ST:SoD305 | "Lost in Time Pt. I"
Stardate 390006.5
Investigating an abandoned Starfleet ship which is almost as out of place as the Latenter, Mischa and her team find themselves thrown on an erratic journey through time and space where they must deal with personal problems along with dangerous technology...
View Episode
T'Lana@anncaris | Three more weeks into their journey, the Latenter continues to quietly cruise through the region of space devastated by the mysterious Darkness. The quiet journey gives the crew a significant -
T'Lana@anncaris - amount of time to study what information they have collected, although unfortunately it doesn't shed much more light into the nature of the phenomenon that has devastated the region
T'Lana@anncaris | One morning as Mischa is on her regular jog through the halls, her combadge chimes
Mischa@crystyl slows to a pause, catching her breath before tapping, "I hope this important"
T'Lana@anncaris speaks through the combadge, "I would wait until you were in the ready room if it was not. This is not an urgent situation, but our long-range sensors are picking up on something with active -
T'Lana@anncaris - power signatures. You may wish to come to the bridge when you are able."
Mischa@crystyl turns and starts heading back to her quarters, "Active power signatures? Do we have an ID yet?"
T'Lana@anncaris:<C> "Not at this range, but we are changing course towards the signature now."
Mischa@crystyl:"Alright, I'll be up shortly then"
T'Lana@anncaris | Mischa arrives on the bridge to find more activity than she had seen since the encounter with the destroyed starbase and Regulator ship. For the first time in the last few weeks, the ship -
T'Lana@anncaris - and crew looks like they're on a mission
Mischa@crystyl smiles a little at the sight as she approaches, "Having fun are we?"
T'Lana@anncaris nods and stands, "I believe the crew are welcoming this change of pace."
Mischa@crystyl:"So what do we know so far?" she asks, taking her seat
T'Lana@anncaris:"Not much. There is an active power signature, but it is not very strong. Possibly a small vessel or one which has been disabled. As the signature has not moved, the latter is more likely."
T'Lana@anncaris | Nethay: "We're heading towards it at transwarp now. We'll be in range for a closer scan in a minute or so."
Mischa@crystyl:"We must be cautious nonetheless in our approach"
T'Lana@anncaris:"Agreed. Drop us to regular warp and cloak before we enter scanning range."
T'Lana@anncaris | Nethay nods, "Aye Commander. Dropping to warp 9 now."
T'Lana@anncaris | T'Fel: "Activating cloaking device." She taps her console. "We are now cloaked."
T'Lana@anncaris | Nethay: "Five minutes until we're close enough for a better scan."
T'Lana@anncaris | Victoria: "I wonder what it could be. The stars are still out here, and we've seen no signs of other traffic in the area."
T'Lana@anncaris | Nethay nods, "And an old shipwreck shouldn't still have power left..."
T'Lana@anncaris:"I believe the highest likelihood is that we are looking at one of the Istvaennsu vessels. During our last encounter, they commandeered aging ships which could fail at any time. This may be the -
T'Lana@anncaris:- result of one such failure."
Mischa@crystyl:"That does seem a distinct possibility"
T'Lana@anncaris | After a few more minutes of travelling, Nethay announces, "Alright, we're heading into sensor range now. Time to see what it really is..."
T'Lana@anncaris | The crew immediately begin tapping away at their consoles to begin their scans
T'Lana@anncaris | Daurant: "It...looks like a Starfleet vessel. Not one of the Survivor ones, much older than that. Closer to the time of the starbase we found. Much of the alloys in the hull is a match for the -
T'Lana@anncaris - remains of the outpost we found."
Mischa@crystyl:"A failed evacuation?"
T'Lana@anncaris:"A vessel from that time would not still have any power remaining. It is possible that the vessel was initially lost during a failed evacuation and then commandeered by the Istvaennsu or another -
T'Lana@anncaris:- group which has kept it active until now."
Mischa@crystyl:"That seems likely"
T'Lana@anncaris | T'Bee: "Captain. I am picking up P. stellaviatori spores."
Mischa@crystyl:"Spores? From that ship?"
T'Lana@anncaris | T'Bee nods, "There appears to be a concentrated amount in one region of the vessel. It would seem they were storing the spores. I am detecting no lifesigns at present, Istvaennsu or otherwise."
Mischa@crystyl:"I am not one to look a gift horse in the mouth. But when something seems too good to be true, it usually is..."
T'Lana@anncaris nods, "Agreed. This would appear to be more than an Istvaennsu takeover. More likely, an unusual set of circumstances has brought this vessel here with power." She moves over to a console to -
T'Lana@anncaris - investigate for herself
T'Lana@anncaris | Meanwhile, the ship in question appears on the viewscreen...
T'Lana@anncaris FX | https://i.imgur.com/I3Da0e2.jpg
T'Lana@anncaris | T'Fel: "I am picking up some damage on the vessel. The signatures are too faded to tell what type of weapon inflicted them, but the damage is relatively minor. It appears to have primarily -
T'Lana@anncaris - been targeted at the vessel's weapons and shield systems with the intention of disabling them. It would be logical to assume that the ship has previously been boarded."
Mischa@crystyl:"And yet the spores remain"
T'Lana@anncaris:"As does the data core, which appears intact. There are risks, but we may have much to gain from boarding this vessel ourselves. More so than what was gained on the Regulator ship, certainly."
Mischa@crystyl:"I think we should take Emma along on this one. With confirmed spores, her proximity may yield further insight"
T'Lana@anncaris nods, "Agreed. She is a logical choice to bring on this mission."
Mischa@crystyl stands, "Alright then, let's gear up and head over there"
T'Lana@anncaris | Victoria: "Before you go, Captain..."
Mischa@crystyl:"Victoria?"
T'Lana@anncaris | Victoria gestures to the viewscreen. The Latenter has moved to face the disabled Starfleet vessel head on. She taps on her console and the view magnifies in close to the front of the ship, -
T'Lana@anncaris - where a name and registry can clearly be discerned...
T'Lana@anncaris FX | https://i.imgur.com/rVMmdoA.jpg
Mischa@crystyl:"Figures..."
---
T'Lana@anncaris | After gearing up, Mischa and T'Lana enter the Latenter's transporter room, where Emma awaits them
Mischa@crystyl looks to Emma, "Ready for a change of scenery?"
Mischa@crystyl | Emma smiles, "I will remind you again that I know nothing about these spores. But yes"
T'Lana@anncaris:"You do not comprehend the science behind them, but you do possess a connection to them still, do you not?"
Mischa@crystyl | Emma: "Sure, I just don't know anything about it"
T'Lana@anncaris nods, stepping onto the transporter pad, "That will suffice. I am not sure if anyone fully understands the nature of these spores, in our universe at least."
Mischa@crystyl | Emma follows, looking to Mischa, "Is she always this reassuring?"
Mischa@crystyl chuckles, "Absolutely"
T'Lana@anncaris glances to Mischa and Emma, "I predict a 56% chance of encountering unexpected danger on this mission."
Mischa@crystyl:"Like I said, very reassuring... energize"
T'Lana@anncaris:"That is more optimistic than Acey's prediction of 72.65%."
