PT 009 Main

USS, 7:18 PM

So, previously...

USS, 7:21 PM

In our last session, you guys arrived at the Planefleet base on I believe Plane 212126 (If it's wrong, I'll fix it later), hoping to find a way home.  Instead you found a Tabaxi inhabited jungle plane that had been conquered by a slaver group you'd heard of before.  The Kymal.

USS, 7:23 PM

While the base was in disarray and you ended up in the middle of a skirmish, you were eventually able to make it safely back to the USS Adventure.  Along with your full ground team, you took (I believe) three additional sentients.  One, a former Cat turned Tressym.  Two, the seemingly last surviving member of his temple, Lost Chance (...the name is just a coincidence).  And three, the Kymal captain, whom you learned, like his soldiers, is a seemingly awakened Lizardperson.

USS, 7:25 PM

Once aboard the ship, you took the Kymal captain into custody, learned Chance was guarding a temple to a shrine for their deity, Tezca known as the Ch'takin, and that the Tressym ate it, and whatever power within it is what made it a Tressym.

USS, 7:26 PM

((I don't think you guys took the turncoat Planefleet officer with you))

Theo, 7:26 PM

(As I recall we had to get out of there in a hurry, I think.)

Sage, 7:26 PM

(( we left him tied up in the cafeteria i think))

USS, 7:26 PM

((Accurate, and I think you had left him on the floor below you))

USS, 7:26 PM

((Ok))

USS, 7:28 PM

((Also, just checked, it was Plane 212269, also known as Togo, you would learn from Chance))

USS, 7:29 PM

Anyway, we pick up mere hours later.  You are currently in Void Space, circling and Captain Grax has called in all of you and other senior staff to update the situation.

USS, 7:29 PM

Dr. Viex is beginning.

USS, 7:32 PM

Dr. Viex: "Our tests do not show any signs of excessive physical trauma to either the Tressym or to Chance, although I am recommending both of them time with Counselor Aevarnis to get a full psych evaluation.  Both subjects have been through an extensively traumatic experience."

USS, 7:33 PM

Dr. Viex: "The...Kymal on the other hand...he's...well, he's a different story."

Xho, 7:33 PM

Xho listens quietly, frowning.

USS, 7:34 PM

The image projector in the room shifts from feline-based skeletons to one of the captain, a full body x-ray...showing extreme additions to the bonework.

Theo, 7:34 PM

Theo left the bag of kittens in the medbay, too.

USS, 7:36 PM

Dr. Viex: "As you can see here, his entire skeletal structure has been augmented with both steel based enhancements and here at the base of the skull we found a small cybernetic implant.  We wanted to remove it to send it to Arcane Studies or to Dr. Forgewight for analysis, but the device seems to run throughout his entire central nervous system...we're afraid any attempt to tamper with it could do catastrophic damage to the subject...if not kill him."

USS, 7:37 PM

Dr. Viex: "It seems to be some kind of...electrical outlet.  For what, I couldn't say."

Theo, 7:37 PM

Theo thinks.  "Some kind of network, maybe.

Xho, 7:38 PM

Is it possible he could give away our position?

USS, 7:39 PM

Williamson: "We have had ARTI augment our shields to block any outward transmissions.  Even if his ship was directly on top of us, they shouldn't be able to find us."

Theo, 7:40 PM

And they're awakened, right?

USS, 7:40 PM

Security Officer Ironspine: "Regardless, I will instruct my officers to limit any contact with the prisoner.  Last thing we need is him getting ahold of one of our comms."

USS, 7:40 PM

Viex: "Not just awakened.  This is actually the strangest part."

USS, 7:41 PM

The image changes once more to a representation of the captain with a circle behind him.  Inside the circle seems to be an image of his bloodstream at a cellular level.

USS, 7:42 PM

Viex: "As you are likely aware, Lizardfolk are, like most of the draconic line, cold-blooded.  They're even more reptilian than say, a Dragonborn would be, designed primarily for their specific environment and ecosystem."

