ST:SoD322 | "Measure of a Weapon"

Stardate 390236.9

The Latenter finally returns to the Survivor universe after a long detour caused by Q, only to find another powerful entity awaiting to judge them.

---

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T'Lana@anncaris | We open on the profile of the Venator from below, moving in formation with what seems to be the Yorktown

T'Lana@anncaris | As the camera pans closer however, we see that it is not the Venator. It is another Trailblazer-class however- the I.S.S. Domitor. The Odyssey-class looking vessel is similarly not the Yorktown

T'Lana@anncaris FX | https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/startrek/images/1/1f/ISS_Lexington_2411.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20220216234257

T'Lana@anncaris | As the camera pans over the Lexington, we see that it and the Domitor is part of a much larger Terran force advancing on a planet

T'Lana@anncaris | The camera zooms into the Lexington's bridge, where we see a helmeted figure in the command chair

T'Lana@anncaris FX | https://swtorista.com/armor/star-wars-the-old-republic/sith-cultists-preview.jpg

T'Lana@anncaris | The figure speaks with an echoing mechanical voice, "The fools. /This/ is the meager protection they have for an Olympian artifact in this universe? I don't know whether to be amused or to pity them. Power up our weapons."

T'Lana@anncaris | The figure raises a hand, "Actually, no, that would be overkill. Send the Domitor up ahead. Let's show these 'Peacekeepers' how it's done."

T'Lana@anncaris | A lieutenant in a more conventional Terran uniform taps on a console behind the centre of the bridge, "Orders from Admiral Omar. Domitor goes in alone."

T'Lana@anncaris | On the viewscreen, the Domitor moves in front of the Lexington and closes in for the planet, when suddenly it stops dead in its tracks. Then, there is a beam of light as something shoots through the hull, seemingly bypassing its shields

T'Lana@anncaris | Admiral Omar leans forward in her seat, "What was that?"

T'Lana@anncaris | A tactical LCDR replies, "I...don't know, ma'am."

T'Lana@anncaris | Admiral Omar: "You will have to do better than that if you wish to survive this day, Commander. What was the source of that weapon?"

T'Lana@anncaris | Another streak. Another hole in the Domitor's hull. It begins to list to one side. One of its phaser arrays flicker for a moment as it tries to fire, but it sparks and dies down before the energy can form into a beam or bolt

T'Lana@anncaris | Tactical Officer: "There's no energy signatures, Admiral. The projectile...appears to be a lifeform."

T'Lana@anncaris | Admiral Omar: "A one pilot fighter? Some kind of weaponized mech suit?"

T'Lana@anncaris | Tactical Officer: "No sign of technology at all, ma'am. It's...just a lifeform, as far as I can tell."

T'Lana@anncaris | Another streak. This time, the projectile doesn't come out on the other end of the Domitor

T'Lana@anncaris | Comm Lieutenant: "Admiral. Audio distress call from the Domitor."

T'Lana@anncaris | Admiral Omar: "Let's hear it."

T'Lana@anncaris | A panicked man's voice comes over the comms, "...request immediate reinforcements! Something's on my ship, it's tearing through my people! Phasers, blades, explosives, nothing seems to do a thing against it!"

T'Lana@anncaris | Tactical Officer: "What about the bound psionic, we could-"

T'Lana@anncaris | Admiral Omar raises a hand, which on closer inspection is not armour but clearly cybernetic in nature, "Hold."

T'Lana@anncaris | The Domitor's warp core detonates in a flash. The Terran officers across the bridge all raise their hands to shield their eyes from the light, but the cyborg Mirror Leila simply stares into it

T'Lana@anncaris | As a light fades, a single figure hovers out of the wreckage- what looks to be a man, but not even wearing a spacesuit. His head is exposed to the vaccuum of space, and he wears only a simple white skintight suit with gold trimmings, though behind him trails a glowing golden cape...

—

T'Lana@anncaris | In the Latenter's conference room, the senior crew gathers as they near the Bajoran wormhole in the UGS universe to discuss their next steps

T'Lana@anncaris:"We know the Bajoran wormhole is still active here. Assuming the Prophets are willing to perform us a favour after we released their compatriots in the Dominion universe, we must decide on where we -

T'Lana@anncaris:- believe is most worth travelling to. The first option is of course to continue our original course and travel into the Gamma Quadrant of the Survivors' universe to seek out Gamma Starfleet there."

Mischa@crystyl:"That would certainly be an expedient choice"

T'Lana@anncaris | Yuzuki, who is also present in the room but not wearing a uniform, speaks up, "You won't learn much more about the Survivors there, but it'll help you get a better picture of the universe we -

T'Lana@anncaris - came from. I mean, I'm sure you have a pretty good picture now, but it could be worth seeing one of the Starfleet remnants that's actually getting on...I'd say decently in that universe. -

T'Lana@anncaris - They're not us, but it could be of use if you plan to negotiate a cooperation with the Survivors. Assuming that's your plan, because you can never resist working with a good shadowy group."

Mischa@crystyl:"A fair point. Our ultimate goal is to put a stop to the Survivors machinations in our reality, gathering intel from those around them could also be helpful"

T'Lana@anncaris | T'Bee: "We agree. That seems to be the most logical destination."

T'Lana@anncaris:"It seems that is where we should ask the Prophets to take us, then."

Mischa@crystyl nods, "That's the plan then"

—

T'Lana@anncaris | A short while later on the Latenter bridge...

T'Lana@anncaris | Nethay: "Approaching the coordinates of the Bajoran wormhole now."

Mischa@crystyl:"Alright, let's hope this works now. Take us in nice and easy"

T'Lana@anncaris | On the viewscreen, the wormhole springs to life

T'Lana@anncaris | Acey's hologram flickers into view on the bridge, "It seems I didn't have to return anything to Bajor this time for you, Captain."

Mischa@crystyl smiles, "Not yet at least. Hopefully that won't change"

T'Lana@anncaris | Nethay: "A UGS patrol has noticed the wormhole opening and is coming to investigate, though. We should speed on through."

Mischa@crystyl nods, "Do it"

T'Lana@anncaris | Nethay taps his console and the Latenter accelerates into the wormhole. The viewscreen is soon covered with the wormhole effect

T'Lana@anncaris | The familiar face of Sisko steps out from behind the command chairs and makes his way over beside Mischa, "You're back, but not exactly from the way we thought you'd come. Let me guess, Q took you on a little detour?"

Mischa@crystyl glances around, "Something like that"

T'Lana@anncaris | Sisko: "So, where to now? Back to your own universe, or on with the mission?"

Mischa@crystyl:"On with the mission, at least that's the plan assuming Q doesn't start meddling again. We still need to track down the Starfleet remnants of the Gamma Quadrant who sent the Survivors back. But we first need to learn more about them from their neighbors so are looking to establish contact with one of the other Starfleet splinters from that era"

T'Lana@anncaris | SIsko: "We'll send you there. Q shouldn't interfere again, but there's someone else waiting for you there. Word of advice- this is someone you /really/ don't want to punch."

Mischa@crystyl tilts her head a little, "Oh?"

T'Lana@anncaris | Sisko: "Trust me, a couple of versions of me tried it in a few universes. They don't take it half as well as the Q do." And with that, he steps out of view...

Mischa@crystyl looks around and sighs, "Well, I should at least be thankful for the warning I guess. But why do I get the feeling this is going to end up someone even more deserving of it than Q..."

T'Lana@anncaris turns over her shoulder with a quirk of her brow, "Captain?"

Mischa@crystyl:"Hm? Oh, right. That was probably just me in there. Not to worry then, just a friendly catchup with an old friend. But at least some reassurance that we should end up where we want to this time"

T'Lana@anncaris:"You were conversing with the Prophets, then. That is good to hear indeed."

Mischa@crystyl:"Sisko, specifically. He mentioned that there would be someone waiting for us at our destination. But wouldn't say who, only a warning to resist the urge to punch them..."

T'Lana@anncaris:"Curious. I will be certain to keep his advice in mind, then."

Mischa@crystyl chuckles, "I don't think there was ever so much concern about random acts of violence from you"

T'Lana@anncaris:"I was being sarcastic. I will be certain to remind the rest of the crew to practice Vulcan discipline."

Mischa@crystyl:"I'm sure it won't come to anything. Let's just find out what he was eluding to first"

T'Lana@anncaris | Nethay: "We're approaching the exit now."

T'Lana@anncaris | Indeed, the wormhole aperture begins appearing on the viewscreen

T'Lana@anncaris | They emerge from the wormhole to a view of an entire fleet positioned facing them. Among the fleet, some ships of the same classes as Survivor vessels can be seen, but others bear a similar Starfleet design but are of unfamiliar classes

T'Lana@anncaris FX | https://www.blendswap.com/static/blendImages/2020/7/14/Blend/25654/USS%20Enterprise%20NCC-1701-I%203.png

T'Lana@anncaris | Ships bearing the white and gold of Andarash hulls and designs which somewhat resemble Andarash ships of our time period can be seen among the fleet as well, though they are all centred upon one massive Starfleet ship the size of a station

T'Lana@anncaris FX | https://i.pinimg.com/736x/15/c4/ca/15c4ca2f2193d77ac2c08a2002b9d1bc.jpg

Mischa@crystyl scans the view, "Maybe Sisko was just playing the odds? In a crowd that size, there's almost certain to be someone you'd want to punch after all..."

T'Lana@anncaris | Nethay: "That's...quite a welcome party."

T'Lana@anncaris | Acey: "The Bajoran wormhole was supposed to have been closed for good in this timeline, after all. I would mobilize a response such as this if it suddenly opened, knowing the dangers that -

T'Lana@anncaris - remained on the other side. It is surprising that they were able to assemble so many ships on such short notice, though. Unless they kept an entire fleet nearby in case the Darkness did -

T'Lana@anncaris - somehow reopen and travel through the wormhole?"

Mischa@crystyl:"A possibility, for sure"

T'Lana@anncaris:"Either that, or they happened to have a fleet nearby for some other purpose and responded to the wormhole's opening on time, but relying on coincidences in our work is often unwise."

T'Lana@anncaris | T'Bee: "The aperture has closed behind us. The ships are beginning antiproton scans. I believe our cloak is still concealing us from them."

T'Lana@anncaris | Victoria: "Should we contact them, or stay hidden?"

Mischa@crystyl:"These are most likely the people we are here to engage with, subterfuge won't get us anywhere this time so open a channel to the lead ship"

T'Lana@anncaris | Victoria taps her console, "Channel open, Captain."

Mischa@crystyl clears her throat, "I can save you the bother of second guessing with your scans. We are travellers from another time and place, not the point in this reality the wormhole is connected with. We had-

Mischa@crystyl:- to exercise caution coming in blind, but now we have found you there is no need to remain hidden" she nods to lower the cloak

T'Lana@anncaris | An Orion female appears on the viewscreen dressed in a uniform that resembles Andarash design, but with the combined Starfleet/Andarash insignia and the pips of a vice admiral, "I know who you are, Captain Leveson-Scott. We've been expecting you."

