Posted by Lieutenant Aasrel Izei (Assistant Medical Chief) in Side Sim: Containment Deck

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Todd Nyman (XO) in Side Sim: Containment Deck

Posted by Lieutenant Aasrel Izei (Assistant Medical Chief) in Side Sim: Containment Deck
Posted by… suppressed (24) by the Post Ghost! 👻
Lieutenant Kek had offered to show Bethany around the containment deck and help her get familiarized with the protocols. Trying their best to be informative and helpful as Gadi settled into her new role. After the tour, they encouraged her to familiarize herself with the containment areas a bit more on her own…

It seemed to twist on through the body of the ship in inconceivable and almost impossible ways. Rooms and corridors and dead ends. Sometimes a room was just a viewing platform for a larger containment cell. Others were like libraries, anomalies lining the walls squared away in small units. Some were alive with activity, as officers roamed conducting experiments and making observations. Other rooms were almost completely empty.

|Lt. Cmdr. Nyman, XO|

Bethany wandered the containment deck, stopping to read the displays and information about what was there. This place was creepy and gave her sick vibes. There were even experiments running. Some of these things were even considered sentient. Were they willing participants? She doubted it if they were locked up. Apparently her new job was take whatever device engineering created and use it to trap these things and bring them back. It was like Dr Frankenstein’s lab. Guess she knew why she’d been sent here now.

She made her way towards another turn in the winding prison and stopped to read, but noticed the door was open instead of locked. She reached for the modified RTF phaser on her hip and slowly pushed the door open and scanned the interior space.

Lt. Gadi, CTO/RTF

There was definitely something near the center of the room. Someone… Bethany would realize as she focused in a sense of sapience.

The light from the door illuminated the crimson figure, standing perched on two of their six tentacles. The others whipping and swaying like each was the tail of a cat. No distinct body or head. Only a roundish shape, around which was fixed five faintly glowing amber bulbs. This alien seemed not to notice her presence at first. Instead being transfixed by the other object in the containment unit. In appearance, it was the left half of a damaged and weathered stone statue, portraying another creature of unfamiliar appearance.

Their arms collapsed down to the ground, completely straight. Besides that they didn’t move, didn’t turn to face her, the amber bulbs showed little change. But it felt like their attention was now shifted toward Bethany.

|Lt. Cmdr. Nyman, XO|

The statue was supposed to be there, this… being … was not. She observed with her Human senses, not trusting her Betazoid ones. She hadn’t moved from the door. Just as calmly as she entered, she stepped back and slammed a hand to the emergency lock. Which set off notifications. =/\=Gadi to Kelmain. We have an unauthorized access to containment cell 95327. Emergency lockdown activated.=/\=

Lt. Gadi, CTO/RTF

There were benefits to Todd being in natural form. One of which was that he was able to think. Thinking clearer and faster than he could when limited in his human form. So he had already formulated an explanation that would hopefully satisfy her enough to keep him out of trouble.

“You must be Lieutenant Gadi,” he said, punctuated with a slight tilt of his ‘head’.

From the other side of the now locked door Gadi pressed the intercom, “I am, and who are you?” She glanced over the information outside the door.

“Ah yes, that must be it. We have not met. My apologies, I assumed your Commander already informed you of my presence.”

He seemed to glide across the ground as he approached, stopping about a tentacle’s length from her. He bowed slightly, while squinting and covering his eyes. Traditionally, a very respectful gesture.

“Unfortunately, he did not.” The gesture seemed benign enough but what did Bethany know about anomalies?

“I am acting as a, as you could call it, a cultural consultant regarding this artifact. So as you would expect I am slightly surprised that you would think my presence unauthorized.”

|Lt. Cmdr. Nyman, XO|

“I do apologize for the inconvenience, but protocol has to be followed. No room housing an anomaly, active or inactive, is to remain unlocked. You left the door open and risked a breach. The item you are investigating is a Newton class anomaly with a Yellow level security rating. It is known to use psionic theta waves to control those in close proximity. Which is why research protocol requires someone outside the room to monitor the researcher inside for changes in behavior. I can’t let you out until you have been thoroughly cleared by medical and counseling, and Cmdr Nyman has come down to vouch for you in person.”

She glanced at the computer console beside the door, “What did you say your name was again?” Unfortunately, for this being, Bethany was highly trained and suspicious of EVERYONE.

Lt. Gadi, CTO/RTF

Todd had to strategically avoid questions of identity for now. Until he could figure out how to take two different forms at once. (Which, coincidentally, was an old Vendorian idiom for doing something impossible.)

“You are correct to be following protocol so closely.” he started, hoping to distract her somewhat,

“I suppose I got a little too anxious to get started. But you are right, it was irresponsible to not follow procedures. Apologies, again, for being so careless.”