T'Lana@anncaris | The three disappear into transporter beams...
---
T'Lana@anncaris | The team materializes in one of the cargo bays of the alternate Discovery. T'Lana glances around to take in their environment visually before promptly removing a tricorder from her belt and -
T'Lana@anncaris - running a scan. "All clear."
Mischa@crystyl:"Alright let's start with the data core"
T'Lana@anncaris nods, "This way." She begins leading the way
T'Lana@anncaris | They step out into the hallway and make their way through the ship. They don't get far before a door slides open as they pass by, revealing several mangled bodies within
T'Lana@anncaris pauses and steps inside, kneeling by one of the distorted bodies and giving it a scan
T'Lana@anncaris:"Helical trauma. The same fate as the crew of the USS Glenn in our universe. It would appear that they were killed in an accident while traversing the mycelial network."
Mischa@crystyl:"There are temporal elements to travelling the network too are there not? Could it be the reason this ship is here and intact is because it has just arrived?"
T'Lana@anncaris:"That is my speculation as well, though it does not account for the external weapons damage. Perhaps the vessel was attacked before the jump and was attempting to flee, and some form of malfunction -
T'Lana@anncaris:- from either damage or haste caused the accident to occur?"
Mischa@crystyl:"A possibility. Of course it still could have been out here for some time before we found it"
T'Lana@anncaris nods and stands, "Let us continue towards the data core and see what we find along the way."
Mischa@crystyl nods and follows
T'Lana@anncaris | They don't go far before they come across several bodies in the hallway. As they approach, it becomes evident that these corpses are not distorted like the others. Just as curiously, they are -
T'Lana@anncaris - neither Starfleet nor any Federation species, but distinctly Vaadwaur, dressed in their long coats
Mischa@crystyl:"Well this is unexpected"
T'Lana@anncaris gives these bodies a scan as well, but quickly moves her tricorder over one of the pistols beside a dead Vaadwaur, "Curious. This is not the technology of the Vaadwaur we fought in the Delta -
T'Lana@anncaris - Quadrant. These weapons more closely match the Vaadwaur when they were first revived by the Voyager crew with significantly outdated technology."
T'Lana@anncaris taps her tricorder some more, "Judging from the quantum dating on this weapon, this was from /before/ they had even gone into stasis, during the height of the Vaadwaur Empire. This is not the -
T'Lana@anncaris - Discovery's first trip through time."
Mischa@crystyl:"It seems they have been making a habit of it alright"
T'Lana@anncaris | As T'Lana examines the Vaadwaur, Mischa notices another corpse down the hall and around the corner from the Vaadwaur bodies. From what she can see of it, that body appears to be dressed -
T'Lana@anncaris - distinctly from the Vaadwaur
Mischa@crystyl goes to investigate
T'Lana@anncaris | As she heads to the intersection, she notes that there are actually two bodies beyond the bend, both of them wearing the uniforms of pre-Federation Starfleet
Mischa@crystyl:"...and they have been making a habit of it for considerable time at that"
Mischa@crystyl | Emma looks over, "Now that takes me back"
T'Lana@anncaris steps over to join Mischa. She raises one of the arms of the corpses, revealing a crew patch reading: ENDEAVOUR NX-06 with the distinctive shape of an NX-class pictured on it
T'Lana@anncaris:"Fascinating. Why would they have been jumping across time and space so often?"
Mischa@crystyl:"Searching for ways to save themselves?"
T'Lana@anncaris:"Or the vessel was successfully commandeered by another faction, who utilized it as a means of time travel."
Mischa@crystyl:"Also a possibility, and that could explain how it seemed to get away from them in the end"
T'Lana@anncaris | Mischa's combadge chirps
Mischa@crystyl taps, "Go ahead"
T'Lana@anncaris <C - Victoria> "Captain, I don't know if this is a sensor glitch, but we suddenly picked up two Jem'Hadar lifesigns on the Discovery."
Mischa@crystyl:"Let's assume it's not a glitch. Stay dark and monitor for external activity"
T'Lana@anncaris <C - Victoria> "Understood. We're getting weapons fire and...one of the lifesigns has gone out."
T'Lana@anncaris <C - Victoria> "I'll keep you updated on any activity we pick up."
Mischa@crystyl:"Understood"
Mischa@crystyl looks to TL, "I knew it was too good to be true"
T'Lana@anncaris nods, "We should hurry to the data core."
Mischa@crystyl:"And prepare to face Jem'Hadar"
T'Lana@anncaris draws one of her phasers, powering it up
T'Lana@anncaris | The team continues through the ship, ignoring the remaining bodies now. They pass by two more Vaadwaur ones, a dead Lupan and a trio of Kazan
T'Lana@anncaris | Stepping into the data core room, they find more mangled bodies of the original crew that have been killed by the accident rather than any combat like the other bodies. However, there is also -
T'Lana@anncaris - a dead An sitting with her back leaning on the core, a hole burnt through her side and a rifle by her lifeless arm. The uniform of the An is clearly different from those seen with either the -
T'Lana@anncaris - exploration branch or the Andarash
T'Lana@anncaris:"This ship almost appears to have become some intergalactic combat arena."
Mischa@crystyl:"It is quite extraordinary"
T'Lana@anncaris:"It is almost as diverse as the Heart."
T'Lana@anncaris steps over to a console to begin checking the core
T'Lana@anncaris:"There are some security measures, but nothing I cannot circumvent."
T'Lana@anncaris starts tapping away to bypass the security
T'Lana@anncaris <C - Victoria> "Captain, another Jem'Hadar lifesign has appeared on board."
T'Lana@anncaris:"It must be their shroud capabilities concealing them from our sensors."
T'Lana@anncaris continues tapping away at the console, "I have bypassed the security."
Mischa@crystyl:"I imagine so. Where are they Victoria? Give us your best estimate"
T'Lana@anncaris <C - Victoria> "Saucer section. They're moving towards each other now."
Mischa@crystyl:"Understood"
T'Lana@anncaris:"There is information on the Darkness in this ship's computer core. I am downloading it now."
Mischa@crystyl:"Let's make the most of this"
T'Lana@anncaris nods, "I will download all I can."
T'Lana@anncaris <C - Victoria> "The Jem'Hadar are both on Deck 6. They're converging and...one of the lifesigns is going out again. We're seeing organic matter where it disappeared. He hasn't shrouded or -
T'Lana@anncaris - anything, it...looks like they're killing each other."
Mischa@crystyl:"If they're as out of place as everything else on this ship, perhaps they still more savagely reliant on Ketracel and are fighting over rations"
T'Lana@anncaris <C - Victoria> "That's my suspicion as well at this point."
Mischa@crystyl:"All the more reason I would prefer not to be dealing with them today"
T'Lana@anncaris:"Interesting. It would appear that the use of this 'strange energy' creating subspace ruptures is not an isolated incident. The effects of the Darkness apparently includes some distortion of -
T'Lana@anncaris:- subspace, making subspace reliant travel highly dangerous and unpredictable in what they have termed the 'Dark Zones.' The subspace corridors are gone and wormhole and even Iconian gateway travel -
T'Lana@anncaris - can be redirected at random. Not unlike what occurred with the Loki and Valley Forge. The Discovery was part of a revival of old theories on the spore drive in this universe, in an attempt to -
T'Lana@anncaris - explore alternate means of rapid long-distance transportation."
