ST:SoD126 | "Exposed"

Legacy
Mar 7, 2023
1 min read

Stardate 99218

T'Lana recruits help from both her own crew and the Valley Forge to track down potential infiltrators on the Loki. As she draws closer to exposing the infiltrators however, they begin to execute plans of their own...

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T'Lana@anncaris | The mysterious 'Chief' is sitting on his desk once again. His console flickers and Commodore Fox appears on the screen T'Lana@anncaris | Fox: "We've resolved the situation with the rogue Captain Watson, but there may be other complications." T'Lana@anncaris | Chief: "The Valley Forge is beginning to suspect your involvement?" T'Lana@anncaris | Fox: "I believe so. It would be most inconvenient to burn this identity, given the vital time we are in and the effort to create this identity." T'Lana@anncaris | Chief: "Then perhaps it is time to replace someone." T'Lana@anncaris | Fox: "Contingency 7A?" T'Lana@anncaris | The Chief nods, "Contingency 7A." T'Lana@anncaris | Fox: "Commander Leveson-Scott has done well with the Romulans, but I fear she is learning too much, and that we will soon lose control of the Latenter." T'Lana@anncaris | Chief: "Excellent choice. She is in good favour among the Starfleet Intelligence leadership, but not quite as conspicuous as replacing another SFI flag officer. I'll give the order to take her - T'Lana@anncaris - out of the picture as soon as she leads us to the vault. You, meanwhile..." T'Lana@anncaris | The scene fades out... --- T'Lana@anncaris | Sin is relaxing in her quarters when the doorbell rings Sin@crystyl looks over to the door, "Come in" T'Lana@anncaris steps into the room as the door slides open, "Hello again, Ensign Sin." Sin@crystyl:"It wasn't me!" T'Lana@anncaris:"I am not accusing you of anything, Ensign." Sin@crystyl:"Really? I mean, uh... of course not, why would you be. Just a natural reflex to you spooky types" she smiles, likely feigning it just for fun now she's been good for so long, "So to what do I owe - Sin@crystyl:- the pleasure?" T'Lana@anncaris takes a seat opposite Sin, "I am seeking your assistance." Sin@crystyl:"Really? Can't imagine what I could possibly offer that you can't get from one of your own. Consider me tickled curious..." T'Lana@anncaris:"Your psionics. There are members of our crew who are psionic, but I am unsure if any of the non-touch telepaths may be trusted at the moment." Sin@crystyl:"Ooh mistrust is it? Sounds juicy!" T'Lana@anncaris:"I thought you would be intrigued. I understand that telepathy is not your area of expertise, but you are capable of it. More importantly, you do not have the moral restrictions that most - T'Lana@anncaris:- Federation telepaths such as Betazoids live by." Sin@crystyl:"And there it is. So it's not really my supreme power that you need, but my... independent morality! That makes sense" she beams, "So what exactly do you need of me?" T'Lana@anncaris:"To read Commodore Fox's mind. My independent investigation so far has been unable to determine anything conclusive. The best option remaining is to investigate the Commodore directly." Sin@crystyl 's eyes widen, "You want me to go after the Commodore - your CO? Do I even want to know why... ah, who am I kidding - of course I do! Besides, it would help to know what exactly I am looking for" T'Lana@anncaris:"Anything related to our intervention during your rendezvous with Commander Watson, specifically focusing on what happened with Watson. Her death seems a little too convenient in light of all that - T'Lana@anncaris - we know." Sin@crystyl:"That's a popular opinion around here. I don't even have to go probing individual minds to pick up on that. It's like it's... in the air or something, with a collective conspiracy cloud hanging over- Sin@crystyl:- the entire community. Ok so Commodore Fox..." she closes her eyes, concentrating and reaching out to locate his mind T'Lana@anncaris:"That will not be sufficient, Ensign. Starfleet Intelligence implants are set to a different frequency, if you recall. It was how we were able to pry your crew from the Architect's control when he - T'Lana@anncaris - betrayed you. Fortunately, I possess this frequency, but we will first have to adjust your implant in sickbay." Sin@crystyl opens her eyes and stands, "Oh right, that makes sense. So, no time like the present I imagine" T'Lana@anncaris nods and stands as well, "Come with me." T'Lana@anncaris asks as they walk, "Once the implants are adjusted, do you believe you will be able to locate and read the Commodore's mind from here? You have never met him before, after all." Sin@crystyl:"True, and if I had no idea where he was then you might be right. But we know where your ship is, so it is simply a matter of opening myself to all of the voices there and tuning out all those not - Sin@crystyl:- identifying as Fox. Distant and familiarity make things easier, but do not hamper core ability. Like how Betazeds can sense the mood of large numbers of people on a planet they've just arrived at - Sin@crystyl:- orbit of, you know?" T'Lana@anncaris nods, "I do not have any personal experience with telepathy, but I believe I understand." Sin@crystyl:"So I take it that you picked up on this mystery through Keelah? I mean, if you grew suspicious just from your side of things then you'd already have something and not be asking me to do this right?" T'Lana@anncaris:"I did think the Commodore made a rather significant leap in judgement, but yes, it was my discussion with your Captain that prompted this investigation. The logic of events simply do not make - T'Lana@anncaris - sense and relies too heavily on coincidence." Sin@crystyl:"Well I hope whatever's in his head helps" T'Lana@anncaris:"He is the commanding officer of the Loki and was in charge during the operation. If there is indeed a conspiracy, it is unlikely that he could remain unaware. If it was simply a very fortunate - T'Lana@anncaris - instinctive leap of judgement, we will also learn that from his mind. While information gathered in this way would not be admissible as evidence, it will help me determine whether to continue - T'Lana@anncaris - investigating to find tangible evidence, or give up this line of questioning." Sin@crystyl:"So it's a win-win, nice. So whatever the result, you end up owing me one!" T'Lana@anncaris nods, "I shall keep that in mind, Ensign." Sin@crystyl:"Don't worry, I've nothing specific in mind to cash that favour in. Just you're the kind of person I find it handy to have one in the bank with" she grins T'Lana@anncaris:"Yes, it would be quite beneficial to be able to call in a favour from Starfleet Intelligence. I will do what I can to aid you if you ever require my help in the future, as long as it does not - T'Lana@anncaris - compromise my own mission, of course." Sin@crystyl:"Of course" she smiles --- T'Lana@anncaris soon arrives at the sickbay with Sin. Inside, Zanah is working out of the office, as there are no other patients inside. She steps out, greeting the two T'Lana@anncaris | Zanah: "Can I help you?" Sin@crystyl waves, "Hey Zanah, we need you to make an adjustment to my implant. The Commander has the specific details" T'Lana@anncaris | Zanah nods, "Sure, just settle into any bed you like. This is just for you, not the whole crew?" Sin@crystyl steps over to a biobed, "Yeah, just me and just this one time" T'Lana@anncaris follows over, "Simply set up to reconfigure the implant frequency, and I shall input the specific frequency." T'Lana@anncaris | Zanah taps away on the console, "Don't suppose I can ask what this is about?" Sin@crystyl:"Just a little experiment, you could say" T'Lana@anncaris | Zanah steps away from the console, "It's all set, just waiting for the new frequency." T'Lana@anncaris moves to take over the console, inputting the frequency, "Readjusting implant now." T'Lana@anncaris | Zanah: "I'll be in the office if you need me again." T'Lana@anncaris turns to Sin as Zanah walks off, "Can you sense the Loki crew now?" Sin@crystyl closes her eyes and attempts to do so T'Lana@anncaris | Sin is indeed able to sense the Loki crew and is immediately drawn to one thing in particular. Someone on the Loki is practically glowing with psionic power. There's a very strong psionic on - T'Lana@anncaris - the crew somewhere Sin@crystyl tries to identify them without making them aware of her presence T'Lana@anncaris | Sin realizes that they have very good mental defenses and it is difficult to read anything from them without making them aware of her presence. All she is able to tell is that it's someone - T'Lana@anncaris - on the Loki with an implant set to the same frequency as hers right now, which suggests a member of the Loki's SFI crew Sin@crystyl:"I was not aware you had any psionics so powerful on the Loki. Whoever it is has a lot of mental defenses up as a matter of course, so I can't just push my way in to their mind. Don't worry though, I - Sin@crystyl:- have another way, it will just take a little longer" she closes her eyes again, instead focusing on all of the other minds on the Loki, like she first described filtering their identities out - Sin@crystyl:- until she either finds a focus on Fox, or the only one left is the psionic T'Lana@anncaris raises a brow, but doesn't comment, staying quiet so Sin can concentrate Sin@crystyl:rolls 14 (1-100) T'Lana@anncaris | Sin filters through the various crewmembers without finding Fox, leaving only the psionic... Sin@crystyl:"Ok, the only mind there that I haven't filtered out is the psionic one and I haven't found Fox yet. So unless his implant is on a different frequency..." T'Lana@anncaris:"Or he /is/ the psionic. Either scenario is quite suspicious, as Fox has never revealed himself to be psionic, and he claims he is on the same frequency as the rest of our crew as well." Sin@crystyl:"I could attempt to breach his mental defenses, but I can't imagine that he wouldn't notice the attack" T'Lana@anncaris:"Let us try a more subtle method first. Commodore Fox and I will be visiting the captured raider tomorrow. I will ask Keelah to assign you to studying the raider at the same time. When you are both - T'Lana@anncaris - there, you should be able to determine which of these two scenarios we are looking at. Once that is narrowed down, we may determine our next course of action." Sin@crystyl:"Fair enough, we'll see then" T'Lana@anncaris nods, "I shall speak with you afterwards, then. Keep your implant on this frequency for now." She begins to head out of sickbay Sin@crystyl hops off the bed with a nod and heads out too --- T'Lana@anncaris | Keelah works in her ready room when the doorbell rings Keelah@crystyl looks up, "Come in" T'Lana@anncaris steps into the room, "Captain. I have an update on the investigation, as well as a related request." Keelah@crystyl:"Always good to see you Commander. Please, sit with me then - I had not attributed particularly favourable odds to such an expeditious update" T'Lana@anncaris takes a seat, "I do not have any concrete information, merely more suspicions to add." Keelah@crystyl:"Still, to have raised suspicions at all means you at least saw fit to investigate, and have found something to warrant that reaction" T'Lana@anncaris nods, "Investigating was prudent in this case. I had all relevant data examined, but was unable to reach any conclusions. To see whether or not this investigation should continue, I had Ensign - T'Lana@anncaris - Sin's implant tuned to our frequency in an attempt to read Commodore Fox." Keelah@crystyl:"Interesting. Was she able to find anything?" T'Lana@anncaris:"Yes, but not Commodore Fox. She immediately detected the presence of a powerful psionic on board the Loki, though the strongest psionic on our crew is only slightly above average. Sin did not pry - T'Lana@anncaris - too far into the psionic's identity as she would be discovered, but she did check everyone else she was able to sense and was unable to identify Fox. That means Fox is either using another - T'Lana@anncaris - frequency or that he is psionic. In either case, he has concealed something from me." Keelah@crystyl:"Intriguing indeed, but not exactly damning evidence. I assume this is where the request comes in?" T'Lana@anncaris nods, "Commodore Fox and I are slated to be on the captured raider tomorrow. I would like you to place Sin on a shift there during our visit, so she can confirm whether the psionic is Fox." Keelah@crystyl:"Fair enough. Do you simply want her there independently, or rather have her assigned to your