ZE/D02 - Science Labs

[Paul]

==

[GM-06]

==Time: 1130 hours==

Accompanied by a cross-looking Security detail, C’Had was now arguing with one of them as the trio approached the Science Laboratories. “I know you’re my chaperones, but I told you, I don’t need one!”

“We are under orders.” The one, a female human, protested.

“Can I give you …alternative order?” The Trill asked, smiling.

“No.” The woman replied, narrowing her eyebrows at him. After a beat where the Trill looked positively skeptical, she added, “Plus, I’m only attracted to females. You may be pretty, but you’re definitely not my type.”

As a response, C’Had simply stuck his tongue out at her, like a child would. “Nehh.” He replied, striding back towards the doors. They opened to show officers working, not paying him any mind. “Lunchtime!” He called out, feeling the ring of his voice against his ears. Then, to at least the Security Officers’ horror, he began singing and dancing.

“Poetry in motion / She turned her eyes to me
As deep as any ocean / As sweet as any harmony
Mmm, she blinded me with science / She blinded me with science!”

And he sashayed over to the closest working officer. “Science rules, am I right?”



==Tag to the Science team!
Keir, please feel free to take over the security officers if you like==

[Amila Ra'an]

Lieutenant Ra'an could hear what had to be Mediator Kestir from inside her office. As she looked up from her desk to see what was going on she heard him begin singing a song and start to dance toward Midshipman Cortez who she had put to work cataloguing inventory from the old crew. She didn't know Cortez well enough to know how he'd react and he hadn't been fully briefed on the mission, or the importance of keeping Kestir happy yet.

In an effort to protect her science officers from discomfort and to keep anyone from potentially offending the Mediator Ra'an popped up from her seat so quickly she banged her left knee on her desk pretty hard. She swore in Orion under her breath, but shook off the pain quickly as she rushed out to the main lab.

"Mediator - C'had, I mean. Great to see you," Amila called out, giving him a smile. "Sorry, I just hit my knee a little. but it's fine. Are you ready to go holodecking, or did you just stop by for a visit? I see you've met Ensign Groble, and this is Midshipman Cortez." Amila cleared her throat once and looked at her officers expectantly. 

==Tag Cortez and GM 06==

[Sebastian Cortez]

Sebastian was busy cataloguing inventory from the old crew. He understood the importance of ensuring crew members received personal research materials and any personal items they may have left behind. Sebastian was deep into his assigned task when he heard some singing. He looked up and saw a young Trill male he had never seen before.

What in the world is going on?

Sebastian was about to assist the Trill as he was clearly lost when Commander Amila arrived and addressed the Trill, "Mediator - C'had, I mean. Great to see you," Amila called out, giving him a smile. "Sorry, I just hit my knee a little. but it's fine. Are you ready to go holodecking, or did you just stop by for a visit? I see you've met Ensign Groble, and this is Midshipman Cortez." Amila cleared her throat once and looked at her officers expectantly.

Sebastian was confused as he hadn’t really received a proper briefing; he was put straight to work and assumed that once everything had a chance to settle down.

Sebastian was a Star Fleet Officer, and in true Star Fleet fashion, Sebastian gave the Mediator a polite nod of the head and said, “Greetings, Mediator, pleasure to meet you.”

Sebastian wasn't overly comfortable with political affairs, but knew it was part of being a good Officer that he had to learn this valuable skill.



== Tag All. ==

[Amila Ra'an]

While Amila walked the data module to the science labs, she knew immediately who she wanted on the project with her. She hadn't been sure what to think of the Bajoran lieutenant at first - he'd been friendly and approachable as soon as he'd come aboard, but gods could he push the Captain's buttons on their last assignment, and not in a good way. Still, at the close of their first high pressure mission, working side-by-side, she had to acknowledge one thing about Jukish Keti: he wasn't afraid to be contrary. And as annoying as that was to her at first, she quickly realized what an asset it actually was in their field. To be a good scientist you need someone who challenges you, someone who thinks differently than you do. It's the way real progress is made.

And in a crisis, it's how you come up with the quickest solutions.

She was already reaching out over comms before she'd even arrived to the Lab.

[Lieutenant Ra'an to Lieutenant Jukish. Can you meet me in the Science Lab as soon as possible. I could use your help on something.]

==Tag Keti==

[Jukish Keti]

It had been a while since he had been in the Labs his wedding was what he was working on, it was going to be great. It was shameful that it took him this long, but it was better late than never. A few minutes after the call Keti came through the door, he wasn't sure about what was going on. 

"Lieutenant." He said with a friendly smile. "A pleasure." He was looking forward to working with her on something, roomer had it they beamed something big to the ship. Right now he also appreciated the break from all wedding business, a bit of a Science quest would be nice. 

"What are we working on?" He was looking forward to what was coming next

==Tag==

[Morad Ameen]

== GM - Broken Arrow ==

As Lt Ra'an sets the heavy, frost-covered module onto the primary diagnostic table, the bright, sterile lighting of the Science Lab reveals its true nature. What initially looked like a utilitarian black box in the darkness of the alien cargo bay is actually a solid block of incredibly dense, dark crystalline memory.

When Ra'an and Jukish begin their initial scans, they immediately encounter a significant hurdle: there are no interface ports. There are no exposed wires, no optical relays, and no physical connection points of any kind. The module is entirely sealed and completely self-contained, presenting a smooth, impenetrable surface.

However, the lab's deep-space sensory arrays pick up something a standard hand tricorder might have missed. The crystal is emitting a very faint, repeating subspace frequency. It is a continuous carrier wave, highly structured and mathematically precise, pulsing like a quiet, rhythmic heartbeat in the room.

The scientific objective is now clear. To extract the ship's logs and build a translation matrix, they cannot simply plug the module into the Zephyr's systems; they have to tune into it. They must find a way to calibrate the main computer to match that specific subspace frequency, synchronize with the alien carrier wave, and decode the mathematical patterns hidden within in order to build a bridge between this ancient, unknown species and the Universal Translator.

[Amila Ra'an]

"What are we working on?" Keti asked as Amila placed the data module onto the primary diagnostic table.

Her chest was cold from using her body to help her carry the heavy, frost covered piece of equipment to the lab. She massaged her hands together to get the blood flowing again and then shook out her arms quickly and directed Keti to the nearby science terminal where she pulled up what they knew so far about the ship.

"We pulled this from a ship just before it exploded. It's a data module - the black box. I hope, anyway," Ra'an explained. "This and twelve people in stasis from a society that we are pretty sure is extinct. They are from a planet called Icarus III, and the best we can tell is that their people were wiped out - nearly a millennia ago."

She watched Keti for his response when she mentioned how long the people had likely been extinct. There were many implications and Keti was just now hearing about their discovery.

"Shall we figure out how to tap into this thing?" Amila asked eagerly. She fired up the diagnostics array on the table and it immediately picked up a faint subspace reading.

"Well, well... What are you trying to say?" She muttered as she dialed in the diagnostics to hone in the frequency.

"Do you see any way to get into the module?" Amila asked Keti as she walked around the table slowly.

==Tag Keti==

[Jukish Keti]

"We pulled this from a ship just before it exploded. It's a data module - the black box. I hope, anyway," Ra'an explained. "This and twelve people in stasis from a society that we are pretty sure is extinct. They are from a planet called Icarus III, and the best we can tell is that their people were wiped out - nearly a millennia ago." This started to spark a memory of some of his studies, if he wanted people to understand his culture and history he was going to do the same.

She watched Keti for his response when she mentioned how long the people had likely been extinct. There were many implications and Keti was just now hearing about their discovery.

"Shall we figure out how to tap into this thing?" Amila asked eagerly. She fired up the diagnostics array on the table and it immediately picked up a faint subspace reading.

"Well, well... What are you trying to say?" Keti was listening to her mutter these words while thinking he has heard of the name Icarus before, it was in Greek Mythology.

"Do you see any way to get into the module?" Amila asked Keti as she walked around the table slowly. Keti was lost in thought for a minute, there had to be something useful. 

