ST:SoD306 | "Lost in Time Pt. II"

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...

---

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LAST TIME ON STAR TREK: SHADOW OF DEATH

T'Lana@anncaris | Daurant: "It...looks like a Starfleet vessel. Not one of the Survivor ones, much older than that."

T'Lana@anncaris | T'Bee: "Captain. I am picking up P. stellaviatori spores."

T'Lana@anncaris FX | https://i.imgur.com/rVMmdoA.jpg

T'Lana@anncaris 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 <C - Victoria> "Captain, there's an energy buildup in the Discovery."

T'Lana@anncaris “We are in the negative stardates. Earth year 1967, in the Delta Quadrant."

Mischa@crystyl sighs, "Not this again..."

T'Lana@anncaris moves over to take a seat on the sofa, "I...presume you have heard of the Vulcan process of pon farr?"

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."

T'Lana@anncaris | The next morning, Mischa stirs awake to find T'Lana sitting on the bed getting dressed beside her

T'Lana@anncaris:"Perhaps it may be best not to mention what occurred here again, to keep our relationship professional."

T'Lana@anncaris: "We send out a distress call. It may be our only chance of survival."

Mischa@crystyl:"Well it's not like we have any other options is it? Alright, I guess we're doing this"

T'Lana@anncaris | A console reads: INCOMING TRANSMISSION, U.S.S. KOR * NCC-100964 * RECON / STRIKE CORPS

B'Atar@anncaris materializes clad in a suit of armour- not Klingon armour, but high tech armour akin to the new ones being rolled out at the Heart to MACOs inspired by Regulator suits. Beside her stands a -

B'Atar@anncaris - similarly armoured but much larger Gorn holding a massive rifle and two Klingon males, one armed with a bayoneted rifle, the other a bat'leth with glowing blue red energy overlaying the -

B'Atar@anncaris - bladed areas of the weapon. The two rifles are trained squarely on Mischa

AND NOW THE CONTINUATION...

Mischa@crystyl frowns, "Back to reclaim your loaned power so soon? Not giving us much of a chance to do anything with it"

B'Atar@anncaris holds a mek'leth in one hand, without any fancy glowing energy, and a bladed pistol resembling Colonial Fleet design in the other

B'Atar@anncaris:"We contacted Starfleet. The Director of Intelligence is in the Delta Quadrant," she nods to the Klingon male with the rifle. "Scan her."

B'Atar@anncaris | The Klingon lowers the rifle slightly and takes out a tricorder, taking a few steps closer to scan Mischa

Mischa@crystyl holds up her hands quite nonchalantly, "As you can quite clearly tell, I am Mischa Leveson-Scott"

B'Atar@anncaris | The scanning Klingon looks at the readings as he scans, "She's not Ditean."

B'Atar@anncaris:"Undine? Founder?"

Mischa@crystyl smiles at seeing them try to puzzle it out

B'Atar@anncaris | The other Klingon shakes his head, "Not Founder, either. I will have to collect a tissue and blood sample to verify whether she is Undine...but I am picking up a quantum signature variation?"

B'Atar@anncaris narrows her eyes, "So you are Mischa Leveson-Scott. Just not /our/ Mischa Leveson-Scott."

Mischa@crystyl continues to hold her pleasant smile, "Before you go taking any offense, I never actually claimed that I was. Nor did I lie to you at any point. I told you that learning more would put you in an -

Mischa@crystyl:- awkward position, and now here you are"

B'Atar@anncaris takes a few steps closer to Mischa as well, "How did you come into possession of the Discovery? This is our Discovery, the ship shows no quantum signature variation."

Mischa@crystyl:"That is correct. And that is also the part that you're going to regret learning about, just giving you fair warning"

B'Atar@anncaris:"Starfleet Command is dispatching a more suitable vessel to investigate the Discovery fully. I can toss you in the brig and await their arrival, if you would prefer."

Mischa@crystyl:"Not being uncooperative, just pointing things out. Have it your way then, our quantum reality shares an inherent connection with yours which links roughly this time period with your 23rd century -

Mischa@crystyl:- or rather specifically the point where the Heart was used to defeat the Horde. We have had a number of encounters with your Starfleet of that time - myself personally in fact - and came across -

Mischa@crystyl:- most recently to investigate a link to the Darkness which is now just appearing elsewhere in our galaxy. We then travelled to a point in your future to launch our investigation and that is where -

Mischa@crystyl:- we encountered the Discover whilst on our way witness the Darkness consume Sector 001"

B'Atar@anncaris gestures towards the Klingon with the bat'leth, and then one of the consoles. The Klingon deactivates the energy around his bat'leth and steps over, tapping on the console for a moment

B'Atar@anncaris | Bat'leth Klingon: "Historical records do tell of a Commander and later Captain Leveson-Scott who made contact with James Kirk and the Enterprise in the Heart of Unity."

B'Atar@anncaris | The rifle Klingon steps over, tricorder still in hand as he also goes to look at the console, "Her quantum signature matches the signature of their universe."

Mischa@crystyl continues as he works, "This Discovery uses a re-imagining of its predecessors experimental engine technology using the mycelial network. Those past experiments proved disastrous, and the ones -

Mischa@crystyl:- conducted here were no better. We found the Discovery adrift in your near future after it had been jumping wildly across your history; with it's crew long dead it enticed many pirates and -

Mischa@crystyl:- opportunists to try and claim it's exotic technology. All ended up consumed by it, culminating with some past Jem'Hadar who we killed the last off after they went mad with Ketracel withdrawals. -

Mischa@crystyl:- The ship did another wild jump while we were investigating and we became marooned with it when this happened. However a member of my team is uniquely gifted in mycelial navigation and so we -

Mischa@crystyl:- attempted to return. That return trip brought us here"

B'Atar@anncaris | Gorn: "The Lupan brothersss are reporting bodies from all acrossss the galaxy. Including Jem'Hadar."

B'Atar@anncaris lowers her pistol, gesturing for the Gorn to stand down as well. She points the massive rifle away from Mischa

B'Atar@anncaris:"So you plan to take the Discovery to the future again?"

Mischa@crystyl:"We need to stop it from polluting your timeline with these wild jumps, and we also need to get back to our own ship to remove our own contamination from your history. As you have already noted, we -

Mischa@crystyl:have already make a mark on your past. I had hoped to avoid this interaction to spare you the foreshadowing of the Darkness' progress, but that contamination is now in place. The more this -

Mischa@crystyl:- knowledge of our presence and the discovery's computer data spreads across your Starfleet, the more unpredictable the outcomes will be"

B'Atar@anncaris nods, "I can see why you didn't want to talk about this. But Starfleet Science will want the results of this experiment back, even if it was disastrous. Maybe especially because it was -

B'Atar@anncaris - disastrous, so the scientists can know what not to mess with."

Mischa@crystyl:"They should just write this whole technology off. One look at what it did to the Discovery's crew should be all the evidence needed for that. But even so, we are still temporal and quantum anomalies -

Mischa@crystyl:- here and must return to our departure point in your future in order to remedy that"

B'Atar@anncaris:"You said your attempt to return brought you here. Is your navigation specialist even sure they can get you back to where you came from? You could end up somewhere worse, have this tech and -

B'Atar@anncaris:- knowledge fall into the hands of people from before the Darkness even entered the galaxy. Or in Ditean or Borg hands."

Mischa@crystyl:"We initially underestimated the Discovery's personality. In our universe, there is only one other starship known to us with such a sense of will. But since learning this my specialist has reached -

Mischa@crystyl:- an understanding with the Discovery, so we can be certain to get back where we should be next time"

B'Atar@anncaris:"Well, your story does line up with what we know, and your explanation makes sense. You are clearly not an enemy, but I have orders to keep Discovery here until support arrives. They are sending a -

B'Atar@anncaris:- ship with a specialist on this experiment. I am sure they will see reason, and they may even be able to assist you in returning home."

Mischa@crystyl:"We shall have to hope so"

B'Atar@anncaris:"They'll be here within a day. If I allow you to remain free, will you swear not to attempt to escape?"

Mischa@crystyl:"We couldn't do anything even if we wanted to try. The ship barely had power to make a jump, and even if it still had enough it takes far too long to spin up"

B'Atar@anncaris:"Good. You're smart enough not to try anything. A welcome change from the pirates and scavvers we usually deal with," she smiles. "I'll keep Discovery at its current power level and post a few -

B'Atar@anncaris:- of my officers on the bridge. The Kor will remain on overwatch until support arrives."

Mischa@crystyl:"Fair enough. Since we're both here and waiting now, and I am still on a mission of discovery about the Darkness, How would you feel about comparing notes?"

