STF

Main Sim: Docking and Talking

Posted June 11, 2021, 10:04 p.m. by Captain Molly Holloway (Commanding Officer) (Joana Ribeiro)

Posted by Gamemaster Alias Smith N. Jones, Esq. (GMT) in Main Sim: Docking and Talking

Posted by Captain Molly Holloway (Commanding Officer) in Main Sim: Docking and Talking

Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Issac Forgrave (Chief of Security) in Main Sim: Docking and Talking
Posted by… suppressed (5) by the Post Ghost! 👻
<snip>
Molly nodded at Gadi’s words, but her eyes were still trained on Forgrave and the alien being. There were a lot of things she didn’t yet understand, and there were a lot of questions she had still left unanswered. Molly had listened intently to their Security Chief’s side of the conversation without having any way to confirm whether there were small nuances on the alien’s response that were not being conveyed. It wasn’t that she didn’t trust Forgrave, but rather, a lot of things could be lost in translation when a conversation was not engaged with in the first person. And then he had started coordinating efforts to help them. Was she not the Captain of her own ship anymore? Because it something went wrong, and Forgrave misunderstood something down the line, it would be on her to clean up the diplomatic mess. Not to mention, the mess would be on her record, because any member of the Dresden’s personnel was her responsibility.

Issac looked back at Holloway; catching something in her eyes that he couldn’t quite identify, but he suspected he knew what it was. He hadn’t exactly run through the proper channels before effectively ordering aid to be provided to an unknown entity. ‘Good intentions’ wouldn’t really make up for a bad outcome; and well… he was the Chief of Security.
“Ah; Sorry, Ma’am. I reckon that all oughta be ran past you first, eh? I’ve let myself get, ah, carried away here.” Issac’s voice was quietly apologetic; and he admonished himself for his lapse. Hopefully it wouldn’t bite him too badly; if at all. They still had far too little to go on; regarding both the events on the station, and the station’s ‘guests’.

Waving her palm at Gadi in a waiting motion, Holloway took two steps forward, before asking: “Now that we know that there is a way for us to communicate safely, is there a way to make more of us understand you?” Molly addressed the alien directly, but she wasn’t sure if whatever she had done with Forgrave meant she could only understand him in particular, or that she could understand everyone. If it was the former, rather than the latter, she was sure the Security Chief could relay her question.

Holloway, CO

Issac turned back to Shalir; pausing to see if Holloway was understood. If he had to guess, the alien likely did understand them; but he suspected that understanding was all that had been ripped passed between them. Forgrave consciously altered that line of thinking; suppressing another shudder as he considered how his language and knowledge! had been… shared.

-Forgrave, CoS

Shalir looked at Holloway and then at Forgrave. “I’m sorry, but until I… we… share the connection, I cannot understand her. Just as all voices are unique, so are all electro-impulses. Our physiology allows us to ‘hear’ impulses we have come into physical contact with. That is why I can understand you. I don’t hear your voice, exactly… just the impulses that drive it. And that I can understand.”

GMT

“Uh; seems communication is just between me an’ Shalir right now; I guess her understanding is based on…” Issac paused as he considered how to share the information; limited as he was in biology. “Well, sounds like they can… understand and interpret electrical impulses; so for them to understand ya, you uh, well, I ain’t quite sure if ya gotta get zapped or… well, touched; fer lack of a better way to phrase it. Maybe both; come to think of it. That beam, or whatever it was, allowed me to understand them; then..... whatever Shalir did allowed her to understand me - seems like that’s an individual thing.”

“Ask her for permission for me to scan her. If they’re dehydrated they could be lacking in other natural minerals they need as well,” Janvier said quietly. “If they are lacking too much than we can infuse their water with it and slowly introduce it in that manner.”

Dr. Janvier, CMO

Just then a comm came thru to the Captain. =^=Captain, Simms here. We have an idea but need to make sure everyone’s aware of it before we take action on your word. We are going to use a pinpointed anti-chroniton field to bore a hole towards the object we have found is at the center of this field. Using a modified tractor beam riding on its tail, we will drag the particle out of the station and relocate it to an asteroid at a safe distance from the station and the ship. If it goes according to plan, the field will move with the object and release the ship and the station with minimal issues.=^= She glanced to Drillek and the XO and hoped the Captain understood enough to let the move forward. And enough to pass on to the ship so they were aware as well.

