ST:SoD317 | "Forgotten Pasts Pt. I"

Stardate 2M 61670.3

A seemingly ordinary factory worker in the far future has her life shaken when a mysterious stranger arrives claiming to know her true identity...

---

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NPC@annpc#557 FX | https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/starwars/images/d/de/YToub_system.png/revision/latest?cb=20151004043553

NPC@annpc#557 | Text scrolls across the corner of the screen

NPC@annpc#557 | LOCATION: ...UNKNOWN

NPC@annpc#557 | STARDATE: ...UNKNOWN

NPC@annpc#557:| A brief flash of red text appears on the opposite corner of the screen for only a slight moment, easily missable by the audience

NPC@annpc#557 | WARNING: UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS DETECTED - U.S.S. LATENTER COMPROMISED - SELF DESTRUCT PROTOCOL FAILURE

NPC@annpc#557 | The camera zooms into the moon, past thick cloud cover and settling upon a city...

NPC@annpc#557 FX | https://cdna.artstation.com/p/assets/images/images/003/181/542/large/jan-sarbort-city-02-v0003-26-v0001b2lensfix.jpg?1470728265

NPC@annpc#557 | Elements of a once aesthetic cityscape can be seen, with towers which were clearly built with some sense of stylistic design. However, most of the structures are now old and worn, covered in -

NPC@annpc#557 - rust and decay. The space between the structures have been overrun by a multitude of far rougher, industrial facilities constructed without a care of ruining the beauty of what is around it

NPC@annpc#557 | The camera descends towards one of these structures, past the large piping and metal walls, into what looks like a dark worker's dorm featuring no windows. Multiple workers are asleep on bunk -

NPC@annpc#557 - beds, and we zoom into one in particular who bears the face of Rianni...

NPC@annpc#557 | A klaxon sounds over a PA system, followed by a monotone announcer voice: "Awaken now. Beta Shift begins in thirty minutes. Awaken now."

Rianni@crystyl stirs awake and slowly sits up, yawning and stretching her arms

NPC@annpc#557 | The other workers around her begin to get up as well. Most of them proceed to a door on the other side of the dorm, leading to a communal bathroom where they begin their morning routine

Rianni@crystyl trudges out with everyone else

NPC@annpc#557 | Many of Ori's fellow workers appear to be familiar species, or bear elements of them at least. One seems to have Denobulan-like ridges, but it is far fainter than that of pureblooded Denobulans -

NPC@annpc#557 - like Kelly, suggesting hybridization. Another has elements of Cardassian ridges, similarly much more faint, while a third has Trill spots but Orion green skin

Rianni@crystyl goes about her usual morning routine

NPC@annpc#557 | As the workers freshen up, the monotone voice speaks again: "It is Stardate 2M 61670.3. The current external temperature is 304.2 Kelvin."

NPC@annpc#557 | The workers finish freshening up fast, most of them now already beginning to file out to exit the dorm rooms

Rianni@crystyl heads out in due course as well

NPC@annpc#557 | The workers begin to make their way down a very industrial looking hall

NPC@annpc#557 | Announcer: "If you see any suspected psionic activity, please report the occurrence and the individuals involved to the nearest security office."

NPC@annpc#557 | Ori arrives at a large mess hall which is already quite crowded with workers all dressed in the same garb. Some are seated with food, some are lining up at replicators and some are making -

NPC@annpc#557 - their way to and from the replicators. All of them who have already received their meals hold identical looking metal trays with various colours of food cubes on them

Rianni@crystyl takes her place in the queue

NPC@annpc#557 | As Ori waits in line...

NPC@annpc#557 | Announcer: "Nutrition strengthens the body. A healthy worker is a productive worker. Be sure to obtain appropriate nutritions."

NPC@annpc#557 | Ori reaches her spot in the queue. As she presses the replicator interface, it brings up a 'Calculated Morning Nutrition Supplement' on the display, marked as 'Daily Allotment.' On the top -

NPC@annpc#557 - right of the screen is her Energy Credit balance, currently at 361 EC. Below that is a list of optional additions, each with a price next to them

Rianni@crystyl briefly entertains the indulgence but decides against it, moving to take a seat

NPC@annpc#557 | As Ori sits down with the same food as almost everyone else, her gaze is drawn to someone who stands out from the crowd. The audience of course knows her as cyber-Emma, though Ori has no idea -

NPC@annpc#557 - what caught her attention about this Orion. Perhaps it's the cybernetics?

Rianni@crystyl studies the curious Orion over her daily allotment, trying to figure that very fact out

NPC@annpc#557 | The Orion soon makes eye contact, as if she's studying Ori in return

NPC@annpc#557 | Before Ori or Emma can approach each other, the Denobulan hybrid takes a seat at Ori's table with her tray, "Hey. You're the new girl right? I'm Zayna. We're assigned to the same bunk room -

NPC@annpc#557 - together."

Rianni@crystyl turns her gaze to Zayna, "Hm? Oh yes, I've seen you there I think. I'm Orianni"

NPC@annpc#557 | Zayna smiles, "Pleased to meet you, Ori. How are you settling in? Probably the exact same as your previous posting, just with different faces, I know. But different faces can make all the -

NPC@annpc#557 - difference sometimes."

Rianni@crystyl:"I suppose so, I don't really think about it really"

NPC@annpc#557 | Zayna: "Well, I guess work is work."

NPC@annpc#557 | A pair of hybrids with very faint, B'Elanna-style Klingon ridges take a seat at a table beside theirs, with trays containing what look like steaks on them

Rianni@crystyl:"And that is why we're here after all. Like you say - just another posting"

NPC@annpc#557 | Zayna nods before glancing over at the two trays with meat, "Klingbloods. They and their special nutritional calculations. Most of them have less actual Klingon blood than I have Romulan..."

NPC@annpc#557 | She does not look Romulan in the slightest

Rianni@crystyl tilts her head, "I think they may have at least /some/ by comparison"

NPC@annpc#557 | Zayna: "I do actually have like two percent or so Romulan DNA. It doesn't show, though, fortunately for me. No psionics or anything. But still, I'm sure most Klingbloods can survive perfectly -

NPC@annpc#557 - fine on the same diet as the rest of us. They just get special privileges because most of their fellows are in Security."

Rianni@crystyl glances again at the Klingbloods meal trays, "I'm not sure I would feel privileged or punished if I had to eat that"

NPC@annpc#557 | Zayna chews on a food cube, "Depends on your species, I suppose. They certainly still have enough Klingon left in them to enjoy it..."

NPC@annpc#557 | Indeed, the two Klingbloods appear to be enjoying the steaks

Rianni@crystyl:"Well, good for them. I am quite satisfied with my food cubes"

NPC@annpc#557 | Announcer: "Beta Shift begins in five minutes. Proceed to your stations."

NPC@annpc#557 | Zayna quickly finishes up her last two food cubes, "Time to go."

Rianni@crystyl clears up as well with a nod

NPC@annpc#557 | The workers all quickly return their empty trays to the replicators and file out of the mess hall, continuing down the hall

NPC@annpc#557 | As Ori walks with the others, she catches another glimpse of Emma, but she disappears into the crowd

Rianni@crystyl tells herself not to get distracted by curiosities and focus on work

NPC@annpc#557 | Announcer: "If you see any suspected psionic activity, please report the occurrence and the individuals involved to the nearest security office."

NPC@annpc#557 | As they near the factory floor, they pass through a door guarded by a pair of Klingbloods. These are wearing security vests and holding rifles in their hands

NPC@annpc#557 | Announcer: "Your work serves the United Galactic Society. The galaxy runs on the backs of hard-working individuals such as yourself. Take pride in your work. You serve us all."

NPC@annpc#557 | Soon, Ori and Zayna split off from some other workers, passing through a door into their station in the factory

NPC@annpc#557 FX | https://i.pinimg.com/originals/bd/b1/c2/bdb1c2a23aab072ab3d5edd41c11bc55.jpg

NPC@annpc#557 | Announcer: "Beta Shift begins now. Take your stations, and remember to be careful with your work. Your lives are important to the UGS. You are what keeps our Society running."

NPC@annpc#557 | The hours tick away as Ori works at her post, surrounded by noises of the factory and the occasional monotone announcement

NPC@annpc#557 | As she is working, she notices Zayna chatting with the part-Trill, part-Orion worker from their dorm while tapping away at their consoles. As they talk and work, they don't seem to notice as a -

NPC@annpc#557 - piece of machinery behind them begins to topple, likely to crush one or both of them if it drops

Rianni@crystyl rushes them, yelling, and dives to push them both clear

NPC@annpc#557 | Ori rushes to them with surprising speed, pushing them both clear. However, she isn't quite able to get out of the way herself. Fortunately, the machinery lands doesn't land on top of Ori, but -

NPC@annpc#557 - its momentum does propel it to slide after it lands, hitting Ori in the side and launching her some distance. She is hit hard and winded, but not seriously harmed

NPC@annpc#557 | Zayna rushes over to Ori, "Orianni! Are you alright?"

Rianni@crystyl shakes herself off, "I will live"

NPC@annpc#557 | Zayna looks to the fallen machine, then back to Ori with a surprised expression, "Are you sure? That thing hit you hard. And you don't look like a Klingblood or anything..."

Rianni@crystyl checks herself over again, "I... think I'm sure?"

NPC@annpc#557 | Zayna: "Wow, you must have DNA from /some/ species that's very tough..."

Rianni@crystyl gets back to her feet, "News to me if so. Always been completely human according to my assessments"

NPC@annpc#557 | Zayna: "Well you must be one tough human..."

NPC@annpc#557 | The door slides open as two Klingblood guards step into the room

NPC@annpc#557 | Klingblood Guard: "Everything alright in here?"

Rianni@crystyl:"A near miss with some unsecured machinery" she points out the remains of the fallen equipment

NPC@annpc#557 | The guard nods, "We'll notify the technicians. You all get back to work here."

