Star Trek: TNG
Episode 4.1: This Is Episode 4?
Doctor Crusher insisted on treating the Ligonian leader, Lutan, after Tyson fractured his elbow and vertebrae. Her treatments would allow him to make a full recovery in a short two-week timeframe. If he was from Tyson's Earth, he would've probably been paralyzed for life. Tyson could've treated the man himself, but wasn't sure how the Ligonians would've seen that. Better it be accepted as a gift from the Federation, than the mercy of an 'enemy'.
The officers all returned to the Enterprise and left the system with haste. Tyson transferred the vaccines to a storage area designated by Crusher. There wasn't much discussion between them. The doctor didn't want to interrupt Tyson who was seemingly deep in thought. The man was ordered to the Captain's Ready Room immediately after dropping off the vaccine. Crusher couldn't have known that The Gamer was just distracted while overlooking his notifications.
Unique Quest Complete!
Unique Quests are one-shot quests that offer unique rewards unobtainable otherwise.
Clear the Episode: Code of Honor.
Objective: Obtain the Anchilles Fever vaccine from the Ligonians.
Rewards: +1 Level Bonus Rewards:
Choose One Perk from the following based on performance
Tattered Shirts
Do your opponents have dedicated security teams or were those random crew members that were barely armed and certainly unarmoured? It doesn't matter to you, it's basically the same thing. You're good at combat, ranged and melee, enough to lead your own forces into enemy territory and take on some of the best they have. Your opponents might defend themselves, but oddly enough they don't seem to adapt a lot to whatever you use. As a bonus, any armor you wear or weapons you use won't get in the way of what you do, it might as well be as comfortable and flexible as a uniform specialized for you.
Going Native
Other species don't think of you as a human (or whatever you are). As long as you have roughly the same body plan and make a token attempt to fit in, they tend to think of you as one of their species. A little green Martian doesn't think of you as a human – it would think of you as a very tall, pale Martian, while a tiger-person thinks of you as a particularly small, hairless tiger-person. Needless to say, this can improve your ability to enter interspecies relations quite a lot.
Legendary Thief
There are thieves, and then there is you. You are able to make the effects of your attempts at pickpocketing take a while to register for your targets, to the point that you could grab the weapon off of a warrior's hip and they wouldn't realize the familiar weight of their weapon disappeared until you were already long gone. Secondly, you are somehow always able to tell whether you're being watched. And finally, whenever you are sneaking, it seems as if the shadows move on their own to hide you, growing larger and darker as if it aids you for no discernible reason. If you devote yourself with any seriousness to the art of stealing things from people, your experience will quickly allow you to use these abilities to terrifying effect.
Tyson pondered his choice as he walked. He dismissed Going Native. It was a useful, powerful perk, but was also offered as an NSFW perk. He might have another chance to grab it in the future. The other perks were new and not as likely to be offered again. The choices seemed to be offered again based on the actions he took during the episode.
Tattered Shirts was offered because of the number of Ligonian guards he defeated. There were two benefits to having this perk. First, in group combat situations, the opponents won't be as adaptable to whatever tactics you employ. This could be overpowered depending on how it is scaled. Would it just apply to units I'm directly leading? What about in a situation where I'm leading an entire army? Second, armor and weapons not getting in the way. The same scaling question applied here. Would an iron-man style armor be considered armor or a vehicle?
Legendary Theif was just all-around good, no question. A pickpocket recognition delay, a sixth sense for being seen, and improved stealth. Tyson picked it.
Perk Selected Legendary Thief
- When successfully stealing from a target, they won't notice for 1 min/roll value.
- Gain racial trait Gaze Sense: You always know when you are visible to a creature. This is a telepathic ability and is considered as such for bonuses or status effects.
- Gain a concealment bonus to any Stealth check when not in direct light. If you had concealment, gain total concealment.
- Unlock Thievery skill.
Tyson considered all the perks to be worthwhile, but Legendary Theif was the only one that could have had a major impact during his last mission. He'd been getting by without Going Native thus far and wasn't sure of what situation he might need it for in the near future. Tattered shirts would be beneficial eventually, but he didn't have any equipment which was cumbersome, nor had he led squads of any kind yet.
