ST:SoD213 | "Fallen Flag"

Stardate 99678.6

When the plan to protect Starfleet admirals targeted by the infiltrators goes awry, the Romulans, their allies and their flag officer charges are placed in grave danger...

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Romulan@annpc#557 | RATOR III Romulan@annpc#557 | CAPITAL OF THE ROMULAN STAR EMPIRE Romulan@annpc#557 | The camera moves into the planet, past grey storm clouds towards a city. It is not a proud Romulan city, as one would expect from the capital of the Star Empire, however. The city is filled - Romulan@annpc#557 - with rubble from collapsed structures. Several regions of it have been utterly leveled, and still smoking craters can be seen here and there. Shuttles and work bees slowly work to clear the - Romulan@annpc#557 - debris. What rebuilding work has begun is clearly less about actually restoring the city at this point, and more about stabilizing and preserving the still standing structures Romulan@annpc#557 | The camera hovers over the blasted cityscape, past what once would have been a beautiful district constructed in the classical Romulan style. This was once the centre of government, but it is - Romulan@annpc#557 - difficult to tell now as the structures are in even worse shape than the rest of the city, having been targeted most heavily by the Zauger's attempt at razing the planet before they pulled back Romulan@annpc#557 FX | https://massivelyop.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/TI-header-2015-imperial-city-sub02.jpg Romulan@annpc#557 | The camera moves past the most damaged parts of the city into the suburbs, where craters and black gashes in the terrain caused by disruptor beams can still be seen. However, there are more - Romulan@annpc#557 - areas than not untouched by the destruction out here, including a large villa in the classical Romulan style Romulan@annpc#557 | The camera passes through one of the windows of the villa, moving by servants and guards in Imperial uniform, soon reaching a transporter pad where Nikki stands with Imaella and the ever - Romulan@annpc#557 - vigilant Serenity Romulan@annpc#557 | Four figures begin to materialize on the transporter pad, soon forming into the familiar faces of Commander Jarok of the Lleiset and Proconsul D'Tan, along with two security escorts Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "Proconsul. Commander. Welcome to the Empress' Summer Retreat. Our temporary headquarters of government, with the capital in the state that it is." Nikki@crystyl sideglances to Imaella, "Are we really settling on this 'summer retreat' thing now?" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "It's the old name this place had all the way back when Sela was Empress. Vitellius didn't change it, even though he's not an Empress. Well, he never used it I suppose...we can change - Romulan@annpc#557 - the name if you prefer." Romulan@annpc#557 | D'Tan steps off the transporter pad, "Well, I am glad to finally be here. Most of your predecessors weren't kind enough to grace me with diplomatic visits." Nikki@crystyl sighs softly, "Tradition bears more importance here than other places in the Empire, it will stand... for now" she smiles a little, turning to their guests, "Proconsul, Commander, it is a pleasure - Nikki@crystyl:- to see you both again after so long. As it is to be breaking those traditions" Romulan@annpc#557 | D'Tan: "It's good to see you again too. We have much to discuss, now that you're leader of the Star Empire." Nikki@crystyl:"Indeed we do, but the transporter is no setting for such an occasion. You are our honoured guests, and so let us adjourn first to the dining hall; a much more fitting venue for our conversation" Romulan@annpc#557 | D'Tan nods, "Lead the way then, Empress." Nikki@crystyl turns and begins heading that way Romulan@annpc#557 | As they walk through the villa, they see that the halls have been redecorated with banners displaying Nikki's family emblem Nikki@crystyl asks in the way of smalltalk as they walk, "And how are things on Mol'Rihan these days anyway? I trust the resettlement continues apace" Romulan@annpc#557 | D'Tan: "Yes, the new capital is coming along quite nicely. There's plenty of space on a new, undeveloped planet, and smaller groups have begun forming their own settlements away from the main - Romulan@annpc#557 - zone. I suspect in a few generations, these will become the foundations of other cities across the planet." Nikki@crystyl smiles, "I do hope my reservation isn't in the way of any of those new developments. I was still looking forward to one day building a lodge out there in the untapped wilderness" Romulan@annpc#557 | D'Tan smiles back, "Don't worry, there's plenty of space on Mol Rihan for everyone who wants to settle there. We don't have to intrude on anyone else's property to develop, and our people are - Romulan@annpc#557 - being very careful to respect property claims and reservations." Nikki@crystyl:"Well that is most reassuring to hear. And here we are, it may not be on the level of decadence you would normally expect as an honoured diplomatic envoy. But given the priorities here right now, I - Nikki@crystyl:- could not allow for anything to be taken from the people here and so we only have what was on board my ship to work with" Romulan@annpc#557 | D'Tan: "Don't worry, I wasn't always procounsel." He glances to Imaella, "We started out as what your people called a little band of rebels, after all. We're used to much less than this." Nikki@crystyl:"As we all are still. Nonetheless, what is ours is yours so please do make yourselves comfortable" she smiles, moving to pour some drinks Romulan@annpc#557 | D'Tan and Jarok take their seats on the table opposite Nikki and Imaella. Their security escort sit on either side, warily observing their surroundings. One of them even takes out a tricorder - Romulan@annpc#557 - to scan the drinks Nikki@crystyl sits, smiling as she watches the wary security. She reaches for the drink being scanned and claims it as her own, enjoying a long refreshing sip Romulan@annpc#557 | D'Tan and Jarok each take drinks after the security escorts scan them Romulan@annpc#557 | Jarok: "Apologies for the security precautions. We trust you, but one can never be too careful when visiting Imperial space. There could be plots against us you don't know about- plots against - Romulan@annpc#557 - you, even, that might want to see us taken out as targets of opportunity." Nikki@crystyl:"Apprehension is only natural here now. However I look forward to the day when it is no longer a justified instinctive first reaction among those who share Romulan blood" she raises the glass before- Nikki@crystyl:- drinking again Romulan@annpc#557 | D'Tan nods, "As do I, Empress. That's why I've come here." Nikki@crystyl:"Of course. Vitellius had intended this to be a turning point in the history of the Empire. Though he unwittingly became someone elses pawn-" oh the irony... "-and made himself a villain to his own - Nikki@crystyl:- kin, he may well have ultimately achieved that end goal. Even it not by the means he intended. It was certainly never my intention to be sat here now like this, and yet the Stars seem to have - Nikki@crystyl:- decided otherwise for me as well" Romulan@annpc#557 | D'Tan: "There are many among the Republic who would like to see the Star Empire absorbed into us through force or conquest. I am not one of these people, but previous governments of the Star - Romulan@annpc#557 - Empire have not given us any choice besides an antagonistic relationship. With you here, on the other hand, I have hopes that we may achieve the reunification of our people peacefully." Nikki@crystyl:"I can think of no greater goal to strive for. However, I would feel naive in suggesting that it could be done overnight. As it stands now, there are as many Romulan worlds out there who refuse to - Nikki@crystyl:- ally with anyone. Just as there are those within the Empire who would prefer independence, or a Republic flag. It is a messy situation our predecessors have left with us, and one which I would not- Nikki@crystyl:- expect to see truly in the past within my own lifetime" Romulan@annpc#557 | D'Tan nods, "That is unfortunately likely to be true. But we can make steps towards that better future, and lay down the groundwork for our successors to achieve it." Nikki@crystyl:"Even if we achieve nothing more, I would consider that a success" she sips, "So tell me, what exactly is your vision of this foundation? I know you would not come here without an agenda of some - Nikki@crystyl:- description" Romulan@annpc#557 | D'Tan smiles, "You know me too well. For now, I've only come to offer the Republic's support in rebuilding. It is my hope that with our people working to aid yours, the enmity between our - Romulan@annpc#557 - people will fade. But there are some things I wish to discuss as well." Nikki@crystyl:"Naturally, and we of course welcome your aid in rebuilding. What specifically is on your mind?" Romulan@annpc#557 | D'Tan: "Firstly and most urgently, the Zauger. When Vitellius first resurfaced with them, we sent a small task force corewards to investigate their origins. From their reports, the Zauger - Romulan@annpc#557 - control a sizable empire similar to Romulan territory at our height. The force you dealt with here was merely one fleet of several. It is possible that Vitellius' defeat will make them - Romulan@annpc#557 - reconsider any ambitions they have for conquering our space, but they are a volatile and dangerous people, even more so than the Klingons." Nikki@crystyl nods, "Indeed they are, but it was only under his guidance that they pushed this hostility towards the Romulan people. Or rather, that of his puppetmaster and a severe psionic influence over them. - Nikki@crystyl:- In the short term, I believe there is a greater risk of liberated Romulan worlds with the capability launching ill-conceived counter attacks against the Zauger and so bringing about retaliation. - Nikki@crystyl:- In the longer term, Vitellius' puppetmaster remains at large and even if it doesn't resurface to control the Zauger, it remains the more distinct threat to all" Romulan@annpc#557 | D'Tan: "I trust you will be keeping these liberated worlds in check. Tell me more about this puppetmaster." Nikki@crystyl:"We are doing all we can to support them as we have from the start. I do not know the entity's true identity for certain, only that it is a member of a transdimensional species known to interact - Nikki@crystyl:- with our reality. A few other members surfaced in recent years, having transitioned fully into our layer of space as a matter of curiosity. Each was once worshipped by a pre-warp species on the - Nikki@crystyl:- border of Federation territory, and had come to think of themselves as deities. Though in reality their conduct was more akin to that of spoiled and bored children. As with other powerful beings - Nikki@crystyl:- throughout history who become revered, these are small in number and with each individual's personality becoming the foundation of its followers' worship. This particular member of the species - Nikki@crystyl:- would seem to be the embodiment of malevolence at its truest" Romulan@annpc#557 | D'Tan: "A troubling being to have on the loose. Do we have-" Romulan@annpc#557 | D'Tan pauses as Jarok's comm sounds. A few moments later, Imaella's does as well Nikki@crystyl looks between the two and has a bad feeling Romulan@annpc#557 | Jarok: "It seems the Justicar has new information on the infiltration situation. They believe there will be an attack on Starfleet soon and are requesting support." Nikki@crystyl looks back to Imaella, assuming she has confirmation of the report Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella nods, "We've received the same information. The attack will be happening soon, and any forces departing from Rator will have to be dispatched quickly." Nikki@crystyl looks across the table, "Then I would suggest we pause this discussion and depart immediately" she smiles, "It will be an excellent opportunity to show a new united Romulan front to our shared - Nikki@crystyl:- allies as I am sure they are nervous about our own affairs as well" Romulan@annpc#557 | D'Tan: "An excellent idea. Commander Jarok and the Lleiset will go with you, while our other ships here continue to help with your rebuilding efforts." Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "Shall we bring the flagship, or should I dispatch the Tarai for this?" Nikki@crystyl:"Take the flag. If there is truly an impending attack from the infiltrators then we will need all the strength that can be rallied there to face them. However we can not leave Rator feeling - Nikki@crystyl:- abandoned either, or under the sole guard of the Republic as that would give the loyalists here an impression of being handed off to those they have already rejected. So the Tarai at least will - Nikki@crystyl:- have to remain here for now" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "A good plan, Empress. I will prepare the Kaishaasi for departure immediately. Will you be remaining here in the...Summer Retreat?" Nikki@crystyl:"As much as I would like to join you, I do not wish to neglect our distinguished guest. So I shall remain with D'Tan, but..." she looks to the ghost stood silently at her side Nikki@crystyl | Serenity doubletakes Nikki@crystyl smiles and nods, "Given the nature of the threat reported, I can think of nobody better suited to aid our allies. So I want you to go along as well" Nikki@crystyl | Serenity: "Bu-" Nikki@crystyl raises a hand, "I know, but this is one of those times where you'll just have to trust me to look after myself" she smiles, "Don't worry, we'll be fine. And it will give us a good chance to - Nikki@crystyl:- continue sharing our ideas and dreams for the future" Nikki@crystyl | Serenity bows her head, "If you insist, Empress" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella stands, "I promise you our guards here will keep the Empress safe. And the Republic's too I imagine, as she has quite close ties with them." Nikki@crystyl | Serenity eyes the Republic security with a suspicious glare, grasping the hilt of her blade, "You have been tasked with a sacred duty. Do not give me cause to draw this" Romulan@annpc#557 | Republic Security Officer: "We'll make sure no harm comes to the Empress. We know better than to invoke the ire of the Qowat Milat." Nikki@crystyl:"See, you have nothing to fear. Now get going already" she smiles Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "Let's go, then." Nikki@crystyl | Serenity turns and follows Imaella out Nikki@crystyl looks back across to D'Tan, pouring them both another drink, "So, tell me more of future plans..." --- NPC@annpc#557 | THE HEART OF UNITY NPC@annpc#557 | Two days after the incident on DS9, Enelya materializes on what seems to be a freighter's transporter pad. Awaiting her on the other side of the pad is a face the audience has seen before, - NPC@annpc#557 - Commander Harvey from the alternate universe where the Romulans took everything over. Here, he is not dressed in a purple uniform, but a leather jacket and civilian clothes NPC@annpc#557 | Harvey: "Welcome to the SS Speedy Service, Admiral. I'm Commander Shawn Harvey, Starfleet Intelligence." Enelya@crystyl steps off the pad and smiles, "Thank you Commander. So, the 'Speedy Service' is it? Is someone having a little too much fun with their naming conventions?" NPC@annpc#557 | Harvey chuckles, "Someone certainly is, but this isn't my ship. It's an independent cargo transport- run by a crew with