ST:TTV709 | "Vector"

Stardate 98402.1

When the Lander One responds to a distress call, the An synthetic Vector is affected by a computer virus which causes him to become obsessed with utilizing a superweapon on the Hyrokee homeworld to wipe out the Corporations...

---

View Episode

NPC@annpc#557 | We see the bridge of a starship populated by Hyrokee cyborgs. They are all wearing uniforms of the same design, with the same logo on the chest, not far from where a Starfleet combadge would - NPC@annpc#557 - be, though the uniforms and emblem are not that of Starfleet. A grey-haired Hyrokee at the centre of the bridge sports a uniform with a visibly raised collar, a different belt and a gold trim - NPC@annpc#557 - around the Corporate logo and he also has more extensive cybernetic modification visible NPC@annpc#557 | One of the crewmembers turns to the central figure, "Manager, the Conata ship is headed directly for us." NPC@annpc#557 | Manager: "Is our cloaking system malfunctioning?" NPC@annpc#557 | Crewmember 2: "No, sir. I'm detecting no issue with our cloaking system, and external sensors aren't picking up any emissions that would give away our presence." NPC@annpc#557 | Manager: "Change course." NPC@annpc#557 | Pilot: "Altering course, sir." NPC@annpc#557 | Crewmember 1: "They've altered course to intercept." NPC@annpc#557 | Manager: "How could they possibly see us? A small Corporation like Conata can't see through our cloak even if it knew where to look for us, and we are in the middle of nowhere." NPC@annpc#557 | Pilot: "Should we try to outrun them?" NPC@annpc#557 | Manager: "No. Hold position. We disable them and figure out just how they found us." NPC@annpc#557 | Pilot: "Yes sir. Coming to a full stop." NPC@annpc#557 | Crewmember 2: "The Conata ship is approaching weapons range." NPC@annpc#557 | Manager: "Prepare to deactivate cloak and open fire." NPC@annpc#557 | Crewmember 1: "Regular weapons only?" NPC@annpc#557 | Manager: "Think about what you just said. I /told/ you I wanted them disabled, not blasted into debris. So /yes/, regular weapons only. Ask such a stupid question again and you're off bridge - NPC@annpc#557 - duty." NPC@annpc#557 | Crewmember 1: "Y-yes sir." NPC@annpc#557 | Crewmember 1 turns back to his console, "They're...altering course away from us. Maybe they didn't see us after all." NPC@annpc#557 | Manager: "They clearly knew or suspected we were here. This is no coincidence." NPC@annpc#557 | Crewmember 2: "Manager, they broadcast a signal." NPC@annpc#557 | Manager: "A message?" NPC@annpc#557 | Crewmember 3: "No, no message. Nothing the comms can decipher at all. It just reads as noise." NPC@annpc#557 | Manager: "They're clearly up to something. Ready weapons. We go after them." NPC@annpc#557 | Pilot: "Engaging pursuit course." NPC@annpc#557 | On the side of the bridge, Crewmember 1 twitches oddly twice before turning towards the Manager, a blade extending from the wrist of one cybernetic arm... NPC@annpc#557 FX | https://youtu.be/cjaejG-LDAQ --- NPC@annpc#557 | Meanwhile on the Lander One, the Observer is eating a meal in the mess hall when the door slides open and Vector steps in. He looks around the room, then walks over to her table NPC@annpc#557 | Vector: "May I join you?" Rianni@crystyl looks up, "Of course" NPC@annpc#557 | Vector sits down, "You require organic sustenance like any organic being, I assume?" Rianni@crystyl:"Yes, I was engineered though I am still entirely organic" NPC@annpc#557 | Vector nods, "A clone, if I am not mistaken?" Rianni@crystyl:"Technically, yes. Though genetically we are quite different" NPC@annpc#557 | Vector: "You were created for a specific function, after all. I imagine your Creators made some modifications to make you for ideal for that function?" Rianni@crystyl:"Insofar as their use of genetic memory to provide the necessary skills and knowledge for my assignment, yes. But in truth, it is often an err in judgement on their part" NPC@annpc#557 | Vector: "An error? How so?" Rianni@crystyl:"Because Observers like me are created for the purpose of assessing species suitability for first contact, the Creators have no prior knowledge of said species. So when they engineer an Observer, - Rianni@crystyl:- they tend to make certain assumptions regarding the genetic evolution of the species, if that makes sense?" NPC@annpc#557 | Vector nods, "Yes, it does. What would be your suggestion for engineering Observers, then? That they make an exact clone with no modifications?" Rianni@crystyl:"No, I think in most cases it proves advantageous if anything. I suppose were I to offer any suggestion it would be an alteration to the mental training to make Observer's give high priority to - Rianni@crystyl:- first assessing this imbalance and compensating accordingly" NPC@annpc#557 | Vector: "Did you have trouble with it initially?" Rianni@crystyl:"Yes and no... I had a lot of difficulty integrating into social structures. But that's a different topic. My difficulty in this regard came in the realization that the average Human is not as - Rianni@crystyl:- physically refined as I am" NPC@annpc#557 | Vector: "And was that a negative trait for blending in with them?" Rianni@crystyl:"It drew more attention than was desirable. It was not negative attention, but required me to produce explanation as to why I was more physically capable than expected" NPC@annpc#557 | Vector nods, "A complication indeed, as you did not wish to reveal that you are engineered. Is there a particular reason your creators chose this particular clone, or was your template simply - NPC@annpc#557:- the most accessible at the time?" Rianni@crystyl:"She happened to be the most salvageable of those available at the time" she nods NPC@annpc#557 | Vector: "But she is also not your average human, from my understanding. Her ability at tactical planning is quite exceptional." Rianni@crystyl smiles, "I think she has a natural gift, for sure. But she also has a lot of me in her, which I know also helps" NPC@annpc#557 | Vector: "Some of your skill transferred over to her? How did that occur, if she was the template and you the clone?" Rianni@crystyl:"A template is held in a form of suspended animation. This allows a neural connection to be maintained between us so that the Observer can effectively mimic the natural personality traits of the - Rianni@crystyl:- template. Of course, a template is not normally returned. They are only ever taken from the brink of death, and eventually returned to their natural place in the universe when the observation is - Rianni@crystyl:- done. However, when things fell apart with the Federation's assessment and they learned that she lived - she was returned to them, carrying her own imprint of myself" NPC@annpc#557 | Vector: "I see. What about the other Observers your creators have made from the other templates? Are they among those in your fleet, or do they remain among the people they observe until the - NPC@annpc#557:- end of their natural lifespan?" Rianni@crystyl shakes her head, "In that regard I am as unique as my template. Normally an Observer is terminated upon completion of the assignment, alongside their template. But after falling out with the - Rianni@crystyl:- Creators on their assessment of the Federation, I revealed myself to them and requested asylum because..." she smiles, "... well because I was made Human, and so shared their indomitable sense of - Rianni@crystyl:- morality and desire to live in freedom. In the end, I was recommissioned to serve as the face of the Creators as they attempted to reconcile the relationship" NPC@annpc#557 | Vector: "The other Observers are sentient beings as well like you are, I assume?" Rianni@crystyl nods, "Mhmm" NPC@annpc#557 | Vector: "Yet they are simply terminated upon the completion of their respective assignments?" Rianni@crystyl:"There are exceptions like myself, but typically yes" NPC@annpc#557 | Vector: "These exceptions- are they also Observers who requested asylum or asked your creators to allow them to continue operating?" Rianni@crystyl shakes her head, "No, Observers are not permitted to permanently assume the life of their template. They are on occasion repurposed depending on the Creator's needs though" NPC@annpc#557 | Vector: "Only the Creator's needs? Your own wishes are not taken into account?" Rianni@crystyl shakes her head, "Of course not. Observers are made for the express purpose of serving a short term mission. By short term, it could be years of course. But still, that's how it is" NPC@annpc#557 | Vector: "Has none before you requested asylum and sought to prevent your own termination?" Rianni@crystyl:"I am not aware of such things. It is possible, I suppose. But if so many had, I am sure the Creator's would have reconsidered their approach by my time" NPC@annpc#557 | Vector: "Your Creators' approach to engineered lifeforms is very different from my own." Rianni@crystyl:"Indeed. Is that why you are so curious about the subject?" NPC@annpc#557 | Vector: "Yes, it is. I am also an engineered lifeform, though it is much clearer in my case." Rianni@crystyl:"You were made to integrate, not infiltrate" she surmises NPC@annpc#557 | Vector: "Yes and no. I was created to be an individual, though one that operates within La'ani society. While we are fully integrated members of society, we choose to remain visually distinct, - NPC@annpc#557:- though we possess the technology to look visually identical to any An breed." Rianni@crystyl:"You are able to alter your physical appearance at will?" NPC@annpc#557 | Vector: "No, these physical forms were outlawed with the disbanding of the Ankalath. However, we do choose our physical appearance upon creation, and have the option of transferring our - NPC@annpc#557:- positronic matrix into a different body if we wished to." Rianni@crystyl:"Interesting. I suppose in your travels you do not encounter many inorganic lifeforms, proportionately at least" NPC@annpc#557 | Vector: "We have encountered a few, such as the Nuhar, but proportionally, we certainly encounter more organic species. There are many organic species, particularly non-Progenitor seeded ones, - NPC@annpc#557:- who are more different from the An than even artificial intelligences." Rianni@crystyl:"Yes, I have encountered some myself" NPC@annpc#557 | Vector: "I believe the denizens of this region of the galaxy refer to many of them as 'Primevals,' and they are very much unlike us or our Creators. Or are your Creators non-Progenitor seeded?" Rianni@crystyl:"No, they are a seeded species" NPC@annpc#557 | Vector nods, "I have not had an opportunity to meet one personally. They have been speaking through you as their representative at Coalition meetings. Do they rarely meet with other species, - NPC@annpc#557:- hence the usage of Observers such as yourself?" Rianni@crystyl:"That's right. They are not xenophobic, but they are incredibly cautious of other species" NPC@annpc#557 | Vector: "An understandable approach, given the dangers of the galaxy." Rianni@crystyl nods, "And given their own prior bad experience" NPC@annpc#557 | Vector: "What experiences did they have that influenced them to operate this way?" Rianni@crystyl:"First contact with a species called the Azedi. They went into it much more openly, and more typical of how Children species tend to interact. However, the Azedi misled and ultimately betrayed them - Rianni@crystyl:- to steal their technology. They almost wiped the Creators out after that" NPC@annpc#557 | Vector nods, "I see. That would certainly influence them to be more cautious in their dealings." Rianni@crystyl nods, "It