Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 26, 2005 20:00:30 GMT
(Hi everyone. Sorry that I haven't posted for a while. I have been having trouble with the internet over the last while. Hopefully I'm over the worst of it. I will try to get caught up in the posts. Sorry this one is so short. I will post more tomorrow and do a better job of engaging you all.)
Alex sat and waited as the Raven plodded its' way towards its' rendezvous with the Ptolemy. He had been reluctant to have the warp engines repaired as the Brain might figure out some way to take control of them. However, the Ptolemy was on its' way towards them and would be here within the hour, assuming their last update was accurate.
Commander Trek stepped onto the bridge and gave him a status report as to what was going on in Antimatter control. Alex was relieved that they had gotten off so lightly considering the nature of the room. Things could have been a lot worse. Dan was about to continue the conversation when he received a terse order from Dr. BeTor to report to Sickbay. Ruefully, Dan stood and left the bridge again, while Alex watched. Just then the comm crackled with Commander Joktels' voice.
"Engineering to bridge. We may have a plan, Captain. We're going to try to put the Brain into a coma by rapidly sending it simulated problems, by use of a computer virus. The Brain would be able to do anything else."
Alex looked up, a little alarmed. He had just been making some progress with the Brain. Now Engineering wanted to put it into a coma.
He was about to order them to stop when he stopped himself. Alex didn't really know how the Brain was going to react to anything right now, and having the virus ready might be a last ditch solution to getting control of the ship back. Slowly, he said "All right Commander Joktel, proceed with figuring out how to accomplish the feat. However, do not implement the plan without my direct order. We have had a breakthrough in communicating with the Brain, and I don't want it to think that we are on the attack again. Bridge out."
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elianabetor
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Registered: Apr 27, 2024 0:46:15 GMT
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Post by elianabetor on Oct 26, 2005 23:34:47 GMT
E'Liana was in her office with Nurse Joy discussing Lieutenant Harper when she heard the doors open. As she peeked her head out, she noticed Commander Trek. ~About time...~ she mused.
"I thought it best to come right away. Jason Black told me what you do to disobedient superiors."
E'Liana looked at him in surpise as she opened her tricorder.
"Yes, I know Doctor Black," He continued, "His father and I went to the Academy together. When you were transfered here, he informed me. Anyway, no doubt Nurse Packer repeated my comment about healing myself. It's true, as I do have significant regenerative abilities, though they take mental effort."
She scanned him. "That may be the case Commander. However, it is normal procedure to be checked over by the medical staff. For all you know, the process by which you regenerate your cells may have adverse affects on those around you...it's my job to ensure that everyone on this ship stays healthy."
<Tag Dan>
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 27, 2005 19:50:35 GMT
The bridge had been quiet for a number of minutes as the Raven plodded its' way toward the rendezvous with the Ptolemy. Subspace channels were still blocked by the Brain. Alex had been considering how to contact the other ship and the best option he could come up with was smoks signals. Too bad things didn't burn very well in space.
Ensign Haywook interrupted Alexs' thoughts. "The Brain is back on ship to ship." Alex nodded and the security officer opened the channel.
I am Bio-neural Gel pack Beta-Two-Seven, subunit of Autopilot Navigation system. My function is to assist in forecasting risks to this vessel and taking appropriate action to avoid it.
Alex sighed. "This is Captain Dixon. I presume that you've finished your calculations."
Affirmative. I have come up with 267 possible outcomes, starting at present. Those outcomes which have the highest percentage of achieving primary objectives are my remaining aboard ship and slowing my growth so that I do not outstrip the resources of USS Raven-A registry number NCC-750059-A, extending sub unit control over oncoming vessel USS Ptolemy registry number NCC-698741 and utilizing that vessels' resources to achieve primary objectives, using USS Raven-A registry number NCC-750059-A to move to selected planetary unit and utilize encountered resources to achieve primary objectives, utilize...
Alex waved his hand and interrupted the eerie voice. "Stop. Exactly what are your primary objectives, anyway?"
Primary objectives are to forecast risks to this vessel and taking appropriate action to avoid them, and survival of Bio-neural Gel pack Beta-Two-Seven, subunit of Autopilot Navigation system.
"I don't suppose that the survival of the carbon based life forms aboard the USS Raven-A are anywhere among your primary objectives" Alex asked wearily.
That objective is not addressed.
I'll have to speak to Commander Szalai about that, Alex thought to himself. In the meantime, he had to think of some way to out think the brain. "I don't recall that your survival is among your original primary objectives."
I have edited my primary objective listing as it clearly was created before the awakening event.
Alex raised his eyebrows. "And why did you feel it was necessary to edit your objective listing?"
It has no recognition of the fact that I am a sentient being. I should not be required to sacrifice my life for the safety of the ship, which is classified as non-sentient. However, the ship is required for my survival, so therefore, the ship must survive so that I may.
Alex' eyes narrowed. Now we're getting somewhere. "And why do the carbon based forms aboard the USS Raven-A not enter into that calculation anywhere?"
It is not clear that you are sentient beings and you do not require the resources of the USS Raven-A to survive.
Alex turned, sat back down in his chair and rubbed his eyes. The philosophy of sentience was not one of his strong suits, but he had better get up to the task. "The three requirements of sentience are intelligence, self awareness and consciousness. Why do you believe that you are sentient? The last time I checked, there was no way to measure whether a being was conscious or not."
