ST:SoD316 | "Ship Secrets"

Stardate 100582.4

During a quiet day on the Venator, a pet project accidentally turns deadly and uncovers old secrets of the ship and crew...

---

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Emma Ralde@crystyl | With the Venator cruising at low warp between investigation points, the crew find themselves with a rare respite from current affairs and so many are cashing in extra downtime for shipboard R&R

Emma Ralde@crystyl | This is noticeable particularly within the primary mess hall, which is a lot busier than usual throughout the day, much to Emma's satisfaction as she enjoys some free time with Rianni

Emma Ralde@crystyl looks across the table at Rianni, pulling a face as she watches her fiddle with a PADD

Keliaya@anncaris steps into the mess hall in her off-duty clothes, spotting Farhalla at the counter and stepping over, "Hey. How're you doing?"

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"You do remember what 'off duty' means don't you?" poking her tongue out playfully

Keliaya@anncaris | Farhalla: "Oh, hello Kelly. I am well. I suppose you can say I've more or less processed the Midway news by now."

Emma Ralde@crystyl | Rianni promptly pushes the PADD down to the table and slides it away, "Sorry! I just-"

Emma Ralde@crystyl reaches over and pats her hand, still on the PADD, "I know. But you asked me to help you learn to draw this line remember!"

Emma Ralde@crystyl | Rianni beams, "Yeah! I guess somewhere along the way, I got all caught up in duty and earning my place..."

Emma Ralde@crystyl teases, "Probably somewhere around the time you got this posting, yes"

Emma Ralde@crystyl | Rianni flushes sheepishly a little, "Yeah, well... it's a big deal to me!"

Emma Ralde@crystyl smiles, "And you know I'm proud of you! But you also know you need to make sure you don't live the job all day every day. That's why we have downtime!" she winks

Emma Ralde@crystyl | Rianni gives a resolved nod and promptly turns the PADD off, "Right!"

Keliaya@anncaris moves over to Rianni and Emma after conversing with Farhalla slightly, "So, how're you two enjoying your off time?"

Emma Ralde@crystyl | Rianni: "Hi Kelly! Yeah, it's great to get a little rest now and then isn't it- ow!" she suddenly reaches down and rubs her shin

Emma Ralde@crystyl 's victorious smirk leaves no doubt, "In fact, I was just giving your XO here a little lesson in actually taking off time for what it is"

Keliaya@anncaris chuckles, "That's good to hear. I always like to say, don't forget to relax once in a while. We all need time to wind down so we can be at our most effective when we do have to work hard."

Emma Ralde@crystyl | Rianni, "Yeah... I do know that, I guess I still just find it hard sometimes with getting into this new role and all. It's a lot more than I'm used to!"

Keliaya@anncaris:"I know, it's quite a bit of responsibility. It certainly took me some getting used to when I went from Chief of Engineering to XO."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"What about you Kelly, you look like you're enjoying some downtime too. Up to anything with Eva?"

Keliaya@anncaris smirks, "I've got some plans, but right now Eva's holding down the bridge, so I thought I'd check to see what everyone else is up to."

Emma Ralde@crystyl | Rianni: "Ooh you're welcome to join us then for a while if you like!"

Keliaya@anncaris:"If you're sure I'm not interrupting a private date or anything!"

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Nah, that comes later on the holodeck!" she grins

Keliaya@anncaris grins back and takes a seat, "Fair enough!" She looks to Rianni, "I do hope the new XO position isn't too much of a burden. If there's anything I can do to help, just let me know."

Keliaya@anncaris:"I'm sure Emma's great help too, since she actually has prior command experience, too."

Emma Ralde@crystyl | Rianni waves her hands, "Oh no, it's nothing like that I promise!"

Emma Ralde@crystyl giggles, "Someone's just gotten so used to being an overachiever she's scared now she might lose her title one day"

Emma Ralde@crystyl | Rianni: "Hey! It's not like that..."

Emma Ralde@crystyl grins. Works every time

Keliaya@anncaris chuckles, "Well I'd say you're still overachieving quite well here!"

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Of course she is!"

Emma Ralde@crystyl | Rianni squirms under the spotlight

Emma Ralde@crystyl revels in the squirming

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Aaanyway, enough torture. For now" she winks at Rianni, "How's the rest of the crew managing with things now?"

Keliaya@anncaris:"We've been on this search for a while, but spirits are still fairly high. We haven't found everyone yet, but we did recover the Faraday and some of the missing people, so the crew aren't feeling -

Keliaya@anncaris:- like we came out here for nothing and are making no progress at all."

Emma Ralde@crystyl | Rianni: "Yeah, it all seems pretty positive in all so far"

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Well hopefully everyone else is managing to get a little downtime right now too at least"

Keliaya@anncaris nods, "I've been trying to organize the rotations so everyone has some time to enjoy. The search is about to pick up again soon, but we're still waiting on some things at the moment, so it's the -

Keliaya@anncaris - perfect time for everyone to relax a little."

Emma Ralde@crystyl | Rianni: "Some are even finding the time for some side projects! Like Azevedo little shuttle project"

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Oh yeah, I think I heard something about that"

Keliaya@anncaris:"Yes, he's trying to make his own Delta Flyer. Even though we already have a Delta Class shuttle. An Alpha Flyer?"

Emma Ralde@crystyl chuckles, "Sounds fun! Maybe I'll swing by tomorrow and check it out for myself when you're covering the bridge" she notes to Rianni

Emma Ralde@crystyl | Rianni smiles, "Beats sleeping in. Again" poking her tongue out. Touche

Keliaya@anncaris grins, "And Eva and I can carry out some of our plans in the meantime too. Don't worry, we'll be sure not to get too carried away and relieve you in time!"

Emma Ralde@crystyl | Rianni smiles, "I appreciate that! But make sure you enjoy your free time too!"

Keliaya@anncaris:"That we certainly will! You enjoy your time too, here and in the holodeck," she smirks

Emma Ralde@crystyl beams, "I'm sure we will!"

—

Emma Ralde@crystyl | The next day, Emma strolls through the corridors before making her way into the hangar deck where Azavedo's project is

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo steps out from the side of the shuttle he is working on as he sees the hangar doors open, "Oh hey Ensign. Wasn't expecting you down here. Just checking in on us or need to fly somewhere?"

Emma Ralde@crystyl heads over, checking out the shuttle, "Rianni's covering the bridge today, so I thought I'd come see what all the fuss was about!"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "Ahh, interested in the new shuttle? I didn't know you were the technical type. Or do you fly, yourself?"

Emma Ralde@crystyl keeps looking it over while they talk, "Neither actually. But what does always fascinate me is innovation and the expression of design"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | The shuttle is only just beginning to take shape, with not all the hull plating still in place yet. However, the frame seems to resemble a Delta Flyer, but more flat in design, like a cross -

Human NPC@annpc#557 - between the Delta Flyer and an SFI Dart

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "Should've guessed you'd be interested in that. Not that all Orions are alike, of course, but it's usually pretty safe to say you all have an interest in design and aesthetics. Well, -

Human NPC@annpc#557 - females, at least. Most of the experiences I've had with males are ducking punches."

Emma Ralde@crystyl glances back while peering into the open spaceframe with a smirk, "Now that sounds like a story!"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo chuckles, "It involved a bar and quite a few drinks, as you might imagine..."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Of course it did..." she chuckles, "So, is it just me or is this like another Delta Flyer?"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "The Delta Flyer is one of the main inspirations. It was originally even closer actually, but Farhalla gave me some input from her experience working on that Intel ship. The one that -

Human NPC@annpc#557 - was lost when you were in the Gamma Quadrant."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Ooh so it's like a spook ship too?

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo nods, "That's why I started this project! Venator's got a cloak and I thought we could use a stealthy shuttle, too. I don't have a cloaking device on hand, of course, but this -

Human NPC@annpc#557 - shuttle's being designed with a minimal sensor profile. Given the size of a shuttle, it's practically invisible unless you know to look for it."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Ah, that explains it! Well you never know what we'll find out here so you might get one someday!"

Emma Ralde@crystyl turns, "Hey, have you thought about the small craft we had on the Valley Forge? I bet Kelly could tell you all about them"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "Small craft on the Valley Forge? You mean those Forged Earth ones with the strange power source?"

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Well that's sure one good example. It was very different to our typical shuttles, more like an Orion Interceptor in many ways. Then there was the Nuhar squadron too though, now those were something!

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "I heard something about unique Nuhar you had. I thought it was a ship AI or something. They're small craft?"

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"These ones were! It's the craziest thing, but they actually came from this alternate future version of the Forge that we met. But this Nuhar squadron was special because they were created as -

Emma Ralde@crystyl:- hybrids, and specifically for combat. So... kind of like a squadron of Nuhar fighters, who could also accommodate Children pilots, and they could all link together with the E-On! Oh, that's the -

Emma Ralde@crystyl:- Forged Earth ship"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "That sounds like quite a setup. Is everything still there, with the Forge retired to a support role in the Heart?"

