Dinner with Dalacari
Posted on Fri Mar 27th, 2020 @ 11:09pm by Lieutenant Commander Arianna Sky Kamar & Major Naomi Sylan Griffiths & Lieutenant Shri'Rao Sh'veqan & Sera Dega
Mission:
Discovery
Location: Dalacari Ship
Frank left the bridge and met his officers in the transporter room. He looked at the young Ensign at the controls and wondered for a moment if he was ever that young. All of the events recently had begun to tire him out. Maybe some shore leave or holodeck time would be restful. He cleared his throat and nodded to the Ensign. Pennsylvania shimmered and disappeared as the Dalacari ship came in to focus.
Griffiths followed her Captain into the lift but remained silent but she was on an observation alert. she could not help it, it was how she was trained.
Shri'Rao was in her office at the time of the summons but made her way quickly to the transporter room.
"I'm surprised we're not doing dress uniforms". The Andorian security chief said.
"Would you want constricting uniforms if we have to move quickly Lieutenant?" Griffiths asked.
"I guess that depends on how solemn a first contact meeting is Major". Shri'Rao replied.
*shrugs* "well as a Marine I prefer the ease of movement to tight and constricting, but that is me" Naomi responded.
"I would have thought you liked tight and constricting. Interesting." Shri'Rao replied.
Arianna patiently waited next to the captain for the transport to begin.
The transport took a little longer than expected, for those that keep track of being moved in such a fashion. Upon arrival, the first thing anyone would notice was that this transport pad was spacious. Roomy, comfy even. The whole of the room seemed just right in terms of comfort. Maybe a bit too roomy, really, but comfortable. Soft greens and white accents along the curved walls, not a single hard edge or corner in sight. Those used to the soft background hum ever-present on Pennsylvania would feel something similar in this craft, though the tone was different. The different ship, different engine. Behind the operations, the console was a pair of figures, dressed in simple lime-green uniforms and appearing, for all the world, like a pair of twins.
Also in the room were three bipedal drones, their chassis white and golden trim. Their heads adorned with a single glowing optic light, with a designed headdress of sorts. In no way did they even remotely resemble the Dalacari, but their design was elegance. Smooth motion, efficient operation.
Wait they were armed.
Upon the arrival of their guests, each of the three drones was already in the motion of slinging their weapons: Some form of energy rifle from the looks of it. The Operator behind the panel gave a welcoming wave and a nod, "Welcome aboard. I've sent word to the Overseer about your arrival. Theta Seventy Four will guide you to Facsimile Room Three."
One of the drones turned to the arriving party as the operations officer turned to the party. :: Welcome guests. This unit is designate Theta Seven Four. If you all would accompany, the banquette hall is this way. ::
It had a pleasant voice, for a mechanism, but obviously synthetic. It's optically pulsed softly with each syllable.
Shri'Rao thought the pad was big and the automation was was excellent. The transporter pad made sense to her as the Dalacari seemed to do everything in pairs. Her antennae shot up when the automated sentry pointed what seemed like a weapon at them, but maybe it was simply their version of a universal translator. The voice, however, was pleasant for a droid.
"I suggest we do as it wants Captain. We were invited after all." Shri'Rao said politely.
"I agree on that Captain, I agree, when in Rome and all" Griffiths added agreeing with the Security Chief, but she still remained observant.
Nodding in agreement, but remaining silent, looked around and allowed her mind to open to test the air as it were.
A cursory glance about, mentally speaking, would reveal something interesting. The two figures at the control panel, each an identical twin of the other, occupied two forms. Two bodies, yet there was only a singular mind there. A shared gestalt consciousness? A singular intellect that needed two minds to hold?
"Curious as to why the Dalacari didn't meet us here in person. Their protocols are quite different from ours". Shri'Rao said.
"Let's keep our eyes and ears opened, this is new for all of us. We will comply with their request." Frank hoped that he would not inadvertently offend his new hosts, losing face at an initial contact could cause problems down the road. Frank straightened the front of his uniform and then stepped forward to follow the drone.
"Aye Captain," Shri'Rao said looking around, trying to take in every detail. The style and decor were certainly alien but it had a certain pleasing symmetry. There was also none of the doppler shift effects that were a problem with visual communications.
