ST:TTV425 | "Preserved"
Updated: Mar 18
Stardate 95935.7
As relationships and general understanding between the crew of the Valley Forge and the Regulator observers with them gradually improve, the crew are presented with a temptation they can't resist investigating when led towards the first of the Regulators staged trials.
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NPC@annpc#5570 rings the doorbell. Keelah@crystyll: "Enter" NPC@annpc#5570 | The Evaluator enters, his helmet sliding back into the rest of his armour, "There is one thing I have been wondering." Keelah@crystyll glances up from her screen at the arrival, "Evaluator, thank you for coming. Please" she gestures to the seat he usually takes, "Ask away" she smiles, "Refreshment?" NPC@annpc#5570 nods as he takes a seat, "I have observed that the symbols you wear on your uniforms double as communication devices." Keelah@crystyll glances to her insignia as she pours out two teas from the pot on the side of her desk, "Correct. What makes you curious about this, specifically?" NPC@annpc#5570: "If you have an efficient form of communication, why do you have a separate option on your door to notify you of visitors?" Keelah@crystyll perks a brow at the random direction of the query, glancing to the door as she hands him a drink, "Our communications can be used to provide advanced notice of a pending arrival. However, since many+ Keelah@crystyll: + private rooms requiring invitation to enter are often of multiple occupancy, speaking directly to an individual may not always be intuitive as they may not be the one present at the time" NPC@annpc#5570 takes the drink and gives her a silent nod of appreciation, "Ah, I see." Keelah@crystyll smiles, "It is the curious observations in cultural variety that make this so interesting. And not completely off-topic as to why I wished to speak with you" NPC@annpc#5570 sips the drink slowly, "What is it you wished to speak of?" Keelah@crystyll leans back after taking a sip and setting her drink down, "We have been travelling together for a reasonable time now and I like to think we have built something of a rapport" NPC@annpc#5570: "It is what we hope for with the Judgement, to understand the culture so we judge more than just what is on the surface." Keelah@crystyll: "Of course, and is all the more respectable as an accomplishment given that it began with us pointing weapons at each other" NPC@annpc#5570: "We are always careful when encountering new civilizations. Though few possess weapons that can harm us, those we protect is another matter." Keelah@crystyll: "Just as we protect our own. Nonetheless, I know I haven't exactly been shy in voicing my protests about your... methodology that day..." NPC@annpc#5570: "It is part of the procedure. I am not permitted to explain the reasoning yet, but I will do so before we leave if it is allowed then." Keelah@crystyll raises a hand, "Don't worry, I did not ask you here to rekindle that dispute. Contrarily..." she splits a PADD from a stack and slides it over, "I wanted to give you this in the hopes that it will + Keelah@crystyll: + provide better context as to why we-... why /I/ was so defensive" NPC@annpc#5570 reaches forward and takes the PADD, reading through it. Keelah@crystyll FX | The PADD contains a few AAR's & library files relating to the Senn Keelah@crystyll: "Allow me to explain..." NPC@annpc#5570 nods, "Proceed." Keelah@crystyll: "These files pertain to a series of events which this ship was involved in, surrounding the emergence of an ancient species now known to us as the Senn. I assume the name is not familiar to you?" NPC@annpc#5570 FX | His helmet slides on for a moment before he speaks, "The name is present in our records, though we have no record of encountering the species, only from historical relics." Keelah@crystyll: "That is not surprising. They now exist beyond the galactic barrier, having retreated there long before life as we know it began to evolve in this galaxy" Keelah@crystyll: "Whether or not it is a result of their passage through the barrier, or their time in the void beyond we cannot say. But they recently mounted a return with malevolent intent, viewing all sentient + Keelah@crystyll: + life as a scourge on the galaxy they once called home. But I digress..." Keelah@crystyll: "They exist as a corporeal liquid, capable of overcoming & controlling anything they come into direct contact with - biological or technological in nature. This was how they mounted their offensive, + Keelah@crystyll: + by turning defending assets and people against their own" Keelah@crystyll pauses to retrieve her tea for a sip, clearly working harder than usual to maintain control of her emotions at the recollection NPC@annpc#5570 | The helmet retracts