Posted by Lieutenant Kaden Buchanan (Chief Engineer) in [AE] - Deflector Control

Posted by Lieutenant Kaden Buchanan (Chief Engineer) in [AE] - Deflector Control

Posted by Lieutenant Kaden Buchanan (Chief Engineer) in [AE] - Deflector Control
snip
The others. The Romulans? Did they send a ship to them too? “Respectfully I would have preferred the Captain to have addressed you. I am not as skilled as she in this important matter. However she, like much of the crew, myself included, were injured in the .. event, she more than I. She commands the extensive repairs that are being made from the bridge. However, even if she was able, as we did not know at all who was trying to enter our vessel, I would have been sent to see.”

Typical of the Romulans to say that, he thought. “In truth, the others, the Romulans and us have not often agreed. They would consider us rivals.” He looked to the others about him then back to Lothrel. “I will not speak ill of them for you will be placed in a position of judgment with no true criteria but what we say here. We extend our hands in friendship and name a proverb that is common through many of the worlds in our Federation, that wisdom is proved right by her actions. I am hopeful that you will judge us good.”
- Jen, XO

The Narvhalarian leader, Lothrel, considered Jen’s words carefully. His large, expressive eyes blinked slowly as he digested the information, his gaze shifting briefly to the other Narvhalarians around him. The deep, rhythmic cadence of their alien language filled the space once more as they conversed among themselves in tones too complex for the universal translator to fully comprehend.

Finally, Lothrel returned his attention to Jen. “We are a people who hold peace and harmony above all else,” he began, his voice calm and measured. “Our society values life in all its forms and seeks to maintain balance, even when faced with the unknown. We do not wish to take sides in the conflicts of others, for it is not our way to judge or to intervene in disputes where we do not belong.”

Jen nodded slowly. Wise words, if somewhat naive.

He paused, his gaze steady as he continued. “Our people are divided. There are those among us who wish to remain isolated, hidden from the wider galaxy, content with the lives we have built beneath the waves. Yet, there are others who see the stars and dream of exploration, who believe that we have much to learn and much to offer.”

That too was a constant among nearly all peoples. Some wanting what was and to stay put. Others seeking the stars, in this case literally.

Lothrel’s tone softened, a hint of something like sadness or regret creeping into his voice. “We will offer you our help, as best we can we know your technology is far superior, as we have done for the others—the Romulans, as you call them, we believe we know what has happened to your ship and we will be willing to share our findings. But after that, you must leave our system until the day comes when we are ready to take our place among the stars. Until then, we cannot risk the peace and harmony we cherish so dearly.”

“We welcome your help, and, in the interaction I hope we may find a rapport between us, that while it is momentary, would not be forgotten.”

The finality in his words was unmistakable, and yet there was no malice in his tone. Lothrel was not issuing a demand or a threat; he was simply stating a truth that his people had agreed upon. The Narvhalarians would assist the Atlantis to the best of their technological abilities, but they would not be drawn into the conflicts of the galaxy beyond. They would remain true to their ways, until they were ready to step out into the wider universe on their own terms.

Gamemaster Narwhal the nefarious
GMT
USS Atlantis

“We will, of course, honor your wishes.” Jen was thinking hard. They would honor them but the Romulans. Would they? Would they see what happened as a way of configuring it into a weapon? Or to use the resources of the Narvhalarians to benefit them? Sometimes he detested the prime directive but he felt there was a foot in the door. They had undertaken a successful warp flight. They had met them. They were not infringing upon them, and engineering could replicate an older model subspace transmitter that would be nearer to their own technology so as to not be giving advanced tech. “Lothrel, would it go against your wishes if we were to offer you a transmitter, a communications device, for you to have, that, should you come to wish to step out, you may contact us.” Jen was also thinking of the Romulans should they come a knocking they may find they need help.
- Jen, XO

Lothrel took a deep breath, his eyes narrowing slightly as he considered Jen’s proposal. The Narvhalarians conversed once more, their melodic voices filling around again. It was clear that they were deliberating the implications of accepting such a gift.

Lothrel finally spoke, his tone measured and deliberate. “We understand the spirit in which you offer this device, Jen of Atlantis. But before we can accept such a gift, we must bring the matter before our Council. It is they who guide our people in matters of such importance. We will need to discuss whether accepting this transmitter aligns with our commitment to peace and our desire to remain apart from the conflicts of the wider galaxy.”

“Of course,” Jen said. They were evidently a more collective of a people. Jen had thought he was the voice of the council to speak for them but apparently it did not go that far.