B'Atar@anncaris:"We are no science ship, but it is difficult not to know anything about the Darkness these days. You said it is only just appearing where you come from?"

Mischa@crystyl:"Yes, and on the other side of the galaxy from where it appeared here"

B'Atar@anncaris:"Lucky you," she attaches her mek'leth to the magnetic holster on her back. "Come on, then. I'll tell you everything I know about it."

B'Atar@anncaris heads towards the ready room

Mischa@crystyl turns and follows

---

B'Atar@anncaris steps into the ready room, plopping down on one of the sofas, "So...you want to know about the Darkness."

Mischa@crystyl takes a seat with a little less plopping, "Well you all know a lot more than we do still, and since we have time to kill why not"

B'Atar@anncaris:"Well, it entered from outside the galaxy. We believe it's the same thing that's largely destroyed the Andromeda galaxy by now. A few of them, maybe even just one, was circling the outside of our -

B'Atar@anncaris:- galaxy until the barrier dropped."

Mischa@crystyl nods, "Right, that's why it entered our galaxy from a different position since the barrier dropped there must more recently in the relative timeline"

B'Atar@anncaris nods, "It entered from the rim near where we fought the Horde here. We didn't notice it immediately, since so much of that region was just ruined worlds left behind by the Horde. The Starfleet -

B'Atar@anncaris - exploration ships surveying planets for reclamation were the first ones to notice it."

Mischa@crystyl:"Did they realize what it was doing to the stars straight away?"

B'Atar@anncaris:"No, they realized stars were missing at first. It took a few months of investigating before they found what was causing it. We spent much longer trying to stop it. Some still are trying."

Mischa@crystyl:"Only some?"

B'Atar@anncaris:"Most of Starfleet is busy dealing with evacuations and the aftermath of the Darkness. Not to mention problems with other factions. Mostly the Diteans and Undine these days. We lost some of our -

B'Atar@anncaris:- best minds in efforts to stop the Darkness. Spock, Reyga, Dax, Data, Icheb. Most people have given up trying to stop it."

Mischa@crystyl:"I see. Have they seen any measure of success against it that you know?"

B'Atar@anncaris:"Not really. The Heart of Unity was lost in a maneuver to lure them away from the galactic centre. Bought us a little more time, but most agree it wasn't worth the loss of that installation. A few -

B'Atar@anncaris:- were thrown into black holes and we thought that could be a solution at first, until they appeared elsewhere and just created more dark zones. That backfired bad. There's still two in limbo, we -

B'Atar@anncaris:- don't know if they've appeared in another galaxy or if they might show up somewhere in the future. Some psionics tried to recreate the barrier on a smaller scale and contained one for a bit, but -

B'Atar@anncaris:- that project fell apart too."

Mischa@crystyl:"You talk as though the Darkness is a collective of smaller tangible entities? But until now I've only heard of it referred to as a singular phenomena"

B'Atar@anncaris:"It's...complicated. Think of it like a disease. You don't talk about them as individual viruses or bacteria. It's the spread of the whole disease, but the disease is made up of those individual -

B'Atar@anncaris:- things, if that makes sense."

Mischa@crystyl:"That does provide context, yes. So some of these elements have been disrupted then?"

B'Atar@anncaris shakes her head, "Most attempts at disruption have just made it worse, like the black holes. One of the first things Starfleet did was splitting the Darkness. And all that accomplished was -

B'Atar@anncaris - showing us that a single drop could consume a planet. Slower than one of the massive ones, but splitting them up lets them spread further so it's all the same in the end. Maybe even worse. -

B'Atar@anncaris - That's why so many people have stopped trying."

Mischa@crystyl:"What about understanding the Darkness; it's origins and such"

B'Atar@anncaris:"There's been extensive scientific studies on it of course. Expeditions to scout out Andromeda, track down its origins beyond that. Far as I've heard there hasn't been much luck in that department. -

B'Atar@anncaris:- But we do have an understanding of how it works. Which just supports the idea that it can't be stopped."

Mischa@crystyl:"The galactic barrier kept it at bay, so it can be"

B'Atar@anncaris:"We tried that already. It was hard enough to gather enough psionics from across the galaxy to hold a single one of them. The barrier took the energy of all Children, plus some from the Q -

B'Atar@anncaris:- themselves. And it only kept the Darkness at bay, not destroyed it. Even it wouldn't have lasted forever."

Mischa@crystyl:"Still, I refuse to believe that just because something seems impossible that it actually is"

B'Atar@anncaris:"Starfleet hasn't given up completely yet. We've tried everything we can, but science and technology is always developing. When new tech comes out, it might open new ways to fight the Darkness, or -

B'Atar@anncaris:- at least delay it. That's why we're experimenting with everything we can, like whatever the Discovery is doing. It may look callous to you, losing entire crews to science experiments, but if -

B'Atar@anncaris:- advancing tech can slow the Darkness, it'll save billions of people, maybe even the whole galaxy. And that's well worth the sacrifice."

Mischa@crystyl:"I understand, and believe me when I say that I have seen experimentation far more callous than here"

B'Atar@anncaris:"I assume you haven't had a chance to study the Darkness firsthand yet? See it doing its thing to stars?"

Mischa@crystyl shakes her head, "No, we are still catching up to it"

B'Atar@anncaris:"Well, it consumes more than just stars. Planets, asteroids, even starships if you get in its way. They just like to prioritize stars. They're not really alive, from what anyone can tell. There's -

B'Atar@anncaris:- negotiating with them or even tricking them, unless you have a spare star in a dyson sphere or something like that. Little drops of it are completely inanimate. They just float until they come -

B'Atar@anncaris - into contact with something and then consume it. When they get big though, they seem to develop the ability to hone into stars."

Mischa@crystyl:"Has anyone figured out what it is about stars that attracts them?"

B'Atar@anncaris:"Size and energy, I think. With anything else they consume, they just turn it into more of itself. But with stars it actually produces some kind of reaction. Energy shockwaves, all that. And it -

B'Atar@anncaris:- climaxes with a detonation like a supernova, that allows it to eat up most of the system too. It's like a saber bear going for a nice fat targ. It wouldn't waste its time with serpent worms when -

B'Atar@anncaris:- it's got something much bigger and juicier."

Mischa@crystyl hrms, "It almost reminds me of the old Doomsday machine that came from somewhere outside of the galaxy"

B'Atar@anncaris:"The Doomsday machine?"

Mischa@crystyl:"Perhaps it never appeared here owing to the different timeframes of the darkness. It was a colossal artificial entity that drifted into our galaxy from somewhere beyond. It was drawn to planets -

Mischa@crystyl:- which it disintegrated and consumed"

B'Atar@anncaris nods, "Sounds kind of like the Darkness, but on a smaller scale, targeting planets instead of stars."

Mischa@crystyl:"Indeed. Nobody ever knew it's true nature, just assumed it to be some horrific war machine and postulated that it consumed everything in it's home galaxy before drifting towards ours in a -

Mischa@crystyl:- neverending search for fuel. But now I can't help but wonder if someone else a long time ago in a distant galaxy created it to stop the Darkness"

B'Atar@anncaris:"If they did, it was a very ill-conceived attempt. Nothing can destroy the Darkness, not even channeled solar beams from the Heart of Unity or Omega detonations. Unless they were looking to starve -

B'Atar@anncaris:- the Darkness by destroying as much as they could before the Darkness could consume it."

Mischa@crystyl:"That would be quite self-defeating, yes. I don't know, it is just a theoretical connection to loosely explain two similar phenomena from similar origins is all"

B'Atar@anncaris:"In any case, you're welcome to all the information on the Darkness we have. It should be in the Discovery's computers, unless some of the groups that boarded it before you wiped the computers -

B'Atar@anncaris:- clean. There'll be a lot more technical details than what I know off the top of my head. Like all the scientific info on its nature."

Mischa@crystyl:"We'll be sure to learn all we can"

B'Atar@anncaris:"As for the classified info on this ship...well, you're not from our universe, and you came from our future anyways. Don't think there's much chance of you doing damage with that information."

Mischa@crystyl:"Indeed. The greater danger is still that knowledge spreading here"

B'Atar@anncaris:"You really think it'll be dangerous to Starfleet, even just archiving this knowledge away and not experimenting with it any more?"

Mischa@crystyl:"It's not just the knowledge of the Discovery experiment. It's the data collected through it's sensor during its erratic jumping; what it holds records of from your future. Seeing things like that -

Mischa@crystyl:- could influence major decisions that would reshape things. For the better, you might argue, but the Starfleet of that future might disagree"

B'Atar@anncaris nods, "I'll pass on your recommendation to the ship coming to meet us. Anything else you want to discuss while we wait?"

