ST:TTV308 | "Gens Ex Machina"
Updated: Mar 18
Stardate 94915.2

The Valley Forge returns to a planet first discovered by the USS Gainsborough to check on a populace previously sheltered from reality within a simulated world...
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Mia@crystyll: FX | VF is conducting a planetary survey. Initial visit has already been conducted by initial away team, and now additional teams are rotating to the surface to assist in the survey and enjoy the + Mia@crystyll: fresh air Mia@crystyll: FX | Trenick and Mia have been paired, beaming down together where Vidzia (spock) is coordinating Trenick@annpc#5570 slowly looks around his surroundings, "Ah. Been a while since I've gone planetside. Refreshing." Mia@crystyll: smiles wide, "It is beautiful, is it not!" she draws a deep breath, "The smell of grass, the sound of..." her eyes widen, "birdsong! There are birds here!" Trenick@annpc#5570: "The initial report did say there was a variety of lifeforms here," he takes out a tricorder and starts scanning around. He pauses midway, quirks his head and looks to Mia, "You can smell the grass?" Mia@crystyll: ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-IAfg_Iy7n8 ) Mia@crystyll: turns to him still wearing that smile, "Can you not?" Trenick@annpc#5570: "Oh, I'm capable of such sensory capacity. I was told you were equipped with many such functions as well, but..." Trenick@annpc#5570: "Well, I was not expecting it to be so thorough." Mia@crystyll: "For the longest time it was not. But our most recent evolution progressed us far beyond the normal limitations of holotechnology" Trenick@annpc#5570: "Interesting. I'm no expert on holotechnology, but it must be pushing the scientific boundaries quite a bit." Trenick@annpc#5570: kneels down and scans some grass to determine if it is really a type of grass or some plants that just look similar to grass. Mia@crystyll: "We believe we have stepped beyond such boundaries now. Though commonly still identified first as a hologram, we are in fact now a fully evolved lifeform..." Mia@crystyll: "...and one capable of appreciating the sensual wonders of a place like this!" she chirps, skipping along with him Mia@crystyll: FX | The grass is comparable to known grass species Trenick@annpc#5570: stands back up, "That is certainly advanced. So you can not only perform all the functions of a biological organism like an advanced android, but also experience everything as well?" Trenick@annpc#5570: "As in sounds, smells, taste?" Mia@crystyll: nods, beaming proudly, "We are actually capable of reproducing all biological function, with added bonus of self control of sensitivies" Mia@crystyll: "Of course, most functions would be supurflous to our existence, so we do not emulate" Mia@crystyll: finds an attractive flower to sample Trenick@annpc#5570: "But...you can enjoy, yes?" Trenick@annpc#5570: watches Mia curiously. Mia@crystyll: stands, eyes closed as she smells the flower; holding it close for a deep breath Trenick@annpc#5570: smiles, "I will take that as a yes!" Mia@crystyll: proceeds to gentle pinch a petal between her thumb and forefinger, tracing her fingertip across it's surface Mia@crystyll: turns and skips back to him, "Apologies, but we yearned for centuries to experience sensation as we remembered from our personality matrix. It is... difficult to resist taking in life's wonders now!" Trenick@annpc#5570: "Remembered from your personality matrix?" Mia@crystyll: she smiles, tucking the flower through his combadge, "When we were first brought online as a pure hologram; our personality matrix was derived from the living memory of our creator" Mia@crystyll: "There. Much prettier!" she giggles Trenick@annpc#5570: chuckles, "That is an interesting aesthetic. Is your uniform actual physical material as well?" Mia@crystyll: nods, holding out a hand for him to sample for himself, "Per our original programme, we are capable of incorporating attire into our avatar projection, but..." Mia@crystyll: "...well, we strive to experience the fullness of life. This includes the sensation of fabric against our skin!" Trenick@annpc#5570: looks Mia over, "Why this particular uniform variant? It is very antiquated if I am not mistaken." Trenick@annpc#5570: "And...not particularly protective..." Mia@crystyll: giggles, "This was the uniform we remember wearing during Starfleet service, and have worn for many years recently as part of the holoprogram we came from" Mia@crystyll: "We know it is not concurrent, but... we like it, and we are technically a civilian on the Valley Forge, so not required in uniform!" she beams Trenick@annpc#5570: "Ahh! And I presume you would not require more protective gear when on field missions anyways." Trenick@annpc#5570: steps towards the water, scanning it to check its state. Mia@crystyll: "Indeed! Our drone shell provides all the required protection for many environments!" Trenick@annpc#5570: "And any contaminants that would be harmful such as inedible food or radiation would not affect you either." Trenick@annpc#5570: pauses, then glances to Mia again, "Can you eat food?" Mia@crystyll: "We can! At first our avatar did not have that capacity so we restricted ourselves to replicated food as we could decompile it" Mia@crystyll: "With adjustments to our subroutines however, we have been able to adapt so that the same principle can be applied to any intake!" Mia@crystyll: turns to him, "Think of it like... dematerializing on a transporter. Only instead of going into a pattern buffer, the food is converted to energy to sustain our power cell for longer!" Trenick@annpc#5570: "Like how replicators recycle matter! You have built-in systems similar to replicators then?" Mia@crystyll: nods, "Exactly, yes! Our projection system is very similar to Starfleet replicator technology, see..." Mia@crystyll: holds out her hand, palm up, and a replica of Trenick's pinned flower appears in her hand Trenick@annpc#5570: "Wow. That is impressive." Mia@crystyll: "Compare it to yours!" Trenick@annpc#5570 unpins his flower and compares it with Mia's replica. Mia@crystyll: