Shanodin
Major
The Chamberlain, Her Chivalrous Immensity, Lady Botanica. The Unyielding Vanquisher of Weed Killer
This is NOT her field of dreams
Posts: 700
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Post by Shanodin on May 11, 2009 22:36:31 GMT -5
Timestamp: Day 34
Botanica hasn't rested since she and Rodimus parted company yesterday. She's been too busy trying-and failing in most cases- to catch up with the other Maximals and then compiling all the data into a format that won't make Rodimus's CPU lock up. Then there's separating out need from want, which is so terribly hard when one is unsure of what actually will be a need....
It's enough to give anyone a headache, and she absently rubs her temple with one hand as she knocks lightly on the door Command has been using for meetings.
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Post by Rodimus Prime on May 12, 2009 22:01:16 GMT -5
It's not really much of a door, but then, it's not really much of a room - just a small section of tunnel that someone persuaded Long Haul to toss up a quick hinge door to block off.
Rodimus, who is sitting on a too-small overturned box behind a makeshift table made, mostly, of a slab of metal laid across two large rocks, glances up from the roughly scrawled maps that have been inscribed directly into the table surface. "Door's unlocked," he says loudly, then looks back down, murmuring, "Can't really lock it, actually."
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Shanodin
Major
The Chamberlain, Her Chivalrous Immensity, Lady Botanica. The Unyielding Vanquisher of Weed Killer
This is NOT her field of dreams
Posts: 700
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Post by Shanodin on May 12, 2009 22:50:41 GMT -5
"Well, that doesn't mean one should dispense with courtesy now does it, Rodimus," Botanica responds cheerfully- though a bit tiredly- as she enters the room. She has two datapads in one set of hands, and a sheaf of papers cradled in the crook of her arm. Even with out the voice cue, it's a bit obvious that she hasn't rested. She's not quite wilted, just a little...droopy.
She carefully sets the papers and one datapad on the table and pushes them toward Rodimus, then slides a crate over and...almost flops down upon it.
"Perhaps I should have given myself an extra day," she says, smiling, "Coordinating the other Maximals and finding out what they might need, organics-wise, to be included was worse than herding Mile-a-day Ivy." Then her look grows more serious.
"Speaking of...before we get into the dry and dirty details, I need to speak about Claw Jaw- and more importantly Ramulus- with you."
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Post by Rodimus Prime on May 13, 2009 19:06:12 GMT -5
"Well, if you do need another day, please, take it," Rodimus answers Botanica as he removes a datapad of his own from subspace. He looks down at it and brings up two files - two sets of technical specifications - and lines them up one over the other, so that both are visible, then, absently, slides the datapad towards Botanica.
"But go. What about them? I imagine we're going to need some sort of holding tank, lake, something for Claw Jaw, but- well, what did you need to talk about?"
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Shanodin
Major
The Chamberlain, Her Chivalrous Immensity, Lady Botanica. The Unyielding Vanquisher of Weed Killer
This is NOT her field of dreams
Posts: 700
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Post by Shanodin on May 13, 2009 21:01:21 GMT -5
She nods. "Yes, I spoke to Claw Jaw, and he really does seem to need some sort of body of water to regularly rest in. We could make do with an immersion tank, or aquarium. I can also work such a tank into the biosphere, perhaps, make it into a simulated lake." She rotates her neck a bit as if trying to work out a kink, then sighs in satisfaction. "Much better."
"The two transmetals we have seem to have a...much closer tie to their beast forms than is normal. It's as if a large part of their very programming is more beast than mech. I do not know if that is due to their own protoform formatting circumstances or if it is a normal thing. But my discussion with Ramulus leads me to think that it is not so normal in his reality, at least."
As she talks, she reaches out for the datapad Rodimus pushed toward her. She looks at the data quizzically for several moments, then cants her eyes back to Rodimus, brow furrowed. "Making a point?" she asks, tapping the pad.
"I...have a bit of information as to what set Ramulus off so badly- both emotionally and physically."