is now a time for uncertainty as they ultimately had to rely on others' for assistance. That led us to drawing the Azedi into the path of the Horde, so not only are they no longer a - Rianni@crystyl:- threat, but the Creators find themselves in a larger alliance of species whom they have already relied upon for their survival" NPC@annpc#557 | Vector: "Hopefully, this will show them that some other civilizations are able to be trusted." Rianni@crystyl:"That is my hope also" she smiles NPC@annpc#557 | Vector smiles back, "Relay our thanks to your Creators for joining us when you have the opportunity. You have been most helpful thus far." Rianni@crystyl beams, "Thank you, I will be sure to do so!" NPC@annpc#557 | Vector: "I-" he pauses briefly before saying, "The Operations Room has detected something. If you will excuse me." Rianni@crystyl:"Something unexpected? Should I inform my team?" NPC@annpc#557 | Vector nods, "Inform your Commander and the former Governor. Their presence may be beneficial." Rianni@crystyl nods and stands, "I shall do so immediately" NPC@annpc#557 | Vector stands and proceeds towards the Operations Room --- NPC@annpc#557 | Mischa steps into the Operations Room, where Kayan is already at the command console. Vector has arrived as well, occupying one of the side consoles NPC@annpc#557 | Ishyha steps in not far behind Mischa Mischa@crystyl approaches, "I was told there was a situation" NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan nods, "We've picked up a general distress call. It's Corporate in origin, coming from a ship belonging to a 'Valdart-Yosita Corporation.' Mischa@crystyl looks to the Governor, "Does that name mean anything to you?" NPC@annpc#557 | Ishyha: "Of course. Everyone knows Valdart-Yosita. It's one of the current top Corporations, a veritable giant. They specialize in all things starship- ship design, ship equipment, ship - NPC@annpc#557 - weaponry, but like any Corporate giant, they've branched out into various other fields." Mischa@crystyl:"Did the distress signal give any indication of the problem?" NPC@annpc#557 | Vector: "I'm afraid not. We have the coordinates of the vessel in distress and its classification, a VY-1000-S Multi-Purpose Cruiser with designation VYCS Nakatomee, Corporate Registration 133." Mischa@crystyl:"I assume you are diverting to intercept. What is the eta?" NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan nods, "Twenty-five minutes. This is your mission, but we usually respond to distress calls when we receive them. I understand that it's your way as well?" Mischa@crystyl nods, "Even the Latenter would move to investigate" NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan: "Then we'll continue with this course." NPC@annpc#557 | Ishyha: "I am no starship expert, but it's common knowledge that the VY-1000-S is often used as a testbed for new technologies. It's the standard around which most modern VY designs are - NPC@annpc#557:- made, and VY ships are commonly purchased or copied by other Corporations." Mischa@crystyl:"So it is likely that this particular ship is out here testing a new technology, which may be a plausible explanation for the problem" NPC@annpc#557 | Ishyha: "It's likely, but it could be just about anything. The VY-1000-S is good, but it's hardly indestructible." Mischa@crystyl:"What about other ships in the area?" NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan: "None closer than us to respond to the distress call, but there could be ships that moved beyond our sensor range, especially if this was a battle and they left in the opposite - NPC@annpc#557:- direction we're approaching from." Mischa@crystyl:"I would at least remain open to the possibility and be wary on approach" NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan nods, "We'll be approaching with cloak. It's standard procedure for a Recon Ship, and while we're not exactly a Recon Ship, we operate with the same protocol as we share most functions." Mischa@crystyl:"A wise precaution" she nods NPC@annpc#557 FX | Twenty minutes later, the Lander One begins to approach the source of the distress call... NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan: "Full survey." NPC@annpc#557 | Vector: "Scanning. No trace of cloaked vessels in the vicinity. The VY-1000-S is travelling at Warp 5.5. Weapons are powered up, but I do not detect any targeting solution. There is no sign of - NPC@annpc#557 - damage to the vessel and all systems are operational. I am reading seven- make that six Hyrokee lifesigns." NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan: "What happened to the seventh?" NPC@annpc#557 | Vector: "Unknown. It vanished." NPC@annpc#557 | Vector taps his console, "There was another lifesign in close proximity, but our sensors did not pick up weapons fire inside the vessel. However, it is possible the seventh lifesign was killed - NPC@annpc#557 - by means that would not produce a distinct energy signature, such as using a melee weapon." Mischa@crystyl:"That is assuming foul play" NPC@annpc#557 | Vector: "There are various other possibilities, hence why its fate is ultimately unknown." NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan: "Can we transport the survivors out?" NPC@annpc#557 | Vector: "Negative, all remaining lifesigns are equipped with transport inhibitors, but we can beam onto the vessel." NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan: "Let's learn everything we can about it before transporting on board. The survivors may be vanishing, but we won't help them by getting ourselves killed as well." Mischa@crystyl:"If you would permit the access, I have... significant experience with sensor arrays. I may be able to help you get more out of yours" NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan: "Your assistance will be most welcome, Commander." She taps her console before motioning to one on the side, "That one's all yours." Mischa@crystyl nods and makes her way over, quickly getting to work NPC@annpc#557 | Though it is not currently active, Mischa quickly locates the presence of a cloaking device on board the ship. Also of note are the ship's weapons, which bear polaron signatures not unlike - NPC@annpc#557:- those of Colonial Fleet ships, and the front of the ship appears to have undergone heavy alteration to implement one large weapons mount. The way this is done is not unlike how many species often - NPC@annpc#557:- implement salvaged Nuhar beams, but this weapon is definitely not Nuhar in origin; in fact, the technology has some Carran readings. There is no doubt that this ship was probably being used to - NPC@annpc#557:- test a variety of technologies, and judging from the cloaking device, probably doing so away from prying eyes Mischa@crystyl relays everything back to the others as she finds it NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan nods, "So this was likely being used to test prototype weaponry. Anything to indicate that a test may have gone wrong?" Mischa@crystyl:"Still working on refinement. I'll let you know if anything else comes up" NPC@annpc#557 | There is no sign of any critical failures on the ship, though the forward weapons mount appears to be tetryon based. Combined with the disappearing lifesigns, it's possible this ship attracted - NPC@annpc#557:- the attention of the Solanae Mischa@crystyl again relays her findings as they come in NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan: "The who? We're either not familiar with a civilization or species by that name, or it's not translating to what we've named it." Mischa@crystyl:"An elusive species residing in subspace. Often considered pawns of the ancient Iconians" NPC@annpc#557 | Vector nods, "That is a possibility," he taps his console, "However, a stable rift would have to exist for them to pass into our space. I am reviewing the scans and see no sign of any such - NPC@annpc#557:- rift in or around the ship." Mischa@crystyl:"Do we have the capacity to feign a fake response signal from another ship?" NPC@annpc#557 | Vector: "We have the capacity, but it is not something we do often. You would likely have more expertise at faking such a signal than I." Mischa@crystyl:"I am happy to do so if you concur. If we can project a false signal so as not to give away our position, then - perhaps with the Governor's assistance for authenticity - we could pose as another - Mischa@crystyl:- Corporate vessel out of sensor range and just now responding for details" NPC@annpc#557 | Ishyha: "I can manage that." NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan nods, "Let's give it a try." Mischa@crystyl:"Alright. I'm happy to do the talking Ishyha, so don't worry. I just need you at my side to help with Corporate specifics and protocols" NPC@annpc#557 | Ishyha nods and steps over, "Ready when you are." Mischa@crystyl turns, "Vector, it's on you for the fake signal" NPC@annpc#557 | Vector nods, tapping on his console. He announces after a few seconds, "The signal is away. We are receiving no response." Mischa@crystyl tries addressing them, "Corporate vessel 133 - VYCS Nakatomee - You broadcast an unplanned distress signal. Field testing regulations require you provide a complete situation report" NPC@annpc#557 | Still nothing... Mischa@crystyl:"Corporate vessel 133, you have failed to acknowledge an emergency response. Corporate policy requires that we inform you of this breach and the mandate to assume mission compromise. You will be - Mischa@crystyl:- destroyed immediately to safeguard Corporation IP" NPC@annpc#557 | Mischa notes from the sensor readings that there is one lifesign and weapons fire in the Engineering section of the Corporate ship! No response, though Mischa@crystyl nods to Vector to cut the comm NPC@annpc#557 | Vector nods back and cuts the comm. The sensors soon show the lifesign flickering and disappearing, but not before a few shots must have hit the warp core, as its containment drops - NPC@annpc#557:- dramatically, then continues reading as slowly ticking down... Mischa@crystyl:"The core is under siege, breach in progress" Mischa@crystyl tries to determine how long the ship has NPC@annpc#557 | Fourteen minutes! The containment is ticking down, but slowly Mischa@crystyl:"If we're going to go investigate, we have to make it quick" NPC@annpc#557 | Vector: "I should be able to stabilize the core in that time, if we beam down to their Engineering room." Mischa@crystyl:"My team and I can cover you" she looks to Kayan, "But this is your command, your decision" NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan nods, "If you're willing, Ishyha, you might be helpful given your knowledge of the Corporations." NPC@annpc#557 | Ishyha: "I'll go. Not much to do here, anyways." NPC@annpc#557 | Vector: "Let's proceed to the transporter, then." Mischa@crystyl nods and heads out, summoning the team as they walk, "For what it is worth Ishyha, I will assign one of my team specifically to safeguarding your wellbeing over there" NPC@annpc#557 | Ishyha: "Thank you, Commander." --- NPC@annpc#557 | Mischa and the team, plus Vector and Ishyha, beam into the Corporate vessel's Engineering section. Six Corporate robots stand around the warp core and raise their rifles immediately NPC@annpc#557 | Robot: "Unauthorized lifeforms detected. You have twenty seconds to vacate the premises." Mischa@crystyl launches one of their special grenades at them and lays down precision covering fire as the team get their bearings and find cover NPC@annpc#557 | The grenade takes out three robots and the remaining three fire back NPC@annpc#557 | Vector: "Be careful! We cannot damage the core any further." Mischa@crystyl:"I'm aware" she replies calmly between shots NPC@annpc#557 | The team's precise fire soon takes down the remaining three robots without hitting the core. Vector emerges from cover, "All clear." Mischa@crystyl:"Get the core stabilized. We'll try and get into the computers and see what happened here" NPC@annpc#557 | Vector nods and moves further into Engineering, stepping over a dead cyborg with a pistol by his hand, likely the one who hit the core to begin with. The warp core is glowing a dim orange as - NPC@annpc#557 - containment slowly fails. T'Lana meanwhile steps over to one of the computers with Mischa NPC@annpc#557 | T'Lana: "The encryption is impressive, but I believe I can crack it." Mischa@crystyl:"We'll make light work of it together" she smiles NPC@annpc#557 | As they break the encryption, Vector works away on the warp core, which slowly begins getting paler in colour, but is still an orange hue NPC@annpc#557 | T'Lana: "I am in. Accessing records now..." NPC@annpc#557 | T'Lana: "They were experimenting with something they named a 'subspace cannon.' It appears to be intended as a deterrent superweapon, similar to the atomic bombs of pre-warp societies. The - NPC@annpc#557 - subspace cannon fires energy through subspace, which exits upon its destination. While impractical for ship-to-ship warfare, it would allow for the bombardment of stationary targets from - NPC@annpc#557:- an entire sector away. Fortunately, the weapon does not work as intended and the project was put on hold, but the success of the uprising at Tosukee IV has led Valdart-Yosita to resume work on - NPC@annpc#557:- the project as a solution to the difficulty of bringing Corporate reinforcements to deal with colonial rebellions on time." NPC@annpc#557 | Ishyha: "A very valuable piece of technology..." Mischa@crystyl:"What about the incident on board? It does not appear to be a malfunction of the synthetics given how they defended this area from us, but they clearly took out the organics on board" NPC@annpc#557 | T'Lana: "Checking..." NPC@annpc#557 | Ishyha: "The subspace cannon- can it work?" NPC@annpc#557 | T'Lana: "Only as a regular energy weapon as of their latest test, but the theory is sound. However, such a weapon could allow whoever possesses it to hold entire worlds hostage without the need to send in fleets to invade them. It - NPC@annpc#557:- would drastically tip the balance of galactic politics. I do not believe this is a weapon that should be allowed to exist." NPC@annpc#557 | Ishyha: "This could be what I need to earn my position back..." Mischa@crystyl:"No" NPC@annpc#557 | A sudden, almost feral expression of rage crosses Ishyha's face as she lunges for the computer Mischa@crystyl turns her pistol and fires at the console she lunges for NPC@annpc#557 | The console explodes and Ishyha turns to Mischa, snarling with anger, "No, it's mine! You can't keep it from me! I won't allow-" NPC@annpc#557 | T'Lana steps up behind the former Governor and clamps her hand down on her neck and the cyborg drops to the ground, "I was not sure that would work. It appears her specific cybernetics does - NPC@annpc#557:- not render her resistant to the nerve pinch." Mischa@crystyl smiles, "Fortunate. Vector, how is the warp core looking?" NPC@annpc#557 | The warp core has returned to a pale blue colour, but there is no response from Vector... Mischa@crystyl narrows her eyes, flexing the grip on her weapon, "Vector..." NPC@annpc#557 FX | Still nothing... Mischa@crystyl:"Avita, can you see any change in Vector?" NPC@annpc#557 | Avita: "I cannot detect him in the vicinity. He must have left the area." Mischa@crystyl raises her weapon and signals the team to move in NPC@annpc#557 | The team moves in, but Vector is not present. The lift leading to the upper level at the end of the area reads as having gone up, however... NPC@annpc#557 | T'Lana taps her combadge, "T'Lana to Vector. Respond." NPC@annpc#557 <C - Vector> Vector here Mischa@crystyl turns with a frown, "Oh sure, he answers you..." NPC@annpc#557:<C> Where are you? NPC@annpc#557:<C - Vector> Heading to the bridge. NPC@annpc#557:<C> For what purpose? NPC@annpc#557:<C - Vector> To take control of the vessel. NPC@annpc#557:<C> You have stabilized the warp core. We do not require bridge access. NPC@annpc#557:<C - Vector> I do. NPC@annpc#557 | Meanwhile, Avita taps away at a nearby console, "He is headed to the bridge. And I may have found the source of the problem..." Mischa@crystyl turns, "What have you got?" NPC@annpc#557 | Avita: "Before the distress call was sent, a ship from another Corporation appears to have detected this one and was on an intercept course. They were preparing for combat, but the other ship - NPC@annpc#557:- sent a signal and left. Shortly after, the crew began turning on each other. This signal appears to be a virus specifically targeting cybernetically augmented individuals." Mischa@crystyl:"Are we at risk from our implants?" NPC@annpc#557 | Avita: "No, not ours. It requires implants specifically intended for communication to be transmitted. Implants Governor Ishyha had." Mischa@crystyl:"What about Vector's systems...?" NPC@annpc#557 | T'Lana: "As I understand it, An synthetics have a similar system built in." Mischa@crystyl:"Bugger..." --- T'Lana@anncaris taps her combadge again, "T'Lana to Lander One. Can you get a lock on Vector and Ishyha?" T'Lana@anncaris <C - Kayan> We have a lock on Ishyha, but Vector seems to have turned on his transport inhibitor chip T'Lana@anncaris:<C> Beam Ishyha to the medical bay. We believe she has been affected with some form of cybernetic-targeting virus T'Lana@anncaris:<C - Kayan> And Vector? Mischa@crystyl <C> We suspect he is also compromised and acting to seize the ship T'Lana@anncaris:<C - Kayan> That's problematic. We're beaming Ishyha up now. You may have to intercept Vector manually T'Lana@anncaris:<C> It may be faster if you transport us to the bridge. We know he is headed there T'Lana@anncaris:<C - Kayan> We'll beam you there immediately Mischa@crystyl:<C> We shall do so. This ship is equipped with a deterrent WMD, it can not be allowed to be compromised even in its current theoretical state T'Lana@anncaris:<C - Kayan> I understand, but try to bring Vector back in one piece, if you can. We'll see if we can find a way to counter this virus on Ishyha first Mischa@crystyl:<C> We will make every effort to recover Vector. Any information you can provide to help neutralize him will be beneficial T'Lana@anncaris <C - Kayan> He's much stronger than the average An, and extremely intelligent as well. Don't underestimate him. I'm transporting you over now Mischa@crystyl:<C> Acknowledged T'Lana@anncaris FX | The team disappears into a transporter beam... T'Lana@anncaris ...and materialize to a scene of carnage on the bridge, with dead cyborgs all over, many of them having been killed in brutal close-quarters combat. A few of the consoles are disabled by blunt - T'Lana@anncaris - force impacts or stray shots and the viewscreen has several cracks in it. Vector doesn't appear to be present...yet Mischa@crystyl | Observer scans for him T'Lana@anncaris | There is no sign of him, but she reads alcoves in the adjacent rooms activating and ten robots coming online Mischa@crystyl readies herself when the Observer announces this, "He's not going to make this easy for us. Defend yourselves" T'Lana@anncaris gets into a defensive position with the rest of the team just as the doors open and the robots step in, immediately raising their rifles and opening fire Mischa@crystyl returns fire T'Lana@anncaris | The team quickly take down the first two robots that enter the room, but these two were simply covering for the others, who soon pile in, their concentrated fire briefly forcing the team into - T'Lana@anncaris - cover so they can't fire back Mischa@crystyl does what she can to make an opening and take them out T'Lana@anncaris | Fortunately, the robots are rather predictable and the team is able to quite easily spot and exploit openings. As they begin thinning the numbers however, they realize only 6 of the 8 - T'Lana@anncaris - remaining robots were firing on them. Showers of sparks across the bridge reveal that the remaining two are targeting the consoles instead... Mischa@crystyl focuses her attention on those targeting consoles T'Lana@anncaris | Mischa takes out the ones targeting the consoles. Only two robots remain, one of which sprays down covering fire at the team in its usual highly-mechanized fashion, while the other switches - T'Lana@anncaris - targets to the consoles Mischa@crystyl maintains her focus to protect the consoles T'Lana@anncaris | Mischa takes out the bot that switched focus to the consoles, while a well-placed shot from the Observer downs the final one, leaving the bridge clear! Looking around however, all the consoles - T'Lana@anncaris - are sparkling and have gone dark, save for a single one at the back of the bridge... Mischa@crystyl | Observer again scans for Vector's location T'Lana@anncaris | He does not seem to be in the vicinity, but as T'Lana steps towards the last functioning console, a small transporter beam appears near it... Mischa@crystyl quickly turns and aims at the inbound transport T'Lana@anncaris | A single grenade appears from the transport and T'Lana rolls out of its range just in time as it detonates, shattering the final active console on the bridge! Mischa@crystyl:"Lana, you good?" T'Lana@anncaris dusts herself off and nods, "I am unharmed. It appears the bridge was either a diversion, or he has changed destinations when he learned that we were headed here." Mischa@crystyl taps her combadge, <C> Lander One, can you get a fix on Vector's position? T'Lana@anncaris <C - Kayan> He’s returned to the Engineering Room and raised force fields. We're unable to beam you inside, but we can beam you to the entrance Mischa@crystyl groans, <C> Get us as close as you can T'Lana@anncaris <C - Kayan> On it, Commander T'Lana@anncaris | The team disappears into a transporter beam yet again... T'Lana@anncaris ...and reappears outside Engineering, where their path is now blocked by a force field. Further inside, they can see Vector working away at the consoles Mischa@crystyl observes, "Can you see what he is doing in there?" T'Lana@anncaris:"I believe with the bridge disabled, control must have been rerouted to Engineering. It is a logical procedure and one used many vessels, including Starfleet's." Mischa@crystyl:"We need a way to bypass this forcefield" T'Lana@anncaris takes out a scanner, checking around, while Vector moves to a closer console, tapping away as he speaks, "I'm sorry. I cannot allow you to interfere." Mischa@crystyl:"And I can't allow you to proceed with any action while you have been compromised" T'Lana@anncaris | Vector: "You have seen what the Corporations have done. The oppression of countless other civilizations, and now the creation of a superweapon to ensure their hold on these civilizations. Not - T'Lana@anncaris:- to mention what they have done to this crew. They must be stopped, once and for all." Mischa@crystyl:"We are stopping them Vector, not stealing their weapon. Your conduct is outside of your core programming, you must allow the Lander One to restore normal functions before any action can be taken" T'Lana@anncaris meanwhile begins tinkering with a nearby panel T'Lana@anncaris | Vector: "No! My ethical programming deems the Corporations' behaviour to be unacceptable, and I cannot stand by and watch any longer! They cannot change their