Mischa@crystyl:"I'm sure more will come up, but we have plenty of time. I don't have anything else for right now"

B'Atar@anncaris stands, "I'll go change out of this armour then. As fun as it is to fight in those, uniforms are /definitely/ more comfortable to sit around in. Maybe they can extend the retractability of the -

B'Atar@anncaris - helmet and gloves to the whole thing someday, like the ablative armour generators on ships."

Mischa@crystyl chuckles, "Who knows"

---

T'Lana@anncaris | A few hours later, Mischa is called to the bridge as the ship they are awaiting approaches

Mischa@crystyl walks over, "So what do we know?"

T'Lana@anncaris turns, "The other Starfleet vessel is already in contact with the Kor. Sensors have made an identification as well," she gestures to the screen of the console she's at

Mischa@crystyl takes a look

T'Lana@anncaris | The console reads: U.S.S. VALLEY FORGE * NCC-43305-C * DEEP SPACE EXPLORATORY CORPS

Mischa@crystyl chuckles, "The sad part is that I am no longer even surprised to see that name. Though I am somewhat curious to see what evolution the C has taken"

T'Lana@anncaris | On the viewscreen, the VF-C drops out of warp...

T'Lana@anncaris FX | https://i.imgur.com/7tviKmt.jpg

T'Lana@anncaris looks to the screen, "Interesting. I can see some of the design elements which eventually evolve into the Survivor vessels we are familiar with. Similar to the evolution of starships into -

T'Lana@anncaris - sleeker designs we witnessed following the Dominion War in our universe, but taken even further."

Mischa@crystyl:"So it would seem"

T'Lana@anncaris:"The saucer nacelles seem very indicative of our Valley Forge's design as well, though a little more evident here," she taps away at her console. "The tactical systems are quite different, however. -

T'Lana@anncaris:- Antiproton weaponry appears to be the standard here, another connection to the Survivors. The vessel is far more tactically oriented, with the saucer separation revealing additional weapon -

T'Lana@anncaris:- nodes, indicating it is intended for MVAM use rather than evacuating half the ship to safety."

Mischa@crystyl:"I'd wager good latinum that it's the result of T'Pia and Tierno's influence after doing something here like they did with the Valley Forge in our universe"

T'Lana@anncaris nods, "A likely possibility," she glances down to the console again, "The Valley Forge is hailing us."

Mischa@crystyl:"I suppose they've had a chance to catch up with B'Atar now. Let's see where this goes now... on screen"

T'Lana@anncaris | The viewscreen switches from the VF-C to...

T'Lana@anncaris FX | https://i.imgur.com/ht8AB1r.jpg

T'Lana@anncaris | Captain Tierno: "Well, you're looking a little younger than I'm used to, Mischa."

Mischa@crystyl chuckles, "And you're all grown up now, and I see you made short work of reaching that big chair. Not that I'm surprised, if you're anything like the Rianni I know"

T'Lana@anncaris | Captain Tierno chuckles as well, "More comfortable to have an oversized chair than an undersized one. So, Captain B'Atar told me all about what you told her. You go by Captain Leveson-Scott, -

T'Lana@anncaris - right?"

Mischa@crystyl nods, "Correct"

T'Lana@anncaris | Captain Tierno: "And you're the one that made your way to our future after encountering Admiral Kirk after the Battle of the Heart."

Mischa@crystyl:"Also correct. That was the second time I had met the Kirk of your universe, the first time he was still a Captain and the Horde was yet to be defeated. But that second time was during the golden -

Mischa@crystyl:- era following their defeat, which is a corresponding time to relevant events where we come from"

T'Lana@anncaris | Captain Tierno: "Well, enjoy it while it lasts. That was certainly one of the highest points in our history."

Mischa@crystyl:"Exactly why I am on a mission to make sure it stays that way"

T'Lana@anncaris | Captain Tierno nods, "And you ended up on the Discovery while exploring our future and the nature of the Darkness."

Mischa@crystyl:"An unfortunate coincidence, yes"

T'Lana@anncaris | Captain Tierno: "Captain B'Atar informed me that you recommended the information from the Discovery not make its way to us, for risk of polluting our timeline?"

Mischa@crystyl:"Yes, even just sharing what we now know of your future could have incalculable consequences"

T'Lana@anncaris | Captain Tierno nods, "I understand the dangers of changing history. Even history that hasn't quite been written yet. Starfleet didn't conduct this experiment to gain an insight into the -

T'Lana@anncaris - future in any case, if anything we have strict rules preventing unauthorized time travel. I take it the systems of this ship are more or less familiar to you, since you've managed to operate -

T'Lana@anncaris - it so far?"

Mischa@crystyl:"Yes. Though we initially the main computer's level of intelligence - which is why we ended up here and now - we have since compensated and are now confident that we can return to our departure point

T'Lana@anncaris | Captain Tierno: "I'm glad to hear that. But Starfleet does want this ship and the technology on board back. I'll give you some time to wipe any data collected from our future. After that, I'll -

T'Lana@anncaris - be beaming over with some of my crew to take command of the Discovery. Don't worry, we'll get you back and we won't make any scans while we're there. We just want the ship brought to the -

T'Lana@anncaris - present, well...our present anyways, once you've returned to where you came from."

Mischa@crystyl:"That sounds reasonable. I am relieved to see that you understand the situation" she smiles, "Gives me faith in my decision to vouch for a certain young cadet not too many years ago by my measure"

T'Lana@anncaris | Captain Tierno smiles back, "Let me know when you're ready and we'll transport on board, then."

Mischa@crystyl:"We've already familiarized ourselves with the Discovery's computer, so this should not take long. We'll be in touch shortly"

T'Lana@anncaris | Captain Tierno nods, "I'll see you then, Captain."

T'Lana@anncaris looks to Mischa as the comm ends, "I shall begin erasing the data. I presume we should leave the information pertaining to the spore drive experiment intact, as a warning to its dangers?"

Mischa@crystyl:"If they are going to the trouble of getting us back, the least we can do is leave them all we can I think. So yes, a targeted cleanse of collected data from the Discovery's travels but leave the -

Mischa@crystyl:- failed experiment itself intact"

T'Lana@anncaris nods, "Understood, Captain." She turns to get to work

---

Ann Carter@anncaris | After wiping the Discovery of the data obtained during its wild jumps, Mischa and T'Lana proceed to the transporter room to greet the team from the VF-C

Ann Carter@anncaris | T'Lana: "The Valley Forge is ready for transport, Captain."

Mischa@crystyl:"Give the order, they may proceed when ready"

Ann Carter@anncaris | T'Lana nods, tapping the transporter console, "They are beaming over now."

Ann Carter@anncaris | Captain Tierno materializes on the transporter pad with six other figures. Beside her stands Emma, looking exactly the same as Emma from our universe but sporting LCDR pips. A very familiar -

Ann Carter@anncaris - Bolian with the same gold striped uniform and pips also materializes behind her, along with two more junior engineers, a human LTJG and a Vulcan ensign. The last member of the group is a Gaton -

Ann Carter@anncaris - ensign in a red striped uniform

Mischa@crystyl smiles, "Why am I not surprised to Ralde at your side either"

Ann Carter@anncaris | Captain Tierno smiles back as she steps off the pad, "I had a feeling you'd be familiar with her in your own universe, too. Commander Ralde is my vijra and Chief of Operations." She gestures -

Ann Carter@anncaris - to the Bolian. "This is Commander Kerafar, my Chief Engineer. We'll be beaming a few more batches of junior officers and enlisted crew over to help with operations around the Discovery."

Mischa@crystyl:"Understandable, but keep in mind that this ship is quite good at looking after itself. We performed quite well in some unexpected situations with just the three of us and the ship's EMH"

Ann Carter@anncaris | Captain Tierno nods, "Most ships these days are, but it still works better with a crew. Especially when it's running prototype tech like this one."

Mischa@crystyl looks to the new Emma, "I take it you're familiar with navigating these systems?"

Ann Carter@anncaris | Commander Ralde: "I wouldn't say I'm an expert, but I have some experience. Mostly on Regulator ships using similar systems."

Mischa@crystyl:"As expected. Though I don't normally encourage meeting quantum duplicates, it would probably be worth you reviewing the experiences of our Emma"

Ann Carter@anncaris | Commander Ralde: "Your Emma is on board too?!"

Ann Carter@anncaris | T'Lana: "Not our Emma, actually."

Ann Carter@anncaris | Commander Ralde looks between Mischa and T'Lana

Mischa@crystyl smiles, "As expected. Yes, there is an Emma Ralde with us, but she does not bear the same quantum signature as us. She is in fact part of an expedition from another reality which recently arrived -

Mischa@crystyl:- in our own. Have you also seen this increase in trans-dimensional exploration?"

