Trinity Universe: Dreams of Dragons

[brilyn]

Jane closely examines the box for a few minutes, carefully checking all around it.

Then with a brief smile of success, picks up the box. She exits the room, careful to lock the door behind her, and heads for her quarters.....

[Umoja]

The uniformed image of Tess bows, then asks,

"May I ask why you are interested, & what you feel you can offer to the mission, sir?"

Inhale, exhale. "Well, firstly I'm a reporter, I report, and my friend Alexander records. The images of this planet aren't charted to our knowledge and when we return to Earth media stations will gobble this up. Secondly, I have assorted skills in a variety of areas that could help the mission, least among them that I am biokenetic." Simon grimaces, he rarely ever brings up the fact he's a psion. It's not that it's a secret, but he prefers not to bring it to anyones attention.

[Archer21]

"I... um... that is... er... is... is dinner ready yet?" 

The young Psion looks ready to go to pieces at a moment's notice...

Swallowing nervously, Randall does his best to conceal his anxiety. *Don't let this date die on you dummy!*

"Dinner's all set, let me get the food. But first...", with a smile he moves to stand behind her chair, "allow me." Gesturing for her to sit, he waits until she's comfortable, then walks over to a tray on a nearby counter. Removing the lid, he deftly transfer the plates of food to the table. Setting a wonderful smelling chicken piccata in front of Foxley, his own place is set with a thick steak. Seating himself, he draws the napkin covering his silverware, placing it on his lap. Waiting for Foxley, he smiles again. "Do you normally say grace?"

[ProfPotts]

The Date:

"Do you normally say grace?"

Foxley nods, & allows Randall to do the honours. The rest of the date continues in the same vein - polite embarrasment on both sides & an obvious lack of experience at this sort of thing. Neither the Chief nor the Navigator manage to seize the initiative, & in the end they part company after a pleasant, but perhaps unfulfilling, evening.

A couple of days later...

The Hybrids are finished & deemed space-worthy. Tess relays Simon's request for a position on the mission to the Captain, & the whole ship waits to see what his orders are to be...

[knave]

Lila's frank comments appear to stop the Tesser's rage in it's tracks. The holographic image suddenly looks unsure & slightly worried. Then, with the brief comment,

"I have to go." the image blinks off...

"Ahhhh...bed... but then I think maybe a quick shower is in order before... Yeck."

[Archer21]

Having heard from the Captain regarding passenger's concerns, Randall arranges for a very public show of activity. Scrounging together his new security force, he leads a thorough search of the entire ship, including the passenger's cabins.

After a full day of searching, the Security Chief makes an announcement that his team has(hopefully) found no traces of Aberrants. However, later that day, Randall does meet with the Captain to advise him of the contraband found inadvertently during cabin searches.

"Considering the current state of morale aboard, sir, I wanted to talk to you before confiscating or destroying these items. My team left all contraband where we found it, for now."

(Prof, if any of those assumptions are inappropriate, please let me know. I figure at least some of the passengers had something sneaky aboard...drugs, alcohol, weapons, surveillance devices(reporters, bah!).)

[ezekiel]

The smell of fresh bread wafted from the room as Imara Nalongo entered the Bynons' quarters. Closely followed by two crewmen; Ba Loo, a great bear of a man and William Tucker, an enthusiastic aussie who practically begged to help with "bar duty", they enjoyed breakfast in the Jungle as they discussed life on the ship and the improvements to be made to the lounge. A large false vista was installed in Tom's newly commandeered room as his office after breakfast and by early afternoon Thomas left the trio in the lounge with a general idea of what to do... "Be creative!"

Later in sickbay...

Enter Captain Ran...

Thomas administers a full physical from an inspection in the buff to running on a treadmill. The physical is a bizarre mix of modern medicine, using the bay's instruments and SI aids, and the spiritual, asking the Captain to lay down on one of the beds as Tom's hands hover over his body. Once the tests are finished Tom gives the Captain the well practiced "Apparently I care for you more than you do 'cause you should really stop smoking and eat more greens" doctor's look.

"Captain, you're healthy, for now. But you won't stay that way for long if you keep this up. - Proving his point, the doctor touches the Captain's chest with his right hand and a knot in his stomach he didn't realize he had disappears. - When was the last time you've gotten some real sleep? You're overworking yourself, there's no need for you to oversee everything on board. As your doctor I stongly suggest you get yourself a first officer. As ship's psychologist and a trained diplomat, I suggest you nominate a non-psion. I'm sure most of the crew is perfectly happy but I know at least some people on board may feel resentment at the fact that all chief positions are occupied by psions. If you want my suggestions, you may consider Ambassador M'benga for his respected position among the civilians aboard or Hiro Hiromi for her military training. Maybe even both, a second officer wouldn't kill you either...You may want others, the choice is yours... - Tom smiles - for now though, I want you to spend the rest of the day at a sim unit. Take a stroll on the beach, visit Paris, meditate in Nepal...I don't care as long as you take a load off and relax a bit. Don't worry, the ship can take care of itself for an afternoon..."

Enter Randall Simon...

The tests are much the same as the captain's. The chief displays preternatural coordination and stamina. Tom smiles at the chief:

"Seems we put you together better than new chief, you're as healthy as a peruvian ox! You can get back to your duties now, I'm expecting Mr. Vinge soon..ah here he comes now!"

Enter Sean Vinge...

"Hello Sean, as you can see Chief Simon got through all right, so now it's your turn. - as chief Simon exits the doctor adds loud enough for him to hear - Take your clothes off, c'mon, this won't hurt a bit..." ::wink

Again the tests are the same and Tom chitchats with Sean about the ship as he inspects him, trying to make him comfortable. Soon everything is finished:

"Well, unsurprisingly for you biokinetics, you're in tip top shape. Thanks again for the engineers this morning by the way, they're working on the lounge as we speak. We had a great breakfast, good people..."

