Caretakers Request

Posted on Tue Oct 4th, 2022 @ 10:25am by Captain Maia Sterling & Lieutenant Steve O'Carroll & Lieutenant Commander Sheena Toran-Blake & Lieutenant Commander Robert Hendon & Lieutenant JG Gavin Ross & Lieutenant Jonathan (Jon) Riley & Lieutenant JG Marina Tanger & Lieutenant Kasey Tanger & Lieutenant Commander Havri Belbre & Lieutenant Isabelle Raal & Captain Karyn Somers & Lieutenant Rick Gibbs & Lieutenant JG T'Plana-hath

Mission: Shore Leave
Location: Omicron Delta Staging Area
Timeline: 239509.15

[ON]

Once the crew of the Leto has seated a great column of light appeared on the stage and a 60 ft tall holographic image of the caretaker appeared.

"Welcome, Captain and crew of the USS Leto. I am sorry that we are meeting under such circumstances. Approximately 2 standard months ago a group of Ferengi and Orion Pirates attempted to take control of the central planetary computer. They had partial success and have been terrorizing guests ever since. One hundred and twenty years ago Captain James T. Kirk made planetfall here and he and his crew after clearing up some misunderstandings helped the central computer find its own purpose. By demonstrating that kind of honour and insight we have scoured the heavens for another Federation Starfleet crew to help us regain control of the computer complex."

"Now using an alien device the Pirates are able to warp the dreams of people and turn them into horrific nightmares they are even capable of a certain amount of mind control. They have turned their crew into the stuff of nightmares. They are still attempting to take over more of the computer complex. I humbly request that you fight for us using your dreams to combat the monsters they project. Using your imaginations and ingenuity you can conquer the fear they project and capture them in your dreams. You outnumber them two to one. Since we work with dreams we have structured this like a game or tournament. it falls in line with the parameters of the central computer. Please I ask that you help us. I have sent helpers in the form of Alice and the white rabbit who can open a portal to any place or fantasy you might have. Any Questions?

LCMD Belbre stood up, "I am Chief of Security and Chief Tactical Officer on the Leto. I was wondering if there is anything me and my security personnel can assist with. Perhaps we can help set up network security along with Engineering to prevent this in the future and also allow for the taking of control back from the Orion and Ferengi pirates as well."

"I know who and what you are Commander Belbre. You will become my Network security through your ingenuity and imagination, this is a war of the minds. Consider the pirates as a network virus, and yourselves as my anti-virus," The caretaker said.

Understood sir. We will be ready to go immediately.

Robert lifted a hand.” Dr Robert Hendon Chief Medical Officer. I understand from Starfleet historical records. That in that first contact one hundred and twenty years ago. There were some injuries far beyond our ability to repair. Will, you as on that case all those years ago. Be able to fix our people as you did then?” Robert asked,

We can make repairs to your physical nature as we did then provided you win the contest. If you don't win then your nature will become part of the system. It will be a living hell and a perversion of what this place stands for, Dr Hendon," The caretaker replied.

Robert did not like the sound of this. Unfortunately, there was only one answer to this.

“ Then maybe we should put in a procedure that if the worst happens. We can override the system and terminate the unlucky person's life. I know it sounds barbaric but I am sure death is better than becoming for all intents and purposes a zombie.” Robert said

Karyn shrugged, she was still bewildered by current events, her pragmatic mind and poor imagination allowed her to escape the things appearing before the group, she wondered what would have materialized had her Sister been here instead of her, and she shuddered to think.

T'Plana-hath stood up and inquired "Would it not be more logical to just open up a portal to the central planetary computer and allow us to deploy our Marine and Security contingents and engage these pirates? In the meantime, you as a caretaker could temporarily take the core computer offline to disrupt the pirate's use of the computer."

T'Plana'Hath of Vulcan, The Pirates are already part of the system. They are in a Meta-physical realm of thought. It would not be at all practical to do so, as they are in a different domain. I invite you to think outside of the box. This is presented as a game of thought and fantasy. You must think outside of the box. I am at my limit running the vast complex which is why I need fresh sentient minds to combat this sickness. I need you to be my anti-viral software, and take out the virus already infecting my systems," the caretaker said.

T'Plana-hath nodded, "There is the issue of the Leto and crew being attacked while performing this task for you. There are several old Warp signatures we were able to detect. Also given current intelligence the Orion Syndicate or a more radical splinter group is active within this sector, with heavily armed ships and crews. Would it not be advisable to at least have a skeleton crew manning the ship from orbit?"

Isabelle held up her hand. “Would anyone out on the surface of your planet be in danger? Only I think...” she looked around. “No, I know we’re missing at least one of our crew.” She looked towards Kasey, her thought was of Marina, who was definitely missing from the crowd. She then looked back at the Caretaker.

"Lieutenant Raal, the entire galaxy is at stake in the real world, If the pirates win, they will have control of sentient dreams, and they will wreak havoc across the quadrant. By controlling dreams they will be able to drive sentient beings insane, or trick and deceive them to war or worse. They could unbalance peace and by omens and portents drive others to war. Marina is present but is deliberately shielding her mind," The caretaker said.