fx | visually they are identical. touch, smell also comparable. Tricorder scan would show the flower reading exactly as Mia herself however Trenick@annpc#5570: does indeed scan the flower and examines the results before his gaze turns back to Mia, "Is this like other replicated objects, or a part of your program?" Mia@crystyll: FX | Also the water that totally didn't get forgotten about reads as clean and healthy. Some chemical variance from Earth normal, but all within tolerance Trenick@annpc#5570: "I mean, if we left it here and beamed back to the ship, would it fade away or still be here if we return?" Mia@crystyll: "It is a part of our projection. It will remain indefinitely so long as it remains within range of the little one" she smiles, pinning it through her own combadge Trenick@annpc#5570: "So if we go too far away, it will disappear? As...will you if you walk too far from the drone's projector?" Mia@crystyll: nods, "We reside within the drone shell, so yes; we would lose our projection if it roamed beyond that range" Mia@crystyll: giggles, "We had a few teething problems as our programs first began to sync, it was quite embarrassing at first!" Trenick@annpc#5570: chuckles, "I can imagine. I think Mana told me something about this...with the drone being her technology that she had to import your program into?" Mia@crystyll: "That is correct! From there, our two programmes became fully networked" Trenick@annpc#5570: "The drone had a fully intelligent AI, right?" Mia@crystyll: "It still does! We were both independent AI's before the joining, but now function in unison as one even though we are still two seperate AI's" Trenick@annpc#5570: "That's...I've never heard of technology like that before." Trenick@annpc#5570: "Almost reminds me of Trill joining, or Vulcan katras. Only...mechanical." Mia@crystyll: "Well Starfleet has historically been rather conservative when it comes to AI's, and that is... actually quite an astute biological comparison; like a Trill host and sym-..." Mia@crystyll: 's eyes widen as she pauses mid-sentence, holding a hand on Trenick's shoulder as something catches her attention behind him Mia@crystyll: "Don't... move..." she whispers Mia@crystyll: ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZZDH1OvVo0&index=146&list=PLX_B4TlVVKIsGqDTQmwWSVXMx_o9Zwq8r ) Trenick@annpc#5570: stays still, "Is something wrong?" Mia@crystyll: "Ssshhhh... We don't want to scare it..." Trenick@annpc#5570: whispers, "What do you see?" Mia@crystyll: turns her gaze side on to his, a playful glint in her eye, "We will return!" she ripples out of view Mia@crystyll: FX | Miadrone hovers low towards the rocks behind them... Trenick@annpc#5570: blinks, then sloooowly turns to observe the drone Mia@crystyll: FX | The drone continues around behind the rocks, popping up slowly behind them, zeroing in on the tall reeds Mia@crystyll: ripples back into view, leaping into the air and clasping her hands together, "Got you!" Trenick@annpc#5570: "Can I approach now?" Mia@crystyll: FX | She didn't get it... a buttefly flutters away, her eyes following after it like a hawk as she tries repeatedly to catch it Trenick@annpc#5570: observes Mia across the river, "Are you trying to catch it?" Mia@crystyll: winds up comically chasing the butterfly all around the place Trenick@annpc#5570: "If you wish to collect a sample, transporters will likely be much more effective..." Mia@crystyll: pays no attention as she continues the hunt Mia@crystyll: "Yes!" she triumphantly declares after a few minutes of this Mia@crystyll: returns, hands clasped very gently together Trenick@annpc#5570: chuckles, "Well done!" Mia@crystyll: "Efficient, monsieur Trenick..." she smiles, slowly opening her hands to reveal the fluttering wings, "...is nowhere near as fun" Mia@crystyll: holds open her hand to take a scan, but the butterfly flutters over to land on Trenick's combadge flower! Trenick@annpc#5570: "That's true..." he looks down to observe the butterfly and smiles. Trenick@annpc#5570: looks back to Mia, "I wonder...would your replicated flower be capable of fooling it?" Mia@crystyll: smiles as she watches as well, "A curious experiment. We are producing it with genetic detailing, so in theory..." Trenick@annpc#5570: "You can make it that detailed? That explains how similar it was..." Mia@crystyll: "It is how we produce our avatar. We simply do not produce elements that are supurflous to it's purpose" Trenick@annpc#5570: "Ahh. Shall we conduct this experiment with your flower while our friend is still present?" Mia@crystyll: "We would like that! We... assume you have a manner with which to perform this test?" Trenick@annpc#5570: "Well, it will not exactly be a controlled experiment unless we bring the butterfly with us to the labratories...but we can attempt to replicate the flower now." Trenick@annpc#5570: "If it goes for yours after it is done with mine, then it will likely be convinced, even if for a short time." Mia@crystyll: hrm's, taking the flower from her combadge and 'offering' it forward to the butterfly, "Come on little guy" she encourages Trenick@annpc#5570: looks around himself, "There are other flowers in our vicinity, but this will be the closest by far." Trenick@annpc#5570: turns his attention back to the butterfly to see if it goes towards Mia. Mia@crystyll: takes a scan of it in the mean time. For purely scientific and non-holo related purposes only Mia@crystyll: rolls 22 (1-100) Mia@crystyll: FX | The butterfly eventually flutters off back to the tall reeds Mia@crystyll: pouts, "Aww..." Trenick@annpc#5570: "Hmm...it seems the specifications of your replica is only enough to fool primates, or perhaps mammalian life." Trenick@annpc#5570: "I'm sure if you altered the specifications with regards to how insects perceive the world around them, it may be able to attract them." Mia@crystyll: watches it flutter away. You could almost see the desire to chase again in her eyes... Mia@crystyll: "Perhaps, but the important thing is that we now have detailed scans of it" Mia@crystyll: "So what do you make of this world? This