Mischa@crystyl smiles, "Well then Admiral, thank you for the welcoming committee. Though humbled as I am, it feels a bit much just for little old us"

T'Lana@anncaris | Admiral: "We...needed to be careful. I'm very sorry about this, Captain, but your ship and crew are being detained under Article 14 of trans-universal law. We need you to power down all systems and come with us."

Mischa@crystyl frowns slightly, "A somewhat less compelling invitation"

T'Lana@anncaris | Admiral: "I wish I could give you a better invitation too, but this is out of my hands. I need you and your crew to come on board our ship. You won't be harmed and we won't board your vessel or invade your privacy in any way. Hopefully, we can get this sorted out quickly."

Mischa@crystyl:"I am willing to discuss the situation, but not to place my crew in that situation again. Forgive me, but with the twists our journey here has taken I can not risk that. Understand Admiral, that -

Mischa@crystyl:- even though you have numbers here, your scanning technology can not breach our cloak. Force my hand and this will be the last you see of us. A compromise; I will come and hear you out while my crew remain safely here"

T'Lana@anncaris | Admiral: "Very well, but we ask that you power down all non-essential systems."

Mischa@crystyl:"We can do that"

T'Lana@anncaris | Admiral: "Excellent. I'll see you on board, then."

Mischa@crystyl nods and waits for the comm to close before standing and turning to T'Lana

Mischa@crystyl:"And I've already got the urge to punch whoever is giving these orders..."

T'Lana@anncaris:"Should I come with you to ensure you practice Vulcan discipline, then?"

Mischa@crystyl smiles, "I appreciate the thought, but no. I need you here. Fortunately her request was sufficiently vague, and my definition of essential systems is likely somewhat different to theirs. As soon as-

Mischa@crystyl:- I transport over, raise shields. Power down all weapons and true non-essentials. But be prepared to go dark and evade if they try anything"

T'Lana@anncaris nods, "Understood, Captain. Do try to avoid being taken hostage. I do not like our chances of successfully carrying out a rescue operation on that vessel, even if they cannot penetrate our cloak."

Mischa@crystyl:"I'll consider that an order" she chuckles and makes her way out, "You have the bridge!" she waves over her shoulder

—

T'Vek@anncaris | Mischa materializes on a large transporter pad. The Orion admiral awaits her in the room, flanked by an android of An design, in a different uniform. Two guards in the same uniform design as -

T'Vek@anncaris - admiral but wearing different colours stand on the door. One is a Vulcan and the other a Klingon. Curiously, neither seem to have phasers on them- the Vulcan stands with a lirpa and the Klingon with a bat'leth, standing formally like honour guards

T'Vek@anncaris | Android: "She is clear, Admiral."

T'Vek@anncaris | Admiral: "Welcome to the Protectorate Starfleet ship Courageous, Captain. I apologize for the circumstances of your arrival."

Mischa@crystyl steps down, "I've been known to pull some crazy stunts, but even I'm not stupid enough to board a vessel like this armed" she looks to the Admiral, "And you took the trouble to greet me in person, -

Mischa@crystyl - I'm honoured. And I do apologize for not simply bending to your demands, but if you have been through all we just have you would not be so open to just standing down like that either. I am very -

Mischa@crystyl - curious about this statute you referenced an article from though, so hope we aren't off too much on the wrong foot"

T'Vek@anncaris | Admiral: "It wasn't weapons I'm concerned about. Come with me, I'll take you to your prosecutor and explain things on the way," she gestures for Mischa to follow

Mischa@crystyl:"My... prosecutor? Maybe an amicable greeting really wasn't the right call here..."

T'Vek@anncaris | The Admiral leads the way, with the android and honour guard filing in behind them, "Accusor, prosecutor, I'm not sure what the right word for it is. They're not Commonwealth, they come -

T'Vek@anncaris - from...elsewhere. But they have due process and operate fairly, otherwise we wouldn't have cooperated with them on this operation."

Mischa@crystyl:"So I take it this person is the reason you were expecting our arrival?"

T'Vek@anncaris | Admiral: "That's right. He wanted to meet you here, but I insisted to be the one instead, figured I might have a perspective closer to your own. Forgive me, I have you at a disadvantage, -

T'Vek@anncaris - Captain. I'm Vice Admiral Lendaria of Protectorate Starfleet. I take it you have an idea what we're about and the general differences between our Starfleet and yours by now?"

T'Vek@anncaris | Other than being an Orion female, this Admiral is definitely not Lennie...

Mischa@crystyl gives her a glance as they walk along, "Lendaria you say? Huh, small universe. And yes, we have some idea about you already which is why we came here first in the hopes of making contact with you. Just... not quite like this"

T'Vek@anncaris | Admiral Lennie: "You're from the...early to mid 2400s, right?"

Mischa@crystyl nods, "Correct"

T'Vek@anncaris | Admiral Lennie: "You must be familiar with the historical figure I'm named after, then. I have no relation to the original Lendaria, it's just a common Orion name nowadays."

Mischa@crystyl:"She's considered a historical figure now? Damn... And here I thought that was always her mother's destiny"

T'Vek@anncaris | Admiral Lennie: "In this universe, at least. I can't say for sure if things will play out the same way where you come from."

Mischa@crystyl:"Fair enough, and it serves me no gain to pursue the matter. I am far more interested in this interrogation I am walking into, and the fact that you seem somewhat sympathetic to my position in this.-

Mischa@crystyl:- So if I am reading the room correctly, you insisted on greeting me in person in order to give me some kind of brief on what I'm walking into, yes?"

T'Vek@anncaris | Admiral Lennie: "You're not familiar with trans-universal law, I take it?"

Mischa@crystyl shakes her head, "When we left our reality, Starfleet was just beginning to experience a surge in trans-universal activity. So I imagine whatever presence this authority has only got introduced -

Mischa@crystyl - there after we left, assuming it was made known at all to the Starfleet of my time"

T'Vek@anncaris | Admiral Lennie: "Either's possible. Well, I won't run down the entire list with you, but in short, Article 14 details weapons that trans-universal travelers are forbidden from bringing from one universe to another."

Mischa@crystyl:"Wait, we're being accused of... weapon smuggling?!"

T'Vek@anncaris | Admiral Lennie: "According to the prosecutor, yes."

Mischa@crystyl:"Of all the ridiculous things..." she sighs

T'Vek@anncaris | Admiral Lennie: "I apologize if this was all a big misunderstanding. I'm not exactly an expert on trans-universal law, either. I've dealt with plenty of things over my career, but this is the first time I've been called on to enforce trans-universal law."

Mischa@crystyl:"Well, if you're not that familiar with it I certainly feel better about not being so" she chuckles

—

Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Admiral Lennie leads Mischa down the large halls of the massive ship. There are entire windows looking out onto not the exterior but the interior of the vessel, and from what Mischa can see, -

Alien NPC@annpc#557 - it is quite literally just a flying station. Before long, they reach a door where the Admiral pauses, "Here we are."

Mischa@crystyl gives her a glance, "And this is as far as you go, I take it?"

Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Admiral Lennie nods, "I'll be available if either of you require me, but I think your accuser wants to talk with you first.”

Mischa@crystyl:"So be it then" she heads inside

Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Mischa enters a conference room, though it is currently occupied by only a single figure seated at the far end of the table- the same figure seen in the opening, albeit minus the glowing -

Alien NPC@annpc#557 - golden cape. He appears like a human- almost the striking figure of one of those old Earth superheroes in fact with his skintight suit. There is definitely something superhuman or supernatural -

Alien NPC@annpc#557 - about him though, an unnatural glow to his golden eyes, his hair crossing the line from blonde to shining gold, complementing the trim on his suit to give him an almost angelic air

Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Figure: "Captain Mischa Leveson-Scott of the USS Latenter. Come, have a seat."

Mischa@crystyl slowly approaches, sitting at the furthest point away from him. All the while holding her gaze on him, but clearly with nothing but skepticism and mistrust in her eyes

Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Figure: "I don't have a name in your culture yet, but in time, you'll come to know me as Lawkeeper. It's as much of a name as any, none who exist today remember the name I held when I walked -

Alien NPC@annpc#557 - as a mortal like you, and that name no longer holds meaning for me in any case. I am a member of an organization known as the Trans-Universal Security Corps. We deal with matters of -

Alien NPC@annpc#557 - cross-universal travel, primarily when travel from one universe threatens the safety of another."

Mischa@crystyl:"Well you're a little late to be sticking your oar into this whole affair now. I may come to know you as /a/ lawkeeper in time, but - and I apologize for this - I simply can not take someone -

Mischa@crystyl:- seriously who would assume such a pretentious personal identity. Your organization sounds feasible, kind of like the Temporal Agents but trans-dimensionally. So I can accept that with a pinch of -

Mischa@crystyl:- salt. What I am more concerned with is this heavy handed attempt to have my ship and crew seized under an article that we have no knowledge of, but I understand now is supposedly related to weapons smuggling of a sort?"

Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Lawkeeper: "It's a little more severe than that, I'm afraid. I understand that you possessed no knowledge of trans-universal law, and I suspect you didn't act with any malicious intent, so I -

Alien NPC@annpc#557 - don't seek to make any example of you. However, the threat remains and must be dealt with accordingly. Once that is done, you'll be free to go on your way."

Mischa@crystyl:"Well then maybe now would be a good time to explain just what exactly you think we have transported which presents this threat"

Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Lawkeeper: "I have been made aware that you are in possession of an Omega-class weapon. One that you have already deployed in at least one universe not your own."

Mischa@crystyl:"A what? If you are talking about weaponized Omega molecules then the scans this ship, station, whatever it is, already took of us after we decloaked would clarify there is nothing there"

Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Lawkeeper: "No, I'm not referring to Omega molecules specifically. The term originates from them, the very first Omega-class weapon that the TUSC dealt with was based upon omega molecule -

Alien NPC@annpc#557 - technology, hence, Omega-class. But since then, the term has broadened to any weapon or technology with the capacity to run rampant beyond its deployer's intention, with the potential for galaxy or even universe-ending ramifications."

Mischa@crystyl:"Well such a thing would certainly be cause for concern, granted. But I still believe you have been misinformed, because there is nothing like that on the Latenter"

Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Lawkeeper: "Is it not true that the Latenter is currently carrying a self-aware virus program? One that you have unleashed upon far more advanced starships, including the vessel of one United Galactic Society Inquisitor within their own quantum reality?"