A bit after Sean Vinge leaves, enter Lila Crenshaw

"Aaah, Ms. Crenshaw! Thanks for coming, this shouldn't take too long. It's a full physical so I'm afraid I'll have to ask you to take your clothes off. - Tom frowns a bit - Usually we'd have nurses around in situations like this...Tess?"

Tess appears in the room

"Hello Tess, I'm about to administer a medical exam to Ms. Crenshaw here. I'm nominating you as my nurse. All you have to do is stand here and make sure I don't act improperly. That means I shouldn't treat her differently from any other patient and it definitely means I shouldn't treat her like my wife... ::wink If you've got any questions about what I'm doing, feel free to ask, if that's alright with you Ms. Crenshaw? She might as well learn..."

Tom smiles at Lila and administers the tests. Again Tom tries to small talk with Lila to try to make her feel comfortable. When the exams are finished:

"You seem a bit anxious, is anything bothering you? (I'm actually just assuming Lila isn't too comfortable with Tess around considering your last interactions...there's no reason Tom would know that, but stress would probably show up through a kirlian scan...) Other than that you're in top shape Ms. Crenshaw. Thanks again for your cooperation."

Exit Lila, enter Simon Mendez (the forgotten Psion in my last post...and maybe Brilyn's character but I still don't know if she's a psion or not as a player)

"Hello Mr. Mendez, thank you for coming."

Same tests, no nurse

"Well, you're physically fitter than fit, which is normal for one of the Norça...but...is anything wrong? You know I'm a trained psychologist? Anything said to me will remain confidential...if you wish you can schedule a meeting in my office. It hasn't been announced yet but I've just finished arranging a ship's councillor's office."

(that's right, I just gave the reporter a scoop! The docs concerns this time are based on your (Umoja) playing of the character. Seems paranoid and perhaps suffering from psychosomatic drug withdrawal...anyhoo..)

Exit Mendez, enter Sarah Foxley

"Hello Sarah, how're you feeling today? Ready for your physical? I believe you've met my nurse...nurse?"

Tess appears in a nurse's uniform and Tom proceeds with the exam, chatting with both Tess and Sarah. A bit knackered after a long day Tom calls off his meeting with Sarah following the exams and heads back to his quarters, sharing dinner with Trish as both talk about their respective hectic days.

[knave]

A bit after Sean Vinge leaves, enter Lila Crenshaw

"Aaah, Ms. Crenshaw! Thanks for coming, this shouldn't take too long. It's a full physical so I'm afraid I'll have to ask you to take your clothes off. - Tom frowns a bit - Usually we'd have nurses around in situations like this...Tess?"

Tess appears in the room

Although Thomas has no trouble detecting nervousness in Lila ( with his Kirlian senses at least) at Tess's appearance, she smiles sweetly and actually winks at the ship's avatar as if sharing some private joke at Thomas's expense.

"Hello Tess, I'm about to administer a medical exam to Ms. Crenshaw here. I'm nominating you as my nurse. All you have to do is stand here and make sure I don't act improperly. That means I shouldn't treat her differently from any other patient and it definitely means I shouldn't treat her like my wife... ::wink If you've got any questions about what I'm doing, feel free to ask, if that's alright with you Ms. Crenshaw? She might as well learn..." 

Lila disrobes with the speed and efficiency of an experience astronaut displaying absolutely zero problem with being naked in front of Thomas right up to the point where he winks and makes the wife crack.

"Actually I think it's only fair if you were naked too, don't you? After all, you wouldn't want your patients to be put off by your percieved unwillingness to go the extra mile now, would you?"

"Besides, I'm sure you could use a bit of an examination yourself..."

Lila raises a half cupped hand so Thomas can see the sparks dancing over her fingertips.

"Don't worry, I'm sure it'll only hurt when you cough," she says - smiling sweetly.

[ProfPotts]

... Scrounging together his new security force, he leads a thorough search of the entire ship, including the passenger's cabins...

The reports come back with little cause for concern. Alexander Yi is found to have lots of semi-legal audio-visual gear in his posession (i.e. 'bugs' of various kinds), & several devices of similar design are found throughout sensitive areas of the ship (such as the conferance room, the Captain's office, & Hiro's shower... ::blush ).

Jane Bartley is found to have a sonic pistol in her possession, but does have the documents to own such a weapon (well, on Luna in any case), & is typical of several of the guests who have brought either sonic or taser weapons on board for 'self-defense' purposes. No more deadly weaponry is discovered.

Several of the crew (ex-asteroid miners mostly) are found to have small amounts of cannibis with them, & one of the guests helping to set-up the extended hydroponics bay appears to be trying to grow some of the notorious weed... ::smokin Other than that there are numerous reports of mood-altering drugs in the possession of various guests; nothing more than the type of pills available over the counter in various places on Earth, although all, strictly speaking, banned on-board the jumpship.

Jane Bartley is also found to be in possession of a cut diamond the size of a man's fist! Although technically not contraband, the security team that searches her quarters feels it's unusual enough to be worth reporting to the Chief.

One of the cryo-containers that makes up the various equipment that Dr Flesch has in storage (for the 'mission that wasn't to be') turns out to contain a live, white, sabre-tooth tiger in suspended animation! Obviously a legally 'grey' application of genetic engineering, the BEngiBeast appears to have been 'accidentally' missed off the good doctor's manifest... ::lookaround

One of the guests has several less-than-legal pornogrphic holo-programs in his possession.