Mischa@crystyl:"Evidently that did not go as planned either"
T'Lana@anncaris nods, "Evidently not. There is no data on what caused the deaths of the crew and the frequent temporal and spatial travel, however."
Mischa@crystyl hrms, "It is a matter of interest but I do not want to push our luck either. There is also the matter of the spores"
T'Lana@anncaris:"It would appear to be stored near Main Engineering. Shall we visit there after I have downloaded all relevant data?"
Mischa@crystyl:"I think it is worth pushing for it"
T'Lana@anncaris taps away at the console for a few more minutes before announcing, "I have downloaded all the data which I believe will be pertinent to our investigation here."
Mischa@crystyl:"Alright, let's move on"
T'Lana@anncaris:"I will lead the way to Engineering."
T'Lana@anncaris | As they exit the data core and begin making their way to Engineering, Victoria's voice comes through Mischa's combadge again
T'Lana@anncaris <C - Victoria> "The Jem'Hadar lifesign is now in the Engineering section. Be careful."
Mischa@crystyl:"They might be aware of our presence now"
T'Lana@anncaris nods, keeping an eye on her tricorder as they go
T'Lana@anncaris pauses after a minute of walking, "The lifesign is closing in. I suggest we hold behind this entryway so we have cover when we make contact."
Mischa@crystyl takes up position
T'Lana@anncaris also takes up position, readying her phaser. Not longer after, a Jem'Hadar appears down the hall. He appears very sickly and sprints down the hall with almost animalistic movement, holding a -
T'Lana@anncaris - kar'takin in one hand
Mischa@crystyl takes the shot
T'Lana@anncaris | The Jem'Hadar stumbles forward as he is shot, collapsing just before the doorway they are taking cover behind
T'Lana@anncaris:"That Jem'Hadar was undoubtedly suffering from severe ketracel withdrawal."
Mischa@crystyl:"It would appear our theory was correct"
T'Lana@anncaris nods, "The Jem'Hadar on board are likely little threat to us in this state, if there are even any more on board. His approach without shroud likely signifies that the withdrawal is severe enough -
T'Lana@anncaris - to cause the loss of shrouding ability, which is probably why the others revealed themselves as well. Any remaining Jem'Hadar will likely be forced to unshroud soon as well."
Mischa@crystyl:"Still, let's not assume that happens before they find us"
T'Lana@anncaris:"Agreed. Stay alert for visual distortions in the meantime. If any Jem'Hadar remain, they must still be shrouded to be hidden to the Latenter's sensors."
---
T'Lana@anncaris | After making their way through the engineering section of the ship, the team steps into Main Engineering. Most of the area resembles an engineering room of the 25th century, with a central -
T'Lana@anncaris - vertical warp core and consoles around it. However, a sealed off chamber has been built into one wing of the area. Inside the chamber, a large number of glowing blue spores can be seen. Across -
T'Lana@anncaris - Main Engineering are also an assortment of bodies. Most of them are distorted, but there are three whose appears to have died from physical injuries- two more An wearing the same unfamiliar -
T'Lana@anncaris - uniform, and a Klingon in traditional Klingon armour with a knife in his chest
T'Lana@anncaris checks her tricorder, "Picking up no lifesigns or movement, Captain."
Mischa@crystyl:"Alright let's make this quick before that changes"
T'Lana@anncaris | As they make their way through the engineering room, they step close by the Klingon body and Emma notices an open tricorder by his hand
Mischa@crystyl | Emma kneels down to take a closer look at it
T'Lana@anncaris | The tricorder is out of power, but it is open, as if the Klingon was using it at the time of death. Strangely however, the Klingon was stabbed in the front and didn't seem to have been -
T'Lana@anncaris - ambushed from behind, so why he was scanning when he got stabbed is quite unusual
Mischa@crystyl | Emma: "What do you guys make of this? Don't know about where you're from, but in my universe a Klingon isn't the sort to get so distracted by his scans that he doesn't see someone stabbing him in-
Mischa@crystyl:- the chest..."
T'Lana@anncaris steps over, "Curious indeed. Perhaps if we power up the tricorder, we may be able to learn something."
Mischa@crystyl | Emma nods, picking it up and having a fiddle
T'Lana@anncaris | Emma is able to use her multitool to transfer some power to the tricorder. Its screen lights up with red light and Klingon letters
Mischa@crystyl takes a look with her
T'Lana@anncaris | They see that the most recent action done on the tricorder was the recording of a video, which is still stored and available to view
Mischa@crystyl | Emma smiles at the success and promptly plays it back
T'Lana@anncaris | The visage of the dead Klingon with the knife in his chest appears on the tricorder's screen, still alive and well at the time of recording. However, his expression is grim and for those who -
T'Lana@anncaris - are familiar with Klingon expressions, shows an amount of fear, "This ship...when we found it, we thought it would be a great bounty. Its advanced technology, it would elevate our House to -
T'Lana@anncaris - Great House status, make us warriors worthy of legend. We were wrong. It was not a stroke of fortune at all. I knew something was wrong the moment I stepped foot on board. The bodies...some of -
T'Lana@anncaris - them were warped, twisted and turned inside out. Many of them were of species we do not recognize. Some of these aliens were still alive, but they were weak and desperate. No match for Klingon -
T'Lana@anncaris - warriors. We thought we had taken the ship with ease, but before we could commandeer our prize, it took us somewhere. Somewhere without stars, without life." He stares into the screen for a -
T'Lana@anncaris - long moment
T'Lana@anncaris | Klingon: "And that's when I knew. This is no prize to be claimed for our House, no warship to bring us to victory. This...this is the Barge of the Dead, come to ferry us to Gre'thor. We will -
T'Lana@anncaris - never return to our ship, never see Qo'noS again. The moment we stepped foot on this ship, we were dead. There are no more aliens to fight, no one to board the ship where we have been taken. -
T'Lana@anncaris - Atova challenged the others to combat to seek a death in battle. She killed Ch'Gor, and I slew her when she came at me. I am the last one left. I must die with honour before we reach the Gates -
T'Lana@anncaris - of Gre'thor. It is the only way I shall gaze upon the faces of my wife and son once again. I must reach Sto-vo-kor. There is only one option left. Computer. Activate Emergency Medical Hologram."
T'Lana@anncaris | An unfamiliar EMH model wearing something similar to an Odyssey medical uniform steps into view, "How may I assist you?"
T'Lana@anncaris | The Klingon draws a knife from his belt, handing it to the EMH, "Machine! I request that you perform Hegh'bat."
T'Lana@anncaris | EMH: "Are you certain of this course of-"
T'Lana@anncaris | Klingon: "Obey me, machine!"
T'Lana@anncaris | EMH: "Very well. By Starfleet Medical Ethics Guildline 26, Section B, this EMH unit is hereby performing assisted suicide ritual 'Hegh'bat' at the request of the patient."
