ST:SoD207 | "Rogue Employee"

Stardate 99437.9

The Valley Forge is once again drawn into Hyrdeum and Zarrakin politics, this time due to an all too familiar source of trouble...

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NPC@annpc#557 FX | https://i.imgur.com/9jonQLB.png NPC@annpc#557 | Voice: "This is Hyrdeum freighter Grassem requesting assistance from anyone friendly to the Thousand Clans. We have managed to evade a pirate attack but have suffered damage and casualties. We - NPC@annpc#557 - were not boarded and have no plague onboard. We require immediate assistance, our medical facilities are not sufficient to keep the wounded stable for long and we are suffering multiple leaks - NPC@annpc#557 - which may render us helpless soon." NPC@annpc#557 | The camera zooms out from the freighter and through space, past a large blue sun before settling on the Valley Forge, cruising through space with the massive Reliant Defender beside it, the - NPC@annpc#557 - huge construct blocking out much of the background NPC@annpc#557 | Slowly, the camera pans across the ship and into the bridge, where the crew are busy about their stations as they receive the distress call NPC@annpc#557 | The turbolift door slides open and Keelah exits onto the bridge, currently overseen by Lennie Keelah@crystyl steps over to take her seat, "So, what do we know?" NPC@annpc#557 | Eva: "It seems to have been another pirate attack. This ship managed to get away from its attackers, but it needs assistance. They've taken damage and have wounded crew." Keelah@crystyl:"Seems to be a standard day around here lately. Any other ships in range?" NPC@annpc#557 | Ann: "Not tha' we can see, Cap'n." Keelah@crystyl:"How far out are we from them now?" NPC@annpc#557 | Ann: "A lil over half a light year. We can get there in under 45 minutes at max warp." Keelah@crystyl:"Let's get in there then. Eva, see if you establish communications in the meantime" NPC@annpc#557 | Ann nods, "Aye Cap'n." NPC@annpc#557 | The VF jumps away to warp towards the source of the distress call. They travel for about forty minutes before Eva announces, "I have them on comms, Captain." Keelah@crystyl:"Excellent. Put them on the main viewer" NPC@annpc#557 | A male Hyrdeum appears on the viewscreen, "Thank the Warmasters! You heard our distress call! You're not one of our military ships, but can you aid us?" Keelah@crystyl:"We are just a few minutes away from you now. My medical personnel are standing by to tend to your wounded. I am Captain Se'Lai of the Valley Forge, and we are friends of the Hyydreum" NPC@annpc#557 | Hyrdeum: "Good. We need your help. We have wounded and, well...you've heard our message." Keelah@crystyl:"Yes, you are not the first haulier we have encountered with such a story. When did the attack happen?" NPC@annpc#557 | Hyrdeum: "Half a day ago. We lost them in the nebula nearby and they don't seem to be on our trail anymore, but we took some damage getting into the nebula." Keelah@crystyl:"You did well to come out of it as you have. Do you know who they were?" NPC@annpc#557 | Hyrdeum: "Zarrakin, I think. Their ship was Zarrakin, at least. I didn't see them, they just sent an audio message demanding we hand over our cargo." Keelah@crystyl:"As expected. Unfortunate they are still at it, but not entirely unpredictable" Keelah@crystyl | Lennie: "Cap'n, looks like they'se haulin' topaline. S'makin' sensor locks difficult so I can't get a detailed scan o'their condition. Gonna mean ya can't just beam 'em out" Keelah@crystyl nods and looks to the viewscreen, "We are almost ready to transport your wounded to our medical bay but the minerals in your cargo interfere with our systems. Are you able to detach temporarily?" NPC@annpc#557 | Hyrdeum: "Why do you need us to detach our cargo? There should be enough room in our bays for shuttles to dock." Keelah@crystyl:"We can use shuttles, but that means further delay and unnecessary movement of the wounded. We have the technology to remotely transport - or teleport - you straight to the medical bay. It would be- Keelah@crystyl:- far less disruptive to your wounded this way" NPC@annpc#557 | The Hyrdeum nods, "That's some impressive technology. Let me see..." he taps on a console in front of him. "No, the controls are locked up. I can't detach the cargo containers. I'm afraid you - NPC@annpc#557 - might have to settle for shuttles." NPC@annpc#557 | Meanwhile, Ann announces, "Droppin' to sublight now," and the starstreaks fade to regular stars, with a red nebula visible in the distance Keelah@crystyl:"Very well then. We can at least send them over with some medical personnel. They can triage your wounded there and do what they can to treat them without moving them. If they do have to bring them - Keelah@crystyl:- back for more thorough treatment, they will be able to travel with and monitor them. What about your systems, do you need us to send any engineering assistance?" NPC@annpc#557 | The Hyrdeum nods, "We do. We're leaking plasma coolant and we have multiple other system issues across the board. Like the cargo containers detachment not responding, which is probably one of - NPC@annpc#557 - the more minor issues." Keelah@crystyl:"Alright, stand by to receive our shuttles and we'll see what we can do to get you ship-shape once more" NPC@annpc#557 | Hyrdeum: "We'll await your shuttles' arrival. Fortunately the cargo bay doors still seem to be operational." Keelah@crystyl | Lennie looks over once the comm ends, "Folks're gatherin' in th'hangars now. Should be away shortly" NPC@annpc#557 | The comm ends and Eva looks to Keelah, "I sense deception from them, Captain. We can send a few medics in case they actually need help, but maybe we should have the MACOs escort them." Keelah@crystyl nods, "My thoughts as well. It may be an innocent deception, but everything about this is a little too tunnelled. Send the MACO's, but in standard uniform. Let's downplay the military presence as - Keelah@crystyl:- we don't want to back them into a corner and make them do anything rash" NPC@annpc#557 | Eva nods back and taps her console, "Mobilizing the MACOs now." NPC@annpc#557 | A few minutes pass and Eva announces, "Shuttles are ready to go, Captain." Keelah@crystyl:"Alright, let's get this mission under way" NPC@annpc#557 | The shuttles launch from one of the VF's hangars, heading towards the freighter, where one of the cargo bay doors open and they dock inside NPC@annpc#557 | There is a short stretch of silence before Eva says, "Incoming message from the MACOs." Keelah@crystyl:"That was fast. Let's have it" NPC@annpc#557 <C - Daz> "Good thing you sent us along. They tried to spring an ambush on us in the cargo bay as soon as we landed. We've stunned everyone here and gotten the medical and engineering personnel - NPC@annpc#557 - back on the shuttles. What're your orders, Captain?" Keelah@crystyl:"Pull back and return to base" she waves a hand signal to Rianni who locks a tractor beam on the ship NPC@annpc#557 <C - Daz> "We're on our way." NPC@annpc#557 | The shuttles soon re-emerge from the cargo bay of the freighter, now locked in place by the tractor beam Keelah@crystyl:"Open a channel" NPC@annpc#557 | Eva: "They're not responding, but they are broadcasting another distress call towards the nebula." Keelah@crystyl:"Red alert. Raise shields as soon as the shuttles are back" NPC@annpc#557 | The bridge lighting immediately switches to that of red alert Keelah@crystyl | Lennie: "Um.. Cap'n we'se got a few emergin' from th'nebula. Counts up t'twenty ships s'far" Keelah@crystyl sighs, "What about them then, are any of those willing to answer a hail?" NPC@annpc#557 | The viewscreen magnifies towards the nebula, as more and more Hyrdeum ships begin to emerge... NPC@annpc#557 | Eva: "One of them has answered our hail." Keelah@crystyl:"On screen" NPC@annpc#557 | An armoured Hyrdeum appears on the viewscreen, "Well, it seems our ruse has failed. No matter. Your technology may be superior, but we have the numbers. Significantly more than you. A - NPC@annpc#557 - confrontation will be very costly for both of us, so I suggest you present us with the information to recreate your transportation technology, and we will both go our separate ways." Keelah@crystyl:"I strongly suggest you take this opportunity to rethink your rash action here. Your people are already dwindling enough and I have no desire to deprive you of even more valuable assets. But we have- Keelah@crystyl:- very strict rules about sharing technology, and I'm afraid I simply can not allow you to have what you ask for" NPC@annpc#557 | Hyrdeum Commander: "Then we will do this the hard way." The comm ends and the ships, now numbering over fifty, begin to advance out of the nebula... Keelah@crystyl:"Is the boarding party back with us now?" NPC@annpc#557 | Eva nods, "They are, Captain." Keelah@crystyl:"Can we outrun them?" NPC@annpc#557 | Ann nods, "Aye. Wha' course should I-" NPC@annpc#557 | She pauses as the giant Reliant Defender drops out of warp between the VF and the incoming fleet. It unleashes its proton weapons immediately, the bombardment stopping the first row of the - NPC@annpc#557 - Hyrdeum fleet, their lights flickering as multiple systems fluctuate and go offline NPC@annpc#557 | Eva: "General hail from the Defender, Captain." Keelah@crystyl pinches the bridge of her nose, "Let's hear it, before I get an earful from Vix for not letting her go first..." NPC@annpc#557 <C - Reliant Defender> "I am the Last Defender of the Gates, wielder of weapons long lost to you whose power your kind cannot even imagine. I have reduced fleets four times your size to rubble, - NPC@annpc#557 - laid waste to empires far more advanced than your own. Submit now and know my mercy, or share the fate of millions of others who made the same mistake." Keelah@crystyl | Rianni: "They're... powering down their weapons!" Keelah@crystyl sighs whimsically, "I remember when the Constructs talked to us like that" she chuckles NPC@annpc#557 | Eva chuckles as well, "Now the Defender is hailing us on a secure channel." Keelah@crystyl:"Let's have it" NPC@annpc#557 | The golem avatar of the Reliant Defender forms in front of Keelah, "I hope you do not mind my intrusion, Captain. I understand that your people are a peaceful one, but I have often found that - NPC@annpc#557 - with more warlike civilizations such as these Hyrdeum, a little show of force is necessary to...encourage diplomatic negotiations." Keelah@crystyl smiles, "Your intervention is most welcome, as well as your consideration. You are quite right and whilst we were willing to stand our ground, many would be hurt in the drawn out process had you - Keelah@crystyl:- not intervened. Thank you" NPC@annpc#557 | Reliant Defender: "I shall remain here to ensure their continued cooperation and leave further communication to you." Keelah@crystyl nods, "Understood, we'll try and get this wrapped up quickly now so we can get back underway" NPC@annpc#557 | The golem avatar flickers away NPC@annpc#557 | Eva: "Should I hail the lead ship again?" Keelah@crystyl:"Yes, let's see if they're feeling a little sensible now" NPC@annpc#557 | The armoured Hyrdeum reappears on the viewscreen, only that the bridge around him is much darker and appears to be running on dim emergency lights now Keelah@crystyl:"Well now, you appear to be having some technical difficulties there" NPC@annpc#557 | Hyrdeum Commander: "We were told you were one ship! That massive vessel...how could we have missed it travelling with you?" Keelah@crystyl:"Your people only saw one vessel when we first encountered them because we only wanted them to see one" NPC@annpc#557 | Hyrdeum Commander: "A cunning strategy, not to show your full might. It is clear that this fleet is not sufficient to challenge you. We are at your mercy." Keelah@crystyl:"I strongly suggest you take this warning back to your leaders: No fleet that you can muster will fare any better. And if the Last Defender of the Gates is forced to repeat himself, I can't imagine - Keelah@crystyl:- he will be as merciful with his warning shot again. I told you we have no desire to contribute to the loss of life and limited resources your people have at present, but continued aggression will - Keelah@crystyl:- not be tolerated" NPC@annpc#557 | The Hyrdeum Commander nods, "I will inform the Warmaster of your strength, but I do not know if he can reign in the other clans. Nolleis is not one of the Warmasters of old. He is weak and we - NPC@annpc#557 - did not ambush you on his behalf. Many clans are striving to obtain your technology of their own accord, and with their own ways." Keelah@crystyl:"You do not appear to hold your Warmaster in particularly high regard" NPC@annpc#557 | Hyrdeum Commander: "And neither do many other War-Chiefs. He obtained the position only because his predecessor was trapped on a world overrun with the plague and purged along with the rest of - NPC@annpc#557 - the planet. It is an open secret that the War-Chief who first manages to obtain your transportation technology will certainly challenge Nolleis for the title." Keelah@crystyl hrms, "And if a War-Chief were to dethrone Nolleis and claim the title of Warmaster for themselves, what reaction would that draw from the other Warmasters?" NPC@annpc#557 | Hyrdeum Commander: "You mean the other War-Chiefs? There is only ever one Warmaster of the Empire." Keelah@crystyl:"I see, thank you for the correction. Our knowledge of your political structures is still somewhat limited" NPC@annpc#557 | Hyrdeum Commander: "That would depend on the strength of the new Warmaster's forces and their allies. If they have your transportation technology, it is unlikely that any other clans will dare - NPC@annpc#557 - contest them." Keelah@crystyl:"I see, thank you for taking the time to explain. I think I know now how best to respond should the other War-Chiefs fail to heed the wisdom of the warning you take back to them" NPC@annpc#557 | Hyrdeum Commander: "You are not the only source by which the other War-Chiefs are attempting to gain this technology. The Busavis Clan is attempting to develop their own version of it, though - NPC@annpc#557 - we hear their research is not going particularly well. My spies tell me that the Mallion clan has heard of others who possess this technology and have dispatched their fleet in search of it." Keelah@crystyl:"Well if others elect to freely share their technology, that is their prerogative. If your people are able to develop it for yourselves, then I sincerely hope it works out and they do not have to - Keelah@crystyl:- face any of the traumatic hurdles that our ancestors did during the process" NPC@annpc#557 | Hyrdeum Commander: "Yes, technology like that must have be dangerous when unrefined." Keelah@crystyl:"Very much so, yes. Feel free to take that warning back to your fellow War-Chiefs as well" NPC@annpc#557 | The Hyrdeum Commander nods, "I shall pass on your warnings, and you will have no further trouble from my clan. Of the other clans I cannot assure you, but it will be their death if they choose - NPC@annpc#557 - not to heed these warnings." Keelah@crystyl:"Then please, do not let me distract you from your abundance of repair work any further" she nods to Eva to close the comm