trans_9 | Greet the (New) Meat! (no, don't eat them!)

"For the most part, everyone is focused on our mutually harrowing situation, but regardless of that, acts of aggression are met with the ship's sublimal essence thrashing the aggressors about with energy tentacles. She also keeps a running tally of what she calls 'Violations,' fifteen of which result in 'Punishment.' No one is very keen to find out what constitutes punishment."

"I'll keep that in mind. Are there any other regulations I should know about?"

Yup. Billy's all about following the rules and not submitting himself to fantastic types of alien torture while in the middle of deep space.

"Beyond not harming your fellow crew-mates--" and just because Billy looks like even the future's definition of nerd, though for primitive reasons (spectacles! they never stopped being novel when he saw them), Brainy's not discounting the potentiality that Billy can harm someone "--don't damage the interior of the ship itself, and don't break into areas that appear blocked off."

Edited 2009-01-12 03:11 (UTC)

"Those rules seem to be sensible." Billy appreciates easy-to-follow rules. For a moment, he'd almost expected a line item about bizarre rituals being mandated on every thirteenth sleep cycle.

"Are we expected to specialize in any particular role? I'm assuming Stacy had her reasons for her selections."

"Ah yes, I have actually noted certain traits being common among the abducted," says Brainy brightly. "There is a distinct abundance of metahumans, many of which consider themselves superheroes, law enforcement officials, trained soldiers, and scientists, like myself. Many of the individuals here have specialized skill-sets which make their selection very curious. The prevailing theory is that we may have forcibly been conscripted into some sort of army, though there's, as of yet, no way to verify it."

Edited 2009-01-12 04:09 (UTC)

Billy's quickly piecing that information together and comparing it to his own skillset. He might fall under the soldier designation, but he doubts he'll be reunited with his Power Coin any time in the foreseeable future. Besides, he thinks Jason or Tommy would have been more effective for that purpose.

Maybe he was expected to use his scientific knowledge instead. "In what capacity do you serve as a scientist? I believe I may have been recruited with a similar expectation."

"I haven't yet been informed of any expectations of me, so thus far, I've been using my intellect to try to work out details of our captivity and to find a way home. However, it's rather obvious why she would select me."

Here comes the ego...

"I," Brainy says, "am a twelfth-level intellect."

Not that Billy will have any idea what that means, given it's a world-specific scale of intelligence.

Edited 2009-01-12 18:17 (UTC)

That silence is Billy sorting through his head, trying to place a meaning with that phrase. No results found.

"I'm afraid I'm unfamiliar with that measurement of intelligence, but that seems to be a reasonable assumption. A unit of soldiers without guidance from experts and strategists would be at an extreme disadvantage."

He's still taking the time to consider his own role on the ship. "I've invented a number of successful devices, but I have yet to see any tools or usable parts." And if there are parts, their similarity to Earth inventions is far from guaranteed.

"My species has a ten-level scale to measure intelligence. The average Coluan is a level eight. The planet Earth is a level nine--that's the entire planet Earth, mind you. Two levels had to be added to the scale as a result of the intelligence of my family line," says Brainy.

He starts walking and gestures for Billy to follow.

"There are two areas of the ship that we may be able to serviceable lab-space out of it. I'll show you them."

Billy considers this. That'd be like an Earthling having an 1Q of 300---theoretically impossible, but a common device in fiction. He'll never admit to it, but dealing with a being of greater intelligence than humans can achieve is simultaneously intimidating and a unique opportunity.

Having a functional laboratory to conduct experiments in would be a welcome addition. He follows willingly, nodding. "We'll have to do something about the humidity. It could interfere with the equipment---unless these areas have an appropriate climate?"

"Producing proper lab conditions is one of my primary priorities, though I've been attempting to find enough base materials to start with. I'd rather not have to cannibalize any functional technology that already exists except as a last resort."

Before long, they're at the Sensoriums.

"To start with, however, the Sensoriums might suffice until the next location I intend to show you is properly restored. Stacy, project a simulation of my lab on Legion world."

It's a very, very impressive lab, with equipment a 1000 years beyond the science of most Earths--and then even beyond the standards of the 31st century. There's are automated tables apparently designed for the manufacture of gold rings with L insignias, packed with miniaturized equipment, buzzing high-energy experiments, a sphere that contains a miniaturized thunderstorm, shrink rays, tubes of nanotechnology, a large device that says has a label on it that says "Bizarro Ray" and a sign that says "DO NOT TOUCH"...

"The simulations here are tangible and completely functional--however, I worry that results of experiments may be skewed due to being projections and the telepathic nature of their creation. It would limit the Sensorium's functionality, I think, to providing a proper lab conditions to simply manufacture base equipment from real materials to furnish the actual laboratory, at least until we get it up and running."

Edited 2009-01-17 08:50 (UTC)

Beside him is the silent former Ranger taking in the sight of the simulated laboratory, processing the sight of the pristine equipment in awe. The possibilities available here extended far beyond what he could accomplish back in his garage, or even in the world's top science centers.