He paused, allowing his words to sink in before continuing. “In the meantime, my crew will show you our energy casing technology. We believe it will prevent any further damage to your vessel from the Aethrilium’s effects. It is a solution that has served us well for many cycles, and we hope it will help you as well.”

“You again have our gratitude for this,” Jen said sincerely.

Lothrel then added, “To address the Council directly, we will need to establish a communications portal. I assume you have a technology to reach ours if you possess a powerful enough transmitter to reach your home?.”

Gamemaster Narwhal the nefarious
GMT
USS Atlantis

Jen winced. “We do, if our external communications are working,” he said. “Please, allow me a moment to check.” This will look real bad if we don’t have something that can get to the planet, he thought.

He tapped his communicator =^= Bridge, Engineering. Do we have external communications. I am speaking with a Narvhalarian delegation here. Lothrel, their speaker, would like to speak with their Council. Are we repaired sufficiently to do this?=^= He paused for a moment =^= Additionally, Lothrel offers assistance in repairs. Please begin coordinating engineering teams to work with theirs. =^= He wanted to say more but for now that was all he felt he could say.
- Jen, XO

Engineering replied .. =/\=Engineering here. I do not see why we would not have external communications unless the material is causing it not to work. I requested to have someone speak to the Narvhalarian to see if they had any advice on how to counteract the material from effecting our systems.=/\=

=^= As luck would have it I am speaking with a Narvhalarian delegation now on Deck 29. I suggest at least one of you come and join us to provide your expertise. =^= Jen replied.

Jen frowned. He was utterly out of the loop of ‘material outside’. He had left the bridge prior to any such revelations. Sighing and feeling a headache returning from where he had struck it, he addressed Lothrel. “I’m unaware of any of this. Do you know what our engineer is saying and if it would impede communication?”
- Jen, XO

Lothrel tilted his head slightly, considering Jen’s words. “Your engineer is correct in their concern. Aethrilium’s unique properties can interfere with standard communication systems, particularly those not shielded against its specific frequencies. However, there should be no issue if you re-angle your communication array toward the outer perimeter of our city. We have a long-range sensor communication platform that should be able to receive your signal clearly.”

If done the signal would be as clear as they could make it with the odd scrambling of words and video.

Gamemaster Narwhal the nefarious
GMT
USS Atlantis

Jen thought. Deflector control would have sufficient systems to manage that communication and it was on this deck. “Please, if you will, come with me. I’ll take you to a room where we can work the communications.” He pointed to two of the marines. “You two, with me. I may need runners. The rest remain here and guide any who come down to deflector control.”

Jen added the ‘I may need runners’ such to avoid the awkward sense that he was bringing marines to keep a check on them but that was precisely what he wanted. He trusted them and their goodwill. To a degree. As he was turned toward them saying that Jen added a marine hand signal to ‘watch’ to those who accompanied him.

Leading the way toward deflector control he hoped that the space would be usable and not a ruin. Entering through the doors he peered in to see the shape of it ..
- Jen, XO

OOC: If any players are with me and quiet .. come along to and don’t be so quiet :)

Kaden understood what the executive officer was saying and agreed that coming up to join her might be ideal. He then tapped his comm badge and said, =/\=Lt Buchanan here. I will head to you right now. Can you confirm you are still on Deck 29 section 14? I do not want to come to the wrong place. =/\= He then started to make his way to deck 29 section 14 but wanted to not go to the wrong place. He wanted to help out as best as he could. They needed to find a way to get the interference removed to save the ship.

Lt. Buchanan
Chief Engineer

Pleased to see Lt Buchanan joining him, Jen wondered whether that was a good harbinger or bad that they had the luxury to have the chief engineer with him rather than doing what mechanical jiggery was needed to keep them afloat. He nodded to Kaden to join him as they moved down the corridor. Inwardly he was happy that the Chief was there in case there needed any work to be done technical wise.

The Narvhalarians followed the humans into Deflector Control, their movements fluid and deliberate, as if they were navigating the currents of an unseen ocean. Lothrel, their leader, paused just inside the doorway, his large, expressive eyes sweeping the room. The alien nature of the space was apparent in the way his gaze lingered on the consoles, the blinking lights, and the low hum of the machinery. To the Narvhalarians, accustomed to the organic flow of their underwater world, the rigid, angular designs of the starship must have seemed cold and alien.

Gamemaster Narwhal the nefarious
GMT
USS Atlantis

Jen paused a little ways into the room when he stopped hearing movement. Turning he noted Lothrel taking in the design of the room, or that was what he suspected. For an underwater race this must be quite different for them. What were their designs like? he wondered. Not wanting to rush them he gestured for Kaden to join him at a console. “The elements in their system will affect our communications to their world. Lothrel, their spokesman, said that if we re-angle our communication array toward the outer perimeter of our city it should provide a tunnel for being able to talk.”