Tyson stepped onto the bridge. Worf was the closest officer to the turbolift and offered Tyson a nod of respect as he entered. Tyson returned the gesture. He greeted everyone as he walked past, approaching the door of the Ready Room.
"Enter."
The gamer entered the Captain's office. Tyson stood at attention opposite Picard and didn't have to wait, the captain laid into him immediately.
"You have not been an officer long, just a field promotion, and you're already violating the Prime Directive. This negotiation, if you can even call it that, could've failed spectacularly because of your actions. Is there any reason I shouldn't revoke your field commission and drop you off at the nearest starbase? Speak."
"Yes, sir. I did not violate General Order One."
"Explain your reasoning."
"The Prime Directive states that no starship may interfere with the normal development of any alien society. Section One does not apply to the Ligonians, they are aware of the Federation and the breadth of its technology. Section Two, Clause A, applies."
Tyson quoted, "If engaged with diplomatic relations with said culture, officers will stay within the confines of culture's restrictions." He continued, "This explains my actions. I followed the customs and traditions of Ligon. While theft is unbecoming of a Starfleet officer, it is in line with what they deem appropriate. I followed not only the letter but the spirit of General Order One. Stopping just short by not killing Lutan. By Ligonian culture, I should have. But it was a direct violation of Starfleet Order 2, not taking intelligent life. Instead, I disabled him in a manner that my victory could not be contested or questioned."
Picard crossed his arms and spoke beratingly, "You may have followed the letter, but certainly not the spirit. The Prime Directive exists so that we do not interfere in less advanced societies. We have to be careful that our technology does not affect their development. In your case, you used your abilities to take advantage of them."
"Yes, sir." Tyson accepted, unapologetically.
"Humor me. According to your supposed knowledge, what would have happened had you not interfered."
"Lutan would've taken Lieutenant Yar as he did, without me. He still would have declared his intention to take her as his wife. Doing so would've made Yareena challenge Yar. They would've fought, as Lutan and I had, with Yar scoring a hit and Yareena being poisoned. Your plan was to transport her to sickbay, resuscitate her, and cure the poison. In doing so, you respected their cultural traditions. Yareena died which fulfilled the requirements of the duel. But by saving her, you ensured decent relations were maintained with Ligon without losing Lieutenant Yar. Yareena left Lutan afterward, since females carry the titles and land, he was stripped of his status as Ruler of Ligon."
Picard sat silently for a moment, digesting Tyson's explanation. "If things happened as you explained, we violated the Prime Directive ourselves by interfering in the social development of the planet. Our actions would've led directly to a change in leadership of their world."
Tyson didn't reply. He didn't need to. It was apparent to Picard that Tyson's actions had produced a similar, perhaps more favorable outcome. While Lutan seemed to still be the leader of Ligon when they left, that could change depending on Yareena. In this case, Yareena would not be swayed by a near-death experience at the hands of the Enterprise crew.
After another minute of digesting the information, Picard continued, "I will not be placing a formal reprimand in your record. Though I disagree with your actions, you performed admirably during this mission. You acted quickly to assist your fellow officers and you considered the impact of your actions before taking them. However, I will be revoking your holodeck and recreation privileges. There is some leniency in the interpretation of the Prime Directive; but that is left to the discretion of Starfleet Captains, not Provisional Ensigns. I expect that in the future, you will consider this before you take action. You may return to your studies. Dismissed."
"Yes, sir. Thank you, sir."
~~Star Trek: TNG~~
Tyson stood in the science lab with T'Pol and Worf. He'd invited the Klingon to observe some tests on the weapon he received on Ligon. The weapon stood on a pedestal, ten feet away. The wall behind it was protected by a forcefield. Additionally, there was an emergency force field that would automatically raise to protect them if the sensors detected any shrapnel or explosive reactions.
Tyson set his phaser to the highest setting possible. Federation officers usually set their weapons to Stun, they could also be set to Kill. These were default settings, but there were also options to adjust the settings on the fly. Tyson set his phaser to maximum output. At this level, if it targeted a living human, they would be disintegrated.