Ann Carter@anncaris | Captain Tierno: "We've had a few instances of it, but I wouldn't exactly call it a surge. We've had a few contacts and journeys into other universes, usually one universe in particular. Beyond -

Ann Carter@anncaris - that one, most of our experience has been either variations of me, for some reason, and the next common thing after that might just be contact with you."

Mischa@crystyl:"Well, nice to know I rank in there. I think..." she chuckles, "And that you seem to be consistent in every reality. Honestly Tierno, I don't get it either. But the universe really does seem to have-

Mischa@crystyl:- a thing about you. As for the alternate realities, our experience was historically much the same as you describe until recent events. To be fair there was a very specific catalyst event which -

Mischa@crystyl:- prompted it all, and given the major difference here being the timing of the Horde's defeat, I can see that easily not happening here"

Ann Carter@anncaris | Captain Tierno: "Yeah...you're the one who kept showing up around the Horde conflict," she chuckles. "Anyways, our Emma can go and meet...not your Emma while I take command from the bridge."

Ann Carter@anncaris | T'Lana: "I can show her there."

Mischa@crystyl nods, "Thank you Lana. Then I will accompany the Captain to the bridge in the meantime"

Ann Carter@anncaris | Captain Tierno: "Lead the way, then."

Mischa@crystyl heads out and to a nearby turbolift with Tierno. Once it gets going she keeps giving the Captain a sideways glance. After a while she comments, "Ok sorry but I have to ask. What's with the blue -

Mischa@crystyl:- strip?"

Ann Carter@anncaris | Captain Tierno gives Mischa a confused look, "That's just standard Command blue. You must have a different colour scheme in your universe, don't you?"

Mischa@crystyl:"Huh, go figure. Yes where I am from Command use Red now. And in the early years of Starfleet it was gold"

Ann Carter@anncaris | Captain Tierno: "It used to be gold here too, back before the Horde War. I believe it was white for a while, and then Starfleet introduced uniforms where the division colours were more -

Ann Carter@anncaris - prominent and they changed it to blue. These days blue is the Command division colour, but commanding officers also wear these white shoulders to distinguish our position on the ship."

Mischa@crystyl:"Yes, that much is the same at least. Though I am a little more curious now, since I got the impression from Captain B'Atar that it was going to be a science vessel that came to investigate. And -

Mischa@crystyl:- your Valley Forge is even less a science ship than its predecessors"

Ann Carter@anncaris | Captain Tierno: "We're an exploration ship, so we have scientific capabilities. But as the Horde War and several other events have taught us, exploration can be dangerous. So our front-line -

Ann Carter@anncaris - exploratory cruisers are no less armed than the ships meant to defend from threats. As for why we were specifically sent, well, that's mostly because of Emma."

Mischa@crystyl:"Makes sense. Honestly I'm a little surprised she wasn't on the Discovery to begin with"

Ann Carter@anncaris | The two step out onto the bridge of the Discovery

Ann Carter@anncaris | Captain Tierno: "She was offered a posting here, actually. She turned it down, thought the whole experiment was a bad idea. And she also didn't want her career defined by her connection to the -

Ann Carter@anncaris - mycelial network either. So she chose to stay with me on the Valley Forge. With what's happened to this crew, I think she had the right idea."

Mischa@crystyl:"Can't argue with that. But one can't help but wonder what may have gone differently here if they had someone with her connection to navigate. Though if anything, they really should have brought an -

Mischa@crystyl:- Elachi on board. Honestly, why your Starfleet ever thought this was a good idea to pursue without a proper navigator is beyond me. I get desperate times and all, but still"

Ann Carter@anncaris | Captain Tierno: "They did have a navigator. He wasn't an Elachi, but another Starfleet officer who underwent something that gave him a connection to the Network while working on a Regulator -

Ann Carter@anncaris - ship with a spore drive. Different results from Emma, but it ended up allowing him to navigate too. I don't know what went wrong here, but that's one of the reasons Starfleet wants the ship -

Ann Carter@anncaris - back so they can review everything that happened leading up to the failure."

Mischa@crystyl:"I just hope they learn from their mistake. Messing with the network doesn't just put your own reality at risk and should be strictly left to those native to it"

Ann Carter@anncaris | Captain Tierno nods, "I understand. I mean, I don't understand the ins and outs of the network, even Emma doesn't and she's been dealing with it for much longer than I have. But I'm aware of -

Ann Carter@anncaris - its importance and the dangers of experiments involving it. I'll do what I can to use the Discovery's data to convince the admiralty of it too."

Mischa@crystyl:"I believe you will. So how exactly are you intended for this to play out here now?"

Ann Carter@anncaris | Captain Tierno: "Well, we're going to take the Discovery back to where you came from so you're not stuck here. Then we jump right back and head to the nearest starbase alongside the Valley -

Ann Carter@anncaris - Forge. Two jumps, nothing more. Should be minimal risk of causing more incidents or polluting the timeline."

Mischa@crystyl:"I certainly hope so. There have been quite enough detours on this trip already"

Ann Carter@anncaris | Captain Tierno nods, making her way over to the command chair and sitting down, placing a hand on the console, "This is Captain Rianni Tierno, assuming command of the Discovery."

Ann Carter@anncaris | Computer: "Identity confirmed. USS Discovery now under command of Captain Rianni Tierno."

Ann Carter@anncaris | Captain Tierno: "Summon engineering hologram."

Ann Carter@anncaris | The emergency hologram flickers on in its Engineering uniform, "How may I assist you?"

Ann Carter@anncaris | Captain Tierno: "We're going to be receiving a power transfer from the Valley Forge. Disperse the power accordingly; prioritize spore drive systems, we want enough power there for minimum two -

Ann Carter@anncaris - jumps. Allocate the rest to other systems as you see fit."

Ann Carter@anncaris | EEH: "Understood, Captain."

Ann Carter@anncaris | Captain Tierno looks back to Mischa, "Let's get this show started."

Mischa@crystyl smiles, "Who am I to argue with the Captain?"

Ann Carter@anncaris | Captain Tierno smiles back, "Notify the Forge that we're ready for the power transfer, then."

Mischa@crystyl smiles to herself at the novelty of the situation as she moves to a console, "Notifying them now Captain"

---

T'Lana@anncaris | Meanwhile, T'Lana accompanies Emma into a different turbolift

T'Lana@anncaris:"Your Captain said you were her vijra?"

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Yes. It is an Orion term if you were wondering"

T'Lana@anncaris nods, "A term of endearment, if I am not mistaken?"

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Yes, the literal translation is simply 'mate'. But we tend to reserve it for those we share a real bond with on a more personal level"

T'Lana@anncaris:"I believe you and your Captain share a similar bond in our own universe, though it is much fresher. And she is not a captain yet."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"That is no surprise I guess. The Captain thing I mean. After all, you are temporally offset to us too right. What is it, 20 years or so?"

T'Lana@anncaris nods, "Approximately so. You are an Ensign in our present, and Tierno a Lieutenant."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Ah so I stuck around the lower ranks there too then I take it"

T'Lana@anncaris:"Indeed," she steps out of the lift as they arrive on another deck. "Though it is possible you may take a promotion there once Tierno does as well. Our Tierno is aiming for Command too."

Emma Ralde@crystyl smiles, "Of course she is"

T'Lana@anncaris:"May I inquire about something out of personal curiosity?"

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Sure. You can ask at least. We'll see if your curiosity gets sated or not" she smirks

T'Lana@anncaris:"I was wondering whether such a close personal bond with your commanding officer impedes your duties in any fashion. As I understand it, human culture often frowns upon such connections between -

T'Lana@anncaris:- those with an existing professional relationship."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"It has its moments..." she admits, "Being on Ops, I rarely leave the ship like she does. And Rianni has quite the penchant for getting into trouble, so it can be quite unnerving even for me. So I -

Emma Ralde@crystyl:- take it that glow you've got about you isn't just from the environmental systems on the Discovery?" she asks with a knowing grin

T'Lana@anncaris:"I believe the environmental systems are set to Starfleet standard, as it would be on the Valley Forge, unless your crew has that altered."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"No reason they would. So you and your Captain are a thing then?"

T'Lana@anncaris:"No, we are not. I am merely...wondering about the complications of such a relationship should it occur."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Well it took some serious pull for us to serve on the same ship, that's for certain. Don't know what your fleet is like but from what you're saying it sounds pretty similar. We only really get away-

Emma Ralde@crystyl:- with it because we've been together since we were both junior officers and served together all that time as well without compromise. But even then the Director - your Captain - had to throw some -

Emma Ralde@crystyl:- of her weight around to get the signoff from command"

T'Lana@anncaris:"That much I suspected. Would you say that Command is right to be wary of officers with such relations serving on the same vessel, especially in a Command capacity?"