"Aye, Captain" Griffiths simply answered.
Shri'Rao wished she had a tricorder to examine where they were how the ship was contructed, the types of power the Dalacari utilized, but especially to record the art and decor of the space they now occupied. It was all very interesting.
Something caught the drone's attention. :: Overseer Sera Dega is finalizing preparations. She will be meeting you in Facsimile Room Three. Apologies for this inconvenience. ::. With that, the drone turned and lead the crew of visitors out of the transport room and into the primary hall. Very spacious, and it quickly became apparent why. The halls were full of Dalacari walking from task to task, and they needed all that extra room. Drones walked behind them, carrying equipment or containers, or just holding onto whatever the Dalacari didn't feel like holding. There was always a wave, always a welcoming smile, but they were careful not to show teeth when they smiled.
:: On behalf of the Overseer and the crew of the DCS Venture's Gain, be welcomed. The light cruiser has a proud history of service in the Republic and meets or exceeds all standards for speed, efficiency, and safety. As guests, your safety and comfort aboard this ship are second only to the crew here. Any drone here would cease function to assist in your protection. :: Designate Theta Seventy Four explained.
:: You certainly have questions. This unit is authorized to answer general questions. If an answer is impossible or not permitted, such will be explained with apologies. ::
As he walked behind the drones, Frank was impressed with ship. It was clean and well organized, the spaces were a bit wider than typical human fashion but he assumed it was due to the Dalacari binary life forms. The smooth contours of the passageways were different than the sharp corners found in many of Pennsylvania's workspaces. "I'd like to ask a question if I may, there seem to be quite a few drones on board, are you programmed for a specific task or a multitude of functions.?"
Designate Theta Seventy Four gave something of a nod,:: Drones aboard a Dalacari vessel are assigned tasks as needed by the central system unless they receive requests or commands. Orders and requests from Dalacari override any other order or task, with the exception that if that request directly places a Dalacari in the potential of harm. ::
:: All drones inside the ship are designate for security and protection, but are capable of performing any task requested. ::
The movement of the drone was fluid. It walked like an organic biped. Range of motion, smoothness of motion, it was a mockery of life elevated to an art form. They all were.
Frank listened to the drone intrigued by the response, "Thank you," he said as he thought over what he had heard. drones controlled by a central system, his train of thought began running down a dark path, what if that system were compromised, do they all carry weapons, are the Dalacari truly in control or are the drones. Frank decided to remain alert and not jump to any conclusions.
Arianna was not only facinated but amazed by the drones at how almost perfectly emulating the human mannerisms. It was truly amazing.
Sounded to Shri'Rao as if they were programmed to obey Asimov's three laws of robotics or at least something very similar.
Naomi remained silent throughout, her mind was wandering as she was getting bored but she kept an ear open should she be addressed.
"Tell Me Theta Seventy Four, how long has the Dalacari been a spacefaring culture," Shri'Rao asked.
There was a momentary pause. To the uninitiated, it would seem like Theta Seventy Four was thinking. To the more technical minded, though, it was simply accessing an external database. :: The Dalacari have been exploring space for over three hundred and sixty years. Though early forays into faster than light travel started two hundred and twenty years ago, and were initially handled by unoccupied automated shuttles. To preserve Dalacari life, of course. Once it was deemed safe for organic travel, the Dalacari joined the interstellar community. ::
It had all the patience and tone of someone reading to a child from a history book. :: The very first craft capable of travelling faster than light while carrying Dalacari was called the DRE Proxima Tangent, and is currently on display at the stellar museum on Ibix. ::
Designate Theta Seventy Four finally seemed to reach its destination: a pair of massive doors akin to some form of bulkhead or security door. Upon arrival, the doors opened like the iris of a camera. Four large pieces each recessed counterclockwise into the wall. On the other side of the door was a room very striking from the rest of the ship's interior design. The soft thin carpet of the room was replaced with hardwood of sorts. A table stretched outfit for serving ten, maybe even twelve people, with plates and empty bowls before each chair. At the side of the room, there was another long table with plates of foodstuffs, mostly various meats though one could spy something vegetable in the base if one they looked hard enough. Three drones, similar to Designate Theta Seventy Four, were in this room as well.