Rianni@crystyl nods and returns to her station, thinking far less of it than anyone else

NPC@annpc#557 | The Klingbloods make their way out of the area. As Ori gets back to work, the announcer's voice echoes across the factory floor again

NPC@annpc#557 | Announcer: "If you see any suspected psionic activity, please report the occurrence and the individuals involved to the nearest security office."

NPC@annpc#557 | The camera zooms in on Zayna as she gives Ori a wary glance...

—

NPC@annpc#557 | Announcer: "Awaken now. Beta Shift begins in thirty minutes. Awaken now."

NPC@annpc#557 | Ori wakes on her bunk again the next day

Rianni@crystyl slowly sits up, yawning and stretching as usual

NPC@annpc#557 | Once again, the workers go about the same morning routine. As they prepare for the day, the announcer sounds again

NPC@annpc#557 | Announcer: "It is Stardate 2M 61673.1. The current external temperature is 309.7 Kelvin."

NPC@annpc#557 | As Ori and the workers finish in the dorms, they begin filing out towards the mess hall

Rianni@crystyl pays the announcement about irrelevant exterior conditions as much heed as usual as she shuffles out with the rest

NPC@annpc#557 | Announcer: "If you see any suspected psionic activity, please report the occurrence and the individuals involved to the nearest security office."

NPC@annpc#557 | Entering the mess hall, the announcer plays the same line as everyone queues up for the replicators

NPC@annpc#557 | Announcer: "Nutrition strengthens the body. A healthy worker is a productive worker. Be sure to obtain appropriate nutritions."

NPC@annpc#557 | Ori reaches her spot in the line and is provided with the same options, just a few extra energy credits to spend now on bonus items

Rianni@crystyl gets the basics as usual and takes a seat

NPC@annpc#557 | Ori is in the midst of eating when she spots the strange cyborg Orion again. This time, Emma heads right over and takes a seat in front of her

Rianni@crystyl looks up from her food, "You again"

NPC@annpc#557 | Emma: "Hello Orianni. I don't suppose you know who I am?"

Rianni@crystyl:"Oh have we worked somewhere else before? Sorry, it gets hard to remember all the faces from every facility"

NPC@annpc#557 | Emma sighs, "I thought it wouldn't be that easy. You can say we've worked somewhere else before. We were hoping to ease you into this, but unfortunately we're out of time now."

Rianni@crystyl:"Ease me into what? You do know if I've done this job before right"

NPC@annpc#557 | Emma: "Not this job. This is exactly why we wanted to ease you into it. We have to get you out fast now, though. That incident yesterday, you've been reported as a potential psionic. They'll -

NPC@annpc#557 - be coming for you soon."

Rianni@crystyl:"What?! But I didn't do anything! If it was /that/ then I wouldn't have had to run over there and get hit myself!"

NPC@annpc#557 | Emma: "I know you didn't, and I know you're not a psionic. But walking away from that hit without a scratch has raised some suspicions, so we have to go fast. We'll explain everything to you -

NPC@annpc#557 - once you're safe."

Rianni@crystyl:"I... don't understand. What is it that you are saying? What are you planning on doing to me? And... who the hell are you anyway?"

NPC@annpc#557 | Emma: "I'm here to help you. You're not supposed to be here. None of us are. That's why you can do some of the things you're able to do despite reading as a regular human. I'm sure you've noticed -

NPC@annpc#557 - by now, it's more than the one incident. You're stronger, faster, more resilient, at least in recent memory. I don't know what they implanted in your head for your past and all."

Rianni@crystyl:"I thought that was just because I'm in better shape than everyone else..."

NPC@annpc#557 | Emma: "And there's a reason for that. You might've also had flashes of the past, maybe I look a little familiar to you but you can't place where?"

Rianni@crystyl:"I can't deny there is something about you... but I thought it was just-..." she flushes and holds her tongue, "Nevermind"

NPC@annpc#557 | Emma chuckles, "I'm flattered. But we don't have a lot of time. You have to-"

NPC@annpc#557 | Announcer: "Beta Shift begins in five minutes. Proceed to your stations."

Rianni@crystyl stands, "Well, time to go. It's been... interesting, whoever you are"

NPC@annpc#557 | Emma sighs, taking out an earpiece and handing it to Ori, "If you don't trust me, take this. They'll be coming after you soon and you'll have no choice but to run. At least I can help guide you."

Rianni@crystyl eyes it in her hand before popping it in with a sigh, being careful to brush her hair back over that ear and make it all seem very discrete, "I don't even know you. And while I can't deny there is -

Rianni@crystyl:- something about you, you talk of strange things that make no sense so how can I trust that?"

NPC@annpc#557 | Emma: "You'll see soon enough. Just be careful, Ori."

Rianni@crystyl:"Um, sure..." she walks off, confused

NPC@annpc#557 | Ori makes her way to her station and begins the day's work. Strangely, Zayna doesn't appear to be around today

—

NPC@annpc#557 | An hour into her duties, Emma's voice comes through the earpiece, "They're coming. I suggest getting up high and out of sight so they don't immediately spot you. Trust me, you'll see in a -

NPC@annpc#557 - few moments and thank me for it."

Rianni@crystyl sighs and mutters under her breath, "I can't believe I'm doing this..." and starts making her way inconspicuously to a good spot

NPC@annpc#557 | Not long after Ori finds her hiding spot, the door slides open. Two Klingblood guards step in, followed by a group of five Lupan

NPC@annpc#557 | Klingblood: "Her station is in here. Where did she go...?"

NPC@annpc#557 | The lead Lupan raises his hand, "Leave it to us." He points to three of his group. "You three. Stay here and search for her. You," he points to the remaining Lupan, "with me."

NPC@annpc#557 | The Lupan leader turns back to the Klingbloods, "Take me to her bunk. Once we acquire her scent, she will not be able to hide from us."

NPC@annpc#557 | The Klingbloods nods and lead the way back out. The three Lupan begin to spread out, searching for Ori the old fashioned way

Rianni@crystyl starts panicking, with the assumption that is indeed her they are after

NPC@annpc#557 <C - Emma> "See now? Get in the nearest maintenance tunnel. Try to stay hidden until you get there, then pry it open. The Lupan will have trouble squeezing inside."

Rianni@crystyl looks around before spotting the tunnel and begins to make her way over

NPC@annpc#557 | Ori reaches the tunnel. There is a grate sealing it which she can attempt to pry open

Rianni@crystyl does so after another quick look around

NPC@annpc#557 | Ori's strength allows her to easily force the grate open, but it causes a noise that alerts a nearby Lupan, which begins rushing over. The way is now clear for Ori to squeeze inside, though

Rianni@crystyl dives right in and scrambles ahead

NPC@annpc#557 | The Lupan reaches her too late, trying to squeeze into the tunnel but is able to only get his head in. He snaps his jaws at Ori's feet but is too slow, snarling before backing out to inform -

NPC@annpc#557 - the others

NPC@annpc#557 <C - Emma> "Okay, try to stay calm. Be aware of your surroundings and take the third left."

Rianni@crystyl rushes ahead as fast as she can in the tight space, "I hope you know where I'm going..." she remains surprisingly focused, even to herself

NPC@annpc#557 <C - Emma> "I have a schematic of this place. Now, once you take the left, take the second right all the way to the end. Go right again from there."

Rianni@crystyl:"Right"

NPC@annpc#557 | Following Emma's instructions, Ori reaches a grate with daylight shining through the gaps

Rianni@crystyl squints a little as she peers through the gaps to make sure it's clear before kicking the cover off

NPC@annpc#557 | It is clear, but kicking the cover off she finds herself on a narrow ledge. There are several pipes below her leading across to a different building which she will have to hop onto

NPC@annpc#557 <C - Emma> "Jump onto one of the pipes and move across. Don't worry, they're wide enough to walk on and sturdy enough to support you."

Rianni@crystyl looks around, "That's easy for you to say!"

NPC@annpc#557:<C - Emma> "It's safe. If I wanted to get you killed I wouldn't be trying to help you at all now, would I?"

Rianni@crystyl:"Maybe you're not trying to, but this is hardly congruent with a healthy lifeplan. And to think I didn't even take a bonus cube this morning..." she sighs, "Well there's no going back now, so keep -

Rianni@crystyl:- talking while I do this" she jumps down on to the pipes, "A little distraction would help here"

NPC@annpc#557 | Ori finds herself managing a perfect landing, and the pipe does indeed support her weight, though it is still a scary crossing

NPC@annpc#557 <C - Emma> "Okay. Once you're across, the rooftop should be much wider and easier to walk on. Turn left and go all the way around. You'll come across a ladder not far after you turn a corner."

Rianni@crystyl balances herself cautiously as she crosses the pipes, "You know if this is all just to get me out on a date, you could have just asked"

NPC@annpc#557 <C - Emma> "Wait, it was that easy to get you to run away with me?"

Rianni@crystyl smiles, "Well, a few nutrition cubes might have been nice first. Wow you're really all or nothing aren't you?"

NPC@annpc#557 <C - Emma> "Well, this is kind of an all or nothing situation, if you haven't noticed..."

NPC@annpc#557 | Ori manages to cross over to the other side safely

Rianni@crystyl breathes easy, following the prescribed route while watching for guards still, "I'm still not hearing a no to a date when this over though"

NPC@annpc#557:<C - Emma> "I'll, uh...think about it."

NPC@annpc#557 | Ori spots a pair of Klingblood guards on a nearby roof, but if she stays low, she can keep out of their sight behind the ledge of her current roof

Rianni@crystyl hunkers down and slow her pace to avoid detection

NPC@annpc#557 | Ori makes it around the corner and safely out of the guards' view. As Emma promised, she soon comes upon the ladder described

Rianni@crystyl keeps going, still watching for guards

NPC@annpc#557 | Ori reaches what looks like a large rooftop landing area. There are Klingblood guards patrolling, but fortunately there are also plenty of crates to take cover behind

Rianni@crystyl ducks into some cover, "Ok now what? There's nowhere else to go"

NPC@annpc#557 | Emma: "Look for a Type 212 shuttle with the serial ICC-212-7499."