ways, there is only one solution!" T'Lana@anncaris:"Avita, take the other panel fifteen metres to my left. Together we should be able to shut down this field." T'Lana@anncaris | Avita nods and proceeds over Mischa@crystyl:"An emotional outburst? That is not consistent with your behavioural protocols. Run a self-diagnostic and tell me; did you or did you not receive an unplanned signal through your comm array shortly - Mischa@crystyl:- we boarded this ship?" T'Lana@anncaris | Vector: "There is such a record, but...I cannot stand by! The Corporations must end!" Mischa@crystyl:"Stay on topic Vector. The record is there, you know this is in error. You can see the changes in your own protocols since receiving the message. Ergo, you have been corrupted. Logically you must - Mischa@crystyl:- report to Lander One for independent diagnostic before proceeding. I am not asking you to change your mind or take a different action. Just pause and resolve the error, it is the only logical - Mischa@crystyl:- course to pursue" T'Lana@anncaris | Vector: "I...your logic is...no, you're trying to distract me! Why do you protect the Corporations? You know what they're doing is unacceptable." Mischa@crystyl:"I am doing nothing for the Corporations, Vector. The only one I am trying to protect... is you. You are our friend are you not? We care for you and want to help. Like I said, you do not need to - Mischa@crystyl:- compromise your current course of action. Leave the forcefields up if you want, keep us out. Just let your friends on the Lander One verify your systems before proceeding" Mischa@crystyl:"As there is no implied change to your course of action, there is no logic in denying the pause as a personal safeguard. To pursue the illogical course is - in itself - proof that your programming - Mischa@crystyl:- has been corrupted and therefore requires remedy" T'Lana@anncaris | Vector: "There is no corruption. My core programming is intact, but these emotions...they are new and I cannot...cannot control them. I /hate/ the Corporations. I want to eradicate them!" T'Lana@anncaris FX | The force field begins to flicker out... Mischa@crystyl:"Uncontrolled emotions... /hate/? These are not normal conditions for you Vector, by your own word your status has been forcibly changed by external influence. Do you see now why I am worried about - Mischa@crystyl:- you and want you to be safe?" T'Lana@anncaris | Vector: "Yes, I...I cannot...but the Corporations...I must stop them..." T'Lana@anncaris | The force field goes out entirely, but Vector begins tapping quickly on a different console... Mischa@crystyl:"Remember, I am not asking you to do otherwise. Just... stop now and return to Lander One to be safe" T'Lana@anncaris | Vector: "I...I'm sorry. I cannot control this. This is...the only way...to protect you." Mischa@crystyl:"Vector, don't make me do this..." T'Lana@anncaris | Before Mischa can act, she finds herself caught in a transporter beam, along with the rest of the team... Mischa@crystyl tries firing as soon as she senses the transport T'Lana@anncaris | She fires, but Vector's android reflexes allow him to duck out of the way in the nick of time. The shot hits the console he was working on, which goes out in a shower of sparks. Before she can - T'Lana@anncaris - do more, she finds herself outside the Lander One's Operations Room... --- Mischa@crystyl walks inside with a heavy sigh, holstering her weapon, "I hate AI's..." T'Lana@anncaris follows her in, holstering her weapons as well T'Lana@anncaris | Kayan: "Vector is a great officer. These are just...unexpected circumstances." T'Lana@anncaris | Vesan Officer: "Commander, the Corporate cruiser has raised its shields." Mischa@crystyl smiles, "He is, and we almost got through to him" T'Lana@anncaris | Kayan: "Continue keeping pace with it." She looks at Mischa, "So he's still there, it's not an override of him or anything?" Mischa@crystyl:"The signal appears to have flooded him with intense negative emotion towards the Corporations" T'Lana@anncaris | Kayan: "But he's otherwise still himself?" Mischa@crystyl:"I am not sure I know him well enough to comment. But..." she nods, "... I believe so" T'Lana@anncaris | Kayan: "What about this WMD you mentioned?" Mischa@crystyl:"It is a subspace cannon. Capable of destroying a planet without even entering the system, and bypassing any defensive barrier. It is not functional, but the theoretical data is there" T'Lana@anncaris | Kayan nods, "If there is a way to get it functional, Vector will probably be able to find it, given time." Mischa@crystyl:"So what's our next move now that he's seized the ship and raised shields?" T'Lana@anncaris | Kayan: "We'll have to disable the shields first. Our focused weapons should hopefully be enough to punch a hole through. Since he's raised his inhibitor chip though, you'll have to convince - T'Lana@anncaris:- him to come back or tag him." Mischa@crystyl:"What about the Governor, have you learned anything of the corruption signal from her?" T'Lana@anncaris | Kayan: "Doctor Nakos is working on it in the medbay." T'Lana@anncaris:"You have Vector's physical schematics and specifications, I assume?" T'Lana@anncaris | Kayan nods, "We do." Mischa@crystyl:"Would you allow Lana to view them? She may be able to determine a means of neutralizing him without causing permanent damage" T'Lana@anncaris | Kayan: "Of course. Senior Fixer Ankti should have them, he's down in our Engineering room." Mischa@crystyl nods to TL, "Let's go" T'Lana@anncaris | As they turn to head out, the comm sounds on the command console T'Lana@anncaris:<C - Nakos> Nakos to Kayan. I have an update T'Lana@anncaris | Kayan nods, "I'll be down immediately. Commander, you should come with me to the medbay. T'Lana can head to the Engineering Room to review the schematics in the meantime." Mischa@crystyl:"Agreed, let's see what your doctor has for us" T'Lana@anncaris | Kayan: "Meshan, command is yours." T'Lana@anncaris | Kayan leads Mischa into the Lander One's medical bay, which as expected for a ship of this size is quite small, but it has a large number of beds positioned more closely together. A Masan - T'Lana@anncaris - doctor awaits them by the medical bed which holds the unconscious Ishyha T'Lana@anncaris | Kayan: "Doctor Nakos. How is she?" T'Lana@anncaris | Nakos: "Commanders. The former Governor is alive and well, we're simply keeping her unconscious to be safe as we've disabled her cybernetics for the time being. The virus can be purged, but - T'Lana@anncaris - computer viruses are not biological viruses, so I'm waiting on the Fixers to figure out how exactly to purge it." T'Lana@anncaris | Kayan: "What do you know about the virus itself?" T'Lana@anncaris | Nakos: "It's meant to be picked up through the cybernetic implants they use for communication. Once it's in, it broadcasts two signals- one which continues spreading the virus to anyone else - T'Lana@anncaris - receiving in the vicinity, and another that manipulates brain patterns to significantly enhance aggression and aggressive emotions, essentially driving the infected individual into a constant - T'Lana@anncaris:- state of rage. Fortunately, the first thing we did was isolate her and shut down her implants, so none of the other Hyrokee on the ship have been affected." Mischa@crystyl:"Based on your observations here, and knowledge of Vector; how is the signal affecting his different physiology?" T'Lana@anncaris | Nakos: "His positronic brain is heavily modelled off a biological brain, which explains why it's working on him, but the virus is clearly not meant for synthetics so the effects are hard to - T'Lana@anncaris:- say without having him here to examine. I can try to diagnose him as best as I can the old fashioned way- without scanning. From what you know of him, what did you notice that was off about his - T'Lana@anncaris:- behaviour? What he's doing now is extremely uncharacteristic of him, of course, but how specifically has he changed?" Mischa@crystyl:"He has become irrational and obsessive-compulsive. He is being driven by an uncontrollable 'hatred' - his words, not mine - of the Corporations. He seems to acknowledge that his actions denied his - Mischa@crystyl:- own logical processes, but was unable to bring himself to divert from them" T'Lana@anncaris | Nakos: "Irrational, but he is still coherently managing the Corporate ship and its systems?" Mischa@crystyl nods, "Yes, he still appears to possess all of his faculties" T'Lana@anncaris | Nakos: "What about the Governor? I take it that because she arrived unconscious, you were forced to subdue her? What was her behaviour like leading up to that?" Mischa@crystyl:"Comparable" she nods. "She became increasingly agitated and aggressive. Obsessed with seizing control of the ship and it's weapon as a means to restore her position in Corporate society" T'Lana@anncaris | Nakos: "Did either of them try to attack you directly?" Mischa@crystyl:"The Governor was close to it. She attempted to force her way past me to access a console. I blew it up before she could act, then in a fit of rage she turned - likely to attack me. that is when- Mischa@crystyl:- T'Lana subdued her T'Lana@anncaris | Nakos nods, "I think the virus might actually be affecting Vector less. It's not programmed to work on a positronic brain, after all." Mischa@crystyl:"That is why he is able to maintain his rational" T'Lana@anncaris | Kayan: "But our synthetics don't usually experience strong negative emotions. They are programmed to be similar to us, but also to get rid of what flaws we're able to remove. If someone close - T'Lana@anncaris:- to an An synth is killed for example, they'll miss that person's presence, but their functions won't be impeded by grief. They'll dislike whoever committed the killing and stop them if they are - T'Lana@anncaris:- deemed a continued threat, but they won't hate them and become blinded by vengeance. Technically they have the capacity to experience those emotions, but it's just not part of their programming." T'Lana@anncaris | Kayan: "If this virus introduced them to Vector's system...he's still Vector, but he doesn't know how to cope with these feelings, because he's never lived with them like we have." Mischa@crystyl nods, "His logical brain is trying to resolve the imbalance the only way it can. And right now, that means acting on the compulsion" T'Lana@anncaris | Kayan: "Exactly. We might still be able to convince him to stand down if his rational processes are still working, just...affected by the new emotions." Mischa@crystyl:"I did seem to be making some progress with him, but he sent us away before I could convince him" T'Lana@anncaris | Kayan: "We can fit you with inhibitor devices that should prevent that from happening again. We just have to get through the shields to go back in. I hope he doesn't return fire on us..." Mischa@crystyl:"Indeed..." T'Lana@anncaris | Kayan: "The Lander One is designed to be able to go against larger ships with specific tactics, but the downside of Vector still having his rational thought is that he knows all our tactics..." Mischa@crystyl:"Then I suggest implementing new tactics" T'Lana@anncaris | Kayan nods, "Our usual strategy is to fly too close and too quickly for effective weapon locks from a larger enemy ship, and concentrate fire on one section of their shields. Any ideas how we - T'Lana@anncaris:- should take on this one?" Mischa@crystyl thinks, "It is difficult to gauge without being intimately familiar with the Lander One, or the Corporation ship. However were we here in the Latenter now, I would first look