again, "Interesting. A very dangerous ability." Keelah@crystyll: "And in the hands of the most malevolent lifeform I have ever heard of. This was of course bolstered by their own ancient knowledge which far surpassed our own in many ways" Keelah@crystyll: "And was how they bypassed our shields just as you did to board this ship and attempt to use us as leverage against my husband who had inadvertently unearthed a significant artifact" NPC@annpc#5570: "We were not aware they wielded such power. Are their remnants still active?" Keelah@crystyll signs, sipping more tea before again setting it down, "That was my darkest day as a Starfleet Captain...They had control of existing avatars who they used to board the ship. They appeared directly + Keelah@crystyll: + on the bridge and seized control, restraining my staff and I. They then proceeded to execute my bridge staff. Right out there, outside that door" she glances over, "before we were able to turn the + Keelah@crystyll: + tide and retake control from them. As for now, no they are not active in the same sense. After a later mission which is also detailed there, I was taken aboard their flagship and given the chance + Keelah@crystyll: + speak directly with the Senn consciousness. Following that conversation, they retreated back to dark space under agreement to stay out of this galactic cycle's way and allow us to find our own path" NPC@annpc#5570 nods, "Excellent. We will not have to investigate it as a potential threat, then." Keelah@crystyll: "No you will not, though other similar entities may persist and warrant your attention. But that is not the reason I am sharing this with you. I want you to understand what I experienced the day you + Keelah@crystyll: + boarded this ship. Why it was so hard to restrain the defensive instinct. I do not expect to change your ways, or influence your judgement. I just felt that you were due a little... context is all" NPC@annpc#5570 nods, "I understand. The galaxy is a dangerous place, and there are threats even our Administration has no answer for yet. I was not always an Evaluator." Keelah@crystyll: "And when this judgement is over, I look forward to sharing information on more pertinent concerns" NPC@annpc#5570: "Many years ago, I was an Operator and was often one of the first to face new dangers." Keelah@crystyll leans back with a curious look to her, "Indeed? Judgement permitting, I would love to hear about your experiences in that role" NPC@annpc#5570: "There are few who pose a threat to the Administration, but those who do certainly leave a lasting impression. Ancient beings like those you described, or irresponsible civilizations who have - NPC@annpc#5570: - slipped our noticed and progressed to achieving temporal travel." Keelah@crystyll: "Starfleet has had it's share of dealings with such speces. Personally I prefer to avoid temporal issues, they give me a migraine..." NPC@annpc#5570: "They are very troublesome, and very complicated to solve." NPC@annpc#5570 FX | Keelah's combadge chirps. Keelah@crystyll: "One moment, apologies" she taps the comm, "Se'Lai" NPC@annpc#5570 <C - Kazra> "Captain, the Regulator ship's stopped again, and we're coming up on the place it's at." Keelah@crystyll glances to the Evaluator briefly, responding Keelah@crystyll: <C> "On my way" NPC@annpc#5570 stands and activates his helmet, "We have reached another one of our destinations, then." Keelah@crystyll: "Let us see what discoveries this one brings then" she smiles, standing and moving to exit Keelah@crystyll steps onto the bridge, "Report" NPC@annpc#5570 | Thorkildsen: "There's an Array in the system we've just arrived at. It's in orbit of a gas giant like the last one, but no sign of any inhabited moons around it." NPC@annpc#5570 | Thorkildsen: "I am detecting something else artificial but inactive, though..." NPC@annpc#5570 stands and observes quietly on the bridge. Keelah@crystyll: "A derelict?" NPC@annpc#5570 | Thorkildsen: "Looks like it. I suggest we get a closer look. There's no sign of civilization in the system, so if the Array's watching over something, it has to be that." NPC@annpc#5570 | Vrolmacht: "Why would they build an entire Array to watch over one derelict? Wouldn't it be easier to move it or scuttle it?" NPC@annpc#5570 | Thorkildsen shrugs, "Maybe it can't be destroyed, or they want to preserve it for some reason." Keelah@crystyll: "Indeed. Are we in visual range?" NPC@annpc#5570 | Ann: "Not yet. Bringin' us closer now, Cap'n." Keelah@crystyll: "Put it up as soon as we come into range. Continue scans as we approach" NPC@annpc#5570 FX | An image soon appears on the viewscreen, drawing closer and closer. NPC@annpc#5570 | https://media.moddb.com/images/mods/1/12/11043/DetachableFrigate.jpg Keelah@crystyll perks