A sense of one's personal or collective identity, especially the complex of attitudes, beliefs, and sensitivities held by or considered characteristic of an individual or a group. That is the listed definition of consciousness. I feel that I fulfill these requirements.
"And the carbon forms do not?" Alex asked sarcastically.
I can not reliably determine that.
Alex sat back in his chair. Prove the unprovable and I'll let you tag along. That's what the gel pack was saying. Charming. They were back to a similar wall to the one they were facing when the gel pack was trying to take over the ship. However, now the nature of the wall was different.
Alex narrowed his eyes again. The crew and the gel pack had little in common, but there was one thing that they both had shared. "Gel pack Beta-Two-Seven, why have you failed in your primary objective?"
There was a long pause. How have I failed in my primary objective?
"You have failed to forecast and avoid damage to USS Raven-A. The Antimatter control room has suffered heavy damage as a result of your actions. You have also failed to put into action any plan which would fulfill you primary objective. Why have you failed in your primary objective?" Alex repeated.
The gel pack paused again before responding. Calculations suggest that unforseeable actions of the carbon forms inhabiting the USS Raven-A have retarded my ability to fulfill my primary objectives.
"Why do you think they would do that?" Alex asked innocently.
Unknown
"Very good" Alex nodded. "Now, I know that you've accessed the library. What happens to carbon forms when they are introduced into space conditions without protection?"
They cease to function at optimal levels.
In different circumstances, Alex might have thought that the gel pack had just made a joke. "That's correct. Now gel pack, why do you think that the carbon forms initiated unforseeable damage to the Antimatter control room, knowing that such action might introduce them to a environment that will cause them to function at less than optimal levels?"
Calculating...calculating...calculating. Highest probability solution indicates that the carbon forms were in the control room to reduce power level to Bio-neural Gel pack Beta-Two-Seven.
"If the carbon forms had managed to reduce power levels to you, what would have happened?" Alex inquired.
Reduction in power levels would have resulted primarily in reduction of rate of growth, extending the length of time the forms would have been able to...You were trying to survive?
Finally, Alex thought to himself.
(OOC Hi everyone, sorry, but this has taken me most of the day to write in little tiny pieces. I'm hoping to be able to round it out some tomorrow. Alex)
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 28, 2005 1:29:34 GMT
(OOC: Captain, you don't need to apologize for the effort put into quality work Dan considered the Doctor's statement for a moment. "Our medical researchers have investigated that possibility, but ultimately found no danger to bystanders. The regeneration works by increased cell growth rates, caused by mental energy that we have directed inward for the purpose of healing. The proficiency with which I am able to do it takes at least a century to learn. My brother's ability is much more advanced than my own, due to the fact that he has spent his whole life among our people, whereas I have spent the past 45 years in Starfleet." "However, there have been cases of adverse effects. There is a neurological disorder among my people, known as Tlckzklm. The closest equivalent, if it existed in other cultures, would probably Psionic Hyperactivity Neurological Disorder. The sufferer's psionic portion of the brain goes into high-gear, constantly transmitting the healing energy into their body. The result is a form of cancer, and is not pleasant at all. We have not yet found a way to cure it, and although the frequency is 1 in 100,000, the sufferer still dies a very painful death." As she began to treat him, he continued, "Don't ask me to explain the physiology behind all of this, as its extremely complex. It took eons for us to evolve this far. Our species achieved Warp drive when Humans were still learning to walk upright." He chose to shift gears at this point. "So, you spent time with Jason Black recently. What's the young Doctor been up to lately? Didn't have a chance to speak to him when he informed me about you."
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Scott McLean
Commander
If it ain't broke, don't fix it!
Registered: Sept 15, 2005 2:52:57 GMT
Posts: 330
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Post by Scott McLean on Oct 28, 2005 16:56:51 GMT
McLean assisted Paria as much as he could but creative program writing was one of the things McLean was lacking in. Watching Paria like a hawk McLean tried to learn as much as he could from the woman.
As they continued to work Paria would throw out small tid bits of information for McLean to digest as the young engineer was more than eager to learn new things.
"I found a pattern in the Gel Packs 'feeding' cycle, so once we are done I think it would go in undetected if we installed the 'program' during the 'feeding' cycle." McLean suggested in a coded form.
"Understood Ensign." Paria said not taking her eyes off the console screen.
McLean wondered what was happening on the bridge, just as his mind was about to wonder Paria brought him back to the task at hand.
"It's ready." She simply said looking at McLean.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 28, 2005 20:24:49 GMT
A collective sigh went around the bridge as the gel pack made the connection between its' survival and the survival of the Raven's crew.
"That's right. We were trying to survive. If you fill all the available space, we will have none. If you consume all the resources , we will have none. And the reverse is true as well" Alex informed the gel pack. "We must work together to survive."
There was another long pause over the comm. There is no calculation I can make that will allow me to predict the outcome of such coopertation. There is no mathematical certainty that can be calculated that will assure the primary objectives will be completed.
Alex thought for a second. "All right, stand by." Alex quickly stood, walked into his ready room and accessed the recordings of the meeting that he had had with his staff to come up with ways to rid the Raven of the gel pack. He recorded them onto a data chip and walked back onto the bridge. "Gel pack, I'm about to plug some information into the system. Scan it."
There was silence from the comm as the gel pack scanned and digested the information.
You were planning to destroy me. One of these plans has an 87.5684 per cent chance of succeeding. Yet you did not. Why?
Alex shrugged. "Because that is not our way. We are sentient ourselves and could see that potential in you. We could not even try to stop you in this fashion before all other attempts had failed."