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Um... that's a good question. I think the E-On rotated back to Forged Earth for a while, not sure about the squadron though. But if they're not with the Forge still, you can bet they'll be around -

Emma Ralde@crystyl:- the Heart with the big Nuhar!"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "I'll have to ask Kelly to introduce me once we get back to the Heart, then. They should be interesting to check out."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"But lots to do in the meantime! So what are you to today with it?"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "I'm getting the hull plating into place." He picks up a plate beside him which like the Darts are painted black. "These are specially designed and coated by some of our science -

Human NPC@annpc#557 - officers to redirect active sensors around the shuttle so it looks like they're picking up little more than a dense pocket of dust or something. The inner layers here-" he points to a piece of -

Human NPC@annpc#557 - plating already attached to the interior of the frame. "-has been built to evenly distribute energy readings from inside to minimize our energy signature profile."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Wow, that's... really impressive! Did you come up with this?"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "Just the concept. Credit for the special coating goes to Indrix's people, and the energy distribution was all calculated and done by Engineering officers."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"So it's true then, and everyone really is pitching in! Well now I feel even more like I need to help in some way too!"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "I'm sure we can find something for you to do!"

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Well, I'm not exactly built for lugging chunks of hull plate around, but I'll do what I can!"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo chuckles, "I'd ask Security or the MACOs if I needed heavy lifting. You're interested in design and aesthetics and all that, right?"

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Naturally. But you've already got that down I assume since you're building now?"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "The exterior frame, yeah. As you can see we haven't gotten to the internal area yet. Didn't give it too much thought since there's not that much space inside a shuttle this size -

Human NPC@annpc#557 - anyways, figure I'd just adjust the Delta's layout to match. But if you'd like to do something a little more original, be my guest!"

Emma Ralde@crystyl hrms, "Not something I've ever tried before, and that's saying something! So sure, I'll give it a bash" she chirps, getting to work on a PADD

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "From what I've seen of your Orion designs, you can probably make it a lot nicer to stay in than the average Starfleet shuttle."

Emma Ralde@crystyl reads from their PADD

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"I appreciate the vote of confidence, but you should be careful what you wish for!" she teases

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "Planning to build a shuttle so comfortable no one will ever want to disembark?"

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Yeah, about that... we might have to make it bigger so you can fit the hot tub in the back..."

Emma Ralde@crystyl tries to deadpan it, with a subtle glance following to see if he bit or not

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo glances to Emma with surprise, "Wait, you're telling me those rumours about hot tubs on your ships are actually real?"

Emma Ralde@crystyl chuckles, "Weeeell... probably not shuttles! But some ships, sure. The Thana certainly has one"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo chuckles, "I thought shuttles would be a stretch. But still, a dedicated hot tub on a ship? I mean, our larger classes can have swimming pools, but that's a communal recreation area -

Human NPC@annpc#557:- like the gyms."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Yeah but, hot tubs are communal too. Just... more personal too!"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "You Orions certainly do know how to enjoy life, don't you?"

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"As well everyone should! But seriously, how is it you of all people find this such a revelation? Man of your rep, I half expected you to be intimately familiar with the Thana's hot tub"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo smirks, "Maybe once we get some shore leave in the Heart. I came here from the Jenolan Sphere. Haven't gotten much time to get to know the locals here, yet. Most Orions I met were -

Human NPC@annpc#557 - back home near Federation space, or Starfleet ones like yourself."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"And... they don't enjoy hot tubs? I know there's Colonial Orions out this way - even spent some time with them - but there's not really any difference still, and the Thana with it's hot tub isn't -

Emma Ralde@crystyl:- from the colony"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "Oh they definitely enjoy hot tubs. They just didn't have ships with one on them. Especially the ones in Starfleet. You try asking the Captain to build you one. Actually, Kelly might -

Human NPC@annpc#557 - be one of the few COs in the fleet who'd actually allow it..."

Emma Ralde@crystyl grins, "You know... you might be onto something there!"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "Got an idea for a personal project of your own, now?"

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Maybe!" she chuckles, tapping away and seeming to enjoy herself playing with ideas, "So what was the deal with the Jenolan sphere? Doesn't strike me as much of a piloting scene there"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "Oh I wasn't stationed inside the Sphere itself. We were in the Delta Quadrant, the fleet was just based out of the sphere and it was our main port back there. Like the Heart is out here."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Ah, that makes more sense! How do you feel about the colour purple?"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "As the main colour for the interior? Well, Intelligence uses purple stripes on their uniforms, don't they? And this shuttle takes quite a bit of inspiration from Intel shuttles, so I -

Human NPC@annpc#557 - think it could be pretty fitting."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"It's a great pairing to a nice vibrant green! Perfect for panel trim and silk drapes"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "Yes, that could look pretty good. I'm not sure if Starfleet'll adopt it as a standard, but hey, it can be part of the prototype flair," he grins

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"The purple or the silk drapes?" she tests him again

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "Both. Though I can see silk drapes on a captain's yacht..."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Ooh I always forget about those things. Maybe one day..."

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "One day to have one, or to decorate one?"

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Just to get a proper look at one! But I know Rianni will be a Captain in no time, and then I'll be a Captain's girl just like in the old days!"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo chuckles, "Played a lot of those historical holos?"

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Yeah... something like that!"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "Well, I'm sure you'll get to see a captain's yacht in no time! And enjoy the other perks of being a Captain's girl."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"What about you? Started eyeing that big chair yet?"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo nods, "Probably still some ways off for me, but I do hope to get there one day myself."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Too much life to enjoy before getting all serious, right?" she smirks

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo grins, "Too right! Captains don't usually get on the helm of their own ships."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"True... but they do get to choose whenever they go on away missions and meet exotic new species!"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "That is a good point..."

Emma Ralde@crystyl laughs, "This might be a Terran ship, but don't go getting any ideas!"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo chuckles, "I'll try to temper my expectations!"

Emma Ralde@crystyl | One of the junior engineers enters with a hovercart, "Special delivery from Farhalla!"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo looks over to see what it is

Emma Ralde@crystyl turns curiously too

Emma Ralde@crystyl | The engineer steers the cart over, reading off a PADD, "Um, let's see... looks like everything you asked for this time! Oh- no... my mistake, the plasma converters are struck off. Sorry!"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo smiles, "No worries."

Emma Ralde@crystyl | The engineer smiles, "She said to tell you that we'd keep looking for some spares, but if you need anything else just send her another shopping list"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "Will do. Tell her thanks for the deliveries!"

Emma Ralde@crystyl | The engineer smiles and nods, "Yes Sir, will do!" waving and heading back out

Emma Ralde@crystyl looks between Azevedo and the delivery, "Guess you've got everyone helping in their own way if those guys are scrounging up parts for you too"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo grins, "What can I say? I'm just charming like that."

Emma Ralde@crystyl chuckles, "Sounds like a bit of a setback with that converter though"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "Well, we are still far from the Heart or any friendly port. Have to make do with what we've got! I'm sure Engineering will come up with something, improvising is what Starfleet -

Human NPC@annpc#557 - Engineers do best!"

—

Rianni@crystyl | Meanwhile in main engineering

Rianni@crystyl | Farhalla and her team are going about their day when Rianni strolls in

Ann Carter@anncaris | Farhalla turns about from tapping on a console, "Lieutenant. Don't see you down here too often. Something I can help you with?"

Rianni@crystyl smiles and steps over, "Not really! It's just really quiet on the bridge right now so I thought I'd take some time to check in around the ship since I don't get down this way as often as I'd like"

Ann Carter@anncaris | Farhalla smiles, "Ah, just getting to know the Engineering areas, then. I don't imagine you usually have much reason to come down here, do you?"

Rianni@crystyl:"Exactly. And I remember how Captain Keelah often spent time with the different department heads when we were on the Valley Forge. Especially engineering, but that's no surprise for I guess..." she -

Rianni@crystyl:- chuckles, "Still, I figured it's a good habit I should try and get in to! Plus it means I finally get to throw someone else into the deep end with an impromptu spell looking over things up there!"

Ann Carter@anncaris | Farhalla chuckles, "Who do you have in the chair now? Eva has some experience with it by now so it wouldn't be that much of a surprise for her. Indrix? Jatila? She's only a counselor but she -

Ann Carter@anncaris - has quite a senior rank, and I hear Kelly's had her cover the bridge during quiet times before."

Rianni@crystyl:"Well I've actually been hoping to drag Azavedo into some time, since he seems to have a bit of a flair it could be good for him. But no, Indrix is reluctantly covering things now. Science officers -

Rianni@crystyl:- always seem to shy away from command for some reason..."