The Nihonjin group refuse outright to allow the security staff to search their VARG-related equipment, although they don't stand in the way of their quarters being searched.

[phoenix]

"Take your clothes off, c'mon, this won't hurt a bit..."

Sean's attitude is strikingly similar to his usual almost aggressive cheerfulness.

"Won't hurt me, no, why would it?" ::sly ::wink

If he is using Kirlian Eye, he notes that Sean's biochemical aura is strikingly similar to that of people who say, "I feel naked without...", but almost certainly attributes it to the fact that he will in fact be in the buff in a short time.

"Thanks again for the engineers this morning by the way, they're working on the lounge as we speak. We had a great breakfast, good people..."

He shrugs.

"No problem. And hey, if ye promise to be a real slave driver so I kin use 'shrink duty' as a threat instead of a bonus, ye kin have as many engineers as ye want."

It seems to Thomas that he's almost certainly joking.

Later..

Sean lies on his cot, relaxed but somewhat bored. He rubs a slight bulge in his arm, one that would be impossible to notice short of actually being Sean, but still noticable to him.

I didn't do that as well this time.. I might have to do that again. Kinda hurts a bit, but it usually does.

Stupid medics, it's always the same. Do they think I wouldn't notice if something was wrong?

He sighs and sits up.

"Hey Tess. If you see anyone else on the ship as bored as I am, ask 'em if they'd be up for some billiards in the lounge."

A thought strikes him.

"Hey, we have a holodeck, don't we? Do you want to play with me?"

[ProfPotts]

"Hey, we have a holodeck, don't we? Do you want to play with me?"

Tess appears in the corner of the room, dressed in simple jeans & T-shirt (which happens to be green with "Kiss me, I'm Irish" written on it... ::tongue ::wink ). Looking over at the Chief Engineer she shakes her head,

"Sorry, sir, those systems haven't been repaired yet. I presume that you didn't consider them a priority. If you'd like there are numerous games I can play. How's your chess, sir?"

[Umoja]

Exit Lila, enter Simon Mendez (the forgotten Psion in my last post...and maybe Brilyn's character but I still don't know if she's a psion or not as a player)

"Hello Mr. Mendez, thank you for coming."

Same tests, no nurse

"Well, you're physically fitter than fit, which is normal for one of the Norça...but...is anything wrong? You know I'm a trained psychologist? Anything said to me will remain confidential...if you wish you can schedule a meeting in my office. It hasn't been announced yet but I've just finished arranging a ship's councillor's office."

(that's right, I just gave the reporter a scoop! The docs concerns this time are based on your (Umoja) playing of the character. Seems paranoid and perhaps suffering from psychosomatic drug withdrawal...anyhoo..)

Simon shrugs. "I'd find it disturbing if I had mental stability that would be considered normal. Regardless, even if something was wrong, I wouldn't talk to you about it, not because I don't like you, but because I can't trust you. Thank you for the report of my clean bill of health." It's funny to hear Simon have his few lucid moments in 'secret agent man' mode.

OOC- I'm Sorry, what's the Ship Councilors Office?

[phoenix]

"Sorry, sir, those systems haven't been repaired yet. I presume that you didn't consider them a priority. If you'd like there are numerous games I can play. How's your chess, sir?"

Sean grins at the friendly agent.

::wub "Nice shirt. My chess? I've never even learned the game. It's always struck me as kind of.. well, over-thought. I play a mean poker game, though..."

He frowns.

"Why is the holodeck broken?"

OOC- I'm Sorry, what's the Ship Councilors Office?

He means office, not Office. Literally just the doctor himself and a room he and some spare engineers put together.

[ProfPotts]

"Why is the holodeck broken?"

"Because it hasn't been repaired yet." replies Tess with all seriousness. A couple of seconds pass in silence, then she appears to realise that the Chief Engineer wants more information, & adds, "Some of the sub-sytems of the recreational facilities were damaged in the aberrant attack. The damage isn't really extensive, but up till now we haven't had the manpower to spare to have them fixed. If you'd like I could ask Mr Yi to make those systems his priority - his files indicate that he has an expertise with holographic technologies."

[bTW they aren't 'holodecks' at all, but full-body VR suits in small rooms that allow the wearer to enter a fully interactive holographic environment & can be linked into the same simulation as each other if needs be.]

[phoenix]

"Some of the sub-sytems of the recreational facilities were damaged in the aberrant attack. The damage isn't really extensive, but up till now we haven't had the manpower to spare to have them fixed. If you'd like I could ask Mr Yi to make those systems his priority - his files indicate that he has an expertise with holographic technologies."

[i assume, from that, that Yi is an Engineering volunteer, right?]

Sean shrugs.

"Might as well, as soon as the hybrid project is all set, great bloody monkey on our backs that it is."

[bTW they aren't 'holodecks' at all, but full-body VR suits in small rooms that allow the wearer to enter a fully interactive holographic environment & can be linked into the same simulation as each other if needs be.]

[sorry, I didn't mean to be so cliché ::wink .]

[ezekiel]

Lila disrobes with the speed and efficiency of an experience astronaut displaying absolutely zero problem with being naked in front of Thomas right up to the point where he winks and makes the wife crack.

"Actually I think it's only fair if you were naked too, don't you? After all, you wouldn't want your patients to be put off by your percieved unwillingness to go the extra mile now, would you?"

"Besides, I'm sure you could use a bit of an examination yourself..."

Lila raises a half cupped hand so Thomas can see the sparks dancing over her fingertips.

"Don't worry, I'm sure it'll only hurt when you cough," she says - smiling sweetly.

