ST:SoD119 | "The Kratt Crisis Pt. I"

Stardate 99119.4

While the Valley Forge prepares for the Kratt's next move, the Aethon conducts a stealth mission behind enemy lines to find a way to stop the attack before it begins...

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NPC@annpc#557 | A few days into Aethon's trip, Rianni is called down to a room in the lower levels of the small stealth ship Rianni@crystyl pokes her head in, looking around, "Is... this the room I am looking for?" NPC@annpc#557 | Rianni notices that the room has been set up into a small office. Jatila's head pokes out from behind the desk, "Yes you are. Come on in, Rianni." Rianni@crystyl steps in and smiles, "Nice to see you have made yourself at home" NPC@annpc#557 | Jatila smiles back and makes her way to her chair, "I asked the engineers what room they could spare, and this was the best I could do. It's not much, but it's more privacy than you normally - NPC@annpc#557 - get on this ship." Rianni@crystyl:"Very true. May I?" she gestures to a seat opposite NPC@annpc#557 | Jatila: "Of course. Actually I was looking to offer you all this when I'm not working. There's no ready room on the Aethon. That's how I talked the engineers into letting me use the area in - NPC@annpc#557 - the first place," she chuckles Rianni@crystyl sits, "A ready room? I'm not sure I would know what to do with it..." she chuckles, "But thank you for the consideration!" NPC@annpc#557 | Jatila: "Well, not quite a ready room since this is nowhere near the bridge, but I thought the commanding officer could use an office to meet with crewmembers in private when it's prudent. Or - NPC@annpc#557 - just a quiet place to do some administrative work. Aethon won't generally have a Counselling specialist assigned, but a room like this can still be useful." Rianni@crystyl:"I guess so" she nods, "We never had such luxuries the last time I was for any duration, and everything since then was just quick mission outings at the Heart. It is... still very surreal in many - Rianni@crystyl:- ways" NPC@annpc#557 | Jatila nods, "This ship's already spartan enough. I can only imagine the conditions you had to live in on your first journey, when you were low on power and had to close off half the decks." Rianni@crystyl:"It was quite the ordeal for everyone. Fortunately, we got out of it while everyone was still in the 'this is novel, let's band together and get through it' stage. I don't know what I'd have done had Rianni@crystyl:- we reached the 'I'm sick of all of you around me' stage" NPC@annpc#557 | Jatila: "That's certainly fortunate. Interpersonal conflicts are a problem even on full-sized cruisers with plenty of space for everyone. That's one of the reasons Starfleet began posting us - NPC@annpc#557 - on almost all vessels." Rianni@crystyl:"I had a lot of dealings with the starbase counselling team in the past, but very little with the previous Valley Forge team. Well, no more than average. Well, not much more..." NPC@annpc#557 | Jatila smiles, "Given your history I'm not surprised you've spent a significant amount of time with Counselling. But we've talked about all that before on the Valley Forge already. How'd you - NPC@annpc#557 - feel getting back in command of the Aethon again? Other than having access to more luxuries than before." Rianni@crystyl chuckles, "Ever since that first troubled mission here, this ship has been special to me. So it always brings a smile when I come back on board" NPC@annpc#557 | Jatila: "I'm glad to hear that. You've brought back quite a few of the original crew you had on that mission, haven't you?" Rianni@crystyl:"Yes. Though they are more junior officers than the roles they serve here-" she smiles, "-that seems to be a theme for us on this ship. But after all we went through here, I promised myself that I - Rianni@crystyl:- would reward their exceptional work during that mission by getting them more exposure to things like the bridge roles they served here, as it made for an opportunity some of them may never - Rianni@crystyl:- otherwise get" NPC@annpc#557 | Jatila nods, "Good thinking. That's how you first came into command of the Aethon, wasn't it? To get some command experience on this ship while you were travelling back." Rianni@crystyl nods, "That's right. We were escorting the ship back to the Heart after it was recovered from the Horde. Since the primary mission was complete and it was simply a case of accompanying the Valley - Rianni@crystyl:- Forge home at warp, it was deemed a suitable 'next step' for my command training, since we still had the Captain and everyone else to hand. It was supposed to be no different in reality to when I - Rianni@crystyl:- pick up the night shifts on the bridge" NPC@annpc#557 | Jatila: "Of course, you didn't expect things to go wrong, but fortunately no one was hurt through the experience. And now you have the added benefit of knowing how to command this ship better - NPC@annpc#557 - than anyone as well." Rianni@crystyl:"We got to know the ship very intimately owing to the close quarters and having to strip everything back - another reason why I wanted to bring some of that same crew back. But it is different ship - Rianni@crystyl:- now in many ways; systems overhauled with Coalition standard combinations, and of course a full crew of many species - some of whom I am very unfamiliar with" NPC@annpc#557 | Jatila: "I'll do my best to make sure everyone gets along well here. And if there's any cultural differences you're not sure about, I'll do my best to work it out with you, since I'll be - NPC@annpc#557 - working closely with them as well. I can't share any personal details, of course, but I can help advise you on general cultural subjects and how to get everyone to cooperate well." Rianni@crystyl:"That is why I was glad you were willing to come along!" NPC@annpc#557 | Jatila smiles, "Working with different ships and different crews is a bit of a specialty of mine now. Though all the Coalition species I'm less familiar with is a unique challenge, but it's - NPC@annpc#557 - always a good idea to challenge oneself from time to time." Rianni@crystyl:"I doubt there will be much, but if I can return the favour and help you acclimatize to some of these species then I will be all too happy to do so! I don't many well - certainly no better than you - Rianni@crystyl:- now I bet - but some, like the Lupan, I have established a strong understanding with for a very long time now" NPC@annpc#557 | Jatila: "Yes, I heard you were quite familiar with the Lupan. The word is aside from the Klingons, no one else gets along with them as well as you do," she chuckles Rianni@crystyl chuckles, "So there's a 'word' about me now? I'm not sure if I should feel complimented or concerned" NPC@annpc#557 | Jatila: "There's rumours about everyone. For an officer as accomplished as yourself, that's only to be expected. You're lucky to be famous, not infamous." Rianni@crystyl:"I suppose there is that. I think I'll leave the infamy to the me from the mirror universe" she laughs, "But in this case, the 'word' may not be inaccurate. I can't profess to know them well by many- Rianni@crystyl:- measures. But I've trained with their Elders, learned about their culture and society, and participated in proud rituals of theirs" NPC@annpc#557 | Jatila: "That's more insight than most Starfleet officers have. I've worked with a few people from so-called warrior cultures, and despite our tendency to put them together in a category due - NPC@annpc#557 - to their similar attitudes towards conflict, they generally tend to be quite different. And you certainly don't want to make mistakes when dealing with such aggressive cultures." NPC@annpc#557 | Rianni's combadge chirps Rianni@crystyl opens her mouth to reply but raises a hand in apology while tapping her combadge with the other, "Tierno" NPC@annpc#557 | <C - Vusal> ”Captain. We are detecting Kratt ships on long-range sensors." Rianni@crystyl:<C> "Continue monitoring, I'm on my way" NPC@annpc#557 | Jatila smiles, "No worries, do what you need to do, Captain." Rianni@crystyl:"It was good catching up with you" she stands, "Hopefully we get plenty more opportunities. But for now, duty calls" she smiles, heading out NPC@annpc#557 | On the bridge, the crew is hard at work on the consoles Rianni@crystyl steps onto the bridge a short time later, "So, what exactly have we got?" NPC@annpc#557 | Veladria: "Twenty-one Kratt vessels on long-range sensors, Captain. Judging by their current course and the suspected borders of Kratt space, they're heading outside their territory into - NPC@annpc#557 - former Horde space." NPC@annpc#557 | Suhani: "Another invasion fleet, most likely." Rianni@crystyl joins Valadria as she listens, glancing back to Suhani with a nod, "Just like the one the Trinity encountered. Do we have any data on Coalition activity or plans in that region?" NPC@annpc#557 | Dunishai Ops Officer: "Affirmative. It appears another Starfleet vessel is intended to survey that region, but they've not yet arrived as they're still conducting a survey in an area closer to - NPC@annpc#557 - the Heart." Rianni@crystyl turns, "Can you get a covert message back to them, warning them about the Kratt fleet?" NPC@annpc#557 | The ops officer taps his console before nodding, "We are still close enough to the comm buoy to deploy a covert message. I will notify them of the Kratt's movements." Rianni@crystyl:"Then please do so and provide all available data on fleet composition, course and speed" NPC@annpc#557 | Ops Officer: "Understood." NPC@annpc#557 | Lupan Helmsman: "Should we hold position to observe the fleet?" Rianni@crystyl takes her seat, "We'll keep monitoring the fleet as long as we're in range, but unless we something that warrants deviation from our mission then we've already done all we can in sending the - Rianni@crystyl:- warning" NPC@annpc#557 | Veladria nods, "I'll collect all the data we can and inform you once they've left sensor range." Rianni@crystyl:"Thank you" NPC@annpc#557 | Suhani: "I doubt we'll find anything new from this travelling fleet, but I do hope there's something where we're going to shed light on all this." Rianni@crystyl:"The Silverblood there seem to have some kind of connection with the Kratt. I would be very surprised if they knew less than we do" NPC@annpc#557 | Vusal nods, "A logical assumption. We will have to see for ourselves whether the knowledge they possess will help us resolve this crisis, but they are our best chances of doing so without - NPC@annpc#557 - further violent confrontation at the moment." Rianni@crystyl:"Which is exactly why I don't want to divert and delay our arrival unless absolutely necessary" --- NPC@annpc#557 | On the Valley Forge, Keelah is in her ready room while many of the engineering teams work on restoring the alternate universe Defiant. The battered Constitution refit is visible outside the - NPC@annpc#557 - window, the hull still damaged, but better off than before. Nuhar drones can be seen swarming around it as they perform repairs, assisted by a few organic engineers walking across the hull in - NPC@annpc#557 - suits as well as several