Awakening - The Ts'usugi

Posted on Thu Aug 10th, 2017 @ 2:10pm by Lieutenant JG Elliot Keller & Commander Bertrand Cuprum & Lieutenant Valeria Mordin

Mission: Awakening

Cuprmum nodded at his crew as they walked past him intot he USS Torrens runabout, "Mordin, Keller, Evans and McCarver. All present."

He moved through to the pilot's chair and radioed through, "USS Torrens to Opps. Flight plan is logged and we are waiting for your Green to go."

"You are cleared to depart USS Torrens." The Captain said over the Comm. "See you soon."

Bertrand lifted the ship easily of the pad and out through the hangar doors. Once he cleared the shields he turned in a slow arc towards the Ts'usugi ship of war. He glanced at Mordin.

"Would you like to do a slow flyby first? I imagine it has been a long time since you saw anything of home?"

"Ts'usugi don't get homesick like other explorers do." she explained, "Though, perhaps an examination of the hull would be prudent. Check for signs of any hostile encounters they may have had." Ts'usugi couldn't ever just say 'yes', it seemed. The hull, as it turned out, showed signs of standard interstellar transit. Little scuff marks here and there, but no signs of any recent conflict.

The ship, though, was a sight to see this close. Its entire shape spoke of power and control, entering a conflict and winning the day almost by just arriving. Everything about it was designed to survive and to prevail, from the aesthetics down to the actual armament and while Valeria commented that Ts'usugi don't get homesick her evaluation of the hull was the most attentive. It was a long time. Perhaps too long...

"Every Ts'usugi craft has a piece of home with it, Commander." Valeria finally broke her silence. "Be it a painting, or a garden, or a sculpture. We bring our home with us, and it inspires us to protect our craft as though it were our home."

"I brought a flower." she said with a ghost of a smile.

The 'inspection' was cut in by the comms. "Federation Shuttle, this is Hangar Control. Should all meet your approval your approach vector and hangar are ready." and one of the hangar doors slid open, revealing the hangar within. Unlike the greyish silver of the exterior, the interior of the craft was a soft, almost drab green. Hangar crew scurried about within, having prepared the landing zone for their Federation inspection.

"Roger that, Razor's Gale," Bertrand adjusted their course.

The landing procedure was, for lack of a better term, textbook. Docking tractors locked onto the shuttlecraft and brought her in with the precision expected of the system. A gentle landing while the hangar door sealed behind the shuttle, and then everything came to rest. In the hangar bays adjacent to the one the Shuttle landed in were fighter craft of some alien design, the specifications of which were covered in Valeria's briefing. Seeing them in the flesh, as it were, was quite a sight still. One of the hangars far from the Shuttle held a Ts'usugi shuttle of their own, apparently on standby in case there was a need to ferry crew about. The hangar crew couldn't help but stop their duties to investigate the Federation craft... As alien as the Ts'usugi were to Starfleet, Starfleet was just as alien to them.

At the bow of the shuttlecraft there was something of a greeting gathered. A female Ts'usugi, dressed in a vibrant red uniform with that same light hexagon pattern printing, stood at attention at the front. She wore a drab green collar piece that attached to a shoulder piece, and had a firearm of some design on her hip. Below the firearm, secured with a holster, she had a small combat knife. Along the upper torso trim of her uniform, over where her collar bone would be assuming she had them, there were two silver circles.

To her sides were four soldiers, for lack of a more apt term. Standing at attention, the four of them wore uniforms similar to each other, though only the Ts'usugi in front had the collar / shoulder patch pieces. Perhaps a mark of station. On her left forearm she wore some form of device, like a bracer of some form.

"She's the ship's Master of Security. The collar is a hologram projector, a badge of office for senior staff only. It's used for bringing up information, communicating... think of it like a PaDD." Valeria mentioned, then she squinted a bit, "Two moons. She'd be just below your rank, Commander. Though being the head of a division gives her some prestige and pull. Just remember, regardless of how many moons she's wearing, her rank is Master of Security."