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Without a doubt, especially where Humans are involved. They tend to be less emotionally secure than most other species after all"

T'Lana@anncaris:"Am I correct in presuming that you serve to counterbalance this in your own relationship?"

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"As I'm sure you're aware, Orions have their own unique ways when it comes to interpersonal relationships. And then I have plenty of my own thanks to my own situation. Rianni and I spent years -

Emma Ralde@crystyl:- training ourselves to manage detachment. Because one day it will happen, be it through something we face out here or simply nature taking it's course. Even then she struggles with it; seeing -

Emma Ralde@crystyl:- herself grow older while I am exactly the same as the day we met. It is a constant reminder for her that can be painful to bare"

T'Lana@anncaris:"Yes, I imagine that will make it quite difficult. Relationships between species with lifespan differences are far from unheard of, but usually both still age to some extent. Your situation is -

T'Lana@anncaris:- rather unique in that regard."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Which is why we have spent our lives training ourselves to manage it. That went a long way to positioning ourselves to serve together without compromise as well, you see?"

T'Lana@anncaris:"I believe I understand. Managing detachment allows you to accept that loss is inevitable and merely a matter of time. With this reality in mind, you are less likely to compromise your decisions -

T'Lana@anncaris:- with emotion and act for the good of the ship, or the entire Federation, rather than sacrificing the needs of the many for your own."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Which helped convince command to allow us to continue together. But even with that, it is still difficult for us both at times"

T'Lana@anncaris:"I see. While it is certainly logical for Command to be apprehensive about such relationships and the challenges they bring, would you say from your significant experience, with both Starfleet and -

T'Lana@anncaris:- these relationships, that it is something to be avoided?"

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Not necessarily. I would say that it is something that should be more... considered"

T'Lana@anncaris:"And why is that?"

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"I think if people get into this situation frivolously, they are more likely to become liabilities to themselves. But if their hearts, or souls, or katras, or however you choose to perceive the -

Emma Ralde@crystyl:- imperceivable are connected like true vijra, then it can have the opposite effect and even make them stronger"

T'Lana@anncaris:"How exactly does one determine the line between the two? The forming of interpersonal bonds is relatively common aboard starships, as we are both aware. At what stage does it become truly connected?

Emma Ralde@crystyl laughs, "To ask that, you may as well ask me the meaning of life iteslf! I don't expect a vulcan of all people to understand - no offense - but there is no tangible line, no logical decision point -

Emma Ralde@crystyl:- to analyze and calculate the appropriate reaction to. It is just... what you feel"

T'Lana@anncaris:"That is as I expected. These matters are impossible to quantify, as I have frequently heard."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Sorry I couldn't give you a more clear cut answer. This is clearly weighing heavily on you"

T'Lana@anncaris:"You have given me a significant amount of information to contemplate already. I thank you for your insight."

Emma Ralde@crystyl smiles, "Happy to help!"

T'Lana@anncaris:"I assume you are no stranger to the concept of making contact with variations of yourself after spending so much time with Captain Tierno?"

Emma Ralde@crystyl laughs, "Yeah, she wasn't kidding before; she really is one of the top ranking phenomena in Starfleet now. If anything that's the only thing that really surprised me by your visit"

T'Lana@anncaris:"That we did not bring a variation of her along with us?"

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Exactly!"

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"I may have teased her a little about the opportunity to run off with a younger version of her..."

T'Lana@anncaris:"There is a version of her on board our ship. Perhaps you will have the chance to meet still."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Ok, please don't tell my Rianni that..."

T'Lana@anncaris:"I will avoid mentioning it, though I cannot guarantee that she will not learn of it herself during our return journey."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Guess if she does, I'll just have to make sure she knows I was only teasing her earlier. Unless this Rianni of yours likes to share of course, that could be fun..." she shakes her head, "Who am I -

Emma Ralde@crystyl:- kidding, I could never talk her into that when she was young and adventurous herself!"

T'Lana@anncaris raises a brow at the comment, "I wished to return the favour by providing you with some insight on Lieutenant Ralde before you encounter her. She is not like other variations of you; while she -

T'Lana@anncaris - does possess a similar history, she also sports significant visual differences in the cybernetics which is common to their universe."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Cybernetics? What, did they get Borgified or something?"

T'Lana@anncaris:"Not quite. While they did learn from Borg technology, I believe this widespread use of cybernetics originates beyond first contact with the Borg. Their human culture diverged from ours, resulting -

T'Lana@anncaris:- in impacts on the entire Federation and especially Starfleet. Are you familiar with the Olelians in your universe?"

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Oh Goddess... are you saying we're all like those crazy pink guys now?"

T'Lana@anncaris:"In the universe where Lieutenant Ralde originates from, yes. I thought you should be prepared before making contact with her."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"I see... well, thanks for the warning!"

T'Lana@anncaris gestures to the door to Engineering, "If you are ready, Commander."

Emma Ralde@crystyl heads inside

T'Lana@anncaris | Inside, Cyber-Emma is working away by the reaction chamber

Emma Ralde@crystyl | Cyber-Emma looks up and pauses, looking more closely at Emma

Emma Ralde@crystyl | The two tentatively approach one another, each looking the other over with some fascination

T'Lana@anncaris:"Lieutenant Emma Ralde, meet Commander Emma Ralde."

Emma Ralde@crystyl | Cyber-Emma looks between the two, "Commander? Finally gave in to the pressure then"

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Technically it's LCDR, so don't get too excited" she looks her over, taking in all the cybernetics

Emma Ralde@crystyl | Cyber-Emma: "Impressed?"

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"...confused"

Emma Ralde@crystyl | Cyber-Emma: "Yeah... I'm getting used to that reaction after hanging around in their universe too" she upnods towards TL, "But trust me; you don't know what you're missing"

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"I'll take your word for it..."

T'Lana@anncaris:"Commander Ralde is the specialist who had arrived with the vessel that Starfleet dispatched to investigate the Discovery."

Emma Ralde@crystyl | Cyber-Emma: "So you're here to take the reins?"

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Unfortunately"

Emma Ralde@crystyl | Cyber-Emma nods, "Yeah... I don't much care for this contraption either"

T'Lana@anncaris:"I believe that is an opinion shared by all your iterations, or at least those I have encountered so far."

Emma Ralde@crystyl | Both Emma's turn to TL, "Well can you blame us?" looking back to each other after speaking in unison

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"This is going to get old real quick..."

Emma Ralde@crystyl | Cyber-Emma: "Agreed..."

T'Lana@anncaris | The door slides open and Commander Kerafar enters, along with a few junior and enlisted engineers

Emma Ralde@crystyl turns and smiles, "There you are Kerafar! Glad to see you managed find engineering" she teases

T'Lana@anncaris | Kerafar: "If I had known you were coming down here to meet..." he eyes cyber-Emma, "...other you, I'd have asked for directions after the rest of my team beamed aboard," he chuckles. "Anyways, -

T'Lana@anncaris - we've got power from the Forge so we should be good to go."

T'Lana@anncaris:"Actually, it may take up to an hour for the spore drive to charge up."

Emma Ralde@crystyl | Cyber-Emma: "I don't suppose you want to drive?"

Emma Ralde@crystyl smiles, "If it's anything like I expect it to be, I'll pass thanks. Would rather not be stranded in another time with me passed out if it's all the same to you"

Emma Ralde@crystyl | Cyber-Emma sighs, "Yeah... two trips to make, two super-Orions to run them. It makes sense. Dammit"

Emma Ralde@crystyl smiles, "Besides, you can show me how it's done this way"

Emma Ralde@crystyl | Cyber-Emma grumbles, "Now I just need someone to show /me/ how it's done..." as she enters the chamber

T'Lana@anncaris:"You have previous experience already with this drive. That makes you somewhat qualified."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Moreso than me"

Emma Ralde@crystyl | Cyber-Emma: "Yeah I know. Doesn't make me feel any better about it though"

T'Lana@anncaris | Kerafar meanwhile taps away at a console, "Looks like there's some problems in the EPS grid. No wonder this drive's taking an hour to charge up. I know it's new tech, but I thought that was -

T'Lana@anncaris - a little long...."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Will it cause problems for the jumps?"

T'Lana@anncaris shakes her head, "We have already determined that it played no role in the incidents relating to the jumps and only delays the time needed between jumps."