NPC@annpc#557 | Eva nods and the comm cuts, the viewscreen once again showing the Hyrdeum fleet by the nebula NPC@annpc#557 | Thorkildsen: "The Hyrdeum ships are slowly starting to restore power. They're focusing on warp and propulsion systems." Keelah@crystyl:"Then we should leave them to it. Lets resume our original course and get back on track" NPC@annpc#557 | Ann: "Aye Cap'n. Course set an' ready to go." Keelah@crystyl:"Engage" NPC@annpc#557 | The VF jumps away to warp... --- NPC@annpc#557 | A few hours later, Keelah and Lennie have left the bridge as the situation with the Hyrdeum is now behind them, and everything is calm NPC@annpc#557 | Rianni is overseeing the bridge with Emma on Ops as they continue quietly along their course when... NPC@annpc#557 | Gwi: "I have something on long-range sensors. Heading towards us, Warp 7." NPC@annpc#557 | Ensign Nqakula comments from the Engineering console, "Warp 7? That's no Hyrdeum ship." Keelah@crystyl | Rianni looks over, "It's on an intercept course?" NPC@annpc#557 | Ensign Enkhbaatar on helm shakes his head, "More like a pursuit course. They're coming from a similar vector as we are and coming up behind us." Keelah@crystyl | Rianni hrms, "Ok... but they're not Hydreum, so who are they?" NPC@annpc#557 | Ensign Nqakula: "I suppose they could be Hyrdeum, most of their ships we've seen so far don't seem to be capable of Warp 7, but they can make 6.9. I guess it's not impossible that they have - NPC@annpc#557 - ships that break the Warp 7 barrier, we just haven't seen- nevermind, they've just sped up to Warp 8. Preeetty sure it's not Hyrdeum now." NPC@annpc#557 | Gwi: "If we continue at our current speed, they'll be in range for a closer scan soon enough." Keelah@crystyl | Rianni: "Hail the Loki, see if they can slow down discretely to get a closer look sooner. If we do need to act then, we'll have more time to do so" NPC@annpc#557 | TQ nods and contacts the Loki, "They're slowing down to check out the ship now." Keelah@crystyl | Rianni: "Meanwhile, let's maintain a steady course and speed like we're none the wiser" NPC@annpc#557 | Enkhbaatar: "Understood." NPC@annpc#557 | A few moments later, TQ announces, "The Loki is contacting us." Rianni@crystyl:"Open the channel" NPC@annpc#557 | T'Lana appears on the viewscreen, "Lieutenant. We have gathered some closer scans of the ship. You will find this quite interesting." Rianni@crystyl:"Hello Commander, I did not expect to see you on duty over there at this hour. Thank you for assisting with the surveillance, minor though as it surely is! What did you find there - who is chasing us?" NPC@annpc#557 | T'Lana: "I was conducting some unrelated analysis and proceeded to the bridge when Kelly informed me of the situation," she nods behind her and Kelly stands, making her way into view Rianni@crystyl smiles, "Hello Commander! Putting that Denobulan sleep cycle to use as always I see" NPC@annpc#557 | Kelly chuckles, "You know I like to run the night shift! Anyways, this ship's very out of place here, like our new construct friend. It doesn't match any designs we've encountered out here. - NPC@annpc#557 - It's closer to our level of technology, but the strangest thing is the hull composition. It's an exact match for Colonial Fleet ships, the ones designed by the Arshai and not the scavenged - NPC@annpc#557 - vessels." NPC@annpc#557 | T'Lana adds, "The chances of another shipyard producing hull material of precisely identical composition to the Ring is extremely low. That would require an exceptional coincidence." Rianni@crystyl:"Agreed. Though an Arshai vessel out here on it's own, and just happening to be in range to spot us seems almost just as unlikely right now" NPC@annpc#557 | Gwi: "Maybe the Coalition sent it to search for us after finding a way to track the gateway we came through." NPC@annpc#557 | Kelly: "That's what I thought at first, except it isn't broadcasting any transponder signals." Rianni@crystyl:"That would certainly explain the presence and it's general pursuit heading. The lack of transponder is much more troubling though. What about the ship composition?" NPC@annpc#557 | Kelly: "It's not a typical Colonial Fleet design. The ship is small, but not equipped like a raider. More of a blockade runner type of vessel." Rianni@crystyl:"Not my first choice to send halfway across the galaxy for a solo recon mission. Thank you both, I believe this is suspicious enough to warrant waking the senior staff" NPC@annpc#557 | T'Lana nods, "We will keep you updated if there is any further relevant information." Rianni@crystyl:"Thank you Commander" Rianni@crystyl looks to TQ, "Time to send the wake up calls" NPC@annpc#557 | TQ: "Never an enviable job..." she taps her console to send the calls Rianni@crystyl chuckles, "No arguments here" NPC@annpc#557 | Soon, Keelah and the other senior officers arrive on the bridge, just as the ship begins drawing near Rianni@crystyl vactes the chair, "Apologies again for the wake up call" Rianni@crystyl | Keelah: "What do we have?" Rianni@crystyl:"Unidentified vessel on a pursuit course at warp 8. The Loki took a closer look and it seems to be Colonial Arshai construction, but not a known configuration. Seems to be a blockade runner build, - Rianni@crystyl:- and it isn't running with a transponder" Rianni@crystyl | Keelah takes a moment to process, sipping a raktajino as she sits, "That is certainly unusual. How far out are they now?" NPC@annpc#557 | Gwi: "Almost in comms range, Captain. No sign of any hostilities from them so far though. Their weapons aren't powered and they only have deflectors active, no defensive shielding.” Rianni@crystyl | Keelah, "Alright, let's let them enter range and give them a chance to reach out. If they don't, we'll try hailing" NPC@annpc#557 | Gwi: "They're entering comms range now." Rianni@crystyl:"Any communication from them?" NPC@annpc#557 | TQ nods, “We're being hailed." Rianni@crystyl | Keelah: "Let's have it then" NPC@annpc#557 | A female Zarrakin in a Free Kin uniform appears on the viewscreen, with a few other uniformed Zarrakin visible behind her NPC@annpc#557 | Zarrakin: "Captain. I know how this must look, but we need your help again. We'll explain everything." Rianni@crystyl | Keelah perks a brow, "This certainly does raise some questions. Please, explain" NPC@annpc#557 | Zarrakin: "Now where to begin...I take it you've gathered that this isn't our ship?" Rianni@crystyl | Keelah: "Among other things" she nods NPC@annpc#557 | Zarrakin: "I...guess I'll just be frank about it. I am First Lieutenant Voa Keen Ateron, of the Free Kin but I assume you know our uniform by now. This ship comes from your part of the galaxy. - NPC@annpc#557 - Its owner was trading us more advanced weapons and equipment. But now the Hyrdeum have her. We lay no claim to this vessel; we have only commandeered it to seek your aid." Rianni@crystyl | Keelah pinches the bridge of her nose, "This is something I can not in good faith ignore. Helm, drop us out of warp so the Zarrakin can catch up" looking back to the screen, "Once we get - Rianni@crystyl:- moving again, I'll need you come aboard and give us all the available details" NPC@annpc#557 | Voa: "We will do so, and we will surrender this vessel to you if you deem fit." NPC@annpc#557 | Enkhbaatar: "Aye Captain, exiting warp now." Rianni@crystyl | Keelah, "One thing at a time. Let's start with the debrief and go from there" NPC@annpc#557 | The starstreaks fade away into regular stars, and shortly afterwards, the Zarrakin drop out of warp beside them NPC@annpc#557 | Voa: "This ship is equipped with your advanced transportation technology, but none of us know how to properly operate it. We will await your transportation- don't want to scatter ourselves - NPC@annpc#557 - into our individual atoms by accident, or appear inside a bulkhead." Rianni@crystyl Keelah smiles a little, "You are wise to exercise caution with unfamiliar technology. Just leave it us, we can handle everything from here" NPC@annpc#557 | Voa: "Thank you. We'll stand by here." --- NPC@annpc#557 | Keelah steps into the transporter room to meet the arriving Zarrakin NPC@annpc#557 | Katie: "Ready to transport them over, Captain." Keelah@crystyl looks to Katie, "Thank you Chief, proceed" NPC@annpc#557 | Katie taps on her console, "Energizing." NPC@annpc#557 | Five transporter beams appear on the transporter pad. Four Zarrakin materialize at a normal speed, but the fifth transport is still engaging. The lights of the transporter pad begins to glow - NPC@annpc#557 - brighter and Katie taps on her console rapidly Keelah@crystyl looks over, "...problem?" NPC@annpc#557 | Katie nods, "There's an influx of surplus energy that isn't supposed to be in here, I don't think it's another pattern but I have no idea where it came from. It's starting to overload the - NPC@annpc#557 - system..." Keelah@crystyl steps up to assist, "Let me draw from the auxiliaries to compensate" NPC@annpc#557 | Katie: "Thanks, Captain. Trying to materialize the last pattern safely now..." Keelah@crystyl:rolls 33 (1-100) NPC@annpc#557 | The transporter pad flickers erratically, but the last pattern begins to take form... NPC@annpc#557 | The central light of the transporter bursts as the figure materializes with what seems to be a shimmering field around her. Then, a second light bursts and a third. The figure stretches out - NPC@annpc#557 - her arms, the shimmering encompassing her companions as sparks rain down. Whatever the shimmer is, it seems to deflect the sparks. There is a small explosion on the back of the pad, and a fire - NPC@annpc#557 - breaks out, held back by the barrier the figure is projecting NPC@annpc#557 | Figure: "Everyone get back!" NPC@annpc#557 | The four others rush off the pad, the figure turning back, her arms still outstretched and holding back the flames. With a pushing gesture, the barrier expands outwards and immediately fans - NPC@annpc#557 - out the flames. The figure stumbles backwards, collapsing on her knees and panting for breath NPC@annpc#557 | Figure: "Does...that...happen every time?" NPC@annpc#557 | The doors slide open and security personnel rush in, phasers raised Keelah@crystyl holds up a hand to the security team to hold back, "At ease gents" looking to Katie, "Get DC and medical down here" NPC@annpc#557 | Katie nods, "On it, Captain." NPC@annpc#557 | The security team lowers their phasers and stand back, while the four Zarrakin on their feet raise their arms in surrender Keelah@crystyl steps over to the figure, "Ordinarily... no it does not. Are you alright?" she extends a hand to help the figure up NPC@annpc#557 | The figure takes Keelah's hand and stands. She realizes it is First Lieutenant Voa, whom she spoke to on comms earlier NPC@annpc#557 | Voa nods, "I'm okay, just a little drained." Keelah@crystyl:"Voa? This is quite unexpected" turning to Katie, "Chief, can you shed any light on what just happened?" NPC@annpc#557 | Katie taps away at her console, "The excess energy appeared the moment the transporter confinement beam activated during the transport, and...it seems to have originated from...her," she - NPC@annpc#557 - looks at Voa NPC@annpc#557 | Voa frowns, "I must've subconsciously activated my barrier when you tried to transport me. Sorry about that, Captain. I've...never travelled this way before." Keelah@crystyl looks back to Voa, "Lieutenant, you demonstrated some... skills, that we have not seen others of your kind use back there" NPC@annpc#557 | Voa: "Not all of our people have it, but some of us suddenly started developing skills like these not too long ago. Some gained the ability to read thoughts or move objects with their mind. - NPC@annpc#557 - We've met species with such skills before, but we've never had them until now." Keelah@crystyl nods, "The psionic resurgence, we are aware of this phenomena. It is a galaxy-wide event which has unsealed mental faculties within those commonly known as Children species; those first seeded by - Keelah@crystyl:- the Progenitors" looks to Katie, "Could a psionic barrier activating explain your readings?" NPC@annpc#557 | Katie: "I believe so." NPC@annpc#557 | Several damage control engineers move into the room to inspect the transporter pad, followed by Zanah and two nurses NPC@annpc#557 | Zanah: "Does someone need medical assistance here?" Keelah@crystyl:"Not to worry then Voa, we understand what has occurred now. It would seem that it is something you are yet to fully exert control over, so we will avoid putting you through that again" NPC@annpc#557 | Voa nods, glancing back at the transporter pad as the engineers inspect it, "Sorry about the damage, Captain." Keelah@crystyl:"Think nothing of it, accidents happen and nobody was hurt thanks to your quick thinking in reacting to the situation as it unfolded. For that, you should be commended" NPC@annpc#557 | Voa smiles faintly, "This ability's been useful for protecting myself and fellow soldiers in battle and other hazards like this. But you're right, I'm still learning to master it." Keelah@crystyl:"Well, perhaps while you are here you will have time to consult some of those on board who are more accustomed to living with such abilities" looks around to see how the rest of the party is doing NPC@annpc#557 | The rest of the party seems surprisingly well-composed after the incident, demonstrating the discipline of the Free Kin. One of them glances over curiously at the transporter pad, but stands - NPC@annpc#557 - straight and maintains his composure NPC@annpc#557 | Voa: "You have crew with abilities like the ones we've been developing?" Keelah@crystyl nods, "Some of us have always had such abilities to some extent, some just developed them recently as you have. Some who have always had them have found their abilities enhanced" NPC@annpc#557 | Voa: "It would be useful to have some guidance from people who have always lived with these abilities. But first, I think I owe you an explanation on that ship we came in." Keelah@crystyl:"That would be most welcome. If your associates are all well, we can proceed to a conference room" NPC@annpc#557 | Voa glances briefly to the others, who give her a nod, "Lead the way." Keelah@crystyl smiles and gestures, "Right this way then. It isn't far" NPC@annpc#557 | As the cloaked ships are dispatched to scout out the research facilities, Voa makes her way to Sin's quarters and rings the doorbell Sin@crystyl opens the door, looking her up and down, "Huh..." NPC@annpc#557 | Voa: "Expecting someone else?" Sin@crystyl:"No, you're definitely the only one around here with a face like that. You're just a little shorter than I expected. Guess I'll have to work on that still..." she mutters, stepping back into the room NPC@annpc#557 | Voa follows inside, "My people aren't known for being particularly tall. Or is it just because I'm a soldier with the Free Kin?" Sin@crystyl perches on the arm of a chair, "Hmm... I don't think so, as I don't really have any preconceptions about the Free Kin. Probably more to do with your species skeletal structure as it creates an - Sin@crystyl - appearance I more commonly associate with bulkier builds" NPC@annpc#557 | Voa: "I assume that's due to some other species with a similar skeletal structure you've met?" Sin@crystyl