Rianni@crystyl peers out of her cover and looks for the shuttle

NPC@annpc#557 | Ori sees several Type 212s parked nearby

Rianni@crystyl makes her way around to them and searches for the serial

NPC@annpc#557 | The third shuttle Ori checks has the right serial!

Rianni@crystyl:"Found it! I assume I'm boarding this thing right, and not riding shotgun hanging off a nacelle or something..."

NPC@annpc#557 <C - Emma> "Yes, I'm opening the hatch for you now. Make sure no guards see you get inside. Hide under the shuttle if you have to until it's clear."

NPC@annpc#557 | The hatch does indeed slide open, but a pair of guards are walking perilously close to where the shuttles are parked

Rianni@crystyl:"Alright" she takes cover until it's clear

NPC@annpc#557 | The guards soon pass out of sight and she can see no others in the vicinity

Rianni@crystyl cautiously makes for the shuttle

NPC@annpc#557 | Ori gets inside without incident and the hatch quickly closes behind her. Past the cargo area where she entered, she can see Emma at the pilot's seat, who glances back, "See. Told you I would -

NPC@annpc#557 - get you out of here."

Rianni@crystyl:"We're not out of here yet"

NPC@annpc#557 | Emma nods, "We should get clearance to take off soon, and as far as they know, it's just a regular cargo run."

Rianni@crystyl joins her in the empty seat, "I assume this is going to lead to you telling me what all this is about"

NPC@annpc#557 | Emma: "I'll explain when we're on the way. And there's the clearance. Let's get you out of this factory job..."

NPC@annpc#557 | The shuttle begins to take off...

—

NPC@annpc#557 | Emma pilots the shuttle through the old, delaying cityscape marred by various industrial constructions throughout

Rianni@crystyl watches the view, "So do I get answers now or are we going somewhere first for that?"

NPC@annpc#557 | Emma: "We're going somewhere, but...let me try to explain this to you first. Now, where to start..."

Rianni@crystyl:"Why don't you start by telling me who you are"

NPC@annpc#557 | Emma: "I'm Emma Ralde. Lieutenant Emma Ralde of the Shenzhou, although I'm temporarily assigned to the Latenter. That's where you're from, too."

Rianni@crystyl:"And what is 'Latenter'? Sounds like a made up word to me. Some new facility or something, because I don't remember it"

NPC@annpc#557 | Emma: "It's a ship. Here, let me," she raises her arm. "Hang on, you probably won't believe what my multi-tool tells you anyways. There should be a basic tricorder in here somewhere, see if -

NPC@annpc#557 - you can find one."

Rianni@crystyl rummages around for one

NPC@annpc#557 | Ori locates a tricorder with a little searching

Rianni@crystyl:"There! Alright then, let's see..." she scans the presented arm

NPC@annpc#557 | Emma: "Give the shuttle a quantum scan first. Just the bulkhead or the floor, anything works."

Rianni@crystyl narrows her eyes, "Alright..." and scans

NPC@annpc#557 | Emma: "Now scan yourself, and pay attention to the quantum signature."

Rianni@crystyl repeats the scan, taking note

NPC@annpc#557 | The quantum signature comes up as distinct!

NPC@annpc#557 | Emma: "Now try me."

Rianni@crystyl scans Emma

NPC@annpc#557 | Once again, the quantum signature is different from both Ori and the shuttle's

Rianni@crystyl:"I don't understand. This can't be right"

NPC@annpc#557 | Emma: "It is right. You and I, we don't belong here."

Rianni@crystyl:"But... you said we're from the same place. But you're as different to me as this shuttle is"

NPC@annpc#557 | Emma: "I'm from another universe that's just been working alongside yours. You'll see more people with the same quantum signature as yours once we get where we're going."

Rianni@crystyl:"Right..."

NPC@annpc#557 | Emma: "I know this is difficult to believe. But you know something isn't right, with your physical capabilities. That escape you pulled off across the pipes, do you think an average factory -

NPC@annpc#557 - worker would be capable of it?"

Rianni@crystyl:"I am pretty amazing"

NPC@annpc#557 | Emma chuckles, "Even in top shape that would have been hard for a regular human, especially one who's never done this stuff before. You know something isn't right."

Rianni@crystyl:"Well sure, there's plenty not right. But that's just how the world is"

NPC@annpc#557 | Emma: "How this world is. Not the one you came from. Look, I know how crazy this sounds, but there must be a part of you that realizes you don't belong here. That you're more than what these -

NPC@annpc#557 - fake memories tell you you are."

Rianni@crystyl:"We all feel like that though... don't we?"

NPC@annpc#557 | Emma: "Maybe some of the other workers do, but in your case, it's actually true. I know you'd have a hard time believing me. It might be better once you talk to the Commander."

Rianni@crystyl:"Commander? What is this some sort of military base we're going to? Oh! Are you psionic rebels?"

NPC@annpc#557 | Emma: "It's just a little hideout for now. We're just trying to get the crew back together, retake the ship and get back home. We do have psionics among our crew, but we haven't managed to -

NPC@annpc#557 - locate any of them yet."

Rianni@crystyl:"Crew? Ship? And... you're suggesting I'm somehow a part of all of this. I just don't remember any of it?"

NPC@annpc#557 | Emma nods, "You're Ensign Orianni Tierno. They, the Starfleet here in this universe that is, captured us and erased our memories. Implanted some fake ones and made us workers here."

Rianni@crystyl:"Star... fleet? Is that what you call them? If what you say is even a little bit true, I'll make them pay!"

NPC@annpc#557 | Emma: "That's not why we're here. Actually, we didn't even choose to come here, but now that we are, our goal is to get away. I don't like what they tried to do- or managed to you in your and -

NPC@annpc#557 - most of the crew's case, but even if we could take down the entirety of this UGS, it's not our place to change the history of this universe."

Rianni@crystyl:"If you say so... but if you ask me and we don't belong here, then it's already being changed by them dragging us into things. So it's all done already, may as well make it count"

NPC@annpc#557 | Emma: "Well if it makes you happy, we're probably going to do some damage on our way out, whether we like to or not."

Rianni@crystyl:"If they've done things to me, they deserve all they get"

NPC@annpc#557 | Emma: "They did it to all of us, but this isn't exactly the Starfleet from either of our universes. They overlooked an implant I had which backed up all my memories so I was able to recover -

NPC@annpc#557 - them. Most of the crew wasn't so lucky, though."

Rianni@crystyl:"So you're the only one who didn't get memory wiped?"

NPC@annpc#557 | Emma: "No, the process also didn't work on the Commander. We suspect there's others too, but we haven't been able to recover them yet. That's why we need you, actually, but I'll let the -

NPC@annpc#557 - Commander explain our plan. We're almost there."

NPC@annpc#557 | The shuttle lowers itself into what looks like a factory, but even older than the rest of the city

Rianni@crystyl peers out curiously, "If this turns out to just be a recruitment thing to get me into another plant... the date is off"

NPC@annpc#557 | The shuttle touches down in an empty spot. The lack of anyone else and decaying structures around them make it clear that this place is abandoned

NPC@annpc#557 FX | https://imagedelivery.net/9sCnq8t6WEGNay0RAQNdvQ/UUID-cl90hfnhi11927139tqypdy0m3h0/public

NPC@annpc#557 | Emma: "Oh don't worry, this place isn't an active factory. It's just where we're hiding out."

Rianni@crystyl:"Glad to hear it"

NPC@annpc#557 | Emma stands, "Let's go meet the Commander."

—

T'Lana@anncaris FX | https://i.imgur.com/Efq9a7r.png

T'Lana@anncaris | Emma leads Ori into one of the abandoned factory buildings. It seems completely empty at first, but as they step in, Ori notes two guards on the inside. They are holding the same rifles as the -

T'Lana@anncaris - Klingbloods in her factory, but they're clearly not Klingbloods. They have worker uniforms like her rather than any security vests. As they proceed further, Ori also notices a sniper looking -

T'Lana@anncaris - outwards. The sniper does have a security vest, but she's clearly not a Klingblood

T'Lana@anncaris | A human in a worker uniform comes into view, peering around a corner and examining the new arrival curiously

Rianni@crystyl tilts her head at the curious sight

T'Lana@anncaris | The human quickly disappears back around the corner, but another human comes into view. This one is taller and bigger, dressed in a uniform Ori knows marks him as a miner rather than a factory -

T'Lana@anncaris - worker. He holds a large mining phaser in both hands, and the audience would recognize him as Hassan, though with scruffier hair and beard than usual

T'Lana@anncaris steps out behind Hassan, dressed in a long jacket with what Ori recognizes as a security supervisor's pistol at her side

T'Lana@anncaris | Hassan: "Is it her?"

T'Lana@anncaris nods, "It is her."

T'Lana@anncaris | Hassan gives Ori a wary glance, "If she's anywhere near as tough as you claim..."

T'Lana@anncaris | Emma: "She's more confused than anything else. Don't scare her and she won't have reason to attack any of us."

T'Lana@anncaris:"Yes, it would be logical not to intimidate her."

T'Lana@anncaris | Hassan lowers the mining phaser and steps back, "Just keeping an eye on her..."

T'Lana@anncaris | Emma looks to Ori, "Give them a scan with the tricorder. You'll see they have the same quantum signature as you, unlike me."

Rianni@crystyl scans them all one at a time, "Ok..."

T'Lana@anncaris | The scans do show T'Lana and Hassan as having the same quantum signature as Ori!

Rianni@crystyl:"So they are from the same universe as me apparently"

T'Lana@anncaris nods, "That is correct. I am Commander T'Lana of the USS Latenter. How much has Emma told you already?"

Rianni@crystyl:"Uh... she mentioned a Latenter, and lots of universes, and something about false memories. Oh and a Commander, right! That must be you"

T'Lana@anncaris:"Yes. And you are Ensign Orianni, though I do not suppose you remember much more than your name."