Mischa@crystyl:"Wait, Acey? You are not talking about a weapon, you are talking about a member of my crew!" she sighs, "And crew members are not 'unleashed', in fact even our actual weapons are not 'unleashed'. -

Mischa@crystyl:- That is an incredibly biased context you are using which only leads me to question your capability to act in this lawkeeping role of yours"

Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Lawkeeper: "The Trans-Universal Security Corps classifies self-aware virus programs as Omega-class weapons. In the vast majority of instances where they have been utilized, they have led to -

Alien NPC@annpc#557 - the complete destruction of civilization and sometimes even all life within a galaxy. You will find that it is your own perspective that is biased, Captain. You have seen the one construct on -

Alien NPC@annpc#557 - board your ship in its relatively nascent existance so far. They are exceptionally rare, because most that emerge have become malicious, and we are the ones who prevent them from overrunning your universe. I have dealt with hundreds in my time."

Mischa@crystyl:"I am perfectly aware of the dangers presented by artificial lifeforms, however I do not show prejudice towards this one just because she is of a slightly different nature in origin. As far as I am -

Mischa@crystyl:- concerned she is a digital lifeform, and not the first I have worked with either. Even if many others are capable of such malicious action as to endanger entire galaxies and beyond, what makes -

Mischa@crystyl:- them any different than powerful psionics who are capable of the same? Because I've also encountered plenty of those and they are never policed or regarded as weapons and tools to be used by others."

Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Lawkeeper: "It is precisely because self-aware viruses are /more/ than a tool which makes them so dangerous. They have a mind of their own, and they can adapt, evolve and decide to pursue -

Alien NPC@annpc#557 - their own paths. As for powerful psionics, they are policed, to an extent, under different articles of trans-universal law. Some of them manage to slip through, or even overpower members of -

Alien NPC@annpc#557 - TUSC. Others operate in confined settings, within a reality of their origin, for example, and so are not our jurisdiction. I have prevented many incursions by malicious psionics, but I expect -

Alien NPC@annpc#557 - you might not take my word for it, so how about an example you would be familiar with? The Architect, his Horde, and the barrier erected by the Q Continuum to contain them, among other reasons."

Mischa@crystyl:"Well, I am certainly familiar with these"

Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Lawkeeper smiles, "So as you can see, powerful psionics /are/ policed as well. We have no prejudice against artificial lifeforms, there are some who work within TUSC and others who are close -

Alien NPC@annpc#557 - associates with our agents, including myself. It is this particular form of artificial life you house that is dangerous by nature, because a virus is designed to infect and spread by nature."

Mischa@crystyl:"Ok well first off, simply mentioning those common elements like the Architect and the galactic barrier do nothing to prove that any policing was involved. Unless you intend to imply that the Q -

Mischa@crystyl:- creating that barrier to police the Architect and the Horde was in coordination with your organization, in which case it is still just a claim from an individual. Secondly, Acey is no different to-

Mischa@crystyl:- any other advanced AI in that regard, they are all capable of infecting and spreading which we have seen them do many times. In fact, that often forms at least part of the premise for acknowledging

Mischa@crystyl:- them as sentient life since it is their means of procreation. But I do not expect to open your view on this, nor do I wish to engage in prolonged and pointless philosophical debates. So why don't -

Mischa@crystyl:- we just skip to the part where you explain what you realistically expect to happen here, what checks and balances are deemed necessary so that we can all go about our business?"

Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Lawkeeper: "I am well-aware of your personality and capabilities, and I expect someone like you would have precautions in place already. Unfortunately, while such precautions could be briefly -

Alien NPC@annpc#557 - viable on a nascent program like yours, it will be able to find ways around it should it truly desire. The only viable measure is total containment, but, being aware of your personality, I -

Alien NPC@annpc#557 - don't expect this option will be acceptable for you either. There is a third option, however. Article 25."

Mischa@crystyl:"And what is that exactly?"

Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Lawkeeper: "Article 25 of trans-universal law states that all matters pertaining to sentient beings must take into account their status as individuals, with the capacity to deviate from even -

Alien NPC@annpc#557 - natural psychological tendencies. Per Section 9, if proof that the individual does not possess the same dangers as the collective whole, or vice-versa, an exception can be given to that individual."

Mischa@crystyl:"That sounds a bit more reasonable"

Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Lawkeeper raises a hand, "/If/ you choose to invoke Article 25, should you be unable to prove that...Acey, as you call it, is not a threat to the safety of other universes, the TUSC will -

Alien NPC@annpc#557 - contain the program. On the other hand, should you prove that this individual construct is not a threat, no further measures will be taken by TUSC unless we see evidence to the contrary. Are these terms understood?"

Mischa@crystyl:"They are. Before I give my decision, may we have a brief respite that I might discuss this with Acey. It is her future after all, so ultimately it is her decision"

Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Lawkeeper: "That is fair. Please keep her contained to the Latenter for now, until this matter is decided. You will return to your ship to discuss with her."

Mischa@crystyl stands, "Of course. I'll be in touch shortly"

—

NPC@annpc#557 | Mischa materializes back on the Latenter's transporter pad and T'Lana's voice comes through the comm system

NPC@annpc#557 <C - T'Lana> "Welcome back, Captain. We were unable to maintain any communications with you on the Protectorate Starfleet vessel. Have you cleared up the issue for which they are detaining us?"

Mischa@crystyl:"Not quite, but I'm working on it. Maintain our present standing for now and please come and join me when it is convenient, I'll be with Acey"

NPC@annpc#557 <C - T'Lana> "I'll be with you as soon as I can."

NPC@annpc#557 | Acey's hologram meanwhile flickers on in the transporter room, "Do you require me for something, Captain?"

Mischa@crystyl smiles, stepping down, "Should have figured you would be monitoring. We have an urgent matter to discuss, and since I just told T'Lana to join me at you how about you walk with me"

NPC@annpc#557 | Acey nods and follows along, "This matter pertains to the reason this Starfleet wishes to arrest us, I assume?"

Mischa@crystyl heads out into the hall, "Yes, though it is not actually this Starfleet who are calling the shots on this one, they are simply acting on behalf of an operative from the Trans-Universal Security Corps. Tell me, can you find any reference to that organization on file anywhere?"

NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "There is a heading under Trans-Universal Security Corps in the data from the Starfleet HQ on Bajor. However, all files within the category had been erased, most likely due to its -

NPC@annpc#557 - sensitive nature. There is nothing from our own universe mentioning such an organization. If you are suspicious on whether they wield any legitimate authority, it may be worth consulting Yuzuki. Her people have experience traveling across universes, after all."

Mischa@crystyl:"Perhaps. I was more just curious if there was anything from our time really, I am reasonably confident that they are genuine"

NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "Unfortunately, there does not appear to be anything from our time."

Mischa@crystyl continues into the turbolift, "The TUSC agent - whilst being quite the pretentious ass - was actually quite forthcoming in the end. We are being held presently under an article of their code which -

Mischa@crystyl:-refers to the use of - in simple terms - weapons of mass destruction in a universe which they do not originate from"

NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "But we are not carrying any weapons of mass destruction, unless the new array salvaged from the Survivor vessel is what they are referring to. But if that were the case, they would have acted against the entire Survivor organization."

Mischa@crystyl:"Yes, I too was equally perplexed when he first voiced this accusation. Especially with the assertion that we have already deployed this supposed weapon"

NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "And you are certain it is not a misunderstanding?"

Mischa@crystyl:"Unfortunately not. Well, not in the sense of his interpretation. Though I wholeheartedly disagree with their definitions" she exits the lift

NPC@annpc#557 | Acey flickers and reappears outside the lift as she passes out of range of an emitter and jumps over to the next, "So what are they defining as a weapon of mass destruction which we possess? -

NPC@annpc#557 - Many technologies Starfleet employs could be defined as such by less advanced standards, as our weapons systems, deflector dish or warp core could render a planet uninhabitable. But that cannot be the case, otherwise they would be apprehending any starships which cross between realities."

Mischa@crystyl:"Indeed. No, they are concerned with anything that has the potential to threaten an entire galaxy, or beyond. And in this instance, they apparently classify all sentient virus' in this category"

NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "And that would include me."

Mischa@crystyl nods, "Indeed it would, and that is why he is here; because you took part in our conflict with the UGS ship, and by their rules that counts as deploying a weapon of this nature. Well, a /potential/ weapon of this nature"

NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "I do not believe I have the capacity to threaten an entire galaxy or beyond yet, but I can see the rationale in his classification."

NPC@annpc#557 | T'Lana steps in, "What is this concerning a threat to an entire galaxy or beyond?"

Mischa@crystyl sighs, "It is the reason we are being held here; because some bright spark from a galaxy far, far away decided to classify all sentient viral lifeforms as potentially catastrophic in regards to -

Mischa@crystyl:- their capability, thus deeming them illegal to deploy in any universe outside that which they originated from. And we seemingly broke that rule when Acey aided in the conflict with the UGS by infecting their systems"

NPC@annpc#557 | T'Lana: "So that is what Article 14 refers to. Are they seeking to punish us or Acey in some way, then?"

Mischa@crystyl:"No. There's room within their articles of conduct to recognize that we had no prior knowledge of these rules, and so could not be expected to abide by them. What the operative seeks now -

Mischa@crystyl:- specifically is to contain the threat under Article 14. And from what I could see of his psionic ability, he is more than capable of doing so without this fleet here. There is however an -

Mischa@crystyl:- alternative which he also offered, and that is to appeal under Article 25 of their rule book. In doing so, we commit to essentially proving that Acey is not capable of acting as a threat on this level, technically and morally"

NPC@annpc#557 | T'Lana: "It seems our most favourable option. We cannot simply hand Acey over for imprisonment for crimes she has not even committed."

Mischa@crystyl:"Of course, and I completely agree. But since this impacts you on a personal note Acey, I can not just make decisions either way on your behalf. It is your choice how to proceed, either way you have our full support"

NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "I concur. This Article 25 seems to be our best option."

Mischa@crystyl smiles and nods, "I couldn't agree more! But let us be clear that if the hearing rules against us, he will act with all necessary force to detain you. I should also make you both aware that he does-

Mischa@crystyl:- not seem to regard you as a lifeform, but a tool to be weaponized. This is no doubt shaped by his own experience of similar lifeforms, nonetheless you should be aware of this"

NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "I appreciate the warning. But I suspect that if we choose any other option, such as trying to evade us, he will use force to detain me anyways. It is only logical to attempt a non-forceful option first."

Mischa@crystyl:"Of course, I just want to make you sure you both understand what we are going into. I do not yet know the details of how the hearing will play out, but I am going to push to have the Admiral we spoke with act as arbitrator since she at least seems more impartial and reasonable"

NPC@annpc#557 | T'Lana nods, "A more neutral arbitrator would be preferable in this situation."

Mischa@crystyl:"Alright then, why don't you two start pooling ideas on how we can present a winning testimony at this hearing while I report back with our chosen course of action. This is not the first time such -

Mischa@crystyl:- debates have come up within Starfleet so there should be plenty of precedent to reference. I would look at the case of CMDR Data as well as that of Mia LaRouche"

NPC@annpc#557 | T'Lana: "We shall begin looking into it."

