"Oh yeah, ask about the crew or whatever, that's fine.  As for Gestalt, that's my plan.  If he plays ball we don't need to ask favors of SAGE.  He's in a worse bargaining position to boot." Billy says with a shrug.

In reply to Billy Laser Fist (msg # 20):

Not being entirely sure if he's leaving, staying, or going back into quarentine, Basilisk dons his EVA suit and follows behind the rest into the airlock.

Xander spends some time helping Rebecca with the J-9 units, but makes clear that he doesn't have the time to do it full justice.

Sophia and I are trying to work on reverse-engineering the processes by which she was created, he explains. Through it, we hope to learn more about her, and who she was. We think she may have inaccessible memories that, with the right approach, could be restored. And from there...I don't know. But we'll know more about who she is, and how it is that she's able to integrate into my neural network so seamlessly.

When she hands him the statuette of Kelce, it's all he can do to give a tight, grateful nod.

***

On Venus, he greets Dr. Pryor with more enthusiasm than he had previously, having developed something of a tentative friendship with the man over their long-distance research collaboration.

It's good to see you again, he says, giving him a friendly handshake.

In reply to Xander (msg # 22):

She understands Xander's distraction and offers whatever help she may into the accessibility of neural networks biological .

Is it possible that you may have some kind of prior relationship?  Possibly family?  Genetics may play a role.

*******

On Venus, as soon as Billy nods tersely about the Crew Rebecca disappears leaving Percy behind her, standing awkwardly.



She says with a great deal of exuberance.

From the outside of the ship Prior and Gestalt can see a rainbow colored rocket fly out of the cockpit of the ship of convenience.  It makes a beeline towards Gestalt as she plows into this chest squeezing tight kicking up a leg in the process.

YOU MADE IT!!!!!!!!

Her hair pulses in rainbows for a second then settles into dark red at the tips as she fixes her gaze on Dr. Pryor.  She offers her hand, a bit stiff and slightly guarded.

We meet in person, as I mentioned before, I regret my behavior during our initial meeting.  I was young, and while that does not excuse, it may explain my actions.

"Prior," Billy gives a nod as Xander and Rebecca make their own greetings before turning to the other man, "Gestalt.  You look like shit," he observes matter-of-factly.

In reply to Billy Laser Fist (msg # 24):

She kicks Billy's shin playfully.

Be nice...

she hisses.

I think he looks distinguished.

"He looks like a well-kept hobo," Billy objects with a quirked eyebrow.

In reply to Billy Laser Fist (msg # 26):

She gives Billy an over the shoulder sneer and tosses her hair as she looks back to Gestalt.

What happened after we got separated?

In reply to Nightmare (msg # 27):

"It's so good of you to finally join us," Dr. Pryor says by way of greeting, though he is smiling while he says it. "I've been looking forward to this for a long time."

He shakes any hands that are proffered and nods politely to the owners of any that are not.

"Your videos of the gates have sparked quite a bit of interest back on Earth, and not just in the scientific community. We'll need to confer with Whitney, Bradford, and Rebecca here to be sure, but some of those recordings seem to point toward a new understanding of physics and gravity. You've done us a great service by creating them."

Dr. Pryor looks over at the now fully disembarked crew and frowns slightly.

"Where IS Bradford, anyway?," he asks, addressing this question mostly to Whitney. "I was hoping to send you both ahead to the main research lab, so you can start presenting your findings to the rest of the staff. They're all assembled and can hardly wait to hear what you have to say. I'll catch up with the both of you afterward, for Billy's crew and I have other matters to discuss."

Whitney clears her throat self-consciously.

"Bradford's not here, doctor," she says. "He decided to travel with the aliens for a while. It's...a long story."

"Did he now? Fascinating," Dr. Pryor muses. "Can't say I blame him, honestly. Might have done the same thing in his shoes, if I was much younger. Think of all that could be learned! Still, he never seemed the impulsive type. I guess it's true what they say -- adventure has a way of changing people."

He considers this for a moment longer, then waves Whitney past him.

"Well, no matter. You can handle the presentation yourself, I'm sure. The staff are already assembled, and the projectors are pre-loaded with schematics of the plasma drive and the videos you broadcast. You're certain to wow them."

Whitney glances over at Billy for a moment, then back at Dr. Pryor. After a brief hesitation, she nods and walks away -- ostensibly toward the assembly room to do as she's been told.

"I hope she proved useful," he says once she's moved beyond earshot. "Neither Bradford nor Whitney are particularly impetuous, but nobody knows the ins and outs of the plasma drive better. I'm glad to see the engine was able to get you safely to the Saturn system and back again. Eventually."

Dr. Pryor turns to the pair of white coated women who entered the room with him.

"Go inform the docking technicians to get dressed and ready," he says, looking over at the Ship of Convenience for a moment. "They have a ship to take apart. I want a full diagnostic detailing every bolt, circuit, and component on my desk in two days."

The scientists nod and depart, leaving Pryor and Gestalt alone with the remaining crew.

