( video )

[hyperkinesia]

[ Bruce greets the camera with a cordial smile, there and gone, replaced with a somewhat tired and worried look. ]

Hi, Moira. Bruce Banner, for those of you who don't know me, and I'm the Chief Science Officer on board. In light of our current situation, I've been working on a number of devices to be placed on the surface of the planet, that once activated will link together and create a barrier around the planet. It will work as a kind of shield that would effectively make it impossible for any ship to dock on the planet, or for anyone to go down to the surface.

I've talked to the captains about this, and we're going ahead with the project. Needless to say that this is incredibly time-sensitive, and while so far everything's going smoothly and the results are promising, I could use as many people with the necessary knowledge involved in this as possible. Science officers on board are working exclusively on this right now, and I'm contacting a few people that I know have the knowledge necessary to help, but if anyone else thinks they have what it takes to join in, drop me a line.

This is a serious request. Don't waste my or anyone else's time, please.

[ Not that he thinks anyone would, but just covering his bases, in case there's some prankster or smartass on board. ]

I'll also need people to place the devices down on the surface of the planet. It's a fairly simple process so no need to have any kind of knowledge about how the machines were built or how they work, so long as you can handle the weight with relative care.

Another note— [ He pauses, presses his lips for a moment. ] Along with a holographic map of our journey, I've been putting together an information file about our current situation, to be delivered to all the new arrivals as they come in. Things I'd like to cover include: where we are, how or why we're here, who here can help them with certain fundamental needs, a rough overview of varying timelines and parallel universes, as well as a general overview of what's happened so far. I'm also planning to include the information regarding the Space 101 lesson that's held after each wave of new arrivals, to those that might need it. There's no guarantee everyone will read it, of course, but it might cut down on the number of people asking similar questions time and again.

Furthermore, I've put together a file about my condition. At this point about half the ship already knows about it, but I'm posting it on public domain and making it available for anyone to consult at any time. This document will also be attached to the main information file when sent to all the new arrivals. For anyone interested in reading it now, follow the link.

[ Attached to the message, follows said link. ]

If anyone wants to suggest any information they think important to add to the main information file, let me know here. As for my personal file, I wrote it because I don't think keeping it a secret is feasible anymore, and even if it were I think it's safer for everyone here to know what they're dealing with, and avoid potentially dangerous situations. I'm not going to write files on everyone on board or anything like that, don't worry.

[ He takes a deep breath, silent, shoulders lowering. ] That's it. Let me know if you have any questions about any of this.

[ And the feed cuts off. ]


(( ooc: details about the machines, how they work or how they're built will be handwaved on my end, since it's all technical gibberish and I don't have the necessary knowledge or the time/patience to go googling about it right now. SORRY. ))

Comments

[imaginary_wife]

You can count me in.

[Bruce said he'd help her, well she'll happily do the same.]

[hyperkinesia]

Great. Drop by whenever you can, so you can see how far along we are. The sooner we can get everyone's input, the easier it will be to make any necessary changes and adjustments.

[ They might be in a rush but Bruce still wants this to be a job well done. ]

[text]

[imahologram]

[She'd really prefer to avoid Bruce if at all possible, but this is an announcement that affects everything currently in discussion regarding Ceta. It's worth asking after the details of his work though obviously handwaved explanations will be accepted.]

What kind of barrier are we talking about? Does it have the potential to affect the planet's atmosphere or its wildlife?

[hyperkinesia]

No, the planet and its interaction with the system it's on will go on being the same as it always was.

[ He goes on to explain the machines' features and functions in greater detail, and the specifications of what's basically an energy shield. He explains how it won't affect not only the wildlife or atmosphere, but also it won't diminish whatever energy the planet might receive from the nearest sun, as it only protects the planet from any kind of physical invasion. ]

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[seeingscarlet]

[Text is safest; Bruce can ignore it if he wants to but she can't just not offer. Not when she can barely shut out the whales' cries for help and weight isn't really an issue for her.]

I can help place the devices.

[hyperkinesia]

Alright.

