Stepping into the Quantum Realm

Posted on Mon Oct 17th, 2022 @ 10:23am by Captain Maia Sterling & 2nd Lieutenant Saul Humphries & Lieutenant Steve O'Carroll & Lieutenant Commander Sheena Toran-Blake & Lieutenant Commander Robert Hendon & Lieutenant JG Gavin Ross & Lieutenant Jonathan (Jon) Riley & Lieutenant Marina Tanger & Lieutenant Kasey Tanger & Lieutenant Commander Havri Belbre & Lieutenant Isabelle Raal & Captain Karyn Somers & Lieutenant Commander Rick Gibbs & Lieutenant T'Plana-hath

Mission: Shore Leave
Location: Omicron Delta
Timeline: 239609.29

[ON]

The caretaker continued to look into the crowd of the assembled crewmen

He had already chosen the first wave of his Anti-pirate antiviral vanguard. He chose Captain Sterling and Lieutenants Kaseyt Tanger and Rick Gibbs, they seemed to have the strongest wills and the stoutest hearts.

Sergeant Saul Humphries 1st Platoon 2nd squad Bravo spoke up to Captain Somers.

"Ma'am Respectfully, I would also like to volunteer. They will need as much help as they can possibly get and I may be able to help them. Permission to join them on this mission." He requested.

Looking at Humphries with concern "You sure Sergeant?" Somers asked.

"Yes Ma'am I am, IM not afraid and am very curious." The Sergeant replied.

"Well okay then, go get 'em trooper" Somers responded with a smile and watched Humphries join the rest oO Stout's heart huh, I am so glad I am good at masking my urges and emotions Oo Karyn thought to herself, she was still a little dizzy from what was currently happening.

The Caretaker smiled. "Another stout heart indeed," he said pleased.

"Captain Sterling, you indeed have a brave crew. My compliments." The caretaker said.

The caretaker waved his hand and part of the structure of the amphitheatre opened up.

"This is the Quantum accelerator it is a device that will be used to translate your prime material bodies into the computer AI realm. It is completely safe and is hardwired into my machine realm, it is the most expedient way to get you in and out of the system. Consider it an input/output port. It is quite painless but you may feel a little disoriented for a few moments, it won't affect your memory or personality." The caretaker said.

"Questions or Concerns?" The Caretaker asked.

Belbre stepped forward, "You know I am going, Captain. As my foster parents used to say, In for a penny in for a pound. Not sure what it meant but it is how I live now. All out and all forward. I hold nothing back."

Rick moved forward over towards the device. Looked over it, but not touching anything. Narrowing his eyes a little and leaning up slightly. Leaning back up, "Hmm...Interesting. Seems alright in theory. Obviously, you know it, I don't see we'd have any problems. Though I'm not an Engineer, I do believe I get it."

Ross directly asked the vanguard; as Science Officer of the USS Leto, he was bound. "Vanguard. My first question is this. What security is employed around the particle accelerator when our bodies transverse into your accelerator portal?" It was his first question, polite but to the point. They could be ambushed if half the crew saw Alice in Wonderland and the other crew’s bodies lying, ready to be killed.

"Actually, Mr Ross, it is the crew of the Leto that will be the vanguard. And it is they who will direct security around any devices they deem necessary." The Caretaker said.

Was he going to be a martyr without asking a question before he stood his body up first to step into Alice in Wonderland, potentially turning their living beings into a mirrored hell at the whim of computational metaverse Orion and Ferengi syndicates? The simple answer is no! He would have to be affirmed, not the other way around.

It wasn't a question of a "stout heart" as this was not Ross's kingdom to be a martyr for. He would do so when and if Captain Sterling gave the orders.

"My Second question to the Vanguard as Science Officer of the USS Leto. Vanguard, what recall device is used to ensure that our essential body, our essential soul’s essence, returns to its holy graces untouched?" Gavin didn't blindly trust but verified he would.

"Each of your crew will be issued a recording disk that will record everything you say or do, it will also act as an information disc and control device allowing passage through the input/output port. Some of your crew can monitor their progress from these consoles. and make recommendations on actions to your metaverse shipmates," The Caretaker said.

His heart was as affirmed as ever for Starfleet, yet he wouldn't step blindly into a situation he didn't think he could help, ending up endangering the crew and the vanguard itself.

Kasey was observing all that Ross has questioned. "I am here for the valour of all that this situation affects. I give myself to the fight and I am willing to stand for justice. My mind will be open and my service for all." Kasey had been mentally chanting a Betazoid meditation prayer to help him keep of sound body and mind while all this was happening.

"You will fight for the system," Mr Tanger. The Caretaker said.

Dr Ross considered the Vanguard’s response and gestured his hands. “I have no further questions, your hon-“Cal had paused. “Er. Vanguard.”

"Caretaker, Mr Ross, that is my proper designation." The Caretaker said.

Gavin stepped forward next to the rest of the crew members already at the beds or in them. “To be disseminated to particle dust and DNA molecules at the sub-atomic level, held at the hands of an unknown world... Or not to Aw, Frack it. I’m already in bed now.” Ross gestured. “I have a full heart to help as well, Vanguard. There is no doubt a solid scientific perspective will be needed.”

Jon had observed these events, his only thoughts were this wasn't in the textbooks but he went along with it, after this was part of the job of being in Star Fleet, to render assistance to those in need.

Robert looked up. He was sure in all the excitement they had forgotten he was there.