to projecting a series- Mischa@crystyl:- of false signals, holographic decoy ships. Then I would use the confusion to launch a stealth shuttle to penetrate it's shields and plant mines on the weapon arrays and shield emitters. Possibly - Mischa@crystyl:- the sensors as well. Once the shuttle has returned, the chain could be detonated to immobilize the ship without putting my own in any immediate danger" T'Lana@anncaris | Kayan nods, "That's not a bad idea, but we don't have a stealth shuttle. We're meant to be an auxiliary craft ourselves to the Mothership, though we do have the Observer's ship..." Mischa@crystyl smiles, "The next best thing" T'Lana@anncaris | Kayan: "Get your Observer on it, then. We'll prepare the Lander One to act as your distraction." Mischa@crystyl nods, "Do you have spatial charges on board?" T'Lana@anncaris | Kayan nods, "We do. I'll inform the crew to load them up on the Observer's ship." Mischa@crystyl:"Very good. My earlier sensor scans of the ship should provide sufficient information for targeting. I know her shuttle is capable of making it's wormhole jumps in very close confines, so it can - Mischa@crystyl:- likely launch from within your hangar. We will need to establish a live feed to her navigation to plot a jump with moving targets" T'Lana@anncaris | Kayan: "We can manage that. Just make sure she doesn't tear a hole in my ship with a wormhole or anything." Mischa@crystyl chuckles, "I'll be sure to make it clear to her" T'Lana@anncaris | Kayan: "The Observer should be in the Engineering Room with the others." Mischa@crystyl:"Then let's check on their progress and get them up to speed on the plan" T'Lana@anncaris | Kayan leads the way into the Lander One's Engineering Room, where the rest of the team are gathered with Senior Fixer Ankti Mischa@crystyl approaches, "Lana. Any developments here?" T'Lana@anncaris turns as Mischa approaches, "Commander. With Vector's schematics, we have been able to modify a tricorder to disable him, a similar process to how Commander Data was disabled when he - T'Lana@anncaris - malfunctioned on Ba'ku in 2375. However, as we do not have the time to create new equipment, the same limitation occurs in that the effective range of the tricorder is extremely limited." Mischa@crystyl:"It will have to be enough then. We have a strategy to get on board" T'Lana@anncaris:"Excellent. What is the plan?" Mischa@crystyl:"Lander One is going to engage and distract. We will then make a jump to within it's shield perimeter in the Observer's shuttle and plant spatial charges on the generators" T'Lana@anncaris nods, looking to the Observer, "From what I have seen, your vessel should be capable of such a maneuver." Mischa@crystyl | Observer nods, "As long as both ships are at sublight speeds, it should not be a problem. Stationary would be preferable, but we can make it work" T'Lana@anncaris | Kayan nods, "The Lander One should be able to knock the Corporate vessel out of warp with a resonance burst." Mischa@crystyl:"Then we just need to get on board and get close enough to neutralize him" T'Lana@anncaris | Kayan: "Ankti, make sure the team is equipped with transport inhibitors Vector won't know how to bypass so he doesn't pull that off again," she looks to Mischa, "And if it doesn't get in your - T'Lana@anncaris:- way too much, I'd like to accompany you. I might be able to help talk him down." Mischa@crystyl smiles, "I had the same thought. This is your officer, so I would honestly feel better about things if you are there" T'Lana@anncaris | Kayan smiles back and nods, "Let's get prepared, then." Mischa@crystyl:"Yes, it's time to end this and get back on mission" --- NPC@annpc#557 | A short time later, the team minus the Observer are gathered back in the Operations Room with Kayan at the command console NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan: "We're all set here. Is the Observer ready to go?" Mischa@crystyl:"I believe so, yes" NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan nods, "Have her standing by to launch on my mark. Target the Corporate cruiser with the graviton pulse and fire." NPC@annpc#557 | A Tak'an officer nods and taps on his console. On the viewscreen, the Corporate cruiser ahead of them drops out of warp, followed quickly by the Lander One NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan: "Decoys, now!" NPC@annpc#557 | The Tak'an taps his console again and a number of holographic decoys spring into life around the Lander One as it exits warp NPC@annpc#557 | Meshan: "The cruiser is opening fire!" NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan: "Evasive action! Clear the Observer for launch!" NPC@annpc#557 FX | The Lander One and its decoys begin going evasive as polaron beams erupt from the Corporate cruiser, rapidly switching from one target to the next Mischa@crystyl signals the Observer to launch NPC@annpc#557 | Despite the evasive action, the Lander One rocks from a hit, and many of the decoy ships are also hit, but the beams simply go through them. It does not take Vector long to determine which are - NPC@annpc#557 - the decoys and which is the real Lander One. Fortunately, it is long enough for the Observer to launch, as the telltale wormhole opens within the cruiser's shields and the Observer's ship - NPC@annpc#557:- begins planting its mines... NPC@annpc#557 | Meshan: "The cruiser is targeting all weapons on us!" NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan: "Evade as best as you can!" NPC@annpc#557 | The Lander One goes into a spin to dodge the incoming fire, but it never arrives as a series of explosions rock the ship NPC@annpc#557 | Meshan: "Their shields and weapons have been disabled. Looks like the Observer came through!" Mischa@crystyl nods and recalls the Observer ready for the boarding Mischa@crystyl:"Do you want to try and talk him down before we board?" NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan taps on her console before shaking her head, "Doesn't look like he's answering my calls anyways. Just as well, he can't cut the comm on us if we're on board the ship." Mischa@crystyl:"Alright then, let's get over there" NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan nods and heads for the transporter NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan and the team beam down outside the Engineering Room of the Corporate cruiser again. The force field from before remains down, but Vector appears to have raised a different one further - NPC@annpc#557:- inside between him and the hall outside. Just on the other side of the field stands a line of six Corporate robots with rifles raised, likely ready to fire as soon as the field drops Mischa@crystyl:"Alright. How do you want to play this?" NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan: "Let's not try to show any hostile intent. If new feelings are the problem, he's going to be unpredictable. He might fixate on the Corporation now, but if we antagonize him, he may turn - NPC@annpc#557:- on us and we'll be forced to shut him down. Don't tamper with the force field yet and just try to communicate with him." Mischa@crystyl:"You want me to take point in the dialogue?" NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan: "I'll do what I can, but you said you almost reached him last time. Now that he can't beam you away and we have a better idea of what's happening with him, you might be able to - NPC@annpc#557:- finally get through to him." Mischa@crystyl nods and heads in, "Hello Vector" NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan follows in behind Mischa NPC@annpc#557 | Vector turns from one of the consoles, looking to them, "Don't come any closer. You are not my enemy, but I cannot allow you to stop me." Mischa@crystyl:"Yes, I believe this is where we were before when we were so regretfully interrupted. We don't want to stop you Vector, we just want to help make sure you are ok before you proceed. Remember?" NPC@annpc#557 | Vector: "You took down the force field and fired at me. I remember." Mischa@crystyl:"Now to be fair, /I/ did not drop the forcefield. And I only fired to try and stop the beamout" NPC@annpc#557 | Vector: "I could not let you interrupt my progress, and the likelihood of that is high with the field down. The cannon is almost ready now. Just a few minutes." Mischa@crystyl:"And what about you now? What about the logical course of letting your friends check you out first? You see, Kayan is worried about you as well and has come to see you" NPC@annpc#557 | Vector: "The Corporations must be destroyed. They cause far too much harm. Far too much pain. They cannot be allowed to continue to exist." NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan: "Mischa here is on a mission to the Corporations' homeworld. She'll do everything she can to lessen the damage they do. We already freed one colony from their clutches." NPC@annpc#557 | Vector: "No! That's not enough. You see what they're making, viruses and cannons. They have to be stopped for good!" Mischa@crystyl:"And how is using such horrific things yourself any better?" NPC@annpc#557 | Vector: "I'm only going to use it on their homeworld. Not the colonies. This will cripple their power, allow the innocent civilizations they've oppressed to finally break free." Mischa@crystyl:"And what about the innocent civilians who reside on that homeworld?" NPC@annpc#557 | Vector: "Their defenses are too strong. This is the only way. I'll concentrate fire on the Corporate centres." NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan: "But there's still going to be collateral damage, Vector. Significant amounts of it." NPC@annpc#557 | Vector: "What else can I do? This is the only tool I have at my disposal. I must stop the Corporations." Mischa@crystyl:"With a planet killing weapon, really? Think it through Vector, you will be taking millions of innocent lives. And to follow your own course of current thinking, would survivors of your destruction - Mischa@crystyl:- be equally righteous in turning a weapon like this on the An homeworld in revenge for your action?" NPC@annpc#557 | Vector: "It is their own weapon, fired from their own ship. They will not know who was responsible." Mischa@crystyl:"You are dodging the question" NPC@annpc#557 | Vector: "This is the only way to destroy the Corporations. There is no other. We must cut off its head." Mischa@crystyl:"I agree. So why are you gunning for their homeworld?" NPC@annpc#557 | Vector: "Their homeworld is where the leadership of all their Corporations reside. They even refer to it as Headquarters sometimes, it seems to be synonymous with 'homeworld.' Mischa@crystyl:"Yes, but why is that as a target if you aim to cut off the proverbial head?" NPC@annpc#557 | Vector: "How else can I do it? This way, their leadership will be eliminated in a single stroke." Mischa@crystyl:"But you know that the Corporation leadership are not the ones pulling the strings here. This was the whole reason we came out here to handle the Corporation, remember. The Horde influence" NPC@annpc#557 | Vector: "Yes...I remember. But the Horde did not design the subspace cannon. This was being worked on long before, as have the oppression in the colonies. The Corporation made those choices on - NPC@annpc#557:- their own. They are dangerous, with or without the Horde." Mischa@crystyl:"They are just like other Children. Who else will you deem dangerous; Starfleet, the An?" NPC@annpc#557 | Vector: "I...no! I am not the enemy here. The Corporations, they are more greedy than others, more self-interested...they are the