Priscilla
CSO

Issac had half turned back to the alien; ready to ask about being scanned by Janvier when Holloway’s badge squawked - interrupting his train of thought and stealing his attention away. He couldn’t pretend to follow exactly what the plan was, but it sounded… intense, to say the least.

Forgrave, CoS

Holloway had opened her mouth to reply to Forgrave, but just then, the comms came to life. Her brow furrowed for a moment as she listened to what Simms had to say, before tapping her own commbage and replying.

=/\= Holloway to Simms. Lieutenant, you mentioned if all goes according to plan… the field should be moved and the station and the vessel should be released. What if it doesn’t go well? What happens then? Also, what are the chances of success on this? Is there any chance that when the object is moved, the field damages the station or the ship? Or it ends up “dragging” everything with it? =/\= She added air quotes, even though the Bridge would not be able to see them. =/\= Can you scan this object and know what it is before we do anything? I’m sure your department would like the chance to study it, no? =/\=

As the transmission ended, Molly turned back to Forgrave. Her gaze flashing with annoyance. “I did not ask for your opinion, Mr. Forgrave. I asked our friend a question, and so far, I haven’t gotten an answer. If she didn’t understand it, it is up to the only person that she can understand to relay said question. You’re our only interpreter right now, Lieutenant, so I suggest you start interpreting, or I’ll make sure there’s a permanent mark on your record showing your unwillingness to cooperate.” Holloway paused for a moment, her eyes landing on the crate with emergency water rations that Gadi had just set next to her. “Not to mention, I will only authorize any rations or supplies to be moved from the Dresden when I know in detail what exactly is going on.” Molly’s lips briefly curled into a sardonic smile that didn’t take but a moment to disappear. It was, however, a reminder of the cold Intelligence Officer that the Dresden’s Commanding Officer very much still was.

Bethany almost shrugged, she’d brought the water rations for Holloway to have for when and if she decided to offer them. She hadn’t offered them to the alien and she hadn’t put them where they could be seen either because that would be cruel. But apparently Holloway didn’t like officers who thought and anticipated, she wanted robots. Good to know. Bethany was willing to volunteer but that fell under the non-robot taking initiative realm. So she just stood there waiting to be told what to do.

“So, let’s do this again.” This time, Molly’s gaze was on Forgrave and not on the alien. “Is there any way that more of us can also understand what they are saying, and, in turn, be understood by them? I want to know what her answer is.” She said motioning to the alien being with her chin. “Not yours, Lieutenant.”

Holloway, CO

At the gesture and the tone of the exchange, Shalir took a small step back, and her eyes narrowed slightly.

GMT

Well now, that wasn’t good. Now the woman was clearly suspicious and more scared.

“Void’s Tee…” Issac bit back the curse a bit late; clenching his jaw and shutting his eyes; letting a long breath hiss through his nose as he willed himself to relax.
A hand went to his crimson scalp; absently rubbing it as he considered his words carefully. Issac took another long, slow, breath; he knew that his temper was hot at the moment - he could understand the admonishment he’d received, sure… But he didn’t feel the threat was deserved. And an unjustified threat was one of only a few ways to get Forgrave truly mad. I’m more ‘n willing ta do anything I can; and I’ll admit when I’ve fragged up! * What does she think I’m tryin’ ta do here?! You ain’t seen a fraggin’ bit of unwillingness; sure as the void is cold!*

Finally opening his eyes and facing Holloway directly, Forgrave replied to his Captain; his voice flat and precise, if not exactly full of respect. “My apologies, Captain. The alien, who identifies itself as Shalir, has stated that they are unable to understand anyone but myself currently. They stated that a connection must be shared for them to understand someone besides myself. I do not fully understand what is meant by that,but I will ask.”