USS, 7:44 PM

Viex: "More specifically, a lizardfolk would be Ectothermic, requiring their environment to help them regulate their body temperature.  Hence why they can almost never leave the swamps or jungle."

USS, 7:46 PM

Viex: "Dragonborn are still cold-blooded, but they're poikilothermic, they can regulate themselves, but maintain a very cool internal temperature...to grossly oversimplify."

USS, 7:46 PM

Viex: "The captain...is neither."

USS, 7:47 PM

Viex: "He is bradymetabolic.  His internal body temperature is fully capable of adapting to their environment."

USS, 7:48 PM

Viex: "I can't be certain, but given how the samples we took responded, we believe he is completely immune to the effects of hypothermia, dehydration, heatstroke, just to name a few."

Xho, 7:48 PM

Do other similar sentients exist?

Xho, 7:49 PM

He is not immune to being hit in the face.

Xho, 7:49 PM

Fortunately.

USS, 7:49 PM

Viex: "Some.  Aarakocra actually possess something similar, but not to this extent.  And they're from a completely different genus."

USS, 7:51 PM

Viex: "We don't know exactly how, but we believe that something has completely altered his physical structure on a genetic level.  Perhaps some drastic mutation of true polymorph?  It seems doubtful he was able to do this to himself."

USS, 7:52 PM

Captain Grax: "Our holding cells utilize energy shields to keep subjects from escaping.  Should we be worried about their effectiveness?"

USS, 7:52 PM

Viex: "Doubtful.  As the commander said, physical trauma still has a clear effect, and those are kinetic shields."

Theo, 7:53 PM

Theo is studying the implant schematics.

USS, 7:53 PM

Roll me an arcana check.

Theo, 7:54 PM

((Bleh, only 10.))

Xho, 7:55 PM

We should place an extra guard.

USS, 7:56 PM

Ironspine nods.  "I'll increase the shifts.  With your permission, I'd like to place our ninja friend with the weird mask on guard duty.  Seems like someone who could handle himself if things went sideways."

USS, 7:57 PM

The captain nods. "I can't think of a better position for him."

Theo, 7:57 PM

Has anyone told him that we have a Kymal on board?

USS, 7:58 PM

Captain: "We can debrief him after this meeting.  I will be sharing most of the information here with the crew as a whole, but I wanna make sure some things are kept strictly confidential until we know our next move."

USS, 7:59 PM

Captain: "Besides the implant, what else have we found on or inside our new guest?"

USS, 8:00 PM

Viex:  "I believe there were a couple stims in his system that should be fading now.  We recognized two distinct substances, one expands muscle growth and recovery, the other is basically his species equivalent to testosterone, but...heightened."

Xho, 8:01 PM

Xho frowns.

Xho, 8:01 PM

Disturbing.

Theo, 8:01 PM

So combat drugs.

USS, 8:02 PM

Williamson: "We are running diagnostics on his equipment now.  Making sure there are no transmitters or locating devices within, or anything that could explode on us.  So far, nothing.  I have already assigned Officer Duo to assist, maybe his One will recognize something extraplanar to us."

USS, 8:03 PM

Captain Grax: "Professor, do you believe you could assist as well?"

Theo, 8:03 PM

I also want to look over his equipment, yeah.

Theo, 8:04 PM

The Planefleet traitor had a beacon that I was able to figure out pretty quick, but I left it behind.

USS, 8:04 PM

Captain Grax: "But maybe he'll have a receiver somewhere in his equipment.  Could be.  I am assigning you to that team for now, then."

USS, 8:05 PM

Captain Grax: "Commander Xho, I would like both you and Mr. Sage on interrogation duty.  He knows you both from the mission and I believe you two could form an effective team on this end."

USS, 8:06 PM

Captain Grax, for the record, is petting one of the kitties.  It's an orange tabby.

USS, 8:08 PM

Williamson: "Captain, while we're here I would also like to request permission to investigate the artifact now that it's been recovered from the Tressym's...from the Tressym.  It has already had one extreme and quantifiable effect, with some study, I could perhaps find it's full function."