As he spoke Jen brought a console to life. It seemed a harsher light in the dimmer lighting. Toggling over to the comms, Jen brought up their planet as a target. “Are we up to speed with the array, Chief? Can we move it to target the world more specifically?” Stepping aside he allowed Kaden to step in. Taking a turn he said to Lothrel, “We are bringing our communications array to point to your world. I invite you to come and fine tune it to the city you mentioned.” Jen was not going to assume he would have their ‘correct’ city picked so opted to invite Lothrel to do that.
- Jen, XO

OOC: Bump for GM And CE .. Gene

Jen figured, in this break, that it was time to update the bridge and, hopefully the Captain .. Stepping back another step he said, in view of the Narvhalarians so they could hear as well if they wished, =^= Jen to Bridge. We are at the forward Deflector Control. Our Narvhalarians visitors have offered to assist us and the Romulan vessel in our repairs and provide us a technological fix that we may better navigate in the spatial conditions in their system. They have also indicated their desire to be left on their own until they are so ready to step out beyond their system and become part of the interstellar community. I have indicated that we recognize their choices and will abide by them, and the the United Federation of Planets will be happy to receive their friendship when they are so ready. I asked whether we might leave with them a subspace transmitter for them to keep in which they may use to communicate with us when they are ready or if in need. We are at deflector control that they may transmit a message to their world to see whether they are amenable to this. =^=
- Jen, xO

OOC: From the bridge thread ..
IC:
=^= Understood. I’m sending Lieutenant Kalis and Ensign Rathos to provide additional technical support. Keep us updated on the progress with the Narvhalarians. =^=

Lothrel hesitated at first as Jen invited him to take control of the communications. He stepped forward slowly, his uncertainty visible in the way his eyes flickered between the console and the humans around him. The technology was completely foreign to him—angular, sharp, and full of lights and sounds his species would never have designed. But with a quiet nod of gratitude, Lothrel moved toward the console Jen had indicated.

He studied it for a moment, his long fingers hovering over the controls, before gently adjusting the settings. Jen and Kaden would have been able to watch as he keyed in the exact frequency and location of the Narvhalarian city’s long-range sensor array, a system they had not initially detected.

The communication console hummed in response to his adjustments, the display lighting up as a clear signal locked in. Lothrel’s eyes widened slightly in relief, a subtle sign that he had succeeded. He stepped back slightly, observing as the link established.

Jen too was relieved and let out a soft breath. Not that the Chief couldn’t have stepped in and helped should there be some assistance needed. Still he was pleased they had got it.

Before them, the console flickered, and soon, the image of the Narvhalarian council appeared in full on the screen. A soft static buzzed, but the transmission was surprisingly clear, given the environmental challenges. The council members were seated in a semi-circle, their forms bathed in the dim, aquatic glow of their chamber, water rippling in the background as they moved. Their leader, a wise and elderly figure with silver fins and glowing eyes, spoke first.

Well that’s not something you see every day, Jen thought. An underwater meeting. He looked at the lines of the chamber and back to the suits they wore. They were sleek and certainly alike in style. They took sea-like contours for their own decor. It made theirs look rather blocky by comparison. Jen had to admit there was something to form and aesthetics.

“Greetings, Lothrel. We are relieved to see you and the off-worlders have established communication. It has been many cycles since we last spoke and we had begun to grow concerned,” the council leader said, their voice both calm and resonant, carrying the weight of their ancient wisdom.

Lothrel stepped forward and inclined his head, a gesture of deep respect. “Council, these are the off-worlders from the ship that appeared near our system. They have shown us goodwill and speak of a song of peace. I humbly bring their request for assistance in overcoming the Aethrilium’s effects, and they extend their offer of future communication when we are ready.”

The council leader’s glowing eyes turned toward the humans, a thoughtful expression on their face as they addressed Jen and the crew. “We acknowledge your efforts and your intentions. The Narvhalarian people value their isolation, but we are not without mercy and friendship. You will have our assistance in returning to your journey. When the time is right, perhaps our people will reach out to yours, we accept the terms you present aslong as you rid us of the Romulans who badger us far more persistantly. For now, we will aid in the repairs needed.”

At least they knew they didn’t change their colors at all, Jen mused. It would be a bit of a race then on who can be patched up better to see who could muscle who out of the system. THAT was good to know. Maybe. For Romulans to move the Atlantis would need to have the advantage. This was a Mythology class ship; not too many Romulan ships could go toe to toe on a one on one. “You have our thanks and gratitude,” Jen replied. “We have found the Romulans to be of a similar mind as you have found them.”

