ST:TTV413 | "House Guests"

Stardate 95664.4

Members of the Valley Forge crew accept an invitation to join Captain Vix on board the QanwI' to gain some experience of life on board the Klingon vessel

---

View Episode

Rianni@crystyll beams over to the QanwI' with Ann, Silvestrie & T'Quila, ready to join the next mission B'Atar@anncarise | The QanwI's transporter officer, an older Klingon man who is totally not dead, greets them with only a nod of acknowledgement as they materialize. Rianni@crystyll looks around the comparatively bleak and imposing interior. She remains quiet, not wanting to speak out of turn against the senior officers in her party Rianni@crystyll | TQ meanwhile thinks nothing of it, stepping off the pad and greeting him with a friendly smile and a 'hey there" B'Atar@anncarise | Ann glances around her environment as well, "Never been inside a Klingon ship outside o' sims. It's darker than I expected..." Rianni@crystyll: "And redder..." she notes quietly to Ann, still little nervous B'Atar@anncarise | The transporter operator merely points ahead, "The Captain's expecting you." Rianni@crystyll | TQ looks to the door and back, "Is she... outside the door? I know this ship is small but I'm not sure any of us know the way to, um... wherever she is" B'Atar@anncarise | Transporter Operator: "K'Sarn will lead the way." B'Atar@anncarise | He nudges his head towards the door again. B'Atar@anncarise | Ann looks to TQ, "Met plenty o' Klingons on Nimbus though. They ain't ones for courtesies. Kinda like Delaan and his people, actually." B'Atar@anncarise | Ann: "Or small talk a lotta the time..." Rianni@crystyll | TQ nods slowly, "Right... well, thanks then!" she takes note of Ann's comment and thanks with extra cheer in her tone just for fun Rianni@crystyll smiles a little at TQ and follows the group out of the transporter room B'Atar@anncarise FX | A much younger Klingon male in an honour guard uniform similar to Lexi's awaits in the hall just outside. Rianni@crystyll | TQ leads the way still, focusing on the officer, "K'Sarn?" B'Atar@anncarise | K'Sarn: "Aye. You must be the visitors from the Valley Forge. Come with me." Rianni@crystyll falls in line, folliwng K'Sarn while getting her bearings of the ship B'Atar@anncarise | K'Sarn leads them through a brief stretch of hall before reaching a lift. They wait a few seconds and the lift door opens...to reveal most of the lift's space taken up by a huge Gorn. B'Atar@anncarise | K'Sarn: "Make room, mercenary." B'Atar@anncarise | Gorn: "I am no sssimple mercenary..." B'Atar@anncarise: | K'Sarn: "I know what your ties to the Hegemony are, Sshakon, but on this ship your role is a hired blade. Fall in line." B'Atar@anncarise | Sshakon: "I was in here firssst." B'Atar@anncarise | K'Sarn: "And you'll be buried here if you don't move." B'Atar@anncarise | Sshakon: "Why ssshould I be afraid of your threatsss, little Klingon?" B'Atar@anncarise | K'Sarn: "Because you know size doesn't matter in a fight. Or would you like to try your luck challenging the Captain?" B'Atar@anncarise | The Gorn lets out a hiss-like laugh, "Thisss is why I like you bone-heads." B'Atar@anncarise | He gives K'Sarn a clasp on the back as he exits the lift, nearly pushing the Klingon inside. Rianni@crystyll warily watches the hulking Gorn pass before heading into the lift behind the others B'Atar@anncarise FX | The lift closes once all are aboard and begins moving as K'Sarn selects its destination. Rianni@crystyll | TQ: "Well he seemed... nice" B'Atar@anncarise | K'Sarn: "That is Sshakon. He signed on as a mercenary, but he's a loremaster of the Hegemony. He joined us because there are indications that the Gorn visited and maybe expanded into these - B'Atar@anncarise: - unknown regions during the height of their Empire. He's here to verify these theories, and find worlds for the Hegemony to potentially lay claim to." Rianni@crystyll tries to remember if she saw any Gorn artifacts at the Underworld market B'Atar@anncarise | K'Sarn: "Don't let his job fool you, though. He's more than capable of crushing most warriors." Rianni@crystyll | TQ smiles, "Duly noted" B'Atar@anncarise | Rianni may recall one or two, though she doesn't know if they came from unexplored space or were being shipped into the region from known sectors. Rianni@crystyll keeps it in mind for future interaction with Sshakon B'Atar@anncarise FX | The lift door opens to the level of the bridge. B'Atar@anncarise | K'Sarn leads them into the bridge to meet Lexi. Rianni@crystyll | Lexi sits lazily in her command throne, drumming her fingertips slowly on it's armrest B'Atar@anncarise | K'Sarn: "Captain. The Federation visitors are here." Rianni@crystyll | Lexi spins around slowly and smiles at the sight, "Aha, excellent! Thank you K'Sarn" she focuses on