nods, "You got it! But you didn't come here to talk about other species now did you" NPC@annpc#557 | Voa nods back, "You're Sin, the powerful psionic, right?" Sin@crystyl waves her hands flamboyantly, "The one and only! So you came to bask in the glory of my presence? Understandable of course, but quite unnecessary. I mean, we're the only ones here so it would be - Sin@crystyl - a wasted effort really" Sin@crystyl 's humility knows no bounds... NPC@annpc#557 | Voa: "Actually, I was just hoping to get a little advice and guidance." Sin@crystyl:"Oh... really, you sure? Oh well!" she slides into the seat and gestures to the sofa, "Then come sit down and tell auntie Sin your woes!" NPC@annpc#557 | Voa takes a seat opposite her, "You've had abilities since before the...what do you people call it, resurgence?" Sin@crystyl:"Yeah, that's what folks around here call it. Everyone's got their own phrasing though so I wouldn't get hung up on that. But yes, my people have always had latent powerful psionic capabilities, and- Sin@crystyl:- I was one of the few to fully master this before recent events woke everyone else up" NPC@annpc#557 | Voa: "Your people have always had these abilities, but only a few of you ever mastered it? Why? Seems like it could be useful to know what you're doing with them." Sin@crystyl:"Yes... they lost their way for a long time, and over the generations they forgot who they were - a situation you should find relatable now - but even until the recent awakening, many refused to - Sin@crystyl:- believe we had this capacity and chose to live short and ignorant lives. In truth, we have a natural lifecycle which extends beyond the corporeal, and this is simply our juvenile state" NPC@annpc#557 | Voa: "Interesting. You mean you can...transcend on beyond your physical bodies, become one of those energy beings?" Sin@crystyl:"Exactly, yes. I have come to understand that this is our true natural cycle and the mortal form is simply a short term vessel to accomodate us while we grow into this complete state. Not unlike a - Sin@crystyl:- caterpillar who one day cocoons before emerging as a butterfly. Only this caterpillar has it's plus sides, which is why I have not allowed my own ascendence to occur yet" NPC@annpc#557 | Voa nods, "But you're quite adept at controlling the abilities you have in this form now, aren't you?" Sin@crystyl:"Moreso than the average mortal, yes" NPC@annpc#557 | Voa: "And you said most of your people don't...did you have a teacher, or figure it out yourself as you went?" Sin@crystyl:"Well, for a while I hid myself from it all too. But eventually my powers grew regardless and I found I had to train myself to control them. When I chose to stand against the Horde threatening this - Sin@crystyl:- galaxy, I began to more actively train and refine my abilities ready for the fight. And since then, well suffice to say I have come to rather enjoy being better than everyone else" she grins NPC@annpc#557 | Voa smiles, "These powers have been very useful, even with my limited control over them. They certainly helped when I protected that ship we came in from the Hyrdeum infiltrators." Sin@crystyl:"Sounds like you're onto a winner then! So why seek me out?" NPC@annpc#557 | Voa: "Well...did you hear about the accident in the transportation room?" Sin@crystyl giggles, "Yes, I sensed a psionic presence creating some havoc with those systems. And with the Captain on the controls at that, you provided some delightful entertainment!" NPC@annpc#557 | Voa: "I'm glad you find it amusing at least..." Sin@crystyl:"So what exactly happened? Walk me through it all, from your perspective" NPC@annpc#557 | Voa: "My ability first...activated? I don't know if that's the right word for it, but it happens on instinct, where there's some threat or another. That's how I first learned about it, when I - NPC@annpc#557 - was under fire and the barrier just...came into existence. I've learned to control the barrier itself now; I can expand it to protect others, even managed to put it up around a sonic grenade - NPC@annpc#557 - to contain the blast once. Effort knocked me out, but unconsciousness is much better than my whole squad being dead." Sin@crystyl:"I see. And when you transported over here then?" NPC@annpc#557 | Voa: "I can activate a barrier with a little focus now, and manipulate the barrier, but it still happens on instinct. When your transporter froze me, my body must've triggered that instinct - NPC@annpc#557 - and started generating a barrier to fight against it. That's probably what overloaded the system, but I'm not a technical expert." Sin@crystyl:"You are probably right. So as with all psionic abilities, this comes down to mental discipline. A fear response is a natural thing, but to overcome times like this you need to train your mind to - Sin@crystyl:- work as you want it to, not how your physiology naturally chooses to" NPC@annpc#557 | Voa: "Discipline's a large part of Free Kin training. We're taught to follow orders, not flee battle, you know, the type of training all soldiers get. We know how to overcome our flight - NPC@annpc#557 - instincts. Is this something similar, but I just have to not feel threatened at all so the barrier doesn't kick in?" Sin@crystyl:"It is a comparable thing, yes. But I don't think it's a simple as forcing yourself to never feel threatened as that is likely a sustainable state of being - today being a prime example. It is more - Sin@crystyl:- about honing your mental discipline to control /how/ that feeling affects you. Could you demonstrate your barrier?" NPC@annpc#557 | Voa nods and holds out a hand. A slight shimmer begins to appear in the air in front of her, somewhat like a force field but colourless Sin@crystyl takes a moment to observe, "Alright, that's enough. It seems like there is an element of focus involved in you forming this barrier, yes?" NPC@annpc#557 | Voa lowers her hand and the barrier dissipates, "That's right. And the bigger the barrier, the more draining it is to form and maintain." Sin@crystyl:"That makes sense. But I think I understand now; when your natural flight response is triggered - like today with the transporter - your barrier is going straight up. That is why it seems unwieldy - Sin@crystyl:- wild, making it difficult to control. I don't know if you operate your ships in the same manner as us, but it is like jumping straight to red alert rather than first preparing for danger by going - Sin@crystyl:- to yellow alert" NPC@annpc#557 | Voa nods, "We use a different alert system, but I think I know what you mean. What do you recommend, then?" Sin@crystyl:"You need to retrain your natural fear instinct to go to yellow alert. After all, that instinct is there for a reason and more often than not it will be a benefit to you still, like in combat. But - Sin@crystyl:- even then, wildly popping up barriers without control could become just as dangerous to you and your squad. By retraining your instincts to naturally prepare for the barrier without actually - Sin@crystyl:- raising it, you will not only learn to avoid things like the transporter incident today, but also to refine and exercise more control over your barriers even in an emergency. It is no easy thing - Sin@crystyl:- to achieve though, think of it like retraining muscle memory" NPC@annpc#557 | Voa: "But it's retraining a mental habit instead. Yes, I imagine it won't be simple. Any tips on how to get started?" Sin@crystyl:"Well you've already done that in coming to understand the nuances of how these things work and how to define the layers of control. After that, different things work for different people. Some - Sin@crystyl:- favour meditation, others might prefer stringent practice" NPC@annpc#557 | Voa nods, "So I should experiment, see what works best?" Sin@crystyl:"That would be the wisest course of action, yes. As a soldier, you will probably find it best to train yourself in a more military fashion though, so rigorous practice might at least be a good place- Sin@crystyl:- to start. But you could still find things like meditation helpful as well" NPC@annpc#557 | Voa smiles, "Thank you for the advice, Sin. I'll be sure to give both a try." Sin@crystyl:"If there are others of your people facing the same situation, it might help you all to try and work together. Trust me, letting others do the hard work so you can just reap the rewards of the - Sin@crystyl:- lessons they learned is /so/ much easier than doing it yourself!" NPC@annpc#557 | Voa: "I can imagine. Our people aren't the most...united of late, but your efforts at the Rogue's Den seem to be helping things significantly. Hopefully it'll be easier to get those of us who - NPC@annpc#557 - have developed abilities together now." Sin@crystyl:"This is seeming more and more like the dawn of a golden era for your people; psionic awakenings, uniting together, rediscovering lost heritage. Exciting times" NPC@annpc#557 | Voa: "All thanks to your help. What about your own people, you say most of them have not learned to master their abilities yet?" Sin@crystyl:"Maybe that's changed since the awakening, I can only speak for when I was last around them" NPC@annpc#557 | Voa: "You haven't been among your own people for a while then?" Sin@crystyl:"Yes, it's been a good few years now" NPC@annpc#557 | Voa: "And your people have a short lifespan, you say? At least in this form." Sin@crystyl:"Compared to the average Children species, yes. I was a little over 1 when I left my people, and will turn 6 this year..." she shudders, "Already a respectable full lifespan..." NPC@annpc#557 | Voa: "You don't intend to return, then?" Sin@crystyl shrugs, "Maybe one day once I decide to ascend. And even then, just so I can show them how wrong they were" NPC@annpc#557 | Voa: "Not to show them the way?" Sin@crystyl:"Eh, maybe some'll be worth educating" NPC@annpc#557 | Voa: "You don't think much of most of them, do you?" Sin@crystyl:"It's nothing personal, I don't think much of most people! My disdain for my own people just runs deeper though because unlike most Children who simply are not capable of being more than they are, - Sin@crystyl:- the Ocampa can be, but choose not to" NPC@annpc#557 | Voa: "And why's that? Do they see these abilities as something bad, something to be feared?" Sin@crystyl:"Something to be feared, I think. That is to say, they fear the unknown and they fear change. So for the most part, they have denied the truth this existence in favour of blissful ignorance" NPC@annpc#557 | Voa nods, "That I can understand. Some Zarrakin who have begun developing abilities were quite afraid of them as well. I think I got lucky in that mine manifested as protective barriers. I can - NPC@annpc#557 - only imagine what it's like to suddenly start being able to hear others' thoughts in your head or something like that." Sin@crystyl:"Oh yeah, that is the worst! I try to avoid getting into other people's minds as much as possible, hearing all those private degenerate thoughts..." she shudders NPC@annpc#557 | Voa: "I'm glad I don't have to deal with that! Would be handy for spy-types like the Gimordis though I imagine." Sin@crystyl:"Just like any military or espionage types; they weaponize one thing, their enemies develop countermeasures. Psionics are no different in that regard" NPC@annpc#557 | Voa: "True. We've heard rumours of Hyrdeum developing such abilities as well, but it seems to be much rarer among them. Your captain says it's a phenomenon that's occurring everywhere, even in - NPC@annpc#557 - your part of the galaxy?" Sin@crystyl nods, "Yes, it is across the entirety of this galaxy and affects, in some proportion at least, all Children species, since the galactic barrier was dissipated" NPC@annpc#557 | Voa: "We thought it was a side effect of the plague, like how some of us transform into Berserkers as a result. Seems it's much bigger than that, though." Sin@crystyl:"A reasonable assumption given your people's limited knowledge of events far from here. I'm sure I'm going to regret asking this, but... you do understand what I mean by things like 'Children - Sin@crystyl:- species' and 'galactic barrier', right...?" NPC@annpc#557 | Voa shakes her head, "No, but I assume by Children species you mean species like yours and mine? We've long theorized that all bipedal species had a common creator, like the gods from the - NPC@annpc#557 - old religions of our people." Sin@crystyl:"Yes, but fun fact; those mythical gods aren't those creators. And some of them are just assholes too, but not all. I do get on well with some of them! Guess it's time for a crash course in history" NPC@annpc#557 | Voa: "This ought to be interesting," she leans back and listens curiously Sin@crystyl:"Well this all starts hundreds of thousands of years ago, at least the small chapter we call existence. Your theory about the common creator is correct; they are called the Progenitors. During this - Sin@crystyl:- ancient time they were the sole intelligent life in this galaxy. At least, the way we regard it now. We believe other forms of life existed with some form of sentience, but we are talking your - Sin@crystyl:- extraordinary things like psionic space whales and living planets. Not much company for the Progenitors! Even the Q Continuum was no real equal for them since the Q were so much more capable and - Sin@crystyl:- omnipotent, the Progenitors weren't worth their time or attention. Realizing they had met an evolutionary 'dead end' since they could never match the Q's potential, they set events in motion to - Sin@crystyl:-seed this galaxy with new life based on their own design. In other words; they made us all in their image which is why we all look basically the same" NPC@annpc#557 | Voa: "And we're the result of this seeding? Hence the name Children, right? Because they made us in their own image?" Sin@crystyl nods, "Yes. And it seems at least a part of this seeding was intended to develop new physical bodies with psionic abilities to rival the Q. At least one element from their programme thought so - he - Sin@crystyl:- was called the Architect - and for good reason. His plan was cultivate the Children until suitable vessels were found, which he and his follows could eventually return and inhabit with powers to - Sin@crystyl:- rival the Q" NPC@annpc#557 | Voa: "That sounds rather sinister." Sin@crystyl:"He really was" she nods, "In order to achieve his goals, he incorporated a sort of genetic 'back door' into the Children DNA. This was how the Horde - or the 'army of the dead' if you're feeling - Sin@crystyl:- more colourful, came to be. The remnant of the Architects followers tried to use this to escape justice from the other Progenitors, but they lost control. They became a psionic disease which would- Sin@crystyl:- spread across the galaxy and absorb any Children they encountered into their mindless army. This threat became so great that the Q had to intervene and so they siphoned the psionic energy from all- Sin@crystyl:- of the galaxy's Children to create a vast barrier surrounding this galaxy and containing the Horde threat" NPC@annpc#557 | Voa: "And I thought the mutagenic plague here was bad... You said the remnants of the Architect's followers caused this Horde to come into being. I hope the