ST:TTV315 | "Heart of the Forged"
Updated: Mar 18
Stardate 95108.4
An unprovoked attack on the Landing Day celebration of Forged Earth decimated the ceremony. Amidst the chaos that ensued, a voice claiming to be the Heart of the Forged claimed responsibility. Moreover however, they claimed to have taken Captain Se'Lai's life, and threatened more if their demands are not met.
With the colony's automated defense grid activated by the attack, attendees of the celebration - and the Valley Forge itself - are cut off from outside support as they attempt to find a resolution...
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Jenni@crystyll | --- /Previously on TTV/ --- Jenni@crystyll: | Starfleet representatives from across the board are gathered at the grand hall of Forged Earth's capital for their Landing Day celebration Jenni@crystyll: | Councillor Thomas turns back to the crowd after a moment, "But now as you all well know, this year marks a new landmark in our history. For not only do we stand together today in honoured memory of Jenni@crystyll: + First's Valley Forge. But do so arm in arm with the Starfleet of old Earth, and it is my proud honour to share this day with a very special guest" Jenni@crystyll: | Thomas gestures to one side, "Ladies and gentleman, this years master of ceremonies; I give you Captain Keelah Se'Lai of Starfleet's USS Valley Forge!" Jenni@crystyll: Keelah@crystyll: "Thank you Councillor Thomas, I can not express what an honour it is for us to be included in your celebration today" Jenni@crystyll: Keelah@crystyll: " - we show our union with the Forged of Newna by standing alongside them" she doubletaps her combadge, turning to face the window Jenni@crystyll: | but then a rumble from the sky above and the Valley Forge cruises overhead, encircled the city before coming to a stop above the cathedral where squadrons of FEDP interceptors fly out in + Jenni@crystyll: + formation, trailing coloured smoke across the sky in a grand display Jenni@crystyll: | As the grand celebrations roll on, fireworks popping all around... BOOM! A violent explosion shakes the grand hall, windows shatter and the room fills with smoke! Jenni@crystyll: <C> We just received an automated message. Relaying now; Jenni@crystyll: MSG | "Starfleet; your alien taint must be cleansed. You insult us with a sub-Human commanding a Valley Forge, we have rectified this" Jenni@crystyll: MSG | Your alien Captain is dead. If you want her half-breed offspring back you will disembark all sub-Humans from your vessel and relinquish it to control of the worthy Jenni@crystyll: MSG | For WE are the Heart of the Forged. Jenni@crystyll | --- /And now the conclusion.../ --- Jenni@crystyll FX | As the aftermath of the attack has settled, attendees from the celebration have gathered back on the Valley Forge, as the only ship within reach thanks to the FE defense grid Jenni@crystyll FX | Senior staff gather in VF's conference room to strategize with Colonel Hanks of FEPD & Councillor Thomas Sam@drcrippler has been eerily quiet this whole time Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois is standing near the table, on his face a mixed expression of anger and resolution; actually, it is quite surprising for whoever knows him. Keliaya@anncarise is tapping away at a PADD, examining the colony defences and layout. Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "Well.. Councillor, it seems we have your verion of Terra Prime terrorists to deal with here." Jenni@crystyll confers quietly with Colonel Hanks on the local response, while Starfleet discuss things Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "What's worse, they are even more aggressive, apparently." his tone of voice is kinda strong:"Why weren't we warned of this threat?" Jenni@crystyll Thoms | nods solemnly, "Indeed Captain, I can not apologize enough for this, it is... unprecedented! I assure you, they will not get away with it" Jenni@crystyll Thomas | looks to Timo, "This is the first /we/ have known of them" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "Movements do not show up from nothing, Counsellor." Keliaya@anncarise: "From what I understand no one in this generation of Forged Earth has ever /seen/ an alien before we arrived." Jenni@crystyll: "That's right Kelly" she nods, chiming in within the wider discussion Keliaya@anncarise: "There might've always been xenophobic notions, but no one's had incentive to act on it until now." Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "It is an all too common response to first contact... however, I do have experence dealing with these types of terrorist." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: Nods to Nimitz:"That's true. Unfortunately. However, before doing anything, we should at first analyse the situation: what are we dealing with, exactly?" Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "That is a question, all we have is one dead body of a factory worker." Sam@drcrippler stares out of the window, back at the planet Jenni@crystyll FX | The view shows the sun setting over the deceptively tranquil capital city. Energy ripples in the distance indicate the ever present dome shield that remains active from automated defenses Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "A question we need an answer. And we need it now. I do not intend to stand still waiting for something worse to happen. We analyse, we decide, we act. So..." turns on Hanks:"Colonel?" Jenni@crystyll FX | The only tell of anything untoward otherwise; the distant smouldering of the grand hall. Sam@drcrippler 's fists ball up as his eyes fall on the hall. He's clearly trying very hard to supress his feelings Keliaya@anncarise steps up to Sam, letting the other high ranking people discuss strategy. Jenni@crystyll Hanks | snaps back, "We have processes in place, Captain. I can have the defense grid neutralized which will open up the search area. However it will also open planetwide transport again, and since+ Keliaya@anncarise: "Captain Bishop?" Jenni@crystyll: + this is your person being held; we do not wish to act without your agreement" Sam@drcrippler 's eyes snap foward. "Yes Lieutenant Commander?" he states Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "I see. Have you carried on analysis on the bomb and the dead corpse?" Alistair Nimitz@natthaan nods "We should keep the shield in place, if we open up plantary transports again, these people will go to ground and it may be years before we can find their leadership, years that they will use Keliaya@anncarise: "Just checking up on you. I understand if you wish to be left alone, but...thought it was better to check." Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: recrute more people to their side." Jenni@crystyll Hanks | the dead terrorist is a plain civilian by all accounts; not even so much as a parking reprimand on his file. As for the bomb; we believe it was a crude alteration of a mining detonator" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "How did he manage to bring it on the spot?" Jenni@crystyll: "And Sir, as for opening things up; the flipside would be that it /should/ allow us to easily locate T'Pia's lifesigns, even they jumped off planet" Sam@drcrippler: "We've got a job to do Commander. We're running out of time, and there are lives at risk. I'd prefer you to focus at the task at hand," Jenni@crystyll Hanks | continues talking direct with Timo, "That Captain, will take more time to investigate. Appreciate that our resources are more focused still on dealing with the aftermath" Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "There are a number of ways that he could have done this.. if he even did plant the bomb.." Keliaya@anncarise nods, "I'll get back to it then, sir." Sam@drcrippler nods sternly, before listening in to the others again. Jenni@crystyll: "Best guess it that was is slipped into place ahead of the celebrations, not by anyone present. Probably slipped in with the staff prepping the hall over the last few days..." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "Still, we have to start somewhere...and yes" he nods toward Jenni:"T'Pia's recovery is a priority. She's an hostage, and I do not intend to let her in the hands of terrorists..." Sam@drcrippler: "Clearly they have a way of contact with us. They want us to hand the ship back to the "worthy". Keliaya@anncarise steps back to the table, "It's very likely that she's no longer within the shield. We can't determine for certain with the shield up, but the attack happened before that. And Forged Earth has - Keliaya@anncarise: - advanced transporter technology." Jenni@crystyll: "Captains, I suggest allowing Col. Hanks to deactive the defense grid and drop the shield. Then we can contact the other ships in orbit and coordinate a large scale search. There are no non-Humans on+ Jenni@crystyll: + Newna who were not part of your attendance, so a single lifesign should be relatively easy to track..." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "Still, I refuse to believe they have not think about this point, Jenni." he looks at Sam, very seriously:"Indeed." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: *thought Keliaya@anncarise nods, "We've scanned the city and found no Vulcan lifesigns, so it's probable they've no longer inside." Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "We have four ships... five... maybe even six at our disposal... if we can move our ships into key areas arond the planet, we could place a plantary wide transporter jammer in effect." Keliaya@anncarise: "If we're lucky, maybe they don't even know our sensors can tell the difference between Vulcans and humans at range. They've never dealt with other bipedal species before after all." Alistair Nimitz@natthaan looks to Sam "You have the Bark, is your ship able to use saucer sepration?" Keliaya@anncarise: "But in the event they are blocking scans, we might be able to trace them down from their messages too." Sam@drcrippler: "Tha Bark is still at DS13, but we can separate our saucer. We have the Captain's Yacht too, if needed," Jenni@crystyll: "Keep in mind that our transporter network relays through a series of orbital platforms to cover the whole system" Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "We should shut those platforms down as well.." Sam@drcrippler: "Dropping the shield grid gives us the advantage, due to our ship numbers and capacity. We'll be able to chase them down if they try to leave the system," Jenni@crystyll: | Hanks: "Already done. Doesn't mean they didn't already slip through" Keliaya@anncarise looks in the direction of Jenni and Hanks, "I recall you don't have any warp ships, right?" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "Every asset is needed." he nods also to Nimitz and Sam:"Let's begin immediately. The more time passes, the less we can know and the more they can slip out of our web." Jenni@crystyll nods to Hanks, "Seems most likely to me Sir, that they'd hide on one of the outer planets" Sam@drcrippler looks at Hanks for that answer Jenni@crystyll nods to Kelly, "You're right Kelly, our fleet is purely sublight" Keliaya@anncarise: "Which means they couldn't possibly get out of the system." Jenni@crystyll: | Thomas: "Well if their goal is take this ship from you, I can't imagine they would even want to run that far" Sam@drcrippler nods and turns to Timo. "The Attar has the best sensors here. We'll need them to do constant scans. The Akagi can out pace all our ships. She'll be able to chase down anyone who runs," Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: Nods vigorously:"Consider them already at work." Sam@drcrippler looks to Kelly. "As for the Valley Forge... I say let's call their bluff. We can have the ship crewed by a crew of humans," Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "But then what? Do we really expect they will try to take the ship?" Sam@drcrippler: "It gives buys us some time. We can try to contact these "worthy" people," Keliaya@anncarise: "They can try. I agree, abiding by their demands for the moment will probably prevent them from doing anything rash right away." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "We have to take the safety of the non-human crewmembers into consideration as well, however. We may not risk their lives." Sam@drcrippler: "We can transfer the non human crew to the Endeavour for now, and replace them with humans from the Endeavour crew. Then, whatever they try, at least the Valley Forge will have a full crew compliment+ Sam@drcrippler: our own people," Keliaya@anncarise nods, "Across all our ships we certainly have enough humans to crew the Valley Forge." Jenni@crystyll Thomas | interjects, "Gentleman you should be reminded that we have always operated a zero-tolerance policy towards this kind of thing here, that is why it is unheard of this day and age. Or was..." Keliaya@anncarise: "We're not planning to give them the Valley Forge or something. Just giving them the impression that we're playing along, lull them into a false sense of security." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "However, how can we rely the message?" Sam@drcrippler: "How did we recieve their message?" Jenni@crystyll Hanks | "Once we deactive the defense grid, comms will open up again too. I would expect we can trace back the relayed signal they first used to send us their message" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: Nods:"Then, let's do it." Keliaya@anncarise nods, "Just what I was thinking. Once they lower the shield we can make it an open broadcast. If they see someone like, well...you or Captain Bishop in charge, they'll hopefully be less eager to - Keliaya@anncarise: - try and harm T'Pia or our other people." Sam@drcrippler looks at Nimitz and then Timo. "Captain Timoreev," Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "With respect, they don't know I'm not Human ether." Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "If we can keep this over audio my name should be enough." Sam@drcrippler: "As the senior officer here, you should already know of my personal connections with this mission. Both you and Captain Nimitz have tha authority to dismiss me Keliaya@anncarise: "That depends on whether they have sensors at their disposal to scan us with..." Sam@drcrippler: should my actions hinder our overall goal here," he stares hard at Timo Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: To Sam:"Yes. But we do not have the luxury of dismissing expert personnel either." looks at Nimitz for a moment:"I guess Capt. Nimitz will concur with me that we need your cooperation as well." Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "I'm not exactly a Romulan anymore biologically..." Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "We can blaim my replacement organs for the odd readings." Sam@drcrippler: "I would not want a repeat of the Senn incident..." he turns to Nimitz. "That is true, but my record already shows that I do not make the best decisions at times like this. I'd rather be dismissed + Sam@drcrippler: than risk the lives of everyone here," Sam@drcrippler: "I leave that up to your individual judgements," Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "Be assured that if the need will arise, you'll be dismissed. But not now. At the moment, I don't see any reason for doing this." Sam@drcrippler nods once Keliaya@anncarise: "Should I start preparing the engineering department for transferring?" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: Nods to Kelly:"Please. The sooner we are ready, the better." Sam@drcrippler nods. "Make it so Commander. We can use the cargo transports if we need to. Let Commander Leveson-Scott know once the shields are down," Keliaya@anncarise nods and steps out of the meeting room. She taps her combadge as she does, "Keliaya to Ensign Rivett." Sam@drcrippler: [Charlie] <C> Ensign Rivett here Jenni@crystyll: Hanks | "If permitted, I will transfer my defense grid override protocol to a station on your bridge. We will be ready to deactive the grid on your order then" Alistair Nimitz@natthaan glances around to who is in command of the VF now Jenni@crystyll: "Meanwhile, the 1st Interceptors will continue to sweep the city, and are standing by to expand their search grid to the outsirts. I should get down to Eon and join them..." Keliaya@anncarise: <C> "I know I'm not usually someone you get your orders from, but, well...we're playing along with these Heart of the Forged people to buy as much time as possible. Which means everyone who's not - Sam@drcrippler: "I'll take Command of the Valley Forge," he says, looking at Timo for confirmation Keliaya@anncarise: - human has to disembark for the moment. Since you have to leave the ship anyways..." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: Nods to Sam:"Command is yours." Jenni@crystyll | Hanks rests a hand on Jenni's shoulder, "Hold your horses lieutenant. I need you at my side for this one; you know Starfleet better than the rest of us; you're our liaison. I know you'd rather be + Jenni@crystyll: +in the cockpit, but mission needs first" Keliaya@anncarise: <C> "How are you with transmission tracing?" Jenni@crystyll purses her lips then gives a firm nod Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: Turns to Nimitz:"Captain, I expect the Akagi to be ready to intervene at the earliest occasion." Alistair Nimitz@natthaan looks to Timo "The Akagi is always ready." Jenni@crystyll heads to the bridge to set the Colonel up with his terminal Sam@drcrippler: [Charlie] <C> I will proceed with the order. As for transmission tracing... I am acceptable," Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "That's the answer I was looking for." he says to Nimitz Keliaya@anncarise: <C> "Get T'Quila to help you. She's Vulcan so she can't stay either, and she knows comms." Sam@drcrippler: "Keep me in the loop," he nods to the pair, as he departs Sam@drcrippler: [Charlie] <C> Yes Commander Sam@drcrippler looks around the bridge of the Valley Forge, before slowly sinking into the centre chair. He frowns. Alistair Nimitz@natthaan stands off to the side as he isn't Human. Sam@drcrippler: <C> Bishop to Commander Keliaya. How are we looking with that evac? Keliaya@anncarise: <C> Counseling, medical and security are good to go. Engineering and science is taking a bit longer due to the size but we'll have everyone lined up to transport once shields are down." Sam@drcrippler: <C> “Understood, I'll let you know went to start transport Sam@drcrippler turns to Nimitz and Timo. "You staying here, or returning to your ships?" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "I'll stay here." Keliaya@anncarise: <C> "We'll be waiting for your mark sir." Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "I will be staying." Sam@drcrippler: "Understood. Captain Timoreev; get those shields down," Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "If anyone asks, just blame my cybernetic replacements." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois nods slightly to Sam as he operates at the console at his side, lowering the shields Sam@drcrippler: "Get the Attar on the scans as soon as the shields go down," Jenni@crystyll reads the order from Timo's console, because apparently that's how we're communicating today and confirms to the Colonel that they have a go Jenni@crystyll | Hanks taps at the console, "Defense grid is powering down" Jenni@crystyll | Hanks looks to Jenni, "Tacticle interfaces... remember when we used such things or was that before your time?" Sam@drcrippler taps his badge. Jenni@crystyll smiles, "I remember, Sir" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: <C>Timoreev to USS Attar:"Initiate all-band scans for non-Human lifeforms. All power to sensors if necessary. Coordinate with the Valley and the Akagi." Sam@drcrippler: <C> Bishop to Endeavour Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: *and the Endeavour Jenni@crystyll FX | As soon as the shields drop, all the non-VF's Captains combadge chirp away with incoming requests for updates Sam@drcrippler: *totally responded to his update Alistair Nimitz@natthaan takes out his Padd and starts relaying information to the Akagi. Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: *totally does the same* Jenni@crystyll FX | True to word; as the shield drops, the Interceptor squadron that has been circling, swarms out in all directions to expand their grid Sam@drcrippler: [Riomi] "Endeavour here Captain. What's going on?" Jenni@crystyll watches their tactical display as her squadron leaps into action and sighs Sam@drcrippler: <C> Prepare to recieve crew members from the Valley Forge. Beam Commander Keliaya straight to the bridge, she'll brief Commander Leveson-Scott. Bishop out Sam@drcrippler: <C> Bishop to Commander Keliaya. You're clear for transport. Jenni@crystyll: Hanks | "Not easy is it, Lieutenant? But transitioning from the cockpit to the control room is something we all have to do sooner or later" Keliaya@anncarise: <C> "Beginning transfer, sir." Sam@drcrippler looks at everyone else "Have we got a track on where that communication came from?" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: Speaks briefly through his combadge before turning to Sam:"The Attar has not identified any non-human lifesign on the planet." Jenni@crystyll checks the trace details, shaking her head, "Sorry Sir, but seems they were cute in their use of relays" Sam@drcrippler glances at Timo first. "Okay, expand search to all bodies in the system," Jenni@crystyll Comms Off | "We could attempt to run a signal through the same relay point, hopefully it will be a set path so should go through that way" Sam@drcrippler looks at the comms officer. "Make it so. I'd rather not give a full broadcast to everyone on the planet," Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "We can do even better than that..." he then speaks through his combadge again Jenni@crystyll Comms Off. | Nods and taps away. A few moments pass before they confirm, "I believe I have a channel for you, Sir" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: <C>Timoreev to Attar: spread sensor scans all over the system. And begin deploying a series of probes to pinpoint any signal and increase output." Keliaya@anncarise | A holo-image of a human male forms on the centre of the bridge, "Lieutenant Thorkildsen reporting. All departments are now fully staffed by human crew." Sam@drcrippler: "On screen," he says, giving LT Thor a brief nod Jenni@crystyll FX | The screen shifts to display a mid-aged Human male in what appears to be a rough control centre of sorts, "Starfleet... so it seems you have not being dumbed down by the sub-Humans as much as + Jenni@crystyll: + we feared" Sam@drcrippler gives a small indication to mute comms briefly Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois as soon as the face appear, he works on his console in order to coordinate with the Attar in locating the signal Jenni@crystyll FX | Comms are muted Sam@drcrippler: "I want that signal traced," he orders before nodding to open the channel again Alistair Nimitz@natthaan keeps himself out of sight of the viewscreen Jenni@crystyll Comms Off. | nods, "I had the trace open as soon as we established a link, Sir" Sam@drcrippler gives a brief nod. "Unmute," Jenni@crystyll FX | Comms audio opens Sam@drcrippler: "It seems that your fears were very much misplaced," Jenni@crystyll Man | "One can never be too careful with sub-Humans" Sam@drcrippler: "What now? We've staffed your ship with humans. Now what do you want us to do?" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "You seem to know a great deal about sub-humans, more than we could expect from a planet with none on it." Jenni@crystyll: "Relinquish command and transmit us the command codes. Once we have assumed control, the halfbreed will be returned to you" Jenni@crystyll Man | Turns to Timo, "We know enough" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "May I ask you how?" Sam@drcrippler snorts. "You're going to have to offer me a better deal than that," Jenni@crystyll Man | Frowns, "We will not be taken in by your attempts at stalling" Sam@drcrippler: "Like I said, you're going to have to offer me a better deal if you want this ship," he says again, firmly. "Starfleet is not in the habit of unfair deals," Jenni@crystyll Man | Sighs and shrugs, "Admittedly I had hoped to barter the Vulcan captain's life. But apparently they are not so resilient as we were led to believe. If you have no interest in the childs life, + Jenni@crystyll: + then we have nothing further to discuss" he looks offscreen, "Execute the hostage" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "Why would you do that?" he asks, trying to keep as calm as plain as possible Sam@drcrippler: "You are really going to execute the only piece of leverage you have? Clearly you *need* contact with external aliens. The Ferengi could teach you a thing or two about bargining," Keliaya@anncarise scans the outer planets from the Endeavour like Jenni suggested once she's settled in on the bridge. Jenni@crystyll Man | Seems to ignore them as he watches a monitor before responding, "If our leverage is of no concern to you then she is of no use to us and simply a liability" Sam@drcrippler: "I'll give you an offer. You return the hostage, or I will self destruct your precious ship. Clearly she is worth more to you than your hostage is to me," Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois still looks with the tail of the eye to see if the Attar manages to locate the signal source Jenni@crystyll Man | "I told you I will not waste time with your games" He cuts the feed to a CCTV style image looking down on another room Jenni@crystyll FX | The room is an ad-hoc medical bay the looks of it, in some caves. A single bed has Keelah's lifeless body lay on it while TP stands at her side, clutching Keelah's hand Alistair Nimitz@natthaan taps his Padd to have the Akagi start running matches for such a cave. Jenni@crystyll FX | A masked figure appears, roughly grabbing TP from behind and dragging her out Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois besides looking at the viewscreen with the most stony face he can make, he still waits for a message from the Attar Jenni@crystyll FX | Feed returns to the man, "Last chance Starfleet. You can see that we are not without mercy; letting the girl perform her 'pon farr' ritual for the dead. But enough is enough" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois immediately writes on the console to send a message to Sam and, possibly, Nimitz about the signal's location Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois in any case, the Attar has orders to communicate also to the Endeavour and the Akagi Sam@drcrippler: "I was not bluffing," he states. "Tactical, activate self destruct sequence, set five minute timer, and order full evacuation," he looks at the screen. Sam@drcrippler signals to comms to mute Jenni@crystyll Man | shrugs and looks offscreen, "Do it" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: As soon as the comms are muted, he turns on Sam:"On the 6th planet. The Attar have relayed the data to the Endeavour and the Akagi." Jenni@crystyll FX | Comms mute locally but are terminated at the source Jenni@crystyll looks up to the suddenly blank screen, "Tell me he didn't..." Sam@drcrippler: "Engineering, simulate a warp core breach. Start to evacuate crew as if this was a drill," he turns to Timo. "Let's get a team over there. Now," Alistair Nimitz@natthaan taps his Padd, ordering the Akagi to get there now, even if it means a warp jump. Keliaya@anncarise | LT Thorkildsen: "We're on it, sir." Jenni@crystyll | Hanks: Stands "BELAY THAT! You are NOT exploding a ship right in the middle of our colony, even if as a fake nobody would believe killing millions of civilians with the blast!" Sam@drcrippler turns to Jenni, then looks at the screen. "We have to assume that they did," he states stoicly. Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "The Akagi will arrive first, for sure. I suggest we reach her while she blockade the planet..." then turns to Hanks:"The solution is easy. Let's move the ship forward while we fake the evacuation." Jenni@crystyll: "Respectfully Sir, is there any point to it now that he's apparently killed his last hostage? We should surely try to intercept them before they flee" Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: <FX> The Akagi attempts her warp jump to the sixth planet Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "They may be trying to call our bluff." Sam@drcrippler shakes his head at Timo. "Let them call it. We know where they are now," Jenni@crystyll: "Right... still seems futile to take a ship out of any potential rapid response, but... it's your call" she shrugs looking back to her screen with the now seated Colonel Jenni@crystyll FX | The Akagi arrives in orbit of the mining colony Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "Though we may also need to take into account that the this could be a false path..." Keliaya@anncarise | LT Thorkildsen: "I wouldn't recommend this, but...we could give them the ship without it being functional." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "To surrender a Starfleet vessel? Out of discussion." Keliaya@anncarise | LT Thorkildsen: "If they don't have warp technology they likely don't know how it works. If we eject both cores and drain the power they'll just have a derelict husk." Jenni@crystyll checks her comms, looking up, "Captain Nimitz, Interceptor squadron is following and will with the Akagi in 3 mintues" Keliaya@anncarise | LT Thorkildsen: "And no way to self destruct it either once they find out. Again, I don't recommend it...just putting all our options on the table." Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: <FX> Assuming that they got the exact location, the Akagi begins sending down her shuttles. Alistair Nimitz@natthaan nods to the LT Sam@drcrippler glances at tactical. "Turn off the self destruct when there's five seconds left of the time," Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "We cannot know for sure, lieutenant." then activates his combadge:"Timoreev to Attar: keep scanning for any kind of suspicious activity and signals, just in case." Sam@drcrippler then looks at Timo. "Captain... I... need to be dismissed," he states Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: <FX> The Akagi also begins sweeping the sixth planet for Vulcan bio signs rather then life signs as well. Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: Nods to Sam:"I see." he sighs for a moment, but his voice is firm:"You are dismissed, captain." Sam@drcrippler slinks to the ready room Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "Status from the Akagi?" Alistair Nimitz@natthaan looks to Timo "Akagi is in orbit of the sixth planet and has detected two Vulcan bio signs, they are attempting to beam them up." Keliaya@anncarise | LT Thorkildsen: "We've got an energy burst standing by for that false self-destruct option as well, if we're doing that." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "Let's move out of the colony, first. Engines full impulse." Jenni@crystyll: "Interceptors are on scene and moving in with ID'd Akagi shuttles, Sir" Jenni@crystyll FX | VF Climbs up through the atmosphere into orbit Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "Then prepare warp engines for jump. We'll synchronize with the fake explosion signal in order to give them the impression that we have been destroyed. Destination: 6th planet." Jenni@crystyll Acting XO | "All stations report ready, Captain" Keliaya@anncarise | LT Thorkildsen: "Power rerouted to warp systems, we're ready for inter-system jump. Deflector energy burst standing by." Alistair Nimitz@natthaan looks to Timo "We have them, and three of the terrorist, they are being taken to the brig. Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: He sits on the chair when he hears Nimitz, finally allowing himself a smile to appear:"Amazing job, captain. Cancel all orders for fake self-destructs...but keep yellow alert." Alistair Nimitz@natthaan waits for medical updates on Keelah Jenni@crystyll: "Interceptors have touched down and standing by to move in and subdue" Keliaya@anncarise | LT Thorkildsen: "Are we still jumping to the 6th planet?" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: Nods to holo-lieutenant:"Yes. Do it." Alistair Nimitz@natthaan looks to Timo "Captain Se'Lai is alive, Medical is treating her now." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois seems to be going to say something, but then stops. He just smiles. Keliaya@anncarise | Thorkildsen breathes a sigh of relief as he hears the captain is alive. Star streaks form on the viewscreen as VF makes its way over to the 6th planet as well. Jenni@crystyll: "Sirs, permission to let the Interceptors move in?" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "Permission granted." Jenni@crystyll ignores the disapproving frown from Hanks at asking permission first Jenni@crystyll nods and sends the order Sam@drcrippler slumped down by the door as soon as he entered the ready room, taking his pips and badge off, throwing them into the middle of the room Alistair Nimitz@natthaan makes his way to the ready room, and pokes his head in. Jenni@crystyll liases with Kelly to swap all the mixed up crews back to where they belong Sam@drcrippler is sat on the floor, his chin resting on his knuckles, staring blankly at his discarded effects Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "I'm about to head back to my ship... I was wondering if you'd like to see your family? We have them both, alive." Sam@drcrippler looks up. "It was a bluff..." he says weakly "Wait... both?" Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "Keelah is in a healing trace, which is why they thought she was dead." Sam@drcrippler stands. "Where are they?" Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "On the Akagi for now, my doctors are taking care of them, but we will get them transferred back to the VF when we can." Sam@drcrippler: "Can you beam me over?" Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "I was about to head over myself, which is why I asked if you wanted to come with." Sam@drcrippler nods. "Let's go," Alistair Nimitz@natthaan nods and leads the way to the transporter Sam@drcrippler follows, not looking at his pips and badge -- T'Pia@crystyll stands faithfully at Keelah's side, tightly holding her hand while the computer beeps through barely registered lifesigns Sam@drcrippler darts over when he sees the pair. "Oh Christ..." he grabs T'Pia in a tight hug Alistair Nimitz@natthaan a number of Doctors would be near by keeping an eye on things in case anything changes. T'Pia@crystyll: "Dad!" she spins and pounces on him in kind Sam@drcrippler: "Oh my love," he says, pressing his face against her head, before holding her at arms length checking her for injuries T'Pia@crystyll appears fit and well. Just dirtied up from being dragged around some Sam@drcrippler when he is sure she's okay, he pulls her into another embrace, kissing her forehead, tears in his eyes. T'Pia@crystyll: "I was so worried about you..." her voice muffled against his tunic, mid-embrace Sam@drcrippler: "Worried about me?" he scoffs tearfully. "You have no idea..."he says. "I... almost lost you... you and your mother..." he says, burying his face in her hair Alistair Nimitz@natthaan keeps himself at a respectful distance from the two. T'Pia@crystyll: "And I was worried I'd lost you... I had no idea what happened at that party, or if anyone was hurt, or taken, or..." she pauses for breath Sam@drcrippler: "Shush my love..." he says tearfully. "None of that matters now. You're safe. You're alive..." T'Pia@crystyll looks to Keelah, "I only knew about me and mum. But they said they were bargaining with us, and that 'I'd have to do since she was dead'" she grins up proudly at him, "They didn't know about the+ T'Pia@crystyll: + trance! So I made up this death ritual thing to convince them to let me stay with her!" Sam@drcrippler slowly reaches his hand out to grab Keelah's and gives it a squeeze. "I..." he shakes his head, words failing him T'Pia@crystyll pulls herself into a tight hug at his side, reaching a free hand to wrap around his and Keelah's Sam@drcrippler: "This... this is why... I don't work with your mother," he says quietly T'Pia@crystyll looks back up, head tilted curiously, "Why? You didn't do this to her..." Sam@drcrippler shakes his head. "I..." the words catch in his throat. "Did... you say thank you to Uncle Nimitz?" he says finally Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "It's really my crew that you should thanks... I just told them to go." T'Pia@crystyll looks over, flushing slightly and eyes shying away, "No, I... sorry I was distracted... but thank you - and your crew, Sir" Alistair Nimitz@natthaan nods "Of course." T'Pia@crystyll: "Especially those security officers in the transporter room!" Sam@drcrippler looks at Keelah. "How... long is she going to be like this?" Alistair Nimitz@natthaan nods "I will pass that along to them.. " T'Pia@crystyll shrugs, looking down to her as well, "There's no way to tell. I only know that we can't interrupt the trance, despite how it may look at any time; she must recover from it naturally" Sam@drcrippler: "And her injuries?" T'Pia@crystyll: "Well they must've been bad for her to go into the trance, but I don't really know the details" Sam@drcrippler looks at Nimitz to see if he can fill him in Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "My doctors would be able to tell you more, however the basics are that she stuffered injuries to her intenal organs, Doctor Suchon assures me that she will recover as a result of her trace." T'Pia@crystyll smiles, "See Dad? She's going to fine. Mum's a survivor, just like you!" Sam@drcrippler: "She can't be moved, can she?" Alistair Nimitz@natthaan glances to his doctor. T'Pia@crystyll: Suchon | shakes their head, "Though she has successfully been mvoed once already, I wouldn't recommend it given her fragile nature" Sam@drcrippler: "Can you give me quarters on the Akagi, Alistair?" Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "Of course." Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "They may not be as big as you are used to on an Oddy, but we have some comfortable guest quarters." Sam@drcrippler: "I'll be staying her until she's recoved, if you'll have me," he glances at him. "I'd sleep here on the floor if I had to," Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "You won't need to sleep on the floor.. will a family unit be acceptable?" Sam@drcrippler looks at T'Pia. "Whatever you can spare," he nods Alistair Nimitz@natthaan bows his head "I'll contact my XO and set those up for you."/ Alistair Nimitz@natthaan heads to mis CMO's office. Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: his* T'Pia@crystyll: "You don't need to worry about me. I'll be right here" she looks to Keelah Sam@drcrippler: "T'Pia... you should go rest..." T'Pia@crystyll: "No Dad, I... I think I can help. Please, I want to try?" Sam@drcrippler places his arm around her shoulders. "You can help when you're fully recovered my love..." T'Pia@crystyll: "But mum might need my help now..." Alistair Nimitz@natthaan returns in a moment and hands Sam a datachip "There is a set of quaters just down the hall, number 302." Sam@drcrippler: "She's... fine..." he gives a small smile. "She'd want you to rest first darling..." Sam@drcrippler glances at Nimitz and takes the ship. "Thank you Alistair," he smiles Sam@drcrippler: *chip T'Pia@crystyll: "She'd say that even if she knew I could help her..." she pouts Sam@drcrippler: "Because you're... more important that either of us," he says, taking her hand and pressing the CHIP into it. "Go rest sweetheart. I'll be here with her," Sam@drcrippler: *than T'Pia@crystyll 's head hangs defeatedly but she nods and slinks away, "But I'm coming back soon!" she insists before fully out the door Sam@drcrippler strokes Keelah's hair Sam@drcrippler: "Do I tell her I risked her life to save a ship?" he mutters idly to Nimitz Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "She'll find out eventually." Sam@drcrippler: "Will she ever forgive me? Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "Of course she will... you did it out of love." Sam@drcrippler: "I... did it out of duty..." Alistair Nimitz@natthaan looks to Sam "What is done is done Sam.. we can't change it, but at the end of the day, we won." Sam@drcrippler: "We did... and we saved everyone... everyone..." he leans over and kisses Keelah's forehead. "So... this is how she feels when it's me on the bed..." Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "You both knew the risks... I will admit... had it been Trellain and not Keelah, I may not have acted as rationally as you did." Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "Passion is a very powerful emotion for my people.. as well as Vulcans." Sam@drcrippler: "We've been in this situation before," Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "This was supposed to be a party... you couldn't have known this would happen." Sam@drcrippler wipes away tears and chuckles. "Keelah said that I needed a break..." Alistair Nimitz@natthaan nods "Well.. take as much time as you need Sam." Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "Since you are here." Sam@drcrippler nods. "Thanks Alistair. I'm not going to be leaving her side," Alistair Nimitz@natthaan glances to Sam for a moment, before he takes out his Padd and hands it to Sam "Since we are handing out good news." Sam@drcrippler looks at the PADD. "What's this? Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "I didn't get a chance to tell you before, but we found Ensign Lara, alive." Sam@drcrippler looks up. "You... you found... you found Lara..." he blinks Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "She's recovering on the Zulu now." Sam@drcrippler: "Oh Christ," Sam mutters, stumbling slightly as his knees buckle from underneath him Alistair Nimitz@natthaan walks around the bed to help Sam Sam@drcrippler takes a deep breath. "Oh... Lara..." he squeezes Keelah's hand again, his other hand going to his mouth Alistair Nimitz@natthaan reaches down to help Sam stand up "Are you going to be okay?" Sam@drcrippler: "Yeah...I'll... just need... a minute..." he says, leaning against Keelah's bed Sam@drcrippler slowly makes his way to his feet. "I... should go and... check up on T'Pia," he says. "And let the Endeavour know..." Alistair Nimitz@natthaan nods "Of course." Sam@drcrippler turns and kisses Keelah, before he slowly goes to their room T'Pia@crystyll FX | Shortly after everyone leaves, were there a keen eye left in the room it might notice the slightest early twitch in Keelah's hand that was being held as the fingers slowly curl inwards
View AAR
SUBMITTED: Stardate 95108.4 FILED BY: CAPT K Se'Lai SECURITY: Level 2 - Confidential
LOCATION: Forged Earth
MISSION: Attendance & participation in FE Landing Day celebration
OUTCOME: Festivities interrupted by insurgent attack & hostages taken. Insurgent threat neutralized & hostages recovered.
KEY PERSONNEL:
CAPT Bishop CAPT Everett CAPT Nimitz CAPT Se'Lai CAPT Timoreev LCDR Keliaya FLT Baelai T'Pia Bishop-Se'Lai (NPC) GOV Thomas (NPC) COL Hanks(NPC)
NARRATIVE: On invitation from the FE governing council, Valley Forge attended the colony to participate in it's annual Landing Day celebration; a special invitation extended due to the colony's affinity for this ship and crew, which stems from their shared history with it's namesake and recent establishment of first contact with their colony. Additional Starfleet vessels & personnel were in attendance as spectators.
Festivities ensued as planned up to and including the Valley Forge's joint flyover in formation with the FEPD 1st Interceptor Squadron. However during the anticipated fireworks display which marked the climax of the event, an unprovoked and predetermined attack was carried out on the Grand Hall - host venue for senior FE dignitaries & Starfleet guests. (Note; as I was incapacitated by the initial attack, the events described herein after are summarized from accounts and reports of my officers who participated).
During my public address, a bomb was detonated at the staging location where myself & the Governors were positioned. This was later determined to be an adapted mining detonator, positioned externally & below the balcony; presumably during the mass preparations for the celebration. After the explosion, armed forces stormed the hall and took myself and my daughter captive. The initial aftermath was aptly handled by Starfleet & local forces alike in joint response, though the explosion triggered an automated activation of the FE defense grid; including the activation of an energy shield and scrambling signal across the city which subsequently cut off the Valley Forge & attending guests from other assets in orbit. Communication was also received (directed at the Valley Forge via a relay station within the shield perimeter) from those claiming responsibility ('The Heart of the Forged' as so identified in their message) in which they claimed to have killed me while attempting to bargain my daughter's life for a xenophobic mandate of removing all non-Humans from the ship and relinquishing control of it to them.
With senior officers & FE officials reconvening on board the Valley Forge, a response plan was formulated and enacted which focused around feigning acceptance of their terms to remove non-Human crew from the ship by exchanging them with officers from the Endeavour. Once all required personnel were readied, officers coordinated through Colonel Hanks of the FEPD to deactivate their defense grid and resume contact with the other Starfleet vessels in orbit whilst accommodating the feigned crew switch. Contact was established with terrorist group in which senior officers attempted to pursue a dialogue of reason. It is is this officers understanding that the figurehead of this group did not respond well and attempted to force the matter with the threat of executing my daughter - who was still being held captive at this time - and talks broke down.
During the ongoing exercise of negotiation - and commenced from the point the defense grid was deactivated to allow resumed contact with our other vessels - Starfleet assets were mobilized in a search to locate us. This started on the core world - Newna - but with no results, before USS Attar distributed a series of sensor probes around the system to expand the search radius without raising suspicion by moving any ships from orbit. This easily located our lifesigns at the mining colony of the sixth planet and the Akagi moved to investigate while other vessels remained deadlocked in the negotiations. After the talks broke down, Akagi was able to beam myself and my daughter out of the mining colony (alongside three terrorists who were in the process of attempting to subdue T'Pia) while it's supporting Interceptor squadron moved into the colony to retake control and subdue the remaining terrorists. Akagi medical staff promptly verified that reports of my death were largely exaggerated owing to the the group's limited understanding of Vulcan physiology and failure to recognize a healing trance; a fact aptly recognized by T'Pia who reinforced their assumption through bold claims of a required 'death ritual' which allowed her to remain at my side during the brief captivity.
RECOMMENDATION: As unfortunate as these events were both for us and the people of Forged Earth; such responses to first contact are not unheard of. As FE has no prior record of such a group's activity, their presence is determined as being isolated to the group which now resides in FEPD custody. Interrogations have further verified this, and suggest that the group's action was in fact not entirely driven by interaction with Starfleet but as an irrational reaction to the discover of alien technology buried deep with the mining colony; our presence at the celebration serving more as a focal point for their xenophobia.
I am confident that the internal affairs of the FE people can be competently managed by their own, and believe our best reaction to this would be to continue to show support in the face of adversity. Valley Forge will remain on station to investigate the alien technology supposedly uncovered at the mine, whilst continuing to provide engineering & relief support to the core colony as they work to repair to the damage done by this attack.
