(REPOST) [End Act 1] Lt. Cmdr Robin Hopper: Allergy Season From Hell
Robin Hopper (NEW)
((OOC re: Repost – Today I realized that tags had been missed from Stros’, Galanis’, and Saavei’s most recent posts in the scene and, unfortunately, I didn’t catch this before writing my Act 1 Closer. I’ve done my best to reincorporate them here.))
((OOC – With Sophie (Lalya Nevark / Charlena Vanlith) currently unavailable for health reasons, I will be writing for Greeta in this sim to help close up the Act. When Sophie’s able to write again, she’ll resume control of the MSPNPC. This also means I’m backfilling a little further here for relevant context, so please forgive that I’m re-treading some moments.))
((Ship Assembly Platform, Warp Development Facility, Uwe II))
After a cursory look over some of the upper labs, the group had wound their way back down the various levels of the domed building’s catwalks to the heart of the operation – the spacecraft. Despite the occasional tension and her newfound worries about possible indications of sabotage, Robin still found it hard not to stare at it with a little wonder in her eyes as they neared.
oO Nathan’s going to be cheesed that he missed this. Oo If only she could take some holo-images for him.
Saavei: It is... truly remarkable work, Program Lead.
Galanis: Yes… the science and engineering that must have gone into it is amazing.
Robin watched as Greeta looked away from the group, towards the spacecraft – still somewhat skeletal as its various components were being fabricated and then brought together for assembly here in the central chamber. His expression seemed contemplative, rather than ecstatic.
Greeta: It has been no small task – the work spanning from root to canopy. No easy task. It’s required a lot of trust, and sacrifice, to get us here… But I have no doubt that this experiment will change the course of things for our people.
Robin nodded idly, acting as though what was being discussed was lightyears ahead of what she comprehended – after all, she was posing as the Uwezo Senior Minister of Internal Security, not Doctor Robin Hopper with a PhD in Advanced Physics.
Hopper: Well, it certainly sounds impressive. I’ll have to defer to my technical experts’ opinions, of course.
She eyed her Engineer, Saavei, followed by Lael, confident that the Chief HCO would have plenty of interesting opinions as well… Now she just had to find a moment to get Rosek-Skyfire on her own and discuss the other matter at hand and what they were going to do about it. She was already feeling wedged between an ethical rock and a moral hard place. If the Uwezo warp project – which was so close to completion – really was at risk from the protestors, was it their place to intervene? The Prime Directive seemed clear. But they couldn’t just leave it uninvestigated either.
Robin held in an exasperated sigh, instead just pressing her lips together tightly.
As they got closer to the action – where the warp drive and spacecraft were being assembled – they suddenly found themselves amidst far more activity. A variety of scientists and engineers moved to and fro, some with parts in hand, others with documents and tablets.
Robin tried to get a look at them, see if anyone looked ‘out of place’, but that was impossible to determine. She didn’t even know yet what any of the various patches and logos they wore on their work coveralls meant, let alone have any clue what an ‘out of place’ Uwezo would look like in this context.
Saavei: ::as if to herself:: To be chosen as a pilot for this ship would be a great honor.
Galanis: Has the pilot been chosen at all yet?
That question, direct and less philosophical, drew Vaarig out of his contemplative stare.
Greeta: Hmm? Oh. There are a number of candidates in the final stages of the selection process, as I understand it. My team will be involved in the pilots’ training of course, but we don’t get to pick who’s going up. That will be decided by… project overseers.
oO Hmm. Oo Robin wondered about these “overseers” – who they were, what their associations were, their intentions. Was it entirely government? Or Military? Was there some civilian oversight? But of course, asking such a question would break the illusion they had created… so it was something they’d need to look into later.
Hopper: Well, an announcement will surely need to be made soon. After all, by the looks of things you must be almost finished putting this thing together.
Saavei, having subtly taken a closer look at one of the terminals, raised an inquiry – a very specific inquiry.
Saavei: Would it be possible to view the most recent stress tests for the engine, Program Lead? ::indicating her head towards the terminal:: I recall the project initially had a problem with the infusion stimulators? Your reports since then have been more than adequate but I was hoping you could show me how you and your team compensated for the power shifts. It seemed a creative solution.