Tom smiles back at Lila

"You know, I used to make that offer to everyone. I found that it actually made most people even more uncomfortable to be inspected by a naked man. If you think you'll be more comfortable, I don't mind at all, just don't tell Dr. Flesch. I think he already disapproves of some of my methods.. ::wink I'll pass on the examination though if you don't mind. Flesch and I checked each other before we began our run of physicals."

The doctor also doesn't seem too keen on being examined by someone emitting sparks from her fingertips... ::tongue If Lila states that she would be more comfortable, the Doctor proceeds with the examination in his birthday suit as promised.

Sean:

He shrugs.

"No problem. And hey, if ye promise to be a real slave driver so I kin use 'shrink duty' as a threat instead of a bonus, ye kin have as many engineers as ye want."

It seems to Thomas that he's almost certainly joking.

"You can lead a donkey with a stick chief...but I think you'll get much better results with a carrot." ::sly

Simon:

Simon shrugs. "I'd find it disturbing if I had mental stability that would be considered normal.

"Well, that's an odd statement to make. Why is it that you'd fear being considered mentally stable of all things? Or being considered normal?"

Regardless, even if something was wrong, I wouldn't talk to you about it, not because I don't like you, but because I can't trust you.

Thomas frowns a bit at the claim that he can't be trusted

"Well, you can ask around about me if you'd like. All I can say is that I'm bound by the hippocratic oath which states that I will respect the secrets that are confided in me, even after the patient has died. If you change your mind just call me and we'll arrange a meeting."

P.S. Ship's councillor means a person who provides council/advice. aka Ship's psychiatrist/psychologist.

The next morning

Tom sits in his office holding a datapad. The "window" reveals the stars outside of the ship as he looks up.

"Tess? I'd like a written report on what happened in the ARES chamber during the aberrant attack. Thanks.."

Tom waits for the report to appear on his datapad...

[knave]

Tom smiles back at Lila

"You know, I used to make that offer to everyone. I found that it actually made most people even more uncomfortable to be inspected by a naked man. If you think you'll be more comfortable, I don't mind at all, just don't tell Dr. Flesch. I think he already disapproves of some of my methods.. ::wink I'll pass on the examination though if you don't mind. Flesch and I checked each other before we began our run of physicals."

Lila lowers her hand - stopping the sparks. "No - seeing you naked won't make me uncomfortable, Doctor. And I wouldn't worry about me talking to that... doctor any time soon."

"Hey, ya wanna see a party trick?"

Electricity arcs between Lika's perky nipples. ::biggrin

[Lila download's Bynon's database while his attention is elsewhere ::devilangel ]

[ezekiel]

Lila lowers her hand - stopping the sparks. "No - seeing you naked won't make me uncomfortable, Doctor. And I wouldn't worry about me talking to that... doctor any time soon."

"Hey, ya wanna see a party trick?"

Electricity arcs between Lika's perky nipples.

The doctor raises an eyebrow and gives Lila a wry smile ::sly

"On a second thought, I don't think you need to be made any more comfortable than you already are...Turn around and say 'Ah'."

[Archer21]

Taking the Captain's silence as a prompt for more information, Chief Simon continues. "I've sent the report containing our findings to you, sir. None of the weapons discovered were lethal, but with all due respect to our passengers, I would very much prefer such items secured in our armory, with instructions given to security personnel to only release them if necessary. The cannabis and other recreational drugs I leave to your decision, though I've made it quite clear to the security team that use of such will not be tolerated."

Simon's voice on his last comment is unforgivingly hard. He double-checks the data streaming into his HUD contacts. "Dr. Flesch has an extraordinary pet, a very large, and thankfully frozen sabre-tooth tiger. I've taken the liberty of restricting his access to the kitty until the issue is resolved by you. Ms. Bartley has in her possession a huge cut diamond; technically not contraband, but it certainly raised my eyebrows. One guest has some...unusual...erotica in his possession. Personally I don't care, but you may wish to see it and judge for yourself."

Flicking his index finger slightly, he cuts off the link from his minicomp. "The Nihonjin have expressly forbidden searching the VARGs. With your permission, sir, I'd like to ask their leader to do the search for me, just to make life easier. Hiromi seems honorable and responsible, I will trust her report."

Suddenly, he sighs. "I'm sorry, sir, there is one more matter that I need to speak to you about. It's a bit private, and somewhat personal. Would you mind terribly if we spoke about it off-duty?"

[Umoja]

Simon:

"Well, that's an odd statement to make. Why is it that you'd fear being considered mentally stable of all things? Or being considered normal?"

Thomas frowns a bit at the claim that he can't be trusted

"Well, you can ask around about me if you'd like. All I can say is that I'm bound by the hippocratic oath which states that I will respect the secrets that are confided in me, even after the patient has died. If you change your mind just call me and we'll arrange a meeting."

P.S. Ship's councillor means a person who provides council/advice. aka Ship's psychiatrist/psychologist.

Simon rolls his tongue across his lips in thought. "Okay, it's like this, I go and get my brain or cellular structure or something reconfigured in a tank. That isn't what makes me think differently though, imagine half the stuff I see or do doc, I'm basically sworn to secrecy about. For all I know your intentions are good, but when it comes down to it, I'm really not cleared to talk about much of anything. I'm sorry for being so vague, but that's the best I can explain I guess." Simon gives a weak shrug.

He makes sure all of his things are on, adjust his shirt collar, and starts to walk out. "Doc, also, thanks again for the best news I could ever desire. The clean bill of health." Weak smile.

[ProfPotts]

Sean:

[i assume, from that, that Yi is an Engineering volunteer, right?]

[Yep - I'm talking about Simon's cameraman, Alexander Yi]

"Might as well, as soon as the hybrid project is all set, great bloody monkey on our backs that it is."