At the end of the table were the twin forms of Sera Dega, the Overseer of this ship. To her collective left, there was another pair of forms, male in appearance, wearing a slightly different coloured uniform than the Overseer was. As the doors opened and the crew stood before the dining room, each of the forms of Sera Dega stood and made their way over. Her guests stood but made no approach.
"Captain. I'm so very delighted that you accepted my invitation. I'm sorry I couldn't have been there personally to receive you, but I wanted to ..." and the one that was talking simply stopped talking. Her twin instantly picked up the conversation, as though she were the initial speaker, "... make sure that everything here was perfect to receive you. I trust Delta Seventy Four was well behaved?" she said with the tone of humour as if anything other than perfect behavior was even possible.
“Thank You, Overseer, for the kind invitation and hospitality. Delta Seventy Four was well behaved and very helpful,” Frank replied.
"This is my chief of security and head of autonomous operations, Kyr Itriga." while one spoke, the other motioned to the other pair of forms at the table. When motioned to, each of his forms gave a nod, "It's a pleasure. I'm sure Delta Seventy Four already explained this, but guests among Dalacari are always welcome, and always protected."
Finally unable to contain her curiosity "If I may ask" Griffiths begun looking at Delta 74 "how do you manage to finish each other's sentences? Is it like the Binar Species that use communication type implants or does it come naturally to you? I only ask as it fascinates and amazes me how you can finish each other's sentences" Griffiths asked total look of innocent curiosity on her face.
It was Sera who fielded the question. "Well, that's more the result of visual expectation. See... every Dalacari is a pair. We're born in pairs, and hopefully, we'll live our whole lives as pairs."
Her twin continued, "We evolved from swarm predators with a low-level cloud empathy. The swarm functioned as one efficient predator and, as they climbed to the..."
"... top of the food chain, and eventually became a dominant species, they got smarter. As they got smarter, the swarm got smaller and smaller until..."
"... the end result was a swarm of two. Modern-day Dalacari. Two bodies, two biologies, but a singular consciousness shared between two brains." she motioned between her forms.
"As for the drones, well, they're durable. Durable, obedient, loyal, and lovable." she complimented. Delta Seventy Four gave a nod, "At your service, Overseer."
The twin forms of Overseer Sera gave a smile each, though were cautious not to show teeth. "Please, continue. To a Dalacari mind, curiosity is a gift."
"I simply find your ability fascinating, tell me how does a Dacalari cope when they lose their twin? I know it would be disorientating, but could they cope, being only one mind?" Griffiths asked.
Sera gave a pair of nods, "It's the most debilitating condition a Dalacari can suffer from. The loss of literally half of your entire being. Some fall into depression, others go into fits of..."
"... sociopathics. We used to call the condition as being Single, but since we've encountered life that is, by default a single instance the Department of Social..."
"... Affairs felt that the name might sound insensitive or even potentially offensive, so the new term we use is Stranded. Such Dalacari receive the greatest focus..."
"... of our healthcare and psychiatric assistance, with some Dalacari in the nursing fields actually training to have more control over each of their forms to better..."
"... interact with Stranded Dalacari. Some manage to remain functional to a point, but a full recovery is literally impossible. Most of the time, they enter in a bid for..."
"... assisted sanctioning. It's not the best solution, I agree, but it's the one that puts everyone back at rest. If you're religious, the comfort is that everyone in whole in..."
"... Dia's graces. If you're not religious, though, it's at least a comfort that someone and their family isn't suffering any longer."
Tag Any
“Incredible,” Frank said softly under his breath as he listened to the conversation and looked around the new room they had entered. Addressing the Overseer he spoke again, “Overseer Sera, curiosity is one of the many reasons we are here in this Quadrant. We, humans, are always searching behind the next star or through the next Nebula. It is a passion that is fueled by a thirst for knowledge.” He paused a moment and realized he had not introduced his officers. “I’m afraid Overseer, that our curiosity has overridden our manners.”
Frank turned to his left as he spoke, “This is Major Griffiths, my second Officer or Executive Officer.” Turning to his right he continued speaking,” This is my Chief Engineer Lieutenant Commander Sky-Kamar and beside her is my Chief of Security Lieutenant Sh’veqan.”
Shri'Rao nodded her antennae pointed to the Dalacari speaking.
Griffiths nodded in greeting.