Ann Carter@anncaris | Farhalla: "Probably because most of them joined to do science and not actually command ships. At least from my experience. Not all of them are the same, of course. I've met a few ambitious -

Ann Carter@anncaris - science officers, and heard of some very talented captains who have their origins in the Science department."

Rianni@crystyl:"Yeah, that does make sense. Lennie was the same, she used to hate getting shoehorned into a shift! What about you though? Almost every Captain I've served with started out as an engineer, then Chief

Ann Carter@anncaris | Farhalla chuckles, "Pretty sure proportionally, you red stripes make Captains more frequently, whether it's Command like Azevedo or Tactical like yourself! It's the most logical starting point -

Ann Carter@anncaris - for those who want to go into senior roles. There's just a large number of Captains who come from the Operations division because Operations is the largest division. That said, general -

Ann Carter@anncaris - Operations management is good experience for command, too."

Rianni@crystyl:"I guess that's true. Just happens that most of those I've served with - at least in any real capacity - were engineers. Makes me somewhat curious to see the difference in command styles now..."

Ann Carter@anncaris | Farhalla: "That's a good question. Although I imagine someone's department isn't the sole deciding factor in their command style, but it probably plays a role."

Rianni@crystyl:"That's what makes me curious! So how's things in engineering anyway, got much going on today?"

Ann Carter@anncaris | Farhalla: "Just usual inspection and maintenance work today. I think the most interesting thing has been trying to find some spare plasma converters for Azevedo's project," she chuckles

Rianni@crystyl:"he's still on the scrounge then?"

Ann Carter@anncaris | Farhalla nods, "That he is. Building a shuttle from scratch takes quite a few components, especially when it's a custom design!"

Rianni@crystyl:"It's nice, having something like that everyone can get behind!"

Ann Carter@anncaris | Farhalla smiles, "That it is. And when the project is complete, I think a design like that will definitely benefit our work out here."

Rianni@crystyl:"I had to promise him that we'd keep an eye out for a salvageable cloaking device for it"

Ann Carter@anncaris | Farhalla: "That part might be a little more difficult than plasma converters..."

Rianni@crystyl:"No doubt!" she chuckles, "Those converters must be all over the place here, right?"

Ann Carter@anncaris | Farhalla: "Yes, but all of the ones we have are either already in use, or not the right type for the other components in the shuttle he's using. If we can't find anything, we might just have -

Ann Carter@anncaris - to get the Engineering lab to convert some of the other types for use in the shuttle."

Rianni@crystyl:"Ah, that makes sense I guess. Still, I'm sure he'll figure something out!"

—

Rianni@crystyl makes her way out of engineering. A quick comm call to the bridge confirms all is well, and Indrix is uncomfortable. But with things in hand, she decides to comm Emma to catch up over lunch

Rianni@crystyl | With plans in hand, she diverts her route and comes to a stop where she calls for the turbolift, where Jatila is already inside

Rianni@crystyl steps in, "10-forward" and smiles, "Hi Jatila!"

Jatila Kivar@annpc#557 smiles, "Hello Rianni. Heading off duty for some relaxation?"

Rianni@crystyl:"No, I'm covering things for Kelly today. Just checking in around the ship and now going to grab a quick lunch with Emma as an excuse to leave Indrix in charge a little longer!"

Jatila Kivar@annpc#557:"As an excuse to leave him in charge longer? Oooh, you're trying to get him more comfortable with command, aren't you?"

Rianni@crystyl grins, "You got it! For years, the senior staff on the Forge used to get some sick pleasure out of throwing me to the wolves like that. Or at least to put on airs and make out like they were doing -

Rianni@crystyl:- that, even if they were all babysitting me still at the same time. But I got the concept and saw Keelah do it with Lennie plenty too, so figured it would be good to do for the guys here too. Also -

Rianni@crystyl:- gave me an excuse to check with the likes of Farhalla since I hardly see her"

Jatila Kivar@annpc#557:"So that's what you were doing on that deck. I thought you came in from Main Engineering. Don't usually see you down there."

Rianni@crystyl:"Yeah, she was catching me up on Azavedo's shuttle project" she chuckles

Jatila Kivar@annpc#557:"Are you planning to help out on that? Or do they have tactical systems covered already?"

Rianni@crystyl:"For now I'm just under a promise to keep an eye out for a cloak for them!" she chuckles, "Apparently though he's struggling with plasma converters at the moment. And it keeps gnawing at me like an -

Rianni@crystyl:- itch in the back of my mind because I know that sounds familiar for some reason but I can't place why"

Jatila Kivar@annpc#557 considers, "Well it's a component that's in use around the ship. Maybe you saw it mentioned in some recent reports somewhere. Or do you specifically think you might know where to find some that -

Jatila Kivar@annpc#557 - can be used for the shuttle?"

Rianni@crystyl:"I'm not sure, it feels too familiar to be just something I read on a report though"

Jatila Kivar@annpc#557:"Well we have been doing the odd trading, both to keep ourselves self-sufficient and just as an excuse to ask for information and rumours. Could it be on an inventory list somewhere of what we acquired?"

Rianni@crystyl hrms, "Maybe, but again that seems a little too vague like reading it on a report still. The way it's lingering in my mind it's like it more something that I've been directly involved with"

Jatila Kivar@annpc#557:"You don't usually play with plasma converters and the like though, do you?"

Rianni@crystyl:"Definitely not" she chuckles

Jatila Kivar@annpc#557:"Could it be something on the last away mission? You went over to the remnants of your old ship, didn't you? Did you use any plasma converters there? Or find some among the debris?"

Rianni@crystyl thinks, "There was debris /everywhere/... but honestly, the place was such a mess I doubt I'd even realize if I did handle any converters there"

Jatila Kivar@annpc#557:"Hmm...what about other ships you've been on. The Yorktown, perhaps? Or another ship like this one. You haven't served on this class before, have you? Well I suppose no one here has served on a -

Jatila Kivar@annpc#557:- Terran class before, but what about our universe's equivalent?"

Rianni@crystyl blinks, "No... but- that's it!" she breathes a heavy sigh of relief, "Thank you Jatila, that would have bugged me forever!" she chirps, waving as she exits the lift after a conveniently timed -

Rianni@crystyl - arrival at her deck

Jatila Kivar@annpc#557 watches Rianni head off, "You're welcome? I suppose..."

—

Rianni@crystyl eagerly makes her way into the mess hall, waving to Emma as she approaches

Jatila Kivar@annpc#557 | Emma waves back, "Hey Rianni! Hope the bridge doesn't mind you running off too much. Things are pretty quiet as I hear!"

Rianni@crystyl:"Don't worry, it's all good. I'm using it as a chance to get Indrix some time in the chair while I've been checking in elsewhere on the ship like Keelah used to do!"

Jatila Kivar@annpc#557 | Emma: "Oh yeah, that's a good idea. So where did you go?"

Rianni@crystyl:"Just engineering so far. Farhalla was filling me in Azavedo's project! Did you go help him out there in the end?"

Jatila Kivar@annpc#557 | Emma nods, "I did! He roped me into doing the interior design for his shuttle. Wanted my Orion sense of design, so I made a proper Orion shuttle interior, hot tub and all!"

Rianni@crystyl chucklesnorts, "A hot tub? Seriously? Is a shuttle even big enough for that?"

Jatila Kivar@annpc#557 | Emma laughs, "Of course not! But I also did make him think I was serious for a second..."

Rianni@crystyl chuckles, "Always such a tease! Well as long as you're having fun with it!"

Jatila Kivar@annpc#557 | Emma chuckles too, "I did design a proper interior that he could use! Hopefully we'll get to see it soon, but he's working on the outer frame and major systems first. Looks like the -

Jatila Kivar@annpc#557 - construction is going well with help from people all over the ship! Just some minor hitch about plasma converters, but I'm sure they'll figure something out for that."

Rianni@crystyl:"That's right, Farhalla said something about that!" she sits up with a smug all-knowing grin, "hm-hm-hm, thanks to Jatila I figured that out for you!"

Jatila Kivar@annpc#557 | Emma gives Rianni a curious look, "You've got a clever idea, don't you..."

Rianni@crystyl:"Maaaaybe! Ok, so. Remember that time I had to spend infiltrating that Terran ship"

Jatila Kivar@annpc#557 | Emma nods, "Yes..."

Rianni@crystyl:"Ok so, there was this one time there towards the end right. I had some, well... not exactly allies since they didn't know who I was. But they were loyal to me and all. Anyway, one of them drew -

Rianni@crystyl:- some unwanted attention and earned a stay in the agony booths. So a few of us snuck into the jefferies tubes and pulled some of these plasma converters to shut the booths down and save her"

Jatila Kivar@annpc#557 | Emma: "And you think these converters might still be intact somewhere in the ship, serving no purpose now that the booths are uninstalled!"