Architect himself was brought to - NPC@annpc#557 - justice?" Sin@crystyl grins, "Oh, I can personally guarantee you that!" NPC@annpc#557 | Voa: "Personally? But you just said you've only lived for a few years. How could you have been involved in events relating to the creation of our form of life?" Sin@crystyl:"Because the Horde has been rampaging across the galaxy for all these millenia, becoming a part of myth itself with references like the army of the dead and the black death. But this only ended - Sin@crystyl:- recently when we completed a weapon built by the first Children - the Iconians - and it all came to a head when I - wielding the iconic artifacts of the mythical gods worshipped by so many, bested- Sin@crystyl:- the resurrected Architect and sent a psionic shockwave across the entire galaxy which destroyed the Horde in one foul swoop, thus prompting the Q to remove the galactic barrier, which in turn led- Sin@crystyl:- to the restoration of the latent psionic potential in the galactic population" NPC@annpc#557 | Voa: "Now you're almost sounding like See Likz..." Sin@crystyl laughs, "Difference is; she's just a rogue and con-artist. Don't get me wrong now, I won't claim to have done it all alone. The overall battle was the single largest alliance of Children in - Sin@crystyl:- known history. And I had an elite team from this crew with me when we confronted the Architect. But it is also a fact that I was the only one powerful enough to channel the required psionic energy - Sin@crystyl:- against him" NPC@annpc#557 | Voa nods, "I can see why your captain directed me to you now. You can do many things with your abilities I'm assuming, not just read mines or project energy barriers?" Sin@crystyl:"I have come to learn that my power has no limitations. The only limitation to my abilities is my capacity to imagine them really. Though it does more come down to understanding the underlying - Sin@crystyl:- composition of reality and the physical existence. To quote more specific examples; when my powers first began to manifest it was through telekinesis, which I assume you understand?" NPC@annpc#557 | Voa nods, "Yes, I've met Zarrakin with the ability to move things with their minds." Sin@crystyl:"Ok, good. So once I started to actually develop that skill it led me to better understand /how/ I was manipulating objects. So then I progressed to manipulating things like fire, then creating it" - Sin@crystyl:- she demonstrates with a snap of her fingers, creating a candle flame on her fingertip NPC@annpc#557 | Voa: "So when I master it more, I might be able to do more than just barriers?" Sin@crystyl lets the flame go, "Perhaps. Different species have different scales of potential, but for now I see no reason why not. Since learning to control elements like that, I have developed new skills - Sin@crystyl:- consistently over time. From boiling my enemy's blood, to summoning lightning, even altering a planets atmosphere to suit my tastes" Sin@crystyl:"Well, ok the last one is a work in progress still. Right now I could sustain a smaller area, or affect a larger one with limited time to it" NPC@annpc#557 | Voa widens her eyes, "You can alter the atmosphere? As in terraforming?" Sin@crystyl:"Like I said, it's a work in progress. But it actually stemmed from an ability like yours too" NPC@annpc#557 | Voa: "Really? I never imagined my barriers can be used for terraforming..." Sin@crystyl:"Well I mean, it probably can't in it's own right. But what I started out by doing was creating a barrier like yours, then expanding it around me. I could then reconfigure the atmosphere within the - Sin@crystyl:- barrier to suit my needs. Over time I have trained myself to work with increasingly large areas within that barrier and - one day - I will hone the skill enough to be able to affect a whole planet" NPC@annpc#557 | Voa: "Oh I see how it works! Like creating an atmosphere within the barrier." Sin@crystyl:"Exactly, yes. The challenge comes in exacting a change which will last once the barrier is removed though" Sin@crystyl:"Since on a planetary scale that also means reconfiguring the genetics of the whole ecosystem to suit. Even wielding the relics of the Old Gods, that is likely beyond me in this current form. But I - Sin@crystyl:- am resolved to master this forms fullest potential before allowing myself my ascend" NPC@annpc#557 | Voa: "I imagine the knowledge carries over, so the more you know now, the better start you'll have after you ascend, right?" NPC@annpc#557 | Voa: "Anyways, thanks for all the advice, Sin. And the history lesson," she chuckles. "I hope we both do well on our journey to master our abilities." Sin@crystyl:"That is my premise, yes. And it always a pleasure to talk with someone who understands and appreciates these things. I'm sure you'll be a master teaching others of your kind in no time" --- Keliaya@anncaris | A few hours after receiving the Zarrakin visitors, Keelah is working in her ready room when the doorbell rings Keelah@crystyl looks up, "Come in" Keliaya@anncaris steps into the room, followed by Jaslu-Inuze, the Arshai doctor on the Aethon, wearing his Colonial Fleet uniform Keliaya@anncaris:"Captain. We've made a full examination of Seelix's ship." Keelah@crystyl smiles, "Hello both, please sit. What did you find?" Keliaya@anncaris and the doctor takes a seat Keliaya@anncaris:"It's definitely a Colonial Fleet ship. Built in the Ring, most likely to Seelix's specifications from what we know of her old ship and Arshai design." Keelah@crystyl:"A bespoke commission build? That can't have come cheap, especially with the Ring being so busy these days" Keliaya@anncaris:"She got there before the Coalition really started forming up, by the dates on the ship. The smaller size of the vessel probably helped too, but still no idea what kind of deal she cut." Keelah@crystyl:"I suppose it has been some time since we last ran across her" Keliaya@anncaris:"I certainly wasn't expecting to run across her all the way out here. Or her ship, as it is now." Keelah@crystyl:"Any indications from the ship as to how she ended up here?" Keliaya@anncaris:"Same way we did, apparently," she sets a PADD on the table. "I think she tried to steal an Iconian gateway generator like the one on the raider that captured Pia, but it wasn't compatible with her - Keliaya@anncaris - systems and malfunctioned. I suspect there's something about this region that seems to draw malfunctioning gateways here. Unfortunately the whole generator was completely burnt out and was - Keliaya@anncaris - ejected from the ship before detonating, so there's nothing left for us to restore." Keelah@crystyl:"That is unfortunate, but at least you pre-empted my follow up question" she chuckles Keliaya@anncaris chuckles, "I knew you'd ask, Captain. As for the rest of the systems, it's standard Colonial Fleet tech. The Zarrakin have a decent grasp on how to fly it, but they're certainly not equipped for - Keliaya@anncaris - maintenance or repair of technology on our level." Keelah@crystyl:"I don't suppose there's any indication or record of what exactly Seelix has been sharing with them?" Keliaya@anncaris:"Nothing concrete, but we have some idea from the things she was making with the replicators." Keelah@crystyl:"And what might that be?" Keliaya@anncaris:"A variety of things, mostly arms related. There's no indication that she gave them transporter technology or more advanced warp drives or anything like that." Keelah@crystyl:"So she's progressed into arms dealing now. This will make things complicated once we get her out" Keliaya@anncaris | Jaslu: "This one does not hold any rank of particular significance in the Colonial Fleet, but as the representative here, Jaslu must point out that the Colonial Fleet has strict rules against - Keliaya@anncaris - sharing technology with less advanced civilizations. While the decision is ultimately Keelah's, Jaslu is certain that the Supreme Commander will not be pleased if this ship remains with the - Keliaya@anncaris - Zarrakin." Keelah@crystyl:"Don't worry Jaslu, I'm in complete agreement and am fully prepared to enforce the Colonial Fleet's rules here" Keliaya@anncaris:"It's a small ship and doesn't need much of a crew. We could assign some people to it and take it along, but we did already have to shift crew to fill in the missing positions on the Loki." Keelah@crystyl:"That is why I am not jumping into any final action with it yet. Once we get Seelix back, then we can look at how we clear this whole business away. But until then, I think it would be rash to jump - Keelah@crystyl:- to any decisions. So for now, let's just keep some personnel on the ship to make sure it doesn't become a danger" Keliaya@anncaris nods, "I'll ask the temporary crew to see what else they can find about the tech Seelix gave away while they're there. I presume we'll be asking the Zarrakin to hand them over after we find her?" Keelah@crystyl:"More than likely, yes. But let's cross that bridge when we come to it" Keliaya@anncaris:"We'll try to come up with a comprehensive list of what Seelix might've traded to them in the meantime, then." --- Keliaya@anncaris | Lennie is working away in her lab when the door slides open and Kelly steps in Lendaria@crystyl turns and smiles, "Hey stranger!" Keliaya@anncaris smiles back, "Hey Lennie! Been finding myself stopping by more often lately haven't I," she chuckles Lendaria@crystyl:"Hope tha' means things're gettin' easier on th'Loki now" Keliaya@anncaris nods, "Farhalla's definitely shaping up nicely to take over the Chief position. Anyways, this is about something that came up during the recent investigation on Seelix's ship, and I thought you - Keliaya@anncaris - might have some input to offer." Lendaria@crystyl:"Oh yeah? Ya always did know how t'tickle mah curious spot" she chuckles Keliaya@anncaris grins, "Defender, are you there?" Keliaya@anncaris | The golem avatar of the Reliant Defender forms in the lab, "I am listening." Lendaria@crystyl looks to the golem, "You too? Well now I'm-a bein' spoiled for company" Keliaya@anncaris chuckles, "The topic came up when I was consulting with the Defender. But first I should probably start from the beginning." Lendaria@crystyl:"Tha' beats startin' at th'end!" Keliaya@anncaris:"So we learned from examining the ship that Seelix apparently also came here through a malfunctioning gateway. She tried to steal the future ships' technology, and you can guess how things ended up." Lendaria@crystyl:"I got a fair idea" Keliaya@anncaris:"With how big the galaxy is, it's quite a coincidence that two malfunctioning gateways happened to open up so close by to one another. I theorized that there must be something about this area that's Keliaya@anncaris - drawing their openings here. So I consulted the Defender, since besides the Iconians themselves, there's probably no one who knows gateways as well." Lendaria@crystyl:"Th'gateways, or this region o'space. Good shout" Keliaya@anncaris nods to the Defender, who continues, "There was once a starship gateway here. It was heavily contested by the Tokhor, those you know as Zarrakin today, and several other inhabitants of this - Keliaya@anncaris - region. I was forced to destroy it to prevent the chaos here from spreading to other parts of the galaxy, but it was not controlled destruction. The gateway generator is gone, but I believe it - Keliaya@anncaris - is possible that it has left an imprint on subspace. It cannot be entered from this region, but gateways without a set destination have a tendency to be drawn here due to the imprint." Lendaria@crystyl:"Tha's certainly an interestin' hypothesis. S'true tha' regular subspace activity leaves it's mark, an' a fixed point'd no doubt create somethin' of a soft spot. So yeah, I can see tha' workin' out.- Lendaria@crystyl:- But surely, jus' because th'gateway ain't workin' no more... if tha' soft spot's there, then maybe we can still find a way t'use it" Keliaya@anncaris nods and smiles, "That's something I thought the Science department could look into. But there is something else I wanted to ask, too." Lendaria@crystyl:"Wha's tha'?" Keliaya@anncaris:"If both we and Seelix got here through malfunctioning gateways, it's possible that other ships might have as well." Keliaya@anncaris | Reliant Defender: "There would not have been many ships equipped with gateway technology between the destruction of the gateway here and now, as that occurred after the fall of the Iconian - Keliaya@anncaris - Empire. However, the Iconians did return recently, utilizing a fleet of vessels equipped with gateway technology which saw extensive combat." Keliaya@anncaris:"There were reports during the war of damaged ships disappearing into rather unstable looking gateways, and even unstable gateways cutting their own ships in half while trying to make an escape, so - Keliaya@anncaris - I wouldn't be surprised if there's random pieces of Iconian debris scattered across this region." Keliaya@anncaris | Reliant Defender: "Which may prove very dangerous in the wrong hands, such as that of the Hyrdeum." Lendaria@crystyl:"We can set th'scouts up t'maintain long range passive scans f'tell tales of Iconian tech, just in case" Keliaya@anncaris | Reliant Defender: "Judging from the variation between where you arrived and where Seelix's vessel did, the potential area is too large for several ships to effectively cover. Once we arrive at - Keliaya@anncaris - the Heart, it may be prudent to ask for the assistance of the Regulators." Keliaya@anncaris:"And that's the second thing. The Defender only knew the Regulators as they were during their founding. He hasn't interacted with the modern Regulators and seen how...zealous they can be. I'm not - Keliaya@anncaris:- sure calling them in here is such a good idea, with the plague and everything else this region has been through. You worked most closely with the Regulators when they tested us, and they're - Keliaya@anncaris - very similar to your people too." Lendaria@crystyl:"They are pretty unreletin', yeah. If they found th'Hydreum they'd likely forcibly relocate th'whole species t'a plant wit' not a single bit o'tech on it" Keliaya@anncaris:"And they might not be much gentler with the Zarrakin either. It's true, the Hyrdeum aren't great people, but neither were Klingons and Romulans for the longest time. Or Orions, or even Humans and - Keliaya@anncaris:- Vulcans in earlier stages of their history. But not all Hyrdeum are bad as we've seen, and if we just give them the chance, they might be able to evolve into a better society." Lendaria@crystyl:"Exactly why th'Cap'n's already resolved t'try an'help resolve th'situation out here before we return, even if we were t'figure a quick way back" Keliaya@anncaris | Reliant Defender: "I see. I will defer to your judgement, as you know the state of the galaxy today better than I do. I hope your Captain will be able to make this region stable enough that - Keliaya@anncaris - if Iconian technology was discovered, it would be more of a scientific curiosity than a catalyst for war, as it was when I last traversed here." Lendaria@crystyl:"Tha' might take some time, but we can at least try an' set 'em on th'right path" Keliaya@anncaris nods, "If anyone can do