Vaarig didn’t reply immediately, but the look on his face seemed to indicate that he was impressed with the Minister’s technical aide’s knowledge. Robin smiled, pleased that Ensign Saavei was inhabiting the part so well. She wasn’t sure, throwing the Vulcan Ensign into the deep end of a high-stakes away mission, if she’d sink or swim. So far, it seemed like she was a swimmer.
The Program Lead nodded, and indicated a terminal several meters away where the data could be viewed.
Galanis: If it’s acceptable to you, I’d like a moment to discuss where we’ll begin with the Minister and her Assistant.
Hopper: As interesting as this topic is, I do feel far below the canopy on these subjects. Lae’Selle, if we can steal you away for a moment, we can review our checklists, make sure no leaf remains unturned?
Rosek-Skyfire: ::smiles:: Certainly, Senior Minister.
With a pleasant nod, Robin gestured for Saavei and Greeta to continue their very technical conversation.
Hopper: You two have fun discussing – what was it? “Infusion stimulators”? Sounds fascinating.
Saavei: Indeed. ::her attention fully on Greeta now:: Please, if you would share? Complete reports aside, I find it refreshing to speak to the individual.
Greeta: Yes. There were a number of issues with the infusion stimulators. Fortunately, we were able to compensate for those before running any live tests.
Moving off again, a little ways away from the two engineering nerds, Robin cleared her throat and looked from Niev to Lael with nervous energy – grateful to have her back to Vaarig for a moment.
Galanis: It’s the same here as it was in the corridor. Steady, faint traces of that pollen-like substance in the air.
Hopper: ::Explaining to Lael:: A pollen-like substance that may well serve as a reactant in some sort of… explosive release of energy.
She let a suggestive raising of her eyebrows convey the rest. Surely, Rosek-Skyfire was more than familiar enough with advanced propulsion technologies to piece the rest together quicker even than Robin had been able to.
Rosek-Skyfire: ::nods:: I’m quite concerned that might be the case. Until this moment, and indeed still, we’ve had little to no understanding of what substance the Uwezo would use to generate the reaction we get from our dilithium crystals. I’d hoped that they’d found a similar substance. This appears to be an intentional decision on Greeta’s part. ::to Galanis:: Based on your readings, what would you say is the exact purpose of this substance?
((Meanwhile, by the spacecraft, unheard by Hopper/Rosek-Skyfire/Galanis))
Saavei: Your team deduced that in such short order? It was quite a... leap of intuition.
Greeta paused, responding to the Aide’s apparent familiarity, rather than answering her follow-up question, or addressing its implications.
Greeta: I take it that you have quite a robust understanding of the principles involved in this project– what did you say your role was again? Technological Aide to the Senior Minister? Forgive my surprise. Most engineers and scientists qualified to understand the work we’re doing here were tapped when the project was first getting off the ground. I don’t recall your name on any of the lists…
Galanis: I can’t say for certain what it is. Only a potentially very high energy reaction, if concentrations of the dinitrogen pentoxide become high enough to act as a kind of solid-state oxidizer on the hydrogen. There’s no telling how quickly that may or may not happen until we know the source. Whether it’s some kind of recurring propellant leak or something more nefarious, like a thermobaric weapon, I will be blunt - it’s a potential threat to the entire facility.
Hopper: We need to tread carefully here. If the warp project scientists are using it in their work and this is some sort of accidental contamination, if we tip them off to it we could be significantly altering the trajectory of their technological and societal development. On the other hand, if this is coming in from some outside source, or indicative of tampering of some sort, we should look into it further.
Rosek-Skyfire: ::pauses:: If I’m honest, I have my own theories, though they are darker in ways than potential sabotage. I’m concerned that Greeta knew about these risks and decided to accelerate the timeline regardless. I don’t think they fully understand their own power source.
Lael chewed her lip – a visual tell that Robin recognized as one that she also often engaged in when she felt nervous.
((Meanwhile, by the spacecraft, unheard by Hopper/Rosek-Skyfire/Galanis))
Greeta: ::Indicating the work station:: I’ve brought up the most recent stress tests we’ve run on the engines, here. Mind you, this is still running them at only about 30% of their maximum output… We haven’t yet attempted to push them to levels that would enable us to break the lightspeed barrier.