T'Lana@anncaris | Kerafar: "Might as well do something about it though, now that we've got engineering teams on board."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"How long do you need?"

T'Lana@anncaris | Kerafar: "Twenty, thirty minutes or so. It should cut down the recharge of the drive more than enough to make up for the lost time, especially factor in the second jump we'll be making."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Then I think it's half an hour well spent"

T'Lana@anncaris | Kerafar nods, "I'll get on it, then."

---

Ann Carter@anncaris | Back on the bridge, Mischa receives a comm from Engineering on her console

Mischa@crystyl taps, "What's the situation?"

Ann Carter@anncaris <C - T'Lana> "The spore drive has powered up faster than before thanks to the Valley Forge's engineers. We are prepared to jump."

Mischa@crystyl looks to Tierno, "They're all set. Ready to go?"

Ann Carter@anncaris | Captain Tierno nods, "Let's do this. Stations everyone."

Mischa@crystyl relays over the comm to TL

Ann Carter@anncaris | Once again, the alert status changes from Green to Black...

Ann Carter@anncaris Sound FX | https://youtu.be/H0MFmhCS08A?t=35

Ann Carter@anncaris | Captain Tierno: "Well, this is new..."

Mischa@crystyl:"You get used to it"

Ann Carter@anncaris | The outer saucer begins to spin before lightning streaks flash across the screen. The Valley Forge and Kor disappears, replaced with an empty view of space

Mischa@crystyl begins a scan

Ann Carter@anncaris | Captain Tierno: "Was that it? Did we make it to our destination?"

Mischa@crystyl:"That was a spore drive jump. As for our success, checking now..."

Ann Carter@anncaris | As Mischa scans, her combadge chirps

Mischa@crystyl taps, "Go ahead"

Ann Carter@anncaris <C - Victoria> "Captain. Captain, do you copy?"

Mischa@crystyl breathes a sigh of relief, "Victoria, it is good to hear your voice again"

Ann Carter@anncaris <C - Victoria> "Why is it that every time a ship you're boarding disappears on us, it always comes back with more people on board than when you left...?"

Mischa@crystyl:"Well I do have to be consistent"

Ann Carter@anncaris | Captain Tierno looks back, "Your ship, I assume?"

Mischa@crystyl nods, "The Latenter, yes. Victoria, how long were we gone?"

Ann Carter@anncaris <C - Victoria> "Just shy of an hour. Is everything alright?"

Mischa@crystyl:"There were some complications, but yes all is quite well now. We will return momentarily and leave the Discovery in the hands of it's new custodians"

Ann Carter@anncaris <C - Victoria> "New custodians? Nevermind, I have a combadge lock on all of our people. I can beam you back whenever you're ready."

Mischa@crystyl:"Perfect. Stand by then"

Ann Carter@anncaris | Captain Tierno: "Set our sensor range to just our immediate vicinity before you go to minimize us seeing anything we're not supposed to," she smiles, "Don't worry, I won't change it when -

Ann Carter@anncaris - you're gone."

Mischa@crystyl:"A prudent measure. Though in truth there is literally nothing out here to see now"

Ann Carter@anncaris | Captain Tierno nods, "We're in another Dark Zone, aren't we. Should've expected as much. Well, we still don't have our weapons back and barely any shields either. We're probably not going to -

Ann Carter@anncaris - run into anyone else out here, but just in case there are pirates, we'd appreciate it if you maintained overwatch until we jump away. Shouldn't be long now."

Mischa@crystyl smiles, "I was about to suggest the very same. First things first though" she taps her combadge, "T'Lana, how's it looking down there?"

Ann Carter@anncaris <C - T'Lana> "Lieutenant Ralde is drained after the jump, but she has managed to retain consciousness this time."

Mischa@crystyl:"Well then you can tell her that she nailed it. We are back within one hour of our departure, so tell her well done from me"

Ann Carter@anncaris <C - T'Lana> "I shall relay your message, Captain. I assume you have made contact with the Latenter?"

Mischa@crystyl:"Yes and they are ready to beam us back over"

Ann Carter@anncaris <C - T'Lana> "We are ready to return here. I have disconnected the Lieutenant from the spore drive, and Commander Ralde is reconnecting now."

Mischa@crystyl:"Alright then, let's not dally"

Ann Carter@anncaris <C - Victoria> "Stand by for transport."

Ann Carter@anncaris | A few seconds later, Mischa disappears into a transporter beam...

---

T'Lana@anncaris | Not long after returning to the Latenter, T'Lana steps onto the bridge a few minutes after Mischa, her hair now done up again though she has not yet changed out of her field operative uniform

T'Lana@anncaris:"Lieutenant Ralde is now resting comfortably in her quarters."

Mischa@crystyl:"A well deserved rest there. We're just keeping an eye on the Discovery until they disappear again now"

T'Lana@anncaris | Victoria: "I'm getting a hail from them, Captain."

Mischa@crystyl:"On screen"

T'Lana@anncaris | Captain Tierno appears on the viewscreen on the bridge of the Discovery, "Captain. The spore drive is charged back up again and-" she leans in, narrowing her eyes, "...is that a younger me?"

T'Lana@anncaris | Indeed, Ori has taken over at the tactical console for T'Fel...

Mischa@crystyl | Ori tilts her head, looking back

Mischa@crystyl turns and chuckles, "Just another of those countless phenomena"

T'Lana@anncaris | Captain Tierno chuckles as well, "Good thing Emma isn’t on the bridge...anyways, we're good to go here. Thanks for agreeing to let us take the Discovery back, and -

T'Lana@anncaris - running overwatch for us while the drive powered back up."

Mischa@crystyl:"Please, after delivering us back to this time period it's the least we can do"

T'Lana@anncaris | Captain Tierno smiles, "We're glad to help. Well, I hope you find what you're looking for in regards to the Darkness here."

Mischa@crystyl:"You and I both. Godspeed Captain"

T'Lana@anncaris | Captain Tierno: "And to you, Captain. Take good care of younger me!"

T'Lana@anncaris | The comm ends and a few moments later, the Discovery's outer saucer begins to spin once again before they disappear into lightning streaks

T'Lana@anncaris | The turbolift door slides open and the El-Aurian detective Mattis steps out, "Someone needed me up here?"

T'Lana@anncaris turns, "That would be me. I wished to verify that you do not sense any changes in this timeline after our recent excursion."

T'Lana@anncaris | Mattis shakes his head, "I don't sense that anything's changed in this universe. In you, on the other hand..."

T'Lana@anncaris raises a brow, turning to Mischa, "We should be clear to resume our course now, Captain."

Mischa@crystyl nods, "Let's get back on track"

T'Lana@anncaris | Nethay taps his console, "Course set and ready to go."

Mischa@crystyl:"Engage"

T'Lana@anncaris | The Latenter turns to reposition slightly before jumping to transwarp...

---

T'Lana@anncaris | After returning to the Latenter, Mischa is relaxing in her quarters when the doorbell chimes

Mischa@crystyl turns in her chair to face the door, "Come in"

T'Lana@anncaris steps in, "Hello Mischa."

Mischa@crystyl:"Hi Lana, all settled back in now?"

T'Lana@anncaris nods, "Settling into a familiar set of quarters is far simpler than unfamiliar ones aboard the Discovery. We have begun work on analyzing all the information we recovered as well."

T'Lana@anncaris gestures to the sofa, "Mind if I join you?"

Mischa@crystyl:"Not at all. Help yourself to the replicator too if you want any refreshment"

T'Lana@anncaris nods, "Thank you." She steps over, replicating a cup of spice tea before bringing it over and taking a seat on the sofa

Mischa@crystyl:"So any early insights from the analysis?"

T'Lana@anncaris:"Yes. We have learned a significant amount more about the nature of the Darkness now. I had planned to explain it to you in detail tomorrow, once I finished compiling our own database entry as well -

T'Lana@anncaris:- a more concise summary to fill in the rest of the crew on what we are dealing with here."

Mischa@crystyl:"Ah, so you didn't stop by to discuss some revelations then?"

T'Lana@anncaris:"I had hoped to discuss something more...personal. Hence why I visited you off-duty."

Mischa@crystyl:"Alright. What's on your mind?"

T'Lana@anncaris:"I am...in somewhat of a dilemma. I apologize in advance if I am not as adept at speaking on such subjects as I am with discussing intelligence and operational plans."

Mischa@crystyl shakes her head, "It's fine, take your time"

T'Lana@anncaris:"I realize that I had promised not to speak of certain events that occurred while we were on the Discovery. However, I find myself...affected by them more than I had anticipated."

Mischa@crystyl:"The effects of your situation linger?"

