You’re not a tour guide

Posted on Sat Mar 2nd, 2019 @ 4:16am by Lieutenant Commander S'hib & Avalon [ADMIN NPC]

Mission: MISSION 0 - History Speaks
Location: DS9 holodeck
Tags: S'hib, Avalon
1284 words - 2.6 OF Standard Post Measure

Two large doors split down the middle and hissed, sliding elegantly open as S’hib walked through. His hips and tuffs of white-grey Fur protruding from the top of a long flowing skirt, bright yellow and enveloped in jewellery that contrasted against the fur over the rest of his body, slender physique and the sterile default holodeck environment.

“Computer, Load up a ship tour of the USS Elysium, Registration number NCC 89000.” S’hib said sternly, as he ran both 4 digit hands through his mane and down to his shoulders, Adjusting a yellow choker made from the same material as his dress. “Begin when ready,” he added before watching the holodeck shimmer into life, placing him firmly down a random corridor, one of the hundreds that snaked along the vessel, One of the hundreds he had to learn.

“Oh this is going to be fun,” He quipped sarcastically while looking down either end of the curved corridor before him. “Wonder what deck this is,” he added to himself before walking towards a T junction.

"You are on Deck 23," A soft voice came from behind him. "on Deck 23 you will find - Computer Core Level 5, Cargobay 5, Private Communications Facility, Meeting Rooms (12), Banquet Halls (3), Galleys (3), Bakery, Translation Services Office, Conference Halls (3), Exhibition Hall, Holodeck 8. Shuttlebay 2 Ground Level" A slim female with long red hair was behind him in basic black.

Startled slightly by the unfamiliar voice, and expecting nothing but empty hallways. S’hib turned around quickly and looked at the figure before him, tilting his head slightly to the side as his ears flicked in annoyance. “Computer, deactivate the ship tour guide.” He snorted before turning back around moments before the computer beeped angrily back.

“The tour guide program is currently offline.” The computer responding, almost mocking him.

“Oh,” S’hib muttered as he stopped and slowly turned back around. “Then who might you be.” he asked curiously while walking back towards the woman.

"Avalon. The Elysium's Second AI." The female replied coolly.

“Fascinating,” S’hib replied as he walked slightly around the side of Avalon, Examing the hologram before him. “So you’re able to appear anywhere on the ship, Similar to an EMH?” He added with an overly excited tone.

"An Oversimplification of my role but yes."Avalon replied.

“Well, if you don't mind me asking.” S’hib mused as he crossed his arms and put a hand up to his chin, leaving a single digit pointed up across his lips. “what is it you do that the main computer can not?”

"I am the holographic representation of the Elysium's main computer. As such I make interactions with the computer more personal." Avalon replied. "And I can substitute for any bridge position at the request of Captain Lalor."

“Let's walk and talk,” S’hib said softly as he started off down the corridor, musing for a moment as the sound of his hooves filled the empty hallway. “I did a case study at the academy about holographic security programs, And how Starfleet was posing to use Holographic technology to fight boarding parties and such.” He added, Turning to Avalon before continuing. “Thing is, us squishy organics don't need power.” S’hib added with a smirk.

"Be that as it may, you squishy organics as you put it, die rather well, as my predecessor was keen to prove."

S’hib slowed down for a moment as they approached a turbolift, and with a slight smirk, slowly opened his lips to reply “Pull out a few Neural gel packs and we’ll see how you fair without your squishy organics.” He said with a slight laugh and extending his hand forward into the turbolift. “artificial intelligence first.”

She glided past him. "You'd be surprised how hard it is to kill me."

“Oh, I can imagine,” S’hib replied, shaking his head as he walked inside the turbolift and stopped beside Avalon. “So what deck would you recommend I look around first?”

"Deck 18" Avalon said. "You do not want to gap like a moron on your first day. So Deck 18 is best. Bridge!" She ordered the lift.

“That is something I'm trying to avoid, Especially since it's my first assignment since leaving the academy.” S’hib said quietly, watching the turbolift lights flash past each deck.

The lift stopped and the doors opened onto the bridge.

"I must admit, I doubt I will be on the bridge much..." S'hib said before trailing off, Looking around in awe.

Avalon smiled and glided past him. "As you can see, deck 18 houses the bridge. One of the biggest in the fleet. Thankfully the Captain rarely has to shout. Computer, place current bridge crew in position. Static mode. no interaction."

Around the bridge figures appeared. A slender, humanoid female sat calmly in the center chair, (Captain Phoenix Lalor) with a tall dark haired male beside her in the XO post, identified as Commander Gary Taylor.

A woman in teal stood to the captain's left, Avalon gave her name as "Lieutenant Commander Tate Sullivan, Chief counselor"

In front of them, a Trill female at helm - Commander Liselle Qwyyn and the second officer, and a human at Ops, Lieutenant Commander Anje Brett

A blond officer stood at Security. Avalon identified her as "Commander Aurelia Holmes. Chief of Security."

A brunette stood at the science station, named by Avalon as "Lieutenant Commander Arrianna Salannis an Vantar, the security Chief."

A man was walking up a flight of stairs from the intelligence hub below, he had brown hair and gray eyes. "Lieutenant Wynter, Chief of Intelligence"

Off behind the Chief of Security, a Klingon in Federation Diplomatic dress stood. "Our Ambassador, Legat Toran - Son of Thopok House of Thopak."

Then the AI stepped back to let S'hib look around and gape.

Walking slowly to the middle of the bridge S’hib took in his surroundings with inquisitive eyes, trying to get a sense of the ship and the crew he would be protecting. “Avalon,” He said softly, while staring at his reflection in the large curving viewscreen, The stars glimering over his grey fur. “Was there ever a stage in your creation where you felt small?” S’hib added before turning his head to the AI. “Like you might not live up to your creators expectations?”

Avalon gave a shrug. "I have limits on my programming due to my predecessor's inability to maintain proper limits. I live up to my programming. Do you feel overwhelmed?"

“Overwhelmed wouldn't be the right word.” S’hib snorted frustratedly as he slowly turned on the spot, looking around at the bridge. “I’m one of the first of my kind in Starfleet, and I feel like everyone expects me to be this great pioneer.” S’hib interjected while throwing his hands up. “I don’t want to be a poster boy. Yet, here i am doing my homework to be one anyway.” He finished with closed eyes, the long braided hair that was his tail flicking around, like and angry snake.

“I just want my best to be good enough.” he added quietly before opening his eyes again.

"You will be fine Ensign. The Elysium and her crew are a family. You will find your place."

“I do hope you’re right.” S’hib exhaled, placing his hands on his hips and thinking deeply for a few moments. “Where should we explore next?” He added, Blinking back to reality.

"Decks 2 to 5 houses a massive arboretum which most crew enjoy use of."

“Let’s go then.” S’hib replied as he walked over to the turbolift, Giving the bridge one final glance as they both entered.

OFF

Ensign S'hib
Security Officer
USS Elysium

Avalon
Ships AI
USS Elysium