Tyson pointed his phaser at the staff and fired a sustained beam for six seconds. Sheathing his weapon, he approached the staff. It was unaffected and unblemished.
"Impressive." was all Worf had to say.
Next, the two men both fired a sustained beam for ten seconds at the same setting. The results were the same.
"A worthy weapon. What will you do with it?"
"Hold on to it, for now, I suppose. I would give it to T'Pol, but it's too unwieldy to carry around all the time. I'll just keep it in my inventory until I find a use for it. Never know when I might need an unbreakable stick to shove into the gears of a giant robot to take it down."
T'Pol asked, "Was that a joke?"
Tyson just held up his hand and rotated it back and forth in a 'sort of' gesture.
~~Star Trek: TNG~~
The Enterprise had been traveling at high warp after leaving Ligon. Tyson wasn't privy to the going on, but it seemed like the ship dropped off the vaccines, and did not stay long. Whether that was because of another mission or quarantine protocols, Tyson wasn't sure.
The starship now hovered in orbit over a barren planet, devoid of any discernible signs of life. From this height, the planet appeared a lifeless rock with jagged, craggy peaks jutting out of the otherwise featureless terrain. The planet was surrounded by a dark and foreboding atmosphere, making it difficult to see anything below. The view was eerily silent, with no city lights on the planet's surface.
Obscure Star Trek Fact #3: Star Trek episodes from the Next Generation series onward were aired in in-universe chronological order during a season. The Next Generation's first season was an exception.
Tyson didn't know that until he walked into an Engineering lab to meet Data for his study session. Data, LaForge, Beverly, and several other engineers moved around the lab. Everyone looked busy at their stations. Tyson felt confused until he saw what was lying on the table. A pale dismembered torso. It wasn't bleeding. Tyson didn't think this was uncommon, preserved cadavers didn't bleed, and all the blood was removed. But where the limbs would've been connected were metallic ports.
Tyson turned and looked at the disembodied head of Data. No, not Data. It looked exactly like him in all ways, but the android Starfleet officer stood nearby.
"Well, ain't that some shit."
Episode 4.2: Datalore
"It is indeed some shit… Is that an appropriate response?"
"Good enough. What or who do we have here Data?" asked Tyson.
"We haven't determined that yet. We are trying to repair him in the hopes he can provide some answers. It is slow going because I am the only reference we have available."
"Would you mind if I joined in?"
Data and LaForge agreed. Tyson's intentions were not completely altruistic. Positronic brains were extremely uncommon. Besides Data, the disassembled android on the table was one of the few others known in the Federation. It was a pretty short list; Data, Lore, their mother if she was even built yet, B4, and those androids on Mudd's planet maybe? How had Tyson forgotten about Mudd's planet? He'd have to investigate that when he finished here.
Tyson knew the truth about the other android. It was Lore, another android created by Dr. Soong, Data's creator. Lore was an earlier creation, one made closer to humanity's image. He possessed emotions, but this led to issues, prompting Dr. Soong to make Data. But with Data, he added many safeguards.
The others were unaware of any of this. Lore would ultimately fill the role of the 'evil twin' trope. Tyson was somewhat concerned given how dangerous rogue androids could be. While he was stronger than humanly possible, Data was at a whole different level. During the television show, he demonstrated he could take over this ship, easily dispatch Borg drones in unarmed combat, and stop a moving vehicle with his hands.
None of this would stop Tyson from taking the opportunity to analyze Lore. He pulled out his medical tricorder and began looking over his findings. He used the medical tricorder over the engineering because it had a higher scanning resolution.
Engineering Check (DC: 35) = 37 Success!
Tyson obtained detailed scans of every micron of Lore's body. He spent hours looking over all the information that the tricorder had recorded. It didn't take long to reach the conclusion he couldn't replicate the android.
The big issue was with the positronic parts. Tyson had been under the impression that the positronic brain was the only component that allowed Data to be a unique, sentient being. Turns out that the positronic brain is just the core of the neural network in the android. The neural network spans the entirety of the android, as a nervous system does in humans. In the android, there are obvious connection ports and such that allow them to be dismantled as Lore is now, but otherwise, the entire network seems to be necessary for operation.