"The device on her arm is similar to Federation commbadges. Tracks biometrics for permissions and door security, tracks locations in case of a security emergency, and handles communications. I would expect us each to receive one during our stay."

"Understood," Bertrand responded, securing the helm controls. "For future reference it may be possible to modify compins to emit the appropriate signals as well to limit the need. Just a thought."

"Federation craft..." the head of security for the Ts'usugi craft started, "I am Gabella Doora, Master of Security of the Imperial Cruiser Razor's Gale." with that, she snapped to attention, as did the four soldiers to her flanks. They bowed deep at the waist, though she remained upright, "In accordance with the Joint Defensive Accords, the ship and crew stand ready for your inspection." and the four soldiers returned to an upright stance of attention.

Bertrand returned the bow and then proceeded with introductions, "Commander Bertrand Cuprum, First officer of the USS Victory. This is Lt Keller, our chief Diplomat, Lieutenant Commander Evans, our Chief of Security and Lt McCarver his 2IC. You may know Lt Mordin our chief Science officer."

There was an odd moment when Gabella noticed Valeria, and there was almost a spark in the air. Competition? Aggression? It was impossible to tell, but it passed as soon as it started, "You will each be outfitted with a macchi, or bracer of duty, during your time aboard the Razor's Gale. These devices track your location in case of an emergency, but also handle your allowances." as she spoke, the four soldiers behind her presented each of the crew from the Victory with one of the bracers. They seemed rather universal in design and size, and when clasped together the internal section inflated slightly to provide for a more comfortable fit.

"These are worn by all Ts'usugi while on duty. Any door you approach will scan for these and will open or remain sealed based on permissions. General areas such as the mess hall and the fitness centers require no permissions, and thus don't require a macchi. Your macchi are set to a permission level of Inspector Sub One. This means that there are exactly two doors that they cannot open without an escort: The Shipmaster's personal quarters and Engineering's Primary Matter Storage. My macchi opens one of those doors, and Shipmaster Koichi's opens them all." she said, with no small hint of pride. If she weren't a Ts'usugi, her eyes would shine with that statement.

"I formally welcome you aboard the Imperial Cruiser Razor's Gale. The inspection begins at your command."

"We formally acknowledge your welcome," Bertrand responded, while fixing the macchi device to his right arm, "but we are here as allies and, we hope, friends. Please allow your crew to continue their duties without undue concern at our presence. You and your crew are not under investigation. Neither are the crew of the Delecari ship. We are here to determine if a breach of treaty has occurred, and help broker an outcome to any such breach that will maintain the peace for both your races benefit."

The Master of Security actually gave a smile, and a nod, "I'm delighted to hear it." and she turned to her left, and then her right. She noticed that the hangar crew was looking over the Federation shuttle, and then she mentioned something in the melodic tongue of the Ts'usugi. No universal translator here to help, though the effect was noted. The hangar crew got in their last looks and glances, before returning to the task at hand.

"They're fascinated by your shuttle. I told them to save their questions for the end." she clarified.

Elliot looked around the Hangar and was in awe at the scope and size of such a vessel. The Diplomatic Officer was close to the back and didn't know what to say exactly. "How many does your Ship house?" He asked curiously.

"The Razor's Gale supports a full crew of three hundred and twenty." she replied. "At any given time, a third to half of them are considered actively on duty. The rest are either off duty or on summons."

"How should we refer to you?" Bertrand asked. "Would it be Gabella, Ms. Doora, Two Moons, or simply Master in consideration of your position?"

"Refer to me by name. My rank, nor my station, hold any title over you. Merely the respect of the achievement. I'm three ranks beneath Shipmaster, if that helps symbolize where I stand in your hierarchy." she paused, "Gabella will do. Master of Security if you must."

"I am an investigator among our people, so would you mind if I asked a few questions? The accusation of AI development is quite a severe one. Who is it who first identified the particular issue? Was it one of your crew or the Dalacari themselves?"