enemy." NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan: "You're right. You're not the enemy here. We've come to deal with the Corporations, but you have to see that this anger you hold for them now is irrational." NPC@annpc#557 | Vector: "I cannot control it. I hate them, and I don't know what to do about it!" Mischa@crystyl:"We know Vector, that's why we want to help you. You just have to let one of us come in and scan you. That's not too much to ask now is it?" NPC@annpc#557 | Vector: "How do I know this is not a trick?" Mischa@crystyl:"Because you know we are your friends" Mischa@crystyl | Observer: "I'll do it. Vector and I have a strong understanding and he knows I would never hurt him. Isn't that right Vector?" NPC@annpc#557 | Vector nods, "Yes. That is...acceptable." Mischa@crystyl smiles and backs away, "Very good Vector. We'll stay clear so you know it's no trick" NPC@annpc#557 FX | The force field drops and the robots step aside, lowering their rifles though still holding them in hand, able to quickly bring up at any moment NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan and the others back away as well Mischa@crystyl | Observer approaches, slowly pulling the tricorder, "Ok Vector, this won't take a moment. I look forward to our next drink together, don't you?" she smiles NPC@annpc#557 | Vector nods, "I very much do as we-" He freezes as the tricorder is activated before dropping to the ground. The robots simply stand passively, with no orders to interfere now that Vector is out Mischa@crystyl | Observer looks down with sadness, "I'm sorry Vector" NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan through the robots, kneeling down beside Vector and tagging him for transport, "Thank you. Don't worry, he'll be himself again once we clear the virus' influence on his system." Mischa@crystyl:"You did good" Mischa@crystyl | Observer nods, "Still feel bad for him though" NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan nods, "As do I." She stands as Vector disappears into a transporter beam, "Ankti will do everything he can to restore normal functions." Mischa@crystyl:"As for this weapon ship..." NPC@annpc#557 | T'Lana meanwhile strolls up to a console, tapping on it, "It seems you were right. Vector has refined the weapon to the point of potential viability." NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan: "Our scans after the shields went down indicate that all the Hyrokee crew are long since gone now. I don't think any harm would be done if we scuttle it." Mischa@crystyl:"Good, because I can not allow a ship like this to exist in uncontrolled hands. We should skim the computer for useful information first though" NPC@annpc#557 | T'Lana nods, "I'll download any potentially relevant information related to Corporations and Corporate technology." Mischa@crystyl:"I'll help" NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan: "Grab what you want now. We'll destroy it once we're back on the Lander One." Mischa@crystyl | Observer looks to Kayan, "With your permission, I will return with you and stay by Vector's side" NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan nods, "Of course. We'll wait for you back on the ship." Mischa@crystyl:"We'll see you there" NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan and the Observer beam back... --- NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan and the Observer enter the Lander One's Engineering Room, where a deactivated Vector is being held in an alcove on the side. On a nearby console, Senior Fixed Ankti is working NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan: "Any progress?" NPC@annpc#557 | Ankti: "We've only begun work on Vector, but our countermeasures to the virus were successful on Governor Ishyha's implants. She's still being kept in the medbay for safety, but Dr. Nakos - NPC@annpc#557 - reports she isn't displaying any unusual emotional responses so far. That's a good sign." Rianni@crystyl:"So we just have to do the same for Vector then?" NPC@annpc#557 | Ankti nods, "For clearing the virus, yes, but the virus didn't just manipulate Vector's emotions, it's introduced new emotions that's foreign to his system, ones he doesn't know how to deal - NPC@annpc#557 - with. So in addition, we have to erase the signals the virus sent from his positronic brain. It's going to be a lot more tedious than just cleaning the virus from cybernetics, but he'll be - NPC@annpc#557 - back to normal once it's all done." Rianni@crystyl smiles, "That's a relief" NPC@annpc#557 | Ankti: "It'll take at least half a day, depending on just how much I have to erase. I'll keep you updated on the progress." Rianni@crystyl:"Is there anything I can do to help?" NPC@annpc#557 | Ankti: "Unless you happen to be an expert on positronic matrices, I'm afraid not." Rianni@crystyl:"I... um, no. Sorry..." NPC@annpc#557 | Ankti chuckles, "Don't worry, most people aren't. I'll be sure to let you know when he's ready to be brought back online." NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan: "Thank you for helping bring him back to the Lander One." Rianni@crystyl:"He is a kindred spirit in many ways. I meant what I said back there about eagerly awaiting our next talk" NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan smiles, "It's good to see that the two of you are getting along." Rianni@crystyl smiles as well, "It is rare for me to meet someone able of understanding me without bias" NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan: "Is that because many of the people on your Starfleet vessels knew you once infiltrated them?" Rianni@crystyl nods, "Yes. Even those not sharing that bias often look upon my artificial existence as an insult. Even moreso when they learn of my designed expiration" NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan: "Designed expiration?" Rianni@crystyl nods, "Yes. Observers are built for a short term purpose. Upon completion of Observation activities, they are terminated" NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan nods, "I can see why some won't look kindly upon that. Does this mean you'll eventually be terminated as well? Rianni@crystyl shakes her head, "No, I was since repurposed as a representative" NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan: "So you no longer have a designed expiration, then?" Rianni@crystyl:"I do not" NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan smiles, "That's good to hear. You've been a great help so far, to us and the Coalition as a whole, and no doubt to the Valley Forge too. It's good to have you around." Rianni@crystyl smiles, "I believe that is thanks to my Human template" NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan: "Yes, I heard she's quite the remarkable individual as well." Rianni@crystyl:"I have come to the conclusion that we are both the sum of our union, and neither of us would be the capable people we are now without all that we share" NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan smiles, "Then it's good to have both of you around." NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan's comm sounds and she answers, "This is Kayan." Rianni@crystyl | <C-Mischa> Mischa here. We've swept the computers and are just getting ready to beam back now NPC@annpc#557:<C> I'll inform the transporter room. Meet me in the Operations Room once you're back." Rianni@crystyl |<C-Mischa> Acknowledged. We'll see you there NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan looks to the Observer, "Do you want to remain here with Vector in the meantime?" Rianni@crystyl nods, looking to the Fixer, "As long as I'm not in the way" NPC@annpc#557 | Ankti shakes his head, "Not at all. Feel free to stay and...observe." Rianni@crystyl smiles, "Now /that/ I can do!" NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan chuckles, "I'll leave you to it, then." --- NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan returns to the Operations Room, where Mischa and the rest of the team are already waiting, "I assume you left all data on that subspace cannon on the cruiser?" Mischa@crystyl nods, "That information is too dangerous to keep. Even in safe hands" NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan: "My thoughts exactly." She steps up to the command console, "Meshan, target antiproton cannons on the subspace cannon at the front of the cruiser. Take it out first, maximum power - NPC@annpc#557 - setting. Don't even leave a shred of debris to be salvaged." NPC@annpc#557 | Meshan nods, "Yes Commander." NPC@annpc#557 | The antiproton cannons take aim and a stream of red bolts impact the front of the ship, slowly vapourizing the entire section and obliterating the subspace cannon. Kayan monitors her console - NPC@annpc#557 - until all traces of the weapon are gone before announcing, "Cease fire. Target the data core. A few shots should be enough to make it unsalvageable." NPC@annpc#557 | The cannons reposition themselves before resuming fire. this time firing precise bursts, penetrating a specific section of hull NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan: "That should be the weapon and all the data they have on it gone. Target the warp core and finish off the rest of the ship, just in case." NPC@annpc#557 | A few more shots later, the damage remains of the cruiser goes up in a flash, leaving tiny pieces of the ship scattered in the area NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan: "Make a thorough scan of the debris field." NPC@annpc#557 | Tak'an: "Nothing remains except pieces of metal, Commander. No one will be able to reconstruct anything from what's left." NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan nods, "Good. Take us back on course for the Hyrokee homeworld." NPC@annpc#557 | The pilot nods and the Lander One jumps back to warp again NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan looks to Mischa, "I don't know about you, but I can use a rest after that whole situation." Mischa@crystyl nods, "An unwelcome diversion from our mission, but one I am glad we made and resolved. How are Vector and the Governor?" NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan: "The Governor's under observation in the medbay, but so far she seems back to normal. Ankti's working on Vector and he's expected to make a full recovery as well." Mischa@crystyl:"That is good. We may have averted a situation here, but we still don't have the source of this virus" NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan: "We could go back to where the cruiser encountered the other Corporate ship, but I suspect they're long gone by now. Tracking them down would also take more time away from heading to - NPC@annpc#557:- their homeworld." Mischa@crystyl nods, "Which we can't afford to do right now. Nonetheless we should remain mindful of this virus. If it is not already being used by Horde influenced leaders, then maybe we can reverse engineer it - Mischa@crystyl:- to work as a counter agent of sorts" NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan: "That's a good point. We'll definitely make sure Ishyha and the Hyrokee we rescued have sufficient countermeasures, at the very least. I'll have the Fixers look more closely into it." Mischa@crystyl:"Meanwhile, we have the recovered data to work through. Hopefully Vector will recover in good enough time to assist" NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan: "We still have the better part of a week before we reach the Hyrokee homeworld. I'm sure he'll be back up by then. Care to join me in the mess for some well-earned rest for the time - NPC@annpc#557:- being?" Mischa@crystyl smiles, "How could I refuse?" NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan smiles back and heads out to lead the way NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan steps into the mess hall and up to the counter, "Kalasar, please.” Mischa@crystyl:"Kalasar?" NPC@annpc#557 FX | Not unlike the Nuhar tables at Waystation, an orange-coloured drink replicates itself on top of the counter NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan: "It's a drink favoured by many of the Vesan. Good for cooling down after a mission." Mischa@crystyl hrms, turning to the replicator, "Another Kalasar" NPC@annpc#557 | Another orange drink materializes in front of Mischa NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan raises hers, taking a sip from it Mischa@crystyl takes a sip as well, "mmm, not bad" she smiles NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan smiles, "It's been a favourite of my people over generations for a reason." Mischa@crystyl:"So this is how you always wind down after a tense mission?" NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan: "Depends on the mission, but a glass of Kalasar always helps. The Vesan usually like to share a drink with other members of their team, to celebrate their successes and mourn their - NPC@annpc#557:- losses as a team. Camaraderie is an important part of Vesan lives, and why they fight so effectively. It's not just physical prowess, and arguably in modern warfare, physical prowess doesn't even - NPC@annpc#557:- count for anything." Mischa@crystyl:"True enough. I know a lot of SFC folks share similar practices. In intelligence, we tend to be far more solitary creatures. Though it is not unheard of to share in occasions such as this" NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan nods, "Yes, it tends to be that way for the Kalan, or at least the Kalan serving in the Tel'darash, since most of them seem to be in scouting or special operations roles. Not quite like - NPC@annpc#557:- Intelligence, but the Kalan are often more solitary or prefer to spend time in the company of the select few closest to them. Of course, every individual is different, but with certain - NPC@annpc#557:- physiological traits, a corresponding behavioural trait can often be quite common." Mischa@crystyl:"So do you often undertake longer term missions away from the mothership like this?" NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan: "No, not this long-term, at least. Our Recon Ships often scout ahead of the Mothership, sometimes travelling ahead by a week or more to check for dangers along the way. Not unlike your - NPC@annpc#557:- QanwI', actually. But we're meant to operate as support to the Mothership, not on our own. The Lander One's a new design, created by this expedition for the Horde conflict, so we're more - NPC@annpc#557:- self-sufficient than usual, but this is the longest time we've been away from the Mothership." Mischa@crystyl:"And how are you and your crew finding that so far?" NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan: "Well, it's different for sure. Can't deny that most of us miss the Mothership already, but it can't even compare to how long you've been away from your home. My crew has some of the - NPC@annpc#557:- best this expedition has to offer. We'll manage on our own for a short while." Mischa@crystyl smiles, "It can take its toll, which is why I ask. Unfamiliarity with one's circumstances can lead to ill-preparedness" NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan nods, "It certainly does, but the Mothership will catch up to us with the rest of the Coalition forces soon enough. In the meantime, while we're only a small crew, we still have each - NPC@annpc#557:- other and enough to operate alone for the time being." Mischa@crystyl:"Of course, and I did not mean to imply otherwise. Just my own experience that this initial 'we're far from home' period can have quite the impact on a crew" NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan: "I suppose it helps that we've been exploring through unknown space our whole lives with the Mothership. But it is still different, with our families further away, and with the Lander - NPC@annpc#557:- One not having the amenities the Mothership does. We're all trained Tel'darash here though, we're prepared for more difficult circumstances." Mischa@crystyl:"It is a difficulty we share on the Latenter. It too was built to serve a purpose, no more no less. Not like the Valley Forge which was built for the very purpose of sustaining a crew almost - Mischa@crystyl:- indefinitely" NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan: "But you managed out here for as long as they did without even revealing your presence to them." Mischa@crystyl:"That's not to say we've had as easy a time with it as they have. And I'm not talking about the challenges faced or enemies encountered. I mean the crew's mental fortitude" NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan nods, "Your ship doesn't have all the amenities the Valley Forge has, I assume?" Mischa@crystyl:"Indeed. We have some, of course. But; multiple holodecks and lounges, an arboretum so large you can't even see one side to the other - let alone family accomodations, schools and such" NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan: "And we have even less on the Lander One, as the crew are expected to use the Mothership's amenities when we're docked. Which is quite a significant portion of the time as Recons and - NPC@annpc#557:- Haulers usually operate by rotation- it's rare to send all them out. Normally a few scout ahead or are out extracting resources and conducting trade while the rest remain with the Mothership to - NPC@annpc#557:- be launched when the others come back from their missions, or for emergency support. That gives our crews plenty of time to relax." Mischa@crystyl nods, "I think your Lander One is much more comparable to the QanwI' than even the Latenter, let alone Valley Forge" NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan: "I think so. The QanwI' is functionally identical to a Recon Ship, and we're just a larger Recon Ship that specializes in stealth insertion and evacuation of troops." Mischa@crystyl:"My thoughts exactly. Well I'm sure we'll have you back to the mothership now in no time" NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan: "As a point of curiosity, since we're making comparisons- why isn't the Valley Forge equipped with a cloak? It's not a small ship and not built for stealth purposes so a cloak wouldn't - NPC@annpc#557:- be as effective as it is on the Lander One or your ship, but it can still conceal them from danger from time to time, or allow them to gain a brief element of surprise over enemies. Given the - NPC@annpc#557:- unpredictability of unknown space, it wouldn't hurt to keep your options open." Mischa@crystyl:"Very true. The thing is, Starfleet long ago got it's hands tied behind it's back in an accord which prevented them from developing cloaking technology. So even now virtually no SFC ship is equipped- Mischa@crystyl:- with one, and even those few that are will normally be the result of a retrofit under special circumstances" NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan: "But your ship is part of Starfleet as well. Did you receive a cloak as a result of these special retrofits, or are Intelligence ships normally equipped with them?" Mischa@crystyl smiles, "Well now that's the beauty of technicalities. Starfleet /Command/ signed that accord. Starfleet /Intelligence/ was never represented, on account of the powers that be not knowing that we - Mischa@crystyl:- were a thing, no doubt. As such, we followed our own mandate to protect the Federation charter by any means necessary, and ultimately reverse engineered our own cloaking technology" NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan smiles back, "So that's why you have access to a cloak. Technicalities. There was a time when cloaks were standard equipment on Andarash ships- perhaps our closest equivalent to your - NPC@annpc#557:- Starfleet Command, especially in those days as it was before the time of the Nos'telari, so they also managed our exploration. Today they're only responsible for defense, and while they have a few - NPC@annpc#557:- ships with cloaks, it's no longer used on the majority of their fighting ships." Mischa@crystyl:"Well as you can no doubt appreciate, given the nature of our existence in SFI, cloaks are a rather basic necessity" NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan nods, "That it is. Most of the ships in the Andarash that are equipped with cloaks are Andarash Military Intelligence, to my understanding at least. I've never actually encountered the - NPC@annpc#557:- Andarash or been on one of their ships; that's something you'll have to ask Vector about when he's awake." Mischa@crystyl:"He has a history with them I take it?" NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan: "He used to serve in the Andarash before joining the Suvoseh Expedition." Mischa@crystyl:"Interesting, I look forward to exchanging notes with him then. It sounds like your Andarash is quite similar to SFI; most Starfleet officers actually still consider us a myth if you can believe - Mischa@crystyl:- that. And of those who do know us, knowledge of our assets is virtually non-existent. This mission has proven to be quite the exception in many ways" NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan smirks, "Actually, if you're out for similarities with your own Intelligence, you're looking at what's left of it now." Mischa@crystyl turns to her with a curious expression, "Oh?" NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan: "In modern An society, intelligence gathering is done by the Andarash Military Intelligence I mentioned, a branch of the wider Andarash. But the majority of their efforts is directed - NPC@annpc#557:- towards intercepting and decrypting signals and preventing espionage. They do field work as well, but mostly they work to gather information for the wider Andarash and rarely use their - NPC@annpc#557:- data to sabotage the enemy or otherwise tip the scales. That's left to the Andarash's Special Operations teams." NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan: "Back before the Second An-Dominion War, we had a separate organization from our military, one dedicated to intelligence work. It was called the Ankalath- the People's Eyes. They not - NPC@annpc#557:- only collected intelligence but also acted on it. Many of their actions are not something the La'ani Commonwealth is proud of, but we also know that without the Ankalath, we would never have - NPC@annpc#557:- survived the Cold War." Mischa@crystyl:"That does indeed sound rather more relatable" NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan nods, "The Ankalath was responsible for the deaths of forty-nine of the Dominion's Founders, and the successful capture and incarceration of a further twenty-five. They were a force to - NPC@annpc#557:- be reckoned with in their time, but unfortunately the strains of the Cold War took a toll on their moral ideology. An investigation was carried out following the Second War where many - NPC@annpc#557:- high ranking Ankalath were arrested for their actions and the organization was eventually disbanded. But not all members of the Ankalath had lost their way, and the ones innocent of any crimes - NPC@annpc#557:- were eventually absorbed into Military Intelligence and other