T'Lana@anncaris | The EMH can be seen taking the knife from the Klingon
T'Lana@anncaris | Klingon: "If you see this recording, do not wait. There is no way back. Die with honour, while you can. Do it."
T'Lana@anncaris | The recording ends
Mischa@crystyl:"Well that would certainly explain it"
T'Lana@anncaris:"It would appear as if the ship jumped while the Klingons were on board. I suspect the same must have occurred to trap members of the other species here, who must have come to either investigate or -
T'Lana@anncaris:- take the ship for themselves."
Mischa@crystyl:"And given the eclectic collection we've seen here, it would seem to have been jumping wildly like this for some time"
Mischa@crystyl | Emma: "Here's an idea, why don't we get out of here before it does it again and takes us with it"
T'Lana@anncaris <C - Victoria> "Captain, there's an energy buildup in the Discovery."
Mischa@crystyl:"That would be our cue to vacate the premises then. Victoria, beam us back"
T'Lana@anncaris <C - Victoria> "On it, Captain."
T'Lana@anncaris | The three of them begin to disappear into transporter beams...
T'Lana@anncaris ...and promptly find themselves rematerializing where they were
Mischa@crystyl looks around, "This is not our transporter room" tapping her combadge, "Victoria report"
T'Lana@anncaris | No response
T'Lana@anncaris steps over to a console
Mischa@crystyl:"Tell me it was just a minor glitch and we'll be beaming back momentarily..."
T'Lana@anncaris:"Unfortunately not. The good news is that there are stars on sensors once again. The bad news of course being that since we were within one of the 'Dark Zones,' we are no longer where we were."
Mischa@crystyl:"Are we at least 'when' we were?"
T'Lana@anncaris:"The ship's stardate system appears to be malfunctioning. I am attempting to get an estimate from the stellar data." She continues tapping away
T'Lana@anncaris shakes her head, "No, we are in the negative stardates. Earth year 1967, in the Delta Quadrant."
Mischa@crystyl sighs, "Not this again..."
T'Lana@anncaris continues tapping on the console, "Unlike the Krenim vessel, this ship still has its transportation mechanism intact. The diagnostics are reading the spore drive as active and operational. The -
T'Lana@anncaris - jumps are not due to a malfunction. Someone has left the system on without a navigator, causing it to travel to a random destination each time."
Mischa@crystyl:"First things first then, can we stop it from jumping more?"
T'Lana@anncaris nods, "The mechanism has been disabled and enabled numerous times, no doubt by boarding groups attempting to utilize the spore drive for their own ends. I can stop the drive from powering up -
T'Lana@anncaris - again, but I do not believe that would be advisable."
Mischa@crystyl:"Well we still need it to get back obviously. But we can't have it randomly jumping again either"
T'Lana@anncaris taps a few more buttons, "I believe I can halt the process just before the drive is powered up to jump. However, I recommend we jump as soon as we are able."
Mischa@crystyl looks to Emma
Mischa@crystyl | Emma shakes her head, "Nu-uh, you've got a better chance of randomly getting back than making me steer!"
T'Lana@anncaris:"Actually, I calculate that the probability is significantly higher with your assistance."
Mischa@crystyl:"I estimate so as well"
Mischa@crystyl | Emma sighs, "I'm not getting out of this am I..."
Mischa@crystyl smiles and shakes her head, "Nu-uh"
T'Lana@anncaris:"Even if you do not bring us back, anywhere is better than here," she turns, bringing up a starchart of where they are. "We are currently in the midst of Borg space. And the Discovery is -
T'Lana@anncaris:- defenseless. Even though this is not our universe, I believe I need not reiterate the dangers of the Borg assimilating a spore drive, especially as this technology provides them a means of -
T'Lana@anncaris:- traversing to other realities."
Mischa@crystyl | Emma: "Alright fine. Just remember that I told you up front. So how do we do this?"
T'Lana@anncaris:"That is an excellent question." She begins bringing up files of the spore drive, looking through them. "It would appear they have created an interface system, but it requires a neural link. Your -
T'Lana@anncaris:- cybernetics includes such a capability, I presume?"
Mischa@crystyl | Emma nods, "Sure, neural links should be no problem"
T'Lana@anncaris:"I believe I can tie your cybernetics to this system, then. I must admit I am unsure of how to perform the actual navigation once you are linked."
Mischa@crystyl shakes her head, "Don't look at me either"
Mischa@crystyl | Emma sighs, "Thanks for the help ladies... Well I guess we've just got to suck it and see then"
T'Lana@anncaris:"If it is connected directly to your thoughts, perhaps there is no need for translation. It may simply be able to read where you wish to go and take you there."
Mischa@crystyl | Emma: "That's pretty much how it works with neural navigation links that I know at least"
T'Lana@anncaris nods, "Then we shall get you linked first and see how you fare with navigation. The cybernetics here may be slightly archaic compared to what you possess in your own universe. I believe you will -
T'Lana@anncaris - have to step into the chamber."
T'Lana@anncaris leads the way over to the chamber that was previously filled with spores. though now the spores seem to be gone after the jump
Mischa@crystyl | Emma looks it all over, "I think I can work with this" heading inside and starting to poke around
T'Lana@anncaris starts tapping on a console outside the chamber
---
T'Lana@anncaris | About forty minutes pass as T'Lana and Emma work on linking with the spore drive. As they work, Mischa notices something flash up on one of the consoles elsewhere in Engineering
Mischa@crystyl moves to take a closer look
T'Lana@anncaris | The console is reporting that sensors are picking up an inbound vessel. From the size and energy signature, it appears to be a Borg probe
Mischa@crystyl:"How are we doing there ladies? Not to pull on the pressure but... the Borg are coming"
T'Lana@anncaris glances back to Mischa, "This is what I was hoping to avoid..." She makes her way over, "Lieutenant Ralde is connected, but the drive is still recharging. Damage to the EPS system may be the -
T'Lana@anncaris - cause of the slow process, though the drive itself should be fully functional once powered. How far out are the Borg?"
Mischa@crystyl:"We've got seven minutes"
T'Lana@anncaris:"That will not be enough time for the drive to charge." She takes a look at the readings. "It seems we are looking at a single scout probe. We may need to buy the Lieutenant some time."
Mischa@crystyl:"Put some distance between us and the Borg?"
T'Lana@anncaris:"No, we are in their territory. Any direction we move in may bring us closer to something more dangerous than this probe. I do not have detailed readings to go on, but it would only be logical to -
T'Lana@anncaris:- assume that the Borg of the 1960s is even less advanced than the Borg of Wolf-359. We may have a better chance of fending off the lone probe."
Mischa@crystyl:"Even if we pull Ralde back out of there for now to help, three of us isn't a lot to run a whole ship. Especially in combat"
T'Lana@anncaris:"We do not have weapons, but I can reconfigure the deflectors to function similarly to the Nuhar proton weapons. Though that will require manual targeting. You may be able to operate that from the -
T'Lana@anncaris:- bridge, but we will be unable to conduct any combat maneuvers during this encounter...I believe you are right, Captain."