team?" T'Lana@anncaris:"Assign her there independently, as a tactical specialist from the Valley Forge. That way, her presence would not look suspicious." Keelah@crystyl taps at her console, "Done. Is there anything else I can do to help?" T'Lana@anncaris:"Thank you, Captain. That is all I require for now. Continue to remain vigilant, and I will look further into this." Keelah@crystyl nods, "Alright Commander, just reach out again if anything comes up. And thank you for your diligence" T'Lana@anncaris:"It is my duty to be diligent on such things. I will let you know if I require anything else," she stands Keelah@crystyl nods her understanding, "Good luck Commander" --- NPC@annpc#557 | The next day, Sin beams aboard the captured raider to get to work. As she makes her way through the small ship, she sees someone who she thinks is Kelly at first. With her implant on a - NPC@annpc#557 - different frequency now, she's unable to use her telepathic senses to identify her... Sin@crystyl heads that way, "Het Commander, I- oh, you're not Kelly!" NPC@annpc#557 | Farhalla turns to Sin with a grin, "Thought I was Kelly, didn't you?" Sin@crystyl taps her fingertips together awkwardly, "Maybe..." NPC@annpc#557 | Farhalla chuckles, "Don't worry, you're not the only one. It's a common occurrence around here," she stands, offering Sin her hand. "I'm Lieutenant Farhalla from the Midway." Sin@crystyl meets it in kind, relieved that her slip went unnoticed due the unfamiliarity, "I'm Sin, nice to meet you" NPC@annpc#557 | Farhalla: "Oh, you're Sin! Can't believe I missed that, there's not too many Ocampa in Starfleet." Sin@crystyl:"I could say the same Denobulans, especially those with more distinguished ears" NPC@annpc#557 | Farhalla chuckles, "That's usually what tips people off that I'm not Kelly. I mean, I have different hair too, but she could always dye her hair." Sin@crystyl:"She does have a penchant for flamboyancy when it suits her, so the ears are a safer bet. Was what gave it away to me after all!" NPC@annpc#557 | Farhalla: "Yes, Kelly's ears are much less pronounced. I got these from my Vulcan side." Sin@crystyl:Aah another half-Vulcan. I'm starting to thing those Ferengi holo-novels aren't always so fictional..." she chuckles, "Sorry, but there's a girl on the Forge like you and we always share a laugh - Sin@crystyl:- about that" NPC@annpc#557 | Farhalla: "She was one of the first people I met from your crew! T'Quila, right? Or are you talking about the Captain's daughter? She just got back, and she's half-Vulcan too...wow you're - NPC@annpc#557 - right, there /are/ a lot of us around." Sin@crystyl laughs, "See! But yes, I meant Tee. Don't see much of the mini-Keelah these days" NPC@annpc#557 | Farhalla laughs at the mini-Keelah as well, "Well I'm pretty sure there's still more half-Denobulans, but Vulcans have been spacefaring for a long time. It's not too surprising that there's a - NPC@annpc#557 - good number of hybrids around, even if the Vulcan people are generally on the traditional side." Sin@crystyl:"Exactly. So what are you here to do today?" NPC@annpc#557 | Farhalla: "Studying this ship's systems, as best as I can at least. There's some things that are recognizable from Iconian technology, but we don't even fully understand Iconian technology - NPC@annpc#557 - yet, let alone this. Fortunately we have the Iconians here to help." Sin@crystyl:"And the Nuhar drones too, they were built to work with Iconian tech so should be useful. What about tactical systems? I'm supposed to start digging in those today but not sure where to start here yet NPC@annpc#557 | Farhalla: "Speaking of Nuhar, from what we've gathered, the weapon systems seem to be Nuhar-based at their core. Along with the information from the other encounters with vessels from this - NPC@annpc#557 - future, it looks like Nuhar antiproton is the standard. It's not quite the same as the Nuhar antiproton we're used to, though." Sin@crystyl:"Oh? What are the key differences?" NPC@annpc#557 | Farhalla: "Well from what we've learned, the power's more efficient, which means at maximum power, they're probably more powerful than the beams of modern Constructs. This little raider - NPC@annpc#557 - doesn't have that level of firepower of course, but it's still much more than we can achieve on a ship of this size." Sin@crystyl:"Fair enough. But the fundamentals are the same right? It's not like some weird mirror universe thing where polarities are reversed or something?" NPC@annpc#557 | Farhalla: "I...think the rules of physics are still the same in the mirror universe. But you're right, the fundamental principles are the same, it's just that the technology is so much more - NPC@annpc#557 - advanced. It's like a civilization who's only just developed quantum mechanics trying to understand warp drives. The actual physics hasn't changed- warp theory's always worked the same - NPC@annpc#557 - no matter if you understand it or not, but if you don't understand it yet, you can't really figure out how a warp-capable ship functions." Sin@crystyl:"Makes sense. Any discoveries on other systems so far?" NPC@annpc#557 | Farhalla: "Progress is...slower than we'd like due to how complex much of this technology is. We've discovered a few chroniton and transphasic torpedoes, but the design isn't compatible with - NPC@annpc#557 - modern Starfleet torpedo launchers. The shielding's metaphasic with temporal properties and we think it can block chroniton torpedo strikes, but we're still studying it. That's about - NPC@annpc#557 - everything on the tactical side." Sin@crystyl:"Alright, guess I'll start digging in the computer then and see what I can find from specs and go from there" NPC@annpc#557 | Farhalla: "One more thing- the technology in this ship is much more advanced, but the actual interface isn't that complicated to get used to. And there seems to be a number of safety systems - NPC@annpc#557 - in place too, so you shouldn't have to worry about accidentally firing the weapons." Sin@crystyl:"Good to know" she chuckles NPC@annpc#557 | Farhalla: "Good luck studying the tactical systems! Hopefully you have more luck making any sense of it," she chuckles as well --- T'Lana@anncaris | A short while later, Sin is working on studying the tactical systems of the captured raider when she hears footsteps and voices nearby. Soon, the voices become distinct enough and Sin - T'Lana@anncaris - is able to make out one of them as T'Lana T'Lana@anncaris:"The raider has a very minimal database, with no information we do not already possess within Federation databases. We have scoured the computer systems and have not found any trace of hidden or - T'Lana@anncaris:- erased information. The only new data is that of the craft itself, which is identified as an auxiliary vessel of one USS Shepard." T'Lana@anncaris | Fox: "A Starfleet vessel from this alternate future?" Sin@crystyl looks around at the sound of voices, but doesn't interrupt her work T'Lana@anncaris and Fox soon come into view, neither of them seeming to pay Sin any mind. T'Lana continues the conversation as she walks through Sin@crystyl does however start to open her mind to sense the presences around her T'Lana@anncaris:"Apparently in their future, USS stands for Union Starship. There is no mention of the vessel being affiliated with the United Federation of Planets, though the Shepard does bear an NCC registry - T'Lana@anncaris:- per Starfleet convention." T'Lana@anncaris | Sin notices something strange...she can't read the minds of either T'Lana or Fox. It's distinct from what she gets when she tries to read the mind of someone with a differently tuned implant, - T'Lana@anncaris - where the mind still feels familiar and she's just unable to make any sense of it. With these two, the mind feels alien, like what she feels when she tries to touch the minds of non-Children - T'Lana@anncaris - species such as the Lupan. She can also sense very clearly that neither of them are radiating any psionic power T'Lana@anncaris | Fox: "Very interesting. I suppose as an auxiliary craft, the raider's computer would not contain the more sensitive data and rely on its mother craft to do so, as with our vessels." Sin@crystyl finds this confusing and tries to focus her efforts on the source of the disruption T'Lana@anncaris | As far as Sin can determine, the disruption is because their minds are simply wired differently. It's almost certainly not the implants T'Lana@anncaris nods, "That is our assumption as well. We are gathering what information we can from the technical data, to study their technology as well as anything else we can gleam. So far, the only major - T'Lana@anncaris - piece we have learned is the different meaning of the USS prefix." Sin@crystyl continues focusing in an attempt to train herself to read the unfamiliar minds more clearly Sin@crystyl:rolls 47 (1-100) T'Lana@anncaris | With a lot of concentration, Sin is able to get some basic feelings from T'Lana, or at least a bit of something resembling tension. She will need a lot more experience to get anything further - T'Lana@anncaris - but she does manage to sense some kind of psionic presence from Fox. It's not like anything she's ever encountered before and she can't make any sense of it, unlike with T'Lana T'Lana@anncaris | What Fox gives off is more like a connection, rather than telepathy. Like the bond between Keelah and Pia or Kelly and Eva, but much, much more alien T'Lana@anncaris | Fox: "It is something. We will continue studying the vessel. There are a few specialists I would like to assign..." T'Lana@anncaris | As the two walk off into the distance, their voices become indistinct once again Sin@crystyl finds the whole situation very confusing as the implant frequency should have allowed her to read them both like open books as before, so starts investigating the possibility of external sources of- Sin@crystyl:- influence instead T'Lana@anncaris | Sin doesn't sense any sources of external influence. After a few minutes of trying, she hears footsteps approaching them again, and T'Lana steps into view T'Lana@anncaris | This time, Fox is not with her T'Lana@anncaris:"Ensign Sin. Have you managed to confirm why you were not able to find Fox telepathically earlier?" Sin@crystyl:"No" she frowns, "And I couldn't even read you either" T'Lana@anncaris:"Being unable to read me is expected. I have not explained it to you, have I? Our implants were always on different frequencies, so you never had the chance to realize that you could not, even - T'Lana@anncaris - without the implant in the way." Sin@crystyl:"Hm?" T'Lana@anncaris:"Unlike Ensign Ralde, I have not widely publicized my condition among those who are familiar with me. I trust you are able to keep a secret given your history, Ensign?" Sin@crystyl:"Sounds personal, so yeah of course" T'Lana@anncaris:"It is also a significant tactical advantage. Less so now that these implants are common, but it is not impossible that our frequency may be compromised one day." T'Lana@anncaris:"In short, I am not a standard Vulcan. As a result of my mother's work with mutagenic substances, I was born with multiple mutations, one of which is an unusual brain structure. According to the - T'Lana@anncaris - beings I have encountered, my mind is closer to that of the Primeval beings of the universe than Children species. I have always been resistant to telepathy." Sin@crystyl:"Ok, that explains you. But what about Fox?" T'Lana@anncaris:"If he is not the psionic you sensed before, then his implant must be on a different frequency, correct?" Sin@crystyl:"I could feel that presence still on the Loki, so either it's not him, or there's more than one of him" T'Lana@anncaris nods, "So he has set his implant to a separate frequency then..." Sin@crystyl:"I'm not so sure. I've tried reading people on different implant frequencies before, and this felt different. This was more like trying to read you - or a non-Children species" T'Lana@anncaris:"Curious. And you did not get this sense from the psionic on the Loki?" Sin@crystyl shakes her head, "No, that just felt like a powerful presence. Not quite one like me, but like a Chlasi Esoteric or something" Sin@crystyl 's vanity knows no bounds... T'Lana@anncaris:"Interesting. So Fox has a mind more like mine, and there is a powerful psionic on the Loki, one who is certainly not a known crew member. This only raises more questions than it answers..." Sin@crystyl:"For us both, believe me" T'Lana@anncaris:"We must investigate further. I have an idea on our next