place of life

Intel Systems Engineer Catherine Chun. Currently stationed at Theta. I'm the one to get in touch with if you have any questions about the ARK project.

[ghostofthemotif]

“The privilege of being makes a strong case.”

[capsulecatherine-blog]

Someone had a long day. :)

[digitalfrontiers]

[capsulecatherine-blog]

some plebe who doesn't know shit about shit: brain uploading is basically suicide and the copy on the other end isn't the same you

me: dude, check out these sick robot arms

[capsulecatherine-blog]

Parties? So you have alcohol down there?

Sure, a little. We’re all adults here.

It’s not something I really enjoy.

[capsulecatherine-blog]

How do you folks celebrate holidays down there, anyway?

Someone always has some kind of party. Or I’ve heard so, I don’t know. I’m not really one for, uh, festivities.

[capsulecatherine-blog]

CATHERINE (I is melon raptor) how do you describe your relationship with Peter Strasky

Ah, I really didn’t know what to make of him at first, since he’s kind of....well, we’re practically opposites. But I don’t mind spending time with him--he’s not quite as tiring to talk to as most people are.

People says he’s just too friendly, but that’s not it at all! He’s good at reading people, you know, which is why everyone likes him. So he can tell when a little company is nice and when I really do need to be left alone.

Maybe someday I’d like to be able to call us friends...

[shaidis]

Comission for @zealotarchaeologist

[capsulecatherine-blog]

What do you think about everyone's friend Terry Akers?

Everyone’s friend? Uh, right...

I don’t know him too well, I’ve never visited Delta. But from how Strasky describes him, I think maybe we would get along. He seems like he...appreciates solitude?

[capsulecatherine-blog]

Is there anything you DO like about your human body?

It’s not my body in particular that’s the problem so much as the general limitations.

There’s not much to like. I’m pretty flexible, I guess?

[mapleofrph]

SOMA – Transmissions 02

[wannabeanimator]

SOMA (2015) | visual development (x)

[capsulecatherine-blog]

Simon entered Site Theta carrying what appeared to be a large cardboard box. The intern huffed, his grip on the package barely steady. It looked as if he'd drop it at any moment, as it was a fairly large box, "Hey, M-miss Chun? I got those, uh... neurograph parts you wanted, right? Where do you want them?" He appeared to be looking around frantically, as if he wanted this box out of his hands quite soon.

It’s been another one of those endless work days alone in the lab, where Catherine doesn’t even know how long it’s been since she spoke to another human being. Simon doesn’t startle her, exactly, but it took her a moment to adjust and prepare for interaction.

“Oh, uh…right by the pilot seat, thanks.”

She watched him struggle for a moment under the weight. For a moment she felt a little bad–but he is significantly more suited to physical activity than her. She just happened to be taking advantage of his help. It’s useful having another body around the lab.

“You’re not busy, are you, Simon?”

[jarrettsays-deactivated20151125]

Simon seemed a bit anxious at the offer alone. He was the kind of person who never liked rushing headfirst into these kinds of things; at least not without knowing the details. Thus, he felt inclined to ponder,

“Test what out, exactly? And will it hurt?”

He emphasized that last part. A low pain threshold forced him to inquire such whenever it came to a lot things; especially strange robotic chairs with helmets, which was what it looked like from the perspective of a measly intern.

[capsulecatherine-blog]

Catherine shook her head and tried not to laugh at the wide-eyed look on his face. “It’s just a brain scan, Simon. A few flashing lights and then you’re done.”

She stood on her toes to reach the helmet and adjust it again. If everything went right, this shouldn’t be dangerous at all.

“Do you get nauseous easily? Actually, don’t answer that, it shouldn’t be a problem. Hopefully the new parts will take care of the wave leak.”

[jarrettsays-deactivated20151125]

“Shouldn’t be a problem? I’ll have you know I do get nauseous easily! And what about a wave leak? I don’t want my brain fried!”

Simon stated almost defensively, clutching his head as to emphasize his own point. She didn’t seem all too confident that he’d be safe, and his own safety was something he cared dearly for. He wasn’t intentionally trying to offend her by refuting her claims, yet he couldn’t help but relay his thoughts on the matter.

[capsulecatherine-blog]

“It’s fine, Simon. I’ve already scanned a few people, it’s perfectly safe.” She tried not to sound too annoyed, but his safety ranked fairly low on her list of concerns.