clean records who've hauled goods for us before, but they don't know the - NPC@annpc#557 - full story. Best way to keep this meeting safe is to make sure as few people know about it as possible." Enelya@crystyl:"I couldn't agree more. Does the crew know who I am, or is that also restricted information?" NPC@annpc#557 | Harvey: "As far as they know, you're just a passenger they're picking up along with the cargo. Which is why we should get you changed out of that uniform." Enelya@crystyl:"I expected as much. I trust you have something suitable already planned, so lead the way and you can tell me who I am for the time being" NPC@annpc#557 | Harvey nods and turns to lead the way, "Your alias is Somi Nel, a researcher from the Trill Science Ministry who came here to study the Sphere. Now you're just catching a ride back. That's all - NPC@annpc#557 - the crew'll know from the passenger manifest." Enelya@crystyl:"Nice and simple, I can work with that" NPC@annpc#557 | Harvey smiles, "No need to overcomplicate things. The crew don't exactly have the means to cross-reference intel or anything. And I've checked them out on the way here personally, so there - NPC@annpc#557 - shouldn't be any security concerns. Just sit back, enjoy the ride and relax at not having to lead a fleet for a little while." Enelya@crystyl smiles, "I am liking this plan" NPC@annpc#557 | Harvey: "Think of it as an extended anonymous vacation," he grins Enelya@crystyl:"And what about you Commander? Are you a fellow researcher?" NPC@annpc#557 | Harvey: "I'm just somebody with a special interest in some of the cargo the ship's here to pick up. The crew probably assumes it's one of the items being delivered, not a fellow passenger. I - NPC@annpc#557 - didn't give them more details than that. Makes me much more of a point of interest than you, so if anybody on the crew's up to something, I'll draw them to me instead." Enelya@crystyl:"As shrewd as I would expect from SFI" she smiles NPC@annpc#557 | Harvey leads the way into a common area with a dining table and some chairs and small sofas. He points to one of several doors, "Your room's in there. Not exactly a flag officer's quarters, - NPC@annpc#557 - but there's worse transports to travel in, trust me. I've got some suitable clothes replicated for you, along with a card charged with energy credits for you to use at the replicators if - NPC@annpc#557 - you want to change things up. And yes, the crew might be trustworthy, but they do business like Ferengi." Enelya@crystyl:"I would expect nothing less" she steps towards the door, pausing, "And... I’ll overlook the question of how you came to know my measurements to make an outfit. For now" she smirks, continuing --- NPC@annpc#557 | Later after changing into the civilian clothes, Enelya finds Harvey drinking away at the transport's humble bar Enelya@crystyl heads over to get a drink too NPC@annpc#557 | Harvey glances over as she approaches, "Hello again Dr. Nel. Trip going well so far, I hope?" Enelya@crystyl smiles, "Quite relaxing, it has to be said" NPC@annpc#557 | Harvey smiles back, "I'm glad you think so. You arrived at the Sphere on a Starfleet ship, I imagine?" Enelya@crystyl:"Yes, although it was a one way trip as many were heading to the Heart for long term deployment. Comfortable as they are though, private transports like this always have their charm" NPC@annpc#557 | Harvey nods, "That they do. I've been on my fair share of Starfleet ships, too. Good accomodation, but they don't have the personality of these transports. Unless you get on one of those - NPC@annpc#557 - famous ships, I suppose. But then it's more about the history than the actual look and feel of the ship." Enelya@crystyl chuckles, "Famous ships? Don't tell me you indulge in a little hero worship?" NPC@annpc#557 | Harvey chuckles, "Not like some people. But I won't deny a little admiration." Enelya@crystyl:"I can't really fault you for that. It's hard not to admire those crews" NPC@annpc#557 | Harvey: "You must've worked alongside some of them during your time in the Sphere, right?" Enelya@crystyl:"One or two" she smiles, "However most Starfleet uniforms I saw there belonged to the research teams" NPC@annpc#557 | Harvey nods, "How's research on the Sphere, anyways? It's not the first Dyson Sphere Starfleet's studied, but I hear this one's special." Enelya@crystyl laughs, "That's putting it mildly. I take it that's not exactly your area of interest then?" NPC@annpc#557 | Harvey: "I'm not much of a scientist myself, no. Though I'm still curious what you people are discovering. Always nice to hear about scientific developments and the advancing of the - NPC@annpc#557 - Federation. And I've been told the Iconians who built these Sphere have some nasty computer viruses. Now that, that I know a thing or two about." Enelya@crystyl:"So that's your thing is it? Well yes, we learned about those the hard way during the Iconian war. Thankfully though, here they are friendly again. But that pales next to the discoveries unique to - Enelya@crystyl:- the Heart, and the reason so many of us continue to flock there for the chance to study" NPC@annpc#557 | Harvey: "And what are those discoveries unique to the Heart? All I know is that this Sphere's bigger than average, uses a blue star instead of the usual yellow, and I've been told it was built - NPC@annpc#557 - as a weapon." Enelya@crystyl:"All correct. And I believe that blue star and the weapon are connected. Though quite how useful that 'weapon' would be now is somewhat debatable if you ask me. That whole system was designed for - Enelya@crystyl:- the sole purpose of destroying the Horde, and that is done now" she sips, "Do you know why it was called the Heart of Unity?" NPC@annpc#557 | Harvey shakes his head, "Is it a translation of the Iconian name? I know the other two Starfleet's got a presence in are called the Jenolan Sphere because it was discovered by the USS Jenolan, - NPC@annpc#557 - and the Solanae Sphere because the Solanae helped build it. Pretty different naming style from Heart of Unity." Enelya@crystyl:"Yes, there is not a lot of consistency" she chuckles, "Well, before it was discovered - or rather, rediscovered - recently, it was known from ancient history as the Heart of War. At least to those - Enelya@crystyl:- with even a little mythological knowledge passed down over time. No doubt owing to it's late purpose as a weapon against the Horde. But besides that - and arguably the single most important thing - Enelya@crystyl:- about it - is that the Iconians created it with a much grander purpose in mind. You've spent time there, you must have seen all the lush and varied natural biomes across it's surface, yes?" NPC@annpc#557 | Harvey nods, "I have. Is that unique to it? I've not been to the other Spheres, but I thought they've got natural landscapes on their surface, too." Enelya@crystyl:"Some recreational areas, yes. But those here are much vaster and more varied. That is because the special thing about the Heart is that it was made as a genetic archive, an ark of sorts. When sensing - Enelya@crystyl:- the potential galactic catastrophe posed by the Horde, the Iconians created the Heart to preserve life. Countless genetic archives are there, and those biomes have allowed even more countless - Enelya@crystyl:- flora and fauna to be preserved for hundreds of thousands of years. Even sentient species have been preserved, including the Iconians themselves. You know, there is even one in Starfleet now - Enelya@crystyl:- too. An Iconian from the height of their Empire, not one distorted by a tainted evolution. And that is why it got rebranded as the Heart of Unity; an affectionate term taken from Captain Se'Lai's - Enelya@crystyl:- speech at the Coalition formation ceremony. It represents that lofty purpose that is the true beauty of the Heart, as well as reflecting it's current fledgling role as a galactic hub of peaceful - Enelya@crystyl:- cooperation between all who reside there" NPC@annpc#557 | Harvey nods, "So that's what makes the Heart so special. And really, an Iconian in Starfleet? I thought it was gonna happen eventually, but this is sooner than I expected," he chuckles. "They - NPC@annpc#557 - must be doing some serious recruiting there." Enelya@crystyl:"Well, they do have an Academy Annex in the Heart now. So it was bound to happen before too long, given the local hero worship" she smiles NPC@annpc#557 | Harvey: "Don't tell me even the Iconians are starting to hero worship the famous ships..." Enelya@crystyl:"Well, maybe not. But then again, maybe they are. It's really not my place to say. But even if not hero worship, I am certain that there is a strong element of respect. And that would naturally - Enelya@crystyl:- carry to the organization itself. So with a training annex available, I imagine recruits would be starting to drip feed in from all sorts of species who have never before had a presence in - Enelya@crystyl:- Starfleet. It almost makes one envious of this young generation, doesn't it? Being at the forefront of all those unknowns with new species coming together for the first time, it's the closest I - Enelya@crystyl:- can think of to the stories of the Federations founding" NPC@annpc#557 | Harvey nods, "Yeah, it sure does sound like the golden days. And plenty of new life to discover too I imagine, with the place being an ark and all." Enelya@crystyl:"More than even a symbiont's lifetime could discover!" NPC@annpc#557 | Harvey: "Plenty for you to research then, Dr. Nel. I should go get some sleep, but I'm curious to hear more about what interesting kinds of things you've discovered there." Enelya@crystyl:"Yes of course, we have a long journey ahead so I'm sure there will be ample opportunity" NPC@annpc#557 | Harvey smiles, "I'm sure there will be. See you around then, doctor. And enjoy your stay on this quaint little ship and its charms." Enelya@crystyl smiles, "I intend to" --- NPC@annpc#557 | Almost two days into her journey, Enelya is in her humble quarters on the transport ship when the doorbell rings Enelya@crystyl sits working at a console, "Come" NPC@annpc#557 | The door slides open and Harvey steps in. He promptly closes it behind him before turning to Enelya, "Admiral. There's been a development." Enelya@crystyl looks up, "Dropping the aliases for it? Must be serious. Why don't you come in and tell me what's going on" she moves over to take a seat NPC@annpc#557 | Harvey steps over, "It's serious. Captain Lee Dale of the Courageous has been exposed as an infiltrator back in the Heart. And while it's not confirmed yet, the folks over in the Jenolan - NPC@annpc#557 - Sphere have good reason to believe Commander Saalir is one as well. Between any intel the two of them would've had access to, we have to assume the enemy knows about this meeting." Enelya@crystyl:"Captain Dale? Really?" shakes her head, "Of all the people..." she clenches her fist, "But yes, you are right. In light of this we must assume we are compromised. Do we have any way to warn others?" NPC@annpc#557 | Harvey nods, "Tuvok's got an intel officer with him too, and the Director has his sources. They'll know about it by now and probably made the same risk assessment I had. If the enemy knows, we - NPC@annpc#557 - can't go ahead with the meeting. Too easy for them to hit you all while you're in the same place. Best call now is we turn back. We're more helpless than usual travelling incognito in those - NPC@annpc#557 - transports, but we've got a better chance to make it back separately. They'll have to choose their targets and locate our transports while we're on the move." Enelya@crystyl:"What about T'Lia and Quinn?" NPC@annpc#557 | Harvey: "They can't make it to the meeting anyways, so they're safe from this leak. That's not to say there's not other separate threats against them, but I can't look into that from here. My - NPC@annpc#557 - suggestion is we drop the covers and ask the crew to turn back. You can compensate them for the extra time and fuel expenses back in the Heart. And I'm sure none of them are affiliated with - NPC@annpc#557 - our enemy. If they are, they'd know what this trip was about already so we've got nothing to lose." Enelya@crystyl nods, "Very well, it appears we have no other option does it" NPC@annpc#557 | Harvey: "None that I can see." Enelya@crystyl:"Do you want me to come with you and speak to the Captain now, or leave you to handle the initial conversation?" NPC@annpc#557 | Harvey: "Let's go together. I'm not anticipating any particular trouble, beyond the initial surprise and seeking to confirm our identities. Which'll be good to have you along for, since your - NPC@annpc#557 - identity's easier to confirm," he chuckles Enelya@crystyl:"Of course. Just give me a moment to change then and I will join you outside" NPC@annpc#557 | Harvey nods, "I'll wait for you in the common area." He turns and heads out Enelya@crystyl joins him a short time later having changed back into her uniform NPC@annpc#557 | Harvey: "The uniform'll definitely help, too," he smiles. "Unfortunately I didn't bring mine along and it's too much trouble to reprogram the replicators here to make one. Hacking's easy, but - NPC@annpc#557 - I didn't bring the replicator pattern. Tailoring- now that's beyond me." Enelya@crystyl:"And here I thought that was a prerequirisite of intelligence work. Must just be the Obsidian Order," she chuckles NPC@annpc#557 | Harvey chuckles, "Starfleet Intelligence sure never tested me on that when I joined." He begins to lead the way to the bridge NPC@annpc#557 | Harvey: "You'll be pleased to hear it's not all bad news from the Heart, either.". Enelya@crystyl:"You're right, I would be rather more pleased by that" NPC@annpc#557 | Harvey: "Captain Dale might've been a traitor, but when he and his co-conspirators on the Courageous were exposed, another one of those ships showed up to try and evac them. This time, the - NPC@annpc#557 - Coalition got countermeasures in place." Enelya@crystyl:"And they paid off?" NPC@annpc#557 | Harvey nods, "They didn't manage to capture the whole ship like they were hoping for, but they disabled it. It managed to self-destruct but apparently they got their hands on a piece in the - NPC@annpc#557 - end. Not a perfect operation, but much better than how they did last time I'd say." Enelya@crystyl:"That is true. Allied losses from the operation?" NPC@annpc#557 | Harvey: "Seventeen Starfleet casualties from the mutiny on the Courageous, only counting loyal personnel that is. Three fatal. A few Iconian ships were lost, two Klingon and one Colonial Fleet - NPC@annpc#557 - ship took heavy damage in the fighting. Twenty-three fatalities overall. Moderate damage to one Nuhar Construct, but it'll be fine after a little work in one of the Foundries." Enelya@crystyl:"Not as bad as it could have been. But still an unacceptable cost for stopping one ship. It feels like our early encounters with the Borg all over again" NPC@annpc#557 | Harvey nods, "Yeah...one of these ships is a match for a Coalition fleet, and the Coalition's got tech far beyond what Starfleet has at that. But at least we're making progress." Enelya@crystyl:"I certainly hope so. We can't afford to keep being undermined like this, else we might never recover in the eyes of our Coalition allies" NPC@annpc#557 | Harvey: "There's something else too. It's intel, but it doesn't exactly look good for us." Enelya@crystyl:"Someone really needs to teach you lot about a certain managerial sandwich" she sighs, "So what is it?" NPC@annpc#557 | Harvey: "There's a reason I'm in intel, not command like you," he chuckles. "The Coalition's barely begun