trans_9 | Research of an unusual kind [open]

Cargn, having been part of the crew for far longer than anyone else, knew a lot of useful secrets the ship held.

For example, it was a little known fact that the Sensoriums were the best place in the ship to perform psychic research, as psychic energy flowed more freely within their walls.

"Stacy," he said, walking into one of the Sensoriums, "Initiate program 788-291-Primaris."

The room changed, becoming a featureless white room, and the tall robed figure of Cargn placed the blue wooden box in his hands on the ground in front of him. He knelt down, opening the box and retrieving the crystalline sphere that was the Map, obtained during the previous mission.

He lifted the Map up, allowing it to float in mid-air thanks to the invisible force field provided by Stacy.

"Establish a psycholine and begin monitoring any changes. Make sure to record all the data as well."

Numerous holographic screens suddenly appeared, surrounding Cargn, each one displaying a dizzying array of data. Satisfied his preparations were complete, he placed his hands on either side of the Map, and began to concentrate, establishing a psychic connection between himself and the sphere before him.

Lines of energy, like miniature bolts of lightning, jumped from the sphere to Cargn's fingertips, causing him to wince slightly. Blood began to slowly drip from his nose, but he paid no attention to that.

The serious look on his face as he delved into the secrets of the Map mirrored his conviction as he pressed on despite the pain. He knew that this one task would bring him one major step forward towards his own goals. He would not allow himself to fail in this.

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More pulses of psychic energy emanated from the Map as Cargn continued further, causing him to slow his advance as the artifact began to observe them just as much as they were observing it.

Even just from what he had seen so far, he knew the Map was far more complex than what he himself had imagined.

"This is going to be quite the task," Cargn observed dryly.

"Really? You don't say -- must have been asleep for that part," the Doctor replied back.

But he wouldn't have it any other way. Fascinating stuff just...just brilliant!

The Doctor was right behind his friend, acting as support. Okay, that Map wanted to observe them? A psychic staring contest? He could do that, the Doctor not flinching back as it continued to pulse, observing right back. His eyes flicked from right to left at all the information, not quite reading it, looking past those bolts dancing across their hands and the sphere. He continued about his work, definitely feeling a mental strain. Hadn't felt one like this in at least a few decades. Maybe a few centuries.

Slowly, so as not to cause any unforeseen reaction from the Map, Cargn pulled his mind away from the artifact. His shoulders slumped slightly, obviously exhausted from just delving through the outer layers of the Map.

Thankfully, though, he believed they now had enough data to proceed with caution in future tests.

"I believe that is enough for now," he said, removing his hand from the artifact to retrieve a handkerchief from his sleeve, wiping the blood from his nose. "I must say, your assistance has proven most valuable. I don't know if you would be willing to, but your continued help in future tests would be much appreciated."

It's not often Cargn offers to let someone work with him, secretive as he is.

The Doctor, it seemed, had faired better than his friend. No nosebleed for him (at least not yet -- he hadn't been in contact with it enough). The Time Lord broke the connection, taking a step back as he felt everything snap back around him and the information went back to just images and pure data on those screens instead of in his mind. The Doctor watched as his newfound friend dealt with the nosebleed, about to offer his own handkerchief.

But the fellow was already prepared, apparently. Good man, never know when you could stand to use a good handkerchief! The Doctor thought more people out there could be as prepared as this man.

The Doctor smiled, waiting for that slight ache in his head to settle.

"I'd be willing. I'm the Doctor, by the way," the Doctor stuck out his hand with a friendly smile. "Fairly easy to find, usually knocking about in the big blue box in the hanger. Or the omnicomms," he added. Bit expected, though, and he did like visitors: especially competent ones who knew their stuff psychically.

Jamie would probably say he just wanted any excuse to show off the TARDIS and the Scot would be absolutely right.

Cargn laughed and shook the man's hand.

"Brother Cargn Thane," he replied. "I am normally found in the Shrine of the Aquila in the City, though today's endeavor required more specialized facilities."

"What type of turnaround are you expecting with the Map?" The Doctor asked, turning to glance once again at the sphere, then at the flickering panels. "Have you already had previous exposure to this type of technology?"

He would make a guess that he had, but if he hadn't, well. It wasn't like there weren't lifeforms out there who decided to learn things by sticking their hands down dark holes and seeing where that got them. Sometimes it could get results. And Brother Thane here seemed to have handled himself remarkably well for that level of data.

"It will take some time to come up with a reliable estimate," he said, "But I believe, proceeding with enough caution to ensure neither the Map nor my own psyche are damaged, it will likely take at best several months. Possibly less if there is a major clue hidden in the data somewhere, but it that is the best I can do with what I know now."

"What about dividing the work? Surely there are other psychics here who can assist you," the Doctor said. Hardly a thing for a human such as a Jamie, but with the amount of crew rescued, he'd think that there would be some other psychics out there for Brother Thane to choose from. Several months in relative time could mean the end of even more planets and systems.

The Doctor turned away from the sphere, his hands in his trouser pockets, to face Thane again.

"There are several with the power to do so, yes," he replied, "But none with the proper experience."

He looked particularly thoughtful for a moment.

"It would be easy for one without much experience to lose themselves to such an artifact, especially one that seems so eager to synchronize with one's mind. I have dealt with similar beings before, and I have the experience to keep my wits about me as I research further into its nature."

"Still," he added, "I would not be averse to more assistance should we find a candidate with enough skill."

"If I find anyone, I'll direct them your way," the Doctor said. Experience did tend to help speed things, especially with handling one of a kind, possibly dangerous alien artifacts. Maybe it was just his natural curiosity or it was an effect of the sphere itself, but the Doctor kept finding his eyes sliding away from Brother Thane to the Map, as if drawn to it. He tore his eyes away once more, almost reluctantly. Saying it was "fascinating" was bordering on an insult -- he had to give this device more credit than that.

The Doctor focused on the other man, leaning in close. No fresh nosebleed, but...

"Are you sure you're all right? You look a bit under the weather." Or he did to the Doctor. Then again, the Doctor probably wasn't the best judge of what "under the weather" looked like: it was one of those things that fluctuated for humans depending on what century they were from, rather like if they were still trying on horns or if it was those manufactured scales that were fashionable. The Doctor leaned in closer toward Brother Thane, studying him.

Cargn looked up slightly as the Doctor moved a bit closer, and now he could get a better look at what was under the old man's hood. Scarred, empty eye sockets peered out at the other man, and his face was covered in countless scars covered his face. Above his right brow was a pair of rivets and what appeared to be a small, twin headed eagle-shaped plate.

"I am fine," he replied. "I did not live to be this old by letting such things get to me."

The Doctor leaned back after getting a good look, nodding. That was one way of putting it and he thought he could empathize with that. Old age wasn't just waking up and finally noticing you'd gone gray (again). The scarred eye sockets had been startling but there were other ways to see -- he assumed Brother Thane here was utilizing them since he seemed to be tracking him well enough. He looked like the sort of man who could take care of himself.

"Fine way to live by," the Doctor commented. "Pleasure meeting you. Hopefully we'll have some something from the Map soon."

Research of an unusual kind [open]

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