Tess bows,

"Yes Sir. Will there be anything else?"

[sorry, I didn't mean to be so cliché  .]

[Just wanted to make sure we're all on the same proverbial page here ::wink ]

Tom:

"Tess? I'd like a written report on what happened in the ARES chamber during the aberrant attack. Thanks.."

Tess's avatar flickers into life in the corner of the room, dressed in her nurse's uniform,

"Which written report would you like, Doctor? There are several - the security report, the engineering report the..."

Once the Doctor indicates that it's her report her wants to see she bows, & text starts to flow across the screen. After reading for a few moments, Tom realises that the report just seems to be an amalgamation of the written reports submitted by other crew members about the incident, rather than her own, unique, point of view...

[ezekiel]

Simon rolls his tongue across his lips in thought. "Okay, it's like this, I go and get my brain or cellular structure or something reconfigured in a tank. That isn't what makes me think differently though, imagine half the stuff I see or do doc, I'm basically sworn to secrecy about. For all I know your intentions are good, but when it comes down to it, I'm really not cleared to talk about much of anything. I'm sorry for being so vague, but that's the best I can explain I guess." Simon gives a weak shrug.

Tom nods

"I understand your reservations. You do know I'm a xenopsychologist from the Luna Qin embassy, right? Of course you do, you're a reporter after all. If the UN trusts me with regards to the secrets of ambassadors as well as the Qin, I think you can trust me not to divulge your secrets. I'm not a telepath, they probably wouldn't have given me this position if I was. I can't scan your brain nor can I hypnotize you but I can help you with any problems you may have. Assuming you're willing to let me that is...again, if you change your mind. Just schedule a meeting at my office."

Tess's avatar flickers into life in the corner of the room, dressed in her nurse's uniform,

"Which written report would you like, Doctor? There are several - the security report, the engineering report the..."

Once the Doctor indicates that it's her report her wants to see she bows, & text starts to flow across the screen. After reading for a few moments, Tom realises that the report just seems to be an amalgamation of the written reports submitted by other crew members about the incident, rather than her own, unique, point of view...

Tom slowly shakes his head and rubs his forehead as he starts speaking

"Tess, I'm trying not to bother the captain and I'm wondering if you can help me. This seems to be an amalgamation of the written reports from other crew members but none of it contains what I want. The Tesser ceased to respond after the attack so I'm looking for the Tesser's perspective on what happened just before, during and after the attack. There are three people who might have an idea. First there's Navigator Tobias who unfortunately died during the attack, he can't help me anymore. Second there's the Captain who linked with Tobias during the attack and finally there's you Tess. Yesterday I found that Captain Ran was working so hard he was making himself sick. I was hoping not to ask him write another report, especially considering the fact that I need this report urgently. Can you give me your written report on what happened? If you can't remember I guess I'll be forced to go to the captain..."

Thomas lets out sigh, shrugs and slowly gets up from his chair.

[knave]

The doctor raises an eyebrow and gives Lila a wry smile ::sly

"On a second thought, I don't think you need to be made any more comfortable than you already are...Turn around and say 'Ah'."

Lila twirls and looks over her shoulder... "Why doctor, I do believe you're flirting with me! That's so naughty." ::tongue

[ProfPotts]

"... Can you give me your written report on what happened? If you can't remember I guess I'll be forced to go to the captain..."

Tess looks suitably worried by Tom's comment, & quickly replies,

"No! Don't bother the Captain, please. It's... it's just that it's not really a matter of 'remembering' or not, but how to express what I experienced..." she sighs, "... this is all so much easier with Ran..."

Presuming that Tom returns to his chair, she continues,

"You obviously already know the events that occured, Doctor, in a physical sense at least. What you appear to want to know is what happened in a noetic sense. I'm not sure that experience can be written down. It felt... it felt bad." she starts to sound agitated, "How else do you want me to describe it? What would you have me use as a basis for comparison? I didn't like it - okay? It was horrible!" ::angry

By the end the avatar is close to screaming, & appears very upset. With that the hologram blinks out of existance...

Later...

Navigator Foxley calls Chief Randall, Chief Vinge, & Tom to the conference room. Once they arrive she (nervously) stands & speaks,

"I... um... right... That is to say... Well, it's just that Doctors Flesch & Bynon have both reported that the Captain is dangerously overworked. I... I'm the next most senior officer... I guess... but I'm not really too good at... well, at 'being in charge'. Doctor Flesch has suggested that, if Doctor Bynon agrees, the Captain should be temporarily relieved of duty - just until he gets some much needed rest. That would put me in charge so... I've decided to assign you, Chief Randall, as First Officer, & you, Chief Vinge, as Second Officer. Of course, it'll be up to the Captain to keep you on or not once he's better, but for now I'm sure you can both find deputies within your departments to cover your own duties whilst the three of us try to take-on the Captain's job. Those are my orders.... er... that is, if that's okay with you?.." ::lookaround

Allowing a pause for the inevitable comments, Foxley then continues, bringing up a holo-display of the 'target planet' on the conferance table projector,

"Mr Vinge, I understand that you've got a hybrid up & running, & that it has quarters & life-support for a team of eight people? Randall... um... Mr Simon I mean... I'd like you to select a team to travel to the target planet &... well... you know... explore a bit..." the Navigator's nerves don't seem to be getting any better, & her embarrassment at her own efforts to 'take charge' is clear ::blush - she sits down with some relief & waits for others to take over...

Elsewhere...

Lila (back in her quarters) gets a chime on her door. Much to her surprise her visitor turns out to be Doctor Flesch! The good Doctor glances about ::lookaround , then looks Lila up & down (failing to completely hide his obvious distain for her), & says,

"Look, we need to talk. Can I come in - I'd prefer not to be seen here..."

