Re: S1 E1: Only the Penitent May Pass...
Adam
As Orlow parses through the the alien script involving the device, he realizes something. His guesses about the language are completely on the mark, and he is able to accurately and thoroughly translate the different instructions on the device.
Furthermore, he is able to sync up his tricorder with the device as well, letting the away team use a completely translated interface rather than have the communications officer point out the name of each switch, dial, or button.
T'Enya
As T'Enya looks through the different ways to use the device, it becomes clear that its creators were insidiously ingenious in making sure that it could not be bypassed. Any attempt to return the creature's mind to the body would have be through the device or another emulating its function.
Sorvok
Sorvok remembers that there are several ways of putting someone in stasis. The most recent example brought to light involved the stasis tubes of the Eugenics War survivors led by the renegade warlord Khan Noonien Singh. Those tubes involved chemical injection and cryogenically freezing the person. However, other forms of stasis can be induced by steady chemical injection, genetic engineering, or the use of nanotechnology to restore DNA to a memorized template.
In this case, it appears that the aliens used chemical injections to induce stasis. The upside is that stasis can be maintained in normal temperature and atmosphere. The downside is that it is not as effective at slowing the aging process, as evidenced by Tienxu'Boa's current condition.
Based on those concepts, Sorvok surmises that it would be possible to obtain a tissue sample without harming the body.
When Sorvok tries to establish the mind meld with the body, he finds nothing to meld with. Tienxu'Boa's mind is completely severed from his body.
All
In the distance, the away team can hear the brightly-pitched whine of the something transporting down to the planet surface. Moments later, each member's communicator begins to chirp.
OOC:
@ Adam: Excellent roll, consider everything translated and a lowered DC in using the device. Also, no one will need to roll to find out what the device does or how to operate it.
@ T'Enya: That's a decent roll, but it unfortunately doesn't hit the DC to escape using something like the device. No way to circumvent the process. If it makes you feel any better, it would really, really, really hard to restore him another way.
@ Sorvok: I think that should answer your questions about stasis. You can get a sample without worrying that exposure to air will rapidly age him. Unfortunately, you can't mind meld with him because there's no mind to meld with. :-(
@ All: Sorry for the short bump. I think some of you know that I'm teaching English in Japan. The term is almost over, so my school is trying to jam me into every class they can before it ends---which is fun, but it's busy. I made things worse by taking an online class along with my Japanese course, so that has come around to bite me in the ass. Fortunately, it's almost over. Just bear with me if my posting goes a little hot and cold.
Let me know if there's something I missed. Also, you've got an incoming call. :-p