Mischa@crystyl:"Alright. You work your magic on the deflector, I'll get up to the bridge and see what I can do from there"
T'Lana@anncaris nods, "I will give you some offensive capability to work with. Whether we run or fight, it will be better to have some means of defense."
Mischa@crystyl nods, "I'll focus on that from the bridge"
T'Lana@anncaris:"I will leave you to it. Good luck, Captain."
Mischa@crystyl:"You too" she heads off
---
T'Lana@anncaris | Mischa arrives on the bridge of the Discovery, which appears to have been cleared of the original crew's distorted bodies. However, there are still bodies here- a pair of Jem'Hadar and four -
T'Lana@anncaris - aliens of an unfamiliar species. A few of the consoles have been damaged from weapons fire, but there is still a good number of active stations Mischa can use
Mischa@crystyl starts poking around on one while querying, "Computer, is this bridge equipped with holoemitters?"
T'Lana@anncaris | Computer: "Affirmative."
Mischa@crystyl:"Perfect. Activate EMH at this location then"
T'Lana@anncaris | The EMH seen in the Klingon's recording flickers into view in the centre of the bridge, turning to face Mischa, "How may I assist you?"
Mischa@crystyl:"Do you come equipped with a command variant?"
T'Lana@anncaris | EMH: "Yes, I am capable of switching between Helm, Tactical, Engineering, Security, Medical, Lab and Command support. However, unless my scans and records are mistaken, you are Fleet Admiral -
T'Lana@anncaris - Mischa Leveson-Scott, Director, Starfleet Intelligence. My Command support programming is intended to aid enlisted personnel, cadets or civilians in the case when all officers are incapacitated."
Mischa@crystyl smiles, "Your scans do not deceive you, I am Mischa Leveson-Scott. However, I am also very much alone here as you can see - not counting a couple of officers I have working elsewhere on the ship. -
Mischa@crystyl:- Now, we have a Borg hostile inbound just minutes away and so I need you to put on your command hat, or engineering one, or however many different ones needed in order to help me breathe some life -
Mischa@crystyl:- into the Discovery's shields as a minimum"
T'Lana@anncaris | EMH: "Understood, Admiral." The EMH's medical uniform switches to something nearly identical to a current SFC Operations/Engineering uniform from our universe, with the only difference being -
T'Lana@anncaris - the combadge, which is closer to the design sported on the Survivor uniforms. He makes his way towards one of the consoles and begins tapping away
Mischa@crystyl smiles at the success, continuing to work, "So what's the diagnosis doctor?"
T'Lana@anncaris | EEH: "The shield generators have suffered damage, but I believe I will be able to restore some shields by the time the Borg arrive."
Mischa@crystyl:"That will do. I only have people in deflector control and engineering so shut down everything else that you need. We just need to buy enough for the new navigator to sync up with the spore drive -
Mischa@crystyl:- and jump us out of here"
T'Lana@anncaris | EEH: "Taking all non-essential systems offline."
Mischa@crystyl taps her combadge, "Leveson-Scott to T'Lana. How are you getting on with the deflector?"
T'Lana@anncaris <C> "I've configured it for the Nuhar pulses. I am attempting to optimize the power flow so it does not interrupt the spore drive recharging or utilize excessive energy in a single shot."
Mischa@crystyl:"Good work. We've shut down all non essential systems so that should give you some more to play with"
T'Lana@anncaris | EEH: "One minute until contact with the Borg. I have restored shields to 20% capacity."
Mischa@crystyl:"That's better than nothing. Nice work"
Mischa@crystyl:"Did you get that Lana? We've got some basic shielding in place too so that should give you enough time to get a firing solution"
T'Lana@anncaris:<C> "Excellent. Thank you, Captain."
T'Lana@anncaris | On the screen, the Borg probe begins coming into view...
T'Lana@anncaris FX | https://thefsd.tripod.com/alienships/borg/probe.jpg
T'Lana@anncaris | EEH: "Admiral. The Borg is hailing us."
Mischa@crystyl:"Of course they are... Well, may as well listen. Might buy s few more seconds of prep time"
T'Lana@anncaris | There is no visual feed, but the signature collective voice of the Borg sounds over comms, "We are the Borg. We have analyzed your vessel. Your weapons are inoperable. Lower your shields and -
T'Lana@anncaris - prepare to be assimilated. We will add your biological and technological distinctiveness to our own. Resistance is futile."
Mischa@crystyl:"Lana, are you ready?"
T'Lana@anncaris:<C> "Power level is as optimized as they are likely to be."
Mischa@crystyl:"Then take the shot"
T'Lana@anncaris | A bright white pulse emits from the Discovery's deflector. The Borg probe moves to evade, but the edge of the pulse hits it, sending it spiralling. A few sparks can be seen flying from the -
T'Lana@anncaris - craft as some lights flicker, but the probe quickly stabilizes itself
T'Lana@anncaris | EEH: "Probe shields have gone below 50%. They are rapidly recovering from other system failures caused by the pulse, but their shield has not regenerated."
Mischa@crystyl:"Lana, have you got another one in you?"
T'Lana@anncaris | As the probe gets its bearings, it immediately starts trying to flank the Discovery, getting to an angle where the deflector pulse can't reach
T'Lana@anncaris:<C> "The power levels can allow for several more pulses, but we will have to reposition the vessel to hit the probe."
T'Lana@anncaris | A plasma beam emanates from the probe, striking the Discovery. There is a slight bit of turbulence
T'Lana@anncaris | EEH: "The Borg are counterattacking. Shields at 19%."
Mischa@crystyl tries to coax some life out of the thrusters to reposition the ship, "Ralde, what's your status?"
Mischa@crystyl | <C-Emma> "Still working on it..."
Mischa@crystyl sighs, muttering to herself, "Helpful..."
T'Lana@anncaris | Mischa manages to coax life out of the engines and the Discovery begins maneuvering around to face the probe. The probe fires again, and this time the turbulence is a bit more notable
Mischa@crystyl braces against her console, "Come on you old lump, hold it together"
T'Lana@anncaris | EEH: "Shields down to 16%. Their attacks are becoming more dangerous."
T'Lana@anncaris | The Discovery spins around, getting the probe in its sights once again...
Mischa@crystyl:"T'Lana, now"
T'Lana@anncaris | A second pulse fires, this one managing a direct hit. The probe is sent careening away, sparking and flickering erratically before finally exploding in a flash, sending debris in all directions
Mischa@crystyl smiles, patting the console, "Attagirl. That did it Lana, nicely done"
T'Lana@anncaris <C> "Thank you, Mischa."
Mischa@crystyl turns to the EEH, "And thank you for your assistance"
T'Lana@anncaris | EEH: "Do not thank me yet. Sensors are detecting another vessel approaching at high warp."
Mischa@crystyl:"More Borg?"
T'Lana@anncaris | EEH: "Affirmative, Admiral. A cube."
Mischa@crystyl:"That might be a bit more problematic... Did you get the Lana, we've got a cube inbound now as well"
T'Lana@anncaris <C> "I had suspected a larger vessel would not be far behind. How much time do we have?"
Mischa@crystyl looks to the EEH
T'Lana@anncaris | EEH: "Seven minutes.
Mischa@crystyl:"Think that will be enough time to make the jump?"