Rianni@crystyl:"Oh I remember plenty. Just apparently it's the wrong plenty... so, I'm an ensign? Like... an officer on this ship of yours?"

T'Lana@anncaris:"That's right. We were on a mission to investigate another universe which has been interfering with events in our own. We attracted the attention of one of the powerful beings known as Q, who -

T'Lana@anncaris:- transported us across time and realities to this universe, where we were captured. They wiped out memories and overwrote them with ones that would make us compliant, but the process did not work -

T'Lana@anncaris:- as expected on some of us."

Rianni@crystyl:"So I've heard, but you'll forgive me if this all doesn't sound just a little bit far fetched"

T'Lana@anncaris:"I understand. Convincing the others was not easy either. Come," she pulls up a crate. "Take a seat, Orianni."

Rianni@crystyl:"Alright then..." she gives Hassan a wary eye, and keeps watchful of the others in the room as she cautiously sits

T'Lana@anncaris pulls up another crate and sits opposite Ori, "What is the first memory you remember?"

Rianni@crystyl:"Ummm... I guess it was sleeping in the crates with the other children. Although the alleys were narrow and tall, you could still hear and smell the facilities there"

T'Lana@anncaris nods, "So you grew up on the streets. No parents?"

Rianni@crystyl shakes her head, "That's why I don't have a family name. No family, no name"

T'Lana@anncaris:"There was a child you knew. He had Klingon blood, but not much. Perhaps a sixteenth Klingon or less, but he always fancied himself a true warrior. He was a bit of a bully, until one day you and -

T'Lana@anncaris:- your friends stood up to him and humbled him. He never bothered you after that."

Rianni@crystyl is clearly a bit taken aback, "How did you...?"

T'Lana@anncaris:"We are not the only ones the UGS utilize the memory implantations on. They do it to their own people, the ones who fall out of line too much. It is common practice enough that they have a library -

T'Lana@anncaris:- of memories they utilize. These memories are not custom tailored for you, simply chosen and arranged in a manner which makes sense."

Rianni@crystyl:"That is a bit freaky... let's say you've got my attention. How do we undo this?"

T'Lana@anncaris:"That I have yet to determine. Without access to all the data and technology on the Latenter, determining a solution is difficult. We are focusing first on gathering as much of the crew as we can -

T'Lana@anncaris:- to retake the ship. It is also possible our Captain may have additional information or suggestions. That is why I need you."

Rianni@crystyl:"Why me?"

T'Lana@anncaris:"You are more than a regular human, if you have not already noticed. While there are others on our crew who could match your capabilities, I have not been able to find or recover them. Your -

T'Lana@anncaris:- capabilities will be essential to the next stage of our plan."

Rianni@crystyl:"Alright, I'm listening..."

T'Lana@anncaris stands from her crate, "Come with me, Ori."

Rianni@crystyl stands as well, "I guess there's no going back no anyway"

T'Lana@anncaris turns and begins leading the way deeper into the ruined factory. She reaches a trapdoor, opening it and climbing down

Rianni@crystyl cautiously follows

—

T'Lana@anncaris | They reach a smaller hallway beneath the factory which is clearly in better condition. It's still very rough and industrial, but this part of the factory appears to have undergone less -

T'Lana@anncaris - deterioration, or perhaps been repaired a bit by the people here now. There are a few more individuals in worker or miner clothes here, but none of them are carrying weapons like the ones above

Rianni@crystyl looks around, "So... is everyone here from this ship of yours?"

T'Lana@anncaris nods, "Most of them do not remember it, just like you. The memory tampering process does appear to be more effective on some species than others. A few like Daurant still had flashes of their -

T'Lana@anncaris - old lives and were slightly easier to convince. Lieutenant Ralde and I are the only ones who still hold complete memories of our past. Well, the only ones we have managed to gather here, at least."

Rianni@crystyl:"Are there others of your species still out in the factories then?"

T'Lana@anncaris:"My species, no. All other Vulcans have some degree of psionic ability, and we believe the psionics have been taken somewhere separate. There's still others of your species in the factories, -

T'Lana@anncaris:- though. We are slowly retrieving everyone we can."

Rianni@crystyl:"I was thinking more of you and that Emma, since you said you two were immune and how it affects species differently, so anyone of your species - or hers - would be out there with their memories -

Rianni@crystyl:- intact, right?"

T'Lana@anncaris:"That is a logical assumption, however, as far as we have observed, no species provides complete immunity to the tampering. It is only less effective on some species. Lieutenant Ralde was not -

T'Lana@anncaris:- immune at all and only retained her memories thanks to her cybernetic implants which backed up and restored her memories. I suspect my own immunity is a result of my genetic mutation, the same -

T'Lana@anncaris:- mutation which makes me devoid of psionic ability."

Rianni@crystyl:"Huh, guess sometimes these things work out in our favour then! So what's the next move, you said something about needing me for something?"

T'Lana@anncaris nods, "That is correct. You recall that I specifically said Ralde and myself are the only two present /here/ who the memory altering process did not take."

Rianni@crystyl nods attentively

T'Lana@anncaris:"We have obtained credible intelligence that another member of the crew resisted the process, but unlike with our case, the UGS was able to realize that the process failed on her and kept her -

T'Lana@anncaris:- imprisoned. We have not managed to learn the name of this officer, but I suspect it is our Captain, who may also have the capability to resist the tampering."

Rianni@crystyl:"Sounds like she's important. To them as much as to you, if they know who she is"

T'Lana@anncaris:"Exactly why we're looking to free her, and we need your help to do that."

Rianni@crystyl:"I assume you have a plan?"

T'Lana@anncaris nods, turning to step through a door into a room which seems to have largely been cleared. A few crates line the outside, and several large mats appear to have been laid out in the centre of the -

T'Lana@anncaris - room, which T'Lana steps up onto. "Of course. But first, let us awaken your capabilities."

Rianni@crystyl:"Um, ok... but didn't you say you needed your ship for that?"

T'Lana@anncaris:"To find a means to restore your memories, yes. But we have learned that the memory tampering does not remove any skills you possess. It simply causes you to forget that you even have those skills, -

T'Lana@anncaris:- and thus do not make use of them. The instincts and muscle memory are still present, however. That part of the brain does not appear to have been touched by the process."

Rianni@crystyl:"Alright, but if I can't remember these skills then how am I supposed to-"

T'Lana@anncaris removes her jacket as she speaks, setting it aside on a crate before returning to the centre. Before Ori can finish her sentence, she sweeps a leg behind Ori to trip her down

Rianni@crystyl instinctively jumps and hops back, "Hey! What are you-... oh..."

T'Lana@anncaris nods, "Now you see." She assumes a standard Starfleet ready stance

Rianni@crystyl:"So... I can fight?"

T'Lana@anncaris:"Show me."

T'Lana@anncaris lets Ori make the first move this time as she stands with her ready stance

Rianni@crystyl circles around her a little with more wariness than usual, but seems to find her instinct and soon launches into a testing flurry of advancing blows

T'Lana@anncaris parries the blows, being forced to take a few steps back but managing to stay on her feet and fend off the attacks, "That's it..."

Rianni@crystyl takes a moment to collect herself, still uncertain of her own actions but promptly goes again with increased confidence

T'Lana@anncaris fends off the attacks again, this time going for a counterattack. She grabs one of Ori's arms as she strikes and attempts to throw her over her shoulder

Rianni@crystyl goes with the throw, allowing T'Lana to succeed. But as she comes down from it she reverses a grip doubles over to throw T'Lana instead

T'Lana@anncaris is thrown over as well but recovers quickly, immediately rolling to climb atop Ori and try to pin her

Rianni@crystyl wrestles with it and manages a little back and forth with the pin before ultimately having to submit as she pats the floor, "Alright, alright! You got me!"

T'Lana@anncaris lets go and stands back up, offering Ori a hand, "Not bad, but the Ori I remember would never have been pinned down like that. Let us try again."

Rianni@crystyl takes the hand and pulls herself back up, "May be. But the Ori standing here now is more used to pushing buttons all day. Again then" she stands ready

T'Lana@anncaris starts circling Ori, "Remember. Your strength is superior to that of a human, but Vulcans, Klingons and many other species also possess greater strength than a human. Strength is not your only -

T'Lana@anncaris - advantage. You are also faster and more agile."

Rianni@crystyl:"That would make sense with what you've said about me so far" she puts it the test

T'Lana@anncaris fends off Ori's attacks again, but as she consciously makes use of her superior speed, one of them gets through, sending T’Lana staggering back

T'Lana@anncaris:"Very good."

Rianni@crystyl:"So it seems I really can fight"

T'Lana@anncaris:"Now are you convinced you are who we claim you to be?"

Rianni@crystyl:"I don't know about that still. I mean, you're telling me that my entire life as I know it is a lie, a fabrication. That's... kind of a big deal, you know. But this muscle memory is like you say, -

Rianni@crystyl:- and I'm an outcast now anyway so even if this whole fake history thing is BS it's not like I've got anything to lose by fighting for you"

T'Lana@anncaris nods, "That is a logical analysis of your situation. We are pleased to have you aboard, Orianni."

Rianni@crystyl:"So what comes next?"

T'Lana@anncaris steps over, picking up her jacket and putting it back on, "Now, we free the Captain. We know the facility she is being held in and have conceived a plan by which to extract her. However, the -

T'Lana@anncaris - plan requires someone with your speed and reflexes."

Rianni@crystyl:"So I gathered. What exactly will I have to do?"

T'Lana@anncaris:"There is a series of security fields in the holding facility where the Captain is being held. I have obtained disguises which allows entry into the security tower, but access to the Dungeon, as -

T'Lana@anncaris:- they call it, is strictly by order of a higher authority I have not found a means to infiltrate. However, once inside the tower, Emma and I will be able to tamper with the building's power -

T'Lana@anncaris - generator. From my analysis, this will bring the fields down for 5.3 seconds before the backup power kicks in. Neither of us will be able to cross all the fields in that time, and we would -

T'Lana@anncaris:- simply trap ourselves. You, on the other hand..."