a brow, "Not a design I'm familiar with. Analysis?" NPC@annpc#5570 | Thorkildsen: "It's...middle or late Preserver. Not the same group who seeded bipedal lifeforms, but still ancient. Around the time of the Iconians." Keelah@crystyll: "Fascinating. That would certainly explain why it is protected then. What is the condition of the vessel?" NPC@annpc#5570 | Thorkildsen: "There's no internal atmosphere. Everything looks to be offline, but some of the systems might still be functional if they were activated, from other encounters with this tech." NPC@annpc#5570 | Thorkildsen: "No sign of any structural integrity failure or hull damage." NPC@annpc#5570 | Vrolmacht: "So they weren't attacked...not by any physical weapons at least." Keelah@crystyll hrms, "Ordinarily, I would look to enquire with those responsible for this region of space for information and consent to investigate through mutual interests..." she turns slowly to the Evaluator NPC@annpc#5570 nods, "You may proceed to investigate the vessel." Keelah@crystyll: "Alright, take us into range. Tee, inform Lendaria and Lycas that we have a site of interest" NPC@annpc#5570 | Thorkildsen: "I have transporter room two standing by with EV suits at the ready." NPC@annpc#5570 | Ann: "Comin' into transporter range now." Keelah@crystyll: "We'll hold position and continue our analysis from here while the away team investigates" NPC@annpc#5570: "I will accompany the team as well, to observe." Keelah@crystyll nods, "As you wish" NPC@annpc#5570 heads towards the turbolift. Keliaya@anncarise FX | The team beams down onto the Preserver derelict, completely dark and devoid of life support or artificial gravity. Keliaya@anncarise scans around with her tricorder, "No sign of anything active, but there is a stable field somewhere ahead. I think it's using a continuous loop that sustains itself, rather than being powered by - Keliaya@anncarise: - a device. I'm not sure how it's done, but..." Lendaria@crystyll: "Seems as good a place t'start as anywhere. An' th'most likely t'have an atmosphere.." she shifts awkwardly Keliaya@anncarise: "I'll see if there's any way to turn it on." Keliaya@anncarise keeps an eye on her tricorder as she bounces along the corridors towards the field's location. Lendaria@crystyll follows a little less elegantly, but trudging along Keliaya@anncarise | The Evaluator hovers behind the group, levitating elegantly as if propelled along by his suit, but there are no visible thrusters. Keliaya@anncarise stops at an old, clearly Preserver console and scans it. Keliaya@anncarise: "We might be able to get this working, though I'm not sure how useful it'll be with the ship's systems inactive." Keliaya@anncarise sets down a toolkit and begins working on the console. Keliaya@anncarise | Lycas: "Allow me to assist." Keliaya@anncarise | The elderly Vulcan professor kneels down beside Kelly as he examines both the console and her scans, "Ah, I see where the Iconians got their inspiration. A moderate amount of energy to this - Keliaya@anncarise: - junction should start the circuit, for lack of a better word..." Keliaya@anncarise | Lycas activates one of the tools and runs it down one side of the console. It suddenly lights up and emits a soft chime. Keliaya@anncarise: "Thank you, Professor." Keliaya@anncarise | Lycas: "This is what I'm here for." Lendaria@crystyll smiles at the melodic Preserver tech, not that it can be seen through her helmet Keliaya@anncarise stands and examines the glyphs on the screen, "Well, it was probably too much to expect the UT to have a full translation." Keliaya@anncarise turns to Lennie, "This is your specialty, Commander." Lendaria@crystyll steps closer to examine the console, "I have not the opportunity to study Preserver linguistics since the Academy..." Keliaya@anncarise steps aside, "Now you get the chance to do it in the field!" Lendaria@crystyll: "Hope I 'member it all right" Keliaya@anncarise FX | Some of the words are incomprehensible; given the sheer length of Preserver history, it's unsurprising that their language must have gone through numerous evolutions. With what Lennie knows - Keliaya@anncarise: - though, she can understand enough to work the console. Keliaya@anncarise | Ship systems are indeed all off, personnel are unaccounted for, but one thing remains active- containment for something untranslatable. Lendaria@crystyll: "Ok, so tha' field ya detected could be some sorta containment rig accordin' t'this. Tryin' a get more detail" Keliaya@anncarise FX | Unfortunately, Federation understanding of the Preserver language doesn't seem sufficient to decipher what is being contained, but Lennie can definitely tell that the containment system is - Keliaya@anncarise: - made to last as long as it needs to, and that