USS, 8:09 PM

Captain Grax: "Once we've finished the task at hand and only with permission and oversight from both the Tabaxi priest and Cleric Von Kemp.  I don't want to commit unnecessary sacrilege, we have bad luck as it is."

USS, 8:09 PM

Williamson nods.

Xho, 8:10 PM

Xho nods.

USS, 8:10 PM

Captain Grax: "In the meantime, I will be instructing our pilots to circle Void Space at short hops.  If he does have a means of contacting his people, I'd rather they find us here in empty space than in a populated plane."

Xho, 8:10 PM

Indeed. They seem likely to take hostages.

USS, 8:11 PM

Captain Grax nods.  "Ok, you all have your assignments.  I'll be checking in with you every hour until this situation is handled.  I'll also be informing the crew of our prisoner and current flight plan.  Any questions?"

Xho, 8:13 PM

No, sir.

USS, 8:13 PM

Captain Grax: "Ok, you're all dismissed then."

USS, 8:14 PM

Captain Grax: "I'm gonna go return Ewing back to his mother."

USS, 8:14 PM

Grax gets up and heads for the door.

Xho, 8:14 PM

He's very cute, sir.

USS, 8:15 PM

Captain Grax: "He's gonna be a big, tough guy, I can tell.  That's why I named him after one of the greatest power forwards in history.  Also, the real Ewing's from Kingston, like my great-grandfather."

Xho, 8:16 PM

The kittens are not sentient, are they?

USS, 8:17 PM

Captain Grax: "...not sure.  Their mother allegedly wasn't before contact with the artifact.  Far as she seems to know, at least.  ...you think maybe I should check with the mother before naming them?"

Xho, 8:17 PM

Likely, but she could also likely use some assistance... babysitting.

USS, 8:18 PM

Captain Grax: "I'll try and remember to ask.  ...the kittens are so very calming to be around."

Xho, 8:18 PM

Their fur is much softer than spiderfur.

Xho, 8:19 PM

Pets are permitted and even encouraged according to regulations, sir.

USS, 8:19 PM

Captain: "True...but these circumstances are a bit outside the normal regulations."

Theo, 8:20 PM

What doesn't.

Xho, 8:20 PM

How much time do we have, sir?

USS, 8:22 PM

Captain: "I don't know.  We still don't have home coordinates and we don't know if we're being pursued.  Once we have confirmation there isn't a transmission device, we can try another base jump and leave him with the officers there.  Or take him back to Planefleet headquarters once we have coordinates home."

Theo, 8:22 PM

Theo goes to dissect the kymal equipment!

Xho, 8:23 PM

Successful interrogation techniques typically depend upon establishing a relationship.

USS, 8:24 PM

Captain: "I'm not sure we have time for that.  ...arguably, it might be better to just hold him until we can jump."

Xho, 8:24 PM

Lies can also be extremely effective.

USS, 8:25 PM

Captain: "That they can.  ...I want to know more about these Kymal.  Next time we jump, I wanna know what the worst case scenario could be."

Xho, 8:26 PM

We will do our best, sir.

USS, 8:27 PM

((Ignore that))

USS, 8:27 PM

You and Sage head over to the cells.

Xho, 8:28 PM

Xho pauses before they get in there, though. Are we gonna stay here or go to a different room?

USS, 8:29 PM

((I think I will stay here.  I will place Greenwich as one of the guard officers so Nilani can jump in if need be.  It seems like we can just keep it here.))

Xho, 8:32 PM

((Right.))

USS, 8:32 PM

In addition to Azaela, you see five other guards in total.  Four are other Orange shirted officers and inside the room is also Viktor, leaning against a well, mask on.

Xho, 8:32 PM

Xho before we get in there.

USS, 8:32 PM

The captain is seated within a cell itself.  You see a thin layer of blue energy crackling between the cell and where you stand.

Xho, 8:33 PM

Sage, do you think any lie would be effective in getting him to tell us about the Kymal? That we were able to destroy their fleet, perhaps.

