ST:SoD225 | "A Cornered Targ Pt. II"

Stardate 98900.5

The Survivors become increasingly desperate as they continue to target Mischa personally, but there is dissent among their ranks...

---

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NPC@annpc#557 | The next week passes quietly as the Latenter waits by the rendezvous coordinates provided by the Survivors, seeing no activity of interest. As the time of the rendezvous nears however, Mischa -

NPC@annpc#557 - arrives on the bridge as she is informed of a group of Klingon vessels on long-range sensors approaching the site

Mischa@crystyl takes her seat, "Do we have a confirmed ID on them yet?"

NPC@annpc#557 | T'Fel: "Affirmative, Captain. One battlecruiser, Negh'Var-class, three raptors, two Qin-class and one Kortar-class and four birds of prey, three Norgh-class, one Kor-class. All of them -

NPC@annpc#557 - registered as House K'Lek vessels. The Kor-class, IKS K'Min, is their current flagship and most likely the one with the full infiltrator crew."

Mischa@crystyl:"Alright, I assume our guests already know as much as we do. But let's have someone wake them up anyway"

NPC@annpc#557 | Victoria: "Do you want them ready for boarding in the transporter room, or up here with us?"

Mischa@crystyl:"Continuing to play along with their story, having them here may be beneficial even if they are just observing the Klingons behaviour"

NPC@annpc#557 | Victoria nods, "I'll have them escorted up here."

NPC@annpc#557 | Nethay: "Our captured Krenim ship is inbound as well. ETA 30 minutes. The Klingons'll be here first in about ten."

Mischa@crystyl:"That gives us 20 minutes to get the situation under control"

NPC@annpc#557 | Victoria: "Eirril says he just got an encrypted ping on Network channels from Gul Selesk. His ship's cloaked somewhere nearby, too. Should we confirm our presence to him as well?"

Mischa@crystyl:"Seems almost moot at this point since he clearly knows we're here anyway. Honestly, does anyone else remember the good old days when we were hidden from everybody's view unless we chose otherwise?"

NPC@annpc#557 | Hassan: "The cost of being at the centre of this anti-conspiracy and having all these allies, I suppose."

NPC@annpc#557 | Victoria: "I wouldn't call Selesk an ally. An untrustworthy contact, at best."

Mischa@crystyl:"Well when this is all done I very much look forward to getting back into the shadows"

NPC@annpc#557 | The lift doors slide open and Yuzuki and Mia step out, followed by Ensign Zerho and two other security officers

NPC@annpc#557 | Yuzuki: "So, showtime Mischa?"

Mischa@crystyl 's jaw clenches with distaste at the continued casual form of address from the betrayer but she bites her tongue, "Showtime, yes. I thought your observations of the Klingons could prove beneficial"

NPC@annpc#557 | Yuzuki nods, "Can I see their task force composition?"

Mischa@crystyl looks to Ori

Mischa@crystyl | Ori, "I have it here"

NPC@annpc#557 | Yuzuki steps over to observe, "I thought they'd bring the Kortar. That's the IKS Haq'Duj, their most dangerous ship. The K'Min might be their flagship and the Negh'Var might look big and -

NPC@annpc#557 - intimidating, but that little raptor is one of House K'Lek's finest. You've seen what the class can do, you fought alongside the QanwI' at the Heart."

Mischa@crystyl ;| Ori nods, "Yes, and I heard even more impossible tales of its exploits with the KDF. That is indeed a dangerous ship"

Mischa@crystyl peers over with a smirk, "Fortunately, we do not have a hangar bay /that/ big"

NPC@annpc#557 | Yuzuki: "And we're probably going to have it on our side today. Never managed to get any operatives on that crew. We tried, but I don't know if the captain realized he was up to something or -

NPC@annpc#557 - just didn't like the man. In any case they ended up in a duel to the death and our operative got a d'k tahg in his throat. She's good with these little knives. Might match me with my sai or -

NPC@annpc#557 - you with your throwing knives."

Mischa@crystyl:"Duly noted"

NPC@annpc#557 | Mia V: "She and the captain of the Negh'Var are the two Klingons most likely to take charge once their House leaders are exposed. She is the more cunning and less ideal of the two, but still -

NPC@annpc#557 - subscribes enough to Klingon honour to return the hostages."

Mischa@crystyl:"So what's our timeline looking like now?"

NPC@annpc#557 | Nethay: "The Klingons are almost at the rendezvous site."

NPC@annpc#557 | Yuzuki: "Selesk should be sending them the data as soon as they're in place."

Mischa@crystyl:"We know he's close by. I guess it won't take long for things to start to devolve out there at that point"

NPC@annpc#557 | Yuzuki nods, "When that starts happening, Kas'tor is going to bring his ship in. The operatives across the other ships are going to be challenged and taken out quickly, and a single bird of -

NPC@annpc#557 - prey won't last long against the whole task force. He'll try to evac them before the ship is taken out, as we've done with our other operatives that are exposed. We don't leave people behind -

NPC@annpc#557 - unless there's no other way. As soon as his ship shows up, hit it with the first modified frequency Mia's provided you."

Mischa@crystyl | Ori: "That's the one to corrupt his computer core and force them into a reboot, right?"

NPC@annpc#557 | Mia V nods, "Oui! Then, you can take down his weapons, shields, any other system in whichever order you like. The hull composition is still going to make it impossible for your transporters to -

NPC@annpc#557 - penetrate, but one of the frequencies will override their hangar doors so we can insert our boarding team."

Mischa@crystyl | Ori: "Acey is primed and ready for launch. She has the code"

Mischa@crystyl:"Perfect. Once things start to unfold we will head straight down there"

NPC@annpc#557 | Nethay: "The Klingons are dropping out of warp. They've begun assuming a standard defensive formation."

Mischa@crystyl:"So far so good"

NPC@annpc#557 | Victoria: "I'm picking up encrypted comms. It'll take a few minutes to break this encryption, but I'm pretty sure it's Selesk contacting them."

Mischa@crystyl:"It never hurts to keep your skills sharp, see if you can crack it out of curiosity before they do" she smiles

NPC@annpc#557 | Victoria grins and nods, "I'm on it. I've had some experience with Cardassian encryption, so I can probably beat the Klingons..."

NPC@annpc#557 | A little over a minute later, Victoria announces, "All done. I have the data, probably not much use after today, but could be further proof of how far this infiltration goes if we ever see -

NPC@annpc#557 - the need to convince someone of Survivor activity in Klingon territory."

Mischa@crystyl:"Glad to see you've still got your touch" she smiles

NPC@annpc#557 | Another minute passes before T'Bee announces, "I believe someone among the Klingons has just cracked it as well. Sensors are picking up increased movement on the Negh'Var." She adds after -

NPC@annpc#557 - a brief pause, "And weapons fire as well."

Mischa@crystyl:"Then that's our cue" she stands, "Let's go"

---

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Mischa steps into Acey's Dart with Ori, Sabina and Hassan, the boarding party from the Krenim mission, as well as Yuzuki and Mia, now back in belt form

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | As usual, Acey's holographic avatar flickers on, "Captain. I can put on the Latenter's viewscreen feed for you to observe the events while we await launch."

Mischa@crystyl:"That is very considerate of you Acey, thank you"

Mischa@crystyl | Ori smiles, "I feel like I should replicate some popcorn!"

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"This mission isn't going to be /that/ easy just because you have Mia's frequencies..."

Mischa@crystyl | Ori giggles, "Oh I know that! It's just to watch the show that Acey puts on for us!"

Mischa@crystyl:"You've been getting drawn into those 20th century holonovels again haven't you..."

Mischa@crystyl | Ori grins

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Acey: "And which holonovels might those be?"

Mischa@crystyl | Ori: "It's actually some that Captain Se'Lai got me on to once! They're all about solving mysteries and investigating things so I've been revisiting them to sharpen my operative skills!"

Mischa@crystyl:"Yes, well as I've told you; don't get wrapped up in the convenience of those period pieces. You seldom find a murder suspect to be the butler still holding the lead pipe he used to clobber someone-

Mischa@crystyl:- in the bathroom"

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Acey: "Yes, that would seem to be far too convenient."

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | On the viewscreen feed, the Negh'Var begins to open fire on the Kor-class bird of prey, which begins going evasive. Two of the other BoPs close in to pursue as the larger ship ceases shooting to avoid friendly fire

Mischa@crystyl | Ori chuckles at Acey, "She's been silly Acey and referencing an old board game of the same ilk!"

Mischa@crystyl:"Stand ready now ladies"

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | As the Kortar-class raptor begins to close in and join the action, the shadowy shape of a different Klingon cruiser can be seen, the distinct effect of the Survivor ships while still phased

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"That's our target. Looks like the lure worked."