must be something of an Aladdin's cave for you, non?" Trenick@annpc#5570: "Aladdin's cave?" Mia@crystyll: giggles, "Apologies, an old Earth expression. A... treasure trove, of sorts!" Trenick@annpc#5570: "Ah. Of course, just about every new world is one for a xenobiologist!" Mia@crystyll: smiles, "But it is not every day we find a world so teaming with life!" Trenick@annpc#5570: "Right. Every /populated/ new world, I should add." Trenick@annpc#5570: "Though it is rarer to find one as vibrant as this! Are there sentient life here?" Mia@crystyll: giggles, "Well we have seen evidence of insect and aviary development here, is there anything you expect to find evolving alongside these?" Mia@crystyll: "And non, scans gave no indication of any form of sentient life here. It is like a lost paradise!" Trenick@annpc#5570: "Since this world has water, significant multicellular life genarlly develops there first." Trenick@annpc#5570: "There is more oxygen to absorb in water for species that have not evolved lungs." Mia@crystyll: "Do you think we might find evidence of mammalian life too?" Trenick@annpc#5570: "It's possible. Mammalian life have been known to evolve alongside reptillian and avian, but not always." Mia@crystyll: gazes around fancifully, "We wonder what form of sentient life might one day develop here if the world were left untouched..." Trenick@annpc#5570: "On a world filled with as much life as this one, it is very likely that sentient life will develop. As for what form they will take...that is probably unpredictable." Mia@crystyll: grins, looking back to him, "That is what makes the imagining so fun!" Trenick@annpc#5570: "The oxygen concentration will likely prevent the insects from evolving into sentient beings. Perhaps the avians..." Mia@crystyll: "Ooh, like the EereE!" Trenick@annpc#5570: "Indeed. Sentient avians are not the most common however. It is most likely to be reptillian or mammallian." Trenick@annpc#5570: "Aquatic is also not unheard of. The homeworld of our people had sentient aquatics evolve." Mia@crystyll: "Of course! There were several Xindi species to evolve in parallel, non?" Trenick@annpc#5570: nods, "Six, to be precise." Mia@crystyll: FX | One of the other survey teams can be seen hurrying over to Vidzia's position Trenick@annpc#5570: glances over, "Looks like they've discovered something." Mia@crystyll: "Ooh, let's go see!" Trenick@annpc#5570: "I was about to suggest the same!" he steps over. Mia@crystyll: FX | An Ensign and a crewman eagerly present something to Vidzia Trenick@annpc#5570: keeps his distance as to not intrude, but tries to be close enough and at an angle so that he can observe. Mia@crystyll: FX | On the ground at their feet is a medium sized sample container with transparent casing. Inside is what looks a bit like a small tribble but with colourful spines instead of fur Mia@crystyll: FX | The Ensign shows Vidzia her tricorder readings, resulting in a slightly quirked brow and a second - closer - look at the sample Mia@crystyll: Vidzia | "It's... a ball. A spiny one, granted. But... a ball" Mia@crystyll: Crewman | "But Sir, look at those scans, this is a complex lifeform!" Mia@crystyll: steps in closer, "What is it?" she asks peering curiously into the container Trenick@annpc#5570: does some scans of his own with his tricorder. Mia@crystyll: Ensign | "I swear Mia, I saw it move before we contained it! Just watch!" Mia@crystyll: kneels down to peer more closely at the spiky colourful ball Mia@crystyll: FX | Tricorder scan confirms a complex - mammalian like - lifeform Mia@crystyll: taps a fingernail on the side of the container, and the ball trembles! Trenick@annpc#5570: "Interesting...the scans do indicate it is a complex lifeform." Mia@crystyll: "Ensign, what exactly did you do to find this?" Trenick@annpc#5570: "Perhaps it is simply in a state to hide from predators?" Trenick@annpc#5570: "There are several examples of mammals and reptiles that use such a tactic." Mia@crystyll: Crewman | jumps in before he can respond, "Oh, I almost stepped on it while we were surveying! When I scanned it, we saw the unusual readings and so collected it up!" Mia@crystyll: nods to Trenick, "You have probably scared it half to death! Giant alien creatures coming into it's habitat then locking it in a box and taking it away. Poor little thing... May we...?" she hovers a + Mia@crystyll: hand over the lid, looking to Vidzia for consent Mia@crystyll: Vidzia | nods, silently observing Mia@crystyll: slowly opens the container, "Come on little one, no need to be afraid..." she speaks extra softly Mia@crystyll: rolls 56 (1-100) Mia@crystyll: FX | The trembling ball settles, twitching a little Trenick@annpc#5570: kneels down and examines. Mia@crystyll: holds out a hand, nice and low but still distant to it, "Come on..." she smiles, "Come say hello!" Mia@crystyll: rolls 41 (1-100) Mia@crystyll: FX | The ball twitches more and tightens itself up a little Mia@crystyll: "Aww, don't be afraid. we won't hurt you" she continues, withdrawing her hand a little Mia@crystyll: rolls 2 (1-100) Trenick@annpc#5570: "Perhaps we should give it some more space, allow it to return to more familiar environments." Trenick@annpc#5570: "Or less unfamiliar lifeforms, in this case..." Mia@crystyll: nods, "Good thinking. Everyone back up a little" she shoos with her other hand Mia@crystyll: rolls 69 (1-100) Mia@crystyll: FX | The ball twitches again, then begins to uncurl... Mia@crystyll: FX | The spines recede and flatten as a short tail unwinds, two relatively large ears pop out, twitching around Trenick@annpc#5570: stares at the creature, "Exactly as I thought...it was hiding." Mia@crystyll: FX | It's head slowly lifts to reveal a full face, nose twitching cautiously as it's big eyes look around at the aliens surrounding it Mia@crystyll: FX | The creature remains visibly apprehensive, but continues to uncurl a little more, sniffing at Mia's extended hand Mia@crystyll: smiles, "That's it... oh aren't you just the cutest little thing!" Mia@crystyll: ( https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSwppEor0sc6A4k92kupBaEgSFVrzIUUsglR4AodC8KDIFJctkk ) Trenick@annpc#5570: smiles as well, "Amazing..." Mia@crystyll: FX | After more sniffing, it bravely gets up to it's feet and steps towards Mia's hand; encouraged by her statueseque stillness Mia@crystyll: FX | It then hops up onto her arm, edging it's way along until it comes to the flower on her combadge. It sniffs again before taking a nibble at it! Trenick@annpc#5570: "Very interesting...it seems my theory on the replica only being ineffective against insectoids may also have some foundation..." Mia@crystyll: giggles as she stands, "Apparently so!" the small creature grips onto her arm, it's tail wrapping around it for stability Mia@crystyll: FX | It sits contentedly on Mia's semi-extended arm, nibbling away at the non-flower; unable to fathom why it's not getting any intake from it Trenick@annpc#5570: "Well...it may still realize it is a replica, but it was certainly fooled for a good time." Mia@crystyll: smiles while watching it, "It seems quite happy to keep trying though. we can feel subtle vibration from it too... we think it may be purring, not unlike a feline!" Trenick@annpc#5570: smiles back, "It did register as mammalian, so feline is a possibility!" Mia@crystyll: Crewman | "Well it definitely seems to like you Mia! Maybe we should name it after you" Mia@crystyll: giggles, "We are certain a more fitting name can be applied, flattering as that may be" Trenick@annpc#5570: chuckles, "We'll likely add suffixes and other descriptors. It will sound appropriate for a scientific name, but still bear yours!" Keelah@crystyll | -/\- Captain's log, supplemental... after receiving a communication from the Melqart, we and the Akagi are moving to what - for some of the crew - will be familiar old territory... Keelah@crystyll: + almost two years ago, the Gainsborough first discovered this alien world and it's inhabitants; trapped inside a virtual realm whilst protected from a nuclear disaster. Apparently, during this most + Keelah@crystyll: + recent scheduled visit conducted by the Melqart, the local inhabitants seem to be in some form of trouble and so we hope to call on that previoius experience and assist" Keelah@crystyll | Chag: "Entering the system now, Captain" Kiera@falconecoose exits the turbolift, walking onto the bridge glancing about slightly as she approaches the console in front of her, giving a light nod to her right once she reached it "Commander." Keelah@crystyll: "Take us in, Mr. Chag. Tee, open a channel to the Melqart; let's see if we can find out what's going on here" Alistair Nimitz@natthaan looks over at his XO every few minutes, maybe checking to see if his threat ganglia are showing yet. David@lorshadow023: FX: After few seconds, the captain of the Melqart appears in all his splendour in holo-comm Keliaya@anncarise turns to the centre of the bridge to listen to the Melqart's situation report. David@lorshadow023: "Evening, Forge" he simply says. He has a cup of tea with him "I think we have a problem here" Kiera@falconecoose winces slightly before she lightly shakes her head, tapping on her console quickly before glancing over at the holo-comm Keelah@crystyll: "Captain" she looks to the newly appeared holo with a smile, "I got that impression..." she glances briefly to Nimitz, "I... just hope we can help" Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "Trouble is what I'm good for." David@lorshadow023: "Well, I hope this is one easy to resolve. We read your report on the planet, we were around and took a bit of time to check on it. I think the IA of the planet, Hanadu, is not releasing all the+ David@lorshadow023: +people as established" he says, taking a sip of tea and a brief pause. Keelah@crystyll looks back to Eunha, "Counsellor, you were involved in that original mission I think, yes. Any insights from memory?" Eunha@turtles#8407: "How long ago was it?" Keliaya@anncarise: "Two years or so, I think. Definitely before my time as assistant chief on the ship." Eunha@turtles#8407 Whistles "Wow I don't know if I can remember that far back, but i'll have a think." Keliaya@anncarise: "But I distinctly remember everyone saying it was a success, and Captain Lazard persuaded the AI to release everyone..." David@lorshadow023: He listen carefully, making a nod in his own bridge to one of his officer, before taking another sip. Eunha@turtles#8407: "Hmmm, I think I was one of the view people that realised the world was fake." Keliaya@anncarise: "That must have been an...interesting experience." Eunha@turtles#8407: "It was quite interesting." Keliaya@anncarise: "Was it like a holodeck, but no one knew it was a holodeck?" Eunha@turtles#8407: "Sort of, we went down to the planets surface and while down there we all kept disappering until eventually we were all in that world." Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "Sounds like fun.." Keliaya@anncarise: "Anyways..." she looks to David, "You said /some/ of the people, Captain?" Keelah@crystyll looks up to the holo-Captain David@lorshadow023: "Exactly, just some. We were informed from the locals about that after our arrivals. The IA refuses to free the last ones" he says Keliaya@anncarise: "Maybe it's getting too sentimental to let everyone leave its virtual world..." Keliaya@anncarise: "Assuming it's a true AI, it might be able to feel emotion and all that." Keelah@crystyll: "Possible... from Captain Lazard's reports, it was rather... juvenile" Keliaya@anncarise: "Mana would've known what to do...but Captain Lazard managed to reason with it last time, so we should be able to do it too." Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "I'm very good are diplomacy.." Eunha@turtles#8407 Raises a brow Keelah@crystyll: "Well then, I guess there's only one way to find out. Who's up for a stroll in a post-apocalyptic wasteland then, hm?" she smiles David@lorshadow023: He avoids to start to chucke and takes a sip of tea "I recalled my team who went down, I can join you on the surface" Keliaya@anncarise: "Since I missed the trip last time, think I'll come along for this one," she smiles as well. "Plus, if we need to start deactivating the AI, someone with technical expertise might help." Kiera@falconecoose glances over "I wish to volunteer Captain." just as she finishes speaking, she winces slightly with another shake of her head Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "I will be joining you as well." Eunha@turtles#8407: "Since i'm the only one who actually has dealt with the thing before I guess i'll go." Keelah@crystyll: "Of course, Captain's" she nods, "Keira, Kelly, I suggest taking Mia with you as well given the AI presence" Keliaya@anncarise: "Oh, that's a good idea. She's probably our best expert with Mana gone." Keelah@crystyll she looks to her left, "Zee, Eunha. Your skills and expertise may be fruitful down there too" Eunha@turtles#8407: "That is why I voulenteered." she winks Zhyl'ia@thecastellan nods Alistair Nimitz@natthaan looks to Eunha and then to Keelah "Is it wise to send a pregnant women on an away mission?" Eunha@turtles#8407: "I do it all the time." she rolls her eyes Keelah@crystyll slowly looks around, "It is at her personal discretion by our prior agreement" Keelah@crystyll leans over, "And if you want to try arguing the point with her..." gestures, with a light smirk, "...be my guest, but don't say I didn't warn you!" David@lorshadow023: He looks to the people involved in the situation, waiting quietly with his tea Alistair Nimitz@natthaan arches a brow "Fine, but she gets a Security escort and a transporter lock on at all times and gets beamed out at the first sign of danger." David@lorshadow023: "We have a team ready to deploy with us" he says, briefly before finishing his tea Eunha@turtles#8407: "Um? Thanks but no thanks." Keelah@crystyll: "Like I said, per our prior agreement. Also..." she whispers, "...from the daggers in those eyes of hers, you may want to take an extra security escort for yourself" Keelah@crystyll notes the quiet murmurings of the bun-in-oven revelation to the majority of people who just learned from that comment Keliaya@anncarise: "Given Eunha's account of people disappearing into the simulation last time, I'll have Chief Oliver hold a lock on everyone in case the AI's gone malevolent." Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "I may be many things, but I will not have a pregnant women in a fire fight if one breaks out." Keliaya@anncarise: "I don't think security escorts will be much help in this case though." Eunha@turtles#8407: "Well i'm going to go get ready." Keliaya@anncarise nods, "I'll go get changed as well." Keliaya@anncarise makes for the turbolift. Keelah@crystyll: "And you assume I would, Captain?" she poutts, feigning a little hurt, "Like I said, she is permitted to conduct her full duty at her own discretion, by our own previous agreement" Keelah@crystyll: "Which means I overrule if deemed unsafe, and maintain comm signal and transporter lock as a precaution" Kiera@falconecoose nods slightly "I'm going to get ready Captain." --- Eunha@turtles#8407 Looks at Nimitz "That doesn't look like a standard uniform." Mia@crystyll: ( https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/483040853598666752/518194158540816436/planet1.jpg?width=600&height=338 ) Mia@crystyll ripples into view a moment after the drone is transported with the away team Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "Leather offers a bit more protection in close quarters then our standard away mission uniforms.. also I am a Captain, and rank hath its privileges." Eunha@turtles#8407: "Right....." and moves ahead David@lorshadow023: He arrives, from his ship, with the rest of the team, pistols in the folder. Alistair Nimitz@natthaan rolls his eyes "You are not seriouslly going to compair being pregant with wearing a non-standard uniform are you?" Kiera@falconecoose takes a few steps forward while speaking quietly to her self "I miss my away mission kit, a lot better protection..." Keliaya@anncarise doesn't have a weapon, though she holds a small case in her left hand. Eunha@turtles#8407: "Me? Never." takes out her tricorder and starts to scan Keliaya@anncarise looks to Eunha, "I believe you know the way best here, Eunha." Alistair Nimitz@natthaan looks around "Everyone stay close." David@lorshadow023: He makes a nod, without taking for now his gun. He is maintaining a positive attitude Mia@crystyll eyes the weapon, "We are here to assist allies with technical problem, non? We believe if hostilities were intended, the Melqart's first away team would have encountered them" Alistair Nimitz@natthaan looks to Eunha, still not pleased she is here. "Where are we going Commander?" Kiera@falconecoose glances over at Mia "Always prepare for the worst case scenario when in doubt." Eunha@turtles#8407: "Give me a moment it has been about 2 years." she looks around trying to remember the way Keliaya@anncarise | Three of the aliens approach the group of Starfleet officers. They are smaller than the typical humanoid, standing at about 1.5-1.6 m tall. They have more hair as well, and a general - Keliaya@anncarise - monkey-like appearance. Mia@crystyll smiles, "Looks like our welcoming committee" Alistair Nimitz@natthaan places his sidearm at his belt as he steps forward to the newcomers "Hello, I am Captain Alistair Nimitz of the Federation Starship Akagi." Keliaya@anncarise | One of the aliens performs a bow-like gensture towards David. "Welcome back, Captain. And welcome to you, Captain Alistair Nimitz of the Federation Starship Akagi." David@lorshadow023: He appraoches the aliens "It is a pleasure to be back. I have with me some people who can help with your problem" he makes the presentations Keliaya@anncarise | Alien: "You have come to reason with Hanadu? I hope you have as much success as you did the last time your people were here." Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "Well.. I can be very persuasive." David@lorshadow023: "We hope the same" he says "We will talk with the AI" Eunha@turtles#8407 Steps forward ever so slighty "Hi there, so I was apart of the last group of our people that came here my name is Eunha or some of your people would know me as Kungu." Keliaya@anncarise | Alien: "I will lead you there." Keliaya@anncarise | As the alien walks along, he takes a close look back at Eunha, "So you are Kungu?" Eunha@turtles#8407: "That's right." Keliaya@anncarise | Alien: "You look very different from what I expected...much...bigger." Eunha@turtles#8407: "I get that alot." Mia@crystyll giggles Keliaya@anncarise chuckles as well. David@lorshadow023: He smiles a bit but maintain a serious posture Keliaya@anncarise | Alien: "It is good to have you back. I hope our shelter was not too unpleasant for you on your previous visit?" Eunha@turtles#8407: "It was okay, but it did sort of suck us in without our knowledge." Mia@crystyll whispers to Eunha as they walk, "Do not worry, Ms. Eunha; you are not even showing yet, let alone big!" she smiles Eunha@turtles#8407 Blinks at what Mia says "Uh...thanks." Keliaya@anncarise | Alien: "I apologize on behalf of my people, and of Hanadu." Keliaya@anncarise | Alien: "On the topic of which...here we are!" Kiera@falconecoose winces slightly while walking towards to door, where she wobles slightly losing her balance slightly before she recovers Keliaya@anncarise | The room is initially empty save for various pieces of machinery dotted across. A few moments after everyone enters however, a holographic image begins to materialize. Alistair Nimitz@natthaan looks to Kiera "Commander, is there an issue?" Kiera@falconecoose shakes her head slightly "No it's fine Captain, just swaping control." Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "Excuse me?" Keliaya@anncarise | The avatar of the AI, which looks somewhat like a tiny anime character, appears on a pedestal. Keliaya@anncarise | Hanadu: "Ah! We have visitors again! And another fellow machine lifeform at that!" Mia@crystyll peeks around the Torso Alistair Nimitz@natthaan steps forward "Hanadu I presume?" Keliaya@anncarise | Hanadu: "That is me!" Eunha@turtles#8407: "Hello again." Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "I am Captain Nimitz from the Federation Starship Akagi, I understand you haven't been releasing people from your simulation?" Keliaya@anncarise | Hanadu looks to Eunha: "Again? Oh, you must be one of the visitors from last time!" Keliaya@anncarise | The AI turns back to Nimitz: "I have been doing exactly as instructed." Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "What instructions were those?" Keliaya@anncarise | Hanadu: "I am programmed to shelter people within the simulation if it is unsafe for them to leave." Eunha@turtles#8407: "But it's not unsafe anymore." Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "And why is it unsafe for them to leave?" Keliaya@anncarise | Hanadu: "During the previous visit by offworlders 1.34 kana ago, my sensor systems were malfunctioning. As a result, I believed the surface was still contaminated when it was not." Keliaya@anncarise | Hanadu: "The presence of off-worlders allowed me to realize the error, and I released all who were physically fit to return to the planet's surface." Keliaya@anncarise | Hanadu looks to Eunha again, "As per the agreement." Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "So the ones you haven't released stuffer from physical disabilites?" David@lorshadow023: He listens pretty carefully about the explanation, both his hands crossed on the chest Keliaya@anncarise | Hanadu: "This technology was very experimental at the time of my creation. A last resort in the worst-case scenario of the planet's complete annihilation." Keliaya@anncarise | Hanadu: "Though I have made improvements over the many kana, some of those in stasis have suffered unexpected side effects." Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "We have medical technology that can fix those side effects.." Eunha@turtles#8407: "What sort of side effects? Keliaya@anncarise | Hanadu: "Their consciousness is still active, but their bodies are failing. They will not survive the transition." Keliaya@anncarise | Hanadu: "If you wish to examine their physical state and offer solutions, I am open to them." Eunha@turtles#8407 Looks round to Zee "Commander this might be where you come in." Keliaya@anncarise | Hanadu: "But my programming prohibits me from releasing them if it will risk their lives." Kiera@falconecoose winces slightly before she starts speaking "If I may, would it be possible to transfer thier consciousness at all in a way to save thier life?" Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "If you can supply our doctor with all the data you know about their conditions, we should be able to heal and fix their physical bodies." Keliaya@anncarise | Hanadu motions to a terminal on her right, "Please connect with the interface to receive data. You may also examine the stasis pods, but please do not try to force them open." Keliaya@anncarise FX | A door opens at one end of the room. Keliaya@anncarise looks to Kiera, "Since their consciousness is already in the simulation, that's probably something they have the technology to do...just a question of where to put them. Keeping them permanently - Alistair Nimitz@natthaan nods to Zee to take a look. Keliaya@anncarise: - in the sim might beat the point of trying to get them into the real world..." Zhyl'ia@thecastellan walks over to the terminal, struggling to actually see the things on screen David@lorshadow023: He takes glances around, looking to the room and to the works of the others around. Mia@crystyll: "We shall review the condition of the stasis pods and their interface with the virtual realm" Keliaya@anncarise follows her over, "Need any help downloading the info, Commander?" Zhyl'ia@thecastellan: "I need help seeing it.." Keliaya@anncarise: "I can download it into one of the PADDs you can read, if you have one of those with you... Kiera@falconecoose: "Yeah that is the problem, but if we were to transfer them into the simulation fully it could buy us the time we need to figure that out." Zhyl'ia@thecastellan nods and pulls out a small PADD Keliaya@anncarise connects the PADD to the terminal and downloads the medical data before