Having detailed scans of the servos that drove android locomotion was also a boon. Data was able to demonstrate strength and leverage that was beyond anything a creature his size rightfully should have. If Tyson ever decided to build a suit of super-armor, the scans he got from the android were a good place to start.
Tyson asked Data, "Commander, is this everything? Was there any other equipment found with this android?"
"Yes. We found him disassembled inside a full lab suite located in a bunker on the surface of the planet."
"Would it be possible to request placement on an away team to examine the lab? I've learned a lot from the android, but examining the equipment may give greater insights into how he or you were created."
"An interesting theory. There is currently an engineering team on the surface examining the lab. As you are approved for away missions, I will add you to the roster to join them on the surface."
"Thank you, sir."
~~Star Trek: TNG~~
Tyson was transported directly into the lab where the android was found. The away team initially discovered it hidden behind a rock wall. The appearance of the lab could be described as an 80s industrial sci-fi aesthetic. The equipment was spaced out well with a lot of neutral colors, hard white lighting, and some plasma ball lights. You know those orbs that looked like they contained lightning, that would be attracted to your fingers if you touched it? 80s kids understand.
He wasn't approached by any other members of the away team, so he made his rounds examining all of the equipment with his tricorder.
Engineering Skill Increased! 30-35
Tyson obtained readings for each of the major pieces of equipment. The Neural Incubator was the most complex of the machines. It was responsible for creating the positronic brain. Best as Tyson could tell, the positronic parts are not only manufactured but grown at different points in the process. Positronic brains are akin to synthetic silicon-based lifeforms. The process is complex, but the neural incubator automates the entirety of it.
Next Tyson went over the results of scanning the Molecular Synthesizer. The technology was extremely similar to standard Starfleet replicators. The molecular synthesizer would break down biomatter into energy and use it to create other parts necessary for the androids. The main difference between a molecular synthesizer and a replicator - the synthesizers were much more limited in what they could create. The one in the lab was a full-scale model. The ones used in the androids were far smaller. These smaller ones would line the android's exoskeleton and also create the equivalent of a digestive system. Any biomatter the androids consumed would be converted to energy, then that energy would be used to create or replace parts the android needed. Things like the bioplast fabric that made up the android's skin, or even other molecular synthesizers if they were damaged.
An Industrial Replicator was present, most likely used to create the other equipment in the lab. Explained in gamer terms: If the in-quarter replicators on the Enterprise were regular enemies, the molecular synthesizers were minions, and the larger floor replicators in the replimat were boss mobs. The industrial replicators were raid bosses. They could create virtually anything at a large scale, including other replicators. They were incredibly expensive, and a half-dozen units could support the production needs of an entire planet.
The Biofluid Pod created the android's equivalent of blood. The biofluid served several purposes in the android, with temperature regulation and energy transfer being the main ones. It worked similarly to the EPS system on starships, but instead of being super-heated, it absorbed and dissipated heat. It was not as efficient as plasma, and significantly more energy intensive to create, which is why it wasn't used large-scale in starships. The molecular synthesizers could create biofluids and did so while the android was active, but the biofluid pod was able to do it in larger quantities, faster.
The final piece of equipment was a Holomatrix Programming Station. Holomatrixes are the programming codes used to create and store holograms on the holodeck. It would appear the android's artificial intelligence is a holomatrix, which makes sense because it's the most complex programming available. The difference is instead of being stored in a holomatrix, their programming is stored in a positronic brain.
Tyson's Engineering skill was working overtime. It filled the gaps in his knowledge allowing him to put together the puzzle of android construction. After looking over his scans he could say with reasonable certainty that, given enough time and the equipment in this lab, he could create an android similar to Data.
Looking around, he noticed that none of the other away team was paying him any attention. With nothing left to do, and noone interested in his findings, Tyson sat at the holomatrix programming station.