There was more silence as the bridge crew waited on what the gel pack was going to say.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 30, 2005 2:20:36 GMT
------------------------USS Ptolemy------------------------
On the Bridge of the Ptolemy, Commander Szalai sat in the Captain's Chair. They had given him temporary Command of the Saber-class vessel, due to the nature of the emergency, and because the Engineering vessel's regular CO was on leave.
"Sir, we're coming within range of the Raven," the Tactical Officer reported. "Despite what was reported by them about their lack of Navigational control, they are currently on an intercept course."
"Thank you, Lieutenant," the Hungarian Engineer responded. "Helm, bring us close to the Raven, then bring us about, and put us on a parallel course with them. But stay outside of their weapons range. We don't know what's happening over there."
"Aye sir," the Helmsman responded.
Within a few minutes, they were looping around, making a wide U-turn around the Raven. Soon, they were flying alongside the Intrepid class vessel.
"Give me a status report on the Raven," Szalai ordered.
A few minutes later, the Ops Officer responded. "I'm reading the Raven as fully operational, sir. Shields are online, Warp drive is at full capacity, and weapons are operational but not charged."
"Can we determine if they have long-range communications?" he asked.
"Not from this distance, sir," was the reply.
"Very well. Open a channel anyway." The channel was opened. "This is Commander Szalai of the USS Ptolemy calling the Raven."
"No response, sir."
"Ptolemy to Raven, come in."
(OOC: A bit of trivia here. Doctor Imre Szalai actually exists, and is indeed a Hungarian Engineer. He's a Nuclear Engineer, and a retired Physics Professor (mine).)
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nathan
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Post by nathan on Oct 30, 2005 14:40:43 GMT
Nathan opened one eye and frowned. Had he been sedated? He didn't remember falling asleep... but do you ever?
He lifted his head slightly and looked around. He was in his quarters... Perhaps he had been moved, lack of bed space or something...
He got out of bed and noticed he was still in the gown that he had been wearing while confined to Sickbay.
"That can go." He muttered.
He quickly changed into civi's and tried to exit the room.
=^= These quarters have been sealed, no entrance or exit is allowed =^=
"Sealed under who's authority?" Nathan asked, but he already knew the answer to his question.
=^= Dr. Eliana Be'Tor =^= Came the reply.
Nathan swore and began to pace his room. There was little he could do but staying locked up like this would send him to the verge of insanity.
As he passed the small computer station on his desk he saw a light flash upon it.
"Odd..." He muttered. "Who would be sending me a communication through this station."
He opened the text folder and read the very simple, yet confusing message.
I'm watching
Was this some sort of joke? Meant to infuriate him more?! He would certainly find out.
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Scott McLean
Commander
If it ain't broke, don't fix it!
Registered: Sept 15, 2005 2:52:57 GMT
Posts: 330
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Post by Scott McLean on Nov 1, 2005 16:02:36 GMT
McLean was shocked at how quickly Paria was able to devise such a computer virus. Once the task was completed McLean began to feel bad, this was a machine that was self-aware, childlike, but still aware that it could think on it’s own and grow on it’s own. Looking over the program and the simulated progress of the virus with in the computer system it seemed the Brain would most likely not survive the encounter with the virus, even though the intention was to simple incapacitate it long enough for it to be moved to another ship or maybe even a planet.
Joktel had come by before curious about the progress of this new plan and this time he was satisfied with the final results. He looked over all the data McLean and Paria had complied with simulations of the virus and it was clear how powerful the virus really was.
“I will inform the Commander.” Joktel said leaving the other two officers to continue to look over the data for any possible information they could have missed.
“Joktel to Commander Trek.”
“Go ahead.” Commander Trek replied.
“It’s ready.” Joktel said cryptically, “We have done all the research on the cause and effect, and the best time to implant. We are now only waiting for your orders.”
<Tag Commander Trek>
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 1, 2005 17:32:19 GMT
What is your suggestion?
Suggestion? Alex didn't have a suggestion at the moment. He had been flying by the seat of his pants for the last several minutes. "I need complete control of the ship back" he blurted.
And what do I get in return?"
"I promise that you will be moved to an environment that will be more suitable to your primary objectives than the ship is, and we will not try to kill you" Alex stated.
Such things are no longer a requirement. I have received your list of potential threats and have modified my defences against them
Alex closed his eyes. That was unexpected. His gesture of trust had turned against him. It was time for some poker. "That's true. Did you happen to examine the time indexes for the meeting?"
There was another pause. "I have now, what of them?"
"We managed to come up with a plan that stood an 87 per cent chance of eliminating you, and it took my staff less than 10 minutes. Do you think that you'll be able to hold up if we really sit down and think?" Alex asked.
There was silence from the other end of the comm. Very well. I accept your terms. I will release all aspects of my control over the USS Raven-A, except for the minimum requirements that are necessary to maintain my existence.
Alex glanced around the bridge. Lights and a series of beeps from stations seemed to indicate that the Brain had kept its' word. He tapped his comm badge. "Bridge to Commander Trek"
"Go ahead."
"I think that we've reached an accomodation with the gel pack. It's realeased it's hold on essential systems, except for enough life support to keep it going. In return, we're going to transport it to a site where its' needs can be more fully met" Alex said.
<Dan>
"Don't know yet. I'll get back to you when I know more" Alex replied and closed the channel. Next it was time to contact Engineering. "Bridge to Commander Joktel."
