dieter Gregory]

Mission: Exogenesis
Day: 7
Stardate: 2446.06.07

(USS Illuminar - Holodeck 1 - Iso Ward - 2/O&COps CMDR Dieter Gregory - 
0945)

Here he was, hanging onto the side of Petit Dru.  It was a lovely sunny 
day to try to summit the mountain - 2,700 meters of climb.  Originally 
opened in 2021 by the French climbing group CMHM, who took 4 days to map 
out the route.  Gregory hoped to do it in three.  He wasn't a speed 
climber, he wasn't that crazy.  Checking his equipment one more time, he 
clipped on and began his assault on the mountain.

The first 250 meters were very easy.  Many climbers used this route, and 
there was too many places for him to hook in.

He continued his ascent for a while longer, picking his path carefully 
now.  After about 4 hours, he found a nice spot to pause.  Double 
checking his rigging, he took out one of the ration bars that he packed 
so he didn't need to carry fuel or cooking gear.

Slowly munching on the bar, and washing it down with some water, he took 
in the view.

Taking a deep breath, he faced the mountain again, and with 
determination began to climb.

  Placing his hand to the next hold, he started pulling himself up when 
his fingers began to slip.  Gregory quickly grabbed a second handhold, 
this barely 10 cm, and transfered his weight.

Breathing heavily, he used his free hand to wedge in a standard stopper 
nut and hooked his rope into the carabiner.

Moments later, he heard, then saw, a rock slide was starting and he was 
right in the path.  With no where to hide, he tried to move laterally 
across the face of the mountain, trying to not be in the way of the rocks.

He was not so lucky and he lost his grip as dozens of small rocks 
pummeled his position.  He started to fall and felt the jerk as he 
stopped, held there by the stopper.  Before he could catch his breath, 
he began to fall again.

Gregory cried out, opening his eyes.  His body bathed in sweat.  His 
hands shaking.   "Aggie," he called weakly.

(Reply Aggie)
(Posted by Tim)