steps, and I will continue to require your assistance- if you would be willing, of course. You are not under my chain of command." Sin@crystyl:"Hey, as far as I'm concerned this is just another new challenge to overcome on my way supremacy" T'Lana@anncaris:"Good. Then I shall contact you again soon. Return to the Valley Forge for now once you have finished your shift here." Sin@crystyl:"Understood Commander, I'll look forward to your next visit then" T'Lana@anncaris:"I will see you soon, Ensign." --- T'Lana@anncaris | After examining the Loki's transporter logs but being unable to find any definite signs of alteration, things has been quiet for Alyssa while T'Lana continues the investigation T'Lana@anncaris | As she relaxes in her quarters, the doorbell rings Alyssa@crystyl kneels on the floor meditating, surrounded by candles, "Come" Alyssa@crystyl sits down T'Lana@anncaris steps into the room, "I see you are in the midst of meditation. Would you like me to return later?" Alyssa@crystyl:"I have already broken my focus, so it would be illogical to repeat the risk of further disruption at a later time" she begins blowing out the candles T'Lana@anncaris:"I apologize for the intrusion. There is some additional data I would like you to examine." Alyssa@crystyl stands, "Intrusion is a natural risk that comes with community. Had my meditation being of such a critical nature then I would have locked the room down and fully isolated myself" she offers, - Alyssa@crystyl:- suggesting it is no problem, "Can I offer you a tea while you elaborate?" she moves to make one for herself anyway T'Lana@anncaris nods, "I shall take a tea, thank you," she takes a seat at the nearby table Alyssa@crystyl sits and prepares the teas, "The fact that you are bringing this to me here again; can I assume this is regarding the sensitive matter we previously discussed?" T'Lana@anncaris:"That is correct. I have found a new avenue of investigation other than the transporter records." Alyssa@crystyl perks a brow, offering over a tea, "Curious. And what might that be?" T'Lana@anncaris:"If we work under the assumption that Commander Watson has been captured, there must be measures taken to ensure she is not visible through our sensors. And even if she is not here, I now have - T'Lana@anncaris:- other reason to believe there is at least one individual on the Loki that does not belong and is likely connected to the conspiracy." Alyssa@crystyl:"Oh?" T'Lana@anncaris:"There is a psionic of significant power supposedly on board, and no such individual is listed among our crew roster." Alyssa@crystyl:"Indeed, there is not. Most curious that their presence would go unnoticed by those around them with psionic perception" T'Lana@anncaris:"I doubt they are unnoticed. It is more likely that the corruption here goes deeper than I initially anticipated. The members of the crew with non-touch telepathy must be aware of this psionic and - T'Lana@anncaris - is keeping quiet about it as well. Unless this psionic has some ability to nullify those weaker than themself, but it would be simpler to keep their implant on a different frequency." Alyssa@crystyl:"Perhaps. But if they are reliant on the implant alone then they would have to be a recent arrival to have avoided detection prior. So either you are the psionic you seek, or this does indeed run - Alyssa@crystyl:- deeper here" T'Lana@anncaris nods, "There is more they must do than simply avoid psionic detection as well. Concealing their lifesigns is simple, but a lifesign concealer does not hide movement. I have done a check for any - T'Lana@anncaris - suspicious movement, and the computer has not flagged any. That leaves only two possibilities." T'Lana@anncaris:"Either they are using a personal stealth device, or the computers have been altered not to register their movement, making the internal sensors blind to their presence. The stealth device is - T'Lana@anncaris:- only viable if they are a recent arrival, and if the latter is the case, there are likely traces of it in the computers." Alyssa@crystyl:"Yes, I would expect to see distinct gaps in records were that the case" T'Lana@anncaris takes out several isolinear chips, handing them over to Alyssa, "Here are the internal sensor data I have been able to retrieve without raising any suspicion. It should provide you with enough - T'Lana@anncaris - to analyze for traces of tampering." Alyssa@crystyl takes them, setting them aside neatly, "Of course, I shall begin immediately" T'Lana@anncaris:"Thank you. Keep me updated on your progress, Lieutenant." Alyssa@crystyl:"Of course Commander" --- T'Lana@anncaris | Some time later after T'Lana has left, Alyssa is working alone in her quarters on the sensor data... T'Lana@anncaris | It takes a lot of close examination, but she is able to notice the gaps with very diligent searching and knowing what to look for. Whoever tampered with the sensor data did it extremely - T'Lana@anncaris - carefully, making it very easy to miss, but something has definitely been removed from these data logs Alyssa@crystyl makes sure to thoroughly complete her assessment in every detail before contacting TL to report her findings Alyssa@crystyl:rolls 78 (1-100) T'Lana@anncaris | Alyssa is unable to determine what exactly was erased through looking at the data alone, but her thorough assessment allows her to trace the changes back to their source... T'Lana@anncaris | The source of the changes is a subroutine very cleverly hidden within some generally overlooked code. It seems these changes aren't made manually, but the subroutine flags specific lifesigns - T'Lana@anncaris - when they pop up and tells the sensor to ignore them as sensor glitches. From the parameters of the subroutine, Alyssa is able to determine the lifesigns that are being ignored Alyssa@crystyl logs all of her findings including the lifesigns to a chip and relaxes/reflects with another tea before tapping her combadge, "Alyssa to T'Lana" T'Lana@anncaris:<C> "T'Lana here." Alyssa@crystyl:"Commander, I have been reflecting on things following our previous conversation and see fit now to continue our discussion. When convenient, would you care to drop by my quarters again?" T'Lana@anncaris:<C> "I will be by soon, Lieutenant." --- T'Lana@anncaris | A minute after Alyssa's comm with T'Lana, her doorbell rings Alyssa@crystyl still sits at her desk where she was working, "Come in" T'Lana@anncaris | The door slides open, but the one who enters isn't who Alyssa expects. Instead of T'Lana, an Ullian male stands in the doorway, whom Alyssa immediately recognizes as Uzen, the Loki's - T'Lana@anncaris - counsellor and the strongest telepath on the crew (but not the strongest on board the ship, from what T'Lana said) Alyssa@crystyl folds her hands on her lap, conveniently obscured by the tabletop, "Uzen, this is an unexpected visit. How may I be of assistance?" T'Lana@anncaris | Uzen smiles, "I merely wished to check on you, Lieutenant. You have been spending more time in your quarters of late." Alyssa@crystyl perks a brow, "More is a relative term I believe. Whilst I may spend more time than others in solitude, I do not currently spend more than my usual allocation of time this way. Worry not though, - Alyssa@crystyl:- for I understand how this can be commonly misconstrued" T'Lana@anncaris | Uzen nods, "I simply wish to see if you are alright. You are doing well, then?" Alyssa@crystyl:"Yes, quite. Thank you for checking in, but now if you don't mind I had intended to spend this time in meditation" T'Lana@anncaris | The doorbell rings again, and Uzen turns towards the door Alyssa@crystyl eyerolls, "Come in..." T'Lana@anncaris | This time, T'Lana steps inside. Her gaze turns to Uzen immediately, "Counsellor. I was not expecting to encounter you here." T'Lana@anncaris | Uzen: "I would say the same, but that would be a lie." Alyssa@crystyl:"So much for a simple courtesy call to check on my solitude then, as that would not be consistent with any expectation to see the Commander here as well" T'Lana@anncaris | Uzen: "Well, I did not expect her to see her /now/. But I am a member of Starfleet Intelligence as well as a psychiatrist. I have noticed the Commander visiting your quarters with surprising - T'Lana@anncaris - frequency of late. You understand it is quite unusual, given your aversion for social occasions save the visits to public areas of the ship I recommended." Alyssa@crystyl:"Yes, but as you are well aware Vulcans have certain... tolerances around other species. There is a certain solace to be found in the company of one's kin as I discovered following a chance - Alyssa@crystyl:- conversation with the Commander in the mess hall recently. This invariably resulted in increased social activity, which I believe was your goal for me" T'Lana@anncaris | Uzen nods, "Indeed, I was hoping for you to make more friends," he smiles at T'Lana, "And I am pleased to see that you have found one. I understand that Vulcans are a rather private people, - T'Lana@anncaris - but I was expecting more socializing in a public environment such as the one in which you first met." Alyssa@crystyl:"When it suits, but as I mentioned before this time was allotted for meditation" T'Lana@anncaris | Uzen looks to T'Lana again, "And your visit was simply ill-timed as my own was, or..." Alyssa@crystyl:"No, by invitation" T'Lana@anncaris:"As the only two Vulcans on this crew, and with the both of us being somewhat misfit even among our own people, we bonded rather quickly. And closely." T'Lana@anncaris | Uzen nods: "Ah. I see." T'Lana@anncaris:"Now if you will leave us in private..." T'Lana@anncaris | Uzen: "Of course. My apologies, Commander. Lieutenant." He quickly bows out T'Lana@anncaris looks back to Alyssa as the door closes behind Uzen, "They are beginning to grow suspicious. We must tread carefully now. As the strongest psionic on the ship, I do not believe Uzen could - T'Lana@anncaris - possibly be in the dark about the presence on board." Alyssa@crystyl:"Agreed" she takes out the small phaser she was holding under the table and sets it down, "The timing of his impromptu visit was most suspicious" T'Lana@anncaris nods and steps over, taking a seat, "I hope the deception I have created will not be too awkward for you. We should not need to maintain it for long, only while we are still uncovering the - T'Lana@anncaris - extent of infiltration on the Loki." Alyssa@crystyl:"Not at all. I may not be a field operative but I still trained to beyond the minimum for an intelligence officer to have been posted here" she retrieves the chip, "You were right" T'Lana@anncaris raises a brow, "What have you discovered?" Alyssa@crystyl:"A discrete subroutine running in the background processes across internal sensors. It is specifically occluding all records of those lifesigns" T'Lana@anncaris:"Fascinating." She takes out a PADD, tapping on it before reaching for the chip, "May I?" Alyssa@crystyl offers it over, "By all means" T'Lana@anncaris takes the chip, inserting it into her PADD, "These lifesigns that are being occluded, they indicate multiple different individuals of at least two different species. And if I am not mistaken..." T'Lana@anncaris stands, moving over to a console and tapping T'Lana@anncaris:"Yes, I thought the lifesigns appeared familiar. They are not an exact match, but there is a significant amount of similarity to indicate a connection." Alyssa@crystyl:"Connection?" T'Lana@anncaris nods, turning the console to Alyssa, "These are the lifesign readings of Alpha and Gamma Jem'Hadar, as well as various Vorta series encountered by the Federation." She then holds out the PADD, - T'Lana@anncaris - "These are the lifesign parameters the subroutine covers. They are different, but several of the common elements found within the different types of Jem'Hadar and Vorta are shared in common - T'Lana@anncaris - with the readings here as well." Alyssa@crystyl perks a brow, "Jem'Hadar. This is most unexpected" T'Lana@anncaris:"At the very least, genetically engineered beings using Dominion-based technology such as the ones in the possession of the Colonial Fleet. It is more likely given the similarities to Dominion - T'Lana@anncaris - created species in particular rather than Colonial Fleet clones that these are some variation of the Jem'Hadar and Vorta." Alyssa@crystyl:"Vorta are typically engineered with psionic abilities are they not. Perhaps your mystery presence is a Vorta, at least the one that was sensed" T'Lana@anncaris nods, "An excellent theory. The Federation knows of