Lothrel stepped back, his relief palpable as the council continued to discuss the finer details. He had bridged the gap between their worlds, and now, a new chapter of cooperation was beginning. “It would seem we have the approval, we must return to our ship and prepare the data package, I assume you have some form of computation technology? How do you intend to build the modification?”

Gamemaster Narwhal the nefarious
GMT
USS Atlantis

Jen noted Lieutenant Kalis and Ensign Rathos arriving. He motioned them over to join he and the Chief Engineer. “My chief engineer and the science team will be able to run this through our computers and design it through a .. computer printing technology.” He didn’t want to come out and say replicator, but for many centuries there were physical printing tech that could take a computer design and physically print it out with materials, and replicator based technology he wanted to keep under wraps. Sure they didn’t want to have presence in the greater space arena but that didn’t mean they didn’t want to have what Starfleet had. They were benevolent; Jen would take their benevolence only so far. Security must be maintained as well. “If we run into any issues we will certainly message you.” He glanced at Kalis and Rathos and was certain they would be running any number of security checks on the data before allowing it anywhere near their network or mainframe.

Lothrel’s large, expressive eyes blinked slowly as he processed Jen’s words, a look of quiet contemplation crossing his face. The mention of computation technology clearly intrigued him, though he remained calm, diplomatic as ever.

“Our ships do not use such direct methods of fabrication,” Lothrel began, his voice soft but deliberate. “We rely on organic engineering—growth rather than construction. But your ‘computer printing technology’ sounds efficient, and I trust it will suffice. As you say, if complications arise, we will provide further guidance.”

To the three he added. “Additionally we will exchange to the Narvhalarians a subspace transmitter with Federation frequency set in it. A Casewell Design Mark 3 will do.” That was a design which was well over a century old that would not impact any of the Narvhalarian progress given their own technology level now.

“I will contact the bridge and inform them,” he said to Lothrel. “Thank you again.” He nodded to the marines that came with them. “These will get you safely back to your transport.” When they had moved off, Jen tapped his badge.

=^= Bridge, this is Jen. The Narvhalarians are returning to their world to prepare a data package with the information we need to overcome this area of space, and further assist in repairs. One of their conditions for their assistance is to, in their words, get rid of the Romulans. They have been badgering them apparently. Do we have eyes on their ship and condition? I need a tactical analysis on what we can do and what they can do. =^=
Jen, XO

He paused, his gaze shifting slightly to the rest of the team now assembled around Jen. There was a sense of trust developing, though tempered with caution on both sides.

“The transmitter you offer,” Lothrel continued, nodding in acceptance, “will allow us to remain in contact without disturbing the natural state of our world. This pleases the Council. It ensures that when we are ready to engage beyond our system, we will do so on our terms. I will take the data you have provided back to the Council, and we will begin preparations for the modification. We estimate the data will be ready by the time we next communicate.”

He took a deep breath, his tone shifting slightly more serious. “Regarding the Romulans… they do not belong here. Their presence disturbs the balance. It would be wise to remove them as quickly as possible. We will be watching how you handle this matter closely, Commander.”

Lothrel glanced back toward his fellow Narvhalarians, who had been quietly observing the exchange. With a slight, respectful bow to Jen, Kalis, and the other officers, he stepped back to rejoin his delegation.

Gamemaster Narwhal the nefarious
GMT
USS Atlantis

Kaden was encouraged with the information he had heard from the Narvhalarians but knew this was not going to be easy to accomplish. He was working on making some items which he had been provided from the Commander. He just provided the items to the Commander as he finished getting them made from the 3d printer.

Lt. Buchanan
Chief Engineer

[bump]

Lt. Buchanan
Chief Engineer

Max continued to pull parts out of the 3d printer and then programmed the printer to make the next part. He then provided the parts to Jen in order to get the setup fixed to help fix the issue with the external interference from effecting the Atlantis.

Lt. Buchanan
Chief Engineer

Jen inspected the subspace unit. “And this is programmed for Starfleet Federation Standard frequencies? Wait, choose a particular unique frequency within that standard range and log it in fleet frequency ID as tagged for the Narvhalarians. That way if we change our frequencies with time computer identifiers can still note that for them when or if they choose to make contact.”

He paused. “And, make it easy. Have only one switch on the unit for on and off. No point in needing to send them a manual when you are ready, transport it down to .. uh, these coordinates. I think they are as ready for us to leave as they are for the Romulans. Clear?”
- Jen, XO