"Prodigious. I'd prefer to use equipment on our physical plane rather than simulations, but considering our limitations this is excellent." And it is. For a brief moment he closes his eyes, picturing how his father or his classmates in the science club might react. The mental images disappear with a shake of his head, nostalgia banished until his business is done.

"I haven't had the chance to explore the open areas of the ship, so I'm not sure where to begin searching. Is there a stockpile of supplies anywhere?"

"Unfortunately, our basic supplies are limited. Therein lay our problem," says Brainy, leading him back out again. "Stacy, disengage hologram."

Hands clasped behind his back, he starts to lead Billy in the direction of the Hub. They'll need to take the transport tubes down to the Special Weapons Division.

It occurs to him that he's encountered another scientific mind and perhaps he should attempt to be somewhat...social. So far, unlike others, and unlike some of the other intellectuals on board, Billy's been exceedingly polite, which is something Brainy appreciates.

It's almost like talking to another Coluan.

Minus the unpleasant discomfort his presence typically caused in other Coluans.

"I will be forthright and admit I'm rather...unequipped to engage others in social conversation, so forgive me if I cause any offense with this line of questioning, but I am curious as to what your background is. Are you simply a scientist in your home universe? And nothing more?"

His eyes gleam slightly. His expression is knowing. (He's socially retarded, not completely blind).

"The fact that you've reacted to all this with barely more than a blink and obvious excitement at the sight of the technology involved is somewhat telling. Of what, I've yet to conclude, but it is indicative of something curious, at least."

Brainy didn't bat his eye at this situation either. That's less the scientist thing and more the superhero thing. That's why he's curious. Your average Joe Schmoe scientist would be freaking, not going "ooooh!"

Edited 2009-01-20 14:53 (UTC)

He remains silent as they leave for the Hub, combing his brain for solutions to their predicament. Matter couldn't be created from nothing, and without basic supplies, their ability to build necessary devices would be hindered.

Billy's steps falter once the conversation turns to more personal. He's also socially retarded, and an inefficient liar to boot. Hiding the origins of cuts and bruises sustained while Rangering was one thing. 'I fell and hit the ground hard' wasn't a lie. He would just fail to mention that he'd been thrown through the air by a mutant octopus immediately beforehand.

He realizes with a sickening twist of his stomach that Brainy far outclasses him in intelligence, and therefore a convenient omission won't suffice this time. Especially since he's being confronted with a direct question. Furthermore, withholding information learned as a Ranger will be a detriment to their full cooperation. And if the crew learns that he's been keeping such an important secret from them, they'll undoubtedly find it hard to trust him.

Silently wishing for Zordon's forgiveness, however far away the affairs of the Power Rangers seem at the moment, he decides to break the silence with a heavy heart.

"Your observations are precisely on target, Brainiac. Once, I was an inventor for the pleasure of it, but my life changed entirely a year prior to my arrival here. My hometown was once a relatively quiet city, but it has since endured weekly attacks at the hands of Rita Repulsa, an evil sorceress intent on capturing Earth. Her beasts were as diverse as they were dangerous---million-eyed monsters became more populous in the park than geese."

He pauses to draw a shaky breath. He's picturing Zordon and his teammates clearly in his mind, and he briefly wonders what they would think of him choice.

"The attacks prompted the powerful wizard Zordon to select five teenagers to become his soldiers for justice, the Power Rangers. They didn't have powers far outside the ordinary, but they were skilled martial artists and the commanders of powerful mechanical beasts called Zords. And as I'm sure you've deduced by this point, I was one of the five Rangers. In addition to participating in the battles, I was responsible for repairing the Zords and developing most of our situation-specific weapons."

He flicks his eyes up to Brainy's for a moment, hoping they'd reach some sort of understanding by the end of this convoluted confession.

"I'm nothing more than a normal scientist at the present time, though. My powers were tied to a Power Coin granted by Zordon, and Stacy informed me that it is being stored in a secret location when I inquired about it. Given her probable need to retain control, I highly doubt it will be returned to me."

"Even if it is, it may no longer function. When I became a Ranger, I swore that I would never reveal that information to anyone, or I would risk losing the Power's protection. Considering that I'm powerless as it is, that we'll need to trust each other to function as a crew, and that the information I carry about Ranger technology may help us in the war, I may regret this later, but I've decided that the potential benefits of breaking that oath outweigh the risks. I'm far from happy about it, though."

He pauses to breathe once more, head bowed. That's it. No more secret identity. Though he feels a brief twinge of sadness over losing that connection to his former life, he has to admit that finally confiding in someone has its advantages too.

"Were you imagining something along those lines?"

Brainy...smiles at him?

He holds up his hand with his Legion flight ring.

"This is not just a cosmetic adornment," he says. "In my world and time, there is a group, comprised of members from the various worlds of the United Planets, called the Legion of Superheroes, of which I am a member. We were gathered together by the industrialist responsible for uniting the United Planets with the invention of his stargates, and one of the union's greatest supporters. Our mission is to protect the United Planets from forces both external and internal that would tear it apart or harm the citizens of any world. If that sorceress was your primary enemy, you have my deepest condolences. Magic is frustratingly messy business. We had a sorceror named Mordru that was among one of our many, many enemies."