several series of Vorta who are confirmed to have psionic abilities. It would explain the presence." Alyssa@crystyl:"But not the theory about Watson or the Commodore" T'Lana@anncaris:"No, it does not. Watson, if she is indeed alive, would have only been brought on board recently, so concealing her with stealth technology up until now is not unlikely. The Commodore...him I do - T'Lana@anncaris:- not yet have an explanation for. Is it possible to trace the position of these lifesigns that are being occluded?" Alyssa@crystyl:"Technically possible, yes. However doing so without leaving evidence of tampering with it... not so much" T'Lana@anncaris nods, "As I thought." Alyssa@crystyl:"Another curious factor to this; the subroutine is within the lower security general Starfleet operational procedures, as opposed to the SFI specific ones. So in theory, any vessel across the whole - Alyssa@crystyl:- fleet running at least the same version system would natively be running this subroutine in the background as well. Of course, it would always go unnoticed unless there were relevant lifesigns on - Alyssa@crystyl:- board for it to react to. And then as we've found here, it is not exactly glaringly obvious" T'Lana@anncaris:"That makes sense. All these variations of lifesigns cannot possibly be on the Loki at the present time. One or two concealed individuals, perhaps, but it would be highly unlikely for them to be - T'Lana@anncaris:- here at once yet we had never encountered any by chance. This subroutine may be in place to allow them to infiltrate any Starfleet vessel or facility." Alyssa@crystyl:"Not a reassuring prospect..." T'Lana@anncaris nods, "We cannot remove the subroutine here on the Loki, but at the very least, I may be able to inform Captain Keelah of it so she will be able to detect these lifesigns on the Valley Forge. I - T'Lana@anncaris - believe she and her senior crew can be trusted, and they should be able to remove this subroutine and cover up its absence on their vessel." Alyssa@crystyl:"Assuming they currently have no infiltrators on board. But with sensor echoes appearing here, there are at least some in the vicinity. If you forward this information to them I recommend caution, - Alyssa@crystyl:- and possibly observation only for the time being. Once they are isolated and not in range of the Loki, then they would be safer to attempt and interference with the subroutine without raising an - Alyssa@crystyl:- alarm to anyone in range" T'Lana@anncaris:"A valid precaution. I shall inform Captain Keelah of the subroutine but ask her not to remove it for the time being, merely monitor if it is being active. In the meantime, I will proceed with the - T'Lana@anncaris - other approach for locating this psionic on the Loki, as the sensors cannot be relied upon." --- T'Lana@anncaris is once again on the Valley Forge after learning of Alyssa's discovery and rings the doorbell to Keelah's ready room Keelah@crystyl:"Come in" T'Lana@anncaris steps in, "Captain. I have discovered more information through the investigation." Keelah@crystyl:"Commander. I see, please take a seat" she takes the now customary steps to secure the room T'Lana@anncaris sits down, waiting for Keelah to enact the security measures Keelah@crystyl promptly does so, "Well, what have you found out?" T'Lana@anncaris:"You are becoming quite adept at our ways, Captain," she comments as she takes out an isolinear chip, handing it to Keelah. "Take a look at this subroutine." Keelah@crystyl pops it into her console, "I am sure I have got a long way to go before I am in your league, but recent events have induced an air of paranoia here" T'Lana@anncaris:"And it seems that paranoia may indeed be justified. This is a subroutine that runs in all Starfleet sensor systems. As you can see, it is written to prevent specific lifesigns from registering." Keelah@crystyl:"All sensor systems? Such lifesigns can't be so specific as an individual then if it is as widespread as you claim" T'Lana@anncaris:"You are correct. It seems to occlude lifesigns of specific species, lifesigns which bear a degree of similarity to those of the Jem'Hadar and Vorta." Keelah@crystyl:"Implying that the Dominion is actually behind this" T'Lana@anncaris:"If it is the Dominion, it is not the Dominion we know. The lifesigns do not match any known series of Vorta or Jem'Hadar design, from the modern Dominion or during the time of the war. That is why - T'Lana@anncaris:- any Vorta or Jem'Hadar that steps foot on a Starfleet vessel will still register as a lifesign. They are different enough from the lifesigns covered by the subroutine that they are not affected." Keelah@crystyl:"Interesting. Thoughts or theories so far?" T'Lana@anncaris:"If there is a Vorta or a being similar to it on the Loki, that could explain the psionic Sin sensed. As for the Dominion connection, I do have a theory." Keelah@crystyl:"I was hoping you would say that" T'Lana@anncaris:"As you are aware, the parent vessel of the captured raider is identified as one USS Shepard. One of the limited pieces of information we have been able to gather from the raider is that this - T'Lana@anncaris:- prefix does not stand for United Federation Starship but Union Starship. However, the raider craft bears the same quantum signature as the Gallant, whose name /was/ United Federation Starship - T'Lana@anncaris:- Defiant. Everything else we know about the Shepard, from the use of a significant human figure for a name to the NCC registry, indicates it is still an extension of the Federation Starfleet." Keelah@crystyl:"You believe there is more to this than a naming convention I take it?" T'Lana@anncaris:"One does not change the name of their governing body simply on a whim. It indicates a larger change somewhere. Such a change could either be the reorganizing of the Federation into a very - T'Lana@anncaris - different political entity, or perhaps even the incorporation of the Federation into an even larger entity. The Federation may still exist in this universe as a regional power, as United Earth - T'Lana@anncaris - still does within the United Federation of Planets today. In either case, something significant must have changed." Keelah@crystyl:"Could this Union be their version of what we have taken to calling the Coalition?" T'Lana@anncaris nods, "Or rather, an evolution of the Coalition. The Coalition as we know it existed in their universe during the time of Kirk's Enterprise and the Gallant. In our own universe today, we have - T'Lana@anncaris:- managed to form a diplomatic connection to the Dominion despite our former conflict. It is not impossible that in the future of their reality, the Dominion is a member of this Union." Keelah@crystyl:"I see, so you do still believe that this subroutine is associated with our ongoing investigation and not indicative of a new threat from our Dominion?" T'Lana@anncaris:"Yes. That is the far more likely situation, as the only reason we discovered this subroutine was because it was active on the Loki, meaning it is currently concealing some lifesign on board. The - T'Lana@anncaris:- Dominion does not have a presence on the rim at the moment and as far as I know have never shown interest. It is far more likely to be a threat from the Arshai than the Dominion. We know they - T'Lana@anncaris:- have recently gained the knowledge to produce full Jem'Hadar, but I do not believe they are involved either. They have the means and are in the right place, but they lack motive." Keelah@crystyl:"So you have a confirmed infiltrator on board the Loki, and that is presumably the powerful psionic that Sin felt there. Well now I feel obliged to check for it here as well" T'Lana@anncaris:"Monitor for any activity within this subroutine, but do not remove it yet. Its removal may inform the infiltrators that we are getting close to uncovering them. If there is any activity from the - T'Lana@anncaris - subroutine, you will know that an infiltrator is present." Keelah@crystyl:"So even if we do become aware of a presence, we shouldn't do anything about it?" T'Lana@anncaris:"Take measures to secure your ship, of course, but do not remove the subroutine. Finding the infiltrator may be difficult without sensors, but if you do see the subroutine active, increase security - T'Lana@anncaris:- around vital areas of the ship in case they do attempt anything." T'Lana@anncaris:"In the meantime, I will need to borrow Ensign Sin once again to locate the infiltrator on the Loki." Keelah@crystyl:"I understand Commander, thank you for the clarifications. And of course, anyone on the crew here is at your disposal" T'Lana@anncaris nods, "Thank you, Captain. I will continue the investigation with her aid. We are making good progress so far and it should not be long before we uncover the conspiracy, or at least the portion - T'Lana@anncaris - of it occurring here." She stands Keelah@crystyl:"Then may your good fortune continue to prevail" she smiles --- T'Lana@anncaris makes her way to Sin's quarters again, ringing the doorbell Sin@crystyl looks over, "Come in" T'Lana@anncaris steps into the room, "Hello again, Sin." Sin@crystyl:"Back so soon? Don't tell me you've hit a wall already in your investigation" T'Lana@anncaris:"Not quite, but I do require your assistance once again." Sin@crystyl:"Sounds fun. So what are we up to this time?" T'Lana@anncaris:"Are you able to use your telepathy to locate precisely where this psionic is on the Loki?" Sin@crystyl:"Ordinarily, sure. But with every being out of whack with this one, who knows" T'Lana@anncaris:"It is worth an attempt. Do you think you can do so from here, or would you need to be on the Loki?" Sin@crystyl shakes her head, "Here will be fine. Since we don't know exactly where to look, moving location won't make any difference" she moves to sit down and focus T'Lana@anncaris follows over, "Tell me which part of the Loki you believe the psionic to be at. You may be able to determine a relative position on the ship based on the positions of the other crew." T'Lana@anncaris takes a seat and patiently waits for Sin to do her thing Sin@crystyl nods, "Very well, normally I would open my mind to all of the minds around me and then browse through them. Like walking through a crowded room until you find the person you seek. This can offer - Sin@crystyl:- some degree of perceptive interference in our favour. Since, well, you know what it's like if you're the person in that crowd and someone is looking for you but you're not anticipating it - you - Sin@crystyl:- don't exactly see that person until they wave to you. It's a very similar principle here, so even with whatever technological gizmo's they're hiding behind, their awareness of their own - Sin@crystyl:- surroundings should betray them to me when I search this psionic crowd" she says, eyes closed and started to work T'Lana@anncaris | The strong psionic presence is not difficult for Sin to identify, as with last time. From the positions of the other people on the ship, Sin can tell that the psionic is on the very bottom of - T'Lana@anncaris - the vessel. There are very few people in the psionic's vicinity- of particular note is that she senses one person close to the psionic, and everyone else is significantly further away, even - T'Lana@anncaris - those who are relatively close. They must be isolated somewhere with one other person Sin@crystyl:"What is on the lowest deck of that ship?" T'Lana@anncaris:"Maintenance areas for engineering and ventral weapons systems. One transporter room and several lower decks bunks. Not the most frequented area of the ship, but it also sees enough regular - T'Lana@anncaris - activity to make hiding there for an extended period unlikely." She pauses for a moment. "No. That is incorrect. The lowest deck of the Loki is uninhabited and filled solely with ship systems. - T'Lana@anncaris - The crew rarely consider it a true deck, but per the vessel's specifications, it is technically an uninhabitable deck. Regularly, it would be impossible to live there. With some modification - T'Lana@anncaris - to the ship, however..." Sin@crystyl:"However...?" T'Lana@anncaris:"It would be possible to make at least a small section of the deck habitable. Concealing that change from sensors is more difficult, but I am confident an SFI vessel would be perfectly capable of - T'Lana@anncaris:- such a deception. That may be where the psionic is hidden." Sin@crystyl:"It is where they seem to be. But they are not exclusively alone down there, I sense one other person in the vicinity with