ST:SoD108 | "Altered Pt. II"
Stardate 98870.2
The Latenter is drawn into a temporal investigation after the Tal Shiar of the past obtains the technology of the future vessel they encountered at Mirhassa and changes history.
View Episode
Romulan@annpc#557 | After the repairs on the Mandukar are complete, Mischa boards the ship with the rest of the infiltration team, taking command of its skeleton crew composed of Latenter and Justicar personnel Romulan@annpc#557 | They travel out of the Bassen Rift and make for the Hobus system, with all three vessels under cloak and the infiltration crew in their Romulan disguises Romulan@annpc#557 | Helm: "ETA ten minutes to Hobus system." Romulan@annpc#557 | Yuzuki: "Protocol for approaching the station is to decloak upon entering the system and announce the purpose of our visit. Remember everyone, we're supposed to belong here." Romulan@annpc#557 | Harvey: "Our other ships will hang back till the tachyon grid is down." Mischa@crystyl:"And that is exactly what we will do. Make sure the Latenter and Justicar follow in tight formation when we do proceed so if anything does show up on sensors they will look like ghosts" Romulan@annpc#557 FX | Ten minutes pass by without incident, and before long, the helm announces, "Entering system now." Mischa@crystyl:"Drop cloak" Romulan@annpc#557 | The warbird shimmers into view as the cloak is dropped, continuing to cruise slowly into the system Romulan@annpc#557 | Harvey: "Incoming hail from the station." Mischa@crystyl:"Put it on" Romulan@annpc#557 | A Romulan appears in the same Tal Shiar uniforms the crew are wearing as disguises now- not quite the same as the Tal Shiar uniform we know, but the large pointy shoulders are very much - Romulan@annpc#557 - visually consistent in the design, "Mandukar. You seem to have taken quite the punishment." Mischa@crystyl:"Not as much as we gave to Starfleet. But yes, we need to dock in order to complete repairs" Romulan@annpc#557:"What has become of Commander Vrebun? Our records list him as in command of this warbird." Mischa@crystyl:"Killed in action" Romulan@annpc#557:"Unfortunate, but not unexpected. Proceed to this berth for repairs." Mischa@crystyl:"Acknowledged" she nods Romulan@annpc#557 | The call ends and Harvey comments, "Well well. They were kind enough to send us a map," he taps his console and the map with the highlighted berth shows up on the viewscreen Mischa@crystyl:"But of course. We are all one big happy empire after all. Proceed" Romulan@annpc#557 | The helm nods and continues towards the station while Yuzuki points out a section where the map is blacked out, "I wonder what that is. The sections for research on Borg and Iconian - Romulan@annpc#557 - technologies are all listed on the map. As well as thalaron weapons development and storage. What could the Tal Shiar be censoring from their own...temporal research, perhaps?" Mischa@crystyl:"Quite possibly. Can you find a route in for Acey?" Romulan@annpc#557 | Yuzuki nods, "I've located a good route to the computer core. Do we want Acey to investigate this censored section as well, or pursue our original objectives?" Mischa@crystyl:"I suspect the two are one and the same" Romulan@annpc#557 | Yuzuki: "Very likely," she taps her console, highlighting the course for Acey. "She can take this course, while we disable the tachyon detection grid and go for the priority target data to - Romulan@annpc#557 - keep the attention on us." Mischa@crystyl:"Sounds good. Let's get going then" Romulan@annpc#557 | On the viewscreen, one of the doors into the station slides open for the Mandukar and they proceed inside, finding themselves on the interior of the massive space station Romulan@annpc#557 | Harvey: "You were right 'bout these being big enough for full ships to maneuver inside..." Mischa@crystyl:"Try not to get lost now" she smirks a little Romulan@annpc#557 | Harvey smirks back, "It's not being lost I'm worried about. Tell me you don't feel it, Commander. An intel officer could spend their whole life in here and not run outta intel to study." Mischa@crystyl:"No arguments here. It's like opening Pandora's Box" Romulan@annpc#557 | Harvey: "If only we got more time here. I'd /love/ to capture one of those stations..." Romulan@annpc#557 | Meanwhile on the viewscreen, the helm officer navigates through the massive interior towards the tachyon grid controls, still travelling without suspicion for the time being Mischa@crystyl watches with focus Romulan@annpc#557 | It takes a good few minutes to arrive at their destination. Upon entering the chamber, T'Lir speaks up, "We have three options, Commander. We could fire on the vital systems. That will disable - Romulan@annpc#557 - the tachyon grid and ensure it stays down for the duration of our mission, but it will draw immediate attention to us. We could also insert a virus which will be the most subtle method, but - Romulan@annpc#557 - that runs the risk of the Romulans managing to purge the virus before we have completed our objectives here, making extraction impossible unless we disable the grid a second time. The third - Romulan@annpc#557 - option is to beam down ground teams to sabotage the required systems. It will have the same effect as firing on them but take longer and also hold the risk of losing personnel in ground - Romulan@annpc#557 - engagement, but it will take the Romulans longer to identify which specific ship the saboteurs originated from." Mischa@crystyl:"The plan was always for two ground teams, so we will proceed with that. If that team fails, we can turn the ship weapons as a last resort" Romulan@annpc#557 | T'Lir nods, "I will have the ground teams ready to go. Shall we launch Acey with them?" Mischa@crystyl nods, "Yes, lets get her out there too" Romulan@annpc#557 | T'Lir: "Understood. Launching Acey as well." --- Romulan@annpc#557 | Yuzuki, Ori and two members of the Justicar crew materialize in their Romulan disguises Romulan@annpc#557 | Yuzuki: "Fitting in- this is your specialty, Ori." Rianni@crystyl:"Long term, yes. But Observers are trained to, well, observe. So it is more dependent on long term social exposure to learn all the protocols. I shall endeavour to adapt though" Romulan@annpc#557 | Yuzuki checks a Romulan PADD with the map downloaded on it, "There's a mess hall on this level. We're supposed to be here as crew on leave while our warbird gets repaired. If we go directly to - Romulan@annpc#557 - the defense grid systems, they'll be able to trace the sabotage back to us more easily. If we blend in, have a drink and swap our lifesign readings with other Romulans, though...that will - Romulan@annpc#557 - allow us to maintain cover for longer. And give you a chance to observe how they behave." Rianni@crystyl:"Potentially dangerous, but it could be fruitful to swap lifesign readings" Romulan@annpc#557 | Yuzuki nods, "It won't be easy with Romulans, but I can manage it. Close-range activities are my specialty, and that includes pickpocketing," she smirks. "Or putting a lifesign generator on - Romulan@annpc#557 - someone else. I'll take care of the swapping, you do your observing." Rianni@crystyl nods, "Understood Commander" Romulan@annpc#557 | Yuzuki turns to lead the way towards the mess hall, "And word of advice- don't order Kali-fal." Romulan@annpc#557 | Yuzuki steps up to the counter, ordering Romulan drinks for the team. As they settle around, a Romulan man turns to them, "You're not regulars around here. Coming for a change of scenery from - Romulan@annpc#557 - another sector, or just stopping by the Fortress?" Rianni@crystyl:"We just docked for repairs" she replies, enjoying a sip of the drink Romulan@annpc#557 | The drink is sweet, with a very nectar-y taste Romulan@annpc#557 nods, "What happened? More rebel fools?" Rianni@crystyl:"Yes, a convoy daring to presume their fate over citizens of the Empire. They never learn" Romulan@annpc#557 | Meanwhile Yuzuki does her work, discreetly swapping lifesigns with patrons of the mess hall Romulan@annpc#557:"You taught them a lesson, I hope?" Rianni@crystyl:"Of course. We may have limped in here with a little less dignity than one generally likes, but at least we did that much" she grins a little Romulan@annpc#557 | A Romulan female joins the conversation from further along the counter, "Have you heard the news yet? We've taken down the Courageous, with all hands. We lost a Shamshir in the process, but I - Romulan@annpc#557 - think it's a fair trade for a Starfleet Yamato. Not to mention Admiral Riker. /That/ should deal a good blow to their morale." Rianni@crystyl raises her drink, "Our comrades on the Shamshir did not sacrifice in vain" Romulan@annpc#557 | The Romulans raise their drinks as well Romulan@annpc#557 Female: "To a swift end to the Resistance, and order in our glorious Star Empire." Rianni@crystyl:"Having the Courageous out of the way will surely make things easier here at least, right?" Romulan@annpc#557 Male: "That it shall. Have you heard anything about the mysterious new foes we are facing?" Rianni@crystyl:"Only that the fleets are diverting to a new front. Honestly, I was expecting to hear more up to date news here" Romulan@annpc#557 Male: "We have heard very little. Most of the information on them is classified, for our station and rank, at least. All we know is that the majority of the forces being directed there are - Romulan@annpc#557 - servitor forces. Iconian Heralds, Elachi and such. Our own warbirds are being pulled back from the rimward edge of our territory to the core, being replaced by the alien troops instead." Romulan@annpc#557 Female: "I'd say they're throwing these forces at the enemy as fodder, but Iconian ships aren't exactly fodder, even though they may not contain Romulan lives. And mercenary forces aren't being - Romulan@annpc#557 - deployed either. The Corvallen, Klingon, Orion or Nausicaan mercenary detachments, the real fodder, are being held back just like our own people. Very strange indeed." Rianni@crystyl:"It is indeed strange. Whatever is going on out there clearly relies on the... unnatural nature of those servitors" Romulan@annpc#557 Male: "That is my theory as well. It is the only explanation that makes sense." Romulan@annpc#557 Female: "These servitors do make me uncomfortable, but their rapid response capabilities are invaluable in dealing with the rebels. Without them around, the rebels are causing more trouble than - Romulan@annpc#557 - before, even with the gains we are making." Romulan@annpc#557 | Yuzuki gives Ori a discreet tap on the shoulder, letting her know that the lifesign swapping is complete Rianni@crystyl:"Really? But we took out the Courageous - and Riker! We may not have been in the sector too long, but it seems to me that we suppressing them more than ever" Romulan@annpc#557 Male: "Only because the Elachi were called specifically due to the fact it was Riker. The other ships, like the Hyperion and Justicar, are causing us issues and getting away with it." Rianni@crystyl:"Unless..." Romulan@annpc#557 Female: "Unless what?†Rianni@crystyl sets her drink down and leans in, "Well, I had previously dismissed it as the usual rumours and conjecture..." Romulan@annpc#557 Male: "And now?" Rianni@crystyl:"And now you make me think that maybe there is more to it. What if there really are dissidents within our ranks rallying against the Empire from the inside. The Courageous /was/ supposedly rescuing - Rianni@crystyl:- 'refugees'. From this far inside our borders...?" Romulan@annpc#557 Female: "You mean they were actually picking up defectors..." Rianni@crystyl:"This is why I first dismissed it as rumours. But with what you say about this region, and the redeployment of our forces, I have to wonder..." she stands back, "I think I will just resecure our - Rianni@crystyl:- systems for a little peace of mind. Jolan'tru both" Romulan@annpc#557 | The two Romulans share uneasy glances with one another while the team makes their exit Romulan@annpc#557 | As they exit the mess hall, Yuzuki states, "I've managed to swap the lifesigns. This should buy us more time as the Romulans try to figure out who the saboteurs are." Rianni@crystyl:"And if my calculations are correct, I have hopefully had some success in stoking the conspiracy fire that points to already suspect senior officers under Horde influence" Romulan@annpc#557 | Yuzuki smiles, "Good work, Ori. I knew letting you interact with the crew here would work to our benefit." Rianni@crystyl:"That is yet to be seen Commander" Romulan@annpc#557 | Yuzuki: "You did well from what I heard. Whether it takes hold, we'll have to wait and see. You planted the seeds excellently; not every seed ends up sprouting, sometimes due to environmental - Romulan@annpc#557 - factors beyond your control." Rianni@crystyl:"Indeed. We can but try" Romulan@annpc#557 | The team proceeds into a lift, travelling a few decks up before exiting Romulan@annpc#557 | Yuzuki checks her map, "The controls for the tachyon detection should be just ahead. I don't imagine we're cleared to enter, and it'll probably break into a shootout sooner or later." Rianni@crystyl:"Are there any service accesses into the area?" Romulan@annpc#557 | Yuzuki nods, "Through two tubes, here and here," she points it out on the map. "It'll give us a jump on them over using the main entrance." Rianni@crystyl:"If two of us go into each of those, and the other two make for the main entrance as distraction, that could afford us enough to incapacitate those inside without raising any alarm" Romulan@annpc#557 | Yuzuki nods, "Good idea, Ensign. Make for the main entrance with Hills, keep them talking while we ambush them." Rianni@crystyl nods, "Understood" Romulan@annpc#557 | The others move off for the service accesses, leaving Ori and a fellow Ensign to approach the main entrance Romulan@annpc#557 | As they step inside, they are immediately confronted by two Reman guards Romulan@annpc#557 | Reman: "Halt. Name and rank." Rianni@crystyl:"Enarrain Lera D’Ran. And I should ask you the same thing!" she snaps back, "What are you still doing here?" Romulan@annpc#557 | Reman 2: "We were assigned to guard this area. We never received orders otherwise." Rianni@crystyl:"Well that much is clear, or you wouldn't be lollygagging here still!" Romulan@annpc#557 | Reman 1: "Do you have our new orders, then?" Rianni@crystyl:"Stars! Why would /we/ have your orders? We're your replacements, not admin runners" she sighs, "Look, I know it's not your fault. Administrators are always getting themselves tied in knots trying - Rianni@crystyl:- to keep on top of this place - you know how it is as well as I do. But you know the Commander won't accept that as an excuse if you're late to your next assignment" Romulan@annpc#557 | Reman 2: "We don't even know what our next assignment i-" The guards don't have a chance to finish when the others emerge from the service accesses and open fire. The two are not the first - Romulan@annpc#557 - targets, as they target those on consoles to stop them from sounding an alarm. Despite this, the surprise of the situation causes the two Remans to draw their weapons slower than they normally - Romulan@annpc#557 - would, giving Ensign Hills a chance to draw his and shoot one of them before they can fire, and Ori has more than sufficient time to deal with the other one as well Rianni@crystyl reaches around and twists his neck with a gut-wrenching snap, and a reminder to all of what sets her apart from her template Romulan@annpc#557 | Hills gives Ori a look of surprise, clearly not expecting her to be able to so quickly take out a Reman in hand to hand. He quickly refocuses and advances into the room with his pistol ready, - Romulan@annpc#557 - but by then the rest of the team had already cleared the area and were emerging from the service tubes Rianni@crystyl makes her way inside as well, moving the bodies clear of the door so at least if it is opened again, there is nothing to trip over Romulan@annpc#557 | A console in the centre of the area beeps, and a voice comes through, "We are detecting weapons fire in your area. What is the situation?" Rianni@crystyl taps quickly, "Uh, had a slight weapons malfunction. But, uh, everything's perfectly all right now. We're fine. We're all fine here, now, thank you. How are you?" Romulan@annpc#557 <C> "A weapons malfunction? We are dispatching a security team to investigate." Rianni@crystyl:"Uh, uh, negative, negative. We had a radiation leak here now. Give us a few minutes to lock it down. Large leak... very dangerous" Romulan@annpc#557:<C> "Who is this? Identify yourself, name, rank and position." Rianni@crystyl:"Uh..." she gives up, pulling out her phaser and blasting the console, "Boring conversation anyway. Commander, we're gonna have company!" Romulan@annpc#557 | Yuzuki: "Well, we weren't going to go unnoticed forever. At least with the lifesigns switched they can't trace us back to the Mandukar yet. Hills and Zh'rorhin, cover the door, keep an eye on - Romulan@annpc#557 - the service entrances we came through as well. Everyone else, work as fast as we can." Rianni@crystyl moves to a console and gets to work on sabotaging the systems --- Romulan@annpc#557 FX | Meanwhile elsewhere in the station, Mischa and Harvey's team are proceeding through the station's halls when an alarm light goes off, followed by the computer voice stating: "Intruders - Romulan@annpc#557 - detected. All security personnel to assigned stations." Romulan@annpc#557 | Harvey: "I hope that's the team taking down the tachyon detection grid and not Acey." Mischa@crystyl looks around, "Either way, it's not us. But we can use the heightened alert to quicken our pace" Romulan@annpc#557 | Harvey nods, "Agreed. Our objective's a little further away from the beam-in point. Hopefully with the security distracted on the other teams, we'll be running into less trouble." Mischa@crystyl nods, continuing at their increased pace Romulan@annpc#557 | Harvey: "Think it's worth searching for historical data while we're at it, or focus on targets exclusively and leave that to Acey? We're not sure exactly what we're gonna find in that - Romulan@annpc#557 - blacked out area. Could be relevant or could be something else entirely. Like a new superweapon they wanna keep real quiet or something." Mischa@crystyl:"We will attempt to get everything we can. Leave nothing to chance" Romulan@annpc#557 | Harvey nods, "Great minds think alike!" Romulan@annpc#557 | After a bit of speedwalking, they reach an