USS, 8:33 PM

His armor's been removed, leaving him in just a base layer of clothing beneath it.

Xho, 8:33 PM

Xho will not be going in there until she's talked strategy.

USS, 8:33 PM

((Ok.))

Xho, 8:33 PM

((Nowhere he can see or hear us.))

Sage, 8:35 PM

Probably not I don’t think he would believe anything too outrageous

Sage, 8:36 PM

Especially considering he knows we ran quickly from the last encounter

Xho, 8:36 PM

Excellent. The truth is easier to remember.

Sage, 8:37 PM

So just go in ask him questions and hope he feels like being truthful?

Sage, 8:38 PM

Might be better to ask about the base and the traitor first rather than specifics on the Kymal

Xho, 8:39 PM

It was likely not a traitor, but one of their people in disguise.

Sage, 8:39 PM

Still worth starting there

Xho, 8:40 PM

Xho nods.

Xho, 8:40 PM

Very well.

Xho, 8:40 PM

Shall we proceed?

Sage, 8:40 PM

Affirmative

Xho, 8:41 PM

Xho heads in there, in that case!

Sage, 8:41 PM

Sage follows

USS, 8:41 PM

As you approach, the Lizardperson's head turns to face you.  You see a very indignant sneer cross his face.

Xho, 8:42 PM

Good afternoon.

USS, 8:42 PM

He says nothing.  He just stares at you.

Xho, 8:42 PM

I am Xho; this is Sage. We are here to speak with you about the results of your medical scans.

USS, 8:43 PM

He now looks away from you and begins to eye Sage up and down.

Sage, 8:43 PM

Or anything else you want to discuss

Xho, 8:43 PM

Yes.

USS, 8:44 PM

Kymal: "...I had wished you were goliaths.  I have heard tales of battling goliaths.  Their strength of worthy of falling to."

Xho, 8:45 PM

I have been trying to increase my strength, but have not yet met with much success. I am often forced to rely upon speed and agility.

Xho, 8:46 PM

We do have goliaths in our number, however.

USS, 8:47 PM

Kymal: "Drow rely on lies and tricks.  You are good buyers and seller, but otherwise of little use to the Kymal.  Even elves are better prepared for physical work."

USS, 8:47 PM

Kymal: "You are like kobolds, except worse.  Kobolds know their place."

Sage, 8:47 PM

And the kymal don’t rely on lies and tricks?

Xho, 8:48 PM

Drow very often do place far too much emphasis on the ability to deceive. The Federation, however, does not. It has required me to make some adjustments.

USS, 8:50 PM

Kymal looks to Sage.  "Do you see a deceiver.  I fought with the strength of my form and the weapons of my clan.  What tricks did you see?"

Sage, 8:52 PM

What about the trap in the base?

Xho, 8:53 PM

I find it unlikely that he set the trap.

Sage, 8:54 PM

But kymal were involved in it

USS, 8:54 PM

Kymal: "What trap?"

Sage, 8:57 PM

The signal that summoned your group to the base

Xho, 8:58 PM

One does not always agree with the actions of one's superiors.

USS, 8:58 PM

The Kymal laughs.

USS, 8:59 PM

Kymal: "You think your kind is superior?  The sniveling coward begged for life and would help us to collect creatures for sale.  His means of doing so were his own."

Xho, 9:00 PM

Ah, I see. I had assumed that was a ruse and he was one of your people.

USS, 9:01 PM

Kymal: "He was our tool, nothing more.  But he came from your people.  Or did you think such things were above the...Federation, you said?"

Xho, 9:02 PM

Fear is a common motivator. So are love and loyalty.

USS, 9:03 PM

Kymal spits at you and it causes the field to sputter and spark a bit before the spit all burns up.  "What do you know of love?"

Xho, 9:04 PM

Likely more than you.

USS, 9:12 PM

Kymal lunges at you, letting out a roar.  He hits the forcefield which smacks him for 6 points of damage, which he takes.

Xho, 9:13 PM

Please do not further damage yourself.

