((Razor has presented us with a riddle to solve, which will further the Razor-gone-rogue arc! Get onnit! Collaborate in game, on forums, wherever!))
An audio-only transmission has been distributed wide-spread among the captains of Task Force Argo with an urgent status from Outpost Argo. The speaker, ordained by Argo Command, is a woman; her voice soft and slightly staticky (the sign of an after-edit to boost the gain), but her words are evenly delivered, practiced:
“This notice has been distributed only along specific command lines, however, full disclosure is permitted to individuals with capability of contribution at your, and other captains of Task Force Argo's, discretion. The following coded transmission is rated as a moderate priority by Starfleet Command given the source of the transmission: former Commodore Razor.
It is my belief, and Starfleet concurs, that finding Razor will be possible using the information contained within. This, is the reason for the widespread dissemination of the message as an accurate translation is vital. Perspectives of those familiar and unfamiliar with Razor are encouraged.
The questions asked are, as you will hear...my own, directed to Razor's Federation inbox in the relatively immediate aftermath of his departure. A single response was logged yesterday, approximately six months after the initial outbound transmission. The nature of the transmission is self-expanatory. ...original transmissions from myself to the subject are also attached, as their content may be referenced in his coding.
It is my belief that key information lie not only in the vocalized responses, but the environment in which it was given, and the body language and inflection it was given with. The following worksheet has been provided to assist those willing to invest their efforts, with basic overview information divided into three categories: question, answer, and action.”
The audio cuts out, bringing up an option to play the transmission, delve into the handful of outbound transmissions addressed to Razor, or switch to the provided worksheet.
There Razor sat with arms draped over the rests of the cushy pilot's chair and head tipped back, spinning, slowly, constantly spinning from the beginning of the recording of his own message, through that collection of snippets from hers. Every time his face turned back into view he was wearing that smile. The one she'd so often thought about. The one that she frequently described as infuriating. He never looked straight towards the point from which he was being recorded by the computer, his gaze averted each time he came around; towards the ceiling, the floor, off to one side or the other. The back of his chair was turned towards the screen when the computer ceased the playback of her questions, and when he finally came back around again he locked right in on the spot he'd been avoiding, swinging forward with both arms and torso like a predator pouncing on its prey. His face ended up occupying most of the screen, providing a spectacularly detailed panorama of his sharp-tipped teeth as he brandished them in preparation to speak.
"I will now answer your questions in an order of my choosing, in as few words as I can since I'm short on time, but here's the fun part: it's up to you to figure out which answer goes with which question. It's a game, t'ek! Ready?"
As he begins to pull back from the screen, the recording suddenly turns into a rapid-fire montage that looks like it was edited together by someone who was only just learning how to utilize the software, beginning with a profile shot of the rogue Iskeran officer, stroking his beard as he brandished a sly grin to utter a single word: "Yes." Immediately after the utterance of the word, the scene switches to an over-the-shoulder view of him operating the navigation controls of his vessel, drawing vectors on a chart of the Sirius Sector. He peeks over his shoulder towards the camera to declare "Triangulighting" and then is seen seated on top of the instantly-recognizable storage container utilized in his theft of Outpost Argo's Dilithium reactor. He looks thoughtful briefly, then raises his right hand to make the Vulcan salute, declaring, "Five reasons." He's then shown reclined in his chair, arms behind his head and eyes closed, feet propped up on the navigation console. "Subjective." is uttered in a bored monotone, juxtaposed against an elbows-up shot of him shirtless and using the sonic shower, jolting as if startled and blurting out "Eight hundred and seventy-two, t'ek!" Finally, it cuts back to him, completing his pull back from camera to recline in his seat again, draping his arms back over the rests on the chair.
"The Mauritius Directive." He pauses briefly, then continues, "I hope I didn't make that too difficult. Then again, I haven't been away so long that I've forgotten what a towering intellect I'm pitting myself against, t'heh. I do apologize, by the way, for taking so long to get my reply to your messages to you, but as I'm sure you can imagine, it's quite the feat to pick up a signal out here, let alone send one back, t'eh."
Razor sits there quietly for a moment after, grinning ear to ear and staring out from the screen in silence, until at last he gives his standard tip of the head farewell, the screen blinking to the customary "End of Message" notice beneath the United Federation of Planets logo, cutting him off just as he was beginning to laugh.
((He's basing it on a type of puzzle, if you look at the chart, and it's familiar to me. Someone with google-fu figure out what type of puzzle this is based on.