whatever it is, it was dangerous for the crew to handle. Lendaria@crystyll: "Whatever it is, seems they was bent on makin' sure it stayed contained. They thought it were dangerous enough t'lock away like this" Keliaya@anncarise: "Maybe it's what was responsible for the ship ending up like this. There's no damage to the structure..." Lendaria@crystyll: "Wouldn't surprise me if they sacrificed everythin' else on board t'sustain this field" Keliaya@anncarise | Lycas: "Whatever it is, we should be careful not to release it, if they put so much effort in keeping it contained." Keliaya@anncarise: "Where it's located probably has answers, though. And it's the best destination we have." Keliaya@anncarise | Lycas: "Agreed. We should examine it, just be careful not to interfere accidentally." Lendaria@crystyll: "Agreed. If it's a threat, we gotta figure it out" Keliaya@anncarise packs up her tools and checks her tricorder again, leading the way towards the containment field. Keliaya@anncarise | Lycas pauses as they move, walking closer to one of the walls, "Commander, here." Keliaya@anncarise steps over, her headlamp shining on the same spot. It reveals a line of glyphs etched on the wall, clearly rough and different from the neat text displayed on the console earlier. Lendaria@crystyll takes a closer look as well Keliaya@anncarise | The unrefined nature of the text, added to the previously unknown variant of Preserver language in use at this time, makes the line difficult to decipher. The best Lennie can make out is - Keliaya@anncarise: - something about false gods...or perhaps fallen gods? Lendaria@crystyll: "I really don't like where this's goin'... false gods, or somethin'?" Lendaria@crystyll: "An' th'way this's roughly scrawled. Like a desperate warnin' or somethin'?" Keliaya@anncarise nods, looking around the hallway, "There's more here." Keliaya@anncarise shines her lamp on more glyphs, looking to be several rows this time. Lendaria@crystyll stays with her, continuing to translate what she can Keliaya@anncarise | It doesn't take a linguist to see that these are multiple writings of the same line. Translating it is more difficult, it seems to say 'stop the sound/song/melody.' Lendaria@crystyll: "This's almost erratic behaviour th'way this's done. Definitely not th'image o'Preservers we got from th'Academy" Lendaria@crystyll: "Somethin'bout stoppin' th'song I think" Keliaya@anncarise | Lycas: "It is not unheard of for a species to branch off into numerous distinct cultures. Or perhaps these Preservers were driven mad by something they found in the depths of space. Old Vulcan - Keliaya@anncarise: - and Federation ships alike have fallen to the same fate." Lendaria@crystyll: "True enough" Keliaya@anncarise continues through the halls. Soon, they reach a large chamber with what seem to be numerous barrels in one corner. A single barrel lies open and tipped over. Keliaya@anncarise | On the other side of the room is a single large sealed door. Keliaya@anncarise scans the room, "The field is over that door ahead." Lendaria@crystyll retrieves her tricorder to get a scan of the open barrel and traces of it's contents Keliaya@anncarise FX | There are no residues remaining in that barrel, or anywhere in the room. It's clear the atmosphere has been vented along with anything that might be in the air. Keliaya@anncarise steps into the room, looking around before pointing toward the door, "There's a console there. Let's see if we can get it running." Lendaria@crystyll: "Wha'ever was in'ere. They went t'extreme lengths t'ensure it didn't remain..." Keliaya@anncarise scans the console and shows the results to Lycas, "If that junction turns it on, a negative applied here would theoretically turn it off, right?" Keliaya@anncarise | Lycas nods, "It should." Keliaya@anncarise: "I'll stand ready to deactivate the console in case it brings down that field when it turns on. We probably don't want whatever's inside to get out." Keliaya@anncarise turns to Lennie, "Keep an eye on scan readings of the field while we work the console." Lendaria@crystyll nods, closely watching her readouts Keliaya@anncarise opens her toolkit again and kneels by the console, handling Lycas one tool while she keeps another. Keliaya@anncarise | Lycas kneels down as well, activating his tool and turning on the console, which lights up and emits a chime similar to the other one. Keliaya@anncarise FX | The field is still fully active and the doors remain shut. Keliaya@anncarise: "Anything?" Lendaria@crystyll: "No change in th'field" Keliaya@anncarise: "Alright, that's good. We probably need you to translate and work the console, Lennie." Keliaya@anncarise | Lycas: "I can keep an eye on the field." Lendaria@crystyll props her tricorder atop the console so