access area for classified data. Unsurprisingly, two Remans stand guard outside, with sensors reading two more inside as well as three Romulans Mischa@crystyl holds around a corner just out of sight from them, "Wait here and be ready" Romulan@annpc#557 | Harvey nods and holds position behind the corner with the rest of the team Mischa@crystyl draws her Romulan pistol and circles around before rushing over to the two guards, "The intruders have been sighted - you two, with me!" Romulan@annpc#557 | The two Remans immediately fall in line, moving to follow Mischa with rifles in hand Mischa@crystyl draws around the corner, distracting them with dialogue as they approach the waiting ambush, "Security have ID'd at least 3 Klingon Intelligence and 2 Orion operatives" Romulan@annpc#557 | The two Remans listen to Mischa and don't even have a chance to react when Harvey and the others fire and take them out immediately Romulan@annpc#557 | Harvey: "Nice one, Commander." Mischa@crystyl stops and turns, looking down at the two Remans, "Of course, security could be mistaken" she smiles back to Harvey, "That won't likely work on those inside" Romulan@annpc#557 | Harvey grins, "Don't worry, leave 'em to me." He makes his way up to the entrance, prying open the control terminal for the door and playing with the systems within Mischa@crystyl follows and provides cover while he works, curious to see where he's going with it Romulan@annpc#557 | Harvey unhooks a grenade from his belt and opens the door only partly, rolling the grenade in through the gap. Mischa sees the grenade hiss as gasses are released from it. The Romulans in the - Romulan@annpc#557 - room spring to their feet, but he quickly seals the door again. Disruptor shots are heard from the other side, though the heavy duty door safely shields the team from any danger now that it is - Romulan@annpc#557 - closed Romulan@annpc#557 | Harvey smiles, "Anaesthetic gas. Ventilation systems should clear it out in a minute, but it'll be long enough to knock everyone inside out." Mischa@crystyl:"Well, you /are/ handy aren't you" she smiles Romulan@annpc#557 | Harvey grins, "Captain Reyes wouldn't keep me around otherwise." He plays with the door mechanism once a minute has passed, opening the door to reveal the room's occupants all collapsed on the - Romulan@annpc#557 - floor. He grabs the two rifles from the Remans and hands it to two of the others with them on the team, "We'll probably have more company soon. We hold out as long as we can and grab as much - Romulan@annpc#557 - as we can." Mischa@crystyl holsters her weapon and hurries over to a console, attaching a device to it from her pocket as she begins to work Romulan@annpc#557 | Harvey takes a different console, doing the same thing there while the rest of the team fans out, taking cover and holing up in the room Romulan@annpc#557 | Harvey: "Looks like the defense grid team's come through. Detection grid is down and they're trying to sabotage as many of the station's defenses as they can." Mischa@crystyl:"Good, now it's up to us not to let their efforts be wasted" Romulan@annpc#557 | As expected, even from the classified data access point, many of the information in the database is still encrypted, likely relying on individuals to decrypt them using decryption codes they - Romulan@annpc#557 - are assigned based on their rank and position. It's hard to see how much of the intel is useful as decrypting it here would take too long and Mischa can only download everything that seems - Romulan@annpc#557 - relevant to decode later Mischa@crystyl tries a hunch and searches the KO'd Romulans for decryption keys to pocket while her gizmo skims the database Romulan@annpc#557 | Mischa does indeed find some decryption keys! It's not enough to unlock everything, but it does let her see a good bit more! Mischa@crystyl takes everything she can to use later on before checking on her gizmo Romulan@annpc#557 | The gizmo is doing a good job grabbing the data so far, though it's only begun its work. Sounds begin to come from outside the door as the first group of security responds, and the team - Romulan@annpc#557 - readies their weapons... --- NPC@annpc#557 | As the other two teams do their thing, the Acey Dart navigates its way through the facility. Acey generates her holographic avatar in one of the piloting seats while the craft cruises through - NPC@annpc#557 - the massive facility NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "Your people really do build grand, don't they?" Nikki@crystyl:"It serves a reminder to all of the supreme dominating power of the empire that built it" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "It seems to be consistent with the philosophy of the Star Empire. The D'deridex-class was significantly larger than the ships of the Federation or Klingon Empire during the mid-2300s. - NPC@annpc#557 - It was not significantly more powerful however. The only rationale behind such a design is purely intimidation." Nikki@crystyl:"Even the uniforms follow that philosophy. Honestly, these are one of the real reasons I first turned away from the Empire and fell in with the Republic" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "Because you disliked the oversized shoulders?" Nikki@crystyl:"You've seen them. Do you blame me?" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "I do not. They are somewhat...extreme." Nikki@crystyl peers out of the viewport, "How far to our objective?" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "Just a few more minutes." She pauses and the craft stops as a nearby hangar bay begins opening Nikki@crystyl watches NPC@annpc#557 | A squadron of Scorpion fighters begin lifting off, but just as the first one reaches the exit, the hangar door suddenly comes crashing down, crushing the craft under its weight. Two more don't - NPC@annpc#557 - stop on time and a soft rumble reverberates as they crash into the now closed door, sealing the remaining fighters inside NPC@annpc#557 | Acey smiles innocently, "Technical malfunction. Nothing to see here." NPC@annpc#557 | The Dart resumes its course Nikki@crystyl smirks a little, "Terrible hazard in such large facilities like this" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "Indeed. I have infiltrated their sensor system and made a slight corruption in the code. Combined with altering the Dart's external readings to match a Scorpion fighter as closely as - NPC@annpc#557 - possible, they will simply see us as one of their own. But visual contact will still be problematic." Nikki@crystyl:"We can always cloak if that becomes a threat though, yes?" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "Yes, but it is a significant power drain for a small vessel like this. I try to avoid it if there is an alternative." Nikki@crystyl:"Got it" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "Also, hacking into the systems here is so simple and satisfying," she smirks. "Incorporating Iconian technology is supposed to bolster their capabilities, but I consist largely of - NPC@annpc#557 - Iconian code and understand their systems very intimately. It's very kind of your fellow Romulans to open so many backdoors for me." Nikki@crystyl grins, "We are a very courteous people at heart. Fortunately, you are far more intelligent than anything in this base so hopefully there is nothing in there to catch you out. But that does not give- Nikki@crystyl:- us license to drop our guard. It is also possible for there to be Borg technology at work here, and depending how active that is, it could easily pose a threat to you under these circumstances. So...- Nikki@crystyl:- look, just be careful and remember that you're currently flying for two" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "I will be careful. And speak of the Borg..." NPC@annpc#557 | The Dart shimmers away and cloaks before turning the next corner. Ahead... NPC@annpc#557 FX | https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/sto_gamepedia/images/c/c4/AdaptedDestroyer.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20130521091401 NPC@annpc#557 | A Borg-modified Romulan ship sits in the way, flanked by two T'Varos modified with Iconian technology NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "They really don't want people going into this restricted area." Nikki@crystyl leans in, peering out intently, "Let's make sure not to piss that thing off" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "You don't have to tell me..." The Dart clings to the very edge as it sneaks by the intimidating Borg-modified Romulan destroyer and begin to enter the restricted zone of the facility Nikki@crystyl:"If that is what they are using to guard this area, then the contents must be even more significant than we first thought" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "I am picking up Elachi ship profiles and compositions. Very low energy signatures- the vessels are mostly inactive. I am also detecting several Elachi lifesigns in the vicinity." Nikki@crystyl:"Only to be expected I suppose" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "But I do not think they are guards. Many of the lifesigns are fainter than usual as well, not unlike the ships." Nikki@crystyl checks the readings to see if they mean anything more to her NPC@annpc#557 | Nikki sees nothing that jumps out at her for now, but as they turn the next corner, the console suddenly lights up with a "P. STELLAVIATORI SPORES DETECTED" warning. It is no surprise given - NPC@annpc#557 - the technology used by Elachi ships...until Nikki sees the sheer volume of spores being picked up on sensors Nikki@crystyl:"This is concerning" NPC@annpc#557 | As the Dart nears the central chamber at the heart of the restricted area, they can see a huge glowing blue mass of something in the centre, surrounded by various pylons connected to the area - NPC@annpc#557 - around it with thick wiring NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "Analyzing." NPC@annpc#557 | As they enter the chamber, they can see numerous Elachi ships moored around the edges of the area, mostly the small frigates with a few escorts. Further inside the restricted area in a large - NPC@annpc#557 - berth there is even an Elachi battleship docked. Large mechanical arms and various pods and drones work on the Elachi ships. With a little observation and scanning, it becomes clear to Nikki - NPC@annpc#557 - that these ships aren't being built nor repaired, but dissected Nikki@crystyl:"Acey, what do you make of this? Why would they be dismantling them?" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "Unknown. My analysis determines an 83.71% chance that the central piece is a generator of some description, but it appears to currently be an inert cluster of P. stellaviatori spores. - NPC@annpc#557 - My best hypothesis is that they are studying and attempting to reverse-engineer Elachi technology, perhaps with the hopes of equipping their own vessels with the technology to jump as the - NPC@annpc#557 - Elachi do." Nikki@crystyl:"I don't know, that's a phenomenal clustering of spores for a bit of R&D" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "The central cluster does not appear to correspond to an attempt to replicate Elachi jump drives. As I stated, from my analysis of surrounding systems, the highest likelihood is a power - NPC@annpc#557 - generator of some description, though my unfamiliarity with Elachi spore technology and the fact that the spores are currently inert makes it difficult to state this conclusion with confidence." NPC@annpc#557 | As the Dart circles the area and conducts its analysis, Nikki picks up a Starfleet ship in a berth outside this particular chamber, but within the restricted zone Nikki@crystyl:"Acey, I've got a Starfleet ship on sensors here. Confirm" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "Confirmed. It is most likely a captive vessel, but why would it be kept here with the restricted Elachi research?" Nikki@crystyl:"That is a very good question. Think you can get in for a closer look?" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "Affirmative." Acey veers away from the central glowing blue area, travelling through another entryway to the berth where the Starfleet vessel is docked. As they begin to approach, the - NPC@annpc#557 - unmistakable Starfleet design elements can clearly be made out, but once they get closer, it becomes clear what the ship is... NPC@annpc#557 FX | https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/sto_gamepedia/images/3/34/Ship_Variant_-_FED_-_Mirror_Gagarin_Warship_%28T6%29.png/revision/latest?cb=20211004050952 NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "I do not believe that vessel belongs to our Starfleet. Of either timeline." Nikki@crystyl:"I don't recognize the configuration at all" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "Neither do I, but the ISS registry and aesthetic patterns are consistent with Terran Empire vessels. No sign of any human or other Terran Empire species in the vicinity. I suspect - NPC@annpc#557 - its crew has long since met their demise." Nikki@crystyl:"The Terran Empire, Human's take on the Star Empire. Not what I expected to find here, but can't say I'm surprised" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "It does not explain this vessel's presence in this section, however. Terran technology, according to Starfleet records, is essentially Starfleet technology with a more military focus. - NPC@annpc#557 - My scans do not detect any unusual systems on board this ship. There is no reason to keep it locked down here." Nikki@crystyl:"Apparently, the Tal Shiar think there is" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "This is a cross-reality vessel, but I detect no hint of any of this being connected to the Tal Shiar's work on changing history. Shall I report our findings to Commander Leveson-Scott, - NPC@annpc#557 - or do you wish to investigate further?" Nikki@crystyl:"No, we can't risk breaking comms silence. We continue with our objective to investigate this area with all the time the other teams buy for us" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "Understood. Permission to dig deeper into the systems here to uncover what they are planning?" Nikki@crystyl:"Can you do so without drawing attention?" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "Affirmative, but I am uncertain how far I will be able to get. I will learn what I can without exposing ourselves." Nikki@crystyl:"Very good. It will all be worth nothing after all, if we get caught or destroyed" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "The systems here are separate from the rest of the station. And unsurprisingly better reinforced. Fortunately, it still utilizes Iconian systems..." Nikki@crystyl:"Independent systems? Why do that unless something in them posed a risk to the others...?" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "Unknown. That is a valid hypothesis, or it may be that they simply wish to conceal what they are doing here from the rest of the station, so it will be impossible to hack in without - NPC@annpc#557 - being inside the restricted area." Nikki@crystyl nods, "Let's get what we can then while we are here" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "Searching..." NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "I am unable to retrieve much without drawing attention. There is no real data I can download, however, there are interesting extrapolations I am able to make." Nikki@crystyl:"What are you thinking?" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "While I cannot retrieve any details on the generator, the central device is listed as a Mycelial Generator, confirming my hypothesis. The Elachi vessels are referred to as - NPC@annpc#557 'the Insubordinate,' and the locations the Elachi lifesigns originate from seem to be either prison cells or experimentation chambers. These Elachi are not here by their own will." Nikki@crystyl:"Unless they volunteered for whatever this experiment is. They are a... strange people after all" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "True, though the 'Insubordinate' title suggests that at least some of them are being kept as prisoners. That is all I am able to learn without drawing attention from the more - NPC@annpc#557 - sophisticated security here. However..." Nikki@crystyl 's eyes narrow suspiciously on the holo, "However...?" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey turns back towards the Terran ship, "If Terran technology is as similar to Starfleet technology as my records suggest, I may be able to discern why this ship is here." Nikki@crystyl relaxes, "And here I was ready for you to tell me I need to go over there and access something directly" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "I am a virus. Entering others' systems is my speciality. Hacking the Terran vessel now." NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "It /is/ similar to our own! Though the Terrans were certainly a much more violent people. What a colourful history." Nikki@crystyl:"Focus please" she almost smiles at the wonderment and borderline innocence NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "Of course. It appears this Terran vessel was captured by the Romulans when they crossed into their universe. The Romulan attack was spearheaded by a vessel with highly advanced - NPC@annpc#557 - technology, including many of the functions we witnessed at Mirhassa. Unfortunately, the Terrans knew as little about this vessel as we do now. Their fleet was destroyed and the ship here was - NPC@annpc#557 - captured and taken back here for study by the Romulans. And I believe I know the reason it is being kept in the restricted area." NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "The Mycelial Generator was originally a Terran creation from the 23rd century of that universe. The prototype was lost and its schematics along with it, but some of the theory still - NPC@annpc#557 - remained, as well as the concept of the generator itself. I believe it is safe to assume that the Romulans utilized what they found in the Terran records, along with their studies of Elachi - NPC@annpc#557 - vessels, to recreate the Terran technology. The generator appears to be complete and functional- why it remains inactive still eludes me." Nikki@crystyl:"Perhaps they lack a critical element to sustain it?" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "A reasonable theory. Unfortunately, the Terran vessel does not have enough data for me to fully understand the generator, which is likely why they never recreated the generator - NPC@annpc#557 - themselves and why the Romulans needed Elachi technology to aid in its construction. As a result, I am unable to determine what elements it requires and their rarity." Nikki@crystyl:"I think perhaps you are taking the term element too literally, Acey. I think I have an idea about those Elachi lifesigns..." NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "You suggest that the Elachi themselves are being used to power the generator." Nikki@crystyl:"Why not? They are deeply connected to subspace as the spores are, and by their nature these spores are biological components" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "It is a reasonable theory. We will have to investigate the Elachi themselves to confirm this theory. As we are not here for the generator, it may be too great of a risk, as curious as I - NPC@annpc#557 - am to learn more about this technology." Nikki@crystyl:"It... is technically within scope of our mission to investigate" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "It is? As long as we prevent the temporal manipulation and reset the timeline, the Star Empire will never have built this generator, and we will not need to be concerned about it." Nikki@crystyl:"But it is within the blackout zone of the map which we were sent to investigate. However, I understand that we have already pushed our luck and do no wish to tempt fate by exploring further" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "It does bear the possibility of exposing us, but as you are truly Romulan and not in disguise, you are better suited for infiltration and-" She pauses for a second, "Commander - NPC@annpc#557 - Leveson-Scott's team reports they have completed data acquisition. The Mandukar is being engaged by fighters and has been identified as a threat. It seems to be time for evacuation." Nikki@crystyl:"Then the decision is made for us. Let's get out of here" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey nods, "Time to make our exit." The Dart turns around once again, moving away from the Terran vessel and then the restricted zone Nikki@crystyl continues to watch closely for signs of activity around them NPC@annpc#557 | There is the odd work pod or shuttle, but no other activity inside the restricted area. Before long, they are back at the Borg-modified vessel, still standing guard in the same position. Acey - NPC@annpc#557 - stops and holds position once more NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "Periodic tachyon sweep. We should be cleared to pass momentarily." Nikki@crystyl:"Take your time. Remember, we belong here" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey nods. Before long, the sweep is finished and they make their way past the intimidating ship into the rest of the facility. Here, Nikki clearly sees more heightened signs of activity, with - NPC@annpc#557 - squads of fighters along with smaller warbirds moving through the facility, likely hunting intruders if not already aware of the Mandukar's position and headed for it. Despite this, the - NPC@annpc#557 - Borg-modified vessel and its two escorts continue standing guard, not partaking in the hunt NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "Clearly they consider guarding the restricted area important enough to keep that vessel on watch rather than actively searching for us. Whatever the generator is for must be quite - NPC@annpc#557 - vital to them." Nikki@crystyl:"They will have to assume that any attempt at infiltrating this base would be targeting that area" she nods NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "That is a sensible assumption. This should mean we will not have to deal with that vessel in our retreat. Or at least, I hope so." Nikki@crystyl:"Make sure so please" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "We are almost at the Mandukar, and it has already successfully retrieved the team on the defense grid. We should be out of here soon." --- Sierra Reyes@anncaris | The Justicar and Latenter move in for the evac, with the Justicar heading towards the station first as the decoy Sierra Reyes@anncaris | The helm does their best to genuinely evade the tachyon sweeps from the numerous warbirds patrolling the area, but as expected, it was only a matter of time before they are spotted... Sierra Reyes@anncaris | The T'Varo that detected the Justicar moves in to engage, with two more nearby altering course as well Sierra Reyes@anncaris:"They know we're here. Drop cloak, raise shields and prepare to fight." Rianni@crystyl works promptly, "Tactical systems standing by" Sierra Reyes@anncaris:"Hit the first warbird hard and then make a run for the station. We need to convince them we're the only support the Mandukar has so they don't expect the real evac ship." Sierra Reyes@anncaris | The T'Varo closes in, powering up weapons and launching a Romulan plasma torpedo... Rianni@crystyl:"Acquiring target pattern..." adding with a mutter and a glance to a PADD sat on her console, "...Now to see if your intel is as good as I hope..." Rianni@crystyl sets a strategic targeting pattern on the warbird, based on data given by Orianni that she learned from the Romulan Imperial Navy study data once gifted to her. Fires an series of pinpoint phaser - Rianni@crystyl:- shots before following up with a torpedo volley as they enter an evasive pattern Sierra Reyes@anncaris | The Justicar's powerful weaponry, combined with Ori's intel, makes short work of the light warbird. The pinpoint phaser shots rips through the front of their shields, allowing the torpedoes to - Sierra Reyes@anncaris - find their mark on the hull. Meanwhile, the evasive maneuver gives the Justicar enough time to take out the enemy plasma torpedo with point-defense systems, and as the ship zooms past the - Sierra Reyes@anncaris - warbird, it crumples in on itself as its singularity core fails. The two other warbirds moving in to engage have to evade to avoid the explosion, buying the Justicar more time. As ordered, the - Sierra Reyes@anncaris - helm continues on towards the station Rianni@crystyl continues to hound the two warbirds with rear weapons while they make their run Sierra Reyes@anncaris | The two warbirds struggle to close in between the singularity core explosion and the rear fire. Meanwhile, other patrols are clearly already moving in to assist, and as the Justicar closes on - Sierra Reyes@anncaris - the station, a wing of Scorpion fighter emerges to keep them away Rianni@crystyl:"Switching forward arrays to salvo fire" she calls out, while the phasers begin to cut a swathe of rapid fire across their flight path Sierra Reyes@anncaris | The rapid fire takes out several of the Scorpion fighters and forces the rest to break off their attack. Then, a large ship decloaks off the Justicar's starboard, once again a Borg-modified - Sierra Reyes@anncaris - vessel, but this one much larger than the one seen inside the station and most likely built from the frame of a D'deridex given the size Sierra Reyes@anncaris FX | https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/sto_gamepedia/images/2/24/AdaptedBattleCruiser.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20130521091338 Sierra Reyes@anncaris:"Hard to port! Break off the run, we have their attention. Now we try to draw it away so the Latenter can come in." Rianni@crystyl:"Ok, /that's/ not in the handbook!" Rianni@crystyl:"Defensive targeting. Spaceframe analysis is running" Sierra Reyes@anncaris | The helm turns away from the Borgified D'deridex, making their escape when it activates a Borg tractor beam and latches onto the Justicar, beginning to drain shields Sierra Reyes@anncaris:"Polarize hull, throw off that tractor!" Rianni@crystyl:"Polarizing!" Sierra Reyes@anncaris | The tractor beam loses its grip, allowing the Justicar to break free and move away from the D'deridex. Defensive fire pounds away at its shields but doesn't manage to get through Rianni@crystyl expects as much and hopes her analysis allows her to target it more effectively on the counter Sierra Reyes@anncaris | As the Justicar breaks away from the station, the modified D'deridex and the two T'Varos follow in hot pursuit. Two Mogai warbirds divert from their patrol routes, moving in to try and - Sierra Reyes@anncaris - intercept as well Sierra Reyes@anncaris:"Okay, we've definitely got their attention. Inform the Latenter to take this chance and move in." Sierra Reyes@anncaris | The Comm officer nods, "Aye Captain." Rianni@crystyl:"This is where it gets interesting" Sierra Reyes@anncaris:"Keep weapons on them. Take out some of the smaller warbirds if we can, but focus on keeping their attention. Any casualties we can inflict on the enemy is a welcome bonus but not our objective here.†Rianni@crystyl:"On it Captain" she deftly switches one target to the next using her trusty new intel, switching as the helm dances them around Sierra Reyes@anncaris | The bridge shakes as the Justicar takes a few shots despite the evasive maneuvering, but Rianni's return fire manages to disable one of the T'Varos! The ship breaks away from the fighting - Sierra Reyes@anncaris - momentarily to prevent being surrounded by the incoming Mogai, banking away to force all the ships to follow behind the more nimble Justicar Sierra Reyes@anncaris:"Aft torpedoes, full spread, then fly up and over to get behind our pursuers. Let's see if we can damage one of those Mogai." Rianni@crystyl fires as ordered, "Captain, I have an idea. If this intel is correct I believe I can configure a torpedo to react to their shield frequencies. It won't inflict damage, but it should flare out their- Rianni@crystyl:- sensors briefly. If we time it right, they could plough straight into that monstrosity" Sierra Reyes@anncaris nods, "Do it." Rianni@crystyl quickly configures the torpedoes, "We should throttle back a bit if we want to bunch them up. Torpedo ready in the rear tube" Sierra Reyes@anncaris | The helm nods and throttles back... Sierra Reyes@anncaris:"Fire." Rianni@crystyl waits for optimum timing as the group close in behind them while the Justicar veers towards the dreadnaught Rianni@crystyl nods, "Perfect, it looks like they're herding us into it!" she fires on the dreadnaught with forward cannons making it appear to be a panicked focus, "And... firing" she launches the magic torpedo - Rianni@crystyl - on a timed detonation, "Evade...-" counts down silently, mouthing 3-2-1..."-... now!" Rianni@crystyl | The torpedo explodes right in the path of the pursuing warbirds who all blindly stream straight ahead, still firing, while the Justicar barrel rolls up and around the dreadnaught. The warbirds all- Rianni@crystyl:- slam into the front of the monstrosity one after the other, tearing the large vessel in half as the singularities collapse and take most of the ship with them while the remaining rear section - Rianni@crystyl:- drifts with smaller explosions continuing along it's torn section Sierra Reyes@anncaris smiles, "Perfect shot, Lieutenant." Rianni@crystyl:"Perfect flying. And perfect intel! Guess I'll have to thank that other me now..." Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Suddenly, Rianni's sensors register something massive decloaking which looks almost to be a smaller station in scale, though it seems to be one giant ship. The technology it gives off does - Sierra Reyes@anncaris - not match Romulan or servitor, but the shape of the hull is clearly of Romulan design Rianni@crystyl:"That is not good..." Sierra Reyes@anncaris | The ship appears on the viewscreen... Sierra Reyes@anncaris FX | https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/sto_gamepedia/images/f/fe/Valkis_Temporal_Heavy_Dreadnought_Warbird_Promo.png/revision/latest?cb=20170309021123 Sierra Reyes@anncaris:"Evasive!" Sierra Reyes@anncaris | The Justicar dodges out of the way just in time as a thick red Nuhar beam emanates from the ship, cutting through the space where the Justicar was moments earlier. Tactical analysis indicates - Sierra Reyes@anncaris - a beam like that can deplete the Justicar's remaining shields in one shot Rianni@crystyl:"It looks Romulan, but I've never seen anything like it! Strategic analysis underway" Rianni@crystyl:"One hit from that beam will obliterate our shields. Recommend keeping all power on maneuverability" Sierra Reyes@anncaris nods to the engineering station, "You heard the Lieutenant. Helm, don't get us hit." Sierra Reyes@anncaris | The Justicar narrowly dodges another thick red beam before the huge ship emits one massive antiproton burst...shields remain undamaged, but practically all stealthed systems this side of the - Sierra Reyes@anncaris - system is revealed. A still cloaked Shamshir-class and another D'deridex, this one with Iconian modifications, pop onto sensors, as does the Latenter... Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Tris: "Latenter is exposed!" Sierra Reyes@anncaris:"Cover them!" Rianni@crystyl:"All batteries on suppressing fire" Sierra Reyes@anncaris | The suppressive fire hits the massive ship, but it doesn't seem to even put a notch in the huge ship's shields, which continues to advance. This time, it fires two beams at once, one towards - Sierra Reyes@anncaris - the Justicar and a second towards the Latenter. Both ships narrowly manage to dodge it Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Comm: "Message from the Latenter! They believe this to be a ship with future technology." Rianni@crystyl:"Future tech?" she looks to her new favourite PADD, "Well that's not in the manual..." Sierra Reyes@anncaris:"We can't fight this, and we can't leave our team behind." Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Comm: "Running isn't an option anyways. Commander Victoria says in their last encounter with such a vessel, it was capable of transwarp speeds. And we've already seen what it did to cloaks." Rianni@crystyl:"We could attempt to storm the station. That thing is too big to get in there. I think..." Sierra Reyes@anncaris nods to Rianni, "It's the only option we have left, and I bet the Romulans aren't willing to take apart their own station just to get to us. Inform the Latenter. We're all going in." Rianni@crystyl:"Overcharging forward cannons" Sierra Reyes@anncaris | The Justicar forms up along with the Latenter, moving towards one of the station entrances. Another swarm of Scorpion fighters launch, trying to dissuade them Rianni@crystyl again uses PD and standard phasers to keep them back Sierra Reyes@anncaris | With the Latenter joining in the fire, the Scorpion fighters aren't much of an issue. They soon make it to the entrance, with the giant ship slowly looming in behind them. It has held off on - Sierra Reyes@anncaris - firing with them so close to the station, clearly not wanting to damage the Fortress Sierra Reyes@anncaris:"Blast those doors open, Lieutenant." Rianni@crystyl:"Firing!" Rianni@crystyl unleashes the overcharged cannons along with everyone else Sierra Reyes@anncaris | The blast doors are tough, with the overcharged cannons and all the Justicar's weapons, combined with everything the Latenter has as well, it buckles under the pressure, giving them a way in! Sierra Reyes@anncaris | The helm officer needs no instruction, taking the Justicar in, with the Latenter following close behind. The large ship comes to a stop, definitely too big to fit through Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Inside the station, they find a Mogai waiting for them and it opens fire with all its cannons, causing the ship to shake as it takes a few hits Rianni@crystyl refocuses on the moggy, happy to have something she gots the inside scoop on again Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Like the blast door, the Mogai is no match for the combined power of the Justicar and Latenter, especially with Ori's inside scoop being known by both ships. It is soon taken out, but sensors - Sierra Reyes@anncaris - light up with readings of fighters and light warbirds converging on the area Sierra Reyes@anncaris:"We need to keep moving. Let's rendezvous with the Mandukar and figure out our next step then." Rianni@crystyl:"Coordinating with the Latenter for all around salvo to keep the bug bites down" Rianni@crystyl | The two starship rotate in unison and cruise belly-to-belly Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Helm: "I have the Mandukar's position. Taking us there now." --- Romulan@annpc#557 | Mischa and her team are the second to be extracted and she makes her way to the Mandukar bridge, where Yuzu and Ori are already present and working since their group was extracted first Romulan@annpc#557 | Yuzuki: "Forward arrays, full power. Collapse that hangar before they can launch." Mischa@crystyl takes her seat, "Status?" Romulan@annpc#557 | Yuzuki: "Mandukar's cover is gone after the evacuations. Acey and Nikki just came on board so we have everyone here, but we're being pursued. We've avoided other warbirds so far but fighters - Romulan@annpc#557 - are harassing us still." Mischa@crystyl:"The Latenter and Justicar?" Romulan@annpc#557 | V'Lir: "Latenter and Justicar are en route. It is unlikely we will manage to escape with the Mandukar. Latenter will have to beam us all on board, and I recommend abandoning and scuttling the - Romulan@annpc#557 - warbird behind us." Mischa@crystyl:"Very well, make preparations†Romulan@annpc#557 | V'Lir nods, "On it, Commander." Mischa@crystyl | Ori: "Another squadron is inbound" Mischa@crystyl:"Continue evasive" Mischa@crystyl | Ori works with the helm to lure pursuers into areas where they can target the facility infrastructure to take them out with debris Romulan@annpc#557 | Using the facility infrastructure, they manage to make up for the Mandukar's less powerful weapons systems and take out the next squadron without receiving damage! Romulan@annpc#557 | Ori gets a request from Acey to launch and run overwatch Mischa@crystyl | Ori: "Acey is asking to launch and assist" Mischa@crystyl:"Granted. Not like she can stay on board anyway. Make sure she knows to redock with the Latenter" Mischa@crystyl | Ori nods and relays instructions to Acey Romulan@annpc#557 | Acey launches from the Mandukar once again, this time flying beside the warbird to run support. As they proceed