T'Lana@anncaris <C> "We should have the drive ready in about that time. I would suggest reinforcing shields and standing ready to evade, should we require a few additional seconds."
Mischa@crystyl:"Got it. We'll do what we can from here to get the ship ready"
T'Lana@anncaris | EEH: "I can restore the shields back up to 20%, but they will be unable to exceed that level."
Mischa@crystyl:"Then that will have to suffice again. Do what you can, then let's focus on some maneuverability"
T'Lana@anncaris | EEH: "Yes Admiral."
Mischa@crystyl gets to work on preparations as well
T'Lana@anncaris | Six minutes pass and Mischa is able to obtain some more maneuverability while the EEH gets the shields back to 20%. He turns to Mischa to announce, "The Borg cube is exiting warp now."
Mischa@crystyl:"No word from engineering either. So I guess we're doing this"
T'Lana@anncaris | On the viewscreen, the much larger cube drops out of warp...
T'Lana@anncaris FX | https://qph.cf2.quoracdn.net/main-qimg-cbb09b9c1f8f7cde4c2f70affd00a4a1-lq
T'Lana@anncaris | This time, the Borg don't communicate, immediately activating one of their green tractor beams
T'Lana@anncaris | EEH: "Our shields are countering the effects of the tractor beam, but they are gradually being drained."
Mischa@crystyl:"They will adapt. T'Lana, there's our first target; tractor emitters"
T'Lana@anncaris <C> "Firing now."
T'Lana@anncaris | The pulse emits from the deflector, hitting the tractor emitters. The tractor beam waivers slightly before continuing on as before
T'Lana@anncaris | EEH: "Minimal effect. The Borg have adapted to the pulses."
Mischa@crystyl:"That's not good..."
T'Lana@anncaris | EEH: "Shields at 12% and dropping."
T'Lana@anncaris <C> "Spore drive is fully powered. Shall I commence the jump?"
Mischa@crystyl:"Please do"
T'Lana@anncaris | The condition signifiers on the still active consoles across the bridge flickers, changing from ALERT CONDITION RED to ALERT CONDITION BLACK
T'Lana@anncaris | EEH: "6%..."
T'Lana@anncaris | The outer section of the saucer begins to spin, and a moment later, lightning streaks fill the viewscreen and the Borg cube is gone
Mischa@crystyl gives a soft sigh, "This looks a bit more promising. Anything on sensors?"
T'Lana@anncaris | EEH: "Negative. There is nothing on sensors."
Mischa@crystyl:"Not so promising... Can you confirm our stellar and temporal coordinates?"
T'Lana@anncaris | EEH: "Analyzing. We appear to have returned to the point the vessel was prior to the jump which killed the original crew."
Mischa@crystyl:"That's not where we intended to be..."
T'Lana@anncaris | EEH: "Admiral, my presence is being requested in Engineering for medical assistance."
Mischa@crystyl:"Go! I'll be right behind you"
T'Lana@anncaris | The EEH nods and flickers away
Mischa@crystyl hurries off the old fashioned way, tapping her combadge, "Lana, Emma's in trouble. the EMH is investigating now"
T'Lana@anncaris <C> "I am aware. I was the one who called him there. I am on my way as well."
Mischa@crystyl:"Got it, see you there"
---
T'Lana@anncaris | Mischa steps in to find T'Lana sitting on the ground, seemingly meditating. The EMH, now back in his medical appearance, scans an unconscious Emma outside the spore reaction chamber
Mischa@crystyl approaches the EMH, "What's her condition?"
T'Lana@anncaris | EMH: "The process has drained her. She will require at least a day of rest before waking, but otherwise her vitals are stable."
T'Lana@anncaris stands, "It is similar to what occurred to our Ensign Ralde on the Regulator vessel, I believe."
Mischa@crystyl:"That is a relief to hear" she turns to TL, "And it does make sense given the strain she just put herself through"
T'Lana@anncaris:"She will be fine with time. Have we successfully returned to the Latenter?"
Mischa@crystyl:"We have not"
T'Lana@anncaris:"Damn it..."
Mischa@crystyl perks a brow, "Eloquently put Lana..."
T'Lana@anncaris sighs, "We have...problems."
Mischa@crystyl:"More than our displacement I gather. What's going on?"
T'Lana@anncaris nods, turning to the console, "Firstly, our encounter with the Borg has drained the Discovery's power reserves. We still have enough power for essential environmental functions, but we cannot -
T'Lana@anncaris - make another jump without additional power."
Mischa@crystyl:"Understood, but that's not what I meant. What's going on with you Lana?"
T'Lana@anncaris | The EMH steps over to scan her, but she waves him off, "Back away. I am not your patient." She turns to Mischa, "We should move Lieutenant Ralde to sickbay first. Then we should...speak -
T'Lana@anncaris - in private."
Mischa@crystyl nods, "Of course" and moves to help Emma
T'Lana@anncaris carries the other side of Emma, looking to the EMH, "Meet us in sickbay, where you can continue to observe her condition."
T'Lana@anncaris | The EMH nods and flickers away
T'Lana@anncaris starts bringing Emma to sickbay
---
T'Lana@anncaris | The two carry Emma into the Discovery's sickbay, where the EMH is waiting. The surgical bed is occupied by a body wearing a 22nd century Earth Starfleet uniform with the Endeavour patch, but -
T'Lana@anncaris - rest of the area appears clear
T'Lana@anncaris begins to set Emma on one of the other beds
Mischa@crystyl helps carefully setting her down
T'Lana@anncaris glances to the EMH as they set her down, "Keep an eye on her. Let us know if anything changes."
T'Lana@anncaris | EMH: "Understood."
T'Lana@anncaris gestures for Mischa to follow
Mischa@crystyl follows
T'Lana@anncaris leads the way to a nearby set of quarters, which she steps inside. It is a larger room with a separate living area and bedroom. Judging by the size, proximity to sickbay and what Mischa notices -
T'Lana@anncaris - of the decor and personal items, it was most likely the Chief Medical Officer's room
Mischa@crystyl looks around some, "It's a shame we're so down on power. Feels like a good time for a drink..."
T'Lana@anncaris looks around as well, "I could use a drink as well. If their Starfleet is anything like our own, there are likely to be bottles stored away in the lounge areas. But I thought this would be a -
T'Lana@anncaris - far more appropriate setting."
Mischa@crystyl:"You know besides the EMH and an unconscious Emma we're alone anywhere on this ship, so privacy is pretty much a given. Though I appreciate the concept of stepping away" she smiles, "So, what's -
Mischa@crystyl:- really going on with you?"
T'Lana@anncaris moves over to take a seat on the sofa, "I...presume you have heard of the Vulcan process of pon farr?"
Mischa@crystyl takes a seat across from her with a soft sigh and a sympathetic smile, "I had a feeling it would be that. I can't imagine much else getting under your skin"
T'Lana@anncaris sighs, "It is not supposed to occur for another year. Back in our own timeline, at least. It is possible that our frequent temporal travels of late has accelerated the cycle, as the sleep cycle -
T'Lana@anncaris - can be disrupted by staying on different planets, or distant regions of the same planet with a difference in time of day."
