Lt. Commander Ayiana Sevo - In Mock Justice
Aaron Schimmel
((Aquatic Center, Ilyira, Deluvia IV))
They had arrived at the Aquatic science center to a magnificent view. The place was composed of various domes perched on the tops of coral pillars, clear walkway tubes connecting them. The entrance was an atrium, explaining what was to be found inside. The jellyfish exhibit was closest, so that’s where they headed.
In fact, the exhibit dome held more than just jellyfish. It contained cephalopods like octopi and crustaceans, as well. Ayiana had wondered why the cephalopods didn’t eat the others. She took a gander at the interactive kiosk next to the view. It explained more detail of the animals inside and the ecology therein.
Sevo: Oh, I see. They mostly feed on molluscs and crustaceans. Crabs.
Ayiana gave a shudder. She still didn’t like crabs after the incident in that nebula.
Spelvan: Yes, it appears they inject their prey with toxins to loosen it from the shell.
Ayiana mentally shuddered. Imagine being paralyzed, but still alive as you’re eaten. They watched the creatures for a few minutes, going about their sea life business. One of the octopi, however, ambled closer to the glass. Ayiana got the sneaking suspicion it was examining *them*.
zh’Tisav: That one’s looking at me funny.
Spelvan: It does seem to have taken an interest in you.
Sevo: Maybe it fancies you.
zh’Tisav: I don’t like it. It…
Suddenly, the creature’s skin changed color to a dark blue similar to that of Vylaa’s. It raised two tentacles above and behind its head, making them look like antennae. Ayiana couldn’t help but burst out laughing.
zh’Tisav: Is he making fun of me? I think he’s making fun of me!
Spelvan: We do not yet know its motivations for such an action.
Sevo: *snicker* It’s mimicking you.
zh’Tisav: That may be but I don’t see him making pointy ears or getting spotty.
Spelvan: My brother likes to say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
As if in response to Spelvan's comment, the octopus spun around and blushed into a ghostly white color, moving the placement of its tentacles to the side of its face in a clear imitation of the Vulcan. After a moment had passed, it turned a shade or two darker and gained freckled spots, like the Trill.
Spelvan began to clap politely.
Spelvan: It was an impressive performance - though whether it is mocking us or adulating us, I cannot say.
Sevo: I found it fascinating. People really underestimate the intelligence of nontrillioid life.
zh’Tisav: Response
Spelvan: ::He directed his gaze toward one of the jellyfish floating lazily by, his hands folded behind his back as he walked about.:: Did you know that jellyfish do not have brains? I believe it makes them even more fascinating.
Sevo: At least none we understand.
zh’Tisav: Response
The octopus once again changed, reverting to the pale white skin similar to Spelvan. It moved two tentacles back to the side of its head, mocking Vulcan ears. This time, however, it also straightened the rest of its body and tentacles and began “walking” along the seabed like a Vulcan.
This time, Ayiana didn’t laugh out loud. She was afraid she wouldn’t be able to stop.
Spelvan: I wonder if it targets everyone who visits here in such a manner... or just us.
Sevo: *cackling* W-who knows?!
zh’Tisav: Response
Then, she saw the octopus swim to another side of the large tank, gesturing with one tentacle for the trio to follow. Curious, Ayiana did so and walked around the side to where it was floating. She heard it tapping on the glass. Once there, Ayiana saw the reason why. It was tapping the glass behind a holo-note being displayed on the glass.
[I am Doctor Jax'lin; an employee of this Science Center. I apologize; the tank’s translator is malfunctioning and I cannot communicate verbally.]
Ayiana widened her eyes in surprise. It was sapient and communicative, or at least, was trying to be.
Sevo: I’m sorry, we didn’t know! Was the mimicking your way of trying to get our attention?
zh’Tisav / Spelvan: Response
Jax’lin tilted its bulbous head sideways and gestured two of its tentacles in something resembling an arm shrug. Ayiana didn’t think it understood what she was saying. It simply tapped at the holosign again, this time a touch faster. Ayiana turned to her colleagues.
Sevo: Maybe there’s something we can do. Can we fix the tank’s translator? Or rig the holosign to translate to text?
zh’Tisav / Spelvan: Response
Sevo: I know I’d go insane if I was trying to communicate with other beings and they couldn’t understand me. It’d drive me nuts.
zh’Tisav / Spelvan: Response
Jax’lin floated behind them, eyeing the group as they talked. It had stopped mocking them, at least.
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Lt. Commander Ayiana Sevo
Mission Specialist
U.S.S. Gorkon
Image Collective
Wiki Ops
V239109AS0
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