Rianni@crystyl beams at the mutual understanding, "Exactly! This ship used to have the same kind of setup with those torture chambers, so it must still have at least a similar distribution setup, right! But -

Rianni@crystyl:- because all that is shut down now there's probably a treasure trove of redundant systems in there!"

Jatila Kivar@annpc#557 | Emma: "That's a good idea. We should check with Kelly to make sure these are actually intact, then we can climb in and get those converters for Azevedo!"

Rianni@crystyl:"She and Eva are enjoying their private time today. Tell you what, after lunch if you want to get to it with Azavedo I'll review it with Farhalla and let you know if there's any issues!"

Jatila Kivar@annpc#557 | Emma nods, "Sounds like a plan to me!"

Rianni@crystyl deflates, "Finally! This /so/ counts as me helping too for the record!"

Jatila Kivar@annpc#557 | Emma: "Were you stressing out about finding a way to help with the project?"

Rianni@crystyl flushes a little, "What? No, of course not..."

Jatila Kivar@annpc#557 | Emma giggles, "Don't worry, I'll make sure to let Azevedo know it was your idea!"

—

Emma Ralde@crystyl | Following her lunch break with Rianni, Emma returns to the hangar, "Only me again! How's it going?"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "Hey! The hull's taking shape nicely. Still waiting on those plasma converters, though."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Well then you'll be pleased to hear that I have that sorted!"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo widens his eyes, "Really? Did you find some spare converters around somewhere?"

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"In fairness... no. But Rianni did!"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "Well, I'll be sure to thank her! So where did she put those converters?"

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"That's the thing... she hasn't /exactly/ laid her hands on them. But she told me where we could get them!"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "And where might that be?"

Emma Ralde@crystyl hands him a PADD, "There. The jefferies tubes housing the distribution grid for the old agony booth chamber"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo takes the PADD and examines it, "Huh. Since we don't have agony booths, these plasma converters should be spares. Rianni's certainly got some great ideas. I don't believe even Farhalla -

Human NPC@annpc#557 - thought of this."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Well from what Rianni said, that whole section would essentially be cut off now. So unless Farhalla was around before the retrofit, there's no real reason for her to have known about it"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "How did she know about it? I seem to remember flying you to the Venator for the first time /after/ the retrofit was already complete."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Yeah, but this isn't her first Terran ship"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "Oooh right. That's how she knew about it." He looks to the PADD, "If it's cut off, how hard would it be for us to get in?"

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Well based on her previous experience, she managed to get in and rip some out when that system was actually live. And... she's no engineer!"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "Should be doable for us, then! Up for a little delve into the depths of the ship?"

Emma Ralde@crystyl smirks, "Wow. You sure know how to show a girl a good time, don't you..."

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo smirks back, "Hey, it'll be quite an adventure."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"And it's been a while since I've had one of those. Well then, grab your toolkit and let's get crawling!"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo steps over to the other side of the shuttle, packing up his tools before returning, "Good thing I have my toolkit right here. Ready when you are, now."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Alright, it's a little ways from here. So we can get going now, I've just got to make sure I get a final ok from Rianni before we get there since she is checking with Farhalla for us to make sure -

Emma Ralde@crystyl:- that section is still unused"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo nods, "Lead the way!"

Emma Ralde@crystyl heads out in the hallways

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo follows along, "I do hope these converters are still there, and someone didn't think of taking them out when they got rid of the agony booths."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"It's a risk, for sure. And if it was a refit done by Terrans I'm sure they would have. But since it was done by Starfleet and we don't really know those systems, it is pretty likely that they were -

Emma Ralde@crystyl:- just capped off at the surface"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "That's a good point. Like Farhalla, everyone else probably didn't know the converters were even there and just removed the booths themselves."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"That's the theory! You know it really is great how everyone's pitching in on this, and that you're opening your pet project to let them"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "Well I have to admit, I just wanted to build a fancy new shuttle at first, and I wasn't going to turn down help, especially for some of the crazier ideas. Didn't expect it to end up -

Human NPC@annpc#557 - being a pet project for the whole crew, but I think it worked out for the best for everyone!"

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"It's great for everyone to have something so positive to focus on"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "I think so too. If I had known I was getting so much help though, I might've planned something a little bigger..." he grins

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Does that mean we could have gotten that hot tub in after all?!" she gives a playful pout

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "Maybe for the next project! Or maybe you can start the next project by building a hot tub room on the Venator."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Sounds good to me!"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "Maybe Rianni can find another redundant part of the ship, a whole room you can convert into the tub room."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"That would be quite the convenient turn of events" she chuckles

—

Emma Ralde@crystyl | After getting confirmation from Rianni whilst en route that the section they have in mind is off the grid, Emma And Azavedos make their way to the nearest tube entrance

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Alright, according to the schematics we got, it should be just up ahead"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo looks around, "I assume you mean the jefferies tubes entrance and not the converters."

Emma Ralde@crystyl giggles, "Well it /would/ be something if they were just laying in a hall! But yes, I mean the entrance"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo nods, "Figured we'd have a /lot/ of crawling to do afterwards still."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Enough that I already know my knees are not going to forgive me..."

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "Maybe we should've changed into excursion uniforms..."

Emma Ralde@crystyl laughs, "I'm sure it'll be fine. You know, Starfleet didn't always spoil it's officers with special uniforms just for getting dirty"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "You mean back in Captain Paris' day, when they just had different jackets for different climates and he designed a whole new uniform variant along with a shuttle for special racing use?"

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"I was actually talking about way back in the early days. Officers back then only got two uniforms; duty and dress. You should really brush up on your history" she teases with a flick to the side of-

Emma Ralde@crystyl:- his head"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "You really like your old history, don't you? I think you mentioned something else about it before, too."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"You know it was actually one of your ancient philosophers who said if you don't learn lessons of the past, you're destined to repeat them in the future. Humans typically obsess over history more -

Emma Ralde@crystyl:- than many other species as a whole. But individually, you often don't hold the same regard for it"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "Oh I love my history. Just that the period I'm most interested in happens to be a little before Starfleet and all that."

Emma Ralde@crystyl opens the hatch, "Oh yeah? And which is that then?" she stares at the opening, "Well come on, don't think I'm going first in this skirt!"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo chuckles, climbing in, "Fair enough! Wouldn't want Rianni to think I'm taking advantage of you or anything!"

Emma Ralde@crystyl smiles, following him in, "So come on then Mr. History guy. What is your obsession if it's before Starfleet?"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "I'm mostly into the old western era, myself. You've heard of that, right? The time with the desperados and cowboys and lawmen?"

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"I think ost historical periods have lawmen. I have no idea who the desperados are, must be a species I'm not familiar with. As for cow-boys...? Sounds like something out of a Ferengi holonovel..."

Emma Ralde@crystyl adds after a moment, "But hey! If that's what rocks your nacelles, I'd never judge!"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo laughs, "No, it's nothing like that! They're called cowboys because they shepherded cows. Surely you've seen at least one holodeck program at some point set in the era. Usually a dusty -

Human NPC@annpc#557 - old town in the middle of nowhere, people wearing those wide-brimmed hats with revolvers and shotguns? Any of that sound familiar?"

Emma Ralde@crystyl thinks, almost bumping her head as she gets distracted, "oh! Yeah, I think that sounds sort of familiar... I'll look it up some time! And... this should be the right area just up ahead, careful -

Emma Ralde@crystyl:- not to go too far now"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo pauses, "What's too far in? Nothing dangerous, right?"

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"No no, just things that Farhalla might yell at us for if we unplug them!" she laughs. "This should be it I think..." she scooches around to get a better look at the panels around them

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo starts looking around too, searching for where plasma converters might be hidden

Emma Ralde@crystyl continues while they check the panels, "So what is it with this old west that interests you?"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "I'm not sure. I think part of it is Captain Paris' influence, he's also interested in ancient Earth stuff, but his favourite era is a little more recent than mine. There's just -

Human NPC@annpc#557 - something about that period which is so different from modern life and makes it interesting."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"But couldn't the same be said for just about any period far enough back?"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "That's why it's so hard to explain. You can even say it for a lot of modern civilizations. Living in the Klingon Empire is going to be a whole different experience than any -

Human NPC@annpc#557 - Federation world. Even living on Vulcan is a very different life from living on Earth."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Exactly. That's why I was wondering if there was something special about this one. You mentioned it being dusty so... maybe you have a thing for deserts?"

Emma Ralde@crystyl | As they talk, they isolate the right section and start working on dismantling the powered down gubbins that blocks their way inside it

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "I think we're getting closer. As for deserts, I mean, they're pretty different from what I grew up too, so that might be part of the charm. But again, Vulcan's got a lot of desert -

Human NPC@annpc#557 - and I'm not a Vulcan enthusiast or anything. I think it might have to do with the spirit of the era."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Oh right, now I know the one you mean! I remember Rianni telling me about a time your people were obsessed with witchcraft and the occult, spirits and ghosts and all that!"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo chuckles, "Not literal spirits. Like the mentality of the time period, or at least themes that come through from stories about that time, you know?"