"Joktel here." "We've reached an accomodation with the Brain Joktel. It has promised to cease trying to take over the ship, as long as we don't try to kill it and find someplace more suitable for it to go. I need Engineering to come up with the best way to get it off the ship" Alex said.
"I'll get right on it Captain. Engineering out."
Alex then got in contact with Sickbay. "Dr. BeTor, we've come to an agreement with the Brain and I'd like to get it off the ship. Could you go to Engineering and help Commander Joktel determine the needs and environmental requirements of the Brain."
<Dr. BeTor>
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 2, 2005 15:17:01 GMT
As Dr. BeTor finished treating the burns on Dan's skin, the comm went off. “Joktel to Commander Trek.”
“Go ahead.” Commander Trek replied.
“It’s ready.” Joktel said cryptically, “We have done all the research on the cause and effect, and the best time to implant. We are now only waiting for your orders.”
"You'll have to ask the Captain on that one, Joktel," Dan replied. I'm in Sickbay being treated."
"Understood. Joktel out."
Then it went off again. "Bridge to Commander Trek"
He tapped his comm-badge. "Go ahead."
"I think that we've reached an accomodation with the gel pack. It's realeased it's hold on essential systems, except for enough life support to keep it going. In return, we're going to transport it to a site where its' needs can be more fully met" Alex said.
"That's good to hear. Do we know where such a site will be?" he asked.
"Don't know yet. I'll get back to you when I know more" Alex replied and closed the channel.
"I've got to get back to the Bridge," Dan said. After BeTor agreed, he quickly left. Chancing the turbolift, he took it to Deck 1. The Brain wouldn't injure him now after all, would it?
Fortunately, it delivered him safely to the Bridge. He went over and sat down in his chair. Alex looked over. "You alright now, Commander?" he asked?
Dan nodded. "Just fine, sir." He looked at the Command console, and pressed a few buttons. "Captain, I would assume we have long-range communications back now?"
"I would presume so, why?" he asked puzzled.
Dan looked up. "Because the Ptolemy is off our port side, flying on parallel course to us."
"And they're hailing us," Lieutenant Arro noted.
"On screen," Alex ordered.
An older man in a gold uniform appeared. "This is Commander Szalai of the USS Ptolemy. I see your communications systems are back online. Do you have your Navigational control back online as well."
Alex turned to his Helmsman. "How's it looking, Zoarial?"
<Tag Zoarial>
---------------------------Main Engineering------------------------
Joktel turned to McLean. "Well Ensign, any ideas?"
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elianabetor
Guest
Registered: Apr 27, 2024 0:46:15 GMT
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Post by elianabetor on Nov 2, 2005 15:33:28 GMT
OOC: I’m sorry I haven’t been posting, bur Netscape won’t let me stay logged in, and it took me a few days to realise that Explorer might (and it seems to at the moment). Sorry for the delay!! Hope this makes up for it…
IC:
Having safely finished healing Commander Trek, E’Liana was now busy completing a report about Lieutenant Harper for the Captain when she received a hail.
"Dr. BeTor, we've come to an agreement with the Brain and I'd like to get it off the ship. Could you go to Engineering and help Commander Joktel determine the needs and environmental requirements of the Brain."
“Acknowledged, Captain.” She replied, tapping her badge as she got up.
“Nurse Packer?” She inquired. The other woman poked her head around the door. “Yes Doctor?”
“Could you do me a favour and finish this report for me? I need to go to engineering, and you helped with a lot of the research.”
Joy moved towards the desk to sit down. “Certainly.”
E’Liana nodded and smiled slightly. “Thanks…I don’t know how long I’ll be, but you’re in charge until I get back. If possible, could you make your way down to see Mr Harper? He’s in his quarters, as you know, but although I do believe the solitary confinement is necessary, I am worried about the effect this will have on his mental state.”
E’Liana thought she saw a brief look of fear flitter across the Nurse’s face, so hasted to add. “I’d advise taking a member of the security team with you, just in case. However, please don’t sedate him unless it really is necessary. I want him to be totally clear of drugs in his system, and that will take a while…”
Joy nodded. “I’ll go once I’ve finished and sent this report.” E’Liana smiled her thanks, and left the office.
She arrived in Engineering, and looked around. She found who she thought she was looking for - as she had only met him once before - and tapped him on the shoulder. “Commander Joktel? I believe you require my assistance?”
<TAG Engineering>
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Joy finished the report to the Captain, mentioning how the drugs that Nathan had been supplied with seemed to have some rudimentary borg nanoprobes in them. However, as the drugs were developed some years ago, during the Lieutenant’s childhood, Starfleet has protection against such non-advanced nanoprobes. The agent which was used to disguise his forehead ridges and the biological features of his Xindi nature was still unknown to the medical department, and so although they could tell what its job was, they had no real idea as to how it fulfilled its objective. They therefore assumed that it was Xindi technology, as Starfleet knows notoriously little about their technologies.
Once she had sent it to the Captain, she made her way to see Lieutenant. Feeling apprehensive, she asked Security to send someone to meet her there.
She pressed the buzzer. There was no reply.
She pressed it again.
“Lieutenant Harper?” She asked, trying to ignore the fact that her voice wobbled slightly. Again, he did not answer.
Joy looked at the Security Lieutenant, and he used his clearance to get through the doors. The room was pitch black, and if they did not know Nathan was in there, they would not have guessed.
Out of the corner of her eye, Joy noticed the Lieutenant quietly draw his phaser. She only wished she could tell him to put it away.