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | The view moves closer as the Latenter closes in. It first unleashes the special anti-phasing sweep, revealing the ship entirely, followed by a single precise hit of its AP array

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris FX | https://stowiki.net/w/images/wiki_images/b/b0/Chargh%E2%80%99poH_Temporal_Destroyer.jpg

Mischa@crystyl:"And there she blows"

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | The Negh'Var immediately switches targets, pummelling the Survivor Klingon ship to no visible effect as its shields easily absorb all the hits. The Survivors ignore the Negh'Var like it's -

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - nothing more than an annoying fly. It instead concentrates what aft weapons it has on the Latenter. The view shifts as the Latenter goes into evasive, dodging the shots which appear to be -

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - unable to lock on properly. The enemy ship moves as well, trying to turn its fore to face the Latenter

Mischa@crystyl:"And here we again. Let's hope this modification works as it supposed to now"

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Acey: "The sensor data indicates that they are using manual targetting. The first hit must have already triggered the computer core to reboot and affected their targeting calculations."

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | The Latenter fires a second hit from the antiproton array and the Survivor ship's weapons abruptly cease functioning

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"And there goes their weapon systems."

Mischa@crystyl:"So far so good" she notes, eyeing Goto from the corner of her eye

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris doesn't seem to be up to anything suspicious. Yet

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | The Survivor ship realizes what's going on and begins moving to disengage, but the Latenter gets another shot in before it can do so

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Acey: "Enemy warp drive is down."

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | At this point, the Survivor ship is practically a sitting duck for the Latenter. It tries to evade at impulse and the Latenter's next hit takes that out as well, leaving it completely adrift

Mischa@crystyl:"Now how are the Klingons going to react..."

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | The Negh'Var ceases firing on the Survivor ship, turning its attention back to the Kor-class bird of prey which has already been damaged by the Kortar and other BoPs. It hits the Kor with a -

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - closely aimed shot before locking it in a tractor beam

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | The Latenter fires one more shot and the Survivor ship's shields flicker off

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Acey: "We have authorization to launch."

Mischa@crystyl:"Then let's go"

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | The Latenter's shuttlebay opens as the Dart begins to lift off. As they enter the space beyond, they see the Survivor ship for themselves through the Dart's windows...

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | As they near the Survivor ship, the Latenter fires another antiproton shot, this one visibly thinner and paler than the others, indicating a much weaker hit

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Acey: "Their hangar doors are opening. The final frequency is effective, Captain."

Mischa@crystyl:"That just narrows the field for when our guests will attempt to betray us. Now they are getting what they want, we will become expendable"

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Sabina: "Don't worry. I won't let them pull off what they tried with the Children."

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Acey: "Shall I take us into the hangar?"

Mischa@crystyl:"What makes you think it them that I'm talking about..." she turns to Acey with a nod, "Please"

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Acey nods and the Dart moves in towards the Survivor ship's open hangar

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Acey: "I am detecting lifesigns within. Shall I open fire on them upon entering?"

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Mia can't disable their suits from this distance. If they don't fall back, I can't see a non-lethal option against them, not without risking ourselves."

Mischa@crystyl:"Do what you can Acey"

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | As the Dart enters the hangar, several suited figure pop out of cover. Acey fires faster than them, incinerating crates and sending a few of them flying. One of them with a damaged suit tries -

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - to clamber to his feet and return fire, but Acey disintegrates him with a well-aimed shot. The rest of the defenders fall back. Two of them try to lay down covering fire for the others, -

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - which unfortunately makes them priority targets for Acey and gets them killed as well

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Acey glances to Yuzuki, "Three fatalities. As you can see, they shot first. We may stun the rest further in the ship, provided your Mia can disable their suits as promised."

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris nods, "The alternative was risking the Dart as well as walking into enemy fire. I understand."

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | The Dart touches down on the hangar deck and Miabelt once again transforms into the black suit Yuzuki had during the attempt on the President

Mischa@crystyl:"Alright, let's move before they have chance to regroup"

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Let's go."

---

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | The team steps out of the Dart. Yuzuki in Miasuit begins moving towards the door immediately

Mischa@crystyl let's them take the lead, mostly so she can just keep an eye on the pair

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris moves over to a panel by the hangar exit, holding out her arm in a fashion eerily reminiscent of a Borg drone. The suit extends very Borg-like tubules out to interface as well

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Hassan glances at Yuzuki suspiciously, then looks to Mischa, "Any idea what she's doing?"

Mischa@crystyl pulls a somewhat bemused face, "I want to say... assimilating the console..."

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Don't worry, I'm just disabling the defenses. The holographic security, drones, you're familiar with what we have if you've boarded the Krenim ship."

Mischa@crystyl | Ori groans, "Yeah, those things were a pain..."

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Mia's voice comes from the suit, "And now you don't have to deal with them anymore! All down." The tubules return to the suit as Yuzuki turns to Mischa

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Lead the way. I know you probably don't trust me to. I can provide you with a schematic, so you don't stumble around the place..."

Mischa@crystyl:"Actually I trust you much more to lead the way to be watching my back" she smiles sweetly, not moving

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Fair enough. Follow me, then," she moves to lead the way

NPC@annpc#557 | Before long, Acey's hologram announces, "Enemies ahead. Judging from the numbers, this was the group that retreated from the hangar."

Mischa@crystyl:"Acknowledged. Well Goto, time to put your money where your mouth is"

NPC@annpc#557 | Yuzuki nods, "Weapons to stun. Mia'll take care of the rest."

Mischa@crystyl switches her rifle to stun

NPC@annpc#557 | The first group comes into view, but suddenly their suits begin to malfunction, making them look like glitching holograms. They are unable to even fire weapons, with them built into their -

NPC@annpc#557 - suits, leaving them helpless as the programmable matter randomly flows across their bodies, leaving large gaps all over the place

Mischa@crystyl & Co. all jump in and begin firing stun shots through the gaps

NPC@annpc#557 | It doesn't take long for them to stun the group, who are caught unaware by the malfunctions. As they collapse, their suits return entirely to belt forms around mostly-Klingon individuals -

NPC@annpc#557 - wearing a very similar uniform to Yuzuki, but with a grey stripe instead of her purple but having the same red shoulders

NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "Interesting. All members of that team has predominantly Klingon DNA, though I am detecting a variety of other genetics as well. Orion, Human, Vulcanoid, Corvallen and Decen, among those -

NPC@annpc#557 - I am able to identify from a cursory scan."

NPC@annpc#557 | Yuzuki: "Most of our crews consist of people either retired from roles in your societies, or too hybridized to effectively fit in."

Mischa@crystyl:"I can see their excuses for signing on at least"

NPC@annpc#557 | Yuzuki: "Let's keep moving."

NPC@annpc#557 | The team continues on through the ship. They soon encounter a second group, who are just as surprised by the glitching armour as the first and stunned just as easily

NPC@annpc#557 | Yuzuki: "Don't get too complacent. This is one of the ships that still carries a stock of dedicated weaponry, because Klingons. Once they figure out what's happening, they'll start to show up -

NPC@annpc#557 - with conventional rifles and bat'leths. Still vulnerable to stun, but they'll put up a fight."

Mischa@crystyl:"That's fine. It's those damned belts that are the problem, not the brutes wearing them"

NPC@annpc#557 | Yuzuki: "Indeed. I know you and your team can handle a couple of Klingons."

Mischa@crystyl | Ori whispers to Hassan, "I don't think she was talking about the Klingons..."

NPC@annpc#557 | Hassan chuckles at Ori's comment

Mischa@crystyl groans, "Yes I was talking about the Klingons..."

NPC@annpc#557 | Sabina meanwhile asks, "How is it that your belt can override theirs, anyways?"

NPC@annpc#557 | Yuzuki: "My belt contains a Mark V Mia AI. Theirs are just tools. Very advanced tools with more intricate programming than your tricorders or MACO armour suits, but still no match for an AI -

NPC@annpc#557 - like Mia. And before you ask, it requires specific capabilities Acey does not currently have."

NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "Currently. I calculate a 77.2% chance that if I were to infect your programmable matter technology, I will be able to replicate the effect."

Mischa@crystyl | Ori: "Those are not the worst odds"

Mischa@crystyl:"And apparently I need to start you two back on the basics of not discussing your plans in front of those they involve..."

NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "I believe they are well aware of my capabilities, which is why they have not shared the specifics of how to achieve this. Unlike the weapon frequencies they provided, which will only be -

NPC@annpc#557 - effective this one time against this very specific vessel, learning to disable their suits will have much more far reaching consequences for them."

Mischa@crystyl:"Of that I have no doubt"

NPC@annpc#557 | The team reaches a lift, where Yuzuki once again begins 'assimilating' the access panel

NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "I recommend standing back. Scans indicate hostiles within...and the lift is moving past our current deck."