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Post by Rodimus Prime on May 14, 2009 21:34:58 GMT -5
"In part," Rodimus answers in response to Botanica's question about making a point. "Also, in the hopes that perhaps some... comparative studies might be useful. And to let you know what sort of basis Transformers of... of my reality and time-frame, and those similar, might have to work from." He nods towards the datapad. "Even realities that haven't developed the technology yet should be close enough to learn from that," he points. "And that may help them understand the next steps. Stepping stones, so to speak. Even if..." Rodimus smiles faintly. "Even if some steps are missing." Then he leans forward to his own datapad and brings up two more files. These contain the modifications - to robot and to organic - that are required to turn a humanoid into a *Master partner. "There's also that, but I think it's a bit less directly relevant."
"I was expecting to have to allow for some sort of aquarium or similar for Claw Jaw, actually. It may be best to put it into the biosphere, but... if I go with that option, how many fish are you going to tell me we need to take along?" The Prime's tone is playful, but it sounds like he half expects to be told an answer he doesn't like, anyway.
"Actually... cancel that. We can get to that later. Focus on Ramulus now."
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Shanodin
Major
The Chamberlain, Her Chivalrous Immensity, Lady Botanica. The Unyielding Vanquisher of Weed Killer
This is NOT her field of dreams
Posts: 700
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Post by Shanodin on May 14, 2009 23:01:46 GMT -5
"This is most interesting," Botanica says, once again looking over the information Rodimus gives her. "Perhaps, I might make copies, once we're done here?"
She quirks a smile at Rodimus's teasing. "Well, he does like his tasty fish snacks. But yes...Ramulus."
"His beast mode instincts are much less..integrated and suppressed than in the others. Hence, he tends to react much more emotionally. This is why when your words yesterday upset him, his first instinct was to confront- and I think, to fight, though he did not say that. Likewise actions which would calm the animal he mimics can calm him. He seems to have established a certain amount of control over the problem, though the...method he uses gives me pause."
She sets the datapad down on the table, then rubs her temples. "His spark...it was damaged somehow. Broken, cracked, I'm not sure. But when he gets over-excited it causes those ion sparks we saw. It's like...a heart attack in an organic, or a stroke." Botanica trusts Rodimus has enough knowledge to understand the comparison.
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Post by Rodimus Prime on May 15, 2009 19:46:54 GMT -5
Rodimus's optics widen at the report. "Ah, I see! That is a problem." He frowns and sinks back into his seat, considering. "Is there anything we can do about it?" He pauses. "Is he willing to let the medics have a look?"
Then he shifts positions and looks back up at Botanica. "And... what sort of things do calm an animal like him? My experience with Earth creatures tends to be limited to the humans."
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Shanodin
Major
The Chamberlain, Her Chivalrous Immensity, Lady Botanica. The Unyielding Vanquisher of Weed Killer
This is NOT her field of dreams
Posts: 700
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Post by Shanodin on May 15, 2009 20:24:23 GMT -5
"He consented to my telling you, Xaaron, Wedge, and First Aid. He seems...unused to having medics around to tend him. He is also terrified that he will be marginalized and kept on light duty, treated as unfit."
Botanica shifts on her crate a bit. "I do not think getting him to cooperate with exams will be an issue, provided we do not treat his as a fragile flower. As for healing him...considering the actual problem, well,....you might be able to do more about that than I or any other medic." She pointedly looks everywhere but Rodimus's eyes as she adds, "Comparing things, it sounds like a reformatting gone wrong. My type of reformatting, though I know that was not the actual case. It would heal his spark, I'm sure. But all things considered, I would prefer not to try such a thing unless his life was in danger."
It's possible that the two of them, utilizing the Matrix might be able to reformat Ramulus to technorganic. Rodimus's burdens make that a much less viable option.
"As for calming him," she continues, visibly collecting herself a bit, "The act of feeding, being in a natural habitat. I am not familar with his breed, but if they are social animals, being near ones he considers herd or pack...I am not a zoologist. Maybe Perceptor or First Aid have some data on the creature Ramulus mimics."
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Post by Rodimus Prime on May 16, 2009 22:41:14 GMT -5
"That's not an option," Rodimus snaps automatically as Botanica suggests that he might be able to help. Then he thinks about what he just said and frowns. "Well, maybe, if it becomes a matter of 'do something now or he dies...'" Then he trails off before shaking his head again. "Death is still better than damnation."
"I won't 'marginalize' him. We don't have resources to be putting people on light duty permanently who don't want to be there, anyway. But at least if some of us know about the problem, we're in a better position to be on the alert for... complications from it."