“ I am not sure what I should do here. Either be part of this or stand on the outside and monitor things?” Robert asked

Either in the machine realm or in the real world as you call it you will experience dangers. The pirates can and will attack you here even as they try to infiltrate my networks. Remember out here, your dreams can be used for or against you. You have remarkably disciplined minds and can fight dreams with dreams. They will still manifest into reality here as well." The caretaker said.

“Likewise” Isabelle offered Robert a smile. “It’s my job to look after the mental health and well-being of this crew, I’m uncertain whether that’s best achieved from outside observation, or accompanying those taking up this challenge.”

T'Plana-hath sat and listened, she had her doubts about the whole thing. In theory, she understood the principle of the mechanics involved, but she was reluctant to subject her mind to the process. Then there was the 'gut' feeling that the Orions behind this were part of Captain Arwella's crew and the Eau de Nil doing. If this was the case, T'Plana was positive that Captain Arwella did not go personally into the system but sent her best subordinates, after all, Captain Arwella was half Vulcan and also knew the risk involved. Instead, Captain Arwella would hide her fleet and take advantage of the resources offered to her. "I am also conflicted as to the best course of action for myself in this matter," responded T'Plana-hath.

"You are all free to make your own choices, technically you're on leave anyway." Captain Sterling said.

Maia then stepped into the Quantum Accelerator and vanished in blue light and sparkles.

Isabelle looked at Robert before looking towards the machine. “Oh to hell with it! I’m going with them.” She gazed at the Caretaker then took a deep breath, walking into the Accelerator behind Maia.

Rick had been waiting, then was in thought. Missing going through first, but that was alright. They were all going to the same place. Stepping through.

"Caretaker, I go where my captain goes. I am responsible for her safety as well as the crew. If you have no objections I will step into the Accelerator now", Sheena said as she advanced toward the machine clearing her mind and thoughts.

The particle accelerator was swift, snatching at any semblance of consciousness and unconsciousness with Ross. He felt he was breathing in and out as the deceleration phases had taken and accelerated within his body all at once. What was scary turned to full-blown euphoria. He didn’t know if his breathing in and out was his own… Then it stopped. All dims. All directions led to this one stop. Cal was where? When was he? What was he to do now? Where was everyone else?

Lieutenant Tanger stepped into the Quantum Accelerator and vanished in the same blue light and sparkles as the others. He felt his mind get more in tune with the transference into the quantum realm. He was only able to sense some of the thoughts of the others in the realm and he was now looking forward to making the most of this mission and helping the caretaker get things resolved.

LCMD Belbre stepped into the Quantum Accelerator and vanished. She felt strange but was at ease doing it. It was actually quite relaxing. She saw small flashes of light all around her. She actually felt very relaxed, almost like she was laying in bed to sleep. Soon she was near the others but could not figure out where they were or where she was. She just waited for it to stop.

Robert stood there and considered. What to do? Should he go in or stay out here? As the caretaker said the danger would be just great. Either in or out. Whatever happened those he went in would need this Quantum Accelerator to return. So maybe he should stay out here and make sure nothing happened to it. After all, the danger would be just as bad out here as in there.

“ I’ll stay out here. Keep an eye on things but if I am needed in there please call me.” Robert said

"Take care Doc, as for me I have permission to go through that thing." Sgt Humpries said.

With that Sgt. Humphries stepped into the Quantum Accelerator and vanished.

Lieutenant O'Carroll didn't go he stayed behind to defend the real realm.

From where she was standing with the rest of the crew "Good luck you guys" Karyn said somberly as Tanger went through a portal that opened up oO this place gets weirder and weirder Oo she thought to herself.

T'Plana-hath considered the issue; while she was sure the caretaker was correct, or at least as far as the caretaker thought so, she also felt the caretaker was hiding something. She was also almost positive that Captain Arwella was behind this, and she knew that the shrews captain would not allow herself to be drawn into the machine. No, she thought I will remain with the Leto and monitor things as best I can from there. "I will remain with the Leto and monitor both the surface activity and space activities as best I can from there," she replied.

Ross stepped into the quantum realm. He felt like he was stepping into a pictogram of surrealist expectations. Would the QR be like that?

Sheena watched each crewmember step into the Accelerator and went in last hoping she would land with Maia. It was a strange ride, to say the least
Spinning then little streaks of light whizzing by, almost like travelling at warp. She was relaxed as a number and had no thoughts other than finding Maia. The whole thing was surreal......

Robert stood outside and scanned the device. As his healing skills would virtually be useless in there. It was more logical to stay out in the real world. Then go off into the quantum realm. Plus the pirates could attack out here as well as in there. It would be a pretty sad thing. If the others succeed but were unable to return. Due to the machine being destroyed.

“ Well. Looks like we better get into a defensive position. They are…..does anyone smell fried onions?” Hendon asked

T'Plana-hath walked back to the ship, "I am reporting to the Intelligence Suite and monitor things from there with the ships intelligence sensors and computer."

The smell of onions seemed to get stronger. Robert was not happy with the idea of T'Plana-hath returning to the Leto. He felt they should stay around the machine. Plus who knew what manifestations would jump out on them as they returned to the Leto.

On there way to the Leto it vanished.

In its place stood a platoon of playing cards that were charging them. with pikes and swords.

[OFF]

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A post by:

Captain Maia A Sterling
Commanding Officer
USS Leto NCC 80916

&

Lieutenant Steve O'Carroll
Operations officer
USS Leto NCC-80916

&

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

&

Lt. Cmdr. Dr Robert Hendon
Chief Medical Officer
USS Leto NCC-80916

&

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

&

Lieutenant Kasey Tanger
Chief Diplomatic Officer
USS Leto NCC-80916