Issac spun on his heel; standing rigidly before Shalir. His voice was free of his typical drawling accent; his body language still stiff with unspoken frustration. “Shalir, my Captain would like to know if there is a way to allow more of us to understand what you are saying; and in turn, allow you and your fellows to understand us.” He stood at attention; feet close together and hands at his side as he waited for Shalir’s response.

Forgrave, CoS

Bethany sympathized with Forgave, he’d been put in a strange position and it also played into his subconscious fears. And Holloway might be frustrated but Forgrave hadn’t refused orders or been uncooperative. But again no need for initiative or free thinking here.
Lt Gadi, CNS

Shalir looked at Forgave and said “Um… yes… of course. We simply repeat the process that you underwent. While not painless, it does lessen the discomfort some when you know it is about to happen and you don’t resist. “

GMT

Issac nodded; expecting the answer. Exactly as I said; or more ‘n close enough to it! “Thank you, Shalir.” Turning halfway back to Holloway; he gave the demanded response in a flat tone; being careful not to add any inflection that could be interpreted as ‘attitude’. “Captain; I quote: ‘We simply repeat the process that you underwent’.” Issac paused briefly, before continuing in a measured tone; most of the flatness gone, but still reserved. “If you’ll permit me to.... Interpret, let’s say, I believe that to mean that you, or whomever wishes to understand the Lidrians, must first get struck by the beam; as I did. Secondly, you would need to interact with one of the Lidrians for them to understand you.” Issac glanced back at Shalir; hoping that she would confirm his words and save further questions. But if Holloway wanted them to go back and forth all day long..... well, he was (to a point) a patient man. But he doubted the situation would permit that.

-Forgrave, CoS

“Thank you, Mr. Forgrave.” The tone was as as dry as that of the Chief of Security, but as soon as she had the answer, her features softened. She pondered for a moment and turned back to Forgrave.

“I hope you don’t take this as me being critical of your work, Lieutenant, because it’s not. But protocol would dictate that I would be the one steering the conversation, especially in a first contact situation. For as good of an interpreter as you may be, I don’t want to leave anything to chance, anything lost in translation, if you will, that might get us in diplomatic hot waters.” She paused for a moment before continuing. “How painful is it? The beam? Your opinion, not hers.” The hint of a smile broke in her lips. Anyone familiar with Holloway would know that for as aggressive as her temper could be, it was usually fleeting. This time seemed no different than any other.

Holloway, CO

“I.... I understand, Captain. My apologies for the breach of protocol.” Issac’s tone was indeed apologetic; even if there was a undercurrent of irritation remaining in his voice. As mercurial as Holloway was, Forgrave was generally the opposite. Less a few specific things, he was slow to anger; willing to let most anything roll off his back with no harm done. But he had a long memory; and once roused, was no so easily mollified. He knew this well, and acknowledged that he would need time to process and come to terms with Holloway’s threat; be it real or simply a device to gain his attention. It would likely be forgiven, but not forgotten. But that was food for another days’ thinking; and Issac’s brows furrowed in thought as he considered Holloway’s question.

He was momentarily tempted to describe the beam as painless; but for all his flaws he wasn’t cruel; vindictive perhaps, but not cruel. “Well, if you’ll pardon my language… you saw how it knocked me on my ass. May well been ‘cause it was so unexpected.... but it felt like a bomb went off in my skull. Faded just as fast; though my hearin’ was.... well, I reckon I could hear just fine, just....” He paused, considering how to phrase the strangeness of what he had heard. “I don’t think my brain knew how to process sound for a few minutes; everything was… well, bells. Ringing; loud, soft… all tones you can imagine. It was… disorienting, ta say the least. But that passed as well.”

“All things being equal.... I reckon it might be a good idea ta take a seat; or be supported if yer planning on getting zapped.” Tilting his head towards Shalir, he added “Supposedly, it goes a lot better when you’re expecting it; and don’t resist. Doesn’t sound like it’ll be painless.... but likely better than what I felt.”

