Ensign Ragh- Now There's Two of Them?!

[Ryan Augustyn]

(( Dyson Sphere, Computer Core Chamber[?] ))

Sometimes the best and most logical solution is to a problem is to ask directly. It turns out when dealing with a Dyson Sphere, it is particularly true.

Ragh: STATION, can you function without computer core?

/// Backup systems in place ///

/// Removal of computer core for emergencies only ///

/// If emergency, state: ///

JoNz: I’d say having the ship and crew being used by Mama Cee is an emergency…but how do we explain that to STATION?

Dekas: STATION, Emergency state: Hostage situation. Purge is an unacceptable fix.

Rouiancet: (quietly) It certainly is.

They were technically being held hostage by the KC, so Dekas wasn't wrong. Ragh hoped that STATION saw the situation the same way.

/// Emergency protocol engaged ///

/// Computer core compromised ///

/// Input security clearance: null ///

Before Ragh could process that situation, JoNz hissed and dove down at the terminal, clearly determined to do something. He gave her space to do whatever it was she had in mind.

Rouiancet: Lieutenant--!? 

JoNz: I’ve got something!

Dekas: Oh, you are marvelous.

She worked with haste, and moments later there were a change of colored lights and then-

JoNz had been hit with what appeared an electric burst, knocked onto her back. Ragh could immediately smell the mix of burnt armor and the singeing of her fur. He immediately sprung into action and bent down to assess her.

Rouiancet: JoNz, are you alright? Ragh?

Ragh: On it, Captain.

He immediately noticed she was conscious, which was of relief. Where she was hit by the electric shock there was some superficial burning of her skin but at first glance it didn't look serious. He pulled out his tricorder and got a quick read of her vitals. Heart rate was elevated but that was to be expected. 

Ragh: I think you'll be okay, but I'm going to give you an analgesic. 

JoNz: Responses

The doctor pulled out a hypospray of a quick acting analgesic and administered it to the Caitian. She appeared to be coming out of the temporary daze from the shock.

JoNZ: Response

Ragh:: (to JoNz) I will check over the burn when we return to the ship. (To Capt. Rouiancet) She'll be okay, Captain. 

Now that JoNz was okay, he could turn his attention back to the monitor as he noticed a new message had appeared:

/// Emergency protocol disengaged ///

/// Computer core available ///

/// Input security clearance: Bypassed ///

Whatever she did worked!

Dekas: I’ll do what I can to remove this carefully.

Rouiancet: Please! But be careful, and let us know if you need assistance.

Ragh eyed Dekas, concerned that something similar might happen to him. He did mention that he had engineering experience so Ragh had to trust he knew what he was doing.

Ragh: (to Dekas) please be cautious, we do not need to start a burn unit on top of everything else.

He was joking, mostly.

JoNz: Response

Dekas worked with a delicate precision. Ragh held his breath as he watched him work, anxious for something to happen.

Dekas: Core retrieved. (a beat) thank you, STATION.

Another success! This was going much better than could have been expected.

Rouiancet: Is that it? (indicating the core) Is it heavy?

Ragh: Well done! 

JoNz: Response 

Dekas: Is JoNz alright?

Ragh: She'll be okay, thankfully. (Pause) Nice work with the core.

JoNz: Responses

Dekas: (nodding) Did the KC ever say what it wanted us to do with this specifically? And more importantly, what are we doing instead?

Two very good questions. Did the KC know what they've done? They hadn't heard from it but that didn't mean it wasn't watching listening somehow.

Rouiancet: Ah! No, it didn't, but (holding up her tricorder) Stella, on Colonel Greaves' team, has sent along a few updates and warnings. I think that we just mooted the warnings, thankfully, but the updates include that the Continuance wants the core for some kind of update to its software.

Updates to it's software.. that could mean many things and surely none of them were good. oO though maybe it might release our ship afterwards. Oo that was a thought Rath greatly savored.

JoNz: Responses

Rouiancet: But your second question, Dekas -- what are we doing instead? We have some bargaining power now. 

Dekas: I think it may be as simple as having the bargaining chip as a starting point. I suppose it depends on how the people talking to the KC are doing. But I’m not sure that we can ask them directly depending on how they’re doing in this situation.

Ragh just listened. He knew nothing he had to say about the Kevara Continuance would be beneficial. 

JoNz: Responses

Rouiancet: I'd like to get back to Fledgling, but (beat) the Continuance may know when we return. Perhaps it's better to remain on the Sphere for now, or even to meet up with the other teams. (looking around) Thoughts? Speak freely. 

Before Ragh or anyone has time to answer they heard a voice from the combadge.

Stella: =/\=Captain, the Station is set to self destruct in three minutes and twenty eight seconds. Unless the core is replaced, there is no way to deactivate the sequence. =/\= 

oO Who's voice was that? This Stella? And so much for the good luck we've been having.. Oo The news came like shock. Three minutes and twenty eight seconds.. 

Dekas: ::clicking his beak in something close to amusement:: Oh, well, pluck me, then. It looks like I should have waited a few extra minutes to do this.

Ragh: So are we putting the core back?

He wasn't sure what other option there was. There was no way they could make it off the sphere in that amount of time. 

JoNz: Responses

Dekas: Honestly, I can always use the Engineering practice to keep my skills up to date. It’ll be close, I think, but it shouldn’t take me long to replace the core where it was.

Ragh: No pressure.

He tried to play it cool, but Ragh was feeling nervous. Dying in the self destruction of a Dyson sphere, there was no honor in that. He was always prepared to die, but not like that. Dekas had done a good job so far, so he hoped that luck would continue.

Rouiancet/JoNz: Response 

Dekas: Core replaced!

Yes! But now what? They were simply back to where they started. 

Ragh: What now? And better question, who is Stella?

No sooner than the words left his mouth, a new message appeared on the console display:

/// Computer core replaced ///

/// Error: Communication failed ///

/// STATION recognizes: STELLA ///

Rouiancet/Dekas/JoNz/Stella/others(?): Response 

Ragh: Another AI..? 

And part of their ship, too. Another fine mystery to add to the pile. Ragh once again felt like they've accomplished nothing and worse yet the KC may or may not know what's going on.

Rouiancet/Dekas/JoNz/Stella/others(?): Response 

OOC: Didn't do too many tags, not sure who all will be involved via comms or Stella. 

_______________

Ensign Ragh

Medical Officer 

USS Octavia E. Butler 

O240212R13