Mischa@crystyl:"Understood" she and the team back away

NPC@annpc#557 | Mia V: "Just diverting some enemies so we can move through the ship faster. We'll probably need to stun them all eventually, but we want to take control of the bridge first. Minimize their -

NPC@annpc#557 - of recovery."

NPC@annpc#557 | A few moments later, the lift door opens with no one inside."

NPC@annpc#557 | Mia V: "All on board!"

Mischa@crystyl heads in

---

NPC@annpc#557 | The lift doors open to another hallway

NPC@annpc#557 | Yuzuki: "This is a Klingon design, so they took boarding action in mind. There's no lift directly from the hangar deck to the bridge. This is the shortest path."

Mischa@crystyl:"Some things never change"

NPC@annpc#557 | Yuzuki: "That they do not."

NPC@annpc#557 | They make it a short distance ahead before Acey announces, "Enemies ahead. I'm reading weapons signatures on these."

NPC@annpc#557 | Yuzuki: "They've got the conventional arms out."

Mischa@crystyl:"Alright so we do this the old fashioned way"

NPC@annpc#557 | Hassan and Sabina nod, taking cover by the next doorway. Hassan takes out a stun grenade, rolling it through the door as it slides open. The team can hear a loud pop as it goes off, followed -

NPC@annpc#557 - by red bolts from the defending crew

Mischa@crystyl & Ori both do their usual as well, Mischa taking less but clean and accurate kill shots through the confusion while Ori targets anyone with a bat'leth

NPC@annpc#557 | Yuzuki joins in with shots from Miasuit. Despite the larger enemy number, the defending group is soon taken out and the team clear to proceed once again

NPC@annpc#557 | Yuzuki: "The bridge will be the most difficult. They'll be dug in, but fortunately this bridge is much larger than the typical Starfleet ship. An advantage of Klingon design- they like to show -

NPC@annpc#557 - off on their bigger ships. Mia and I will try to draw their fire, the suit's shields can take some hits. You do what you do best, Mischa."

Mischa@crystyl nods, "Been a while since I stormed a Klingon bridge"

NPC@annpc#557 | Yuzuki: "You and me both. The next lift's not far, now."

Mischa@crystyl:"Then let's not break the pace"

NPC@annpc#557 | The team encounters another group on the way, though they wear gold and yellow shoulders. They are armed with lighter weapons, almost primarily melee with some pistols and rifles. They put -

NPC@annpc#557 - up a fight nonetheless, though are stunned much more easily than the first. Though a good half of the team still has visible Klingon features, they are clearly less Klingon, and the other half -

NPC@annpc#557 - don't have visible Klingon features at all, seeming more Orion and Ferasan/Caitian

NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "I believe their uniform colours may roughly correspond with our own. If that is the case, these were likely technicians, explaining their lack of combat effectiveness."

Mischa@crystyl:"Stands to reason"

NPC@annpc#557 | They reach the next lift, with Yuzuki moving to the panel again. A few moments later, the doors open to another empty lift

NPC@annpc#557 | Yuzuki takes the spot closest to the lift door as it moves. It ascends and opens to another corridor, rather than right onto the bridge. As expected, enemy fire starts to stream in the moment -

NPC@annpc#557 - the doors open. Hassan throws another grenade down the hallway, this one going off with a hiss and filling the hall with smoke to obscure the enemy

Mischa@crystyl again is straight in using her scoped tracking to pick them off through the smoke while Ori closes in as if it isn't even there

NPC@annpc#557 | Mischa manages to drop the Klingons quickly. As Ori downs them close up, they begin to realize what's up, drawing bat'leths and mek'leths, though their counterattacks are more blind swings -

NPC@annpc#557 - with the smoke obscuring their vision

NPC@annpc#557 | Just as the enemies are downed and the hallway is clear however, the door on the far end slides open, raining more fire down and forcing Ori into cover

Mischa@crystyl switches to providing cover

NPC@annpc#557 | A booming Klingon voice sounds, "Disabling my ship, taking out our suits, I know we've got a traitor here. Come and show yourself!"

NPC@annpc#557 | Yuzuki: "And here's where I draw fire for you."

Mischa@crystyl:"Just remember; if you want him dropped, just give me the line of sight. Otherwise it's all on you"

NPC@annpc#557 | Yuzuki nods, "Mia, launch on 3...2...1..."

NPC@annpc#557 | Yuzuki jumps into the hall as some thruster device forms from the programmable matter on her back. It launches her forward through the hall right past the doorway, barreling through the -

NPC@annpc#557 - Klingons opening fire down the hall and giving the team the chance to advance

Mischa@crystyl pushes ahead as does everyone else

B'Atar@anncaris | The team enters the large bridge of the Klingon Survivor ship, where everyone's attention is currently drawn to the charging suited Yuzuki. She doesn't keep all of their attention for too long -

B'Atar@anncaris - as a few of the crew taking cover in stations dug into the side of the bridge like trenches quickly turn to the rest of the team. However, it buys them enough time to get to cover behind the -

B'Atar@anncaris - large pillars on the bridge, from which they are at a better position to return fire

Mischa@crystyl & Co. all do their thing

B'Atar@anncaris | Though the trench-like areas to the side offer good cover against an attack from the entrance, once Mischa gets behind a pillar, the higher ground puts the advantage to her side, allowing her -

B'Atar@anncaris - to quite easily pick off the nearby crew in lower positions. The rest of the team take advantage of the situation too, though Mischa scores the most hits with marksmanship being her -

B'Atar@anncaris - speciality. The remaining crew wisely decide not to get into cover where their comrades have fallen, forcing the team to press onward to stun them. Yuzuki meanwhile engages in close-quarters -

B'Atar@anncaris - with three Klingons in the centre, having formed two stun batons from Miasuit instead of her usual sai

Mischa@crystyl | Ori also jumps in to close range, naturally

B'Atar@anncaris | The Klingons are tough enough to withstand a few blows from Yuzuki's stunners, but one is already down by the time Ori gets in. She manages to get the jump on the second, and before long -

B'Atar@anncaris - Yuzuki has the third subdued as well, this one wearing a different uniform from the others with blue shoulders and a white stripe. As the rest of the team advances, four Klingons retreat out -

B'Atar@anncaris - of the ditches to the centre, drawing melee weapons and charging at Ori and Yuzuki

Mischa@crystyl provides suppressing fire to keep them from overwhelming the pair

B'Atar@anncaris | Mischa keeps the rest of the crew pinned down on the left side while Hassan takes the right. Sabina takes advantage of the suppressive fire, tossing in a smoke grenade before sliding into -

B'Atar@anncaris - the left area and beginning to systematically take down the blinded defenders within

B'Atar@anncaris | Acey drops her pistol, instead teleporting her hologram forward to pick up a weapon dropped by a Klingon on the right side, lowering the setting before proceeding to stun those left in the area

B'Atar@anncaris | As the bridge crew are just about to be all subdued, a mist emerges from one of the vents and quickly transforms itself into a Founder mid-air, going for Yuzuki. Miasuit however separates from -

B'Atar@anncaris - her, enveloping the Founder and seeming to contain it for a brief moment...

B'Atar@anncaris ...before Mia suddenly transforms itself into a large device somewhat resembling a TOS tricorder and the Founder lashes out at Yuzuki and Ori with a mass of tendrils!

Mischa@crystyl | Ori defends herself cautiously

Mischa@crystyl:rolls 3 (1-100)

B'Atar@anncaris | Ori manages to evade some tendrils, but the sheer mass of it is overwhelming, and she is caught by one and slapped aside. The mist form already shows this is quite a skilled and powerful -

B'Atar@anncaris - Founder, but the speed it moves at is something else, easily able to keep up with a human augment. Sabina rushes over to assist Ori, but finds herself thrown away by a tendril as well. -

B'Atar@anncaris - Fortunately, the enemy seems more interested on Yuzuki as its entire mass soon pounces on her, pinning her to the ground. A tendril wraps around her neck as a face forms, speaking with Fox's -

B'Atar@anncaris - distinctive cadence...

B'Atar@anncaris | Aka: "Do you think I would not have a failsafe against a MIA unit I assigned to you, Commander?"

B'Atar@anncaris | Yuzuki: "Mia's not the one I'm counting on for this..."

B'Atar@anncaris | Suddenly, a force field cage snaps into place in the centre of the bridge, containing the two within

B'Atar@anncaris | Yuzuki smiles, "Thank you, Acey."

B'Atar@anncaris | Aka: "You do realize you are trapped in here with me."

B'Atar@anncaris | Yuzuki: "You can kill me and leave yourself and this ship to their mercy. Or you can let me do what I planned to do and bring you back to the Conclave to answer for your unsanctioned actions."

Mischa@crystyl pinches the bridge of her nose and sighs

B'Atar@anncaris | Aka: "And yours as well."

B'Atar@anncaris | Yuzuki: "I'm ready to accept responsibility for what I did here. You might not care for lives, but you can see that letting this ship and its crew fall into their hands doesn't benefit our -

B'Atar@anncaris - plans."

