Chapter III: Reunited

Apr 9, 2019 12:22 pm

OOC:

It should be possible but every away team member would have to carry around the heavy machinery required which would limit their capabilities should there be combat. There might also be other problems but you're not sure about them right now. In theory, it sounds possible though

Moira "Reactor Core" Bruce [3]

lavtodd Inactive for 4 months

Apr 9, 2019 12:32 pm

Re: Chapter III: Reunited

Moira is lost in thought.

Clunky...

Zephyr Borealis [4]

kona Inactive for 1 months

Apr 9, 2019 2:31 pm

Re: Chapter III: Reunited

Moonbeam says:

"Was the mutiny real, Zephyr? Was the parasite inside you convinced that the captain was sincere in his diplomatic efforts?"

"The slug inside of me believed it was real, and so did the armored fellow that helped him I think. I can't speak for the captain's true intentions, but yes I believe it was a real attempt at insurrection."

Last edited April 9, 2019 2:32 pm

Alexandra "Alex" Lloyd (2)

78RPMLife Inactive forever!

Apr 9, 2019 5:05 pm

Re: Chapter III: Reunited

"Were you able to communicate back and forth with it at all?" asks Alex. She's clearly having trouble standing still, though she's making a pretty serious effort at it.

Zephyr Borealis [4]

kona Inactive for 1 months

Apr 9, 2019 5:33 pm

Re: Chapter III: Reunited

"It's really difficult to explain. We had a sort of empathic link, or at least I did with him. I could feel his emotions like they were my own, and even recognizing that they weren't my own took some time to grasp. I never really got the sense that he felt any of my emotions until we were on the ground wrestling with the captain and the fool put the phaser to his own head. I grit my teeth, metaphorically speaking, and let my anger take control. Only then did it seem I was able to take any sort of control back over my body, and even that was negligible.

But more succinctly, no we did not have any straightforward communication."

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 2 months

Apr 9, 2019 6:12 pm

Re: Chapter III: Reunited

Kendall sighs, then frustratedly states: "Do you think Consortium Special Operations has qualms about weapons of this caliber? This is an effective solution, and one that will protect us in a fight for our lives. It's us against them. If you have issues with that, I am sure someone with a little more gumption can handle pulling the trigger. And you know that those leeches are thinking of ways to subjugate all of us."

She thinks for some time, and she says, "This is another unethical plan, but what if we found a means of providing hosts for the slugs?"

She looks through her datapad, finds the specs on the transporter disruption device used on her from years ago, and loads the schematics to a data transfer device, removing all of her personal notes and thoughts on the incident. She says, "Perhaps using this technology, we can modify it to produce viable bodies without minds, that the slugs can inhabit.

"I overheard someone mention an engineer slug that wanted to come over. Why don't we produce a vacant human shell, and see if that slug is willing to volunteer to transfer into the shell. If that doesn't work, I would be willing to offer my body to her as an alternative."

Last edited April 9, 2019 6:12 pm

bowlofspinach

Apr 9, 2019 6:16 pm

Re: Chapter III: Reunited

OOC:

I don't think making mindless clones with a transporter is all that easy. What happened with Kendall was a freak accident caused by some strange alien technology. I don't think that can be replicated that easily.

Moira "Reactor Core" Bruce [3]

lavtodd Inactive for 4 months

Apr 9, 2019 6:53 pm

Re: Chapter III: Reunited

HeroAmongMen says:

Kendall sighs, then frustratedly states: "Do you think Consortium Special Operations has qualms about weapons of this caliber? This is an effective solution, and one that will protect us in a fight for our lives. It's us against them. If you have issues with that, I am sure someone with a little more gumption can handle pulling the trigger. And you know that those leeches are thinking of ways to subjugate all of us."

She thinks for some time, and she says, "This is another unethical plan, but what if we found a means of providing hosts for the slugs?"

She looks through her datapad, finds the specs on the transporter disruption device used on her from years ago, and loads the schematics to a data transfer device, removing all of her personal notes and thoughts on the incident. She says, "Perhaps using this technology, we can modify it to produce viable bodies without minds, that the slugs can inhabit.