them" T'Lana@anncaris:"Can you get any read on them?" Sin@crystyl closes her eyes again in an attempt to do so T'Lana@anncaris | Sin is able to read the other presence easily. They aren't psionic, and don't even seem to be conscious at the moment. Strangely, Sin can't get much from them other than that. They almost feel - T'Lana@anncaris - like a blank slate to her Sin@crystyl:"Strange... I can feel the presence, definitely not psionic. But beyond that... it's like their mind is blank or something, unconscious maybe?" T'Lana@anncaris:"Or perhaps literally blank. Jem'Hadar and Vorta are created artificially. This could be one in the process of creation." Sin@crystyl opens her eyes, "Wait, Jem'Hadar?" T'Lana@anncaris nods, "We believe the psionic may be a Vorta. A hidden algorithm is preventing their lifesigns, as well as ones that appear to have similarities to Jem'Hadar, from appearing on internal sensors. - T'Lana@anncaris - That is why I require your help to track them down." Sin@crystyl:"Well then, that certainly is a possibility. But cloning Jem'Hadar in a secret lair in the bowels of a SFI flagship seems a little... needlessly complicated. I mean, just masking that power - Sin@crystyl:- consumption alone would be hard enough even on this ship. What if... let's say there is a Vorta hiding down there or something, but the other blank mind I'm reading isn't a baby Jem'Hadar, but - Sin@crystyl:- what if it's Watson?" T'Lana@anncaris raises a brow, then nods, "An interesting theory, Ensign. That is also a possibility. Perhaps they are using some form of telepathic mind conditioning, or have simply wiped her mind to begin - T'Lana@anncaris - again with her." Sin@crystyl:"Or maybe she's just unconscious..." T'Lana@anncaris:"Are you sure? I am no psionic myself, but unconscious minds are rarely truly blank. There is generally subconscious activity going on, which I presume you would be able to pick up, correct? - T'Lana@anncaris:- Blankness would only occur in artificially induced forms of stasis, or in death or unmatured lifeforms." Sin@crystyl:"Yeah, but everything's just wrong with the people we're dealing with on this, so I'm not ruling any strange alternate reality trickery out. So, time for a trip to the Loki?" T'Lana@anncaris nods, "It is the only option I can see. A direct confrontation with this psionic and other infiltrators may be inevitable." Sin@crystyl:"You'll need me with you. But I hope for both our sakes you've got other people too" T'Lana@anncaris:"It is difficult to know who to trust on the Loki, but I have at least one other I am certain can be trusted. We will approach this subtly for as long as we can and avoid drawing the attention of - T'Lana@anncaris - all infiltrators at once. I will obtain equipment for you. We will meet in Transporter Room Two at 1600 hours." Sin@crystyl nods, "I have a few tricks up my sleeve still that aren't exactly Starfleet approved, so haven't got to use any for a while here. I'll be ready" T'Lana@anncaris:"We will need all the advantages we can have on this mission, but please avoid killing any of the Loki's crew if possible. Should a confrontation arise, it is possible that members of the crew who - T'Lana@anncaris:- are not a part of the conspiracy may be unsure of who to side with and stand against us. We cannot be certain that everyone attacking us is truly the enemy." Sin@crystyl:"Oh I'm aware, once we start down this path you're basically on a one way trip to mutiny. So only way to survive is to come out on top" T'Lana@anncaris:"Not necessarily. The Valley Forge and many other Coalition vessels are still present here at Widhar. There is also the Midway, whose crew I am less familiar with, but I do not yet have a reason to - T'Lana@anncaris - suspect they are compromised. If the odds on the Loki turn too heavily against us, retreat may be preferable to attempting to seize the vessel, as long as we gain evidence of the infiltration." Sin@crystyl:"Yes, but even in that scenario you will be branded a mutineer hence the need to come out on top. Also, if it comes to fleeing you will likely not get another chance to get close enough to expose - Sin@crystyl:- these people, or the Commodore assuming still that he is a part of it" T'Lana@anncaris nods, "Our priority is exposing this conspiracy, or finding the evidence to do so. We will see how the situation plays out and adapt. I have a suspicion that the infiltration runs deep on the - T'Lana@anncaris - Loki from what I have seen so far, but do /try/ to restrict the damage you inflict when confrontation arises." Sin@crystyl grins, "So little faith" T'Lana@anncaris stands, "Prove me wrong then, Ensign. 1600 hours." --- T'Lana@anncaris awaits in the transporter room at the agreed time, with a small case of equipment Sin@crystyl arrives only a little late, "Well Commander, we all set?" T'Lana@anncaris:"I have everything we require here. Thank you for arriving more or less on time." Sin@crystyl:"Blame the turbolifts. There's never one around when you want one, and one does turn up it's pre-called to stop at 12 other decks on the way..." T'Lana@anncaris:"Of course..." she sets down the case, opening it. She takes out one device, handing it to Sin, "This is a false lifesign emitter. Clip it to your belt." Sin@crystyl does so, "Am I something else now or just not registering?" T'Lana@anncaris:"You will be going as Ensign Razia Tahir. The real Ensign Tahir is currently working on the captured raider, so the Loki will detect only one of her on board." She reaches into the case again, - T'Lana@anncaris:- taking out a combadge and another device. "This mobile holoemitter and combadge will complete the deception." T'Lana@anncaris:"I do not expect the ruse to hold for long, but it will allow us to pass through the Loki to our destination without scrutiny, at the very least." Sin@crystyl equips them as well, looking herself over, "Not bad. Don't suppose these are for keeps are they..." T'Lana@anncaris leans forward, tapping the holoemitter. The hologram flickers over Sin, projecting the different image of an officer in SFI uniform. "I am afraid not. You are stealthy enough without these tools." Sin@crystyl smiles, watching her form change, "Was worth a try" T'Lana@anncaris takes out the last two items in the case, an SFI phaser and tricorder, "With your psionic abilities, I do not believe you will require this, but it is always better to have the tools and not - T'Lana@anncaris - require them. Examining the raider is also being considered as away duty as the ship was once hostile and could present dangers, so it would not be out of place for Ensign Tahir to be carrying - T'Lana@anncaris - a weapon." Sin@crystyl holsters them, "Makes sense, boy you guys really do get the nicest toys don't you. And see, making sure it's on stun look!" T'Lana@anncaris:"Thank you. Ready to proceed, Ensign?" Sin@crystyl nods, stepping up to the pad, "Ready" T'Lana@anncaris taps on the transporter controls before joining Sin on the pad. A few seconds later, they disappear into transporter beams... T'Lana@anncaris | They materialize in one of the Loki's transporter rooms, where Alyssa is operating the transporter controls T'Lana@anncaris steps off the pad, "Lieutenant, this is Ensign Sin, currently disguised as Ensign Tahir." Sin@crystyl:"Ok, either she's one of yours or you are /really/ bad as this..." T'Lana@anncaris:"She can be trusted." Sin@crystyl | Alyssa perks a brow and nods, "I have been assisting the Commander with her investigation as you have" Sin@crystyl:"Alright then, lead the way" T'Lana@anncaris nods, leading the way out of the transporter room. The deck is not very busy, but there are a few officers out and about. A few of them nod to T'Lana and address her, but don't seem to pay the - T'Lana@anncaris - group too much mind. The ruse seems to be working for the moment T'Lana@anncaris looks to Alyssa as they walk, "Have you learned anything new beyond the Union Starship prefix from analyzing the raider data yet?" Sin@crystyl | Alyssa shakes her head, "Nothing pertinent. There is enough there to keep the engineering analysts occupied for some time to come, but nothing more" T'Lana@anncaris nods, "Most of the conclusions we have been able to draw comes from the technical analysis. If only we had access to the parent vessel." Sin@crystyl:"Maybe once we're done here today you'll have a lead on that too" T'Lana@anncaris:"I hope so." T'Lana@anncaris looks around and seeing the hallway empty, leads them into a side room T'Lana@anncaris moves through the room, filled with consoles and machinery. At the end is a jefferies tube hatch, which she slides open and crawls into, gesturing the others inside as well Sin@crystyl & Alyssa both follow in turn T'Lana@anncaris climbs down the tube before pausing, taking out her tricorder, "Ensign. Do you sense the psionic somewhere beneath us?" Sin@crystyl nods, "It is unmistakable from here" T'Lana@anncaris:"Then we are in the right place. My tricorder still says that the deck below is filled with mechanical areas. Whatever false signal is being used to hide the true layout is still affecting me. Lead - T'Lana@anncaris:- the way, Ensign. We will have to rely on your psionics here." Sin@crystyl squeezes through and follows her instinct, "Alright, just warn me if I'm about to head into some crazy security measure of yours down here" T'Lana@anncaris:"I shall be certain to do so." --- T'Lana@anncaris | Meanwhile on the raider, Farhalla is tapping away on a console as she continues her study of the captured ship T'Lana@anncaris | Suddenly, something seems to strike her from behind and she collapses face-first onto the console and drops to the ground. There is a faint shimmer in the air behind her... T'Lana@anncaris | A few seconds pass, and Ensign Tahir, the one Sin is disguised as but the real her, steps into view T'Lana@anncaris | The air shimmers again, and this time, a being that resembles a Jem'Hadar de-shrouds into view. The characteristic reptilian skin of the Jem'Hadar is present, but it looks more fine than the - T'Lana@anncaris - Jem'Hadar we are used to, the scales on the face being notably smaller. The spikes running along the face are also thinner. Overall, he looks like a much sleeker variant of the Jem'Hadar we - T'Lana@anncaris - know today and from the Dominion War T'Lana@anncaris | Strange Jem'Hadar: "That was the last of them, Ensign." T'Lana@anncaris | Tahir: "Good. Move her to the transporter with the others." --- T'Lana@anncaris | Back on the Loki. the team are crawling through a tube... T'Lana@anncaris:"Ensign, stop there." Sin@crystyl promptly stops, "What is it?" T'Lana@anncaris:"Motion sensors ahead. I can cut power to them from a nearby access panel. One moment." T'Lana@anncaris begins crawling back towards Alyssa, "Excuse me." Sin@crystyl | Alyssa awkwardly squeezes aside and around TL Sin@crystyl looks back, "Well isn't this cosy" Sin@crystyl | Alyssa gives her a look T'Lana@anncaris squeezes past Alyssa, "The perils of field work." She pries off a nearby panel and begins to work on the tech behind it Sin@crystyl watches Alyssa, picking up on her discomfort, "Claustrophobia?" Sin@crystyl | Alyssa, "Not precisely. I prefer not to discuss it, we do have slightly more pressing matters at hand" Sin@crystyl:"Well aren't you just the little ray of sunshine" Sin@crystyl | Alyssa perks a brow but makes no further comment T'Lana@anncaris glances back at Alyssa, "We should not be here for long. The presence of traps suggests we are likely getting close." T'Lana@anncaris looks back to the panel, soon announcing, "We are clear to proceed." Sin@crystyl | Alyssa, "I am fine Commander, simply focused on the task at hand" Sin@crystyl & Alyssa both breath a sigh of relief, though for different reasons Sin@crystyl:"Onwards then" T'Lana@anncaris | They press on, and before long, Sin can sense the presence almost right below them... Sin@crystyl slows down and signs to TL that they're right above the presence now T'Lana@anncaris nods, whispering, "Look for an exit out of the tube." Sin@crystyl searches T'Lana@anncaris | Sin doesn't find anything, but Alyssa just happens to be next to the exit and notices it! Sin@crystyl | Alyssa quickly points it out T'Lana@anncaris:"Excellent find, Lieutenant." She moves over, opening it and carefully crawling out... T'Lana@anncaris | The three emerge into a distinctly industrial-looking area. It is clear that this place has been converted and was not originally intended for anyone to actually be in outside certain - T'Lana@anncaris - maintenance duties. There is now enough space to move and breathable atmosphere, but the decor is much more lacking from the rest of the ship, even as an SFI ship. It is quite literally - T'Lana@anncaris - the underbelly of the ship, like a dungeon within the vessel's depths Sin@crystyl starts looking around, relying solely on her own senses to guide her T'Lana@anncaris | The powerful psionic nearby easily acts as a beacon, and despite the rather maze-like industrial environment, it doesn't take long for Sin to find the source... T'Lana@anncaris | She reaches a sealed door, and can sense that the psionic, as well as the other, blank presence, is behind it Sin@crystyl looks to TL for guidance on how to proceed T'Lana@anncaris:"The psionic is beyond this door?" Sin@crystyl nods, "And the blank presence" T'Lana@anncaris:"If you can sense the psionic, it is unlikely the psionic is unaware of your presence as well. I see little use to maintaining any ruse or stealth." T'Lana@anncaris steps up to the door, and as expected, it slides open. She ducks to the side to avoid any incoming fire, but nothing is shot at her.. Sin@crystyl peers around the door T'Lana@anncaris | Inside, Sin sees what appears at first to be one of the Horde's psionic thralls, a slender figure with a large head. On closer examination however, the characteristic ears that mark her as a - T'Lana@anncaris - Vorta can clearly be seen, but this is no ordinary Vorta. Ordinary Vorta are more regularly proportioned. This one has clearly been enhanced for additional psionic potential Sin@crystyl would also be trying to sense signs that the Vorta knows she is there T'Lana@anncaris | The Vorta does indeed seem to be aware of Sin's presence, but is still keeping her mind closed and well guarded Sin@crystyl steps fully around the door, "Well you aren't exactly what I expected" figuring there is no sense in hiding any longer T'Lana@anncaris | The Vorta smiles, "I was, however, expecting you. Not you precisely, but I am not surprised you are the one to discover me." Sin@crystyl:"Honestly, it's kind of impressive that you've managed to stay hidden away here as long as you have" T'Lana@anncaris | As Sin steps in, she notices a nearby bed where, as she predicted, an unconscious Watson is laying T'Lana@anncaris | Vorta: "I had help, as I'm sure you have guessed. Now, where are your compatriots? I sense at least one more, and you must have had inside help to make it this far." Sin@crystyl:"Yes, Alyssa you may as well stop hiding out there" Sin@crystyl | Alyssa promptly steps in beside Sin T'Lana@anncaris | The Vorta gestures to Watson, "I take it you're here for her?" Sin@crystyl:"Of course. Though now that we are here I am not sure how I feel about leaving you behind either. Just what is your angle anyway?" T'Lana@anncaris | The Vorta smiles again, "I wouldn't be hidden away here if I wanted to tell everyone about myself now, would I?" Sin@crystyl:"Well obviously but that doesn't answer anything" T'Lana@anncaris | Vorta: "And obviously I'm not about to tell you anything. Take her and leave. This is the only chance I am offering you to turn back." Sin@crystyl | Alyssa: "It would be irresponsible for us to simply leave you here. Now if you would please accompany us, I must restrain you for interrogation" T'Lana@anncaris | Vorta: "I don't think so. Last chance...take what I'm offering you." Sin@crystyl:"I certainly will be taking Watson out here, but until I can figure out just what you've done to her I can't let you out of my sights either. For all I know you've done something to her mind and are- Sin@crystyl:- the only one who can undo the damage" T'Lana@anncaris | Vorta: "Very clever. Well, that's unfortunate. It seems our little trick won't work after all." Sin@crystyl:rolls 2 (1-100) T'Lana@anncaris | Before either Sin or Alyssa has a chance to react, two tendrils shoot out from one of the pieces of machinery in the room, grabbing both of them. Then, two smaller tendrils shoot out from - T'Lana@anncaris - them, taking away their phasers. The rest of the machinery starts to transform into a liquid-like substance as well, and it becomes obvious to the two that they are dealing with a Changeling. - T'Lana@anncaris - The Changeling tears itself away from the wall, two tendrils wrapped around Sin and Alyssa. Two hands begin to form, holding the pistols towards the two, then legs, a Loki uniform and finally.. T'Lana@anncaris ...the face of Commodore Fox. The tendrils continue to hold the two, now extending out from Fox's back T'Lana@anncaris | A smaller tendril extends out yet again, tearing off Sin's holoemitter and revealing her true appearance T'Lana@anncaris | Fox: "Well, well, well. Ensign Sin I expected, but Lieutenant? I did not know you had this in you." Sin@crystyl | Alyssa, "I could say the same of you Commodore" T'Lana@anncaris | Fox: "That was the intention." He looks back to Sin, "Is Ensign Ralde not with you?" Sin@crystyl:"Sorry to disappoint, but I only break out the immortal meat shield when I'm in danger" T'Lana@anncaris | Fox: "A shame. I suppose our little reunion will have to wait. We had hoped to develop her into an operative, but she never took to intelligence work." Sin@crystyl:"All your plans will have to wait now. It's over" T'Lana@anncaris | Fox: "I don't think so. I'm the one with the phasers, in case you didn't notice." T'Lana@anncaris finally steps into the room, "Hello Commodore. Or should I say, Founder?" Sin@crystyl scoffs, "You were saying?" T'Lana@anncaris | Fox: "Commander. I had a suspicion you were behind this." T'Lana@anncaris:"And I had a suspicion you were involved in the conspiracy. Lay down your weapons. You have already been exposed." T'Lana@anncaris | Fox: "I suppose you have been recording this entire incident?" Sin@crystyl uses the time and distraction of TL's dialogue to muster and focus her power & training ready to spring into action T'Lana@anncaris:"Of course, and uploading it to the computer systems. I have also deleted the subroutine concealing your Vorta from sensors, so the crew can see for themselves. I suspect you have a number of - T'Lana@anncaris:- allies on board to capture Watson, but we have the Coalition, and the other Starfleet vessels present. You cannot win, Fox." T'Lana@anncaris | Fox: "I still have your friends at phaser point." T'Lana@anncaris:"Do you?" Sin@crystyl | Alyssa, "The needs of the many" T'Lana@anncaris:"I will settle for simply outplaying the enemy, Lieutenant." T'Lana@anncaris | The Vorta taps on a tricorder, "You set a damping field while we were conversing." T'Lana@anncaris nods, "I had expected this would occur." T'Lana@anncaris | Vorta: "Do you really think disabling energy weapons will turn this fight in your favour? There is a Founder present. You stand no chance against him in hand-to-hand combat." T'Lana@anncaris:"Our psionic is stronger," she gives Sin a nod Sin@crystyl ahems, "Glad to see you haven't forgotten about little old me over here" T'Lana@anncaris | Fox scowls, dropping the phasers and beginning to squeeze the tendrils hard around Sin and Alyssa... Sin@crystyl closes her eyes, pushing back with something akin to the shield technique she learned forming tight around her body like a second skin and the same projected around Alyssa T'Lana@anncaris | Sin's shield is stronger than Fox's tendrils, forcing them away from their bodies. The Founder immediately retracts them back into his body, stretching out a hand instead towards T'Lana. The - T'Lana@anncaris - arm transforms into a tendril as it reaches towards T'Lana T'Lana@anncaris rolls out of the way of the tendril as it swipes towards her, but this was only a distraction as his second arm turns into a tendril and coils around the unconscious Watson, dragging her along - T'Lana@anncaris - as the Founder begins making for the door. Meanwhile, the Vorta unleashes a telekinetic blast towards Sin and Alyssa Sin@crystyl maintains her barrier from the moment the grasp was broken and projects it out towards the Founder & Vorta to restrain them both in kind T'Lana@anncaris | Fox is stopped by the barrier, scowling again. He lets go of Watson and tendrils sprout out in all directions from his body as he attempts to force his way out. The Vorta closes her eyes, - T'Lana@anncaris - raising her arms as she channels her full power. Fox meanwhile has transformed into a large blob of changeling mass pushing out against Sin's barrier. Combined with the psionic assistance from - T'Lana@anncaris - his Vorta, Fox breaks free and immediately transforms into a small rodent, scurrying away. The Vorta is visibly weakened, but immediately starts channeling her remaining psionic energy against - T'Lana@anncaris - Sin to keep her busy T'Lana@anncaris sprints after Fox, trying to get him before he escapes Sin@crystyl scowls at the fact he slipped her grasp and reaches out with both hands - one towards Fox and one towards the Vorta - though her mind doesn't seem to grasp precisely at them, but the whole ends of - Sin@crystyl - the room. In the blink of an eye the walls begin to crumple, bulkheads folding like aluminum and sparks flying everywhere from disrupted systems as Sin almost subconsciously squeezes the whole - Sin@crystyl - room around her follies T'Lana@anncaris is forced to come to a halt as the hallway breaks before her. The rodent Fox scurries around as the crumpled bulkheads close in around him. For a moment he seems trapped...then the rodent lifts - T'Lana@anncaris - its front paw, giving T'Lana what appears to be a wave. Then, Fox dissipates into a cloud of mist which flows through the gaps of his makeshift cage, disappearing into the distance... Sin@crystyl | Alyssa is also forced to take cover from Sin's unleashing, though she tries to cover the Vorta as well T'Lana@anncaris | Alyssa manages to cover the Vorta while T'Lana rushes back into the room, "Sin! That is enough!" Sin@crystyl seems to be in a trance, still crushing the room in around them. The ship appears to go to red alert as it suffers critical structural failures with them so close to the outer hull... T'Lana@anncaris tries to get close to Sin as best as she can with the room falling apart around them, "Sin! You must stop this! You will kill us all." Sin@crystyl she does not respond still, as though she maintained this heightened level of channeling for too long and it has taken on a life of its own T'Lana@anncaris glances at the Vorta, "Can you stop this?" T'Lana@anncaris | The Vorta smiles and shakes her head, seemingly nonchalant about everything going on around her, "She's much too powerful for me, as you said." Sin@crystyl | Alyssa tries to shoot her, but the phaser beam simply bends around Sin T'Lana@anncaris tries to shake Sin, "Ensign! Can you hear me?" Sin@crystyl | Alyssa, "Commander, to'tsu'k'hy" T'Lana@anncaris nods, grabbing Sin's collar and trying to nerve pinch her Sin@crystyl resists but her face twists as she succumbs and finally buckles, dropping to the floor T'Lana@anncaris looks around to see if the damage has stopped Sin@crystyl | It's extensive, but the hull hasn't collapsed in on them yet, so that's probably a good sign T'Lana@anncaris | Meanwhile, the Vorta is also looking around them, "Oh. Huh. We're not dead yet. I suppose I have to do everything myself. See you in the next incarnation!" T'Lana@anncaris | The Vorta suddenly collapses lifelessly Sin@crystyl | Alyssa looks from Sin to the Vorta and back to TL, "Well this quite the unexpected outcome" T'Lana@anncaris nods, stepping over to the Vorta and scanning her, "Suicide implant. We will have to develop a countermeasure against that. I doubt this will be our last encounter with her." Sin@crystyl | Alyssa, "What about the changeling, should we contact the bridge and put the ship on alert to try and capture him?" T'Lana@anncaris moves over to scan Watson next, "The bridge should already know. The combadge I gave Sin has been recording and uploading everything. But we will have to contact the bridge for extraction. The - T'Lana@anncaris - only way out is collapsed, but it seems from your phaser shot that the damage has also deactivated my damping device, so we will be able to transport out." Sin@crystyl | Alyssa nods and gets to it while TL checks Watson T'Lana@anncaris | Lieutenant Tyali, one of the bridge officers, responds, <C> "Bridge here. We saw what happened- are you and the Commander alright?" Sin@crystyl | Alyssa: "We are quite well, but are trapped down here. We require transport to sickbay for 2 unconscious personnel - one