Isabelle nodded. “That’s good to know, I’m sure Marina knows what she’s doing, thank you, Caretaker.”

“Chief of Science here, Dr Ross.” Gavin felt this was more of a lecture, news conference style of questioning the Caretakers.

“The Central Plexus computer, as you describe, can learn, and adapt. Suppose we can help the computer overcome its invaders by analyzing and recognizing the inherent greed and treachery of the Orion pirates with our help through our dreamscape. Do you seem certain that our dreams, our Starfleet morals, will be able to ‘fix’ your Central Plexus computer? I am weary of this Caretaker.” Ross warned

There were so many variables at stake if private personnel and dreamscapes were somehow collectively able to repel the Orion and Ferengi invaders of the computer. Like taking over the USS Leto in the process. How would they guard the Leto?

“I don’t think this is an appropriate response to an inherent attack on your main computer. By adding in our dreamscapes, we may end up making your situation, our situation in this worse altogether and open to the Orion and Ferengi Pirates.” Gavin paused with a frown.

“They would want to no doubt interfere with our Starship, its secrets, its defences, and main computer as well.” Realizing he had spoken his mind, Ross then left that statement sink in, a statement of caution and stepping back from offering their crew as dream police fighters, which might inherently backfire into giving away all the USS Leto operations to the Ferengi and Orion Pirates. They would no doubt believe it to be a priority, as well as the Caretaker computer.

“I don’t like it,” Ross stated to Captain Maia.

"I don't like it either, but I don't see as we have much of a choice in the matter. e have been asked for help and we should give it." The Captain stated.

Jon looked around, there was some apprehension in the room "It's kind of weird that the Ferengi and Orions are working together, we definitely need to be careful."

"They are probably all one crew, the syndicate isn't as purely racial as they once were," Maia said.

This whole situation was unnerving, to say the least. "Caretaker, what do you mean by being absorbed into the system should you not be able to repair one that gets killed? I am quite sure that, and if I remember my history if one dies in a dreamscape their body dies as a result," Sheena asked, maintaining her barriers up.

"The caretaker responded; For you, this will be more of a metaphysical experience. Your mental strength is what is called for, you will be brought into the system. Your essence will be turned into energy and reconstituted to form that can be used inside the mainframe computer. Think of it as fighting for the system in a different dimension. Your physical body will be maintained in a life support module. No physical harm will come to your bodies as they will be well maintained. Once you have completed freeing the system, you will be returned to your individual bodies." The Caretaker said.

“Well, that gives a whole new meaning to an out-of-body experience.” Isabelle gave an uncertain look. “What about those of us with mental abilities Caretaker? Would our abilities still work in this metaphysical state?”

"Mr Caretaker, what of those of us that are of a telepathic nature? Your system can surely recognize that telepaths could help in a means that would not need to have our crew be stripped of our essence and make our bodies vulnerable to the pirates if they were to attack while we are on life support." LT Kasey Tanger added as he stood up not really liking the idea of having his essence stripped from his physical body.

Rick finally stood after long enough of being quiet. "I have a pretty good idea of this and I know intimately of something pretty similar." Looking to Tanger first, "It's not a simple fact of needing telepathy and a mind's wavelength. It won't work that way. It literally is a type of integration to be had. Any disconnect can disrupt things, either to the system or yourself." Looking to Caretaker, "I also know of something to throw them off. Use a host to contend with. It's risky, but it may work. Leaving everyone else to continue with the task at hand. Which I volunteer for."

Ross listened to the crew speak to the Caretaker and jury some affirmation from the computer. Gavin was told this planet would interfere with their emotions, temptations, fears, and everything far between.

The Ferengi Daimon and the Orion Syndicate all had a hand in the workings of the Central Plexus computer. He didn’t like this one bit.

“I feel this will be a trying experience; I am concerned for the welfare of this crew.” He paused and shook his head. “I can’t believe we will allow our crew to the medical emergencies, traumatic issues at hand. But we are Starfleet officers; we must do what we must do….”

Just then, Ross felt a hair on the back of his neck. It was a feeling of…. He couldn’t reasonably ascertain. It wasn’t dread, and it wasn’t overwhelming happiness. What was it? He didn’t need a psychological blocker immediately, but he was on guard. On guard for the Leto crew from a Science Standpoint.

T'Plana-hath again reiterated her previous argument "I still feel it would be advisable to have a skeleton crew man the Leto from orbit."

Belbre replied, "The ship is safer on the planet where we can all get to it. If they attack the ship in orbit. It would make it too hard for everyone to get to and that would put it at risk, in an attack. I have security teams in rotating shifts protecting it. So everyone will get a chance to enjoy themselves. Also, there are special security measures surrounding the ship as well. I request that the Marines do security patrols in rotating shifts as well. Captain Somers do you agree we have the ship secured better here on the Planet?"