"Most folk lore ,myth and even legends start somewhere. It isn't my most scientific of theories, but here it is. Icarus was the son of a Master Crafter Deadalus, who constructed the Labyrinth in Crete." Keti wanted to go into more detail but now wasn't the time. 

Taking a tricorder scanning the device of any markings on the device, he was looking for anything that might resemble a language. "Sometimes the best way in is learning how to talk to it, my hunch is it could be a dialect of Athenian." It was a long shot at best, but it was still better than what they had.

==Tag and GM input==

[Morad Ameen]

== GM-Broken Arrow ==

When Lt Keti ran his tricorder over the smooth, dark crystalline surface of the module, the initial scans registered nothing but the incredibly dense atomic lattice of the material itself. However, as he enhanced the optical resolution to a microscopic level, a fascinating detail emerged. What initially appeared to be random, microscopic abrasions or frost damage on the casing were actually intricate, precision-etched geometric fractals.

While these markings bear absolutely no linguistic relation to ancient Athenian or any known Earth dialect—the dating of the crystal matrix confirms this technology predates human civilization by thousands of years—Keti's core instinct was completely correct. The best way into the module is indeed learning how to "talk" to it. The fractal patterns were not an alphabet; they were a mathematical cipher.

Simultaneously, as Lt Ra'an honed in on the faint subspace reading, the diagnostics array confirmed that the carrier wave's rhythmic pulsing was not random. The frequency modulations perfectly matched the geometric fractal patterns etched on the outside of the casing. The module possessed no physical ports or wiring because it was never designed to be plugged in. It appeared to operate via resonant frequency induction. It was essentially broadcasting a continuous mathematical question, waiting for the precise subspace "response" to unlock its memory core.

[Jukish Keti]

While looking at the device there was a fantom pain that came down his scar, something that happens when he had a growing bad feeling. He didn't like where this could go, there was something about this device that he didn't like. The device if his feelings were correct were the key to everything.

"Lieutenant I believe I have figured out how to open this device, as my superior I will follow your order to do so." Taking a step back from the device. "This is one time I would ask that we leave pandoras box closed, as the Earthlings would say nothing good can come from this." 

"If my feelings are correct this was designed to open in the correct set of circumstances, if it is opened here." This was purely on gut feeling with nothing to stand on, he knew that the order would be given and he would follow it. "Lieutenant if my theories are correct, whoever is responsible for this will be drawn here to collect it." It would be hard to keep them out, if they had a chance at all.

==tags==

[Amila Ra'an]

Amila's readings quickly showed patterns. Too many patterns to be random. While the Universe itself - nature was made up of patterns, this looked more like a language. One quickly translated into the universal language - a mathematical equation. A complex one.

"Nice work," Ra'an nodded. "It definitely seems as though they didn't want it locked forever."

Ra'an stepped closer and ran her fingertips along the fractal patterns etched along the casing of box. "Or maybe it's the key to waking the people up - or would have been had we left them connected to this thing," she opined. "It's been millenia. There's no sign that anyone else exists to come back for it."

"Still, if you are right, this isn't a call for us to make. We should take it to the Captain, before trying to unlock anything." Amila suggested.

"I'm reading a math equation, in the frequency." she said as she furrowed her brow stepping back. "An equation, but no answer. What do you got?" She asked.


==Tag Keti==

[Jukish Keti]

Jukish looked at the device again and had a small nod. "I believe you are correct, yes there is a mathematical equations to this. If I am correct the one imprinted on the device could indeed keep them in slumber." Keti thought a little more about what to say next, there was something here.

"My theory is simply this, seeing how there isn't an care taker of the pods there has to be an escape clause. While the ship was in open space there wasn't any gravity the harmonics would stay the same, as you know sound does not travel in open space. Including confined spaces that has no way to maintain oxygen, never mind maintaining soundwaves." 

He put his hand over the device. "If my assumptions are true for full disclosure, if we were to change the harmonics of this device it would open. Its along the same principal as musical wine glasses, alter the volume of fluids in the container you change the musical notes produced. If we apply the right amount of pressure, the device in theory would open. Now here is the problem, naturally in theory." He still had the bad feeling.

"It would also stand to reason that this is the key to everything they wanted to accomplish, if it is open the very blueprints for a new society could be in here. This would draw anyone responsible for it here, to preserve what is left of their way of life. Starting with the change in harmonics that would activate a potential reanimation process, the pressure would break the seal making it easier for anyone to get out. Naturally there is room for error, when bringing this to the Captain I would strongly suggest caution." Even if he was against opening the device, he wouldn't go against orders to keep it closed.

==Tag==

[Amila Ra'an]

"We should definitely figure out how to quarantine any further signals it might give off," Amila agreed.

"I don't think that should be too difficult though," she continued. She became more animated as she saw her idea come to life. "We can build a Faraday age inside this lab."

"She pointed to the other equipment, "Use electromagnetic shielding to wall of everything around us. The cage would be on the inside of the room, under the floors, inside the ceiling, but in front of these computers here. If it does give off a signal, we'd have to keep the signal from reaching any other equipment that isn't quarantined. We'll need to remember to take our comm badges off and have our tricorders taken offline too."

She nodded as she looked around. The Zephyr's labs weren't premium, but they had what they needed to make it happen with engineering's help.

"I think we're good to take this to Commander Ameen." Without realizing it, Amila looked away from Keti when she said Ameen's name, feeling a flush rise to her cheeks. Thankfully, it wasn't too obvious to most peach-skinned humanoids due to her deep green complection.

Amila tapped her commbadge, [Lieutenant Ra'an to Commander Ameen. Jukish and I have some ideas on how to unlock this thing, but there are some precautions we'd like to put in place first. Where can we meet you and Commander Keir?]

==Tags==

[Sebastian Cortez]

<< Sickbay.<<

Sebastian was feeling better; his arm still throbbed a little from the burn. He downloaded the alien language into the ship's computer, and he watched as the computer scanned the alien language. It was a fascinating language; it seemed like the language was similar to Sumero-Akkadian Cuneiform but also similar to the Nahuatl script, more commonly known as the Aztec script from Earth.

Did these Aliens have contact with Ancient Earth?

If these aliens did have contact with Ancient Earth, it could have some fascinating implications. If these people did have contact with Ancient Earth, did they have warp capabilities? If they did, why were they in a sleeper ship?

“Computer run a comparison between the Alien language to languages in the Linguistic Database, including all known languages, including languages that use hieroglyphics and or pictograms.” Said Sebastian, his tone confident.

[ Working…..] replied the computer.

“Computer, how long for a complete analysis?” Inquired Sebastian.

[ Full linguistic analysis will take approximately nine hours, depending on the complexity and lack of prior data.]

“Computer access file Cortez 00175, and run the analysis of the alien language.” Added Sebastian.

[ Accessing…..] Added the Computer.

Sebastian was hoping that the computer would be able to shed some light on the alien language. He had really hoped that they could have accessed the alien's computer, but there just wasn’t time.

Sebastian heard Amila say, “ Lieutenant Ra'an to Commander Ameen. Jukish and I have some ideas on how to unlock this thing, but there are some precautions we'd like to put in place first. Where can we meet you and Commander Keir?”

Sebastian then said to Lt. Ra’an, “I’m running a linguistic analysis on the alien language. We should have the results in a few hours. Might I suggest we wait and see if we can decipher the alien language before we tamper with any of their technology?” Said Sebastian.



== Tag. Ra’an. ==

[Jukish Keti]

Sebastian came back from Sickbay with some really good ideas that have been explored, there was still some room for interpretation. "Midshipman Cortez those are really good ideas, we have established this is a mathematical cypher. If we could figure this out the device should open, there is no reference to a known language available." This should save a few a few hours. 

"The way how we would normally open a cypher starts with a language, or a continuation of the calculation not unlike finding more numbers of Pi. If we had something to start with." Keti snapped his fingers. "There is one thing we didn't take into account, where did this come from. If we knew where this came from, we can figure out what the main language of the area is or was, and then figure out what dialect it could be." It wasn't much to go on, but at least it was a direction.

