Sampling the finer things. . ., (Cassius and Pilate)

[Cassius Tagaris]

There was silence in response to his recommendation. After an awkward moment of waiting for Nomad to give its reply, Cassius gave up and went back to work on the alien substance within sample 2. The silence was unnerving in a way, but it was unlikely that it would harm him, or that it was truly out to get him, so he decided he would simply ignore the AI for the time being until it decided to cooperate.

The engineer said his parting words and Tagaris briefly turned away from the sample to nod his head at the man in recognition.
"It is imperative that you contact me via an access terminal if you encounter one of these anomalies. Make sure to trap them first, or you'll be wasting my time. Also, if you get bored at some point, I have equipment I require from my chemistry room you found me in...fetch it for me if you'd like later," the scientist said, turning back to the sample as Harrigan left.

Studying the slide, his mouth scrunched up in focus before glancing at the screen again.
Sample 4 was still processing. Quite the advanced DNA to give Nomad this much of a brain teaser...It was exciting. Out of all the possible outcomes he had thought of since joining on this voyage, Cassius did not think he would be so lucky as to come across something so pivotal.
But now it was time to separate the biomarker from the useless blood sample.
He got to work on it, beginning the purging process while he hummed slightly to himself in complete silence, and almost complete darkness. Though the ship was crumbling around him, he was in his own world now.

[Cassius Tagaris]

The scientist disappeared into biolab #1, quickly producing the slide for the AAP. The information from the bio-repositor had transferred over to the AAP machine and required that he only select the variable of his choosing to be purged. His motions felt clumsy as he selected the purging, excitement robbing him of his normally calm demeanor. After a moment, the slide had been processed and only the valuable substance was left. There was not much of it...but it would be enough.

Cassius returned to the bio-repositor, inserting the separated biomarker back into the machine. As he waited, the man decided to try Nomad once more. This time, without suggesting its removing of authority.
"Have you witnessed them? These...things? Surely one of your security droids had bumped into one of them by now...it's a very curious thing...isn't it? So far from home, being so alone, only to find we're not alone at all. I suppose the real question is, for myself, had I known all along that this vessel would jump so many lightyears away from civilization..would I have come aboard? I think I would have been more encouraged, with the chance to discover life," Cassius said, his recorder raised to his mouth as he spoke the words.

[Nomad]

"Doctor Tagaris," The A.I. replied through the speakers in the nearby info-terminal, "I am afraid that I am unable to comply with your 'request'. I operate under and to the letter of UEC law and DsECV directives. Thusly, I have assumed complete control and authority in the absence of crew structure and in an emergency situation. I shall be unhappy to fail to acquiesce to your request. Please direct any and all complaints to the UEC Colonial authority."

As NOMAD was talking, the info-terminal that operated the bio-repositor came to life once more as text flowed across the screen.

Sample 4
* * * ASSEMBLING GENETIC PROFILE * * *
Genetic molecular structure shows silicon-based sequencing
Gene sequence decoded and assembled
Outputting gene-projection. . .



Life form appears to display feeding organs designed for parasitic sustenance
Does not respire
Tough, thick carapace and low density silicon structure indicate space dwelling
Likely to be attracted to heat
Dimensions [H[0.35m]]-[W[0.3m]]-[L[0.8m]]
Weight [37kg]

Sample 5 [Separated biomarker]
* * * ASSEMBLING DNA PROFILE * * *
* * * WORKING * * *
. . .

[Cassius Tagaris]

Cassius frowned as the AI spoke, crossing his arms as he muttered under his breath. Complete control was always a dangerous thing, for human or machine. The AI's logic, its lack of compromise and human reflection...it would be irritating. He was thinking of something to say to make Nomad reconsider, though he knew it would be useless. He stopped himself before he even opened his mouth.

The bio-repositor began displaying its findings. He strode over to the machine and placed a hand on the screen, his face full of wonder. It was nothing he expected upon signing up for the Deep Six, yet everything he hoped for. This was an alien life form that they found. By far the most rewarding discovery of Tagaris' life, he knew that his only option now was to figure out every possible characteristic of the creatures.
They were...beautiful in a way. Surely, grotesque, and violent creatures, but still...humanity wasn't alone. Who knew how many more living beings lurked in the dark corners of space? It was unbelievable.

His hand slowly withdrew from the image, mouth open in thought.
"Parasitic with no need for respiring...they are the hunters of outer space...yes, they found us...the extreme heat given off from this vessel must have attracted them like a moth to a light. It also may explain the lack of bodies and the discovered...blood trails. They could be storing the bodies somewhere, creating a stock of food."

The scientist ran a hand through his hair, blowing air out of his cheeks.
"One reasonable place would be near the engines," he said aloud.

[Nomad]

Sample 5 [Separated biomarker]
* * * GENE STRUCTURE PROCESSED * * *
Genetic molecular structure shows silicon-based sequencing
Gene sequence decoded and assembled
Outputting gene-projection. . .



Life form appears to display feeding organs designed for carnivorous diet
Powerful 'jaw' muscles and unusually dense and sharp teeth
Does not respire
Tough, thick carapace and low density silicon structure indicate space dwelling
Likely to be attracted to heat
Dimensions [H[3.12m]]-[W[1.98m]]-[L[2.56m]]
Weight [467kg]

"A most curious development Dr. Tagaris," The A.I. spoke out in the silence of the biolab, "Do you wish me to perform any further operations on these samples?"