View Bonus - Sam's Visit
CrystylLast Saturday at 16:59 T'Pia enters sickbay carrying a Vulcan meditation lamp and some PADD's, her gaze settling on Keelah whonsits up in her bed reading a PADD, "Mum! Kazra told you no work!" Keelah lowers the PADD wearily with a smile, "Just wrapping up my report on this mess love. Who am I to argue with Kazra after all, or you for that matter young lady" she chuckles, extendimg a hand to take Pia's as she approaches Pia sets the lamp beside Keelah's bad as she sits, holding Keelah's hand tight, "Just as long as you know who is boss" she grins ?a???eLast Saturday at 18:02 Sam enters sickbay, but holds back watching the pair CrystylLast Saturday at 18:16 Pia smiles, adjusting the position of the lamp finely as Keelah watches with a quirked brow, "Oh don't give me that look mum! Play detached all you like, but I know you value your meditation really and figured after all this that you would appreciate some time on it" Keelah smiles, brushing Pia's hair behind her ear, "My sweet girl, always thinking of others" Pia flushes but smiles proudly, "Just you and dad really..." "What have you got there?" Keelah asks, eyeing the PADD's Pia smiles again, rummaging through them, "Just my project. I figured you would be resting a lot amd since I'm not leaving your side I brought these to busy myself when you do. I maaay have also picked up the latest Tess novel for you..." ?a???eLast Saturday at 18:21 Sam clears his throat. "Excuse me lass, but you should be resting too," he says from the door CrystylLast Saturday at 18:22 The Vulcan pair look over, both smiling warmly, "Sam, don't you have your own ship to look after?" Keelah smiles ?a???eLast Saturday at 18:27 "Screw my ship, I have my family to look after," he says to moving to them "Besides the ship is in fine hands already," CrystylLast Saturday at 18:30 "I take it Mischa's settling in well then?" Keelah reaches out to take his hand Pia steps away, "You know I just remembered I totally forgot to get... a thing... I'll leave you two alone a while..." she grins, slipping away ?a???eLast Saturday at 18:32 Sam takes her hand and runs his thumb over her knuckles. "She is..." he turns to the retreating T'Pia "I'm not done with you yet, young lady, you'd better have a good excuse why you're not resting," he calls after her with a chuckle "She's a mirror image of you," he mumbles to Keelah CrystylLast Saturday at 18:34 "I'll... think of one dad, promise!" She chirps, backing out the door with a wave. Kazra peers out from her office, shaking her head with a soft chuckle Keelah laughs softly, "Oh now, I'm sure you're to blame for at least some of her headstrong ways..." ?a???eLast Saturday at 18:36 "We've not seen an irrational side yet, so that's a good thing," he says, sitting on the side of the bed, stroking Keelah's hand CrystylLast Saturday at 18:40 She chuckles, "I couldn't be more proud of her. Or you..." she turns a concerned gaze up him, "I heard what happened while I was out of it; that can't have been easy on you..." she squeezes his hand tight ?a???eLast Saturday at 18:41 Sam shakes his head and pulls his feet onto the bed, lying alongside her. "I did nothing," he says, planting a kiss on her forehead. "It was all Alistair and Timo," CrystylLast Saturday at 18:55 "You persevered love. That was more than should ever be expected of anyone" ?a???eLast Saturday at 18:57 "I gambled with my daughter's life," he says, burying his face in Keelah's hair. "I almost lost both of you," CrystylLast Saturday at 19:09 Keelah shushes softly, reaching up to cradle the back of his head, "You did exactly what you should have done" ?a???eLast Saturday at 19:10 "I got you back, that's all that matters to me," he says, with a small smile, stroking Keelah's face. CrystylLast Saturday at 19:12 "And you did so without letting personal feelings compromise you; for that I am proud of you. Also it shows promise that the meditation is helping" she smiles ?a???eLast Saturday at 19:14 "I knew you'd say that," he smiles. "How are you feeling sweetheart?" CrystylLast Saturday at 19:16 "I will be back on my feet soon enough" ?a???eLast Saturday at 19:17 "I know how hypocritical it is of me to say this but..." he kisses her forehead again "Please take your time and rest fully," CrystylLast Saturday at 19:19 She smiles at the kiss, closing her eyes briefly, "Oh trust me, I am' ?a???eLast Saturday at 19:21 "Your seat is very uncomfortable you know," he says after a while CrystylLast Saturday at 19:22 She pouts, "What, because it's not a big leather lounger like yours? I prefer to maintain a good posture as I actually work there a lot" she teases ?a???eLast Saturday at 19:24 "Yes, but... You don't have to be all Spartan about it..." he chuckles. "You also might want to have your side console repaired. I may have cracked the screen," CrystylLast Saturday at 19:25 She leans back, looking at him deadpan before cracking a smile amd shaking her head, "Now that's the man I married" ?a???eLast Saturday at 19:28 "I believe the lesson we've all learnt here is... Don't put me in command of your ship. I break things and almost make it blow up," CrystylLast Saturday at 19:29 "Yes... perhaps best you keep those practices to your own command in the future. I like my ship intact thank you" she chuckles ?a???eLast Saturday at 19:30 Laughs and pulls her close to him. "Don't leave me again," he whispers quietly. "Ever. I can't live without you," CrystylLast Saturday at 20:31 Keelah hugs him tightly, suffering the slight discomfort for the movement ?a???eLast Saturday at 20:49 Sam shifts to ease the discomfort for her. "What are we going to do for T'Pia's first birthday?" he mumbles CrystylLast Saturday at 21:55 "Well I intended on a nice family dinner. However I believe the crew have other ideas..." "Mia announced she is going to start singing regularly at the lounge, and it is no coincidence that Pia's birthday falls on the first scheduled evening!" ?a???eLast Saturday at 22:10 "We can let her enjoy herself with the crew," he nods. "They are her family too. What about you? Will you be well enough to attend such a function?" CrystylLast Saturday at 22:11 "Like anything could keep me away" she smiles ?a???eLast Saturday at 22:12 Sam rolls his eyes. "Now you're talking like a Bishop," CrystylLast Saturday at 22:15 "No; like a mother. I already missed her growing up Sam, I'm not going to miss her first birthday even if I have to have Kazra wheel this bed in there!" She chuckles ?a???eLast Saturday at 22:17 "You do this parenting thing a lot better than me," he smiles and gives her another kiss CrystylLast Saturday at 22:19 "I wouldn't say that, you're a great father! You know she still glows with glee everytime she talks about being on your bridge with you" ?a???eLast Saturday at 22:20 "I'm just glad none of the higher ups found out about that," he grumbles. "It was the equivalent of a joy ride on a Starship..." CrystylLast Saturday at 22:31 She laughs, "Come now, it's not like you transferred your command codes and left your post!" ?a???eLast Saturday at 22:33 Looks at her blankly. "You know Command. You so much as breathe without authorisation and they give you a reprimand. For some reason, they seem to know how to do our jobs better than us, all from behind a desk," CrystylLast Saturday at 22:33 She purses her lips considering him, "...what did you do...?" ?a???eLast Saturday at 22:35 "Saved the galaxy," he smirks. "But it's all still classified for a while," CrystylLast Saturday at 22:36 "Right..." her tone remains dubious, "That commentary on Command tells me that you've fallen out with them again..." ?a???eLast Saturday at 22:38 "I've not fallen out with them," he sighs. "Besides, that's not a discussion for now," CrystylLast Saturday at 22:41 She chuckles, holding a hand to his cheek, "As long as you, your ship and crew are all well; that is all I need to know" ?a???eLast Saturday at 22:42 Sam cups his hand to hers. "I'm fine, my crew's fine, and I've not heard an explosion so I'm guessing the Endeavour's fine too," CrystylLast Saturday at 22:44 "Reassuring as ever" she teases, "Honestly Sam, I'm almost jealous of you can distance yourself so from your Command" ?a???eLast Saturday at 22:45 "There are things more important than a ship," "And Mischa's a good first officer too," CrystylLast Saturday at 22:46 "I'm glad she's working out for you" ?a???eLast Saturday at 22:49 "She's a fine officer. And one that I hope can take command of the Endeavour one day," CrystylYesterday at 00:06 "Planning retirement already?" She teases ?a???eYesterday at 01:57 "It's... Insurance," he grins. "Just in case I get blown away by terrorists," he chuckles, nuzzling her head CrystylYesterday at 01:59 She gives a Marge Simson groan, "Not so funny, love" she teases ?a???eYesterday at 02:02 Sam chuckles. "She is a good officer. Her skills were wasted behind a desk," CrystylYesterday at 19:49 "As I understand it, she was never one for desk jobs..." ?a???eToday at 00:33 "She wasn't... but... there's the Head of Intelligence position that's opened up on DS13. It would be a great career move for her, if she was to take it," his hand idly strokes her cheek CrystylToday at 00:37 "Assumimg she is ready to step back from the front lines. Not an easy move for any officer, let alone one so heavily focused on a field specialization" ?a???eToday at 00:39 Sam nods. "Career wise though, it's an excellent move, and it's not like it's easy for someone to get an opportunity like this," CrystylToday at 00:53 "True, but only she can tell if it's the right move for her now or not" she caresses Sam's cheek, "I know it would be a blow for you to lose her just as she is settling in there" ?a???eToday at 11:09 "You know it's not about me, Keelah. The universe is more than me," CrystylToday at 18:27 "Yes and the Endeavour is your little corner of it" she chuckles ?a???eToday at 18:32 "My little corner of it is right here," he kisses her lightly. "Stuck in the medbay," CrystylToday at 18:33 She smiles, "Alright, I'll give you that one... smooth talker" ?a???eToday at 18:33 "You set it up for me," he chuckles