Forgrave, CoS

=/\= Renveer to Holloway. If you don’t mind my saying, Captain, there may be such a thing as too much caution in this case. There are Federation citizens sitting inside an unknown anomaly and we don’t know what kind of effect it’s having on them, medically. We might want to extract them from it as soon as possible to minimize any negative effects to their physiology, and it sounds like Lieutenant Simms and Doctor Drillek have at least determined a way to move the distortion safely. Other measures such as dispersing it or studying it further might be better saved for when our people are out of danger. =/\=

(Lt. Cmdr. Renveer, XO)

Tapping her commbadge, Holloway replied. =/\= Alright, my concerns were mostly based on the safety of the crew in both vessels and on the station. As long as it is deemed as safe, go ahead. Holloway out. =/\=

Shalir tooka closer step to Forgrave and said “If we can converse with your commanders, I assure you we can get the situation explained. There is no need for hostility or anger, I assure you.”

GMT

Another drone came forward and hovered. Shalir said “We have another beam ready, if someone is willing?” Her gestures made it plain what she was proposing.

GMT

Holloway was going to hate her even more. Really the Dresden crew needed someone good at reading people to understand the aliens. To judge intent and tone and word choice and body language, and that was her job. “I’ll do it. Being Betazoid might actually help in this case. Besides I can’t advise you captain if I don’t know what is going on. And should it have an ill effect on you that’s bad for the whole ship.” Bethany stepped up next to Forgrave, looked at Shakur and waves to the machine and then herself.
Lt Gadi

Shalir nodded and the drone moved slowly forward. This time, a single small barrel extended out and then there was a flash and the feeling of being surrounded by electricity, almost but not quite painful.

Oh now that was…interesting and…edgy. Having seen Forgrave get knocked off his feet, Bethany had expected the same, and had allowed her body to go loose and relax. And then it was over and Bells....so that’s what Forgrave meant. Bethany blinked, not that that helped focus her hearing at all.

Shalir moved forward and gently touched Gadi’s temples, and then withdrew almost immediately. Her mouth moved, but all Galdi could hear was bells and chiming for a moment until… “GhOoisdj? UGy me? Cgn yok undsahtbdg mx? Can you undersatnh me? Relax… focud… how about now? Can you understand me?”

GMT

Bells, so many bells, at least it wasn’t her aunts never ending wind chimes. Then words, or vocalization anyway. It sounded like gibberish, like Old Lady Morris that lived up at the top of the valley, teeth gone and so long since she talked to someone her voice didn’t know how to work right. Then slowly it started to come together. Bethany nodded slowly, and then it all seemed to fall into place. “Yes I can understand you now.”
Lt Gadi, CNS

“My name is Shalir. And you are?”

Another Lidrian, one that appeared younger than Shalir, came forward hesitantly and touched Shalir’s shoulder. Whispering to each other, and with a few looks at Halloway and Forgrave, Shalir finally nodded and gestured to the younger Lidrian who went back down the passageway and out of site. Shalir looked at Gadi and Forgrave and said “We know that communication, and the lack thereof, is an obstacle. Our Engineer has been working to modify out translation attunement ray. I think we can now safely effect your ship as a whole. But considering your -” and she cast an apprehensive glance at Halloway, “- leader’s demeanor, we do not want the action to be seen as a threat. Could you alert your crew that this is happening and they may feel some mild discomfort, but nothing harsh as long as they simply relax for a few moments and let the beam work? Then they will be able to at least understand us.”

GMT

Bethany looked from Forgrave back to Shalir and nodded at the woman. Then she turned and looked at Holloway and translated, “Captain, Shalir says, ‘We know that communication, and lack thereof, is an obstacle. Our Engineer has been working to modify our translation attunement ray. I think we can now safely effect your ship as a whole. But considering your leader’s demeanor, we do not want the action to be seen as a threat. Could you alert your crew that this is happening and they ay feel some mild discomfort, but nothing harsh as long as they simply relax for a few moments and let the beam work? Then they will be able to at least understand us.”
Lt Gadi, CNS

It was the nod that was misconstrued by Shalir. As Gadi nodded, Shalir looked back and nodded once. Before Gadi could finish her explanation, there was a loud whine and then a sensation like a pressure wave swept out from the Lidrian vessel and swept over, around, and through the Dresden. Every crew member felt as if the air suddenly became very dense, then very light immediately afterwards. The bells were heard by everyone except Forgrave and Gadi, but there was no discomfort. A mild popping of the ears was the worst side effect, and moments later the bells were gone and hearing was normal.