==Tag==

[Sebastian Cortez]

Sebastian was a bit surprised by what the Lieutenant had said; he was making a great deal of assumptions. Yes, mathematics is universal, but it doesn’t mean that these people understand mathematics, that these people are the people who built and launched this ship? This could be a slave ship, it could be a colony ship,

“Lieutenant, with all due respect. You're assuming that these people we rescued understand mathematics. These people we rescued could be slaves, they could be colonists, the alien script might be a warning, or they could be dangerous criminals. The only logical and safe course of action is to allow the computer to try to decipher this alien language. Maybe these people are infected, maybe their civilization launched these people into space to prevent them from contaminating their entire civilization. In my opinion, caution is what’s needed here.” Said Sebastian. “It’s only nine hours till the computer finishes its analysis. It's better to be safe than sorry, no?” Added Sebastian.


== Tag.==

[Amila Ra'an]

"It's better to be safe than sorry, no?” Sebastian asked after he and Keti exchanged differing perspectives.

"The language analysis is worth a shot," Amila said encouragingly, "Though the Bridge might have had more luck with the U-T before now if we were likely to get anything useful. Remember, they were prodding at this ship while we were over there trying to figure out how to cut a hole inside without blowing ourselves into space. Still - whether it helps us understand this box or not, there may be something that answers another question, so we should keep at it from all angles."

"And we are being safe - before you got here, Lieutenant Jukish already raised some concerns about whether unlocking this could send off an alarm to some unfriendlies," she advised him gently. "I'm waiting on the Captain now, but it's ultimately going to be put to Senior Staff, and he'll make the final call. I'm recommending we quarantine the lab against subspace signals before unlocking it, but I think we need to. Someone went to a lot of trouble to keep these people alive for a long period of time. Whoever this may beckon - if anyone is still around - we want to be ready for them of course - but they deserve to be woken up, and given a chance."

"Maybe Dr. O'Fee will have something for us soon on her end," she added.

==Open tag==

[Morad Ameen]

[Ameen here. Your timing is impeccable, Lieutenant.] The Commander replied. [I am currently in my Ready Room attempting to summarize the impossible for Starfleet Command, and I could certainly use some concrete answers.]

There was short pause, then he continued.

[I appreciate your caution. Given that we have twelve genetically engineered sleepers and an unknown data drive aboard, precautions are the only logical approach. Bring your findings here to my Ready Room. I'll have Commander Keir join us so we can review your proposed setup before we make a final decision on how to proceed. Ameen out.]

[Amila Ra'an]

Ameen's voice sent a relaxing wave of calm over Amila. He'd always managed to do that for her - make her feel safe, confident even. From the moment they'd been paired to work together during her first away mission on Titania, he'd treated her with respect that she wasn't sure she had earned yet, and was a strong presence when things became dangerous.

Now things were more complex. It was looking more and more like his position as her Captain was going to be permanent. Unless the fleet commander had her transferred. Neither option made whatever was developing between them easy.

But as was typical in Starfleet, they hadn't had a moment of calm since the transfer to figure things out - to really talk.

She furrowed her brow for a moment in thought when she heard Ameen suggest the Ready Room. Keti had suggested he knew how to open the box. Sebastian wanted to work on the language comparison.

Sebastian didn't want to be called Sebastian. What had he asked her to call him? She'd try to find out later without asking again.

Amila tapped her commbadge, [I'll be right there, Commander. Lieutenant Jukish had some thoughts on how to get in, so I'll have him join me.]

The Chief Science Officer turned to Sebastian, "Cortez, you can keep working on the language. I'll be sure to relay your thoughts to the Commander. Petty Officer sh'Sjöress can assist you. I'll have her report early for her shift, and you can give her orders. Put her to work, she's good with languages."

Amila then turned to the Bajoran lieutenant, "Keti, you're with me."

== Tag Keti, Sebastian ==

== OOC, Tag me for NRC, Petty Officer Oleah sh'Sjöress, Lab Technician, Andorian Shen ==

[Jukish Keti]

Taking this to Command wasn't exactly on his agenda, but he was going to back her up in any way he could. He wasn't exactly the favorite of the previous Commanding Officer, but now it is a new one. He was just there to provide whatever he could, now in Science the Midshipman could try his luck. Who knows what he might reveal.

"Right with you Lieutenant." He followed her out the door, and thought about how he was going to present this.

==Tag==

[Sebastian Cortez]

Sebastian was determined to decode the alien language, this language was truly baffling. Sebastian wasn’t one to subscribe to conspiracy theories, but it seemed like the higher ups wanted to open the alien technology as quickly as possible and were ignoring safety. He knew that the more information they had, the safer things would be.

There could be many reasons why a civilization would use sleeper ships; the most obvious one would be a lack of, or no, warp capabilities, but the ship could be a colony ship. Wherever this ship originated, the people there may have launched a ship loaded with supplies to build a colony on a distant world, but due to the lack of warp technology, the people would die before reaching the new world. In long-term suspended animation, they would arrive with the tools they needed to build a colony. However, if these people were criminals, they could pose a danger to the ship.

Sebastian checked the computer, and it was about forty-five percent complete with the translation. Still, Sebastian couldn’t help but wonder what secrets these aliens might possess, how long these aliens had been adrift, what they had witnessed, what galactic events they may have partaken in, what ancient secrets they had known?

Sebastian was a bit startled when Ra’an said, "Cortez, you can keep working on the language. I'll be sure to relay your thoughts to the Commander. Petty Officer sh'Sjöress can assist you. I'll have her report early for her shift, and you can give her orders. Put her to work, she's good with languages."

“Aye,” said Sebastian, and went back to watching the computer working away.



== Tag.==

[Amila Ra'an]

==NRC Petty Officer Oleah sh'Sjöress==

Shortly after the two Lieutenant's left, a petite Andorian quietly entered the lab. If it wasn't for the swish of the doors announcing her presence, her arrival could have easily gone unnoticed. The air was still in the lab, yet she somehow knew how to move without disturbing it, her feet silent against the floors of the old ship.

"You must be Midshipman Cortez?" The petty officer's head tilted slightly forward, her pale blue skin looking almost white in the sterile lighting of the science lab. She looked up at Cortez with clear amber eyes as she spoke. The posture often came across as submissive to Humans, but for Andorians, it was more practical than that - a habit that presented their antennae with a more efficient angle to scan the room, and the people in it.

"Petty Officer Oleah sh'Sjöress, reporting for duty." She spoke seriously, though softly, her tone naturally beathy carrying as far as it needed to. "How can I help, sir?"



==Tag Cortez==

==Tag GM Input, Please - what is Cortez able to say at this point if anything about his research?==

[Sebastian Cortez]

Sebastian glanced up from the console at the soft hiss of the doors, his attention sharpening as the Andorian entered. He took in the details quickly—the deliberate quiet of her, the slight tilt of her head, the alert stillness behind those amber eyes. Not submissive, he noted. Efficient.

He straightened just slightly, offering a measured nod.

“Midshipman Cortez, yes,” he confirmed, his tone calm but attentive. “And you can drop the ‘sir’, Call me Pedro, we’re all just trying to keep this place from falling apart.”

A faint hint of a smile touched the corner of his mouth before he gestured toward the scattered readouts and half-active displays around the lab.

“Your timing’s good, Petty Officer sh'Sjöress. I’ve got the computer that’s behaving like it has opinions, and I’d rather not argue with it alone.” He stepped aside, giving her a clearer view of the main console. “I have it running a comparative analysis of every known language in the Federation's linguistic database.

His gaze flicked briefly to her antennae, then back to her eyes—an acknowledgment, not curiosity. Sebastian found Andorians fascinating; they're expressive, functional sensory organs tied to balance, emotion, and awareness.

“I’m not sure if the Federation Linguistic database will be enough. I feel to decode this Alien Language, we would need access to other Language Databases, like Romulan, Cardassian, Ferengi, but especially the Borg Linguistic database.” Said Pedro, his voice filled with a sense of wonder.