USS, 9:13 PM

Kymal: "The love you feel is only for such earthly things as sex partners and metals.  I know a true love.  The truest love.  Love for the great one."

Xho, 9:14 PM

I am sorry you were abused.

Sage, 9:15 PM

Who is the great one?

USS, 9:17 PM

Kymal: "The greatest one.  Above even Tiamat and her brother.  A dragon who surpassed all expectations of Io."

USS, 9:17 PM

Kymal: "Zebos, he who is metallic and chromatic."

Xho, 9:17 PM

You have my pity.

Sage, 9:18 PM

And all kymal know of Zebos?

USS, 9:18 PM

Kymal: "We are all made by Zebos as he desires us.  We came to Zebos and he made us Kymal."

Xho, 9:19 PM

Abusers often convince their victims they are loved.

Xho, 9:19 PM

It is a common psychological tactic.

USS, 9:19 PM

Kymal: "We are greater now than we could've ever been.  And through loyalty and conviction, we shall someday be as Zebos is."

Xho, 9:19 PM

He is likely not responsible for his actions, Sage.

Sage, 9:19 PM

Have you seen zebos yourself?

USS, 9:21 PM

Kymal: "I have.  Not often, but he has sometimes graced my clan with his presence."

USS, 9:22 PM

The lizardfolk slashes at Xho and hits the barrier again.  Taking another 6 damage and doing real harm to his claw.  He yowls in pain this time.

Xho, 9:23 PM

Have you not allowed Zebos to hurt you enough?

USS, 9:24 PM

Kymal: "HOW DARE YOU SAY THESE THINGS OF A GOD?!?"

Xho, 9:24 PM

As I mentioned earlier, I have seen your medical records. It is evident.

USS, 9:25 PM

Kymal: "Then you see what I have become.  Risen above my primitive ancestry, my disgusting weak form.  I am now a higher being even to your draconics."

Xho, 9:25 PM

I have seen that someone felt you were not good enough and felt you needed to change.

Xho, 9:26 PM

That someone inflicted pain in order to do so.

USS, 9:27 PM

Kymal: "I feel no pain, now."

Xho, 9:28 PM

A significant disability.

Xho, 9:28 PM

We may be able to assist.

Xho, 9:28 PM

Pain receptors are a body's protective mechanism to alert it to harm.

Xho, 9:28 PM

You are maimed.

USS, 9:30 PM

Kymal: "I am rewarded.  My blood shall serve the Kymal.  Many of us, our elders, our maidens, would gladly give their lives to know the future of the Kymal is preserved for our young."

Xho, 9:31 PM

Historically, slaver cultures never survive as such. Perhaps that information was withheld from you along with that of the consequences of your disability, but there are many examples.

USS, 9:32 PM

Kymal: "We keep no slaves for ourselves."

Xho, 9:33 PM

Not relevant within the data, unfortunately. Your people have already begun to decline.

USS, 9:34 PM

Kymal: "...you know nothing of my people."

Sage, 9:34 PM

Then tell us

Xho, 9:35 PM

I know you.

USS, 9:39 PM

Kymal: "The Lexiri tell us of our growing might.  New species join the Kymal, new worlds.  Zebos will lead the Kymal to crush all competition and we shall be unstoppable."

Sage, 9:40 PM

What is the lexiri?

Xho, 9:41 PM

Alternately, the one who crippled you also pumped poisons into your body they said would make you a superior fighter, but instead made you more easily turned to its will.

USS, 9:41 PM

((Roll persuasion))

Xho, 9:42 PM

((18. 22 if I have advantage.))

USS, 9:43 PM

Kymal: "...you care not for me.  You shall watch me die soon.  Zebos shall embrace me in the after life.  The Lexiri will add my name to the great wall.  The Kymal shall miss my strength."

Xho, 9:43 PM

I do care.

Xho, 9:44 PM

I am very angry to see your state.

Xho, 9:44 PM

I am very angry that this is likely happening to thousands of other people.

Xho, 9:44 PM

And I am very angry that you are just as enslaved as the others you call slaves, and I am very angry that you are so enslaved you cannot even recognize your state of enslavement.