[knave]

Lila (back in her quarters) gets a chime on her door. Much to her surprise her visitor turns out to be Doctor Flesch! The good Doctor glances about ::lookaround , then looks Lila up & down (failing to completely hide his obvious distain for her), & says,

"Look, we need to talk. Can I come in - I'd prefer not to be seen here..."

Lila smiles pleasantly. ::bigsmile "This must be really hurting you doctor. Yes, please, come inside and tell me how I can help."

[phoenix]

"Those are my orders.... er... that is, if that's okay with you?.."

Sean crosses his arms. He does not seem angry, but he certainly doesn't seem impressed - or cooperative. He responds to the Navigator's meek speech by saying simply,

"That's mutiny."

[ezekiel]

Tess looks suitably worried by Tom's comment, & quickly replies,

"No! Don't bother the Captain, please. It's... it's just that it's not really a matter of 'remembering' or not, but how to express what I experienced..." she sighs, "... this is all so much easier with Ran..."

Presuming that Tom returns to his chair, she continues,

"You obviously already know the events that occured, Doctor, in a physical sense at least. What you appear to want to know is what happened in a noetic sense. I'm not sure that experience can be written down. It felt... it felt bad." she starts to sound agitated, "How else do you want me to describe it? What would you have me use as a basis for comparison? I didn't like it - okay? It was horrible!" 

By the end the avatar is close to screaming, & appears very upset. With that the hologram blinks out of existance...

*We're finally getting somewhere..*

Tom smiles soothingly and calmly speaks

"Tess? ...Tess...come back and listen for a while...please. - Tom waits for her to come back - You're right, I know what happened. You're also right in thinking that Ran can understand what happened with much more ease than I can...but that's not what you need. You saw me yesterday in sickbay, I'm here to make sure everyone is ok...including you. The Captain asked me to help you and to do that I need to help you help yourself. Don't get me wrong, I want that report...but there's no wrong way to give it, unless it's other people's reports. I know this is difficult but I want you to tell me what happened as you remember it and to describe how it felt as best you can..."

Tom raises a finger

"However, there are going to be some rules to follow...No more disappearing! You can cry, you can scream and if you can you can throw things (as long as its not at me.. ::wink ) If you feel like you can't take anymore just tell me and we'll take a break...keep in mind that we can't always take a break though. Captain Ran expects us to progress..."

Tom clasps his hands together and waits patiently for her response..

[ezekiel]

Sean crosses his arms. He does not seem angry, but he certainly doesn't seem impressed - or cooperative. He responds to the Navigator's meek speech by saying simply,

"That's mutiny."

Thomas smiles bemusedly and intervenes before Foxley suffers from spontaneous combustion

"Now let's not jump up and down like headless chicken just yet...The Captain is taking two days of rest and will probably assign a first and second officer during that time. The ship's activities don't just stop because the Captain isn't there, Foxley is simply making sure things proceed as planned, as the Captain wants it. He'll be back, we haven't put him in an airlock or anything...As a matter of fact, I ordered him to take some of his time in the sim units, hardly a jail if you ask me."

[phoenix]

"Now let's not jump up and down like headless chicken just yet..."

The totally calm Irishman quickly raises his hands in mock surrender.

"Sorry, didn't mean to make such a spectacle of meself!" ::sly

"The Captain is taking two days of rest and will probably assign a first and second officer during that time. The ship's activities don't just stop because the Captain isn't there, Foxley is simply making sure things proceed as planned, as the Captain wants it. He'll be back, we haven't put him in an airlock or anything...As a matter of fact, I ordered him to take some of his time in the sim units, hardly a jail if you ask me."

Sean leans forward slightly in his seat.

"Well, ye make it seem sae voluntary - oh, the sim units are broken, by the way, it's very annoying - but I'm pretty sure she said 'e should be 'relieved of duty'. Why don't ye just ask him to take a break from his job and name a couple of officers?" ::dontgetit

He shrugs.

"Not that I'm trying to make trouble, y'understand. I'm jes' sayin' that I take orders from the Captain, and the Captain alone." ::confused

He flashes a grin around to relieve the tension.

"That, and I don't trust the rest of Engineering without me keeping an eye on them." ::wink

[ezekiel]

Sean leans forward slightly in his seat.

"Well, ye make it seem sae voluntary - oh, the sim units are broken, by the way, it's very annoying - but I'm pretty sure she said 'e should be 'relieved of duty'. Why don't ye just ask him to take a break from his job and name a couple of officers?" 

"Well, that's because it was as voluntary as could be expected. Captains are notoriously stubborn when it comes to their duties. If you check regulations there's only one man on the ship who can order the captain and that's the ship's doctor, when the Captain's health is at risk. The Captain has been assuming alone the job and responsibility of three men in a most difficult situation, his health has been deteriorating. He won't die of it...but I'd much rather force him to rest now, when it's quiet, than have him collapse or react slowly during an emergency."

That and this is to keep the game moving in Asbjorn's absence, so shaddup already! ::wink ::tongue For all we know he did issue a statement, etc. I'm assuming it didn't come to security having to force him into a straightjacket and that he volunteered...

[Archer21]

"That would put me in charge so... I've decided to assign you, Chief Randall, as First Officer, & you, Chief Vinge, as Second Officer. Of course, it'll be up to the Captain to keep you on or not once he's better, but for now I'm sure you can both find deputies within your departments to cover your own duties whilst the three of us try to take-on the Captain's job. Those are my orders.... er... that is, if that's okay with you?.."

Mentally, Randall sighs, waiting for the inevitable reaction.

