Posted by Commodore Drudoc Andone (Commanding Officer) in Main Sim - Ark Angel - Cybernetics Lab 1
[snip]

As the new sample got introduced the computer beeped to show it was scanning. The sample was laying on the metal for but a moment when it got absorbed into the main piece. Visually the piece looked the same, nothing really changed that their eyes could see. But on a scan was a completely different level. First the density of the metal grew by another 3-5% in relation to the center of the piece being the most dense to the outer edges being the least dense to grow. Secondly, Alpha radiation levels also increased up to briefly dangerous decay levels if one were to hold it for 3.57 seconds, before settling back to normal background levels. Thirdly, there was a 2.378 second burst of Gamma radiation. Lastly, the scan showed that as the organic material was absorbed on the sub-atomic level sub-atomicly sized nanites, much smaller and far more complex then say larger known ones like those the Federation used or say the Borg, were noticed on the scans. It seems larger complex samples triggered a larger response of the nanites to appear then before.

Looking at the scans medically they could see that more complex but also intelligent samples like the one they simulated ‘fed’ the metal in different ways. In this case the bull was of such low intelligence that it was only being sickened by the radiation given off and in theory over long periods of time would have been eaten from the inside out. But more complex intelligent animals like the wolves were it seemed enhanced and the nanites after a time would link and grow complex enough to work in concert like a parasitic synthetic organism. Likely to seek out more intelligent life to feed and integrate with. Again all in all it was of no known species, and clearly from some undiscovered hopefully long dead society that once had been on this planet.

GM CockRoach

“Oh this is interesting,” Doctor Stacey said, breaking the brief moment of silence. “One could say brilliant....” The CMO trailed off, realizing the magnitude of what they were dealing with. Gavin hypothesized that if the nanites appeared for the larger sample, they would also have the capability of infiltrating a more complex species. This surely would put the Borg to shame.

“Commander, based on these readings the nanites have the capability of absorbing organics on a sub-atomic level!” The Doctor exclaimed, “Given that information, there isn’t any doubt that’s what happened with the wolves in the colony…” Gavin paused for a moment to look at his PaDD that contained the readout. “The bull didn’t show signs of, infection, but the wolves do....” The CMO said, murmuring to himself, ” So, the higher the intelligence.... the more control these nanites get?” Doctor Stacey asked rhetorically.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Gavin Stacey Chief Medical Officer

“Or simpler than that, it is limited by the complexity of the system it attaches itself to,” T’Mor suggested, “The more resources it has access to, and the more complex the system, the better it can use those resources to do what all organic life does, namely respiration and propagation. Of course, that is just a speculation as well.”

|Lt., j.g. T’Mor, Chief Science Officer|

Kyle suddenly tensed, “Do you think it will get smart enough to attach to one of us?”

-Lieutenant Kyle Anders: Chief of Security-

Kaden looked over at Kyle and responded, “It is behind a force field so I would think that potential is very low. We just need to pay attention to what is going on and what we add to it.” Kaden was surprised but not surprised by the results based on what he had seen with what happened with the cow and how the wolves were acting based on the report they had received from the second away team. He was hoping there would be more input from Science on what they should do with it. He did not think destruction at this time was needed but it should always be a potential depending on what happens.

Lt., j.g. Buchanan Chief Engineering Officer USS Ark Angel

“Doctor,” T’Mor said, referring to Doctor Stacey, “Is there a way to test this sample’s potential intelligence as it is without removing it from the field? Perhaps a scan of any developing complex nervous tissue? We might be able to determine how complex their intentions might be, or even if they have intentions.”

It was a concern of hers how intelligent these nanites were independently. Not just for the sake of safety, but because how they proceeded with further tests should consider this factor. If they were lifeforms in some way, or perhaps even sentient life, she wanted to be sure they were handled ethically.

|Lt., j.g. T’Mor, Chief Science Officer|

Kaden was curious about how the machine was going to react without being inside an animal like they experienced down on the planet. Maybe this is something they might be able to do in the holodeck if they needed more space? Just a thought to himself but it might be worth saying something if the need came about. He was just going to keep quiet for now because it might not even be needed but kept it in his mind in case something was needed. He just stood back and continued to watch and listen to watch everything going on and would input as needed.

Lt., j.g. Buchanan Chief Engineering Officer

“Without using ourselves, I can think of two options,” Gavin stated, pursing his lips in thought. With command’s approval, they would be able to use one of the colony’s rodents, since they wouldn’t normally be found on a nonscience vessel. They might, with a strong emphasis on might, be able to use the holodeck with the safety off. He wasn’t too sure about the second option since the nanites, since while the holodeck may replicate the outer layer of skin, the organs would still be holographic. It was definitely worth a try though.

“We can either beam up a rodent from the colony and view the integration live,” Doctor Stacey suggested, “Or use the holodeck in hopes the nanites don’t realize that whatever we use isn’t actually real.”

Lieutenant Junior Grade Gavin Stacey Chief Medical Officer

“In terms of an infestation risk, speaking from a ship’s security point of view, the holodeck might be the safer option?”

-Lieutenant Kyle Anders: Chief of Security-

Gavin nodded in agreement. “So which one of us wants to inform the Captain of our findings?” The CMO asked. They only had a limited amount of time to put the rest of the puzzle pieces together before whatever was in the colony caused more mayhem.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Gavin Stacey Chief Medical Officer

No sooner had Stacey uttered their words, when a comm call came in from said Commodore =/\= Andone to Cybernetics lab 1, do you have any updates for us? =/\= She said.

GM CockRoach

“I guess I’m it,” Gavin muttered to himself. =^= We’ve found that when the metal comes into connect with a bio matter, it releases subatomic nanites, =^=. The CMO explained as he eyed the sample behind the forcefield. =^= Our working theory is that the more intelligent the being, the more control these nanites have, hence the wolves versus bull =^=.

Doctor Stacey paused for a moment to gather his thoughts, then continued. =^= We’re hoping to try and introduce the metal into the holodeck to see if we’re able to study the full effect, with your permission =^=.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Gavin Stacey
Chief Medical Officer