"Now then, shall we?" Dr. Pryor says, rubbing his hands together and beckoning toward another doorway. "I've had a meal prepared, during or after which I'd like to discuss your recent adventures in more detail and perhaps touch on some new business while we're at it. If you'll be so kind as to follow me?"

In reply to Dr. Dorian Pryor (msg # 28):

"Of course I made it!" Gestalt says, quirking an eyebrow at Rebecca and ruffling her head affectionately. "That's the whole problem. Here I am, alive and well, with an APB out for me on Earth and Luna and...well, just about everywhere in the Sol Sector except for the parts of it under Dr. Pryor's protection."

His fingers brush his beard reflexively.

"The beard's mostly due to boredom. And yes, I am so very, very bored in this endless science class that growing hair counts as a pastime."

Gestalt follows along as Dr. Pryor leads you all toward the room in which your meal has been prepared.

"You're taking me with you, yes? You simply can't leave me alone with these people...I'll go stark, raving mad."

In reply to Gestalt (msg # 29):

Assuming there are no objections to Dr. Pryor's request, you soon find yourselves sitting in a modest room at a table packed with provisions that are far superior to the flavorless protein paste you've been eating for the last few months.

Dr. Pryor invites you to dig in with gusto, and doesn't seem inclined to begin the conversation he'd alluded to until you've had a chance to eat your fill.

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 30):

Basilisk stomps along obtrusively behind the bunch, helmet swiveling to take in the sights of the station.

At dinner, he takes up residence off to one side.

I... will eat later... thank you. the voicebox crackles at an attendant who offers him a plate.

Billy takes some of the food on a plate favoring bite-sized pieces.  He takes a seat, pops a bite into his mouth and, still chewing, starts the conversation Pryor seems willing to wait for, "So I realize he's not as easy to walk around your complex, but aside from complaining about my request to keep him happy you weren't very specific about Dynamis's status.  How's my nav comp doing, Pryor?"

In reply to Billy Laser Fist (msg # 32):

During Dinner Rebecca eats daintily sitting next to Gestalt sharing an animated conversation. She still eats very little, a holdover from her dead days.

I think I can get you onboard... I'll have to consult with the CEO...  We have a new company, StarBlazers inc...

She takes a bite of her food.

I'm the CSO.

She adds proudly.  She was about to start telling him about her adventures when Billy brings up Dynamis.  She snaps to attention, and immediately ceases eating.  Her eyes go from smiling amusement to hard data collection in an instant.  Her datapad is immediately at the ready.

In reply to Nightmare (msg # 33):

"Dynamis remains...difficult," Dr. Pyror says. "I'd almost call him petulant, if he were a real. We salvaged what we could, but he lost a lot of computing power. What's more, I believe he is somehow aware that he has been diminished."

He shakes his head wonderingly.

"Remarkable program, really. We've got him isolated to a terminal in the lab, with no Archive access. A technician checks on him a few times a day, but all he ever does is demand to speak with 'mother' or 'the captain'. Do you know what he means by that?"
This message was last edited by the player at 17:21, Thu 25 Oct 2018.

In reply to Dr. Dorian Pryor (msg # 34):

"CSO? As in, Chief SCIENCE Officer?" Gestalt replies to Rebecca quietly, making a face. "That sounds like even more of this science fair crap to me. Don't you have something interesting for me to do?"

In reply to Gestalt (msg # 35):

She looks play hurt at Gestalt.

You, find me... boring?  You wound me sir.

She smiles at him sweetly.

You think anything with Billy is going to be boring?  We're going out to discover alien races, make first contact.  Green alien chicks have been mentioned on more than one occasion.  Probably tons of cool guns or tech that we can adapt to sol technology...

But you know you probably wouldn't like any of that.

This message was last edited by the player at 17:37, Thu 25 Oct 2018.

As Pryor describes Dynamis’s situation a grin forms at the corner of his mouth and grows to a broad smile, “I knew it.  Hear that?” he looks gleefully at Kayla, and by proxy Madysin, “Wounded but a survivor, that’s the kind of casualty I can live with.  I’m going to have words with him about not missing me too.  Didn’t realize he was such a momma’s boy,” Billy waves a scolding finger to no one in particular.  “We’ll definitely have to talk to him as soon as we’re done here,” he pops a few more bites into his mouth and continues through the food while rolling his hand invitingly at Pryor, “Whacha won hear?”

In reply to Billy Laser Fist (msg # 37):

"Well, for starters, I'd like to get a profile done on each alien species you've encountered. Technology levels, culture, personality, government, political bent, everything."

He rubs his hands together.

"It's so exciting! Was our technology superior to theirs in any aspect?"

Xander ponders the doctor's question. That's hard to say, he says, hedging. It might not be wise to assume that what we saw was operating at its full capacity, nor that it represents the peak of that race's technical ability.