[ Just that, a response that comes a good while after she sends out her own. It takes him a while to decide whether or not this is a good idea, but he has to remind himself that there aren't a whole lot of options here, and he can't afford to be picky. Besides, she saved Steve— he keeps going back to that, he knows, but when he sees himself in a situation where he has to trust Wanda, even if only minimally, he needs something to soothe the constant underlying worry. ]

You can come by the department to see its size and test the weight. They're not ready to activate just yet, and once they're finished I'll have to explain how to grapple them onto the surface.

text

[pushed]

Sounds like you've got the brains. Ok. I can handle the weight, so I'm in.

[hyperkinesia]

That's great. Come by the department sometime anyway, just to make sure you can handle the size and weight. Once we're done I'll also have to explain how to grapple them onto the surface.

[devilofohara]

You said it makes it impossible to land. What happens to the ships that try?

[hyperkinesia]

They just can't dock onto the planet. The energy field should make the ship's power flicker, if they keep trying it would momentarily shut down their systems. Even then, they still wouldn't be able to cross the barrier.

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[takeitslow]

How much do they weigh? I can try to help out.

[But he's built for speed, not for strength.]

[hyperkinesia]

They are somewhat heavy. You're welcome to come by and try to lift them, but you might not be able to.

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[stompadour]

Oh, why not. Fine. I'll help. You know how strong I am, and I don't need to breathe.

[hyperkinesia]

That's great. Thank you. [ He smiles a little. It really is nice that Jasper's willing to help out. ]

We're still working on them, but I'll need to run by you how to set them up. The ideal location, and then how to activate the grapples so the device stays in place. So I'd need you to come by at some point.

[realitywarped]

I dislike physical labour intensely, but if you're short of people who can handle one, I can place one- in return for a future favour.

[He shrugs.]

I'm only offering because some people would be happier were they to know the whales safe, so I'm not feeling particularly selfless.

[Well, that and the whales deserve the right to make a mess of their own lives, without interference, but Loki doesn't exactly like to be seen as a softer touch.]

[hyperkinesia]

Thanks. [ The most insincere 'thanks' ever. ] But I've had a lot of people offering so far, and none of them asked for a favor in return. So, if you want to help for the sake of helping, I won't say no to it, but don't expect me to do you any favors for it.

[ Honestly, Loki couldn't possibly expect Bruce to agree to those terms. It's already difficult enough as it is for Bruce to agree to have Loki helping out with this, he's definitely not going to owe him in any way, shape or form. ]

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[hatesimprovising]

You can count me in for placing devices on the surface.

[ If it protects the whales, he's all for it and wants to do everything he can. He...wants to make up for the ones he hunted down earlier in the month. ]

Also, that info pack sounds like a really good idea. Considering how confused I was arriving here months ago, I can't imagine what the next round of newbies will be feeling...

[hyperkinesia]

That's great. Can you carry heavy loads easily? Because these devices aren't exactly light.

[ He assumes so, or he wouldn't offer— but he may as well make sure. ]

I thought so too. I managed to wrap my head around all this easily enough, compared to other people, but we get a lot more newcomers now than back then. It might be a little of an information overload, but it's better than having nothing at all.

[vengeance_driven]

I could lend a hand. Not that I am useful for more than putting things on the surface.

You'll have to tell Tali how you did this when she wakes up. She would want to know.

[hyperkinesia]

Thank you. I'll have to see how many people we'll have helping out with that, see if we set up pairs to set up each device. Unless you secretly have super strength, because these are pretty heavy.

I will. I've been keeping all this documented in detail, including schematics, pictures and videos. It'd have been helpful to have her around right now, actually— but I'll definitely show her all our work once she's out and about again.

[breakin_ur_lore]

[Gosh, there were definitely some words in there that Med'an did not understand. But he got the gist of it: put big shield on planet and save whales, make big info booklet, medical condition.

He reads the file, both out of curiosity and because it feels like it might be important for him to know as a doctor. If something happens to Bruce, he'd like to help if he can, even if he's not sure how to react to the information about this 'Hulk'.]

I can help place the devices.

[hyperkinesia]

Alright. How strong are you? These devices aren't exactly light, so if you can come by the science department to check the weight, that would be great.

[ And it would make him feel more at ease, too. ]

You'd also need to activate the grappling system so that the device latches onto the surface, but that's easy enough to manage. I'll still need to explain you how to do it, though.