“Chief, I can’t help but feel that these aliens could be dangerous. I can’t explain it. Just something deep inside tells me so. I mean, why would these people be in cryogenic sleep? The most obvious being, they are a colony ship, as they lack warp technology, or they could be infected with some illness, and sent into space to prevent a plague, but they could be criminals, maybe these aliens are so violent that their civilization decided to send them into space for the greater good of their society?” Stated Sebastian.

Sebastian knew that once the Language was deciphered, then and only then could they proceed safely.



== Tag Chief.==

[Amila Ra'an]

==NRC Petty Officer Oleah sh'Sjöress==

Oleah clocked the officer's suggestion that she call him by name. Unusual from an officer, but he was a Midshipman, so maybe he hadn't fully fallen into his officer role yet.

"You can call me 'Leah if you like," she offered in turn.

Her eyes widened as his suggestions continued. "The Borg?" She repeated, calling back to his earlier statement. "How do you think what we know about the Borg might help us?"

There was a healthy amount of fear and respect building her as she stepped closer to the box, though not too close. She only wanted to be able to see the markings for herself. As she examined the pattern, her anntennae swiveled and perked busily with purpose assisting her eyes by reading the subtle shifts in temperature and air flow among the lands and grooves. Without picking up a tricorder, if she closed her eyes and focused on drowning out the noise of the labe, she could even sense the electrical field that the computer element was emanating, though subtle.

'Leah stepped back away from the black box as if suddenly waking up from a trance. She looked at Pedro, more focused now.

"You said the people are in a cryogenic sleep?" She asked. "Are any of them awake? If we want to know what language they speak, that seems like the best place to start. Put me in a room with just one of them and some common objects, I can train the U-T in no time, if they are cooperative."

==Tag Cortez==

[Sebastian Cortez]

Sebastian was a bit surprised when the Chief said, "You can call me 'Leah if you like." This surprised him because usually Chief Petty Officers wanted to be addressed as Chief, but if she wanted to be called Leah, who was he to argue.

"How do you think what we know about the Borg might help us?" Said Leah. Pedro smiled.

“Well, we know that the Borg have assimilated Billions of civilizations, they have assimilated Billions of languages and dialects, chances are very good that they know of this language. We have access to the Borg Linguistic Database, thanks to Admiral Janeway. If you recall she was trapped in the Delta Quadrant and she had a Borg crew member, Seven of Nine, no doubt Seven probably gave the crew of Voyager, the information the Borg had on the Delta Quadrant, thus we would have similar access, granted it’s probably outdated by this point in time, but considering the aliens we rescued have been in cryogenic sleep for who knows how long, chances are the Borg Database may have a sample of the aliens language, or possibly a historical note of the ship's origin or mission.” Stated Sebastian. “However, chances are other ships have accessed damaged Borg cubes and have accessed their databases; either way, we should try to access it if we can. Don’t you think so?” Added Cortez

Sebastian sat there thinking about the History, the Mythology, the Scientific and cultural insights that the Borg had assimilated. The information that they possessed must be truly incredible. Yes, Sebastian knew that the cost of the information cost billions of innocent beings their lives, their culture. Pedro couldn’t help but think what Galactic mysteries could be solved if the Federation Scientists could examine the Borg's historical Database.

“ Leah, imagine if Federation Scientists had access to a full Borg Database, imagine if the Borg had information on the destruction of the Civilization on Kaceti V. or the Iconians, maybe the Borg know what happened to the survivors of the Tkon Empire,” Cortez said, his voice filled with wonder.



== Tag Leah.==

[Amila Ra'an]

The Andorian nodded in agreement. "You aren't wrong, and applying it might even make sense of the mathematical cyphers," she agreed. "But accessing Borg technology - outside of what's been put into the UT already, even using their linguistic databases will require security clearance, special permission."

She stepped back and let out a sigh. "I don't know the Captain very well at all. I mean, I guess you could suggest it to him. Isn't that usually reserved for like immenent danger situation kind of things though?"

"I'm not sure if this will count."

"Do you think Commander Ameen would go for something like that?" 'Leah's eyes sparkled with excitement now, hopefully that they might get to try to work with something so daring. 

==Tag==

[Sebastian Cortez]

Sebastian hated not knowing the secret of a mystery, and this alien language was a true mystery; none of the normal linguistic rules seemed to apply, Normally Decoding an alien language would involve a computer first breaking unknown signals into repeating patterns, then using statistical analysis and Information Theory to identify structure and possible grammar. From there, it would try to connect symbols to meaning by comparing them with external context—like images or events—using techniques from Artificial Intelligence. By forming and testing hypotheses about what the signals represent, and refining its interpretations over time, the system could gradually build an understanding of the language, even without any shared starting point. The problem here is they didn't have an external context, no images, like a Birthday Party, a Futbol game, or a Wedding.

Pedro was a bit surprised when the Chief said, "You aren't wrong, and applying it might even make sense of the mathematical cyphers," she agreed. "But accessing Borg technology - outside of what's been put into the UT already, even using their linguistic databases, will require security clearance, special permission."

Sebastian knew the Chief was right, they had exhausted all their options, but the question was who should he approach for access, the Captain, or the Chief of Security, he knew this would be a touchy subject as anything Borg made people uncomfortable, as the Borg were considered controversial even though Captain Janeway and the crew of Voyager dealt them a devastating blow back some forty to fifty years ago.

“ Cortez to Captain Ameen, we need access to the Borg Linguistic Data Base, but neither Chief sh'Sjöress nor I has the proper Security clearance. We need it to be able to decode the alien language. Thank you, sir.”

Sebastian turned to Leah, “Hopefully the Captain will grant us access; if not, I’m not sure what more we can do.” Said Sebastian.



== Tag Chief. ==

[Morad Ameen]

No sooner had Midshipman Cortez expressed his doubts to Petty Officer sh'Sjöress than the comm panel chirped with the Captain's immediate reply.

[Ameen here. An unconventional approach, Midshipman, but a logical one. Limited Clearance is granted. Use authorization code Ameen-Gamma-Seven. Let me know what the Collective knows. Ameen out.]

== GM-Broken Arrow ==

With the Captain's authorization code entered, the main science terminal's interface shifted from standard Federation blue to a stark, restricted-access red, and finally to a deep, analytical violet as it tapped into the highly classified Borg matrices procured by the USS Voyager and subsequent task forces.

The computer processed the parameters, comparing the alien fractals and the lack of standard syntax against the assimilated knowledge of billions of species.

The results painted a fascinating, if slightly frustrating, picture.

Under the category of spoken language, grammar, alphabet, or known hieroglyphics, the database returned an absolute zero. Even the Borg Collective had no record of this species' spoken tongue. The timeline of 100,000 years simply predated almost all recorded linguistic evolution in this quadrant, and they had likely gone extinct or left the galaxy long before the Borg began their massive assimilation campaigns. Leah's instinct was completely correct: if they wanted to know what these people sounded like, they were going to have to wake one up and teach the Universal Translator manually.

However, Pedro's idea to use the Borg database was not a complete dead end. While the linguistic search failed, the Borg's astrometric and mathematical database flagged a 98.7% match.

The geometric fractals etched into the alien ship's hull, their equipment, and the data module were not words in a traditional sense. They were complex, self-sustaining astrometric equations. The computer analysis revealed that this species did not use language to program their technology; they used pure, universally constant mathematics. The specific fractals Pedro was analyzing were actually a highly advanced, theoretical model for calculating deep-space trajectories without relying on standard stellar drift—a navigational language built entirely out of math.

To open the black box, they didn't need a dictionary. They needed a calculator. And as Lieutenant Ra'an and Jukish Keti were discovering, they needed to sing that math back to the box in the form of a subspace frequency.

[Sebastian Cortez]

Sebastian put the Captain's authorization Code in the Borg Linguistic Database. He isolated the alien language in a secure computer mainframe, separate from the ship's main computer, as a just-in-case, and then allowed the Borg Language Matrix into the secured mainframe. The results were truly fascinating. As a scientist, Sebastian had seen many truly incredible things, but this was next level.

The main science terminal's interface shifted from standard Federation blue to a stark, restricted-access red, and finally to a deep, analytical violet as it tapped into the highly classified Borg matrices procured by the USS Voyager and subsequent task forces.

