Lt. Commander V'Lar - Calculated Deviation
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Chris M
Dec 25, 2025, 9:15:39 AM (yesterday) Dec 25
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((Undersea Facility, Deep Trenches, Deluvia IV))
She performed a rapid cost-benefit analysis of the deviation. The turbolift’s vertical travel path necessitated passing Level 2 to reach Level 3; the kinetic energy expenditure was identical, and the temporal cost was negligible against the potential intelligence yield.
oO A diversion to the security office is a linear stop, not a reversal. If the room proves barren of data, the delay is measured in seconds. If it contains actionable intelligence, the value is substantial. To bypass it is to gamble on ignorance. The logic is inarguable. Oo
V’Lar: As we are currently operating with a deficit of information, I propose a brief stop. A visual inspection of the security office would result in a minimal time cost. If the environment proves uninformative or high-risk, we proceed immediately. If it yields data, however, the insight gained justifies a more prolonged exploration. Do you concur with this assessment?
So far the exploration of the undersea facility had yielded more questions than answers.
V’Lar: If, indeed, an "Evil Genius" is present, I am confident they will remain in situ, patiently awaiting our arrival.
Fenn: It might be worth mentioning there’s a security office with a weapons locker one deck down. I would recommend we swing by there first to see if whoever was last here left a phaser or something.
V’Lar turned her gaze slowly toward the Ensign.
oO The probability of a hostile encounter remains unknown. While arming ourselves increases survivability in a combat scenario, it also increases the probability of initiating one. The Ensign’s logic is defensive, yet aggressive. Oo
Sevo: I’d hold off on that. We don’t want to appear hostile.
Fenn: I’m a scientist, not a security officer; my ability to fight someone is limited. If whoever is down there wants to take exception to us being on their station, then a weapon might come in handy.
Sevo: Well, if they’re not doing anything illegal, and they want us to leave, we will. No need for violence.
V’Lar looked between the two officers.
oO Starfleet protocol is clear. Away teams remain armed and ready to defend themselves until contact is made. In doing so it allows Starfleet officers to maintain a level of defensive readiness in unknown environments until risks can be better assessed. However, this is not a sanctioned away mission. The parameters suggest we are in friendly territory investigating a curiosity in a civilian region. To apply such protocols here would be an error in context. Oo
V’Lar: Until a threat is manifest, it may not serve us well to inadvertently posture as one.
Sevo: See what you can pull from the computers up here. Then we’ll head down through the sublevels.
V’Lar stepped up to the console, observing the data stream over Fenn’s shoulder. She watched the truncated lines of code scroll past.
V’Lar stepped up to the console, observing the data stream over Fenn’s shoulder. She watched the truncated lines of code scroll past.
Fenn: Information is surprisingly sparse. The feed is definitely designed for someone who knows what’s going on to oversee things. I don’t think we’re going to find out much more than we have already but give me a moment and I’ll double check.
The telemetry seemed too efficient. There were no user error logs, no redundant subroutines, and no communication handshakes. The lack of data suggested total automation, or a deliberate, high-level purge of the logs.
The telemetry seemed too efficient. There were no user error logs, no redundant subroutines, and no communication handshakes. The lack of data suggested total automation, or a deliberate, high-level purge of the logs.
V’Lar: It is possible that even basic access is restricted. We may lack the clearance to view the contextual data. Such a degree of security could point towards a classified or illicit function.
Sevo: So far, we haven’t seen anything to suggest illicit activities. But we are trespassing, so we’ll proceed carefully.
V'Lar gave further consideration to their legal position. Trespass required a defined owner and no legal right to be present. Without a hull registry, identifier beacon, or anything to suggest access permissions, it could be argued the facility was legally inert. Regardless of their legal position, the Trill's caution was wise.
V’Lar: Indeed. Caution is logical regardless of our legal standing.
Sevo: Ensign, how’s it going with the computer? Got everything you can?
Fenn: There’s multiple references to a Project 17 and a number of status updates regarding a series of alphanumerical processes but nothing I can see that provides much context.
V’Lar: Either a sequential designation, implying at least sixteen predecessors, or the number seventeen specifically relates to the nature of the work.
V’Lar: Either a sequential designation, implying at least sixteen predecessors, or the number seventeen specifically relates to the nature of the work.
Sevo: Response
Fenn: Whatever it is we won’t find out for sure from here.
V’Lar observed the Ensign abandon the terminal and move purposefully toward the turbolift alcove. Accepting the tacit signal to depart, V'Lar fell in step behind Commander Sevo, entering the lift car. She turned to face the front and watched Fenn’s hand hover over the interface panel, noting the physical hesitation.
V’Lar observed the Ensign abandon the terminal and move purposefully toward the turbolift alcove. Accepting the tacit signal to depart, V'Lar fell in step behind Commander Sevo, entering the lift car. She turned to face the front and watched Fenn’s hand hover over the interface panel, noting the physical hesitation.
Fenn: So last chance, straight to level 3 or are checking out the security office first?
She recalled the sensor data displayed only moments ago: the fourth bio-signature—the potential architect of this facility—was stationary within the Main Science Laboratory on Level 3.
V’Lar: The most efficient option would be to proceed to level 3 since that is where the unknown bio-signature is located. That said, a detour could allow us to gather more information ahead of making contact.
Sevo: Response
V’Lar: Accessing the security office may allow us to examine the security systems and small arms employed here, both of which could help us better understand the nature of the facility and the disposition of those operating it.
Fenn / Sevo: Responses
V’Lar: Accessing the security office may allow us to examine the security systems and small arms employed here, both of which could help us better understand the nature of the facility and the disposition of those operating it.
Fenn / Sevo: Responses
She performed a rapid cost-benefit analysis of the deviation. The turbolift’s vertical travel path necessitated passing Level 2 to reach Level 3; the kinetic energy expenditure was identical, and the temporal cost was negligible against the potential intelligence yield.
oO A diversion to the security office is a linear stop, not a reversal. If the room proves barren of data, the delay is measured in seconds. If it contains actionable intelligence, the value is substantial. To bypass it is to gamble on ignorance. The logic is inarguable. Oo
V’Lar: As we are currently operating with a deficit of information, I propose a brief stop. A visual inspection of the security office would result in a minimal time cost. If the environment proves uninformative or high-risk, we proceed immediately. If it yields data, however, the insight gained justifies a more prolonged exploration. Do you concur with this assessment?
Fenn / Sevo: Responses
V’Lar: Shall we proceed?
Fenn / Sevo: Responses
==========/\==========
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