yellow work bees Keelah@crystyl sits on the sofa, relaxed and sipping tea with an occasional glance out whilst reviewing historical logs surrounding the ship NPC@annpc#557 | As Keelah relaxes, her combadge chirps Keelah@crystyl takes another sip of her tea before tapping, "Se'Lai". Her manner giving a solid reminder of where Rianni is getting her own habits from NPC@annpc#557 <C - TQ> "Captain, we have a communication from Admiral Torin coming through the comm buoy." Keelah@crystyl:<C> “Thank you Tee, patch her through in here please" she steps over to the desk and settles back, cradling her drink NPC@annpc#557 | A few seconds later, Enelya appears on Keelah's console, dressed in her uniform, "Captain. I hope repairs are proceeding well on the Defiant?" Keelah@crystyl:"Yes Admiral, everything is proceeding on schedule" NPC@annpc#557 | Enelya: "Good. The USS Starseeker received an encrypted message from the Aethon not long ago warning them of yet another Kratt fleet which seems to be headed towards a region they're tasked - NPC@annpc#557 - with surveying. That's the third group we know of now, in addition to the one observed by the Trinity and the one you encountered." Keelah@crystyl:"It is a shame the Kratt insisted on staying out of the Horde conflict. With such numbers they could have made a real difference" NPC@annpc#557 | Enelya nods, "I believe the Coalition had plans to get them involved, but weren't able to carry out a followup mission to yours quickly enough. Anyways, we can't change what's already happened - NPC@annpc#557 - but we can do our best to prevent loss of life now." Keelah@crystyl:"I am all for that, but remain at a loss as to what we can do here at present. Though I must surmise that you didn't call simply to catch up on current affairs and have fresh orders for us to - Keelah@crystyl:- achieve this goal?" NPC@annpc#557 | Enelya: "That's correct, Captain. Judging by the information you recovered from the Defiant and the location of the Corporate colony that was attacked, the Widhar System is most likely the - NPC@annpc#557 - next to be in danger. The areas the Trinity and Starseeker are at don't have any life, so we don't need to worry about evacuations there. The Coalition ships that participated in the - NPC@annpc#557 - last evacuation are heading to Widhar, along with some additional reinforcements the Iconians and Junayd will help send through. If you can get the Defiant repaired in time, regroup with them - NPC@annpc#557 - there. If you get there early enough and the Kratt aren't an immediate threat, the Widhari are offering their facilities to help with work on the ship." Keelah@crystyl:"A most considerate gesture. We'll get her warp capable as a priority then make our way there in that case" NPC@annpc#557 | Enelya: "There's one other order of business. It's much less important in the grand scheme of things, but you may as well get it done given the extensive repair work." Keelah@crystyl perks a brow, "A curious pitch Admiral. Consider me intrigued" NPC@annpc#557 | Enelya chuckles, "Trust me, it's less interesting than I made it sound. More annoying, really. You see, when we tried to submit your report into the database, the systems got confused because - NPC@annpc#557 - the NCC-1764 is a closed case. We don't have dossiers for alternate versions of ships from other universes, so it reopened the case. That wasn't too bad, we just added a section about the - NPC@annpc#557 - alternate version under the dossier- that's what we do for information on all alternate versions of starships in our universe. But when you decided to keep it, we needed to make a new dossier - NPC@annpc#557 - since it's not the same ship as the NCC-1764." Keelah@crystyl:"Are you saying you want to formally recommission it under a new designation?" NPC@annpc#557 | Enelya nods, "My assistant cleverly got around the registry issue by creating the dossier under NCC-1764-A, which has never been taken. The problem is, the name Defiant /is/ still in use in - NPC@annpc#557 - the fleet and the system's linking everything to do with your Defiant here to the one attached to DS9. I got a message in the middle of the night from the head of computer operations on - NPC@annpc#557 - Vulcan, who says he received a message in the middle of the night from a very annoyed Captain Kira complaining about a computer bug that's sending her notifications on an unrelated ship - NPC@annpc#557 - halfway across the galaxy." Keelah@crystyl:"Oh my, I had no idea the middle of the night was such a busy time" she jests dryly, "But I do sympathise with the problem, so please relay my apologies to Captain Kira" NPC@annpc#557 | Enelya chuckles, "Oh it's because of time differences on that side of Vulcan compared to standard fleet time. I'll relay your apologies and explain the situation to her. Out of recoding the - NPC@annpc#557 - way the database works and recommissioning one ship, it's much easier to recommission. I've already contacted the Commissioning Board. They've set aside the registry 101764. As for the name, - NPC@annpc#557 - they've given your crew the honours. You can choose anything that isn't already in use around the fleet." Keelah@crystyl smiles, "A rare honour. And a welcome distraction from rising tensions. Thank you, Admiral." NPC@annpc#557 | Enelya smiles back, "I thought it might be. Well, I look forward to seeing what you and your crew come up with." Keelah@crystyl:"As do I, Admiral" NPC@annpc#557 | Enelya nods her farewell before ending the transmission Keelah@crystyl hrms and smiles, sipping her tea again before opening an intercom to Kelly, "Kelly, could you join me in the ready room?" NPC@annpc#557 | <C - Kelly> "I'm on my way." NPC@annpc#557 | A few minutes later, Kelly rings the doorbell to the ready room Keelah@crystyl:"Come in" NPC@annpc#557 | Kelly steps into the room, "Captain," she glances out the window. "I'm guessing this is about a tweak to the Defiant's repairs? Or the schedule and roster of the repair teams?" Keelah@crystyl:"Something like that" she nods, "I just got off the comm with Admiral Torin" NPC@annpc#557 | Kelly takes a seat, "The admiral? It's not like her to get personally involved in repair details." Keelah@crystyl:"Indeed, but this is more about prioritization. The Aethon detected another Kratt fleet on the move, so we've been tasked to join a relief effort heading for the Widhari, since they believe that is - Keelah@crystyl:- a likely next target based on this latest development. How much longer do you need to get the Defiant warp capable again?" NPC@annpc#557 | Kelly: "With the drones and Mia's expertise, we've made good progress. The warp drive itself can be ready in eight hours, but we need to reinforce the structural integrity of the warp nacelle - NPC@annpc#557 - pylons. Give us a day and it should be safe to take her to warp." Keelah@crystyl:"Alright, then that is our plan. It may not be pretty on arrival, but it will be functional. And if we can get her there soon enough, they have offered to provide use of their facilities to fully - Keelah@crystyl:- run the repairs-" she smiles, "-and the new liveries" NPC@annpc#557 | Kelly blinks, "New liveries?" Keelah@crystyl:"The ship's registry details have caused some... inconsistencies to occur in the fleet database. Long story short, I ended up relaying an apology to Captain Kira back on DS9 for all the inconvenient- Keelah@crystyl:- update data that was getting routed in error to her command. The Admiral has provided details for a new registry, so she can be recommissioned into service" NPC@annpc#557 | Kelly: "Oh, because the modern Defiant is still in service at DS9! I can see how the database might get confused. What name and registry is she going to receive?" Keelah@crystyl:"Rather than simply adding a suffix letter, which would only continue the confused history of all ships named Defiant, this one will be re-registered under 101764. As for the name..." she smiles, - Keelah@crystyl:- "That is up to us" NPC@annpc#557 | Kelly: "We get to choose a name for the ship? Well, that's new." Keelah@crystyl:"Yes, it came as quite the surprise. Normalling the commissioning board strictly regulates the process, but these are extenuating circumstances and so - since there is no established convention to - Keelah@crystyl:- maintain - the honour has been passed to us as the ones who found her. The only criteria is not to present any choice which conflicts with current registries at all" NPC@annpc#557 | Kelly nods, "We could open this for the senior staff to discuss at the next meeting, or even the entire crew. Give everyone something to think about other than the situation at hand, after - NPC@annpc#557 - everything that happened at the colony." Keelah@crystyl smiles, "That was my first thought too. I think it will provide a welcome distraction for everyone once we get underway" NPC@annpc#557 | Kelly smiles as well, "I think it would be most involved if we allowed the crew to suggest names. We can choose the most promising candidates from among them, ones that don't conflict and - NPC@annpc#557 - sound fitting for a Starfleet ship, and then let the crew vote out of these options." Keelah@crystyl:"Yes, I think that will work nicely" NPC@annpc#557 | Kelly: "I'll tell Mia to spread the word when I head back over to the Defiant," she glances out the window again. "Now we're going to have to get used to calling her something different soon, - NPC@annpc#557 - aren't we. That won't be awkward at all..." she chuckles --- Istar@anncaris | Later, as the Aethon resumes course for Ha-at, Veladria (or Adria to most people who know her) enjoys a meal in the mess hall Emma Ralde@crystyl strolls in, making for a replicator Istar@anncaris | Veladria waves at Emma when she seems likely to catch the gesture Emma Ralde@crystyl turns with a tray in hand and smiles, heading over, "Hey Adria, room for a little one?” Istar@anncaris | Veladria smiles back, "Of course, Emma. And you're not that little. True, I'm taller, but you're much older," she smirks Emma Ralde@crystyl hrms, "Well don't write me off to matriarchy just yet" and chuckles Istar@anncaris | Veladria: "Hey, you have the experience /and/ the good looks. Best of both worlds there, isn't it?" Emma Ralde@crystyl:"I'm pretty sure we've had this conversation before" she looks around, faux-startled, "Goddess! We must be stuck in a temporal loop" and smirks Istar@anncaris | Veladria laughs, "Given the situations Starfleet tends to encounter, I wouldn't be surprised. Or perhaps you had a very similar conversation with someone else. Many people here and on the - Istar@anncaris - Valley Forge know about you, right?" Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Yes, I think it's pretty much common knowledge around here these days" Istar@anncaris | Veladria: "That didn't use to be the case, though? Were many people aware of your situation before you joined the Valley Forge?" Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Not at all, in fact it was a closely guarded secret. But... there have always been periods in my life where my condition became apparent to those around me, normally closely followed by a - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- convenient reassignment or retirement" Istar@anncaris | Veladria nods, "That must not have been easy, changing identities so often." Emma Ralde@crystyl shrugs, "You'd be surprised. It was harder at first when I naturally grew more attached to everyone around me. But as the cycle went on I learned to remain distant, so even when I did get close to - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- people, moving on and parting ways amicably was often less traumatic for all concerned than continuing on as I am whilst watching them slowly grow old and infermed" Istar@anncaris | Veladria: "I suppose if you avoid attachments, it becomes less difficult. But over all those years, you've had the same appearance, haven't you? I hear something about some of the Tabadin - Istar@anncaris - recognizing you." Emma Ralde@crystyl nods, "Yes, I may have miscalculated when following the colonial resettlement out to join the Arshai. I thought that would put at least a couple of lifetimes between me and the Circle. But... the - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- Goddess had other ideas it seems!" Istar@anncaris | Veladria smiles, "Well, it all seems to be working out for you. You're here and respected among both Colonial and Space Navy Orions, and no one's written you off to matriarchy and insisted you - Istar@anncaris - sit on the Circle yet!" Emma Ralde@crystyl:"I think those who know me well enough to think about asking, know me well enough not to ask" she laughs Istar@anncaris | Veladria laughs as well, "Speaking of which, I did want to ask you something. Unrelated to matriarchy," she grins Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Well that's a relief. I hope! What's on your mind?" Istar@anncaris | Veladria: "Well, I heard you were on that old cruiser the Valley Forge discovered. I haven't seen it yet, since the Aethon was called directly to the colony to assist with the defense, but I'm - Istar@anncaris - told it was an alternate reality version of a late 23rd century Constitution, like the original Enterprise?" Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Technically, yes. But it is from a reality where the Horde conflict occurred during that time frame. And so technologically, they are far more advanced than the equivalent ships of our own era. - Emma Ralde@crystyl:-You could compare it perhaps more to the constitution refits that followed the iconic era, just mixed in with alien tech like Nuhar drones and all" Istar@anncaris | Veladria: "An interesting ship. I take it you went on board due to your familiarity with the ships and technology of that time? Or well, the time that followed that era, which you also - Istar@anncaris - experienced." Emma Ralde@crystyl nods, "Yes, that particular ship was a lot like my one brief stint as a senior officer" Istar@anncaris | Veladria: "Really? I heard you held a senior rank once in Starfleet. Was it a Constitution of our own timeline?" Emma Ralde@crystyl shakes her head, "An Excelsior" Istar@anncaris | Veladria: "Oh! That's closer in technology to this alternate Constitution we have here though I assume? Given the Excelsior's increased warp capabilities and all." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Don't get me wrong, I've not exactly drilled into the technical specs. But in broad strokes, I'd say so yes" Istar@anncaris | Veladria nods, "What about the interior? Did it feel familiar, like going back to an old ship you were on from a long time ago, or was it significantly different because of the origin?" Emma Ralde@crystyl:"It was... sort of somewhere in between. I don't know, it's a bit strange really. It had a certain familiarity, but was just different enough to also feel completely alien" Istar@anncaris | Veladria nods, "I think I know the feeling. It's like an old home that changed quite a bit when you were gone." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"That sounds like the voice of experience" Istar@anncaris | Veladria smiles, "It was similar when I left Narris to obtain some experience with Starfleet. And eight years later, we had made significant progress. Everything was still familiar, many of - Istar@anncaris - the structures and the general layout was identical. It was the same place at the core, but quite different on the surface." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"That is indeed what it was like. I never got to see much of Narris in that time, what was it like - seeing it develop like that?" Istar@anncaris | Veladria: "I suppose...hopeful is the best word to describe it. You have to see what we've done with the place yourself." Emma Ralde@crystyl smiles, "Since the OSN fleet joined us out here, I have been hearing a lot about the progress there and it does make me keen to see it again" Istar@anncaris | Veladria smiles back, "It would be my pleasure to give you a tour when we get back there." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Then it will be something to look forward to! What about the old homeworld - I keep hearing whispers that the Circle are getting closer to making their long promised push to reclaim it" Istar@anncaris | Veladria: "That we are, at least from what I last heard. The difficult part won't even be taking it- the Syndicate's all but finished. It'll be harder to repair all the damage that's been done - Istar@anncaris - and try to restore its former environment. Pushing the tattered remains of Syndicate cells squabbling for power there, we can do right now, especially with the Klingons having stopped - Istar@anncaris - protecting them. But the Circle wants it to be a statement, so they're waiting until we have the capacity not just to retake, but to truly reclaim." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Now that will certainly be something to see" Istar@anncaris | Veladria: "That's actually a big part of why they're throwing so much support into the reclamation effort in Horde space. It's like test trials for our plans for the homeworld." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Interesting. When we get back to the Heart I'll have to pay more attention to those reclamations then" --- NPC@annpc#557 | Crystyl makes her way through the lower decks of the Valley Forge, which is emptier than usual due to the number of people working on the Defiant repairs NPC@annpc#557 | As she strolls down the halls, Katie steps out from a nearby room. She immediately spots Crystyl in the otherwise empty hall and waves Crystyl@crystyl pauses and turns with a smile, "Katie, fancy seeing you here" NPC@annpc#557 | Katie smiles back, "Just doing some maintenance on the transporter systems. Got to make sure everything's safe with people beaming back and forth quite regularly from the Defiant these days." Crystyl@crystyl:"No rest for the wicked, of course" NPC@annpc#557 | Katie: "So, where're you headed?" Crystyl@crystyl:"Just running a few errands. I've picked up some of the Captain's admin work so that Mia can focus more time on the Defiant" NPC@annpc#557 | Katie: "Ahh yes, I imagine her expertise is needed more there. I'll walk with you, this is the last task on my list for this shift so I don't have anywhere I need to get to in a hurry." Crystyl@crystyl:"Sounds good!" NPC@annpc#557 | Katie follows along beside Crystyl, "Speaking of the Defiant, have you heard about the whole name change business yet?" Crystyl@crystyl chuckles, brandishing one of her carried PADD's, "A key highlight on today's rounds for everyone!" NPC@annpc#557 | Katie smiles, "Oh, you're the one spreading the news! I heard about it from Kelly during one of the times she came through the transporter while I was operating." Crystyl@crystyl:"Yes, and she was the one who gave me the orders that it's been opened to the whole crew to volunteer suggestions. Good news always travels fast" she laughs NPC@annpc#557 | Katie laughs as well, "That it does! So do you have any suggestions yourself?" Crystyl@crystyl:"Everything I come up with is either already taken or just personally meaningful and not fitting. You?" NPC@annpc#557 | Katie: "Nothing specific, I'm no expert with names, but I did have some general ideas." Crystyl@crystyl:"Well I'm here to bounce them off if you want to whittle down the options before putting one forward!" NPC@annpc#557 | Katie: "I'm not sure what their name was, but if it isn't taken by another ship, we could name it in honour of the former captain of the Defiant. Their Defiant, that is. Though I think the - NPC@annpc#557 - same ship also had a similar fate in our universe, right?" Crystyl@crystyl:"I think so, yeah" NPC@annpc#557 | Katie: "We could also name it after the captain of our Defiant, if it was a different person. And if their name also isn't already taken." Crystyl@crystyl:"My best idea so far was to call it the Sau Paulo, after the ship that the current Defiant was initially commissioned as before it got renamed as the Defiant" Crystyl@crystyl:"But naming ships for past Captains in a time honoured tradition, so if those haven't been used already then they could indeed be fitting choices for this ship!" NPC@annpc#557 | Katie: "Your idea's pretty good as well! Though I think it's more likely to already be taken. Sao Paolo's a place on Earth, isn't it?" Crystyl@crystyl:"Yes, which is why it isn't a great idea!" she laughs NPC@annpc#557 | Katie laughs, "It's a good name, though, and with good meaning behind it!" Crystyl@crystyl:"These are all better than some of those I've heard so far. I mean just look at this from Daz - 'Shippy McShipface'..." she sighs and chuckles NPC@annpc#557 | Katie chuckles, "I suppose we should've expected some joke names to come along." Crystyl@crystyl:"Oh they get better! How about this one, the Essess" NPC@annpc#557 | Katie: "USS Essess would be an interesting name to say. At least it's certainly not taken by another ship!" Crystyl@crystyl:"Not taken by another ship, or taken seriously" she laughs, "Oh how about this one-" reading through the PADD, "- The 'Shadow of Death'. Kind of poetic, and symbolically linked to the Forge. But-" Crystyl@crystyl:- she chuckles, "-who in their right mind would ever call something 'Shadow of Death' and expect something good out of it, right?" NPC@annpc#557 | Katie: "Yeah...I think anyone who got assigned to a ship with that name would just immediately request a transfer." Crystyl@crystyl chuckles, "Your not wrong! We're getting a lot of nice sounding Orion suggestions, but I think the OSN would be annoyed if we took one of their names before they got to use it. Aww, and someone - Crystyl@crystyl:- actually suggested 'The T'Keel' too!" NPC@annpc#557 | Katie smiles, "That's very sweet! But are we even allowed to name ships after people who are still in service? There's ships like USS Kirk and USS Archer, but none of them were commissioned - NPC@annpc#557 - when their namesakes were still in active duty." Crystyl@crystyl:"Possible" she nods, "Besides, I've still got it in the pool that T'Pia names the first Coalition cruiser after her mother!" NPC@annpc#557 | Katie: "That's a good point! I wonder if they're going to have some kind of name