"I'll see if the others have any ideas about calming him down. As for forming a pack... well, we do have some other animal-based Autobots and Maximals around, but either they tend not to be pack animals, or they're Dinobots. And Dinobots has its own set of complications."
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Shanodin
Major
The Chamberlain, Her Chivalrous Immensity, Lady Botanica. The Unyielding Vanquisher of Weed Killer
This is NOT her field of dreams
Posts: 700
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Post by Shanodin on May 16, 2009 23:48:04 GMT -5
"I did not suggest it as a viable option, merely as an option," Botanica retorts, more than a little miffed at being snapped at. But then she is also overtired, and perhaps a tad more sensitive than normal. She can't help wondering though, if death is better than damnation, where that leaves the young Prime's soul. For his burdens damn him, no matter how brightly he shines. The great sacrifice laid upon the altar of Primus's plans. Connected as she is, understanding as she is, she can't help but be a bit bitter at the unfairness of it.
"I will let you know what is found out from his tests. And thank you for backing up my own words; I told him we could ill afford to sideline anyone with able hands and body at the moment."
She reaches out and touches the stack of paperwork, "So where would you like to start? With your concerns voiced yesterday, with an overview of my plans, or with my reasoning behind expanding this project beyond the inclusion of a few potted plants?"
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Post by Rodimus Prime on May 17, 2009 17:16:37 GMT -5
Stories of sacrifices, of saviors who must themselves be damned to serve the great plans of their creators are not uncommon through the cultures of the galaxy. Some get to leave after serving a sentence; others' fates are more permanent. But either way, hell is hell, and the same holy books that record the anguished cries of the sacrifices, their pleas to their creator, demanding to know why they've been forsaken - these same books then praise the creator for his - her - its kindness, compassion, and glorious plans.
Kindness and compassion. Perhaps, if you're not the one being damned to save the universe.
Rodimus frowns faintly as Botanica's retort - he still questions whether it's an option at all, viable or otherwise - but lets the matter pass, as there are more important things to focus on. As he's given options, he smiles a bit wryly. "Let's start with your basic reasoning - although I think I can guess at some of that - then move onto your overview. I'll worry about specific details once I have that much."
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Shanodin
Major
The Chamberlain, Her Chivalrous Immensity, Lady Botanica. The Unyielding Vanquisher of Weed Killer
This is NOT her field of dreams
Posts: 700
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Post by Shanodin on May 18, 2009 13:07:37 GMT -5
"All right then. Let us get down to it."
Botanica digs through the stack of paper and pulls a few items to the top, then brings up her own schematics on the datapad. Or what she and First Aid have been able to compile, at least.
"As mentioned previous, in my reality we discovered- in a rather abrupt manner- that a force-shield could disrupt my psychic link with the planet and that extended disruption of that link was detrimental to my own health and could lead to possible death. I was able to bond with this planet as a sort of stop-gap measure upon my arrival, but I sincerely doubt that I can leave this one without taking some... precautions." Exposition, it's not just for Marvel characters anymore. "Originally, I thought perhaps that a simply atrium would suffice, but the more I explore my own connections with the planet and how they work, the more I feel that I will actually need- for lack of a better term- a substitute Gillanan III in space. The best way to achieve this with minimal margin of error would be to create something akin to a fully functioning biosphere mimicking the planet's pulse as closely as possibly."
"To that end, the most conservative course of action would be to create a mini-environment which will require as little outside influence and non-organic interference as possible. While I know that there are limits to what can be done, and am well aware that what I would like to do pushes those limits, I am asking that you keep as open a mind as possible."
She rubs her brow, and she looks both apologetic and embarrassed. "It's selfishness, really, and I know it. But the more 'real' I make can make it, the less likely the chance that somewhere down the way it will no longer sustain me. I do not want to die, Rodimus," she adds softly, "What you carry cannot help me if my link fails. Nor can I stay behind here, when I am so needed."
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Post by Rodimus Prime on May 18, 2009 23:47:47 GMT -5
Rodimus listens carefully to her full explanation, chin rested on his right hand as he considers Botanica's words. He frowns and winces at what she says, drumming his free hand against the work bench as he considers the matter. He does, perhaps, have come understanding of what it is like to be literally bound, mind and spirit, to something outside, and though he survived the cutting of such a link... it is not something he would wish on another. What it's like to be similarly bound to a whole planet, however, is.... it's something he can only guess at.