"That's mutiny."

Just barely, he manages to suppress the urge to roll his eyes. Listening patiently as Doctor Bynon tries to explain the situation to their Chief Engineer, he waits until the doctor is finished.

First, he looks casually at the engineer. "Mr. Vinge. I understand your concern about Engineering missing you, especially as we have just managed to get the ship back into shape. For what it's worth, I feel similarly about my fledgling security team. I also respect your loyalty to Captain Ran. However, this vessel and all its crew have a chain of command for a reason. Many reasons, actually, but I won't go into that. Bottom line is this: Both the Acting Chief Medical Officer and a qualified doctor have indicated that the Captain needs a break. Their decision affects the chain of command, and at least temporarily, Lieutenant Foxley is acting Captain of this vessel."

He smiles slightly, a fissure on his craggy face. "So, technically, you are taking orders 'from the Captain, and the Captain alone.' "

Then, he addresses Foxley, nodding his head respectfully. "Ma'am. I'll arrange for the exploratory team and trip. How soon would you like us to be on the surface?"

[ProfPotts]

Lila's Quarters:

"This must be really hurting you doctor. Yes, please, come inside and tell me how I can help."

Doctor Flesch hurries inside, then looks around for somewhere to sit, but soon gives up - not wishing to move any of the 'feminine articles' that litter the room. As he turns towards the engineer she notices the muscles clench in his jaw, but he managed to swallow whatever feelings of annoyance he's experiencing, & speaks,

"Look, I know what research you're trying to do - after all, I'm not totally dim, & am at least familiar with computers... Anyway, it's clear that you're not overly concerned with the letter of the law whilst pursuing your aims. I can help with your research - get you the files, materials, & lab' time you need. In return I have a problem of my own that needs sorting out. Security has restricted my access to one of my cargo units. That unit contains something very important to me, & I'd like you to help me get it back."

Tess's Head-shrinking:

"However, there are going to be some rules to follow...No more disappearing! You can cry, you can scream and if you can you can throw things (as long as its not at me..  ) If you feel like you can't take anymore just tell me and we'll take a break...keep in mind that we can't always take a break though. Captain Ran expects us to progress..."

Tess's avatar does reappear, & listens to what the Doc has to say. When he's finished she shakes her head, but now speaks calmly,

"I don't understand, Doctor. I can't 'disappear', or cry, or scream. This image," the avatar gestures towards itself, "isn't really me after all. I'm not sure I can answer your questions either. When humans express their feelings they do so by relating them to other things, correct? That's not something I can do. Like I said, what basis for comparison would you like me to use? My experince during the attack wasn't like anything else I've ever felt." ::confused

Conferance Room:

"That's mutiny."

::blink Foxley looks shocked, & about ready to burst into tears at Sean's comment ::nervous ... But Tom & Randall's quick responses save the day.

"Ma'am. I'll arrange for the exploratory team and trip. How soon would you like us to be on the surface?"

Foxley again blushes as attention is centred on her ::blush ,

"Ah... well, the sooner the better I'd think... um... if that's alright with you, Mr Vinge?.."

The Navigator looks as if she fears Sean will bite her head off just for talking to him... ::nervous

[knave]

Lila's Quarters:

Doctor Flesch hurries inside, then looks around for somewhere to sit, but soon gives up - not wishing to move any of the 'feminine articles' that litter the room. As he turns towards the engineer she notices the muscles clench in his jaw, but he managed to swallow whatever feelings of annoyance he's experiencing, & speaks,

"Look, I know what research you're trying to do - after all, I'm not totally dim, & am at least familiar with computers... Anyway, it's clear that you're not overly concerned with the letter of the law whilst pursuing your aims. I can help with your research - get you the files, materials, & lab' time you need. In return I have a problem of my own that needs sorting out. Security has restricted my access to one of my cargo units. That unit contains something very important to me, & I'd like you to help me get it back."

"Course I'll help you doctor. But first you'll have to sleep with me... " ::blush

"Just kidding. ::devilangel What is it and where would you like it to end up?"

[phoenix]

That and this is to keep the game moving in Asbjorn's absence, so shaddup already!

[D'oh! Mea culpa!]

"Well, that's because it was as voluntary as could be expected. Captains are notoriously stubborn when it comes to their duties. If you check regulations there's only one man on the ship who can order the captain and that's the ship's doctor, when the Captain's health is at risk. The Captain has been assuming alone the job and responsibility of three men in a most difficult situation, his health has been deteriorating. He won't die of it...but I'd much rather force him to rest now, when it's quiet, than have him collapse or react slowly during an emergency."

Sean looks somewhat skeptical, but mollified, leaning back into his seat.

"Ma'am. I'll arrange for the exploratory team and trip. How soon would you like us to be on the surface?"

"Ah... well, the sooner the better I'd think... um... if that's alright with you, Mr Vinge?.."

Sean quickly realizes that, regardless of his feelings on the matter, he's not going to change anything, it's not really that big a deal, and the face he puts forward now will affect Foxley's confidence. All trace of resentment vanishes, and he turns toward Foxley a friendly, apologetic smile in tandem with Simon's respectful nod.

"Of course, Ma'am. I'm sorry about the misunderstanding."

He turns to Simon.

"I assume you'll want an engineer or two on the expedition. Uh, how many do you want me to assign? Any specific requests?"

[Archer21]

"I assume you'll want an engineer or two on the expedition. Uh, how many do you want me to assign? Any specific requests?"

The security chief thinks for a moment. "2 engineers, if you can spare them. One that specializes in communications, the other I'd prefer to be Lila Crenshaw or yourself. According to the files, both of you are pretty hot with a wrench, and I want to make sure that hybrid gets us there and back in one piece."