suggestion process from people who worked on the project..." Crystyl@crystyl:"Maybe. But you can see the mess we've got here already, just imagine what that'll be like with all the different species and people involved!" NPC@annpc#557 | Katie chuckles, "That's a good point. If they give it an Arshai name, that could be...interesting. Actually, Arshai names aren't that hard, it's just that they tend to include multiple titles - NPC@annpc#557 - with them if I'm remembering right. But the given name itself's usually pretty simple like Mana." Crystyl@crystyl:"True, maybe we'll find something in the more exotic suggestions here" NPC@annpc#557 | Katie: "Now that's a thought as well. Could ask the representatives we have on board for ideas! If only the Aethon was around, we'd have a lot more Coalition personnel to ask, but they did - NPC@annpc#557 - transfer a few of their crew here." Crystyl@crystyl:"We'll see if they put in any suggestions too!" NPC@annpc#557 | Katie: "I wonder which of their suggestions would fit the Defiant, though it is making use of some Coalition technologies, so it could be fitting..." NPC@annpc#557 | Katie: "Speaking of the Coalition and local suggestions, that gave me another thought." Crystyl@crystyl:"Ooh, do tell!" NPC@annpc#557 | Katie: "It could be an option to recommission the Defiant in honour of one of the Starfleet ships that was lost in the Heart. There's a number of cases where a new ship was commissioned with - NPC@annpc#557 - the name of a ship that had just recently been lost." Crystyl@crystyl:"Another good potential idea!" NPC@annpc#557 | Katie smiles, "They're already Starfleet ship names, so we don't have to worry about whether they're fitting or not for a Starfleet ship. I wonder if we're going to have to ask for permission - NPC@annpc#557 - though, in case they're planning to commission a lettered version of one of those ships. Like the Valley Forge is for the one lost to the Dominion." Crystyl@crystyl:"Yes, whatever name we end up putting forward will still have to be accepted by the Commissioning Board, so is always out to being overruled if they have knowledge of other plans it would conflict - Crystyl@crystyl:- with" NPC@annpc#557 | Katie nods, "True, they'll have to look it over anyways, so we could choose one of the ships that was lost in the battle and let them finalize it." Crystyl@crystyl:"If you want, I can get you a list of all those ships to see if any jump out at you" NPC@annpc#557 | Katie: "Oh yes, that would be very helpful, thank you! You're welcome to use my idea and suggest any names you like on that list as well." Crystyl@crystyl:"I appreciate it Katie, thanks. But I think I'll keep trying to come up with different ideas just to mix things up!" NPC@annpc#557 | Katie nods, "We could always use more options! More serious options, at least, but more joke ones could be amusing to hear too," she chuckles Crystyl@crystyl:"They do make these rounds more interesting!" NPC@annpc#557 | Katie: "That they certainly do! I'm sure some of the senior officers will have a good laugh at them as well." Crystyl@crystyl:"I'll try to encourage a few just to make sure of it!" NPC@annpc#557 | Katie glances at Crystyl, "Diiiid you already encourage a few? Or are some of these secretly your own joke names?" she grins Crystyl@crystyl:"I can neither confirm or deny such speculation" she smirks --- NPC@annpc#557 | Some time later into the Aethon's journey, Rianni is called to the bridge as the ship nears Ha-at, the location of Hades' archive Rianni@crystyl steps onto the bridge, "Any sign of activity yet?" NPC@annpc#557 | Veladria: "Nothing yet, Captain. Sensors aren't picking up Kratt or ships of any kind in the system." NPC@annpc#557 | Vusal: "All readings seem to correspond to the sensor data from our last visit." Rianni@crystyl takes her seat, "Let's make for standard orbit, one step at a time today I think" NPC@annpc#557 | Helm: "Settling into orbit now." NPC@annpc#557 | The image of the demon world slowly comes into view on the viewscreen NPC@annpc#557 FX | https://i.imgur.com/dLE5as3.jpg Rianni@crystyl:"Let's get a full scan of the surface first, and someone should probably go and wake up Sin." NPC@annpc#557 | Veladria: "On it," she glances to Emma across the bridge. "You think it'll work if you just comm her?" Rianni@crystyl | Emma shakes her head and stands, "No, she'll just ignore it. I'll got do it the old fashioned way" NPC@annpc#557 | Suhani: "Good luck. Hope she doesn't telekinetically throw you out or something," she chuckles Rianni@crystyl | Emma: "She'd better not!" she chuckles, poking Rianni in the arm as she passes, "Either way, you owe me one" Rianni@crystyl smiles, "Noted" NPC@annpc#557 | Veladria: "Surface scans also match up with previous scans. Everything seems normal on the surface. Well, normal for a demon planet." Rianni@crystyl:"Can you identify the silverblood chamber entrance?" NPC@annpc#557 | Veladria nods, "I see it. Even without the special cloaking artifact it's not easy to find, but fortunately I've got the data from the last visit to compare. I can't confirm that everything's - NPC@annpc#557 - as it should be inside the caverns, but the entrance is still in the same place and there's no sign of any disturbance." Rianni@crystyl:"What about technology or energy signatures? I feel obliged to start with a cursory hail but that seems fruitless if they don't have any receiver" NPC@annpc#557 | Veladria: "The radiation and mineral composition's preventing me from getting a detailed scan. Last time, the thunderbolt produced so strong of an energy signature that without the cloak, the - NPC@annpc#557 - natural concealment wasn't enough to hide it." NPC@annpc#557 | Vusal: "Seeing the collection of various technological as well as cultural artifacts Hades possesses, it is likely that they possess a working receiver." Rianni@crystyl:"I suppose there is one way to find out. Give it a try, the worst that happens is that they do not respond" NPC@annpc#557 | The Dunishai comm officer nods, tapping on the console. A few seconds of silence pass before he states, "I am receiving a response. Putting it onscreen." NPC@annpc#557 | Mischa appears on the viewscreen, "Hello Rianni. Is that a second pip I see on your collar? Congratulations on the promotion, Lieutenant." Rianni@crystyl doubletakes, "C- Commander?" NPC@annpc#557 | Mischa: "The silverblood recreation. You're not the only one with duplicates in the galaxy, you know." Rianni@crystyl:"Of course. Apologies, you just caught me by surprise using a familiar face I suppose" NPC@annpc#557 | Mischa: "No need for apologies. We thought a familiar face would make for a friendlier conversation, rather than talking to one of your old gods," she chuckles. "Is the Latenter nearby with - NPC@annpc#557 - you, or is the other me off on another adventure?" Rianni@crystyl:"No, she is on a different assignment right now, along with the other me" NPC@annpc#557 | Mischa: "I thought as much. So she managed to poach the Observer after all. Good work me," she smirks. "I assume you're here to return the artifacts?" Rianni@crystyl:"That is correct, yes. May we transport down with them? I have an old friend on board to say hello too" NPC@annpc#557 | Mischa smiles, "Of course. We'll be waiting for you down here. And don't forget your suits, you need them to survive down here, unlike us." Rianni@crystyl:"Of course, thank you for the considerate reminder. We will be down shortly then" NPC@annpc#557 | Mischa: "See you soon, Lieutenant!" NPC@annpc#557 | The comm ends and Vusal asks, "Will you be leading the away team personally, or leaving that to Ensign Ralde and Sin?" Rianni@crystyl turns as the comm closes and the door opens. A smug looking Emma walks in, closely followed by a disgruntled looking Sin with soaking wet hair Rianni@crystyl thinks better of asking and looks to Vusal, "I'll head down with them to meet the Silverbloods and see what they know about the Kratt situation" NPC@annpc#557 | Suhani chuckles discreetly at the situation and turns back to her console NPC@annpc#557 | Vusal nods, "I will monitor things from here on the Aethon bridge then." Rianni@crystyl stands, looking to the fresh arrivals, "Time to suit up" Rianni@crystyl | Emma nods, looking to Sin, "Come on, cheer up! This is the part you came along for after all!" Rianni@crystyl | Sin muttergrumbles and turns to head back out Rianni@crystyl whispers to Emma as they follow, "Did you do what I think you did?" Rianni@crystyl | Emma grins, "A whole bucketful!" --- Keliaya@anncaris taps away at a console on the Defiant bridge as Mia arrives to inform her that the ship is now fit for warp Mia@crystyl approaches, "Ms. Kelly! The little ones have completed necessary repairs and report that the ship is now ready for warp travel" Keliaya@anncaris turns and smiles, "Excellent news, Mia. I take it you've already started calling them back on board, along with our EV personnel and the work bees?" Mia@crystyl:"Yes, all repair details are now wrapping up and returning" Keliaya@anncaris smiles, "Perfect. We're a good half hour ahead of schedule, so we can give the crew some time to transfer around and settle in." Keliaya@anncaris moves over towards the command chair, "How's the naming going, by the way?" Mia@crystyl follows, "From what we hear, it has certainly got everybody thinking! Ms. Crystyl has been spreading the word and collating ideas, some more entertaining than others" she giggles Keliaya@anncaris:"Really? Well, I'm glad to hear people are having fun," she takes a seat in the chair Mia@crystyl:"That was as much the intention as to actually select a new designation, non?" Keliaya@anncaris smiles, "That it was. Give Crystyl my thanks for helping spread the cheer when you have the chance." Mia@crystyl smiles, "But of course!" Keliaya@anncaris:"I wonder if you have any suggestions. You probably know the name and registry of every Constitution that was commissioned in our universe, don't you?" Mia@crystyl smiles, "We have access to the databases, so yes. As for suggestions, we have not selected one yet as we want any recommendation to be meaningful to the ship" Keliaya@anncaris nods, "You want it to be something the crew suggest, rather than just being a good name for a Constitution-class ship." Mia@crystyl:"A bit of both I guess. I just want it to be a name that gives the ship new meaning and purpose whilst honouring it's heritage. A random name with no connection will make it feel disconnected" Keliaya@anncaris:"I agree. Once we get underway, we'll run a briefing on the Forge to pick out the best suggestions. Then we'll run a vote to see which among those the crew likes best before submitting them to the - Keliaya@anncaris - Commissioning Board for final approval." Mia@crystyl:"It will be an interesting way to pass the time" Keliaya@anncaris:"Hopefully you're finding the opportunity to work on a familiar ship interesting as well. And with integrated Coalition technologies in addition to that, too." Mia@crystyl:"It is certainly a unique vessel, and it is nice to be in such a setting again!" Keliaya@anncaris smiles, "I was hoping you'd enjoy it. It's not too close to the