Rianni@crystyl:"You think my speed and agility will be sufficient. Exactly how much detail do you have on the layout of these fields I will be running?"

T'Lana@anncaris:"Enough that I am confident you can make it through. Or at least, the Ori I remember would. That is why it is crucial we awaken your potential."

Rianni@crystyl nods, "I was thinking that maybe I could make a mock up of it here to trial myself through"

T'Lana@anncaris:"Yes, that would be a logical test to perform first. I will have one set up for you."

Rianni@crystyl:"That would certainly help with my confidence and aptitude. I don't know how long I have, but I will use all the time I can to practice"

T'Lana@anncaris:"We have not obtained any information suggesting any prisoners will be moved, but we should still carry out the operation as soon as possible to be safe. We have time to spare to ensure you get -

T'Lana@anncaris:- this right, however."

Rianni@crystyl nods, "No time to waste then"

—

T'Lana@anncaris | The next day, Ori is practicing in the training course set up to mock the security field timings...

T'Lana@anncaris | She runs through the course again, nearly making it in time with just 0.1 seconds under

Rianni@crystyl stops to catch her breath and huffs at being so close

T'Lana@anncaris | The door slides open and Emma steps in, holding a small rectangular crate

T'Lana@anncaris | Emma: "How're we doing?"

Rianni@crystyl sighs, "Still not quite there"

T'Lana@anncaris | Emma holds out the crate, "Here. Try this."

Rianni@crystyl steps over, "What's this?"

T'Lana@anncaris | Emma: "It's a security uniform, adjusted to your proportions. Most people in the Security Tower wear one of these, so it's going to be our disguise. A lot of security personnel forgo the vest -

T'Lana@anncaris - inside the tower, so it's just the suit, which is more skintight and aerodynamic. Might help you make the run easier."

Rianni@crystyl hrms, "Either way, if it's what we'll be wearing I should probably get used to it" she looks around, "Um... I don't suppose there's a changing room down here?"

T'Lana@anncaris | Emma: "You could use one of the bathroom stalls, but since you're the only one using this room right now, I could always just stand watch for you outside while you change."

Rianni@crystyl smiles, "That would be great, thank you" the flush in her cheek betraying more promiscuous thoughts, clearly

T'Lana@anncaris | Emma eyes Ori briefly before turning to head on out

T'Lana@anncaris | Emma: "Let me know when you're done! I'll make sure no one gets in before then!"

Rianni@crystyl nods and waits for her to leave before stripping down and changing into the security outfit

Rianni@crystyl calls out after a while, "Alright, I'm done!"

T'Lana@anncaris | Emma steps back in, "Looks good on you. Ready to run again?"

Rianni@crystyl nods, turning to her homemade assault course, "This time!"

T'Lana@anncaris | Emma smiles and watches, "Good luck!"

Rianni@crystyl readies herself and then launches into another run at the course

T'Lana@anncaris | This time, Ori makes it just in time!

Rianni@crystyl checks her time and skips with a proud "Yes!"

Rianni@crystyl turns back to Emma, "I guess the clothes really do make the girl"

T'Lana@anncaris | Emma grins, "I knew you could do it! Think you can be ready to go in about three hours?"

Rianni@crystyl:"I'll be ready"

T'Lana@anncaris | Emma: "You can keep practicing, but might want to rest for the last hour or so. Don't wear yourself out so you've still got enough energy for when you make the real run."

Rianni@crystyl smiles, "I appreciate the consideration! I'll make sure to rest up, don't worry"

T'Lana@anncaris | Emma: "I'll let you know when the time comes! You've still got that earpiece I gave you, right?"

Rianni@crystyl nods, "Of course"

T'Lana@anncaris | Emma: "Perfect. We can use that to keep in touch on the mission too. I'll let you practice in peace now!"

Rianni@crystyl gives a cheery wave, "See you soon then!" and turns back to her practice

T'Lana@anncaris | Emma waves back and heads out

—

T'Lana@anncaris | Three hours later, Emma informs Ori through her earpiece that the mission is ready to go

Rianni@crystyl:"Got it, I'm on my way!"

T'Lana@anncaris | Making her way up to the top level of the factory, she finds T'Lana and Emma waiting for her

Rianni@crystyl approaches the pair, "So it is time"

T'Lana@anncaris:"Lieutenant Ralde tells me you beat the time. Are you confident in your ability to pass the fields?"

Rianni@crystyl:"Assuming our mock up was accurate, sure"

T'Lana@anncaris nods, "I am confident in its accuracy. If you are confident in beating it, then let us proceed with the mission."

Rianni@crystyl:"I'm ready"

T'Lana@anncaris:"Follow me, then."

T'Lana@anncaris leads the way out of the abandoned factory and into the courtyard area where Emma landed them at before. The Type-212 cargo shuttle is still present, but beside it now is a more sleek, -

T'Lana@anncaris - black-and-white Zeta-class shuttle which Ori would know as the standard security transport and patrol craft

T'Lana@anncaris steps into the Zeta-class with Emma following behind

—

T'Lana@anncaris takes off her jacket as she enters the shuttle, revealing the same security uniform and badge underneath

T'Lana@anncaris | Meanwhile, Emma takes the pilot seat and begins to lift them off

Rianni@crystyl:"So where are we heading?"

T'Lana@anncaris steps over and taps on a console, bringing up a schematic of the Security Tower, "Both the Dungeon and the power generator are located in the sublevels of the tower. We'll be landing on ground -

T'Lana@anncaris - level and making our way in from one of the side entrances that our credentials will be able to unlock. From there, we go down and that's where we part ways."

Rianni@crystyl:"And I just have to get through these barriers to release your captain, right?"

T'Lana@anncaris taps the console to zoom in, showing a path on the schematic, "The fields are the part where we need your unique talents, but there is also automated security. They are not connected to -

T'Lana@anncaris - the generator, but we have data on their patrol patterns and will advise you on how to avoid them. The force fields on the cells themselves can be lowered from the outside once you are past -

T'Lana@anncaris - the secure fields, but that is likely to be a non-issue as I suspect the Captain will realize what is occurring and already be out of her cell. She is a human female like you, with the same -

T'Lana@anncaris - quantum signature. There may be other prisoners, but only one with that quantum signature. That is how you will identify her."

Rianni@crystyl:"That should make it easier"

T'Lana@anncaris opens a compartment in the shuttle, taking out a tricorder and a pistol and handing both to Ori, "You will need these. Our objective is to avoid attention, so do not use the weapon unless there -

T'Lana@anncaris - is no other option, but since we are undercover as security personnel, you will be expected to carry at least a sidearm. The tricorder will identify the quantum signature of the prisoners."

Rianni@crystyl takes them both and secures them to her uniform, "Got it. Wouldn't want to get these mixed up!" she chuckles

T'Lana@anncaris:"Yes, that would be inadvisable."

—

T'Lana@anncaris | Their shuttle touches down in a lot filled with multiple identical shuttles of the same class. As they disembark in their uniforms, not many people give them a second look. Klingbloods seem -

T'Lana@anncaris - the most prominent here, but other species weren't unattested either, especially among the officers not wearing vests like themselves rather than the guards standing around

T'Lana@anncaris leads the way to a side entrance which she taps her badge onto before pinning it back on. The door slides open and she steps inside

Rianni@crystyl follows, taking note of the details

T'Lana@anncaris | The three enter into a back hallway which eventually leads them to the large lobby of the tower. This is clearly one of the towers that was once designed with aesthetics in mind, but though -

T'Lana@anncaris - the interior has been maintained to be stable, much of the design is lost and signs of wear can be seen across the walls and pillars. What catches Ori's attention immediately in the lobby -

T'Lana@anncaris - however is a large statue of an Iconian in its centre. She is wearing something the audience would recognize as being close to an Odyssey uniform, but not quite, though the Starfleet delta is -

T'Lana@anncaris - clear on her chest. She holds the iconic, long Iconian energy projector raised high and pointed forward, as if directing troops ahead

Rianni@crystyl:"Who is that?" she asks, indicating the statue

T'Lana@anncaris:"An Iconian military commander who played a key role in the formation of the UGS. She was apparently a member of Starfleet at the time. We are still piecing together the exact history of this -

T'Lana@anncaris:- timeline. The time we have been brought forward to is so far removed from our own era that our time has become myths and legends, and your implanted memories do not appear to shed much light on it all."

T'Lana@anncaris | Announcer: "Remain alert. Psionics may be among us. They may be anyone."

Rianni@crystyl:"Huh, interesting stuff!"

T'Lana@anncaris:"Come. Our objective now is to free the Captain. We may collect more intel on this timeline later."

Rianni@crystyl:"Right!"

T'Lana@anncaris leads on, sticking to the outside of the lobby until they reach an area with lifts. They summon a lift down and a moment later, one of the doors slide open and they step in

T'Lana@anncaris taps her badge on the lift controls again before selecting two destinations, "Lieutenant Ralde and I will disembark first. Leave the lift at the second destination, and we will guide you from -

T'Lana@anncaris - there on."

T'Lana@anncaris steps out with Emma at the first stop. The lift closes and descends again, soon opening to a different level

T'Lana@anncaris <C> "There are two Klingblood guards just outside the lift. They will not apprehend you. You are wearing their uniform. Act natural. Remember, you belong here."

Rianni@crystyl:"Right. Just like when we got off the shuttle, nothing to see here" she makes her way out

T'Lana@anncaris | There were indeed two Klingblood guards with vests and rifles standing guard in the hall. They give her nods of acknowledgement as she pass by them, neither seeming to think anything of her

T'Lana@anncaris:<C> "Now, proceed left but pause at the end of the hallway. I will inform you when the patrol is past and it should be safe to move on."

Rianni@crystyl makes her way there, "Alright, I'm at the end"

T'Lana@anncaris:<C> "Wait for my signal."

T'Lana@anncaris | About half a minute passes by...

