Chatting about life and lives

Posted on Thursday June 28th, 2018 @ 12:50pm by Lieutenant JG Niklas Blom M.D. Ph.D & Major Drass Kebron

1,375 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: Season 2: Mission 1: Day after Day
Location: Mech lab
Timeline: Backpost to just before bug invasion.

Niklas was putting the last download of files into his new machine. Pet really. He'd never had one before and he was discovering new territory for himself. What had taken the longest time was sorting out the personality conflicts and making sure all the software was going to work first time. A loyal pet he could count on. He absent-mindedly stroked the ultra-fine white and gold. So fine they almost looked like fur. That completed, he ran the last of his checks before the momentous occasion of what was almost creating life.


Having finally been released from sickbay, Drass had decided to explore the ship, at least the parts he was allowed to access. As he walked down the corridor, he spotted an open doorway. Curious, he ducked through the opening to see what was inside.

Hearing the footsteps, Niklas looked over. "Ah, Mister Drass. Come in. Come in." Niklas walked over to greet the large being. 'How are you feeling? I am curious as to how my research into a therapy about healing you has been treating you?"

Drass would have smiled had he been anatomically capable of it, "Well, I'm still kicking. Get a little tingle in my fingers occasionally, but that's all."

"That is true. You seem better, but then I never met any other of your species. I have a couple of other thoughts. A full spectrum light in your room and an adjustment to your mineral intake may increase your healing rate."

"Whatever you think is best, Doc. What's that your working on?"

Niklas turned, still getting used to the phrase Doc."Oh this. I get a bit lonely at times. So since I have never had a pet. Built one. Since I am not constrained by the conventions of biology, I decided something a bit unusual. A dragon, though a bit tamer than the normal damsel in distress, fire breathing versions."

"Intriguing," Drass knelt to get a better look. "On my home world there are flying reptiles that closely resemble the dragons from Earth mythology. They only grow to be three meters long, though. I use to have one for a pet. What's its name?"

'To be honest, I haven't gotten that far. It's a she." He stroked it's back. "I am open to suggestion. Of course, activating her may present its own solution."

"What level of intelligence have you programmed?"

"It'll speak. I also needed something that could do double duty as an assistant of sort. So not quite human high school equivalent."
Drass nodded, "I see. Self aware, then, I presume?"

"Yes, self aware. I need it to be able to take instructions. Shall we find out how I did?" Niklas asked.

"Don't let me keep you from your work, Doc," Drass replied.

Niklas walked over and unplugged the final cable. Grabbing a remote, he toyed with a few buttons until the creature stirred to life. The eyelids on the human fist sized eyes opened and it tried to stand and wobbled on it's four legs, and its wings stretch out nearly two meters. A deafening roar pierced the lab . "No. That was loud." NIklas scolded. The creature looked around as it folded the wings in and stood on the platform.

'What you are?" it said looking at Drass. The voice like an older child, very feminine.

"Most impressive, Doc," Drass said to Niklas as he watched. "My name is Drass, I am a Brikar." He replied to the dragon.

'Drass...Brickrrr." It struggled a bit. It lept off the table, falling down and it took a few seconds before it righted it self. "Carmela." Niklas said. At the sound, the dragon looked over. "What is Carmela?"


Niklas offered. "It's your name, it means golden, like some of your feathers."

Carmela looked at her feathers. "Wrong. Not metallic." She turned and wandered around the room, studying things
Drass watched the interaction between the robot and its creator. It was fascinating that technology had advanced so far as to be able to create something like it.
"How does it work?"

"It's an Android. Nothing extraordinary about that. Not in this century. Of course the positronic matrix in it's head doesn't need to be at the same level as myself or a ship AI, like Lieutenant Trouve. I did add a few interesting items. The wings are completely functional and it has an embedded low powered anti-grav so it can soar." Niklas said.

At the mention of wings, Carmela extended them to their full span, just over two meters. Niklas scolded, "Not inside Carmela. This is limited room in here for flight." It considered the the words of it's master and folded them against it's back.

"It might be ordinary to you, but compared to what I'm used to, it's extraordinary." He examined the articulation of the wings, "Remarkable craftsmanship."

"Thank you. I have studied hard, but it helps to be able to absorb information at will. Quite a difference from my human body." NIklas smiled and he realized he was proud of it. "To be honest, I don't know how much craftsmanship went in, it's more like a directed replicator as I can follow patterns and forms, though I'd like to think there is at least some artistry involved." Niklas replied.

Niklas added. "Now that you are better and completely out of danger, the planet below awaits. We are above Earth, and the ship is going to be here for some time. You should avail yourself of the opportunity and explore." Niklas said to Drass.

"It's a special skill to get a replicator to do this... this is art." He looked up at the mention of Earth, "I... I'm not sure I'm ready for that...I... don't have fond memories of Earth..."

"From two thousand years ago" Niklas pointed out. "Your choice, but we might still have to evacuate during the refit. Most of the crew is at a base planetside."

"You could ask permission to move your quarters to the Providence. Plenty of room over there from what I have heard. Sigmund, the ships operational officer and talk frequently." Niklas said.

"Are there still lying, cheating, backstabbing politicians walking around the planet?" Drass asked.

Niklas almost giggled at that. "From my former job, planetary governor, a talking politician is almost always a lying politician. However, there are people within the government and most normal people run true. There are exceptions to every rule of course. I think you'd be robbing yourself of the chance to explore and make new and better experiences. If you do not go, what are your plans? Not much to do here alone." Niklas asked.

Drass looked up at a thought, "What about the Marine Academy? Is it still on Earth?"

"There are two now, due to the commitments of training and numbers. "The original in Parris Island, and on Mars." Niklas offered.

"Good. I think I might stop by and apply to have my commission reinstated..."

"That's would be a good idea. Get everything sorted out." NIklas replied.

"Do you think I have a chance?" Drass asked absently.

"I think your record with the recovered ship can prove your worth. Good soldier are always in need." Niklas said, then added.

"Let's hope so," Drass replied, "I need something to do..."

"And I will add a medical statement in your personnel jacket stating you are fit for duty." Niklas said.

"Thank you, that would be greatly appreciated," Drass said, holding out a hand.

Niklas met the hand with equal force. At least he didn't have to worry about breaking it like he had Lumi's arm. "The least I can do Drass."

Drass shook Niklas' hand firmly. "It's... refreshing to not have to worry about breaking your arm," he laughed.

"Same here." Niklas said. "Now is not the time for THAT story."

That elicited another hearty chuckle from the Brikar, "We'll have to exchange stories sometime."

"I'd like that." As the two exchanged pleasantries, Carmela made a break for it down the hallway shrieking. "Carmela stop!" Niklas ran after her.

 

 

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