Are you trying to get caught?
Yes
What are you doing?
Triangulating
Why didn't you talk to me?
5 reasons.
What is so important?
The Mauritus Directive
How long this time?
872 in the shower.(wha?)
Where's the honor in this?
Subjective
The rest is color-coded to his actions. 872 in the shower just doesn't make sense to me.
))
Are you guys proposing question-answer sets? Where's your evidence/reasoning? D:
((Mix-matching game with color coding? That's simple. He even tells us that he answers every one of Skylers questions
in no particular order.
Question is, what is he trying to tell us? Why is he trying to tell us this, and is it just a distraction or a legitimate concern.
You can bet for sure that he isn't going to let himself get caught(unless it WAS a secret-spy mission, which I doubt).
He wants to get "caught" in the sense that he wants to show us something.
In this riddle somewhere is the location we're supposed to go, and an idea of why. We need figure out
what that is, and how to prepare. There is probably something of SOME concern, otherwise he wouldn't
contact Task Force Argo. He'd just stay incognito.
That's the riddle. I can't work on it right now, i'll figure it out later. It'll definitely take some IC investigation too. I'll make a post
on that.))
Edit: ((There is more to this riddle than the mix and match imo))
Areyis sat in a chair at Starbase 381, where he was now assigned. He received the transmission
on his PADD and immediately began to read through the information.
"No particular order". This mean't that the logical matches to each question could be determined through
structure of responses, the tone and method in which individuals usually answer questions.
Figuring that out, simple enough for a Vulcan. The question at hand? What is the Mauritius Directive.
Areyis quickly tapped through his PADD......no, wait. He didn't even need to look that up. The Mauritius?
That was the ship that failed to capture Commodore Rzo-Vek. But how was that significant? Several
possibilities arise, perhaps information was always there, or perhaps it was planted there.
The Vulcan couldn't allow anyone to hear this information, too many enlisted were walking around
there in Starbase 381. No, Areyis walked to the transporter pad and beamed up to the Mabel, he
went to his Quarters where he would be safe from prying eyes.
He sat down on his desk, and switched on his computer.
"Computer, please bring up all information concerning the Mauritius Directive".
[It's up to Razor/Skyler what this brings up for Areyis]
(The computer would confirm that there is no such thing as a Mauritius Directive. You're on the right track, however. Perhaps you should review Razor's run-in with that vessel. )
Areyis sat perplexed for a moment, staring at the screen with a blank expression, he searched variations of what the Mauritius Directive could be
just to make sure.
Nothing.....what else could there be? A vague reference, it must mean something. Something to do with the Mauritius.
"Computer, play back the recording at what happened during Commodore Rzo'veks encounter with the Mauritius."
The recording began to play
The Starfleet captain, a relatively young man still without a single spec of grey in his groomed mop of hair, stared on several moments more after he returned his attention to the comm screen, dumbstruck by his sheer audacity... which is exactly the reaction he was going for, and it made it -really- hard for him to keep it from making his grin even broader than usual.
"Commodore Razor..." he began again slowly, but was soon talking at a normal pace again, "You are under arrest for theft of Starfleet property, misuse of command privileges, and desertation. Power down your engines and shields, and prepare for transport."
"You remembered my nickname, t'ek! I'm touched. It's been years, after all, since they sent the Muskoka to the scrap yard. When did you make captain? I see they gave you a Nova."
His hands worked the controls of his ship the whole while, without hardly a glance away from the comm screen to be sure they were hitting all the keys they needed to be.
"They gave me an Excelsior, t'eh."
"Freeze recording....single out moments where the words "Mauritius" and "Directive" are used" The Vulcan squinted at the screen.
"So you probably know all about the Omega Directive already"
"The what?"
"Freeze recording."Areyis stated, sitting in his seat for a moment, an eyebrow raised. The Omega Directive? Areyis had never
heard of it. Probably one of the many things that he was required to know as a Commodore. Razor questions a young Captain on whether
he knows about it....must not be an entirely new directive.
"Go back 10 seconds, and begin recording"
"You never answered my question Dirk, how long -have- you been a Captain, t'eh?"
"Enough stalling, power down your vessel"
"Just...humor me with a civil conversation, while i'm still a free man"
"My promotion took effect on Stardate 89084.6."