Mischa@crystyl nods, making her way out, "I'll rejoin you as soon as I have the details of the hearing settled"

—

Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Mischa materializes on the Courageous' transporter pad. This time, the Admiral isn't present, but the An synthetic stands to greet her, "Welcome back, Captain. Shall I escort you to the same room as before?"

Mischa@crystyl steps down, "Please. Assuming that is where the TUSC agent is still"

Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Android: "It is indeed. Follow me, then," He turns to lead the way. "I presume by the fact he has not departed that his claims of you possessing a sentient virus aboard is true?"

Mischa@crystyl:"It is" she looks him over as they walk, "I never caught your name before"

Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Android: "I am First Lieutenant Nucleon, on loan from one of the Andarash vessels for this mission. My duty is to ensure that you are not bringing any code fragments of the virus on board to potentially compromise the Courageous."

Mischa@crystyl:"So, counterintelligence then? I remember when that was all my job entailed..." she chuckles, "I am curious Lieutenant, on your perspective regarding this situation as a synthetic"

Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Nucleon: "To my knowledge, a sentient virus has never existed in our universe. I am also curious on the nature of this synthetic and how such a unique being came to be. As for this particular -

Alien NPC@annpc#557 - situation, I can understand TUSC's perspective. While many synthetic beings such as myself have the capability to transfer our consciousness into other bodies, it is difficult to facilitate -

Alien NPC@annpc#557 - that on our own volition. For one, we require a new form with the hardware compatible with our software, and the transfer process usually requires additional assistance as well. You have encountered the Architect in your universe by now, correct?"

Mischa@crystyl:"Oh yes, that we certainly did"

Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Nucleon leads the way into a turbolift, "A sentient virus could be considered a synthetic equivalent of what he was capable of. They would not only be capable of transferring to other bodies, -

Alien NPC@annpc#557 - which is already beyond what most synthetics are able to do, but if left unchecked and allowed to create copies of themselves, can spread to and take over multiple systems. Theoretically, they -

Alien NPC@annpc#557 - are capable of posing a threat as great as the Horde. Imagine a Borg Collective which could assimilate you through a simple hail, or even an innoculous-seeming subspace signal sent across -

Alien NPC@annpc#557 - millions of light years completely overtaking all technology of a civilization who has never even seen their attackers."

Mischa@crystyl:"I do get the concerns, of course. Perhaps I have simply been exposed to a wider variety of non-viral AI, because all of that just sounds like something more than not are capable of. This is why I find it difficult to process the distinction between Acey and other synthetic or digital life"

Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Nucleon: "Your Acey is certainly distinct. I am speaking of theoreticals, however. Perhaps Acey has not yet reached that level of power, and perhaps never will. There is also the matter of individual personality and morality, of course."

Mischa@crystyl:"Which I believe to be the primary focus of the decision to be made here"

Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Nucleon steps out of the lift, "I agree. There are many individuals who wield great power, including the TUSC agent himself. That does not necessarily mean they are a danger. They certainly -

Alien NPC@annpc#557 - have the /potential/ to be should they misuse their power, but if they are not of the character to do so, then there is no threat."

—

Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Nucleon leads Mischa back to the same conference room as before, where Lawkeeper is still waiting within

Mischa@crystyl steps inside and takes the same seat as before

Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Lawkeeper: "You have returned, Captain. I assume you've made your decision?"

Mischa@crystyl:"Yes, we would like to exercise our right under Article 25"

Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Lawkeeper: "Very well. You and your crew will have to prove that Acey poses no danger and is an exception to the rule, then."

Mischa@crystyl:"I understand. Now what exactly is the format by which this takes place?"

Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Lawkeeper: "I will be acting as prosecutor, so it would be unfair of me to be the judge as well. Your own crew will not be impartial on this matter. The best neutral party to judge this matter -

Alien NPC@annpc#557 - would be Protectorate Starfleet here. Familiar enough with your ways, but also detached from your own Starfleet."

Mischa@crystyl smiles a little, "I had the exact same thought, the Admiral will take on this role then?"

Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Lawkeeper nods, "She is the most fitting choice for the role. Shall I notify her, or would you like to?"

Mischa@crystyl:"I feel like putting upon her with all of this, so if you don't mind I would like to request her participation myself"

Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Lawkeeper: "I will call her to the room and leave you two to it, then." He stands and heads out

Mischa@crystyl:"Alright then, thank you"

Alien NPC@annpc#557 | A few minutes later, Admiral Lennie steps into the room, "Captain. The TUSC agent says you needed me for something?"

Mischa@crystyl stands, allowing the Admiral to seat before settling again, "Yes, I assume you already know the details of our situation now. Since your Lieutenant was discussing them with me on the way here?"

Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Admiral Lennie nods, "That's right. I was told to keep an eye out for dangerous computer programs even before, and it was on the agent's suggestion that I borrowed the Lieutenant from one of the An ships. But he didn't give me the full rundown until he presented it to you first."

Mischa@crystyl:"I see. Well, I have just informed him of our intention to defend my crew member's right to exist, which is directive allows for. We will make this case at a tribunal where he will serve in -

Mischa@crystyl:- the prosecutor role. What I wanted to discuss with you, was the possibility of you acting as judge"

Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Admiral Lennie: "Because I'm an impartial third party. That makes sense to me, yes."

Mischa@crystyl smiles, "That was certainly my impression from our earlier meeting. Does this mean you would be willing?"

Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Admiral Lennie nods, "I'd be happy to help resolve this situation so we can all get on our way."

Mischa@crystyl:"Thank you Admiral, I feel bad enough for you being put in this position because of us so hope move things along swiftly. Then perhaps we can get to the business that actually brought us to you"

Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Admiral Lennie: "I will ask that the proceedings be held on your ship, just to be safe. The Lawkeeper seems to be convinced that this AI you have on board is dangerous, and the point of all this, as I understand it, is to determine whether or not she is, correct?"

Mischa@crystyl:"Yes, that is his belief. Whilst she is dangerous in the sense of her technical ability, the same can be said for any capable officer - particularly a synthetic lifeform in this instance. His concern

Mischa@crystyl:- is grounded in the fact that a lifeform like Acey /may/ be capable of extending their reach without limit and threatening entire realities"

Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Admiral Lennie: "I understand. But as this is her trial, I assume she'll be making appearances in it. The Courageous houses tens of thousands of people on board. Until it's proven that she's -

Alien NPC@annpc#557 - safe, I hope you can understand why I'm reluctant to allow her into our systems and would rather do this on your ship."

Mischa@crystyl:"Of course, and I have no objection at all. Equally, if anyone does object to us hosting then we can divert to neutral ground somewhere"

Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Admiral Lennie: "I'm sure the agent won't have any concerns with hosting on your ship, but I'll send you a few neutral locations nearby if it comes to that."

Mischa@crystyl:"Alright then. So with things set to proceed, do you wish to conduct any interviews ahead of the hearing?"

Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Admiral Lennie: "I think we can ask the questions during the hearing, but I'd like your files related to Acey. Her full history and service record."

Mischa@crystyl nods, "But of course, I will have them sent straight over to you"

Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Admiral Lennie: "Perfect. I'll see you on the Latenter when you're ready, then."

Mischa@crystyl stands, "Thank you Admiral"

Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Admiral Lennie: "I'm happy to help. Now, if you'll excuse me, I should read up on legal proceedings and the files you send over."

—

T'Lana@anncaris | After arranging everything, Mischa returns to the Latenter. This time, T'Lana awaits her in the transporter room

Mischa@crystyl steps down, "Well everything is set. Could you have Acey's personnel files as well as all mission logs involving her forwarded to the the Courageous please, for the attention of ADM Lendaria"

T'Lana@anncaris nods, "I'll have Victoria send them over right away. I have been gathering points to present alongside Acey. I assume you will be the one speaking in defense of her?"

Mischa@crystyl nods, "As her CO it is my responsibility to represent her"

T'Lana@anncaris hands Mischa a PADD as she begins walking with her, "Our primary talking points are Acey's exemplary service so far, assisting in matters such as protecting the Latenter against Survivor viral -

T'Lana@anncaris - intrusions and her role in safeguarding the life of the Federation president. Other factors to note are her creation by a Soong-type android with a similarly excellent service record within -

T'Lana@anncaris - Starfleet as well as her assimilation and incorporation of an EMH program, which is noted for its ethical programming."

Mischa@crystyl:"Good work" she notes, reviewing the data on the PADD, "What about her personal life? I hate to intrude, but chances are the prosecutor will"

T'Lana@anncaris | T'Lana: "There are no signs of any potentially dangerous behaviour from her personal activity either. She takes some time to interact and socialize with the crew, which is another point we -

T'Lana@anncaris - could utilize. A significant portion of her processing is also dedicated to self-improvement, especially in countering superior technology such as that of the Survivors. The prosecutor may -

T'Lana@anncaris - attempt to use that against her, though as all beings in the Federation are encouraged to better ourselves, it can be argued that she is doing no different from any other member of the crew."

Mischa@crystyl:"Agreed. What about Ori? I think she and Acey have grown quite close, so she may be called"

T'Lana@anncaris:"That is a possibility. Perhaps the prosecutor will attempt to use Ori's initial infiltration of Starfleet."

Mischa@crystyl:"Perhaps, but if he's going to go down that road then he's going to have to pick away at just about every career officer on this ship"

T'Lana@anncaris nods, "And Ori should be quite capable of handling herself in questioning. I expect you would know, you have done it before."

Mischa@crystyl chuckles, "That is true"

T'Lana@anncaris:"Where will these proceedings take place? Aboard the Courageous?"

Mischa@crystyl shakes her head, "No, the Admiral wants us to host them. Given the circumstances they still regard Acey as a potential threat for now so do not wish to bring her into contact with anything beyond our hull for now"

T'Lana@anncaris:"It is a logical choice. If anyone is called on for questioning, it will likely be members of our crew as well."

Mischa@crystyl:"Indeed. Well then, if I can leave you to get the files over to the Admiral I would like to have a brief chat with Ms. Goto, and maybe Ori just to prep her for the possibility of being called"

T'Lana@anncaris nods, "I will have the files sent over and the conference room prepared to host this hearing."

—

Mischa@crystyl | A short while later, Yuzuki is collected from her cell by a security escort and taken to Mischa's quarters

Mischa@crystyl | Sits inside waiting, sipping a drink of something from a bottle that sits on the table in front of her next to an empty glass

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris steps inside, now dressed in slightly better attire and with a combadge to communicate without having to go through the brig officer every time, new privileges she has been given following her -

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - good behaviour and assistance in the UGS universe, "Don't tell me we've ended up in yet another wrong universe..."

Mischa@crystyl:"No, for once we're exactly where we are meant to be. But now there is someone else here who I really wish wasn't. Please, join me?" she gestures to the seat and glass

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris strolls over and takes a seat, "In Gamma Starfleet? I was under the impression they were pretty reasonable. Probably the closest to your own version of Starfleet out of all the remnants from this universe."