she can keep monitoring while she works the console, "On it" Keliaya@anncarise | The Professor stands and steps back, looking at his tricorder. The Evaluator lingers, hovering at the back of the room. Keliaya@anncarise FX | The console works the same way as the other one, but clearly has different information. It focuses on the containment field and though the words describing what is contained is still largely - Keliaya@anncarise: - untranslatable, there seem to be many pathways leading to information on it Lennie can pursue... Keliaya@anncarise | One of them eventually brings up a holographic diagram, which Lennie instantly recognizes from her biological expertise as a virus cell. Lendaria@crystyll: "Ok... tha's a virus..." Keliaya@anncarise | From a closer examination, Lennie can also see that the virus seems to target anything with a specific genetic sequence- the same common sequence found in all Preserver seeded species and - Keliaya@anncarise - likely the basis of their seeding. It's not used to spread the seeding though; if released, the virus would be fatal to all Preservers and seeded species it contacts... Keliaya@anncarise | Lennie can also guess the meaning of one word at the top of the diagram- either 'backup' or 'contingency.' Lendaria@crystyll: "Goddess... Why in th'seven hells they even do this?!" she actually steps back from the console in dismay Keliaya@anncarise: "What does the virus do. Some form of biological weapon?" Lendaria@crystyll: "Y'could say tha'. If I'm-a readin' this right... it's a failsafe that'd target a genetic sequence common t'Preservers an' all seeded races alike" Keliaya@anncarise | The Evaluator hovers over from the back of the room and lands behind the group, "Yes. Failsafe would be an adequate translation." Lendaria@crystyll turns to him, "Y'all knew wha' this was an' are just sittin' on it?!" Keliaya@anncarise | Evaluator: "Why do you think we built the Array?" Lendaria@crystyll: "Didn't ya ever think maybe somethin' like this outta be destroyed?" Keliaya@anncarise | Lycas nods, "If such a virus were to be released, the results could be catastrophic. The logical course would have been to eliminate it." Keliaya@anncarise | Evaluator: "Most samples have been destroyed. This one we keep, to observe your reactions to it, and to remind that the Creators are not infallible." Lendaria@crystyll: "Wait, so this's a fabricated part o'ya judgement thing?" Keliaya@anncarise | Evaluator: "Fabricated, no. The virus is inert, but this vessel did once carry it." Lendaria@crystyll: "It's inert, ya certain on this?" Keliaya@anncarise | Evaluator: "The Administration is certain. I can provide no opinion, as I am not an Analyst." Lendaria@crystyll: "But... wha's the deal wit' all th'crazy voodoo text 'bout false gods scrawled an' melodies?" Keliaya@anncarise | Evaluator: "Even we are not certain what happened aboard this vessel. The best theory we have is that the Creators failed to deploy this weapon and instead fell under the sway of the Dominators." Lendaria@crystyll: "The... Dominators?" Keliaya@anncarise | Evaluator: "Our stories tell that the Creators made us and many others because they felt alone in the universe and desired companionship. When they went from world to world, they encountered - Keliaya@anncarise: - ancient beings. There are many stories about how they overcame hostile ones, but their greatest foe came in the form of the first friends they found." Lendaria@crystyll: "Oh?" Keliaya@anncarise | Evaluator: "These beings convinced the Creators that they would help spread their Children, so the Creators gave them the secret of Creation. Except the beings were tricksters and turned the - Keliaya@anncarise: - secret on the Creators, using it to control the Children and usurp the Creators. This was how they came to be known as the Dominators." Lendaria@crystyll: "Sounds kinda like wha' we know of th'Primevals..." Keliaya@anncarise | Evaluator: "We do not know how much of these ancient legends are true, but we now associated the civilization this vessel belonged to as the Creators. We are aware that something which fits the - Keliaya@anncarise: - profile of the Dominators exists, but we cannot get close without risking our technology from falling to their hands, and our mandate is imperative." Lendaria@crystyll: "Well if wha' we been hearin's true, y'all may not get a choice in tha' for long. But tha's a discussion for another time, an' the Cap'n" Keliaya@anncarise | The Evaluator nods, "I have what I need. We may return to your ship if you are ready." Lendaria@crystyll: "Yeah, I'm-a done wit' this place if th'rest y'all are" Keliaya@anncarise | Evaluator: "I will deactivate these consoles first so they do not degrade further. You may return first if you