the group, " William, I should have known you'd turn up here sooner or later!" she stands B'Atar@anncarise | Ann looks between Silvestrie and Lexi, "You two know each other?" Rianni@crystyll | Lexi grins, grasping a hand on Ann's shoulder, "This is the one who started our drinking game at your Captain's birthday party a few years back where I drunk your Tactical chief under the table!" Rianni@crystyll | Lexi peers around, "Vrolmacht not join you...? His loss!" she focuses on Ann, "You, I am not so familiar with however" B'Atar@anncarise | Ann: "I only joined the crew when we set out for the voyage. Name's Ann, Ensign Ann Carter." Rianni@crystyll | Lexi: "And you're already trying to escape to our little bird, eh? HA!" she chortles, looking to the others Rianni@crystyll | Lexi smiles more softly as she greets TQ with a hug and friend kiss on the cheek, "Tee, you are a surprise. Finally getting more adventurous are we?" Rianni@crystyll TQ | smiles as she returns the affectionate greeting, "I am submitting myself for officer training, so such ventures suddenly hold more meaning. It's good to see you again Lexi" Rianni@crystyll | Lexi nods and turns to Rianni with a warm smile, bracing the young girl with a firm grip on both shoulders, "And of course young Ms. Tierno; the one who uncovered our relic on Underworld. I am + Rianni@crystyll: + glad to see you with us, Rianni" Rianni@crystyll winces slightly at the Trill's firm grasp but smiles, "Learning is what I'm here for after all" B'Atar@anncarise | K'Sarn: "Looks like you know most of them already, Captain." Rianni@crystyll | Lexi, "Qapla'!" she firmly pats Rianni's shoulders again, turning bck to K'Sarn, "Indeed! I may not have spent much time over there since we started this mission, but have a long history with this+ Rianni@crystyll: + ship and her crew" Rianni@crystyll | Lexi returns to her seat as she speaks, continuing there focused on the group, "And you are of course all welcome here on the QanwI'! Your Captain and I are both eager to see how this pans out as + Rianni@crystyll: + it could lead to further exchanges becoming regular practice" Rianni@crystyll | Lexi: "But for now, you are useless to us until you are acclimatized!" suddenly sounding less Trill, more Klingon again, "So you'll report to K'Sarn here until you have your duty assignments" B'Atar@anncarise | K'Sarn: "I'll find things for them to do." Rianni@crystyll | Lexi flashes a wicked grin K'Sarn's way, "I'm sure you will. Just... try not to break any of them on their first day, yes? Just look as those soft, crisp uniforms if you need a reminder" Rianni@crystyll idly tugs gently at her tunic for no apparent reason B'Atar@anncarise | K'Sarn smirks, "I'll treat them gently. Come!" He waves them along as he heads back for the lift. Rianni@crystyll & co. all file back into the lift behind K'Sarn B'Atar@anncarise FX | The lift goes a few levels before opening to a different deck than before. B'Atar@anncarise | K'Sarn: "No welcome is complete without a proper drink!" Rianni@crystyll: "Even on duty?" Rianni@crystyll enquires curiosly with that ever innocent tone as they exit the lift B'Atar@anncarise | K'Sarn laughs, "Of course! Work makes you thirsty!" Rianni@crystyll gives a thoughtful 'hmm' at that Rianni@crystyll | TQ looks to Rianni with a chuckle, "Can't deny the logic there" B'Atar@anncarise | K'Sarn leads them over to a bar that's totally here, "Grab whatever you want! Afraid we don't have too many choices at the moment though." Rianni@crystyll follows the group to the bar to see what the limited options are B'Atar@anncarise | There is some bloodwine and a few other drinks, mostly synthales. B'Atar@anncarise | The mess hall is what one would expect from that on a Klingon ship- lively and messy with warriors laughing and pushing one another. One figure however, sits in the corner alone, wearing a dark - B'Atar@anncarise: - suit of armour that almost blends in completely with the shadows. Her face is obscured behind a full helmet. Rianni@crystyll | TQ: "Well... when in Qon'os..." she steps up, grabbing a tankard of bloodwine. She takes a brave gulp and hands one to Rianni, "You ever tried this before?" Rianni@crystyll timidly shakes her head as she takes the drink, giving it a cautious sniff Rianni@crystyll | TQ: "The key is /not/ to sip gently. This is a Klingon drink remember, so gulp it down if you want it to stay there. Qapla'!" she takes another gulp Rianni@crystyll takes a deep breath and has a big gulp of the bloodwine, her face screws up as she quickly lowers it and tries not to spit it all out Rianni@crystyll | TQ laughs, "It's an acquired taste, but you'll get used to it once it burns your finer tastebuds away!" B'Atar@anncarise | Ann: "I've never enjoyed it myself...got a few tries while I was