elements of La'ani society." NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan: "Other elements like the beginnings of the modern Nos'telari. It's not exactly a secret, as we're not the Ankalath, but it is a little-known fact even to most Telash." Mischa@crystyl:"I can't help but notice that you talk about this disbanded Ankalath in the first person..." NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan smiles, "Because in a way, the Nos'telari are the successors of the Ankalath. The Motherships were based on designs conceived by the Ankalath but never built in their time. The entire - NPC@annpc#557:- concept came from ex-Ankalath after its disbanding. The Commonwealth almost fell to the Dominion during the Second War. The reason we built the Motherships is not only to explore the galaxy, but - NPC@annpc#557:- to send populations of An far away from our territory, so our species would live on if something were to happen to the Commonwealth. That's one of the central reasons the Nos'telari were founded - NPC@annpc#557:- and the first Motherships built, but as I said, it is not widely known today." NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan smirks, "It's also why our stealth and anti-stealth abilities are so high, as you've experienced firsthand. Much of the technology we use derives from old Ankalath technology." Mischa@crystyl:"Interesting. And it is good to have context on the evolution of such things in others, so thank you" NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan smiles, "I thought you'd be interested. Of course, we operate very differently from the Ankalath today, but in a way exploring is like collecting intelligence, and everything we learn - NPC@annpc#557:- ultimately goes back to the Commonwealth. We're still very far from what the Ankalath was though, and much more like your Starfleet exploration ships." Mischa@crystyl:"Not necessarily a bad thing. I am sure if Starfleet did not have the distinctly defined separate areas of operation still, we would be unified by now in much the same manner" NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan: "Well, the Nos'telari have a very distinctly separate area of operation from the Andarash- one is exclusively for exploration while the other is exclusively for defense, while your - NPC@annpc#557:- Starfleet seems to have unified the two. This distinction works well for us though; even if we were a branch of the Andarash, we wouldn't benefit very much from one another at all, seeing as - NPC@annpc#557:- La'ani territory is many decades of travel away.” Mischa@crystyl chuckles, "A fair point" NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan: "Though it would be nice to have some of the Andarash weapon schematics for this conflict against the Horde, but I suspect even if we were part of the Andarash, we'd still have to - NPC@annpc#557:- requisition them. They're closely regulated and not something most Nos'telari expeditions would have a use for, after all." Mischa@crystyl:"Rightly so I imagine, too. Intelligence tends to operate the same way" NPC@annpc#557 | Kayan nods, "Yes, these weapons are dangerous. We're far from unarmed, as you can tell, but Motherships carrying schematics for these particular weapons may not be a good idea, as they could - NPC@annpc#557:- be spread to people who shouldn't have them, if something happens to the Mothership or if they're stolen." --- NPC@annpc#557 | The better part of a day later, in the Lander One's Engineering Room... NPC@annpc#557 | Ankti: "So your creators are quite the experts at genetic manipulation, then?" Rianni@crystyl nods, "Yes, very much so" NPC@annpc#557 | Ankti: "Did they ever experiment with synthetic life? Like Vector here." Rianni@crystyl:"Presumably, once. Though not insofar that they have any in service now that I know of" NPC@annpc#557 | Ankti: "We encountered a group on our travels that could create synthetics who were virtually indistinguishable from organic lifeforms. We also have the technology to make our synths look more - NPC@annpc#557 - like An, they simply choose to look the way they are now, but even our best work can be identified as a synthetic lifeform with proper scanning equipment. These synths we encountered were - NPC@annpc#557 - virtually indistinguishable from organics, and not only that, but could be designed as perfect replicas of existing people. Good enough to be Observers like you." Rianni@crystyl:"Truly? They could even stand up to detailed medical examinations?" NPC@annpc#557 | Ankti nods, "That's what made them so great. They were truly exceptional. Unfortunately, the organics became afraid of the synthetics' abilities and began to hunt them down. That's how they - NPC@annpc#557 - developed technology which allowed them to blend in seamlessly, or at least that's what prompted it. Even then, they tried to hunt down the synths and paranoia became rampant in their society." Rianni@crystyl:"I believe my template's people went through a similar thing a few years back" NPC@annpc#557 | Ankti: "Really? I thought they were quite accepting of synthetics. You even have Mia as one of your crew." Rianni@crystyl:"Oh they are now, but they went through a period of paranoia regarding synthetic life" NPC@annpc#557 | Ankti: "I suppose it's a common thing that occurs in many civilizations. It is not one of our prouder moments, but we actually unintentionally induced one within the Dominion during the - NPC@annpc#557 - Cold War." Rianni@crystyl:"Oh?" NPC@annpc#557 | Ankti: "We engineered a form of synthetic body that could adjust their physical appearance at will. Not too drastically, but it could change its height, body proportions, facial features, - NPC@annpc#557 - hair, skin tone, enough to convincingly pass off as members of most bipedal species and even completely mimic the appearance of an individual. They weren't foolproof to thorough scans and they - NPC@annpc#557 - couldn't transform into a computer for example, but it was our best answer to the Founders' natural shapeshifting abilities." Rianni@crystyl:"An impressive feat still" NPC@annpc#557 | Ankti: "Unfortunately, our use of such synths produced the byproduct of paranoia against synthetic life in the Dominion for quite some time. But, given that the Founders don't even like - NPC@annpc#557:- non-liquid life, I have a feeling it was bound to happen if they encountered advanced enough synthetics." Rianni@crystyl:"Yes, they are not the most tolerant of other species. What about nanotechnology? Did you ever consider trying to use that to mimic their shapeshifting forms?" NPC@annpc#557 | Ankti: "I believe we were researching into that, but after the Second War ended, things quieted down and with the Ankalath gone, it never amounted to anything, at least in terms of mimicking - NPC@annpc#557:- the Founders. Nanotechnology has a wide range of engineering and medical applications today." Rianni@crystyl:"I have seen some for myself. But it always seems like there is so much more potential" NPC@annpc#557 | Ankti: "Oh there certainly is. We encountered quite a few creative applications of it over our journey in fact, but I'll tell you about those later. For now, I think we're ready to bring - NPC@annpc#557:- Vector back online." Rianni@crystyl:"Ooh, great!" she steps over NPC@annpc#557 | Ankti taps on his console, "Everything should be good. Reactivating...now." NPC@annpc#557 | Vector's eyes blink a few times before opening properly and he looks around, "Fixer. Observer. I take it you were responsible for deactivating me and bringing me here?" Rianni@crystyl:"I'm so sorry Vector, but it was the only way to safely help you. How are you feeling now?" NPC@annpc#557 | Vector: "My self-diagnostics indicate that my positronic matrices have returned to normal, and there is no trace of the virus in my systems." He steps out from the alcove, "It is I who should - NPC@annpc#557:- apologize for my behaviour. I was...unable to contain the foreign elements introduced by the virus." Rianni@crystyl:"Don't worry, we understand. I'm just glad we were able to help!" NPC@annpc#557 | Vector smiles, "Thank you for all your assistance. I will ensure that does not happen again. I am normally quite well defended against cyberattacks, but that virus was surprisingly powerful." Rianni@crystyl:"Well it was not made to target synthetic lifeforms, only Corporation implants. So maybe that's why your defenses could not handle it?" NPC@annpc#557 | Vector: "It was foreign, but that is not the only reason. The virus itself is surprisingly well-constructed." NPC@annpc#557 | Ankti nods, "I concur. I expected the Corporations to have some skill at cyberwarfare given their extreme cybernetic implants, but this virus was more like something the Nuhar would use." NPC@annpc#557 | Vector nods, "It is certainly not of Nuhar creation, nor repurposed from Nuhar code. But the way it is coded...that is how a synthetic would do it, not an organic coder." Rianni@crystyl:"Do the Corporations normally utilize such methods?" NPC@annpc#557 | Ankti: "We've never heard of the Corporations using full AI, but that might just be because they don't want their guard robots to have free will. It wouldn't surprise me if they had the - NPC@annpc#557:- technology, but for a people who wouldn't even use genetic augmentation on their children because they didn't get the power personally and don't want their family to have the power to overthrow - NPC@annpc#557:- them? I don't see them using AIs that can calculate data and react hundreds of times faster than their own minds." NPC@annpc#557 | Vector nods, "Yes, we would too easily be a threat to their power. After all, without your intervention, I may very well have single-handedly collapsed their society." Rianni@crystyl:"Could this be how the Architect has manipulated them?" NPC@annpc#557 | Vector: "That does not quite fit, either. The Valley Forge knows the Architect better than we do, but from my understanding, neither the Architect nor the Horde has much understanding of - NPC@annpc#557:- artificial intelligence. Telepathy and genetic manipulation are where their strengths lie." Rianni@crystyl hrms, "Something definitely doesn't fit here..." NPC@annpc#557 | Ankti: "Perhaps the Horde learned something on the Sphere? But that sort of data would probably be stored in the Technological Archive that was mentioned..." NPC@annpc#557 | Vector: "And the last we were aware, the Horde do not control any of the Archives." Rianni@crystyl:"If we can learn more about the code perhaps that will give us the answers. Perhaps Commander T'Lana may recognize something in it" NPC@annpc#557 | Vector: "I will seek her thoughts on it, but I suspect the answers may be with the ship that broadcast the virus, which has no doubt long made its escape and covered its trail." NPC@annpc#557 | Ankti nods, "Yes, the Commander decided to resume course for the Hyrokee homeworld and not spend time trying to track them down." NPC@annpc#557 | Vector: "A sensible decision. I do not expect tracking them will lead us anywhere, given the head start they possess." Rianni@crystyl:"We did also recover a great deal of data from the computers. Perhaps that will tell us more too, even if just sensor logs of the originating ship" NPC@annpc#557 | Vector nods, "I will help your people study them closely. The originating ship was a Corporate one, and perhaps we may yet find answers where we are going." Rianni@crystyl nods, "I agree. I'll be trying to track back the ship's Corporate ID - find out which Corporation it belonged to" NPC@annpc#557 | Vector: "Let's get to work, then."