There was a sigh given as Rick sat back down, just to lay on his back. Resting his hands on his chest, fingers laced. "Except for the fact that everyone is over here, or suppose to be. Being the entire point when it's been said to all of us more than once. The entire ship's crew is supposed to be on the ground. Through the portals and over here for this. I'm not entirely sure how much more clearly the Maia or Caretaker can say it or how many different ways."

"Well, going by some of the entities that are appearing around us most of the crew have wild imaginations, that is for sure," Karyn said then looked at the Security Chief "while I applaud your security mind Commander, such precautions are not really needed, by Spidey sense is not tingling here" Karyn joked as she looked at Belbre

Belbre looked back at Captain Somers, "Just thinking about the ship's security is all Captain Somers. You know how us Chief of Security thinking about the safety of the ship Like always. It is had to let your guard down."

T'Plana-hath inquired "Perhaps we send the Nightstalker up into orbit. With her abilities she can monitor the situation and give early warning should any ships enter the system. This would also provide both orbital and air coverage meeting the security requirement of Commander Belbre."

Rick groaned, not sitting up, "The point is being missed here. Most of this is trust in our host. Who, to be honest from what we've seen, and what we know from past reports. On a normal day can do whatever they want with us and wipe us out. Instead are asking us for help on their terms. We should honour that. Correct, Maia?"

T'Plana-hath sighed inwardly and tried hard to control her emotions Totally illogical she thought. There needs to be orbital protection, there must be ships within the vicinity of this sector, ready to come to the assistance of those on the surface. "Very well, captain I will follow your orders. I have given my arguments and hope you judiciously consider them."

"I am still against this whole 'out of body experience '! I am not happy about having my essence removed from my body. It just sounds illogical and ludicrous." Sheena stated

Maia nodded at her first officer. She didn't much like the idea of an out-of-body experience either.

"It's quite understandable Commander Toran, this is not without its dangers. If the Ferengi and Orions win this whole sector will be in danger of collapse, not to mention this planet and its facilities." The caretaker said.

Belbre responded, " It is also our duty as Star Fleet Officer and ships crew to assist if we are able when someone asks Commander Toran. We cannot in this case stand by and let the Orions and Ferengi take control of this area of space. We must do what is necessary to protect this planet and the space around it."

Karyn was standing with her troops all were somewhat bewildered, especially her, here they were in a strange place that created people's thoughts, once again she wondered what her sister would have created after all she had been through in her past, but for now, until she was given a task she was essentially helpless.

“ I have to agree with Commander Toran. But for another reason apart from being turned into a Zombie if we die. I am concerned that once this is over. We may not be able to return to our bodies. Plus how well will they be protected while we are away?” Robert asked

The caretaker nodded.

'You will in fact not be separated from your bodies, you will merely be changed into a form that can access the system. Much like your bodies are converted to energy when you use your transporters," The caretaker said.

"Mr Caretaker and Madam Captain, I will volunteer to do what is needed to help fix this situation. I know I had hesitations at first but this seems like something that needs our attention and I for one am volunteering to help add myself to the cause and hopefully fix this for all." Kasey Tanger stepped up and stated firmly without any fear in his mind or in his voice.

The caretaker looked around.

He listened to the conversation and scanned them for stout hearts. Who had the right stuff who had the courage and the necessary skills to take on what was coming who would and could lead?

He looked looks at Mr Gibbs. Yes, he was of stout heart and sharp mind. So was Lieutenant Kasey Tanger.

I choose Captain Miaa Sterling Lieutenant Rick Gibbs and Lieutenant Kasey Tanger. Yes, you will be my vanguard.

[OFF]

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A post by:

Captain Maia A. Sterling
Commanding Officer
USS Leto NCC-80916

&

Lieutenant Steve O'Carroll
Asst. Chief Operations Officer
USS Leto NCC-80916

&

Sergeant Saul Humphries
1st Platoon 2nd Squad, Bravo Det 95th Rifles
USS Leto NCC-80916

&

Lieutenant Junior Grade Rick Gibbs
Assistant Chief Tactical/Security Officer
USS Leto NCC-80916

&

Lieutenant Commander Havri Belbre
Chief of Security/ Tactical Officer
USS Leto NCC-80916

&

Lieutenant Gavin Ross
Chief of Science
USS Leto NCC-80916

&

Lieutenant Kasey Tanger
Chief Diplomatic Officer
USS Leto NCC-80916

&

Lieutenant Isabelle Rahl
Chief Counsellor
USS Leto NCC-80916

&

Lieutenant jg Marina Tanger
Asst Chief Intelligence Officer
USS Leto NCC-80916

&

Lieutenant JG T'Plana-hath
Intelligence Officer
USS Leto NCC-80916

&

Lieutenant Jonathan Riely
Chief Intelligence Officer
USS Leto NCC-80916

&

Lieutenant Commander Dr Robert Hendon
Chief Medical Officer
USS Leto NCC-80916

&

Lt. Cmdr. Sheena Toran
Executive Officer
USS Leto NCC-80916

&

Marine Captain Karyn Somers
Marine Commanding Officer
USS Leto NCC-80916