younger." Rianni@crystyll gulps again, forcing it down, "Qa...pla'" she grimaces at the thought Rianni@crystyll: "Enjoy isn't the first word that springs to mind with this stuff..." B'Atar@anncarise | She takes a drink and clearly enjoys it as much as Rianni does. Rianni@crystyll | TQ laughs again at Ann as she hands Silvestrie a tankard, "What about you, got a strong a stomach as these two?" B'Atar@anncarise | Ann: "Ya did start a drinkin’ contest, didn't ya?" B'Atar@anncarise | Silvestrie: "Oh I can handle drinking, but bloodwine's strong even for Klingons. Not going to stop me from trying though..." B'Atar@anncarise | He takes a gulp and makes a face as well, "Okay...remind me not to start a drinking contest here..." he laughs. Rianni@crystyll giggles a little at Silvestrie, "Well this is certainly a relaxed start to things here" B'Atar@anncarise | K'Sarn: "That is why we drink!" He joins in the laughing. Rianni@crystyll: "So K'Sarn, do you know what our duty assignments will invovle, or are you just escorting us for this... orientation?" B'Atar@anncarise | K'Sarn: "Well I know you'll be getting jobs that fit your skills. Not much beyond that. I'm not sure what it is you normally do." Rianni@crystyll: "Well I'm a Cadet so I normally just study..." Rianni@crystyll | TQ smiles, "Rianni here is a tactical cadet and a budding expert in starship combat tactics!" B'Atar@anncarise | K'Sarn: "Then I expect she might get to be our gunner for a few days!" Rianni@crystyll flushes a little, not keen to draw attention to her field of supposed expertise here of all place Rianni@crystyll | TQ: "Ensign Carter is a pilot, while I work for Operations. And William is our Chief of Security" B'Atar@anncarise | K'Sarn: "Chief of Security! We can always use more good warriors!" B'Atar@anncarise | Ann: "I've flown a Romulan bird once before, but never a Klingon ship." Rianni@crystyll looks to Ann, "Really? Wow!" B'Atar@anncarise | K'Sarn: "Word of warning...the Captain isn't very forgiving of her helm officers..." B'Atar@anncarise | Ann: "I'll keep tha' in mind..." B'Atar@anncarise | K'Sarn finishes his mug and slams it on the counter, "Now! Let's show you to where you'll be staying!" Rianni@crystyll gulps down most of hers and gently sets the tankard down, following him out B'Atar@anncarise FX | He leads the way into one of the bunk rooms, which is totally not a large bedroom but a cramped space with four classic Klingon metal 'beds.' Rianni@crystyll wonders why they've stopped by a storage closet en route to their quarters B'Atar@anncarise | K'Sarn: "This'll be your room. Just standard bunks on a ship this size, none of your fancy Starfleet hotels." Rianni@crystyll: "Oh..." she smiles bravely, moving to claim a bunk, "Well, it will be just like being back at the Academy dorms!" B'Atar@anncarise | Ann: "Yeah...Klingons ain't much for luxury either." She chuckles. B'Atar@anncarise | Ann moves over to one of the bunks, "Academy bunks got mattresses at least. But this isn't the worst way to sleep still." Rianni@crystyll: "I actually heard this can do wonders for your back" B'Atar@anncarise | Silvestrie chuckles, "A Klingon back, maybe..." Rianni@crystyll laughs, "Maybe!" B'Atar@anncarise | K'Sarn glances to TQ, "You're part Orion, aren't you?" Rianni@crystyll | TQ nods with a smile, "It was the ears that gave me away, wasn't it?" she chuckles B'Atar@anncarise | K'Sarn chuckles, "That gave away the part bit. Thought you were Romulan at first, but don't think I've seen a Romulan as green as you." Rianni@crystyll | TQ: "Yeah, it's a natural assumption I get all the time. I mean, who would assume green skin and pointed ears meant half Orion - half Vulcan, and not just Romulan!" B'Atar@anncarise | K'Sarn: "We got a couple of Orion mercs, so I recognize the skin tone. Half Vulcan, though? I'd have thought half Romulan!" Rianni@crystyll | TQ nods, "Yes, not the most common of hybrids I know" B'Atar@anncarise | K'Sarn: "That explains the Starfleet part!" Rianni@crystyll | TQ: "Yeah, it-... wait, it does?" B'Atar@anncarise | K'Sarn: "Don't hear about a lot of Romulans and Orions in Starfleet. Good number of Vulcans, though." Rianni@crystyll | TQ: "Aah yes, right of course. Makes sense!" B'Atar@anncarise | K'Sarn: "Good number of Orions as mercs though, and not bad ones." Rianni@crystyll | TQ: "Yes well, I'm more than happy following the other half of my heritage there, so no ideas about recruiting, you!" she chuckles B'Atar@anncarise | K'Sarn laughs. "I think we'll get plenty of recruits here! From what we've seen so far, there's plenty willing to fight on a payroll, or just looking for a good fight!" Rianni@crystyll: "Are many of the crew hired mercs?" B'Atar@anncarise | K'Sarn: "Most of the senior crew's part of the honour guard under Guard Captain Lexi, like