There's so much we just don't know. But if you're looking for an off-the-cuff conclusion, I would say that, in general, any given piece of alien tech is far beyond what we're capable of. But what little we've seen, we've been able to modify and adapt in unorthodox ways.

So I would say that good old human adaptability is our best chance at establishing a competitive footing with our new-found neighbors.

Shortly after Xander falls silent, Sophia speaks up over the nearest speaker. I believe that Dynamis is referring to Kayla and myself. If you would allow it, doctor, I would speak with him.

In reply to Xander (msg # 39):

"Absolutely. I'll arrange for it after we've finished here," Dr. Pryor replies. "Speaking of which, have you given any thought to where you're going next? I'm afraid Persephone isn't ship-shape, so if you need a lift somewhere I'm sure we can come to some arrangement."

He glances over at Gestalt.

"Your options are a bit more limited if you're taking him along for the ride, of course."

"I had some ideas," Billy says, looking at Gestalt appraisingly, "Honestly, I'm really gonna miss that ship you're taking apart.  Could I convince you to let us keep it?  Or at least get you to sell me one of those engines to strap to something more impressive?  That vid of the rings wasn't just for posterity, I intend to to go looking for aliens. And hopefully getting their stuff to send back home, however I can manage. I'd love to talk about some kind of collaboration or compensation if SAGE tech can get us there.  If you want to know about new and interesting species there're gonna be plenty more where I'm headed."

In reply to Billy Laser Fist (msg # 41):

By human standards several of the aliens we have met are extremely rigid and inflexible.  Additionally, they appear to be relatively socially stunted.  They have no concept of the idea of a heterogeneous population.

I would plan on Gestalt coming with us, he has already been the first in Sol sector with experience on the jump rings.  We can use his expertise.  Speaking of those that I would like to bring with us, what happened to captain Blaise?  Did he survive?  I would very much like to speak with him if he did.

In reply to Nightmare (msg # 42):

"But the plasma drive isn't yet finished," Dr. Pryor says, replying to Billy first. "And it won't be until we can find a more practical solution than that very rare alloy to the problem of its tendency to rattle itself apart during operation."

He frowns thoughtfully.

"I never intended to make the plasma drive broadly available in the first place, for fear it would fall into the wrong hands. Those of pirates, perhaps, or even the military -- they've certainly abused our technological advances in the past. But it seems now, with this alien presence realized, that our species is in desperate need of faster transportation regardless the risks. As it stands, we could lose control of every planet beyond Earth in a matter of weeks and be effectively blockaded before we even knew what was happening."

"Still, I'm afraid I cannot sell you the transport. It must be thoroughly studied along with the version of the plasma drive it carried. There is treasure trove of information to be gained by taking it all apart and performing a thorough post-operative diagnostic."

Dr. Pryor chews quietly for a moment, then reaches for his cup and swirls the contents absently.

"That said, you seem determined to embark upon a journey that will expose you to countless alien technologies, any one of which could be revolutionary. If you're offering SAGE the chance to be the point at which your funnel connects to this sector and through which such discoveries can be distilled to the general public? That is something I cannot turn down."

"I won't sell you a plasma drive either way, mind you, but I would be willing to entertain the notion of a prolonged rental for experimental and diagnostic purposes. An extended test drive, if you will. You would have to provide your own stabilizing materials in such a scenario, though -- we do not have enough to spare."

Dr. Pryor then turns to consider Rebecca's question.

"I believe we touched on this before, but you deserve a full recap of what happened. As you know, the Mastodon facilitated a raid on this very complex, not only absconding with sophisticated experimental technology but damaging the original source material in the process. This resulted in a chase, culminating in an exchange of broadsides and the deployment of boarding parties to recover the stolen data and erase any copies that could be found. The Dichotomy proved to be a superior vessel, flanked as she was with several sister ships. After a pitched battle, SAGE prevailed."

"To that end, the ship was disabled and its core was gutted. But it was an IDA black ops vessel, which means it left little data to pick through by the time we got to it. This included the travel logs and the data cache and the personnel records -- all of them, purged. All surviving crew merely identified themselves as 'John Doe', en masse, and refused to answer further questions. They were ghosts, digitally speaking. No prints. No retinas. No nothing. They didn't exist."

He shrugs slightly.

"So we questioned them, shipped them back to Earth, and parked the stripped-out vessel adrift where we could watch and see if anyone came sniffing after it. If Captain Blaise was among the survivors, I assume he is either still on Earth or has managed to get himself off-world again in some other capacity."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:13, Tue 30 Oct 2018.

Billy looks thoughtful and nods slightly at Pryor's proposal, letting him brief Rebecca on the fate of the Mastodon's crew before speaking up, "I guess I could work with an engine on lease just as easily, but if you're not going to be too generous with me, I don't see why I wouldn't do the same.  If you're only going to let us test-drive your engine, I wouldn't agree to letting you do anything more with what we ship home.  We're a small shop, we could use a bigger organization's help with analysis, research and adaptation of alien tech, but I'm not turning over distribution for a rental."