"I overheard someone mention an engineer slug that wanted to come over. Why don't we produce a vacant human shell, and see if that slug is willing to volunteer to transfer into the shell. If that doesn't work, I would be willing to offer my body to her as an alternative."

Moira looks at Kendall, wide-eyed.

One. Wantin' a body's bad news. They aren't kind.

Two. We've offered 'em synthetic bodies, an' they tried ta rip through our best doctor's throat. We've tried.

Three. An' most important. It's genocide, lass. Friendly or not, it's genocide. Not all yer problems can be solved by treating yer ship as a bomb. Yer not a civilian. Yer not Spacefleet. An' yer not tryin' ta reach the least-bloody answer ta this problem. Ah dunnae who tha hell yeh are, but damn it anyway if ah'm gonna spit in tha face a' tha oaths ah took when ah joined this place.

She holds her ground, though if she had any idea who this woman was, she'd be shaking. The nerve......

Sometimes it takes more gumption ta not pull a trigger.

She scribbles on her datapad for a moment, then looks up.

Let's try ta build a transporter trigger, personel-held. Somethin' that'll take 'em back ta tha ship, through tha filters, if anythin' goes wrong. It might take slugs with, but it won't be designed ta kill all of 'em. Whaddya think, good Doctor?

lavtodd sent a note to bowlofspinach

Last edited April 9, 2019 6:54 pm

Commander "Cass" Cassano (3)

Moonbeam Inactive forever!

Apr 9, 2019 7:46 pm

Re: Chapter III: Reunited

Cass has tried to focus on Zephyr's answers to the questions to bring her own emotions under control. It's worked, to some degree. At least she feels she can speak in something like a normal voice.

"We've started this fledgling peace process, and I feel obligated to at least try to see it through, but I'm worried about being led into a trap. Zeph, what would you say are the most important things I should know about how these people think and believe?"

HeroAmongMen Inactive for 2 months

Apr 9, 2019 7:47 pm

Re: Chapter III: Reunited

"So, you are rejecting to help me to design my proposals? I do believe your captain commanded that you help me, right? So, if you refuse to help me, doesn't that put you in violation of your 'oath' to Spacefleet?

"It seems that you get to pick and choose which orders you follow and which you do not, much like I do. The difference is, as you said, I am not Spacefleet. I'm going with the commander right now because I was forced into the matter - I didn't ask to be here.

"RC, I know you think you mean well, and that you want to have a moral compass, but lemme tell you: the military is not a place for morality. So, if you want to maintain this 'holier than thou' kick, you will probably want to rethink your career choices, and possibly make a level shift.

"Doctor...Lorq...was it? Perhaps you can I can hobble together some schematics on these weapons designs."

Kendall faces Lorq, and tries to inch him a little away from RC.

Moonbeam Inactive forever!

Apr 9, 2019 7:50 pm

Re: Chapter III: Reunited

OOC:

I want to point out that Cass did not "command" Moira to do anything. She said she'd approve the project, not force people to give up their own ethical views. And frankly, as a player, I'm becoming uncomfortable with this.

Zephyr Borealis [4]

kona Inactive for 1 months

Apr 9, 2019 8:37 pm

Re: Chapter III: Reunited

Moonbeam says:

Zeph, what would you say are the most important things I should know about how these people think and believe?" [/b]

"Well, I don't think I can generalize about an entire species based on my experience with only a few of them. But if you forced my hand, I'd say that survival and procreation are their utmost priorities. I don't believe their species is accustomed to diplomacy, but I can't say for sure that any attempts are wasted on them. It seemed to me that each of them are individuals and have independent thoughts, feelings, and emotions, just like us.

"We are stuck between a rock and a hard place. Eradication of their species feels unethical, but we can't just simply let them go rampant all throughout the quadrant taking over others against their will can we?"

Zephyr takes a long moment in silence debating his next words carefully.

"The Alpha Directive indicates that Spacefleet personnel should refrain from interfering in the natural, unassisted, development of societies, even if such interference was well-intentioned. Regulation 3 (Paragraph 12), however indicates that in the event of imminent destruction, a Spacefleet captain is authorized to preserve the lives of her crew by any justifiable means.

I suggest we try to help them, but position ourselves in such a way that we hold their fates in our hands if they turn on us."

Last edited April 9, 2019 8:51 pm

Alexandra "Alex" Lloyd (2)

78RPMLife Inactive forever!