Sage, 9:44 PM

We can help you and your people if you let us

USS, 9:46 PM

Kymal: "I do see your anger.  ...but I do not understand it.  Fear, I would understand.  Jealousy.  Hatred.  ...but you...pity me.  And I do not know why."

Xho, 9:47 PM

My people were also once slavers, and they had a saying: Enslaving a mind is truest form of domination.

Sage, 9:47 PM

You have been lied to and used that is why

Xho, 9:48 PM

And then they teach you to call others slaves.

USS, 9:49 PM

Kymal: "Others are slaves.  I chose my place.  I chose my home.  One day, I will choose my mate."

USS, 9:49 PM

Kymal: "I am free and I can see where others are chained and blind.  I am strong, and my strength will be recognized by Zebos."

Xho, 9:50 PM

That is no great favor, that does not even qualify as the bare minimum of freedom others experience on a daily basis.

Xho, 9:50 PM

Your mind is what is chained and blinded.

Xho, 9:51 PM

That you did not feel you are enough, I can understand. That no one else ever felt you were enough, that makes me angry.

USS, 9:53 PM

Kymal: "...what do you call yourself, Drow?"

Xho, 9:53 PM

Jhael'xho Auvryndar.

USS, 9:55 PM

Kymal: "I am Mir of clan Forgrahl.  You...are not like the other Drow I have met.  ...I am glad to have known you before I am to die.  If you visit Orathakil, I hope you meet Zebos and know his greatness for yourself."

Xho, 9:56 PM

Xho nods.

Xho, 9:56 PM

I would likely try to kill him and be crushed.

Xho, 9:57 PM

... I have difficulty controlling my temper.

USS, 9:57 PM

Mir laughs.  "That would be a grand way to die."

Xho, 9:58 PM

Likely more comical than otherwise. Still. I appreciate the sentiment and I hope you do not die.

Xho, 9:59 PM

It is my job on this ship to see people's potential and help them achieve it through growth. You still have potential. I hope that your Zebos has told you that at least.

USS, 10:01 PM

Mir: "It is too late for that.  I have not returned to my ship or base in several hours.  My implant has not been updated, nor has the information from it been extracted.  If this is not done in the next...eight hours by my estimate, it will release the poison into my spinal column.  From there I will be killed instantly and my brain matter damaged beyond repair, so I cannot be forcibly revived or questioned in death."

Xho, 10:01 PM

Can it be stopped?

USS, 10:02 PM

Mir: "It would be of little use if it could be stopped."

Xho, 10:02 PM

What if you were released?

USS, 10:03 PM

Mir: "...why would you do that?"

Sage, 10:03 PM

To prevent you from dying

Xho, 10:03 PM

Why not?

USS, 10:04 PM

Mir: "...I would return to fight you later.  I will return to the Kymal."

Xho, 10:04 PM

Yes.

Xho, 10:05 PM

Eight hours? I will see what arrangements can be made.

Xho, 10:05 PM

Sage, with me. We are now working on a schedule.

Sage, 10:06 PM

Affirmative

USS, 10:06 PM

As you exit, Mir seems...perplexed.

Xho, 10:06 PM

We will return when we have news.

Xho, 10:06 PM

Xho nods to him, and heads out with Sage to find the captain.

USS, 10:07 PM

You find Captain Grax on the bridge, overseeing operations from there.

Xho, 10:09 PM

Sir, we learned a great deal, but among other things, the prisoner's implant is set to kill him in approximately 8 hours if it is not updated.

USS, 10:09 PM

Captain Grax: "How do we update it?"

Xho, 10:09 PM

I am not sure. We may have to let him go.

USS, 10:10 PM

Captain Grax: "...let him go...like...back to his people?"

Sage, 10:11 PM

Would you rather he died while we imprisoned him?

Xho, 10:11 PM

He is in our charge, sir.

Xho, 10:11 PM

At the least we ought to have Dr. Viex examine the implant to see if alternatives are possible.

