Ghost Signals, Episode 5: Part 1.3
ARU That is a fair concern, Dr. O'Ozahl. But my predictive algorithm dictates a slightly higher chance at success with the Skelliclaw. Especially with the proper software and radar modifications, along with the right defensive strategem.
STEGGY (encouraged, to Aru) I'd be happy to help with the gruntwork. I've gotten pretty good naving military databanks.
CUT TO:
An action shot of Mz. de Caar heading out toward the center's entrance as Steggy 'ports out of view. It takes a few beats before Raiven turns and notices the AC Second Class trying to walk out.
RAIVEN (calling to AC Second Class Dez-Lei) The hells are you stepping off too, Dez?
Dez-Lei stops walking and turns her head back to the good Doctor; the doors visible behind her in the distance in the background.
AC SECOND CLASS DEZ-LEI (to Raiven) I was going to see if there was anything in the cargo bay that might be useful in case it does explode somehow.
She pauses for a quick moment, sensing something that Raiven's hiding. Her body language subsequently changes to one of intrigue over the subtext behind her apprehension.
AC SECOND CLASS DEZ-LEI (Cont.) Unless you have a device already that can do the job.
RAIVEN It's not that. If you're heading down there, I was hoping you could check on something I brought from Capitol- make sure it's in one piece.
AC SECOND CLASS DEZ-LEI What's the name of the tech?
Raiven shrugs, keeping proverbially mum in regards to the question.
AC SECOND CLASS DEZ-LEI (more intrigued) Must be a powerful device, if it's kept that mouth of yours shut.
RAIVEN (nervous pause, then starts to walk to her) I'll tell you as long as you don't gab it to your superiors once you get back to Capitol.
AC SECOND CLASS DEZ-LEI (shrugs) Alright, you have my word. Though personally, I think you're overblowing its importance.
RAIVEN (confidently shakes her head) Believe me, Dez- I'm not!
CUT TO:
INT. CARGO BAY, ATHENA-5- Minutes Later
A shot of the Jahukagonis out in the distance of the cargo bay, inactive and kept in place by a similarly sized bookend made out of Ferbonium. To the sides of it, you can see a variety of boxes and crates with supplies and spare parts.
CUT TO:
The two ladies a moment later crossing through the doors (which close from the sides as they're speaking). They walk three steps before Dez-Lei moves out in front with a look of confusion on her face.
AC SECOND CLASS DEZ-LEI I'm failing to see how this device is helpful in an explosion. Or all that important really.
RAIVEN That's because it isn't that kind of tech. Unless you want to give future generations' a pic of our screaming corpses. (points to the Jahukagonis) This is the Jahukagonis- a Socioarchaeogic device of mine I plan to use when I--we land on the planetoid source.
AC SECOND CLASS DEZ-LEI (correcting) If it's on a planetoid. It could be from an asteroid or plausibly a meta-planetoid...
A second later, standing a few feet from the front of the Jahukagonis, the soldier stops and looks around the device, examining every bit of its design.
AC SECOND CLASS DEZ-LEI (Cont.) Reminds me a little of a 2nd-Gen Proto Shooter. (back to Raiven) You sure this couldn't be used as a weapon?
RAIVEN Quite sure. It's strictly a scientific device. You'd need to completely overhaul the control panel to take and harness Ya'ahla energy to dangerous levels--
AC SECOND CLASS DEZ-LEI (interjects, with a scoff) Ya'ahla? It's impossible. No one can harness Ya'ahla energy into a simple observation machine.
RAIVEN (confident) I found a way. Runs a bit hot at times, but- gets the job done! (as she moves to the left of the device) You want to see it in action?
AC SECOND CLASS DEZ-LEI After that lead-in? Shite yes!
Raiven lets out a brief chuckle, arriving in front of the machine's control panel. She types out something quickly into a console for a few seconds. At the end of which, we see a disc pop out from the top of the console.
The good Doctor turns to face Dez-Lei and flings the disc up in the air, triggering the same transformative process we saw in Episode 1 in the Three's Keep. The camera focuses on the see-through screen as it plays Raiven and Boltas' last experiment at the Muermoss from Episode 1.
Just as the ghost images show up, the camera cuts to a shot of the soldier's face watching it all take place with a sense of amazement at what she's seeing. The amazement continues on till the video stops suddenly.
RAIVEN (V.O.) Have I convinced you of its import?
AC SECOND CLASS DEZ-LEI (nods) I would say so, Doctor. Though the exploding bit at the end is quite disconcerting.