me. Most of the warriors and techs are hired though, except for old Ja'lath." B'Atar@anncarise | K'Sarn: "He's the one you met when you beamed in." Rianni@crystyll: "So he's one of the honour guard too?" B'Atar@anncarise | K'Sarn: "Nah, he's an engineer whose been with House Dronurr for a while now. Like any Klingon, he's trained to fight, but he's no honour guard." Rianni@crystyll: "Aah, I remember the Captain telling me something about that House name when I showed her the relic we found on Underworld..." B'Atar@anncarise | K'Sarn: "Dronurr, aye. That's the House we serve. It's one of the more open Houses, as you've probably guessed, Lexi isn't an orthodox choice for a Guard Captain." Rianni@crystyll giggles, "Orthodox isn't the first thing that comes to mind with her" B'Atar@anncarise | K'Sarn: "Ja'lath's birth House disowned him when he refused to specialize in weapons tech or anything combat related. He's been with Dronurr ever since." Rianni@crystyll | TQ: "So besides the Gorn loremaster, any other noteworthy characters on board; for better or worse?" B'Atar@anncarise | K'Sarn: "Well, there's that shady assassin in the mess, if you noticed her. At least, I think it's a her and I think she's an assassin..." Rianni@crystyll | TQ perks a brow, "You... don't know?" B'Atar@anncarise | K'Sarn: "She doesn't usually talk to people. She's definitely one of the hired mercs and the Captain's allowed her on board, so that's good enough for me." B'Atar@anncarise | K'Sarn: "Everything about her feels wrong, though. My advice- try and avoid her." Rianni@crystyll | TQ dips her head, "I appreciate the heads up" Rianni@crystyll shifts a little as she listens, naturally inquisitve about the elusive character now B'Atar@anncarise | K'Sarn: "There's a few other colourful characters among the mercs, but most of them are your typical hired blades." B'Atar@anncarise | K'Sarn: "The Captain's checked them all, so they know what they're doing. No bekks here- they may not all be Klingon, but they're all warriors." Rianni@crystyll: "What about our mission itself, do we know any details up front?" B'Atar@anncarise | K'Sarn: "It's a recon mission, like most of what we do. Don't know much about the place yet, our job's to get some info before your ship comes along." Rianni@crystyll: "Standard outing there, thank you" she smiles B'Atar@anncarise | K'Sarn nods, "Aye. Haven't run into any trouble so far with these. Your cruiser seems to draw most of the attention, like those sentient machine ships." Rianni@crystyll: "One of the drawbacks to not travelling under cloak" Rianni@crystyll: "Or advantages, depending how you look at it. Wanderer is fascinating to talk to!" B'Atar@anncarise | K'Sarn chuckles, "Probably best Starfleet handles things like that. Anyways, your assignments should be ready tomorrow. I'll leave you to rest up." Rianni@crystyll: "Thank you K'Sarn, qapla'" Rianni@crystyll | TQ gives him a cheery wave, less fussed for attempting to fit in, she just lays back and waits for the Bloodwine fueled room to stop spinning B'Atar@anncarise | Ann gives him a traditional Klingon salute as well before he turns and heads out. ------ B'Atar@anncarise FX | As Rianni exits her bunk, she spots or at least thinks she sees a dark figure quickly move through the halls, crossing down a ramp to another part of the raptor. Rianni@crystyll 's curiosity gets the better of her and she follows B'Atar@anncarise | As she makes her way down the ramp, she doesn't see any sign of another person. Rianni@crystyll: rolls 61 (1-100) Rianni@crystyll pauses, looking around with increased curiosity B'Atar@anncarise | Rianni hears something that resembles a skittering noise moving down the hall to her left, but her eyes fail to see anything in the dim lighting of the Klingon ship. Rianni@crystyll silently curses the terrible lighting of Klingon ships as she follows her instinct and trails after the strange sound B'Atar@anncarise | A few steps into the hall and she hears the sound of an automatic sliding door opening ahead. Rianni@crystyll heads towards the door B'Atar@anncarise | As she reaches the end of the hall, she sees only one door in front of her. It slides open yet again at her approach, revealing a torpedo bay beyond. Rianni@crystyll: rolls 25 (1-100) Rianni@crystyll looks around, uncertain if she should be in here but then figures she is here to work with weapons after all so continues B'Atar@anncarise | Rianni sees a shadow moving across the room as something partially blocks the shine of one of the few lights, but she cannot make out the source of the shadow. Rianni@crystyll remains quiet for the moment, busying herself with inspecting the room and it's contents whilst trying to get a handle on the source of the movement Rianni@crystyll also takes one look at a console