Apr 9, 2019 8:43 pm

Re: Chapter III: Reunited

At this last response from Zephyr, Alex suddenly smiles. "It's comforting to hear you say that, Lt. Commander. More than I can likely explain right now," she says. "Thank you."

Moira "Reactor Core" Bruce [3]

lavtodd Inactive for 4 months

Apr 9, 2019 9:22 pm

Re: Chapter III: Reunited

With Kendall and Lorq

Moira puts a gentle but firm open palm on both Lorq and Kendall’s shoulders. She speaks evenly and calmly, and opens her comm to Darcy and Cassano.

Yeh say tha military is no place fer morality. We have an ancient sayin’ back on Earth: "Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely." We’ve all seen red at these things taday, Lass, but what makes us different as humans is our morality, an’ our ridiculous optimism. Ah’ll request an escort ta show yeh ta our lovely guest quarters. Yeh said yer self yeh didn’t ask ta be part a this, an while ah appreciate yer insights, ah think we can handle this. Tha good doctor set aside his family’s wishes ta give life. Ah’d much rather have his help creatin’ a failsafe than plannin’ a genocide.

She takes her hand off Kendall’s shoulder but keeps it on Lorq’s.

Ah’ve got an idea fer a homin’ device an’ a transporter failsafe, but Ah’m not versed in medical equipment. Ah’d like ya get yer thoughts. Would that be all right with yeh?

She looks at him earnestly. She doesn’t know much about the Merengi, but this one is different. A genuinely decent one. She hopes it stays that way.

Last edited April 9, 2019 9:45 pm

Commander "Cass" Cassano (3)

Moonbeam Inactive forever!

Apr 9, 2019 9:40 pm

Re: Chapter III: Reunited

kona says:

"Well, I don't think I can generalize about an entire species based on my experience with only a few of them. But if you forced my hand, I'd say that survival and procreation are their utmost priorities. I don't believe their species is accustomed to diplomacy, but I can't say for sure that any attempts are wasted on them. It seemed to me that each of them are individuals and have independent thoughts, feelings, and emotions, just like us.

"We are stuck between a rock and a hard place. Eradication of their species feels unethical, but we can't just simply let them go rampant all throughout the quadrant taking over others against their will can we?"

Zephyr takes a long moment in silence debating his next words carefully.

"The Alpha Directive indicates that Spacefleet personnel should refrain from interfering in the natural, unassisted, development of societies, even if such interference was well-intentioned. Regulation 3 (Paragraph 12), however indicates that in the event of imminent destruction, a Spacefleet captain is authorized to preserve the lives of her crew by any justifiable means.

I suggest we try to help them, but position ourselves in such a way that we hold their fates in our hands if they turn on us."

Cass scrubs her face with her hands and sighs. "Yes, I agree. I've been spinning like a weather vane since this whole thing started. It's grounding to have someone quote me the Alpha Directive at just this moment. So thanks for that."

She slumps back in the chair. "The real trick is finding the leverage that gives us the upper hand if we need it. Maybe the transporter patterns of their 'dead' people can be part of that, but I don't think it's enough. Kendall made a proposal for a damned cold-blooded weapon of mass destruction, and I was desperate enough to greenlight working with engineering to spec it out. But I don't trust her motives or judgment at all, and I emphatically don't want to commit genocide. I--"

It occurs to her that she is whining about how hard her job is to the guy who just survived having an alien slug control his body for the better part of a day, and she stops talking. It is at this moment that Moira's comm of her statement to Kendall and Lorq comes through, a timely demonstration of Cass' Kendall conundrum.

She puts her hands on her knees and stands up. Getting to her feet seems harder than it should. "I shouldn't tire you out. Thanks, Zephyr. Get some rest. I'll check on you later."

As she walks away, she hits her comm badge. "Computer, location of Moira Bruce."

Machiabelly Inactive forever!

Apr 9, 2019 9:46 pm

Re: Chapter III: Reunited

Firstly, I am not human, but your point stands. I will help you with your project. I want it noted however, that it was they, not us, who started on a course of genocide. If you plan doesn'twork, I will be strongly suggesting we take the next step.

