ZE/D09 - Holodecks

[Paul]

==

[Gath]

Gath had spent some time looking into what would be the safest environment to wake their guest in. He decided upon an outdoor situation. It would appear as if they were in the middle of a huge park. They should arrive in the center of a large grass clearing. The ground should be level and the nearest trees should seem distant enough that it would be too far to run for cover. The holodeck would have a high security containment field around it, though it would not be visible. He wanted to be safe, even if they somehow tried to escape it physically. Normal program matrix protocols would make it appear as if there was infinite space to run and explore, but the idea was to create a neutral environment that would facilitate communication.

He had a table and sturdy chairs appear. His next obvious thought was that if they became violent, the furniture would dematerialize if it were picked up more than a few inches. This was quickly followed by instructions for the computer to place a personal shield in front of any crew member in the program, but it could be negated by a simple verbal command.

Gath then brought up his scans and had the computer create a display of the scanned creature. Soon, a static image of the creature was standing in front of Gath, like a statue. A thought instantly came to him and he looked at the hands of it to see how many fingers or other appendages it had. I might aid them in figuring out what they number system was based on.

He continued to work on small things with the program to try and set things up with the goal of trying to keep everyone safe while they tried to establish a means of communicating. Gath hoped that none of his precautions would be necessary, but it was better to be safe than sorry.

== GM input: How many fingers do these creatures have? Any other details worth noting? ==

[Morad Ameen]

== GM-Broken Arrow ==

As the holodeck's optical processors rendered the 1:1 scale, static model of the alien, Lt Gath was granted his first clear, unhurried look at the species they had pulled from the ice.

Standing in the simulated, sunlit park, the creature's brutal efficiency was undeniable. Approaching the hands to investigate their number system, Gath would immediately notice a stark deviation from standard humanoid biology. The alien possessed six digits on each hand: four long, heavily knuckle-jointed central fingers, flanked by two opposable thumbs—one on the inside, and one on the outside of the palm.

This dual-thumb structure not only granted them an inescapable, vice-like physical grip—perfect for high-gravity environments or heavy combat—but it also strongly suggested that their society utilized a Base-12 mathematical system, which perfectly aligned with the highly complex, easily divisible fractal equations the Science team was currently decoding.

Stepping back to observe other details, the high-resolution projection revealed several other specialized biological traits. They possessed no external ears to be torn or damaged in combat; instead, they had flush, reinforced auditory slits on the sides of their thick skulls, likely designed to protect their inner ear from massive concussive shockwaves. Caught mid-blink by the Sickbay scanners, the projection also showed a thick, semi-translucent membrane—a secondary eyelid—retracting over the eye, providing built-in protection against debris or harsh atmospheric conditions. Finally, upon closer inspection of their uniform, Gath would note that the heavy, utilitarian jumpsuit had absolutely no visible seams, zippers, or fasteners. It appeared to have been woven or replicated directly onto the subject, made of a slick, friction-resistant synthetic polymer that integrated seamlessly with microscopic bio-monitors at the collar and wrists.

They were not just biologically engineered; they were perfectly adapted survival machines.

[Gath]

Gath gave a slow and heavy sigh as he looked upon the holographic image of the creature he had scanned. He really hoped he was wrong, but his instincts were telling him he was right to have been cautious. He took detailed notes and shook his head slowly as he continued to find more and more reasons to worry about waking these creatures up. He was well versed in the tools and art of combat. He did not worship carnage like some of his kin did, but he studied it and understood it. He had killed foes in battle, but his only pride was in his skills, which he considered an art of war. He took no joy in the death of another, only in the actions of saving a life in danger. You killed if it was necessary, but never without purpose. These creatures would be hard to kill. Their bone density alone was impressive, but combined with all of the other details...he would be hard pressed to take one down if they were trained fighters. He tried to look for vulnerable points, but there were few and they were hard to get to. Their circulatory system gave them a very efficient flow of blood to the body and appeared to have redundancies to help control blood loss.

When he had finally prepared his preliminary report, he tapped his comm badge and said, "Gath to Ameen. Sir, I've been preparing a holographic simulation to try and isolate our guests, should we elect to wake one. That was the easy part. I used our current scans of them to create a rendering of one to get a closer look at them outside of their pods and...well...Sir, I think we might have a problem. I highly recommend against waking any of them. I don't know that we can contain them securely on this ship. I've prepared a preliminary report, but I strongly suggest we make sure they are in a very secure location before we consider waking any of them."

