On the Rim, Ch 50: Doc's Belief that Cool Heads Prevail
Story by comidacomida on SoFurry
Welcome to part 50,the half-way point of "On the Rim"! This is a short story series based on a computer game I am playing called "Rim World". Rim World is a really cool indie game that accommodates an amazing array of mods that allow me to create a setting very similar to my story world in which several of my stories take place including "Fathom's Phantoms", "The Farlight Initiative", an "Paid in Kind".
Doc has a lot to keep himself busy as he deals with keeping things moving forward while a large portion of the base's labor is preempted for a special project. Eventually everyone gets together to discuss the strange proposal offered by the research base. We'll be following the main base further in the next post so we have to figure out whose point of view we follow. Here are the options:
A) Sandra sees to the pirate hunter team heading out, then sends another team to meet with the researchers. She then gets to work doing some labor of her own.
B) Lizzy helps two groups prepare to leave the base and then handles the base maintenance all her own.
C) Xavier, the pilot and comms officer of the orbital trader that had offered to help the survivors of the Venture deals with the troubling corporate world as he tries to get them some help.
D) None-of-the-Above -- potpourri anyone?
Voting won't be available long and no, the decision won't change the events of the story, just how they're presented along with who we get to learn more about via their point of view. As with this post, expect three chapters in the next update.
Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoy "On the Rim"!
On the Rim, Ch 50: Doc's Belief that Cool Heads Prevail
2020 copyright comidacomida
Losing power that night was unexpected, but Chris managed to remain calm; in addition to the usual medical supplies, the emergency first aid kits the group recently obtained from orbital traders included glow-sticks, which were useful enough in getting everyone together without anyone losing their nerve in the darkness. Although Captain Archibald was distracted at the beginning of the event, he pulled it together and helped the Overseer maintain the peace. From there, it was a matter of assessing the problem.
Duct-Tape, as usual, had a theory. "The star in this system has solar storms a few times per year... chances are that the magnetic radiation is throwing the base's electronics off... it's like an extended EMP."
Chris stepped up beside Sandra to provide her a little extra support with his presence. Her finger tips touched his by their sides in a show of solidarity as she addressed the Fox's statement. "Alright... are you aware of any solutions?"
Nodding, Duct-Tape motioned toward the store room. "We just finished unloading plenty of high tech parts. Back when I was held by the pirates, they had me put together a magnetic shield to protect their base from the worst of the effects... and we have a lot better access to what I'd need to do the same thing here."
Like that, it was decided. Sandra put an end to the meeting with a simple declaration. "Duct-Tape, that's you first priority tomorrow. Everyone else, let's call it a night-- no sense stumbling around in the dark and I don't want to waste these glow-sticks."
The morning was just as busy as Sandra made it sound. The entirety of the base was put to work helping Duct-Tape with his new project; Myra was left hauling components which meant that Chris took over for her in the kitchen butchering kills from recent hunting trips. Power came mid-morning, which meant the Human was able to graduate to preparing a late breakfast for everyone. The labor halted briefly so everyone could eat, and because the visitors were deciding to leave, which meant that Sandra wanted to find a reason to distract Captain Archibald's attention and keep him away from them.
Chris wasn't sure how to feel about avoiding the issue; in his experience mental health was similar to physical health in that addressing problems was important, and tip-toeing around the problem with having Lilly at the base wasn't going to help anyone. Then again, he realized, assuming it was an isolated event, it would keep everyone alive. Fortunately it was Sandra's call and not his own, so he kept silent, and did his part until the tribesmen left; the Dog was none the wiser.
Once the power returned and everyone had eaten the Overseer made her first priority trying to reach out to the research station to complete their discussion. Captain elected to remain inside at that point, refusing to leave the Comm Station and Chris could appreciate that; the Dog and Ben had only just begun to explore a relationship, which was interrupted painfully and terminally before they could realize what they meant to one another. Fortunately, Sandra didn't make a big deal of it and let the Captain sit in.
It took two hours but she was eventually successful in raising them on the frequency they'd used the prior night. The Cytkus at the other end seemed relatively unconcerned about it, starting the conversation with "When you went offline last night I just assumed that you didn't have shielded electronics."