holoprogram you had to exist in for the longest time, is it? That was a much earlier Constitution, if I remember right." Mia@crystyl:"Correct. This is a lot more recent, and a lot less... saturated" Keliaya@anncaris nods, looking around, "Quite a bit closer to the modern Starfleet aesthetic than the more colourful early designs." Mia@crystyl:"So what about you Commander - throwing any names into the hat?" Keliaya@anncaris:"I thought about it, but I think it's best for the rest of the crew to make the initial suggestions. I'll be selecting the best out of them alongside Keelah and the other senior officers, so I - Keliaya@anncaris - still get my input!" Mia@crystyl:"Still, if you get any inspired ideas you should put them in" Keliaya@anncaris smiles and nods, "I'll consider it if I come up with any ideas I especially like. And you should do the same, Mia." Mia@crystyl:"We will don't you worry!" Keliaya@anncaris looks back over to the viewscreen, "Now, let's get this ship underway before we head to the next stage of deciding the names..." Mia@crystyl smiles, "As it should be!" --- NPC@annpc#557 | Rianni, Emma and Sin beam down to the surface of Ha-at in their suits, guiding an anti-grav cart with the artifacts stored within. They make their way to the entrance of the cavern, - NPC@annpc#557 - where silverblood Mischa awaits them Sin@crystyl | Rianni steps forward, "Hello, um... Commander? Sorry, but I don't know what else to call you" NPC@annpc#557 | Mischa chuckles, "You can call me that, just don't actually start taking orders from me, otherwise Keelah might not be too happy. The other me's already poached one Rianni, after all." Sin@crystyl | Rianni, "Right!" Sin@crystyl:"Or we could just call you Mischa since you wear her face, but don't really have any rank" NPC@annpc#557 | Mischa nods, "Good point. And the other Mischa's not here, so there's no one to get confused with!" She looks at the cart, "The artifacts are in there, I presume?" Sin@crystyl:"Yes, all back as promised" NPC@annpc#557 | Mischa smiles, "Excellent. Follow me." She turns to lead the way further into the caverns Sin@crystyl | The trio all follow, with Emma guiding the cart NPC@annpc#557 | Mischa: "Speaking of Keelah, I notice you've come here with the stealth ship. Is the Valley Forge busy elsewhere as well?" Sin@crystyl | Rianni: "Yes, they came most of the way with us but had to divert onto other things shortly before the final stretch of the journey and so sent us on to complete the return" NPC@annpc#557 | Mischa nods, "I thought you wouldn't send such a little ship all the way out here. Did you get here with another Junayd wormhole, or travelled the old fashioned way this time?" Sin@crystyl | Rianni: "The old fashioned way. Since we didn't have a set timeframe to get back for, we wanted to complete our exploration of the region since we only saw an isolated sector the last time" NPC@annpc#557 | Mischa: "Of course, you're an exploration ship after all. Find anything interesting along the way?" Sin@crystyl snorts Sin@crystyl | Rianni: "Yes, and that was something were hoping you could help us to understand" NPC@annpc#557 | Mischa: "Something you hope Hades has memories of?" Sin@crystyl | Rianni, "Not memories exactly, but... insight" NPC@annpc#557 | Mischa glances back curiously as she leads the way, "And what might that be?" Sin@crystyl | Rianni: "The Kratt and their current behaviour" NPC@annpc#557 | Mischa: "Their current behaviour? Forgive my ignorance, Lieutenant. We don't usually get news down here." Sin@crystyl | Rianni: "That is disappointing, but only to be expected" NPC@annpc#557 | Mischa: "What /are/ they doing, if you don't mind me asking. They shouldn't be doing, well, anything, really." Sin@crystyl | Rianni: "They are pushing out from their established territory in all directions, sending invasion fleets into former Horde territory, and that which is currently occupied" NPC@annpc#557 | Mischa: "That's not good. They definitely should not be doing that..." Sin@crystyl:"Yeah, no kidding" NPC@annpc#557 | Mischa: "Have you figured out what the Kratt are yet? I mean, you're not SFI, but you must've come across some information on them while exploring." Sin@crystyl | Rianni: "We understand them to be like the Lupan in terms of origin" NPC@annpc#557 | Mischa leads them past a sleeping Cerberus and into the innermost area of the cavern system, "That's right. They were created by the Progenitors as well- essentially an earlier iteration of - NPC@annpc#557 - Lupan. Protectors 1.0, if you will. But they function very very differently from Lupan." Sin@crystyl:"They're far less chatty for one, and against the Lupan that's saying something" NPC@annpc#557 | Mischa chuckles, "Technically, they can't talk at all. They /can/ communicate through text, though. But so is a Starfleet ship computer, and that's more or less what the Kratt are. They're - NPC@annpc#557 - biological automatons with the ability to build larger structures and ships as well as self-replicate, but at the end of the day, they're automatons. Like your ships, they shouldn't do - NPC@annpc#557 - anything they're not asked to." Sin@crystyl:"So then who's asking them to invade..." NPC@annpc#557 | Mischa: "Not themselves, that's for sure. The Kratt don't evolve. They're programmed to cull any imperfect offspring, which means there's no chance of any Kratt with mutation having a chance - NPC@annpc#557 - to carry on those anomalous traits. They shouldn't be capable of suddenly developing sentience." Sin@crystyl | Emma: "Programming can be altered, though it seems less likely than there simply being a new puppetmaster" NPC@annpc#557 | Mischa: "The programming was intact when Hades encountered the Kratt. Speaking of which..." As they step into the central artifact storage room, Mischa waves her hand and Hades arises out of a - NPC@annpc#557 - silverblood pool Sin@crystyl | Rianni watches in awe Sin@crystyl eyerolls, "Show off..." NPC@annpc#557 | Mischa grins, "You're probably the only one in the galaxy who doesn't appreciate a nice dramatic entrance." Sin@crystyl | Emma: "Don't mind old drippy here, she just got up on the wrong side of the bed today" Sin@crystyl scowls NPC@annpc#557 | Hades: "Welcome back to Hades' collection, and thank you for returning the artifacts as promised." Sin@crystyl | Rianni looks up at the imposing figure, "Thank you for the assistance in providing them" NPC@annpc#557 | Hades: "I take it the Horde have been defeated, as was the agreed condition for their return?" Sin@crystyl | Rianni nods, "It has" NPC@annpc#557 | Hades: "Congratulations on your victory, then. But I hear you have a dilemma with the Kratt now." Sin@crystyl | Rianni doubletakes again, glancing to Mischa briefly before nodding, "Y-yes. We were hoping from your proximity that you would have some insight into their actions" NPC@annpc#557 | Hades strides across the room, sitting down on his chair, "I do not know what has caused this behaviour in the Kratt, but I will tell you what I do know, which may aid you." Sin@crystyl | Rianni: "That is all we can ask" NPC@annpc#557 | Hades: "When you first came here, you were escorted by a Kratt vessel. Did you wonder why the Kratt were protecting us?" Sin@crystyl | Rianni: "We were curious, sure. But figured - from your past and all - that it was an evolution of reverence of some description" NPC@annpc#557 | Hades: "Unlike the Lupan, the Kratt are incapable of reverence and worship. They are a significantly less advanced creation. There is a device created by the Progenitors to give orders to the - NPC@annpc#557 - Kratt. When they cut the Kratt loose, the device was given to them with the order to guard it until the last Kratt fell. This was possibly done to ensure the Horde never gained control of the - NPC@annpc#557 - Kratt, but we do not know why the device was not destroyed outright. Perhaps doing so would render all Kratt inert, and they still wished the Kratt to hold the line against the Horde while - NPC@annpc#557 - they created the Lupan. The Progenitors likely expected the Kratt to fight to the last, and then leave the Horde with a useless device after the army it controlled was already gone. But the - NPC@annpc#557 - new orders made the Kratt less aggressive. Defending the device became their primary goal, so they fought cautiously and retreated whenever the Horde came too close, allowing them to survive - NPC@annpc#557 - to this day." Sin@crystyl:"Sounds like someone has got their hands on this thing then" NPC@annpc#557 | Hades: "Indeed. The original Hades managed to access the control device with the invisibility helm among the artifacts you are returning now. It would require a similar tool to do so without - NPC@annpc#557 - first destroying the Kratt, but we know it is possible. Hades modified the programming so the Kratt were friendly to us and would help defend us, though the protection of the device is still - NPC@annpc#557 - their priority." NPC@annpc#557 | Mischa reaches into the silverblood pool, pulling out a Starfleet PADD and handing it to Rianni, "The device is located on the most fortified Kratt world, only a few days travel from here at - NPC@annpc#557 - high warp. Your stealth ship has proven to be effective against the Kratt when the Architect used it to get here undetected, so you should be able to make it into the system to investigate. - NPC@annpc#557 - You'll need the helm if you want to reach the control device, though. The planetary defense grid will see you if you try to beam through." Sin@crystyl | Rianni: "Then would you permit us to retain for a while longer, so that we can look into this?" NPC@annpc#557 | Hades nods, "You may keep the helm for this investigation, and return it once the Kratt problem has been resolved. We will return the remainder of the artifacts to the collection." Sin@crystyl | Rianni, "Thank you" NPC@annpc#557 | Hades: "The Kratt have been a very useful line of defense for us here. Restoring them to their normal behaviour is in all our interests." Sin@crystyl | Rianni: "Definitely! Well, since we will be returning at least once more during this trip now, we should probably skip the niceties and get back underway as quickly as possible" NPC@annpc#557 | A voice comes from behind the group, "Yes. You will wish to complete your investigation quickly before the Kratt cause any more damage." Sin@crystyl | The trio all turn towards the source of the new voice NPC@annpc#557 | They see the bipedal form of Ketkolep behind them, "There is something I am permitted to show you, Sin. But that can wait until your return." Sin@crystyl:"Ketkolep! You old scoundrel, what are you doing here?" NPC@annpc#557 | Ketkolep: "I had chosen to remain until you came to return the artifacts, so we may meet again. But go, investigate first. We can speak more when you have resolved this crisis." Sin@crystyl:"Fair enough, I'll look forward to it then" NPC@annpc#557 | Ketkolep: "As shall I." --- Keliaya@anncaris | On the Valley Forge, the senior staff gathers for a meeting as they travel through warp with the partially-repaired Defiant beside them Keelah@crystyl strolls in later than everyone else, sipping tea while heading