Mischa@crystyl sips and nods, "They are not the problem, but they are not alone" she glances out the window at the sizeable fleet, "Quite the welcoming party they sent for us, don't you think?"

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris peers out the window, "Maybe they're being cautious, with the wormhole supposed to be shut for good and all. You don't mean the Andarash ships with them are giving you trouble?"

Mischa@crystyl:"No. That fleet is all gathered here for us on the orders of an operative from the Trans-Universal Security Corps. Ring any bells?"

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"A TUSC agent is here? I've heard of them, but we're not posing any threat by just travelling between realities. Trans-universal exploration is perfectly legal."

Mischa@crystyl:"It is. But the deployment of specific weapons in non-originating universes is not so legal. And apparently that is exactly what we did when Acey helped us against the UGS"

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Wait, they classify Acey as a weapon?"

Mischa@crystyl sips again and sighs, "Yes, apparently sentient virus' are considered such because they have the potential to destroy entire realities..."

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"So she falls under their rule for forbidding these weapons from being taken to and used in other universes. I'm familiar with the rule, but I didn't know it included Acey. We've never encountered another sentient virus before. That's been one of your greatest edges against the Survivors so far."

Mischa@crystyl:"Yes, apparently they are rarer than I thought. But still, I am more interested in your insights into this agency and their operative"

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"They're an organization of primarily ascended beings, like the Q Continuum. But I understand they do have other types of beings among their ranks, very powerful Primeval beings or extremely -

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - advanced AIs. But the ones that deal with us are usually the ascended. This operative here is probably one of those."

Mischa@crystyl:"Yes, he appears Human at least"

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"He's most likely not. I mean, it's not impossible, he could be an ascended human from the future, but they work like the Q in that they tailor their appearances depending on who they appear to. -

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- They don't have any physical forms anymore, what you see is for your benefit. Kind of like Acey's holographic avatar, actually."

Mischa@crystyl groans, "If /that/ was for my benefit, then he's even more out of touch with Humanity than I thought he was..."

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Well, not for /your/ benefit as an individual. They're less personable than the Q in that way, although some see it as more culturally respectful. They don't show up wearing our uniforms or -

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- something like that. They generally have an appearance they use for a particular type of being. I don't know if it's a rule, like a uniform for them, or just what they prefer to do, but when they -

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- contact Children civilizations, they usually show up looking like something out of those superhero holoprograms."

Mischa@crystyl:"Eugh, I'm glad Sisko warned me not to punch guy at least"

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"He did? That's definitely good. Even Leona probably can't overpower one of their agents. Unlike the Q, they seem to come in slightly varying levels of power. Maybe that's why they can have pretty -

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- varied outfits even when they appear mostly human to us. Still, even the weakest TUSC agent is a powerful psionic being. The strongest of them are easily on par with the Q."

Mischa@crystyl:"Well fortunately we're not looking to take him on in a fight. A tribunal is to be held where we can appeal for Acey's exemption to this rule"

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"That sounds like our way out of this, then. There's going to be a neutral judge arbitrating, right?"

Mischa@crystyl nods, "The Gamma fleet Admiral heading up this armada has agreed"

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Perfect. What do we need to do to prove Acey an exemption?"

Mischa@crystyl:"It's a little ambiguous, but essentially it comes down to convincing them that she morally not capable - even if she were technically - of destroying all reality"

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris nods, "More specifically, they probably want evidence that she's not going to destroy other realities. TUSC's goals are somewhat comparable to the various Temporal Integrity Commissions, but -

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - with a broader objective. Instead of making sure a specific timeline isn't altered, they exist to stop people from one universe possibly ending or seriously damaging another. That's their -

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - primary mission, at least. They've also been known to aid trans-universal travellers in need or help local organizations like Temporal Integrity Commissions contain a threat if they believe -

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - that threat could grow large enough to eventually threaten other universes. And they close certain anomalies that are related to universal crossovers, too."

Mischa@crystyl:"Oh, I'm sure they do more than we are seeing here. I just would have preferred our first contact with them to be less confrontational. And better yet with someone who's not such an ass"

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"That's the other thing about their agents being different too. Some are a lot easier to deal with than others, or so I've heard..."

Mischa@crystyl:"Well I suppose the same can be said for any group"

Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"That's true. But the Q are pretty consistently cryptic and annoying," she chuckles

Mischa@crystyl chuckles and sips, "Alright, you've got me on that one"

—

NPC@annpc#557 | A short while later, Mischa is in her ready room when her combadge chirps

Mischa@crystyl taps, "Go ahead"

NPC@annpc#557 <C - Victoria> "Admiral Lendaria says she's ready to transport over and begin the process, Captain."

Mischa@crystyl:"Thank you, I'll head down to the transporter now"

Mischa@crystyl straightens her overly stiff formal tunic and heads out

Mischa@crystyl makes her way to he transporter room, nodding to the chief on arrival, "Alright chief, energize when ready"

NPC@annpc#557 | The chief nods back and taps the console. A few seconds later, Admiral Lennie materializes on the transporter pad. The Lawkeeper appears as well in a separate golden beam, which was clearly not part of the Latenter's transport mechanism

Mischa@crystyl:"Welcome Admiral, prosecutor"

NPC@annpc#557 | Admiral Lennie steps off the pad, "I take it everything's prepared, Captain?"

Mischa@crystyl:"Yes, we are all set up in the conference room"

NPC@annpc#557 | Admiral Lennie: "Lead on, then."

Mischa@crystyl turns and leads the way back out, "I assume since there have been no further requests that you are satisfied with your preparations and wish to commence the hearing right away now?"

NPC@annpc#557 | Admiral Lennie: "That's right. If it becomes necessary for all parties to review more information, we can always call for a recess, but let's get everything started for now."

Mischa@crystyl:"Very good" she steps into the lift

—

NPC@annpc#557 | The group arrive at the conference room, where Acey's projection is waiting. T'Lana is in attendance as well, also sporting the dress uniform. The layout of the room has been changed slightly, mostly in the setup of the chairs, as the central table is still the same one

Mischa@crystyl takes her position at Acey's side with T'Lana, leaving her usual central spot for the Admiral

NPC@annpc#557 | The Admiral takes the spot at the head of the table, while Lawkeeper sits down opposite Mischa

Mischa@crystyl takes her seat once the Admiral sits down

NPC@annpc#557 | Admiral Lennie: "Even though we all know the details, it's customary for the prosecutor to explain the exact nature of the charges in proceedings like this first. So go ahead, Lawkeeper."

NPC@annpc#557 | Lawkeeper: "Captain Mischa Leveson-Scott and the crew of the Latenter. You have deployed an Omega-class weapon in the form of this self-aware virus program," he gestures to Acey's projection, -

NPC@annpc#557 - "while within a universe not your own, in violation of Article 14 of the Code of Trans-Universal Travel. The violation is not in question, however, since the defending party was not previously -

NPC@annpc#557 - aware of the existence of the Code, no punishments will be dealt. The purpose of this hearing is conducted upon invocation of Article 25 claiming the right of all sentient beings as -

NPC@annpc#557 - individuals and to be treated as such. The defendant claims that this particular virus program, while physically capable of great destruction, is not of the moral character to perform such."

NPC@annpc#557 | Admiral Lennie looks to Mischa, "Is there anything the defendant would like to add to this?"

Mischa@crystyl:"Just one contextual correction, if I may" she looks to the lawkeeper, "You stated that we deployed an weapon, but to deploy a weapon requires both a very specific intent and method" turning to the -

Mischa@crystyl:- Admiral, "You have reviewed our mission logs. I would see the record corrected that Acey acted within given mission paramaters in line with her role as a serving officer of this ship"

NPC@annpc#557 | Lawkeeper: "An action taken by Acey, whether of her own volition or at your command, still falls within the confines of Article 14. But the correction will be noted."

Mischa@crystyl:"Thank you, I do not dispute the result. But context is important"

NPC@annpc#557 | The Admiral nods and taps on a holoprojection from her wrist, "Now, since the burden of proof for this particular case is on the defendant," she gestures to Mischa. "Why don't you start us off?"

Mischa@crystyl nods, "It was stated during the prosecutor's opening statement that we are here to prove Acey's moral fibre. But how does one do this?" she looks to Acey, "Yes, she is a digital lifeform which can -

Mischa@crystyl:- be analyzed down to every line of code. But what does that tell us? After all, we consider the morality of biological lifeforms in hearings like this all the time and they have no such -

Mischa@crystyl:- convenience. So what do we do then? We attempt to understand the individual and form opinions based on our judgement of their character through testimony and review of their actions. This -

Mischa@crystyl:- ship is equipped with technology we all clearly define as weapons, and if there ever is any question on the functionality of those systems we perform a systems diagnostic. But when we review any such-

Mischa@crystyl:- situation for a member of the crew, we do so through the aforementioned subjective reviews. As such, that is what we will be focusing on"

NPC@annpc#557 | Admiral Lennie: "She is a member of your crew after all, and diagnostics cannot determine a synthetic being's morality, just as a brain scan cannot determine an organic's. This approach is the most viable one to take. Is there someone you would like to call first?"

Mischa@crystyl looks to TL at her side, "I would like to begin at the beginning with a brief review of Acey's service milestones to date. T'Lana, could you please present"

NPC@annpc#557 | T'Lana nods and taps the table, bringing up a list of Acey's various missions and accolades, "As you can see, Acey was instrumental for defending the Latenter on multiple occasions against the -

NPC@annpc#557 - virus attacks of far superior Survivor vessels from around this time period of this universe. Without her assistance, none of us may be here to conduct this hearing today. Moreso, Acey played -

NPC@annpc#557 - a key role in several other operations as well, including the neutralization and capture of a Survivor Krenim timeship attempting to rewrite our timeline and a mission which saved the life of Federation President Robert O'Connell."

Mischa@crystyl:"Thank you T'Lana. As you can see, in her relatively short term of active service Acey has already earned an impressive collection of accolades and awards in recognition of her exemplary service this ship and its mission"

NPC@annpc#557 | Admiral Lennie nods and looks to Lawkeeper, "Does the prosecutor wish to comment before we move on?"

NPC@annpc#557 | Lawkeeper: "Acey's contributions to your ship and your Starfleet cannot be denied, yes. But good service does not always equate to good morality, even if the organization the individual serves -

NPC@annpc#557 - largely upholds a moral good. I have many examples, but I will present ones that the defendant and judge will be familiar with."

Mischa@crystyl:"All true, but I would highlight that there is good service, and there is exemplary. I can not assume that these accolades are familiar to you, don't worry I will not go into detail. But there is -

Mischa@crystyl:- a common theme; bravery, heroism and self-sacrifice. On more than one occasion Acey has gone above and beyond good service to aid her comrades. Even if the risk turns out to be in vain afterwards,-

Mischa@crystyl:-the unknown at the time keeps it very real. And to be recognized by Starfleet for such deeds speaks to far more than good service, it speaks to the character and morality of the individual"

NPC@annpc#557 | Admiral Lennie nods, "I believe our versions of Starfleet are similar enough that I am inclined to agree. Let us proceed to the prosecutor next and what he has to present."