Sebastian was excited; he was sure that the Borg Language Matrix would clear this up, but he hadn’t considered that the Borg had assimilated Billions upon Billions of civilizations across every quadrant. He knew this would take a while. As the computer would have to look for common words across various languages, such as mother, father, sister, brother, house, book, cup, life, death, happy, sad, sun, and moon, because every species had words for these things.

The computer would then compare each language to every other language to see whether they were related. For example, Vulcans seeded many different species, like the Romulans, the Rigelians:and the Debrune:  The Debrunes were an ancient interstellar offshoot of the Romulans and therefore, distant descendants of the original Vulcan progenitors, so the computer would search for common words to establish a historical and in some cases a biological connection.

Sebastian watched as the computer ran its analysis,  “Leah, look at this,” said Sebastian, his voice filled with wonder,

Despite the linguistic search failing, the Borg's astrometric and mathematical database flagged a 98.7% match. “ Can you believe it, 98.7 percent, ¿Qué demonios? ¿Cuáles son las probabilidades de una coincidencia del noventa y ocho por ciento? (What the hell? What are the odds of a ninety-eight percent match?) Said Sebastian, his heart racing with excitement.

With his mind blown, Cortez realized what they were looking at wasn’t a language in the conventional sense; it was a mathematical notation or symbolic notation. This system uses numbers, operators, and symbols to represent concepts, forming a specialized language designed for precision and efficiency over natural language.

What kind of being could communicate in this method, an artificial or organic life form?


The geometric fractals etched into the alien ship's hull, their equipment, and the data module were not words in a traditional sense. They were complex, self-sustaining astrometric equations. The computer analysis revealed that this species did not use language to program their technology; they used pure, universally constant mathematics. The specific fractals Pedro was analyzing were actually a highly advanced, theoretical model for calculating deep-space trajectories without relying on standard stellar drift—a navigational language built entirely out of math.

Sebastian knew that to open the black box, they didn't need a dictionary. They needed a person who was an advanced mathematician, calculator, or a separate computer.

Sebastian alerted the Captain to what he had discovered. “Cortez to Captain Ameenm, I’m sending you a file. The Borg Linguistic was most helpful.  “

Sebastian went over to the Linguistic Data Base, he isolated the newly translated information, and sent it to the Captain

>> Rady Room. >>



== Tag Chief. ==

[Sebastian Cortez]

Sebastian waited for the Captain to reply, this information was fascinating, the idea of communication with these aliens in a musical format was fascinating, but also a bit unnerving. They had to find a way to effectively communicate with the aliens.

Sebastian read the computer results several times, A person who was an advanced mathematician, calculator, or a separate computer. Is needed to communicate with the aliens. He wasn’t sure if the alien computer would recognize another computer or would an organic being have to respond?

I can se it now, i=1∑5​Hi​+∫youyou​well-beingd(time)+intent→0−lim​harm=0, or ∀x,yx=me∧y=you)⇒Friend(x,y) thought Sebastian, as a smile played across his lips.

“Computer, how precise would a mathematical language be versus a standard spoken language?1. Why math is more precise

[ Working……In mathematics, every symbol has a strict, agreed-upon meaning.
Example: 2+2=4 means exactly one thing—no ambiguity.
Statements are built on formal logic (like in Mathematical Logic), so they can be proven true or false.
There’s no room for tone, sarcasm, or interpretation—just structure and rules.

2. Why spoken language is less precise

Natural languages (studied in Linguistics) are full of:
Ambiguity (“I saw her duck” }
Context dependence
Emotional tone and implied meaning
The same sentence can mean different things depending on the situation, culture, or emphasis.

3. But math has limits

Math is precise only when the system is clearly defined.
It struggles with: Emotions (“we are friends” isn’t naturally quantifiable)
Vague concepts (“kind of,” “usually,” “beautiful”)
You can formalize some of this (e.g., using Fuzzy Logic), but it becomes complex and still doesn’t capture human nuance perfectly.

4. The trade-off

Math = precision, clarity, no ambiguity
Spoken language = flexibility, richness, emotional depth

So if you want absolute clarity (like in engineering or physics), math wins.
If you want to express relationships, feelings, or subtle meaning, everyday language is far more powerful. ] Replied the computer.



== Tag All.==

[Amila Ra'an]

==NRC Petty Officer Oleah "Leah" sh'Sjöress==

Leah was shocked when the Captain replied so quickly with credentials to get into the Borg database.

"Wow," the petty officer officer remarked as Cortez ended the comms. "I wonder if he is always so shéùkhin (quick) to comply with requests. He must trust you already." As she spoke her tone was dry and it was difficult to tell if she was being judgemental or simply making a comment. She said nothing else on the matter as they watched the codes unravel the equation.

“Leah, look at this,” Sebastian said, breaking Oleah away from thoughts. She understood calculus as well as any Starfleet officer, and recognized that it was a puzzle to solve. Linguistics itself, and unlocking a translation operated quite a lot like algebra, to be a good linguist, one had to understand math. However, she wasn't a physicist, so the complexity of the equations and what they were mapping out was lost on her. But, as linguist, when Cortez asked the computer the questions about language and math, she understood the answer better than any computer.

"If these people are advanced enough to inscribe this kind of equation onto their equipment, then they must have a way of communicating that is more than just math," Oleah insisted. "Maybe it's spoken, it could be sign or gestures, maybe it's telepathy. Medical could potentially tell us more about the likelihood of telepathic abilities, even while they are unconscious, though it would be difficult if not impossible while they are in stasis. But, there is more to them than math, I promise you that," she said confidently.

"I mean think about it - Starfleet doesn't have Federation Standard stamped on the outside of every piece of equipment for the hell of it. When they do, it's often just to name something that is visible, or for engineers to readily identify - or in some occasions, when we are making contact, it's for the purpose that we are explorers and want people to be able to translate our language and communicate," she explained. "But Starfleet and its purpose are rare. There was nothing like it known in the quadrants before Humans came along. And I can tell you that the Imperial Guard wouldn't have even made it this easy to open any of our ships' data recording devices." 

The suspicion raised in her voice as her antennae perked on alert, "If answering this math equation does unlock this device, it's almost too easy."



==Tag Sebastian "Pedro" Cortez"==

[Sebastian Cortez]

Pedro sat there listening to Leah’s response to what the Borg Linguistic Database revealed. He was a bit surprised when she said, "I wonder if he is always so shéùkhin (quick) to comply with requests. He must trust you already."

Pedro wasn’t sure if the Captain trusted him, or that he just knew they had a mystery to solve and they needed every advantage they could get to solve it, but Leah had a point, access to the Borg Database wasn’t given lightly. The Borg information in the wrong hands could spell disaster.

Hmmmm,,,,maybe the Captain does trust me.

Pedro listened as Leah continued, "If these people are advanced enough to inscribe this kind of equation onto their equipment, then they must have a way of communicating that is more than just math," Oleah insisted. "Maybe it's spoken, it could be sign or gestures, maybe it's telepathy. Medical could potentially tell us more about the likelihood of telepathic abilities, even while they are unconscious, though it would be difficult if not impossible while they are in stasis. But, there is more to them than math, I promise you that," she said confidently.

Pedro, smiled and nodded in agreement, He didn’t know much about Telepathy, beyond certain races possessing Telepathic abilities.

Leah then said, "I mean think about it - Starfleet doesn't have Federation Standard stamped on the outside of every piece of equipment for the hell of it. When they do, it's often just to name something that is visible, or for engineers to readily identify - or in some occasions, when we are making contact, it's for the purpose that we are explorers and want people to be able to translate our language and communicate," she explained. "But Starfleet and its purpose are rare. There was nothing like it known in the quadrants before Humans came along. And I can tell you that the Imperial Guard wouldn't have even made it this easy to open any of our ships' data recording devices."

Pedro had an amazing thought, he turned to Leah and said, “Hold on a second, This alien language is math based,right? What shares a relationship with math, music? Math and music aren’t just loosely connected—they’re built on the same underlying ideas: patterns, ratios, and structure.