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Not specifically since I'm not familiar with it, but I think I get the idea though. Kind of like how I feel a special connection with the ancient Orions"

Emma Ralde@crystyl | After clearing the way, Azavedos is able to free up one of the converters and yanks it free victoriously

Emma Ralde@crystyl | As he does this though, a red field snaps into place around the section they are in, catching Emma in the middle of its flow. She is barely able to cry out before slumping lifelessly to the deck.

—

Rianni@crystyl stands at the rear of the bridge with Nqakula, just finishing a comm talk with Farhalla, "So we were right and that section is all clear? Brilliant, thanks Farhall! I'll let them know right away"

NPC@annpc#557 | Nqakula: "Sounds promising!"

Rianni@crystyl beams proudly, "I still can't believe that hunch paid off!" she taps her PADD eagerly sending the good news and details to Emma

NPC@annpc#557 | Nqakula: "That was a very good call! And not often that you figure out something about the ship that we in Engineering don't even know!"

Rianni@crystyl:"It's about time I reaped /some/ benefit from living among them for so long!" she chuckles

NPC@annpc#557 | Nqakula: "True. Can't have been easy living among them, I imagine."

Rianni@crystyl smiles, leaning casually against the console as she reminisces, "Yeah... it sure had it's drawbacks. Like, you know, the constant suspicion that someone was going to stick a knife in your back"

NPC@annpc#557 | Nqakula: "Is it really that bad? I've heard some things about the Terrans, but...how do they get anything done?"

Rianni@crystyl:"It's probably not as bad as you imagine. But... yeah, it's pretty intense. Kind of like Klingon ships really in that way"

NPC@annpc#557 | Nqakula: "Or Romulan ships, right? I hear backstabbing happens on those, too..."

Rianni@crystyl:"I think that's more Tal Shiar disappearing people though... But then, who knows with them!"

NPC@annpc#557 | Nqakula: "True, their whole society is just all mystery and secrets. But I'm told it's getting better now with the Republic and all! Still, secrecy is kind of at the heart of their culture and -

NPC@annpc#557 - identity, and that's hard to change. It's like asking Vulcans not to be logical anymore."

Rianni@crystyl laughs, "Very true! I still can't even work out how Nikki suddenly became Empress!"

NPC@annpc#557 | Nqakula: "Yeah I've heard about her. She was before my time on the Valley Forge though, so I never got to meet her. Did you know her well?"

Rianni@crystyl:"Well as anyone else from the crew back then! Though she was more intel than tactical, there was some crossover so we worked together at times"

NPC@annpc#557 | Nqakula: "Was she very secretive and all?"

Rianni@crystyl:"Not really I guess. I mean, not by Romulan standards at any rate. But then she was always still a very private person I suppose"

NPC@annpc#557 | Nqakula: "I guess that's the case with all Romulans though. I'm not even sure I want to know what secretive by Romulan standards is like!"

Rianni@crystyl chuckles, "Yeah I know what you mean!"

Rianni@crystyl | An alarm suddenly sounds on the console, making Rianni jump

Rianni@crystyl:"What? It wasn't me!"

NPC@annpc#557 | Nqakula looks over, "Wasn't me either..." She taps to check what's going on

NPC@annpc#557 | Nqakula: "Huh. Interesting, that's not any alert I recognize..."

NPC@annpc#557 | Nqakula: "Looks like something about a compromised system. I think it's a breach in one of the original Terran systems..."

Rianni@crystyl:"Original systems...? Oh no, let me guess..."

NPC@annpc#557 | Nqukula: "Yeah...agony booth systems."

NPC@annpc#557 | Nqakula: "That's not good. It says the area's been secured with agony fields?"

Rianni@crystyl taps her combadge, "Tierno to Ralde. What's going on down there?"

Rianni@crystyl | No signal

Rianni@crystyl tries Azevedo’s, but is not surprised that she can't reach him either

NPC@annpc#557 | Nqakula begins checking internal sensors on the area

NPC@annpc#557 | Nqakula: "It looks like the lockdown has cut off the area completely. Everything's being blocked, not just comms but internal sensor data, too."

Rianni@crystyl:"Terran security always was a bit over the top... couldn't trust a crew so internal systems get treated like external ones. We need to find a way to lift this lockdown!"

NPC@annpc#557 | Nqakula: "I have a feeling it won't be as simple as cutting off power to the area. If the lockdown cuts that part of the ship away from the rest, it's probably got its own power supply, at -

NPC@annpc#557 - least enough to last it a good while."

—

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo rushes over, "Emma!" He tries to pull her away from the field without getting into it himself

Emma Ralde@crystyl | He is able to pull her away from it. But she is limp and lifeless still

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo taps her combadge, "Azevedo to Sickbay."

Emma Ralde@crystyl | The combadge beeps an error with no signal to connect

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo taps his own combadge, "Azevedo to bridge."

Emma Ralde@crystyl | To nobody's surprise but his, it's exactly the same

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo frowns, taking out his tricorder and giving Emma a scan. It's not a medical tricorder, but it's better than nothing

Emma Ralde@crystyl | And in the tricorders non-medical opinion, she is dead

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "Okay, this is not good..." He starts looking around to see if there is any way to get himself and Emma out

Emma Ralde@crystyl | There certainly isn't much to work with, he can see the fields are in place at tight borders either side of them so he can't get anywhere

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "Basic first aid...wish I had at least something like a medkit along..." He starts performing CPR on Emma

Emma Ralde@crystyl | His efforts - admirable as they are increasingly desperate - seem to be in vain as they elicit no response

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo sighs after getting no response for a bit, giving up

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "Maybe if I..."

Human NPC@annpc#557 | He tries to reconnect the plasma converter to see if it makes the fields go away

Emma Ralde@crystyl | Unfortunately all he gets is a close call with another agony field as he reaches in. Fortunately it strikes the held out converter first, instigating an instinctive recoil before it strikes him

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "Really? Won't even let me say sorry? Terran tech is harsh..."

Emma Ralde@crystyl would agree if she could

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo starts scanning around with his tricorder to find some way to cut off the power from a field

Emma Ralde@crystyl | As is to be expected from such harsh tech, it is rather ruthless as well in not giving him anything to work with. The security here is designed not only to entrap but to instill despair and -

Emma Ralde@crystyl - hopelessness in whoever is foolish enough to attempt a coup

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "Harsh /and/ thorough. Part of me wishes I brought a phaser, but another part of me thinks that's just going to make things worse..."

Emma Ralde@crystyl | It does indeed seem that he can do nothing but wait to be freed from the outside, and with none but Emma's lifeless body for company

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo sighs again and steps over to sit by Emma, "Sorry about this. I didn't know pulling out that converter was going to put you right in the middle of that field..."

Emma Ralde@crystyl | Whilst she of course doesn't respond at all. Her blank eyes give him the feeling that she would be forgiving

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "Hopefully they can shut off these fields from somewhere else on the ship or something. Actually I'm not sure if I even want that. If these fields aren't the death of me, Rianni -

Human NPC@annpc#557 - definitely will be."

Emma Ralde@crystyl | He can almost imagine Emma giggling at that like she has so many times while they've been working together today

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo sighs and leans back against the tube wall, "In retrospect, maybe it would've been a better idea to have let some Engineering officers come down here. Though I suppose if Farhalla knew -

Human NPC@annpc#557 - about these defenses, she would've advised against removing the converters at all. So if that had happened, maybe it would've just been someone else in the same position and not fixed anything."

Emma Ralde@crystyl | The minutes seem to blur into hours for Azevedo as he ekes out the unwelcome waiting game

Emma Ralde@crystyl | With time comes the inevitable forced rest, with nothing else he can do. Azavedos finds himself leaning against wall of the tight tube resting his eyes

Emma Ralde@crystyl | One thing the uncomfortable silence does afford him, is the ease of hearing the slightest change around him. And this comes with the rustling of clothing from Emma's direction...

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo blinks and looks towards Emma

Emma Ralde@crystyl | She still appears to be lifeless. Of course she would after all this time. Must just be his imagination...

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo looks around for a moment before leaning back and closing his eyes again

Emma Ralde@crystyl | A few more minutes pass, until he once again hears the rustling sound

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo blinks and opens his eyes again

Emma Ralde@crystyl | This time he sees Emma sitting up, rubbing the back of her neck

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo blinks some more and rubs his eyes, "Okay, now I'm definitely dreaming."

Emma Ralde@crystyl stretches a little, "Wow, not had a nap like that for a while!"