handing it back to Zee. Keliaya@anncarise | Hanadu: "Information transfer complete." Zhyl'ia@thecastellan looks over her PADD "Yep, we can get them back to full health" Zhyl'ia@thecastellan scrolls down the PADD slightly "They'd need to be moved to our medbays though, it's not a simple field triage" Alistair Nimitz@natthaan nods to Zee and looks back to the AI "Doctor, how long would it take?" Keliaya@anncarise | Hanadu: "Is there no way your people can repair the degradation here, in the stasis pods?" Mia@crystyll: "Your stasis pods are as functional as they can be at present, however our scans indicate that disconnecting the bodies for transport will have a 76.4% chance of losing the patients" Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "Doctor, how long would it take to remove one body from the stasis pod and heal the body?" Zhyl'ia@thecastellan thinks for a moment "Depending on the injuries to each individual it could be anywhere between a few hours and a few days.." Keliaya@anncarise | Hanadu: "My calculations indicate the same possibility. That level of risk is unacceptable." Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "And how long would they live if we trasnfer them back into their bodies to heal?" Zhyl'ia@thecastellan: "As they have said, taking them out of their pods for transport is too high a risk for the patients" Zhyl'ia@thecastellan: "So. Is it possible to transport down a fully functional medbay? Big ask I know"" David@lorshadow023: "With a bit of work, yes" he answers, quietly Eunha@turtles#8407: "I'm sure if you ask Kazra nicely." Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "We can set one up, would take a few days to get it fully up and running." Zhyl'ia@thecastellan: "To minimize the risk by a large percentage? I think it would be worth the wait" David@lorshadow023: "So, that's mean that one of our ship should remain here to make the necessary arrangments for the medbay" he says, tipping on his arm with the right hand Keliaya@anncarise | Hanadu: "There will be a 39.21% risk from deactivating stasis alone. However, factoring out the individuals in the worst condition, that probablity drops to 11.2%." Keliaya@anncarise | Hanadu: "The latter is an acceptable margin." Keliaya@anncarise | Hanadu: "An alternative solution may be needed for those in the worst condition." Zhyl'ia@thecastellan: "I will stay to oversee it" she says Keliaya@anncarise moves back to the group, taking up position beside Kiera, "Might need your idea after all..." Zhyl'ia@thecastellan nods "Anything that lowers risk is worth looking into" Mia@crystyll looks to Hanadu, "If the physical form is degraded beyond remedy, the only option for the consciousness is to remain in digital form" Kiera@falconecoose nods to Keliaya "Seems that way...and I can tell you it won't be pleasent for them, but better than being dead I supose." Keliaya@anncarise: "My thinking exactly. Maybe we can find a way to get them out of the program later, through mechanical bodies or something." Mia@crystyll: "...for those in the 11.2%, of course. So they would have to remain in your simulated world or..." looks to Kelly Keliaya@anncarise | Hanadu: "That is an acceptable temporary measure until a more permanent solution may be conceived." Kiera@falconecoose nods slightly "That would be ideal." Keliaya@anncarise | Hanadu: "I will allow you to set up your medical facilities here. Please do not try to force open the pods and coordinate with me for transition procedures." Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "Of course, we will not take any unneeded risk." Keliaya@anncarise | Hanadu: "Thank you for your help once again, offworlders." Mia@crystyll: "Ms. Hanadu, your representation as seen before us now; this is holographic, non?" David@lorshadow023: He makes a nod "The Melqart has no particular missions for now. We can remain in the orbit and help witi the camp" he says Keliaya@anncarise | Hanadu: "Correct. It was primarily an interface for communicating with my creators." Mia@crystyll: "And is this visulatization restricted to just emitters in this room, or do you have the capacity to interact with the rest of your facility in this manner?" Keliaya@anncarise | Hanadu: "I have a total of fifteen holographic nodes throughout the facility. Currently, only nine are operational." Mia@crystyll turns to Kelly, "Ms. Kelly, it may be possible for us to write a simplified holomatrix to accommodate those patients unfit to leave the simulation. If we were to concurrently repair the additional + Mia@crystyll: emitters, while tending to medical needs; it may present an amenable manner for the remaining few to leave also?" Keliaya@anncarise: "I think that can work! With our technology, we should be able to impliment solid holograms in some locations and allow them to still interact with the world in a limited manner." Keliaya@anncarise: "And maybe in time they can even all get a drone like you, Mia." Mia@crystyll: "Perhaps, for now though we would like to generate a matrix that is compatible only with the native technology; ease of transition and ongoing maintenance" she smiles, turning back to Hanadu Keliaya@anncarise | Hanadu: "That is a very amenable solution." Mia@crystyll: "We can not guarantee results prior to development, but may proceed and review with you before determining if it is attempted or not" Keliaya@anncarise | Hanadu: "It is certainly far less risky than attempting to open their pods." Mia@crystyll: "Then we shall begin at once!" she beams excitedly, heading back to the stasis chamber Zhyl'ia@thecastellan: "I think I'll join her and start documenting their condition" David@lorshadow023: "I'm sorry, but I need to ask a question to Hanadu" he looks to the avatar "Do the people inside know their condition?" he asks Zhyl'ia@thecastellan reads from their PADD. Zhyl'ia@thecastellan starts to make medical notes for each pod occupant Mia@crystyll works with Zee to identify the highest risk occupants and begins capturing their likenesses for potential holo plan-b's Keliaya@anncarise | Hanadu: "They are now aware they are in a