and wishes she'd learned to read Klingon before coming here B'Atar@anncarise | She might not understand the Klingon, but on a panel of the console where there isn't much lit up, she catches a glimpse of something behind her in the reflection... Rianni@crystyll feels a sense of dejavu and spins around hoping there isn't someone here stuck out of phase too B'Atar@anncarise | A dark figure stands behind her with little more than its silhouette visible. At first glance, its two arms appear to branch out into four forearms and there is something almost like a - B'Atar@anncarise: - vestigial wing on its back. Two faint glows emit from its head, in a position where the eyes are expected to be. B'Atar@anncarise | Figure: "I recognize you from the Network's lists. You're categorized as a Master-Class Infiltrator." Rianni@crystyll blinkblinks, "Excuse me?" B'Atar@anncarise | Figure: "There are less than a dozen others in the Federation currently alive who have this classification. Most of them are Intelligence, or even shadier." B'Atar@anncarise | Figure: "So tell me...why does a Cadet have such a rating?" Rianni@crystyll: "I don't understand what this 'rating' even is, or know what this Network thing is, sorry" B'Atar@anncarise | Figure: "The rating suggests you are an infiltrator, one with skill comparative with even the best of intellgence field agents. But you are not Starfleet Intelligence." B'Atar@anncarise | Figure: "You're not even an Intelligence trainee. Who are you?" Rianni@crystyll shakes her head, "No, I am not. I also don't think I'm the one who this rating applies to. I am Rianni Tierno, cadet 2nd class" B'Atar@anncarise | Figure: "Your name matches with the list I am looking at now. Who else would it apply to?" Rianni@crystyll: "That's... a bit of a long story... but I think I understand now. Your Network is the Scryer Network yes?" B'Atar@anncarise | Figure: "It is not my Network, but you are correct. I had ties to it in the past, but in the present, it wants me and perhaps a few others on this ship dead." Rianni@crystyll: "Well I do remember an encounter with one of their operatives a while back, they seemed to know before anyone else did. But yeah, like I said... long story" B'Atar@anncarise | Figure: "I have taken it upon myself to ensure that the Network does not find this ship. So you can understand why I am wary when someone with a Master-Class Infiltration rating suddenly - B'Atar@anncarise: - appears within its corridors." Rianni@crystyll: "Well I can assure you that I present no risk to you or anyone else on board. If it would help, I can try to explain the situation" B'Atar@anncarise | The second set of 'arms' which look more like insectoid appendages, folds and disappears into the figure's forearm. From what Rianni can glimpse in the lighting, they appear to be cybernetic - B'Atar@anncarise: - attachments. B'Atar@anncarise | Figure: "I will take your word for now. Explain." Rianni@crystyll: "Well, this infiltrator of yours isn't me but a clone of me. She infiltrated Starfleet by taking my place for around 18months until the battle of DS13" B'Atar@anncarise | Figure: "That would explain the rating. You do not possess this clone's skills and motivations, then?" Rianni@crystyll: "I don't... think so? I mean, certainly not her motivations. If anything /she/ possessed /mine/ and that's why she acted as she did in the end. As for her skills, I don't really know. I have her + Rianni@crystyll: + memory, so can remember doing the crazy stuff she was able to do. But I have not pursued the practice of any of it since returning" B'Atar@anncarise | Figure: "So you are loyal to Starfleet and to this expedition?" Rianni@crystyll scowls a little, "Of course I am!" Rianni@crystyll is not impressed. B'Atar@anncarise | Figure: "Good. I had to make sure." B'Atar@anncarise | The figure backs off a little. "I did not startle you too much, I hope. I am Avita." Rianni@crystyll relaxes a little, still a little tense at having to defend her honour, "I was aware of your presence, an acute sense of my surroundings is one thing that I have tried to hold on to from the other me" Rianni@crystyll: "However I did not sense your final approach until I saw your reflection in the console. That was impressive" B'Atar@anncarise | Avita: "I have trained for many years, under various teachers. The modifications I possess also complement my skills and extends my natural capabilities." Rianni@crystyll: "Modifications, is that what I saw?" she asks, glacing to Avita's arms B'Atar@anncarise | Avita nods, "One of many, yes. It is a trademark of House V'Ku." B'Atar@anncarise | Avita raises her arm, extending the cybernetic attachment to show Rianni more closely. B'Atar@anncarise ((https://i.redd.it/dj6i4847bf411.jpg)) Rianni@crystyll: "House... V'Ku? Well