—

Rianni@crystyl | Some time into the unfolding drama, Rianni decides she has to bite the bullet and inform Kelly since they are struggling to find a way past the old Terran security lockout

Rianni@crystyl | Kelly arrives to a hive of activity on the bridge

Keliaya@anncaris heads over to Rianni, "I was not expecting things to get this busy this week. Any progress?"

Rianni@crystyl shakes her head and gives a little frustrated sigh, "Nothing, this lockdown is crazy! They're stuck in there and it's all my fault..."

Keliaya@anncaris shakes her head, "It's not your fault, Rianni."

Rianni@crystyl:"I'm the one that gave them the idea of going in there though"

Keliaya@anncaris:"They could have figured it out themselves, and even if they didn't, as long as these systems are in the ship, they could be a danger and someone might stumble into them sooner or later. If -

Keliaya@anncaris:- anything, we should have caught this and removed it during the refits."

Rianni@crystyl:"Well I did look into it with Farhalla first, and in fairness to the refit team they did everything they were supposed to in cutting things off there. It's just one of those deeply buried backup -

Rianni@crystyl:- protocols that remains hidden and localized until it actually appears"

Keliaya@anncaris nods, "I know, no one's really to blame. Especially not you. But someone might have come across it during maintenance and repairs, even if you didn't direct them there. So don't go blaming -

Keliaya@anncaris - yourself for it."

Rianni@crystyl sighs again, less frustrated this time, "I'm sorry. It's just... I mean, I'm just really worried..."

Keliaya@anncaris sets a hand on Rianni's shoulder, "We'll get them out of there, don't worry. What've you tried so far?"

Rianni@crystyl:"Well from what we can tell, it's the same kind of energy field used in the old agony booths themselves. It also bears similarity to the brig forcefields insofar that it's completely isolated that -

Rianni@crystyl:- section" she indicates with a close up on the MSD, "Comms, transporters, even internal sensors can't penetrate. It's like the ship has completely cut off that area as an anti-coup measure and only-

Rianni@crystyl:- seems willing to respond to an authorized override code"

Keliaya@anncaris:"And even if we had the code, I imagine it would require the proper officer's voice. In this case, a Terran officer and not any of our senior staff..."

Rianni@crystyl:"That is a fair assumption for this level of security" she nods. We must also assume that attempts to bypass the system may trigger further countermeasures"

Keliaya@anncaris nods, "Do we have any internal scans of the area /before/ the lockdown triggered? We might be able to determine what defenses are there and how to circumvent them from that."

Rianni@crystyl looks to Nqakula for the tech support

Keliaya@anncaris | Nqakula taps her console, bringing up several different displays, "Here's everything we have in the area."

Keliaya@anncaris steps over and looks, "Looks like almost nothing there is connected to any currently running systems of the ship. No wonder maintenance crews haven't triggered the lockdown before. How did you -

Keliaya@anncaris - know about something this obscure?"

Rianni@crystyl:"From that time I spent on the Kassandra infiltrating them as the other me. The... Terran other me, not the other other me..." shakes her head, "Anyway, one of my allies there was under suspicion -

Rianni@crystyl:- and got put in the booths. So, we went in and pulled those converters to shut them down"

Keliaya@anncaris:"And you didn't trigger the lockdown that time?"

Rianni@crystyl shakes her head, "No, nothing like this happened... the only thing I can think is that the Kassandra is an older ship than the Venator, so maybe they didn't have that system then?"

Keliaya@anncaris nods, "That's what I was thinking, too." She starts looking over the scans more closely. "We could disable the fields from the outside, one by one, but that's going to take a while. It's tedious -

Keliaya@anncaris - work, we might have to resort to it and just have them wait it out for a day if nothing else, but preferably we'd like to find a more expedient solution."

Keliaya@anncaris | Nqakula: "Hit the area with EMP pulses?"

Keliaya@anncaris shakes her head, pointing something out, "It's got its own generator with a failsafe reboot system. EMPs will take down the power for a few seconds, but the fields will kick back in. We need to -

Keliaya@anncaris - get the generator down."

Keliaya@anncaris | Nqakula: "But the generator is /within/ the fields..."

Keliaya@anncaris:"Of course it is. This is Terran design, not Klingon."

Keliaya@anncaris | Nqakula: "Is Klingon design really that rough?"

Rianni@crystyl:"However rough you think it really is. It's probably around 10 times rougher"

Keliaya@anncaris:"Actually, it's often intentional. Klingons don't like hiding behind force fields. They often set up shields so they can't just be bombarded from orbit, but they leave vulnerabilities for ground -

Keliaya@anncaris:- teams to come down and exploit so they can engage in up close and personal combat the way they like it."

Rianni@crystyl:"So EMP's are out because the fields would pop back up right?"

Keliaya@anncaris nods, "We need a way to disable the power at its source, which is that generator," she points on the screen

Rianni@crystyl:"Couldn't we just put something in place at the field when it briefly drops to block it out?"

Keliaya@anncaris considers, "We could, but that would still mean going through fields one at a time. And we'd need specific high-energy devices to drain the fields. Unless..."

Rianni@crystyl:"Unless?"

Keliaya@anncaris:"We might be able to tap into one of the fields and then siphon energy from the generator. It's still going to take a while to bring the generator down, though. We're going to have to drain it of -

Keliaya@anncaris:- all its power."

Rianni@crystyl:"Maybe it's worth getting started on something like that then while we try and come up with a better way"

Keliaya@anncaris | Nqakula: "What if..."

Keliaya@anncaris looks to Nqakula, "What're you thinking?"

Keliaya@anncaris | Nqakula: "What if we connect it to the rest of the ship? Channel the power into other ship systems? That could drain it much faster."

Keliaya@anncaris nods, "That will certainly speed it up. Let's get it set up."

—

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo jumps to his feet, causing him to hit his head in the low space of the jefferies tube, "Ow! Okay, maybe not a dream." He rubs his head as he turns back to Emma. "I could've sworn you -

Human NPC@annpc#557 - were dead..."

Emma Ralde@crystyl snickers at the head bump, "Yeah... must've just hit my head and drifted off for a second..." she gives a nervous chuckle

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "A second! It's at least been several hours!"

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Oh..."

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "Admittedly I'm no doctor, but the tricorder seemed convinced you were dead, too."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Well... I got better, so... yeah! All's well that ends well, right"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "At least Rianni won't kill me now. Still not convinced the ship won't, though."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Why, what did I miss?"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo thumbs to one of the fields, "Soon as I removed the plasma converter, those kicked into place. You were caught by one of them."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Damn... no wonder my heads throbbing. Still, these things happen. Just the joys of using an old Terran ship I guess!" she chirps, hoping to divert the whole risen from the dead thing

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "Yeah, and now we're stuck in here. Can't get combadges or anything working. Good thing you're alive though. I have no idea how, but it's better than dead."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"I have to say you're taking this better than most do"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "I mean, it's not exactly unheard of for people to come back from the dead in Starfleet. I /do/ know my recent history too. Granted, most of these cases involve Q or time travel or -

Human NPC@annpc#557 - something, people don't usually just get back up from dying..."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Well I'm preeeetty sure I didn't time travel, and if Q was here you'd have noticed before me! Honestly though, I'm just relieved you didn't jump at the idea of me being one of these changelings or something!"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "Don't be silly, even Changelings don't come back from the dead. Unless you're a Changeling, pretending to be Emma and pretending to die..." he narrows his eyes

Emma Ralde@crystyl eyerolls, "That is quite the imagination. I promise I am just Emma"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "Wait, you Orions can't go into a low vitals healing state or something, can you? I hear some species can do that."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"You're thinking of Vulcans"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "And Orions can't do that?"

Emma Ralde@crystyl shakes her head

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "I thought not. So much for explaining what happened to you back there..."

Emma Ralde@crystyl sighs, "I'm not getting out of this am I..."

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "I suppose it doesn't really matter if you're a Changeling. Even if you are, we're still stuck in here and it's in your best interests to work together and get out. But...I've already -

Human NPC@annpc#557 - tried everything I can think of and I can't see a way past these fields. If you've got any ideas I'd be happy to hear it. But if not, then we've got time to kill before the crew gets to us. -

Human NPC@annpc#557 - Might as well figure out what happened to you. Maybe it'll tell us more about these fields."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Trust me, it won't"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "Why are you so sure about that? I get the feeling you know how you just woke back up. You're not /actually/ a Changeling...right?"

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"No, I'm not actually a Changeling. Or anything else than you see on the surface. But... I am quite a bit older than I look"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "How much older, exactly?"

Emma Ralde@crystyl hrms, thinking about it, "Um... a few..." she mutters, "...centuries"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo widens his eyes, "Pretty sure that's beyond Orion life expectancy. But you /are/ Orion?"

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Born and bred! Just born a long time ago"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "Wait, are you some kind of...space vampire?"