T'Lana@anncaris:"No, the pon farr is over. Despite this, I still find myself...drawn to you. In more than just a primal, physical sense."

Mischa@crystyl:"I see... is this a result of what happened, or rather perhaps your condition when it did?"

T'Lana@anncaris:"I do not believe so. Well, the physical encounter may have contributed, but this is not the first time I have experienced pon farr and resolved it through a physical encounter. Such effects did -

T'Lana@anncaris - not occur in these situations."

Mischa@crystyl:"But you said before that this time it was induced by the various phenomena we've been exposed to of late, so it is possible that is a further variant at play right?"

T'Lana@anncaris shakes her head, "The effects are not physical. They are entirely emotional, which is why I have been able to suppress them effectively, as we Vulcans are trained to do so. Nonetheless, I wished -

T'Lana@anncaris - to discuss it with you. I have meditated on this extensively on the Discovery, and am aware of the exact reasons. Shall I give a more detailed explanation?"

Mischa@crystyl:"Please, anything you feel comfortable sharing will only help me understand where you are coming from"

T'Lana@anncaris:"You recall when we spent time with Leona on the holodeck?"

Mischa@crystyl smiles and nods, "Of course"

T'Lana@anncaris:"As you are aware, I am unable to form telepathic connections due to my condition. Leona has been the only way I have managed to sense another's mind in any capacity."

Mischa@crystyl:"I see, yes of course! That unique capacity is bound to induce a sense of connection"

T'Lana@anncaris nods, "Which contributed to my physical desire towards you. However, the connection is...more than physical."

Mischa@crystyl:"That is no surprise since the foundation is in the one telepathic connection that you have felt"

T'Lana@anncaris:"Precisely. My previous encounters during pon farr had been purely physical, but ours is...different."

T'Lana@anncaris:"At least on my side, that is."

Mischa@crystyl smiles, "You know you are important to me too Lana. But honestly, are you even sure it's me that these feelings are for?"

T'Lana@anncaris:"I am certain. While Leona has acted as a conduit for connection, I have only seen her in action a handful of times. It is you whom I have gotten to know and consider a friend, and as you have -

T'Lana@anncaris:- explained, Leona is merely along for the ride with no influence on your decisions and behaviour."

Mischa@crystyl:"That much is true, but the telepathic connection is all her"

T'Lana@anncaris considers for a moment, taking a sip of tea, "I desire the connection, just as I desired physical contact. Leona is able to provide that desire, but as she is bonded to you, it has become a... -

T'Lana@anncaris - gateway to these emotions towards you. I desire what both of you have to offer, though these feelings are primarily towards you, as you are the one I have come to know. I appreciate Leona as -

T'Lana@anncaris - well of course," she gives a slight smile. "I hope she does not think otherwise if she is listening."

Mischa@crystyl smiles, "I think it is fair to say that she appreciates you as well"

T'Lana@anncaris:"I am pleased to hear that," she gives another slight smile and takes a sip of tea. "My current dilemma is whether to suppress these feelings. I understand that complications may arise from them -

T'Lana@anncaris:- and my Vulcan training and discipline should allow me to successfully suppress them if we decide this to be the most prudent course of action. On the other hand, I also find myself...wishing to -

T'Lana@anncaris:- explore such possibilities with you."

Mischa@crystyl:"Well I can't deny a certain desire too, but given the life we lead do you really think we can open ourselves to that vulnerability?"

T'Lana@anncaris:"That is my concern as well. I was speaking to Commander Ralde on this subject during our brief time on the Discovery together."

Mischa@crystyl:"To clarify; that's the one from the Valley Forge C, not the one we took with us?"

T'Lana@anncaris nods, "Correct."

Mischa@crystyl:"Right. Not that it matters I suppose since their opinions are likely consistent. What did she have to say on the topic?"

T'Lana@anncaris:"She was the logical choice to consult on such a topic, due to the position of her Tierno as a commanding officer and the likelihood that we would not meet again, making her more ideal to confide -

T'Lana@anncaris:- in for personal subjects. She agreed that there certainly were complications, but also advocated for such relationships if the bond was genuine, and both parties practice sufficient emotional -

T'Lana@anncaris:- discipline so it does not hinder duties. She claims that these connections could be a source of strength rather than a weakness to be exploited...which reminded me of what you spoke of how humans -

T'Lana@anncaris:- could draw strength from emotions as well."

Mischa@crystyl:"That is true, certainly. But I would consider it a double-edged sword"

T'Lana@anncaris nods, "I can certainly see the ways it could be used against us. That is why it is a dilemma, and I wished to consult you. I believe we are both disciplined enough to prevent this from impacting -

T'Lana@anncaris - our duties; we understand the risks of our line of work and accept that this may not last due to the dangers we face. But I also understand how such emotional connections may compromise logic -

T'Lana@anncaris - in the heat of the moment, even if we accept the logic that one of us may perish at any time. On the other hand, I know of a few Risians who would argue that this is precisely why one should -

T'Lana@anncaris - take the opportunity to experience such things while the opportunity still existed."

T'Lana@anncaris takes a sip of tea, "This is why I wished to consult you on this matter, rather than choosing to suppress it on my own."

Mischa@crystyl:"Which is exactly why it is a double-edged sword. After all, you say you understand how these connections may compromise your logic, and in doing so almost seem oblivious to the fact that they -

Mischa@crystyl:- already have done so, evidenced by your presence here" she sighs, "In truth part of me does long for that kind of connection, but my isolation is the source of my strength. You saw how complicated-

Mischa@crystyl:- things got for me when the Survivors went after my family recently"

T'Lana@anncaris:"That is true. However, your family was brought into the situation by the Survivors after previously being uninvolved. As we serve together and face the same dangers together already, that -

T'Lana@anncaris:- particular risk would be less significant. That said, I do see the risk of emotional compromise while facing these situations together. It could be a source of strength depending on the specifics -

T'Lana@anncaris - of the situation, or an unneeded complication. A double-edged sword indeed..."

Mischa@crystyl:"And I don't know if it is one I am ready to wield yet. But I am not adverse to more casually exploring the potential for now, with the caveat that if at any point either of us determines that it is-

Mischa@crystyl:- too much of a compromise then we acknowledge it as a failed experiment"

T'Lana@anncaris nods, "That would be a logical compromise. If you are truly interested in exploring this, of course. I do not wish to coerce you into it, and if you are not comfortable pursuing this, I am -

T'Lana@anncaris - capable of suppressing these emotions."

Mischa@crystyl:"Like I said, I am not adverse to a little casual exploration. And at least I know that I can trust you remain objective in that"

T'Lana@anncaris:"That I certainly shall. What exactly will a little exploration entail? It would be logical to work out any boundaries before we begin."

Mischa@crystyl hrms, "I suppose the traditional approach would be spending time together. Off duty that is"

T'Lana@anncaris nods, "Would that simply entail more time together performing off-duty activities such as dining? I am aware that some personnel in a close relationship share quarters, but I believe that is -

T'Lana@anncaris - generally reserved for later stages."

Mischa@crystyl:"Yes, quite so. I think dining is a good place to start"

T'Lana@anncaris:"Excellent. I would like to spend more time with you and Leona on the holodeck as well. Or perhaps a planetary surface when possible, though these are in short supply in our present location."

Mischa@crystyl:"Yes, shore leave is but a distant dream right now" she chuckles, "But the holodeck is still fair game so that could be nice too"

T'Lana@anncaris:"What of physical encounters? They are no longer necessary now that the pon farr has passed, at least for another seven years, barring any temporal interference. In any case, they would still be -

T'Lana@anncaris:- pleasant."

Mischa@crystyl:"Can't argue with that, but I don't much care for planning these things. I'd say lets just focus on the rest for now and see what happens"

T'Lana@anncaris:"Yes, I have been told that such emotionally-driven activities are best left to occur naturally rather than planned."

Mischa@crystyl:"Alright then, let's see how things go!"

T'Lana@anncaris nods and stands, "Thank you for being open to the concept, Mischa."

Mischa@crystyl:"And thank you for being open and honest with your feelings"

T'Lana@anncaris:"It was...difficult, given the ways of my people, but I thought it would be the best course of action and that you may appreciate it."

Mischa@crystyl:"Knowing of Vulcan ways is exactly why I appreciate your efforts"

T'Lana@anncaris gives Mischa another slight smile, "I shall see you more frequently when we are off-duty, then."

Mischa@crystyl smiles, "I look forward to it"

---

T'Lana@anncaris | The next day, Mischa is working in her ready room near the end of her shift when the doorbell chimes

Mischa@crystyl:"Come in"

T'Lana@anncaris steps in, "Captain. I believe I promised you an explanation last night on what we have learned of the Darkness thus far."