that sounds like a Klingon name but Avita doesn't. And K'Sarn said you were a hireling, not a member of Captain Vix' crew..." she lays it all out, trying to connect the pieces in+ Rianni@crystyll: + her head as she looks with awe at the cybernetics, "Wow..." Rianni@crystyll: "Does it... hurt? I've never seen such extensive augmentation" B'Atar@anncarise | Avita: "Not during every usage, but on occasion. It is not unlike phantom pain from losing a limb, but you have never had such an experience, have you? I do not see any cybernetics in you." Rianni@crystyll idly rubs at her lower back, "No cybernetics, but I can appreciate the idea of the phantom limb pain. To some small part at least" B'Atar@anncarise | Avita nods, "You are a very perceptive one. You are correct, Avita is a Lethean name. I am not Lethean, but I was raised and trained by them." B'Atar@anncarise | Avita: "House V'Ku and my history with them is...a more complicated matter." Rianni@crystyll smiles a little, "Well long stories seem to be a thing today. I am interested to learn more if it is a story to share" B'Atar@anncarise | Avita: "House V'Ku, or the Forsaken House, is a rogue Klingon house currently in the service of the Scryer Network, mostly as mercenaries." Rianni@crystyll folds her hands at her back, leaning against the console as she listens intently B'Atar@anncarise | Avita: "I was taken in by them before then, when General V'Ku was still an honoured hero of the Klingon Empire. I failed to assassinate him but he was impressed with my skills and made me - B'Atar@anncarise: - serve him. In time, he grew to become like a father to me." B'Atar@anncarise | Avita: "But slowly, he was also slipping, month by month, year by year. He lost all sense of what it meant to be a Klingon and sought only victory- at any cost." Rianni@crystyll: "Is that why you are no longer at his side, why you call it a forsaken House?" B'Atar@anncarise | Avita: "Most members of House V'Ku refer to it as the Forsaken House because of our exile from the Empire. But I do not care for the Empire. I do not care for political rivalries and clashing - B'Atar@anncarise: - ideologies. Factions rise to power, they have their moments and then they fall. It is always the same." B'Atar@anncarise | Avita: "I left V'Ku because he is no longer the man he was. I was content to serve at his side even when he had us as the Scryer's blunt instrument. I allowed him to change me, to shape me into - B'Atar@anncarise: - the weapon I am today. I did it because I was his weapon. But a warrior who keeps making mistakes will eventually lose their weapon." Rianni@crystyll: "Wow, so how did you end up here then?" B'Atar@anncarise | Avita: "The QanwI' embarked on this expedition to escape the eyes of the Network, and it has proven itself to be capable of defending against even the finest of House V'Ku." B'Atar@anncarise | Avita: "It was an ideal choice for me after abandoning V'Ku." Rianni@crystyll: "Ooh right, that makes sense yeah! So you still have access to all this Scryer stuff then, that's how you recognized me?" B'Atar@anncarise | Avita: "I cannot access the Network's databases from here, and I have not tested the theory of whether or not I still have access, as it may very well expose me." B'Atar@anncarise | Avita: "Much of the records I am going on are old data I have saved or even visual records I retrieve." B'Atar@anncarise | Avita: "That is likely why my information on you, or your clone I should say, was out of date." Rianni@crystyll: "For what it's worth, it may not be. We recently encountered an Eye and he at least gave the impression that he believed I was still the other me" B'Atar@anncarise | Avita: "Interesting. That could be taken advantage of, though also dangerous. Others may not question you before striking as I have." Rianni@crystyll: "You think... others might come after me, just because of who they think I am?" B'Atar@anncarise | Avita: "Not chase you down, no. The only people who would have anything to settle with your clone would be the ones she infiltrated, and I expect Starfleet already knows who you are." B'Atar@anncarise | Avita: "But those with access to the Network's information may see you and believe you to be a Master-Class Infiltrator as I did. They may not know who you are but suspect you could be a - B'Atar@anncarise: - field agent of Starfleet Intelligence. They may see you as a threat which you are not, or believe you to hold information you do not." Rianni@crystyll: "That is a little disconcerting... I had not really considered that eventuality" B'Atar@anncarise | Avita: "It is something you may wish to be aware of. Perhaps this Eye you encountered may be able to update your records." Rianni@crystyll: "I don't think we have sustained contact with him, and even if we did