Saavei: Yes, I can see how that would have complicated matters. The diagram here…
She leaned forward, taking a closer look.
Saavei: It would have been an honor to work this project. I am unsure if I possess the full, necessary design skills, but I am glad there are others who do.
Greeta: There are many, even among those who are optimistic about the project, who think what we are attempting is too risky. At least until the engines are outside the planet’s atmosphere.
Galanis: Should we press Project Lead Greeta more directly on any suspicious activities? He does seem rather… on edge.
Hopper: Are you suggesting that Greeta might know more than he’s letting on, Niev? I don’t know. I think any of us would be on edge in his position… All these scientists have poured their all into this project. I don’t think any of them would do anything to endanger its success.
Still, Robin wasn’t above admitting that she could be wrong.
Hopper: What are your assessments?
Rosek-Skyfire: ::nods:: The possibility hasn’t left my mind since we first engaged with him. He seems very flighty and nervous at the thought of someone examining or providing direct oversight of his work. At first, I thought it was something Niev or Saavei had said to upset him. But now, I’m beginning to wonder if they didn’t unintentionally uncover something deeper. ::to Galanis:: What do you think, Lieutenant? Have you noticed anything strange, aside from the readings, since our arrival?
Galanis: I would assume, as Project Lead, that he knows as much as possible about that group. It would be more suspicious if he claimed to know nothing at all.
Nodding, Robin looked back towards Saavei and Greeta again, knowing that they shouldn’t leave their fresh-from-the-Academy Ensign on her own for too long in such a high-stakes situation, no matter how promising she seemed.
((Meanwhile, by the spacecraft, unheard by Hopper/Rosek-Skyfire/Galanis))
Saavei: Thank you, Program Lead. This has all been very satisfying. I am anxiously awaiting the next step.
Greeta nodded. The next step would come soon. Very soon, he hoped. He’d had enough of the unnecessary delays and bureaucracy.
Greeta: As you can see, our test results, while limited, have thus far been quite encouraging. The issue we had with the infusion stimulators was twofold – a difficulty with refining the chemical reactants sufficiently and with sourcing materials for the injectors that could reliably withstand the combination of high pressure plasmas, rapid energy transfer, and vibrational flux.
Saavei: Response?
Greeta: ::Somewhat reticent:: I understand there was some… controversy… about the source of the minerals we required. But then this entire project has been controversial since its onset thanks to agitators like Elarrapal…
Hopper: Alright, let’s keep an eye on him then. He’s a good person to stay in touch with here at the project, at least, helps to justify our presence here if we’re keeping in touch with him. But I think we need to consider other possible sources as well. ::To Lael:: I’ll see if I can raise Commander Stros, share what we’ve found, see if they’ve learned anything relevant.
Rosek-Skyfire: The pieces are starting to appear for sure. We just need the strings to connect the dots.
She bit her lip. (And immediately realized she was doing it, same as Lael had just done moments earlier).
Hopper: We also can’t rule out the possibility yet that there could be external involvement… We aren’t the only outsiders capable of determining the Uwezo are developing warp technology. ::Shrugging:: Something else to chew on. Okay, you two go rescue Saavei. I think it’s about time we made a polite exit and figured out our next steps.
Rosek-Skyfire: ::nods:: I would like to see the original development logs to get a better idea of how their engine works, but we might have to table that for now.
Robin watched, briefly, as the other two reunited with Saavei and Greeta as non-chalantly as possible. Looking at the Program Lead again, Robin thought that he did, in fact, seem quite nervous – or worked up, in some way. Whether or not he knew more than he was letting on, it was clear that he wasn’t being as open with them as she would have preferred.
Galanis: Our apologies for taking so long to return, Project Lead Greeta. Aide Sa’Vey, have you finished getting to the root of your curiosity?
Saavei: I have for now, yes. ::then to Greeta:: I was just about to apologize for taking up so much of your time. You are very patient and I appreciate your experience.
Greeta: ::Sighing:: Ahh, forgive me. I don’t believe I was as patient as I might have been under other circumstances. It’s been hard feeling like everything we do is so scrutinized. By the people who want to see it succeed and by those who don’t. There’s a lot relying on the success of this project.