"He made a clicking sound, nodding twice, his gaze rolled this way and that"
"So you probably know all about the Omega Directive already"
"Freeze recording"
"Interesting..." Areyis thought to himself, raising an eyebrow. "Computer, bring up all declassified information on the Omega Directive, and during what Stardate it was implemented"
((Omega Directive at Memory Alpha for easy reference. If you're looking for any assistance Areyis, feel free to call on my socially awkward Scientist, Tal'Ahnay.))
((Omega Directive at Memory Alpha for easy reference. If you're looking for any assistance Areyis, feel free to call on my socially awkward Scientist, Tal'Ahnay.))
(( Areyis will be going to people for all sorts of help))
Areyis read over the Omega Directive, raising an eyebrow as he read certain aspects. He was not
aware of what was shown to him. Regardless, Commodore Rzo'Vek used it to shut down the Mauritius.
But was that actually relevant? How could he be trying to tell us something with the Omega Directive.
Is it possible that Omega molecules were present in that system? No, entirely unlikely. It was probably
used to shut down the Mauritius and nothing more.
The word "directive" was quite distinct, it must be a reference. The Vulcan sat there trying to calculate
different possibilities, he was drawing a blank. Careful study would be required, he hadn't actually
taken the time to look at the extensive reports on Commodore Rzo'Vek.
He sipped his tea, he replayed the recording over and over again. Studying it.
The Mauritius Directive is a reference to something else, he would need to figure out what the other pieces of the puzzle were
before returning here. Still, he had to investigate every loose end.... no matter how unlikely.
"Computer, send a secured frequency transmission to Task Force Argo, for any scientists who may be available.
Additionally, please give me any reports of unusual activity in the Alpha Omnicron system outside of Commodore
Rzo'Veks encounter near there"
Eli sat slouched in main engineering with his head resting on one of his hands, the other lazily pressing away at various buttons, the room was mostly deserted for the late hour the main sound in the room was the thrum of the dilithium power core, with faint beeps from consoles being pressed once in a while.
“Ops to engineering.” came the voice of a young person, presumably one of the new ensigns assigned the night shift Eli thought.
He sighed and tapped the comm button, before returning to the others.
“Go ahead ops.” Eli replied.
“There is an incoming transmission for a senior officer from the U.S.S. Mabel, is Captain Altais available?” the young voice asked.
“He’s speaking.” he sighed once more. “Put it through down here. Thank you..Ensign”
With his free hand still dancing away over the controls, Eli took a quick glance at the monitor in front of him, there appeared the face of one of the most frustrating Vulcan’s, at least in Eli‘s opinion, in the galaxy.
He sighed again once more. 'It's going to be one of those nights', he thought.
"Greetings Captain Altais", he said as he sipped his tea.
"If you are not currently aware of the situation concerning Commodore Rzo'Vek, I recommend you read over it.
I believe I have decoded a portion of his "riddle".
However, I will require technical information which you may be able to provide"
"I am currently sending you information detailing what I have surmised from the recording Commodore Rzo'vek gave us. I
am particularly concerned about something called "The Mauritius Directive" which was mentioned within the puzzle.
Additionally, Commodore Rzo'Vek utilized the Omega Directive in order to shut down the U.S.S. Mauritius in order to
escape."
"I also believe that whatever the Mauritius Directive is, may be closely related to the number 872, which may be either
a location, or a time. Your insight would be much appreciated."
He pauses for a moment, sipping his tea once again and then speaking. "However, If you are too busy to assist me, I will simply
attempt to contact Commander Quaen, in order to gain her insight instead".
Eli internally rolled his eyes at the mention of the former Commodore.
He accepted the transfer to his private database, no use letting lower downs get in with possible classified data.
At the mention of the Omega Directive Eli frowned.
"However, If you are too busy to assist me, I will simply attempt to contact Commander Quaen, in order to gain her insight instead". Areyis finished.
“No it’s ah..it’s okay there’s nothing going on here, you caught us during Gamma shift, most of the other senior officers are likely asleep.”
Eli began to quickly skim the data filing bits he passed that could be useful..or relevant.
“From what I can see I’m going to take a wild guess and say, this…”Mauritius Directive” doesn’t exist, atleast not as a real code. But I suppose you never know with him…” He trailed off as the number 872 came up.
“The U.S.S. Mauritius, do we have its sensor data? To check for any molecules or particle traces, even a subspace disturbance would be useful.” he pressed away on the console. “It would also be useful to know it’s location at the time of the meeting with the vigilante, ah. Starbases, sectors..hell even any nearby ships could be relevant to the number, cover all fields, Y’know?” He finished and looked up at the image of the Vulcan.
