Crashed Alien Ship- Tachiko and Makoto
The Illionite remained cautious, his multifaceted eyes shifting between Tachiko, Makoto, and the Pest drone as he processed their communication. Tachiko's warning about the potential for collapse resonated with him, and he took a cautious step back from the damaged doorway, showing visible unease.
"I am Strategist Lyran Veil," he replied in the trade language, his tone still carrying a hint of wariness. "I am alone and have sustained minor injuries. I am trapped in this room, and the other exit is blocked, although it's not as severely crushed as this side," he explained, trying to convey his situation as best as he could.
As Alexei and his team approached, their images reflected as a mosaic on the multifaceted surface of Lyran's eyes. He seemed equally apprehensive about their presence and the looming threat of further room collapse.
Little did they know, they didn't have long to work out a solution to get Lyran out of there as the Mazu was busy working out a solution for their extraction.
Crashed Alien Ship- Katsuko, Yingzi, and Mikael
Katsuko delved into the extensive information provided by Yingzi's analysis report, her expression marked by deep contemplation as she meticulously combed through the intricate details outlining the composition of the alien exoskeleton. It was an exceptional discovery, and she fully grasped the significance of comprehending its unique attributes.
As Yingzi highlighted the potential risk of contaminating the alien corpse, Katsuko nodded in agreement, acknowledging the critical importance of preserving the specimen's integrity for a thorough examination of alien biology. However, Yingzi's suggestion of capturing a live subject resonated strongly with Katsuko. It was an idea that held promise, and she mentally noted to explore it further with the team. The prospect of gaining insights from a living specimen had the potential to significantly advance their understanding of this enigmatic species.
"Radcliffe-Shoi, I've been in communication with Motoyoshi-Taii," Katsuko informed, her tone filled with a sense of urgency. "They have a live specimen detained in a room off the bridge, and it appears to be sentient and capable of communication in trade. I suspect it won't readily submit to a physical examination or dissection in the name of science."
She then turned her attention to Harris-Shosa, directing him to assist Radcliff-Shoi in relocating the corpse to the corridor, anticipating potential objections. "Harris-Shosa, help Radcliffe-Shoi move this corpse out into the corridor and stay here until I return," she instructed, preemptively addressing any concerns. "I'm in a Mindy; I'll be perfectly safe. I'm just going to speak with Tachiko," she added, heading towards the door to carry out her next task.
Shuttle Two Crash Site - Daisuke, Morris and Knuckleheads
The result of the
YSS Mazu's actions had a noticeable impact on the weather outside. The rain's sound underwent a transformation, and the sizzling of hydrogen cyanide reacting with the ship's hull and its components ceased as the cyanide pools dispersed into the sandy terrain. Regrettably, these changes would likely go unnoticed unless someone actively sought to observe the conditions outside.
When Morris called out to the other smiths, signaling the need to get the shuttle back into the air, there was a conspicuous absence of response from the cockpit. Daisuke had succumbed to unconsciousness as a result of the crash impact. If they observed closely, they would notice that the smaller breaches in the hull had sealed shut, a result of the reannealing of the yamataium.
Shuttle One/Akina's Mindy- Alina and Akina
The second half of the message from the Mazu resonated through Alina's comms, carrying a message of urgency and the promise of a limited time frame. "You should have a couple of hours at most," it conveyed. "The Mazu can sustain this chemical generation rate for at least that long. Try to find safety."
As Alina absorbed the message, she noticed the profound transformation occurring in the rain. The hydrogen peroxide and water mix had successfully neutralized the hydrogen cyanide, rendering the rainfall inert as it descended from above. The fiery explosions in the air had come to a halt, and the pooling hazardous fluids began to dilute and lose their harmful properties.
Their immediate fate now lay in their own hands, and they chose to utilize their time and resources to ensure survival. With help currently out of reach, it was up to them to navigate the challenges ahead.
Field Laboratory - Ayano
The accelerated decay rate of the corpse slowed for the slab they placed water, not completely though as the salinity was not within the right range. The remaining structure of the female Cemlae continued to degrade however, the unfortunate reality of Ayano's hypothesis about it becoming a pile of goo had become true all too soon as the exposed flesh of the creature quickly melted away from its skeleton leaving behind a gelatinous goo of decayed matter. Outside of the slab they managed to submerge, there was very little intact flesh left.
YSS Mazu
With some time to strategize, Kaoru turned her attention to Minato, intent on getting the stranded team off the surface. As she rejoined Minato at her station, she inquired about the possibility of launching a few shuttles for the rescue operation. However, Minato's response was tinged with caution.
"We could launch shuttles, but I couldn't guarantee their safety," Minato explained, the avatar displayed a quick simulation of the situation. The unstable atmosphere, a result of the ongoing chemical reactions, posed a significant risk.
Kaoru, undeterred, proposed an alternative plan. "What if we launch them automated? Their CIES can pilot them to the surface. Then we only have to worry about their return. We can work on a solution for that while we send the new shuttles to the surface," she suggested, her gaze focused on the sensor readings from the surface and the various transponders.
Minato considered the idea and nodded in agreement. "If we halt the reaction just before the shuttles reach the Mazu, we can use the ship's CFS to protect the shuttles for the final leg of their journey back in. I'm launching the shuttles now," she confirmed, issuing the necessary orders to the launch control bridge in the port launch bay.
The primary challenge that remained was communicating the plan to the away teams. Kaoru opened a communications channel, hoping they would hear. "YSS Mazu to away teams," she announced, her voice carrying through the channel. "We are sending three shuttles to the surface—one to the crashed alien craft and one to each of the transponders we have a lock on. They are coming in automated, we can't risk more pilots so it will be up to you to get to the shuttles. Prepare for extraction." She sent the message, mindful that the teams inside the ship and Shuttle One would receive it, but Shuttle Two had no means to receive the communication.