T'Lana@anncaris:<C> "You may proceed. Go forward and take the first right.”

Rianni@crystyl:"Right"

T'Lana@anncaris | Ori makes her way to the directed spot and soon comes across a T-shaped intersection. The hallway she is in is clear to walk down, but the other hall is blocked by a series of three security -

T'Lana@anncaris - fields in the identical spacing she practiced

Rianni@crystyl:"I think I see the fields"

T'Lana@anncaris <C> "Excellent. Be prepared to run through. We will disable them soon."

T'Lana@anncaris | A few more seconds pass by...

T'Lana@anncaris:<C> "The generator will be going down in 5...4...3...2...1..."

T'Lana@anncaris | The fields flicker and fail

Rianni@crystyl readies herself as the countdown begins and launches into her run as soon it is over, trusting that the fields will drop

T'Lana@anncaris | The shields drop just as Ori reaches them and she sprints through with her enhanced speed. Just as she makes it past the third emitter, the fields flicker on again

T'Lana@anncaris:<C> "Are you through, Orianni?"

Rianni@crystyl pauses to catch her breath and glances back at the flickering field behind her, almost loosing her balance and teetering back into it. A small flail of her arms and she retains her balance, "Phew...made it!"

T'Lana@anncaris:<C> "Good. Stay where you are. The automated patrols from here on out will be hostile to you. Proceed ahead when I give the signal."

Rianni@crystyl:"I'll be ready"

T'Lana@anncaris | Another few seconds pass by before T'Lana's voice comes over the comms again, "The patrol has moved by, but it appears in case of emergency, some of the automated guards have been moved in -

T'Lana@anncaris - place right by the cells. You may have to go through them. Unfortunately, I am unable to provide more information on just what the automated security's capabilities are."

Rianni@crystyl sighs, "Sounds like it's a good thing you showed me how to fight"

T'Lana@anncaris:<C> "I had hoped it would not come to that, but there was always the possibility that such skills would be needed."

T'Lana@anncaris | Moving on ahead, Ori can see the door marked 'Holding Cells' by a sign above, but two humanoid figures stand guard outside the door. They look eerily like Borg drones, though they are no design -

T'Lana@anncaris - of Borg the audience has ever seen before. Their cybernetics has more of a metallic shine to them rather than the dark colour of the Borg, resembling the unique drone 'One' accidentally -

T'Lana@anncaris - created by the Voyager from the mobile emitter, though the actual placement of the cybernetics is not as sleek as One's. They are rough like that of standard Borg drones, with no consideration -

T'Lana@anncaris - for aesthetic. Like many Borg, each drone has one hand replaced entirely with a cybernetic one ending in a weapon/tool rather than fingers, and one eye covered by a mechanical, orange-glowing one

Rianni@crystyl mutters into her comm, "Alright, there's two cyborgs guarding the door. What can you tell me about them?"

T'Lana@anncaris:<C - Emma> "Wait, cyborgs? I thought the automated security here were just hover drones..."

T'Lana@anncaris:<C> "It would appear the ones inside the Dungeon are different from what is employed through the rest of the facility. Can you describe them?"

Rianni@crystyl:"They look like men but... sort of shiny robots? They've got implants all over them, and they both have some sort of prosthetic arm"

T'Lana@anncaris:<C - Emma> "Almost sounds like Borg drones..."

Rianni@crystyl:"I'm going to go out on a limb and say that's... not good"

T'Lana@anncaris:<C> "If they are anything like the Borg, they will have enhanced strength. Do not attempt to match them with brute force. Remember my advice on using speed and maneuverability to your advantage. -

T'Lana@anncaris - Borg drones tend to be relatively slow and clumsy. They may also be capable of adapting to your weapon, so it will have limited uses. Once you reach the Captain however, she should know how to -

T'Lana@anncaris - remodulate it."

T'Lana@anncaris:<C - Emma> "And don't let them inject you with anything!"

Rianni@crystyl:"Remod-? Nevermind. Injections? This is sounding like an increasingly terrible idea"

T'Lana@anncaris:<C> "Use the pistol until it no longer works, then close in if you must. You can do this, Orianni."

Rianni@crystyl:"I do hope you're right... ok Ori, you can do this..." she takes a reasonable cover position so she can square a steady aim. Once set she fires at the first one, and tries to hit the second quickly -

Rianni@crystyl:- afterwards too

T'Lana@anncaris | Ori takes down both drones with two rapid successive shots. However, the door slides open and two more step up

T'Lana@anncaris | UGS Drone: "Trespassers will be terminated. Resistance is futile."

Rianni@crystyl:"Crap, there's even more!" she gives commentary while trying to shoot these two quickly too

T'Lana@anncaris | Ori's shot takes out a third drone, but a shield flares up on the fourth which seems to block the shot entirely. The last drone raises its cybernetic arm and red bolts shoot out at Ori in a -

T'Lana@anncaris - rapid stream, forcing her into cover and pinning her down. However, after a few seconds, the bolts seem to suddenly veer off course...

Rianni@crystyl:"Huh...?" she tries to peer out enough to see what happened

T'Lana@anncaris | Ori notices that someone has grabbed the drone from behind and pulled it onto the ground. However, the drone is quickly beginning to overpower whoever tackled it

Rianni@crystyl doesn't look a gift horse in the mouth and rushes in, uncertain how to defeat it still but using what she knows and aiming to just unplug as much of it as possible if nothing else

T'Lana@anncaris | Ori manages to yank several of the wires on the drone lose, causing parts of it to spark. It immediately turns its attention to Ori, spinning around and trying to whack her in the face with -

T'Lana@anncaris - its cyborg arm

Rianni@crystyl ducks the arm with ease and refocuses on restraining and trying to remove it since that seems to be it's primary weapon too

T'Lana@anncaris | As she pulls out and damages more wires, the cybernetic arm seems to lose its strength and go limp. From its other arm however, a short blade slides out from the back of the wrist. As the -

T'Lana@anncaris - blade swings for Ori, the figure who pulled the drone down is back on her feet, grabbing the arm and causing the strike to miss

Rianni@crystyl continues trying to detach the prosthetic arm, hoping she can turn it on the cyborg

T'Lana@anncaris | Ori detaches the prosthetic arm while the other woman keeps the arm with the blade occupied and restrained. Even with one arm, the cyborg still overpowers the woman and elbows her in the -

T'Lana@anncaris - stomach, sending her staggering back. Just then, Ori figures out how to get the weapon on the arm to fire manually, and with the woman knocked back, the drone is clear to be blasted without -

T'Lana@anncaris - harming her ally...

Rianni@crystyl wastes no time in blasting the cyborg with its own arm

T'Lana@anncaris | The powerful antiproton bolt blasts a large hole through the drone's chest and it drops to the ground with a thud

Rianni@crystyl slumps back to the floor, sitting there with one leg still draped awkwardly across the drones chest and its prosthetic arm twitching in her hands. She looks down at it, then to her sidearm, then -

Rianni@crystyl:- back to the prosthetic, "I wonder if I could get a holster for this..."

T'Lana@anncaris | The woman who aided her in the fighting gets back to her feet, walking over to Ori, "I had a feeling you wouldn't leave me behind."

T'Lana@anncaris | The audience would recognize that this is not Mischa, but Yuzuki. Ori of course has no idea who it is beyond 'human woman,' which she was instructed to find

Rianni@crystyl looks up, "I appreciate the assist, those things are no joke" clambering back to her feet, "Does that mean you're the one I'm here to rescue?"

T'Lana@anncaris | Yuzuki nods, "They certainly are tougher than the drones I remember. Right, the memory wipe must have worked on you. Well, I assume you came for me, and not to rescue them," she gestures to -

T'Lana@anncaris - the downed drones

Rianni@crystyl glances down at the smoldering drone corpse, "They do not match the description I was given. You do. Oh! Of course, I almost forgot!" she pulls out her tricorder and scans Yuzu for the quantum signature

T'Lana@anncaris | Yuzu does indeed have the same quantum signature as Ori thanks to being born in our universe, despite being descended from infiltrators from another!

Rianni@crystyl:"That settles it then" she activates the earpiece, "I've got your Captain"

T'Lana@anncaris | Yuzuki narrows her eyes slightly at that but stays quiet

T'Lana@anncaris:<C> "Excellent. Now you will have to disable the backup generator in order to pass through the fields again. She should be able to help with that. You should give her your pistol to remodulate. The -

T'Lana@anncaris:- backup generator is outside the cell, down the hall to the left.”

Rianni@crystyl turns to Yuzu, "She says we need to head to the backup generator, down there to the left. And you should remodel this?" she still doesn't get the strange wording as she hands over the pistol

T'Lana@anncaris | Yuzuki takes the pistol, working away at its interface, "Mind if I keep this? You've got the arm to use now."

Rianni@crystyl:"Makes sense"

T'Lana@anncaris | Yuzuki: "Let's take out the backup generator, then."

Rianni@crystyl nods and starts moving, "So... you don't have this memory wipe thing going on right? Apparently I'm from your crew, an... Ensign I think it was? But what do I call you now?"

T'Lana@anncaris | Yuzuki: "Ensign Orianni, yes. As for what to call me..."

T'Lana@anncaris:<C> "Security is beginning to engage our position now. Ralde and I must make our departure from the tower. We can no longer provide you with updates, but you should be in safe hands with the -

T'Lana@anncaris:- Captain. Take out the backup generator and the physical barrier to your exit should be clear. We will rendezvous back at the shuttle."

T'Lana@anncaris | Yuzuki: "Sounds like we better hurry."

Rianni@crystyl:"Got it, we'll see you there"

T'Lana@anncaris | Yuzuki pauses as they near the generator room, seeing two drones standing guard outside

T'Lana@anncaris | Yuzuki: "Let's see how well these modulations work..."

T'Lana@anncaris | She opens fire on the drones in quick succession, downing both of them

T'Lana@anncaris | Yuzuki: "Good. That's still effective."