Arianna did likewise in saluting but in the Klingon way.
The full weight of the attention of the two Dalacari in the room landed on each officer as they were introduced. A nod, a smile, something to show they were acknowledged and welcomed. Even the designate drone followed along, perhaps scanning their features and identity in for future reference.
"It's a pleasure to meet you all, and welcome aboard. You've met me and my chief of security. You've..."
"... also met the designate drone for the evening. Mostly just a title for an ambassador, a spokes drone you could..."
"... say. Since they're all identical aside from designations." Sera explained. During the explanation, the other drones began to set the table for the guests. Full plate and utensil service, with enough parallels to conventional cutlery that it was apparent... A fork was a fork.
"Our onboard tactical and processing unit is designate Tee Eee Phi Eighty ..."
"...Three. I trust you'll understand that the Thinking Engine is off-limits to visitors." The chief of security hopped in.
"As the central processing unit for the entirety of our drone contingent, you'll understand if it's not part of the meet and ..."
"...greet. Though, rest assured it's just a clever name. The Engine isn't actually aware."
Shri'Rao looked around as they were introduced, her curiosity ever needing to be sated. She, however, followed the Captain's lead. This was definitely a first contact situation, so she was on her best behaviour.
Griffiths began to study her surroundings, she did not feel threatened, normally her battle sense would kick in, but there was nothing, but she still remained alert, but curious.
Arianna was very alert and very aware of what was going on. Choosing to remain silent for now, she stayed close to the captain and executive officer.
"Overseer", Shri'rao addressed both the twins. "We have encountered highly distorted imagery when trying to focus comunications or sensor beams on your ship a sort of doppler shifting. What is the cause of that?"
That caused Sera to stop and think. A Dalacari lost in thought was an interesting sight indeed. "I'm not entirely certain. I know it's not something we're actively doing. It's possible, best guess, that since Dalacari infrastructure uses two of everything..."
"... that your systems are a little confused, and not sure of what they are seeing.. Tee Eee Phi Eighty?" and there was a tone. Soft, artificial, like an acknowledgement from any Starfleet computer system. Though, it wasn't vocal.
"Given the circumstances and situation, likelihood of accuracy in resolution of Federation scans?" Sera asked. There was a bit of a pause, and then Designate Theta Seventy Four spoke up. :: Tee Eee Phi Eighty reports a result of positive, within ninety two percentiles. ::
Sera was pleased with the result, "I think we have our most likely answer."
"I will make the adjustments when we return to the Pennsylvania," Shri'Rao replied.
With a nod from the Overseer, the drones went to their task. Trays were brought over, and various foodstuffs were given in generous portions. Mostly meats of some form, with very little in the way of vegetable or fruit matter gracing the plate. Some were allowed to essentially clump together, while other items on the menu were deliberately separated on the plate. Presentation, perhaps?
The final piece of the food puzzle was drinks. Drones inquired to each guest individually as to their preference.
"Dalacari cuisine is meant to be enjoyed in pairs, so as single-instance life it might not come across as well, and for that.."
"... I apologize. Though, don't let it spoil the mood. Enjoy." Sera motioned to the table as a whole. She was quiet, collectively, for a few moments before she spoke up again, "Oh, Captain. The whole point of the meet..." she giggled a bit to herselves.
"The results of your inquiry. The cartographic society sent back a few promising matches."
"Actually I would just like a glass of water 5 degrees celcius please" Shri'rao said.
:: Of course. Water thermal measurements are similar between our systems. If the temperature is not to your liking, please let it be known. :: the drone mentioned when it returned with the glass.
"Thank you" Shri'Rao said politely.
:: Of course. :: the drone's synthetic voice toned.
The food was well prepared. Even those who had the knack for detecting replicated food could tell that while this was indeed replicated, it was a bit harder to actually tell. Also, some of the food tasted a bit off, but watching the two whole Dalacari eat proved why. Some of the food was meant to be consumed by Dalacari was meant to be eaten half by one form, and half by the other. The shared sensations probably changed how the food tasted to their singular consciousness.
"Captain." Sera broke the silence after a while, "I must say, your crew is very polite and calm." she complimented. "Truth be told I was expecting to be bombarded with questions and..."
