ICD10: V91.07 Burn Due to Water-Skis on Fire

[Phelan Howell]

"Howell, did you get that request filed?"

Phelan Howell looked up from his datapad to find an aging man with thinning white hair looking down at him. The man's thick glasses were perched precariously at the tip of his nose, and wrinkles from squinting or laughing or both were etched into his face.

"Yes sir, Doctor Ikanzi," Phelan replied. He hit the hotkey to save his report, then spun on his chair to face his boss. "The request to the Silver Jedi was delivered five days ago. I received a confirmation but no other details except that they'll send someone to consult on the project. They did not send an ETA."

Doctor Ikanzi nodded with a sigh. "Figures that they gave no details. But I suppose we're fortunate that the Jedi even deemed our project important enough to send someone. Force knows how busy they are." The older scientist pointed at Phelan's datapad. "What are you working on?"

"Oh, nothing really," Phelan replied, while rubbing his grey eyes. "I'm reviewing my notes on that last round of tests for Doctor Untai."

"Ah, yes, the bacta-resistant research." Ikanzi glanced at his watch. "If I remember correctly, the Kearny-Fuschida incubation should take about eighteen hours, right? Why don't you head home for the day then? There's no sense in wasting your time at the lab. Go get some rest."

Smiling, Phelan nodded his thanks. "I think I'll do that. Thank you Doctor."

"No worries. I had a life once, you know, before getting sucked into the test tubes and fume hoods. Enjoy your evening." Doctor Ikanzi sketched a wave and a smile before leaving Phelan's cubicle.

Glancing at his datapad one last time, killed the power and slipped the pad into his bag. Doctor Ikanzi was an old-school scientist and commanded his lab with an iron fist. He demanded proper protocol and perfection in all things, but anyone who thought the stern old man was without heart would be completely wrong. Buried deep within that obsession with order was a heart of gold, and he cared for his researchers like a devoted father.

Phelan glanced at the wall clock on his way out of his office. The Kearny-Fuschida incubation was designed to separate the proteins of certain strains of bacteria that carried an odd valence charge, which also made standard polymerase tests incompatible. The unique electrical charge gave these bacteria resistance against a whole host of antibiotics and, more importantly, bacta, and made them the subject of large amounts of research.

The incubation had already been running for three hours and forty-seven minutes, which Phelan realized gave him plenty of time to head home and catch some sleep before coming back to the lab. It wasn't glamorous work, and it wasn't what he had envisioned five years ago, but it was work and it kept him busy.

The young scientist found himself in the lab's cafeteria and he decided to order some coffee. Pulling out his datapad, he flipped to his email, hoping to find some update from the Silver Jedi, but not seeing anything. Sighing, Phelan sipped his coffee. Almost a week and nothing from the Silver Jedi.

He hoped they'd show up soon. Doctor Ikanzi's patience wouldn't last forever.

[member="Valae Kitra"]
[member="Arisa Yune"]

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

“Well, ain’t that a pretty sight?” Valae remarked, glancing sidelong at [member="Arisa Yune"].

The Tumbleweed had just emerged from hyperspace and was currently in orbit over Naboo. It was a world that Valae had heard about many times over, but she’d never been here before. This planet had an abundance of history when it came to galactic events past, and the Jedi healer was quite eager to see it all for herself. Seated in the pilot’s chair, Valae reached out and punched a couple of buttons on the console in front of her. With her hands firmly gripping the wheel, the Corellian light freighter began its descent.

Now, Valae understood that she was here to accompany the Grandmaster on some sort of scientific mission. But she would leave the heavy intellectual lifting to Arisa, for she knew that the Grandmaster was a young woman of high intelligence, and far better suited for this sort of thing. Unlike Arisa, Valae never could have called herself a bookworm. Still, she knew that there was potential for her to learn something while on this mission as well. After all, her position at the helm of the Silver Circle did call for her to be aware of advances in medical science, too.

