Baiting the Targ

[Pher 0]

“That drone’s different,” Ethan observed casually and left it to take the conversation where it would.

 

"No kidding," responded Pher.

 

"We might have three drone groups. First the gardeners. I'd keep away from them, but they aren't a big concern.

 

"The second I'll call the soldiers Five of them in the recent encounter. They use lethal force, have poor sensors, and seem programmed to defend territory, purge animal life, or something to that effect. I don't think sensors could detect low powered or passive stuff at any range at all, but still think it prudent to power down when they are nearby.

 

"The third I'll call the science group. Three of them in the recent encounter. Some of them have advanced sensors which are fairly easy to spot. They picked up Audrey's brief scans for life forms from respectable distance. They also tried for a stun and capture. Not lethal. They want to learn stuff. They might even want to communicate. I am intrigued. However interesting they might be though, they are still a pain.

 

"I'm not thrilled by experiments based on turning on stuff and seeing if we get shot at. I am less thrilled if such experiments take place far away from the shuttle. If things go wrong, I don't want to have to hump farther than we have to to get clear. If we must bait the targ, let's do it smart. Still, if anyone has a good reason to briefly power up low power passive stuff, and no drones are in the area, we might talk about it.

 

"On the other hand, by accident, we might have stumbled on a way to win a fight. We could try a clever plan. Flash on something low powered to draw in a sensor drone. Concentrate fire on the sensor arm of any modified drone. Power down and let the science and soldier drones argue with each other. I figure this is a fine and dandy plan, which ought to last as long as any plan ever does, which is until first contact with the enemy. I'm not looking to deliberately bait the targ, but if any of you are eager to power up stuff and draw in trouble, I'd suggest targeting the sensor arm of the funky guys then powering down. We aren't going to win a straight up fight, but we might be able to take out the only real threat.

 

"Me? I'd like two things at this point. I'd like enough writing for the universal translators to chew and digest. Sal? You've been saying most languages have so many sounds, and follow such and such a pattern. I'm starting to think this isn't 'most languages' or the universal translators would have spotted the patterns by now. Anyway, I'd like enough written material back in the shuttle, and the shuttle far enough away that we can let the computers chew on what we got.

 

"I'd also like somebody to take this modified arm apart. I want to know what their sensors can do. Again, back in the shuttle, or perhaps back up in a big ship, and let's do it right.

 

"Maybe a third thing. I'd also like to build some experiments with timers. If we are going to turn stuff on to see if it gets shot up, I'd like to build some disposable stuff designed to be blown up with no tears being shed. We didn't bring enough people down that anyone can be regarded as expendable. Again, this implies back to shuttle or ship and geeks spending some time in the lab.

 

"If anyone else wants to propose things to be done before the first phase one exploration is over, I'd like to hear it. At this point, I don't know that we should be thinking in terms of random fishing for whatever we stumble on. I'd like a short list of meaningful objectives, then we go topside to get ready for the second trip."

 

She looked about for further comment.

[rosetto 0]

Sal looked at the group waiting for further comments from Ethan or input from Chris. None followed and so he stepped forward with a point of interest; his index finger extended as if he were some kind of college professor.

 

 

"Clearly, these drones have been given multiple purposes. I am leaning toward Pher's observation of a third significant group, that of scientists. Further exploration of this site and this planet may reveal several more groups and possibly even a social order.

 

 

"As well, these experiments that we have been haphazardly conducting are proving to be quite hazardous to our well-being", he continued looking directly at Ethan. "By the way, Ethan, I have determined that any and all services within this structure are neatly built into the walls and identified by symbol clusters. The wash basin and running water are accessed via the small triangular cluster on the right after you enter the wash room."

 

 

He paused quaintly trying not to seem too obstinate. "I think the key to further exploration of this site and this planet lies in..." He paused again and raised his index finger, "Communicating with the drones." He raised a second finger, "Analyzing the text samples that we have found." And then he raised a third finger, "Identifying the buildings and other structures so that we know WHERE to look for further information."

 

 

"Again, I must agree with Pher in that we don't have the facilities available to us here. Or if we do we don't readily know where they are and finding them before the soldier drones eliminate the landing party is unlikely. So, I think we need to gather the information that we do have, return to QoB, report our findings to the Captain and plan for another expedition when we are better prepared.