Mischa@crystyl gestures to the seat opposite, "If you've got news, I'd love to hear it"

T'Lana@anncaris takes a seat, "The Darkness is unlike anything our Starfleet has encountered before. However, there have been scientific theories postulating the existence of something to its effect, -

T'Lana@anncaris - hypothesized by all founding species of the Federation prior to even developing a warp drive, in fact. We know it as ka'lafot-tukh, the substance without flaws. Humans curiously decided to -

T'Lana@anncaris - name it 'strange matter.' I do not suppose you are familiar with the term?"

Mischa@crystyl shakes her head, "In passing, perhaps. But matters of scientific curiosity do not generally rank high on my radar"

T'Lana@anncaris nods, "In essence, ka'lafot-tukh, or strange matter, is matter so stable, so perfect, that all other matter that makes contact with it will seek to achieve its state. It will consume anything -

T'Lana@anncaris - and everything, transforming it into more of the same. It is like Borg on a subatomic level, perhaps even precisely what the Borg as we know them are attempting to achieve."

Mischa@crystyl:"It is odd listening to you describe it that way - it makes it sound like subatomic matter making a conscious decision"

T'Lana@anncaris:"I am anthropomorphizing subatomic matter to make it easier to understand. Do you want me to explain the actual physics behind the phenomenon in detail?"

Mischa@crystyl chuckles, "I think I'll pass, thank you. Still, this is quite the level of insight even just to turn it from a mythological phenomena into something scientific and tangible"

T'Lana@anncaris:"Yes, the Vulcan Science Academy has previously determined such matter to be unlikely to exist, and the Federation as a whole accepted this consensus."

Mischa@crystyl:"Well for what it's worth, it didn't seem to exist within our galaxy"

T'Lana@anncaris nods, "Until now. Due to its exceptionally stable state, strange matter is virtually indestructible. Technically, all matter is indestructible due to the laws of conservation of energy, and may -

T'Lana@anncaris - only be converted to something else. While strange matter converts everything it contacts to strange matter, it is nearly impossible to convert strange matter. The amount of energy required -

T'Lana@anncaris - for such a reaction is exponentially beyond what even the Iconians can achieve with omega particles, and if such a level of energy is ever achieved, it would tear the known universe apart."

Mischa@crystyl:"Not exactly a happy ending"

T'Lana@anncaris nods, "That is why the Starfleet of this timeline has been unable to find a way to stop it. They can only hinder it and delay its advance. The Darkness also appears to be more than the early -

T'Lana@anncaris - scientific concepts of such matter. It bears some similarity to the Horde in that it seems to possess a level of collective intelligence. Far less so than the Horde, but as the Horde are -

T'Lana@anncaris - increasingly intelligent in larger groups, larger clusters of the Darkness possess the ability to 'hunt' stars while smaller groups of strange matter simply float aimlessly, converting what -

T'Lana@anncaris - it encounters on the way."

Mischa@crystyl hrms, "Less sentient decision and more instinct then. Sounds a lot like a certain starship we just sent on it's merry way"

T'Lana@anncaris:"Precisely. It does not appear to be intelligent nor sentient, but does have some traits of living beings. Much like viruses."

Mischa@crystyl:"So in my very un-scientific way of looking at things, it /should/ simply be a matter of properly understanding the nature of it, and manipulating it's instinctive behaviours to obtain the desired -

Mischa@crystyl:- results. I.E. not consumed everything in existence"

T'Lana@anncaris nods, "That was one of the first measures attempted in this universe, which ultimately resulted in the loss of the Heart."

Mischa@crystyl:"I thought they just used the Heart as a glorified lure?"

T'Lana@anncaris:"Yes, in an attempt to manipulate the Darkness away from stars. Attempts were made to lure them with starships, but the energy output required to attract them was unsustainable. The only course was -

T'Lana@anncaris:- to use the energy of an actual star, specifically the solar beams channeled by the Heart, the only source capable of outputting the required energy."

Mischa@crystyl:"Right, but that's like trying to tempt a virus out of a body by placing a raw steak next to the body. That's not how you fight a virus"

T'Lana@anncaris:"I believe the body would be the entire galaxy in this situation, including the Heart. What would be your suggestion for manipulating the Darkness' behaviour?"

Mischa@crystyl:"Well how does a body normally fight off a virus? We have antibodies and build immunities, right? When we inject someone with a hypo we're not doing anything magical, just giving the body the -

Mischa@crystyl:- instructions on how to create the right antibodies and repel a virus"

T'Lana@anncaris:"Unfortunately, no one appears to have been able to develop a suitable antibody against the Darkness. The only attempts with partial success, at least as of the time of the Discovery, had been -

T'Lana@anncaris:- containment using psionics."

Mischa@crystyl:"It still seems like psionics must be key to it. I mean, they formed the galactic barrier which kept the Darkness at bay after all"

T'Lana@anncaris:"I suspect so as well. That is a summary of what we know of the Darkness so far, but I will advise the analysts to focus on the files regarding the psionic countermeasures. Perhaps they may yield -

T'Lana@anncaris:- insight into what can be done back in our own universe."

Mischa@crystyl:"I hate to say this, but I almost wish it were possible to have a sensible conversation with Q at this point..."

T'Lana@anncaris:"There is a connection between the El-Aurians and the Q. Perhaps Mattis may be able to contact the Continuum, though I would recommend against opening such communication. You may very well end up -

T'Lana@anncaris:- regretting the decision."

Mischa@crystyl:"It may come to that. The Q were responsible for the galactic barrier in the first place, and with the Darkness consuming everything in this reality I am rather curious to know why they are not -

Mischa@crystyl:- simply reinstating it as they did in the past"

T'Lana@anncaris nods, "As am I. Contacting the Q may be a risk however, considering the unpredictable actions they often perform. Perhaps asking Mattis to contact the Continuum can be one of our reserve -

T'Lana@anncaris - strategies, should we require more intel we are unable to find in this universe. Perhaps the Q may even contact us out of their own accord before this mission is finished."

Mischa@crystyl hrms, "Perhaps. But hopefully not, I would prefer any contact to be on our own terms"

T'Lana@anncaris:"If you wish, I can speak to Mattis on the subject of contacting the Q. Though knowing the history between the El-Aurians and the Continuum, I suspect he will take some persuading."

Mischa@crystyl:"Let's keep it on the back burner for now"

T'Lana@anncaris:"Agreed. It may be a good idea to speak with Mattis and Sabina on other matters, though. With Eirril looking after the Network in our own universe, they are the strongest psionics on board, and as -

T'Lana@anncaris:- you have suggested, psionics appears to be the most promising means of stopping the Darkness."

Mischa@crystyl:"Though I don't know how much they will have to offer on this theoretical study"

T'Lana@anncaris:"Yes, Sabina's abilities are still relatively new, and I do not suppose the two of them will be enough to make any difference against the Darkness."

Mischa@crystyl:"My thoughts exactly"

T'Lana@anncaris:"Unfortunately, we did not have the foresight to bring along any of the Chlasi Esoterics."

Mischa@crystyl:"Even if we had, I doubt they would know any better"

T'Lana@anncaris nods, "Our best chance of learning more of how to use psionics to defend against the Darkness may be from the local Starfleet, then. They have performed somewhat successful experiments as of the -

T'Lana@anncaris - 25th century, and may have made more advances since then."

Mischa@crystyl:"It's at least a good place to start. If they are no help, then we will look to the Continuum since they are the ones who pulled this off before"

T'Lana@anncaris:"Then continuing our course towards Sector 001 is still our best plan."

Mischa@crystyl:"Best and only" she chuckles

T'Lana@anncaris:"Your duty shift ends in five minutes, correct?"

Mischa@crystyl smiles, "Yes, are you thinking that we get dinner?"

T'Lana@anncaris nods, "That is precisely what I was thinking, based on your suggestion yesterday."

Mischa@crystyl:"Sounds good to me"

T'Lana@anncaris:"Shall we proceed there together in five minutes, or shall I await you there?"

Mischa@crystyl hrms, "Let's say 30 minutes. Give me a chance to go and freshen up after being in uniform all day"

T'Lana@anncaris:"An excellent idea. I shall take the opportunity to change into something else as well."

Mischa@crystyl smiles, "Perfect, I will see you there then"

T'Lana@anncaris stands, "I...assume detailing the scientific principles behind strange matter is not suitable conversation material while dining?"

Mischa@crystyl chuckles, "Probably not. But I'm sure we'll think of something"

T'Lana@anncaris:"I shall take the time to do that as well, then. I will see you in 30 minutes then, Mischa," she gives a slight smile before turning to head out