B'Atar@anncaris | Aka: "Our plans are already in tatters due to their interference. And yours. I am salvaging what I can."

B'Atar@anncaris | Yuzuki: "Then stand down. That's the best way to salvage the situation from here on out."

B'Atar@anncaris | Aka: "Very well. But you will most certainly answer for your betrayal once we return. Sometimes, unsanctioned action is necessary. I see you have learned that much. But /never/ against our own people."

B'Atar@anncaris | As they converse, Mischa notices Acey's hologram flickering more than usual. It suddenly disappears, flashing into existence in lower, uncoloured quality beside Mischa

Mischa@crystyl:"Acey?"

B'Atar@anncaris | Acey: "We have a problem. The IKS Haq'Duj has landed in the hangar. Gul Selesk's ship is on the way as well. I have cloaked and am currently holding position outside."

Mischa@crystyl:"What about the hostages?"

B'Atar@anncaris | Acey: "No word yet, Captain, but I do not detect any human lifesigns among the two ships. They have begun a boarding action of their own."

B'Atar@anncaris | Hassan: "That wasn't part of the plan."

Mischa@crystyl:"Acey, find them. They are our only concern here"

B'Atar@anncaris | Acey: "Affirmative."

B'Atar@anncaris | Yuzuki looks to the viewscreen of the bridge as a Lethean escort warps in, followed by a Gorn cruiser

B'Atar@anncaris | Yuzuki: "What...these aren't your friends, are they Mischa?"

Mischa@crystyl:"Not that I know of..."

B'Atar@anncaris | Aka: "Gul Selesk has betrayed you in turn, Commander. There is a reason I did not trust the Cardassian with more than what he needed to be useful to us."

B'Atar@anncaris | Sabina steps over to a flashing console, "Looks like there's incoming communications. From Selesk."

Mischa@crystyl:"No doubt looking to stall things here while he completes his move"

B'Atar@anncaris | Sabina: "Should I put him through, or?"

Mischa@crystyl:"I still haven't got what I came here for yet, so sure why not"

B'Atar@anncaris | Gul Selesk appears on the Klingon ship's viewscreen, his body below the neck now covered by one of the Survivors' non-Mia white suits

B'Atar@anncaris | Selesk: "Captain! I see you've taken control of the bridge, exactly as I had hoped. Shall we negotiate?"

Mischa@crystyl:"You have nothing to negotiate with Selesk"

B'Atar@anncaris | Selesk: "Don't I? Allow me to enlighten you with the...cards I am holding. Is that the right human game for the analogy? No matter. You see, I've already convinced members of House K'Lek that -

B'Atar@anncaris - their leadership were infiltrators. The little encrypted communication here, that was just for show. We just needed this opportunity- Commander Goto's help and your help for that matter, thank -

B'Atar@anncaris - you very much, to disable the ship. And because the Klingons and I are working together on this, that naturally means /we/ now hold your family."

B'Atar@anncaris | Acey: "An escape pod just launched from the Negh'Var towards the Latenter. I am reading a single lifesign on board- human."

B'Atar@anncaris | Selesk: "A gesture of my goodwill. I am no monster. Now, if you and your boarding party will vacate this ship and leave it to me, I will return your other family member."

Mischa@crystyl:"No you can return them now. And once both are confirmed to be unharmed we will leave you all to your own mess"

B'Atar@anncaris | Selesk: "That's not how a trade works, Captain. I've already given you something in advance. Now if you haven't noticed, your ships are terribly outnumbered, and as skilled as your boarding -

B'Atar@anncaris - party is, House K'Lek's best warriors, as well as some of the best people I've collected over the quadrant, are taking control of the rest of this ship. Some of us with these nice suits, I -

B'Atar@anncaris - might add. I'm playing nice by negotiating a trade. I could blow you all out of the stars, but I have no wish to antagonize Starfleet. I have enough to deal with here."

Mischa@crystyl:"Yes you do, and you know how thin ice you are on with me as it is. So do yourself a favour and keep at least one foot on my good side while you can. Because once you cross that line, you're not -

Mischa@crystyl:- clawing your way back over it"

B'Atar@anncaris | Hassan: "Acey, can you take over this ship before they do?"

B'Atar@anncaris | Acey's hologram shakes her head, "Negative. It took significant time infiltrating and taking control of their systems on the Krenim vessel. While I have more experience, the chances of success -

B'Atar@anncaris - are unfavourable. And failure will likely result in my erasure as well as your demise," she looks to Mischa, "However, the Latenter has recovered the human lifesign. He is being taken to -

B'Atar@anncaris - sickbay for an in-depth check, but preliminary information indicates he is George Leveson-Scott, and in good health."

Mischa@crystyl nods her understanding

B'Atar@anncaris | Selesk sighs, "Fine. I've seen enough intel on you to know it's a bad idea to push you." He glances offscreen, "Fire the other pod."

B'Atar@anncaris | Selesk turns back to the screen, "As you can see, I've no wish to antagonize you. But I still have all the cards here. If you want to guarantee your family's safety, it would be wise to leave -

B'Atar@anncaris - the ship and get out of here."

Mischa@crystyl:"Good. Then I look forward to the next time we cross paths. As promised, once she is confirmed to be unharmed as well we will leave you to your little party. I never did like playing the third nacelle"

B'Atar@anncaris | Selesk smiles, "Excellent. I'd hoped that you'd be reasonable."

B'Atar@anncaris | Acey: "Second pod has launched, Captain. Latenter is moving to recover."

Mischa@crystyl:"I am always reasonable. And as much I would relish the chance to lock this Founder in a flask and take up juggling practice with it, restoring order to the line he crossed is more important" she -

Mischa@crystyl:- looks to Yuzu, "Seems you're going to get away from for another day after all Goto. I hope that turns out to be a blessing for you, because I still plan to collect"

B'Atar@anncaris | Yuzuki: "I don't know what that Cardassian has planned for me, but it's certainly not part of our original plan. He was never supposed to board unless you got too ambitious..."

Mischa@crystyl:"You underestimated which of your temporary allies was most likely to get too ambitious"

B'Atar@anncaris | Yuzuki sighs, "It would seem so."

B'Atar@anncaris | Acey: "Latenter reports that your mother is aboard and unharmed."

B'Atar@anncaris | Sabina: "Let's get out of here while we still can. I don't like the sounds of what that Cardassian is up to."

Mischa@crystyl:"In that case, it's time to go" she smiles and waves at the caged pair, "Try not to let these guys kill you. I'd hate to miss the opportunity"

B'Atar@anncaris | Yuzuki: "So much for the Klingons being fair arbitrators..."

Mischa@crystyl takes one last glance to the viewscreen, "We'll be seeing you then Selesk. I look forward to seeing how this plays out for you" and with that turns to head out

B'Atar@anncaris | The team returns through the ship towards the hangar. Taking the first lift down, they arrive at the middle deck they passed through, finding themselves face to face with the Klingon boarding -

B'Atar@anncaris - party, some of whom are already dressed in the Survivor suits. A Klingon female at the head of the group holds up her hand and the team pauses, lowering their weapons

B'Atar@anncaris | The female steps up towards them cautiously. Mischa sees that despite seemingly being their leader, she hasn't looted and made use of one of the suits. Instead, she's dressed in a long jacket, -

B'Atar@anncaris - holding a pair of bayoneted pistols

B'Atar@anncaris | Klingon Leader: "You must be the Starfleet boarding team."

Mischa@crystyl:"Must be. I hope you all know what you're getting in to here, those caged on the bridge won't be easily contained"

B'Atar@anncaris | Klingon Leader: "The Cardassian has a plan for them. I'd rather test my skills against them the old-fashioned way, but his plan's served us well so far. I take it the bodies on the way were -

B'Atar@anncaris - your work?"

Mischa@crystyl:"Some. But those that your people took those suits from... well, let's just say I'd think carefully about continuing to use those suits here. After all, did you see any regular combat wounds on them?

B'Atar@anncaris | Klingon Leader: "There's a reason I didn't take one for myself. The Gul says they're safe to use, but there's only so far I'll go in trusting a Cardassian. Suits or not, we'll clean up the -

B'Atar@anncaris - rest from here. These soft-headed petaQ aren't real Klingons. No amount of tech is going to save them."

Mischa@crystyl:"I hope for your sake that you are right. But you have my warning; ditch the suits before you go near those captive on the bridge"

B'Atar@anncaris | Klingon Leader: "Noted. Come on, let's drop the suits and take the bridge."

B'Atar@anncaris | A few of the Klingons are clearly dismayed at having to ditch their newly acquired shinies, but they obey their leader, deactivating the suits and tossing aside the belts. The Klingon team -

B'Atar@anncaris - makes its way past Mischa's, heading towards the lift they came from

Mischa@crystyl gives a firm nod in parting, "Qapla'!"