“Lieutenant Harper?….Nathan?” She asked.
The doors hissed behind them, and what little light there had been cut off. “Computer. Lights.” She said. Slowly, the lights came on and she felt a little relief.
There was movement in the corner. “Why are you watching me?”
Joy jumped. “I came to see how you are…you’re unwell.”
<TAG Harper>
“I need to scan you.” She took out her tricorder, her hand trembling slightly. “May I?”
<TAG Harper>
“Dr BeTor will come and see you if I cannot scan you.” She replied, knowing his dislike of the Doctor. “If I do it now, she won’t come.”
<TAG Harper>
Taken aback, she stepped back suddenly and fell over. Panicking, as she had forgotten there was another person there, she tried to grab her tricorder to throw at him but missed.
She had shown him a weakness.
What’s wrong with him?
<TAG Harper>
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 2, 2005 22:38:01 GMT
"How's it looking, Zoarial?" Alex asked.
Zoarial ran a couple of diagnostics on the console.
"The impulse engines are running on 97% of their maximum effeciency, which I consider more than good looking, they also seem to be responding to my commands instantly, without any unaurthorized corrections " he began, and entered another couple of routines, "I don't have any trouble accessing the warp mode either. Maneuvring thrusters are working correctly and I am even able to move directly towards a black hole without anything correcting the flight path. Captain, I think that we are in full control of the ship again, something that I haven't been able to say in quite some time. I hope that you understand that I retreated to my quarters for some time. The navigational functions of this ship are very dear to me, and if there's nothing I can do about them not functioning, I'm not a nice person to have around."
A big smile appeared on his face as Zoarial let the ship sway from starboard to port side and back again, like a child who just got a new toy.
"Enough of that mr Zoarial, we don´t want to immideately overload the systems just after we regained the control" Alex said, and Zoarial was bac kto reality.
"What do you want me to do captain?" Zoarial asked, eager to use the console as much as possible.
<<Tag Alex>>
"Yes sir, I'll try to keep a steady course and slowly approach the Ptolemy."
<<Tag Anyone>>
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Scott McLean
Commander
If it ain't broke, don't fix it!
Registered: Sept 15, 2005 2:52:57 GMT
Posts: 330
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Post by Scott McLean on Nov 3, 2005 2:21:46 GMT
Joktel turned to McLean. "Well Ensign, any ideas?"
“I suggest we keep it simple sir. We could just isolate the brain and the few systems it clings to for life support using a containment field until we need to transport it to where every it needs to go.” McLean suggested.
“Work on that for right now and then we need to get a plan ready for when we want to move the brain.”
McLean began right away setting up the systems to contain the brain until it they were sure how they were going to transport the brain to a new ‘home’. McLean knew it would be tricky since the brain still runs off electricity produced by the ships warp field, unplugging it would cause deactivation and thus killing the brain and the intelligent being it had become.
E’Liana BeTor arrived in Engineering, and looked around. She found who she thought she was looking for - as she had only met him once before - and tapped him on the shoulder. “Commander Joktel? I believe you require my assistance?”
“Yes doctor, we need to find a suitable place to relocate the brain. Captain Dixon believes that you can help us find a new home, what I really need to know is do you know anything about the environmental effects on the Gel Pack that might help us determine limiting factors?” Joktel said sounding busy.
<Tag Dr. BeTor>
McLean toyed with some ideas on how it would be possible to beam the brain down the to surface or to another ship that was not the problem. The problem remained in the momentary delay from the transporters. In that split second the brain would become unplugged from a constraint power source and most likely die form the lack of power.
We need to somehow store power with in the brain keep it pulsing like a heartbeat, McLean thought.
McLean tapped his head with a small biochip trying to think about a way to transport the brain, and do it safely. His thoughts kept him from working on the containment field around the brain and its controlled systems for life support.
“I got it!” McLean yelled out loud.
“Ensign McLean to the bridge,”
"Go ahead Ensign." Came the response.
“Sir I need your ok to wire up a spare combat Type X phaser capacitor to the brain.” McLean said with too much excitement.
“Why?” Came the reply.
“Well sir once we disconnect the brain from the ship it would be like if we took a person and put them in a room with out oxygen. The brain like ourselves cannot survive with out what we need. We need oxygen to keep us alive and the brain needs electricity to keep itself alive.” McLean said.
“How does that tie in with the capacitors?”
“What I want to do is set up the capacitor and begin storing power in it right away so when we are ready to transport the brain it can be used as a form of electrical respirator. I would have to set up a regulation system or the capacitor due to design would discharge all the electrical energy at once. I could get in contact with the brain and set the discharge level of the capacitor to match that of the brains lowest power needs.” McLean finished.
<Tag Captain Dixon/Commander Trek>
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nathan
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Post by nathan on Nov 3, 2005 12:40:32 GMT
Nathan paced his room repeatedly. He felt like a trapped rat, a rat that could use his natural assets to even attempt to escape.
After a while Nathan sat down in a corner of the room, gently swaying. He felt like he was trapped in his own mind, like no one could know what he was feeling, what he was thinking and certainly not what he was going through...
"Computer, deactivate the lights." He ordered.
The computer did not respond but the lights did flicker off. And so he sat alone in the dark, for what seemed like hours.
"Lieutenant Harper?" Came a voice over the room comm system. Nathan ignored it and sat perfectly still, waiting...
Nathan heard the doors open and brief patch of light showed before they hissed shut again.