[ezekiel]

Tess's avatar does reappear, & listens to what the Doc has to say. When he's finished she shakes her head, but now speaks calmly,

"I don't understand, Doctor. I can't 'disappear', or cry, or scream. This image," the avatar gestures towards itself, "isn't really me after all. I'm not sure I can answer your questions either. When humans express their feelings they do so by relating them to other things, correct? That's not something I can do. Like I said, what basis for comparison would you like me to use? My experience during the attack wasn't like anything else I've ever felt." 

Tom gives the avatar his well honed 'Please, you're not the first to try this schtick on me, try again' look...(could you believe that I can't find an emoticon for this one?! ::wink )

"Perhaps you'd like to explain to me what just happened then? You may as well tell me why you couldn't name Navigator Tobias when I enquired about him with the Captain? Tess, this avatar isn't really you in the strictest of senses but it's the medium of communication between you and I. Its as much a part of you as is the Qin's biosuit, a No-Touch's avatar or even the virtual me in a simsuit simulated world. I could even argue that my body is simply a tool and not really "me". Captain Ran is one of the few who can communicate with the real "me" without having to deal with the limitations imposed by my physical limits. Even so, I do try to communicate with people, knowing they might not fully understand..that's life. Simply trying to tell someone about a problem I'm experiencing can help me understand it. It can make my job a bit harder, but you can't completely dissociate yourself from the avatar...it is you..."

Tom pauses for a couple of seconds before continuing..

"Tess, first I'd like you to relate the facts about what happened, in your own words. We can discuss what it felt like later...you don't need any special frame of reference to describe what happened."

[phoenix]

The security chief thinks for a moment. "2 engineers, if you can spare them. One that specializes in communications, the other I'd prefer to be Lila Crenshaw or yourself. According to the files, both of you are pretty hot with a wrench, and I want to make sure that hybrid gets us there and back in one piece."

Sean nods, and thinks about it.

"Much as I'd like to go myself, it sounds like Lila's the dame for the job. She's hot with a wrench, like you said, and she can probably cover the communications too.

"For the second man, I'll send Ezenachu [Popo]. Good man, and he seems to get on well with Lila." ::thumbsup ::devil

[ProfPotts]

Lila's Quarters:

"Course I'll help you doctor. But first you'll have to sleep with me... "

Flesch doesn't appear to appreciate Lila's humour, but grits his teeth, bites his tongue, & soldiers on in the face of dire threat... ::nervous

"Just kidding.  What is it and where would you like it to end up?"

The doctor seems somewhat reluctant to reveal the facts to Lila, but also appears to realise that he has little other choice,

"It's... my cat. She's in cryostatis at the moment, but security won't let me near her - a... 'mix up'... over the forms, you understand. I need to get past security, decrypt the locking codes they've put in place on her transport container, & revive her. I'm sure that once she's awake the Captain will be reluctant to take any action against her - he doesn't seem the type."

Tom's Office:

"... It can make my job a bit harder, but you can't completely dissociate yourself from the avatar...it is you..."

Tess listens, but doesn't look convinced,

"This avatar is programed to respond in certain, human, ways to certain stimuli. The experience you refer to was beyond the scope of that programming."

"Tess, first I'd like you to relate the facts about what happened, in your own words. We can discuss what it felt like later...you don't need any special frame of reference to describe what happened."

"The words I'd use to describe the jump process would be based on this image's programmed reportoire. I could vary them just to please you, Doctor, but there wouldn't be any more information than you'd find in the standard texts on the subject. I fail to see what you hope to gain from all this. The Captain is far better suited to the task of 'counciling' me." ::halo

The Meeting:

After listening to the discussion on engineers, Foxley adds,

"Oh, Mr Mendez requested a place on the mission. I'll leave it up to you, Chief Simon, whether to grant that request or not."

[ezekiel]

Tess listens, but doesn't look convinced,

"This avatar is programed to respond in certain, human, ways to certain stimuli. The experience you refer to was beyond the scope of that programming."

"Mr. Vinge didn't find anything wrong with the programming yet you ceased to function for more than a week...why? As far as we know, you chose not to respond to any inquiries during this period...why? A simple avatar would've simply stated that it didn't understand what had happened. No one programmed your reactions so why did they occur?"

Tom raises his hand indicating no answer is necessary and continues

"The words I'd use to describe the jump process would be based on this image's programmed reportoire. I could vary them just to please you, Doctor, but there wouldn't be any more information than you'd find in the standard texts on the subject. I fail to see what you hope to gain from all this. The Captain is far better suited to the task of 'counciling' me."

"The Captain may be better suited in comforting you but unfortunately that's not what I'm here to do. Don't you find it interesting that so far I've asked you three times what happened and you've always avoided answering? "The experience" I refer to, texts on "the subject"...Tess I want you to tell me what lead to Navigator Tobias's death. Why did the ARES failsafes fail to function? Why did we jump here? Why did you cease functioning after the jump? Tell me in your words, however you define 'your words'...Humor me."

[ProfPotts]

Tess listens to Tom's words, appearing saddened & upset, but replies,

"I'll... I'll try Doctor. I..."

Suddenly her words are cut off as the lights in the office shut off & Tess's avatar vanishes! There's a distinctive hiss as the door to the room seals, & the temperature drops several degrees (& seems like it's going to continue dropping). A whine from the air ducts indicates that the flow direction has been reversed & the air is being removed from the room. At that moment there's a blood-chilling demonic roar, as a monstrous creature - a hideous mound of flesh, teeth, & tentacles - lunges out of the shadows towards Dr Bynon! ::blink ::nervous ::squid