Rianni@crystyl:"Impressive"

T'Lana@anncaris | Yuzuki: "Oh you're probably better at this, once you get your memories back," she remodulates the weapons again before stepping inside, but there are only two hovering drones, somewhat -

T'Lana@anncaris - resembling Nuhar ones though still distinct in design. Yuzuki downs both easily before they can fire back, taps on the weapon to increase the setting, then fires on the generator

T'Lana@anncaris | Yuzuki ducks back out as the entire room is consumed in an explosion, "Well, that was a cruder generator than I expected. If I'd known that would happen, I wouldn't have bothered with the drones..."

Rianni@crystyl:"Well, live and learn. Now you know for the next backup generator you need to blow up"

T'Lana@anncaris | Yuzuki nods, "We're at least centuries, maybe even millennia into the future from what I gathered. It seems like the galaxy's technology has stagnated, maybe even regressed. I wonder what happened."

Rianni@crystyl:"I think everyone's still trying to figure that out"

T'Lana@anncaris | Yuzuki: "So, where's the way out? I'll follow your lead, you got in here, after all."

Rianni@crystyl looks around, "Well... the way I came in should be back that way" she points, "So I guess that's the way out too!" and starts moving

T'Lana@anncaris | Yuzuki follows along. The fields are completely down now this time and they make their way past without having to rush. As they reach the other side though, the two Klingblood guards from -

T'Lana@anncaris - near the elevator come rushing in. They hesitate upon seeing Ori and her uniform, giving her the chance to shoot first

Rianni@crystyl takes the opportunity and fires the arm

T'Lana@anncaris | Yuzuki fires her pistol as well and the two guards are completely taken by surprise, dropping before they have a chance to return fire

T'Lana@anncaris | Yuzuki: "Good shooting. I see your instincts are still intact. Borg arm like that can't be easy to aim."

Rianni@crystyl:"No, but it's kind of like a scattergun. It's such a big hit that you don't really need to aim"

T'Lana@anncaris | Yuzuki: "True. Finesse still isn't the strong part of Borg drones, so it seems. Not that these things are even Borg as we know them, but that's beside the point."

Rianni@crystyl:"For what it's worth, I don't know any of these Borg so it's all the same to me. Anyway, that should be our exit over there" she points

T'Lana@anncaris | Yuzuki nods, stepping into the lift

Rianni@crystyl removes her badge and holds it to the panel like she observed TL do earlier

T'Lana@anncaris | The lift unlocks, allowing her to select her destination!

Rianni@crystyl selects the level they started from, eyeing Yuzu, "So... is it just 'Captain'? Only since I don't remember any of this supposed past life still, it feels kind of weird calling people by ranks..."

T'Lana@anncaris | The lift comes to a stop at the level where T'Lana and Emma disembarked first...

T'Lana@anncaris | The doors slide open, revealing two Klingblood guards on the other side. Yuzuki immediately shoots the male one with her pistol. The female reacts too slow and Yuzu closes the distance, -

T'Lana@anncaris - knocking her rifle aside and causing the shot to go wide. She follows through with a pistol whip straight to the Klingblood's temple to daze her. Then, she drops the pistol, grabbing the -

T'Lana@anncaris - d'k tahg dagger from the woman's belt

T'Lana@anncaris | Spinning around, Yuzuki maneuvers behind the woman and grabs her head, driving the dagger through her eye and immediately slamming her head down onto the ground

T'Lana@anncaris | Yuzuki swiftly begins to strip the woman's uniform before the blood can pool up and stain it

T'Lana@anncaris | Yuzuki: "Well this is rather convenient. Better than trying to slip out of here in prisoner clothes."

T'Lana@anncaris | Yuzuki: "Come on, Ori. It'll be worth the momentary delay to avoid trouble down the line. Keep overwatch for me while I change, will you?"

Rianni@crystyl:"Of course"

T'Lana@anncaris | As Yuzuki gets the uniform off and starts to change, footsteps can be heard down the hall. Soon, two more Klingbloods appear, heading towards the lift

Rianni@crystyl bides her time and takes the shot on both at the opportune moment

T'Lana@anncaris | Once again the two Klingbloods are taken by surprise and downed before they can retaliate

T'Lana@anncaris | Yuzuki gets changed quickly and takes the male's d'k tahg. She retrieves the female's from the body as well, wiping the blood off on her own prisoner's clothes and shealthing the weapon before -

T'Lana@anncaris - retrieving and holstering the pistol, "We're good to go."

Rianni@crystyl:"Let's not keep the others waiting then"

T'Lana@anncaris | Yuzuki nods and steps back into the lift

—

T'Lana@anncaris | The lift quickly takes them up to the main lobby. Now, many more Klingblood security in vests can be seen and drones hover across the area in patrol. Regular officers walking around without -

T'Lana@anncaris - vests have diminished significantly

T'Lana@anncaris | Announcer: "Alert. The building is under attack. Assailants are suspected to be in possession of security uniforms and badges."

Rianni@crystyl:"This may not have been the best time to put on that uniform..."

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Still better than nothing though. Unless they suddenly change their uniforms, we'll still blend right in."

Rianni@crystyl:"Lets hope so"

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris steps out the lift, "So, which way to your shuttle?"

Rianni@crystyl:"This way" she leads on

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris follows along. They move their way through the edge of the lobby, with Yuzuki eyeing the statue curiously

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Who's that? Looks like an Iconian in some kind of Starfleet uniform."

Rianni@crystyl:"I noticed that too, but nobody has gotten to learn about it yet"

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"I suppose everyone's too busy organizing to get around to learning more about this universe. Who else still has their memories?"

Rianni@crystyl:"T'Lana and Emma seem to have their memories. There are more like me too"

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"More who had their memories erased but were located and convinced of your real identities?"

Rianni@crystyl:"Something like that. Even I'm not completely convinced by everything yet, but there's nothing to lose at this point so... yeah"

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | The two make their way out of the lobby and towards the side exit Ori came in from with T'Lana and Emma. However, this time there are now two guards on the exit, one Klingblood and an Andorian

Rianni@crystyl sees no choice but to keep going at this point since any sudden diversion might look suspicious

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Andorian: "Stop. The building is under alert. Show us your badges and let us confirm your identification."

Rianni@crystyl pauses and shares a glance with Yuzu before stepping over and presenting her badge, "Of course, here you are"

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris removes her badge and hands it out to the Klingblood while the Andorian scans Ori's badge. While the Klingblood leans in to scan the badge, Yuzuki draws one of the d'k tahg and swipes it across -

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - the Klingblood's neck with surprising speed. Before the Andorian even has a chance to react, Yuzu had drawn her the other dagger with her other hand and plunged it into the Andorian's neck a -

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - split second later. She gives both weapons a little flourish as the two guards stagger back from their fatal injuries before sheathing the Klingon daggers

Rianni@crystyl turns to look at her, hand still outstretched with the badge, "Well that's one way of dealing with it"

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"I don't know how well yours would pass scrutiny, but the badge I took off that dead guard certainly isn't going to match up with me. Best to take them out before they can raise any alarms. Lead on."

Rianni@crystyl nods and continues with increased pace

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | The exit isn't far and as they reach it, a tap of the badge on the panel causes it to open. Outside, it is only a short walk to the lot where their shuttle is parked

Rianni@crystyl points out the shuttle, "That's our ride"

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"They all look the same to me. I'll follow you."

Rianni@crystyl leads the way

—

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | T'Lana turns as Ori steps into the shuttle, "Welcome back, Or-" she pauses, raising her brow as she spots Yuzuki before promptly drawing her pistol. "You. Where is the Captain?"

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris raises her arms, "Easy there. I didn't do anything to her, if that's what you're thinking."

Rianni@crystyl looks between the two, "Wait... she's not your captain? But... she's Human, and a she... I even checked the quantum scan and everything!" she hastily whips out the tricorder to show

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | T'Lana: "You are correct. The fault is not yours, Orianni. I should have foreseen this confusion. If only I had access to a visual record of the Captain."

Rianni@crystyl looks between the two, "So... she's not the captain?"

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | T'Lana: "She is not."

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"I'm not. I would've corrected you sooner, but I didn't want to add any confusion to the moment, or none of us might have gotten out of there. Speaking of which, we should get going. Security seems -

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- to have regressed, but even they'll figure out what's going on sooner or later."

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | T'Lana: "We are not departing yet. We have not extracted who we came to extract."

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Mischa isn't in there. Everyone else locked up with me has already been turned into one of those Borg drones."

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | T'Lana: "Do you know where she is?"

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"I don't have a location. We were separated and she was taken with the other psionics."

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | T'Lana: "That was my other suspicion," she nods to Emma, "Take us back to the hideout, Lieutenant."

Rianni@crystyl | Emma nods and hops into the pilot seat, launching the shuttle

Rianni@crystyl:"So your captain is a psionic?"

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | T'Lana: "It is...complicated. She is bonded to a psionic entity, a powerful one which would likely shield her from the memory alteration process. I did not know if they would realize the -

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - entity was with her however, as they are clearly prone to making mistakes when they failed to realize the process did not take hold on me. When I heard of a prisoner who was known to have -

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - resisted the process, it was logical to investigate."

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Well, you still got me out."

Rianni@crystyl turns back to Yuzu, "So... you're psionic then?"

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"No, my implants are more advanced than yours. They realized the memory alteration process couldn't bypass it, so they had me locked up instead."

Rianni@crystyl:"Oh implants, like Emma!"

Rianni@crystyl | Emma glances back with a snort, "Yeah, she wishes!"

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | T'Lana: "We all have implants. Ours are simply not as visible as hers.

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Or as effective..."

Rianni@crystyl:"All of us? Like... even me?"

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | T'Lana nods, "Including you. That is another complicated story, but they are for the purposes of protecting against psionic intrusion."

Rianni@crystyl:"Huh, go figure. So we didn't get your captain in the end. Who exactly did we get instead?"

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | T'Lana: "You remember when we first met, I mentioned we were on a mission to investigate an alternate reality which has been interfering in our history and development?"