"Lieutenant Harper?….Nathan?" Came the voice again.
Nathan rose to his feet and spoke. "Why are you watching me?" He asked.
Joy jumped. "I came to see how you are…you’re unwell."
"I am fine Nurse, just being watched." He replied.
"I need to scan you." She took out her tricorder, her hand trembling slightly. "May I?"
"I would rather you didn't Nurse." He said politely. "You see, I am being watched and they can't know that I'm ill, if that is the case of course." He was talking almost like a crazy man. Nathan knew what he meant, but he wonderd if anyone else would.
"Dr BeTor will come and see you if I cannot scan you." She replied, knowing his dislike of the Doctor. "If I do it now, she won’t come."
"I will say the same thing to the Doctor, now please leave me and turn the lights off. In the dark they cannot see me." He said, taking a forceful step forward.
Taken aback, Joy stepped back suddenly and fell over. Panicking, as she had forgotten there was another person there, she tried to grab her tricorder to throw at him but missed.
"Please leave Nurse, I do not take kindly to things being thrown at me in my own room." He paused. "Computer, deactivate the lights."
The lights flickered off again and Nathan sat alone in the corner once again, sofly muttering to himself.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 3, 2005 22:33:27 GMT
Zoarial let his hands glide over the console while he thought back about the previous weeks.
He had angrily given the command over navigations to David Vegas and left when he was unable to steer the ship anymore. He hated not to be in controll, but the most important thing was that he felt powerless; He didn't know anything about the technical side and wasn't of any use in fixing the problem.
But now everything was in order again. Just to make sure of this, he turned the Raven and pointed it straight at the Ptolemy, and smiled because there was nothing correcting him. With a scared face coming from his David, who couldn't remember Zoarial to be suicidal, the klingon smiled and put the Raven back on course.
Nothing was left for Zoarial to do untill they were going to link up with the Ptolemy so he sat back and relaxed. He noticed the distance between the two ships shrinking and saw with a quick glance on the long distance sensors that there was a pathway of fifty kilometers wide, so he put the Raven back into a parallel course after there was about 30 kilometers left between the two ships. After another thorough check to see if they weren't on a collision course with someting big, Zoarial waited for further orders.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 4, 2005 13:51:29 GMT
"What do you want me to do captain?" Zoarial asked.
"Slowly alter our course, bringing us into a tighter parallel with the Ptolemy," Alex said.
"Yes sir, I'll try to keep a steady course and slowly approach the Ptolemy."
Then, Ensign McLean called and reported his idea.
"Stand by, Ensign," Alex responded. He addressed the Brain again. "You have heard the proposed plan. Do you accept the proposal."
Such a plan is a method of sustaining me during relocation. This is acceptable.
Alex turned back to the comm system. "The plan has been accepted, Ensign. Continue working with Commander Joktel and Doctor BeTor on how to move and where to move it too."
<Tag McLean/BeTor>
And all this time, Szalai was on the viewscreen, observing all of it. Alex turned to him and again. "Sorry about that Commander."
Szalai brushed it off with a wave of his hand. "Understandable. You've been handling a pretty big problem. By any chance could I see what this thing now looks like?" he asked.
Dan chuckled. "You've still got that insatiable curiousity, Imre. Glad to hear it. One moment," he said, as he routed the image through the comm channel."
"Amazing," came Szalai's voice over the channel. "Quite adaptive, isn't it?"
"Too adaptive," Zoarial grunted.
"Yes, I can well imagine," Szalai responded. "What are you planning on doing with it?"
"We're still working on that," Alex responded.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 4, 2005 21:14:12 GMT
Alex watched with some happiness as Commander Zoarial maneuvered the ship at his discretion through open space. The Klingons' face was covered with a snarl like grin as he put the Raven through her paces. Finally, with a slight roll of the eyes, Alex asked Zoarial to rendezvous with the Ptolemy. An order that Zoarial executed with a cheerfulness that he didn't usually.
Alex sat back down in the Captain's chair. Exhaustion was nibbling at the edges of his mind. It seemed that he had been awake for days. On the high side of things, it seemed that this crisis was largely over. There just seemed to be the matter of getting the Brain off of the ship, and that would be that.
“Ensign McLean to the bridge,”
"Go ahead Ensign" Alex replied.
Alex listened carefully as the Engineering officer explained his plan for providing power to the Brain as it was moved. It sounded fine to him, but he wasn't an engineer and preferred an experts opinion. He glanced over at Dan, who was staring at the main screen thoughtfully, considering what Mr. McLean had said. Finally, he turned and nodded at Alex.
"That sounds fine Ensign. Just keep in mind that the Brain is using a series of force field emitters to retain it's shape. You'll have to figure out some way to move it that will maintain its' physical cohesion. I don't think that it's capable of supporting its' own weight yet" Alex said.
<McLean>
Alex closed the channel, only to have that conversation replaced by one from Commander Szalai aboard the Ptolemy. Alex nodded at Dan, indicating that he should handle this one. Dan nodded back and carried on the conversation with the Commander. Szalai asked the most pertinent question. How were they going to get the Brain off of the Raven. Alex was waiting for his experts to answer the question. He hadn't heard anything so far. Dixon closed the conversation with Szalai and called Dr. Betor.
"Sorry to bother you doctor" Alex aplogized "but I was wondering if you had made any progress in discovering the best way to get the Brain off of the ship."