"I don't mind at all." she replied before responding, "Our last solid contact with the Dalacari explorer was after an incident at the nebula border. One of their drones went in to explore, then went offline. Another drone was sent in to retrieve it, and also went offline. They raised shields and approached the nebula with their craft, in the attempt to tractor them out of the mass. There was a high-energy discharge that shorted most of their systems. The last communication we had with them was that there was a systemic error with the Thinking Engine, and they were treating it as a possible emergence event. I'm personally uncertain what criteria they used to reach this conclusion." Gabelle explained, "They recalled all of their drones for manual deactivation, ran up the status lights, and cut communications up until your arrival. A series of lights along their hull let us know their general status and degree of concern. So far, they haven't given the all clear but they also haven't given us the fail sign."

"We're waiting for either." she said, and there was a grim undercurrent to the statement.

"That's a very grey area." Keller commented. "Action cannot be taken in the event there is nothing to be concerned with, but vice versa there is the possibility that by ignoring it you are leaving yourself exposed."

She gave a nod, "Life often exists in the grey. If there is an emergence, it may not permit the fail sign to be displayed, which is why it was agreed that a third party would arbitrate. Hence, you are here."

"I am confident whatever the outcome we are prepared. I am also confident in your other team's ability to perform their task."

"You have had dealings with the Federation before?" Bertrand asked, wondering where the certainty she expressed came from.

"None, but your prompt response to the burden we've imposed upon you certainly helps your standing in my books." she replied. "We've overheard several mentions of the Federation's reputation as neutral third-parties. So far, your reputation is earned."

The fact that the alarm was raised by the Delecari is encouraging," Bertrand observed. "It means they are dedicated to a positive resolution. They are not protecting their pride or agenda, but announcing it."

"I am not sure if you are the right person to ask, Gabelle, but I will ask it anyway. What evidence would the Ts'usugi require to demonstrate that this is not an Emergent AI? You must have very clear guidelines stipulated in your treaty."

Gabelle gave a nod, "I don't know if I am or not, but I know the procedure's basics. Various tests of logic and reason determination would be run. Some would pass and give specific results, others a non-sentient system would fail to answer and give a fail result. If every test run produces the expected pass or fail, then the system is not sentient. Complex math equations, followed by a series of images with questions like 'Which is more favorable' or 'In a blue room with green carpet, which would be more pleasant to a guest'. Questions that cannot be answered without, for lack of a better term, a soul."

"Secondly, Assuming the worst, that this IS an emergent intelligence, what would the Ts'usugi expect to be done about it? Would the destruction of this unit be sufficient? Would further restrictions be placed on the Delecari? Would the Ts'usugi be willing to make other sacrifices themselves to compensate for the new restrictions being placed on your long time ally?"

"We'd expect the erasure of any emergent AI within their Thinking Engine. I understand that there is the argument that the system could benefit from sentience, and that we don't know if it hinders progress. Though, there's also the argument that a sentient computer in charge of an entire military arm could possibly pose serious harm to both the Dalacari and ourselves. The Dalacari use their drones as, essentially, servants and expendable troops. If the Engine were to become sentient, and learn that its drones are thrown at any issue to defend the living, while back on Dalacar drones are servants and workers so that the Dalacari can live lives of science and exploration... the fact that a revolution is even an option is what troubles us."

"As for further restrictions, that entirely depends on this moment. If this was an accident, then there really is no need to restrict them further. They're a marvelous people, but accidents happen." she continued. "However, if this were a deliberate act of advancement, taking advantage of the fact that we're all so far from home, then we'd really need to consider it. Would all of the Dalacari need to be more closely observed just because of a few hundred willing to take advantage of distance? Certainly not. Though, it isn't my call ultimately."

"As for what would happen in regards to my people, that I honestly cannot say. As long as I can remember we've been allies with the Dalacari. Shepard and shield, some would say. I find them fascinating, like looking at both sides of the same coin. Though.." and she gave a smirk, "... talking to them can be something of a headache."