1. Rhythm = counting and fractions
When you tap your foot to music, you’re doing math. Rhythms divide time into equal parts—whole notes, halves, quarters, eighths. A measure in 4/4 time is essentially a container for four equal beats, and everything inside it is a fraction of that total.

2. Pitch = frequency (a measurable number)
Every musical note corresponds to a sound wave vibrating at a specific frequency. For example, the note A above middle C is typically 440 Hz (meaning 440 vibrations per second). Higher notes have higher frequencies—so melody is basically a sequence of numbers rising and falling.

3. Harmony = ratios
What makes combinations of notes sound pleasant (or tense) comes down to simple numerical ratios. This idea goes back to Pythagoras, who discovered that:

Octave = 2:1 ratio
Perfect fifth = 3:2
Perfect fourth = 4:3

These clean ratios are why certain chords sound “in tune.”

4. Scales = mathematical patterns
Musical scales (like the major scale) follow a specific pattern of steps between notes. In modern Western music, the octave is divided into 12 equal parts (called semitones), which is a mathematical system known as equal temperament.

5. Composition = structure and symmetry
Songs often use repeating patterns, mirrored sections, and structured forms (like verse–chorus–bridge). This is similar to how math uses symmetry and repetition to create order.

6. Fourier analysis (deep connection)
At a more advanced level, any sound—even a complex one—can be broken down into a combination of simple sine waves. This is a mathematical process called Fourier analysis, and it’s fundamental in audio technology, synthesis, and music production.

A simple way to think about it: Math is the language of patterns Music is the experience of patterns.

“ Maybe we have to sing to the device, or play certain tones in order to access it?” Said Pedro, his voice filled with excitement.



== Tag Leah.==

[Amila Ra'an]

[Lieutenant Ra'an to Midshipman Cortez,]

Amila's familiar voice came out over Pedro's commbadge. There was a brief pause before she continued.

[I'll be down shortly, Midshipman A'kilees is also on the way. We have orders to proceed with turning the lab into a Faraday cage. Begin preparing the space for his assistance. The Captain wants us to move quickly.]

That was as much information as Amila would provide over comms for now. She'd fill him in on the rest when she was back at the lab and could speak to everyone on the project.

Oleah's smile was almost mischievous as she overheard the orders from the Chief Science Officer. "Looks like we're about to find out soon enough, ya?"


==Tag Cortez==

[Sebastian Cortez]

Sebastian was a bit surprised when Lieutenant Ra'an’s voice came through his commbadge

[I'll be down shortly, Midshipman A'kilees is also on the way. We have orders to proceed with turning the lab into a Faraday cage. Begin preparing the space for his assistance. The Captain wants us to move quickly.]

“Yes, Lieutenant, right away,”

Sebastian wasn’t sure the reasoning behind turning the Science Lab into a Faraday Cage, yes a Faraday Cage is a specialized structure lined with conductive materials like copper or nickel that creates a "dead zone" for electronics by blocking all incoming and outgoing electromagnetic signals, including GPS, cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and RFID, but as he didn’t have any sheets of copper or nickel he began  configuring a network of emitters in the walls to generate a tightly contained electromagnetic barrier that mimics the charge-redistribution effect of a conductive shell.

These emitters would continuously adjust the field in real time, canceling incoming radiation and preventing signals from entering or leaving the space, while maintaining a stable interior environment. By linking the system to the ship’s power grid and control computers, the “cage” could dynamically tune itself to block specific frequencies or sensor scans, effectively creating an invisible, adaptive shielded room without any solid enclosure.

Sebastian was excited to hear what Lieutenant Ra’an had to tell him, a million questions raced through his mind, Were they about to unlock the Secrets of the Universe, maybe they were about to unlock some incredible energy source, or..or maybe they were about to discover a major medical breakthrough.

Maybe we are about to discover an advancement in Cybernetics? 

Sebastian was excited, this is why he joined Star Fleet, to learn the answers to the unknown.



== Tag Ra'an.==

[A’kilees]

<<< Engineering <<<

It was rare for the saurian to make his way to the Science Lab. While he had gotten close previously with nearby repairs and maintenance, he had yet to actually enter the facility until now. A’kilees looked around the area, admiring the numerous science consoles and ongoing experiments as well as the various hardworking science division members scattered across the laboratory. He had previously enjoyed a number of science classes and various experiments when back at the Academy, but A’kilees had always preferred working on shuttle components and operating systems rather than studying weird alien viscous materials and the like.

A’kilees’ attention soon landed on his fellow crewman Sebastian who was working diligently nearby. He appeared in a much more composed manner than from earlier during the away mission. A’kilees had worried about him for a while afterwards but was relieved that he appeared to be back to his normal self after their recently shared space walk experience.

Cortez was working beside a rather petite andorian female whom A’kilees hadn’t met yet. The saurian was used to being one of the tallest members of the crew but he felt since he towered over her that he might come across as being intimidating. This wasn’t new of course, there had been plenty of moments before that others had given him looks or a wide berth due to his size so having professional and approachable demeanor had been A’kilees’ trick to win people over. He soon made his way over to both of them.

“Hello Cortez, how’s everything going? Getting started already?” he asked and turned towards the andorian and gave a friendly reptianian smile. “You must be Petty Officer sh’Sjöress. Nice to meet you! Midshipman A’kilees Peleus, but please just call me A’kilees.”

== Tag Sebastian Cortez, Oleah sh’Sjöress and Amila Ra’an ==

[Sebastian Cortez]

Sebastian was startled when Midshipman A’kilees Peleus said, “Hello Cortez, how’s everything going? Getting started already?” he asked and turned towards the Andorian and gave a friendly reptilian smile. “You must be Petty Officer sh’Sjöress. Nice to meet you! Midshipman A’kilees Peleus, but please just call me A’kilees.”

Sebastian was confident that he had successfully made the Science lab in a Faraday Cage, but he wasn’t completely sure as he had never built one before. Looking up from his work station Sbastian smile, “Oh A’kilees, I’m sorry I didn’t hear you come in. I’m so glad you arrived. Lt. Ra’an wants me to make the Science Lab into a Faraday Cage, I think I have got it, but I would appreciate an Engineer's point of view.” Said Sbastian.

Sebastian then realized he had forgotten his manners. “ Where are my manners? Chief, this brilliant individual is Midshipman A’kilees Peleus, Midshipman Peleus this is Chief Petty Officer Oleah "Leah" sh'Sjöress.” Announced Cortez as he motioned to Leah with his hand.



== Tag Peleus.==

[A’kilees]

The saurian laughed at his fellow midshipman’s surprise. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you Sebastian. Despite my size I find myself catching others unawares from time to time. My apologies.” he chuckled heartily.

A’kilees looked around the Science Lab. Cortez had definitely taken the initiative by starting to configure the emitters around the area but A’kilees wanted to make sure the preliminary work functioned properly. He had arrived planning that he would need to send a charge throughout the entirety of the lab using the components of the ship’s structure acting as a conductive mesh, but wondered how much the reconfigured emitters blocked out the various forms of electromagnetic radiation. A’kilees turned back towards Sebastian.

“Yes, I received the same message from Lieutenant Ra’an as well just after I finished up on Deck 5. She should be arriving shortly. In the meantime, let’s have a look at your progress so far and see if I can get any readings, or at least “lack” of readings.” Slinging his engineering kit off his shoulder and placing it upon the nearest available space on the lab table, A’kilees flicked open the case and retrieved his tricorder. Holding it overhead, he began to scan looking for any electromagnetic radiation or otherwise.

== Tag Cortez ==

== GM Input: Are there any signals that A’kilees' tricorder picks up? Apart from Cortez’s work, what else needs to be completed to create a Faraday cage within the confines of the Science Lab? ==

[Sebastian Cortez]

Sebastian was surprised at A'kilees’s laugh, he had never seen, let alone heard, a Saurian laugh. It was a deep guttural sound, almost musical; it reminded him of a güiro ( güiro is a Mexican and Latin American percussion instrument known for its distinct, rasping, and guttural sound, produced by scraping a stick along notches cut into a hollowed-out gourd or metal cylinder. It creates a "zipper-like" or rattling sound commonly used in tropical and traditional music to add texture.)