He took his time moving through the interface and accessing features. Unlike most of the other computers Tyson had used on the Enterprise, this one actually had a holographic interface. It was like using something out of Iron Man or Minority Report. He found it somehow intuitive, but completely foreign. It didn't take him long to adjust.
Computers Check (DC: 35) = 50 Major Success!
Computers Skill Increased! 32-33
Tyson was able to find the programming that made up the android's intelligence. The artificial intelligence of Data and the other android, Lore, were present. Using the holographic interface, he pulled up both and searched for differences.
Computers Check (DC: 35) = 40 Major Success!
Computers Skill Increased! 33-34
Initially, Tyson didn't see what the difference was between the two. He was especially confused when he noticed that Data contained all the programming Lore had. His metaknowledge couldn't be so wrong when it came to this because he'd spent time with Data and his actions and mannerisms were the same as he remembered from the television show. After combing through the code, subtle differences were revealed.
Lore experienced emotions and could perfectly mimic the nuances of speech. He could dream and do everything a human could. Data had all the same coding. The features were in his programming. The difference was they were gated. The things that made Lore unstable would only be unlocked in Data when he reached certain milestones. In some cases, like dreams, he would need to be active for a certain amount of time before the program became available. In others, like emotions, an additional chip would need to be added to enable them. Soong hoped that by forcing Data to have life experiences to draw on before being introduced to unstable elements, he would be able to draw on those experiences to counterbalance any negative side effects. Where Lore was given everything from the start, Data would have to work to achieve the same.
Computers Check (DC: 35) = 44 Major Success!
Computers Skill Increased! 34-35
Tyson sent the base artificial intelligence programming to the neural incubator to create a positronic brain. Human brains take 40 weeks to develop in the womb. Luckily the neural incubator doesn't take nearly as long. It would still take several weeks to grow the silicon-based components, but there are several previously completed parts. There were more than enough surplus parts to create a brain the size of the other androids.
According to his calculations, approximately fourteen positronic brains would be enough to run the Enterprise-D. Individually a single positronic brain could control any Galaxy-class starship subsystem. There were not enough pre-created materials for fourteen positronic brains. The demand for each subsystem was not equal. External sensors yielded far more data and complexity than environmental control. Especially considering that the biofilter and internal sensors had their own subsystems. So, Tyson set out to design a new positronic brain. One that was large enough to utilize all the previously grown positronic components, but would ultimately have the processing power to run a starship.
Computer processor architecture was not an area he'd ever investigated. Luckily Soong had all the data he needed. It wasn't hard to take his early designs and adapt them to the task he intended.
Computers Check (DC: 50) = 45 Failure!
Computers Check (DC: 50) = 39 Major Failure!
Computers Check (DC: 50) = 43 Major Failure!
Computers Check (DC: 50) = 53 Success!
Computers Check (DC: 50) = 44 Major Failure!
Computers Check (DC: 50) = 40 Major Failure!
Computers Check (DC: 50) = 49 Failure!
Computers Check (DC: 50) = 55 Critical Success!
Computers Skill Increased! 35-36
Tyson spent hours working on his design and discarded failure after failure. If he'd been working on paper, the desk and wastebin would be full of his imperfect efforts. As it was, he peered at the screen hardly noticing that the away teams were rotated twice while he worked. His previous failures were justified when inspiration struck. He stared at the cylindrical device schematic in front of him. The asymmetric positronic core. The unit would be approximately the size of two standard office desks stacked. It was a marvel created by his Computers skill. The Enterprise-D's computer core was two stories tall. This positronic core was a fraction of the size and exponentially more powerful.
Five hours later, Tyson stored the asymmetric positronic core in his Inventory. He would have never created it here without the dimensional storage ability. Even with his superhuman strength, its weight teetered near his maximum lifting capacity, and the size of it made moving it awkward.
Starship Component Created!
Computer: Asymmetric Positronic Core
The Asymmetric Postronic Core is a technological leap over the isolinear cores currently used. Any starship this core is installed on gains the Artificial Intelligence and Holographic Avatar traits. Any ships beyond size (Class 16) require a second APC or the ship will lose one trait per size class greater than 16.