to study the piece they recovered, but some of the hull plates have got identification - NPC@annpc#557 - on the back of 'em. They read USS Cheyenne, NCC-151722." Enelya@crystyl:"The Cheyenne... not one of DSEC's, but I know it is in active service. That registry though is far higher than even the newest commissions" NPC@annpc#557 | Harvey nods, "Parts of it have got the same quantum signature as the ship the Valley Forge encountered, so I don't think it originates from our Starfleet. But some pieces of it seem to be - NPC@annpc#557 - native to here. That's all I know for now though. I'm sure you'll learn more once we get back to the Sphere. First, we gotta talk to the Captain." Enelya@crystyl nods NPC@annpc#557 | Harvey steps through the door and onto the bridge of the SS Speedy Service, where Captain Roberts sits in the central chair, with his civilian crew working the consoles around him Enelya@crystyl follows at his side NPC@annpc#557 | Harvey: "Hey, Ryan." NPC@annpc#557 | Captain Roberts turns his chair, narrowing his eyes at Enelya, "Why're you wearing a uniform? I didn't know I had any Starfleet passengers on board this trip." Enelya@crystyl:"Well you do have. I was travelling quietly with my friend here, hoping to enjoy some R&R in the Romulan sector. So since there was no official business, there was no need to publicize the fact" NPC@annpc#557 | Roberts nods, "Travelling incognito, huh? I don't blame ya. Got a best friend who used to serve in Starfleet. Almost got himself kidnapped on holiday to Tibeyra cause he showed up in a uniform." Enelya@crystyl:"Indeed there is a time and place for it, and not. Sadly whilst I had hoped for this to remain not, news has come to my attention which puts me in the awkward position of making a request of you" NPC@annpc#557 | Roberts: "A request? I'm listening." Enelya@crystyl:"I am afraid I must ask you to turn around and return to the Heart. I have received news of a development which requires my immediate return there. I understand that this will put you and your crew - Enelya@crystyl:- out considerably, so rest assured I am willing to fully compensate your time and expenses for the trouble" NPC@annpc#557 | Roberts: "Must be pretty important business. That's...an admiralty uniform, isn't it? Who'd you say you were again?" Enelya@crystyl:"Apologies. I am Fleet Admiral Enelya Torin, head of Starfleet's Deep Space Exploratory Corps" NPC@annpc#557 | Roberts looks to a Rigellian crewmember, who taps away at a console, bringing up a picture of Enelya NPC@annpc#557 | Rigellian: "Uniform looks right. Does the face look right to you? You know me and alien faces..." NPC@annpc#557 | Roberts stands, walking over behind the Rigellian to examine what he's found before turning to look Enelya over, "Head of Deep Space Exploratory Corps. Well, you've definitely got more than - NPC@annpc#557 - enough to make up for a little turnaround. What about this development in the Heart? Anything dangerous there I need to worry about?" Enelya@crystyl:"There is no reason to suspect any threat against you or your ship. But I won't lie to you; this is the result of a high profile attack against Starfleet and the Coalition. You would be wise to - Enelya@crystyl:- exercise caution around any unexpected sensor blips, but no more so than usual" NPC@annpc#557 | Roberts: "Well if you're travelling anonymously, any threats shouldn't know you're on board, right?" Enelya@crystyl:"Exactly, and there is no reason to believe that has changed. This is simply a matter which demands my immediate attention" NPC@annpc#557 | Roberts nods, looking over to the helm, "Alright. Faadil, take us back towards the gateway." NPC@annpc#557 | The pilot nods and begins turning the ship back around Enelya@crystyl bows her head, "Thank you Captain, and my apologies once more for the inconvenience" NPC@annpc#557 | Roberts: "We all got our emergencies. I get it. Long as I get reimbursed, it's all good. We're not delivering any critical supplies, anyways. Though there's still late fees I'll want - NPC@annpc#557 - compensation for." Enelya@crystyl:"Of course, that will not be a problem" NPC@annpc#557 | Roberts: "Perfect. Everything'll be just fine then. Oh, and just how urgent is this development?" Enelya@crystyl:"Urgent enough that it couldn't wait for us to arrive before I turned around and headed back. Beyond that, I am honestly not certain. I see no cause at this point to warrant pushing your ship beyond- Enelya@crystyl:- it's standard cruising speed if that is what you are thinking" NPC@annpc#557 | Roberts nods, "We should get back to the Heart in about the same time it's taken us to get here, then. Until then, just sit tight." Enelya@crystyl:"Thank you Captain. If I hear anything more of relevance I will be sure to let you know" NPC@annpc#557 | Roberts: "I'd appreciate it." --- Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Khivath, wearing his Shadow Guard uniform, steps through a set of doors to find Sierra getting dressed, with a jacket uniform draped on a chair nearby Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Khivath: "And here I thought I'd have to call you." Sierra Reyes@anncaris:"I always know when you get out of bed, e'lev. I just usually don't show it. But if my Intelligence Officer is up for too long, I figured I probably should be, too." Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Khivath nods, "The Shadow Guard has word that the meeting's been cancelled." Sierra Reyes@anncaris picks up the jacket, swinging it over her shoulders, "Cancelled? Why?" Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Khivath: "The admirals are aware that the enemy knows about it." He hands her a PADD, "Here's the full details." Sierra Reyes@anncaris skims the PADD quickly, "I don't know if that's good news or bad. The augments and Survivors won't be able to hit all three in the same place anymore. But they're still vulnerable on those - Sierra Reyes@anncaris - transports. Does the Shadow Guard know which transports they're on?" Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Khivath: "Not for certain, but we made some educated guesses from travel routes." He takes back the PADD, tapping a bit before handing it back, "I'm fairly sure these are the ones." Sierra Reyes@anncaris:"The augments might not know the meeting is cancelled, but we can't take that chance. Get me the other ships." Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Khivath nods and heads out while Sierra picks up her combadge from beside the bed and pins it to the uniform jacket. She steps out a moment later Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Khivath stands behind the console, "I have the other ships on the line. They're all up to date on the intel as well." Sierra Reyes@anncaris:"Thank you." Sierra Reyes@anncaris takes a seat as Khivath steps away. On the console are Admiral Imaella, Commander Jarok, an unfamiliar Romulan male and two Remans, one male and one female Sierra Reyes@anncaris:"We've got six ships and three transports. The augments might not hit any of them, but if they do, the transports are helpless. We have a good idea of which transports the admirals might be on. So - Sierra Reyes@anncaris - we divide up our ships and run silent escort from cloak." Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Imaella: "The Kaishaasi and Lleiset both carry fighters. We're the biggest ship as well as possessing the most fighters. I'm assuming one large vessel is going after a freighter each. Optimal - Sierra Reyes@anncaris - deployment of the three light warbirds will be two with Justicar, one with Lleiset." Sierra Reyes@anncaris nods, "Agreed. Shadow Guard commanders, sound good to you?" Sierra Reyes@anncaris | The three unnamed Commanders all nod Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Jarok: "Lleiset will go after the transport from the Delta Quadrant. We've worked with Tuvok before when we were deployed there." Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Imaella: "We'll take the one from the Federation core. Out of the three, the Director of Starfleet Intelligence will probably be the best guest to have on an Imperial warbird, if we have to - Sierra Reyes@anncaris - evacuate them." Sierra Reyes@anncaris:"I'll take Admiral Torin then. Let's get underway quickly. Jolan'tru Commanders, Admiral." Sierra Reyes@anncaris | The others respond in kind and the comm ends Sierra Reyes@anncaris stands and sighs, "The admirals learning of the threat is probably a good thing, but I don't like this change of plans. See if our friends back at the Vault can convince the Undine to move in." Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Khivath: "Just one of our larger vessels is a match for the Chesapeake. You believe one of the Survivor ships might get involved?" Sierra Reyes@anncaris:"If I were them, I wouldn't let the augments far off my leash. Which means there's probably a ship observing the Chesapeake. If they learn the meeting is cancelled and the admirals are turning - Sierra Reyes@anncaris:- back..." Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Khivath nods, "The Chesapeake won't be able to hunt down all three transports, protected or not. And they might lose their chance to strike again with their agents exposed in the Spheres." Sierra Reyes@anncaris:"The Undine getting involved without seeing Survivor ships is a stretch, I know, but...make a case, will you?" Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Khivath: "I'll do my best." Sierra Reyes@anncaris:"I'm heading up to the bridge to get the ship underway. Won't be getting any more sleep tonight, anyways..." --- Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Almost a day after turning back, Enelya is in her room when an alarm sounds Enelya@crystyl heads outside to see what's going on Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Enelya finds Harvey in the common area, similarly looking around to try and determine what's happened. Before she has a chance to speak with him, Captain Roberts' voice sounds from the comms - Sierra Reyes@anncaris - in the room, "Admiral? You might wanna come up here to the bridge." Enelya@crystyl glances to Harvey and nods before heading up to the bridge with him Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Harvey follows along, reaching into his jacket and pulling out two phasers, "I didn't bring my uniform, but I did bring these." He hands one to Enelya. "Here. In case you need one." Enelya@crystyl:"Thank you Commander, let us hope they are not required" Sierra Reyes@anncaris | The two arrive on the bridge to find the crew at work on the consoles, more concentrated than usual. Captain Roberts is seated in his chair and turns around as soon as the two enter Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Roberts: "Ah, you're finally here." Enelya@crystyl steps over to Roberts, "What is the situation Captain?" Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Roberts: "We saw a Starfleet ship on long-ranged sensors. Didn't think much of it since we don't know your patrol routes and all, till we IDed it as the USS Chesapeake." Enelya@crystyl:"The Chesapeake? I take it from your reaction that you are aware of its current standing?" Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Roberts nods, "Yeah, the Federation's put out an alert about that ship. It's coming right for us now, we've increased speed, but we can't outrun a Starfleet cruiser." Enelya@crystyl:"hmm... How long can you stay ahead of them?" Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Roberts: "Right now, fifteen, twenty minutes. But they're definitely not going at their maximum warp. Damn augments, probably toying with us." Enelya@crystyl:"It's not long, but worth putting a message out. Maybe someone will be within range" Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Roberts nods, "Vreigal, put out a distress call." Sierra Reyes@anncaris | The Rigellian taps on his console Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Roberts: "Let's hope somebody's nearby. We'll do our best to play for time if they catch up with us. This is a Caravan-class, after all. We can't fight a Starfleet cruiser, but we might be - Sierra Reyes@anncaris - able to dance around 'em for a little bit..." Enelya@crystyl:"Don't sell yourself or your ship short Captain. Ordinarily, yes, you would not carry favourable odds against that ship. However I believe I can more than level the playing field for you. Tactical - Enelya@crystyl:- station?" Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Roberts points to the station, "We could use some Starfleet expertise. The Speedy Service's only got some basic phaser turrets." Enelya@crystyl:"No torpedoes?" she asks, moving to the station Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Roberts: "We're a freelance transport, not a Merchant Marines ship." Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Harvey: "We might be able to configure the deflector into a weapon. That'll channel way more energy than any of the turrets." Enelya@crystyl:"Very well, we'll work with what we've got" she looks to Harvey, "If you think you can do something with it, it would certainly help. But it's not my decision" Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Harvey: "It's not my area of expertise, but I'll see what I can do." Enelya@crystyl meanwhile gets to work putting the knowledge of her rank to use at tactical, "Now there is no guarantee, but to my knowledge augments are very narrow minded. So whilst they may have commandeered - Enelya@crystyl:- that ship, I doubt very much that they will have had the foresight or expertise to reconfigure it's systems. With a little luck, this shield frequency will be unaltered and allow your weapons to - Enelya@crystyl:- fully penetrate it. And if we're really lucky, these command codes will also be unchanged and I can take complete control of them from here. But just in case, I'm going to program in a targeting - Enelya@crystyl:- sequence to optimize the yield of your weapons" Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Roberts: "Thank you, Admiral. Maybe we'll get out of this in one piece after all." Enelya@crystyl:"We will if I have anything to say about it" Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Harvey: "Alright, I've configured the deflector array into something like those Nuhar proton pulses. Far from as potent, but it'll still be the best weapon we got. And with luck it'll knock - Sierra Reyes@anncaris - out some systems too. Gonna be harder to aim than the turrets though, we'll have to be facing the Chesapeake to use it." Enelya@crystyl:"If either of my code sets work, that won't be a problem. I've setup a firing sequence to disable their engines - assuming the shield frequency works. Captain Roberts, assuming we get no response to- Enelya@crystyl:- the distress signal, are there any points of interest within our working area?" Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Roberts: "There's an uninhabited system we might be able to get to in time if we push it, assuming they don't speed up either. Nothing of real interest there, no habitable systems and anything - Sierra Reyes@anncaris - of value was supposedly mined out by the Romulans long ago." Enelya@crystyl:"As long as there's a planet, that will do. I would suggest beginning a slow course adjustment with maintained speed for now. And let me know once you have a scan of the system, then we can pick our- Enelya@crystyl:- spot" Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Roberts nods, "You heard the Admiral, Faadil." Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Faadil: "I'm adjusting our course now." Enelya@crystyl:"If we're lucky, it won't give them cause to increase their own speed and allow us to reach the system on our terms" Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Faadil nods, "The Chesapeake's still on our tail, same speed as before. They'll be here in about seven minutes." Enelya@crystyl:"How long until we reach the system?" Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Faadil: "Nine minutes at this speed. We might have to push it at the end there." Enelya@crystyl:"By the time we increase, it will be too late for them to close the gap anyway" Sierra Reyes@anncaris | A woman at the back of the bridge speaks up, "Wait. Something's decloaking behind the Chesapeake. It's opening fire." Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Roberts: "Romulans?" Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Woman: "No, I don't think so. I'm not sure. Profile looks Starfleet, but there's Romulan tech signatures too..." Enelya@crystyl looks over, curious as the others Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Woman: "The Chesapeake's returning fire, but the other ship looks like it has the upper hand by far." Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Harvey: "That's the USS Justicar. Or was, anyways. It's been modified with a lot of Romulan tech. Borg, too." Enelya@crystyl:"The Justicar? My, it's changed a lot since I last saw it" Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Roberts: "The Justicar? Isn't that another ship the Federation's issued a warning against? What's two rogue Starfleet ships shooting at each other out here for?" Enelya@crystyl:"Not quite Captain. The Justicar is officially still a rogue element, but the reality is that is on secondment to a high profile counter intelligence operation and is in fact quite trustworthy" Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Roberts: "Huh. I didn't know Starfleet did operations like that." Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Woman: "The Chesapeake is retreating. The Justicar is firing after it, but not giving pursuit." Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Roberts: "Thanks, Alice. Why aren't they going after 'em...?" Enelya@crystyl:"It would seem they are not interested in hunting the Chesapeake, but rather in defending us. Perhaps they picked up the distress signal and came to assist" Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Alice: "It would seem so. They're heading towards us now." Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Vreigal: "We're getting a hail from them, too." Enelya@crystyl:"Right on schedule" Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Roberts nods, "Put 'em through." Sierra Reyes@anncaris appears on the Speedy Service's viewscreen, dressed in the Justicar uniform which still evokes the aesthetic of the current Starfleet designs, though clearly different as well Sierra Reyes@anncaris:"Captain...Ryan Roberts, is it?" Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Roberts: "You're awfully well informed." Sierra Reyes@anncaris:"Benefits of having Romulan friends," she glances to the side, "Admiral Torin. Good to see you're alright." Enelya@crystyl:"Likewise Commander Reyes, it has been too long. Thank you for the timely intervention" Sierra Reyes@anncaris:"I'm afraid it's not over yet. The Chesapeake might still come back. We were going to give pursuit and disable it, but we just received a distress call from the Lleiset." Enelya@crystyl:"The Lleiset? You really have been making Romulan friends haven't you" Sierra Reyes@anncaris smiles, "That we have. I can explain the full situation to you when you're on board. I suggest you beam over to the Justicar in case the augments decide to try again." Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Harvey: "I'll stay here with the Speedy Service, find them a place to lie low in case the Chesapeake comes hunting again." Enelya@crystyl:"Very well. Captain Roberts, you have been most accommodating but our journey has once again taken a turn for the unexpected. Rest assured I will see to your compensation personally once I am back, - Enelya@crystyl:- but for now I must depart for the Justicar" Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Roberts: "Don't worry, I'll just make sure your friend here honours our agreement. Good luck, Admiral." Sierra Reyes@anncaris:"Stand by for transport." Enelya@crystyl looks back to the viewscreen, "Standing by" Sierra Reyes@anncaris | The comm ends, and the Justicar slowly comes into range on the screen Sierra Reyes@anncaris FX | https://i.imgur.com/WBcPWpZ.jpg Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Harvey: "Don't come looking for us when you're done. Get right back to the Sphere. I'll get the Speedy Service there when it's safe. We'll be hiding in the meantime, so you probably won't find - Sierra Reyes@anncaris - us. Or at least that's the idea." Enelya@crystyl:"Good luck to you" Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Harvey: "You too, Admiral." Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Enelya disappears into a transporter beam... --- Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Enelya materializes directly on the bridge of the Justicar. Sierra glances back briefly to make sure the transport was successful and immediately orders, "Helm, take us to the Lleiset's last - Sierra Reyes@anncaris - known coordinates, maximum warp." Enelya@crystyl glances around to get her bearings, then approaches Sierra, "So what exactly is going on with the Lleiset anyway?" Sierra Reyes@anncaris:"We're not sure, but we fear the worst, hence the urgency. Sorry for not giving you a proper welcome. This is the Justicar...quite different from how you remember her, isn't she?" Enelya@crystyl:"That's putting it mildly. More handiwork of your new Romulan friends no doubt" Sierra Reyes@anncaris nods, "We've gone through some repair and refit work with the Shadow Guard. I assume you're familiar with them too?" Enelya@crystyl:"Yes, they have been supporting me in this whole infiltrator business, and it is through them I received reliable corroboration of your situation. But that still doesn't explain the connection to - Enelya@crystyl:- the Republic's flagship" Sierra Reyes@anncaris:"We were helping the Romulans at Rator when we received intel from the Latenter about an attack the augments were planning on your secret meeting. While the Justicar can handle the Chesapeake, I - Sierra Reyes@anncaris - decided to call on our allies just in case. Five other ships came with me to protect you, including the Lleiset, the new Imperial flagship and three Shadow Guard light warbirds." Enelya@crystyl:"Do you mean they're with you now to literally protect /me/, or do you refer to all of us who were due to meet?" Sierra Reyes@anncaris:"All of you. Only two of the light warbirds are with us now. We didn't need to reveal them to drive off the Chesapeake, so why show off our full strength?" she smiles Enelya@crystyl:"Of course. So I take it the others have gone to aid our colleagues, but if the Chesapeake was here that leads me to believe that they are facing the infiltrator ships themselves" Sierra Reyes@anncaris:"That's what I'm thinking, too. Which is why we need to get there as quickly as we can." Enelya@crystyl nods, "The Coalition recently dealt a decisive blow against one of those ships at the Heart. However I think that even if all your allies were grouped together they would still lack the firepower - Enelya@crystyl:- achieve the same result" Sierra Reyes@anncaris nods, "We've called the Undine, but I don't think they'll be here in time. In any case, we can't let the Lleiset face them with just one Shadow Guard warbird and a freighter." Enelya@crystyl:"Indeed. Do you know who exactly the Lleiset is looking to recover from the meeting?" Sierra Reyes@anncaris:"Yes, they were going after Admiral Tuvok." Enelya@crystyl:"Tuvok is as good a tactician as anyone. He has the best chance of evening the odds" Sierra Reyes@anncaris:"I hope so. What's our ETA?" Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Ch'athaalnor: "Five minutes, Commander." Sierra Reyes@anncaris:"Almost there. I hope the Lleiset can hold out..." Enelya@crystyl:"What of your other allied ship? This new imperial flag, are they on hand as well?" Sierra Reyes@anncaris nods, "They've picked up the Director and are on their way, too." Enelya@crystyl:"The more the better I suspect. Not that I'm familiar with that ship even, but I would guess that if it's flying the Imperial flag then it's at least as formidable as the Lleiset" Sierra Reyes@anncaris:"That it is. We've fought beside it several times in the civil war. It's the most powerful ship the Imperial Navy has left, and one of the strongest fielded by the Romulans today." Enelya@crystyl:"Sounds impressive" Sierra Reyes@anncaris:"It was there during our confrontation with the Survivor ships at the Vault, too, so they know what they're doing." Enelya@crystyl:"And now it is here again operating alongside Starfleet and the Republic" she smiles, "Well at least today has a silver lining in that" Sierra Reyes@anncaris:"True. The Republic and the Empire working together like this...not something I thought could happen a few months ago." Enelya@crystyl:"A commentary that applies to a great deal of things these days" Sierra Reyes@anncaris:"Yes, you come from a place of many unlikely alliances, don't you?" Enelya@crystyl:"The Heart, yes. Since the Horde defeat I have been heading up Starfleet operations there since DSEC is best suited to represent our interests there. The entire Coalition is one big unlikely - Enelya@crystyl:- alliance really, certainly one nobody could have predicted a few months before it came together" Sierra Reyes@anncaris:"Sounds like a hopeful place to be. And you all worked together to take down the Survivors too, according to the intel I got." Enelya@crystyl:"Yes, the Coalition is very much like the Federation. Just less inhibitive" Sierra Reyes@anncaris:"Less inhibitive? You'll have to tell me more about it sometime," she smiles before glancing behind her, "Anything on sensors, Tris?" Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Tris shakes her head, "Something's interfering with sensors. I can't get a read on anything." Enelya@crystyl:"The infiltrators no doubt" Sierra Reyes@anncaris:"We'll have to get our bearings when we arrive. Keep the cloak active, be ready to raise shields. They might be able to see through us very quickly." Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Soon, the Andorian helmsman announces that they are arriving on their destination. The starstreaks turn back into stars, and they are met with the view of a debris field. Among the pieces, two - Sierra Reyes@anncaris - particularly large ones can be seen. One is a sizable section of one of the Lleiset's wings. The second is a damaged, Starfleet-style saucer, looking no larger than that of a Miranda-class. - Sierra Reyes@anncaris - It seems to have been ripped off the rest of the ship, its lights flickering erratically Sierra Reyes@anncaris:"Dios mio...Tris, survivors?" Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Tris stares at the carnage for a moment before snapping out of it and turning to her console, "I'm reading a large concentration of escape pods and lifesigns inside the wing segment. They’re - Sierra Reyes@anncaris - all Romulan or Reman and the total number makes up about 75% of the Lleiset's crew." Sierra Reyes@anncaris:"Admiral Tuvok?" Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Tris: "One of the Romulans /could/ be a Vulcan. There's still interference, I can't tell for sure." Sierra Reyes@anncaris looks to the tactical station, "Threat assessment?" Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Ekkoz: "The saucer section is giving off the same quantum signature as the other Survivor ships. It seems disabled for now, but it's slowly regenerating, like a Borg ship." Sierra Reyes@anncaris:"Let's get the Romulans on board. Start with anyone that seems wounded or in danger of losing oxygen. Ekkoz, lock weapons on the saucer. If there's even a hint that something's coming back online, - Sierra Reyes@anncaris:- make sure it doesn't." Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Ekkoz nods, "Understood, Commander." Sierra Reyes@anncaris | The Justicar weaves through the debris and begins evacuation of the surviving Romulans Enelya@crystyl ponders aloud, "Is this debris all that remains of those vessels...?" Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Tris nods, "I'm trying to match the pieces to the vessels now. They mostly come from the freighter and the Lleiset, but there's not enough there to account for the entire Republic flagship. - Sierra Reyes@anncaris - Unless..." Enelya@crystyl looks over curiously Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Tris: "There's the distinct signature of a singularity core collapse. A large one. If I model the blast...yes, that must be it. I think the Lleiset rammed the Survivor ship and detonated its - Sierra Reyes@anncaris - core. That's why we can't account for all its debris, and we're seeing virtually no stray debris at all of the Survivor vessel." Enelya@crystyl:"That would certainly explain it. But still, to ram the enemy ship? Was the fight truly so desperate...?" Sierra Reyes@anncaris:"Given the severed wing segment and other debris, I'd think the Lleiset was already badly damaged. It's impressive they managed to disable a Survivor ship at all, but still. Other than the - Sierra Reyes@anncaris:- auxiliary raider, this is the smallest Survivor vessel we've seen so far. With its other half, it still can't be more than a frigate weight ship. To take a flagship to bring something like that - Sierra Reyes@anncaris:- down..." Enelya@crystyl:"Not only that, but a suicide run from that flagship too. Still, given what just happened at the Heart I am not surprised" Sierra Reyes@anncaris nods, "Maybe we'll be able to recover what's left of it, use it to even the playing field. But first we focus on the surviving Romulans." Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Ekkoz: "The Kaishaasi is here." Enelya@crystyl:"The Imperial flag I take it?" Sierra Reyes@anncaris:"That's right. She's probably also approached under cloak and just notified us of their arrival. Ask them to help us pick up and treat the Lleiset crew." Enelya@crystyl:"Any word on Admiral Tuvok or Commander Jarok yet?" Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Siorax shakes her head, "Not yet, but we're still focusing on those in the most critical condition and anyone accompanying them. Either they didn't make it, or they're not very badly injured. - Sierra Reyes@anncaris - So it could be very good news or very bad." Enelya@crystyl:"Of course, we will not give up hope yet" Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Monika: "There's an encrypted communication coming from one of the escape pods. The encryption is Republic Intelligence with Borg adjustments. It is likely the Lleiset's Intelligence Officer." Sierra Reyes@anncaris nods, "Put him on." Sierra Reyes@anncaris | A liberated Borg Romulan appears on the viewscreen Sierra Reyes@anncaris FX | https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/sto_gamepedia/images/9/92/Gaius_Selan.png Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Centurion Selan: "Excellent. It was indeed you picking up our survivors, and not the enemy." Sierra Reyes@anncaris:"Centurion. I'm sorry we didn't get here in time to help." Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Selan: "Apologies are not necessary. You arrived in time to assist our surviving crew, and we are grateful. But the crisis is not yet over." Sierra Reyes@anncaris:"There's not another ship waiting for us, is there?" Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Selan: "There is not. However, you must not destroy what remains of the enemy ship here." Sierra Reyes@anncaris:"Don't worry, we're planning to capture it." Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Selan: "That may not be possible. Tractor beams are unable to lock onto its hull, and it has already put out what I believe to be a distress signal." Sierra Reyes@anncaris glances back to Tris, who taps her console Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Tris: "He's right about the tractor beam." Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Selan: "You must board it while you still have time. Prior to the freighter's destruction, the enemy vessel transported a Vulcan and a Trill lifesign out. Admiral Tuvok is most likely being held on board." Sierra Reyes@anncaris:"Why take him alive?" Enelya@crystyl:"Presumably to replace him with one of their own" Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Selan: "Or to interrogate him in order to learn precisely how much of their plans and infiltrators have been exposed. Possibly both. I am uninjured and able to assist with the boarding action." Sierra Reyes@anncaris:"We've seen the combat suits the enemy uses in boarding action when they tried to board the Latenter. A full on assault would result in too many casualties. We want a small infiltration team to - Sierra Reyes@anncaris:- evac the Admiral," she glances back. "Siorax, you're up. Ops, get me a channel with the Kaishaasi." --- NPC@annpc#557 | On the Kaishaasi, Serenity is called to one of the hangars Serenity@crystyl arrives shortly after NPC@annpc#557 | Stepping into the massive hangar of the Imperial flagship, Serenity finds the rows of fighters and shuttles as usual. However, this time the bay is filled with Arachnian war pets, being herded - NPC@annpc#557 - into shuttles by Romulan personnel Serenity@crystyl looks around for whoever wanted her here NPC@annpc#557 | Everyone seems occupied with directing the Arachnians or readying the shuttles for takeoff, and no one pays Serenity any mind at all Serenity@crystyl wanders around some, curiously watching the activity NPC@annpc#557 | Serenity notices that two Romulans each are getting in the front of shuttles, and all the rest of the space is being used to carry the large insectoid creatures. None of the Romulans getting - NPC@annpc#557 - in the shuttles seem to be soldiers, but just pilots and regular naval personnel NPC@annpc#557 | As Serenity wanders the bay, Centurion Selan and Lieutenant Siorax step into the hangar NPC@annpc#557 | Selan leads the way up to Serenity, "The Qowat Milat. You must be the third member of our team." Serenity@crystyl turns, "Must I be? I suppose I must. Are you the ones who called me here then?" NPC@annpc#557 | Selan: "I am Centurion Gaius Selan of the Lleiset. This is Lieutenant Siorax of the Justicar." NPC@annpc#557 | Siorax: "Technically your admiral called you here, but we're the ones she wanted you to join." Serenity@crystyl:"And I am Serenity of, well, this ship. I see, so what is the purpose of this team?" NPC@annpc#557 | Selan: "A Vulcan and Trill lifesign were beamed off the enemy ship before their transport was destroyed. The lifesigns match the two Starfleet personnel on board, Admiral Tuvok and his - NPC@annpc#557 - intelligence officer, Commander Kyla VanZyl. We will be conducting a stealth insertion onto what remains of the enemy vessel to extract them." Serenity@crystyl:"Well, it would seem the Empress was right by sending me here in her stead this time" mutters into her sleeve, "I must not admit that to her though..." NPC@annpc#557 | Siorax: "Is...that why you're admitting it to us instead?" Serenity@crystyl sleevemutters again, "Oh no, I appear to have said too much. This is not conducive to... oh what's the word... team-working, right!" Serenity@crystyl lowers her sleeve, "Don't mind me. Just thinking aloud" NPC@annpc#557 | Selan: "Do you do this often?" Serenity@crystyl:"...possibly" NPC@annpc#557 | Siorax: "Right..." she glances around, seeing most of the Arachnians on board already save a few stragglers. "Looks like we're almost ready to go. We should get on our shuttle." NPC@annpc#557 | Selan nods and starts leading the way Serenity@crystyl follows as well NPC@annpc#557 | Siorax takes the pilot seat as they board and Selan stations himself at one of the consoles. Outside, several of the other shuttles begin lifting off, cloaking as they do. While they are going - NPC@annpc#557 - under cloak, that's a lot of shuttles for a supposed stealth insertion... Serenity@crystyl watches, "Your team appears to include rather more than the three of us" NPC@annpc#557 | Selan: "The other shuttles are not part of our team. They are your Admiral's part of the plan." Serenity@crystyl:"Interesting. And what does that entail?" NPC@annpc#557 | Selan: "We have identified two points of entry onto the remains of the enemy vessel. The admiral's shuttles will land through one of them and unleash their Arachnians. This will divert their - NPC@annpc#557 - attention away from our team while we enter through the second point of entry." Serenity@crystyl:"Misdirection. I see" NPC@annpc#557 | Siorax taps away on the helm console and their shuttle begins to hover as well, cloaking before launching off from the hangar. Once outside, Serenity is given full view of the debris field, - NPC@annpc#557 - with the segment of the Lleiset's wing and enemy saucer being the most prominent Serenity@crystyl peers out, quietly contemplative NPC@annpc#557 | As Serenity watches, the Justicar flickers into view, laying down a stream of phaser cannon fire upon the saucer, followed by two phaser beams, one after the other. The attack should easily - NPC@annpc#557 - cripple an unshielded ship the size of the enemy saucer, let alone something so damaged, but the saucer takes the hits, simply getting more blackened and showing some sizzling beneath - NPC@annpc#557 - obliterated hull plates NPC@annpc#557 | The Justicar immediately recloaks and disappears following the sudden attack run NPC@annpc#557 | As they draw closer to the saucer, Serenity sees some of the damage up close, and the hull seemingly starts to regrow itself. Numerous drones are also visible all around the saucer, - NPC@annpc#557 - hovering about and conducting repairs to expedite this natural regeneration. Serenity@crystyl:"The enemy ship regenerates, and it has repair drones? That feels like cheating..." NPC@annpc#557 | Siorax: "That's why the Justicar's shooting at it. Can't let it get away, or repair itself enough to counterattack." NPC@annpc#557 | Selan: "It would seem in their universe. the Federation has adapted from the Borg significantly more so than our own." Serenity@crystyl:"Makes sense. Perhaps we should also consider cheating more in the future too" NPC@annpc#557 | Siorax smirks, "Well the Justicar's doing just that with Borg tech. And Latenter's cheating even more by incorporating the infiltrators' technology. Skip the research and just take technology - NPC@annpc#557 - from the future." Serenity@crystyl:"That does seem far more expedient" NPC@annpc#557 | Selan: "Dangerous if done improperly. Though I suppose a Starfleet vessel is the most ideal testbed, as this technology was developed for Starfleet, albeit a different one." Serenity@crystyl:"It does make sense that the technology would be most compatible there" NPC@annpc#557 | Siorax: "From what I hear, Latenter's doing well for itself with it. Hopefully we can get some salvage for the Justicar off this one." Serenity@crystyl:"I take it our focus is purely the recovery of the Starfleet officers, and the Admiral's forces will focus on securing the remains of the ship?" NPC@annpc#557 | Selan nods, "If it is possible. We may have the vessel disabled, but their crew still has access to technology which makes boarding difficult. For the moment, we are here for the officers." NPC@annpc#557 | Siorax: "Reyes is counting on the Undine to secure the ship when they get here. But the enemy might have reinforcements on the way too. We'll have to see. If necessary, we'll scuttle and - NPC@annpc#557 - salvage what we can." Serenity@crystyl:"Then assuming we meet resistance, are we to incapacitate where feasible?" NPC@annpc#557 | Siorax: "Prisoners would be nice, but given their tech, it'll be a challenge just to defeat them. Don't hold back. If we can subdue them, that's preferable, but don't go out of your way to - NPC@annpc#557 - incapacitate. Picking a more complex move to disarm rather than the easier fatal hit could mean life and death for you here." NPC@annpc#557 | Selan nods, "We are authorized to use any force necessary." Serenity@crystyl:"Good, that will make things easier” NPC@annpc#557 | As the opening that is their entry comes into view, Selan hands Serenity a device, "Attach this to yourself. I do not know if it will mask our lifesigns from their sensors entirely, but it - NPC@annpc#557 - will at the very least confuse them." Serenity@crystyl eyes the device before sticking it to her arm, "We will soon see then" NPC@annpc#557 | Their shuttle dodges several stray crates and enters a cargo bay that's been blown open. Despite the lack of any visible force field, the interior of the bay appears to have active artificial - NPC@annpc#557 - gravity and is likely pressured as well, as some crates are still within the bay and aren't being sucked out. As the shuttle comes to a landing, the view ahead displays a variant of the - NPC@annpc#557 - Starfleet emblem on the wall. Below it is the name: USS ShiKahr --- NPC@annpc#557 | The team steps out into the damaged cargo bay, where there is still oxygen despite the lack of any visible force field. They make their way to the one exit to find it locked NPC@annpc#557 | Selan: "Give me a moment to override this lock." He steps over to the console beside the door Serenity@crystyl eyes Siorax while Selan works, quite obviously and obliviously NPC@annpc#557 | Siorax glances over, "Never seen a Romulan-Reman before, I take it?" Serenity@crystyl:"Well, no actually. But that is not the reason I find you an enigma" NPC@annpc#557 | Siorax: "Why's that?" Serenity@crystyl:"Well you are - as you say - Romulan-Reman..." NPC@annpc#557 | Siorax: "Yes..." Serenity@crystyl:"Wearing a Starfleet uniform..." NPC@annpc#557 | Siorax: "You wondering how I ended up with the Justicar?" Serenity@crystyl:"Not particularly" NPC@annpc#557 | Siorax: "What's the enigma, then?" Serenity@crystyl:"Well... you're Romulan-Reman. Wearing a Starfleet uniform. On a Romulan mission. Rescuing Starfleet from Starfleet" NPC@annpc#557 | Siorax: "Technically a Romulan-Reman mission too, considering the Shadow Guard involvement. Now that you mention it, does sound rather...unusual." Serenity@crystyl:"Let alone the part where it's an Imperial Romulan mission led by a Republic officer. And we're rescuing Starfleet... from Starfleet. Well, as long as it's not just me" Serenity@crystyl sleeves her mouth, "I just hope she can keep track of it all as well as I'm letting on that I can..." NPC@annpc#557 | Siorax chuckles, "All you have to know is that the two of us are on your side, and the oversized spiders. Shoot everything else. Or slice and stab, in your case." Serenity@crystyl:"I assume you don't want me to slice or stab the two that we are rescuing?" NPC@annpc#557 | Siorax: "That should go without saying, yes..." Serenity@crystyl:"I knew that" Serenity@crystyl sleeves it, "I did not know that..." NPC@annpc#557 | Siorax glances back to comment when the door slides open NPC@annpc#557 | Selan: "At last. Their security is remarkably advanced. I detect traces of Borg, Iconian, Romulan and other security measures." Serenity@crystyl:"So which way do we go from here?" NPC@annpc#557 | Selan: "I am unable to access a schematic of the vessel. Simply bypassing the door was a challenge." Serenity@crystyl:"So do we prioritize capturing someone to interrogate?" she eyes their weapons, "Those presumably have some sort of stun setting" then the blade at her hip, "This does not..." NPC@annpc#557 | Siorax: "Their suits probably aren't going to make stun an option. Luckily, I ran with a former Psi-Hound for a while. I'll take point and track them with my head. Just watch my back while I'm - NPC@annpc#557 - focused on detecting them." Serenity@crystyl:"That I can do without a stun setting" NPC@annpc#557 | Siorax begins to lead the way, holding her rifle at the ready as she proceeds Serenity@crystyl follows, taking the rear guard NPC@annpc#557 | Siorax: "I have a read on them. They're-" Serenity@crystyl jumps ahead, drawing her blade NPC@annpc#557 | Two armoured Klingons with bayonetted rifles turn the corner. One of them notices and immediately lunges at Serenity Serenity@crystyl is already diving in by the time they react, swinging hard across the first to get him out of the way so she can focus on the one with time to ready himself NPC@annpc#557 | Serenity lands a blow on the first which should by all rights be fatal, but the Klingon seems entirely unphased by it, simply continuing his attack as if nothing had happened, forcing Serenity - NPC@annpc#557 - to parry or dodge, while the second Klingon raises his rifle and fires at the others down the hall Serenity@crystyl swings her blade rapidly between the pair, using both hilt and blade to keep them both off balance even with small hits of inconvenience against the aiming rifles. She breaks into an almost - Serenity@crystyl:- dancelike fluidity of movement as she flows from one small strike to the next NPC@annpc#557 | Serenity manages to keep them busy while Siorax and Selan dart into cover from the first and only burst the enemy manages to get off before they are unable to take aim with Serenity's flurry - NPC@annpc#557 - of blows. As she fights with them, Selan peers out of cover and fires his pistol, shooting at the walls and ceiling. As his bolts land, one Klingon flickers out of existence, then the other NPC@annpc#557 | Selan steps out of cover when both Klingons are gone, "Holographic defenses. Excellent work keeping them preoccupied while I locate and destroy nearby emitters. This seems to be a viable - NPC@annpc#557 - strategy for any further encounters with them." Serenity@crystyl pauses, looking around for where her enemies vanished to, "Holograms? But they were tactical" NPC@annpc#557 | Selan: "Very advanced holograms, akin to those produced in a holodeck. You have been in a holodeck, haven't you?" Serenity@crystyl:"Yes, but they are always much more rigid and simplistic in their responses. These did not fight like holograms" NPC@annpc#557 | Siorax: "Everything here's at least a century better than ours, remember?" Serenity@crystyl:"I'm aware" she nods, "Though I am not aware exactly what that entails still as I have not experienced things a century from now yet" NPC@annpc#557 | Siorax continues to lead the way, "Apparently, holograms that fight as well as real people are one of the things that entails." Serenity@crystyl:"That much I am now aware of" NPC@annpc#557 | They continue through the ship, having another encounter with the holographic security before they reach a lift. Selan steps up to it and taps on the panel NPC@annpc#557 | Selan: "Locked down. We will have to make our way through the maintenance accessways if we need to access other decks." NPC@annpc#557 | Siorax: "Wouldn't be an infiltration mission