Sebastian then realized that in all probability, Lt. Ra’an must have also contacted Engineering, and of course, Engineering would send their best and brightest, and that would be A’kilees. Sebastian had heard other Engineers saying how brilliant A’kilees was; their tone was a bit envious

Sebastian showed A’kilees what he had done so far. Sebastian was a bit nervous as he had never done anything like this before.”A’kilees, any idea why they want us to construct a Faraday Cage?” Said Sebastian, his voice filled with a mixture of curiosity and concern.



== Tag A’kilees.==

[Amila Ra'an]

== NRC Petty Officer Oleah sh'Söjress ==

A'kilees turned toward Petty Officer sh’Sjöress after greeting Pedro, “You must be Petty Officer sh’Sjöress. Nice to meet you! Midshipman A’kilees Peleus, but please just call me A’kilees.”

The Andorian shen's antennae flickered in ancknowledgment at the Saurian, as she returned his smile in kind, "Please, call me Leah," she insisted, he voice melodic with that whisper-quality that some Andorians were known to have.

Pedro quickly jumped back in, clearly excited - and confident about his progress on the work he'd been doing under the Chief Science Officer's orders. “Oh A’kilees, I’m sorry I didn’t hear you come in. I’m so glad you arrived. Lt. Ra’an wants me to make the Science Lab into a Faraday Cage, I think I have got it, but I would appreciate an Engineer's point of view.”

Oh, so confident. Almost arrogant.

She liked that.

Sebastian then seemed to realize that Leah was still in the lab. “ Where are my manners? Chief, this brilliant individual is Midshipman A’kilees Peleus, Midshipman Peleus this is Chief Petty Officer Oleah "Leah" sh'Sjöress.” Announced Cortez as he motioned to Leah with his hand.

Forgot about her, did he? She wouldn't let that happen again anytime soon.

"Oh, yes, we just met," Leah replied, as she stood up a little straighter, pulling her shoulders back as she prepared herself to challenge the young Human.

"So, you think that you, a lowly science officer built a perfect Faraday Cage in, what, seven minutes flat?" She asked, hoping to provoke him into engaging into a parley with her. "Why do you think she sent an engineer up here, Mr. Hotshot?" A smirk played on her lips as she dared the science officer with her icy golden eyes. 


== Tags, Assume a couple of minutes for a quick response before interruption ==

[Amila Ra'an]

Amila pushed her distress over the recent Starfleet communiqué aside as she entered into the lab. There was no need for her to pass the concern along to the junior officers, no put them into any sort of quandry over duty and orders. She would assume that that Gath was correct, Starfleet wanted them to continue, and the Captain's orders stood until further notice.

"Good, everyone is here," the Lieutenant announced cheefully as she painted a bright smile on her face, happy to see that the Engineer already appeared to be far along in his work.

"We need this thing to be air - well - interstellar and subspace signal tight," she affirmed. "We are going to attempt to open the data module from in here and read what is inside," she told them. "Because we don't know if this thing could have any type of transmission devices that might be activated, we want to make sure that once we do, nothing can exit this lab. Is that clear?"

"It seems you've been busy already," she nodded approvingly. "How far along are we? What can I do?"

==Open Tags==

==Repeat for GM input, re A'kilees request above. Thanks!==

[Morad Ameen]

== GM-Broken Arrow ==

As A'kilees activated his engineering tricorder, the initial readings seemed to validate Pedro's confidence, mostly.

Cortez’s idea to use the room's emitters to create an adaptive electromagnetic barrier was brilliant from a theoretical science perspective. The tricorder confirmed that standard internal comms, Wi-Fi, and basic telemetry signals were successfully bouncing off the invisible wall Pedro had erected.

However, as Petty Officer sh'Sjöress had astutely pointed out, an engineer's eye revealed the flaws in a purely software-based shield. As the tricorder completed a deep-spectrum sweep, A'kilees would notice a persistent, low-band subspace carrier wave leaking through the barrier. Pedro's emitters were constantly adjusting, but they were leaving micro-second gaps in the coverage. Furthermore, if the alien puzzle box emitted a massive energy spike when opened, it could easily overload the emitters and punch a signal straight through the hull.

To create a true, impenetrable Faraday cage, A'kilees needed to implement physical, brute-force engineering solutions to back up Pedro's software. The tricorder highlighted three necessary steps:

A'kilees needs to access the lab's environmental controls and invert the localized Structural Integrity Field. Instead of holding the room together, the field will act as a dense, physical static-dampener, catching the subspace frequencies leaking through Pedro's net.

Currently, the Science Lab is still connected to the Zephyr's main optical data network (ODN). If the alien box is basically an advanced computer, it could bypass the radio-frequency shield entirely by hijacking the ship's hardwired network. A'kilees needs to manually pull the ODN isolation chips from the main wall junction, completely air-gapping the room's computers from the rest of the ship.

To prevent power fluctuations from dropping the shield, A'kilees must route the lab's power to an isolated, closed-loop plasma relay, severing it from the ship's main EPS grid.

Once the Saurian completes those three hardwire tasks, combined with Pedro's emitter network, the room will be completely electronically dead to the outside universe. Whatever happens when they sing the math back to the box, it will stay strictly within those four walls.

[Gath]

== NRC Ensign Raven Singer, Engineering Officer ==

Raven, clad in her well worn cover-alls, had entered the lab and spoke up from across the room, "You guys are trying to seal off the entire room? That's a bit crazy, you know that right? You can't depend on the materials of the room to not fail you. You need to make something big enough for two people to get inside, but that is completely disconnected from everything outside of it. That's kind of what these cages were intended for since they figured them out hundreds of years ago. A standard electric field is easy to defeat. A good conductor even attracts the energy, but like a lightning rod, it directs it where it won't do any harm. Subspace is a little more tricky. Think as if you're trying to defeat microwaves, but smaller and able to handle more power. A fine mesh will defeat microwaves, but subspace energy can get through. I suggest augmenting the dampening field that the boy wonder created with a duranium foil shell over a simple grid framework. Nothing goes through if it is a complete cube around you. Anything you want to power requires an independent battery power source. You should be in your own universe in there. Duranium is used in hull plating and is a big reason we've always needed subspace antennas and such on the outsides of the ships, because the signals can't get through it. Works great for protecting us as we whip around through space, and subspace, but makes communications difficult enough that entire sections of the hull have to be covered with antenna material to deliberately draw in signals for comms. Be sure to test it by firing a focused subspace signal at it to see if there are any readings on the inside. If there are ANY readings at all, then you need to plug the holes you find. Start with a double layer and have the supporting grid made of duranium as well. His subspace null field likely won't hold up alone if that box gives a hard pulse, but if it is being used to keep other signals from getting in, then it functions as a secondary insulator to keep stray signals from doing damage out here that might be trying to get in. That field will also likely take out comms across a few decks in this part of the ship, so be sure to warn everyone before you freak them out."

After her long monolog, Raven  made a face and added, "Have you seen those things in Sickbay? Man, they are ugly. I know ugly too, I once went out on a date with a Tellarite. It was a bad idea. He did have a great sense of humor though." She glanced around and then shrugged, "What? None of you have a social life? Now, let's be brave and daring, but also not blow up the ship. I might get in lots of trouble if you guys blow up the ship and I really hate paperwork...even though we don't use paper, I still hate it."

Raven rolled her eyes and looked down at the cup in her hand, "You know, I think I need to cut back on the Raktajino and go back to just strong coffee again..." Then she shrugged to herself and took another drink anyway.

== Tag to all ==

[Sebastian Cortez]

Sebastian blinked when Leah said, "So, you think that you, a lowly science officer, built a perfect Faraday Cage in, what, seven minutes flat?" She asked, "Why do you think she sent an engineer up here, Mr. Hotshot?"  added Leah. Sebastian was a bit surprised at Leah’s somewhat combative tone. Had he offended the Chief in some manner? 