A tentacle arm gestured toward the computer console Bethany already had her eye on.

“You will see, my access code was valid to enter. The last one listed: 18-02-Theta. That should confirm my identity. No need to bother the Commander. I’m afraid my mistake may embarrass him.”

|Lt. Cmdr. Nyman, XO|

A single brow went up in a very Vulcan like fashion. “If Commander Nyman can not handle a little inconvenience for the safety of the ship and allows the mistakes of others to affect his emotional state, then he isn’t fit for command.”

Bethany typed in a quick request to the computer to identify who the access code belonged to since the person wouldn’t give up their name. She tapped her combadge, =/\=Gadi to Cmdr. Nyman report to the containment deck.=/\=

Lt. Gadi, CTO/RTF

It was an odd sensation. Usually he was so careful. Now, he knew he should be panicking. He was trapped. Having to preform some kind of impossible trickery to satisfy Lt. Gadi’s request. Otherwise exposing his secret to her, a practical stranger.

But any kind of fear or panic or even shame simply wasn’t there. These emotions dissolved in the presence of this anomaly. In their place, nonchalance and an irrational confidence that he could still talk his way out of this.

After a while, with predictably no response coming from over the comms, Todd spoke up again,

“I sense you are not a very trusting person. Which in this case is respectable, certainly. But it was just a simple misunderstanding. Which I take responsibility for. Certainly there is some alternative…”

Was this being trying to tell her she was paranoid and talk her down? Oh he was going to have to try a whole lot harder than that. She knew she was paranoid. She’d been told that often enough, but that didn’t mean she was wrong. “Computer access the logs for containment unit 34 alpha 9. Who does the last access code belong to?”

“Access code belongs to a Command level officer. Additional security check is required for more information.” the computer responded.

“Authorization Gadi-Alpha 8642-Zeta Gamma 029.”

“What about being cleared by medical first? At least until you are able to contact the Commander.”

|Lt. Cmdr. Nyman, XO|

“You will undergo a medical check, but that won’t get you out of custody.” She tapped her combadge, =/\=Lt. Gadi to Lt. Izei. I need you to come down to the containment level. We need a medical evaluation for a breach.=/\=

“Wait, custody?” he asked incredulously.

“Computer what is the location of Cmdr Nyman?”

Lt. Gadi, CTO/RTF

The computer seemed to stall before answering again. Just enough to be noticeable,

“Unable to locate Commander Nyman. Last confirmed location - Executive Officer’s Quarters.”

“Now I am starting to believe this is more than protocol. Perhaps you are … slightly intimidated?” Todd continued, before reassuring her with all the confidence of an intoxicated college student,

“Do not worry, I would not keep my job long if I was considered a threat. And this anomaly is practically harmless as well.”

A series of clicks and burbels translated as a laugh. The anomaly was continuing to alter his perception of the situation. In his mind, he was still in complete control, and everything was fine. The effects were even starting to manifest physically, as his swaying arms began to tangle with each other.

|Lt. Cmdr. Nyman, XO|

Several moments later, Aasrel came down the hallway with his med kit. “What’s going on?” He asked Bethany, glancing at Nyman. “Is the Commander okay?” He asked as he opened his med kit and pulled out his tricorder.

~ Izei, AMO

Bethany looked at him and touched his arm. It was the only way she could keep her telepathic and empathic communications private. Aasrel knew that and would help. She expressed her irritation ans suspicion. “Cmdr Nyman? The computer confirms he is not on board. This, individual,” she waved through the window at the tentacled entity. “They are uncooperative and refuse to give answers and identify themselves. The anomoly inside uses psi waves to manipulate an individual. Changes their behavior and personality.”

Aasrel nodded. As soon as she touched him, he did help.

“Oh, hello Doctor,” Todd said, waving from behind the barrier,

“You will see, Lieutenant, everything is fine. Though, you will have to release me to receive the examination.”

|Lt. Cmdr. Nyman, XO|

“That is up to Lt. Izei to decide,” she said.

Lt. Gadi, CTO/RTF

“That might not be the best idea, having him be here too long,” Todd responded,

“His telepathic sensitivity would make him more sensitive to the anomaly’s effects.”

That statement did align with Todd’s apparent goal of escaping the situation with his identity in tact. But there was genuine concern behind it, slipping through even the anomaly’s influence. It all seemed like good fun at the moment, but the thought that someone else could be affected by his decision was sobering enough to get him to think clearly. If only for a moment.

|Lt. Cmdr. Nyman, XO|

Aasrel looked at the critter behind the barrier. “Let me complete the medical check Lieutenant Gadi requested.” He said. The presence felt familiar, but different, and Aasrel couldn’t quite place it. “If I’m at risk, so is Bethany.” He stated with a shrug.