B'Atar@anncaris | Klingon Leader: "Qapla'!"

B'Atar@anncaris | The team proceed through the rest of the ship without incident, soon reaching the hangar where the Kortar and Gul Selesk's ship are now crammed in. Acey's Dart has just enough room to squeeze -

B'Atar@anncaris - through as it decloaks and picks them up

---

NPC@annpc#557 | Acey's Dart touches back down in the Latenter's shuttlebay. As the boarding party disembarks, Ensign Chan makes his way up to them

NPC@annpc#557 | Chan: "Captain. Your family's in sickbay being examined now. So far, everything looks good."

Mischa@crystyl:"Thank you Ensign"

NPC@annpc#557 | Hassan: "You heading back up to the bridge, or paying them a visit in sickbay first?"

Mischa@crystyl:"I will indulge in personal affairs once I am satisfied that our enemies are behind us" she continues on her way to the bridge

NPC@annpc#557 | Mischa arrives at the bridge with Hassan

NPC@annpc#557 | T'Fel: "I have identification on the Gorn vessel. It is the Svasska Razor, associated with the Inferno Maw mercenary group."

NPC@annpc#557 | Victoria: "More mercs, probably under the Gul's payroll." She turns, "Welcome back, Captain."

Mischa@crystyl:"Thank you" she takes her seat, "Any movement from the Survivor ship yet?"

NPC@annpc#557 | T'Fel: "No movement, but ambient power levels appear to be rising, indicating that they are restoring systems. There have been additional boarders from the other Klingon vessels."

NPC@annpc#557 | T'Bee: "Their transporters are online. I'm picking up a tachyon transport from the Survivor ship to the Negh'Var."

Mischa@crystyl:"Let's make sure to stay out of their way, but I want to keep a close eye on them still"

NPC@annpc#557 | Victoria nods, "Understood. Shall we return to cloak?"

Mischa@crystyl nods, "Yes. but let them see that we're turning away before activating it"

NPC@annpc#557 | Nethay: "Aye Captain. Turning us away."

NPC@annpc#557 | Victoria: "What about the Krenim ship. Shall I advise Admiral Tuvok to return to Crateris?"

Mischa@crystyl:"Yes, the situation here is resolved now as far as we are concerned"

NPC@annpc#557 | Victoria: "Advising them to fall back now."

NPC@annpc#557 | T'Fel: "Activating cloak."

NPC@annpc#557 | The viewscreen shimmers as the Latenter cloaks

NPC@annpc#557 | Daurant: "Looks like the Survivor ship's engines are powering up. No movement yet, though."

Mischa@crystyl:"If they were annoyed at losing the Krenim ship to us, they're going to be absolutely livid at losing that to our Cardassian friend"

NPC@annpc#557 | Victoria: "He can't be planning to get up to any good with it. But if that ship shows up somewhere visible, I suspect the Survivors'll be right on it. He won't have an easy time achieving -

NPC@annpc#557 - whatever he has planned. I don't like him having such a powerful ship at his hands, but I suppose it'll give the bigger threat something else to deal with. Enemy of our enemy and all."

NPC@annpc#557 | T'Bee nods, "I believe that was our logic for a temporary cooperation with Selesk to begin with."

Mischa@crystyl:"Indeed. I don't like it any more than you do, but it deals a significant blow to our enemy. Besides, something tells me he's not going to be on this little winning streak for too long. When those -

Mischa@crystyl:- Klingons realise that he was setting them up to fall to Mia by wearing those suits, his closest allies will soon come to question him"

NPC@annpc#557 | T'Fel: "The Klingon and mercenary vessels are on the move. They appear to be rearranging themselves to withdraw."

NPC@annpc#557 | Daurant: "Survivor ship is on the move as well. Forming up with the Klingons."

Mischa@crystyl:"This will certainly make for an interesting shift in the dynamic. Though it may also make our enemy even less predictable now if both Fox and Goto are out of the equation"

NPC@annpc#557 | Hassan nods, "True. They were known variables for us."

Mischa@crystyl:"Still, today's objective was completed so that's good enough for me. The disruption to our enemy is just a bonus" she stands, "Let's rendezvous with Tuvok and get back to base"

NPC@annpc#557 | Victoria: "Captain, there's an open broadcast from the Survivor ship, directed at our last known position before cloaking."

Mischa@crystyl stops and turns, "Let's hear it"

NPC@annpc#557 | Gul Selesk appears on the viewscreen, "Captain Leveson-Scott. I thank you for your cooperation. Before we go, allow me to present you with a parting gift for being so accommodating."

NPC@annpc#557 | Victoria: "That's all. No attached files, no-"

Mischa@crystyl frowns, resisting the urge to go straight to red alert as she listens

NPC@annpc#557 | T'Fel announces as Victoria pauses, "The Negh'Var has launched another escape pod."

NPC@annpc#557 | T'Bee raises a brow, "I am detecting a human lifesign within, but there is no third hostage."

Mischa@crystyl:"That will be Goto..." she sighs

Mischa@crystyl | Ori hesitates, "Should I... arm weapons Captain...?"

Mischa@crystyl:"No... as much as she deserves it, we're better than that. Leave it for now, let's see if they continue to depart or if they are waiting for us to show ourselves now they have control of that ship"

NPC@annpc#557 | A few moments pass and the Survivor ship warps out, accompanied by the Klingons and mercenaries

NPC@annpc#557 | Yuzuki's pod is left adrift and on its own

Mischa@crystyl:"Well he certainly doesn't care for making sure she gets picked up, I'll give him that much. Alright, beam straight into a cell. I'll get to her when I've not got better things to do"

NPC@annpc#557 | Victoria nods, "Transporting her to the brig."

Mischa@crystyl:"Right, back on course then. I'll be in sickbay"

---

NPC@annpc#557 | As the Latenter gets underway, Mischa steps into sickbay, where both her parents are sitting on medical beds. Buena is at a console, standing as Mischa enters

Mischa@crystyl heads straight for Buena, "So what's the verdict Buena?"

NPC@annpc#557 | Buena smiles, "Everything looks good, Captain. They're not impostors, changelings or anything of the sort, and they haven't been hurt. My analysis indicates they were subdued with a nerve -

NPC@annpc#557 - pinch. Their description of how they felt after they came to indicates they were probably given a sedative to keep them under, but whatever that was, there's no trace of it left in their -

NPC@annpc#557 - bloodstream anymore. Certainly no long-term or hidden health risk. I'd say the most serious harm that's come to them is living in the conditions of a Klingon brig."

Mischa@crystyl hrms, "I don't like it. Fox isn't the sort to leave anything to chance. If it was just the Klingons I could believe it, but there's no way he wouldn't account for an outcome where we got them out -

Mischa@crystyl - safely. Do whatever it takes, but we have to be absolutely certain they are not compromised. Until then, consider it a quarantine"

NPC@annpc#557 | Buena nods, "I'll keep them under observation here in sickbay."

NPC@annpc#557 | Meanwhile, Mischa's mother speaks up, "Mischa, what've you gotten yourself wrapped up in this time..."

NPC@annpc#557 | Lord Leveson-Scott: "Let me guess...it's all classified."

Mischa@crystyl turns with a smile, joining her mother's side to take her hand while looking between the two, "When is it ever not, father. I am sorry you got caught up in all though"

NPC@annpc#557 | Lord Leveson-Scott smiles back, "Well, you came to our rescue. But your enemies have never struck at us. And in our home on Earth," a look of concern crosses his face. "Can we even return -

NPC@annpc#557 - there, or do we have to go into some form of protective custody?"

Mischa@crystyl chuckles, "And you always said that /I/ was the one with the active imagination. No, of course we will get you both home as soon as we can. But for now - and for your own good as much as mine and -

Mischa@crystyl - my crew's, I will need you to remain here in quarantine while we make sure they didn't do anything to you. Once we do get you home, I will make sure to provide adequate security to the estate"

NPC@annpc#557 | Her mother nods, "Do you think they could've done something to us?"

NPC@annpc#557 | Lord Leveson-Scott: "I'm sure it's just a precaution, dear."

Mischa@crystyl:"I don't think they would have done anything to harm you later or any such thing. But, well, for example they use nanotechnology. And we have met an AI of theirs which we know can survive as a -

Mischa@crystyl:- single nanite. It would not take much for them to slip one of those into a drink or food to have it later depart and make itself whole again whilst safely back on Earth"

NPC@annpc#557 | Lord Leveson-Scott: "I knew they were no ordinary Klingons. That first ship they held us in, it looked different from the second. Much more advanced. Many of the Klingons onboard appeared -

NPC@annpc#557 - different as well. Like they were only partly Klingon, or experimenting with eugenics."