======================
Preliminary Report
Chief of Security, Lt Gath, Initial Observations

Bone density and muscle structure built for increased gravity will make them very strong and durable.
Bones are laced with some traces of metallic components, making them not only reinforced, but conductive.
Eyes have extra lid to avoid particulates and possibly aid in more severe light conditions.
Skeletal structure and organ placement built to protect aggressive assault.
Possible redundancies in organ systems to help sustain excessive trauma and breathe in unfriendly atmosphere.
External tissue appears resistant to exposure and would likely be able to sustain more than brief exposure to harsh temperatures and even vacuum.
Hands are built for opposing pressure applied strength for a crushing grip and able to maintain it for long duration.
Ears are externally negligible and although might give less ability to detect direction, the sensitivity is unknown.

Additionally, the hands show a six digit construction with two opposable thumbs. This suggests their numbers might be based on six digits, but given the complexity of their limited technological resources, I would presume a 12 based system. This would easily fit into the same number systems independently developed by many cultures already known, thus making them capable of understanding a common math system to our own.

It appears this crew might be designed for the purpose of this mission, though that is my own speculation. Their garments are very durable and appear to have been made without the intention of them needing to come off, or they are a disposable garment intended to last a very long time. For more medical details, I refer you to the Medical staff. I'll let you know when I have more.

End Report
======================

== Tag to all ==

[Morad Ameen]

[Lieutenant Gath.] Ameen voice came through the ship's comm system. [Coordinate directly with Doctor O'Fee. We are not waking this subject in Sickbay. I am authorizing the transport of one pod to your prepared Holodeck simulation. I want maximum containment fields, weapons restricted to heavy stun, and full quarantine protocols active before the Doctor administers the revival stimulant.]

There was a short pause.

[Lieutenant Ra'an, Midshipman Cortez just forwarded his linguistic analysis. It confirms your team's theories—they communicate in pure, constant mathematics. Lock down that Faraday cage, and maybe bring a calculator... The Holodeck is our First Contact point. Make it safe. Ameen out.]

[Amila Ra'an]

[Understood, Commander,]

Amila's voice replied over the comms.

[They are already pretty far along, A'kilees is doing some checks now on the Faraday Cage, and we should be ready to open the module soon on your command.]

[Amila Ra'an]

== NRC  Petty Officer Oleah sh'Söjress, Science Andorian Shen ==


[Petty Officer Oleah sh'Söjress to Chief of Security, Lieutenant Gath.]

The voice that came over Gath's comm low, but feminine with a breathy air to her words, making her voice sound just shy of raspy. There was a pause that was just slightly too long before she continued.

[Lieutenant Ra'an asked me to check in to see if my assistant was needed on the holodeck, sir. Xenoanthropologist, sir. Linguist certifications.]


==Tag Gath, Holodeck People==

[Gath]

In his own low and rumbling voice, Gath replied, "Gath here. I'm sure your skills will be in high demand. I suggest that you see how things go there first. What we get from that box will be the most important and your input could be very valuable. Once they are looking to integrate the data, follow the work. I the event that efforts to open the box trigger an...event...our efforts will be to transport any of them that begin to wake to the holodeck. If that should happen, or even if things go well, the next step will be to prepare to speak with them on the holodeck. I've done my best to anticipate all contingencies, but your work in assisting to directly communicate could save more lives than my security preparations. My efforts are to keep people from harm, but your efforts could mean the survival or extinction of a species. I will continue to stand by. Please keep me informed, Petty Officer Oleah sh'Söjress."

[Amila Ra'an]

The Chief Science Officer's voice sounded over Gath's commbadge.

[Lieutenant Ra'an to Captain Ameen, Dr. O'fee, and Lieutenant Gath. If you are able, please report to the Science Lab. You'll want to see this for yourselves.]

[Gath]

Gath was glad to finally hear from the team and that they might not need his program after all. He tapped his comm badge and replied, "Acknowledged. I'm on my way."