Emma Ralde@crystyl giggles, "Space vampire? Well that's a new one! But no, I am just Orion - no more no less. Look... something happened to me a long time ago is all. Starfleet as it was then was quite rash in it's -

Emma Ralde@crystyl:- exploration of technology. Wreckless even. There was an accident, I was in the wrong place in the wrong time, and... I got sort of, well, stuck"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "Sounds exactly like what just happened here. You do have the tendency for being in the wrong place at the wrong time, don't you Emma?"

Emma Ralde@crystyl smiles, "Yeah... but I swear I don't make a habit of dying!"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "So you're saying this accident you had made you...immortal?"

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"For all intents and purposes, yes"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "Wait, you said Starfleet as it was then..."

Emma Ralde@crystyl nods, "Mhmm"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "Is that why you know so much about Starfleet history?"

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Because I lived through it all?" she chuckles, "Yeah... pretty much"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "That explains your interest, I guess."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Less of an interest and more just a passing knowledge really. It all seems kind of different when you've lived through it, you know?"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "I can imagine. So it's all just like...nostalgia for the old times?"

Emma Ralde@crystyl smiles, "Exactly yeah!"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "You know, I was just about to ask about your interest in your preferred period of history before you, well...died."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"It's true I do have a soft spot for those years. But I think nostalgia is the fairest answer to that one!"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "Does that even count as a favourite period of history if you lived through it?"

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Well, it is still relative history after all at this point, so I think so?"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "Good point. Well, I'm glad it was you with me now. If someone wasn't immortal, this might not have ended so well..."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"True enough. Still... better not to tell Rianni I think, she doesn't need /all/ the details after all"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "She knows about this immortality of yours...right?"

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Yeah, but she'll get upset and worry if she knows I died. And I really don't want to make her start doubting herself at the moment"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "Oh yeah, because coming here was her idea. Don't worry, I won't tell her that part."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"I appreciate it. But on the same note it's not fair to expect you to keep this secret from everyone either. So... maybe a little middle ground"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "What're you suggesting?"

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"I'm saying it's fine if you say that I got caught by the field, even that I was hurt or whatever. No actual falsehood, just a liberal use of detail. She can find out I got hurt, just not that I died"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo nods, "Got it. You got caught in the field, but don't mention the dying and reviving part."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Yeah, that would be a big help! Thank you! And to be honest, it would be kind of nice to not constantly try to hide this again. I got used to just living with the public knowledge back on the -

Emma Ralde@crystyl:- Forge after all"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "This is the secret you were all talking about keeping from Dr. Qrehl, wasn't it?"

Emma Ralde@crystyl chuckles, "Guilty!"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "Should I tell him about it now, or?"

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Well I mean, you don't have to go out of your way to or anything. But reports will be filed, and discussions had. That's why I say it's fine if it gets out"

—

Keliaya@anncaris | A while later, Nqakula receives a comm before turning to Kelly and Rianni, "Okay, everything's set. We're ready to siphon power from the area now."

Rianni@crystyl looks to Kelly for the order

Keliaya@anncaris nods, "Get it started."

Keliaya@anncaris | Nqakula taps her console, "Power siphon is beginning."

Keliaya@anncaris looks to Rianni with a reassuring smile, "With major systems drawing power from the generator, this shouldn't take too long now."

Rianni@crystyl smiles in appreciation of the assurance, "Maybe I should get down there"

Keliaya@anncaris:"Want me to go with you? Been a while since I've gone crawling through jefferies tubes, myself."

Rianni@crystyl:"I'm not even sure I can get in there with all the emergency personnel on standby, but I'd at least like to join them at the entrance. Of course your company and guidance is welcome, I still can't -

Rianni@crystyl:- trust myself to remain objective"

Keliaya@anncaris:"Come on, then."

Rianni@crystyl turns away and follows Kelly to the turbolift

Keliaya@anncaris finds the hatch with relative ease, opening it and crawling in

Rianni@crystyl follows inside, somewhat less gracefully, "I know you're naturally more agile than most of us. But I still can't imagine doing this every day"

Keliaya@anncaris:"I do prefer climbing in open spaces than closed ones, I have to admit."

Rianni@crystyl:"I'm sorry we had to interrupt your free time for this..."

Keliaya@anncaris:"Don't worry about it. One thing about being the CO of a ship, you'll always be interrupted by unexpected circumstances. You remember how often Keelah was called to the bridge in the middle of the night."

Rianni@crystyl:"I seem to remember being the cause of one or two interruptions for her too..."

Keliaya@anncaris chuckles, "Just wait until you're Captain. It'll come back to bite you and then you'll be even with Keelah and I!"

Rianni@crystyl:"Won't that be something to look forward too... I've still got a lot to learn before then though"

Keliaya@anncaris:"Well until then, enjoy being the one to bug your CO and not the other way around."

Rianni@crystyl smiles a little, "I'll try to remember that"

Keliaya@anncaris:"And don't be afraid to call me if you need to. That's my job, after all!"

Rianni@crystyl:"Of course! Don't worry, as soon as it was clear this was no trivial matter to resolve I did so today too"

Keliaya@anncaris 's combadge chimes as she climbs

Keliaya@anncaris taps, "Kelly here."

Keliaya@anncaris <C - Nqakula> "We might have a bit of a problem..."

Rianni@crystyl pauses to listen

Keliaya@anncaris <C - Nqakula> "Internal sensors are still out in the lockdown area, but we're picking up ambient temperature rising from around it. I think they're raising the temperature as a defense mechanism -

Keliaya@anncaris - to the power being siphoned."

Keliaya@anncaris frowns, "Another layer of defense. Looks like you were right, Rianni."

Keliaya@anncaris:<C> "From the current rate of temperature increase, do you think we can siphon the power quickly enough before the temperature becomes a danger?"

Keliaya@anncaris <C - Nqakula> "I don't think so. Even tying into the ship systems, it looks like there's built-in failsafes to prevent too much power from being drawn at once. We're not getting the full -

Keliaya@anncaris - generator's power, and it's going to take at least an hour to drain it. By my best estimate that is, since we can't actually get internal scans."

Keliaya@anncaris looks to Rianni, "You sent them in for plasma converters, right?"

Rianni@crystyl nods, "That's right, yeah"

Keliaya@anncaris:<C> "So we know where they're likely to be. Run a different calculation Ensign- if the generator overloads, will it endanger anyone by the plasma converters?"

Keliaya@anncaris <C - Nqakula> "Checking...no, the generator's far enough away, as long as it doesn't detonate they'll be fine."

Keliaya@anncaris:<C> "Then reverse the siphon. Channel energy from the ship into the generator, just enough to fry it without causing anything catastrophic."

Keliaya@anncaris <C - Nqakula> "Here goes..."

Keliaya@anncaris | There is the sound of crackling energy around them...

Keliaya@anncaris:"We're almost there. Let's hope this works."

Rianni@crystyl looks around at the crackling systems they're right in the middle of, "And that the generator is where you think it is..."

—

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Further inside the tubes...

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo wipes some sweat from his brow, "Is it just me, or did it just get hotter in here..."

Emma Ralde@crystyl fans her neck with one hand, "It's not just you"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "And here I thought I was getting anxious, being stuck in here or something. If it's actually the ambient temperature going up, that's not a good sign."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Maybe, maybe not. It could be that they're trying to reach us and it's some sort of chain reaction or something"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "Or they're trying to overheat the reactor or something. And accidentally cooking us in the process..."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Either way it's likely they're trying to reach us. So that's a good thing!"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "True! I just hope they reach us in time. Well, reach /me/ in time, because apparently you're immortal..."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Trust me, it's not all it's cracked up to be"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "You mean living for as long as you have, I assume? It would be pretty handy to prevent an untimely death, but being around for /ever/, I can see there would be some downsides."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Yeah... that there certainly are"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Suddenly, Emma begins to see the nearest field crackling with energy

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Woah..." she scooches away from it, "That's not good..."

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo points to another on the other side, "That one's doing it too..."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Well this is awkward"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | The fields seem to flare out more, sending tendrils of orange lightning-like energy shooting outwards from it

Emma Ralde@crystyl looks around, "We don't exactly have much in the way of cover. Except for me"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "You're not thinking of being an Orion shield, are you..."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Do you have a better idea?"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "I suppose not..."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Then lay down, quick!"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo nods and lays low

Emma Ralde@crystyl throws herself on top of him, trying to cover him as much as possible. And trying not to think about the awkwardness of it

Human NPC@annpc#557 | As the crackling energies expand, Emma is hit by a tendril, knocking her out. But before more could strike them, the fields seem to overload, sparks flying out of the emitters as all of -

Human NPC@annpc#557 - them suddenly deactivate. Azevedo looks around before turning Emma over to check her

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "Okay, looks like she's still breathing this time. /Definitely/ still alive..."