Catherine sat down next to him. She gently pulled his hand away from his head, trying to seem comforting. “Look, you know people use these seats all the time. It’s just like that, only the electromagnetic radiation is a little stronger.” Or a lot stronger, actually, but he doesn’t need to know that. “You might feel a bit dizzy, but I promise it won’t fry your brain.”

[capsulecatherine-blog]

Catherine was pleasantly surprised at the response she had received, especially from the other stations. Her co-workers at Theta were probably sick of this by now, with the endless arguments ever since the project started. They were going in circles, and she often found herself fighting the urge to take matters into her own hands.

Her terminal chimed. Another response from Omicron, recorded by Adam Golaski. Catherine had met him in person before, when the Mockingbirds first started causing them trouble. (Regardless of all the fighting, she still felt proud of how she had made the technology her own.) More importantly, he was approachable enough. Someone she could talk to without too much anxiety.

She quickly sent off a message. Even if she still sounded distant, she at least felt less awkward over text.

Good to hear from you again. I’ve noticed a lot of interest in the project coming from your station. I don’t have permission, but Would you want me to make a visit to scan people at Omicron? I can reconfigure one of your pilot seats. It only takes a few minutes. It’s important that Please respond soon, while it’s still safe to travel. Dr Catherine Chun

[gasketcase-blog]

Golaski would enter the pressurized hold of the airlock as it would cycle, the water bubbling from the top and out of the chamber with a mechanical hiss.  Removing the helmet by the bolts on the latches keeping it attached to the rest of the diving suit, Gask would pop off the helmet with as a whoosh of air would cause his ears to pop as they readjusted to the pressure.

Never gonna’ get used to that…

Adam would wait as the door would be automatically opened for him leading into the main area of the rest of the sub-station that had been built beside Omicron.  Entering through the open, swinging door it would shut quickly behind him.

Herbie would sit at a computer terminal typing away and she would nod at him as he approached and then would point to a pot of piping hot coffee on the mini-stove behind her, “Coffee’s up,” She would say with a smile and then return to her work.

“Thanks Herbie,” Golaski would say, grabbing a mug and pouring himself some not adding any cream or sugar.

I’ve always liked my coffee black… Dad used to say it looked like sewage sludge…

He would take a satisifed sip of the coffee walking over to his own terminal and taking a seat putting the mug down on the desk and accessing his computer with his personal ID.  His inbox would have various messages from the security all about meetings with him.  One of the few non-hostile messages would be from Catherine Chun.  Golaski would open it and then would read the message over quickly.

I’ve got to hand it to Catherine, she is determined.

Gask prepares a reply:

Doctor Chun,

Though I can’t guarantee everyone being complicit you are more than welcome to venture to Omicron and perform the scans.  My only advice would be letting security know in advance about your movements and plans as they have been strict to say the least over the last little while since the Mockingbird incident, as I’m sure you know.  Chances are they are monitoring this message.  Be well Catherine, chat in person soon.

-Gask

[capsulecatherine-blog]

Catherine knows he’s right. But if she asks for permission it’s going to be another three weeks of getting everyone to agree. Instead, she scribbles a quick note in messy handwriting.

Went to Omicron. Be back soon. If Strohmeier asks, tell him it was personal and definitely not about the project.

The note goes into her bag along with her tablet and a spare storage chip. She should be able to calibrate the pilot seat without any additional code. At least, she hopes so. Catherine’s never actually been to Omicron, but presumably they don’t do things too differently over there.

After making sure no one’s around, she steps out into the main hallway of Theta’s habitat. It’s been a slow day. People are mostly working outside or in the offices, trying to pretend that life is going on as usual. Lindwall is out supervising container delivery, so it’s a simple matter for Catherine to slip into her room and leave the note on her desk.

There are a few people in the living room when she goes for the elevator, but they don’t notice her. That’s the one nice thing about being quiet. She’s so small of stature and presence, no one would ever notice her if she didn’t want them to.

When she gets there, the shuttle station is practically abandoned. The only regular traffic they have lately is to and from Omicron, the only place still crowded enough to warrant the use of the shuttle. She swipes into the first shuttle car and it opens without complaint. From there, she only has to sit down and direct it to Omicron, no security clearance needed. That’s probably going to change when she gets back.

“Welcome to PATHOS-II, your expressway to the stars.” The overhead monitor lectures as the shuttle starts. Catherine rolls her eyes and ignores it. She pulls out her tablet and takes the opportunity to send another message.