it, it's Keelah." --- T'Lana@anncaris | Keelah is called to the bridge as the scouts obtain info on the Hyrdeum research facilities... Keelah@crystyl steps off the turbolift, "So, what have we found?" T'Lana@anncaris | Eva: "The Aethon's sent back sensor data on one of the research stations. The other stations they've scouted out so far have had a small patrol nearby, but this one's guarded by an entire - T'Lana@anncaris - fleet. It must be the one where they're keeping Seelix. Voa suspected it'd be unusually fortified." Keelah@crystyl joins her, "That does seem a likely target. What could they learn from their scans?" T'Lana@anncaris | Eva: "Several areas of the station are equipped with sensor disrupting equipment. They were unable to find any human lifesigns or advanced technology, but the blind spots could easily be hiding - T'Lana@anncaris - them. But the Aethon did detect supplies in its storage bays that could be used in transporter technology." Keelah@crystyl:"This does seem a likely location. Convene the senior staff and other commanders, we'll draw up an action plan" T'Lana@anncaris | Eva nods, "On it, Captain." --- T'Lana@anncaris | Shortly afterwards, Keelah gathers in the conference room with the senior staff and the other commanders Keelah@crystyl:"Alright everyone, you have seen the recon reports from the Aethon. Now we must determine how to proceed" T'Lana@anncaris:"While with the Reliant Defender, we possess the force to simply storm the facility, I do not believe inflicting such damage on the Hyrdeum is desirable in their current state, even though they may - T'Lana@anncaris - be belligerents here. I suggest a more subtle approach." Keelah@crystyl:"I am inclined to agree" T'Lana@anncaris:"Sneaking up to the station will not be difficult. The patrols do not run any form of anti-stealth scan that is effective against modern cloaking technology, as the Hyrdeum are no doubt unfamiliar - T'Lana@anncaris - with such capabilities. The Loki, QanwI' and Aethon will all be capable of approaching the facility unseen, though I would suggest the Aethon for this mission as it was designed for this, and - T'Lana@anncaris - we have no reason to keep it in reserve." Keelah@crystyl:"Sounds reasonable. What about the actual ground team?" T'Lana@anncaris:"By using lifesign concealers, we will be able to move around the facility undetected, so a small team would be most effective for maintaining stealth. I suggest myself, Lieutenant Tierno and - T'Lana@anncaris - Avita. I will handle any technical barriers, Tierno is effective in both combat and tactical planning should there be any unexpected confrontation, and she may be suited for reasoning with - T'Lana@anncaris:- Seelix should that be necessary. Avita can quietly neutralize any patrols or guards if necessary." Keelah@crystyl:"Just the three of you? Are you certain you don't want to take a MACO squad in as well?" T'Lana@anncaris:"It may be prudent to have them on board the Aethon should we require backup. However, if we are able to board and extract Seelix completely silently, that would be preferable. Commander - T'Lana@anncaris - Leveson-Scott and I have conducted more dangerous missions with less personnel." Keelah@crystyl:"Of that I have no doubt" she looks to Rianni, "Do you concur with the Commanders proposal?" Keelah@crystyl | Rianni smiles: "Yes Captain, I too am no stranger to missions of this nature and am confident that the proposed team can succeed here" Keelah@crystyl:"Alright then. But yes, I would feel better about things if you at least had the MACO's along as backup just in case. The Loki and QanwI' can also remain on station nearby should an immediate - Keelah@crystyl:- response be called for" T'Lana@anncaris nods, "Very well. We will take the necessary precautions to have sufficient reinforcements on hand." Keelah@crystyl:"When do you want to launch the mission?" T'Lana@anncaris:"The station has shields raised by default, but they receive cargo shipments during which the shields are lowered for docking. The Aethon will have to follow one such freighter in. The freighters - T'Lana@anncaris - do not travel at particularly high speeds, so once we have eyes on the next shipment, we should have ample time to launch the mission and tail it." Keelah@crystyl:"Alright then, It's your mission Commander. You may proceed as you see fit from here" --- T'Lana@anncaris | A few hours after the conference, T'Lana, Rianni and Avita gather in the Aethon's transporter room T'Lana@anncaris | Avita lurks in the back of the room, "You commanded this ship multiple times, didn't you?" Rianni@crystyl turns to her, "Me? Yes I have, why?" T'Lana@anncaris | Avita: "Well you're just here as a passenger this time. Must feel...different." Rianni@crystyl smiles, "You know I hadn't really thought about it, but yes you're right. In fact, during the height of the campaign at the Heart I commanded the Aethon on a very similar mission to this; delivering Rianni@crystyl:- a SpecOps team to a priority objective. But then, even though I have commanded this ship, it has never been my command. If that makes any sense...?" T'Lana@anncaris nods as she steps up behind Rianni, "I am aware of what you mean, Lieutenant. Though I command the Loki at the moment, I still do not exactly think of it as my command. It is more of an extended - T'Lana@anncaris - temporary arrangement." Rianni@crystyl glances back and smiles, "Exactly yes! It's more like I'm a regular babysitter right now. And honestly, I'm more than happy with it that way. I was still a cadet when I first ended up in command - Rianni@crystyl:- here, and to have carried out additional missions since then. Well, I feel that I have been given an awful lot more than most in my position already" T'Lana@anncaris nods, "Indeed you have. And as talented as you may be, to give you the responsibility of a command directly out of the Academy, even if only for a small vessel like this, would be too much - T'Lana@anncaris - for you. Command can be difficult even for experienced officers." Rianni@crystyl:"You'll get no argument from me Commander. Like I said, I'm more than happy with just a little babysitting now and again. And if the odd occasion of that calls me to the Aethon or another ship - Rianni@crystyl:- rather than the Valley Forge's night shift, so be it. But even with all the experience I've been given through this, I would not feel comfortable even taking on a senior command post, let alone an - Rianni@crystyl:- actual command!" T'Lana@anncaris:"You are doing quite well now as the Chief of Tactical, are you not?" Rianni@crystyl:"I am certainly trying my best to! Though Vrolmacht left some very big shoes to fill, figuratively and literally..." Rianni@crystyl:"But even that role is a push for me at the moment still, and I doubt I could pull it off on any other ship. It's only because I already know the Forge and the team there so well that I'm able to - Rianni@crystyl:- manage" T'Lana@anncaris:"Indeed. Though you possess all the necessary skills, I have found that some individuals find it difficult to take orders from one who is significantly younger than them. Most Starfleet personnel - T'Lana@anncaris:- are disciplined enough to respect rank, but psychological instincts are sometimes difficult to completely subdue." Rianni@crystyl:"That is very true, and another important aspect that is always on my mind" T'Lana@anncaris:"I am sure with time, it will become less of a factor. Though I did not know her when she first took command, I expect Captain Keelah would have faced similar problems, at least from fellow - T'Lana@anncaris - Vulcans, as she was quite young for our people. Of course, where Vulcans are concerned, this would have been the lesser form of contempt she would have dealt with." Rianni@crystyl:"That's a very good thought actually, I will have to consult her about her experiences some time. With the relative age thing, I mean" T'Lana@anncaris:"I believe she may have some good advice for maintaining authority despite your youthful appearance." Rianni@crystyl:"In the meantime, I'm all about following someone else's lead and learning all I can!" T'Lana@anncaris | Avita: "Speaking of appearances...I keep thinking that the three of us have been on a mission together, but it was the other Rianni with us and Mischa during the Corporate mission." Rianni@crystyl looks to Avita, "Oh, right! She's with Intel now too isn't she? I didn't realise you'd all been on a mission together. And here I was thinking this was a first!" Rianni@crystyl:"well, ok so it is for me at least. But now I have to live up to the standard set by the other me don't I..." T'Lana@anncaris:"I have been thinking the same as well, even though I know that you are a different Rianni. Appearances can be deceiving, after all." T'Lana@anncaris | Avita: "Don't worry. We've both worked with you many times separately. We know what to expect from you." T'Lana@anncaris nods, "And the difference between you and your clone." Rianni@crystyl:"I just hope I don't end up being the consolation prize against my own clone. That would just be embarrassing..." she chuckles T'Lana@anncaris:"Not at all, Lieutenant. Even if Orianni was present, I would still have asked for you to join us on this mission." Rianni@crystyl smiles, "Thank you Commander. That is... more reassuring than you likely realize" T'Lana@anncaris:"Your skillset is the logical choice. Orianni specializes in blending in with a population, which is not our objective here. What she provides in stealth and combat is already served by Avita. Your - T'Lana@anncaris - tactical thinking provides something new to the team and Seelix will likely relate to you more than your clone, giving you a better chance of reasoning with her. There is also your familiarity - T'Lana@anncaris - with the Aethon, should an engagement with their vessels become necessary." Rianni@crystyl:"Flawless logic as always" she smiles, "And I have trained with Avita too, so even though I might not be as super-human as Orianni is, I can hold my own!" T'Lana@anncaris:"Indeed. I have seen what you are capable of, Lieutenant." T'Lana@anncaris | The intercomm sounds, <C> "We are approaching the research facility behind the cargo ship. Prepare for transport." T'Lana@anncaris nods and makes her way towards the transporter pad, "Time to begin our role in the mission." --- T'Lana@anncaris , Rianni and Avita transport into one of the storage bays of the research facility T'Lana@anncaris checks her tricorder, "The immediate area is clear." She makes her way up to some of the containers, giving them a scan Rianni@crystyl helps survey the immediate area too T'Lana@anncaris | Rianni locates some supplies which is used in Starfleet phasers, but not typically used in disruptors, which seems to be standard for the Hyrdeum Rianni@crystyl:"Commander, you might want to make note of this" T'Lana@anncaris steps over, "What have you found, Lieutenant?" Rianni@crystyl shows her readings, "These components are not used in transporter systems. But they are in hand phasers, which is a technology the Hydreum don't currently use" T'Lana@anncaris:"Excellent find. It does not surprise me that Seelix would be giving them other technologies as well. It may be necessary to scuttle this station, but first let us locate Seelix and determine what - T'Lana@anncaris - precisely she has given them." Rianni@crystyl nods T'Lana@anncaris steps over to a console, tapping away at it T'Lana@anncaris:"Their encryption algorithms may be simple compared to our own, but they are intelligent enough to keep their information systems adequately disconnected. I cannot access anything save inventory - T'Lana@anncaris - records from here. We will have to find another console further into the facility." She leads the way out of the storage room and into the halls beyond Rianni@crystyl tries to scan for Seelix' lifesigns now that they are inside to see if she can narrow it down at all T'Lana@anncaris | Rianni is unable to find Seelix's lifesigns from here, but she does notice that there are surprisingly few lifesigns in this entire area of the station. Almost like it's deserted... T'Lana@anncaris | Avita seems to notice it as well, saying, "I don't want to bring about bad luck, but this place feels /too/ quiet." Rianni@crystyl:"No, you are right. I am detected very few lifesigns in this part of the facility" Rianni@crystyl:"If it is a less frequented area, we should mindful of automated defenses" T'Lana@anncaris nods, "Agreed." As she checks her tricorder for signs of defenses, something which seems to be a large boulder suddenly forms behind the trio and rolls towards them. Avita's enhanced reactions - T'Lana@anncaris - allow her to leap out of the way, but T'Lana is slowed by checking her tricorder readings... Rianni@crystyl dives into action right after Avita, pushing TL out of the way as she goes T'Lana@anncaris is pushed out of the way just in time as the boulder rolls past, coming to a stop further down the hall T'Lana@anncaris looks at the boulder, then at Rianni, "Thank you, Lieutenant." Rianni@crystyl steps back, "Apologies for manhandling you like that Commander" she looks after the boulder, "That seems... unorthodox for such a facility..." T'Lana@anncaris | Avita nods, "A very primitive defense, even for the Hyrdeum." T'Lana@anncaris | As Rianni looks more closely at the boulder, it becomes obvious that it is not made of any kind of stone, but more like crumpled metal T'Lana@anncaris:"That is because it is not a trap." Rianni@crystyl:"And it seems like something as likely to damage the facility as much as any trespasser. Not to mention the hassle of resetting the tr-" looks to TL, then the boulder again, "Commander?" T'Lana@anncaris:"My tricorder detected a transport when that boulder appeared." She steps over towards the boulder, scanning it more closely. "The metal composition of the boulder is identical to the cargo - T'Lana@anncaris - containers in the storage bay. I believe you are right in being wary of this part of the station, but not due to defense systems." Rianni@crystyl:"Wait..." she looks at the boulder again, then their surroundings, "Is this a trash chute?!" T'Lana@anncaris:"If my theory is correct, not by intention." She continues down the hall Rianni@crystyl:"But of course, it would not be right to share such a theory until your confident of it being correct" she smiles T'Lana@anncaris nods and taps on a panel beside a rather large door. The door opens to reveal a room lined with consoles on both sides. However, all of them are now dark and most of them are broken, the screens - T'Lana@anncaris - shattered with pieces of shrapnel embedded within. Various puddles and streaks of a black, tar-like substance lines the floor T'Lana@anncaris:"Unfortunate, but not unexpected. We will not be finding any usable consoles here..." Rianni@crystyl takes a detailed scan of the black substance, "What on Earth happened here...?" T'Lana@anncaris | The black substance appears to be a slush of various materials that have been liquified T'Lana@anncaris:"Most likely the same thing that formed the boulder in the hallway." Rianni@crystyl:"Some sort of... process byproduct maybe? I'm not sure" T'Lana@anncaris:"Let us continue our