Rianni@crystyl nods, "Sure"

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | T'Lana: "She's with them. Formerly Commander Goto Yuzuki. She temporarily took over my role as First Officer for a time, but she was infiltrating the crew for her people. We recently captured-"

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"I practically let Mischa capture me so we could work together to stop Aka from going too far."

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | T'Lana: "She was our prisoner aboard the Latenter."

Rianni@crystyl:"I'm sorry I asked now... so what's the plan from here?"

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | T'Lana: "First..." she looks to Yuzuki, "Hand over your weapons."

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"We're on the same side here, T'Lana. I don't want to be stuck in this universe any more than you do, and I have nothing to gain from stabbing any of you in the back."

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | T'Lana: "Not yet, perhaps. When we retake the Latenter..."

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"You can worry about that then. It would be logical for us to work together for now. You know I'm a trained field operative too. You didn't get Mischa back, but you could still use me," she looks -

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- to Ori, "If I wanted to cut and run and try my luck alone, the best time to do it would've been when it was just the two of us. But I didn't turn on you or do anything to sabotage your operation, -

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- did I Ori?"

Rianni@crystyl:"Well no... but this seems like an issue between the two of you. I'm just a factory worker, so better I stay out of all-" she waves her hands, "-whatever this is"

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | T'Lana holsters her pistol, "Very well. It would be illogical for you to attempt any betrayal at this point. You need us even more than we could benefit from your skills."

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris smiles, "Glad you can see sense."

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | T'Lana: "Still, this would have been easier if the memory wipe worked on you as well."

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Emma: "We're coming up on the hideout now."

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Don't worry, I'll stay where you can see me."

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | T'Lana: "Keep an eye on her, Ori."

Rianni@crystyl nods, "Will do"

—

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Disembarking the shuttle, the group make their way into the abandoned factory again, where Hassan steps up to meet them

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Hassan: "Is that the Captain?"

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | T'Lana: "No, that is not the Captain. That is...complicated."

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Hassan: "Wait, so we rescued some other prisoner?"

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | T'Lana: "She is the one we thought was the Captain, but merely someone else who resisted the process."

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Hassan: "So we got something out of it still." He looks to Ori, "Good work. Take it this means you managed to run those fields after all."

Rianni@crystyl nods, "It was tight, but I managed it. The real surprise was those cyborg guys"

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Hassan: "What do you mean, cyborg guys?"

Rianni@crystyl shows off her new arm-gun

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"They were other prisoners. Unlike me, the process took hold on them but it couldn't change their personalities, who they were. These prisoners were repeat offenders and the UGS decided to just -

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- take away their free will and turn them into some form of Borg drone rather than keep wiping them to start over."

Rianni@crystyl:"As you can see from this detached arm-gun, there's not much left of the original people. It's like something out of a nightmare..."

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Hassan: "I know the UGS can do some questionable things, but...wow."

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Emma: "How come you weren't turned into one of these things?"

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"They were interested in studying my implant. And interrogating me about the other universes."

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | T'Lana: "And what did you tell them?"

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Not much. Enough to get them interested, but I always kept enough for them to come back so they wouldn't turn me into a drone."

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | T'Lana: "And did you learn anything in the process?"

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"I tried. All I know is, these people are familiar with the Darkness, and they've found some way to keep it at bay practically indefinitely. That's how this galaxy's still intact even though we're -

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- way ahead in the timeline. It involves psionics, and I suspect that's why the psionic crewmembers were moved somewhere separate. But they were interested in our findings and alternative means, too."

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | T'Lana: "That sounds exceptionally similar to the last universe we visited."

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Does it? Neither you nor Mischa got around to telling me about that one."

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | T'Lana: "It was a universe where the Dominion had taken control of the galaxy and were utilizing psionics as a power source to force the Bajoran Prophets into recreating the Galactic Barrier."

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Sounds rough."

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Hassan: "I have...no idea what any of that meant."

Rianni@crystyl:"I'm glad it's not just me"

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | T'Lana: "If the psionics are being used in a similar way, it is even more imperative we rescue the Captain and psionic members of the crew as soon as we can. But you mentioned you are not -

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - aware of just where they are being held."

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"No idea. My captors never had reason to divulge that information to me."

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | T'Lana: "It seems we will have to begin from the ground up again. Collect more intelligence before we can proceed."

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Emma: "Unless..."

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | T'Lana: "You have a suggestion, Lieutenant?"

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Emma: "Yes, but you're not going to like it. And Ori /definitely/ isn't going to like it."

Rianni@crystyl groans, "I already don't like it..."

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Well don't keep us waiting. What're you thinking?"

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Emma: "We had to extract Ori quickly because she was reported as a suspected psionic after that incident, right?"

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"You're saying, let her get captured and follow her wherever they're taking the psionics?"

Rianni@crystyl:"You're right, I hate this plan..."

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Emma: "It's an idea, I didn't say it was a good one!"

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | T'Lana: "It would be the most expedient means of locating where psionics are being taken, but it is also very risky."

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"I take it from the fact you don't know where they are already that most people have no idea where psionics are taken once they're captured?"

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | T'Lana nods, "That is what we have gathered so far."

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Which means one of the most likely places to obtain that information, if not the only place, is the Security building. The building we just broke out of and killed multiple guards in, which is no -

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- doubt going to be more closely guarded for at least the next while."

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | T'Lana: "A valid point. I am certain we can obtain this information from some other source, but it would take additional investigation."

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Which takes time our psionics might not have if they're going to be fed to the Galactic Barrier."

Rianni@crystyl:"I don't like the sounds of being fed to anything" she sighs, "Fine! If it will avoid the guilt trip I guess... maybe we should explore Emma's idea"

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | T'Lana: "We will stay close and keep careful watch, of course, but I will not pretend there is no significant risk to this method. If you are certain..."

Rianni@crystyl:"Far from it, but unless there's a better way then this is all we have"

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | T'Lana: "Very well, then."

—

T'Lana@anncaris | A few hours later, Ori is on the cargo shuttle once again, this time with Emma, Yuzuki and T'Lana with her

T'Lana@anncaris:"You are certain you wish to do this, Orianni?"

Rianni@crystyl:"Oh I'm quite certain I don't. But what choice is there really"

T'Lana@anncaris:"There are other options. It will just take more time and be more risky for the psionic crew we have yet to locate. This is more risky for you, though."

Rianni@crystyl:"Yes, and if we go with less risk to me and anything happens to those people, I won't be able to live with it. So this is it"

T'Lana@anncaris nods, "Very well then. We are arriving at your factory. Descend into it and you will likely be taken captive. We will watch you closely and ensure you are followed."

T'Lana@anncaris | Emma: "And if there's any risk to your safety, we'll pull you out, regardless of whether you reach wherever they're taking the psionics or not."

Rianni@crystyl:"Right. Guess my life's in your hands now, go easy with it" she smiles, trying to make light

T'Lana@anncaris | Yuzuki smiles back, "Don't worry. You got me out of captivity, the least I can do is repay the favour."

T'Lana@anncaris | Emma: "Alright, we're touching down now."

T'Lana@anncaris | A few moments later, the shuttle lands and the hatch opens

T'Lana@anncaris:"We have placed you on the landing platform of your factory. You have only to descend and enter."

T'Lana@anncaris | Emma: "No pipe running this time!"

Rianni@crystyl chuckles, "See you on the other side then!" and heads out

T'Lana@anncaris | Emma: "Good luck, and stay...as safe as you can!"

T'Lana@anncaris | Heading out onto the roof, Ori soon finds a door leading to a stairway down to the factory below

Rianni@crystyl makes her way down. Cautiously

T'Lana@anncaris | At the end of the staircase, Ori finds a door. As it slides open however, she can make out two Klingblood guards on the other side, which immediately turn upon the door opening

T'Lana@anncaris | Guard 1: "Hey. Workers aren't supposed to be up here!"

Rianni@crystyl:"Oh? Well, I guess I'll just be going then..." she backs away suspiciously

T'Lana@anncaris | Guard 2: "Hold on. What's your name? Let me get an identification."

T'Lana@anncaris | The second guard takes out a tricorder to give Ori a scan

Rianni@crystyl:"I'm Orianni. It's alright, I should be downstairs. I'll just leave you to it and get back to my work"

T'Lana@anncaris | Guard 1: "Wait. I know that name..."

T'Lana@anncaris | Guard 2: "She's the suspected psionic we're looking for!"

T'Lana@anncaris | The two guards move in to restrain Ori

Rianni@crystyl raises her arms in a clawlike fashion, "Don't take a step a closer! I'm an evil psionic... yeah. And I'll do, um, evil things to you... Rawr!"

T'Lana@anncaris | The guards pause

Rianni@crystyl:"Um... well that worked..." she backs away a few steps before turning and cheesing it

T'Lana@anncaris | Guard 1: "Inform the Lupan! She's headed up to the roof!"

T'Lana@anncaris | As Ori arrives on the roof, the five Lupan who came to search for her previously beam down around her...

T'Lana@anncaris | Lupan Leader: "Ahhh, there you are. You had us on quite the hunt for you..."

Rianni@crystyl raises her hands, "And I would have gotten away with it too if it weren't for you pesky guards..."

T'Lana@anncaris | Lupan Leader: "It's been a good chase, and my hunters are eager. Come with us quietly, and we won't hurt you. I can't promise they'll show much restraint otherwise after how worked up you have them."

Rianni@crystyl:"It seems I have no choice then..."

T'Lana@anncaris | Lupan Leader: "Good. I'll tag you for transport. It would be a very bad idea to try anything."

T'Lana@anncaris | The Lupan Leader steps in and pins a transport device onto Ori

T'Lana@anncaris | As Ori transports away, the camera moves into the nearby shuttle, where Emma, T'Lana and Yuzuki are still within

T'Lana@anncaris | Emma taps away on the console, "I have a trace on the transport destination!"

T'Lana@anncaris | TO BE CONTINUED...