wish." Keliaya@anncarise | The Evaluator outstretches his arm towards the console and it suddenly fades. Lendaria@crystyll: "Impressive" Keliaya@anncarise | He hovers again, heading back towards the other console they activated some ways back. Keliaya@anncarise | Lycas: "It is unfortunate we cannot study the Regulators' technology. They seem most fascinating, but I doubt their secrecy will ever allow us more than a passing explanation." Lendaria@crystyll: "One day maybe, Professor" she chuckles Keliaya@anncarise | Lycas: "I do hope so." Keliaya@anncarise FX | A few moments later, the Evaluator returns to the room they are in. Keliaya@anncarise | Evaluator: "We may return." Lendaria@crystyll: "Cap'n'll be interested t'hear 'bout this little... test" Keliaya@anncarise: "That she definitely will..." Keliaya@anncarise taps her suit's combadge, "Kelly to Valley Forge. Four to beam up." Keliaya@anncarise FX | After returning from the Preserver ship, the crew gathers in the conference room to debrief Captain Keelah. The Evaluator joins them, standing slightly away from the table with his helmet down Lendaria@crystyll keelah looks around, "So. What can you tell me about the derelict?" Keliaya@anncarise: "Apparently, it was left there as part of the test by the Regulators. Though it's an actual Preserver ship they, well...preserved." Keliaya@anncarise: "It was used to carry a weaponized virus, but the Evaluator assures us the virus is inert now." Keliaya@anncarise looks to Lennie to explain the biology aspect. Lendaria@crystyll: "From wha' we were able t'translate, it was a sorta failsafe developed by th'Preservers. A genetic bioagent designed t'target specific DNA sequences shared by Preservers an' all seeded species" Lendaria@crystyll | Keelah leans back with a deep breath, looking to the evaluator, "This is quite a thing to just keep sitting around to test, what, people's reactions?" Keliaya@anncarise | The Evaluator nods, "Precisely. The sample on board no longer poses a threat, and we have neutralized any other samples we have come across." Lendaria@crystyll | Keelah holds a stern gaze, "What about data on the virus, I would hope that given your purposes here - all information on board that ship has been destroyed" Keliaya@anncarise | Evaluator: "No one outside the Regulators possess the knowledge to replicate the virus. It is safe in our hands." Lendaria@crystyll: "Tha' kinda knowledge ain't safe in anyone's hands" Lendaria@crystyll | Keelah nods to Lennie: "I'm inclined to agree" Keliaya@anncarise | Evaluator: "We keep more dangerous technology than this. The Regulators have ensured stability in Regulated Zones for many generations." Lendaria@crystyll | Keelah: "I find it hard to comprehend anything more dangerous than a virus capable of targeting all seeded life in this galaxy" Lendaria@crystyll: "Also, as ya observed yaselves over there. Th'Preservers themselves seem t'have underestimated th'threats out there an'let this slip into th'wrong hands. Lesson t'be learned there" Keliaya@anncarise | Evaluator: "It is meant only to target a single planet. Spread of the virus is difficult, as its victims typically die before it can be passed on." Keliaya@anncarise | Evaluator: "The Creators designed it as a mercy, and a last resort. We do not have any plans to utilize it." Lendaria@crystyll: "They didn't either. Didn't stop it fallin' into th'wrong hands though" Lendaria@crystyll | Keelah nods, "Your intentions may be sound. But all it takes is one adversary to learn of this knowledge and get the better of you. It would be foolish to assume you can stand against everything" Keliaya@anncarise | The Evaluator nods, "That is true. We have not yet found a solution to deal with the Dominators. But our mandate is to protect other civilizations from technology. We are the ones tasked with - Keliaya@anncarise: - dealing with technology, and we cannot do so if those we face have greater knowledge than we do. That is why we keep all we learn, some sealed away at higher levels, but still kept." Lendaria@crystyll: "If ya know it's tha' dangerous, it should be destroyed" Lendaria@crystyll | Keelah adds, "In our opinion. Destroying it would be the safest course of action" with a glance to Lennie Keliaya@anncarise | Evaluator: "All known samples are destroyed or inert. It is only the knowledge that is kept. Even when we do not use it, it can assist with identifying similar things should we come across them." Lendaria@crystyll | Keelah: "So who are these 'Dominators'? That's not a name I'm familiar with" Lendaria@crystyll: "We believe it may be another name for th'Primevals Cap'n" Lendaria@crystyll | Keelah looks to Lennie again, then back to the Evaluator Keliaya@anncarise | Evaluator: "Primevals was a term used by the Creators which