From: Captain Tortuga

Re: Safety Tips

To whomever took specimens D32A-5 through D33B-1 without filling out the proper “Preserved Failed Experimental Specimen Vial Checkout Form” please return them ASAP. Dr. Kippers has discovered that prolonged exposure to some of these specimens may cause irreversible death and possible flesh wounds such as limb implosion.

A reminder, Cuddles the squid cannot process chocolate. In any form. This includes chocolate covered sardines, chocolate chip crab cakes, and nori fudge. Please do not feed any form of chocolate to Cuddles. On a slightly related note, the moon pool is temporarily closed for cleaning.

Anyone who is thinking about ordering a Isopod Labs Neat-o-bot will need to attend the “How to Prevent Accidental Death and Dismemberment by Robot: Our Helpful Friends” safety seminar this Wednesday evening. More information has been posted on the ship’s bulletin boards.

Also, for those that may be unaware, many of the scientists are currently working on a military grade tactile defensive wallpaper project. So, if you happen to come across any scraps of paper laying around, it would be wise to direct the nearest cleaning bot for its immediate disposal into one of the many handy incinerator receptacles. Additionally, it’s probably wise to avoid touching any papered surface for the duration of the project.

Sincerely,

- Captain Tortuga

From: Captain Tortuga

Re: Thar be cupcakes!

To whomever parked the minisub in the moon-pool last, please try again. The entry hatch needs to be pointed up. In the air. Not, I repeat, NOT submerged. You have until lunchtime to remedy the situation, otherwise I will be forced to implement some experimental disciplinary measures.

On a lighter note, the cook has informed me that he is making his special subharmonic cupcakes for dessert tonight. They’re sure to disappear quickly, so show up early to dinner. Mmmm… cupcakes. I can almost taste their delicious sugary resonant vibratory goodness.

Doc Gestalt would like to thank all folks who attended her ultra super extra fun time tea party last week. She wanted to let all those who participated know that the splicing wounds should heal up within the week with minimal scarring and side effects. She also wanted to extend a special thanks to those who donated misc. mammalian parts to the party. She said it was a huge success. The next ultra super extra fun time tea party is tentatively scheduled the third Saturday of next month.

Also, a small reminder. Please, do NOT feed the sea gnomes. I know they’re cute with those big eyes and pointy hats and the way they click their claws is adorable. They are still parasitic vermin with epic breeding capabilities and should not be encouraged. Our fumigation bots are already working at full capacity. Need I remind you what happens when levels aboard this ship overflow with sea gnomes? Hmm? Surely, you all remember. Level 5 will never smell quite right again. So, please, put your food and experiment scraps in the proper trash or recycling receptacle. Also, any crew members caught keeping sea gnomes as pets will be subjected to experimental disciplinary measures.

Sincerely,

- Captain Tortuga

Photo by modomatic

Just the other day I was thinking, “You know what would be handy? A knife wielding robot!” Luckily, my prayers to the awesome-things-that-are-probably-not-a-good-idea-in-retrospect gods have been answered. Behold! Such a contraption has been developed! Not sure why they spent the effort to build fail-safes into it though, it takes all the fun away, IMHO.

Speaking of robots, this cute little bugger is smart enough to navigate its way through some pretty tricky terrain for a robot.

You know what’s also tricky? Having critters derive energy from sunlight. Good thing those hard working scientists are on top of their game. I, for one, am looking forward to the day when all that’s needed to satisfy my munchies is a nice sun bath. Huzzah for synthetic biology!

And because we aboard the S.S. Isopod have a special place in our heart for our tentacled brethren… researchers recently discovered what they believe is an ancient ancestor of your friendly neighborhood octopi and squid. This two tentacled cephalopod has one of the earliest biological jet propulsion systems in the fossil record.

Indeed, I am completely aware of our unplanned extended study of the Chukchi Sea and the Aurora Borealis due to the S.S. Isopod freezing to the ice sheet for the last two months. You will be pleased to know that we have found the problem and managed to free the ship. Therefore, you can now stop  grumbling about the cold and the excessively fish themed menu.

However, I would like to point out if wasn’t for certain scientists’ blatant disregard of ship protocol by rerouting the hull’s defrost power relays to turn lab 42 into their personal sauna and tanning salon, we would not be in this position.

Also, those that are responsible for placing the animatronic Coelodonta antiquitatis skull in the mess hall freezer, you may be pleased to hear that the medic has successfully patched up the cook after he was gored by the contraption. However, the cook would like to offer his compliments on the fine practical joke. He especially enjoyed the googly eyes mounted in the eye sockets, but would like to request something less pointy next time the urge to engage in merry mischief strikes.

In other news, I would like to announce that Dr. Kippers was the winner of the impromptu ice sculpture contest outside the ship last night. I would like to congratulate him on his expert use of quantum variations to create an ice megaladon that existed in no less then seven dimensions simultaneously.

Second place went to Dr. Savant for her fully articulated and energetic singing ice monkeys. Their rendition of “Danny Boy” was truly moving.

Lastly, honorable mention goes to intern #36 for his ice Tesla coil.

Good job everyone!

Sincerely,

- Captain Tortuga

Well, at least they have a map now… even if it is shaped suspiciously like a giant brain.