Throw the gauntlet

[fermionprincess]

[Recently, Alessandra commandeered the help of several mechanics and other crew members who probably thought she has official White Chalice business with them and are a bit cross right now. But forget that, because her efforts are finally crowned with this project!

A small portion of the open deck has pennants and banners heroically flapping in the wind, declaring the area to be a SCIENCE CONTEST. There are heaps of metal junk lying around, as well as mounds of sand, chopped wood arranged in surprisingly neat piles, and even science-y books and basic chemical apparati. What is the meaning of this?]

Listen to my words, oh people of White Chalice. Today, we shall participate in a mind-twisting competition to keep our intellects keen and sharp!

Using objects on hand present here, create a scientific contraption of any kind. Such is your objective!

[She's hoping for a certain doctor to participate in particular.]

Comments

[bluehippopotamus]

You'll see.

*Some whirring and clanking sounds later*

I'm finished. Time for a demonstration. Rock, come over here. And wear your armor.

[bluehippopotamus]

Eh!? My... my armor? What... why?

[fermionprincess]

Ahh, the plot thickens! What shall the revelation be like?

[bluehippopotamus]

*Rock is now standing awkwardly in the middle of the room in his armor, holding what looks like a rusty hand-held howitzer*

"Look what I just made for you, Rock! I combined the old rusty pipe and those box of scraps to make this weapon for you. The Omega Launcher!"

Now if you could just stand faar away from us and point it far away from everyone, Rock... you could test it.

Wait with me behind this thing, Miss Alessandra. I also made this! I call this the Safe Viewing Platform

[bluehippopotamus]

*Rock fires the weapon. It launches a ball. That suddenly explodes into tiny metal swords when it hits the target!"

Yikes!

I call it Omega Launcher! It's a gun. That fires a bomb. That explodes into swords! Many weapons at once! How scientific!

[fermionprincess]

Incredibly amazing! Color me most impressed.

[Alessandra states while observing from the Safe Viewing Platform.]

[bluehippopotamus]

Ah, that's so satisfying... Anyway, while we're at it, what's actually the winning criteria? We never actually talked about that.

[fermionprincess]

Oh yes, about that...

The victor is the one whose creation is most amazing and beneficial to science!

[Not vague at all.]