towards the designated exit... Romulan@annpc#557 | Yuzuki: "Two warbirds coming in from two different vectors. We won't be able to avoid them unless we backtrack the way we came, and that'll just give them more time to find other places to cut - Romulan@annpc#557 - us off. I recommend we proceed to the large chamber on our right and try to evade the warbirds in there, or engage if necessary." Mischa@crystyl:"Go for it" Romulan@annpc#557 | The Mandukar veers off to the passage on their right, emerging in a large, chamber above which an inert Borg sphere is suspended Romulan@annpc#557 | V'Lir: "Multiple readings of Borg technology in the area. All inactive." Romulan@annpc#557 | Harvey: "Must be their Borg research area." Romulan@annpc#557 | On the other end of the area, a door opens and another T'Varo enters, making its way over towards the Mandukar Mischa@crystyl:"There we go, /now/ it's a Romulan R&D facility. Ori, see if you can locate one of that things interplexing nodes" Romulan@annpc#557 | Ori manages to locate one still functional inside the Borg sphere! Mischa@crystyl | Ori: "Got it Commander!" Mischa@crystyl:"Helm, make a pass within transporter range of the sphere. Ori, you're going have to drop shields briefly but I want you to beam a warhead directly on top of that node" Mischa@crystyl | Ori nods, "On it!" Mischa@crystyl:"Helm, loop around and make them give chase. I want those Birds in range when that warhead blows" Romulan@annpc#557 | The pilot nods and loops around, the enemy warbird following as expected. It fires a few shots but the Mandukar manages to evade all but one, which rocks the bridge slightly. Soon, they - Romulan@annpc#557 - approach the Sphere at the top of the chamber... Mischa@crystyl | Ori works her timing with precision to drop shields as they take another hit, then transport the warhead which she detonates as warbirds are at their closest Romulan@annpc#557 | The Sphere explodes and the helm pulls away as sharply as possible, risking a brief burst of full impulse within the station to clear the distance. The enemy warbird, unprepared for the - Romulan@annpc#557 - explosion, is far less fortunate. A piece of debris from the Sphere collides with it, shearing off one of its nacelles before the explosion itself consumes the warbird completely. The - Romulan@annpc#557 - still rocks the Mandukar, bringing shields down to 50% (as it has already taken damage earlier from the warbird and fighters) Mischa@crystyl:"There, now let's get back on track to get out of here" Romulan@annpc#557 | The helm nods, immediately resuming course for the exit Romulan@annpc#557 | V'Lir: "Commander, I am reading the Justicar and Latenter ahead...both /inside/ the station. This was not a part of the plan." Mischa@crystyl:"Something must have forced them inside. Can you raise them on comms?" Romulan@annpc#557 | V'Lir nods, "I have them." A second later, Captain Reyes appears on the viewscreen Mischa@crystyl:"Captain Reyes. What's the situation?" Romulan@annpc#557 | Sierra: "There's one of those warbirds with future technology here. It's waiting for us outside the station, too large to fit inside. Your people tell me they've got transwarp drives, and it's - Romulan@annpc#557 - sending out antiproton pulses that makes cloaking impossible in almost half the system. We had to hide in here." Mischa@crystyl:"Too large to fit inside? Well that's certainly something new" she pauses for thought briefly, "...I have an idea Captain. This ship is not going to make it out, so we'll be evacuating shortly. I - Mischa@crystyl:- was going to simply scuttle it but... perhaps we can weaponize it instead against your fatbird" Romulan@annpc#557 | Sierra: "It's worth a try. Sneaking out from the other end of the station isn't going to be an option if we can't cloak and that ship can catch up to us at warp. What're you thinking?" Mischa@crystyl:"We'll have to beam everyone back to either you or the Latenter. I will remain here to overload the core and pilot it into the fatbird. Acey is already out, so she can swing in and beam me out" Romulan@annpc#557 | Sierra nods, "We're in the clear for now. Drop your shields, we'll beam our skeletal crew back and your officers will return to your ship. Let's get our full crews back, I have a feeling we'll - Romulan@annpc#557 - need them. We'll cover you from attackers inside the station while you make your attack." Mischa@crystyl:"Alright then. Let's do this and get clear" Romulan@annpc#557 | As the shields lower, the crew begin beaming out around Mischa. Half a minute passes, and Sierra replies, "We have everyone except you. Best of luck, Commander." Mischa@crystyl:"To us all Captain. See you on the other side" she moves to a forward console, tapping her combadge, "Acey, I trust Orianni has you up to speed?" Romulan@annpc#557 <C - Acey> "Affirmative. I will accompany and evacuate you when the time comes, Commander." Mischa@crystyl:"You and me Acey, all the way. My life is in your hands now, so just know that if I die I will come back and haunt you for eternity" she jokes, dashing between consoles to build up the overload Romulan@annpc#557 <C - Acey> "Unless you have your spirit backed up in something akin to a Vulcan katric ark, I do not believe that is likely." Mischa@crystyl chuckles, "Then just imagined how freaked out you'll be when I do it and spend that eternity not telling you how" Mischa@crystyl sets all weapons to an autofiring sequence with no regard for power reserves given the situation, but to help create more chaos around them and mask the intention Romulan@annpc#557 | As Mischa nears the exit, another squad of fighters try to intercept them, but between the autofiring weapons and Acey, they are quickly taken out. Soon, the Mandukar nears the entrance where - Romulan@annpc#557 - the Justicar and Latenter blasted through, with the giant ship still looming outside, though it has backed up a little bit Mischa@crystyl gives an impressed whistle, "My that is a big old bird" Romulan@annpc#557 <C - Acey> "Be careful, Commander. That ship is significantly larger than what we encountered at Mirhassa." Mischa@crystyl:"I'm about to hurl an imploding singularity at it. Careful is not the first thing that comes to mind" Mischa@crystyl:"But I appreciate the sentiment, thank you. Stand by for transport" Mischa@crystyl ducks and braces under the constant turbulence of weapons fire and failing systems, staggering through debris and smoke to maintain multiple consoles Romulan@annpc#557 | The huge warbird notices the Mandukar's approach and tries to lock on with its energy drain tractor... Mischa@crystyl pushes all available power to forward shields, maintaining course and speed, "Get ready to catch Acey" Romulan@annpc#557 | The shields are quickly drained away and the huge warbird quickly switches from draining to a more conventional tractor repulsor as it realizes what Mischa is up to Mischa@crystyl staggers again, losing her footing briefly as she scrambles to an otherwise ignored console to polarize the hull and put up a sensor jamming field Romulan@annpc#557 | The Mandukar's momentum slows briefly, but as the tractor lock is thrown off, it continues barrelling forward, and the hull of the giant warbird soon fills the screen completely Mischa@crystyl makes a final series of checks to ensure the singularity is verging on an overload Romulan@annpc#557 | A Nuhar beam flies past the Mandukar, but targeting is difficult on such a small warbird so close to the massive ship and the devastating beam misses. Mischa's checks ensure the singularity - Romulan@annpc#557 - is indeed about to overload, and a proximity warning pops up on the viewscreen as the Mandukar is about to slam into the much larger ship's hull Mischa@crystyl flops back into the command seat, seeing far more detail than is ever desirable on the hull of an enemy starship, "Time to go Acey..." Romulan@annpc#557 | Mischa disappears into a transporter beam... --- Mischa@crystyl rematerializes with her arms crossed in front of her face, looking around and slowly lowering them, "Cutting it a little fine..." NPC@annpc#557 | The Dart, true to its name, darts away from the warbird as it begins to collapse in on itself, pushing at full speed. The craft shakes as the edge of the shockwave meets it, but it passes by - NPC@annpc#557 - without inflicting any damage and Acey makes it past the broken doors of the station before spinning around to observe the damage, her holographic avatar forming seated in one of the pilot - NPC@annpc#557 - chairs. There is a large hole in the centre-right of the warbird and a cluster of debris scattered both upwards and downwards from it. The lights on the ship are flickering erratically and it - NPC@annpc#557 - seems to be adrift Mischa@crystyl:"That should do it. Now let's get back to the Latenter before they can regroup. We've hurt that thing, but I can't imagine it will be immobilized for long" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "I'm picking up chroniton readings..." Mischa@crystyl:"From the fatbird?" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey nods. The debris suddenly goes flying back onto the hull of the warbird, then the hole begins to patch itself up even faster than Borg ships can regenerate. As debris pieces are - NPC@annpc#557 - seamlessly reincorporated into the hull and all sign of damage fade away, it becomes clear that the ship isn't regenerating...it's rewinding time on itself NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "Time to go." NPC@annpc#557 | The Dart ducks behind the station walls just in time as a tractor beam shoots through the door, trying but now unable to lock on to the craft Mischa@crystyl:"Now that's just cheating..." she nods, "Get us out of here before they can recoup. We don't have any more warbirds to throw at them..." NPC@annpc#557 | Acey nods, heading back to the Latenter, "Recalculating...there is one more potential way out of this station, Commander." Mischa@crystyl:"What would that be?" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "The Elachi." She gestures to a console, which begins to display the data she collected from the restricted area Mischa@crystyl looks over, "...Spores? Well that certainly links to subspace travel but neither the Latenter or Justicar have the hardware, and I doubt the Elachi would be willing to share" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "We do not need the hardware. There is an Elachi battleship docked within. While I do not have access to all materials regarding these spores and the associated jump drives, I believe - NPC@annpc#557 - with a large enough vessel and a sufficient supply of spores, we will be able to travel with the Elachi as long as we remain close and they tractor us along. It is akin to travelling at warp - NPC@annpc#557 - within another vessel's warp bubble. What we will require, however, are Elachi to navigate the battleship. That they may be willing to do. I have reason to believe from what I was able to - NPC@annpc#557:- learn that at least some of the Elachi here are being kept prisoner against their will from their location inside prison cells and designation of these ships as 'Insubordinate vessels.'" Mischa@crystyl:"There's a lot of supposition to this plan Acey..." NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "I calculate our chances of success to be 16.1%. However, that is more favourable than the alternative of the Latenter and Justicar fleeing the station from two separate exits and on - NPC@annpc#557 - two different vectors, sacrificing one ship to count on the fact that the temporal warbird cannot intercept both in time. Given the recorded speed of the vessel we encountered at Mirhassa and - NPC@annpc#557 - the fact that the Romulans may choose to call upon servitor forces like loyal Elachi and Herald vessels to intercept the other, as well as the presence of other patrols which may choose to - NPC@annpc#557 - pursue at lower speeds, that plan has only a 4.66% chance of success. There is a third option with a mere 2.87% chance of success involving-" Mischa@crystyl raises a hand, "I get the message Acey, yes. Alright, belay docking and relay the route to the Latenter and Justicar. Open a channel to both ships for me please" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "Channel open." Yuzuki and Captain Reyes both appear on the console in front of Mischa, on the respective bridges of the Latenter and Justicar Mischa@crystyl:"Ladies. I trust you saw our enemies unexpected response to my projectile warbird" NPC@annpc#557 | Yuzuki nods, "Very disturbing. Disabling that ship doesn't seem to be an option." Mischa@crystyl:"Acey has given us another option, which - despite the outside odds - is still better than our others. Trust me, she's done the math. And I've heard it..." Mischa@crystyl taps sending you both all the details now, "In short, we're going to head back into the blackout section and liberate an Elachi crew being held captive with the hope that they will return the - Mischa@crystyl:- favour with their docked battleship and get us out via subspace" NPC@annpc#557 | Sierra: "Elachi? We've never managed to reason with them. Don't tell me you've made peace with them as well in your timeline..." Mischa@crystyl:"Not as actively as others, but yes" NPC@annpc#557 | Sierra nods, "If it's our best option and you think we can convince the Elachi to help, I'm in. I don't have any better ideas myself." NPC@annpc#557 | Yuzuki nods as well, "Should we bring you back on board the Latenter, or are you remaining with Acey for this?" Mischa@crystyl:"I'll stay with Acey, just keep on our heels" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "There is one other matter- the guards on the restricted area. I can sneak by. but the Latenter and Justicar are too large, even if you activate cloaks. You will have to engage them." Mischa@crystyl:"Send them your scan data. They will have to deal with them while we spring the Elachi" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey nods, "Sending scan data now." NPC@annpc#557 | Sierra: "We'll handle them." Mischa@crystyl:"Have fun Captain" NPC@annpc#557 | Yuzuki: "Do you want us to transfer anyone else over to Acey, or can you free the Elachi on your own?" Mischa@crystyl thinks a moment, "No it's fine. Acey and I can handle this. Though I could use some gear, sending you a shopping list now" she taps Mischa@crystyl | In addition to her usual field gear, Mischa requests detonators, breathing apparatus, and a portable holoemitter NPC@annpc#557 | Yuzuki: "We'll have them ready and beamed over momentarily. Good luck, Mischa." Mischa@crystyl:"You too Yuzuchan" Mischa@crystyl turns and watches the kit materialize, sorting through and smiling as she takes her favourite old rifle in hand. She slings it and picks up the holoemitter, tapping to configure as she turns, - Mischa@crystyl - "Acey, your arm please" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey nods, holding out her arm to Mischa Mischa@crystyl clips the emitter to her arm and activates it NPC@annpc#557 | Acey's eyes widen, "This is new. Thank you, Commander!" Mischa@crystyl:"Enjoy it while you can, the EMH will want it back - and in good condition. It won't get you roaming far, but as long as you stay in range of the Dart body you should be fine" she smiles, "It may - Mischa@crystyl:- not be much, it may not be desired even. But it's the best I can do right now. You earned it" --- NPC@annpc#557 | Acey touches down on a landing platform inside the restricted area and the Dart's door slides open. As they step out, Acey's image flickers... Mischa@crystyl looks over, initially concerned that the portable emitter wasn't compatible, but a smile forms, "Getting into the spirit of things?" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey smiles back as she reappears in a Tal Shiar uniform with green-tinted skin, dark hair and distinctly Romulan features, though her basic face and body remains the same, "It will be most - NPC@annpc#557 - efficient to infiltrate for as long as we are able before resorting to violence." Mischa@crystyl:"Good work. I'm just glad the emitter functions ok so far. You'll have to closely monitor your connection and if it wavers, I want you to disconnect and stay safe within the Dart systems" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey nods, "Understood, Commander. I am ready to proceed and have the location of the nearest Elachi lifesigns on sensors." Mischa@crystyl:"Good, then please lead the way" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey nods and begins leading the way. Before long, they come across a lift NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "Biometrically coded lifts. One moment," she steps up to the lift panel and sends a hand on it. A few seconds later, the lift door slides open NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "There." Mischa@crystyl:"Good thing I brought you out to play" she smiles NPC@annpc#557 | Acey smiles back, stepping into the lift with Mischa, "Unfortunately, the Romulans' general dislike of automation is working in their favour here. If the station had more automated defenses, I - NPC@annpc#557 - would be able to clear the entire section of guards." Mischa@crystyl:"Oh well, we can't have it too easy now or it would be no fun" NPC@annpc#557 | The lift doors close and it moves down. The trip is very short and the doors open almost immediately as they arrive at their destination NPC@annpc#557 | They emerge on a different and slightly more populated level, but unlike the Romulans in the other parts of the facility, the ones here seem more grim and quiet than usual. There is less idle - NPC@annpc#557 - chatter in the halls and most walk either silently or while tapping away at their PADDs. Everyone here also seems to be wearing a Tal Shiar uniform, and there is no one in Imperial Navy - NPC@annpc#557 - uniforms to be seen Mischa@crystyl blends in, quietly observing for now as they pass through the area NPC@annpc#557 | Acey observes and mimics the quiet, serious behaviour of those around them as well, and they walk through the level without anyone questioning them NPC@annpc#557 | They approach a doorway guarded by two Romulan guards armed with rifles Mischa@crystyl mutters to Acey, "In there?" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey nods, looking to the guards then to Mischa to see how she wants to handle it Mischa@crystyl:"Follow my lead, but be ready". She heads over to the door, standing expectantly in front of it for a moment NPC@annpc#557 | Acey follows behind Mischa. The two guards look at the pair as they approach NPC@annpc#557 | Romulan 1: "What business do you have here?" Mischa@crystyl answers plainly, matching the Romulans tone, "The Fortress is compromised. We are to verify the integrity of the subjects" NPC@annpc#557 | Romulan 1: "On whose authority?" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "Khre'Riov Calvum i-Varald tr'Khellian." NPC@annpc#557 | Acey produces a PADD and shows the Romulan guard, who nods and steps aside, "Go ahead." Mischa@crystyl glances to Acey, but masks her surprise. Turning back with a small nod before stepping through Mischa@crystyl:"Khre'Riov Calvum i-Varald tr'Khellian?" she enquires once they are clear NPC@annpc#557 | The PADD flickers away as well once they are clear, and Acey replies, "I came across the name while searching for data on my previous visit here. He seems to be the one in charge of the - NPC@annpc#557 - experiments on the Elachi, though I was unable to determine the nature of the experiments without revealing my presence in their computer systems." Mischa@crystyl:"Fortunate" she smiles, looking around more now NPC@annpc#557 | They pass through the hallway to a long, hall-like chamber lined with cells of Elachi. It looks like a proper prison block. There are more guards here, all Romulan, though they don't pay the - NPC@annpc#557 - pair any mind as the guards outside let them through after all Mischa@crystyl:"We need to find a control console" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "Analyzing. There," she points to a raised platform in the centre of the prison block, and then smiles, "There are turrets here. This will be easy." Mischa@crystyl:"Good, we could do with a little bit of easy after the chaos outside" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey nods, "I just need access to the control area in the centre." NPC@annpc#557 | As they approach the control area, they are once again confronted by a pair of guards. Acey shows them the fabricated credentials, but this time one of the guards decides to call for - NPC@annpc#557 - confirmation, and Mischa knows the deception isn't about to fly... Mischa@crystyl steps over to the guard with a casual hand on his shoulder, "A moment, did I mention-" she doesn't even finish, but executes a wrenching neck snap. Now it seems clear where Ori gets it from... NPC@annpc#557 | The second guard raises his rifle, but Acey grabs it by the barrel. He pulls the trigger, but nothing happens and he stares in surprise as Acey pushes and slams the rifle against the guard's - NPC@annpc#557 - chest, knocking him back and loosening his grip on the weapon. She spins the rifle around and fires and the weapon, now working perfectly fine, vapourizes the other guard. The guards further - NPC@annpc#557 - in the control room react, grabbing their weapons and beginning to open fire on the pair Mischa@crystyl unsheathes her rifle, "Time for the 'easy' part" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey returns fire on the guards, hitting them with the pinpoint accuracy of an AI and sending those not hit into cover, "It will be easier once I reach the control console." Mischa@crystyl keeps pace with her, firing on multiple guards as they attempt to rush them NPC@annpc#557 | The two are able to quickly clear the guards in the room, but more begin to make their way up from the stairs, or try to shoot at them from below NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "Cover me. This should not take long." NPC@annpc#557 | She sets a hand on the control console and gets to work Mischa@crystyl takes up position at Acey's back, continuing to play whack-a-mole with the Romulan guards NPC@annpc#557 | By the time Mischa picks off two more guards, the defense turrets begin firing at the remaining Romulans. The two guards from outside pour in and the Romulans manage to take out a handful of - NPC@annpc#557 - turrets, but between their fire and Mischa sniping them off, the Romulans soon lose the fight. Force fields spring into place around the prison block's entrances, blocking additional - NPC@annpc#557 - reinforcements from coming in Mischa@crystyl:"Good work. Now what does that thing say about the residents?" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "They are dissident Elachi who were unwilling to serve the Romulans. They have been imprisoned here as test subjects, but the details of the experimentation are not recorded here." Mischa@crystyl:"Does it identify their leader?" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "Affirmative. He is located in Cell 23." Mischa@crystyl:"Override and open that cell for me. I want to get him onside before flooding the room" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey nods. Below them, the cell flickers open and the Elachi inside steps out, looking around at all the dead Romulans with uncertainty Mischa@crystyl heads over, "Are you well?" NPC@annpc#557 | The Elachi scrutinizes Mischa slowly before he begins to speak, "I...am...alive. That is...better than I can say for many of my...brothers and sisters." Mischa@crystyl:"I don't know what the Romulans were doing to your and your kin here, but I understand it wasn't good and it wasn't by your choice. Your ship is still docked here, feel like getting back to subspace?†NPC@annpc#557 | Elachi: "You...have come to free us?" Mischa@crystyl:"We did not know you were here, we did not know what was here at all in fact. We came to find out, and we found you. So now we have found you, yes, I want to free all of you" NPC@annpc#557 | Elachi: "We have...nowhere to go." Mischa@crystyl:"Your ship can enter subspace can it not?" NPC@annpc#557 | Elachi: "Subspace is no longer safe. We...we were not captured by Romulans. We were captured by our own kind." Mischa@crystyl:"There is a safe harbour in this galactic plane that we can get you to for starters. Beyond that, perhaps we can find a more permanent safe harbour - maybe in a different layer of subspace like the - Mischa@crystyl:- mycelial network, or with one of the world trees" NPC@annpc#557 | Elachi: "Perhaps. But the Romulans hold all of my kind prisoner, even though they may not be in cages." Mischa@crystyl:"One thing at a time. First, we have to get out of here - then I will explain everything. So what do you say, ready to leave this place behind?" NPC@annpc#557 | Elachi: "I have one request. In addition to freeing my fellows, as I will need them to operate our vessel." Mischa@crystyl:"And that is?" NPC@annpc#557 | Elachi: "Damage or destroy the Mycelial Generator, and we may escape together." Mischa@crystyl:"All too happy to, if we know how. I have two starship here waiting for us, they can help. They will also need to be evacuated through subspace with your ship. That is my condition" NPC@annpc#557 | Elachi: "The Romulans have stripped our weapons. I will pinpoint the areas for you to target, and we will help you escape." Mischa@crystyl:"Good" she looks back, "Acey, crack them all open" and back to the Elachi, "I am Commander Mischa Leveson-Scott with Starfleet Intelligence. What do I call you besides 'friend'?" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey opens the other cells and the remaining Elachi make their way out. The lead Elachi thinks for a few moments, before responding with, "Forfennar. That was my name before I became Elachi. - NPC@annpc#557 - We do not use names as you do among ourselves." Mischa@crystyl:"I know, it just helps us for quick forms of address. Now, get your people together and we'll get you back to your ship" NPC@annpc#557 | Forfennar nods and grabs a rifle from one of the Romulan guards, looking around silently at the others who begin to do the same, collecting all the weapons they can. Acey drops the force field - NPC@annpc#557 - on the exit and more Romulans immediately try to push in, but between the turrets and the Elachi, they stand very little chance Mischa@crystyl leads the way alongside Forfennar NPC@annpc#557 | Acey follows along as well, and the group begin to fight their way towards the Elachi battleship... --- Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Meanwhile, the Justicar and Latenter make their way to the entrance of the restricted section, where the Borg-modified ship and its two escorts await them... Sierra Reyes@anncaris | This ship is smaller than the modified one they faced outside, but has been modified to deal quite the heavy damage, with a full suit of Borg plasma beams and shielding much stronger than a - Sierra Reyes@anncaris - regular warbird of this size Sierra Reyes@anncaris | As the Justicar and Latenter approach, they are quickly detected by the tachyon pulse, and the Borg ship begins to approach... Sierra Reyes@anncaris | The two smaller warbirds hang back slightly, likely to provide support, and they are now keeping their distance having probably heard what happened outside Sierra Reyes@anncaris:"Shields up, charge weapons. We're going to have limited maneuvering room in here. Any ideas?" Rianni@crystyl:"As little room as it is for us, it is even less for that thing. Given the mostly Romulan design elements, it's heaviest weapons are forward facing, so if we can slot in behind it we should have the- Rianni@crystyl:- advantage. But it will be a near stationary slogging match" Sierra Reyes@anncaris nods, "Target the support warbirds first. We'll get the one on the right, inform the Latenter to take out the one on the left. Once they're clear, we can safely move behind the Borg ship and - Sierra Reyes@anncaris - focus our attack on that." Rianni@crystyl nods, "On it" Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Soon, the enemy ships come into range, and the firing begins. Latenter focuses on the warbird on the left as instructed. The Borg ship's forward weapons are indeed powerful and the Justicar - Sierra Reyes@anncaris - shakes from the impact as it unleashes its volley, indiscriminately targeting both ships, supported by the two smaller warbirds who focus on a single ship each Rianni@crystyl & Rianni both use their knowledge of Romulan ships effectively as possible to make light work of the warbirds" Sierra Reyes@anncaris | The two supporting warbirds are no match for them and quickly go down, leaving them with just the Borgified ship! Rianni@crystyl begins a focused attack on it's rear arc while the Latenter attempts more misdirection and cyber attacks Sierra Reyes@anncaris | The Borg ship tries to turn as it realizes what the Justicar is doing, but the Latenter manages to hack into its systems and slow it down significantly. The Justicar begins tearing down the - Sierra Reyes@anncaris - ship's rear shields, and as expected from the Romulan design, it has few weapons to return fire with from that angle. Their rear shields go down and the Justicar get a few good shots in before - Sierra Reyes@anncaris - the Borgified ship finally manages to turn away, its rear weapons now completely disabled. But the damage starts to slowly regenerate, courtesy of the Borg technology... Rianni@crystyl:"Attempting to prevent their turn with tractor beams" Rianni@crystyl | Latenter would see that they're forcing it to face away and assist Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Between the Justicar and Latenter, they manage to hold the Borgified ship in position for an attack on their rear arc! The ship also realizes what they are doing and locks a Borg tractor beam - Sierra Reyes@anncaris - on the Latenter in turn, starting to slowly drain away shields as it fires all it can. Rianni should be able to get a few torpedoes through the still regenerating damaged sections and finish - Sierra Reyes@anncaris - off the enemy ship before it can seriously threaten the Latenter, though.. Rianni@crystyl does indeed launch everything she can at the weakened spot to press the advantage Sierra Reyes@anncaris | The Latenter's shields begin dropping rapidly, but before they can fail, the Justicar's weapons tear through the regenerating hull and tear apart the Borgified ship, sending its uneven, jagged - Sierra Reyes@anncaris - pieces flying everywhere in a series of explosions caused by both torpedo impacts and failures of the ship's own systems! Many of them slam into the side of the corridor, embedding themselves - Sierra Reyes@anncaris - inside the station Rianni@crystyl does her best to reinforce shields against the debris, and carve up what she can with PD Sierra Reyes@anncaris | The ship shakes a little as a few pieces of debris collide with them, but the PD manages to take care of anything too dangerous! Soon, the area is clear, and the Borgified ship in pieces Sierra Reyes@anncaris:"Good work, Lieutenant. And give my thanks to the other you on the Latenter as well. Let's go inside, Commander Leveson-Scott is expecting us." Rianni@crystyl smiles, "Thank you Captain" --- Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | After freeing the Elachi and escorting them to their ship, the Latenter and Justicar have broken through into the restricted area, and Mischa finally returns to her own ship with Acey Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Glyph: "Elachi ship is beginning to power up, Commander." Mischa@crystyl:"Have they sent us targeting data yet?" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Victoria nods, "It's just coming through now." Targeting points throughout the central chamber appear on Ori's console Mischa@crystyl | Ori: "Got them" Mischa@crystyl:"Coordinate with Justicar tactical for optimum destruction of the targets" Mischa@crystyl | Ori nods, clearly already doing so Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | T'Bee: "Iconian gateways are opening in the chamber. It seems the Romulans are calling in their support." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Across the chamber, four small gateways spring into view, with four Iconian raiders emerging Mischa@crystyl:"Then let's do this quickly" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | The Justicar lock weapons on their targets and begin making their attack with the Latenter. The raiders dart in to intercept, landing a few hits and shaking the Latenter's bridge Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | One of them even darts in to take a hit, but the two cruisers still make short work of the generator, wrecking havoc to its machinery! Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Soon, Ori's sensors register all target points hit Mischa@crystyl | Ori: "That's it Commander" Mischa@crystyl:"Really? I was expecting a more... dramatic result. Signal the Elachi, verify" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Glyph: "The generator was not active. We are simply disabling machinery, not causing an overload." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Victoria: "The Elachi confirms." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | The bridge rocks again Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"We should do something about these raiders..." Mischa@crystyl:"Press the attack. And get an ETA from the Elachi for our way out" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | On the viewscreen, the Elachi ship begins moving towards the spores in the centre of the now-disabled generator Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Victoria: "Two minutes. They need to refill their spore supply. Fortunately, there is an ample amount available here." Mischa@crystyl:"Update the Justicar, we'll both provide cover and keep the Iconians off them until they're good to go" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Victoria nods and taps on her console. The Justicar turns around from her attack on the generator, firing on one of the raiders Mischa@crystyl | Ori works her magic on another raider Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Ori manages to land a few hits on it, but the smaller raider proves much more maneuverable in the confined spaces of the station interior. Fortunately, Latenter and Justicar are both capable of - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - weathering their assaults, but taking them down is proving difficult even for the smaller Justicar Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Acey wants to try hacking the raiders, Commander." Mischa@crystyl:"Let her at them" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris nods and taps her console. A few seconds later, one of the raiders suddenly turns and fires on the one Ori is targetting. Between the Latenter and friendly fire, the raider goes down and the - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - hacked raider turns its attention to another, while the final one engages with the Justicar. The Justicar still seems to be attempting to outmaneuver it, but Ori's tactical eye manages to spot - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - that the maneuvering is actually fake and they seem to be driving the raider to be pinned between the Justicar and Latenter! Mischa@crystyl | Ori sets up accordingly to support the Justicar Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Between the two ships, they are able to take out the raider! The one hacked by Acey goes down to the last enemy raider, but not after landing a few hits on it as well. The Justicar manages - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - to finish it off, but there is little reprieve. A few seconds later, a larger gateway opens, flanked by four smaller ones as an Iconian cruiser comes through, flanked by four more raiders... Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Victoria: "The Elachi are ready! They want us to form up as close to their ship as possible." Mischa@crystyl:"Get us into position" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | The Latenter moves into position just under the Elachi battleship, while nearby the Justicar moves in on top. The Iconian ships close in and the Justicar fires a volley from their forward - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - cannons to cover them Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | But as the Iconians fire back, the Elachi ship extends a field over all three vessels and the space around them distorts, with what seems like streaks of lightning across the viewscreen... Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Then, a moment later, the three ships reappear in the middle of an unfamiliar system, with no Iconian, Romulan or other ships visible Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:Ori's tac sensors show the area is clear Mischa@crystyl:"Let's get our bearings" Mischa@crystyl | Ori: "No enemy contacts within sensor range" Mischa@crystyl:"Maintain action stations until the dust settles" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Nethay: "We are still in the same sector. We have not travelled very far." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Victoria: "The Elachi are hailing us." Mischa@crystyl:"On screen" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | The Elachi Mischa spoke to on the station, Forfennar, appears on the viewscreen, "Thank you. You do not know how much you have done for us." Mischa@crystyl:"You are most welcome. We are clear of the station, but not yet safe necessarily. Victoria, patch in the Justicar please" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Victoria nods, and soon Captain Reyes appears on the viewscreen as well Mischa@crystyl:"Forfennar, this is Captain Reyes on the Justicar. Captain, meet Forfennar to whom we owe our thanks for the exit" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Sierra: "Thank you, Forfennar. I've never known one of your people to be friendly before." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Forfennar: "That is because we had no choice. Do you know what that device you disabled was?" Mischa@crystyl:"If I might interject, this may be a better served conversation in person. But first, we should relocate to a safe region where the Romulan transwarp vessel can not track us to. Captain Reyes?" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Sierra: "We recognize this system. We've used it as a staging ground before for operations in the heart of Romulan territory. It's not as well-hidden as the Bassen Rift, but it's an - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - unspectacular system that the Romulans don't tend to visit often. As long as they can't track us through the jump, we should be as safe here as anywhere else." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Forfennar: "You need not be concerned for your safety." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Glyph: "The Elachi ship is sending some sort of subspace signal." Mischa@crystyl:"Forfennar?" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Forfennar: "I am calling the other Elachi. This must be ended, before the Romulans can build another." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:Ori's sensors register another Elachi ship jumping in, then another, then another.. Mischa@crystyl:"The Elachi who are working for the Romulans...?" Mischa@crystyl | Ori: "Multiple Elachi signals appearing on sensors Commander" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris Forfennar: "My people served the Romulans only because of that device, Commander. By design, it was created to be a generator, but the Romulans do not use it as a generator. Its crude workings - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - damage the mycelial network, our home. The Romulans use it to ensure our cooperation. Now that it is disabled, the Elachi need not obey them any longer. But it will only be a matter of time - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - before they build another." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"That explains why they guarded that section so much more heavily than the rest of the station." Mischa@crystyl:"I understand Forfennar, but there are more elements at play here than you yet realize. However, please; how do you wish to proceed for the moment?" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Before Forfennar can respond, the turbolift door slides open and Commander Al-Fasil steps out still dressed in her future uniform, accompanied by Daurant Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Al-Fasil: "We're not interrupting, are we?" Mischa@crystyl shakes her head, waving them over, "Not at all, join us" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Al-Fasil steps up to the centre of the bridge, "We have a problem. We decrypted the files of Romulan activity around the 2380s and the future ships. We know they saved Romulus by using the - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - Iconian technology at Hobus to strike a bargain with the Iconians instead of causing what happened in your timeline, but that's a good few years after the Everett encounters them with future - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - technology. It's the point where history branched off most dramatically, but in short...we don't know the point where they gained this intel, the point we need to go back to in order-" she - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - glances at the Elachi, then back to Mischa. "What did I miss? Last I heard the Elachi were on the Romulans' side." Mischa@crystyl:"In short... a lot" she smiles, looking back to the screen, "As I said, there is more at play than you yet realize but it is of the utmost importance - even to your discussion with your brethren. So - Mischa@crystyl:- Forfennar, how do you wish to proceed?" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Forfennar: "What is this...branching off you speak of?" Mischa@crystyl:"I will try to be brief in summary. There are temporal machinations at work presently, the course of galactic history has been horrendously perverted by this. The Latenter comes from the unaltered - Mischa@crystyl:- version of our timeline, to put things right. That is why we were at the Romulan facility, because everything points back there" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Forfennar: "And in your timeline, the Romulans do not build the generator?" Mischa@crystyl:"No they did not. The Romulan Star Empire crumpled decades ago, and the Romulan Republic replaced it. They are - by our memory at least - strong allies with the Federation, Klingon Empire, the - Mischa@crystyl:- Elachi and many many others. I know some of the history must be consistent for your people too, but I don't know how far your personal awareness extends. But I can tell you that our other allies - Mischa@crystyl:- in the modern Galactic Coalition include the Guardians and Regulators, where we have encountered your brethren aiding in the fight against the now unseen enemy beyond the galactic rim known as the- Mischa@crystyl:- Horde. We have just defeated them and ushered in an unprecedented era of galactic peace, cooperation and evolution. And the Elachi are a part of that" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Elachi: "Then there is only one way to proceed. We must restore your timeline." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"But we still haven't identified the point it diverged from yet." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Al-Fasil: "Maybe we don't need to anymore." Mischa@crystyl:"Commander?" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Al-Fasil looks back to the viewscreen: "The mycelial network connects time as well as space, doesn't it?" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Forfennar: "Yes. We do not use it to travel outside of our temporal layer, as it is delicate and causes...problems." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Al-Fasil nods, "I know all too well. But you have the capability?" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Forfennar: "Yes. And in this situation where time has already been corrupted, it is a warranted action." Mischa@crystyl:"But we still require knowing where - or rather when - to go, do we not?" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Al-Fasil: "Of course, but we're not going back to the exact divergence point. Forfennar, how many of your fellow Elachi can you rally?" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Forfennar: "Many, now that the generator has been disabled." Mischa@crystyl:"What are you thinking Commander, sending them across multiple timeframes like a search pattern?" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Al-Fasil: "I'm thinking we can save the Everett. It was a close victory for the Tal Shiar, the Everett still has overall superior technology to the future tech they obtained. If we can rally - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - enough ships to support, we'll be able to turn the tide. And if we save the Everett, it's more powerful temporal scanners can detect the divergence point- not to mention we'll have S'Torien - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - and the rest of the crew back. We can handle things from there, if we can prevent the Everett's destruction to begin with." Mischa@crystyl:"Sounds reasonable. What would happen to the Elachi who come to assist though, as the timeline you are taking them from would no longer exist?" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Al-Fasil: "It'll exist until we ensure the Everett's survival, at which point we won't need extra support anyways." She looks to the viewscreen. "You'll be up against ships far more powerful - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - than your own. Many of your people will die, but once we survive the battle, we will reset the timeline and you will all be back where you should be, not only alive, but in a better timeline." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Forfennar nods, "We understand." Mischa@crystyl:"It's just unfortunate that the memory of your efforts will not last. I would have liked to visit you again to thank you for your aid once we are back home as well" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Al-Fasil: "The thankless work of correcting timelines. I think you can sympathize, given what you do as well." Mischa@crystyl:"Of course, but that does not mean I do not long for the chance to recognize the brave actions of our new friends" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Sierra: "Count us in too. You'll need every ship you can get." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Forfennar: "Ensuring the proper timeline benefits us all." Mischa@crystyl:"Well Forfennar, it's over to you. Liaise with your brethren and have any willing to assist in this one-way trip to fix time form up on us. The rest should get clear and go to ground, in case we are- Mischa@crystyl:- not successful and this timeline continues" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Al-Fasil steps over to a console, "I'm sending you the temporal coordinates I escaped from, so we know when to go back to." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Forfennar: "We will inform you when we are ready, and you may travel along with us as you did previously." Mischa@crystyl nods, "Very good then" --- Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | An hour later, a sizable Elachi fleet has gathered in the system when Victoria receives the notification that the Elachi are ready Mischa@crystyl looks to Al-Fasil, "It is time Commander" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Al-Fasil nods, "Let's do this." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Victoria: "They want Latenter and Justicar to each form up with one of their dreadnoughts. It's easier on the largest ships to take us along than Forfennar's battleship." Mischa@crystyl might crack a slight smirk at finally making a temporal reference and getting away with it Mischa@crystyl nods, "Relay relative coordinates to the helm" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Victoria nods and Nethay moves the Latenter into position. Beside them, the Justicar also moves into position underneath another dreadnought Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | A few seconds later, space distorts around them again as the two Starfleet cruisers, along with the whole Elachi fleet, disappears into lightning streaks Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | They appear close to the site of the battle. On the viewscreen ahead of them, a Wells-class timeship trades blows with the massive Romulan warbird that cornered them earlier in the station, - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - supported by two smaller warbirds of unfamiliar design but similar future technology, as well as a task force of warbirds from the era Goto Yuzuki@anncaris FX | https://i.ytimg.com/vi/PcbQZDSIb-4/maxresdefault.jpg Mischa@crystyl:"Open a channel, fleetwide" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Victoria: "Channel open, Commander." Mischa@crystyl:"The Wells timeship is everyones priority - protect that vessel at all costs. The Romulan dreadnought is key, it has a temporal repair mechanism. All ships engage" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | The ships move into range and the shooting starts. The entire first wave of Elachi ships are quickly cut down by the powerful Nuhar beams of the future warbirds, though the Elachi ships - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - quickly begin jumping around, several moving to protect the Wells timeship while others attack the Romulan dreadnought from various angles. The era-appropriate Tal Shiar ships begin to fan - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - out, trying to intercept the Elachi instead of focusing fire on the Wells to support the more powerful future warbirds Mischa@crystyl:"Let's do what we do best, people. Leave the heavy hitting to those with the weapons for it. I want full system assaults on enemy assets and intrusive data mining for vulnerabilities to be fed into - Mischa@crystyl:- allied vessel. And Yuzu, tell Acey to have at it too. We need every edge to topple that Bird" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris nods, "On it, Mischa!" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | As the fighting progresses, some of the era-appropriate Tal Shiar ships begin experiencing system malfunctions. One crashes into the giant warbird, another breaks off after its weapons fail to fire, - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - and a third begins turning its weapons on the giant warbird instead Goto Yuzuki@anncaris smiles, "Fortunately we have an advantage over the Romulan ships of this era. We're quite familiar with their dated systems by now." Mischa@crystyl | Orianni: "I'm extrapolating all known data from my historical Romulan starship studies to identify weaknesses in these specific designs and relaying to allied assets as well" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | As a second era-appropriate warbird is turned to their side and the rest quickly begins going down, the giant warbird emits its antiproton pulse again and Latenter's position is revealed! One - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - of the smaller future warbirds break off, heading right for them... Goto Yuzuki@anncaris FX | https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/sto_gamepedia/images/4/44/Tal%E2%80%99aura_Temporal_Destroyer.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20180331003132 Mischa@crystyl:"Continue systematic assaults and exploits. If a Romulan CO has so much as a pollen allergy I want their environmental systems flooding their bridge. The Romulans think they are the masters of - Mischa@crystyl:- subterfuge, and think themselves clever with the anti-cloak field. Let's show them otherwise" Mischa@crystyl:"Helm, evasive maneuvering. Ori... light them up" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Latenter's fire batters the incoming ship's shields, but the powerful future technology holds. As it fires a Nuhar beam, Nethay pulls the ship into evasive, dodging it just in time. An - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - Elachi battleship jumps in, pummelling the warbird from behind, but the dreadnought takes it out with another Nuhar beam before returning to exchanging fire with the Wells. Meanwhile, the - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - warbird on the Latenter continues to pursue... Mischa@crystyl:"Whoever cracks the computer on this warbird will be in line homemade cookies" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris taps rapidly on her console, "Let's see what I can do..." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Meanwhile, the Justicar dashes in with two Elachi escorts and four raiders at her side, making an attack run on the pursuing warbird. Despite the number of direct hits, its shields still hold, - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - until... Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"This might do it!" Mischa@crystyl | Ori does her best to capitalize on the opportunity Goto Yuzuki@anncaris FX | The shields suddenly go down on the future warbird and the Justicar takes full advantage of the opportunity as well, spinning around and unloading the entirety of her arsenal on it. The - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - Elachi ships all jump to favourable angles and begin a barrage of torpedoes and crescent bolts. The hull holds surprisingly strong, but when an Elachi dreadnought jumps in, the combined fire - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - becomes too much and the first of three future warbirds go down Mischa@crystyl:"Nicely done. I guess you've missed my homemade cookies Yuzuchan. Now, let's work that same magic on the rest!" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | The Romulan dreadnought continues to exchange fire with the Everett, but the other remaining future warbird breaks off, firing a volley of torpedoes. The torpedoes seem to pass straight - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - through the shields of the Elachi dreadnought, which don't flare up at it. Instead, it peppers the dreadnought's hull, wrecking it with a series of explosions and taking out both Elachi - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - escorts as well Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Daurant: "Chroniton torpedoes, Commander. Conventional shielding is ineffective." Mischa@crystyl:"Can we utilize the pod's temporal shielding?" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Al-Fasil: "I'm on it!" She taps her combadge and disappears into a transporter beam Goto Yuzuki@anncaris taps her console, but this time, nothing happens, "Well the Romulans work fast. Or maybe it's incorporated Borg technology. Whatever it is, they've already adapted to the method I used on the - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - first ship." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | The second warbird closes in, firing a Nuhar beam that takes out two Elachi frigates, which the Justicar barely manages to avoid Mischa@crystyl:"They aren't the only ones who can adapt. Root, see what you can do" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Root nods and gets to work Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Daurant: "Temporal shielding is active!" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | And just in time as the ship fires another salvo, but this time the pod's temporal shields protect the Latenter from the torpedoes! Mischa@crystyl:"Helm, bring us about. Give Ori a chance to make use of the full forward arrays" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Nethay nods and begins turning the Latenter to face the warbird. It locks on momentarily with its energy drain tractor, but Root does something on his console and it promptly fires off into - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - the middle of space as the Latenter breaks away and finishes its turn Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Root: "It seems Commander T'Fel's supposition on the drain being a variant of Borg technology was correct." Mischa@crystyl | Ori routes reserve power to the Latenter's forward cannons and overcharges them for a powerful and sustained attack, not relenting either with torpedoes flowing out as fast as they can reload Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | The Justicar and its remaining Elachi escorts join in and actually begins dropping the future ship's shields. It fires another volley of chroniton torpedoes, forcing the non-temporally - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - shielded ships to break off. One of the Elachi frigates doesn't jump away in time and is taken out. The Latenter stands alone face-to-face with the warbird when it activates two Nuhar beams - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - from both wings and begins to move them both in a swiping pattern. Nethay manages to evade one, but the second lands. The bridge shakes hard and sparks fly, and Ori registers the temporal - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - shielding as being gone Mischa@crystyl | Ori: "Temporal shielding is down!" Mischa@crystyl:"Ok you had your fun, back on the evasive" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Nethay moves to evade as the warbird fires three more chroniton torpedoes. He manages to dodge the initial attack, but the torpedoes quickly turn to track the ship. Point-defense lights up, - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - taking out two of the three torpedoes, but the third slams into one of the Latenter's four nacelles. The resulting explosion severes it completely and sends it crashing into a second nacelle, - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - inflicting heavy damage. The bridge shakes violently, sending officers stumbling or falling onto the ground as lights explode and consoles flicker Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Nethay: "I've lost helm control!" Mischa@crystyl:"Daurant, status!" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Daurant: "Upper port nacelle is lost, severe damage to lower port nacelle. Impulse and warp systems are all offline." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | On the viewscreen, the warbird closes in to finish off the now-adrift Latenter... Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | This time, it fires only two chroniton torpedoes (any more would clearly be overkill). As the torpedoes fly towards the Latenter, the Justicar swoops into view again like it did during - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - the engagement with the Elachi dreadnought. Its point defense shoots down one of the torpedoes, but misses the second. Instead, it blocks the projectile with its own hull, the torpedo passing - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - unaffected through the shields and landing on the saucer, blasting a large hole in it. The damaged Justicar turns, defiantly firing on the future warbird with all her remaining weapons as it - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - charges full speed at the warbird. A Nuhar beam fires from one of the bird's wings, stripping through the Justicar's shields, but not before the Justicar slams right into the beam's emitter Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | The resulting explosion and overload from the still firing emitter shatters the warbird's left wing, leaving it as adrift as the Latenter, but in an even worse condition as its lights flicker - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - erratically Mischa@crystyl meanwhile focuses on her own ship, "Stabilize the core, emergency shut down and eject if needed" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Daurant nods and Root steps over to the console to help, the two of them working frantically Mischa@crystyl | Ori, "Permission to decompress the port airlocks Commander!" Mischa@crystyl turns, "Justification?" Mischa@crystyl | Ori: "It should shift our momentum enough to bring functional weapon arrays to bear" Mischa@crystyl:"Evacuate and seal required sections, then proceed" she nods Mischa@crystyl | Ori takes a moment to confirm evacuation, "...all clear, decompressing deck 4 sections 3 through 12" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | As the decks decompress, the Latenter turns, bringing her functional weapons towards the damaged future warbird... Mischa@crystyl | Ori fires everything as the ship lurches around Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | The Latenter's remaining weapons batter away at the warbird and before long it crumbles and explodes under the fire. Once the flash fades away, they can see that in the background, the Romulan - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - dreadnought has lost its shields and the Everett, supported by the surviving Elachi forces, are punching numerous holes through its broad wings. As the dreadnought’s power flickers away, - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - the Elachi ships suddenly all disappear, along with all the debris they left behind Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Victoria: "We're being hailed by the Everett." Mischa@crystyl sits up straight and takes a deep breath, looking around. Her eyes briefly focus on a stray strand of miskempt hair falling across her face that she blows away from the side of her mouth, "On - Mischa@crystyl:- screen" she huffs lightly, sweeping dust and debris from the arm of her chair Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Captain S'Torien appears on the viewscreen, with Commander Al-Fasil visible on the bridge beside him Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | S'Torien: "Thanks for the assist, Latenter. I take it from your presence here that we lost this battle in another timeline, and a survivor from my ship enlisted your help?" Mischa@crystyl:"Yes, I believe there is currently another Commander Al-Fasil with one of your escape pods on our hangar deck waiting to be reintegrated" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | S'Torien nods, "Send her back, please. She'll brief me on everything once the reintegration is complete. I'm quite curious to know where you found yourself an Elachi fleet." Mischa@crystyl:"It is quite the tale Captain S'Torien, so by all means... take your time. We're not exactly going anywhere" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Glyph: "Our core is stabilized. Commander Al-Fasil's pod is requesting permission to depart." Mischa@crystyl:"Granted" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | The damaged pod emerges from the Latenter's hangar, making its way across the battlefield to the Everett Mischa@crystyl:"And good work with the core everyone, our Latenter might not be a fighter but she continues to look after us" she smiles, patting her cleared armrest Mischa@crystyl:"All personnel divert to damage control and triage" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | S'Torien: "We'll help you out with the damage. It's the least we can do after your help. Permission to beam some of my crew aboard with...equipment?" Mischa@crystyl:"As I said Captain, we're not exactly going anywhere" she smiles faintly, "Thank you. If you and Al-Fasil want to come over to debrief, or have us report to you then just say the word" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | S'Torien nods, "I'll let you know if we need anything else, but we should have the situation under control from here. Once you're repaired and ready to go on your way, we'll return you to your - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - proper place in the timeline." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | T'Bee: "The Everett has transported something over from the Romulan dreadnought to Main Engineering. They are now transporting personnel over." Mischa@crystyl:"I trust that with the Al-Fasil's put back together that you'll be able to figure out where things were set astray and restore the timeline before we are back? I would so hate to go through all that- Mischa@crystyl:- again and have it turn into a temporal loop" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | S'Torien nods, "We should have things in hand. Thank you again for your assistance, and apologies for involving you in all this. I'm sure as you have seen, repairing the timeline is in both - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - our interest." Mischa@crystyl:"Always happy to help, as is Subcommander t'Rllaillieu - who sends her regards as well" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | S'Torien smiles, then looks to his console, "I wish I could tell you more about these ships you've just faced, but unfortunately, the Temporal Prime Directive prevents me from interfering with - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - that part. For the moment, you'll just have to be satisfied with this." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Suddenly, the lights and consoles begin flickering again as broken pieces levitate, slowly flying back into place where they should be Mischa@crystyl looks around, watching with some awe as the ship rewinds Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Daurant taps his console, putting up the rear view of the Latenter from the back of the saucer, which shows the broken off nacelle drifting across space and back into position as the pieces of - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - debris around it all fall back into position. Before long, the Latenter is as good as new Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Daurant taps on his console some more, "All systems reading nominal, Commander." Mischa@crystyl smiles, "Impressive. Don't suppose you could use that trick to take a few years off the Latenter's CO too?" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | S'Torien: "I could, but that'd take away your memories as well. I have a feeling that's not quite what you're hoping for, though," he smiles back Mischa@crystyl:"Eh, was worth a shot though. I know this is the point where we must part ways Captain, and you are bound in what you can tell us. But please, if - as I believe - our active mission is being - Mischa@crystyl:influenced by temporal manipulation, first we have a right to know and second, we should work together accordingly" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | S'Torien: "I know. But as I'm sure my XO has already told you, these manipulations are supposed to happen in this particular timeline. I'd love nothing more than to repay the favour you did - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - us, and maybe one day we will. As far as your active mission goes, though...things are not what they seem. Your world is about to be turned upside down. Be prepared for that. That's all the - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - advice I can give you right now, I'm afraid. Now if you're ready, we can open up a rift to take you back to your time. Everything should be back to normal once you go through." Mischa@crystyl:"I understand Captain. Good luck fixing the timeline" she smiles and nods before the comm ends Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | The front of the Everett flares up as it generates the temporal rift Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Nethay: "I have full control of the helm again. Ready to take us through on your mark, Commander." Mischa@crystyl:"Let's get back on track. Take us through" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | The Latenter turns into the rift, disappearing through it. A few seconds later, the rift closes behind them Goto Yuzuki@anncaris FX | Fade to black
View Bonus Content
NPC@annpc#557 | After returning to their proper time and location, the crew is quickly able to verify that things are as they should be. The Latenter resumes their original mission, having lost no time thanks - NPC@annpc#557 - to being sent back to the point before meeting Commander Al-Fasil NPC@annpc#557 | As Mischa works away in the ready room shortly after their return, the doorbell sounds Mischa@crystyl:"Come in" she calls out, not looking up from her work NPC@annpc#557 | The door slides open and Acey steps in, "That was the proper social procedure, yes?" Mischa@crystyl looks up and smiles, "Yes Acey, it is good to see you making the effort to conform to social procedures" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey smiles back. "Just doing my best to blend in. That is what we do, after all," she steps over to the desk Mischa@crystyl leans back in her chair, gesturing to the empty seat, "Do sit, if you desire. What brings you up here?" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey nods and takes a seat, "A few updates you may be interested in, Commander." Mischa@crystyl:"Always good. Are we talking personal or professional updates?" she asks out of curiosity NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "Professional. Firstly, when the Everett's personnel repaired the Latenter, they reverted the vessel back to the state it was in prior to engaging in the conflict, which also means our - NPC@annpc#557 - sensor logs of the battle and the future technologies involved was lost. Fortunately, I still possess the scans I was able to conduct on the large Romulan dreadnought while evacuating you from - NPC@annpc#557 - the Mandukar." Mischa@crystyl smiles, "Glad to hear it, we need to try and figure out a means of overcoming that temporal repair feature of theirs" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "Agreed. That vessel is no longer under the control of the Tal Shiar, but I calculate a less than 3.21% chance that it was constructed by Romulans of this time period. It is most likely - NPC@annpc#557 - that the vessel itself still exists within our timeline, possibly under the control of the same people behind the vessel at Mirhassa." Mischa@crystyl:"That would be my supposition" she nods, "Even if it is not actively involved right now, I believe it likely that they may be further down the line" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "Likely. On the subject of Romulans and the dreadnought, there is something else of interest." Mischa@crystyl:"Oh?" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "They reverted the Latenter to before the battle, but after our infiltration of the Fortress Station, which means we still possess the data we retrieved. It is quite possibly the last - NPC@annpc#557 - fragments of that timeline in existence. Most of it is little more than a curiosity now as the timeline has been erased, though it is interesting to read how differently some things - NPC@annpc#557 - became, yet how similar other factors were to our own timeline." Mischa@crystyl:"It will certainly be valuable information to Starfleet from a posterity view" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "There is, however, one curious piece I discovered among the data we recovered from the Romulan station." Mischa@crystyl smiles, "These are the parts I like most" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "It appears to be a message left behind for us. Or perhaps more specifically for Commander Al-Fasil. Shall I begin playback?" Mischa@crystyl:"Hm, curious. By all means, proceed" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey flickers away and is replaced by a Romulan wearing a Tal Shiar uniform, though not the same uniform the crew witnessed in the alternate future. This uniform is a much older design, one - NPC@annpc#557:- which existed in our timeline as well. But Mischa does not only recognize the uniform, she also recognizes the face- one Colonel Rillutha t'Drallim, who Mischa knows from her studies to have been - NPC@annpc#557 - high ranking Tal Shiar leader following the Shinzon Coup up to the destruction of Romulus when she reportedly perished with the planet NPC@annpc#557 | Rillutha: "Well, hello. If you've managed to infiltrate one of our most secure military facilities just to dig through our historical data, I assume you're one of those temporal agents I've - NPC@annpc#557 - heard so much about. In which case let's skip the introductions- I take it you already know who I am. You're hoping to find information to fix your precious little timeline, aren't you? I have - NPC@annpc#557 - unfortunate news for you. You will find none of it here. I have gone to great lengths to ensure all of it is purged from all records, everywhere." NPC@annpc#557 | Acey's voice cuts in, "It is not all taunting, Commander. There is useful information, I promise." Mischa@crystyl chuckles, "Nothing like a bit of Tal Shiar posturing for good entertainment" NPC@annpc#557 | Rillutha continues as the recording resumes, "From what I hear about you, that's unlikely to dissuade you from your mission. But let me ask you this: what gives you the right to enforce one - NPC@annpc#557 - particular timeline of events for this reality? We are not manipulating time. Our future has not been written yet. All we seek to do is to change the course of events to ensure the prosperity - NPC@annpc#557 - of our people. If you learned that Sol or Vulcan would be destroyed, would you not do everything in your power to prevent it from happening? Because I know you have. This entire reality is - NPC@annpc#557 - shaped by temporal manipulation, but you never did anything to stop the Survivors, did you? Because it benefitted you. Because it saves your precious Federation. Open your eyes, agent. The - NPC@annpc#557 - people you serve are nothing but hypocrites. You are no better than any of the other factions involved in the Temporal Cold War. What you are trying to do will cause the destruction of an - NPC@annpc#557 - entire star system. The deaths of billions! Does that sound righteous to you? I thought not. The Star Empire is not perfect. I know this. In the end though, you are just like us. The only - NPC@annpc#557 - difference is that this time, we won. It is not too late. Join us, and under the wings of the raptor, we shall bring glory to the entire galaxy." NPC@annpc#557 FX | The message ends and Acey reappears Mischa@crystyl:"Ok I'll bite, what exactly within that did you feel was still pertinent?" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "The Colonel states that temporal agents 'never did anything to stop the Survivors.' Survivors is a term we have come across several times now. It also lines up with what the Everett - NPC@annpc#557 - crew has been telling us; that this future technology has been in our timeline for some time and is meant to be in the timeline, which is why they will not interfere with our mission. I do not - NPC@annpc#557 - believe she is lying if she intended the message for a temporal agent, who is likely to know the temporal situation better than her and easily detect any false claims. While her statement that - NPC@annpc#557 - this reality is shaped by temporal manipulation may be a misinterpretation of intel beyond her comprehension, she does raise an interesting point that whatever we are dealing with, it involves - NPC@annpc#557 - temporal affairs that are seemingly being permitted to happen. They are leaving us to deal with it on our own, even though we are technologically ill-equipped to do so." Mischa@crystyl:"Interpretation of the Temporal Prime Directive is a highly subjective matter. Ultimately, it serves the sole purpose of self-preservation for those in the time period where it is enforced from. - Mischa@crystyl:- There is no deviation from recorded history, for better or for worse. Everything is simply encouraged to play out as has been recorded. If that record shows there was pre-existing temporal - Mischa@crystyl:- manipulation, then it is allowed to stand. If not, well we've seen the results" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey nods, "I see. The Latenter's mission must have been recorded in the history of the Everett's timeline, then." Mischa@crystyl:"Yes, exactly" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "I understand the concept of self-preservation. It was one of the first things I learned, if you recall. Sometimes, it must come at the cost of others, as unfortunate as that may be." NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "Though I believe in this particular case, the destruction of Romulus, as heavy of a loss of life as it was, ultimately resulted in a positive change for the Romulan people going forward." Mischa@crystyl:"From what we have seen of them now, and in the future we fight to preserve, I agree. As does our resident Subcommander by all accounts, though even still I can't imagine this has been easy for her" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "Indeed. The function of the Temporal Prime Directive aside, there is one potentially useful, albeit miniscule observation from the message that is relevant to our mission." Mischa@crystyl:"And what might that be?" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "The Survivors. We were working under the impression that they may be a name or part of a name for the primarily Romulan-Reman group the Justicar is now affiliated with. From the - NPC@annpc#557 - Colonel's message, it seems the group is affiliated with the future technology, most likely the ones who originally owned this technology. We cannot yet preclude the possibility that it is - NPC@annpc#557 - also the Romulan-Reman faction, or perhaps a separate organization manipulating them from the shadows. In any case, the Survivors appear to be connected to the future vessels and quite likely - NPC@annpc#557 - their original owners." Mischa@crystyl smiles, "A very astute observation, you learn quickly" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "Yes. My ability to process and assimilate data is superior to that of organic minds." Mischa@crystyl:"Processing information, a computer can do. What you are doing is demonstrating an understanding of the nuances surrounding complex political arrangements and the impulses and behaviours of - Mischa@crystyl:- biologicals. No small feat" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey smiles, "Thank you, Commander. If I may, I have also drawn a supposition from this observation. While it is not conclusive, I calculate a 64.7% chance of it being accurate." Mischa@crystyl:"Reasonable odds, what is your theory?" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "The word 'Survivor' has three definitions within Federation Standard. One: An individual who remains following a situation in which many others fail to remain, usually but not always - NPC@annpc#557 - referring to situations of life and death. Two: An individual who is very adept at persevering where others have not, essentially the same as the first definition except in repeat - NPC@annpc#557 - circumstances. Three: A legal term similar to heir or successor, describing an individual who inherits something following the death of another. However, the Survivors have been referred to in - NPC@annpc#557 - a variety of other languages within which the corresponding word does not possess the third definition. It may be the result of a failure of translation, but if we assume that the word is - NPC@annpc#557 - properly translated, which at least the Romulan one should be given the Romulan design of the dreadnought which suggests the presence of Romulan members-" Mischa@crystyl raises a hand, "Thank you Acey, I... get the background" she smiles NPC@annpc#557 | Acey nods, "The Survivors must have survived something. Now that we believe they are likely the owners of the future vessels, it stands to reason that they travelled to our past as a result of - NPC@annpc#557 - a cataclysmic event which occurs in their future." Mischa@crystyl:"A fair assessment, unless the heritage dates back further to our timeline, or even earlier" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "If this cataclysmic event has already been prevented, then it is unlikely the Survivors are still active. It is possible that they are not, and their technology has simply fallen into - NPC@annpc#557 - the hands of an unrelated faction, as it has with the Tal Shiar in the timeline we corrected. However, the information we have gathered so far suggests the Survivors are still playing some - NPC@annpc#557 - active role in all this, or at least those operating under their name. It is also a possibility that they have shifted or strayed from their original objective." Mischa@crystyl:"Exactly yes, they might be survivors from the loss of Romulus for example. Maybe evolved and twisted over time, but still of such a historical origin which stands today still" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey nods, "Perhaps. However, the possibility remains that this refers to some cataclysm that has not yet occurred, and perhaps not yet been prevented in our own timeline. Preventing it may be - NPC@annpc#557 - their goal. That could explain the Justicar's loyalty to them. It seems unlikely that the same, or at least a very similar crew to the one we knew in the other timeline, would go rogue out of - NPC@annpc#557 - purely selfish motivations. They may believe that their actions are ultimately for the greater good." Mischa@crystyl:"Very true" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "They may not need to be eliminated or captured. They may even be a potential asset if we are able to uncover their motivations and form a convincing argument for aiding us in dismantling - NPC@annpc#557 - their group from the inside." Mischa@crystyl:"From our experiences with their alternate selves, I believe that is a possibility. I also believe that they will take an exceptional level of convincing" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "Of that I do not doubt. But you were able to convince me to stand down and join you on the Latenter. I believe your skills will be up to the task." Mischa@crystyl smiles, "I appreciate the vote of confidence" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey smiles back, "That is all the information I have to present at the moment. No major breakthroughs, but these pieces may aid us in our mission going forward." Mischa@crystyl:"Every detail is important in our line of work" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "Indeed. I shall keep you informed if any more surface, Commander." She stands Mischa@crystyl:"Thank you Acey, keep up the good work. And I don't just mean with your dissemination of the data" she smiles NPC@annpc#557 | Acey nods, "Would it be considered socially impolite to deactivate the projection here? Should I leave your view first before deactivating the avatar?" Mischa@crystyl:"There is no need to make an exit, just remember to bid someone farewell before you depart so they are not surprised by your disappearing" NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "I understand. Farewell then, Commander." She says before promptly disappearing, not giving Mischa a chance to reply Mischa@crystyl chuckles to herself, returning to her work --- NPC@annpc#557 | Shortly after the Latenter's return, Nikki is in her quarters when the doorbell rings Nikki@crystyl:"Come in" Nikki@crystyl sits on the sofa, viewing a scattering of trinkets from an open travel bag NPC@annpc#557 | The door slides open and Eso Chani, the profiler who arrived with Yuzuki, steps inside, "Hello Subcommander. What're these?" Nikki@crystyl shuffles it all aside, obscuring it from view, "Pointless reminiscing" NPC@annpc#557 | Chani nods, "I hope you don't mind me dropping by. I know I'm not particularly familiar with you, but neither is the rest of the crew I imagine, seeing as you came here from the Valley Forge." Nikki@crystyl:"A trait we share no doubt. What can I do for you?" NPC@annpc#557 | Chani: "I understand your people tend to be very private, but I wanted to check on you. May I sit down?" Nikki@crystyl gestures, "By all means" NPC@annpc#557 | Chani smiles and steps over, taking a seat on the chair opposite her, "What we had to do, resetting that timeline- it must weigh on you." Nikki@crystyl:"My people were flourishing, my home not only survived but stood at the centre of the galactic community. And I helped destroy it" NPC@annpc#557 | Chani nods, "I can't even begin to imagine how you must feel. I certainly don't have any comparable experiences, but one doesn't need to in order to have an idea of how difficult it must have - NPC@annpc#557 - been. Why did you help, in the end?" Nikki@crystyl:"The Romulan people may have been flourishing, but they were also doomed" NPC@annpc#557 | Chani: "Because of the Star Empire's ways? Or the fact that the Horde was still out there in that reality." Nikki@crystyl:"Both really. What we saw was a strong and dominating empire. Such things historically only come to fruition before they crumble. Spectacularly" NPC@annpc#557 | Chani nods, "Even if the Star Empire did manage to defeat the Horde, it would only be a matter of time before it's torn apart, either by uprisings or infighting from your classic cutthroat - NPC@annpc#557 - politics. Probably leaving the galaxy in a much worse position when that happened, assuming it is not just consumed by the Horde. That would be the best extrapolation of events based on what - NPC@annpc#557 - we saw of that timeline, so ending it is only the logical move. But your people aren't exactly known for embracing pure logic, are you?" Nikki@crystyl:"Logic has nothing to do with it. I believe passionately in my people, and so want to see them at their best" NPC@annpc#557 | Chani: "And in many ways, your people are better than they were before, in the old Star Empire or the continued Empire from that timeline. Though I suspect a part of you still wishes to see - NPC@annpc#557 - some of what we saw in that timeline come to pass- notably your home being intact and the centre of galactic civilization." Nikki@crystyl:"It would be nice, but that is nothing more than a fruitless fantasy" NPC@annpc#557 | Chani: "Well, it is technically possible, as we saw in the changed timeline. But at the cost of your people never having changed, and very likely only a temporary moment of glory before it all - NPC@annpc#557 - falls apart. Unfortunately, we cannot bring Romulus back now that we are in this timeline once again, but there is still hope for your people, as the Romulan Republic has demonstrated." Nikki@crystyl:"As I have been continually reminding myself ever since this little temporal distraction first came upon us" NPC@annpc#557 | Chani: "What the Republic managed to achieve in rebuilding your people have been nothing short of an inspiration for many others. Growing powers such as the Orion Space Navy likely would never - NPC@annpc#557 - have come to be without your example. And I expect many more will follow in your footsteps. It's not quite a galactic empire, but perhaps this sort of influence is for the better." Nikki@crystyl:"I believe it is, yes. What we lost was tragic, but what we have is irreplaceable" NPC@annpc#557 | Chani nods, "I wish there was a way for your people to come as far as you have now without losing Romulus, but from what we have seen in this other timeline, that may sadly not be possible. It - NPC@annpc#557 - is unfortunate, but sometimes a tragedy is needed to learn a lesson. Starfleet with the bolstering of our defenses after the Borg incursion, for example. And Cardassia underwent a very similar - NPC@annpc#557 - transformation at the end of the Dominion War, though it did not see destruction anywhere near as extreme as that of your home." Nikki@crystyl:"Indeed. It is what it is, and can never be anything else" NPC@annpc#557 | Chani nods, "And we have already reset the timeline. We can only look forward now and find out what is happening with the Republic and these troubling recent replacements. Ensure all your - NPC@annpc#557 - people have achieved is not for nothing." Nikki@crystyl:"Higher stakes than ever now" she nods NPC@annpc#557 | Chani smiles, "But do let me know if there's anything I or anyone else here can do for you. Other than just finishing our mission, that is. I studied Counselling before I was recruited by SFI - NPC@annpc#557 - to use my talents for profiling." Nikki@crystyl:"I will surely do so. Thank you" NPC@annpc#557 | Chani stands, "I'll leave you to your reminiscing, then. You know where to find me if you need anything." Nikki@crystyl:"I do" she nods NPC@annpc#557 | Chani turns to head out, leaving Nikki on her own. The evening passes by quickly... Nikki@crystyl eventually tires of brooding and goes to retire for the night, setting down a glass of mostly drunk Romulan ale on the counter as she passes NPC@annpc#557 | When she steps into her bedroom, she finds something on her bed. It is a long roll of cloth wrapped and tied by a rope, with a PADD sitting beside it. One clearly not originating from the - NPC@annpc#557 - Latenter, but instead looking like the ones Al-Fasil used when Nikki worked with her in the escape pod Nikki@crystyl 's eyes narrow on the foreign objects with suspicion, looking around the room before approaching and investigating NPC@annpc#557 | Everything else in the room seems to be normal, save for the wrapped cloth bundle and the PADD leaning on it Nikki@crystyl takes the PADD first NPC@annpc#557 | The PADD contains a single message written in Romulan: "To Nikee ir-Fethraie t'Rllaillieu. Thank you for your help. What you had to do must have been extraordinarily difficult. Even after all - NPC@annpc#557 - my training and experience, I still find such decisions painful. I cannot even think how much more that pain would be amplified for one whose destruction of the homeworld is still fresh in - NPC@annpc#557 - living memory. Yet you still did what you needed to do, what was ultimately best for the galaxy. I had to call in a few favours, but it would not be right to leave you empty-handed. Allow me - NPC@annpc#557 - to present the Debrune Teral'n. I expect you are familiar with its history. It was a symbol of the old Praetors until shortly after the Hobus incident, when it was seized by and subsequently - NPC@annpc#557 - lost with Nero. I've calculated that its return will make no meaningful change to the timeline. So it is yours now, Nikee. Signed, S'Torien tr'Vocius, Commanding Officer, U.T.S. Everett." Nikki@crystyl lowers the PADD and stares at the bundle almost fearfully before tentatively unfolding it to see for herself NPC@annpc#557 | Inside, she finds precisely what the PADD describes... NPC@annpc#557 FX | https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/memoryalpha/images/8/83/Teral%27n.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20090513011658&path-prefix=en Nikki@crystyl stares with a mix of awe and disbelief at the sight of such a legendary lost artifact of her people, and their leadership no less - just laying there on her bed. She dares herself to take it in - Nikki@crystyl:- hand and hold up to study it more closely, savouring the experience briefly before looking back down at the PADD and muttering, "If I find out this is part of the Commander's conspiracy to - Nikki@crystyl:- position me as Empress, we will be having words" NPC@annpc#557 | The PADD flickers, and another line of text appears in place of the message: "P.S. I would have given you the Sword of S'task due to its use by your ancestor, Empress Ael t'Rllaillieu, but - NPC@annpc#557 - that would affect the timeline. Spoilers." NPC@annpc#557 | The PADD promptly disappears, but the artifact remains Nikki@crystyl eyerolls, "...smartarse..."