GMT

Unusual… would be probably the way Holloway would have described the feeling, as the wave swept over the Dresden. It was disconcerting to say the least, but weirdly, not at all uncomfortable. Blinking as she composed herself from the surprise, she rubbed her ears to ease the mild discomfort.

Issac saw Shalir turn and nod; interpreting it a moment too late. He belatedly considered it interesting that a nod was so universal a sign; before his face drew tight in concern. Void, crew weren’t warned!

Slapping at his comm badge; he bellowed into it, sending desperate orders to the new tactical officer. He trusted Hsull; he came across as smart, clever, and willing to think before action. But tensions were undoubtedly high, and he simply didn’t know the Caitian well enough to have an idea of what he would do; only fears of what he might do. =/\=Forgrave to bridge; do not take aggressive action! The pulse was fer their translator!=/\= Issac was quiet for a moment; mind racing and heart pounding with the sudden rush of adrenaline as he waited for a response.

The pulse was fer their translator! Forgrave’s words rank in her ears, much like the wave that had just originated on the alien vessel. “So… does that mean we can all understand them? They can understand all of us? Or both?” Holloway asked the Security Chief, although in the middle of the confusion, Molly was not completely sure the question had been heard.

Hsull had checked the tactical readouts for the umpteenth time when he experienced a moment of intense vertigo which quickly passed but left him feeling slightly nauseous, this was followed by the sound of tinkling bells and then things were normal again. He checked the tactical readouts and all systems were optimal. He tapped his comm-badge, “Hsull to the Captain, not sure what just happened but there appears to be no damage and systems are normal.” Looking around he noticed everyone else on the bridge appeared to have been affected, but to a lesser degree. He looked at the XO and gave a spread hands I Don’t Know gesture. His ears were still ringing and he shook his head to clear it. Caitian hearing was much more acute than most other species and the slight ringing, while bothersome, caused no pain and appeared to be fading. His immediate concern was how whatever had happened had penetrated the shields, he checked his readouts and it appeared that whatever had happened had matched the shields harmonics and passed right through them.

Hsull - TO

Issac breathed a sigh of relief at Hsull’s call; letting himself relax and lean against the wall of the corridor; muttering a string of curses under his breath as he considered what could have happened.

-Forgrave, CoS

Tapping her commbadge once more, Molly replied to the bridge. =/\= Holloway here. We have reasons to believe this might have been the way they found to make us understand them. Similar to what happened to Lieutenant Forgrave, but on a shipwide scale. Standby as we try to figure out more. Holloway out. =/\=

Finally, taking a step forward and with a light smile on her face, Molly looked at Shalir. Waving in greeting, she said “Hello, I don’t believe we have been formally introduced. I am Captain Molly Holloway. Can you understand me?”

Holloway, CO

OOC: Sorry guys, had to take an LOA during the weekend through yesterday, which is why I couldn’t reply sooner. I was hoping I could have done it, but work made sure that was not the case… – Joana

OOC: Absolutely understandable. Real life sometimes is very inconsiderate of our desire to write.

OOC: I know, right? Real life can be so rude sometimes! :p – Joana

James

IC: Shalir looked at Holloway and said “Can you understand me? The beam is a one -way translator. But if you will allow me a brief touch to the side of your head, I will be able to understand you as well. Is that all right?”

GMT

Molly’s surprise was apparent in her expression at Shalir’s words. At first, she thought the woman could understand her, but when her next words followed, it was clear that was not the case. She nodded in understanding, wondering if that was a universal gesture. Earlier on the bridge, the alien beings didn’t seem to understand the crew’s body language, and yet, now things seemed a lot more clear.

Holloway glanced at Forgrave for a brief instant before addressing the Security Chief. “Can you let her know I understand, and that yes, she can do it.”

Holloway, CO


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