Posted by Gamemaster CockRoach (Gamemaster) in Main Sim-Confrence Room A-Briefing &Meeting the Ascended
[snip]

Josan took in what the group was saying, “..While this system does lie in what you consider your claimed space and the station system just outside your claimed borders. The fact is that EP19’s system is ours, you may not have known it at the time nor did the others who were here previously known as the Klingons. But they did not impact the station’s ability to continue its experiments upon EP19 until the past year or so. We applaud your desire to respect the natural order developing life forms, but in this case these are not naturally occurring organics. They are and were artificially created by our sciences for one purpose to exist for our VA station’s and our own scientific questions to continue. If the VA station ever decides to remove the native life as I said it would be a painless and unfelt process, they simply go to sleep and then have their biological functions cease, from there automated clean up drones would vaporize any remaining traces so that the station may start over as it needs to do so..” Josan said.

”..If though you can not feel this is agreeable to your morals, we understand. Then we would suggest you cut contact fully and cording off this area of space from you or others interfering, until such time that the VA’s station experiment is complete or we Ascended choose to alter the scope of the station’s experiments..” Josan stated.

It seems likely their only recourse would be to do a General Order cordon. Despite their desires to protect the natives, Josan was right that the natives were not a truly naturally evolving species, their origins were artificial from start to finish, their very DNA was programmed to proceed in one form or another that while it may seem natural to their understanding was for the sole purpose of a giant eon’s long experiment on the limits of organic life. It may not be right to their morals, but it was seen as right to the Ascended, and like it or not at least for the foreseeable future the Federation did not have the forces, or likely technology to really damage or stop either the Ascended or VA station from doing its purpose if it so choose. The choice was Glen’s though as he was the Federation CO on the spot to make the call.....

It seemed that Captain Glen didn’t really have a choice. It was Hobson’s choice. His own plan seemed like a good workable one but he still wasn’t happy with it. Firstly, it didn’t sit right with him that these Ascended could treat other intelligent beings like microbes on a Petri dish. However, he could see that to their way of thinking, what they were doing was no different at all. It wasn’t so long ago that humans on Earth had carried out experiments on animals, so he had no moral high ground on which to parade. Secondly, he would need to ask the Merrimack crew, once again, to lie and to swear secrecy about a mission they had been on. It wasn’t fair for him to make those decisions for the rest of the crew, but it would never work unless they did so with a united front. Thirdly, it wouldn’t be enough to satisfy many of his crew, and he would have to shoulder the blame for suggesting it.

Verity felt the weight of the decision pressing down on Captain Glen’s shoulders as he contemplated the options. She knew that he was well aware of the ethical and moral complexities of the situation, as well as the potential consequences of their choices.

Taking a deep breath, Verity addressed Captain Glen directly, “Captain, I understand that this is an incredibly difficult decision, and there are no perfect solutions here. It’s a matter of balancing our principles and the greater good. If we choose to maintain secrecy and avoid interference, we must ensure that the EP19 inhabitants are protected and not subjected to harm. We’ll need to emphasize the importance of this with our crew. While it may be a difficult path, it could be the best way to avoid a conflict that could harm both our people and the Ascended beings.”

“But exactly how do you suggest that we ensure all the EP19 inhabitants are protected?” Glen asked. “We can win the moral argument, and they can still refuse to change their plans. We can’t defeat them militarily and we can’t force them in any other way. We are completely inefficacious. The Ascended hold all the cards in this game!”

She continued, “I suggest we convene a meeting with the senior officers and carefully explain the situation to them. Their insights and perspectives could be valuable in navigating this delicate situation. We’ll need to ensure that the crew is on board with the plan if we choose to proceed this way. Ultimately, Captain, the decision rests with you, but I am here to support you in whichever choice you make.”

“We have Josan with us here now,” Glen replied. “No one might ever get that same opportunity again. If any senior officers here can make our case more emphatically than I have, and to get him to change the attitude of the Ascended, then let them do so now, or forever hold their piece. The only senior officer not present is Doctor Cross. I don’t think her temperament is suited to diplomacy, and let’s be very clear here, the very last think that I wish to begin is another military conflict.”

“If we were simply to do nothing,” Glen added, “this will be passed up the chain of command to deal with, and you can be as sure as the gods made little green apples that they will do nothing either!”

Cross arrived at the conference room, she wondered if she had taken the bait but there was no turning back. Taking a deep breath Cross entered her eyes searching for Glen.

Glen met her gaze. He wasn’t sure whether to feel disappointed or accustomed by her visit. A little of both probably. Hadn’t he explicitly told her to stay away? he thought, which to Doctor Cross was like waving a red rag to a bull.

‘’Captain I’m sorry to interrupt I brought the Padd that you send for me to sign ‘’ now the doctor looked at those gathered and gave a nod ‘’Cmdr …Lt’s ‘’ after which her gaze fell on.....Josan.

Until now, Glen and Verity had done all the talking, and they had tried not to cause any conflict with Josan, but neither had said what they really felt, or how the majority of the crew, or even of the Federation itself, would feel about the ‘experiments’ of the Ascended. He had wanted someone in the room to have, at least, provided some evidence of that, but if they hadn’t then that was because he had expressly forbidden it. Doctor Cross had a reputation that proceeded her. She was straight-talking and she didn’t always follow orders. Glen just hoped that, for once, she could moderate her tongue in whatever she meant to say.

• Glen, CO

Cross walked towards him ‘’Josan I believe? ‘’ she spoke in a soft tone ‘’ I spoke with Va,do you recognize my voice now that you have taken this form? I’m a doctor taught to save lives to the best of my skill and capability ‘’.

It was nothing more then a simple introduction ....for now.

Cross CMO.

”..I am aware of you Doctor Cross. The VA station matrix you spoke too was focused on external contacts like yourselves. The station as a whole has 93 such different matrixes tasked for differing purposes working towards its core purpose. As for your purpose in life to save lives to your best ability it is an admirable trait.” Josan replied simply.

GM CockRoach

‘’Thank you ‘’ she replied ‘’ I too admire how you were able to seed the inhabitants to such high standard.The crew that made contact with them found that they are pleasant , especially to the mind and senses while full of virtue and having excellent moral characters ‘’.

Cross had started or at least tried to establish,maybe trigger a passionate feeling or reaction and though she knew it could all be in vain she was determined to finish what she wanted to activate and hopeful awaken, while Johan was in the form he took.
The doctor slowly put a hand over his and with her finger tips touched his skin ever so lightly ,next she took his hand and let him touch her own hand ‘’Is this a new sensation Johan, have you ever experienced it while in your Ascended form?’’ Cross whispered.

Cross CMO.