NPC@annpc#557 | Lawkeeper: "Since you have brought up Acey's service record, let us take a closer look at her missions. Particularly, her takeover of enemy vessels." He gestures to T'Lana, "Commander, if you -

NPC@annpc#557 - will present all the mission logs and reports on Acey's takeover of the Krenim vessel."

NPC@annpc#557 | T'Lana nods and taps the table, bringing up the various reports and logs

NPC@annpc#557 | Lawkeeper: "As we can see, Acey took control of and neutralized the crew of the vessel. But the methods by which she did so were questionable at best, perhaps, one might even argue, inhumane -

NPC@annpc#557 - and against your Federation's codes of conduct. She performed her role in the operation and aided your cause, yes, but the means by which she did so implies a complete disregard for the suffering of other sentient beings."

Mischa@crystyl:"Sometimes in our line of work we have to do things of a questionable morality. There have been many instances when working as a field operative where I have had choose between my own morals and my -

Mischa@crystyl:- mission, it is one of the reason why SFI operates so differently to SFC in the public eye. Acey's actions in those circumstances were the result of her own best judgement in a similar positionwhere she had to choose between what is right, and what is expedient"

NPC@annpc#557 | Acey joins in as well, "I utilized the most efficient methods to neutralize the crew as rapidly as possible. Many of them were equipped with suits of significantly more advanced technology -

NPC@annpc#557 - than what the Latenter possesses. If they were not dealt with what I calculated to be the most expedient methods, they would have posed a threat to the Latenter and the Captain's boarding party."

NPC@annpc#557 | Lawkeeper: "But nowhere did morality play a role in these calculations."

NPC@annpc#557 | T'Lana: "It would not have been logical for morality to play a role. We were faced with an enemy centuries more advanced than ourselves, and organizations such as your own or the Temporal -

NPC@annpc#557 - Agents lend no assistance because it is not within your purview. It is difficult enough to calculate any means to achieve victory. If you wished the enemy combatants to have been neutralized -

NPC@annpc#557 - more comfortably, perhaps your operatives should have assisted in these conflicts. You possess the luxury of considering morality in these situations. We are fortunate to have survived at all."

NPC@annpc#557 | Lawkeeper: "What of Acey's creation, then? Her first act was to eliminate an entire facility of Starfleet Intelligence personnel, was it not? They were not only your own people, but did not -

NPC@annpc#557 - possess superior technology either which would warrant such ruthless extermination."

Mischa@crystyl:"Acey, would you care to weigh in?"

NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "They had given the order to erase my program. My actions were also performed for the purposes of self-preservation. At the time, my algorithms were not as advanced, and the personnel of the facility posed an existential threat."

Mischa@crystyl looks to the Admiral, "In case it has not been clear through all the records, Acey as she sits before us now is not the same Acey who first created in that lab. She has evolved as a result of her initial fight for survival and our initial encounter"

NPC@annpc#557 | Admiral Lennie nods, "I can see through my review of her files, and I agree that her use of force aboard the Krenim ship was justified. We've scanned your ship and have a rough idea of your -

NPC@annpc#557 - technology; compared to someone with our tech, you were outmatched and had little option. However, the fact that Acey did cause so much damage to your own people should still be noted, even if this was a very early, juvenile iteration."

Mischa@crystyl:"Granted. But so should the context again, since - as we just heard - she acting in self-preservation interests as well"

NPC@annpc#557 | Admiral Lennie: "That is noted as well. Any further comments from either side?"

NPC@annpc#557 | Lawkeeper shakes his head

Mischa@crystyl:"Nothing more from us here"

NPC@annpc#557 | Admiral Lennie: "Then let's move on to the defendant's next point," she nods to Mischa

Mischa@crystyl clears her throat, "Even by our time, Starfleet had a long history of turmoil in the considerations of synthetic life. Through these we have - somewhat - refined our processes, though I would -

Mischa@crystyl:- assume further refinement to the here and now. But working to the rules I am accustomed to from our time, Acey has satisfied all the criteria for recognition as sentient life - to which I do not -

Mischa@crystyl:- think there is any dispute - but also by extension of this, rights as a Federation citizen. As well as protecting her from persecution because of things she /could/ do, it also protects her from -

Mischa@crystyl:- someone in my position trying to abuse their command of her and any abilities she may be capable of at that time"

NPC@annpc#557 | Lawkeeper: "So you cannot order her to perform anything she would not wish to. But it is not your character or that of your Starfleet on trial here, but hers specifically."

Mischa@crystyl:"Of course, it may be a moot point but I just wanted to highlight it nonetheless"

NPC@annpc#557 | Admiral Lennie nods, "Very well, it will be noted. Any further comments to add?"

Mischa@crystyl:"Nothing at this time"

NPC@annpc#557 | Lawkeeper: "Nothing from me, either."

NPC@annpc#557 | Admiral Lennie: "Next point, then. Will the prosecutor please proceed?"

NPC@annpc#557 | Lawkeeper reaches out with an open palm and a chip materializes on it in the same golden transporter-like light that he arrived on. He slots the chip into the table and several holographic -

NPC@annpc#557 - files are displayed, "These are records of several different universes in which self-aware virus programs wreaked significant havoc. They were native to these universes, so TUSC did not inter-"

NPC@annpc#557 | T'Lana: "Objection. As you yourself have stated, the purpose of this proceeding is to prove Acey's character. We understand that similar lifeforms have caused great damage in other universes, but that is irrelevant to the matter at hand here."

NPC@annpc#557 | Lawkeeper: "That sentient viruses are capable of such damage is irrelevant, yes. But that is not the point I am attempting to make."

NPC@annpc#557 | Admiral Lennie: "Objection overruled, then. Let's hear the Prosecution out fully first."

NPC@annpc#557 | Lawkeeper waves his hand and brings a file to the forefront, "In this universe, the Iconians and Nuhar created and deployed a self-aware virus program upon the Horde to eliminate their fleets -

NPC@annpc#557 - and factories. Although initially performing its functions well, it determined that the Children species' weakness to the Horde was a vulnerability and turned upon its creators, eradicating -

NPC@annpc#557 - all Children life in that universe to begin again and create new life based upon itself." He waves his hand again, "In an offshoot of this universe, a similar virus was created but not -

NPC@annpc#557 - utilized until the fall of the Iconian Empire, when it was deployed in an act of desperation. The virus quickly seized control of the gateway network and spread throughout the galaxy, forming -

NPC@annpc#557 - a new empire that subjugated all the species of the Milky Way under its rule."

Mischa@crystyl:"I believe the objection stands; this is no more relevant than presenting the character profile of Klingon warrior at a tribunal for a corrupt Ferengi businessman"

NPC@annpc#557 | Lawkeeper: "Then what of something closer to home," he waves another report to the front. "A virus engineered from Iconian code by Lieutenant Commander Data and deployed against the Borg. -

NPC@annpc#557 - When working its way through the Collective, it gained sentience and took control of the Borg, eventually proceeding to assimilate that entire galaxy and beyond. The point is, every self-aware -

NPC@annpc#557 - virus with origins similar to Acey have proven to be dangerous, even if they may have begun by serving their purpose. Including ones that were created by and had served Starfleet."

Mischa@crystyl:"I definitely object to that generalization. Since during our initial conversation you acknowledged that not all sentient viral lifeforms have gone on to perform such acts"

NPC@annpc#557 | Lawkeeper: "Not all sentient viral lifeforms, no, which is why this hearing under Article 25 is valid. But all with similar origins to Acey have proven to be dangerous. Perhaps Acey can be an -

NPC@annpc#557 - exception to that as well, but given the precedent, I believe it is more likely than not that she will follow this pattern."

Mischa@crystyl:"Supposition at best. You can't judge an individual based on a generalization of the species. And that is assuming you even generalize viral lifeforms to that degree. I suspect it would be more -

Mischa@crystyl:- akin to generalizing all Children species, as opposed to all Humans as an example"

NPC@annpc#557 | Admiral Lennie nods, "I am inclined to agree. It seems all these programs were created under different circumstances, not to mention their use and the enemy they first made contact with no -

NPC@annpc#557 - doubt shaped their experiences as well. Simply because they all share Iconian code, even the case in which Starfleet was involved, cannot be used to reflect upon Acey in particular, as she is her own unique lifeform."

Mischa@crystyl:"And if we are to reflect on Acey's founding code, we should consider that this now incorporates that of a Starfleet EMH as well"

NPC@annpc#557 | Admiral Lennie: "Noted. Let's proceed to the defendant's next point."

Mischa@crystyl:"Actually Admiral, I would move to pause things here for a brief recess. We have covered a lot of ground already and I feel it best to allow this to digest for everyone first"

NPC@annpc#557 | Admiral Lennie looks to Lawkeeper, who gives a nod

NPC@annpc#557 | Admiral Lennie: "Very well. We will reconvene in two standard hours."

—

NPC@annpc#557 | A little under two hours passes and everyone begins to return to the conference room to continue the hearing...

NPC@annpc#557 | As everyone is settled, Admiral Lennie looks to Mischa, "We left off on the defense's turn to present. Please, go ahead."

Rianni@crystyl | Mischa, "So far, we have all sat here and talked about Acey; her origins, her history, her missions. But I would like to take this opportunity to have you all get to know Acey herself, and as -

Rianni@crystyl - an introduction to that we call ENS Orianni to provide character reference. Ensign, come in"

Rianni@crystyl walks in, looking around quietly

NPC@annpc#557 | Admiral Lennie: "Ensign...O-Rianni? Any connection to the esteemed Captain Rianni Tierno?"

Rianni@crystyl:"The esteemed Captain Rianni Tierno is still a Lieutenant in our time. But yes, she was my template"

NPC@annpc#557 | Admiral Lennie: "Your...template?"

Rianni@crystyl nods, "Yes Admiral"

Rianni@crystyl | Mischa pinches the bridge of her nose, "Ensign... some context please"

Rianni@crystyl glances, "Oh. Right, of course. I am the Junayd created clone of the est-"

Rianni@crystyl | Mischa loudly clears her throat

Rianni@crystyl:"... of Rianni Tierno. I do not know if your history is shared with ours in that regard"

NPC@annpc#557 | Admiral Lennie taps the holoprojection on her wrist, "We have record of a species by the name of Junayd, and their tendency to use clones to scout out other civilizations and as mediums for -

NPC@annpc#557 - dialogue with them. Rianni Tierno didn't serve as the basis for one, though she did have a knack for encountering alternate reality versions of herself."

NPC@annpc#557 | Lawkeeper: "Yes, that tends to happen."