Human one Ocampa, and a deceased Vorta" T'Lana@anncaris <C - Tyali> "We have a fix on the lifesigns. Transporting them now. Should we beam you to the bridge as well?" T'Lana@anncaris FX | Sin, Watson and the Vorta transport away Sin@crystyl | Alyssa looks to TL, "Commander, I believe your place is on the bridge right now. I can accompany the others to sickbay if preferable" T'Lana@anncaris nods, "Very well. Keep an eye on them in sickbay. I will visit as soon as I am able." Sin@crystyl | Alyssa nods, "Tyali, did you get that?" T'Lana@anncaris <C - Tyali> "Affirmative. Beaming you two out now." --- T'Lana@anncaris | On the VF, Keelah is called to the bridge as the ship goes to red alert... Keelah@crystyl takes her seat, "What's the situation?" T'Lana@anncaris | Kelly: "Someone's seized control of the captured raider. We're still trying to figure out exactly what happened but it just transported multiple lifesigns off the Loki and has forcibly broken - T'Lana@anncaris - from its docking berth. The Loki is also at red alert." Keelah@crystyl:"Break orbit and close on the raider. Tractor beams as soon as we are in range" T'Lana@anncaris | Ann: "Aye Cap'n!" T'Lana@anncaris | On the viewscreen, the raider can be seen making a run for it. Two modern Iconian raiders are giving chase. The raider shoots back with antiproton pulses, taking out one of the Iconian ones. - T'Lana@anncaris - The other Iconian raider fires back, but the future raider dodges the shots Keelah@crystyl looks to Rianni, "Have the QanwI' engage as well, they have the best chance to close the gap" Keelah@crystyl | Rianni nods, "They are already in pursuit Captain" Keelah@crystyl:"Tee, inform the Aethon to cover the Loki" Keelah@crystyl | TQ looks back, "Cover them Captain?" Keelah@crystyl nods, "You heard right" Keelah@crystyl | TQ nods trustingly and sends the orders T'Lana@anncaris | The Loki begins moving towards the raider as well. The raider spins around, taking out the other Iconian one in pursuit, but then the QanwI' darts into action with a barrage of disruptor fire. - T'Lana@anncaris - Several hits land on the future raider, but it takes it rather well. Meanwhile, the Loki begins to move in towards the raider as well... Keelah@crystyl | TQ: "Captain, the Aethon are requesting further instructions regarding the Loki" Keelah@crystyl:"Just maintain position on their wing for now and be prepared to interject if the Loki makes a move" Keelah@crystyl | TQ nods and relays Keelah@crystyl | TQ: "Incoming hail from the Loki" Keelah@crystyl:"On screen" T'Lana@anncaris appears on the viewscreen, "Captain. There is no time to explain the full situation now, but I believe the infiltrators have captured the raider and evacuated their personnel on board. The - T'Lana@anncaris - personnel previously on the raider have been incapacitated but are safe on the Loki." Keelah@crystyl:"Very well" looks to her side again, "All ships; detain the raider" Keelah@crystyl | Rianni and TQ both get to work relaying orders Keelah@crystyl:"Commander, I look forward to a more thorough explanation once this matter is contained" T'Lana@anncaris nods, "I will brief you in detail after this immediate situation." T'Lana@anncaris FX | As the comm ends, the QanwI' can be seen moving in for another attack run, this time with the VF following behind. Rianni gets confirmation from multiple nearby ships that they are moving - T'Lana@anncaris - in to assist, and the Midway, the Iron Guardian vessel, the Borg sphere and several Iconian and Nuhar ships start to close in as well Keelah@crystyl | The Aethon darts ahead of the Loki, aiming to get into range to hit the raider with a gravity well to slow them down until others can lock tractors T'Lana@anncaris | The Aethon hits the raider with a gravity well...just as the raider opens a gateway. The raider is pulled into the gateway and disappears through, but the edge of the gravity well begins to - T'Lana@anncaris - merge with the edge of the gateway. The two phenomena distort, and the view on the other side of the gateway seems to shift erratically. The gateway begins to expand and the Aethon is quickly - T'Lana@anncaris - drawn in, followed by the QanwI' T'Lana@anncaris | Ann: "Cap'n, it's pullin' us in!" Keelah@crystyl:"Reverse engines!" T'Lana@anncaris | Ann types quickly on her console, "It's pull's too strong!" T'Lana@anncaris | Thorkildsen: "I'm transferring all available power to engines!" Keelah@crystyl | Lennie tries too find a way too disrupt the gateway before they are pulled in T'Lana@anncaris | Lennie does her best, but this gateway has been augmented by the distortions of the gravity well, and she needs more time... Keelah@crystyl | Lennie: "It's no use Cap'n, I can't counter it" Keelah@crystyl:"What about a torpedo shockwave, could that propel us clear?" Keelah@crystyl | Rianni taps away furiously, "Calculating..." Keelah@crystyl | Rianni shakes her head, "We would need the equivalent yield of an antimatter explosion - a core breach, but at this range..." Keelah@crystyl:"Advise all vessels to reinforce shields and brace for impact" looks back to Thorkilsden, "Begin procedure to dump the secondary core" T'Lana@anncaris | Thorkildsen: "Aye Captain." T'Lana@anncaris | Kelly: "I don't think we have enough time..." Keelah@crystyl looks back to the viewscreen T'Lana@anncaris | Thorkildsen taps on his console quickly, but Kelly's right- it's not fast enough. The augmented gateway now dominates the viewscreen, and a few seconds later, the VF is pulled through... T'Lana@anncaris | Ann: "We're through the gateway. Good news is Aethon an' QanwI' are back on sensors at least..." Keelah@crystyl:"What about the Loki and everyone else?" Keelah@crystyl | Lennie, "The Loki is emerging now too!" T'Lana@anncaris | The viewscreen switches to the aft view of the ship, where the shape of the Loki appears from the gateway. Then, without warning, the gateway fizzles away behind it Keelah@crystyl | Rianni sighs, "The raider has evaded sensors. We've lost them" Keelah@crystyl â€œOn the subject of being lost, where exactly are we now?" T'Lana@anncaris | Ann: "I got no idea, but it's definitely nowhere near Widhar..." T'Lana@anncaris | Ann glances behind her to Lennie Keelah@crystyl | Lennie works on reconciling astrometric readings to calculate their position Keelah@crystyl Lennie: "Goddess... if I'm right, an' I think I am. We'se th'far side o'Dominion territory deep in th'Gamma quadrant" Keelah@crystyl looks over Keelah@crystyl | Lennie: "5 years away from the Bajoran wormhole..." Keelah@crystyl:"Well that's rather inconvenient. But first things first, let us take stock. Have all vessels report in with a full status, and we can go from there" T'Lana@anncaris | QanwI' and Aethon check in and are all in good shape. Loki has some minor damage in the bottom-most deck from something, but structural integrity is good and the hull hasn't been breached Keelah@crystyl stands and heads to her ready room, "Kelly, take a bit of time to take stock and check in with everyone. We'll get together with the rest of the CO's shortly" Keelah@crystyl looks back, "Tee, patch me through the Loki in my ready roomâ€ T'Lana@anncaris | Kelly nods and gets to work --- Keelah@crystyl sits down and activates her console T'Lana@anncaris | T'Lana appears on the console T'Lana@anncaris:"Captain. That was an unanticipated turn of events." Keelah@crystyl:"You have an untapped penchant for understatement Commander. I assume this outburst with the raider was a direct result of your investigation?" T'Lana@anncaris:"I believe so. You recall the Vorta and Jem'Hadar lifesigns I spoke to you about previously?" Keelah@crystyl nods, "From our current situation I take it to mean that your suspicions were confirmed and they were indeed responsible for the infiltration on the Loki". T'Lana@anncaris:"Yes. The psionic sensed by Sin was indeed a Vorta. I have also discovered the reason for her presence. Commodore Fox was a Changeling." Keelah@crystyl perks a brow, "Fox was a Founder? That was... unexpected" T'Lana@anncaris:"It is as I suspected, though I did not expect Fox to be a Founder. I was able to gather scans of him during our confrontation. He must possess some technology or ability to hide his quantum - T'Lana@anncaris:- signature regularly, but whatever that is, it was not active when we fought. He has the same signature as the Gallant's timeline, and is not a Founder of our Dominion." Keelah@crystyl:"Is he now in custody, or was he on board the raider?" T'Lana@anncaris:"Unfortunately, he was able to slip through our grasp. The Vorta was not able to escape, but she ended her own life via an implant. However, we did manage to find an unconscious Watson, who is in - T'Lana@anncaris - our sickbay now." Keelah@crystyl:"Well that is something at least. And how is the Looki itself faring? I assume with Fox exposed and gone that you have assumed command? We detected some extensive structural damage from the crossing" T'Lana@anncaris:"I have indeed assumed command. The Loki is intact and fit for warp. The damage is not from the crossing, but our confrontation with Fox. Ensign Sin seems to have lost control of her abilities, and - T'Lana@anncaris - I was forced to subdue her with a nerve pinch. She is also in the sickbay now." Keelah@crystyl:"Sin did that? Her power continues to grow, and she has always been volatile. I will have to address her situation separately. For now, I imagine you are facing a lot of disruption there from the - Keelah@crystyl:- revelations that have just occured. If you require any assistance with repairs, you need only ask" T'Lana@anncaris:"Thank you, Captain. The exodus of infiltrators following the revelations have been just as disruptive as the revelations themselves, if not more so. Many of the infiltrators were senior staff. We - T'Lana@anncaris:- have lost our Chief and Assistant Chief of Engineering, our Chief Medical Officer, our Chief of Security and our Head Counsellor, along with a few junior personnel and Commodore Fox, of course." Keelah@crystyl:"That is quite the blow to any starship community. And you being a relative outsider to that family may be something of a double-edged blade for those left behind. I know the Loki is a very - Keelah@crystyl:- different operation to anything here, being dedicated SFI. But given our current circumstances, we might have to consider relaxing those strict boundaries and integrating crews. It is your command - Keelah@crystyl:- as of now, so I won't look to impose anything like that on you. Not that I technically could anyway being SFC" she smiles, "But I think for now you may want to at least consider the variables for - Keelah@crystyl:- discussion once everything has settled" T'Lana@anncaris nods, "Your logic is sound, Captain. Speaking of your crew, the personnel who were studying the raider were incapacitated and sent back to the Loki when the infiltrators evacuated. Some of them - T'Lana@anncaris - are members of your crew, and we also have two officers from the Midway as well. Medical informs me they are all well, merely unconscious." Keelah@crystyl:"Thank you Commander. We'll figure a way through this situation one step at a time. For now, do not let me keep you as your crew needs you and this is a critical time for them. Just let me know if you - Keelah@crystyl:- required anything from me, otherwise we can speak in more detail later on" T'Lana@anncaris:"I assume you will be calling a meeting soon to discuss the situation?" Keelah@crystyl nods, "Yes, I've got the senior staff here gathering a complete status from all ships and departments here. Until we learn more we are at least 5 years travel from Federation space, so will proceed- Keelah@crystyl:- under that premise for the moment" T'Lana@anncaris:"I will be sure to have additional information prepared for you then, Captain." Keelah@crystyl:"Until then, Commander" T'Lana@anncaris nods, "Until then." --- T'Lana@anncaris steps down into sickbay, where Sin and Watson are unconscious, as well as several others in SFC uniforms, including Farhalla Alyssa@crystyl assists the medical staff with basic monitoring of the influx of patients T'Lana@anncaris makes her way over to Alyssa, "Lieutenant. Apologies for arriving so late, there have been complications in our situation." Alyssa@crystyl:"No apology is required, Commander. You have not missed anything here, but... what further complications exactly?" T'Lana@anncaris:"The infiltrators have fled the Loki on the captured raider, and I believe Fox is among them. During their