Not that she could really say that she understood all of it.

Once the ship had safely set down at the spaceport, Valae gave the inside of the hull an affectionate pat. They had access to a variety of newer and faster ships, but Valae felt best when she piloting her own. It wasn’t much to look at, but it was comfortable. Well, she supposed that she felt so at home on the Tumbleweed because it really was basically her living situation at the moment. Between her trips from Silver space to that of the Iron Empire, Valae felt like she spent most of her time traveling anyway.

Outside the ship there was the usual city sprawl, but there was also a vast country-side nearby -- and it was quite breathtaking. Gathering up her trusty rucksack, she set the straps on her shoulders. They had the coordinates for the lab, they just needed to get on the move. As the loading ramp lowered for the two Jedi, the brunette turned to her raven-haired counterpart.

“So, Arisa…” Valae said, scratching her head. “What exactly is it we’re here to do today?”

[member="Phelan Howell"], [member="Arisa Yune"]

 

[Eugen Aker]

Back on Naboo again, one of the great jewels of the galaxy. It reminded her much of her home planet of Kiribi, both Naboo and Kiribi sharing a respect for nature, reflected clearly in the aesthetics of their eco-friendly architecture.
Unfortunately, Arisa hadn't come with Valae for sightseeing this time around, her purpose here address a most concerning development.

Understandably, her friend would be full of questions about their mission here, as this field wasn't exactly her forte.

"There's a local researcher - Doctor Ikanzi - who made a recent discovery," Arisa answered, slipping on her jacket that had been hanging behind her on co-pilot seat. "Some new bacterial strain that's been giving them trouble. Thus far it's been showing total resistance to all antibiotics thrown at it, but more troubling, bacta."

Bacta, and to a lesser extent, Kolto, had largely supplanted the use of conventional medical practices across the galaxy. Many civilizations would be helpless in the event that their bacta treatments failed. Kiribi was one of those rare exceptions, where the old ways had been revisited exactly to avoid such events in a post-Gulag galaxy. Now the planet sat as one of the leaders of biotechnology.

"On its own, this bacteria could be dangerous. But if someone bad got their hands on this and weaponized it, then we're looking at another Alpha Red scenario, or worse. So, the plan is to study it for a little bit here, then take some samples back to Voss. I'm hoping we'll get one of the researchers to come back with us as they already have experience handling the bacteria."

She was now heading out of the ramp with Valae now, the bustling floors of Theed spaceport before them, and the vast expanses of forests beyond that. Through her neural link, the cyborg was silently interfacing with the local network to rent out a speeder from the port. Something nice, but not too flashy. There was a quick transaction, the local rental company pulling funds from Arisa's personal account. Even when she was technically on assignment, the Grandmaster still paid for expenses out of her own pocket.

"Now you're going to help me with the first bit. I think your skills would work well here."

Valae wasn't very technical when it came to medical practice, her focus more on the more mystical side of healing, but her experiences still gave her an inherent understanding of biochemistry and cellular biology as good as any physician. If the bacteria couldn't be handled with normal science, then they could always call upon the Force for greater insight.

Leading the way, it would be a short walk from the Tumbleweed to the local rental outlet, where would be a nice sleek silver and azure speeder waiting for them.

"As nice as this thing is, it's kind of nice just sitting back for a change," Arisa admitted. "You go ahead and take the wheel."

She gave the hood of the speeder a knock, then slipped inside on the passenger side, quick to make herself comfortable within the roomy cabin.

((Apologies for the delay! Nice battletech insert, I like you already.))

[member="Phelan Howell"] [member="Valae Kitra"]

 

[Phelan Howell]

OOC:
Sorry, this is a short post. I had forgotten how utterly boring lab work really is. You cannot make it exciting. It is just sit and wait. And so Phelan will sit and wait.

IC:
His emails were boring. Nothing new from several hours ago. Just the usual experiment updates and notifications. Phelan shrugged. It was unsurprising and he wasn't sure why he had expected to see anything different.

