LtCmdr Salkath - Your Weight in Gold-Pressed Latinum

[Salkath]

((Main Engineering, Deck 15 - USS Artemis-A))

Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations. The Vulcan edict encompassed the vast differences in lifeforms throughout the known galaxy and the respect to be garnered to it all. What it overlooked, however, was that despite all the differences, there were often just as many similarities. This was how a pointy-eared bipedal could look an aquatic amorphous blob in its myriad photoreceptors and hazard an educated guess at its thoughts and emotions.

Ensign Gnai had, to Commander Salkath, approached this session to study its suit with something akin to trepidation. A necessary evil, is what the emotionally stunted Vulcan would have guessed. However, in the engineering world, especially in theoretical studies or R&D, it was not uncommon for individuals to become invested in their work. Protective, wary, careful against plagiarism and intellectual theft. This was especially so when one worked for a military organization where espionage by other polities was a risk. Yet, it was often more personal than just common sense caution. And honestly, what was more personal than the sole source of one's own life support system to engage with its fellow crew and complete its basic duties? It seemed logical to approach outside assistance with a healthy sense of caution and trepidation with that in mind.

Therefore, Salkath had tried, in as personable a manner as he could muster, to appease Gnai's potential concerns with allowing him to partner with the Galadoran to maintain its suit. As awkward as the attempt may have been, it appeared to work.

Salkath: Then, let us get these baseline measurements completed. ::starting busywork, then pausing noticeably:: Thank you, Gnai, for your trust. It will not go unfounded.

Gnai: Of course, sir.

Salkath noted Gnai bobbing in its suit, a motion he had noticed before. It seemed to be a motion of affirmation. He filed this observation away. Certainly, deciphering the movements of a Galadoran and their intended non-verbal indications could not be any harder than deciphering the facial expressions of humans. Now that was an exceedingly difficult task indeed. He continued with his readings as Gnai performed perfunctory suit movements.

Gnai: Sir, you said that Vulcans can lie, but most believe otherwise. How does this sit with you?

Salkath: That is an advantageous circumstance. ::holding a scanner at arm's length while calibrating it:: We do not lie easily, on societal principle. It is almost always more logical to be truthful. ::bringing the scanner towards the undercarriage of the suit:: Please do let me know if any of my scans are considered intrusive. Ahem. Truth is subjective, and Federation Standard is... complex. One can turn a phrase one way, then turn a phrase the exact opposite, and both statements be truthful. This is your feeding port, yes? Alright. A perfect example of what I mean, is being duplicitous lying? Not necessarily. What about the creative application of certain truths, while not divulging others? Your gas exchange module is a highly effective design, I am impressed. In summary, Vulcans do not need to lie. There is enough ambiguity in linguistics and interpretation for a logical mind to apply truths to any situation without devolving to untruths.

Gnai: Interesting... Thank you sir. ::pause:: Are there any similar assumptions about Galadorans that you know of?

The Vulcan paused, regarding Gnai before swapping out scanners. He raised an eyebrow, curious about what it hoped to hear.

Salkath: As a non-Member race, your species does not merit the same amount of physiological and societal documentation in Federation databases that a Member world would. Therefore, any assumptions I might have are mine alone, and are based on a woefully small study group of one. You. I would share my assumptions with you, but perhaps you would rather the more tactful responses from one of our human or Betazoid coworkers. Suffice it to say, you are an efficient Starfleet officer, and that requires no assumption to state.

Just because any presumptive observations Salkath might share would come from a dispassionate and logical intent did not mean they might not be construed otherwise. He had enough social sense to know that caution and tact was required in situations such as this. 

Gnai: Thank you, sir.

He lifted his arms, suggesting Gnai to mimic with the arms of its suit. Salkath paid especial attention to the servos and micro-pistons as it worked through its full range of motion, scanning the miniaturized hydraulics for any signs of deterioration or leakage. They worked together down the arms through each stage of the appendages, and back up again while scanning the circuitry and wiring this time.

Salkath: All systems on these appendages are returning nominal readings. Can we confirm all systems are baseline?

Gnai: The arms are operating within normal range parameters, as confirmed earlier.

Salkath nodded in satisfaction, and made the appropriate notes on a PADD. Baseline readings were now populated for the suit's arms, and it was time to do so for the suit's legs. This was a more involved exam than for the arms, since their purpose and design differed notably from the arms. Gnai was efficient in displaying the leg's full range of motions, and Salkath dutifully made copious scans and notes.

Salkath: Scans are complete. As before, you are confident that this is baseline?

Gnai: The legs are operating normally as well. Is that sufficient, or are there other tests you would like to run on the limbs? Weight capacity?

The engineer considered this. If he was conducting stress tests on any other mechanical apparatus, he would test the components to their failure point, then rebuild them to either the same or more exacting standards. However, a more holistic approach would be necessary here. After all, would a doctor order Salkath to stress his skeletomuscular system to failure just to determine his strength? One would hope not. The unique properties of Gnai's suit had to be treated the same. But, all these measurements were more than just notations on virtual paper...

Salkath: Yes. ::deep in thought, then rising suddenly and striding away:: Yes. Come with me. 

Gnai: response

Main Engineering had dedicated labs that were available for various essential studies. Salkath made use of them himself for his personal research. It was to one of these that he led his Galadoran friend towards now. 

Salkath: We are going to test your suit in a safe, non-destructive manner. To you, in the least. You are necessary in this procedure, both for your permissive credentials and for your education in your suit's limitations. Computer, using locked folder Gnai Baseline Epsilon 1, create a physics-accurate analogue of the suit detailed within. 

The small alcove lab they had entered had the telltale grid of holoprojectors covering all the surfaces. The computer gave a discordant chime.

Computer: A simulation based on locked folder Gnai Baseline Epsilon 1 requires permission from Ensign Gnai.

Salkath raised an inquisitive eyebrow to his colleague. 

Gnai: response

Computer: Permission confirmed. Standby.

It would take the computer several seconds to compile the baseline readings and compose a holographic simulation of the suit. Salkath waited impatiently, until a doppelganger of his scientist friend appeared right before it, facing it in a chiral reflection.

Gnai: response

Salkath: I understand that to be a common response to seeing one's holographic double. I have not encountered this myself, as I do not frequent the holodeck.

He didn't have an aversion to the holodeck, per se, just did not see the appeal in fantasy environments. 

Gnai: response

Salkath: For this test, your holographic double will endure weight to its virtual breaking point. It will mirror your movements and actions, though the weight you measure will be a fraction of what it encounters. This way, we can both learn the maximum limits of your suit.

Gnai: response

Salkath hadn't considered the aesthetics of the test. It was a holographic environment, aesthetics could be whatever Gnai chose. Salkath would choose duranium ingots, but that was because he lacked sufficient imagination.

Salkath: Your double can lift whatever you choose it to. The force exerted is not necessarily analogue to the object or objects. You can lift a ton of feathers, or a stack of gold pressed latinum, or a pile of targs. Do not let normal physical limitations dictate your choice.

Gnai: response

TAG/TBC

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Lieutenant Commander Salkath

Engineer, USS Artemis-A

A239111MT0