Artificial Intelligence: The ship's AI (or Ship's Computer) can operate all systems— from locomotion to weapons to opening or closing hatches. It has a skill level of d10 in any shipboard task requiring a roll. The AI does not suffer from multi-action penalties if given simultaneous tasks. In combat, the AI acts on the captain's Action. Giving the AI a short verbal command is a free action.
Holographic Avatar: The ship's AI can generate an avatar in any area within the installed ship where holographic projectors are installed.
It would stay in his Inventory until he had an area for it. Or a starship that could use it. In fact, he wondered why he bothered creating it in the first place. He had no immediate need or use for a starship computer core. He could install it into one of his inventoried starships, but the other systems were so out of date, it'd be wasted. Tyson had to further examine the ship size classes since that was a foreign concept, even to his meta-knowledge. Class 16 were starships up to roughly 1000m, so it could be used on the Enterprise-D, and any other Federation ship. In fact, most other ships in this quadrant during this time period were Class 16 or lower, the only exception that came to mind was the Romulan Warbird.
He would find a use for it eventually. He did get some decent skill-ups, and none of what he'd created cost him Energy Credits.
"Riker to all away team members. Return to the Enterprise immediately. I repeat, immediately."
The others on the surface tapped their combadges and disappeared. Tyson was left on the surface. In an advanced android lab… Alone... With all the equipment... He quickly ran around the room storing everything he could get his hands on in his Inventory. That done, he tapped his combadge and was transported back to the Enterprise.
Perk Activated: Q and U
Tyson rematerialized on a transporter pad, but not in any transporter room he'd been in before. The space was much larger than a typical transporter room.
"Computer. What is my current location?"
"Your location is Deck 4, Cargo Bay Transporter Room."
Each of the Cargo Bays had transporter pads built in but Deck 4 also had a standalone transporter room for larger hauls. Before he could dwell too long on the nuances of starship design, his thoughts snapped to a bigger issue. Why did Q and U activate? Every time it had happened previously, Q was in the area causing mischief. Now, he was the only one in the room. There were no crewmen to imitate and seemingly no purpose to the move.
When Q didn't appear and nothing untoward seemed to be occurring, Tyson exited into the corridor and headed for the turbolift. The doors opened as he approached, and the sight inside revealed why Q had interfered and sent him to a different transporter pad. Inside was an android standing over the crumbled form of Worf lying in the corner.
Lore
Level 16
Hit Points: 310
Armor: 20
Damage Immunities: fire, poison, psychic; bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical weapons
Condition Immunities: charmed, exhausted, frightened, paralyzed, petrified, poisoned
Slam Attack: +13 to hit. 7D6+7 damage
Multiattack: Lore makes two melee attacks per round.
Tyson mockingly quipped, "Commander, shouldn't sparring be reserved for the holodeck or designated training sessions?"
He replied, "The lieutenant hit his head in the turbolift and lost consciousness. Please assist me in delivering him to sickbay."
Did an android just try a Bluff check on him? Even without metaknowledge to rely on, this was an obvious trap. Sickbays were on decks two and twelve, if deck four hadn't been their destination, the turbolift wouldn't have stopped here. Additionally, Data was more than strong enough to carry Worf himself… with one hand.
Tyson played along and moved to assist. Further considerations of discussion were discarded and once he was in range, the android didn't hesitate to lunge at Tyson. But The Gamer was not caught unaware. Seeing through the android's ploy allowed him to assume a defensive posture before Lore's attack landed.
Lore Attack: 24 Success = 25 damage (635/660)
Lore Attack: 19 Success = 32 damage (603/660)
Tyson Attack: 46 Major Success = 0 Damage
Lore grabbed Tyson and slammed him into the walls of the corridor. Without letting go he spun and slammed the man into the opposite wall. Tyson was stuck in closer quarters than he anticipated. He swung and caught the android in the temple with the point of his elbow. Lore was rocked back enough for Tyson to get free, but his blow seemingly did no damage.
Unable to harm Lore in unarmed combat Tyson summoned his staff from his Inventory and readied for the next melee exchange.
