Getting with the Network

Posted on Sat Sep 14th, 2019 @ 12:43am by Captain Abigail Laurens & Commander Ichiko Gail

Mission: War and Peacekeeping
Location: XO's office

Configuring the Subspace Array to communicate with the Ts'usugi Buoy Network wasn't that difficult of a task. Simply tuning the array to a frequency it wasn't used to working with was all it took. Ichiko called the Captain in to join her, this time in her own office, for the event. The captain's drink of choice was waiting for her arrival.

As the announcer chime sounded, Ichiko gave a smirk, "Hai, hairu." she called out to allow the captain access. "Thank you for coming before we all left for shore leave. I have everything ready to contact the Buoy Network, I just felt you'd like to be here to see it first hand."

"The Network is our primary communications hub. It allows for nearly instantaneous communication between any two Buoys and the home moons. Fortunately, installing a Buoy on this side of the Dalacari wormhole was our first major project." she explained. "I imagine that once the Ts'usugi formally join the Federation, all of the admirals will want to get their hands on Buoy rations."

The request to be part of the connecting to the Ts'Usugi Bouy Network was something that had both taken Abigail by surprise, yet excited her at the same time, so naturally it was something that she was determined that she wouldn't be missing. Now, standing there listening to Ichiko speaking, she found herself nodding along, unable to help the smile on her face as she listened intently.

Picking up the chai latte that was waiting, Abigail held it to her lips, blowing across it for a moment before taking a sip. "Are you sure your Government won't object to my being here? I know they respect privacy a lot?" she queried cautiously.

"Denying the captain of a ship a vital resource that may save the lives of the crew and ensure victory is foolhardy. I'm certain if I had to explain it to the Emperor she'd understand." Ichiko stated, and it sounded rational. "We enjoy our privacy, but if we are to become a part of the larger galactic community, we may need to relax a little."

With that, Ichiko began the process to contact the Network. There was a bit of a delay, as expected, and then on the comm screen a figure appeared. Illuminated by a soft violet glow around him, the male Ts'usugi officer on the screen was shown wearing what could only be the uniform of the Ts'usu military. Sleek, black with what appeared to be silver hexagon patterns, and a mark of station on his collar. Two full circles, and an empty one right adjacent to it. Black fur shined in the violet light cast from around him. He looked up to the pair, and commented in the native tongue of Ts'usu.

Ichiko responded, a nod that bordered on a bow of respect. It was then that the figure on the screen responded, but this time in Federation standard. "Understood citizen Gail. What can the Network do for you?"

"I'd like a scrubbed copy of Holosuite programs seven, thirteen, and seventeen. I also have letters to be sent to the home moons for delivery." Ichiko responded, then turned to Abigail. "Now, you aren't allowed to ask where the Home Moons are, and you're not allowed to ask how the Network operates. Aside from those two, did you have anything to ask of the Network? Technically this would count against my monthly rations, but the month is almost over."

Abigail paused for a moment, contemplating on what she could ask. There were so many questions, so many ideas, so many thoughts, yet she didn't know where to begin. Finally she laughed softly. "I'll be honest, I wouldn't know what to ask and most any question I would ask would probably lead to a million more questions that would go unanswered." She paused for a moment, smiling softly at Ichiko before turning back to the screen. "There are so few of your people here, your ways, your customs, your cultures are all new to us. I guess my question will be, what would be the one thing you wish we knew about your people?" she finally asked quietly.

The Network operator actually gave a chuckle, "You recognize the power of a question."

"System." the operator called up, and there was a heavy bass tone from his side of the communication. Their system there was ready for an inquiry.

"Station six, cube nine, recreation systems, extract programs seven, thirteen, and seventeen. Scrub." and the tone repeated. "Transmitting. Time to completion, seven seconds."

Seven seconds later.

"Transmission complete. To answer your question, know that we have a rich history, dating back thousands of years. We are secretive, not impolite. Too many people beyond our borders just expect all the answers handed to them. Our division of cultural exchange is preparing a primer in anticipation of our joining Starfleet. I will include it with this, at no ration charge to Citizen Gail. System." and that tone dropped again.

"Station one, cube one, cultural exchange services, extract primer one, latest revision. Scrub." and the tone repeated once again. "Transmitting. Completion eminent." and almost no sooner did he say it, then the transmission was complete.

"Transmission complete. Can the Network assist you further, Citizen?" and Ichiko gave a shake of her head, "No, operator. Thank you for your time."

"The Network thanks you, Citizen and guest. Be well." and the connection terminated. Ichiko took a breath, then turned to Abigail, "Expectations? Thoughts?"

"It's... prompt?" Abigail replied, her eyes widening slightly. "I... wow..." she shook her head quickly. "It's very efficient isn't it? No wasting time on pleasantries or anything else, it's just done. You ask, you receive, it's all over."

Ichiko gave a nod, "It's the communications hub for the entire Empire. Every child of Ts'usu uses it. We're taught how to access it in primary school, even the Emperor uses it to communicate with the division of imaginary sciences. The duty rotation on the shift is said to be brutal. Three hundred days on duty, then six hundred days off."

"But, they handle all mid to high level communications and archive all incoming reports and data. The Dalacari explorers upload their findings to the Network for storage, and have even started to ask if they can store archives of their Thinking Engine patterns to the system. Those debates, thank the graces, are not my concern." and at that, she smirked.

"But, that's the Network. The very hub on which our comms speak." a pause, "And those files there, came from home." she let that sink in. Home. "It's treason if I tell you how. When we officially join Starfleet, then maybe."

"Well, let's hope that day comes sooner rather than later?" Abigail replied with a smile. "It really is incredibly fascinating. Shame we can't go visit, as much as I'm sure you'd love to see you're home world, it would be an amazing experience for the rest of us too."

"I have a few photos and simulations of some places back home. Plus one of those programs was the hot springs I promised." Ichiko gave a smirk.

"But, I'd love to share my home with you. You starfleet... and well, You too. You're a good friend."

Abigail smiled warmly at Ichiko, putting her hand on the inside of Ichiko's wrist. "As are you," she said gently. "What's say we book a holodeck for a few hours during shoreleave? I don't imagine there will be a great deal of demand on the scheduling with the planet below for most everyone else to enjoy. And those hot springs do sound divine!"

Ichiko smiled warmly, honestly. It was rare to see a child of Ts'usu openly show emotion and feeling, rare... and reserved for their inner circle. "I'll have Ops start to decipher and convert these holodeck suites. Our measurements and systems are slightly different than your's."

"I'm certain they're up to the challenge."

"I have no doubt," Abigail replied with a smile. "I have absolutely no doubt."