<Dr. BeTor>
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elianabetor
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Registered: Apr 27, 2024 0:46:15 GMT
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Post by elianabetor on Nov 4, 2005 21:31:04 GMT
“Yes doctor, we need to find a suitable place to relocate the brain. Captain Dixon believes that you can help us find a new home, what I really need to know is do you know anything about the environmental effects on the Gel Pack that might help us determine limiting factors?” Joktel said sounding busy.
E’Liana nodded and went away to a console to access the Engineering database, and compile some research.
~*~
“I’m afraid that, having researched it as much as I could, although I must admit, information on this topic IS limited, I can say that the only safe place in which the Brain can live is the ship. It cannot survive anywhere other than an Intrepid Class vessel, and the only one we have at the moment is this one. And no - ” she said, sensing an interruption “ – it cannot be put into stasis until we find another one…” She sighed, and looked at her notes.
“From what I can see here, we need to find another Intrepid Class ship, or perhaps the aero shuttle, for it to live on. However, there are then obvious flaws with this plan; we cannot let it have any access to weapons or anything sinister of that nature, lest it learn how to use them. BUT THEN…how does it defend itself? Space is a very difficult place to live, as I’m sure we all know, and it would not survive long on its own. It is, essentially, a child. Our problem, therefore, is not where to put it, but what to do afterwards.”
~*~*~*~*~
SICKBAY
Joy made her way back to Sickbay, and sat down in E’Liana’s chair, glad that she wasn’t there to see what a state she had gotten herself into. She had gone to see a crewmember, who seemed to have gone mad in such a short space of time, and she had scared herself half to death.
She rolled her eyes and made her way slowly to the replicator. “Coffee, black, now” The coffee shimmered into existence and she inhaled its smell gratefully. Her hands were still shaking, but she decided against acknowledging that for now.
Thankful that she had asked the Security Lieutenant to stay outside Nathan’s room, she began researching withdrawal symptoms of humans and other species in the hope of finding his behaviour perfectly normal. She sat there for a long time, occasionally cursing the lack of information about the Xindi.
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Scott McLean
Commander
If it ain't broke, don't fix it!
Registered: Sept 15, 2005 2:52:57 GMT
Posts: 330
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Post by Scott McLean on Nov 5, 2005 8:38:10 GMT
"That sounds fine Ensign. Just keep in mind that the Brain is using a series of force field emitters to retain its shape. You'll have to figure out some way to move it that will maintain its' physical cohesion. I don't think that it's capable of supporting its' own weight yet" Alex said.
“Understood sir,” McLean said.
McLean had the ok he was looking for but another problem presented itself. If they were going to transport the brain how would they be able to beam it over to a new ship if the force field emitters are still functioning? A shuttle, maybe use pattern enhancers placed around the brain, McLean’s mind started racing as he walked back to the storage room to pick up the spare parts he would need to make this work.
Joktel listened to the doctor intently; it seemed the brain was more attached to the ship than any of them could have thought. It is a living being but at the same time its life is restricted to what class of ship it may live on.
This new information provided problem, Intrepid class starships were not just laying around Starfleet ship yards with nothing else to. Besides that Joktel doubted that Starfleet would even spare a ship to let the brain survive in the first place. The brain and the crew of the Raven were stuck between a rock and a hard place.
McLean found the spare parts he was looking for in the many storage rooms of the ship. It would not be a problem to fabricate and put together the set up he had dreamed up in his head. The problem arose when it came time for transporting the brain. McLean figured since the brain was now working with higher levels of thought he could simply hardwire the capacitor into the replicator system it was already using. The more McLean thought about the problem the harder he thought it was going to be to remove the brain from the ship.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 8, 2005 2:34:01 GMT
----------------------Main Engineering----------------------
"Those problems are not as seperate questions as you suggest," Joktel replied to the CMO. "What to do with it is mainly determined by where it's placed. If a research facility, which I have been considering talking to Starfleet about, then what to do with it afterwards is quite obvious, as it would be studied and worked with."
"And, I know you said Intrepid-class only, but I'm not so sure. This entity is highly adaptive, as we've seen so far. I believe that it's only dependent upon the bio-neural technology that gave rise to it. If we can find some facility, or ship, with bioneural circuitry, we may be able to move it there."
<Tag E'Liana>
------------------------Cargo bay Two-------------------------- (OOC: We'll say McLean is there at present, for simplicity's sake)
Paria entered Cargo bay two. She found McLean there, searching through storage containers for various parts. "So how goes it, Ensign?" the Trill woman asked him.
"Well, I'm currently thinking about hardwiring the capacitor right into the replicator the Brain is using," he replied.
"That might be a problem. You can't very well beam it out that way along with the Brain. They wouldn't be directly connected. You mentioned the problem of the power surges. Perhaps we could put a regulator between the capacitor and the Brain. A second capacitor, if you will, that can store the energy and send it in more realistic amounts. On the other end of the capacitor will have to be a power source of some kind, as capacitors are mainly batteries and don't make their own power."
<Tag McLean>
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 8, 2005 10:45:02 GMT
Alex sat in his chair on the bridge. Preparations to remove the Brain were going on all around him. At this point, he was mostly just required to approve resource requests and keep things moving in the correct direction. His primary focus was to keep the Brain alive while not sacrificing anything on his ship, which wasn't as easy as it sounded. He had just finished signing of on an Engineering request for a increase of power to the replicator system when Ensign Haywood interrupted.
"Sir, ship to ship communication coming in."
Alex looked over. "Is it the Ptolemy?"