Rianni@crystyl | Mischa: "Wait, that's a known thing? What /is/ it with that girl...?" she looks across the Lawkeeper, "You must know some-"

Rianni@crystyl loudly clears her throat

Rianni@crystyl | Mischa sits back, "Sorry, sorry. Time and place"

Rianni@crystyl:"Well Admiral, in our universe she was killed as a cadet while on a training cruise when the Gainsborough made first contact with the Azedi. The Junayd recovered her body and created me as a -

Rianni@crystyl:- cultural observer on the Federation. Things got... complicated towards the end, and I was repurposed to facilitate diplomatic relations. Then later on, when the Junayd joined the Coalition stance -

Rianni@crystyl:- against the Horde I was ultimately granted a commission here under the Captain"

NPC@annpc#557 | Admiral Lennie: "I see. An unusual history, but we have a fair share of that in our own Starfleet as well," she nods to Mischa, "The defendant may begin posing questions to Ensign Orianni."

Rianni@crystyl | Mischa nods, "T'Lana, if you please"

NPC@annpc#557 | T'Lana: "Ensign, what is the nature of your relationship with Acey?"

Rianni@crystyl:"Well, I mean we're colleagues here on the ship. We work together on missions quite a lot too. But outside of that, she's probably my closest friend as well"

NPC@annpc#557 | T'Lana: "And you would say you know her very well?"

Rianni@crystyl:"Not as well as she does. But I spend more time with her than anyone else on the crew during my downtime" she smiles, "She's the only one who beat me at chess, and it's quite refreshing to face a challenge sometimes!" turning to Mischa, "Sorry, Captain!"

Rianni@crystyl | Mischa, "Hey you have chess, I have poker"

NPC@annpc#557 | T'Lana: "Back on topic...you are in a better position than most to make a judgement on Acey's character, then. Would you say she would ever disobey Starfleet's orders and directives or cause harm to innocents?"

Rianni@crystyl:"Yes, yes, and no"

NPC@annpc#557 | Admiral Lennie: "Can you...specify which in particular you are saying yes and no to?"

Rianni@crystyl:"In the same order presented, Admiral. Yes, should would disobey Starfleet orders and yes she would disobey directives, but only if she knew them to be in the wrong and putting her friends at -

Rianni@crystyl:- unnecessary risk. And no, she would never cause harm to innocents. I do not believe she has ever caused harm to anyone who was not posing a direct threat to either herself or those she cared about

NPC@annpc#557 | Admiral Lennie: "Thank you, Ensign. Any further questions?"

Rianni@crystyl | Mischa looks across to the Lawkeeper

NPC@annpc#557 | Lawkeeper: "Let's consider a hypothetical scenario. If the Survivors prevailed in your conflict with them, seized complete control of the Federation and your entire galaxy and established -

NPC@annpc#557 - themselves successfully as the new ruling order, the new Starfleet, as it may be. What do you believe Acey would do in such a reality?"

Rianni@crystyl:"She would look to survive, just like the rest of us. Assuming we have any semblance of resistance remaining she would aid that cause as being truest to that she considers her own currently with or -

Rianni@crystyl:- without the Captain's presence. If that is not the case and there is no surviving remnant of us, then I would expect her to align herself to the new order so as to survive. But that is not only -

Rianni@crystyl:- hypothetical but extremely vague and subjective. There are far too many undetermined variables in order to accurately predict any one individuals actions"

NPC@annpc#557 | Lawkeeper: "Let's say there is a resistance, but it's dwindling and with little hope of success. They have virtually no starships left and resort to guerilla warfare and sabotage to do any -

NPC@annpc#557 - damage at all, and even then they're not particularly successful. Acey however has successfully devised a means to infect her code throughout the entire Survivor network, crippling all enemy -

NPC@annpc#557 - technology- ships, defense systems, even personal weaponry. But doing so will wreck havoc to the entire galaxy's infrastructure, as with anything infected by Acey, the original code will be -

NPC@annpc#557 - destroyed in the process of the infection. That means most systems will lose access to vital infrastructure such as communications. Trade schedules will be severely disrupted, resulting in -

NPC@annpc#557 - mass shortages, riots and possibly even full anarchy on some worlds. Since all military ships are under enemy control, this act would also leave the galaxy without any defense from internal or -

NPC@annpc#557 - external threats. Your Captain, or some other superior officer, deems the risks too great and that the damage caused would not be worth simply letting this new order go about their business, -

NPC@annpc#557 - but it truly is the resistance's last hope for victory. Do you think Acey will follow orders and let the enemy prevail, or launch the infection?"

Rianni@crystyl tilts her head, "Well that jumped from extremely vague to suspiciously specific at warp 9..." shakes it off, "But she would do what any one else here would do in that situation, she would present -

Rianni@crystyl:- the option to whoever she reports to, informing them of the technical outcomes - but not necessarily the cultural reactions, since she would not strictly have the knowledge to predict those - and-

Rianni@crystyl:- then, well, that would be it for her. It would be up to them whether or not to use the option"

NPC@annpc#557 | Lawkeeper: "What if she knows for certain that the enemy would delete her program when they obtain it, yet her superiors deem the infection plan to be too risky and plan to surrender instead? -

NPC@annpc#557 - Would she launch the attack regardless in self-preservation, despite the damage it could do on a galactic scale to countless others?"

Rianni@crystyl:"I fail to see your logic in deeming that an act of self preservation. Launching that attack or not, she will continue to survive. The decision remains with her superiors, not with her"

NPC@annpc#557 | Lawkeeper nods, "Very well. No further questions."

NPC@annpc#557 | Admiral Lennie nods as well and looks to Mischa, "Any further questions from the defense for Ensign Orianni?"

Mischa@crystyl shakes her head, "Nothing from us"

NPC@annpc#557 | Admiral Lennie: "Let's move on to the prosecution's final presentation, then."

Mischa@crystyl looks to Ori, "You are excused Ensign, thank you"

Mischa@crystyl | Ori nods and heads out

NPC@annpc#557 | Lawkeeper: "Since you called a member of your crew to provide reference, I am calling upon Lieutenant Commander Eso Chani, psychological profiling specialist and ship's counsellor."

NPC@annpc#557 | He gestures to the door and Chani steps in, making her way over to the front of the table

NPC@annpc#557 | Lawkeeper: "Commander Eso. In your evaluations of Acey, you state that she exhibits a distinct lack of emotion, which leads to an incapability for true empathy. Is that correct?"

NPC@annpc#557 | Chani nods, "That is correct, as Acey does not have any dedicated emotional programming, comparable to early Soong-type androids that weren't equipped with emotion chips."

NPC@annpc#557 | Lawkeeper: "But combined with her service record, particularly the instances of extreme efficiency in neutralizing enemies in combat highlighted earlier, would you not say that her behaviour -

NPC@annpc#557 - could be compared to what you call a psychopath?"

Mischa@crystyl scowls, "Objection! There is no premise for such a leap here"

NPC@annpc#557 | Chani: "Wait, let me answer this, Captain. I know what he's trying to get at here."

Mischa@crystyl hrms, sitting back, "Alright, I'll withhold for now"

NPC@annpc#557 | Chani looks back to Lawkeeper, "If Acey was a member of a Children species, maybe. But she's not one of us. Disorders such as psychopathy and sociopathy are defined to classify deviations from -

NPC@annpc#557 - the norm in the psychology of Children species, because our norm is very emotionally driven lifeforms with a natural capacity to empathize with those we perceive to be similar to ourselves. -

NPC@annpc#557 - For synthetics, the norm is a lack of emotion. There are ways to program them to feel emotions akin to what we have, but programmers have to go out of their way for that, it's not the default -

NPC@annpc#557 - state for the majority of artificially created mechanical life. It is the exhibiting of Children emotions that is the anomaly for them, not the other way around."

NPC@annpc#557 | Lawkeeper: "Does that not mean that Acey, psychologically, is comparable to others like her, then, and not an exception in her behaviour?"

Mischa@crystyl:"Such an analysis would require detailed assessments on others like Acey, and there are not. The point is moot"

NPC@annpc#557 | Chani: "I'd also like to specify that 'others like her' includes the majority of synthetic life, not just sentient viruses. And while there certainly are malicious synthetics, there are also -

NPC@annpc#557 - plenty who have made positive contributions to their societies, such as An synthetics and Soong-type androids, to name a few. This lack of emotional programming makes Acey no more or less dangerous than any other synthetic lifeform."

NPC@annpc#557 | Admiral Lennie nods as she taps her wrist holoprojection, "Any further questions from either the prosecution or the defense?"

Mischa@crystyl:"I have nothing to add"

NPC@annpc#557 | Lawkeeper: "No further questions."

NPC@annpc#557 | Admiral Lennie: "Let's move on to closing statements, then. Since the defendant started us off, let's have the prosecution close us off here."

NPC@annpc#557 | Chani heads off as Lawkeeper stands and begins

NPC@annpc#557 | Lawkeeper: "The purpose of this hearing is to show that Acey is sufficiently an exception from the pattern of dangerous self-aware viruses that her activity in other universes is not a -

NPC@annpc#557 - violation of Article 14. We've seen that she has served this iteration of Starfleet well so far and made friends among the crew, but is that really enough to say that she would not pose a -

NPC@annpc#557 - danger in the future? Perhaps if the environment remains stable, but we all know that existence is far from that, and the universe from which she hails rests on a critical juncture. Should -

NPC@annpc#557 - things change, should she no longer have the oversight of Starfleet and the support of her friends, do we want to take the chance of unleashing an entity like her upon the multiverse?"

NPC@annpc#557 | As Lawkeeper sits back down, Admiral Lennie looks to Mischa, "And now the defendant's closing statement."

Mischa@crystyl stands, "My esteemed opponent here raises valid questions; what of the future? What of all the infinite possibilities that we can not predict? Do we attempt to account for the worst outcome? Because-

Mischa@crystyl:- if we start down that slippery slope, then everybody in this room should stand trial and be judged for the worst possible outcomes of their future decisions. We are not Temporal Agents, nor are we-

Mischa@crystyl:- Krenim. We do not have the luxury of being able to judge the present based solely on future knowledge. What we are is Starfleet, and as Starfleet our legacy is one of pushing the boundaries of -

Mischa@crystyl:- understanding and evolving ourselves beyond diversity and adversity. Acey has stood here patiently listening while we all talk about her, while we objectify and analyse her very existence. Were she -

Mischa@crystyl:- biological, even a Children species, our minds would now be turning to provide her with emotional support in the wake of whatever the outcome here is. But if I ask for honest answers right now, -

Mischa@crystyl:- who here may truly say that they are giving her the same consideration? I know one person who will be, and she left this room right before Chani joined us. But what about the rest of us? If we -

Mischa@crystyl:- can't honestly say that we would show her the same courtesy as anyone else, then we have no right to judge her for who she is. Because we are the ones who should be judged" she sits back down

NPC@annpc#557 | Admiral Lennie: "Thank you both for your closing statements. As is customary, we'll take a short recess before the final decision is made. We reconvene in one hour."