I'm not sure I trust him" B'Atar@anncarise | Avita: "Then you will just have to be more careful. There are not many who have access to the Network's complete lists, especially so far out into the unknown. But it is always better to have - B'Atar@anncarise: - precautions and not need them." Rianni@crystyll considers this, "You are well practiced at staying one step ahead of those who would hunt you, right? Maybe you could teach me!" B'Atar@anncarise | Avita: "I am normally the hunter rather than the prey. But I am certainly in a position to teach you on how to evade assassins such as myself." Rianni@crystyll smiles excitedly, "Anything you can teach me to stay safe, I would certainly appreciate it!" B'Atar@anncarise | Avita nods, "I will do what I can, then," she retrieves a datachip from her armour and hands it to Rianni, "Contact me when you desire to begin." Rianni@crystyll: "I will, thank you Avita" she smiles, stowing the datachip away safely B'Atar@anncarise | Avita nods to Rianni, "I will leave you to your exploration of the ship, then." Rianni@crystyll: "See you around Avita!" she gives a cheery wave B'Atar@anncarise | Avita: "You won't be able to see me coming yet...but hopefully once I have taught you a few things, you will." B'Atar@anncarise | She turns and heads out of the torpedo bay, disappearing from view as she rounds the corner.

View Log Entry

Today saw the first day of our tour on board the QanwI'. Though I was a little surprised to be the only cadet in our group, it was nonetheless comforting to have Ann, T'Quila and even Lieutenant Silvestrie there for company! It was nice to see Captain Vix again too. I don't care what people say about her ruthlessness, she is always so nice to me. Of course, I've no doubt that my favour with her is largely helped by the fact that I'm the one who found and returned that relic to her we stumbled upon from House Dronurr. Our arrival was pretty much as anticpiated really; a grumpy old Klingon transport operator grunting us towards our actual host - K'Sarn of Captain Vix' Honour Guard. K'Sarn led us to the bridge where we briefly met with the Captain. She seemed to know almost everyone in our group, apart from Ann, but that makes sense I guess since she is fairly recent to the crew like me. Of course Tee would know her, she knows everyone! As for Lieutenant Silvestrie, Captain Vix said something about being at Captain Keelah's birthday party some years past where the Lieutenant got her and Commander Vrolmacht involved in a drinking competition... I know it's none of my business, but the look on Captain Vix' face when she spoke of it makes me want to find out what happened, but not from the Commander! Still, after meeting with the Captain, K'Sarn took us to a mess hall. It was like a rowdy Klingon bar and at first I thought there was some trouble going on, but apparently that's normal here. We... 'enjoyed' a tankard of bloodwine while K'Sarn told us a little about our assigned tasks here - apparently I'll likely be working with the ship's gunner and maybe having a go myself! This drink was brief however, and we soon went on to retire in our bunks for the night as to be well rested before our first proper day of duty tomorrow. I'm not looking forward to sleeping on this metal slab, even if they do say it's good for your back. I saw T'Quila sneak a blanket in her travel bag, so will have to see if she has a spare... But for now, that's why I am sat up writing a log entry so soon - because I can't sleep. Now as to the reason I can't sleep... that is only partially due to this 'bed'. See now, while K'Sarn was briefing us he made mention of a few noteworthy characters on board that we should be mindful of. This was mostly due to our encounter earlier in the day with the Gorn loremaster Sshakon, who is apparently on board as a mercenary but with the higher purpose of discerning the truth behind rumours that the Hegemony once had a presence out here. Oh! and I must remember to mention to him about the Gorn relics we saw on Underworld alongside the House Dronurr one. It may not come to anything, but he deserves to know. Besides, giving him a useful lead may well prove helpful should I accidentally upset him - which seems all to easily done! But I digress, another character K'Sarn felt worth mentioning was actually another of the hired mercenaries on board. He did not even have a name for us, but spoke simply of a 'shady character' who remained distant from the rest of the crew. He said he 'thought' it was a female, which in itself says a lot about the elusive nature of this strange hireling. Naturally though, after telling us about such a curious character I felt drawn to learn more. Which brings me to the real reason I can't sleep. First, after the others bunked down for the night I