search for a usable console. Seeing the state of this place, I suspect we will come across the answer to this soon enough as well." T'Lana@anncaris leads the way back out the room T'Lana@anncaris | As they step back out into the hallway, something small materializes on the ground ahead of them. Before they can get a good look, it dematerializes once again Rianni@crystyl:"The further we travel without finding an answer, that would be logic-" doubletakes, "What the?" T'Lana@anncaris:"All these occurrences are pointing to a clear answer. I am simply waiting until we see definitive evidence, which I suspect will occur before long." T'Lana@anncaris continues down the hall, avoiding the spot where the thing just materialized Rianni@crystyl:"A testing site?" Rianni@crystyl is obviously less content to quietly contemplate the possibilities T'Lana@anncaris:"Yes and no." She turns the corner into a hallway lined with more black puddles. "I do not believe they intentionally-" she pauses as another transport beam appears in mid-air, forming something - T'Lana@anncaris - small which drops to the ground and rolls towards them. Avita starts running back the way they came, but T'Lana simply steps out of the way, letting it roll past her, "Do not panic. It is not - T'Lana@anncaris - an explosive." T'Lana@anncaris | The thing slowly rolls towards Rianni... Rianni@crystyl stands and watches the thing, figuring TL already knows what is going on and wouldn't be so nonchalant if it were dangerous T'Lana@anncaris | The ball comes to a stop by Rianni's feet. It seems to be a little rubber ball, and judging by the blues and greens, a depiction of some Class-M planet T'Lana@anncaris:"Do not touch it either." Rianni@crystyl takes a closer look, heeding the warning, "This mission is not going at all as I imagined so far..." T'Lana@anncaris | As Rianni looks at the ball, it dematerializes and disappears Rianni@crystyl jumps back a little as it vanishes again T'Lana@anncaris:"Unlike the mangled crate, it is too small to be of any direct danger, but there is a risk that it may take you along should you come into physical contact with it." Rianni@crystyl nods, "Good point. Can't be too careful with unrefined transporters" T'Lana@anncaris continues down the hall, sidestepping the black puddles. As they proceed, Rianni becomes aware that there is a crate embedded on the side of the bulkhead Rianni@crystyl observes in passing, "Yep... deeefinitely don't want to get caught in unrefined transporter tests..." T'Lana@anncaris:"I do not believe they are intentionally damaging their station with transporter tests. I suspect that the larger transports were at least intentioned to be directed into space, which would be a - T'Lana@anncaris:- far more logical site for testing. Ultimately however, this part of the facility must have been so overrun with accidents that they had no choice but to shut it down." T'Lana@anncaris | Avita: "Transporter accidents always happen with early transporters, but I've never heard of anyone that's caused this many in one place." Rianni@crystyl:"I see. So it has been relegated to a target site, or do you believe these continued appearances are the result of an ongoing failure?" T'Lana@anncaris:"That is the part I am uncertain of. We will have to access computer data for confirmation. As for the sheer volume of accidents here, that is because no other civilization we are aware of have - T'Lana@anncaris:- rushed the development of transporters as much as the Hyrdeum are. It is fortunate that they do not seem to have begun testing on live specimens yet." Rianni@crystyl:"That we've seen at least. Still, if this is ongoing controlled testing then rushed hardly does it justice. There's barely enough time between observed instances alone to account for any system - Rianni@crystyl:- adjustments" T'Lana@anncaris nods, checking her tricorder and turning to tap on another panel. The door slides open to reveal another console-filled room. Another crate is fused with the consoles on the left side, rendering - T'Lana@anncaris - them all unusable, and the floor is littered with little rubber globes. One console on the right is dark, but the others still seem to be functioning T'Lana@anncaris moves to one of the working consoles and starts typing away Rianni@crystyl stays close, keeping an eye on the surroundings and setting her tricorder for a passive scan of transporter beam-ins T'Lana@anncaris | Half a minute passes, and Rianni detects a beam-in nearby, but outside in the hall Rianni@crystyl keeps monitoring T'Lana@anncaris:"I believe the answer to your question is both, Lieutenant," she says as she types Rianni@crystyl:"What did you find?" T'Lana@anncaris:"Most of the transports we witnessed are not current experiments, but the results of past failures which either never materialized until now, or appear to be trapped in a state of being unable to - T'Lana@anncaris - permanently materialize. However, due to this section being shut down as a result of the accidents, it has been relegated to an area to conduct new tests in as well." Rianni@crystyl:"At least that explains the unusually high frequency of activity" T'Lana@anncaris nods, "I have located Seelix. I believe it would also be prudent to scuttle the station before we transport out. The facility has installed a second, newer generator to power the transport - T'Lana@anncaris - experiments. By my calculations, overloading either core will cause an explosion large enough to destroy the other in a chain reaction, and the combined destruction will leave the data - T'Lana@anncaris - unsalvageable." Rianni@crystyl:"What about the personnel here?" T'Lana@anncaris:"Most of their breakthroughs in transporter development were thanks to the information obtained from Seelix. Without her, I do not believe the scientists can recreate the technology. They will - T'Lana@anncaris:- likely backtrack to their earlier experiments. In time, they may still develop the technology, but we have already unwillingly influenced them down this path of research. The deaths of the - T'Lana@anncaris:- personnel here will not dissuade the rest of the Hyrdeum from pursuing this research, and the loss of the station and data will set them back enough to make their development more natural." T'Lana@anncaris:"We will sound the alarm for evacuation before we scuttle the facility." T'Lana@anncaris | Avita: "What if the scientists take the data with them?" Rianni@crystyl:"As long as we give them sufficient time to evacuate. Whilst they are conducting the research, they are most likely just scientists following orders and shouldn't pay for their leaderships decisions- Rianni@crystyl:- with their lives" Rianni@crystyl looks to Avita, "The Aethon could gather up the escapees maybe?" T'Lana@anncaris:"It will not be necessary to expose the Aethon. I will upload a virus to corrupt the data. They will not notice it until it is too late, and anything they salvage will be unreadable by the time - T'Lana@anncaris:- they reach safety. There may be additional backup storage, but collecting the escapees may be too much trouble, especially given the presence of a Hyrdeum fleet in direct proximity to the facility.” T'Lana@anncaris | Avita: "We could do the opposite. Send down the MACOs when we're ready, stun the scientists, make sure they don't grab any data and eject them out of escape pods." Rianni@crystyl:"Whilst that would work, it would make our intervention quite apparent. The Commanders plan could leave things to be perceived as a simple tragic accident, which means they are none the wiser about - Rianni@crystyl:- us. Seelix would be presumed dead in the explosion and so lost. Furthermore, if we really wanted to set them back, the Commanders virus could not only corrupt their data but actually falsify it - Rianni@crystyl:- to lead their future attempts in the wrong direction" T'Lana@anncaris:"An excellent suggestion, Lieutenant. Simply rendering the data inaccessible may cause them to turn to backups, but corrupting it to make it inaccurate would cause them to waste significant time - T'Lana@anncaris - and set them further back, thus compensating for our influence in prompting this research to begin with. I am modifying the virus now. Once I am finished, we may find and extract Seelix." --- T'Lana@anncaris | After a few minutes of typing, T'Lana steps away from the console, "The virus is deployed. We will proceed to find Seelix first." Rianni@crystyl nods, "Right behind you" T'Lana@anncaris leads the way out into the hall again. As they walk, another transporter beam appears in front of them, but all that materializes is the black substance, which begins with some shape but quickly - T'Lana@anncaris - loses it, collapsing into a puddle T'Lana@anncaris | Avita: "Now we know where these are coming from..." Rianni@crystyl:"If nothing else, they've created what will likely be an effective deterrent of capital punishment" T'Lana@anncaris:"Indeed..." T'Lana@anncaris steps over the puddle and enters a lift, waiting for the others to enter before tapping on a panel and selecting their destination T'Lana@anncaris announces as the lift starts to ascend, "I am detecting more lifeforms in the vicinity now. I will stop our lift at a level where we will not be spotted." T'Lana@anncaris soon taps the panel and the lift comes to a stop, opening to a clear hallway T'Lana@anncaris:"I believe we should be well outside of the experimentation area now. This should be a more standard stealth operation from here, as you expected," she comments to Rianni Rianni@crystyl:"Hopefully. I've seen enough disturbing black puddles of ooze for one day" T'Lana@anncaris steps out into the hallway, "There does not appear to be any black puddles here. But we will still have to make our way up three more decks." She taps her tricorder. "Fortunately, I uploaded the - T'Lana@anncaris - facility map from the console." Rianni@crystyl:"Good thinking. Are there any back routes like jeffries tubes?" T'Lana@anncaris nods, "They do not call them jefferies tubes, but there are maintenance tunnels with ladders to other decks." T'Lana@anncaris leads the way towards one of them, once again tapping on the panel to open the door Rianni@crystyl chuckles, "I would have been quite impressed if they did give them the exact same name" T'Lana@anncaris:"Indeed. Most species do tend to call them maintenance tubes, tunnels or shafts however. The Hyrdeum term seems to translate similarly to that." Rianni@crystyl:"At least we should be able to progress with minimal chance of being detected in there" T'Lana@anncaris nods, "That is the intention." She proceeds into the tunnel and continues leading the way forward. The tunnels are a bit wider than jefferies tubes on a Starfleet ship, though it is no surprise - T'Lana@anncaris - given they are on a station. After a little walking and climbing, they manage to reach the right deck and T'Lana heads for an exit T'Lana@anncaris takes a scan before stepping out, "I am picking up a human lifesign ahead, but two Hyrdeum outside the door leading into the room with the human. They are both armed," she nods to Avita. "We - T'Lana@anncaris - will need to neutralize them." T'Lana@anncaris | Avita: "Lethally, or non-lethally?" Rianni@crystyl:"Non-lethal will require total surprise so as not to expose our presence even when they recover" T'Lana@anncaris:"And if we render them unconscious for too long, they will likely not escape when we scuttle the facility," she glances to Rianni. "If you have any other ideas, I suspect the fate of these two - T'Lana@anncaris:- guards may be sealed either way." Rianni@crystyl hrms, "Short of tagged them for beam out by the Aethon, I am struggling to find any other viable compromise" T'Lana@anncaris:"If we beam them out and return them to the Hyrdeum, it will make it obvious that the station's destruction was not an accident. It may be prudent to use lethal force here. A few fatalities will - T'Lana@anncaris - make the accident more convincing as well, and if they are guarding Seelix, then it may convince the Hyrdeum that she too is dead, making them unlikely to trouble the Zarrakin further since - T'Lana@anncaris - they will not suspect a rescue." Rianni@crystyl nods, "Yes, it seems unavoidable this time" T'Lana@anncaris | Avita: "Makes things easier, then. I'll signal you when it's done." The maintenance tunnel door slides open and she slips out T'Lana@anncaris | A few seconds pass by, and Avita's voice comes through their earpieces, "Area is clear." Rianni@crystyl:"Efficiency even a Vulcan's got to approve of" she smiles T'Lana@anncaris nods, "She is a professional assassin, after all." Rianni@crystyl:"Indeed" T'Lana@anncaris | They step out of the tunnel to find Avita dragging the bodies of the two guards towards them. She tosses something at T'Lana, who catches it T'Lana@anncaris eyes the item, "She even retrieved the keycard. Now I am impressed." T'Lana@anncaris | Avita replies as she hides the bodies in the tunnel, "Not that the door would've been much trouble for you without it, but saves you a little work." Rianni@crystyl:"High praise indeed" she smiles, doing what she can to help Avita with the bodies. More so she doesn't feel completely useless T'Lana@anncaris steps up to the door, tapping the keycard. It slides open to reveal Seelix comfortably lounging... Rianni@crystyl | Seelix waves a dismissive hand without looking to the door, "Eugh, how many times?! I will /tell/ you when I want my next foot rub!" Rianni@crystyl facepalms T'Lana@anncaris raises a brow, "We are not here to provide you with personal service." Rianni@crystyl | Seelix suddenly peers over the chair she's lounging on and promptly falls backwards out of it Rianni@crystyl | Seelix stands up straight like it was all planned, naturally, "You?! Stars, how far do I have to go across this galaxy before Starfleet stops stalking me..." T'Lana@anncaris:"We are not following you. We simply happened to cross paths. Once we heard that you were meddling with local development, this result was quite predictable." Rianni@crystyl | Seelix: "Meddling? Why I..." she chuckles nervously, "...I mean, stalking? hahaha, aah you Vulcans and your wicked sense of humours. Did I say stalking? I meant, uh, thank goodness you have - Rianni@crystyl:- appeared like an unwanted guardian angel to rescue me from these, uh, fiends! Yes!" T'Lana@anncaris:"As we understand it, they did take you against your will," she glances around the room. "But you seem to have done quite well for yourself here." Rianni@crystyl | Seelix grins and extends her arms before moving to a drinks cabinet, "It is only logical to turn happenchance to one's advantage is not?" she pourself a liquor, but doesn't offer any T'Lana@anncaris nods, "Resistance would have likely caused the Hyrdeum to extract the information forcibly out of you, which would not have been pleasant. I am not surprised to see that you chose cooperation, - T'Lana@anncaris - though your partnership with them is at an end now. You will be provided with similar luxuries if you cooperate. You are well-aware of how conditions are on a Starfleet vessel." Rianni@crystyl | Seelix: "Oh yes, they have the most exquisite bunks in those brigs. However, I really have no