The scientist shrugged, tossed off the last of his coffee and grabbed his bag. He had less than fifteen hours remaining, which still afforded him plenty of time to rest and unwind. Then again, he realized it was a tad sad that his life revolved around babysitting experiments and running his schedule around when said experiments began, ran, and completed.

Sad, but necessary, he reassured himself.

Phelan waved goodbye to the security guard and stepped through the double-doors leading to the world outside of the lab. The air smelled fresh and carried a variety of scents and smells, which was completely at odds with the recycled and stale air of the research facility. He blinked against the unfiltered sunlight and headed towards the mass-transit terminal.

And then his eyes caught site of two women exiting an azure speeder that must have been the latest luxury model. Its dagger-like sleekness contrasted itself sharply against the other, more utilitarian vehicles sitting in the parking lot. It was definitely something very different from what his fellow researchers typically drove.

The women were also different. Outwardly, they appeared fairly normal. They were dressed like most people of Naboo. But, something was just off. They felt different, and that feeling caused Phelan to pause. He wasn't sure what was different, just they were.

Odd.

But then he decided his life was routine enough, boring enough, that this anomaly was at least something new in his life. And if these women were different in a harmful way, then at least he'd perish doing something more than dripping two-molar dihydrogen monoxide catalyst solution into a petri dish.

Phelan Howell slowly, carefully walked towards the lead woman, a human female dressed in a fairly benign-looking olive jacket. "Hello! Welcome to New Samarkand Laboratories. Can I help you?"

[member="Arisa Yune"]
[member="Valae Kitra"]

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

Valae had done her best to listen to the Grandmaster speak and tried to keep her eyes from glazing over too much. Though, her stare did become a little bit blank. No doubt, she understood the consequences of this strain of bacteria getting out, but she was getting worried that she would drown in the research notes that surely awaited them. She offered Arisa a smile, feeling a bit flushed in the face that the Grandmaster thought so highly of her skills – Valae hoped desperately that she would not disappoint.

As the two women made their way towards the rental facility, Valae stood back for a moment to tug at the hem of her shirt. It was comfortable, but it was new. The Jedi healer preferred her clothing a bit worn and even a little tattered. However, she did recognize that she needed to start cleaning up her image. And here she was, standing in a striped sweater, slim denim (not a hole in sight), and a pair of ankle boots. It was quite fashionable, if she did say so herself.

“Oh, sure thing, boss.” Valae said with a grin, laying a hand on the sleek hood of their speeder. “Nice ride.”

Valae couldn’t remember ever being behind the wheel of something so nice. She ducked into the driver’s seat and took a quick moment to get acquainted with the controls. Once Arisa was strapped in and comfortable, the speeder roared to life and set off for their destination. The ride was fairly uneventful, save for the lovely sights that flew by outside their viewports. It was nice here, she had to admit. It wasn’t long before she pulled the speeder up curbside and put it in park. Her chestnut eyes shifted to view the lab; it looked like an impressive facility.

The two Jedi were soon greeted by a young man. From what she could see, he looked to be around her age. He was tall and had a smart look about him. But there was something about him that made Valae’s eyes narrow just slightly; she sent a knowing glance over at Arisa. For now, she would remain silent on that matter and simply offer a greeting.

“Good afternoon there,” Valae said with an amiable nod.

[member="Phelan Howell"], [member="Arisa Yune"]

 

[Eugen Aker]

"Oh, don't you start, too," Arisa replied with a snort. "Within the confines of this fine speeder, I'm off duty." No matter her station, they would still remain the best of friends, even if they could only be so casual with each other in private.

So comfy was the well-cushioned seat, that she nearly found herself dozing off throughout the ride, the idyllic cityscape of Theed passing by outside her window. Unfortunately, the ride was much shorter than she could have hoped, and then it was back to business.