"Has the Federation dealt with emergent AI's in its history, Commander? And how were they dealt with?" she paused, "And where would you like to inspect next? I can't imagine the hangar bay being all that interesting now that you've seen it."

"There are instances in our history." Keller interjected as he handed the Officer a PADD. "M5 the Computer of Doctor Daystrom, the Android Commander Data,"

She took the PaDD as offered, but those reflectionless eyes remained focused now on Keller. She'd read up later. "A ranked AI? Interesting. I can see how your distance from the Borg might make your feelings towards AI's a bit lax, no offense intended. One of the battle strategies we often train under is the scenario of a compromised Dalacari craft under Borg control."

"Assimilation is highly traumatic for them. As for us, we have a creed. Never will there be a compromised Ts'usugi." a pause from the Master of Security. "It's one of the reasons we all carry a knife."

Bertrand had gone silent at the mention of Borg. He stood still now his left fist clenched as he fought to bring himself under control. He did not dare to let himself speak. How dare this woman casually suggest the Federation's response the the Borg was lax. No offense? How could that statement be anything but offensive.

"In our experience of the Borg," he managed slowly, "we have found that the initial assimilation is so fast that the body can loose complete muscle control in seconds. I doubt you would get the chance to draw your knife. And I hope you never need to find out."

She paused after that to take a breath, "Apologies, I imagine that may have gone someplace irrelevant to the investigation. Next station on your investigation?"

Jamie, who had been distracted most of the tour lifted her head realizing bertrand wasn't answering the question. "Shouldn't we go to the bridge, to meet the captain?" She looked over at the others for support on her idea hoping she made the right decision to speak up.

"I agree with Lieutenant McCarver." Elliot commented. "It seems the best course of action."

"Of course. Follow me." Gabelle replied, followed by a nod to her troop. Two of the four waited until the group had passed before taking up the rear guard as she lead them through the halls and door hatches towards the rear of the ship. The hallways were a little less illuminated than perhaps some would like, though what they lacked in brightness they made up for in completeness. It was more around an intensity setting of 70%, using Federation standards.

At every intersection, a security officer was on duty or more precisely a soldier. This may very well just be because of the inspection, or perhaps they truly were this cautious when in someone else's territory. As the group approached the last hallway to the bridge, the odd silence of the ship became apparent. On a Federation ship there was always a hum, or a vibration in the deck, or some form of background noise from the engines and the reactor. That noise was missing on this craft, though obviously powered and active she was as silent as space. Silent as a tomb.

The Razor's Gale seemed to have all the amenities of a Federation Craft to a point. Turbolifts brought crew from deck to deck, while there were spaces set aside for recreation, meals, and even regions for self-improvement through weapons training, physical training, or even just relaxing in some regard.

At the final door before the bridge was another set of security forces, who went so far as to verify the identity and authority of even the Master of Security. Once her credentials checked, they opened the final hatch to the bridge: A set of two doors that all but sealed the bridge away from the rest of the ship. Once inside, they saw the command center for the Ts'usugi gunship. Stations with Ts'usugi manning them, everything from Engineering styled readouts of power distribution to tactical stations assessing threats and tracking potential targets. On the far wall from the entrance to the bridge there was a main screen, which showed the view outside the gunship's hull. At its center of the activity of the bridge was the Shipmaster, a tall figure dressed in the same drab uniform he wore when initially greeting the Federation. As he stood, a strange holographic display rose with him. Shaped like an oval a foot wide at the widest and half that at the narrowest, it lingered for a moment before he dismissed it with a hand wave.

"Federation inspection team, I welcome you to the bridge of the Razor's Gale." he turned and walked up the outer walkway to receive them. "I am Shipmaster Koichi, authority on this ship. Her systems and personnel stand ready."