View - Keliaya's Visit
Keliaya@anncarise steps into sickbay. Keelah@crystyll is sat up in her bed now, PADD reading as always Keliaya@anncarise steps up to Keelah, "Not missing a moment of work, Captain?" she smiles. Keelah@crystyll peers over the PADD and smirks, "Hello Kelly!" she lowers it to the bed beside her, "And as if Kazra and Zee would actually let me..." Keelah@crystyll: "No" she chuckles, "Just actually catching up with my favourite ancient Earth detective!" Keliaya@anncarise: "Ancient Earth detective? That sounds like a holoprogram premise..." Keelah@crystyll: "Oh it is! One I've been far too neglectful of in recent months, as I believe more of the novels have been converted. But for now, simply reading the newer works is more than sufficient" she smiles Keliaya@anncarise smiles, "I'm glad you're finding a good read to keep entertained in the meantime. Have you had many visitors?" Keelah@crystyll: "Sam and Pia have barely left my side" she smiles, "Jenni stopped by earlier with the Governor too. He was profusely apologetic, we had a hard time talking him out of blaming himself!" she chuckles Keelah@crystyll: "Mia checks in regularly too as you might imagine. She brought me lovely slice of cheesecake last visit too..." Keliaya@anncarise chuckles, "Sounds like her!" Keliaya@anncarise smiles, "Everyone's just glad and relieved that you and T'Pia are back safely." Keelah@crystyll: "Not half as relieved as I am... I still can't believe I put my baby girl in such a situation..." Keliaya@anncarise: "It was just supposed to be a formal talk. You couldn't have known there would be any danger." Keelah@crystyll sighs, "That's what I keep telling myself. Right alongside 'she's not really a baby anymore, she's a young woman' and 'it's the kind of random act of violence that could strike anywhere'..." Keliaya@anncarise: "There's danger everywhere, especially on a ship in the middle of deep space. Like that parasite infestation we had which T'Pia helped solve. All we can do is, well, try our best to deal with things." Keliaya@anncarise: "And T'Pia's shown she's definitely more than capable." Keelah@crystyll nods, "That she most certainly has" she smiles proudly, "And it's not like I don't know better than hold to emotional detachment in such circumstances" Keelah@crystyll: "But that doesn't mean have to chastice the elation when it's over and I know she is safe again" she smiles Keliaya@anncarise smiles, "Certainly something everyone's enjoying knowing right now." Keliaya@anncarise: "To be honest I was more worried about you. There were clear signs that you were injured, and the people responsible claimed you were dead..." Keliaya@anncarise: "I hear you were in some healing trance that fooled them?" Keelah@crystyll nods, "That's right and apparently it fooled them into thinking I was dead. Are you not familiar with the practice?" Keliaya@anncarise shakes her head, "No, the closest thing we have is our annual hibernation. But even then we Denobulans don't appear to be dead when we hibernate." Keelah@crystyll nods, "Of course. Well it is not something often called upon in this day and age, given the technological medical support we usually have on hand" Keelah@crystyll: "And only a few years back, I may not have had the control to perform it myself..." Keliaya@anncarise: "Oh, it's something that needs training to master?" Keelah@crystyll: "But it is a highly focused form of meditation which allows us to effectively shut down our body and allow our fast metabolism to essentially serve as self healing" Keelah@crystyll: "Well i certainly never trained that far" she chuckles, "But it's no secret that since Pia came into my life that I've paid more credence to my emotional control and meditation" Keliaya@anncarise: "And it's paid off very nicely!" Keelah@crystyll: "Enough at least to keep me going until you found us. And if I'm proud of Pia for her resolve, I am equally proud of everyone on board for their actions here" Keliaya@anncarise: "I wish we could've done more. We decided the best course of action was to play along with their demands to buy time, so most of our efforts were spent with a temporary crew rotation." Keelah@crystyll: "I have learned not to dwell on past tense hypotheticals" she chuckles, "Trust me, they will tie you up in knots eternally if you let them" Keelah@crystyll: "All that matters is that your actions yielded desirable results" she smiles Keliaya@anncarise smiles back, "Indeed. This has gone a lot better than similar situations I've been in, and I'm very thankful for that." Keelah@crystyll: "You've encountered such rare circumstances before?" she asks with a curiously quirked brow Keliaya@anncarise: "Well, not /exactly/ like this. But back when I was serving on the Radiant, we had our captain taken by hostiles as well." Keelah@crystyll: "Oh, I had no idea! I'm sorry" Keliaya@anncarise smiles, "It's a long time ago now. And I'm glad we didn't have an exact repeat of that incident." Keelah@crystyll: "I take from that; the outcome was not so positive that time..." Keliaya@anncarise shakes her head, "No, it wasn't. We never managed to recover Captain Wu. We didn't even find out what happened to her until the end of the war." Keliaya@anncarise: "She was one of the prisoners Starfleet asked to be returned when the alliance was formed, but apparently she had been long dead by then." Keelah@crystyll shakes her head despondently, "I am truly sorry, Kelly..." Keliaya@anncarise: "So...I might have been extra relieved when we got both you and T'Pia back safe. And I'm very glad we got a much better outcome." Keelah@crystyll: "For what it's worth Kelly, my elation was also spurred by past incidents that were not so successful..." Keliaya@anncarise: "Oh?" Keelah@crystyll nods grimly, "Quite possibly the darkest moment in this ship's history, and mine as a CO. It must have been before you joined us" Keliaya@anncarise: "Was it the time Captain Bishop was taken by these aliens?" Keliaya@anncarise: "I remember they attacked us on multiple occasions, even boarded once. Aside from that...the worst threats I can recall was the Branded Lady's trap and...this." Keelah@crystyll: "Yes" she nods, "During one of those first boardings they seized control of the bridge" Keliaya@anncarise nods, "I remember that one. It certainly brought back many similar memories when Captain Wu was taken. And that slaver attack on the Gainsborough." Keelah@crystyll: "I was restrained and my bridge crew were all held hostage before me." she pauses, "I was... made to watch, as they executed four of my officers in front of me that day..." Keliaya@anncarise: "I...believe I was with Captain Bishop that time and not on bridge duty. I wish I could've gotten there quickly enough to help them as well..." Keelah@crystyll: "That's right..." she nods, "I think you were. So yes, they paid for it naturally but whilst I am resigned to the fact that good people will die under my command at times, such circumstances are... Keelah@crystyll: + not so forgiving on the katra" Keliaya@anncarise: "That they certainly aren't. Having to witness something like that is difficult enough...I can't imagine dealing with it as a commanding officer." Keelah@crystyll: "It was... difficult, suffice to say. And no doubt a contributing reason towards my increased focus on meditation and control now" she smiles softly Keliaya@anncarise smiles back, "You're certainly doing things right, seeing how this turned out." Keelah@crystyll smiles gratefully, "I try. That's the most I can do" Keliaya@anncarise: "Most anyone can do," she nods. Keliaya@anncarise: "I do hope Forged Earth won't see any more incidents like this, though." Keliaya@anncarise: "They've done very well for themselves so far, and I have to admit I've never actually considered what impacts it would have for a society to suddenly be opened up to the wider galactic