Ligonian Guardian Staff
Legendary
+ 1 AC
81 Damage
Lore Attack: 14 Failure
Lore Attack: 22 Success = 20 damage (583/660)
Tyson Attack: 14 Failure Lore Attack: 23 Success = 35 damage (548/660)
Lore Attack: 28 Success = 35 damage (513/660)
Tyson Attack: 29 Major Success = 81 Damage (229/310)
Melee Weapons Skill Increased! 16-17
Tyson was forced back by a punch from Lore. His stumble placed him off balance and his return strike was easily avoided. Lore's assault continued, landing two more blows to Tyson's chest and upper arm. But The Gamer was finally able to land a retaliatory strike to the android's midsection.
When the staff made contact with the android, he felt it reverberate through the staff. He could feel the force it delivered not only through the shaft, but a small pressure wave vibrated through the air that was created from its strike. It was a new sensation for Tyson. The damage done didn't come from him, or from the velocity of his strike. It came purely from the staff itself. As by some unknown mechanism it created force beyond the physics of its wielder.
With the incredible damage the staff could do, Tyson shifted to a more aggressive posture. Attempting to outlast the android wasn't a bad initial strategy. But now realizing how effective the staff was, landing more blows would end the fight quicker. Like a lot of games, DPS was king.
Lore Attack: 31 Success = 35 Damage (478/660)
Lore Attack: 20 Success = 39 Damage (439/660)
Tyson Attack: 23 Success = 81 Damage (148/310)
After taking a second strike, Lore recognized the danger he was in. The staff the man was using was doing significant damage to his internal components with each strike. Combat was no longer feasible. After the earlier exchanges where Lore shoved the man into the wall, Tyson had been left on the turbolift side of the corridor. The Gamer wasn't expecting Lore to just turn and run without warning. The unexpected tactic allowed the android to gain several strides before he began pursuit.
Tyson was exceptionally strong, but his speed was only slightly above average. Lore outpaced him and after a few steps, he lost sight of the android. Tyson pulled out his medical tricorder and looked for positronic signatures. He assumed Lore would be heading to a transporter, but wasn't sure which one. There were two positronic signatures on this deck, near each other. Data must have arrived.
Tyson approached the cargobay just as Doctor Crusher came running outside.
He heard Lore call, "Thank you for my human quality, Doctor Soong. Wait! A small payment for your son's misdeeds."
Lore raised the phaser to fire upon Doctor Crusher. Tyson grabbed the doctor and wrapped her in a hug, turning his back to shield her.
Lore Phaser Attack: 25 Success = 45 Damage (394/660)
Data jumped at Lore and the two began wrestling and throwing punches at each other. Tyson rushed into the room and shouted at the teen, "Wes, get your mom out of here, you're not a fighter. We've got this."
Wesley was moderately rebellious and impertinent. Normally he would argue with an adult giving him orders, especially one who was the same rank as him like Tyson. But he remembered the damage Tyson had done to him during the Tsilokovsky mission. Wesley only hesitated for a moment before running out of the cargobay to join his mother.
Tyson ducked a container that had been sent flying in his direction by the superstrong android's tussle. Despite the blows being landed, neither seemed to be doing any damage. Data grabbed hold of Lore and tossed him onto the transporter pad.
Data shouted for Tyson to engage the transport, but Tyson ignored him and reequipped his staff. With the android off his feet, Tyson saw his opportunity to end the fight.
Tyson Attack: 34 Major Success = 81 Damage (67/310)
Melee Weapons Skill Increased! 17-18
Lore Attack: 20 Success = 33 Damage (361/660)
Lore Attack: 21 Success = 32 Damage (329/660)
Tyson Attack: 30 Major Success = 81 Damage (0/310)
Melee Weapons Skill Increased! 18-19
Tyson brought his staff down on the unsuspecting Lore. The android hadn't noticed Tyson's return to the fight as he was sailing through the air from Data's toss. The rogue android struck out at the man while rising back to his feet, but it was in vain. Tyson knew that with a full power strike, he could destroy Lore, so he intentionally held back. He hit the android solidly where the solar plexus would be in a human with a quick thrust.