Mischa@crystyl:"We did encounter some who had combined genetics of several species" she nods, "I believe it is a natural evolution thing in this instance however"

NPC@annpc#557 | Lady Leveson-Scott: "I don't suppose you can tell us anything more about what's going on. I know the Klingons are supposed to be our allies now, but getting access to Earth? And I don't know -

NPC@annpc#557 - if I was imagining things, but I believe it was a Changeling we saw in the house."

NPC@annpc#557 | Her father shakes his head, "It seems like the Dominion War days all over again..."

Mischa@crystyl:"It is not the Dominion War again father, and the Klingons are still allies. This enemy is not affiliated with any one galactic power"

NPC@annpc#557 | Lord Leveson-Scott: "They are renegades, then? Some rogue Klingon House?"

Mischa@crystyl:"While there clearly was a rogue House involved here, it is fair to say that this enemy is far more troublesome than simply renegades. The fact that they have seen enough of my attention to even -

Mischa@crystyl:- warrant a desperate personal attack tells us that much"

NPC@annpc#557 | Lady Leveson-Scott: "Indeed...you're sure you can handle this, Mischa? You're not in too deep this time?"

Mischa@crystyl gives a reassuring smile, "I don't do too deep. It is our enemy who is in that position, and I think after today they are starting to realize it"

NPC@annpc#557 | Her father nods, "Yes. I don't need to be your father to know the fury that coming after us has no doubt stirred up in you."

Mischa@crystyl hrmphs, "I'll have you know I carried myself like a true lady as always and kicked their asses with the finest of etiquette" she smirks a little

NPC@annpc#557 | Lady Leveson-Scott chuckles, "I have faith in you, Mischa. You managed to get us back, after all. The Klingons did seem to release us willingly. I do hope you didn't have to give up anything -

NPC@annpc#557 - as a trade..."

Mischa@crystyl:"Eh, nothing that can't wait for another day. Besides, any sacrifice was worth it to see the looks on their faces" she chuckles

NPC@annpc#557 | Lord Leveson-Scott smiles, "I'm glad you're showing them up, Mischa. And I don't have to tell you to be careful."

Mischa@crystyl:"Even if you did, you know I'd never listen" she chuckles, "But I do always appreciate the thought"

NPC@annpc#557 | Lady Leveson-Scott: "Well, keep up the good work here. And we'll do our best to keep out of trouble as well."

Mischa@crystyl smiles and hugs them both in turn, "I'll keep up my end if you keep up yours"

NPC@annpc#557 | Lady Leveson-Scott smiles back, "We promise, Mischa."

Mischa@crystyl turns back to Buena, "Keep me posted"

NPC@annpc#557 | Buena nods, "There's one other thing you might be interested in, if you're not in a hurry, Captain."

Mischa@crystyl:"Sure Bee, what have you got?"

NPC@annpc#557 | Buena: "I hear Commander Goto's back? Is that right?"

Mischa@crystyl:"Ms. Goto is not a Starfleet Officer anymore, you do not need to address her by her former rank. But yes, yes she is"

Mischa@crystyl is clearly no happier about that than she is no longer holding a grudge against her white whale...

NPC@annpc#557 | Buena: "Last time she was in the brig, I did a scan of her. She's switched out our modern anti-telepathy implant for something, well...significantly more advanced. It serves the same base -

NPC@annpc#557 - function. I've been analyzing it, and I can't see a way to safely adjust its frequency or remove it. From what I can tell, there's a failsafe built in so that any attempt to tamper with it -

NPC@annpc#557 - will result in an effect similar to cleansing full Horde control. In essence, a complete mind wipe. So telepathic interrogation won't be an option."

Mischa@crystyl:"And I'm afraid that we trained her too well for conventional means to be effective"

NPC@annpc#557 | Buena nods, "Exactly. Just thought you'd like to know. She might still be useful though, since we're planning to head into the universe she and her people came from. I wouldn't exactly trust -

NPC@annpc#557 - any guidance from her, but maybe it could help to have a local around."

Mischa@crystyl:"Yes, and unfortunately I don't think I can put off welcoming her back any longer..."

NPC@annpc#557 | Buena: "Good luck, Captain."

Mischa@crystyl hrms, "Thanks... I think" and smiles a little as she turns to head out

---

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Mischa enters the brig, where there are still two armed Security on duty, though Ensign Zerho and the big Guardian rifle are not present. It's clear to Mischa why as soon as she steps inside

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris sits in her cell, still wearing the same Survivor uniform, though the Miabelt and badge is missing. She seems to have no advanced Survivor tech, beyond the implant in her head of course

Mischa@crystyl steps over to the cell, leaning against the wall with her arms folded as she looks in, "Not sulking now, are we?"

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris looks up, "Not here to gloat now, are we? Seems this mission ended in your favour in every way. You have your family back, you've kept the Krenim ship, and you've got me."

Mischa@crystyl:"Oh yes, smashing. If you just ignore the fact that Fox is now out there somewhere and one of your more powerful ships is in the hands of an unstable ex-Obsidian Order deviant on a power trip..."

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Neither of which I wanted. I don't know what Selesk did with Aka, he was still contained when I was transported out. I doubt Selesk will just execute someone with the amount of knowledge Aka has, -

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- but in any case, roaming free or as a prisoner of a power-hungry, backstabbing Cardassian...it's not good."

Mischa@crystyl:"Have you considered the prospect that Selesk was on Aka's payroll this whole time and what just happened was in fact a rescue of sorts?"

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Selesk /is/ on Aka's payroll. But I don't think that was a rescue. The Haq'Duj crew, they were executing people we've stunned. In the Klingon way at least, they woke them back up and threw them a -

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- blade to give them a chance to fight back, but it was basically an execution with extra steps. They wouldn't be doing that if it was a rescue mission. Aka's ruthless, but he wouldn't allow that."

Mischa@crystyl:"Perhaps. Still, why would he throw you out and keep Aka there?"

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Same reason he's letting the Klingons kill the crew, most likely. He doesn't need me. I'm a field operative. He knows he won't get any intel out of me, so he decided to hand me over to you as a -

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- diplomatic olive branch. If he was doing this for Aka, he'd probably leave me to him too. It's not like handing me over was part of the deal he made you. He only agreed to hand over your parents."

Mischa@crystyl:"Yes and you saw how much I had to push him for that. There was no reason for him to throw us an olive branch. And if you were just surplus to requirements because - as you say - he'd never get -

Mischa@crystyl:- anything out of you, then Aka would surely be the same, only much more of a threat to keep around"

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"True, but Aka doesn't use an anti-telepathy implant. He's more of a threat, but Selesk also has more of a chance to extract intel from him than he does from me. I don't believe anyone in this -

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- universe has developed the technology yet, but it is possible to create something that mimics the Great Link, and then get a Changeling to interact with it. The An accomplished it in our -

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- timeline. I don't know if Selesk suspects it is possible, but clearly he's even more devious than I gave him credit for."

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"So, I'm giving him a little more credit now."

Mischa@crystyl:"Well, underestimating people in this universe is at least a consistency of yours by now. Of course now I'm left with the issue of what to do with you"

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"I don't exactly have a lot of options. Even if I somehow break out, after the mess that was the last mission, my people will probably throw me in a brig anyways. And as much as you might despise -

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- me, I know you're still a Starfleet officer. You're not going to execute an unarmed prisoner. So either you hold me in the brig here, transfer me to one of the Admirals to put in some other brig -

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- or prison...it's all a cell to me."

Mischa@crystyl:"Just giving up and resigning to your fate? Well that's new"

Mischa@crystyl chuckles, "So much for not pouting"

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Not much else I can do. If I promise not to try anything since escaping or not escaping is all the same to me, will you really give me some guest quarters? Even then, it'll just be a slightly more -

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- gilded cage. I do have one other piece of intel for you. I was going to give it to you once everything was done. I don't know how much use it'll be to you, but it's a little heads up if nothing -

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- else."

Mischa@crystyl:"Alright..."

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Don't worry, I'm not trying to use it as a bargaining chip. I might as well give it to you now, for old times sake."

Mischa@crystyl looks on expectantly

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Aka and Kas'tor aren't the only ones taking matters too far. There's another member of the Conclave. You've tangled with him before too, at the Vault. Captain Douglas of the Valley Forge. He's got -

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- a chip in his shoulder for you after that battle, but he's not coming for you."

Mischa@crystyl:"Seems to be another commonality among your Conclave lot. Don't tell me he's going for my family too..."

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"No, but he's going for people you probably consider friends. He's going after your Valley Forge. And the Loki, who's travelling with them, commanded by your old XO."

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"It's not personal against you. As you're well aware, they've been hampering our plans by the rim. The Chief doesn't want them harmed, but Aka and Douglas have other ideas."

Mischa@crystyl:"Well we don't even know where they are, so I don't expect there's much I can do about that. I am more interested in why this 'Chief' doesn't want them hurt..."