Mischa@crystyl:"Is as good an explanation as any I suppose. I am afraid though my knowledge of the situation doesn't really stretch beyond the basic principle so I have no idea how long this lasts, or how -
Mischa@crystyl:- debilitating it is and/or can be"
T'Lana@anncaris nods, "I suspected as much. It can be resolved through intensive meditation, but that requires significant discipline, beyond even what is expected of the average Vulcan. I have never attempted -
T'Lana@anncaris - to resolve it in such a manner before."
Mischa@crystyl:"I get the traditional resolution side of things, but the question is - I suppose - do you intend to try and hold out with meditation until we get back to the Latenter? I assume with this pending -
Mischa@crystyl:- you would have some intended plan to deal with it there"
T'Lana@anncaris:"I can try, but it is...not ideal. I was not expecting this for another year, by which point I was hoping our current mission would already be completed and I would have time for leave. Meditation -
T'Lana@anncaris:- would mean both myself and Lieutenant Ralde will be out of commission, leaving only yourself and the emergency hologram to resolve the situation. Not to mention if meditation fails, there will be -
T'Lana@anncaris:- very limited time to explore other solutions before the chemical imbalance proves fatal."
Mischa@crystyl:"I know this is an insensitive thing to ask, so forgive me. But, you say chemical imbalance, so does that make it something that can be addressed medically?"
T'Lana@anncaris shakes her head, "It is a logical question to ask, as it would seem to lead to the simplest solution. Unfortunately, the chemical imbalance is merely a symptom. Medicine can be used to -
T'Lana@anncaris - briefly counteract some effects, but the source is psychological. If not addressed, the imbalance will increase exponentially, to the point that counterbalancing medical agents will overload -
T'Lana@anncaris - the body. Medication could make me more focused for its duration, but it may decrease the overall time I have. That is why it is rarely used in these cases."
Mischa@crystyl:"I believe I understand. So, do you have a resolution in mind or is that what we are brainstorming?"
T'Lana@anncaris nods, "There is one resolution which will be most effective. But it will...require your participation."
Mischa@crystyl:"Would that even work? I assumed given the biological nature of it that you would need someone more... 'fitting'"
T'Lana@anncaris seems to giggle slightly at that, "As I said, the root cause is psychological. It is not the physical motions of mating, but the psychological effect of performing them with an individual one -
T'Lana@anncaris - is...attracted towards."
Mischa@crystyl smiles at the giggle, "Are you saying you've been holding out on me all this time? I tease, of course. Still, if it is what you deem necessary then I of course will do whatever I can to help you"
T'Lana@anncaris blushes a little and glances away at the comment, "I did not believe it was...appropriate, in the past. In our present circumstance however, it is the most logical solution. We have roughly one -
T'Lana@anncaris - week of life support remaining. Rather than taking myself out of commission for what may be the entirety of that time, this solution will keep us occupied for only several hours, after which -
T'Lana@anncaris - we may resume our work with finding a way to return to the Latenter."
Mischa@crystyl:"You do make a logical argument. Good. If it seemed like you were stretching it just get what your body is telling you it wants, I would have had doubts. But at least now I can be confident in your -
Mischa@crystyl:- decision making"
T'Lana@anncaris smiles, "I am not as in control of my emotions as I wish to be, but at this stage of the process I am still capable of rational thought. Not that I don't want this, of course..."
Mischa@crystyl:"Then we should tend to your needs before that changes"
T'Lana@anncaris nods, "Do you wish to head into the bedroom, or shall we proceed here?"
Mischa@crystyl:"Today it's all about you Lana. So whatever you want, ok" she smiles
T'Lana@anncaris smiles back and stands, "Let us head to the bed. It will be more comfortable."
Mischa@crystyl stands and heads off with Lana
---
T'Lana@anncaris | The next morning, Mischa stirs awake to find T'Lana sitting on the bed getting dressed beside her
Mischa@crystyl sits down
Mischa@crystyl sits up, "Well that was quite the workout"
T'Lana@anncaris looks over, "I hope I did not exhaust you too much, Mischa."
Mischa@crystyl:"It's been a while but I'm not too lacking in the stamina department. How about you now, back to your old self?"
T'Lana@anncaris nods, standing as she pulls up her pants, "I am able to keep my emotions in control once again. Thank you." She turns to Mischa fully, "On the subject of which..."
Mischa@crystyl:"Hm?"
T'Lana@anncaris:"Perhaps it may be best not to mention what occurred here again, to keep our relationship professional. Starfleet does not field regulations against interpersonal relationships between personnel, -
T'Lana@anncaris:- but I understand humans are often uncomfortable with such a notion. Especially as you are my superior officer."
Mischa@crystyl chuckles, "And if we were ordinary Starfleet officers that might be a concern. But we are used to dancing across that line so rest easy that I have no delusions about this being anything other -
Mischa@crystyl:- than professional courtesy. Well, friendly courtesy. But you get my meaning"
T'Lana@anncaris nods, giving Mischa a slight smile, "Of course. I appreciate your assistance, as a friend."
Mischa@crystyl:"As I said before, it's not a problem at all. Just glad we could help"
T'Lana@anncaris searches around the bed for something but doesn't seem to find it. She steps over to the lounger where she had dropped her jacket, straightening it a little before pulling it on
Mischa@crystyl gets up and dressed too, "Lost something?" she notices the searching
T'Lana@anncaris clips on her toolbelt and phasers, "My hairband. It is no issue. Loose hair is far less of a hindrance than the lack of emotional control and the threat of impending death. I am not quite sure -
T'Lana@anncaris - how you humans manage."
Mischa@crystyl:"With the emotions or the lack of hairbands?" she chuckles
T'Lana@anncaris:"The emotions, primarily. You seem to have a functional hairband."
Mischa@crystyl:"I think you've worked with me long enough to know that we don't always manage. But conversely, more often than not they are a great source of strength for us"
T'Lana@anncaris:"Perhaps we Vulcans may try and learn how to channel that strength from you someday."
T'Lana@anncaris clips on her combadge and taps it, "T'Lana to Sickbay. How is Lieutenant Ralde?"
T'Lana@anncaris <C - EMH> "Lieutenant Ralde is recovering her strength. She is still unconscious and is likely to be for at least the next twelve hours."
Mischa@crystyl:"Then let's use this time to better get our bearings and strategize the next step"
T'Lana@anncaris nods, "I will shut off as many non-essential functions as possible to conserve the maximum amount of power. As Lieutenant Ralde is in Sickbay, it would be logical to keep this as one of the few -
T'Lana@anncaris - decks with active environmental systems. We may utilize nearby quarters such as this one if we require rest."
Mischa@crystyl nods, "Agreed. I'd like to get back on the sensors too and get a better understanding of our current position"
T'Lana@anncaris:"We can reconvene once we are more prepared then."
Mischa@crystyl:"Sounds like a plan"
---
T'Lana@anncaris | A few hours later, T'Lana rings the doorbell to the ready room which Mischa is working within
Mischa@crystyl:"Come in"
T'Lana@anncaris steps in, "Captain. I have shut off all non-essential systems and power to unused areas of the ship. We should be conserving maximum power now."