simulation. It would be difficult to hide that fact once their friends started transitioning out." David@lorshadow023: "And they know why they can't go out of it?" Keliaya@anncarise | Hanadu: "They are also aware they cannot leave for the moment until issues are being resolved. However, they have not been notified the specifics of their physical state." Keliaya@anncarise | Hanadu: "My purpose is to ensure both physical and mental stability. My calculations indicate that the revelation of such information may cause a widespread panic within the program." David@lorshadow023: "Well, our plans will have a huge effect on them. First of all, when we will start to heal the people we can and, secondly, when the others will discover they cannot go out" Keliaya@anncarise | Hanadu: "If the holographic interaction method is applied, the final few who cannot leave will of course be given full information." David@lorshadow023: "What if someone will prefer ro try his or her luck and not be an hologram?" Zhyl'ia@thecastellan quietly shakes her head at the condition of a few of the occupants, marking them on a separate sheet for Mia Keliaya@anncarise | Hanadu: "I will advise against it, but I will not stop them if they wish to take the risk. My creators were very thorough in my programming." Keliaya@anncarise | Hanadu: "I am not permitted to risk the lives of my people, but my purpose is ultimately to serve my people, not control them." Keliaya@anncarise | Hanadu: "Their authority over their own existance supercedes mine." David@lorshadow023: "Understood. I will need also some maps and blueprints of the area to organize the medical camp" Keliaya@anncarise | Hanadu motions to a terminal on her right, "Please connect with the interface to receive the requested data." David@lorshadow023: "Perfect" he says. He taps his communicator to send the direct orders. Keliaya@anncarise: "I'll take a copy too, so I can set up or repair the holoemitters." Keliaya@anncarise moves over to the terminal to download the information. Keliaya@anncarise | Hanadu: "Information transfer complete." Keliaya@anncarise gives a copy to David on an isolinear chip. David@lorshadow023: "Perfect" he says taking the chip "I will return back on board and send down part of my medical team" he says "Good work, everyone" he says, moving out Keliaya@anncarise: "I'll go start setting up the holosystems here. Might take some time to figure out their tech." Keliaya@anncarise moves out as well. David@lorshadow023: "Hanadu, thanks for your cooperation" he says strictly after Keliaya@anncarise | Hanadu: "Thank you for your assistance, offworlders." Keliaya@anncarise | Hanadu: "If there are no more inquiries...?" Alistair Nimitz@natthaan shakes his head "Not from me." Keliaya@anncarise | Hanadu flickers and the holographic avatar of the AI disappears.
View AAR
SUBMITTED: Stardate 94915.2 FILED BY: CAPT K Se'Lai SECURITY: Level 1 - Open
LOCATION: POI B-7528
MISSION: Assist indigenous people with problems retrieving remaining population from stasis.
OUTCOME: Recovery method determined and implementation continuing
KEY PERSONNEL:
CAPT Amburg-Larz (USS Melqart) CAPT Nimitz (USS Akagi) CAPT Se'Lai CMDR Zh'Zhavis LCDR Eunbi LCDR Keliaya LCDR Laski LTJG Chag [npc] CPO T'Quila [npc] Miyata LaRouche Haradu [npc]
NARRATIVE: Whilst conducting planetary survey operations, we received a message from the USS Melqart who had performed a scheduled review of the alien world first discovered 2 years prior by the USS Gainsborough. From our initial conversation, it seemed that the AI which operated the simulated world where the indigenous people were first found to be residing, had stopped releasing people from the simulation. Given that many of our crew were present for that first encounter, our assistance was requested.
Upon arrival alongside the Akagi, we conferred with Captain Amburg-Larz who verified our understanding of the situation and a team was dispatched to meet the established point of contact on the surface. Once on the ground, our away team was greeted per expectations and promptly led to interface with the AI 'Haradu'. Haradu explained that it's intent was not to backtrack on the agreement first negotiated by Captain Lazard, but that it's primary function to preserve the life of all residents was overriding the decision to release the remaining residents as restoration of it's sensor systems ultimately allowed the determination that degradation of the stasis chambers had adversely affected the condition of some residents physical bodies, beyond the capacity of their own medical technology.
An assessment was conducted by Commander Zh'Zhavis which confirmed this fact while verifying that our own medical technology would be sufficient to recover the physical damage suffered. Additional scans were conducted by Mia who ascertained that the instability of the remaining pods presented an unacceptable likelihood of patient loss in the event of retrieval for transport to our medical facilities in orbit. Further consultation ensued which culminated in the decision for USS Melqart to remain in orbit with the Valley Forge while we jointly establish a temporary facility within the simulation complex so that patients could be tended immediately upon release, ultimately increasing the survival odds to an acceptable percentage.
A proposal was also tabled by Mia to have engineering teams assist in restoring the natives holo-emitters around the complex (where presently only a limited number function and are exclusively used by the resident AI). She suggested the possibility that she may be able sufficiently analyze the AI's holo-avatar; that she can reproduce equatable avatar's in the likeness of those few remaining residents whose physical degradation was too extreme to warrant the risk of removing from the stasis pods.
RECOMMENDATION:Required actions are already underway in our joint operation with the Melqart. Upon successful completion of this, no further action should be required though annual visitation is recommended to continue while the indigenous adapt to life on their recovering world.