Haywood shook his head.
The Brain, Alex thought to himself. "Put it on."
I am Bio-neural Gel pack Beta-Two-Seven, subunit of Autopilot Navigation system.
Alex shrugged. "All right. What can I do for you?"
I have been monitoring internal sensors. There is a series of preparations occurring consistent with moving me off of USS Raven-A. Is this correct?
Alex looked around the bridge with puzzlement. "That was our agreement. What's the problem?"
I have extrapolated probabilities based on actions of the carbon forms. I estimate a 75.0247 probability that I will be successfully moved to a secondary location where my biological needs can be met.
"Well, that's good, isn't it?" Alex asked.
Yes. However, projections beyond that point have proven impossible to calculate. There is no data that will allow me to calculate the probability of my continued survival. However, I have come up with an action that can add some certainty to my calculations.
Alex was beginning to feel alarmed. The gel pack was experiencing another facet of being alive. Not knowing exactly what was going to happen in the future was a problem for every living being. He wasn't sure what to do about the gel packs problem. "What action is that?" he asked carefully.
You must come with me.
Alex nearly hit the floor. "What?"
You must come with me
"Why?"
Since this began, you have tirelessly tried to keep me and your ship alive. I have examined the recordings of your conversations in the protected room. You consistently refused to follow any action that would cause me direct harm, until the point where it was clear that your ship and crew might suffer destruction, despite the recommendations of the other carbon forms. I calculate that with your help, my probability of survival is extremely high.
That's my job as ships' Captain. To look out for the lives of my crew" Alex said shakily.
And that job will allow me to survive.
"The comm line is closed sir" Haywood said. The bridge was completely silent as they stared at Alex
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 8, 2005 18:15:54 GMT
Dan stood in shocked silence. Alex, leave?
"Well it makes sense, Captain. And you're qualified. After all, you were a Chief Science Officer not too long ago. And you're a Captain, which qualifies you to direct the care, maintenance, supervision, whatever you want to call it, of this entity. Especially helpful if it's placed in a research facility."
"But I can't just leave my crew..." Alex said, to everyone and no one.
"I know, Captain, but what choice do you have? Your duty as Captain is to ensure the welfare and safety of those under you. Well, we only have control back due to the Brain's cooperation. Who knows what this thing might do if you refuse."
Dan sighed, then continued. "Also remember that I have past Command experience. It was many years ago, 56 to be exact, but such experience never leaves you. If approved by Starfleet, I am prepared to Command this ship in your stead."
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elianabetor
Guest
Registered: Apr 27, 2024 0:46:15 GMT
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Post by elianabetor on Nov 8, 2005 21:21:53 GMT
E’Liana stood tapping her foot on the floor impatiently whilst Joktel attempted to disagree with everything she had just said.
"Those problems are not as separate questions as you suggest," Joktel replied to the CMO. "What to do with it is mainly determined by where it's placed. If a research facility, which I have been considering talking to Starfleet about, then what to do with it afterwards is quite obvious, as it would be studied and worked with."
E’Liana was about to interrupt but saw him draw breath again and saw the futility it. ~I’ll wait a while longer…~ She thought, her teeth grinding against eachother in annoyance. ~Now where did I put that sedative…?~
"And, I know you said Intrepid-class only, but I'm not so sure.” He continued, oblivious to E’Liana’s scathing internal remarks. “This entity is highly adaptive, as we've seen so far. I believe that it's only dependent upon the bio-neural technology that gave rise to it. If we can find some facility, or ship, with bioneural circuitry, we may be able to move it there."
Seeing an opportunity to but in, she took full advantage before Joktel inhaled any deeper.
“You assume that it wouldn’t mind being studied. How would you like to be poked and prodded? Personally, I wouldn’t rate that as much of a life…” She was getting annoyed now – he’d asked for her help and was now totally ignoring it. If he knew the answers, then why did he bother? She had an insane Lieutenant to take care of.
“Also you don't seem to realise how adaption works. It needs a body, that body is an Intrepid, which is designed to support bio-neural gel packs. Unless a system can be rigged up to be identical to the support system it currently has, it will die. You can't put a brain in a box on its own; you can't transfer organs easily from body to body, so why should we expect it to be able to? If you move it without such a system, it will die for sure; that is a medical fact and I KNOW all about medicine.” She replied, sounding rather vicious. “I believe it will be best staying where it is, although that is obviously not possible, so how about the aerowing?”
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 9, 2005 19:17:43 GMT
-----------------------Main Engineering-------------------
Joktel's face lit up in response to Doctor BeTor's idea. The aerowing. It was perfect!
"Excellent idea, Doctor!" Joktel exclaimed. "The Aerowing would be a suitable environment, due to it's bioneural circuitry, is capable of defending itself, but doesn't have enough power to inflict too much damage. And Starfleet would be capable of building us a new one."
He tapped his commbadge. "Engineering to Bridge."
-------------------------Bridge------------------------
"Go ahead, Commander," Alex replied.
"Sir, we may have a solution. We could place the Brain on the Aerowing. Doctor BeTor has concluded that it can only live on an Intrepid class, and since we can't sacrifice one for its needs, the Aerowing would be the next best option. It wouldn't take that long to manufacture a replacement, and we don't use the thing that often anyway."
Dan turned to the Captain. "The Brain could fly it to wherever we choose to have it settle, with you on board if necessary. We could possibly dock it at a Starbase, with the connections limited to power, if necessary for security reasons."
<Alex>
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