went to walk about the ship some; the initial symptom of my unwillingness to try and sleep on the metal slab. But I also wanted to get my bearings more, I don't like not knowing my way around. I was not far out of our room before my attention was drawn to strange sounds in the shadows. I followed but at every turm drew a blank. Eventually this drew me into one of the torpedo bays. The room was naturally empty, but I felt like I wasn't alone in there. I won't lie; I was pretty scared for a moment there and felt my head pound with the adrenaline rush, but I focused on my teachings and proceeded with caution. First I noticed was a flickering from a distant light in the room. One thing about the bleak and dark Klingon interiors is that such things are much easier to spot! I busied myself studying a console when I saw a shadowy reflection behind me in it's screen. I jumped and my mind flashed back to that day on the Singapore when I saw Captain Tanaka like that. As I turned however, I was face to face with the shadowy character K'Sarn had warned us about. She was definitely a female, though something was also not right about her profile. She looked to have four arms at first, as well as glowing eyes and something like a wing folded at her back. The initial dialogue was intense, and her presence alone was intimidating, but the more we talked the more I found myself able to relate to her. Avita had approached and challenged me because she recognized my face from a Scryer Network file that called me a 'Master-class Infiltrator', one of less than a dozen in Federation space apparently. It didn't take long for me to realize that she thought I was the other me, and so I explained the situation to her, seemingly appeasing her. Avita did this because she saw me as threat as much to herself as to the ship and crew, so I can't fault her for defending her own there. After that initial confusion too, we got to talking more and she told me how she came from a forsaken House called V'Ku where she had been... drastically altered with advanced cybernetics to complement her - presumably - assassin training. Now able to more properly - and comfortably - inspect said cybernetics, at least those extended from her forearms so threateningly when she first appeared to me, I can honestly say I had no idea anyone in the galaxy would go to such lengths; this was extreme even compared to Orion augmentations I've seen pictures of. My first reaction was sympathy, and I think this caught her by surprise a little and is the reason she opened up to me about her history. Anyway, so I learned that the scariest character on the ship actually isn't scary at all, but in fact a steadfast defender of Captain Vix and her crew - even if they don't realize it. So why can't I sleep after that? Well here's the thing; after Avita learned about my true nature and that the Scryer Network's information on me is outdated, she recommended I try getting the Carran Eye to amend these records. But I was apprehensive... Like I told her, I didn't trust sharing anything of myself with the Network. But it was more than that... I saw her point about how as long as they think I am this 'master infiltrator' then there are those who might see me as a threat and try to act against me, fair point indeed. But it still didn't feel right, I mean, looking back at our interaction with the Carran Eye... maybe this was why he was so amenable and helpful to us. Maybe it was because he thought I was the other me that things went as well as they do. So then, what if this unique position of mine is something that can be made an advantage for our mission, for my crew? Do I not owe it to them - to Captain Keelah - to do everything in my power to prove myself and help however I can? So yes, I decided to continue letting the Scryer Network think I am this master infiltrator for now. After all, they are supposed to be the intelligence guru's, why should it be up to me to correct their information? Of course - as Avita pointed out - this means that I remain open to potential attack either direct or otherwise. A thought I do not much care for, but she was willing to assist with. Having noted her skills already and listened to her talk of her training I realized that I could learn a lot from Avita - maybe enough to protect myself against those like her; against those like they believe me to be. And... she agreed! She has given me a datachip with her contact information and told me to call upon her when I am ready to begin. This is not what I had in mind for my extended learning when we began this tour today, but something tells me it may prove to be even more fruitful. For now though, I should rest... if that metal slab doesn't present a good night's sleep now, surely it will after some time training with Avita...