Assemble

Posted on Sat Aug 13, 2022 @ 3:48pm by Lieutenant Penelope Naroot

429 words; about a 2 minute read

Mission: We Will Take Care of You
Location: Android's Quarters

Penelope paced back and forth in the android's quarters. "This is all going sideways."

"The crew are not behaving according to our predictions," Oscar 12 said. "The Captain, however, was most accepting of our offer."

"Of course she was," Penelope said. "We worded everything so she would be, to give us an in-road to the Federation. Then that lumbering mountain of a First Officer can't keep asleep and now we're down the doctor."

"We did not estimate losing the previous crew members," Alice said. "We knew having a replacement would be a risk."

Penelope sighed and ran her hands through her hair in frustration. "We need to secure this ship immediately. The sooner we can take them off the board, the sooner we can proceed with immobilizing the rest of the fleet."

"The security chief was very preoccupied with 'lunchtime'," Trudy 481 said. "I was, however, able to obtain information on the shield systems once he was finished. They can be overridden easily with correct codes."

"My contact was less than forthcoming," Herman 47 reported. "However, I observed enough of their interactions with the computer. We should be able to gain access."

"Without the doctor, ship wide immobilization of the crew will not be possible," Alice said 348. "However, I believe he is emotionally involved with the Probe. That might give us access to the environmental systems."

"Try," Penelope said. "Otherwise, this will take too long and be too costly."

Alice nodded and left the room.

Everyone looked towards the small computer station to the side as a light flashed, announcing an incoming message. Penelope walked over and accessed it. "The Captain and the Ship's Counselor want to meet again." She frowned. "That's soon."

"Our projections indicated she would not deliberate long," Herman 47 said. "And as we observed, she was agreeable to our proposal."

"She's also suspicious, counter-intuitive and stubborn," Penelope said. "All reports indicate the safest assumption is to assume she's doing exactly what we don't want." She tapped her fingers on the table top. "Prepare responses for any suspicions she may have, but begin the approach assuming she's going to inform us of the Federation's acceptance. We'll proceed with caution."

Everyone's number plates began flashing as they set their minds to the task. Oscar 12 stepped away from the group and turned to Penelope. "Shall I adjust our offer?"

"No, but be prepared to improve it, if we feel it necessary to placate them," Penelope said. "We have twenty-nine hours to take this ship. We don't have time to wait for her to decide."

Oscar 12 nodded and left for the briefing room.

 

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