for her seat, "Ok, so what's on today's agenda?" Keliaya@anncaris:"The latest update from the Coalition says the Kratt is still at the colony. They've completed terraforming- at least that's what we're calling the process, but it's not like anything we've seen - Keliaya@anncaris - before." Keelah@crystyl:"What exactly have they done then?" Keliaya@anncaris:"They've sweeped the entire surface of the planet using matter conversion beams. It's a form of replicator technology that's reconfiguring the entire surface of the planet. All the previous - Keliaya@anncaris - structures on the surface have been converted to soil, water, sand or stone. The Trinity reported the same process on the surface of the former Horde world. It's extremely effective for not - Keliaya@anncaris - only cleaning the debris, but using it to transform the planet's terrain." Keelah@crystyl:"Matter conversion on a planetary scale... very impressive. I wonder if that was a skill bestowed upon them by the Progenitors in anticipation of the Horde's defeat" Keliaya@anncaris nods, "It's a possibility. After that, they bombarded the restored surface with biomatter that's starting to spread and grow." She looks over at Lennie. "Almost the opposite of the weapon you - Keliaya@anncaris - encountered. Instead of taking existing biomatter and infecting it, they're building a new environment. Mostly fungal in nature as well." Keelah@crystyl | Lennie: "Almost sounds like Genesis" Keliaya@anncaris nods, "Except instead of using protomatter like the Coalition's planning to do, they're using a specially configured type of biomatter. Unfortunately there's no way to get any samples with the - Keliaya@anncaris - Kratt in orbit, so we don't have any detailed data on them." Keelah@crystyl:"This does not bode well for restoration of the colony. But I suppose it could be worse" Keliaya@anncaris nods, "The Coalition has the time and capacity to evacuate the entire population of Widhar if the Kratt do turn there next, but we can't save all the technology, especially the old Nuhar ruins. - Keliaya@anncaris - We'll be able to save the lives there, but we'll be losing a lot if the Kratt do what they're doing to Widhar." Keelah@crystyl:"And we will save the people. As for everything else, that is in the hands of the Aethon right now" Keliaya@anncaris nods, "Speaking of which, we haven't heard any news back from them yet, so I think the only other item of significant importance to discuss is the Defiant." Keelah@crystyl:"I take it all is running smoothly still, now we are at warp?" Keliaya@anncaris:"Well, everything's stable right now. I wouldn't exactly say smooth- most of the non-essential systems are still in fairly poor shape, several hull breaches have only been roughly patched up so the - Keliaya@anncaris - corresponding sections aren't safe for habitation and many of the amenities they do have are old-fashioned by our standards. But she's flying, and we haven't run into any serious issues yet." Keelah@crystyl:"I know Rianni took most of her original Aethon crew with her, but those who didn't are now very adept at working with a ship in that condition. Feel free to reassign any to the Defiant if you think Keelah@crystyl:- they can help there" eliaya@anncaris nods, "Thank you, Captain. We just need to keep it running for now, we can survive for a little bit on an old damaged ship," she chuckles. "Shouldn't be too long until we reach Widhar and - Keliaya@anncaris - hopefully get to properly repair the ship. On the subject of the Defiant, I hear we've got a number of name suggestions from the crew." Keelah@crystyl:"Yes, it certainly seems to have invigorated everyone" Keliaya@anncaris smiles, "That it has. Should we start going over the name suggestions and choosing the best ones for the crew to vote on?" Keelah@crystyl smiles, leaning back and sipping her tea, "Why not!" Keliaya@anncaris taps her combadge, calling Crystyl in to join them Keelah@crystyl | Crystyl enters a short time later, "Hello everyone!" Keliaya@anncaris smiles, "Hey Crystyl! Come, show everyone all the name suggestions we've gotten." Keelah@crystyl | Crystyl sits, tapping on a console, "It's quite the list!" it begins scrolling on the displays Keliaya@anncaris:"Go a little slower...that is quite a number of suggestions!" She glances around the table, "Feel free to call if you see any that jump out at you!" Keliaya@anncaris | Thorkildsen: "What about that one- USS Redoubt? That was one of the ships lost during the battle, wasn't it?" Keelah@crystyl:"It was, yes" Keelah@crystyl | Lennie: "Got Phoenix there" she points, "Nice, but Zefram Cochrance might take issue" she chuckles Keliaya@anncaris chuckles, "Is there a Phoenix in the fleet right now? Starfleet does reuse names all the time, after all. And I can see how it could be fitting for a ship brought back to service after what the - Keliaya@anncaris - Defiant's been through. Has a bit more meaning than Redoubt, I think." Keliaya@anncaris | Thorkildsen: "But Redoubt's a name that's pretty fitting for the class. I can envision a Constitution with that name." Keliaya@anncaris:"True. I wouldn't be surprised if there /was/ a Constitution that bore that name." Keelah@crystyl:"Both good options for the shortlist" she smiles a little, "Even the Reconstitution" Keliaya@anncaris:"Reconstitution- I like that as well. Some interesting suggestions!" Keliaya@anncaris | Silvestrie: "What about those ones, Ahwahnee and Eagle? They're old Constitution names, I think." Keliaya@anncaris:"I know Ahwahnee's definitely taken. At least I've heard that name before and I don't think the ship's gone out of service yet." Keelah@crystyl:"Could be. But if we've already shortlisted at least one previous name of the class, then perhaps we should resist adding another" Keliaya@anncaris nods, "Good point. Someone suggested Townsend, the name of the Defiant's captain. Sounds like it might be a fairly common human name though, so it might already be taken." Keelah@crystyl:"Still, a fitting tribute if it is not already taken" Keliaya@anncaris | Kazra: "I also saw a Morrison earlier, the name of the captain of our Constitution-class Defiant, if I'm not mistaken." Keliaya@anncaris | Thorkildsen: "I thought it was another ship we lost in the battle." Keelah@crystyl:"A nice connection, but I think if it were to be named for any Captain then it should be the one who actually commanded this vessel" Keliaya@anncaris nods, "I'll check if there's a USS Townsend in service in the fleet and we can have it as an option unless it's already in use." Keliaya@anncaris | Thorkildsen chuckles, "Looks like someone suggested USS Defiance. Talk about minimal effort changes." Keelah@crystyl chuckles, "Well it deserves points for efficiency if nothing else" Keliaya@anncaris:"What about Gallant? It was the name of an old Defiant-class starship, but also references the Gallant Defender, the largest Nuhar Construct lost in the Coalition's efforts against the Horde." Keelah@crystyl:"Sounds worthy of consideration. And this one, Legion perhaps" Keliaya@anncaris:"That's a good one as well," she taps on her PADD. "I'll put it in the voting list, assuming it's not already taken." Keelah@crystyl:"Well that gives us quite the shortlist already. Perhaps we should leave it there before getting carried away and keeping everything on the list". Keliaya@anncaris chuckles, glancing to the list, "I think there's certainly a few we won't keep from the list. Like USS Essess..." Keliaya@anncaris | Thorkildsen laughs, "We should save some of these to use as easter eggs in some holosimulations." Keelah@crystyl:"Definitely" Keliaya@anncaris nods, "Shouldn't waste a good joke! And I have a feeling the crew'll be spreading these less serious ones around for a while. Good way to lighten the mood, I think." Keelah@crystyl:"Yes, this whole situation has proven most beneficial to crew morale" Keliaya@anncaris smiles, "I'm glad the Commissioning Board gave us this opportunity. Pass on our thanks to them, Captain." Keelah@crystyl:"It will be my pleasure" Keliaya@anncaris:"Anyways, I think that's everything. I'll check the names on the shortlist with the database," she looks to Crystyl. "Thanks for collecting them, Crystyl." Keelah@crystyl | Crystyl smiles, "Happy to help Commander" Keliaya@anncaris:"Would you like to help us organize the voting as well once I have the names ready? Mia can handle it on the Defiant side, but since you're doing a good job taking over her administrative work here - Keliaya@anncaris - in the meantime, I thought you'd be the best person to manage it here." Keelah@crystyl | Crystyl smiles again, "Of course, whatever I can do to help" Keliaya@anncaris smiles back, "Thanks again. Hope we're not giving you too much work, Chief." Keelah@crystyl | Crystyl, "All in a day's work!" Keliaya@anncaris:"Well, I think that covers everything for this meeting, unless anyone has something else?" Keelah@crystyl looks around, giving everyone a chance to pipe up before standing, "In that case, let's get on with the day" Keliaya@anncaris stands as well, moving to head out beside Lennie. She turns to her as they walk, "Did you suggest any of the names, or were you leaving the rest of the crew like many of us did?" Keelah@crystyl | Lennie smiles, "I did, but it was a bit too personal to make the cut. Just couldn't think of anything else so I threw it in anyway" Keliaya@anncaris:"Really? Now I'm curious, which one was it?" Keelah@crystyl | Lennie: "Mysti, of course" Keliaya@anncaris:"Of course! We already have a shuttle named for her, though. But I'm sure the OSN will name one of their new ships after her. Same with many of the nice Orion names on that list, actually. They'll - Keliaya@anncaris - make great names for future Space Navy ships." Keelah@crystyl | Lennie smiles, "Yeah, an' it'll mean more there too!" Keliaya@anncaris nods and smiles back, "But until they have the SNV Mysti ready, she'll be remembered in our shuttle as well, so you always have that." Keelah@crystyl | Lennie: "Indeed! Wha'bout you, Kel? You put any names in there in th'end?" Keliaya@anncaris:"Just one in the end, after the Radiant. It was the Defiant-class ship I used to serve on that was destroyed in the Iconian War, and I know another ship hasn't been commissioned under the name yet. - Keliaya@anncaris:- But I think Gallant's the better choice out of the Defiant-class names. Radiant only has a personal connection to me, while Gallant also honours the Nuhar Construct that was lost at Calahadon, - Keliaya@anncaris - which is fitting since this Defiant has some Nuhar technology and a complement of their drones." Keelah@crystyl | Lennie nods, "Yes, I do like tha' too! I don't know if th'Nuhar got any concept o'sentimentality or not, but it'd nice t'honour him tha' way" Keliaya@anncaris:"I think so too. That's why I picked out Gallant instead of my own suggestion." Keliaya@anncaris:"Anyways, it's back to the Defiant for me. You've probably got quite a bit to study from what we learned of Kratt terraforming, right?" Keelah@crystyl | Lennie nods, "It is a fascinatin' technology!" Keliaya@anncaris:"Have fun with the sensor data we received!" Keelah@crystyl | Lennie: "An' you wit' ya new toy!" --- NPC@annpc#557 | In their shared bunk room, Rianni and Emma are woken by an alarm on Rianni's PADD, accompanied by the message: "STAFF MEETING - 1 HOUR" Rianni@crystyl stirs, reaching for the PADD and then dropping it back down with a groan Rianni@crystyl | Emma purrs, "That's not very Captain'y of you" while wrapping her arms around Rianni Rianni@crystyl nuzzles against her, "Not helping..." Rianni@crystyl | Emma, "Well if you want, I can encourage you to get up. I am getting good at that now..." Rianni@crystyl jumps out of bed, "Uh-uh! No way!" and starts getting ready Rianni@crystyl | Emma coils around under the covers, turning to watch with no intent of moving Rianni@crystyl:"You know /you're/ due at the staff meeting too, right!" promptly tossing Emma's skirt at her to prompt getting up too Rianni@crystyl | Emma laughs, sliding out of bed and pausing Rianni for an embrace, "Spoilsport" Rianni@crystyl:"Hey, you're the one who keeps encouraging me to push myself with command stuff! I'm afraid you've only got yourself to blame..." Rianni@crystyl | Emma faux-pouts, smirks, and starts getting dressed, "Oh the life of being a Captain's girl..." Rianni@crystyl:"I'm sure everyone is very grateful for you taking on such a sacrifice" she chuckles --- NPC@annpc#557 | In the mess hall, the senior crew of the Aethon are gathered for the meeting Rianni@crystyl & Emma join them not long after they gather, "Good morning everyone. How are we today?" NPC@annpc#557 | Jatila smiles, "Everything's going well on the crew side. People are working together and there haven't been any major disagreements." Rianni@crystyl smiles, "Always a good note to start on" NPC@annpc#557 | Suhani: "We've finished reversing the transporter modification needed to beam through Ha-at's radiation and restored the usual low-energy 'silent' transportation of the Aethon. If we transport - NPC@annpc#557 - to a remote enough area, we should be able to come and go without being seen." NPC@annpc#557 | Vusal nods, "Especially if we transport only one individual. Which brings us to our main point of discussion." Rianni@crystyl:"The Kratt homeworld" she nods, "This will be invaluable there, good job!" NPC@annpc#557 | Vusal: "Adoptive homeworld. We do not know whether they even possessed an original homeworld, as the Kratt are genetically engineered and not products of natural evolution. In any case, we are - NPC@annpc#557 - now only a few hours from the system identified by the silverblood." NPC@annpc#557 | Suhani: "That's where the complication arises." Rianni@crystyl:"What complication is that exactly?" NPC@annpc#557 | Suhani: "Hades' helm is essentially a highly advanced phase cloaking device, capable of stretching that cloak around an entire starship or the individual wearing the helm. It's the closest - NPC@annpc#557 - we've ever seen to a perfect cloak, especially when used by a single individual." NPC@annpc#557 | Veladria: "We've conducted every test we can think of so far. There's no method at our disposal that's capable of revealing someone wearing the helm, which means whoever wears it should be - NPC@annpc#557 - completely safe from the Kratt on the surface." NPC@annpc#557 | Suhani: "Key thing being 'whoever wears it.' We have some theories on how to extend the cloak over an entire ship, based on Kelly's observations of how it was tied in to the thunderbolt to - NPC@annpc#557 - cloak all of Hades' collection. We've yet to try it, but even if we do, it's not much use. The Aethon's own stealth systems are already enough to get past Kratt ships. We need the helm for the - NPC@annpc#557 - away mission." NPC@annpc#557 | Veladria: "If we had a rover like the Kayeri Vaj, we might be able to install the helm inside that. But the Aethon doesn't have any auxiliary craft at all." NPC@annpc#557 | Jatila: "So you're saying we can only beam down an away team of one?" NPC@annpc#557 | Vusal nods, "We can create regular phase-shifting devices such as the ones we utilized at the Horde factory world, but they will not be as effective as the helm. There may be a risk of the - NPC@annpc#557 - Kratt detecting personnel using these devices, while we know the helm is capable of hiding one individual completely from Hades' experience." Rianni@crystyl:"Will be able to communicate with the hypothetical away team of one?" NPC@annpc#557 | Suhani: "Yes. Even if the Kratt find the subspace channel we use for communicating, the messages themselves will be encrypted and the Aethon's stealth capabilities extends to communication, so - NPC@annpc#557 - they won't find the source. Worst case scenario, they could pinpoint where on the planet we're communicating to, but since they can't see whoever's wearing the helm, they won't be able to do - NPC@annpc#557 - much with that information. But that's a very unlikely situation." NPC@annpc#557 | Jatila: "What about psionics? The helm was designed for Hades- could a psionic use it and perhaps control the cloaking effect to hide multiple people?" NPC@annpc#557 | Vusal: "We suspect so, but no psionic has any experience with this artifact. Sin has used the trident's capabilities, but never the helm's." Rianni@crystyl:"It would be good to determine, but I'm not sure an away mission on the Kratt - presumed - homeworld is the best place for testing" NPC@annpc#557 | Vusal: "Agreed." NPC@annpc#557 | Jatila: "Now the question is, who should we send on this mission?" Rianni@crystyl | Emma: "Well we're not there yet, we can continue testing in the mean time" Rianni@crystyl:"I-" Rianni@crystyl | Emma doesn't even let her finish her first word, "Uh-uh, nope. Not happening" Rianni@crystyl:"Huh?" Rianni@crystyl | Emma: "I know you too well! So no, you're not allowed to go down there on a crazy solo mission behind enemy lines. You're not your Junayd clone, and you /are/ the Captain now. Like it or not, - Rianni@crystyl:- your place is here - on the bridge" Rianni@crystyl sighs softly, "Feel better for that?" Rianni@crystyl | Emma grins and nods Rianni@crystyl:"Good. Because I was going to say that I think Sin would be the best candidate" grins back Rianni@crystyl | Emma turns a shade darker green... NPC@annpc#557 | Vusal nods, "Sin is a logical choice. She will be testing any capability to extend the helm's effects, which means she will have time to become accustomed to operating with the helm on." Rianni@crystyl:"And she is a lone wolf by nature, so perfectly adept at solo missions" NPC@annpc#557 | Suhani nods, "I'll give the helm to her and have her practicing with it. Don't blame me if she uses it to prank you before we get there, though..." Rianni@crystyl:"Me?! She wouldn't..." Rianni@crystyl | Emma snickers Rianni@crystyl looks to Emma, "/You/ on the other hand, might want to watch your back with a super-stealth Sin roaming the halls" Rianni@crystyl | Emma's face drops in an instant of realization... NPC@annpc#557 | Jatila chuckles, "Sounds like we have everything settled for our arrival." Rianni@crystyl:"Ok, we'll continue running dark from here on out. I don't need to tell any of you the likely outcome if we get detected here" NPC@annpc#557 | Vusal: "Indeed. We shall ensure the Aethon's stealth systems are fully optimized." Rianni@crystyl:"Then if nobody has anything else for now, let's get to work" --- Keliaya@anncaris | On the Defiant, Mia proceeds to Kelly's quarters to inform her of the results of the name vote... Mia@crystyl chimes the door on arrival Keliaya@anncaris:"Come in!" Keliaya@anncaris lounges on a sofa, wearing clothes rather similar in style to Mia's, though clearly not a uniform and a more casual outfit Mia@crystyl steps in, "Allo Ms. Kelly! Ooh, new outfit?" Keliaya@anncaris smiles and nods, swinging her legs over the sofa before standing to show off the full outfit, "I made something from the clothing synthesizers here, out of curiosity more than anything. I - Keliaya@anncaris:- brought some off-duty outfits along, but since the system's online, I thought I'd explore some 23rd century clothing options." Mia@crystyl smiles, "We approve! It is also good to see that the style was somewhat consistent in the other universe!" Keliaya@anncaris:"It seems so! And I thought you'd like it. There's some minor differences in the uniform style, but it more or less corresponds with the uniforms we had in the late 23rd century as well." Mia@crystyl:"Aah yes, Starfleet's 'clinical' era" Keliaya@anncaris glances down at herself, "This one's not a uniform though, I found it among the casual clothing options. But it does have quite a few similarities to the uniform you usually sport. I wonder if - Keliaya@anncaris - maybe someone on the Defiant crew was nostalgic for the old style." Mia@crystyl:"And who could blame them!" she giggles, giving a little twirl of her own uniform Keliaya@anncaris grins, "Anyways, can I get you anything? Captain's quarters on this ship comes with my own food slot." Mia@crystyl:"That is kind, but we are fine for the moment. We simply wanted to be the one to inform you; the voting is in" she brandishes a PADD with a grin Keliaya@anncaris:"Oh, thank you!" she takes the PADD and examines the results, "Looks like Gallant is the winner. A good choice- actually voted for that one myself." Mia@crystyl:"As did we! Well, we actually wanted to vote for Redoubt but our vote carried the will of all the little ones and they were quick to register the connection to the Nuhar" Keliaya@anncaris smiles, "You voted for the little ones as well? I'm glad you gave them a voice!" Mia@crystyl:"They are like the only surviving crew of this ship, so we felt it more prudent to make sure they had a say" Keliaya@anncaris nods, "I'm glad the name they chose was the final winner. Much of the crew must've realized the meaning as well." Keliaya@anncaris takes a step back to sit on the sofa again, "Constitution-classes generally didn't have ready rooms, right? It's not a Defiant or alternate universe thing." Mia@crystyl sits across from her, "Correct. During this period in Starfleet history, true exploration vessels were few and far between. Sure, Starfleet has considerable numbers overall but most were service - Mia@crystyl:- vessels. The Constitution class pretty much made up that pure exploration wing, with the Enterprises' 5 year mission being the final proofing of the concept. Because of this focus, the Captain's - Mia@crystyl:- role was always typically much more direct and involved at that time. So - no ready room" she chuckles. "They do have a conference room for staff meetings though!" Keliaya@anncaris:"Yes, I stumbled upon that a few days ago! I suppose that's where the Captain would meet with most people in a professional capacity, even for one on one meetings?" Mia@crystyl:"That depends more on the Captain, we think. Some preferred to actually use their quarters, like you are now in fact!" Keliaya@anncaris:"I was wondering that too- whether many of them just used their own quarters for that. Half of it is set up quite similarly to a ready room. Of course, larger quarters on our modern ships have - Keliaya@anncaris - desks with their own consoles and such as well, but it's a rare amenity