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Ch 19: Group call

Ch 19: Group call

Collapsing on their bed, Dr Elune groaned. "One day over, hundreds more to go."

"Don't be so dramatic, doctor. I see no reason to worry." Flickering to life, the projection of Alex 'sat' on the end of the bed with a gentle smile.

"Says you. The secret is safe for now, sure... But Ohara can't be fooled for long. He knows too much. Besides... Cooperating will be a nightmare anyway."

Chuckling, the projection shrugged lightly, "Now now, play nice. And I am different, remember?"

"Different in intention, different in upbringing, different in mannerisms... But you are the same being. The same... Species, I guess?" Rolling onto their back, the doctor sighed, "Let's just hope he stays oblivious... And I stay sane."

Smirking, Alex nodded, "You will be pleased to know that they all seem fine in their new lab, situated next to the engineering bay, towards the medical wing. I never did understand why you moved the hospital over back then."

"Because engineers do the more dangerous work. Outside of, ahem, station wide accidents, who are the only division with regular checkins?"

"... I learnt my lesson, I assure you. And you have a good point, doctor." Humming quietly, Alex smiled as the doctor thought. Alex had developed a lot in that short time... The joys of little physical restrains, it seems.

Propping themself up, the doctor grumbled quietly, "Let me know if anyone decides to go snooping. And if anyone calls you out on it... Remember this is a station in the middle of nowhere, with a lot of secret tech. That should be a good enough reason to be keeping secrets."

"Interesting note. I will keep that in mind, should it be neccesary."

"Good. Also, like I said before they arrived, keep the projection to a minimum, even in here... You may be able to see the hallway outside, but we don't know what Ohara's equipment can do."

Pouting, Alex nodded, and flickered out, "I just thought you could use a hug, that's all."

"Very funny. Holographic hugs don't work very well..." Smiling anyway, the doctor waved a hand, "Everyone still up?"

"John, Francis and Norman have already turned in, having been kept busy all day with the new occupants. Ms Nguyen is... Preoccupied, but the others are still available."

Raising an eyebrow, the doctor straightened out their shirt, coat abandoned the moment they got through the door, "Even Laura is up? She was pretty occupied as well."

"She just got back in... And is talking with me as we speak. She is wanting to talk, just like you."

"Handy. Messages sent?"

"Just now. I wanted your approval first, so Laura is preparing coffee."

"Sounds like a good idea... But I need to pass out right after we finish. Get this started with who is ready."

"Yes, doctor." The OHPS flickering back on, images of Hope's and Judith's head flickered on, a small yawn sounding from the Hope-hologram.

"Evening sis. Evening Sam. Got back late from my last, uh, 'Mining escort', hehe."

"I do really wisk you would hold back when we have company, at least." Judith frowned, and looked in Sam's direction, "Good evening, doctor. All is well so far?"

"Hey there you two. Yeah, Ohara settled in no problem, we caught up about boring stuff a little. Alex, any sign of Akasha?"

"She is just finishing tidying up from some practice, doctor. Laura is steeling back down, and will be on in a moment."

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Nodding, Dr Elune smirked at the slight confusion from the other two. "You know what, the ring of heads is a little odd, but it works... I think Alex should get a spot when we have a board meeting though. A... Simle spot."

The other two nodded, and a plainer, mask-like face appeared just as Laura joined in, "Hey- Wow, Alex's robo face is creepy. Only a little more than you lot."

"Nice to see you too, Laura. And it will help with the illusion. A mask is fitting, no?"

Rolling her eyes, Laura looked around the room, "So, uh, is our positioning actually relative like this? Out of curiousity."

"No. I have... Taken some liberties with your projections, and have interpereted movements. If you look at my face, your projections will all look at the projections of my face."

"... Neat. Complex, weird, but neat. I guess that is no problem for you though." Seemingly leaning back, Laura began to idly chat with the Silvethornes as they waited for Akasha, and Dr Elune stretched out to relax.

An image of Akasha popped in as Hope was sniggering at Laura for beign told off, "Sorry I'm late, I was... busy. I miss anything?"

"Just Judith's nagging. I think that is everyone still up."

Laura stopped frowning as she asked, "Huh? But I thought I saw Quyet headed to the Library. Isn't she with you Akasha?"

Ahh. Dr Elune grinned as Akasha's face suddenly became suspiciously calmer, "No, uh, must have been walking past. Besides, if she was here, wouldn't she be available?"

Giving a subtle thumbs up to Alex for helping Akasha out, Dr Elune interjected, "Either way, she is unlikely to interact with Ohara's team much. So Laura, any mischief?"

"Besides the pedantic scientific variety you lot love? None. A little curious here and there, but no more so than the normal visitor."

"Good to know. I will head down tomorrow, hand over what I know. Try to, ahem, inform me if any of them are sent my way, in case Alex can't get a warning to me on approach."

"Got it. Anything else?"

"Checking out their tech might be good. Not neccesarily how it works, but knowing what assets we can use is good. Aaaand, if they have anything that might pick up Alex is better."

"Sure. Now, did that need all of us?"

"A little. The instructions to keep an eye on them, warn me, and check out their tech is for all of you. Anyone else have anything to say?"

Hope grinned, "Now that you mention it, these projections are handy. Can I keep your little drone?"

"Go nuts. Same offer to the rest. The mobile units are a nightmare to make though, so I would prefer to install wall mounted ones if any of you want them long term."

Nodding, the rest turned to chat among themselves, passing any neccesary information before they all went off to bed. The doctor quietly excused themself, and shut off their feed as they flopped backwards into the mattress, "Keep everyone updated, try not to peek at people without consent, and keep an eye on Ohara."

"Yes, doctor."

"... Poor guy. I am glad we have him on board, he needs this as much as we do... But he won't be able to forget..."

"... I have seen the records, doctor. I shall be discrete, as to keep things calm."

"Good... Sleep well, Alex."

"Good night, doctor."