Lt JG Taj'el - Brain Freeze
Taj'el
((Holosuite #2, Deck Five, USS Thor))
((I left only a few tags since Taj’el is a bit removed from the other’s feel free to flesh out the cooking a bit more if you want))
Taj’el: Once the crystal is sufficiently heated, I will be able to lift you up to the metal cap above us. You may use my gloves to hold it; however, the heat from the crystal should be enough to warp the metal, allowing it to be opened. From there, we can exit the enclosure and attempt to locate a solution, perhaps even a means of altering the program itself. It would appear that a scientific background has its practical applications after all.
As Taj’el began applying heat to the crystal using the energy cell, they briefly looked down to observe what the commanders were doing. It appeared that Commander Saa had also recognized that they had been attempting something similar, which suggested they were proceeding with a comparable line of reasoning. This was… efficient.
Tam: Response
Saa: ::Softly:: The juniors are conspiring.
Voice: For the final round, Commander Tam, you will need to replicate what is behind curtain number one.
They turned to examine what had been concealed behind the curtain, motivated by a measure of curiosity. The presence of a tiered cake produced a subtle sense of disappointment, as they had not been able to participate in the baking with the commander. However, this had been intended as a mission exercise rather than a recreational activity. Consequently, it was likely more appropriate that they had remained focused on the effort to free the two junior officers from their glass confinement.
Tam: We are doomed.
Saa: …I wish Wyatt’s Govanna was here right now.
Voice: For the final round, Rejac, you will need to replicate what is behind curtain number two.
It appeared that the Klingon had also been assigned the task of preparing cupcakes. The assignments were notably different in execution, though they shared certain procedural similarities. However, one required a considerably greater degree of precision and detail than the other, which suggested the distribution of difficulty may not have been entirely balanced.
Voice: You will each have three hours to complete your task. Commander Tam, I hope you didn't think Commander Saa would do all the work for you. It is now up to you to decide how she will be of service to you.
Tam: Given that we are guests here, it is only proper that I gift Commander Saa to Rejac. ::turning to Saa:: Do your best to help him, the entire time?
Saa: Understood.
During this time, the crystal had become sufficiently heated. Taj’el moved to assist Vharo by lifting them so they could reach the top of the glass enclosure. Once in position, Taj’el turned to request that the crystal be handed to them, only to discover that no one remained beside them.
Taj’el: Ensign?
Taj’el experienced a brief disruption in their train of thought as they reconsidered their plan. The effort required to devise and implement it had been considerable, and the individual central to its execution was no longer present. They straightened and remained still for a moment, their gaze unfocused as they reassessed the situation. Adaptation to unexpected developments was not among their more practiced skills.
Kneeling, they retrieved their glove and the heated crystal before looking up at the metal cover above. Without assistance, they lacked the height necessary to reach it. They did possess a phaser; however, discharging it at the glass enclosure could potentially compromise its integrity and result in their immersion in the surrounding liquid. As the scenario was a simulation, such an outcome would likely be acceptable from a procedural standpoint, even if the prospect was not particularly appealing.
Saa: We’ll need flour…
Rejac: Do. not. Touch. Anything.
They leaned lightly against the glass and tapped on it with a measured, if somewhat soft, knock. Their previous plan was no longer viable, and an alternative had not yet presented itself. Given the circumstances, the most logical course of action appeared to be informing the commanders of the situation.
Taj’el: Commander Saa… Commander Tam… I appear to have misplaced Ensign Vharo.
It did not appear that they had been heard. The commanders remained occupied below, as Commander Saa had begun interacting with the holo-Klingon. Upon consideration, Taj’el determined that this was a logical approach, and they found the scenario Commander Tam had devised to be notably inventive.
Resting their head briefly against the salt container, Taj’el slid down to sit on the floor and observed as the two continued their efforts to provoke the Klingon
Tam: Response
Rejac: I will handle the ingredients.
Saa: Fine.
It was mildly amusing to observe the extent to which Commander Saa had been irritating the holo-Klingon. The interaction also served as an effective distraction, as the program appeared to allocate the majority of its attention toward her. During this time, Taj’el noticed a minor irregularity within the glass.
Raising an eyebrow, they stood once more and examined the surface more closely, tapping it in a thoughtful manner. Observing the small openings in the cap above, they used the phaser’s short bursts to gradually connect the holes, creating an opening of sufficient size for themselves. The remaining challenge was determining how to reach it.
After a moment’s consideration, Taj’el turned their attention back to the heated crystal. Applying it carefully to the glass, they began to melt a small section to create a foothold. As the container resembled a salt shaker and consisted of double-layered glass, it did not fracture easily, which proved advantageous. The indentation provided just enough support to allow them to push upward.
With the assistance of their Vulcan strength, Taj’el pulled themselves into an awkward, starfish-like position and slowly maneuvered upward until they were able to reach the top.
After a controlled breath, they pulled themselves fully out of the salt container and grasped the chains suspending it. From there, they began climbing upward into the rafters of the set.
Saa: You’re gett-
Rejac: Not a word, soft one.
Hearing another shout from below, Taj’el glanced downward. Observing that events were continuing as before, they resumed climbing, carefully shimmying up the chains until they reached the rafters.
Once there, they leaned back briefly to recover. Climbing was not among their usual proficiencies, though the present circumstances suggested they were capable of adapting when required. They allowed a moment for the residual trembling in their hands to subside before moving cautiously through the lighting structures above.
Taj’el: Power supply, power supply, where are you…
They attempted to reassemble their tricorder, hoping it might prove useful. However, as they had frequently been reminded, engineering was not among their primary disciplines, and the device remained inoperable. Consequently, they would have to locate an access panel on their own. Fortunately, the circumstances appeared to allow them a modest amount of time.
(Can’t hear the others but leaving it in for the other two)
Tam/Saa: Response
After a period of searching, Taj’el located a small panel that appeared to be part of the holodeck’s control system. They opened it and observed several indicator lights within.
Retrieving their PADD, they were momentarily appreciative that they had installed the Engineering 101 reference materials. Using it as guidance, they adjusted several of the isolinear chips, hoping the changes would initiate a restart of the program.
As the adjustments were made, the simulation abruptly went dark. Taj’el soon found themselves seated on the floor in the corner of the room as the lights flickered briefly before stabilizing once more.
Taj’el: I hope this is a good thing…
Tam/Saa: Response
[[TAGS/TBC]]