on a smaller ship." Keliaya@anncaris glances around, "Though I suppose this isn't small by 23rd century standards." Mia@crystyl:"We believe it was more of a reflection on the nature of a long term mission together. The conference room often started out in more regular use, and for formal one to one sessions. But general debate- Mia@crystyl:- and discussion with the senior staff would more than likely occur here" Keliaya@anncaris:"That makes sense. Speaking of 23rd century ships, the tactical team here on the Defiant- or should we start calling her Gallant now to try and get used to the name?" Mia@crystyl chuckles, "It wouldn't hurt, but it won't be official until after the refit. But what's this about the tactical team now?" Keliaya@anncaris:"Well, they found something interesting while studying the records of the Battle of the Heart in the reality this ship came from. Starfleet had more ships to send and also lost more ships in the - Keliaya@anncaris - fighting. The interesting part is, a large number of the ships that were lost corresponds to ships that were lost in our own timeline. Primarily during the first Klingon War, but also ones - Keliaya@anncaris - like the Constitution-class USS Constellation and USS Lexington, which were destroyed under different circumstances, but also lost in our history as well." Mia@crystyl:"The temporal offset parallels are quite remarkable. But even though we don't necessarily understand the full intricacies of interdimensional space, consistent parallels have been observed across - Mia@crystyl:- almost all reported activity" Keliaya@anncaris nods, "The Forven Theory's a convincing explanation for why, though I can't help but wonder if maybe our universe shares some connection with theirs aside from simply running parallel, like with - Keliaya@anncaris - the Mirror Universe." Mia@crystyl nods, "If it were simply an alternate reality, we could concede to the Forven Theory. But the temporal offset just happening to link both during the same galactic turning point... and why those two- Mia@crystyl:- dimensions specifically? Non. We concur that the most likely scenario is the influence of an unknown third party" Keliaya@anncaris:"Indeed. We know someone came here and meddled with the Defiant before we found her. There's definitely something more going on here we don't fully understand yet. Speaking of which, I don't - Keliaya@anncaris - suppose you've managed to find anything else on these mysterious interlopers from the ship's data?" Mia@crystyl shakes her head, "Regrettably not..." Keliaya@anncaris nods, "They covered their tracks very well. I suppose we'll just have to see where this Kratt situation leads..." Mia@crystyl:"We hope Ms. Rianni is doing ok out there" Keliaya@anncaris:"Me too, Mia. She handled herself and her crew well on previous missions, but they're not quite like this one..." --- NPC@annpc#557 | Rianni and Emma are called to the Aethon's bridge a few hours after the meeting as they begin to approach the system of the Kratt's adoptive homeworld Rianni@crystyl strolls in, "What have we got?" NPC@annpc#557 | Veladria: "There's a heavy Kratt presence. Sensors read sixty-four ships of various configuration in the system itself, some in fixed positions, others in patrol patterns through the system. - NPC@annpc#557 - Another seventeen on long-range sensors in the surrounding regions." Rianni@crystyl:"I suppose a heavy presence should only be expected" NPC@annpc#557 | Suhani nods, "It is their adoptive homeworld after all." NPC@annpc#557 | Lupan Pilot: "We will be entering the system in fifteen minutes. No sign that they are aware of our presence so far." Rianni@crystyl:"Let's conduct a detailed analysis of their fleet and deployment. Not like we could do much with one ship, but it is all valuable information still" NPC@annpc#557 | Guardian Tactical Officer: "I'll collect all the tactical data I can, Captain." Rianni@crystyl:"Are there solely Kratt signatures out there, or anything different too?" NPC@annpc#557 | Veladria: "There's only Kratt on sensors at the moment." NPC@annpc#557 | Suhani: "If whoever's controlling the Kratt are here, they might be cloaked as well. I don't know why they'd bother since they can make the Kratt friendly to them if they can control them, - NPC@annpc#557 - but maybe they're just a secretive people." Rianni@crystyl:"They might just be being prudent. Anyone capable of this would likely expect someone to come looking sooner or later. I know we can't exactly conduct tachyon sweeps once we get there, but we should- Rianni@crystyl:- stay sharp for any tell tales that would be otherwise be written off like neutrino emissions or polar blind spots" NPC@annpc#557 | Veladria nods, "I'll keep my eyes open." Rianni@crystyl takes her seat, "What about the planet itself, are we close enough to get much of a picture yet?" NPC@annpc#557 | Veladria: "Not enough to get lifesign readings. There are certainly energy signatures both on the surface and in orbit, and the planet itself is Class M, on the higher end of the scale in - NPC@annpc#557 - water percentage. Almost right along the boundary of Class M and Class O designation." Rianni@crystyl:"From the Captain's report of her direct encounter with them before, it seems likely that any centre of activity could be submersed" NPC@annpc#557 | Veladria nods, "I'll search the underwater areas first for signs of this control device." NPC@annpc#557 | Several minutes later, the Aethon drops out of warp inside the system NPC@annpc#557 | Veladria: "Scanning for this control device now. They have quite the collection of Progenitor technology, or maybe they've been reproducing Progenitor devices all this time." Rianni@crystyl:"Possible I guess, but I think it more likely that it is leftover Progenitor tech" NPC@annpc#557 | Vusal: "The planet possesses a defense grid, but its stealth detection system should not be capable of penetrating our cloak." Rianni@crystyl:"Let us hope not, or this will be a very brief mission" NPC@annpc#557 | Veladria: "I think I found it! There's a submerged Progenitor ship under one of the planet's oceans. It's still being powered and giving off unusual subspace signals. I don't know what the - NPC@annpc#557 - signals mean, but if there's a control device that the Kratt have been moving as they resettle, it's probably on that ship, or /is/ that ship. And since it's giving off signals, those likely - NPC@annpc#557 - are orders for the Kratt." Rianni@crystyl:"If it's emitting a subspace signal, is there a chance we could simply disrupt it?" NPC@annpc#557 | Veladria: "Probably not without revealing our presence. It's not a regular subspace communications signal, but I'll look into it. If we can't stop the signal, disrupting it could be helpful - NPC@annpc#557 - for Coalition ships elsewhere who are trying to hold back the Kratt expansion." NPC@annpc#557 | Guardian: "Like the bursts you developed against the Horde." Rianni@crystyl:"It is worth exploring and learning all we can. Meanwhile, inform Sin that it is time to start prepping" NPC@annpc#557 | Vusal raises a brow, "Curious. The power levels of the defense grid are fluctuating, as if they are rebalancing power levels." NPC@annpc#557 | Suhani: "Oh, this is not good..." Rianni@crystyl:"What's not good...?" NPC@annpc#557 | Veladria: "Antiproton wave, incoming!" Rianni@crystyl:"Evade!" NPC@annpc#557 | On the viewscreen, a huge burst of red energy emits outwards from the defense satellites and stations in orbit of the planet, engulfing the Kratt ships around it. Aethon turns to evade, but is - NPC@annpc#557 - not quick enough as the wave washes over them. The lights and consoles across the bridge flicker NPC@annpc#557 | Suhani: "The cloak is down!" NPC@annpc#557 | Guardian: "Kratt ships moving in from all directions, Captain." Rianni@crystyl:"Get it back Suhani. Helm, continue evasive" NPC@annpc#557 | The Aethon begins darting away from the incoming Kratt ships, though strangely none of them are opening fire. They simply move around the Aethon, and soon it becomes clear that they're trying - NPC@annpc#557 - to force the ship to evade a certain way Rianni@crystyl:"What are they herding us towards?" NPC@annpc#557 | Suddenly, the Aethon stops in its tracks as the bridge lights begin to flicker again NPC@annpc#557 | Lupan: "We are caught in a tractor beam." Rianni@crystyl:"Polarize the hull" NPC@annpc#557 | Vusal: "Our power is being drained. 70%. 50%." NPC@annpc#557 | Lupan: "We're free of the tractor beam, but I'm starting to lose helm control!" NPC@annpc#557 | Vusal: "20%...10." NPC@annpc#557 | Lupan: "We are adrift!" Rianni@crystyl:"That was a very effective power drain..." NPC@annpc#557 | The viewscreen flickers out, then back in again, this time, with the shadowy silhouette of a ship visible on it... NPC@annpc#557 Sound FX | https://youtu.be/8DNO2eU_qkg Rianni@crystyl:"Now would be a good time for someone to tell me that we have emergency power and can recloak..." NPC@annpc#557 | Suhani shakes her head, "I'm afraid not, Captain. I'm doing everything I can..." NPC@annpc#557 | Dunishai: "We are being hailed. Audio only." Rianni@crystyl sighs, "Guess it's a bit late to pretend we're not here... put it through" NPC@annpc#557 | A heavily mechanical voice comes through, sounding like an AI, though it could simply be modulated, "Ensign Emma Ralde. Service number ER-357-4832 HDR. You will deliver a message to the - NPC@annpc#557 - Coalition." Rianni@crystyl looks to Emma who simply glances back with a confused shrug NPC@annpc#557 | Voice: "Cease your resettlement efforts. We have attempted to dissuade you peacefully. Should you persist, you shall face consequences far beyond the Kratt. This is only the beginning." Rianni@crystyl | Emma: "The beginning? The beginning of what?! Who the hell are you to dictate this like you own the galaxy!" NPC@annpc#557 | Voice: "We have directed the course of this galaxy for longer than you know. Your history is a product of our plans. Your victories were our victories. Your defeats, necessary sacrifices." Rianni@crystyl | Emma: "That's a little pretentious..." Rianni@crystyl:"Forgive her, but... she is sort of right. It would be a lot easier to take your 'warning' seriously if you would explain who you are and why you are doing this" NPC@annpc#557 | Voice: "Our intentions are beyond your current comprehension. Perhaps the time will come when we shall reveal ourselves to your people. Know only that our interests are ultimately your - NPC@annpc#557 - interests. This is our warning. Comply with our demands, or this will occur again." NPC@annpc#557 | Dunishai: "They've cut the channel." NPC@annpc#557 | Guardian: "The unidentified vessel is locking onto us with a chroniton beam." Rianni@crystyl:"A chroniton beam?" NPC@annpc#557 FX | The viewscreen glows a multitude of colours as a strange beam connects from the shadow ship to the Aethon. For a moment, the bridge crew seem to be in several different places at once. - NPC@annpc#557 - Then, the walls of the ship warp and twist around them. The camera cuts to the exterior of the two ships, and the Aethon explodes in a flash of light NPC@annpc#557 | TO BE CONTINUED...