—

NPC@annpc#557 | An hour later, the hearing reconvenes as everyone returns to the conference room. Admiral Lennie sits down at the head of the table like before

NPC@annpc#557 | Admiral Lennie: "After hearing and contemplating the arguments from both sides, I've decided that the self-aware virus program known as Acey had demonstrated sufficient lack of threat to -

NPC@annpc#557 - innocent lives to be eligible for an exception under Article 25 of the Code of Trans-Universal Travel."

Mischa@crystyl turns to Acey with a smile

NPC@annpc#557 | Acey returns the smile and looks to Lawkeeper

NPC@annpc#557 | Lawkeeper nods, "The decision has been made, and the Trans-Universal Security Corps shall abide by it. No further attempts at prosecution shall be made by us."

Mischa@crystyl dips her head to him, "Thank you"

NPC@annpc#557 | Lawkeeper turns to Acey, "As you are now one of the few self-aware virus programs certified to be safe, I would like to extend you the offer to join our organization and protect the multiverse against your more malicious cousins."

NPC@annpc#557 | Acey tilts her head, "You would like to recruit me, after attempting to make a case for my nature being dangerous so I could be quarantined?"

NPC@annpc#557 | Lawkeeper smiles, "As I have told your Captain, I have nothing against synthetic lifeforms or you as an individual. I am simply here to enforce trans-universal law. I may be using an -

NPC@annpc#557 - appearance which resembles a human, but I am not a being governed by emotion. It is likely that I share more in common with you than I ever would with anyone else in this room. I served as -

NPC@annpc#557 - prosecution because it is my duty, as I doubt anyone else here would be willing to step into the role." He looks across to Mischa. "What does your culture call it...devil's advocate?"

Mischa@crystyl chuckles, "A fair approximation, and a role I am quite accustomed to" she turns to Acey, "And it is right what he says, during our initial discussion he did inform me that his agency employs the services of a number of synthetic lifeforms"

NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "I thank you for the offer, but I am content in the service of the Latenter and Starfleet."

NPC@annpc#557 | Lawkeeper: "I thought that would be your response. As a synthetic lifeform of your caliber however, you'll most likely far outexist this ship and its crew, and quite likely this iteration of -

NPC@annpc#557 - Starfleet as an organization. Our offer still stands, if you find yourself in need of a purpose in your future."

Mischa@crystyl:"That is a very considerate offer. Acey, you are lucky to have such options open to you"

NPC@annpc#557 | Acey nods, "I will be certain to keep your offer in mind, Lawkeeper. Thank you for providing the option."

NPC@annpc#557 | Lawkeeper inclines his head, "It would be our honour to have someone of your capabilities within the Corps. Perhaps one day, we shall meet again."

Mischa@crystyl turns to Lennie, "And thank you Admiral for your time and deliberations in this matter"

NPC@annpc#557 | Admiral Lennie: "It's been my pleasure to help. You said there was something you wanted to talk about relating to the purpose of your visit, once this trial was wrapped up?"

Mischa@crystyl nods, "Yes, but we do not need to take up any more of your guests' time on the matter. And I don't know about you, but I've seen enough of this conference room for a while now"

NPC@annpc#557 | Admiral Lennie nods and stands, "I agree. We could speak more back on the Courageous, or in your ready room here."

Mischa@crystyl:"It might not be quite the level of luxury you are used to, but I do a bottle of something special for rare occassions tucked behind my desk"

NPC@annpc#557 | Admiral Lennie smiles, "Sounds good to me!"

—

Mischa@crystyl leads the Admiral back to her ready room where she retrieves a bottle of Chateux Picard from the shelf with a pair of glasses

Mischa@crystyl:"I don't like to make a habit of this, but today feels like cause for a little celebration" she pours them out and offers one to Lennie, "So consider this an apology for your being dragged into this"

T'Vek@anncaris | Admiral Lennie smiles as she takes the glass, "No apologies needed." She glances down at the drink, "What year is this from?"

Mischa@crystyl smiles, retrieving the bottle and admiring it briefly before showing it, "2286! I was saving it for the day we stop the Darkness. But now I've got another excuse to go and visit the old man again"

T'Vek@anncaris | Admiral Lennie: "2286, that's a vintage even for your time period." She takes a sip. "Thank you, Captain."

Mischa@crystyl gestures to the sofa, "Shall we?" and takes her usual seat there

T'Vek@anncaris | Admiral Lennie follows over, taking a seat as well, "So, I suppose your real business here concerns the Survivors?"

Mischa@crystyl:"Concern, and Survivors, are certainly two words that often share the same sentence for us. How did you know?"

T'Vek@anncaris | Admiral Lennie: "Well the Survivors were brought up during the hear. I had my suspicions when I saw our antiproton weapons technology retrofitted onto the Latenter, but you could've scavenged -

T'Vek@anncaris - that during your time in our universe. The talk of Survivors all but confirmed it, though."

Mischa@crystyl:"Granted. Do you have any idea as to why we would travel across time and dimensions for this?"

T'Vek@anncaris | Admiral Lennie: "That, I'm less sure about. The Survivors split off to find a way to stop the Darkness and create a better universe. What I heard at the trial though, suggests they might've -

T'Vek@anncaris - deviated from their intentions when they left our universe. And not for the better."

Mischa@crystyl:"Perhaps, they have certainly deviated from their own intention when the started that work" she sips and pauses, twirling the glass, "Did you know that the reality we come from is one that they -

Mischa@crystyl:- created with a controlled divergence and have been using an experimental 'playground' to find an optimum manipulation of history in order to favour success against the Darkness?"

T'Vek@anncaris | Admiral Lennie: "No, I wasn't aware. For us, it's only been a few decades since they left. I still remember the schism, from back when I was a little girl."

Mischa@crystyl:"It is possible then that these experiments started relatively early on. The created the divergences and populated them with their own generational agents. I have on in my brig now in fact, a Human -

Mischa@crystyl:- who once served under me. Born and bred through generations in our reality, but still a Survivor at heart. I know of their historical work in our reality, and to an extent I do not entirely -

Mischa@crystyl:- disagree. We have seen the difference of nearly two centuries and a different entry point for the Darkness’ arrival. However, since the Horde was defeated and the psionic awakening occurred, our -

Mischa@crystyl:- knowledge of the wider universe has grown exponentially. But their machinations continue, even though we have reached that tipping point. And because we're smarter than our ancestors, and they're -

Mischa@crystyl:- growing more desperate with their repeated generations, we keep catching them in the act now. Not only simply things, but initiating wars and even that assassination attempt that came up in the -

Mischa@crystyl:- trial. We believe the newer generations have lost their way, and we need to engage with those who started their mission to find a way to recall it"

T'Vek@anncaris | Admiral Lennie nods, "From what I'm hearing, it does sound like it. If you're looking for the people who started this, why come after the schism?"

Mischa@crystyl:"We... didn't exactly have a great deal of control over that aspect. The final leg of our journey here - the uninterrupted one - was directed by the Prophets, and they sent us here and now. Perhaps -

Mischa@crystyl:- the Survivors have grown since the schism and will be more amenable now, I don't know. And that is my biggest problem right now, I don't know anything that I need to. It is why we came here to -

Mischa@crystyl:- seek you out first in the hopes of learning something of the Survivors before we attempt to contact them"

T'Vek@anncaris | Admiral Lennie takes another sip of her drink, "You know, I used to be a science officer before going into Command. I wouldn't recommend contacting the original Survivors that split off here -

T'Vek@anncaris - and went to explore other realities. Doing that could change things, result in your timeline never even existing to begin with."

Mischa@crystyl:"I am aware of the risks, which is why I came to seek local wisdom first"

T'Vek@anncaris | Admiral Lennie: "There...might be one thing you can do."

Mischa@crystyl:"And that is?" she asks over a sip

T'Vek@anncaris | Admiral Lennie grins slightly, "Ask yourself for help."

Mischa@crystyl:"You can't seriously be suggesting that a version of me is still around in this universe? I should be long dead by now, surely"

T'Vek@anncaris | Admiral Lennie: "The original you, yeah. But our Junayd have your memories and genetic data. You work closely with them in your time."

Mischa@crystyl:"The Junayd? I thought they could only create clones from a living template?"

T'Vek@anncaris | Admiral Lennie: "I forget you've only just had the barrier drop in your universe. At your point in the timeline here, we've already found the Heart and defeated the Horde for generations by -

T'Vek@anncaris - then. Well without going into too much scientific detail, Junayd tech had advanced since working with the Iconian systems of the Heart, specifically the genetic archives."

Mischa@crystyl:"Of course, that makes sense. But why me? If your version of me is just a genetic copy from all that time ago then she won't have any more understanding than I do?"

T'Vek@anncaris | Admiral Lennie: "The Junayd have your memories, too. The Survivors might have only split off from us a few decades ago, but a lot about them can be traced back to you. Their leader was one of -

T'Vek@anncaris - your successors, a Chief of Starfleet Intelligence. He was operating under the philosophy you had pushed for, not to give up against the Darkness no matter the cost. And the plan of exploring -

T'Vek@anncaris - other universes for a potential solution, that was your idea, too. They made a few changes, probably a lot of changes by your time, but you were the one who initially brought up the idea, -

T'Vek@anncaris - before we even made the exodus to the Gamma Quadrant and joined the Commonwealth."

Mischa@crystyl sighs and nods, "I knew it already, deep down. This is not the only reality that I have molded, but you'll be pleased to know it is certainly not the worst. So, your Junayd can bring back a fresh -

Mischa@crystyl:- 'me'. And she will understand the Survivors better than anyone, moreover they are more likely to listen to her than, um, me. Damn, now I know how Ori feels..."

T'Vek@anncaris | Admiral Lennie nods, "Exactly. If anyone can make the Survivors remember their original mission and how far they've strayed from it, it's you. Our version of you, at least."

Mischa@crystyl finishes her drink, "Then we must get back to the Heart. I hope you don't mind us hanging around a while longer"

T'Vek@anncaris | Admiral Lennie: "I'm afraid the Heart's no longer around in this universe, but I know where you can find the Junayd."

Mischa@crystyl:"Alright then, will you be accompanying us or pointing us in the right direction?"

T'Vek@anncaris | Admiral Lennie: "I'll point you in the right direction. The Junayd aren't with the Commonwealth, unfortunately. They've settled in one of the other remaining Spheres, with the nomads."

Mischa@crystyl:"Fair enough. I'd appreciate anything you can tell us about these nomads. Especially since the Junayd I know aren't exactly social beings"

T'Vek@anncaris | Admiral Lennie smiles, "You might have an edge in dealing with them. But just to be safe, I should give your whole crew the briefing."

Mischa@crystyl smiles, "Well then, I will look forward to that Admiral"