Sebastian, feeling hurt, didn't know what to think. He took a breath and said,  “I never said that I built a perfect Faraday Cage; that’s why I asked A'kilees for his professional perspective.” Said Sebastian, his voice filled with respect. “For now, let's be quiet and pay attention to Lt. Ra'an,” added Sebastian.

Sebastian then went and double-checked the work. He double-checked the room’s emitters. He recalled reading what a Faraday bag was; it involved a physical bag with a metallic lining. The bag acts as a conductive enclosure. When a device is sealed inside, radio frequency (RF) signals cannot penetrate or leave, shielding the interior from external electromagnetic fields. This is the core component that blocks signals. Common choices include aluminum foil, copper mesh, or specialized TitanRF Faraday Fabric.

Sebastian knew they couldn’t wrap the entire Science Lab in aluminum foil or copper; then the idea hit him, like a thunderbolt.

What if we wrap the Science Lab's ODN junction box in aluminum or copper?

Sebastian walked over to  A'kilees and suggested wrapping the Science Lab's ODN junction box in aluminum or copper or some other protective material.

Sebastian whispered, “ A'kilees, might I suggest we wrap the Science Lab's ODN junction box in aluminum or copper? Do you think that will offer us the protection we need? I have never built a Faraday Cage, and I don’t want to look foolish in front of Lt. Ra’an.

Sebastian overheard what Ensign Raven Singer had said,  “ Ensign with all due respect, that idea is good under normal circumstances, but we don’t know how much energy is going to be released; by constructing a small enclosure, we could essentially end up frying anyone enclosed with said structure.” Said Sebastian.



== Tag All. ==

[Gath]

== NRC Ensign Raven Singer, Engineering Officer ==

Raven narrowed her eyes and leaned back against a lab table, folding her arms across her chest, a grin beginning to form on her face, "Fair enough, Mister Cortez, but explain to me how you're going to be in less danger in a bigger enclosure. You're still going to need to be inside the cage with the device, or you're going to need to have the trigger recorded and able to be played on a timed release and attempt to record the results, then decide if you open the cage after not knowing for certain if it is safe or not, because your devices can't communicate outside the cage without allowing some form of way to get a signal out, which will then be a risk of something else being able to piggyback a way out. Listen, I've had to build secure computer access rooms with no means of anything getting in or out of and there are minimal distances for even the most shielded conduits to be allowed within for the exact same reasons you're discussing here. I'm telling you that to be sure of what is happening, you're going to have to have at least one person inside there and protocols dictate that for safety, there needs to be a buddy system of at least two people in there, in the event one is incapacitated. You might need to make it big enough that you can enter wearing one of our damage control EVA suits, which are shielded against such things, but technically the computer systems inside those will be at risk, but they can be isolated from external communication once you open it back up and so on. I'm telling you, you really need to think this thing all the way through."

== Tag all, especially Cortez ==

== OOC: BTW, the thing about conduit distances and so forth is a real thing. I've had to certify standalone military systems that were required for work with Top Secret data and it can't have plumbing or any external electrical wires or conduits within a certain number of feet of any such system, which also tends to have to actually be maintained inside of a vault, etc. There are real world protocols for such things and this one simply includes a faraday cage that can block subspace, as well as normal energy fields. ==

[Sebastian Cortez]

“Ensign, releasing a huge amount of energy into a small space cooks food, things, and in this case, people by rapidly increasing the kinetic energy of its molecules, causing them to vibrate, rotate, or collide violently. This molecular friction generates intense heat, breaking down cellular structures, breaking proteins, and initiating chemical reactions, like the Maillard reaction for browning. Now, depending on the type and amount of radiation, this is how different methods achieve this: Radiation Microwaves: Microwaves generate high-frequency waves that penetrate objects directly, targeting water molecules and forcing them to vibrate, generating heat from within. Induction. If it’s Electromagnetic Fields, high-frequency induction coils create a magnetic field that reacts with ferrous metal parts, causing them to heat up instantly and transfer that thermal energy to the objects via conduction. Infrared Radiation Broiling/Toasting: Electric or gas elements emit electromagnetic waves, infrared that travel directly to the surface of the object, providing intense heat to sear or brown the exterior. Releasing a huge amount of energy into a small space, high energy density cooks objects faster and creates intense surface browning, while releasing the same energy into a larger space, low energy density results in slower, more even cooking through the entire mass.” Stated Sebastian, his tone was a matter-of -fact.

“Ensign, we don’t know what that object is, it could be a subspace antenna. In that case, it is designed to channel large amounts of energy. It could be a simple Library Matrix; it could be someone’s personal journal. So, ideally, we probably should be doing this in a Cargo Bay as opposed to the Science Lab, just to be on the safe side.” Said Sebastian. “However, that decision isn’t up to me; I can only offer my professional opinion.” He added.

Sebastian knew he was probably being overly cautious, but it was better to be safe than sorry. He was truly interested in finding out what was in the alien device. His question was who or what was going to sing to the device? Would a biological being be capable of hitting the right note, or would a computer be better, more accurate?



== Tag Singer.==

[Gath]

== NRC Ensign Raven Singer, Engineering Officer ==

Raven nodded to Cortez, "I'm glad you paid attention in your Academy classes about the basics, but that's exactly why we're making this cage. Have you ever seen a full on bolt of lightning or a discharge from a massive tesla coil? They did it for entertainment while standing inside such a cage, knowing it would redirect the energy. My own Damage Control EVA suit is designed for me to be able to take direct plasma discharges from damaged conduits, because it directs the energy around me. If you don't want something cooked by microwaves, you wrap it in a conductive foil or a metal container and it remains untouched by those microwaves, reflecting them harmlessly away. That's what I'm saying. Most craft flying through an atmosphere build up a static charge as they pass through it, which can be dangerous. They use static dischargers to prevent that. However, a craft that is coated in a special conductive material is its own discharger. I work with warp drive coils, Impulse driver coils, stasis field generators, shield projectors, annular confinement beams, tractoring devices and a long list of other similar high energy fields, not the least of which are the massive number of subspace fields scattered throughout this entire ship. I even have to deal with the fresnel reflection in our optical cables on a daily basis. I'm telling you that unless that device is a warhead, you're going to be safe inside that cage, because anything it releases is going to be either contained inside it, or channelled to a ground state and discharge out of this ship as an overload, in which case, it is not going to be a coherent signal, but an omnidirectional pulse. If we need to, I can even direct it specifically through the deflector and turn it into something that only goes in one direction, but those are pretty much your choices. I'm not sure where you thought the potential energy from this thing might go otherwise, but you have to direct it somewhere. The key is that it is not going to be directed into whoever is inside the cage. We can't make a cage big enough for it to be safe inside the cage, this ship isn't that big. You would need an orbital space dock for that sort of thing and frankly that wouldn't help much either. Containment is not elimination, it is redirection. You can't destroy energy, only change it. I'm here to make you safe against what we do know and understand. You're here to try and figure out what it is if it isn't all the things we already understand. If it is something none of us has encountered before, Science is going to try and come up with theories about it and Engineering is going to try and design something we can do about it. That's how these teams work."

Raven turned toward A'kilees and wagged a finger, "Remember, no chewing on the cables this time."

She then gave a nod to Amila and said, "You've been rather quiet over there Lieutenant. Do you have anything to add before we prepare to light this candle, so to speak? If there's something we haven't already brought up, now might be the time for it."

== Tags to all... ==

== OOC: Yes, the use of a Faraday cage inside a microwave oven is why your face doesn't cook when looking through the mesh over the glass on the front door. You also can use metal foil inside one to protect parts of an item inside it from being cooked too much. I can verify with great confidence that certain types of stealth technology employ the conductive surfaces I mentioned as well, which are still being used in some forms on modern military craft. Star Trek is famous for using various forms of known technology combined with hypothetical variations that are actual scientific theories or speculation based on theories. There are a few good books out by the people who were used for technical references while they were making the shows and movies. Most of my knowledge comes from the unusual things I worked with and some science reading on the side. I had a number of long talks with the engineers from Skunk Works over the years. ==