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Because as I told you, we're not the holonovel villains you think we are. And while I don't know /exactly/ where they are, I do have a rough idea. Something you might be able to work with if you -

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- pass it along to your allies at the Heart. Whether they'll get there quickly enough to help is a different matter, though."

Mischa@crystyl:"Alright, and where do you think they are then?"

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"In the Gamma Quadrant, somewhere along the An-Dominion border. It's a large area, too large to search, but I also heard something about a new Tomb World. That might narrow things down. I've never -

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- operated in that region, so I can't be of much help. But if the Iconians open a gateway to the Commonwealth and your An allies from the Horde conflict go through to talk with their own -

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- people, they might be able to use that intel to work out a manageable search radius. Maybe even get into contact with the Valley Forge directly to warn them."

Mischa@crystyl:"Assuming this is good information of course, that would certainly be helpful. And if I recall, those ships first disappeared while chasing off your changeling friend..."

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris nods, "That's true. And you have no reason to trust me, I understand. In all likelihood, even if you did begin a search, you probably won't get there to help quickly enough. Actually, Douglas -

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - already knows exactly where to find your Valley Forge. He's waiting for a lead on the Lexington before he strikes. Take out all the targets in one swift stroke."

Mischa@crystyl:"The Lexington? How do they fit into the equation?"

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"They're the main ones hampering our plans in the Gamma Quadrant. The Valley Forge and her convoy got there by accident trying to catch Aka. Lexington is actually the priority target, but Aka is -

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- nothing if not efficient. The plan was actually to use the Valley Forge through our people in the Commonwealth to locate the Lexington, and wiped them all out with a single attack. The last thing I -

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- heard was that the Valley Forge found the Lexington already, but managed to do so without tipping our people off as to their exact location. But the two ships are close together now, and it won't -

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- be long until our Forge strikes. As soon as they know where to find the Lexington, it'll start, even if that means two separate attacks instead of one."

Mischa@crystyl:"Sounds like things are getting intense out that way, and I get the feeling you are actually being truthful. At least to some extent. I can't imagine making up such a convoluted tale otherwise"

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris smiles, "And what good would it do me if I did? I already seriously ruined my last op. And it would be even more convoluted to think we planned all this, down to my capture to feed you false -

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - intel in order to lead you into a trap. Our plans are intricate, but we're not /that/ good. There are things even we can't plan for, as recent events have made all too clear."

Mischa@crystyl smiles, "And that is easily the icing on my cake today. Well, make yourself comfortable for now. I will pass on your intel and let the Admirals decide how we proceed from here"

---

NPC@annpc#557 | The return journey to Crateris does not take long with both the Latenter and Krenim vessel capable of transwarp and not needing to wait 2 weeks for the rendezvous. Upon arriving, Mischa is -

NPC@annpc#557 - once again called to a debriefing with the Director in his temporary Reman office

Mischa@crystyl arrives and chimes the door

NPC@annpc#557 | Director: "Come in."

Mischa@crystyl strolls in, "Director"

NPC@annpc#557 | Director: "Welcome back, Captain. I hear your parents have been safely recovered?"

Mischa@crystyl nods, "Affirmative. We are still taking precautions to ensure they are not being used for anything subversive, but they are well"

NPC@annpc#557 | The Director nods back, "That's good news. And the Krenim ship has been safely returned as well. Admiral Tuvok has given me his report, but you were the one at the centre of that situation."

Mischa@crystyl takes a seat, "Of course. Though we did retrieve the civilian hostages - which was our primary objective - there were still fundamentals where the mission fell short of an optimal outcome"

NPC@annpc#557 | Director: "How so?"

Mischa@crystyl:"We could have taken their Klingon warship, the changeling Aka - we knew as Commodore Fox - as well as my former XO, Ms. Goto and one of their more advanced AI nanosuit belts"

NPC@annpc#557 | Director: "Really? Did they manage to escape on board their vessel, then?"

Mischa@crystyl:"As always, the situation is rather more complicated. Whilst we were en route, I was contacted by our old Cardassian friend Gul Selesk insisting on a meeting that was pertinent to our current -

Mischa@crystyl:- objective. Obliged to investigate, I boarded his ship to be met by Goto who claimed that this kidnapping was a rogue action, and that Aka was acting alone - not in accordance with their governing -

Mischa@crystyl:- body, the Conclave. She was out to reign him in - and supposedly going rogue herself to do so expediently, which is why she had to use Selesk. As a result of this, she became a temporary 'guest' -

Mischa@crystyl:- on the Latenter, along with her 'Mia' unit. This is a belt which forms their nanotech armour, and is arguably also an explanation for rumours of 'artificial changelings' that have been -

Mischa@crystyl:- circulating. This one was a highly advanced unit that was clearly technologically capable of undermining us so we had little choice but to go along with their plans. They claimed that they needed -

Mischa@crystyl:- our upgraded weapon to effectively disarm that ship using their equivalent of shield prefix codes, which did explain the sudden olive branch"

NPC@annpc#557 | The Director nods, "I assume the plan succeeded, or at least the part concerning the disarming of that vessel?"

Mischa@crystyl:"Yes, Sir. For all intents and purposes I would have to surmise that Goto and Mia were being genuine with us on this occasion, at least with the details they shared in order to use us to reach -

Mischa@crystyl:- their own ends. While we disarmed and boarded the ship, Selesk leaked intel to the rogue Klingons present that exposed the infiltrators in their ranks. This sparked a conflict as predicted which -

Mischa@crystyl:- gave us the window we needed to board. We obliged - to the best of our abilities - in using non-lethal methods, since the agreement made was that the Klingon ship would go free under Mia's -

Mischa@crystyl:- control. It was no surprise that Goto was not willing to simply remain in custody, but she did consent to a Klingon honour duel after the situation was secured, the stakes being her freedom. It -

Mischa@crystyl:-did not reach that point however, since upon taking the bridge Acey contained Goto and Aka within a containment field to force his surrender. Whilst that negotiation was ongoing - and -

Mischa@crystyl:- before we could seize the opportunity to take all of the cards for ourselves, Selesk showed his hand and his pre-existing alliance with the rogue Klingons who promptly boarded the ship and took it-

Mischa@crystyl:- for themselves. He did release the hostage with minimal persuasion, and my team and I were permitted to leave unhindered. Once back on the Latenter, I ordered us under cloak to keep monitoring the-

Mischa@crystyl:- now unstable situation. Selesk likely predicted our continued presence and sent a message indicating that he was offering me a further gift, which turned out to be Goto ejected in an escape pod.-

Mischa@crystyl:- They promptly warped out afterwards, with Selesk commanding the warship, and Aka - presumably - as his prisoner. Goto is now in our brig believing she is to be brought to charges for the -

Mischa@crystyl:- president's assassination"

NPC@annpc#557 | Director: "So you have Goto as a prisoner at the moment. Any chances of interrogation to get more intel from her?"

Mischa@crystyl:"Highly doubtful. We trained her after all, and she has since been armed with a neural implant that is distinctly superior to ours so I doubt even an aggressive mind meld would get anything"

NPC@annpc#557 | Director: "I expected as much. I assume you've spoken to her since her capture."

Mischa@crystyl:"Yes, Sir"

NPC@annpc#557 | Director: "Any insights from that?"

Mischa@crystyl:"Not really. The most I can take away from it, is that it's the first time I've seen her truly broken since she failed to take my record from me at the academy range back when were cadets. She seems-

Mischa@crystyl:- well... defeated, I suppose; resigned to here fate and knowing that she can't go back as she would just become an outcast for her rogue action, so in her mind whatever happens she is in the exact -

Mischa@crystyl:- same position of being locked in a cell"

NPC@annpc#557 | The Director nods, "I suppose that at least indicates getting caught wasn't part of some plan they've concocted. What do you suspect Selesk will be doing with that ship?"

Mischa@crystyl:"I would expect him to have some grand plans about using it to put himself at the head of a new Obsidian Order or some such nonsense. But we've seen how desperate the enemy has grown with it's ship -

Mischa@crystyl:- losses already - to the point where Aka went rogue and took desperate action to try and get the Krenim one back from us. I can't imagine this Conclave will be any more forgiving of a supposed ally-

Mischa@crystyl:- of theirs betraying them, capturing one of their leaders /and/ stealing one of their stronger warships. So I think if Selesk has got half the sense I suspect he has, he should start running as -

Mischa@crystyl:- fast as that new ship of his will take him"

NPC@annpc#557 | Director: "Yes, that would certainly be wise. I wonder what possessed him to make such a move in the first place. Ambition, no doubt, but perhaps a little too much of it. Nevertheless, you -

NPC@annpc#557 - completed your primary objective of recovering hostages and holding on to the fruits of your last mission. And we have Goto as a prisoner as a bonus. Perhaps we would've gotten more without -

NPC@annpc#557 - the Cardassian's meddling. It was still a successful mission overall though, so good work, Captain."