"You might want to think about upgrading the chairs in your cockpit," she told Valae as they stepped out of the speeder. "These bucket seats are nice." She may finally get around to upgrading the Tumbleweed as promised if it meant saving her back.

Outside the speeder, she found herself in the midst of a parking lot surrounding a small building complex. The white sign the front read "New Samarkand Laboratories" in some fancy navy text, indicating they were indeed at the right place.

Together they would head for the entrance, but halfway the pair would be intercepted by a bookish looking fellow that had exited the complex, welcoming them to the lab. It was a little unusual to be greeted in such a manner outside of reception, but she rolled with it as she sensed no ill intent on his part. On the topic of senses, there was something else about him, the Jedi Master getting a similar feedback from the stranger like one just on the cusp of an awakening. Valae felt it too, glancing over at Arisa before offering a polite greeting in return.

"Good afternoon," she replied with a smile, her crisp Coruscanti accent contrasting greatly with Valae's drawl. "Perhaps you could. I'm Arisa, and this is my associate Valae. We are both Jedi from the Silver Order, here to speak with Doctor Ikanzi. He should be expecting us."

((Oh don't you worry, I haven't forgotten.))

[member="Valae Kitra"]
[member="Phelan Howell"]

 

[Phelan Howell]

"Oh wow," Phelan said with a blink. "Sorry, I wasn't expecting any representatives from the Silver Order so soon. I mean, we never received a commitment or ETA..." He shook his head. "Sorry again. My name is Phelan Howell. I'm one of Doctor Ikanzi's lab assistants. If you'll follow me, I'll take you to him."

As he led the trio into the lab, Phelan turned back to the two woman. They were both fairly young, and if he had to guess, about his own age. Their youth surprised him because he'd always imagine the Jedi to be older, wiser-looking individuals.

"Sorry for the dumb question, but do I address both of you as 'Master'? Or is there another title I should use? I've never met a Jedi before, so I'm not quite sure about the protocol."

[member="Arisa Yune"]
[member="Valae Kitra"]

OOC:
Also, FYI, when Dr. Ikanzi does enter the picture, feel free to RP him or whatever. I've got not attachments to him, and he's a true NPC.

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

While Arisa provided the young man with introductions, Valae tried to watch him, without appearing too obvious. It seemed that this trip to Naboo was going to be interesting. Her smile widened as the man revealed his name and his position here at the lab.

“Pleased to meet you, Phelan.” Valae said with a small nod.

She gently clasped her hands in front of her as they were brought into the lab. Valae’s chestnut eyes grew wide, and wandered around at will. There was an array of equipment, samples, and folks walking around in white lab coats. Every surface was sparkling clean. Valae blinked as Phelan posed a question to them, and she offered a kind smile.

“Oh, not to fret.” Valae waved her hand, “You could address us that way, if you wanted. It’d be right polite, that’s for sure. But it’s a mite stuffy, if you ask me.” She added a small chuckle to ensure that the mood remained light. “For now, I think just Valae and Arisa will do nicely--”

Her lips pressed together, and she turned to the Grandmaster for confirmation.

True, this meeting was a bit more formal than she was used to. But she wanted people here to be comfortable in their presence, not put-off or intimidated by the fact that they were Jedi. And just then, she spotted a distinguished man approaching. By the way he carried himself; she guessed that he was in charge. Valae took a step back, leaving Arisa at the forefront to greet the doctor.

[member="Phelan Howell"], [member="Arisa Yune"]

 

[Eugen Aker]

"My apologies, it looked like there was some miscommunication," she said, bowing her head for a moment. "I had been told by your front office that we would be able to walk in during operation hours to meet with either Dr. Ikanzi or his team, due to the sensitive nature of his work."

As usual, on their way to the lab floor, the topic of titles came up. It was understandable that those who hadn't encountered Jedi before may be confused on how to address them, especially as there was no consensus among the various sects of Jedi themselves.