 

 

"With that in mind I would like to share with you what I found while you guys were 'playing target' with the drones. There is a very interesting inner chamber in this building that contains quite a lot of Zoalus symbols that will, in my opinion, is crucial in analyzing and replicating this language structure. There are also some audible samples of the spoken language that will be extremely beneficial to the universal translator utilities. With this data we will be able to communicate with the drones.

 

 

"But--", There was always a 'but' and it was usually followed by something that the group didn't want to hear. Everyone sighed and Sal continued. "There is something strange about this room and these voices. I got to tell you, I nearly lost it! These voices and perhaps the room itself had taken a hold of my mind. I was 'reliving' things in my childhood. It was the strangest experience that I have ever encountered. It seemingly knew everything that I knew! Everything that I have ever experienced! It was reading my mind! I was able to resist but not without serious concentration and effort."

 

 

"Also, I found that there is no way OUT of this room. Had Chris not come to my rescue I have no idea where I would be now. So, if we return to this room we must keep this in mind."

 

 

"Pher, it's your call, but without the information contained in this room I fear that we will not be able to proceed much further with the drones."

 

 

 

[Ethan Neufeld 0]

(Prior to Rosetto's reply.)

 

Ethan smirked at no one in particular. He couldn't help feeling incredulous. He hadn't once mentioned his speculations or made any suggestions, but it was like Pher already knew what he'd been thinking. He'd poured exhaustive efforts into substantiating and refining his theories, and seconds before he even had a chance to actually voice or bring any of it to real fruition, the entire situation had changed.

 

Now that Pher had pointed it out, he realized that this tentacle looked different from the one that he had picked up earlier. Apparently, as it turned out, collecting the regular drone's tentacle for Sal might have been small beer. So much for favors at any rate, he privately mused.

 

He pointed at the tentacle in Sal's hand and asked for clarification. "That's from the modified drone?" The answer was, unsurprisingly, affirmative. He didn't ask where it had come from; he could guess as much himself.

 

"And we're confident that we can learn what we need from that?" There was a variety of replies, but the general consensus was also positive.

 

Casually stuffing a hand into his pocket, Ethan's brow rose over a tight expression and he tilted his head in a show of mild skepticism. But only silence followed, implying he had nothing worth adding or significant objections.

 

If they really believed they could learn all they needed to know from that mechanical limb, who was he to suggest otherwise? He wasn't a scientist or engineer. Small unit tactics in unconventional warfare, direct action, reconnaissance and hostage rescue were his specialty. By extension, he knew some things about the theories behind sensors, radios and other gear; science of the battlefield so to speak. But he was, all things considered, just another grunt. As a grunt, running around in enemy country was a fundamental part of his expertise and operating without accessible radios or weaponry went against his better judgment to painful extremes. On that alone, he could think of a few reasons not to continue as they were. But he sensed saying as much would only open up an empty debate with no change to the course of action they'd eventually decide to take. And, really, what was the point of debating all that at length? So he could be responsible for causing delays or sparking animosity?

 

Sure, he could argue that they needed their radios. But the pressing need to find out if it was safe to turn their radios on had fizzled with the modified drone's arm in-hand. Everything the next expedition needed to know was in that arm - sensor capabilities and radio frequencies. In the meantime, they could just as easily open radio contact with Qob in the shuttle from underwater, where the drones didn't go. As for live weapons, there was a strong argument that if they simply didn't turn anything on, it wouldn't matter. The drones would leave them alone and they wouldn't need to use weapons. Ethan didn't agree with that line of thinking, but he also couldn't compete with it short of causing a stalemate.

 

They were intent on returning to the shuttle soon and, from there, the Qob. He might as well shy away from any harebrained ideas of attracting more attention to the team now and just cross his fingers a little tighter.

Edited August 6, 2011 by Ethan Neufeld

[Ethan Neufeld 0]

(After Rosetto's reply.)

 

Ethan furrowed his brow as Sal stared at him and explicated on the hazards of the experiments they'd conducted. Experiments? What experiments? He was honestly confused, wondering how it was that everyone seemed to be blaming him for what had happened to him. He hadn't conducted any experiments. He had turned on his radio as a tactical decoy, but he hadn't bothered mentioning that. Why was he automatically the only one at fault for what happened?

 

Once Sal was finished, Ethan remarked, "Thanks for the tip," appreciative that someone had at least pointed out how the washroom sink worked.

 

"Think we have a plan. If there's nothing else, I'll take watch," he added and then left to find a window with a good view.

Edited January 29, 2012 by Ethan Neufeld