desire to burden you with my care. There is actually another species based not far from here - no - Rianni@crystyl:- friends of these Hydreum - and I have a ship there ready to go. So if you say it's time to depart, you can just drop me off there" T'Lana@anncaris:"It was them who asked us to rescue you, in fact. They were also willing to hand you over to us, as long as the Hyrdeum do not receive your knowledge." Rianni@crystyl | Seelix scowls, "Why those two-faced little... I mean... ahaha... bless their little cotton socks..." T'Lana@anncaris:"As you can see, you will be coming with us. Be cooperative and I will mention it to Captain Keelah, which could give you more freedom on her ship." Rianni@crystyl | Seelix doubletakes, "Captain...? Oh you've got to be kidding me..." she pinches the bridge of her nose, "Well like you said, I don't exactly have much choice right now anyway so lead on!" T'Lana@anncaris:"Excellent. We must first take a detour to overload the facility's generator. Follow us closely." Rianni@crystyl | Seelix gestures, "Putting on a show too, I like it! You've got a lot more spunk than most of the uniforms" T'Lana@anncaris:"Perhaps you should have considered joining Starfleet Intelligence instead of Starfleet Command." Rianni@crystyl | Seelix shrugs, "Still too many rules for my taste" Rianni@crystyl | Seelix: "Unless you're one of those super spooks from S31. Now those guys might actually be fun I- Ow!" Rianni@crystyl clipped her around the back of the head Rianni@crystyl:"We are trying /not/ to draw attention..." Rianni@crystyl | Seelix pouts, rubbing her head, "You could have just said!" she winces, "ooh, oww... I think you gave me whiplash" she wags a finger in Rianni's face, "I hope you've got a good lawyer on- ow!" Rianni@crystyl did it again T'Lana@anncaris glances back, "We /can/ also stun and carry you, but I was hoping you wanted a more favourable report to Keelah." Rianni@crystyl | Seelix: "Of all the Captains of all the ships in all of Starfleet across this infinite galaxy..." Rianni@crystyl | Seelix: "Were it anyone else, you might be right. But you see, your Captain and I have something of a history. You could even go so far as to say we're old friends! So you see, it really - Rianni@crystyl:- doesn't matter what-" she pauses, catching a glare from Rianni and promptly shuts up Rianni@crystyl beams with self satisfaction as they continue in peace T'Lana@anncaris leads the way back into the maintenance tunnel, past the two dead guards and proceeding onto the ladder down Rianni@crystyl | Seelix looks at the bodies then to TL, "I'm guessing this wasn't your handiwork. That looks far too violent for a neck pinch" she eyes Rianni Rianni@crystyl:"Guess again" T'Lana@anncaris | Seelix suddenly finds the albino Klingon assassin clad in sleek, all-black armour towering beside her, looking like a veritable shadow in the dim lighting of the tunnels Rianni@crystyl | Seelix jumps, "Jeez, creep much?!" T'Lana@anncaris | Avita: "Fear can be useful. The second you take to compose yourself after being surprised is one more for me to make an initial move." She smirks faintly behind her helmet before climbing - T'Lana@anncaris - down after T'Lana Rianni@crystyl | Seelix muttergrumbles under her breath while Rianni follows her down to make sure she doesn't try to disappear T'Lana@anncaris | After a few good minutes of climbing and navigating tunnels, T'Lana announces, "I can sabotage the generator from here. Lieutenant, stay here and keep an eye on Seelix. Avita will keep watch - T'Lana@anncaris - with me while I work." Rianni@crystyl nods, turning her gaze to Seelix who loiters innocently T'Lana@anncaris | Two minutes pass by quietly before the door slides open and Avita appears, dragging two more bodies in Rianni@crystyl | Seelix: "Well at least someone managed to kill some time. Among other things" T'Lana@anncaris | Avita: "Hyrdeum patrol. Had to eliminate them before they saw us." She drops the bodies and steps back out T'Lana@anncaris | Another minute passes and an alarm sounds Rianni@crystyl | Seelix: "So much for being quiet..." T'Lana@anncaris 's voice comes through Rianni's earpiece, <C> "All is proceeding according to plan. This is the evacuation alarm. We have not been detected." Rianni@crystyl pokes Seelix, "Relax, this is all part of the plan. That is just the evacuation alarm the Commander has triggered to give the Hydreum time to get out before we blow the place" Rianni@crystyl | Seelix smirks, "And... there it is. Good old Starfleet bending over backwards to help people who neither deserve or want that help" Rianni@crystyl:"How did you even fit through those maintenance tunnels with that huge chip on your shoulder..." Rianni@crystyl | Seelix smirks, "Oooh, meeeoow! So the Ice Princess does have a heart in there after all. It's in the shape of a Starfleet delta of course, but this is real progress I think!" T'Lana@anncaris returns with Avita at the door this time, "Reactor failure has been triggered. We have two minutes to reach the nearest extraction point." Rianni@crystyl eyerolls and chooses to ignore Seelix, "Time to make our exit then" T'Lana@anncaris nods, "I will lead us to one that is not within a transportation testing area this time." T'Lana@anncaris leads the way through the tunnels and before long, reaches the beam-out point, this time without having to cross any black puddles or dodge boulders. She taps her combadge and the team plus Seelix - T'Lana@anncaris - disappears away into transporter beams T'Lana@anncaris | As the cloaked Aethon pulls away from the research facility, the first reactor detonates, followed by the second, the explosions consuming the entire station and obliterating any research on - T'Lana@anncaris - board. Shuttles and escape pods carrying the fleeing personnel can be seen flying in all directions as the Hyrdeum ships rush in to pick them up and investigate what just happened, though - T'Lana@anncaris - there's no sign of the sabotage now with how little is left of the facility... --- T'Lana@anncaris | The team and Seelix materialize on the Aethon's transporter pad T'Lana@anncaris steps off, "Welcome to the Aethon, Seelix. Have you heard of the ship?" Seelix@crystyl looks around, "Can't say that I have. But this is no Starfleet ship..." T'Lana@anncaris:"No, it is not. The Aethon's original creators have long been lost to the Horde, but it is operated by the Coalition now." Seelix@crystyl:"Is that what you're calling yourselves now, no more Federation?" T'Lana@anncaris:"Not quite. The Coalition is a larger alliance beyond the Federation. Your former Arshai employers are a part of it as well. Perhaps one day it may grow to subsume the Federation, but the - T'Lana@anncaris:- Federation as you know it is still very much still intact in the Alpha Quadrant." Seelix@crystyl:"Riiight... you turn up where Starfleet has no business being, out of uniform, in a ship you openly admit is a Horde vessel, talk about being part of some grander 'Coalition' that will subsume the - Seelix@crystyl:- Federation one day..." she backsteps towards the pad, "I think that's about my cue to be leaving you to your galactic domination..." T'Lana@anncaris | Avita: "Have you /seen/ a Horde thrall? We are clearly not them." T'Lana@anncaris raises a brow, "You do realize the transporter controls are there, and simply stepping onto the pad will not take you anywhere." Seelix@crystyl:"A thrall doesn't have to look like the living dead. There are plenty more devious thralls who think they are the people they used to be. Dammit, I should have stayed with the Hydreum..." Seelix@crystyl looks to TL, "For all you know I could have invented a... personal transporter! Yeah, maybe I was just using the Hydreum to advance my own research!" Seelix@crystyl | Rianni eyerolls, "Well now you're just being silly..." T'Lana@anncaris:"Even if we assume you have a transporter small enough to be placed on your person, where will you transport to? The research facility has been scuttled, and we are likely no longer within - T'Lana@anncaris - transporter range of the Hyrdeum ships, which would have their shields raised in any case after such an incident." Seelix@crystyl | Seelix: "Well... if you /insist/ I suppose I could transport to your bridge, take out any crew there, lock you all out and then release a gas into the environmental systems to neutralize you all.- Seelix@crystyl:- Don't worry though; it is actually possible to reverse their influence, so - just because I like you Vulcan - maybe I'll even fix you all up before I head off" T'Lana@anncaris nods to the transporter operator, "Very well. Transport her to the bridge." Seelix@crystyl:"Wait, for real? I mean, uh... yeah, see I knew you knew best" T'Lana@anncaris | Seelix disappears into a transporter beam... T'Lana@anncaris ...and materializes on the Aethon's bridge. A large, black-furred Lupan kneeling on a rug in front of the captain's seat stands, slowly turning to Seelix Seelix@crystyl follows the Lupan rising with her gaze, "Well... bugger" T'Lana@anncaris | Captain Arvalan strides over, leaning in and sniffing Seelix, "I do not recognize your scent. You must be the one we came to extract." Seelix@crystyl:"Y-yes. And... now you have new orders! Yeah, to take me to my ship" T'Lana@anncaris | Arvalan: "We are taking you to your ship. Though we will not be transporting you to it." Seelix@crystyl waves a dismissive hand, "Well I don't mind doing some of the work myself" and pokes the side of Arvalan's head, "So how did they get you? I thought Lupan were meant to be immune to their - Seelix@crystyl:- influence... are you inferior?" T'Lana@anncaris | Arvalan: "We are immune to telepathic influence by design. Even the weakest Lupan cannot be controlled through telepathic means." Seelix@crystyl:"And yet here you are on a Horde ship taking their orders like there's nothing to it... Hmm, they must have developed an artificial means of bypassing your natural defenses..." T'Lana@anncaris | Arvalan: "A Horde ship? The Horde is no more, and this vessel was seized from them even before their destruction." Seelix@crystyl:"Riiiight... yeah, the thralls who came and got me spun a colourful spin on it all by calling it a Coalition and whatnot" T'Lana@anncaris | Arvalan: "You have quite an imagination, little one." Seelix@crystyl grins proudly, "Comes with being a genius! But anyway, you can get us underway now" T'Lana@anncaris | Arvalan: "I do not take orders from you. Though if we are clear of the Hyrdeum, take us back to warp towards the Valley Forge." T'Lana@anncaris | The pilot nods and a few seconds later, the Aethon jumps to warp T'Lana@anncaris | Arvalan turns, making his way back to his rug in the center of the bridge Seelix@crystyl smiles at seeing the warp streaks, taking a step forward before noticing that her laceless leather boots seem to be untied Seelix@crystyl kneels to correct the obvious issue and slips a small disc from her boot that she flips into the air like a coin that should emit a 360 degree stun about eye level of everyone T'Lana@anncaris | The bridge crew collapses around her, but Arvalan merely stumbles forward a bit. He turns around, letting out a low growl that conveys more annoyance than actual anger, "Was that a psionic - T'Lana@anncaris - ability, or a technological gadget?" Seelix@crystyl catches the disc and stands with a frown, "Technology at its finest. Though that still should have been enough to put you under as well..." T'Lana@anncaris | Arvalan steps back up to Seelix, reaching out to grab her hand and examine the disc Seelix@crystyl reluctantly hands it over, looking down in shame for her ill-conceived attempt T'Lana@anncaris | Arvalan looks over the disc, turning it several times, "You forget, or perhaps you did not know? My people were engineered for war. It will take more than a little toy like this to take me out." Seelix@crystyl:"That's why I had to ramp it up just for you..." Seelix@crystyl | It flashes again more intensely right in his face Seelix@crystyl:rolls 25 (1-100) T'Lana@anncaris | Arvalan stumbles back further this time and trips over the command chair, though he's not unconscious. The door slides open and T'Lana arrives on the bridge with the team... T'Lana@anncaris raises a brow, "What did you do, Seelix?" Seelix@crystyl vaults over the command chair after Arvalan aiming to knocking him right out. But as the door opens she has to change her plan at the last second and lets herself land in the chair, legs slung - Seelix@crystyl - over the arm. She leans back peering around it, "And here I was starting to think you had forgotten about me. Don't worry though, we've got a course laid in and are already well on our way so - Seelix@crystyl - just sit back and relax" T'Lana@anncaris:"I was hoping you would be reasonable upon seeing a Lupan in command..." Seelix@crystyl:"I don't know how you pulled it off yet, but credit where it's due. Hey, I don't suppose you'd mind me having a dig around in his head to figure it out would you?" T'Lana@anncaris:"I would prefer not. I presume you would also prefer not to be stunned, or worse." Seelix@crystyl:"That depends on your definition of worse I suppose. Though I do not welcome it, death would be preferable to being enthralled" T'Lana@anncaris looks around the bridge, "If we could enthrall you, would we have allowed you to do this? How /did/ you even do this?" Seelix@crystyl sits up, leaning down and retrieving the disc from the Captain. She moves to toss it to TL to show her Seelix@crystyl | Rianni sweeps in out of nowhere and grabs her wrist, "I don't think so" holding out a hand Seelix@crystyl smiles, placing the disc in Rianni's hand, "Impressive" Seelix@crystyl | Rianni runs her tricorder over the device, nullifying it's field before heading over and handing it TL T'Lana@anncaris takes the device, "Good work, Lieutenant. Please check her for any other hidden devices which must have evaded the transporter systems." Seelix@crystyl | Rianni nods and returns to Seelix, standing expectantly a moment before she stands with a sigh Seelix@crystyl | Rianni checks her closely with a tricorder, and does a search by hand as well. She removes a number of gadgets from Seelix' pockets including hidden ones T'Lana@anncaris:"You have quite the arsenal. You would have done well in Starfleet Intelligence. Aside from the rules, that is." Seelix@crystyl | Seelix: "Yeah, well... Starfleet ain't all that great. Even Intel. Stars, even the hardcore spooks aren't infallible" T'Lana@anncaris:"Unfortunately, you are stuck with us for the time being, as your saying goes. I was hoping to provide an account of your good behaviour, but now I will have to report your attempted takeover of - T'Lana@anncaris:- the Aethon to Captain Keelah. Not that it will make much of a difference, as you previously stated concerning your history." Seelix@crystyl:"Yeah, well. I'd rather a bad report than to be enthralled. I'm sure you understand, or maybe you would have once" T'Lana@anncaris:"I do not expect this excuse of believing us to be Horde thralls will go well with Keelah either. After all, if we were the Horde, why would we not have simply taken control of the Hyrdeum? They did - T'Lana@anncaris - not possess implants and would