"I would like to be referred to as the Grandest of Grandmasters," she teased. "Miss Yune, or Arisa is quite alright."

Now at the floor, she would look around. It was a nice setup from what she could tell. Naboo was intentionally left mostly rural, but it was certainly no slouch in the sciences.

Her eyes would center upon a middle-aged man she recognized as Ikanzi from their holocalls, conversing with one of his lab techs at their station.

"Thank you for you help so far, Mister Howell," she said, looking back on him. "Would you care to introduce us to Doctor Ikanzi?"

[member="Valae Kitra"] [member="Phelan Howell"]

 

[Phelan Howell]

Phelan smiled at the jest but before he could figure out a suitable reply, they were at the lab stations and Doctor Ikanzi. Though the Jedis' had opted for something less formal, Ikanzi was of the old guard and he often expected proper decorum, at least until the parties were well-acquainted with each other.

"Excuse me, Doctor Ikanzi? Sorry for interrupting sir, but the Jedi from the Silver Order are here." Phelan caught the flash of irritation on Ikanzi's face, but that disappeared immediately when the older scientist recognized the women. "Doctor Ikanzi, these are Masters Arisa and Valae."

Ikanzi smiled as he stepped forward to shake the hands of the Jedi. "I am Raymond Ikaniz. It is a great honor to meet both you. I am humbled that the Silver Jedi has sent two Masters to attend to my request. "

"Doctor," Phelan said as he looked from the Jedi to the scientist. "If there's nothing else, I'll see you tomorrow, and let you meet with our guests."

"If you would, please stay." Ikanzi gave an approving nod towards his subordinate as he explained to the Jedi. "Phelan here ran most of the actual tests on the experiments in my report. I'm sure he'll be able to provide valuable insight."

He waved the group deeper into the lab, towards his office. "Was the trip to Naboo difficult? Do either of you wish for refreshment? We can go over the research findings and challenges immediately if you'd like, or perhaps in the morning when you've had time to rest from your trip?"

OOC:
Just realized something. There may be a ton of medical/scientific mumble jumble I'm going to have to make up....

Also, up to you guys if you want to really get into this whole made-up science stuff. We can skip it and focus on the interaction with Phelan, or anything you'd like.

[member="Arisa Yune"]
[member="Valae Kitra"]

 

[Eugen Aker]

"Hello there!" Arisa exclaimed as she raised a hand to meet his for a shake. "I am Arisa Yune, Grandmaster of the Silver Order. Thank you for inviting us here today. Everything went smoothly, I actually frequent Naboo quite regularly. I'd actually love to to see what you're working on right now, and refreshments would be nice."

She gave Doctor Ikanzi a change to address Valae before resuming their conversation which would turn into a full-blown discussion that would stretch on for hours as the doctor shared his results with Arisa and Valae. While Arisa's focus wasn't biology, the engineer knew enough about the subject to follow along and ask the right sorts of questions for any clarification. She quite rather enjoyed herself during the whole exchange, and she could have spent all evening discussing it, but then Valae starting giving her looks and issuing increasingly exasperated telepathic messages prodding her to wrap things up for the night. By then, Phelen had long been sent home.

With great reluctance, she would finally call it quits for the evening, but with a promise to return the following day morning. She would indeed return withValae, but they would only stay for the afternoon before touring Naboo. It would go much the same the next few days experimenting with the bacteria until Arisa was satisfied and ready to return home. Before the last day, though, she had requested one of the team members return with them to Voss to continue studies at home.

Phelen would volunteer. A native of Lianna, it would give him a chance to pass through him home while with them. As it became more evident that Phelen was Force Sensitive, it was quite apparent that it hadn't been an accident for Arisa and Valae to cross paths with him. Interesting developments awaited them all back on Voss.

[member="Phelan Howell"]
[member="Valae Kitra"]

((Last post from me, you two are free to proceed and do your thing. Thank you for your patience.))