escape, a gravity well interacted with their Iconian gateway, and we were pulled inside, - T'Lana@anncaris:- along with the other vessels closest to the raider." Alyssa@crystyl:"It would seem the Founder's presence is not the only event today to surpass predicted outcomes" T'Lana@anncaris:"Indeed. I am told all the patients are well?" Alyssa@crystyl:"Yes, all are in acceptable condition. Watson is physically well, but a comatose state" T'Lana@anncaris turns to a doctor, "When the Valley Forge crewmembers are awake, have them transferred back to their ship. The same goes for Sin, unless there is any further incident. Keep me informed if Watson - T'Lana@anncaris - awakes, and direct the Midway officers to me." T'Lana@anncaris | The doctor nods, "Yes, Commander." T'Lana@anncaris gestures for Alyssa to follow Alyssa@crystyl hands her PADD to a duty nurse and follows TL out T'Lana@anncaris leads the way into the medical office, taking a seat, "Lieutenant. I know you are not comfortable with social situations, but I suspect I will need your assistance in managing this crew." Alyssa@crystyl perks a brow, "If this is some form of humour Commander I must report that it is lost on me" T'Lana@anncaris:"It is not. With the exodus of infiltrators from the ship, we have lost many senior positions. And while those who left are undoubtedly infiltrators, we cannot be certain that none remain on the - T'Lana@anncaris:- crew. it is possible Fox may have asked some infiltrators to remain and keep an eye on us." Alyssa@crystyl:"I understand. I will redouble my analytical efforts Commander. Or should that be Captain now?" T'Lana@anncaris:"My rank has not changed, but as I am CO of the vessel now, you may address me as Captain." T'Lana@anncaris:"It is not a necessity of course, as many of the Commanders and Lieutenant Commanders have already left during the exodus, and there are few people to confuse me with even on the bridge." Alyssa@crystyl:"Through my social observations I have found that such formalities come down to personal preference of the officer in question. Though I am sure you have more important concerns right now than forms- Alyssa@crystyl:- of address. Do you have any further specific orders for me as of now, or simply to concentrate on damage control from the infiltration exposure?" T'Lana@anncaris:"Concentrate on damage control primarily, though I will also appreciate any insight you may have from your observations of the crew. Outside of yourself and a handful of others, I have largely only - T'Lana@anncaris - familiarized myself with the senior officers during my short time here, many of whom have left with the infiltrators. Any suggestions you can give for replacements in those positions may be - T'Lana@anncaris - helpful." Alyssa@crystyl:"Understoood. I will review a list of all vacated positions and offer recommendations where I can. How temporary do we expect such assignments to be? I do not imagine the Office will stand idly by - Alyssa@crystyl:- while a flagship like the Loki is left missing so many senior staff" T'Lana@anncaris:"In the best case scenario, the Iconians will be able to trace the gateway and we will return soon. Even then, we will likely have to wait at least several months for all the positions to be filled - T'Lana@anncaris - by personnel being reassigned from other vessels and across SFI operations. In the worst case, we may have to reach the Bajoran wormhole, which is five years away at cruising speed." Alyssa@crystyl:"I see. I was not aware that we had been transported so far out, but will factor this in to the recommendations" T'Lana@anncaris:"Thank you, Lieutenant. That is all for now- once we are in contact with SFI again, whenever that may be, I will make sure your exemplary service is noted." Alyssa@crystyl gives a light bow of her head, turning and taking her leave --- T'Lana@anncaris | Some time later, after the crews have gotten their bearings, Keelah holds a meeting for all COs, as well as the senior staff of the VF Keelah@crystyl looks around the table, "Thank you everyone for joining us. I believe we are all acutely aware of our current situation by now, so I think we can skip over the summary and move straight to status. - Keelah@crystyl - First off, how are the other ships here faring in terms of condition, moral and supplies?" Keelah@crystyl | Lexi: "Stuck by your side years from home? This is just business as usual as far as we're concerned. Our supplies are pretty much just what we leach from you anyway so no change there" T'Lana@anncaris:"Fortunately, the Loki was also expected to be travelling deep space for some time as part of our reconnaissance, so we have supplies on board for ourselves, and to distribute to the Aethon and - T'Lana@anncaris:- QanwI'. If we will have to travel for five years however, we will of course have to resupply along the way." Keelah@crystyl nods, "We will get our initial bearings here and then pick up with the same regime that brought us to the Heart over the last few years; we will travel at a comfortable cruising speed that all - Keelah@crystyl - ships can maintain on a general heading towards the Bajoran Wormhole aperture. QanwI' and Aethon will rotate advanced scouting duties utilizing their stealth systems while the Valley Forge and Loki- Keelah@crystyl - maintain our primary mobile base. Once underway we will resume lateral scouting to areas of interest identified by long range sensors with extended Runabout away missions as well" T'Lana@anncaris | Kelly: "Back to the old days. This time we have the Loki as well, an Intelligence cruiser capable of cloak. Where should she fit in with our operations?" Keelah@crystyl:"Honestly, I don't quite know yet. I am not familiar enough with this class of vessel, and with the circumstances on board at present I think it would be best to simply have the Loki maintain - Keelah@crystyl:- formation alongside the Valley Forge for the time being. It will give them a chance to adapt to the new circumstances, as well as the situation on board following recent events" T'Lana@anncaris:"A good suggestion. The Loki was designed for independent operations, and we will have to find the place for our vessel as part of this group. We can also use the time to settle internally." Keelah@crystyl:"My thoughts exactly. I am confident that as the internal situation settles, the Loki will find it's natural order once more. On the subject, how are you getting on with the staffing situation?" T'Lana@anncaris:"Currently, I am simply following the established chain of command, and the departments who have lost their chiefs have had the position passed down to the closest officer remaining. However, not - T'Lana@anncaris:- all of them have the experience to manage a department in the long term. I believe your suggestion of integrating members of your crew may be necessary for any long-term arrangement." Keelah@crystyl:"Of course. If you have any specific roles in mind then let us know and we can look to arranging suitable candidates for you" T'Lana@anncaris:"I believe the Assistant Chief of Medical is up to the task, and the Counselling situation is not as urgent. As we are travelling alongside you for the time, we can simply make use of your - T'Lana@anncaris - Counselling staff. We have however lost both the Chief and Assistant Chief of Engineering, and I do not believe the remaining officers are qualified to hold the position long term." T'Lana@anncaris | Kelly: "I could go. The Valley Forge made it through the entire Horde war without someone solely dedicated to the XO position- Vrolmacht also served as Chief of Tactical. I'm confident Lennie - T'Lana@anncaris - can cover the XO position here if needed." T'Lana@anncaris:"We also have Lieutenant Farhalla from the Midway currently on board. She possesses less experience, but is more qualified than my current acting chief regardless." T'Lana@anncaris | Kelly grins, "Either way, you get a Denobulan on your crew." Keelah@crystyl nods, "A logical conclusion. Perhaps a short term arrangement with Kelly acting Chief while bolstering Farhalla's experience. Kelly can mentor Farhalla until such time that she deems fit to hand - Keelah@crystyl:- over the reigns to her there" T'Lana@anncaris | Kelly: "Good thinking, Captain." T'Lana@anncaris:"I agree. We could use additional engineers, as we are missing both the Chief and Assistant Chief, as well as two more junior engineering officers. There is a second officer from the Midway on - T'Lana@anncaris:- the Loki at the moment, a science officer. The Valley Forge is more suited to scientific endeavours, and it may give you more science personnel with your Chief Science Officer also taking on the - T'Lana@anncaris - duties of First Officer." Keelah@crystyl:"Sounds good to me. I am sure there will be lots of assignment-specific crew mixers, including Aethon and QanwI' personnel when they are rotated back to us here" T'Lana@anncaris nods, "I can also use a bridge operations officer with more experience. Ensign Ralde would be a natural choice given her clearance level and history." She looks to Rianni, "But I would not want - T'Lana@anncaris - to separate the two of you for the entire journey. She could perhaps take some shifts on the Loki to similarly mentor my other officers while we are travelling together, and be assigned there - T'Lana@anncaris - for independent missions we may need to carry out, until someone else is ready for that responsibility." Keelah@crystyl | Rianni smiles, "Thank you for the consideration Commander, but I would never dream of standing in Emma's way. I will bring the proposal to her attention once we are done here and she can decide - Keelah@crystyl:- from there. I mean, it's not as if the Loki is heading off in a different direction or anything so if she wanted, she could still transport home every night when off duty!" Keelah@crystyl smiles, "Always a silver lining. But yes, if Ensign Ralde is happy to take on the responsibility then by all means" T'Lana@anncaris nods, "Excellent. I believe this should cover the staffing problems for the moment. I shall let you know if any further support is needed, and I welcome any recommendations you may have. In - T'Lana@anncaris - addition, I would like to conduct an investigation to ensure that no infiltrators remain on the Loki. I assume you would want Sin returned after the outburst incident?" Keelah@crystyl:"I think that would be best" she nods, "We have still to purge this subroutine from our systems as well, so if you have anyone to spare already familiar with the process they could help" T'Lana@anncaris:"I will send someone to do so. Another psionic from your crew will also greatly assist our investigation, as all telepaths on our crew were part of the conspiracy, and asking Alyssa to mind meld - T'Lana@anncaris:- with everyone would be...unpleasant, to say the least." T'Lana@anncaris | Kelly: "Eva can come along with me while you do the investigation. You don't plan to actually pry into anyone's mind, just detect if they're lying, I assume?" T'Lana@anncaris:"That will suffice. I am familiar with Betazoid ethics and will not ask her to do anything she is uncomfortable with." Keelah@crystyl:"In that case, while we are getting settled in to our new routines here, our first fleet mission can be to form a multifunctional investigation team. They can handle the support needed on the Loki - Keelah@crystyl:- as well as system purges here, and anything that arises as a result" Keelah@crystyl:"Given the nature of our folly I believe it would be prudent to also secure the QanwI' and Aethon" T'Lana@anncaris nods, "I shall work on assembling a team immediately." T'Lana@anncaris | Kelly: "Given her technical expertise, I recommend Mia to handle the technical aspects of that team." Keelah@crystyl:"I will leave the specifics in your collective capable hands ladies. I think we have our primary objectives clear and in hand for now, so let us return to duty and get underway" T'Lana@anncaris:"Yes, let us start making our way towards the wormhole. There is no reason to delay; if the Iconians could track the gateway and find us here, they would have done so by now. There is a 92.5% - T'Lana@anncaris - chance that we will have to find our own way back." Keelah@crystyl:"We will drop a buoy here still, just to account for the remaining 7.5%" she smiles, "Alright everyone, dismissed"

Personal Logs of Dr Raphael Enys

Enys, Raphael

ST:SoD326 | "Return to Belyia Pt. II"

ST:SoD126 | "Exposed"

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