While the others began to wrap up their unscheduled meeting with the handsome (and potentially-suspicious) Uwezo Warp Program Lead, Robin pulled a rather old-fashioned communication device from her pocket and held it to her ear. It was more cumbersome than a combadge, no doubt, but such technologies were commonplace enough on Uwe II not to draw any attention.
Hopper: =/\= Hopper to Stros… You there? =/\=
Stros: =/\= Yes, Commander, go ahead. =/\=
She hated to admit it, but it was actually reassuring to hear his voice on the other end. Not that she wouldn’t have far preferred to hear Nathan’s… or Ikaia’s. Or D’Cyra’s. Or Kaito’s. Really, anyone else. But still, she was glad they at least hadn’t found their way into an Uwezo jail cell yet.
Hopper: =/\= We’ve detected potentially concerning substance traces in the warp labs. Some sort of pollen rich in dinitrogen pentoxide… Have you learned anything that might link to that? =/\=
Stros: =/\= We may have encountered a…less than savory element within the anti-warp faction. We are currently monitoring– =/\=
Her brow furrowed at that description. “Less than savory.” What exactly did that mean? And was he suggesting that he thought this group could be connected to the strange pollen-like substance they’d been detecting?
Robin’s thought process was interrupted by a sudden *pop* sound from the other line. It sounded almost like someone was opening a bottle of champagne. *Pop pop!* Make that several bottles.
((Meanwhile, by the spacecraft))
Galanis: I’ll make sure the Senior Minister has gathered her thoughts, so we can move on to the next branch promptly. A moment, please?
Saavei: Of course.
The tall, curly-haired, Aide moved back towards the Senior Minister.
Saavei: ::to Greeta:; Selfishly, I cannot regret doing so as this project has so long captivated the imagination. ::to La'el:: It has been a very satisfying visit.
Greeta: Of course… If there’s any other way I can be of assistance?
Rosek-Skyfire: ::inclines her head to Greeta:: I have a question that has been circling my mind for a time, if you would indulge me. With all of the complex interactions, I imagine there would be an increased risk of an element failing. How do you prevent one failure from impacting the rest of the system?
His offer for additional assistance had, largely, been a polite way of trying to wrap up their conversation. Evidently it had been taken literally. Vaarig looked between the ministerial personnel with a look bordering on confusion, before he acquiesced and nodded with his answer.
Greeta: We’ve tried to build in redundancies where possible – though of course, you can only plan for so many concurrent failures before you just have to abort… strip the bark and start over. But we’re confident that won’t be necessary. The craft will work.
It was clear, from the way he intoned that last remark that this was not the first time he’d faced skepticism – that he was perhaps inclined to read so many questions as questioning or doubt.
Galanis/Saavei: Response
Greeta: We’ve built craft not that dissimilar from this design before. The only real ‘groundbreaking’ elements here are the retractable nacelles which will, theoretically, extend to produce a sort of sphere or ‘bubble’ around the ship and facilitate the distortion effect we’re trying to produce.
Rosek-Skyfire: Fascinating. And in the event of an overall power failure? How do you keep the engine from becoming unstable?
The man paused, squinting, almost as if this question were a test.
Greeta: In a total power failure scenario? ::Shaking his head:: At that point, the reaction chamber’s safety systems would continue to run on limited backup power for a.. brief.. time. Not long. Enough to jettison the reactor and, hopefully, reach a safe distance. ::His bark-like forehead markings pressed together:: I can’t help but think that inquiry extends a bit far beyond the scope of your… security review?
Galanis/Saavei/Rosek-Skyfire: Response
Stros: =/\= What reactions from dinitrogen pentoxide should we be watching for when mixed with other chemicals? =/\=
Galanis: ::muting their incredulity with great effort: =/\= Mixed? If the dinitrogen pentoxide in the pollen reaches a high-enough saturation level and is exposed to a reactive hydrogen polymer, you won’t want to stay and watch. We could be looking at a high-energy thermobaric reaction, assuming we don’t find the source… or sources. =/\=
Hopper: =/\= Lieutenant Galanis is right. It would release a… crapload of energy. Depending on what you were mixing it with that could create a substantial fire, or even an explosion… Is everything okay? =/\=
Something about the way he’d asked that, the tone maybe or the increasingly chaotic background noise had her nervous.