The smirk increases just a little.

"Yes, I was deducing something along those lines. There are scientists, and then there are scientists like us, for which a situation like this is perhaps somewhat unusual, but nothing that can't be adapted to."

Edited 2009-01-21 02:21 (UTC)

There's a brief flash of surprise on Billy's face, but that quickly fades into an appreciative smile. He's immensely relieved that Brainy understands, and maybe the former Ranger feels a little less alone in this ordeal.

"I thought we'd had our hands full defending a single city, but none of our adventures were quite up to that scale. You're again correct about the magic, though---when she used her abilities to their fullest extent, she was a formidable adversary. She's managed to seize control of my mind more than once, and it's only due to a combination of my willpower, the other Rangers' dedication, and her astounding lack of foresight that she was never able to use me to completely destroy the Rangers." He shakes his head, shuddering at those memories. If he ever gets the chance, he'll have to make finding a way to protect his mind from outside influence a priority.

There's a small nod from Billy. "Indeed. When you've lived as we have, it's hard to imagine life before the chaos. I've almost forgotten what 'normalcy' means to someone who isn't involved."

"The scale is mitigated somewhat by the technology at our disposal and the size of our team--it isn't called a 'legion' for naught. One city, however, is nothing to be scoffed at. Many of the legendary heroes whose legacy the legion holds dear protected one city, and simply joined together to battle greater threats."

"Which sounds like our current situation." His steps are more certain by now.

"Most of the people I protected back there were my friends and neighbors, people I've known all my life. But being a Ranger was always about being part of something greater than ourselves, protecting those who needed us wherever they were. This is the next logical step, I suppose."

Actually---he's reminded of something else. "Where are we headed?"

"The transport tubes. There are other sections of the ship. I believe you saw the Hub when you were transported up from the Pod Cavern, yes? The tubes lead back to the Pod Caverns, but there's another open area as well."

He steps on the invisible platform and signals for Billy to join him.

"Affirmative. I wasn't able to determine much at that point though."

He nods and steps onto the platform beside Brainy. And...liftoff!

They're zipped down to the Hub again, the massive cavern full of holes that lead to other areas of the ship, like the inside of a hive.

"I've already attempted to explore some of the tunnels, but I've been blocked by Stacy each time," says Brainy. "However, this area remains unblocked. At the bottom of the Hub, a tunnel leads to the Medical Wing.

"That's the Infirmary." Which was huge, meant for treating thousands at a time, though only the area closest to the door seemed to be operational at the time.

"Contagion Containment and Treatment--locked and sealed, and given the name, perhaps it should be. We don't know what state it was left in and if the environment inside is sterile."

The last one...

"Special Weapons Division."

With a busted up laboratory, but a laboratory regardless. A huge one. Not unlike the one Brainy had showed him in the Sensorium.

"I believe we can use the Sensoriums to construct equipment to get this lab fully operational, and then start using it to its fullest capacity."

Billy's making a mental note of all the locations they pass, making affirming noises at Brainy's descriptions of the rooms. He hopes he'll never have to visit either of those first two.

Finally, they're inside the laboratory. Again, he's awed by the advances made in technology, but a little saddened that such a fine laboratory would be left in such a state of disrepair.

"I agree. With some sustained effort, I believe we can restore full functionality to this laboratory." He's mostly sure of that, anyway. The technology is bound to present its own unique challenges.

"Is there anyone else onboard who would be willing to assist you, or capable of it?"

"Tony Stark, I believe the man's name is, appears to have some mechanical expertise, judging from the reactor he constructed and implanted in his chest to deal with some sort of heart condition. Then there are a few others that are scientifically minded, though I'm unsure if that means they have enough of a grasp on mechanics to do so."

He picks up a piece of equipment that was upended from the floor and restores it to its upright position.

"It will likely take quite a few hands to restore this lab to any state of operability."

He looks around, and points to the door marked "Acquisitions."

"I would also like to determine a way to unblock that room. There's no controls to hack and I've attempted brute force to no avail. I suspect there may be usable equipment within. Although..."

He blows out some air.

"I do worry about what's contained within, given the apparent intended nature of this laboratory."

Edited 2009-01-24 18:43 (UTC)

He glances around the laboratory once more and has to agree. Given the scope of the damage and lack of readily available supplies, it'll be quite a task. Dispersing the intangible feeling of a haunted past will be even more difficult.

"Acquisitions?" He takes a moment to consider what that could possibly mean. He's envisioning teleporters, laser rigs, highly destructive machinery, and all sorts of heavy artillery within, possibly gathered from the far ends of the universe. All behind a locked and seemingly impenetrable door.

"Maybe the control panel is located elsewhere, or there's another entrance in the blocked-off tunnels? It's impossible to judge wisely without knowing the contents of the room, but I believe it's worth our effort to investigate. I wouldn't do so without significant preparation, though. Perhaps a team as well." Not a good idea to enter the unknown machinery of doom without backup, not even for heroes.

"For now, I'll concentrate on repairing what we already have access to." Another glance at the broken equipment around them.

Greet the (New) Meat! (no, don't eat them!)

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