~ Izei, AMO

“Very well, doctor, if you insist,” Todd replied,

Bethany shrugged. She wasn’t too worried about influence. They were outside the door.

The computer still had not responded to her request. “Computer identify the last access code used for this containment cell. Authorization Gadi-Alpha 8642-Zeta Gamma 029.”

“Identifying access code…”

The computer’s answer stalled again. Not just long enough to confirm the authorization code, but also run the triggered subroutine.

“Temporary Command level access code, given to Agent Tadsen, Section 31, Foreign Policy Division.”

Todd pretended to ignore the computers response, but was very pleased with himself that it actually worked.

Bethany’s brow went up, but it was clear she wasn’t buying what the computer said. The delay took too long. She was a programming specialist for intel before she got sent to serve ship side.

“But you will find that I am in perfect health conditions. The anomaly does not even have documented effects on biological health.”

The medical readings were… well, they at least confirmed the alien was not humanoid. Three clusters or cardiac muscles seemed to be beating in a regular rhythm. Oxygen saturation was high but steady, and regular temperature fluctuations implied a cycle that could be normal for this species. Nervous system activity was also high, but without a baseline that too could be normal.

|Lt. Cmdr. Nyman, XO|

“Physically you may be fine, but a doctor can still determine if your brain waves have been affected. Now, your name please.”

“The computer is correct,” he replied, trying and failing to sound defeated on hearing that his backup plan was actually working.

“The Commander granted me, the Agent Tadsen, a temporary Command level access so that I may do my work. I was only trying to help you, you know. But yet you are so hostile. I can only imagine this mistrust is coming from something else.”

“Comouter locate Cmdr. Nyman.” Gadi tried again. If it still said he was missing she was calling security.

“Unable to locate Commander Nyman.” the computer repeated.

Lt. Gadi, CTO/RTF

=/\=Gadi to Security. I’ve tried to contact Cmdr. Nyman several times, but he hasn’t responded. The computer says he is not onboard, and his last known location was his quarters. Requesting an immediate well check, and search for the commander if necessary.”

“The readings are normal… As far as I can tell.” Aasrel said. He ran a basic brain wave scan to see if, like Bethany suggested, they might be affected.

~ Izei, AMO

The brain scans took a while to complete. Decentralized nervous system were complicated and difficult to navigate without specialized equipment. But it did indicate that their nervous system seemed to be flooded with hormones equivalent to adrenaline and serotonin. The anomaly could very well be responsible.

Todd continued on clumsily grasping at anything that he could use for leverage before blurting out,

“Perhaps it is something that happened previously in your life that causes you to mistrust people?”

|Lt. Cmdr. Nyman, XO|

“His brain’s chemical levels are affected, he’s overloaded in adrenaline and sérotonine.” Aasrel reported to Bethany. To the disobedient critter, “That’s none of your business.”

~ Izei, AMO

Bethany laughed like the thing had said the most hilarious thing ever. “Read that in a kids book on psychology? Everyone’s past shapes who they are.” Bethany looked at Aasrel, “So he is affected. Until I know who he is and Cmdr Nyman has come down to vouch for him, I want him in custody. So… do we move him to sickbay under guard, or to an empty containment cell?”

Did you happen to learn your interrogation techniques from the same level of children’s text?

Todd thought it, but even in this state knew he didn’t want to invite such a challenge.

She looked back at the being, “Now, let’s try again, who are you?”

Lt. Gadi, CTO/RTF

“As you could imagine, one could say I have many identities. Tadsen is sufficient.”

‘Tadsen’ was just as correct as any other name he had used over the years. So, though only technically and strategically, he was telling the truth. His attention shifted toward Aasrel,

“You would tell her if I was lying.”

|Lt. Cmdr. Nyman, XO|

“I would.” Aasrel said. “But I can only tell her that you don’t believe you’re lying. That doesn’t mean you’re telling the truth.”

~ Izei, AMO

“What about hostility? Or ill intentions? Are you seeing these in me?”

|Lt. Cmdr. Nyman, XO|

Aasrel closed his eyes and focused. “Confidence and… Euphoria. The result of the chemical imbalance. And… fear.”

~ Izei, AMO

“And deception,” Gadi said. She could hear it, ringing in her ears. She hated it, but it was there. The soft discordant note that was almost missed among the rest of the music. “The truth from a certain point of view.” She looked at Aasrel, “There are lots of ways to deceive a telepath. We can not rely on those senses alone.”

Lt. Gadi, CTO/RTF