Hopper: =/\= Stros? ::Pause, waiting for an answer:: Stros? Do you read? =/\=
Now there was only silence from the other side of the communicator. oO Yikes. Oo It was time to get out of there, as quickly and politely as they could, and get in touch with the Indy again. If the situation on Uwe was deteriorating rapidly they might need to get out of there – both for their own safety and to reduce the risk of cultural contamination. oO The last thing they need right now is some alien showing up in one of their hospitals… Oo
Galanis: ::To Robin, quietly:: I think it’s safest to assume we’re potentially dealing with some kind of bomb or otherwise destructive sabotage. Whether we question Greeta further or start hunting for wherever the hydrogen polymer signatures are coming from… I believe we should be quick.
((Meanwhile, by the spacecraft))
Saavei: Program Lead, is there any possibility we could just see the inside of the ship?
Greeta: ::A concerned look:: Inside? No. It’s not safe. Not with the ship’s hull and components still under construction. There’s… to great a risk – to your safety and the structural integrity of the vessel.
Rosek-Skyfire: Response
Greeta: I suppose you may take a look – from the outside. A quick look. We do not want to take any unnecessary risks.
Greeta seemed nervous now, the textured skin on his brow visibly perspiring.
Saavei: I truly appreciate this, Program Lead. Naturally I will not touch anything, just to see is enough.
Rosek-Skyfire: Response
Greeta watched, anxiously, as the two ministerial aides approached the ship and began peering inside, his foot visibly tapping.
Greeta: Please, I ask that you do not linger.
He breathed a sigh of relief as the two returned, evidently having seen enough.
Saavei: Fascinating. May this ship see bright-skies and beyond.
Rosek-Skyfire: Response
Greeta: I am glad your curiosity has been satisfied.
Saavei: Thank you once more, Program Lead. ::she glanced back towards the others then to La'el:: Unless you had further questions, perhaps we should continue on?
Robin began moving, as casually as she could manage, back over the other group – though she was sure her nervous energy wasn’t entirely hidden.
Hopper: Well, it’s about time that we–
Her tricorder, and those of the others, suddenly began beeping loudly, insistently. It was a sound she knew, instinctively, from her training. Danger.
Whatever excuse she was about to give immediately became irrelevant, as an explosion from the forward section of the half-assembled spacecraft knocked them all over with its sudden force. A chunk of the ship’s fuselage whipped across the room, embedding itself in the wall, and small components went flying in all directions with the speed of bullets. Robin was knocked to the ground, feeling the back of her head hit the hardened floor and seeing stars.
There was a flurry of activity, all around them. Uwezo scientists and emergency crews rushing to-and-fro as they tried to put out the fire that had erupted in the middle of their assembly platform and tend to those who’d been nearest the blast.
Robin sat up slowly, shaking her aching head to clear her vision, and looked around, trying to get her bearings. The rest of her crew were nearby – that was good. Hopefully the blast hadn’t hurt any of them more than it had her.
Hopper: ::Rubbing the back of her head:: Holy buckets… Away Team… Sound off.
Galanis: Response
Saavei: Response
She glanced, nervously, to Lael’s stomach.
Hopper: Both of you okay?
Rosek-Skyfire: Response
She looked next for Greeta, unable to spot him at first, until she saw him being carried away on a stretcher. oO That’s odd. He shouldn’t be any more injured than we are… Oo
It was then she noticed that the people carrying him away weren’t wearing the same uniforms as the other emergency crews. There was different about the design. Something familiar... oO And why are they wearing masks…? Oo But she barely had time to notice before they were out through the main doors…
Hopper: Report. I take it our ‘concerning pollen’ was responsible for that? Is there any chance it was coincidental – an accident? Or was that a bomb?
Galanis/Saavei/Rosek-Skyfire: Response
Thinking about it again, there was definitely something unusual about those people who had taken Greeta away. oO The two guards. From outside. Dammit. Oo
Hopper: It gets worse. I think someone used that explosion as a diversion to make off with the Program Lead. And the other team just went radio-silent. We need to contact the Indy, regroup, and figure out what the hell is going on here.
END Act 1 for Hopper