Lore dropped to the ground seemingly deactivated. Data joined Tyson as he pulled out his tricorder to ensure the android was truly inactive. Tyson placed his hand on Lore and stored him in his Inventory.
Lore Defeated +15,000 exp (61,850/271,000)
"Please trust me with him. I know it might seem like I lied about being able to store you in my Inventory, but this case is an extenuating circumstance. I generally can't store sentients, but since he's been deactivated I was able to isolate him. We may be able to help him eventually but if we turn him over to Starfleet we might never get the opportunity."
Social Roll (DC: 35) = 33 Failure
"Regardless of my desire to help Lore, I took an oath to Starfleet. I will not lie if the Captain asks about Lore's whereabouts."
Tyson didn't get an opportunity to try changing Data's mind. Lieutenant Yar and Commander Riker arrived with their phasers at the ready. Seeing only one android in a relaxed posture with Tyson, they holstered their weapons. Picard and the Crushers soon followed.
"Lore is gone!" Wesley exclaimed, "I bet you teleported him into space. He was so strong there was no way you could've beaten him in a fight. Using the teleporter is what I would've done, but I had to protect my mom."
As the teen continued, Tyson eyed Data. The two hadn't said anything since the others arrived, but it didn't seem the android was going to correct Wesley's assessment of the situation.
Picard interrupted the teen, "Doctor, now that everyone's safe, please return to Sickbay. Ensign Tyson, report to sickbay to get those wounds healed. Grab Lieutenant Worf on your way and see that he is treated as well."
Crusher followed Picard's order, but Tyson lingered. He activated Stealth when there were no eyes on him, he wanted to see if Data would snitch.
"Data, are you all right?"
"Yes, sir. I'm fine." The android twitched as he finished speaking.
"Get rid of that damned twitch and put on the correct uniform."
"Yes, Captain."
"Ensign Crusher, are you able to return to duty?"
"Yes, sir."
"Then do so, and let the Bridge know that all is well down here."
"Aye, sir."
Tyson
Title: Ensign (Provisional)
Race: Human Hybrid
Level: 11 (61,850/271,000)
Energy Credits: 126,885
Hit Points: 329/660
Strength: 25
Dexterity: 14
Constitution: 24
Intelligence: 17
Wisdom: 14
Charisma: 13
Defense: 12 + 1(Armor) = 13
Luck: 2
Unspent Attribute Points: 7
Racial Traits:
Vulcan Senses
Half-Betazoid Sense
Vulcan Strength
Vulcan Metabolism
Klingon Constitution
Gaze Sense
Status Effects:
'Telepathic Bond (T'Pol)'
Skills:
Observe: Lvl 13
Meditation: Lvl 0 - Locked
Engineering: Lvl 30
Computers: Lvl 36
Physical Science: Lvl 31
Martial Arts: Lvl 32
Athletics: Lvl 18
Medicine: Lvl 32
Social: Lvl 30
Cooking: Lvl 32
Energy Weapons: Lvl 13
Melee Weapons: Lvl 19
Stealth: Lvl 21
Perform: Lvl 20
Thievery: Lvl 1
Language Skills
Cetacean: Lvl 5
Klingon: Lvl 2
Vulcan: Lvl 5
Ligonian: Lvl 5
Perks:
'Out of Nowhere'
'The Anti-Worf Effect'
'Universal Translator'
'Culinary Visualization'
'Your Hands Clean'
'Grand Theft Starship'
'Spreading Love'
'Power Eater'
'Apt Pupil'
'Master with your Hands'
'Binding Foods'
'Direct Control Disruption'
'Aesthetic Damage'
'Speedy Promotions'
'Legendary Theif'
Drawbacks:
'Q and U'
AN: Appreciate the positive feedback in the reviews recently. If I suck, let me know. If I'm writing cool shit, let me know. The positive feedback keeps me writing! Next week starts the fabled Episode 5!
Question for Reviewers: +1 Collar Pips to whoever guesses the next Episode. Hint: I've dropped clues in previous ANs. There are two correct answers.