"... requests to inspect our tech, wonder of how it works, and the inevitable display of how to improve our systems." at that, she smirked in stereo.
Arianna was the first to speak now. "Overseer, I am awed by what I see on your ship. The technology is so much different from what I had expected. I would like to see some of your technology before we are to leave", she said nibbling on the food.
"I agree, I would love to learn about your tech and people as well but it would be impolite to make such a request unless invited to do so. Your art and decor for example says much about your culture which does seem as rich as it is alien to us. I do however believe that there is room to grow in the spirit of friendship and mutual understanding." Shri'Rao replied.
"Well to a point, you're experiencing some of that now." Sera motioned to the room around her. "The Class Seven Facsimile Generator. It's a room based system that can simulate any setup, environment, layout..."
"... or design. It uses fabricators to generate actual objects such as tables, chairs, even food. Holography generators, micro friction fields, gravity control, and ..."
"... micro traction and impeller forces allow for effort, force, and impact to be generated and felt by holographic entities." Sera explained.
Her security chief actually joined in the conversation, "There's even a class of shuttle, the Calus-Class, that is entirely Facsimile technology on the inside. It caters to the whim of the occupants, and shifts its..."
"... layout as desired. Of course, it costs about a third of what this entire cruiser costs to manufacture, but if I had my choice of retiring on my own personal moon, or..."
"... owning a Calus-Class, oh I'd have to actually think about it."
This brought a giggle to Sera's features, and a chuckle from Kyr Itriga, the security chief. Sera continued, "We take our comfort very seriously, as you've no doubt guessed. Second only to safety. Drone tech provides security both internal and external." she motioned to designate Theta Seventy Four, who straightened up with a simulation of pride.
"Drone fighters supplement our offense and defense ship to ship, while internal security is ninety nine percent drone. Outside of drone architecture, our ship..."
"... design motif factors in the number two everywhere. We have two reactors on board, two medical wings, a second bridge just in case, and two shield generators..."
"... to ensure that all aboard are safe in any situation. Our warp engines use internalized warp field generators, and yes... we do have two sets of projectors." she smirked.
"I'm sorry, went on a bit of a rant there. I understand that listening to Dalacari must be a bit of a workout. Which is why I insisted to my security chief that we..."
"... at least sit close together. After dinner, I'll allow for a demonstration of the drone security force's capacity, and I'll let Kyr Itriga show off how good a shot he is."
"If that's agreeable?" she asked the Pennsylvania crew.
“That would be agreeable, Overseer if it does not delay any of your operations. We would not want to inconvenience you further.” Frank was impressed with the ship, the meal, and the Overseer’s hospitality, but he didn’t want to impose further
or seem ungrateful.
Kyr gave a shake of his heads, "Not at all. If nothing else, if we're going to be together on the same world, I feel it would only help put you at east to know..."
"... that we can take care of ourselves. That, and if called upon for assistance, that we can offer more than just good warm meals." he chuckled.
"Plus, like the Overseer said... I do enjoy a demonstration."
"A demonstation is agreeable but getting a good look at Dalacari engineering technology is a dream come true for this engineer. I would not mindca tour of that if at all possible and a look at your drones. They are incredible....", Arianna added.
After asking her questions and getting the anwers she expected Naomi was content to remain silent, there were other questions but she thought that they would seem impertinent so she remained silent.
Designate Delta Seventy Four straightened up, and turned towards the Overseer :: Did you hear that, Madam Overseer? She used the word Incredible. ::
Sera, to her credit, giggled a bit, "Wait until she gets to know you." though her tone was all in good humor. "Well, please, enjoy. If you want more just ask, and we can begin the rest of the..."
"... talks and even a demonstration or two after dinner. You are our guests, please."
"Thank you Overseer for your time and for the help, If are ever in the same solar system again I ask that you allow me and my crew to host you for dinner," Frank said graciously before tapping his badge and asking for transport.
----------------------------------------
A post by:
Captain Kamar
Commanding Officer
Lieutenant Shri'Rao Sh'veqan
Chief Security Officer
Lt. Cmdr. Arianna Sky Kamar
Chief Engineering Officer
Major NS Griffiths
First Officer
Sera Dega
Overseer
Kyr Itriga
Security Chief
Delta Seventy Four
Designate Drone