Elliot nodded and bowed his head. "I'm Lieutenant Keller, the Diplomatic Liason Officer for Victory." He smiled. "Our First Officer Commander Cuprum, Commander Evans, Lieutenant McCarver and Lieutenant Mordin." He said giving them their introductions.

The Shipmaster gave a nod to each of the Victory crew as they were introduced. "You have our appreciations. I trust so far that things meet with your satisfaction." Koichi stated with what could be mistaken for Ts'usugi warmth. Truth was, he wanted this entire ordeal behind him as much as the next sentient. He turned slightly, to view the Dalacari craft floating in space, and the Victory standing between them on the view screen. "An impressive design, if I may say. She seems inviting, almost under protected... but I imagine it's a ruse. If I may, I also approve of the name you've chosen to give her: Victory."

"No matter what form it takes, victory." this seemed to satisfy him, as he turned back to the group. "We have yet to receive the all clear, though at the same time there's no sign of the fail sign. Have you heard anything from the other inspection team of yet?" he asked.

Keller smiled. "Her lineage is a proud one Sir, famed for an old Sailing Ship of our history that was as formidable as she was elegant." The Diplomat then turned. "And nothing from the other team as of yet, they are our best minds in technology and analysis they will not rush into a solution until every avenue has been explored."

Koichi nodded, "The Razor's Gale is named for the cold winds that blow across the frozen lakes in the winter. A breeze that can numb to the bone, and a chill that cuts through any layers of defenses. She was born to fight, and when the option arose to follow an Explorer through to unknown stars and defend her to the death, I couldn't refuse. I rotated my crew, choosing only those who had nothing to lose, or were unconcerned with the notion of never seeing home again, and we set out. The Dalacari provided the means, but for the moment, we are here until the end."

He took a moment to notice Valeria, and gave her a nod. "And how does a daughter of Ts'usu find herself in such company, in such garments?"

Valeria took a moment, then offered a smirk, "Diligence." and the laugh that erupted from the Shipmaster spoke of the amusement he received from the reply. It was odd, seeing a Ts'usugi express emotion so vividly, so openly. "I expected nothing less." he finally replied, once he caught the moment.

"Though, our story is one that can be told when there is less on the line. I grant you full freedom from the burden of rank and assurance of non-offense. Ask what you wish, request what you wish. Be it in my authority it shall be done." a pause, "System."

There was a chime. It sounded pleasant enough, like a windchime made of glass.

"Mark the time for the record on the official log. The Federation inspection team is granted full freedom of burden." the shipmaster called to, presumably, the ship's computer. There was another chime, and a pleasant female voice replied to the shipmaster. Though it was in the native tongue of the Ts'usugi.

Bertrand was still dour, "With your permission, Shipmaster, I would like to establish a comms link with the Delecari ship, and our crew. First part of any negotiation is communication. Valeria, you are familiar with the systems, show McCarver how it is done. Keller, you are our Liaison with the Command crew here. "

Joichi nodded, "Of course. Nadira." he turned to face one of the Ts'usugi at one of the stations. "Familiarize Mister Keller with your station." and the indicated Ts'usugi gave a nod as she complied, "Yes, Shipmaster. Mister Keller, if you would?" and she motioned to the console before her. The layout was easy to pick up, being built for speed of use. She explained things with a pride in her voice as she did so, perhaps she had been a comms officer for a while now.

Keller nodded as he approached one of the Communication Stations. The Ts'usugi Officer was very polite showing the Diplomat how it was done. "We've got a priority message from the Dalacari and Victory......" Keller paused. "They want to take the Thinking Engine to Victory as neutral ground and to keep it all above board have a Ts'usugi Detail present."

Shipmaster Koichi raised an eyebrow, "An interesting move. I hadn't expected it. Security Master, prepare a group. Lightly armed, and ensure at least one of them is a linguistics crossover." and at the order, Gabelle gave a nod. "I'll need you here in case things develop poorly, so pick a team with manners." there was a smirk, as though some unknown, private joke had been invoked. Gabelle gave another nod, "I have a team selected. They'll be in the hangar in minutes." then she turned towards Bertrand, "Do you consent to having a Ts'usugi detail on your craft during the arbitration process?"