Sage, 10:12 PM

And maybe forgewright as well

USS, 10:12 PM

Captain Grax: "The Professor is very smart, but I am not sure rocket science and brain surgery are equivalent."

Xho, 10:12 PM

Biological arcanotech interfaces are involved.

USS, 10:13 PM

Captain Grax: "...true."

USS, 10:14 PM

Captain Grax: "We can invite the Professor to take a look.  Will he submit to surgery?"

Xho, 10:15 PM

I find it unlikely, but it is possible.

USS, 10:15 PM

Captain Grax: "...ok, well eight hours isn't that long a period of time, let's call him up."

Xho, 10:16 PM

Xho nods.

Xho, 10:16 PM

Xho contacts both Viex and Forgewight and explains the situation to them.

Theo, 10:17 PM

"I'm on my way up."

USS, 10:18 PM

Vlad is also standing by.  He will be using magic as a sort of anesthesia, basically.

Xho, 10:18 PM

Xho is not gonna let 'em do any kind of surgery if the guy can't consent, because probably regulations.

USS, 10:19 PM

Viex: "He can consent beforehand, but I am not operating on someone's spinal column without some means of numbing their pain.  That pain alone could kill them."

Theo, 10:20 PM

Theo shows up and hands off the vials he extracted to Viex.  "I got these out of his armor.

Xho, 10:20 PM

He said he does not feel pain. I do not think it was a metaphor.

Theo, 10:22 PM

His gear was made by Kymal Industries, on a world called Orathakil.  And it's a pain to recycle.

Theo, 10:22 PM

Also his comm unit was set to explode if tampered with, which just strikes me as rude.

USS, 10:23 PM

((Theo, as you explain all this to them, they tell you that they want you to operate on his implant to deactivate it before it kill him.))

Xho, 10:24 PM

Should he consent.

Theo, 10:25 PM

His implant might blow up if it's tampered with.

Sage, 10:27 PM

It’s going to kill him if he doesn’t go back

Xho, 10:27 PM

Quantify "might."

USS, 10:27 PM

((Theo did mention that the comms were rigged to explode when tampered with))

Theo, 10:28 PM

It just seems like the type of thing they'd do to prevent their secrets from getting out.  Not saying it can't be dealt with, but tis' something we should be aware of.

USS, 10:30 PM

Grax: "Do you think you'll be able to stop the detonation should you find a bomb?"

Theo, 10:30 PM

I think so.

USS, 10:31 PM

Dr. Viex: "...I will not allow anyone else in but the three of us.  My staff won't be put at risk."

USS, 10:31 PM

Grax: "That's not your call doctor."

Theo, 10:31 PM

Do you think you can get him to agree?

Xho, 10:32 PM

We can ask.

USS, 10:33 PM

Grax: "Dr. Viex, prepare the lab.  Commander, ask if he'll allow us."

Xho, 10:34 PM

Xho nods.

Xho, 10:35 PM

Xho heads back in to speak with the prisoner.

Theo, 10:36 PM

Theo would like to go with her.

Theo, 10:36 PM

Theo will not if she asks him to stay behind, though.

Xho, 10:36 PM

... very well, but please be extremely careful what you say.

Theo, 10:37 PM

I don't plan on saying anything.

USS, 10:37 PM

((Oh, ok, I will do it here in the main chat, then.))

USS, 10:37 PM

You present him the offer. After a moment he asks "What happens if I survive? I will still be your prisoner. If I am dead, I am told I will join Zebos and my people beyond the veil."

Theo, 10:38 PM

Theo would like to cast Detect Magic to see if I can sense anything along the lines of the explosives in the comm unit.

Xho, 10:38 PM

You are told that, yes. ... I personally do not believe it.

Xho, 10:39 PM

I know very little about the nature of this Zebos, but if he exists in the material plane it seems unlikely he would also possess a large planar afterlife.

Theo, 10:40 PM

Theo nods.  He knows fuck all about gods but planar mechanics he does get.

USS, 10:40 PM

Mir: "...maybe so...I will accept your aid."

Xho, 10:41 PM

Also, he does not have a record of telling the truth.