community." Keelah@crystyll: "As I understand of things from the Governor, that is unlikelly to be a concern" Keelah@crystyll: "That said, it has still opened the Council up to the concept of xenophobic reactions and they are taking matters under careful advisement to ensure to no further incidents still" Keliaya@anncarise nods, "That's good to hear. I imagine these people are by far a small minority in Forged Earth's population." Keelah@crystyll: "Very much so..." she looks around and waves Kelly closer, that magic sparkle of the unknown in her eye Keliaya@anncarise steps closer. Keelah@crystyll: "The truth is Kelly; we currently believe this group weas very specifically isolated to a certain mining shift at the facility where you found us" Keelah@crystyll: "They had broken ground on a new section and made a discovery which set - what was a manageably mild xenophobia - into their just cause for taking the action they did" Keliaya@anncarise: "They found something in their mine? Something of non-Forged Earth origin?" Keelah@crystyll nods with that 'Exploration Captain' look still Keelah@crystyll: "We are not holding position here purely to aid with the aftermath control, Kelly" Keliaya@anncarise: "I suppose they want us to check it out?" Keelah@crystyll: "Naturally! It is in their facility, but they have no expertise in such matters. So yes, Governor Thomas asked that we investigate and make safe as neccessary" Keliaya@anncarise: "I can see why...if it spooked the miners like that it could be something potentially dangerous. Do they have any clue what it could be?" Keelah@crystyll: "None" she shakes her head, "It could be anything from an ancient Horta egg to a hidden access panel for a whole subterranean civilization!" she chuckles Keelah@crystyll: "I do not believe it is anything inheretly dangerous however, else sensors would have likely picked up some energy disturbances by now. I believe they were more spooked simply by the premise that + Keelah@crystyll: + non-Forged inhabited their home long before them, and that sparked what was already bubbling beneath the surface" Keliaya@anncarise nods, "I did notice some skepticism from the Forged. Even Jenni had her reservations about Vulcans when she first arrived, I believe." Keelah@crystyll: "Yes, it was a natural part of their isolated evolution, given the circumstances of their departure from Earth at the time it is not surprising" Keelah@crystyll: "And so I can quite easily reconcile that a discover like this would push already borderline elements over the edge" Keliaya@anncarise: "We'll still take all the precautions we can though, just in case whatever they found does pose some kind of risk." Keliaya@anncarise: "I wouldn't be surprised if it was some old abandoned military facility, or a rogue computer..." Keelah@crystyll: "Naturally! We are anything but reckles-..." blinks, "A rogue computer...?" she smirks Keliaya@anncarise chuckles, "I've not come across one myself, but it's a popular premise in holonovels. A starship crew coming across an ancient computer that gained sentience and was cut off and sealed away." Keliaya@anncarise: "To prevent it from gaining galactic domination...you know the type." Keelah@crystyll chuckles, raising her novel PADD and waving it accussingly at Kelly, "I'm not the only one to be indulging in fanciful fiction I see!" Keliaya@anncarise laughs, "I enjoy holoprograms socially from time to time!" Keliaya@anncarise: "In fairness though, all the actual synthetically created lifeforms I've come across have been benevolent." Keelah@crystyll: "Even downright infectiously chirpy!" she smiles Keliaya@anncarise chuckles, "Indeed!" Keelah@crystyll shighs wistfully, "You know one day, when we're all sitting a cosy fireplace somewhere enjoying our retirement and and a nice annual get together of this crew..." Keelah@crystyll: "We should put together all our logs into a holonovel series, as we seem to have quite the collection of stories to tell!" Keliaya@anncarise: "That we do! It could end up like a 25th century version of that Lexington holo Mia enjoys..." Keelah@crystyll chuckles, "You know, I never did get trying that one out. I wonder if Leila knows about it too..." Keliaya@anncarise: "It's a very popular one. I don't know if she's the type to try it, but something tells me she's probably heard about it." Keliaya@anncarise: "If not seen it firsthand then at least from her crew!" Keelah@crystyll: "Indeed!" she ponders and humphs, "The Valley Forge should definitely be remembered so, too!" Keliaya@anncarise: "I do have a friend who does holo work, even got him to help out Mia. Buuuut I'm fairly sure his style of holoprogram isn't what we're looking for here..." Keelah@crystyll quirks a brow, considering Kelly a loooong moment, "I'm... not even going to ask" she laughs Keliaya@anncarise laughs, "Don't worry, I won't ask him to help here either!" Keelah@crystyll: "Besides, it's no fun while we're still writing the story!" looks around, wistfully patting the bulkhead behind her, "And something tells me our girl's adventure is still only just beginning..." Keliaya@anncarise nods, "I certainly don't plan on retiring anytime soon either!" Keelah@crystyll smiles, "Glad to hear it, Kelly. I don't know anyone I'd rather trust to keep the Forge in peak condition" Keliaya@anncarise smiles back, "And I'll be sure to have the Forge in nothing less!" Keelah@crystyll gives a contented sigh, "I really do feel like the luckiest Captain in the fleet you know..." Keliaya@anncarise: "I'm glad we give you reason to be proud." Keelah@crystyll: "Come now Kelly, you've seen your share of frontline vessels just as I have. To have landed this ship; and had the fortune to build the crew we have... I couldn't have asked for more as a crowning + Keelah@crystyll: + achievement, let alone a first command!" Keliaya@anncarise: "Certainly a very good first command, as lucky as Admiral Janeway was with the Voyager. Many captains I know started out with something like a Saber or Nova..." Keliaya@anncarise: "Von Essen actually started out with an Oberth. But he had a fondness for smaller vessels." Keelah@crystyll: "Yes, I fortunate in spending so much time as an XO on ships like the Legacy and Dawnstar. That - coupled with my background - was only thing that justified me landing our girl here" Keliaya@anncarise: "I think the Lexington is Captain Omar's first command as well. I'm not sure about her service record though." Keelah@crystyll: "Likewise, we never seem to get as much time at the Lexington's side as I would like" Keliaya@anncarise: "I suppose we're are both meant for longer range exploration missions. Before the whole DS13 incident I believe they were retracing a lot of the Gainsborough's routes." Keliaya@anncarise: "Spent quite a bit of time in the Alpha-7190 sector, not far from where we found Mana." Keelah@crystyll: "Makes sense really, that does pretty much cover the immediate border with the Azedi after all now" Keliaya@anncarise nods, "Not sure where they are now though. Haven't seen them since the last time we were at K-7." Keelah@crystyll: "Well we have at least enjoyed some proud moments with our sister ship off our bow. That in itself is a grace we should be thankful for, as not many can boast the same" Keliaya@anncarise: "Indeed! And hopefully our successes will greenlight more refits like the Valley Forge." Keelah@crystyll: "I would not be suprised if they're already halfway through the active Sentinel fleet by now!" she chuckles Keliaya@anncarise: "Now I'm curious to check if they are working on any further Sentinel refits..." she chuckles as well. Keelah@crystyll smiles, "You know, I once got all fanciful about the idea that maybe this program would prove so successful that it would see a new line of ships commissioned, taking the Valley Forge's name for the Keelah@crystyll: class, as the forerunner of the refits" Keliaya@anncarise: "Well we have been successful so far! And it is about time for Starfleet to return its focus to the classic exploration ships we're known for." Keliaya@anncarise: "Aside from the Odyssey, the Pathfinder and...arguably the Brigid and her variants, too many recent ships have been designed in wartime with that frame of thinking in mind." Keelah@crystyll: "Yeah, but... turns out there already /is/ a Valley Forge class of vessel! Or at least, there was..." Keliaya@anncarise: "There was? Which one was that?" Keelah@crystyll: "It was a precursor to the classic Constitution" Keelah@crystyll: "Another pioneer too!" she smiles Keliaya@anncarise: "Oh, a 23rd century class! That's likely why I'm not familiar with it. Mia might know of it though!" Keelah@crystyll chuckles, "Maybe. But I think that's best saved for another day..." Keliaya@anncarise chuckles, "I'll let you rest then. It's good to see you well, Keelah." Keelah@crystyll: "Thank you for stopping by, Kelly" she smiles Keliaya@anncarise smiles back, "I hope you get better soon!" Keelah@crystyll: "You can count on it" she adds with a nod, retrieving her PADD