"They will follow all laws and directions provided, duty bound by their service to this ship and to the Joint Defensive Accord."

As Diplomatic Officer it was Elliot's job to ensure that the request of approved was to go off without a hitch. He knew they were onto something big and the possibilities of a new set of allies was enticing.

Bertrand nodded, "You are, of course, welcome to send a delegation. I am aware that many of your crew are as curious about us as we are about you. However, not everyone has been briefed on protocol, regarding your species, so I suggest you channel your questions through Lieutenants Mordin and Keller. I will delegate Mc Carver here to be your security liaison while you are aboard. We will retire to our Runabout and await your delegates."

Bertrand nodded to the others and waited for the Shipmaster's leave.

"Very well I believe that is a suitable request." The Shipmaster commented. "It should not take us long to assemble a delegation."

Keller liked this part of his job. "I shall be on hand to answer any questions that your Delegation may have about the Victory, her Crew or general queries towards the Federation."

Efficient and effective. The Shipmaster rather approved of this. "Then it seems this will be handed." he said with a nod, "Our detachment will meet you in the Hangar Bay, and will make the trip to the Victory aboard the Ivory Chariot. One of our shuttles, so as to not burden you with needing to bring them back." he added.

"Dismissed, and all luck." he bid them.

Ivory Chariot? How very poetic. Elliot thought to himself.

The trip back to the hangar bay was quick and uneventful, knowing most of the way already. A small detachment of Ts'usugi were gathering near one of the Blink Shuttles as the Victory crew returned to their runabout. The Ivory Chariot was a little bulkier, a little more stylized, but in a contest of speed she'd never even hope to win against a Runabout. Mostly due to the Runabout's warp capacity.

"Lance Squadron is still on standby in case anything goes wrong." Gabelle mentioned before the group boarded their shuttle. "We normally don't allow shuttles out without an escort, but sending too many ships back and forth might make the situation too tense."

There was a momentary pause, "I look forward to our next meeting, hopefully under less tense circumstances." then after a moment to allow the crew to board, "Safe flight. We'll watch over you until the dock." the Master of Security mentioned, with something of a reverence to that last part. Like it was a common saying, or some form of superstition. As she spoke, one of the Ts'usugi detachment made his way over towards the Victory runabout. A drab grey furred male, dressed in an equally drab grey uniform. "Greetings. My name is Kallim, I'm part of the Foreign Relations Commission. I was curious if you'd allow me to travel to your craft in your shuttle?"

"Actually, would a cultural transit exchange be permissive?" Valeria asked the Commander.

Cuprum actually smiled a little, "I was going to recommend it. Why don't you all go and accompany your new charges and I can take anyone who wants a ride in a Runabout back with me. I can fly her. Heck, over this short distance she can practically fly herself."

Bertrand kicked himself mentally, remembering too late the Ts'usugi issue with AI, "Not that we would ever do that except in the most extreme of situations."

Valeria gave a nod, then stood at attention briefly before she crossed the hangar deck towards the Ts'usugi Blink Shuttle, the Ivory Chariot.

Keller made the save for the Commander. "I believe we are wasting precious time by waiting around, so shall we?"

Kallim gave Keller a nod and something of a soft smile, "I can understand the rush. There's no place like home after all and I admit I am as curious as the next about your shuttle. Runabout, was it? An interesting name." the drab grey Ts'usugi paused to look it over, "But while the Accords never list a time frame, I'm eager to see this matter behind us as well regardless of the outcome. After all, it'll be someone like me working out the details should the worst arise but let's not dwell on that. Would you kindly show me the way?"

"By all means." Keller commented as he motioned for their host to lead the way onto the Runabout. "Our Runabout is called the USS Dee, named for a River located in one of Earths Smallest Cities......"