Xho, 10:41 PM

Xho nods.

Theo, 10:41 PM

Theo eyes him.  "So do you know about the explosives?"

USS, 10:41 PM

Mir: "...what explosives?"

Theo, 10:41 PM

The explosives they put in your implant.

USS, 10:42 PM

Mir: "...I did not, no."

Theo, 10:42 PM

… or in the communicator.

Theo, 10:42 PM

I'm surprised I didn't find any in your helmet, frankly.

USS, 10:42 PM

Mir: "I did know about those."

Xho, 10:42 PM

Xho just glowers.

Xho, 10:43 PM

... I can see I am going to have to use one of Mr. Duma's holodeck programs again. Likely one with significant punching.

Xho, 10:43 PM

Very well, I will inform the doctor.

Theo, 10:43 PM

We'd better do it soon.

USS, 10:44 PM

Ok, you guys go and prepare.  I'd say that total, all this takes another 2 hours so now there's 6 left.

Xho, 10:44 PM

Xho heads out.

Theo, 10:44 PM

Sorry.  I know I said I wouldn't speak.

Xho, 10:44 PM

You did well.

Theo, 10:45 PM

I figured it would serve.

USS, 10:45 PM

Grax will meet with you Xho, real quick beforehand.  "If this goes wrong, I will need you to follow my orders exactly, no matter how strange.  Understood?"

Xho, 10:45 PM

… no, but I will do so, sir.

USS, 10:45 PM

He nods.

Xho, 10:46 PM

((This is definitely gonna involve rubbing each other with decontamination gel, isn't it.))

USS, 10:46 PM

((How dare you? :P ))

Xho, 10:47 PM

((As long as it doesn't involve that theme song. >.< ))

USS, 10:47 PM

The surgery begins.  Vlad casts sleep to help Mir fall unconscious.  Theo, I am going to need a tinkerer's tools check.

Theo, 10:49 PM

((22!))

USS, 10:51 PM

Ok.  Dr. Viex starts things off somewhat sloppily.  The incision isn't as large as it likely needed to be, giving you less space than you'd like.  But, after some minor tweaking, you make your way in.  The bomb inside is actually smaller than the comm and less complex (likely less expected to be needed) and you are able to dispatch it easily.  This leads us to the next step.  I need another tools check.

Theo, 10:52 PM

((26.))

USS, 10:55 PM

Theo, you do great.  You're able to reach in and remove the apparatus to apply the poison from the rest of the device.  It's not unable to function.  However, Dr. Viex has never worked on a body like this before and you see their hand shake in anxiety and...you see it shift.  Dr. Viex never shifts, but they are still a changeling, and now they are shifting and they sever in the wrong place and now blood is beginning to flow.

USS, 10:56 PM

Theo, you have a number of devices to cauterize a wound.  I am going to need you to use one of those.  One more tools check, now with adv. cause of your growing familiarity.

Theo, 10:57 PM

((28 with advantage!))

USS, 10:58 PM

Dr. Viex is barely able to contain themself but your fast acting is able to save Mir.  Dr. Viex, now in the form of a dragonborn male, finishes the final stitching.  It's imprecise, but it's effective.  And Mir is safe.

USS, 10:58 PM

((I rolled a 1 at the worst fucking time.))

Xho, 10:58 PM

Xho had to look away when it started bleeding like that.

USS, 10:59 PM

Grax: "...we're not out of this yet.  ...Security, return him to his cell before he wakes up."

USS, 11:00 PM

Orange shirts begin to run in and carry Mir off.

Xho, 11:01 PM

Xho nods.

USS, 11:01 PM

Grax: "...Professor, preserve the tech and hide it.  Somewhere I don't know where it is.  Understood."

Theo, 11:02 PM

... no problem, but a weird request.

USS, 11:02 PM

Grax: "...good work, Commander."

Xho, 11:03 PM

I did not do anything, sir.

USS, 11:03 PM

Grax: "Oh, I think you did.  I think you've won our very first battle with this...Kymal Industries."