>>> Science Labs >>>

[Gath]

<<< Science Labs <<<

As Gath returned to the running program, he verified the containment fields were ready as well as a couple of Security Officers with weapons standing by in case they were needed. They would remain hidden by the holographics, but they were in full tactical armor and had slung rifles and sidearms. Gath had a device with small isolinear tags that he could quickly attach to their guest as soon as the pod was opened. He would try to simply attach it to the clothing so as not to injure them. He placed a small table so they could have the food and stimulant standing by, in the event that the creature knew to use them as part of his process of waking from hibernation.

Gath would not wear a sidearm, hoping to appear less threatening as well as to send the message that he also did not feel as threatened by them. In his experience, a leader often did not wear a standard weapon, showing he gave orders and others would handle mundane fighting. It was only when called upon that a warrior leader might then arm himself. To this end, Gath was indeed wearing his personal weapon on his belt, but it appeared as a small batton of only 25 cm in length. The axe blade or blades would not unfold until triggered.

Taking a deep breath, he tried to mentally prepare himself for the moment. This was to be diplomacy first, so it required his stoic and calm approach first and foremost. Calm and reactive to physical threats were more likely to keep things from escalating and direct use of force was not likely to help in any case. He anticipated that if they refused to talk, he would first initiate a transport to a location 100 meters outside the ship. Then, after a few seconds, bring them back and try again. They could survive quite a while out there, but with no means of moving or breathing, it would be a strong display that they could be neutralized effortlessly at will. They wouldn't know it was an empty threat as the crew had no intention of wishing them harm, but if needed, they could be left out there until they expired, with no risk to the crew. To this end, he had a small remote initiator in his hand that was all he required for the computer to initiate the transport of the designated target. Gath intended to point it at the creature as part of his demonstration. Should things go wrong and the creature take the device from him, he would likely point it at one of them, but initiating the switch would still only affect the creature and not any of them.

These were all good plans, but the saying of no plan survives first contact was ever on his mind. He really hoped that they would be reasonable and let Star Fleet help them to accomplish their goals. Still, with these calculations, even if they could maintain warp 8 the entire time, it would take nearly 7 years to get there. not only could a ship not maintain that speed for that long, they would need to refuel, resupply and that was more than you could ask of a single crew. Even if you could put them back in hibernation, it would require a crew to maintain the ship or they were likely to need rescuing again along the way. Autonomy only got you so far. things wore out, broke down and there were just too many variables in the universe to think you could go for that long without something going wrong.

== Tag to the team ==

[Evie O’Fee]

<<< Sickbay<<<<

Entering the Holodeck with Gath, she couldn't help but to be impressed by his logic. If you start any kind of a relationship on a lie, then full trust can never be achieved. She thought he was cute to boot, but still needed to keep the professional front. Even when it comes to waking up anyone she was against it, but supported the choice to. She had faith that all preparations put in place would work, with hopes that they will be peaceful. Evie would hate to use her attitude readjustment tools, that included the one she kept up her sleeve. 

She was grateful that everything she needed was there, holding the large needle it was the only thing that was going to be able to penetrate their skin. Evie had the thought that it would take a lot to do it, the top person to do it was him. "Lieutenant Gath." She had the syringe in her hand. "At some point we are going to need to inject this into our guest, its a spring loaded to make it through their flesh. I estimate the recoil on this is going to be so high, this will be a projectile in my hands." She looked at his arm for a second.

"In your hand." Evie made sure he would see her action to release the needle. "Your large muscle mass will be able to handle the recoil I can't." Evie suddenly had the funny thought of her injecting their patient, she would feel what its like to fly as both her and the syringe were tossed across the room. No matter how she landed it was always going to be a hard one. She was going to need to keep an eye on the patients vitals, everything was running smoothly in Sickbay so her focus was completely here. 

==Tag==

[Gath]

Looking at the device, Gath had to ask, "What was wrong with their own delivery system for the medication th e y brought with them. Obviously it was designed to penetrate and deliver without fail. We extracted a substance from one, so I would think it was logical to place a new substance inside it. I'm not a medical professional though, so perhaps there is reasoning I'm not seeing. In either case, I'm happy to attempt delivering it, should we need to. I AM a logical choice for such a task."