Mischa@crystyl:"Every little helps. I've just been familiarizing myself with the Discovery's erratic history"
T'Lana@anncaris:"Have you learned anything useful?"
Mischa@crystyl:"That jump brought us back to the ship's origin point before things went wrong for the crew. So we're in the year 2442 now, and just inside the edge of the Darkness"
T'Lana@anncaris:"We may not be far from civilization, then. Unfortunately, we do not have the power for any significant amount of warp travel."
Mischa@crystyl:"It would seem that our options are rather limited"
T'Lana@anncaris:"I have a suggestion, though it is not without some risk." She looks to the replicator in the room. "Do you mind if I replicate some food? The lounges are not within currently habitable areas, and -
T'Lana@anncaris - I find myself in need of energy after our recent...expenditures."
Mischa@crystyl:"Of course. I may have pitched up in here for ease, but this is not my command and it is not my office. So make yourself at home too"
T'Lana@anncaris nods, "Thank you." She makes her way over to the replicator, creating a plate of pok tar and some cutlery
Mischa@crystyl waits for her to get settled, "So what is your cunning plan?"
T'Lana@anncaris brings the plate to the table, sitting down and taking a bite, "We send out a distress call."
Mischa@crystyl:"That is indeed a risk"
T'Lana@anncaris:"It may be our only chance of survival. The Discovery was powered up when we came on board only because a previous vessel that found it had powered it back up in an effort to commandeer the ship. -
T'Lana@anncaris:- in the Dark Zone, there are no sources of power, as we have seen with the experiment on the Regulator ship. We must receive power from someone, and since we have returned to the origin point of -
T'Lana@anncaris - the Discovery, we at least know that Starfleet is still active at this time."
Mischa@crystyl:"I can't imagine they'd be overly keen to just boost our power and then send us on our merry way with their prototype ship"
T'Lana@anncaris:"I doubt it, but they could provide us with another means back, perhaps through a slingshot maneuver or other technologies we do not yet possess. We have made contact with them previously, albeit -
T'Lana@anncaris:- centuries ago. But their historical files will likely have us recorded as allies from our visits to their Heart. From what I have seen in their rules and regulations, they more closely resemble -
T'Lana@anncaris:- our Starfleet than whatever the Survivors became. I see no reason they would not aid us. I believe the primary risk is if someone else other than Starfleet answers the distress call."
Mischa@crystyl:"Well it's not like we have any other options is it? Alright, I guess we're doing this"
T'Lana@anncaris takes another bite of her food, "Indeed, I can see no other options. I will power up the comms array and broadcast a distress signal on Starfleet frequencies specifically. That will hopefully -
T'Lana@anncaris - minimize the likelihood of scavengers and pirates picking it up."
Mischa@crystyl:"Alright. We should keep a rotation going to monitor sensors"
T'Lana@anncaris:"Agreed," she eats another spoonful of food. "I suggest we also prepare for boarding action in case pirates or other opportunists do respond to the call. We may still be able to salvage that -
T'Lana@anncaris:- situation if we can reverse-board their craft to transfer power to the Discovery. The transporters are powered down, but we have enough power to utilize them a few times if needed."
Mischa@crystyl:"Well if nothing else it will keep us occupied" she chuckles
T'Lana@anncaris nods, "The holodeck power grid has long been exhausted and with the ship in its current state, there is not much else for entertainment. Save that which we should not discuss again, but that is -
T'Lana@anncaris - of course out of the question..."
Mischa@crystyl:"Once we put that signal out we must be guarded around the clock"
T'Lana@anncaris:"Until Lieutenant Ralde wakes, we can run a three-shift rotation with the emergency hologram, alternating between watching the sensors, preparing security and resting."
Mischa@crystyl nods, "It will have to do"
T'Lana@anncaris:"One of us will always be on each task, save the hologram, though we may also wish to shut him down when he is not needed for power conservation. Especially once the Lieutenant wakes and medical -
T'Lana@anncaris:- support is no longer required. We will need his security programming to assist us should we encounter pirates."
Mischa@crystyl:"Agreed"
---
T'Lana@anncaris | A few more hours pass, and Emma starts stirring awake in Sickbay...
Mischa@crystyl | Emma looks around, naturally disorientated
T'Lana@anncaris | The EMH flickers into view beside her, "Welcome back, Commander. You are aboard the USS Discovery, NCC-101331."
Mischa@crystyl | Emma rubs her head, "Commander? And who are- oh right, EMH yeah?"
T'Lana@anncaris | EMH: "That is correct. You do remember who you are?"
Mischa@crystyl | Emma: "Well of course. Last I recall I don't have a concussion or anything, just got drained by that damned spore drive..."
T'Lana@anncaris | EMH: "Excellent. You recall the events prior to your loss of consciousness as well. That is a good sign. You may still feel some symptoms of fatigue, but you are otherwise unharmed."
Mischa@crystyl | Emma, "Good to know. So... you said we're still on the Discovery right? I guess we didn't get back to the Latenter yet then... where's the others?"
T'Lana@anncaris | Just as she asks, the doors slide open and T'Lana steps in, her hair still loose
T'Lana@anncaris:"Lieutenant. I am pleased to see that you are awake. How are you feeling?"
Mischa@crystyl | Emma rubs the back her neck, "I feel like I went 10 rounds with Nausicaan, but yeah I'll live"
T'Lana@anncaris nods, "Good. You may rest for as long as you need. When you are in a better condition, we could use additional assistance across the ship."
Mischa@crystyl | Emma: "What's the situation?"
T'Lana@anncaris:"We've jumped back to Discovery's point of origin, and we're out of power to make another jump. We've sent out a distress call for assistance from Starfleet here. They will no doubt wish to -
T'Lana@anncaris:- investigate, though there is a risk of non-Starfleet answering the call. So we are keeping constant watch on sensors and preparing for potential boarding action."
Mischa@crystyl | Emma nods: "Right. I should be able to work some magic with what we've got too"
T'Lana@anncaris:"We will appreciate all the assistance we can get. Hopefully, you will not be required to fight until you are fully recovered."
Mischa@crystyl | Emma, "Well no sense laying around here when there's work to do. My implants would have kept me out if I needed it still, right doc?" she looks to the EMH
T'Lana@anncaris | EMH: "That is correct. You are cleared for duty, if you do not mind the discomfort."
Mischa@crystyl | Emma slides out of the bed and steps over to TL, "Right, let's get to work then!"
T'Lana@anncaris:"If you are certain that you are capable."
Mischa@crystyl | Emma: "Just give me a chance to wake up some before asking me to fend off pirates or anything" she smiles, stretching
T'Lana@anncaris:"Very well."
---
T'Lana@anncaris | A few more hours pass after Emma wakes, and it is Mischa's turn to keep watch on the bridge. The shift begins uneventfully, but as Mischa idly waits at the console...
T'Lana@anncaris ...the console beeps and a sensor reading suddenly shows up directly in front of the Discovery
T'Lana@anncaris | On the viewscreen, a ship decloaks
T'Lana@anncaris FX | https://i.imgur.com/aVkm49b.jpg