Mischa@crystyl:"Thank you Sir, I will do all I can to analyse Selesk's position in these new circumstances. There is also this, which was intended to be the original icing on the cake as a goodwill gesture from -

Mischa@crystyl:- Goto-" she hands him a PADD, "- however as things turned out, she offered this information without coercion, so take it with as much salt as you see fit" she smiles

Mischa@crystyl | The PADD detailing the intel Goto gave on the VF and Lexington

NPC@annpc#557 | The Director looks through the PADD and nods, "I'll pass it on to Admiral Torin, with a little disclaimer, of course." He smiles back. "Speaking of which..."

Mischa@crystyl:"Don't tell me they've had more multiverse mishaps at the Heart already...?"

NPC@annpc#557 | The Director chuckles, "Not yet, though with the rate they've been getting those, it wouldn't even be unexpected at this point. No, I have a new mission for you, Captain."

Mischa@crystyl:"Are we proceeding with my requested mission behind enemy lines?"

NPC@annpc#557 | The Director nods, "We are. As you requested, the Latenter will be carrying out the mission. As such, you are to proceed with the Krenim vessel and the Chesapeake to the Jouret Gateway. The -

NPC@annpc#557 - Romulans control the gate and this region, so I don't anticipate any trouble, and I doubt the enemy will attempt anything direct again after recent losses. But be careful, just in case. You'll -

NPC@annpc#557 - use the gateway to travel to the Heart, where the Krenim ship will be examined for useful information to benefit the Latenter."

Mischa@crystyl:"A distinctly secure location, and home to the largest collection of relevant expertise in the galaxy, a sensible choice. Do we know yet if we are to try and retrofit the Shenzou's technology too?"

NPC@annpc#557 | Director: "If there's anything that may be of use to your mission which they're willing to share. The details will be left to your respective crews, and the engineers at the Heart."

Mischa@crystyl:"Understood. And what about Goto?"

NPC@annpc#557 | Director: "Putting her on trial publically for the President's assassination is going to raise too many questions. Take her with you to the Heart. She would be more useful to you seeing as her -

NPC@annpc#557 - universe is where you will be going. If you don't want her along, talk with Torin about keeping her imprisoned there. The Sphere is more secure than any Federation prison at the moment in any case."

Mischa@crystyl:"It would make sense to keep her in the dark about the President. Very well, we'll take her to the Heart at least and assess the situation from there"

NPC@annpc#557 | Director: "Sulvaan will be travelling to the Heart as well. T'Lia and Torin agrees that his engineering expertise is best used on your mission. He'll be joining the Krenim ship's crew for the -

NPC@annpc#557 - journey to begin studying it. Once there, he'll start assisting with the upgrades."

Mischa@crystyl:"Sounds good to me. Will Tuvok be remaining with the ship as well?"

NPC@annpc#557 | Director: "No, Tuvok will be remaining here with the Justicar until the President is treated. Then the Justicar will be taking him to the gateway back to his command in the Delta Quadrant. -

NPC@annpc#557 - Once your mission is underway, the Krenim vessel will be transferred to the Jenolan Sphere for further research by the Delta Alliance."

Mischa@crystyl:"Of course. I take it he has satisfied himself as to the capability of the temporary crew then?"

NPC@annpc#557 | The Director nods, "He has. They'll also be under you and Admiral Torin's supervision during the journey. I'm more concerned about the augments on the Chesapeake, but they've been behaving -

NPC@annpc#557 - so far. The wonders a common enemy can do."

Mischa@crystyl:"Call it Starfleet optimism, but I like to believe it is more than that with these augments. They were rejected by everything they knew for their whole lives, it was a big leap for them to even give-

Mischa@crystyl:- us a chance. I remain... hopeful, that they will find a place to fit in out at the Heart"

NPC@annpc#557 | Director: "I hope so too. Unlike you, I've not had a chance to visit for myself, but from all I've heard, the Heart is quite a cosmopolitan place. They would certainly not be the only -

NPC@annpc#557 - genetically engineered individuals present. The Starfleet personnel may be a little wary with their recent actions and all, but I see no reason for the wider Coalition to reject them."

Mischa@crystyl:"That is my thinking too, Sir. I will keep an eye on them while we are there to make sure they bed in. And speaking of checking in, do you want me to check in on the local office while we are in the area?"

NPC@annpc#557 | The Director nods, "That would be very much appreciated. We have not yet had a chance to dispatch another SFI vessel after the Loki's disappearance. Until your mission into the infiltrators' -

NPC@annpc#557 - universe is ready to proceed, your expertise in the area will certainly come in useful."

Mischa@crystyl smiles, "It will be my pleasure then. Well, if that is all we should probably begin preparations for journey"

NPC@annpc#557 | Director: "Just one more thing. Your parents, will you be taking them to the Heart as well, or will they be returning to Earth?"

Mischa@crystyl shakes her head, "They have seen enough disruption already. If you could arrange suitable transport back to Earth for them from here that would be appreciated. And while Aka is out of control, I -

Mischa@crystyl:- want to assign our own security to monitor the estate just in case he tries anything again"

NPC@annpc#557 | The Director nods, "Quinn will be returning to Sol as well and has arranged for transport from a crew he trusts. They can travel with him, and I'll make sure to have a security team watching -

NPC@annpc#557 - over them so this doesn't happen again."

Mischa@crystyl:"Thank you Sir, I officially owe you one" she smiles

NPC@annpc#557 | Director: "I wish we would've prevented them from being taken in the first place, but I'm glad you got them back safe and sound. Don't worry about the other aspects of the mission, like you -

NPC@annpc#557 - said, Selesk has drawn attention to himself from our enemy and it'll be difficult for him to accomplish anything without getting them on his back. But the enemy's lost another ship either way, -

NPC@annpc#557 - and that warship won't be easy to reclaim for them when Selesk shows himself. I have a feeling the two will keep each other occupied for a while."

Mischa@crystyl:"And with them also having to now deal with these rogue elements of theirs going after the Lexington, I do not anticipate any major coup's for a while. We'll try to get back as soon as we can, -

Mischa@crystyl:- hopefully with some game changing intel on them"

NPC@annpc#557 | The Director chuckles, "I suspect with the temporal element, you may be back before we even hear of you setting out on your mission. It's the preparations that may take some time. As for the -

NPC@annpc#557 - Lexington, do what you can to aid Torin in finding them, though I don't know if DSEC will be able to locate them and provide assistance quickly enough."

Mischa@crystyl:"Of course, we'll provide whatever support we can"

NPC@annpc#557 | Director: "Good luck out there, Captain. I look forward to seeing what you learn from this mission."

Mischa@crystyl stands, "As do I. Until next time then Director"

NPC@annpc#557 | Director: "Until then."

---

NPC@annpc#557 | SOMEWHERE IN DEEP SPACE...

NPC@annpc#557 | A sizable Iconian fleet is in mid-flight when a large gateway suddenly begins to open in front of it

NPC@annpc#557 | The fleet comes to a stop...

NPC@annpc#557 FX | https://i.pinimg.com/originals/bf/9f/36/bf9f3617a495d77ac2df5b2409d49b00.jpg

NPC@annpc#557 | From the gateway, the Klingon Survivor ship emerges with the Kortar raptor flying just over it, flanked by the rest of the House K'Lek fleet and the mercenary vessels we saw at the confrontation

NPC@annpc#557 | In addition to this however, we see a few old 24th century Cardassian and Breen ships, as well as a few of what appear to be Vaadwaur ships

NPC@annpc#557 | The Survivor ship opens fire immediately, powerful antiproton cannons instantly shredding the lead Iconian ship to pieces. The other Iconian vessels begin to break off, but a cruiser doesn't -

NPC@annpc#557 - get out of the way fast enough. The Survivor vessel doesn't slow down one bit, simply ramming through the cruiser and shattering it into pieces as it fires in all directions on the Iconians

NPC@annpc#557 | The rest of the ragtag fleet engages as well, focusing on the smaller and weaker Iconian vessels as the powerful future Klingon vessel tears through the battleships and cruisers

NPC@annpc#557 | The camera pans over the battlefield, moving into the dreadnought at the centre of the fleet

NPC@annpc#557 FX | https://cdna.artstation.com/p/assets/images/images/002/073/264/large/samuel-wall-iconianbridge-02.jpg?1456866022

NPC@annpc#557 | On the bridge of the dreadnought, heralds scramble all over to try and manage the situation, while at the very centre, the distinct form of one of the Iconian survivors can be seen- the -

NPC@annpc#557 - one-armed T'Ket

NPC@annpc#557 | As her herald crew works chaotically around her, she simply stares off into the incoming Survivor ship, General Chang-style, as glowing chroniton torpedoes emerge from its nose

NPC@annpc#557 | The torpedoes impact, and the screen is drowned out by a bright flash of light...