without crawling through some tubes..." NPC@annpc#557 | Selan: "There is an entrance here. Once inside, our tricorders should be able to create a map of anything directly connected to that particular tube." NPC@annpc#557 | The three make their way into the ship's Jefferies tubes. As they do, they counter two maintenance drones, which bear a resemblance to modern Nuhar drones. They immediately turn to the trio, - NPC@annpc#557 - but Siorax fires first with her rifle, downing both of them, though they take a burst each to be destroyed NPC@annpc#557 | Siorax: "At least the drones don't seem too bad." NPC@annpc#557 | Selan: "These are the same ones we saw conducting repairs on the outside of the vessel. I do not believe they were intended for combat." Serenity@crystyl:"They seem easily startled, but they'll soon be back, and in greater numbers" NPC@annpc#557 | Siorax nods, "Let's get moving." Serenity@crystyl thinks she's a Jedi now NPC@annpc#557 | They soon near an exit to the tunnels, but Siorax stops, blocking the way NPC@annpc#557 | Siorax: "People ahead. I don't think they know we're here. If we're lucky, they'll pass us by soon." Serenity@crystyl nods silently, one hand ready on her blade just in case NPC@annpc#557 | Soon, two figures stride into view down the hall. They are wearing full armoured suits that conceal their faces, unlike the more low-tech, traditional-looking armour of the Klingon holograms NPC@annpc#557 | Neither figure seems to be holding or in possession of any weapon. Their suits have some resemblance to MACO armour, particularly in the helmet design, though the entirety of the suit seems to - NPC@annpc#557 - be some metallic, form-fitting material around the body, rather than the visible pieces of armour of MACO suits NPC@annpc#557 | Figure 1: "What are these giant spider things?" NPC@annpc#557 | Figure 2: "Some kind of war animal the Imperial Romulans are using. Crude and barbaric." NPC@annpc#557 | Figure 1: "Are they sentient?" NPC@annpc#557 | Figure 2: "I don't think so. Orders are to kill on sight." NPC@annpc#557 | Figure 1: "Ugh. I hate spiders..." NPC@annpc#557 | The two suits soon turn a corner and leave their line of sight NPC@annpc#557 | Selan: "Well, it seems the lifesign concealers are effective." NPC@annpc#557 | Siorax opens the hatch, crawling out into the hall Serenity@crystyl:"That is fortunate" NPC@annpc#557 | They continue moving, but don't go far before Siorax holds up her hand for the team to stop NPC@annpc#557 | Siorax: "The prisoners are being held in rooms just ahead, but I'm sensing two biological guards." NPC@annpc#557 | Selan: "Picking up holographic security as well." Serenity@crystyl:"How do you wish to approach this?" NPC@annpc#557 | Siorax: "I'll deal with the guards," she looks to Serenity. "Once I do, the holograms will probably be aware of us. Keep them busy again, and Selan can take out the emitters." Serenity@crystyl nods, "Got it" NPC@annpc#557 | Siorax sets her rifle on her back and closes her eyes. Reaching out with a hand, she makes a twisting gesture. Around the corner and down the hall, there is a quiet snap as the heads of both - NPC@annpc#557 - guards jerk to the side and they both collapse. As soon as they hit the floor, there are two flashes and the bodies transport away NPC@annpc#557 | The two holograms immediately raise their rifle and begin advancing down the hall Serenity@crystyl waits for the opportune moment before leaping in just like before NPC@annpc#557 | Serenity manages to keep them from firing, allowing Selan to take out the emitters. Like before, the holograms flicker away once their emitters are gone NPC@annpc#557 | Siorax steps out of cover, "Telekinesis works on them too. Good." Serenity@crystyl holsters her blade, "Useful indeed" NPC@annpc#557 | Siorax: "Don't usually like to just outright kill with it. Takes the challenge out of combat, but I'm not risking an extended firefight trying to get through their suits with our phasers." She - NPC@annpc#557 - continues down the hall, pointing out two doors, "These are the ones we need to get through." NPC@annpc#557 | Selan nods and steps up, getting to work on unlocking them NPC@annpc#557 | As Selan works away, there are two more flashes, and this time, two suited figures appear from them instead of disappearing NPC@annpc#557 | Siorax raises her arm again, but this time, nothing happens Serenity@crystyl draws her blade and moves in NPC@annpc#557 | Siorax: "Great. They brought a psionic too." NPC@annpc#557 | One of the figures raises his hand in turn, launching Siorax back across the hall. Meanwhile, programmable matter flows down the arms of the other, forming a pair of Japanese sai in her hands. - NPC@annpc#557 - As she adopts a ready stance, her helmet goes transparent to reveal Yuzuki behind it, or Lyirru as Serenity knew her from her time undercover on the Kaishaasi NPC@annpc#557 | Yuzuki: "Serenity. I thought they'd send you. Serenity@crystyl switches to a more formal stance, "Lyirru, and here I always thought the galaxy was such a big place" NPC@annpc#557 | Meanwhile, Selan turns from his hacking and fires his pistol on the other suited figure, whose armour flares up with a layer of shielding as the bolts land. The figure turns his arm, - NPC@annpc#557 - telekinetically pinning Selan against the wall, but not for long as he's sent flying by a telekinetic burst from Siorax as she recovers NPC@annpc#557 | Yuzuki: "Not big enough, unfortunately. You're on the wrong side, Qowat Milat. We are the ones fighting an impossible cause. One worthy of your order." NPC@annpc#557 | Siorax steps up beside Selan: "Get the doors open so we can get out of here. I'll handle the psionic." Serenity@crystyl:"Impossible does not make it just, and my blade is already sworn to the Empress in any case. You would know better than even suggest such an idea had you an ounce of the honour you feigned in working - Serenity@crystyl:- your way to her side. For your betrayal, you do not even deserve the chance to live" she lunges in, not holding back NPC@annpc#557 | Yuzuki parries and retaliates with incredible speed, easily matching Serenity. It seems she was holding back during their fight together against the Istvaennen. Serenity is quickly forced on - NPC@annpc#557 - the defensive. The range of her longer blade is the only thing keeping her alive, but Yuzuki is so quick with her twin sai that Serenity doubts she can hold out for much longer with just a - NPC@annpc#557 - single sword NPC@annpc#557 | Meanwhile, Siorax and the enemy psionic engage in a telekinetic battle behind them as Selan continues hacking Serenity@crystyl doubles back, slightly shifting her stance and raising the blade up high to one side with the blade pointed forwards like a scorpions raised tail. Once again she lunges in, maintaining a two handed- Serenity@crystyl - grip on the blade but also using her feet more now for kicks, sweeps & topples. NPC@annpc#557 | Yuzuki steps back slightly to avoid the kicks while parrying the blade, but then goes on the offensive again, stabbing her Sai towards Serenity's legs when she tries anything with them NPC@annpc#557 | Yuzuki steps back slightly to avoid the kicks while parrying the blade, but then goes on the offensive again, stabbing her Sai towards Serenity's legs when she tries anything with them Serenity@crystyl swings her blade as Yuzu parries a kick, but this time as she swings she splits her blade into the paired longswords - thrusting with the first but then slashing down in the opposite direction with- Serenity@crystyl:- the second while Yuzu's attention is on defending the kick NPC@annpc#557 | Yuzuki parries the stab but is hit with the slash. Her armour takes the edge off the blow, preventing the blade from actually slicing into her, but the force still knocks her off-balance and - NPC@annpc#557 - sends her stumbling into a wall Serenity@crystyl presses the attack while she's off balance, pushing hard with both blades in a furious and ever changing flurry NPC@annpc#557 | Yuzuki recovers surprisingly fast, but is now forced on the defensive. As she parries though, she manages to hook onto one of Serenity's swords with a sai, using the forked nature of the - NPC@annpc#557 - weapon to her advantage and locking them close to each other. She tries to take advantage of that to counterattack with the other sai, the close distance making it harder to defend with a - NPC@annpc#557 - longer weapon Serenity@crystyl drops the locked sword to her feet and uses her forearm to block the sai, promptly wrapping it around the arm holding the sai and twisting it around to force her into dropping the sai and trying to- Serenity@crystyl:- twist out of the lock before her arm gets snapped NPC@annpc#557 | Serenity forces Yuzuki to drop the attacking sai, but she manages to hold onto the one locked with the sword. Fortunately, Serenity manages to twist out of the lock fast enough to avoid the - NPC@annpc#557 - strike from the other sai, creating distance between the two again. More programmable matter slides down her arm to form another sai, though it now creates a gap in her armour on her shoulder Serenity@crystyl kicks the second blade back up from her feet and thrusts for the gap in the armour NPC@annpc#557 | Yuzuki goes on the defensive again, but it forces her back from her dropped sai. She quickly switches to an aggressive advance, focusing on parrying blows from the side where the gap is while - NPC@annpc#557 - she willingly takes a hit on the other side where the armour protects her in order to get up close and jab at Serenity and force her to back off Serenity@crystyl seems to take the hit rather than backing off. But actually tangled the jabbing blade in the folds of her robe's hood. Responds with a dual upswing of both blades, drawn vertically up Yuzu's front - Serenity@crystyl:- while her arm is still outstretched with the feinted stab NPC@annpc#557 | Yuzuki's armour once again takes the edge off the blow, but she is hit hard, getting knocked back and onto the ground, being forced to let go of the sai entangled in Serenity's hood. She rolls - NPC@annpc#557 - backwards and gets on her feet as quickly as humanly possible. All the while, another sai is forming, taking yet another chunk out of her armour and creating a gap leading up to the - NPC@annpc#557 - edge of her neck. The roll however took her up to the door Selan is opening, which unlocks before the duel can resume. A familiar Vulcan stands looming behind Yuzuki, and he wastes no time. - NPC@annpc#557 - Vice Admiral Tuvok clamps his hand down on the exposed region in a nerve pinch and Yuzuki drops to the floor. Before anyone can move to take her prisoner however, she disappears in a flash Serenity@crystyl watches a moment before relaxing her stance, "Well that is inconvenient" NPC@annpc#557 | Tuvok glances down where Yuzuki was a moment ago, then back up to Serenity, "Did I interrupt an honour duel of some description?" Serenity@crystyl:"Suffice to say that she does not deserve to escape. Her betrayal was not of me or my order personally though, so I will not abandon this mission to pursue. The fact that she disappeared like that - Serenity@crystyl:- though... more cheating" she pouts NPC@annpc#557 | Down the hall, Siorax's opponent disappears as well and Selan moves onto the second door NPC@annpc#557 | Tuvok: "My apologies. I would have applied more pressure had I known. It would not be fatal, but it would have induced a significantly stronger headache upon waking." Serenity@crystyl:"A migraine is the least she deserves. But these people have a nasty habit of popping in and out like that, so I'm not sure any amount of nerve pressure would have made a difference" NPC@annpc#557 | Siorax heads down the hall, "Betrayal? You crossed paths with that one before while she was infiltrating you, I'm guessing?" Serenity@crystyl:"Yes, I don't know when it started exactly, but when I first met her she was posing as one of the Empresses guards" NPC@annpc#557 | Siorax: "That's some pretty deep cover. Glad she didn't get to act against the Empress." She takes a pistol from her belt, handing it to Tuvok who accepts it NPC@annpc#557 | Meanwhile, Selan has already gotten the second door open, his experience on the first no doubt expediting things significantly. Commander VanZyl appears, and he likewise hands an extra pistol - NPC@annpc#557 - he was carrying to her as well as a lifesign masking device before turning to the others, "We should make our exit before additional reinforcements arrive." Serenity@crystyl:"Agreed" --- Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Back on the Justicar, Enelya and Sierra continues to observe the situation from the bridge Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Khivath: "The Kaishaasi reports that they've picked up Commander Jarok. She has some superficial injuries, but nothing serious." Enelya@crystyl:"That is fortunate. Seeing their flag go down will not be easy for the Republic, but knowing Jarok survived to command the next one will go a long way" Sierra Reyes@anncaris nods, "She's one of the Republic's finest commanders. How's the rescue going?" Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Tris: "Just a few more escape pods to go. We're picking them up quickly with the Kaishaasi's help." Sierra Reyes@anncaris:"Any word from the away teams yet?" Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Khivath: "Only the diversion shuttles. As expected, the Arachnians are drawing attention, though they're no match for the defenders." Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Ekkoz: "The Undine will be arriving soon. They can take the ship. For now, all we need is a distraction for the rescue team." Sierra Reyes@anncaris:"How much longer?" Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Tris: "Not long now. I'm just picking up the first few ships appearing on long-range sensors." Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Indeed, a few minutes pass, and the Undine ships begin warping in... Sierra Reyes@anncaris FX | https://i.imgur.com/5Vl3600.jpg Sierra Reyes@anncaris smiles, "Now that should make things easier..." --- NPC@annpc#557 | The team on the Survivor ship makes their way back to the cargo bay without incident, the only occurrence of note being a run-in with another group of maintenance drones, which are - NPC@annpc#557 - swiftly taken out by phaser fire. With the holographic defense cleared and the living crew of the ship chasing giant spiders, they have a clear way back NPC@annpc#557 | However, upon arriving at the cargo bay, they find it completely devoid of contents. The crates that were still inside during their arrival had been sucked out, along with their shuttle, which - NPC@annpc#557 - is visible out in space, floating further and further away. There is no sign of additional damage to the bay, however NPC@annpc#557 | Siorax: "That's not good..." Serenity@crystyl:"Most inconvenient" NPC@annpc#557 | Selan: "They must have learned of my door override and determined that intruders had landed in the cargo bay. I see no change in the condition of the bay that would have caused this; it was - NPC@annpc#557 - most likely done intentionally to hamper our escape." Serenity@crystyl:"That was my assumption" she looks around, "So... where to now?" NPC@annpc#557 | Siorax: "We still have the second insertion point, or we can try and take one of their transporters. Our ships can't lock onto us through their hull, but they must be able to transport off - NPC@annpc#557 - their own ship." NPC@annpc#557 | Selan: "Given their complex technology and thorough security, the odds of successfully operating their transporter systems before being apprehended is unfavourable, I calculate that our best - NPC@annpc#557 - chance is to proceed to the second insertion point for extraction." NPC@annpc#557 | Siorax: "How do we get there from inside the ship?" NPC@annpc#557 | Selan: "From its position on the hull and our navigation so far within the vessel, I have constructed several likely routes. I will lead the way." NPC@annpc#557 | Selan turns to lead the way while Commander VanZyl speaks up as she follows, "Wait, we don't have a schematic to work with?" NPC@annpc#557 | Siorax: "It was a challenge for Gaius here to just hack your doors open." NPC@annpc#557 | Tuvok: "I am not surprised. Their technology is significantly ahead of our own." NPC@annpc#557 | The team continues through the ship, with two more holographic security encounters which go the same way as before, the team now having developed a solid means to counter them. However, Siorax - NPC@annpc#557 - comes to a stop before one intersection, quietly whispering, "I sense more people ahead." Serenity@crystyl again stands ready with a hand on her blade just in case NPC@annpc#557 | There is the sound of weapons fire and red flashes, but Siorax holds up her hand, signalling the team not to engage NPC@annpc#557 | A few moments later, she peers around the corner, "Clear." NPC@annpc#557 | Turning the corner, they see the bodies of three Arachnians in the hall, but no sign of suited enemies NPC@annpc#557 | Selan continues to lead the way, and the team continues onwards. Before long, they arrive at the second insertion point, which seems to be the damaged shuttlebay of the vessel... NPC@annpc#557 | The shuttlebay is filled with bodies of Arachnians. Suited figures are fighting throughout it, but not against the spider-creatures. Undine are crawling in from outside the hull, attacking - NPC@annpc#557 - with bio-molecular weapons, psionics and even leaping onto the defenders and engaging in melee. The enemies are all preoccupied with the Undine and none of them engage the team NPC@annpc#557 | Siorax: "Looks like reinforcements are here." Serenity@crystyl:"Because this confusing mix of elements wasn't bad enough already..." NPC@annpc#557 | Siorax smirks, "We do need the extra firepower." NPC@annpc#557 | Several Romulan shuttles are in the bay, but all of them appear heavily damaged. However, there are two other shuttles in the bay, which seems to be native to this ship Serenity@crystyl:"I don't suppose those will be as easy to hack as the doors..." NPC@annpc#557 | Selan: "I see little other choice. We will have to try." NPC@annpc#557 | Tuvok: "The Commander and I will assist you." Serenity@crystyl:"I will cover the entrance" NPC@annpc#557 | Siorax: "Well, it looks like the Undine have got things in hand, so we might not be in a rush to make our exit. But let's see if we can get one flying. It'll be good to have escape as an option.” NPC@annpc#557 | Siorax readies her rifle, "I'll cover us too while you work." NPC@annpc#557 | Selan, Tuvok and VanZyl move up to one of the shuttles. Surprisingly, they manage to get the door open fairly quickly this time and disappear inside, though the shuttle itself takes much longer NPC@annpc#557 | Soon, the Undine clear out the enemies in the shuttlebay and all move on, leaving them as the only ones inside NPC@annpc#557 | They are left in peace for a good few minutes, then... NPC@annpc#557 | Siorax: "Something's wrong. The Undine psionic presence is dwindling." Serenity@crystyl looks over, "I take it from your tone that it isn't because they are just going back to their own ship" NPC@annpc#557 | Siorax shakes her head, "The tide's turning. I hope they can get that shuttle flying..." Serenity@crystyl:"If they can best the Undine in close quarters, then I concur" NPC@annpc#557 | Siorax: "I don't know how, they-" There are two flashes in the shuttlebay as two suited figures transport in. Siorax raises a hand, telekinetically pushing them back before following up with - NPC@annpc#557 - shots from her rifle, but their suit shielding absorbs the hits Serenity@crystyl draws her blade and rushes in to engage NPC@annpc#557 | One of the suited figures forms a blade from programmable matter that is also Romulan in origin, parrying Serenity's initial strike. However, this person is nowhere near as skilled as Yuzuki. - NPC@annpc#557 - He seems to know what he's doing with the sword, but he's not on Serenity's level Serenity@crystyl pushes hard to outmaneuver him quickly, using what she learned from duelling Yuzu to counter the suits defenses NPC@annpc#557 | Serenity manages to disarm him, forcing him to create another blade, which causes him to lose a bit of armour... Serenity@crystyl pushes the attack and uses her skill to take advantage NPC@annpc#557 | Serenity outmaneuvers the less skilled duelist, cutting him through the gap in armour. The blow isn't fatal, but it's enough to knock him out of the fight and he disappears away in a flash NPC@annpc#557 | Beside her, Siorax has her opponent psionically pinned. Then, two more flashes appear, and two more, until a row of eight suited figures stand before them. They all raise their arms... NPC@annpc#557 ...when suddenly red bolts fly over their heads and land in the enemy's midst, sending them flying. Behind them, the shuttle hovers, the door still open NPC@annpc#557 | VanZyl: "Get in!" Serenity@crystyl doesn't need telling twice as she quickly backtracks and climbs on board NPC@annpc#557 | Siorax follows suit and the door closes immediately after them. Inside, Tuvok and Selan are manning consoles, but Selan steps aside from his NPC@annpc#557 | Selan: "The controls are fairly intuitive. I believe your skills are better used on the helm than mine, Lieutenant." NPC@annpc#557 | Siorax nods, taking the helm and immediately turning the shuttle to make an exit. Meanwhile, Selan and VanZyl position themselves at different consoles Serenity@crystyl just... stays out of their way NPC@annpc#557 | As the shuttle exits the bay, they find themselves emerging into the shadow of some much larger ship which looms above them, something that was not there before... --- Sierra Reyes@anncaris | On the Justicar, Enelya and the bridge crew watch as the Undine fleet encircles the saucer of the Survivor ship Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Things seem to be under control as the Undine board the saucer, walking across the hull and into gaps as they are known to do Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Then, the scene is disrupted as a massive ripple seems to flicker across the whole viewscreen, distorting the Undine ships and the saucer they are boarding. Red Nuhar-style beams emit, - Sierra Reyes@anncaris - striking the Undine ships left and right. The Undine fleet returns fire, not with beams but glowing pulses. The pulses hit the distortion, revealing pieces of hull beneath it, and as it - Sierra Reyes@anncaris - solidifies, it begins blocking out the zoomed view on the screen Sierra Reyes@anncaris leans forward in her chair, "Demagnify." Sierra Reyes@anncaris | The viewscreen zooms back out as more and more of the distortion becomes visible, soon revealing something the size of a station, blocking out most of the fighting going on beneath it... Sierra Reyes@anncaris FX | https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/sto_gamepedia/images/f/fe/Valkis_Temporal_Heavy_Dreadnought_Warbird_Promo.png/revision/latest?cb=20170309021123 Sierra Reyes@anncaris Sound FX | https://youtu.be/8DNO2eU_qkg Enelya@crystyl:"That is... not what I expected" Sierra Reyes@anncaris | As the full ship is revealed, the Undine begin firing with their usual beams. Weapons that can wreak havoc on Borg cubes seem to have little effect on the massive ship, whose shields flare up, - Sierra Reyes@anncaris - blocking every beam while their own red beams decimate the Undine vessels, who are struggling to regroup Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Khivath: "We have contact from the away team. They claim to have escaped on an enemy shuttle because their own was lost." Sierra Reyes@anncaris:"Can we trust the shuttle?" Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Khivath: "They're using our encryption. I'll ask them something only Siorax would know." Sierra Reyes@anncaris nods, "It's not foolproof still, but it's better than nothing." Enelya@crystyl:"Even if your sensors can't penetrate their hull, there should be some visual sign of a disturbance from the landing point if something had happened to the one they left in" Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Tris: "Good point, Admiral. Checking now..." Sierra Reyes@anncaris | The station-sized enemy vessel repositions to chase after the regrouping Undine, giving them a good angle on the saucer. The viewscreen magnifies in again further than before. By the damaged - Sierra Reyes@anncaris - cargo bay, a Romulan shuttle can clearly be seen floating away from the ship, with smaller crates scattered around it Enelya@crystyl:"So they... literally lost it" Sierra Reyes@anncaris:"It seems so..." Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Khivath: "They've answered the question properly as well." Sierra Reyes@anncaris:"Let's get them on board. Have security in the cargo bay ready for trouble." Enelya@crystyl:"As for this new arrival. Any thoughts on what we're looking at exactly? Because it looks Romulan to me, but the characteristics seem consistent with the Survivors" Sierra Reyes@anncaris:"We faced Survivor ships with Romulan designs at the Vault. They don't just use the traditional Starfleet ships. Either Romulans are a part of the Federation in the future they come from, or the - Sierra Reyes@anncaris:- Survivors are an organization that involves more than just their Federation." Enelya@crystyl:"Both conceivable. I suppose it just caught me a little off guard to see one suddenly appear here when at most I had been expecting one of the more familiar Starfleet'esque cruisers" Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Khivath: "We have the shuttle. Security reports the away team is disembarking with the rescued officers." Sierra Reyes@anncaris:"Have Security escort them all to sickbay. Check them over for injuries and make sure they aren't infiltrators in disguise." Enelya@crystyl:"As for grand plans of salvaging that saucer, I believe we may need to rethink that idea. But it is the Romulans operation I suppose, so if they want to pursue it that is their prerogative. With the - Enelya@crystyl:- target personnel accounted for it may be time to fall back before that new vessel gets bored of the Undine" Sierra Reyes@anncaris | On the viewscreen, the Undine have regrouped and begin combining the energies of their ships together, forming their powerful, planet-killing beam. This causes the giant ship's shields to - Sierra Reyes@anncaris - flare up. The flaring doesn't fade as the shields glow brightly. The glow ripples around the ship, refocusing back on the front, where it gets fired back out in a wide cone, like a doomsday - Sierra Reyes@anncaris - machine. It consumes the Undine ships that fired it, destroying the group before they can disconnect and disperse Sierra Reyes@anncaris:"Agreed, Admiral. Khivath, contact the Kaishaasi and the Shadow Guard, advise them to fall back." Enelya@crystyl:"Not that we can outrun them, but hopefully they won't be inclined to give chase" Sierra Reyes@anncaris:"Or the remaining Undine keep them busy enough for us to get away..." Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Khivath: "The other ships are retreating now." Sierra Reyes@anncaris nods, looking to the helm, "Time to go, Ensign." Sierra Reyes@anncaris | The Justicar promptly turns around and jumps to warp Sierra Reyes@anncaris:"We can regroup at Crateris. It's a Republic Reman colony with a Shadow Guard presence. We drop off the Lleiset survivors there, and make arrangements to get you and Tuvok back to your Spheres." Enelya@crystyl:"If another part of your task force has already picked up the Director, we might be just as well to convene as planned as this point anyway. For them to have thrown all this at the few of us, T'Lia - Enelya@crystyl:- and Quinn will be in the firing line soon as well, so I don't think this little venture is over just yet" Sierra Reyes@anncaris nods, "You can convene on Crateris under Shadow Guard protection, then. Khivath, signify the other ships to follow us, but don't inform them of our destination yet, in case the enemy is listening." Enelya@crystyl:"Assuming the others concur that is, but with three of the five originally planned all coming together anyway, and this escalating threat against our action then I anticipate full consensus" Sierra Reyes@anncaris:"We'll see what the Director thinks once we're far enough away to safely inform the Kaishaasi of our destination. Speaking of which," she glances behind her, "What's the word from sickbay?" Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Tris: "They're still conducting thorough scans, but so far everyone seems to be who they are. No major injuries either, just some superficial cuts and bruises." Sierra Reyes@anncaris nods, "Once they're done with the team, have them check over all the Lleiset evacuees too. In case they try to sneak any more infiltrators into the Republic through this." Sierra Reyes@anncaris looks back to the front of the bridge, "Any sign that we're being pursued?" Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Ekkoz: "Negative, Commander. Last sensor readings indicate the Survivor ship is still picking off the remaining Undine vessels." Enelya@crystyl:"I only hope the Undine don't end up holding a grudge over this. The last thing we need to upset that delicate balance again" Sierra Reyes@anncaris:"They won't be happy about it, that's for sure. We'll have to see how they respond. I'd get back to the Vault to communicate with them myself, but the priority for now is getting you and the others - Sierra Reyes@anncaris:- to Crateris." Enelya@crystyl:"Hopefully the mission parameters were clearly outlined to them, along with the risks. That frankness can be key to any discussion with them, but yes that is not our priority right now" Sierra Reyes@anncaris nods, "It's going to be a few hours before we get to Crateris. We can get you some guest quarters if you like." Enelya@crystyl:"Thank you Commander, that will be most welcome. First though, I will head to sickbay and catch up with Tuvok. It will also give me the chance to thank the rescue team for myself" Sierra Reyes@anncaris:"I'll have some quarters set aside for you. Let us know if you or Tuvok needs one and we'll point you the way." Enelya@crystyl nods, "I'm sure we will all benefit from whatever you have available Commander, thank you" she smiles, turning to head out --- NPC@annpc#557 | Enelya steps into sickbay, where the away team are standing to the side conversing among themselves while the rescued prisoners are on the beds, being scanned. The rest of the beds are filled - NPC@annpc#557 - with wounded Romulans, either unconscious or in the process of being treated Enelya@crystyl strolls in, eyeing the scene and approaching the team, "I take it you are the ones we have to thank for getting them back" NPC@annpc#557 | Siorax turns to Enelya, "The Undine helped too, and we couldn't have gotten in as quietly as we did without those spiders for distraction." NPC@annpc#557 | Selan nods, "The Vice Admiral and Commander were invaluable in gaining control of the shuttlecraft we escaped on as well. The mission would not have been successful without cooperation from - NPC@annpc#557 - all allied forces." Enelya@crystyl:"Yes there is no doubt that it was the result of a large cooperative effort. But it still took your team getting to them and getting them out afterwards. So for that, you have my thanks" NPC@annpc#557 | Tuvok sits up from the bed behind them, "Indeed. We are grateful for the rescue. I am glad to see you are unharmed as well, Admiral Torin." NPC@annpc#557 | Selan: "If only we were able to secure the remains of the ship as well. At least we will have the captured shuttle to study and learn more of their technology." Enelya@crystyl looks over and smiles, "It is agreeable to see you again too, Admiral" Enelya@crystyl nods to Selan's comment, "Any technology retrieval is a pure bonus with this enemy. And whilst that saucer could well have been quite a boon, a bonus is still just a bonus" NPC@annpc#557 | Tuvok nods, "Indeed, and we have still managed to learn a significant amount of information through this experience." Enelya@crystyl:"I am curious to hear what you know, since circumstances have started bringing us all together regardless of our caution now" NPC@annpc#557 | Tuvok: "I did not know much more than you did prior to arriving here, perhaps even less. Your command has encountered the infiltrators more than mine. However, during my capture, one of their - NPC@annpc#557 - psionics invaded my mind in order to determine the identities of all those around me now aware of the infiltration. In the process, I was able to obtain a glimpse into his mind as well." Enelya@crystyl:"I trust those rigid Vulcan mental defenses held, or do we need to expand the circle of trust to protect these others?" NPC@annpc#557 | Tuvok nods, "I was able to hold him off for long enough. His own mental defenses were formidable as well. Unfortunately, I could not gain any details of their plans." Enelya@crystyl:"Then why don't we get out of the doctors' way here and you can tell me what you did manage to glimpse" she glances to the others, "We are regrouping at a Shadow Guard facility, so you should all be- Enelya@crystyl:- able to get back to your respective postings from there" NPC@annpc#557 | Selan nods, "I will remain with the members of the Lleiset crew here on the Justicar for the time being." Enelya@crystyl:"Of course. I believe the crew are in the process of arranging temporary accommodation for the duration of the trip" NPC@annpc#557 | Siorax: "I'll get back to duty, assign some security personnel to show your people around if they need." NPC@annpc#557 | Meanwhile, Tuvok moves to follow Enelya Enelya@crystyl starts heading out, "How does a little refreshment sound?" NPC@annpc#557 | Tuvok: "An amenable proposition after returning from captivity." Enelya@crystyl smiles, "I thought you'd like it" --- Enelya@crystyl makes her way the short distance to the Justicar's canteen, getting some drinks and taking a discrete corner, "Well, it would seem they had other ideas from our cancelled meeting" NPC@annpc#557 | Tuvok nods, "Is the Director of Starfleet Intelligence safe as well?" Enelya@crystyl:"So I am told. Another part of this joint task force went to intercept him and they will be rendezvousing with us at the Shadow Guard base. The only one's I don't have any detail on yet are T'Lia - Enelya@crystyl:- and Quinn. So with three of us already coming together anyway, and the others facing imminent threats as we've seen here, I am going to propose that we assign this task force to protect and - Enelya@crystyl:- recover the others as well. Since cancelling was a precaution against exposure, these attacks prove it is now moot and that they are growing bolder in their efforts to undermine us" NPC@annpc#557 | Tuvok nods, "A logical assessment. From what little I was able to gleam, I believe they are only becoming bolder because they are growing more desperate." Enelya@crystyl:"Makes sense. The Coalition recently destroyed one of their ships attempting to undermine our operations at the Heart. So with the one here today, that's two ships of theirs lost in almost as many - Enelya@crystyl:- days. Not exactly ground shattering numbers, but given how much they have outmatched us at every turn until now, this is sure to rattle their cages. Maybe that's why the Romulan dreadnought was - Enelya@crystyl:- the one to respond earlier" NPC@annpc#557 | Tuvok: "It would be a likely explanation. The appearance of such a vessel also yields further insight into the nature of these infiltrators." Enelya@crystyl:"True, although as it was pointed out to me earlier this is not the first such appearance. One was also present when they assaulted the Shadow Guard vault" NPC@annpc#557 | Tuvok: "It is not only the Romulan aesthetic of the vessel. While commandeering the shuttle, I have noticed several elements which seem to be inspired by technology from the Delta Quadrant." Enelya@crystyl:"I suppose I should not be surprised. There are familiar elements from other Coalition species out towards the rim too. What I don't know is, what context brought them all together. It could be a - Enelya@crystyl:- galactic scaled Coalition, though that doesn't necessarily add up with the unique faction designs remaining dominant through their ships as we've seen. It could still be a cooperation of sorts - Enelya@crystyl:- though, or these could even be a dominating force like the Terran Empire taking it all by force. We just don't know, unless we do?" she looks back to him, "What did you see from the mind of your - Enelya@crystyl:- interrogator exactly?" NPC@annpc#557 | Tuvok: "My interrogator was a Vorta. Another evidence towards the pan-galactic Coalition or Empire theory. As for what I saw, they were mere flashes. Memories from him and previous - NPC@annpc#557 - incarnations of him, I believe. I saw others of their personnel. Most were unfamiliar to me, but a few I was able to recognize as former officers within Starfleet." Enelya@crystyl:"Former officers?" NPC@annpc#557 | Tuvok nods, "Most are deceased or retired by now. Some of the faces I know were officers in service when I first joined Starfleet over a century ago. It confirms our suspicions that the - NPC@annpc#557 - infiltrations have been occurring for a significant period of time." Enelya@crystyl:"Whilst it is good to have our suspicions confirmed, I do not much like the idea that this has been going on for so long" NPC@annpc#557 | Tuvok: "Indeed. There were other images as well, some of older vessels no longer in service. Others are more curious. There were Dyson Spheres, ones I recognize and unfamiliar ones as well. I - NPC@annpc#557 - watched one explode from the inside. I saw stars detonating, being consumed by something. The destruction of entire planets, and others left barren and lifeless. I am unsure whether those are - NPC@annpc#557 - memories, or perhaps their plans." Enelya@crystyl:"Disturbing images either way, and nothing which gets us any closer to a proper resolution" NPC@annpc#557 | Tuvok nods, "Unfortunately not. I hope that the insight it provides into the nature of our enemy will aid us in reaching that resolution eventually." Enelya@crystyl:"Likewise. We also have the bonus of this shuttle to further dissect their technology which - if nothing else - should help with future engagements. Our forces at the Heart also salvaged a nacelle - Enelya@crystyl:- from the ship that was destroyed there, so once we have secure comms we can see what exactly they have learned too" NPC@annpc#557 | Tuvok: "We are making progress now that we are aware of their presence. Once we possess a greater understanding of their capabilities, future victories against them will no longer be so costly." Enelya@crystyl:"I only hope that we are able to reach such future victories. The five of us coming together is a first step in unifying our defense, but we still need a second" NPC@annpc#557 | Tuvok: "We will decide the best course forward at the meeting. I believe the other Admirals have more insight on the situation, and once we have gathered all the pieces we possess, we will be - NPC@annpc#557 - able to determine the next step in combating this infiltration." Enelya@crystyl:"In the meantime, there is little else for us to do right now" NPC@annpc#557 | Tuvok: "It would be logical to take the time to rest and gather our thoughts. I trust we will be able to leave the matter of our meeting's secrecy and security to our capable rescuers." Enelya@crystyl:"I believe so" she nods --- Sierra Reyes@anncaris | A while later after the talk with Tuvok, Enelya is once again relaxing in one of the Justicar's lounges, this time without her fellow admiral Sierra Reyes@anncaris | As she relaxes, she notices a man walking up to her. He is wearing an enlisted uniform, which follows the same pattern as standard Starfleet enlisted uniforms, with the department colour on - Sierra Reyes@anncaris - the shoulder rather than the coloured space between the shoulder and rest of the torso. His department colour is gold and he wears the pips of a Chief Petty Officer Sierra Reyes@anncaris | CPO: "Admiral Torin, ma'am." Enelya@crystyl looks up, "Good day Chief, is there something I can help you with?" Sierra Reyes@anncaris | CPO: "I was just wondering about something. It's not urgent though, I hope I'm not disturbing you?" Enelya@crystyl smiles, "Not at all. And I know how much stigma there can be for enlisted personnel and officers to interact, so the least I can do to honour your facing that is to hear you out" Sierra Reyes@anncaris | CPO: "Thank you, Admiral. You head the Deep Space Exploratory Corps, right?" Enelya@crystyl:"That's right" Sierra Reyes@anncaris | CPO: "I'm Chief Petty Officer Jawad Multani. My sister is a young officer, Aneeta Multani. Last I checked, she was assigned to the USS Santa Catarina, a DSEC ship." Enelya@crystyl:"I take that to imply that you have been out of touch for some time. I suppose with everything that's happened around the Justicar recently it must have been difficult for all of you to sustain - Enelya@crystyl:- family ties" Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Chief Multani nods, "Yes. We were a rogue ship, after all. Still are, to most of Starfleet. Most of us haven't been able to contact our families and have to get by with little pieces of - Sierra Reyes@anncaris - information we learn along the way." Enelya@crystyl smiles sympathetically, "I am sorry to hear that, it can't be easy. For what it is worth, I can tell you that the Santa Catarina is indeed on our roster. It was deployed to the Heart of Unity as - Enelya@crystyl:- much of the available DSEC assets were following the defeat of the Horde forces there. It remains there still assigned to Sphere research, and whilst I will not pretend to know every crew member - Enelya@crystyl:- every ship in my command personally to fill you with false hope, I can at least tell you that to my last knowledge the ship has never reported any casualties since its arrival there" Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Chief Multani smiles, "That is good to hear. Thank you very much, Admiral. I couldn't help but worry, hearing about the battle with the Horde, and now the fighting against the infiltrators - Sierra Reyes@anncaris - going on in the Sphere." Enelya@crystyl:"These infiltrators are making life difficult everywhere for us, but the Sphere is certainly a high profile target, yes. Hopefully we will find a resolution to this conflict soon before it gets even - Enelya@crystyl:- more out of hand, and then you will be able to visit family again. And with recognition for the true brave conduct here, not the unfortunate falsehoods that still publicly linger" Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Chief Multani: "I hope so too, Admiral. In the meantime, I will continue to do my part here on the Justicar." Enelya@crystyl:"And we all thank you for that Chief. It might not be much, but I'm sure you are not the only one with such concerns here. I will speak to your Commander about using the opportunity of our presence - Enelya@crystyl:- here to collate requests from the crew. I'm sure we won't have answers for everyone, but if nothing else perhaps the other Admirals and I can take those requests away and get some messages back to- Enelya@crystyl:- the Justicar to help give everyone else a little peace of mind where we can" Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Chief Multani: "We would all appreciate that very much. Thank you again, Admiral." Enelya@crystyl:"It's the least we can do, so I'm sure the others will happily do what they can too. But we must be coordinated so allow me to organize it with your Commander first before getting people too excited" Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Chief Multani: "Of course. I'll leave you to your downtime, then." Enelya@crystyl:"Thank you Chief, take care now" Sierra Reyes@anncaris | Chief Multani: "You too, Admiral." He turns and heads over to the group of enlisted he came from, two of which Enelya notes are Romulan. Enelya@crystyl goes back to enjoying her drink --- Enelya@crystyl heads to Sierra's ready room later on, chiming the door Sierra Reyes@anncaris:"Come in." Enelya@crystyl steps in, "Commander. I hope I'm not intruding on your schedule" Sierra Reyes@anncaris:"Not at all, Admiral. What can I do for you?" Enelya@crystyl takes a seat, "I just had a chance encounter with one of your crewmen. Nothing untoward, but it opened my eyes somewhat" Sierra Reyes@anncaris:"Really? What happened?" Enelya@crystyl:"CPO Mutani just asked for some insight regarding his sister who he knew to be posted to a DSEC ship the last they had contact" Sierra Reyes@anncaris:"Ahh yes. Most of us who were part of the original crew have been cut off from contact with our families, being officially rogue and all. Especially those with family members in Starfleet as well." Enelya@crystyl:"And having noticed a considerable Romulan detachment on your crew as well, I would guess the same applies to some of them too. Just how long has it been now since you all actually had contact with - Enelya@crystyl:- family and loved ones?" Sierra Reyes@anncaris:"It's better for the Romulan crew. Most of them we recruited from independent colonies and organizations, so it's been easier for them to keep in contact. Most of the Federation species on board - Sierra Reyes@anncaris:- haven't had contact with family back home since the mutiny, though." Enelya@crystyl:"Well fortunately, I was able to put the Chiefs mind to ease a little. But as I said this got me thinking about the rest of you. So with Tuvok and the Director joining us here, if not the others in - Enelya@crystyl:- due course, I would like to extend that courtesy to all of your crew. I'm sure our Romulan allies can do the same for any who have struggled with contact home as well. Even if we can't field - Enelya@crystyl:- specific queries from memory, we can at least take them away with us eventually and feed information back to your crew" Sierra Reyes@anncaris smiles, "That's a very good thought, Admiral. I've had too much about the Survivors on my mind. I didn't think to take advantage of your presence here. If you're up for a little news delivery - Sierra Reyes@anncaris - work, we could certainly use it. I'll have Ops gather queries from the crew and sort out who to send them to." Enelya@crystyl:"I've already spoken with Tuvok and we will do all we can to let your crew know that they are not forgotten or neglected" Sierra Reyes@anncaris smiles, "Thank you, Admiral. We appreciate it." Enelya@crystyl stands, "As we appreciate all you and your crew have put yourselves through. I'll leave it with you for the moment"