“You understand you will have to go over most of this yourself, anyone under the rank of captain, cannot get information about any possible classified directives.” he finished and emphasised the word directive while raising a brow at the Vulcan.
Tal'Ahnay sank heavily in his chair, too weary to even remove his boots. It had been another long week sequestered aboard the Leviathan working on their special projects and he was looking forward to getting back to Outpost Argo and his normal duties for awhile. A light strobed slowly on his console accompanied by a faint, almost peaceful, tone. It slowly, yet urgently, notified him of an message waiting for his response. He leaned over the console, it's light illuminating his purple eyes as they read through the message. A smile slowly spread across his lips.
"This is my chance to get away from this spooky place for awhile."
All weariness forgotten, Tal'Ahnay began composing a response to Captain Areyis's request for assistance. This complete, he tossed off his boots and black jumpsuit as he plopped onto his cot. His boyish grin persisted for nearly an hour until it rapidly faded.
"Oh dear, Commander Stushic is going to kill me."
((Tal'Ahnay is now enroute to Starbase 381. More on Project Leviathan if I ever get around to rewriting the story that was lost when my phone was stolen.))
Eli internally rolled his eyes at the mention of the former Commodore.
He accepted the transfer to his private database, no use letting lower downs get in with possible classified data.
At the mention of the Omega Directive Eli frowned.
"However, If you are too busy to assist me, I will simply attempt to contact Commander Quaen, in order to gain her insight instead". Areyis finished.
“No it’s ah..it’s okay there’s nothing going on here, you caught us during Gamma shift, most of the other senior officers are likely asleep.”
Eli began to quickly skim the data filing bits he passed that could be useful..or relevant.
“From what I can see I’m going to take a wild guess and say, this…”Mauritius Directive” doesn’t exist, atleast not as a real code. But I suppose you never know with him…” He trailed off as the number 872 came up.
“The U.S.S. Mauritius, do we have its sensor data? To check for any molecules or particle traces, even a subspace disturbance would be useful.” he pressed away on the console. “It would also be useful to know it’s location at the time of the meeting with the vigilante, ah. Starbases, sectors..hell even any nearby ships could be relevant to the number, cover all fields, Y’know?” He finished and looked up at the image of the Vulcan.
“You understand you will have to go over most of this yourself, anyone under the rank of captain, cannot get information about any possible classified directives.” he finished and emphasised the word directive while raising a brow at the Vulcan.
Areyis began matching up numbers as Eli spoke. Sectors, Ships, Space-Stations, Quadrants, along with times, dates, numbers.
All in coordination with the numbers 872. He couldn't cover everything at the moment, but he could try.
The Vulcan looks to the side, seeing a message responding to his request for scientific assistance, he would read it later.
"According to this" Areyis said, as he brought up files on the Mauritius. "The Mauritius went through all the procedures of the Omega Directive afterwards, due to the mandatory nature of the Directive itself....I am not certain as to whether or not I will have access to any sensor readings. I will try. Although I believe there is something in the Alpha Omnicron System which Commodore Rzo'Vek found relevant, rather than the Mauritius itself"
[Areyis tries to find sensor readings on the Mauritius and data on 872: Up to Razor on what he finds]
(( Filling in for Razor, who's out of town for the weekend.))
There are no data relevant to the number 872 within the Mauritius's sensor logs.
[ Nearby ships, sectors, systems, space-stations, as well as times, dates and numbers, locations, longtitude/latitude of planets, mass/numbers of the Omega Molecule having to do with 872.... in correlation to the Alpha Omnicron System, and all sectors with reported sightings of Razor.
Also.....bringing up information on the developments concerning the Bank of Bolaris and recent dilithium transaction within the last 4 months, both in small quantities under names with vague backgrounds as well as large quantities.
Looking for vague references within the recent events at Bolaris, anything having to do with the number, or the Mauritius. Or Omega, or Directive.
All in seperate and combined keywords.]
Areyis tapped on his PADD, finally getting a result......872 refers to a sector...wait, no....a System in Romulan Space. 872 Trianguli V....
"Interesting" Areyis finally said, "I believe I have something, do you find this to be feasible?" The Vulcan asked his question
with an eyebrow raised as he transfered the coordinates of "872 Trianguli V" to Eli's datapad, he sipped his tea, and waited for Captain Altais to reply.
((Still want you to confirm I got that right Skyler, even though i'm fairly sure. Also...tell me if I get anything from my other searches. >_>))