I’ll be there in a minute. Please do let me in. Dr Catherine Chun

[capsulecatherine-blog]

Simon entered Site Theta carrying what appeared to be a large cardboard box. The intern huffed, his grip on the package barely steady. It looked as if he'd drop it at any moment, as it was a fairly large box, "Hey, M-miss Chun? I got those, uh... neurograph parts you wanted, right? Where do you want them?" He appeared to be looking around frantically, as if he wanted this box out of his hands quite soon.

It’s been another one of those endless work days alone in the lab, where Catherine doesn’t even know how long it’s been since she spoke to another human being. Simon doesn’t startle her, exactly, but it took her a moment to adjust and prepare for interaction.

“Oh, uh…right by the pilot seat, thanks.”

She watched him struggle for a moment under the weight. For a moment she felt a little bad–but he is significantly more suited to physical activity than her. She just happened to be taking advantage of his help. It’s useful having another body around the lab.

“You’re not busy, are you, Simon?”

[jarrettsays-deactivated20151125]

Simon seemed a bit anxious at the offer alone. He was the kind of person who never liked rushing headfirst into these kinds of things; at least not without knowing the details. Thus, he felt inclined to ponder,

“Test what out, exactly? And will it hurt?”

He emphasized that last part. A low pain threshold forced him to inquire such whenever it came to a lot things; especially strange robotic chairs with helmets, which was what it looked like from the perspective of a measly intern.

[capsulecatherine-blog]

Catherine shook her head and tried not to laugh at the wide-eyed look on his face. “It’s just a brain scan, Simon. A few flashing lights and then you’re done.”

She stood on her toes to reach the helmet and adjust it again. If everything went right, this shouldn’t be dangerous at all.

“Do you get nauseous easily? Actually, don’t answer that, it shouldn’t be a problem. Hopefully the new parts will take care of the wave leak.”

[capsulecatherine-blog]

Simon entered Site Theta carrying what appeared to be a large cardboard box. The intern huffed, his grip on the package barely steady. It looked as if he'd drop it at any moment, as it was a fairly large box, "Hey, M-miss Chun? I got those, uh... neurograph parts you wanted, right? Where do you want them?" He appeared to be looking around frantically, as if he wanted this box out of his hands quite soon.

It’s been another one of those endless work days alone in the lab, where Catherine doesn’t even know how long it’s been since she spoke to another human being. Simon doesn’t startle her, exactly, but it took her a moment to adjust and prepare for interaction.

“Oh, uh…right by the pilot seat, thanks.”

She watched him struggle for a moment under the weight. For a moment she felt a little bad–but he is significantly more suited to physical activity than her. She just happened to be taking advantage of his help. It’s useful having another body around the lab.

“You’re not busy, are you, Simon?”

[jarrettsays-deactivated20151125]

Simon huffed his gratitude, shambling over and setting the box down by its destination. He was so out of breath, he had to lean upon the package for support as he regained it. The intern glanced over his shoulder, panting as he responded to her inquiry,

“Busy? Well, I mean, outside of the work schedule, I suppose I’m not too busy… Why do you ask?”

Simon shifted himself, pivoting his body and sliding down to the floor with his back to the box. He took to a sitting position as he looked upwards in anticipation of Catherine’s response.

[capsulecatherine-blog]

Catherine gave him a fond look and stepped over to join him. It wasn’t often she got to tower over anyone.

She leaned over searched through the box, feeling around for a specific part. Simon hadn’t been exaggerating–they were awfully heavy, and she struggled a little as she stood to latch it onto the helmet of the pilot seat. With a little effort, it clicked into place.

“If you help me install these, you can be the first to test it out. How’s that sound?”

[capsulecatherine-blog]

[Baxter would call Catherine on a private line from his living quarters.] Cath, I can't believe I'm even asking you for help on this but you'd know best... Listen, I'm getting sent on salvage down at Site Lambda and frankly all those people on the crew are weirdos apart from Fisher and Dorian. I gotta ask though... I don't know Imogen Reed personally, what can you tell me? She seems a bit too shy but I need to know if I can trust her.

Hart got assigned there with you, right? Er, Vanessa? You could try talking to her, she’s good with people. And she knows her way around Lambda.

I– Reed is, um.  Actually I…I’m not too familiar with her, never mind, can we not talk about her?