Sandra was, as usual, diplomatic. "An oversight we're working to fix."
After that they got right back to talking as if there hadn't been any interruption. According to the Cytkus on the comm, the research station had created a serum comprised of dna-reading nano-bots capable of not only repairing injuries, but actually restoring the dead to life. As far as Doc was concerned, it was too good to be true.
Then came the clincher, which made plenty of sense. The Cytkus spoke in a low tone. "Although it the serum is still in the testing stage it shows great promise, and we wouldn't normally extend the offer for use except we have yet to begin any clinical trials. That, and, of course, this technology is not approved for studies, and won't be able to make the transition into core space use."
Captain Archibald, who was close by, stepped up to the console. "But it works?"
The Overseer shot the Dog a critical look and he backed away from the comm station; she quickly added "That was our head of security-- he's very efficient when it comes to reviewing contingencies."
Chris appreciated her tact. Apparently the Cytkus did as well. "I can apprciate that, Ms. Simpson, and that is one reason we're having this discussion. Yes, we have seen proof positive effects that it can reconstitute a biological organism. We've gone through numerous iterations under a varity of controlled tests and the viability rate for successful reanimation is close to 85%."
Something about the word the Cytkus used made Chris pause; fortunately the Overseer also picked it out as well. "Reanimation? Is that different than bringins someone back to life?"
The researcher was full on analytical in his response. "That would depend on the criteria. There has been limited testing on cognizant, sentient beings with higher thought processes, but one of our security officers was fully restored to functionality with no loss of personality or cognition three hours after his death due to an altercation with pirates... but results can vary based on how long life functions are suspended."
The Overseer shot the Captain a dirty look when the Dog approached again so he held his distance. Sandra questioned further. "Assuming we had someone in mind for this serum... what should we expect if we were to use it?"
"Viability drops significantly after 24 hours... again after 72, further after two weeks, and after a month the chance of a successful restoration falls dramatically. Even if successful, there is a high probability of side effects, and that chance goes up the longer the subject has been deceased."
Sandra cleared her throat, activating her PCD as she started taking notes. "What do you mean by 'side effects'?"
The cold, matter-of-fact details the Cytkus provided were mind-numbing for Chris. Unlike a medical doctor, the researcher had no tact or concern and absolutely no beside manner when discussing topics such as dementia, amnesia, and what he referred to as a 'full-on, incurable psychotic break'. After about five minutes of painting a dreary picture, the Cytkus concluded with "But it is far more likely that the serum will either work, or won't work-- the personality shifts and the devolution of higher thought are statistical out layers, but still important to mention."
The fact that the Overseer followed up with another question led Chris to believe that she was still considering the thought. "You said you needed help... what is you need from us in exchange for the serum?"
The Cytkus got right down to business. "If you recall, I mentioned we lost a security officer to a pirate attack. We've been fortunate that the majority of bandits avoid our base and, thanks to our automated defense system that is a constant... but not in all cases, and a particularly brazen group have launched occasional assaults testing those defenses."
Sandra sat back in her seat, letting out a long breath before responding. "We aren't a mercenary firm, Professor... I can't order my people to--"
The Captain interjected. "You don't have to. I volunteer."
She spoke into the mic. "Please excuse me a moment." She then turned to the Dog. "If they lost one of their officers and had automated defenses when it happened then we can't risk getting involved with the group attacking them."
Captain Archibald wasn't dissuaded. "Except we could have the element of surprise. If you're worried about losing anyone just send me alone. I HAVE to try."
Sandra frowned. "That's suicide. I refuse to let you go alone."
Grizz's gruff voice spoke up from the entrance to the side passage. "Then open it up to volunteers so he won't have to."
Missy was right beside him. "If we can save Ben we should try, Ma'am... he's responsible for a lot of the things here that've kept us going... Roscoe wouldn't be the same without what he did for us. We owe it to him to try."
Chris hated playing devil's advocate, but his question required consideration. "And what happens if Mr. Grotan's thought processes devolve and he..."
It was hard to finish the thought, but, thankfully, the Captain didn't require him to. "If it comes to that, then I'll put him to rest myself."
Sandra looked around the room, then returned her attention to the comm console. She hit the transmit button. "Send us the coordinates."