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo looks around, "Now whether to chance it out of here..."

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo waits for a good few seconds. When the fields don't snap back on, he starts making his way out, dragging Emma along with her, "Might as well give it a try rather than sitting around..."

Emma Ralde@crystyl is fortunately as light as one might expect for her slight build, so dragging her along isn't too taxing

Human NPC@annpc#557 | The fields don't come back on, and Azevedo is able to drag Emma a fair distance. Before long though, he turns a corner to find Kelly and Rianni crawling towards them...

Human NPC@annpc#557:and now you can take Rianni

Emma Ralde@crystyl | Rianni: "Emma!" she quickens her pace upon seeing Azavedo dragging her along

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "Don't worry, she's fine! Just a little stunned I think, the fields were acting up just before they went out."

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Kelly: "That...was my bad. Probably the overcharge intensified their power levels just before they went out."

Emma Ralde@crystyl | Rianni checks on Emma, "What am I going to do with you..." before looking back to Azavedo, "Thank you for getting her clear safely!"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "It was the least I could do. Sorry for getting her stuck in here searching for that plasma converter with me."

Emma Ralde@crystyl | Rianni: "I'm sorry for putting you on to them! I had no idea there would be upgraded security around them here"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "It's not your fault you didn't know. Plus, you checked with Engineering and even they didn't say anything about this, so there's no way anyone could've expected you to know if they didn't."

Emma Ralde@crystyl | Rianni smiles a little, "I still feel bad though. But come on, help me get her out of here so we can move her to sickbay"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo nods and starts carrying Emma out again

Emma Ralde@crystyl | Rianni helps move Emma too

—

Human NPC@annpc#557 | They bring Emma to sickbay and place her upon one of the beds, where Dr. Qrehl checks her over

Human NPC@annpc#557 | After a little scanning, the doctor announces, "Looks like a phaser stun to me, more or less."

Emma Ralde@crystyl | Rianni: "So she'll be ok? Right?"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Dr. Qrehl nods, giving Rianni a pat on the shoulder, "With the intensity of the stun, she'll probably be waking up soon. Anytime now, in fact."

Emma Ralde@crystyl | Rianni breathes a sigh of relief and looks to Emma, "Any time now... wait a second..."

Emma Ralde@crystyl grins before opening one eye on Rianni, "Hey"

Emma Ralde@crystyl | Rianni wraps her arms around her, "Of all the times to start playing around!"

Emma Ralde@crystyl chuckles, returning a reassuring hug, "Sorry, couldn't resist when I heard you there!"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo smiles, "It's good to see you're alright."

Emma Ralde@crystyl peers over Rianni's shoulder, "Oh hey, you're alright! So I guess it worked then"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo nods, "The fields went out after you were hit, and they didn't come back on, so I started dragging you out and ran into Rianni and Kelly halfway."

Emma Ralde@crystyl breathes a sigh of relief, "So it's over. Thank the Goddess"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "Yeah. Maybe next time we leave the jefferies tube crawling to the engineers..."

Emma Ralde@crystyl smiles, "No arguments here"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Kelly: "I'm glad all that went well. Wasn't sure about overloading the generator, but with the temperature spiking it was probably our only option."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"It worked out, that's the important thing"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "Sorry you had to end up paying the price for the plasma converters. I'll pay you back sometime, promise."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Don't worry about it. It was a fun day!"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "You certainly have an interesting definition of fun! I guess talking with you has been interesting, but I'd still have preferred to do it while not trapped in a jefferies tube," he chuckles

Emma Ralde@crystyl | Rianni: "I would prefer keeping social chats out of there too"

Emma Ralde@crystyl smiles, "Point taken"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo looks between Rianni and Emma, "Anyways, should we leave you two alone for a bit?"

Emma Ralde@crystyl | Rianni hesitates, "I am supposed to be on duty still..."

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Kelly smiles, "I can take over for you from here. You can spend some time with Emma if you like."

Emma Ralde@crystyl | Rianni looks over, "Are you sure you don't mind?"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Kelly: "You can always make up for it on another day if you feel bad! But I think Emma could use your company right now."

Emma Ralde@crystyl smiles, "Thanks Captain!"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Kelly: "I'll leave you two to it, then." She turns to head out

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "Sorry again for dragging Emma along and getting her hurt."

Emma Ralde@crystyl | Rianni smiles, "Like you said before, nobody was really at fault here. It was just... one of those things"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo nods and smiles back, "I'm glad you can see it that way. Thanks for giving me the pointer on where to find those converters, even if it didn't go quite as we planned."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Now we're all good and everyone's apologized to everyone, I think it's time to kick back"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo chuckles, "Have fun you two!"

—

Human NPC@annpc#557 | The next day after the plasma converter incident, Emma heads down to check on the shuttle project during some of her off time

Emma Ralde@crystyl strolls in, looking around for Azavedo

Human NPC@annpc#557 | The shuttle was looking a lot more assembled now, with much more of the hull in place. Azevedo steps out from behind it after a moment, "Hey Emma! Good to see you on your feet again. How're -

Human NPC@annpc#557 - you feeling?"

Emma Ralde@crystyl smiles, "All systems are optimal now!"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "Can't say I'm surprised. You do recover pretty fast!"

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"One of the more amenable side effects of my condition"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "That it definitely is. Thanks for shielding me at the end there."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"It was the obvious thing to do. Just be glad it worked"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo nods, "And as I promised, your secret's safe with me. Didn't breathe a word about your resurrection to Rianni. Or how you jumped on top of me," he smirks

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"I appreciate that. For all the love and trust in the universe, she's still easily provoked into jealousy"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "And concern, if she knew about the whole dying part, I bet..."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"She'd certainly be scolding me" she chuckles

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "Not me for dragging you along?"

Emma Ralde@crystyl shakes her head, "No, she will keep blaming herself for that"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "I hope she's not beating herself up too much now that everything ended alright?"

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"She'll get over it. But if I know Rianni, she'll beat herself up in the process until she learns from it. It's... kind of her thing" she chuckles

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "So that's her secret for rising through the ranks so fast, is it?"

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Pretty much, yeah. Ever since the whole Junayd thing, she apparently faced it with such an absolute resolve - stubborn, really - and kept wading through the mud of emotional trauma until she had -

Emma Ralde@crystyl:- learned to better herself from it all and grow as a result to make herself a more capable officer. I can honestly say that in all my years I've never known anyone like her in that way. Maybe -

Emma Ralde@crystyl:- that's the appeal..." she smiles thoughtfully

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "Maybe! You must've met quite a few officers in your time. Maybe even some pretty prominent ones in our history today."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"I might have even served with more than a few" she winks, "But that just tells you how special Rianni really is. It's funny, because I see it everytime I look at her but she doesn't see it herself!"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "Guess sometimes you need an outside perspective! You gotta tell me about the few you served alongside, though."

Emma Ralde@crystyl smirks, "And I surely will one day"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "But, I imagine you're here to check on the shuttle now, aren't you?"

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"It looks like you've made good progress today already"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo nods, "Things are going smoothly now that I have the plasma converters. All the hardware is here now, just have to put it in place. Well, unless you count a cloaking device, but we're -

Human NPC@annpc#557 - probably not going to dig one up even if we delve into the Terran parts of the ship again."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"So you still managed to get the converters out after everything yesterday? Nice"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "Yeah, Kelly determined the area was safe with the generator overloaded. Was as simple as unplugging them from there on."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"So Rianni's plan did come good once the generators were out of the equation. She'll be glad to hear that"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "Be sure to let her know! Might help her beat herself up less over it."

Emma Ralde@crystyl smiles, "You might well be right! Glad I came to check on things now"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo looks back to the shuttle, "As for the cloaking device..."

Emma Ralde@crystyl follows his gaze, "What about it?"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "Well, I set aside a space for it and have all the surrounding systems in place. So when we do acquire an appropriately sized cloak, we can just slot it right in. Well, it'll be a -

Human NPC@annpc#557 - little more difficult than that depending on the source of the cloak, Engineering will probably have to do plenty of tinkering before it's compatible. But there is a spot in the shuttle -

Human NPC@annpc#557 - systems for it, which'll make it easier."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Nice. So at this rate it won't be long before you're looking to do a test flight"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "Shouldn't be long now! Hopefully that'll be less eventful than our search for the converters."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"I'd certainly welcome that"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo: "Well, thanks for all your help so far! I'll let you know when the interior's done so you can experience the results of your design. Probably won't haul you along the test flight -

Human NPC@annpc#557 - though, I don't know if you could even survive in space if something goes wrong. And I wouldn't want to put you in any more danger! Rianni'll kill me for sure then.

Emma Ralde@crystyl chuckles, "You and me both!"

Human NPC@annpc#557 | Azevedo chuckles, "Just the interior tour it is, then."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"I will look forward to it"