Lorq firmly, but politely, removes his shoulder from Moira's hand.
I am going to need that.

OOC:

I will put an expert roll with help here in case it is needed.

Rolls

Doctors doing doctor stuff - (3D6)

(152) = 8

Alexandra "Alex" Lloyd (2)

78RPMLife Inactive forever!

Apr 9, 2019 9:47 pm

Re: Chapter III: Reunited

Alex watches the commander leave, and makes a move toward the door. After a step, she turns back to Zephyr. "It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance again, Lt. Commander Borealis," she says with a lopsided smile, nearly a smirk. "It's going to take a bit of readjustment to remember that nearly all of my interactions with you were actually with a parasite." She turns to take another step toward the door before turning back again. "And by parasite, I mean with the slug creature inside of you. In case that wasn't clear. Rest well, and dream of roast chicken."

Moira "Reactor Core" Bruce [3]

lavtodd Inactive for 4 months

Apr 9, 2019 9:58 pm

Re: Chapter III: Reunited

Well, maybe a half-decent one, at any rate.

OOC:

Spinach and Mach. Moira will relate this in character, but I wanted to explain it in not-bad-Scottish. I want to see if Moira can make two objects.

The first is a small, pill-sized(ish) monitor for anyone who interacts with the slugs again. We have microchips and health monitors today, so I don't think it's too crazy an idea for centuries later. Basically, it's swallowed by someone, and it's connected wirelessly to the Potential's computer. It'll just monitor heart rate and adrenaline level. If either of those get high enough to denote extreme stress, the computer immediately transports them home. It's a swallowed item so they can't have it stripped from them. And if the slugs try to rip it out, well, that'll trigger the transport anyway. It has a small GPS transmitter, just to make locking on to their position easier.

The second item is similar, also having a GPS (I figure they could modify the comm badges). If things go bad before an officer triggers their health monitor, they press a button, which contacts the mainframe on the Potential and transports them back. Again, modern day we've seen cell-phones used as remote controls, so I think this might work.

No need to worry about them being separated, because if the comm-adjustment was taken by a slug, our transporters aren't adjusted, so they'd still be scrubbed out. I have full access to schematics and whatnot, so I'll roll prepared and expert. Thank you for the help, Mach.

OOC:

EDIT: For my LF, can I just ask how to make a health monitor, and roll again? Or I'll concede and take Lorq's success on the monitor, and my partial on the transporter.

Last edited April 9, 2019 10:03 pm

Rolls

Lasers - health monitor - (3d6)

(355) = 13

Lasers - remote transport command - (3d6)

(524) = 11

Zephyr Borealis [4]

kona Inactive for 1 months

Apr 9, 2019 10:06 pm

Re: Chapter III: Reunited

Moonbeam says:

As she walks away, she hits her comm badge. "Computer, location of Moira Bruce."

"One more thing before you go Commander. It should be noted that helping them, while from one perspective can be reinforced by the Alpha Directive, also conflicts with it. We are interfering with the natural course of things."

Zephyr looks at her with a twinkle in his eye, "But in my experience the best Captains use their discretion regarding how and where it applies. There is a reason it has 47 sub-orders after all. No matter the outcome, I will stand by your decision."

78RPMLife says:

"It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance again...Rest well, and dream of roast chicken."

"And you as well."

Zephyr lies his head back on his pillow. "Roast Chicken?" he says to himself quietly as they leave the room.

Last edited April 9, 2019 10:11 pm

Moonbeam Inactive forever!

Apr 10, 2019 1:07 am

Re: Chapter III: Reunited

kona says:

Moonbeam says:

As she walks away, she hits her comm badge. "Computer, location of Moira Bruce."

"One more thing before you go Commander. It should be noted that helping them, while from one perspective can be reinforced by the Alpha Directive, also conflicts with it. We are interfering with the natural course of things."

Zephyr looks at her with a twinkle in his eye, "But in my experience the best Captains use their discretion regarding how and where it applies. There is a reason it has 47 sub-orders after all. No matter the outcome, I will stand by your decision."

Cass sees the twinkle - something she hadn't expected to see again, or at least not this soon - and feels something inside start, just start, to uncoil. With a faint smile, she nods, tosses off a tiny, irreverent salute, and leaves the temporary medbay.

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