"I... well, I can't say I fully understand it, because I can't, but I can understand why you'd want to be as cautious as possible," he admits. He then shifts, clasping his hands together and resting his chin on both.
"Then... the overview? Just how much of Gillanan III are we expected to take along? And what do you intend to do to keep it from going where we don't want it to be?"
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Shanodin
Major
The Chamberlain, Her Chivalrous Immensity, Lady Botanica. The Unyielding Vanquisher of Weed Killer
This is NOT her field of dreams
Posts: 700
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Post by Shanodin on May 19, 2009 10:30:40 GMT -5
"Not so much as it might seem at first," Botanica answers, a small amount of relief in her voice. He's still listening and he doesn't have the glazed over look so many get when some scientists (cough, Perceptor, coughcough) expound at length. "And I do think it will be easier to contain such specimens than you may think. It is all about about the proper precautions."
"To backtrack a bit, " She reaches over and pulls up her data on the other Maximals' energy conversion system, "The other Maximals can convert organic sources into usable energy. Ramulus seems to have the most efficient system in regards to that. However, if we are going to be creating such a thing, there is no reason not include food sources for them. In the event of a fuel shortage, such alternatives would be most prudent."
"The space has already been allocated, of course. I had Mayday work that in from the beginning. With a bit of leeway on both ends; if it needs to be increased or decreased by a small amount it can be. Ramulus prefers certain grasses. Airrazor's form is that of a predator, so small creatures- squirrels, rabbits for example- would suffice, and are vital to a functioning ecosystem. If we include a lake for Claw Jaw, well, yes, I'd like to stock it with a few fish." She smiles a bit, "Aside from the facts that he does like them so, and having them would naturally regulate algae and water plant growth, well, I do believe there are a few people here who enjoy fishing. Find it relaxing, even."
After all, while the creation of the biosphere may be a selfish act, Botanica does not intend to be selfish with it. Protective yes, but not selfish.
"And Rattrap...rats are technically omnivores, but if I recall correctly he prefers berries and the like."
She shifts on her crate and then stands, "Sorry, need to stretch a bit," Then continues, pacing
"Ideally? A proper foundation of soil with a simulated groundwater system, grains and grasses, plants and trees, fungi and mosses to create the proper atmosphere and aide in natural decay and composting." She stops pacing and ticks items off on her fingers, "Select pollinating and species-controlling insects. Select mammalian pollinators, no more than a half dozen male/female pairs. Two pairs of predatory birds, four to six pairs of non-predatory birds. And possibly water plants and fish and/or amphibians."
"Now, your other concern, containment." She clasps her hands behind her back and starts pacing again. "If Mayday has followed my base designs- and I'm sure he has- then the biosphere will be, essentially, a self-contained vessel within our vessel. Ventilation, illumination, waste recycling- it will all be handled independently of the ship systems. To such an extent that if something happened and our vessel became irreparably damaged, the biosphere can still continue to sustain itself indefinitely- with my continued presence."
"Multi-layered shielding with charged microfiliment netting to deter the determined digger and chewer. A dual-space air-lock and decontamination center at the entrance. One of which is a purge to vacuum chamber. Any creatures which may have survived the air blast in the first exiting chamber would not not survive the purge." She stops pacing and turns back to Rodimus, hands on hips.
"Rodimus, I do not take the possible threat to another ecosystem lightly. I am doing everything in my power to ensure that we will not infect any new planet we land on with an alien species. Truth of the matter is, the biosphere walls, with their reinforcements and failsafes, may be stronger even than the exterior hull."
"And then there is this," she heads back to the desk, rummaging through papers and pulling even more information up on a datapad, "The nanite tracers I mentioned yesterday. I've designed them using my own tissue as a base material. This makes the nanites as much a part of me as the planet pulse, and I can control them as such. They will only target fully organic tissue, are self-replicating and destroying, so that their population does not balloon, and will allow me to trace every organic inhabitant of the biosphere. In short, if something does manage to make it past the myrid of security measures that will be in place, it will not get far. They work perfectly in simulation; I was not going to actually create such a thing without getting proper permission first."
She looks down at Rodimus where he sits. Hopefully, she hasn't lost him.
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