He considered for a moment, "Doctor, safety was my primary concern,  so this holodeck program has been designed with a number of contingencies. For starters, there's no furniture. Should combat become unavailable, this means all other options have failed. Do not panic. It thrown, you'll find any impact to be greatly reduced and unlike to inflict damage. It won't mitigate direct crushing or joint manipulation trauma, but the holodeck itself will not act the same against you as impacting actual ground material. There is also an active lock on each persong in here by the computer. If you determine the need, you need only say emergency transport and the name and they will appear in Sickbay. Should you use the term emergency eject, our guest will be placed 100 meters outside the ship. The room has a standard inverse containment field. This is in the case that they might be able to see in a spectrum that bypasses the holographic system, they will be unable to physically attack the structure."

Indicating a color coded area, he continued, "That area is set to their gravity, to give them comfort, but will change to our default if any contingency element is engaged. In addition you can tell the computer and it will also go to default, so that we will not be adversely impacted by the increased gravity."

He then placed hands on hips and gave a small sigh, his demeanor being a shift to less formal and more personal, "I've tried to do what I could, but I'm open to anything you might think I missed. I ask you for two reasons. First of all, I respect you and your opinions, secondly you're going to be in here potentially risking your life and that's not to be taken lightly."

Gath looked her directly in the eye and waited to see what she had to say.

== Tag Evie O'Keefe ==

[Evie O’Fee]

In every other set of circumstances Evie wouldn't really need protection, her hands were the things that really needed the protection. In a few short seconds that Gath explained what they did, all of her concerns were put into effect. She had a bit of a calming sigh, she still had a bit of nerves to work out. The six inches that he towered over her seemed larger, next time she might think about wearing heels, or even platform shoes. It would even come in handy while talking to her other Doctor, man is huge. 

"I guess you have everything handled." Evie had a feeling that Gath would get in between her and danger, it was like anything back at the pub. This time she didn't have her twin sister, it always made her feel a little more secure. Being Chief Medical Officer she couldn't send another to be in potentially the most dangerous part of the ship, they had everything going great in Sick Bay. 

"I am sure you have everything covered Mr. Gath, after this we should have a drink. Too many people can't handle it as much as they think." Looking at him again. "You might be able to handle it like the Irish, who knows." She had a devilish grin, all while keeping calm in this strange event that was happening. When the pods were beamed to their location, it was going to require every bit of focus she had. 

==Tag==

[Gath]

At the invitation for a drink, Gath gave a rare grin, "I look forward to it Doctor O'Fee. I take that as a compliment and am quite curious to find out what it means to handle something like the Irish."

His grin actually shifted to match her own devilish one. As a rule, he was known for his stoic and business attitude, but when caught alone, especially not around lower ranks, he could be known to soften up considerably. O'Fee had learned that the stoic demeanor was really just his effort to be professional while on the job. When not on duty, he was quite different and his views on art and diplomacy were not typical of most modern Klingons.

== Tag O'Fee ==

[Evie O’Fee]

Evie had a evil grin for a second. "Yes it is a compliment Mr. Gath, the term drunk under the table is an English thing. They look up to us.. or possibly at us because they are drunk under the table." She shrugged it off. Evie had a special brew that you can't enjoy too close to a open flame. It's one of those drinks where not many remember what happens after three, no one should enjoy more than four. 

This was a good temporary distraction for her, when she does get into it Evie would be calmer about it. Evie was fully invested to make sure this goes smoothly, her number one focus was going to be her patient. "We can sing songs while we drink, English only do that during football." It was one of those things you have to go through to fully understand.

==Tag==

[Gath]

At first, Gath's eyebrows went up in obvious surprise,  then the doctor heard something unique, Gath laughed. It was a deep and genuine laugh.

"Well, your people sound quite spirited!" His grin matched her own. He seemed to consider her again, looking at her as if trying to find something. He had been quite aware of his deliberate play on the word spirited and was deciding what to say next. "I confess I have read about some of your history, but I know I've only scratched the surface. I know of tales of warriors and great deeds, but what I find very telling are the songs of more common people. There are good stories in many and they have such emotion. Folk songs and sea shanties are good examples. I fell in love with something called blues and they all go well with meals and good drinks. You can learn much about people from their songs."

Gath thought a moment, "Irish and English...there's a rivalry there. I look forward to you elaborating on this more. I love learning about other cultures and their history, some can be quite fascinating."

== Tag O'Fee ==