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[notpatsy]

Need any moral support? Because that's pretty much all I can offer.

[ She'd love to do more, but unfortunately she is neither a scientist, nor strong enough to carry the devices. ]

[hyperkinesia]

You already do. The radio program? Very entertaining, an excellent pick-me-up.

[ So in a way she kind of is helping. If nothing else, then at providing some entertainment. ]

Video

[fiercestwarrior]

I can assist with placing the devices.

[hyperkinesia]

That's great, thank you. You'll have to come by the department sometime. I'm sure you can handle the weight without any problems, but I need to tell you how to activate the grappling system once you're down on the planet.

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[hellsbel]

[the Hulk File is a chilling reminder of the severity of Bruce's condition -- and of his courage in making the information public, barely a breath after the detailed briefing of the ambitious shielding plan. tactically, it's perfectly sound, much better than exposing the volatile atmosphere to firefights or risking intrepid hunters slipping through the mercenary blockade. practically, the scope and technology and power involved is daunting. Bel hopes fervently that they succeed in time.

a fair practical grasp of shielding mechanics specific to their home universe doesn't qualify Bel as the type of expert the project needs, but there's another point to bring up.]

That's good work. [an understatement, but after a while there aren't enough superlatives for planet-saving heroics, whether performed in the field or in the lab.] Who will be controlling and maintaining the equipment? Can the Cetans operate it?

[hyperkinesia]

I'm trying to design it to be self-sufficient and self-repairing on a long-term perspective, but as you can likely imagine, it's impossible to know for how long exactly it'll work, and we don't have the time to test it out.

[ He'd like to offer a more definitive answer on that front— alas. ]

So far as I know, the creatures are the only beings living in Ceta. And unless they understand basic technology, no, they wouldn't be able to fix anything. But if all goes according to plan, it won't need to be maintained or operated.

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[aminerproblem]

[This seems like quite a lot of resources to spend on a slightly interesting, if mostly unremarkable planet. But he supposes the 'Right''' thing to do would be to help.]

If you're still in need of hands for transporting the shield generators, I can gather some of the other Autobots to distribute them.

The weight shouldn't be an issue, and they've spent enough time lying around and doing nothing.

[hyperkinesia]

[ That's humans for you, overly sentimental at times. Bruce tried to keep himself somewhat detached from what was happening down at the planet, but he can't ignore the creatures' plight anymore, especially now. ]

That would be of great help, actually. Thank you. [ He offers a small cordial smile. ] I thought about you guys, so it's great that you're offering.

[ He's seen the Autobots around, often at the cargo bay —difficult to miss the tallest members of the crew, after all—, and of course they came to mind, when he knew he'd need someone strong to carry the devices across the planet's surface. ]

[ersatzeverything]

[Deacon isn't a scientist, and from the sounds of things the devices Bruce is making are probably too heavy for him to carry safely. He's better at stealth than strength.

But the information on Bruce's transformations interests him greatly. Anything to do with radiation could be useful knowledge back home. And the creature Bruce describes, it sounds almost like a super mutant. Yeah, he can see why it would be bad if that were let out.]

So, no sneaking up and popping balloons by your ear. Got it.

that's a surprisingly accurate portrait of the hulk-- i mean what

[hyperkinesia]

[ Bruce's staring flatly at the camera when he replies, jaw tense as he manages to stretch his lips into a thin smile, not the least bit genuine. ]

I have a better lid on it than that. But I'd still appreciate no balloon popping. [ That gets annoying real fast and even Bruce's patience has its limits. ]

text; a few days after posting

[skelepun]

[Despite himself, Sans can't get his mind off the message. Between the thrilling tasks of cleaning up garbage and sweeping up, he finds his way back to the video, scrubbing through to a few key sections. Namely, the bits about assistance and its close follow up don't waste anyone's time. The latter always gives him a bit of a laugh, at least.

Sometimes he drafts a response, sometimes he doesn't. It's three days until Sans finally decides to press 'send.']

heya, bb. you still looking for some help?

[hyperkinesia]

[ Even without the name that pops up along with the message, the font alone is enough for Bruce to know who it is. His answer is prompt and sure— if Sans was hoping Bruce would tell him they've got it covered, he'll be sorely disappoint. Or pleasantly surprised. ]

Still taking all the help I can get. Thinking of coming by and joining us in our efforts?