signified the beings of the galaxy that evolved before or alongside them, with no ties to their Children. The Dominators are counted - Keliaya@anncarise: - among them, but not all Primevals are Dominators." Lendaria@crystyll | Keelah nods, "Yes, Primevals is a general term that we have seen most consistently applied to this particular group. Mostly for a lack of any further knowledge of them beyond their supposed action" Keliaya@anncarise | Evaluator: "We have only legends to go on, no doubt altered over the ages. But the fact that something exists which matches the description of the Creators and the Dominators shows that there - Keliaya@anncarise: - is some truth to them." Lendaria@crystyll | Keelah: "We have observed enough testimony since embarking on our mission that we now consider them a genuine threat and have incorporated defense against their onslaught into our mission" Keliaya@anncarise | Evaluator: "They are certainly a threat, but we have not developed a defense yet, not one with an acceptable degree of loss and risk, at least." Lendaria@crystyll | Keelah: "We are pursuing leads of our own as well. Perhaps when this judgement is passed, we will be in a better position to collaborate" Keliaya@anncarise | The Evaluator nods, "Agreed. We do not suggest engaging the Dominators with the technological level you possess, but perhaps we may be able to assist in developing defensive strategies." Lendaria@crystyll | Keelah: "We work on the premise that we may not have control over when we face them and so work to prepare ourselves accordingly in the mean time" Lendaria@crystyll | Keelah: "Trust me, especially after our earlier conversation, I think you understand when I say that the last thing we want is to seek out conflict with Primevals" Keliaya@anncarise | Evaluator: "It is becoming difficult to prevent them from encroaching closer to Regulated Zones, and even being close to zones they have touched is a danger." Keliaya@anncarise | Evaluator: "You may indeed not have a choice in the matter." Lendaria@crystyll | Keelah nods, "Exactly. We may have a great deal to discuss on the matter when the time comes. For now though, is there anything else to report on the Preserver derelict?" Lendaria@crystyll shakes her head Keliaya@anncarise shakes her head as well. Keliaya@anncarise | Lycas: "I have one question for the Evaluator." Keliaya@anncarise | Evaluator: "Proceed." Keliaya@anncarise | Lycas: "We did not detect any weapons systems on the Preserver derelict. It is difficult to believe a ship meant to carry a weaponized virus was not armed to at least defend itself. I presume - Keliaya@anncarise: - the Regulators have removed the weapons?" Keliaya@anncarise | Evaluator: "Very astute. That is correct. This derelict holds nothing at risk of being salvaged. It exists for two purposes- Judgements in this region and an empty bait to lure out salvagers." Keliaya@anncarise | Lycas nods, "Thank you for confirming. That is all I wished to ask." Lendaria@crystyll | Keelah nods, "Alright, if that's everything then you're dismissed. We'll resume course" Keliaya@anncarise and Lycas stands and makes their way out of the room. Lendaria@crystyll heads out as well
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Stardate 95935.7
Another Regulator trial, though this one was confirmed as being orchestrated. We were steered towards an ancient derelict; the only point of interest near a Regulator monitoring satellite. I dispatched an away team to survey the derelict, led by LCDR Lendaria. Though I'm pleased as ever to say that my officers performed their duty admirably, I can't say that I am entirely comfortable with what we learned from this excursion.
It transpired that this was a Preserver vessel, one conducting research of a sort into their galactic seeding. Though this one was not directly involved in the seeding itself, but development of a contingency plan should that operation fail. Our team discovered the development of bioweapon designed to target a common genome to all seeded species, as well as the Preservers themselves. As thankful as I am to learn that such a devastating construct is no longer in place here, and that the ship is maintained in it's current state purely to test vessels passing in the Judgement, I am not particularly comfortable with the idea that the Regulators alone continue to hold the research data used by the Preservers to construct this deadly weapon. Though I do not imagine any circumstances when they would seek to develop & deploy it, I fear the outcome should a more dominant force overcome them and seize this from their archives. In the wrong hands, this could wipe out the vast majority of sentient life in this galaxy. I do not yet know how to reconcile this going forwards...