be defenseless. We could have taken you prisoner and gained a fleet without ever setting foot on the station." Seelix@crystyl:"The Horde are perfectly capable of being devious and playing a long game. And even if you are not thralls as you claim, the Horde aren't the only ones capable of pulling Starfleet's strings either" T'Lana@anncaris:"That is unfortunately true, but we may discuss the infiltrator situation another time, once we have decided what precisely to do with you," she looks to Rianni. "Take her someplace secure for the - T'Lana@anncaris - time being. You know the Aethon better than anyone by now, I trust you will know the most suitable location for the short trip back to the Valley Forge." Seelix@crystyl | Rianni nods and leads Seelix away Seelix@crystyl seems strangely at a loss for words at TL's acknowledgement of the infiltrators and might actually be starting to question her assumptions... --- T'Lana@anncaris | Upon returning to the Valley Forge, T'Lana beams over to convene with Keelah, ringing the doorbell to her ready room Keelah@crystyl:"Come in" T'Lana@anncaris steps into the room, "Captain. The operation was a success. There were some minor complications, but nothing we could not account for. Seelix is in our custody and any data the Hyrdeum obtained - T'Lana@anncaris - from her has been sabotaged." Keelah@crystyl:"Sounds good. Yet your tone does not sound consistent with the optimistic message it is delivering" she notes, inviting TL to sit T'Lana@anncaris takes a seat, "I was hoping that Seelix would be a little more cooperative. The extraction went well, but once on board the Aethon, she attempted to seize control of the vessel." Keelah@crystyl:"Did she now..." T'Lana@anncaris nods, "I cannot say I am surprised, but I was hoping that she would realize that such an attempt was unlikely to succeed." Keelah@crystyl:"She is one of the most intelligent Humans I have ever encountered. I am certain she knew exactly how unlikely it was, yet... she made such a desperate move anyway..." T'Lana@anncaris:"She was certainly very resourceful in her attempted takeover. I am uncertain if Commander Leveson-Scott would have done better in such a situation." Keelah@crystyl smiles a little, "High praise indeed. Did she say anything to indicate why she behaved as she did?" T'Lana@anncaris:"She initially tried to justify her actions by stating that we were being enthralled by the Horde, but when the attempt failed, she indicated that she is aware of the infiltrator situation in - T'Lana@anncaris:- Starfleet. At least, that was my interpretation, as the Zarrakin's account of her arrival here suggests she possesses such knowledge as well. In short, she does not trust us." Keelah@crystyl:"Well that is nothing new, she has always had major trust issues. So gaining knowledge of threats like the Horde and the infiltrators would undoubtedly stoke that fire in her" T'Lana@anncaris:"Making her even more difficult to deal with. You know her well- what do you believe should be done with her?" Keelah@crystyl:"That is a good question... she would make incredible contributions if she could just get over her trust issues. But we have tried before and she never gets very far. But what options do we - Keelah@crystyl:- realistically have? Lock her in the brig indefinitely, or let her go on her way" T'Lana@anncaris:"If she is allowed to go on her way, she will no doubt go on to influence the development of other cultures in this region. It would be irresponsible to cut her loose before we return to the Alpha - T'Lana@anncaris:- Quadrant. However, from what I have read of her files, confining her to a brig and denying her any freedom would also only worsen her trust issues." Keelah@crystyl:"This is the dilemma... having interacted with her yourself - with her in her current mindset - I welcome your insights and recommendations" T'Lana@anncaris:"I believe the optimal solution would be to give her a degree of freedom, yet keep her with us until we return. Allow her to continue operating her ship, but alongside us. However, I do not believe - T'Lana@anncaris:- she is ready for that yet. For the time being, perhaps we will hold her on the Loki and see if we can convince her on side. It may be better than putting her under your custody, as the two of you - T'Lana@anncaris:- already have a history." Keelah@crystyl:"If you are happy to take that on, I have no objections. Do you really think you can convince her to cooperate though?” T'Lana@anncaris:"I do not know, but it is worth an attempt. Even if she does agree to cooperate, I do not know if we can fully trust her. I am considering whether to install overrides and failsafes on her ship, - T'Lana@anncaris:- but with her technical capabilities I suspect that may be a futile effort." Keelah@crystyl nods, "I am inclined to agree. Well, we can support in any way you see fit. Otherwise, I defer to your judgement with her" T'Lana@anncaris:"Thank you. I will let you know if there is anything you may do to assist. Some of your crew could be useful, if mine are unable to get through to her." Keelah@crystyl:"There are a few who are familiar with her. Seeing those familiar faces could help to rekindle some degree of trust" T'Lana@anncaris:"My thoughts precisely. Hopefully our struggles with the infiltrators on the Loki will convince her that we are on the same side as well." Keelah@crystyl:"If our assumptions are correct about the source of her paranoia, then demonstrating that we are currently on the same side may well be the key" she nods T'Lana@anncaris:"Indeed. I will see what progress we can make with her and keep you updated." Keelah@crystyl:"Thank you Commander. As for the Hydreum, you mentioned sabotaging their work. Do you believe that the situation is now sufficiently contained?" T'Lana@anncaris nods, "We have tied up all loose ends on the Hyrdeum side. With Seelix recovered, we have upheld our end of the bargain with the Free Kin. We should ask them to relinquish any advanced - T'Lana@anncaris - technology they obtained from Seelix, but we will have to take them on faith. As they were the ones who reached out to us, they have ample time to prepare if they wish to conceal anything, and - T'Lana@anncaris - it will take significant surveillance to ensure that is not the case. Time which we almost certainly do not have with our current mission to resolve the larger plague issue." Keelah@crystyl nods, "Agreed. I'll handle things with the Free Kin then" T'Lana@anncaris:"Once we return to the Heart and have access to gateways and wormholes once again, I will recommend that a followup mission be dispatched to this region in order to confirm whether the Free Kin - T'Lana@anncaris:- have been honest. Until then, we have done all we are able to do here at the moment." Keelah@crystyl smiles, "Now there's a thought. Being back and actually operating stable trans-galactic wormholes" she chuckles T'Lana@anncaris:"At the very least, there should be a followup mission, perhaps with an attached Iconian or Junayd vessel to facilitate a return trip. As my time following you on the Latenter has shown, there are - T'Lana@anncaris:- often unforeseen circumstances which require further intervention after an initial mission." --- T'Lana@anncaris materializes on a transporter pad with Seelix, "Welcome to the USS Loki." Seelix@crystyl looks around, "Wow. It almost feels like Starfleet. Bit like you Commander" T'Lana@anncaris steps off the pad, raising her brow, "What do you mean, almost Starfleet?" Seelix@crystyl trails along beside her, "Please, you might preach almost as well as a certain other Vulcan I've been threatened with. But she doesn't have that look in her eye" T'Lana@anncaris:"And what look might that be?" Seelix@crystyl:"The look of a cold-blooded killer. Fairness where it's due, you have it hidden well behind that stoic facade. But it's there; the killer instinct, the will to do whatever it takes to meet your - Seelix@crystyl:- goals. And to go under, over or through anyone or anything in your way. When you made that little comment about infiltrators it all came together" T'Lana@anncaris:"Is that so?" She leads the way out of the transporter room and into the halls. "And why was that comment on the infiltrators so revealing, if I may ask?" Seelix@crystyl:"The careful choice of wording, and how it was framed. With a masterful application of the spoken word you simultaneously nulled all my continued suspicions about you actually being Horde thralls as- Seelix@crystyl:- well as demonstrating that you are not the true enemy" T'Lana@anncaris:"But I take it you still do not fully trust me." Seelix@crystyl:"Be honest; you would be disappointed if I said I did" Seelix@crystyl:"I mean, you did let me carry on believing you to be thralls when you could have simply told me about the fact you overcame them and all have these nifty implants now. And you tried to throw me to - Seelix@crystyl:- the wolves to prove a smug point - literally at that. So of course I don't trust you. I only trust that you not likely the real enemy now" T'Lana@anncaris nods, "That will do for now. You are familiar with the presence of the infiltrators, I take it?" Seelix@crystyl:"I think I wised up to them before the rest of you ever caught on" T'Lana@anncaris:"It would seem to be the case. I must admit to being impressed on such a feat. Perhaps it is because we had too many infiltrators in our presence blinding us to their machinations." Seelix@crystyl opens her mouth to respond but pauses as a crewman passes them in the hall, "...'had' is it? You seem awfully confident of that" T'Lana@anncaris:"I must admit, the possibility of further infiltrators among us now is not zero. But I believe it is minimal. This was a Starfleet Intelligence flagship commanded by a Commodore prior to our - T'Lana@anncaris - arrival here. Part of the events which brought us here was the discovery that the Commodore was one of the infiltrators, along with several of the crew. Most of them fled in the ensuing - T'Lana@anncaris - struggle and we conducted a thorough investigation of all remaining crew. With the use of advanced lie detection technology, presence of psionics and my personal supervision, I find it highly - T'Lana@anncaris - unlikely for there to be further infiltrators, at least on board the Loki." T'Lana@anncaris:"I suspect that is why they fled instead of attempting to maintain their covers. They knew that such an investigation would ensue, and they would not be able to hide from it." Seelix@crystyl:"Well it's your ship. If you feel you've got it locked down enough, who am I to argue" T'Lana@anncaris:"This is also a Starfleet Intelligence vessel, with advanced surveillance systems. Even if a single infiltrator remains, it will be very difficult for them to act without being noticed now that the - T'Lana@anncaris - commanding officer and many senior personnel are no longer party to the conspiracy. You will be safe here from them, of that I can assure you." Seelix@crystyl hrms unconvincingly, "Earlier it 'was' a Intel vessel, now it 'is' one. This is uncharacteristically inconsistent for you" T'Lana@anncaris:"It /was/ an Intelligence flagship. It still is an Intelligence vessel, but I no longer consider it a flagship with the absence of any flag officer in command. That is the reason for the distinction.” Seelix@crystyl smirks, "Nice save. So why is that anyway? Could it perhaps have anything to do with the fact that a lower ranked officer is now in command, and you're the opposite side of the galaxy from the - Seelix@crystyl:- nearest allies. Doesn't exactly seem like a well planned operation. Or a planned one at all" T'Lana@anncaris steps into a lift, "It was not. We were pursuing the raider that the Commodore and other infiltrators had escaped on. We attempted to stop it with an artificially generated gravity well, but it - T'Lana@anncaris - opened a gateway at the same time. The two interacted and we were pulled inside, along with the Valley Forge, Aethon and QanwI'. This was where we found ourselves." Seelix@crystyl snorts, "And I thought my luck was bad in landing out here" T'Lana@anncaris:"It was certainly not ideal, especially considering that we did not manage to apprehend the escaping infiltrators in the end. Now we are seeking a way back." Seelix@crystyl:"Well you're not entirely at fault I guess. There's something in this region that makes it a mecca for wormholes that lose an aperture. But at least I was trying to open one when I got here!" T'Lana@anncaris nods, "We have also formed a theory that our arrivals in this region was not a coincidence. Were you even attempting to find a way back, or have you simply decided to live in this region for the - T'Lana@anncaris - foreseeable future?" Seelix@crystyl:"I've always found it easier to just let the universe guide me to where I'm most needed" T'Lana@anncaris:"As I thought. Well, you are here now. Let us see where it goes." Seelix@crystyl:"I assume to your brig" T'Lana@anncaris leads the way out as the lift door opens T'Lana@anncaris:"No, I will be assigning you guest quarters. Some technology has been removed, your replicator access is significantly limited and for the time being you will only be permitted to visit other areas - T'Lana@anncaris:- on the ship with an escort. I trust that after your last effort, you will not attempt to seize control of this vessel and there is no need to restrict you to somewhere as small as a brig cell." Seelix@crystyl:"I can already see I would have my work cut out here. And your little frost princess took away all my favourite toys anyway so I'd actually have to get my hands dirty now, and that takes time and - Seelix@crystyl:- effort. I can live with a gilded cage for now, since I'm curious to see what's playing out now that you have all finally caught up to what's going on" T'Lana@anncaris:"You will see soon enough." She taps on a panel by a door and it slides open to reveal a set of quarters, "This is where you will be staying for now. I have not bothered to set a mechanism so that - T'Lana@anncaris - it will only unlock from the outside, as it would no doubt be quite trivial for you to override. The surveillance will detect if you attempt to slip out of the room without the necessary - T'Lana@anncaris - escort. You can signal for one using the comm panel within." Seelix@crystyl:"Fair enough. I assume there's the standard externally powered forcefield surrounding my gilded cage, and enough surveillance devices inside to keep me entertained at least until you have finished - Seelix@crystyl:- flexing your morality with the Zarrakin and return to dangle my ship like a carrot under my nose?" she smiles, happily stepping inside T'Lana@anncaris:"A very astute prediction. As you seem to have already guessed our intentions, I suggest you contemplate what would be the best course forward in the meantime. An inventory of what you sold the - T'Lana@anncaris:- Zarrakin would also be useful to us, if you ever kept such a record." Seelix@crystyl:"Well I mean, I could list it all out. But fair warning, it's not so easy to take back education" T'Lana@anncaris:"As I thought. Very well, I shall leave you to rest here, then." Seelix@crystyl:"I look forward to learning more from you!"