[getweird]

I can help. Tell me where you want me and I'm there.

[He can list his credentials, if Bruce wants.]

As you know, I'm a huge fan of your work. Whenever you're free and not saving somebody, we should talk about it.

[hyperkinesia]

Come by the department. You've been long overdue for a visit anyway, and like I said, I'll need all the help I can get.

Luckily I don't spend a lot of my time saving people. But maybe when things settle back down. After leaving Ceta? Right now I just want to get this barrier finished successfully.

[visionarie]

Do you still require assistance, Dr. Banner?

[hyperkinesia]

Any help that I can get, yes. I assume you're offering to help with taking the devices down to the surface?

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[foggybear]

[ !!!!!! ]

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[foggybear]

You're the Hulk??!

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[cookshisgoose]

[Everyone should be proud, she's just about got the hang of this MID thing.]

If you still require assistance, I would be happy to help place the devices, Dr. Banner.

[Will they be too heavy for her to carry? Who knows, but she isn't afraid to try. And she's been itching to do something about this mess. If she can help, she wants to.]

Also, I'm really fond of the idea of this database. It would have proven useful to me, I can only imagine what good it would do for others. [she's willing to help with that, too, actually. She played secretary for long enough, she's can certainly put files together.

And don't think for a second she didn't read that file about his "condition". Because she did. She's just electing not to bring that up. He may have shared it, but it seemed rather personal.]

[hyperkinesia]

I appreciate it, but... I think they might be a little too heavy. It would take three to four average humans to move one, and I'm trying to keep it to two people at most, to avoid any accidents. If one of them breaks while down on the planet, I won't be able to fix it.

[ He honestly would like to give her something to do so she could help, though. He understands feeling helpless during times like this. ]

I thought so too. The file will be available to everyone else too, not just new arrivals, if you want to read up on it later on. Maybe you won't learn anything new, but you never know.

text; shows up 15 minutes late with Starbucks

[peridork]

This sounds like a daunting and intensive project. I'd be happy to assist.

lamdksla perfect

[hyperkinesia]

I figured you would. And it's just the kind of thing you excel at, so I really was hoping you'd join in.
You know where to find me, whenever you have the time. You should have no problem catching up to what we've done so far.

[handing]

[She's not answering his call for scientists, or people to place the devices, for what should be obvious reasons. While her original intent had been to offer her help with the introductory file, what ultimately gets her attention is his willingness to be so open about the Hulk--except maybe that's not the right way to put it. After all, she'd heard about Cadacus Primary after her first transmission, and there seemed to be any number of people who still remembered it. On top of that, clearly that glass planet wouldn't be their only stop on a fragile world--case in point, the planet they're on now.

One that, if Pepper were put into a bad situation, she could easily destroy herself. Thinking of her own condition in those terms terrifies her, to say the least. So on some level, it's easy to understand why Bruce would do such a thing.

It almost makes her wonder if she should too.]

That's very brave of you. [He'll know which part she means, even if Bruce doesn't agree. Being that open isn't something Pepper can't manage, not yet. So she's allowed to admire the fact that he can, regardless of the circumstances that have made it necessary.]

» private.

[hyperkinesia]

[ She's right, Bruce doesn't agree. Not even a little. Which is made more than obvious with the first words out of his mouth, a tone too dry and self-deprecating for it to sound like an even remotely genuine question. ]

Is that what I am? [ No, he's not, she can say all she wants but it won't really pierce through his skull or make any dent in the image he's already built of himself. He clears his throat, leans in to turn the feed private before he goes on to add. ]

I did it because I had no other choice. There's no way of keeping what happened in Caducus Primary a secret, or keeping what I am a secret. It's not about... being brave. I'd be lying if I said it is, but the truth is new arrivals will find out about the— the other guy one way or another, about what he did. I may as well provide that information right from the start, instead of having them come to me for a myriad of clarifications. [ Or excuses, apologies, reasons why the monster did what he did. ] It's also a good way to minimize the number of people shooting darts in my general direction, or getting hostile or violent towards me in any other way.

[ He really doesn't want the Hulk to punch a hole through the ship's hull. ]