ST:TTV503 | "Tall Tails"
Updated: Mar 18
Stardate 97028.7
A simple mineral extraction mission threatens to turn into another conflict with the vicious Lupan for an unsuspected away team...
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Rianni@crystyll: "Cadet Tierno duty log startdate 97028.7. We have come to an uninhabited M-Class planet after surveys found it to hold unusually high concentrations of raw materials needed to maintain the ship. + Rianni@crystyll: + Though we are not so low as to be on reserve yet, I think the Captain is looking to air on the side of caution and build up our stocks while the opportunity is present... probably in some response + Rianni@crystyll: + to the new threat posed in this region in the form of the Lupan. I think accommodating for heavier repairs is wise also. As we are holding orbit for a few days while engineering teams extract the + Rianni@crystyll: + materials, Mia thought it would be a good opportunity for us to learn the associated skills first hand, and so a few of us have joined CMDR Keliaya's teams on the ground. As interested as I am in + Rianni@crystyll: + extraction process, I hope we also get the chance to explore this world a little too" Rianni@crystyll: & T'Quila beam down to the planet's surface, looking around for Kelly to report in Keliaya@anncarise: is giving directions to two junior engineers and a science officer and waves over to Rianni and TQ as she sees them arrive. Rianni@crystyll: immediately looks around fancifully. Hard to avoid given the dense natural forest they find themselves in Rianni@crystyll: | TQ returns the wave and nudges Rianni, pointing that way as the pair head over Rianni@crystyll: "Commander Kelly. We are here to assist, if we can. Maybe observe at least, if not. I'm not sure exactly how technical this work is..." Rianni@crystyll: | TQ smiles, "Speak for yourself little one, I'm here for the view and-" takes in a deep breath, "-and that sweet, sweet fresh air!" Rianni@crystyll: | TQ looks to Kelly, "And to assist, naturally" Keliaya@anncarise: chuckles, "Well, any help is welcome, but the view is definitely nice here too! And it's always good to get some planetside air once in a while too." Keliaya@anncarise: "As for how technical things are, well...it can get pretty technical, but there's also a number of mundane tasks to do too." Rianni@crystyll: "I'm not sure that sounds any more appealling..." Rianni@crystyll: squeaks at another nudge from TQ Rianni@crystyll: "But... we are here to learn, so wherever we can be of help to you and your team Commander" Keliaya@anncarise: laughs, "Don't worry, most of the tech isn't too difficult to operate. The science officers handle the parts with the most calculating." Keliaya@anncarise: leads them over to one of the extraction devices manned by an engineer. Keliaya@anncarise: gives the engineer a nod and he steps away as Kelly takes over with the console attached to the device, "The geologists have already surveyed the area and mapped where to find what." Keliaya@anncarise: "We advise them what we need, they find where to extract it, and then we set up the equipment to actually retrieve it." Keliaya@anncarise: "Now that most of that's in place, it's just a matter of following the survey results and extracting." Rianni@crystyll: "Have you often found yourself having to run resource gathering assignments like this before?" Keliaya@anncarise: shakes her head, "Most of my career was spent on a patrol ship. This operation probably wouldn't have gone half as smoothly if it wasn't for Chief Oliver's experience." Keliaya@anncarise: "She grew up on a mining colony and most of her family works in that field." Rianni@crystyll: | TQ: "Of course! Is Katie down here helping you too then?" Keliaya@anncarise: nods and points her out among two science division officers, "Of course! I might be the one in charge, but the experience and knowledge of NCOs are invaluable." Rianni@crystyll: smiles up at TQ with that Keliaya@anncarise: smiles at Rianni, "An important thing for you to remember when you make officer. You might know more maneuvers and tactics, but when a lister gives a suggestion about the specific calibration of - Keliaya@anncarise: - a phaser bank, it's usually a good idea to listen to them." Rianni@crystyll: "As Tee constantly reminds me" she giggles Keliaya@anncarise: "But yes, the actual machinery shouldn't be too hard to operate now that it's set up! But you're free to enjoy the scenary if you'd rather as well." Keliaya@anncarise: "I think some of the non-geology focused science officers are checking out the local flora." Rianni@crystyll: | TQ looks to Rianni, "Why don't you help them out while I look after this rig for Kelly" Rianni@crystyll: "If you're sure. Just give me a shout if you need a hand though!" Keliaya@anncarise: "I think it shouldn't be too complicated!" Rianni@crystyll: "Alright then!" she chirps happily, heading off to find other teams to assist Rianni@crystyll: | TQ looks to Kelly with a chuckle at Rianni before turning her attention to the work at hand Keliaya@anncarise: | Not far from where the extraction machinery is set up, Trenick and a small group of science officers are collecting scans and samples of the local plants and soil. Rianni@crystyll: wanders over to them, "Hello Lieutenant!" she chirps Keliaya@anncarise: | Trenick stands from his sample-gathering and smiles, "Ah, hello Cadet! Here on assignment or enjoying a casual planetside visit?"" Rianni@crystyll: "Hopefully a healthy balance of both! Is there anything I can do to assist you and your team?" Keliaya@anncarise: | Trenick: "Well, we've only gotten started on studying the ecology here. We won't be here for long, certainly not long enough to categorize any more than a small fraction of what's in this one - Keliaya@anncarise: - region. So if you find anything that looks particularly interesting, let us know." Keliaya@anncarise: | Trenick: "We only have so much time, so we want to find all the highlights we can. Though getting a basic idea of the soil and plant life is important as well." Rianni@crystyll: "Fair enough. So a broad strokes picture of the overall system and less focus on specific samples, right?" Keliaya@anncarise: | Trenick nods, "Unless we come across a specific sample that appears particularly unique. If you do come across something like that, let us know. Or grab some scans, if you have a tricorder on you." Rianni@crystyll: pops the tricorder from the back of her belt and flicks it open, "On it!" promptly heading off to make a groundbreaking discovery Rianni@crystyll: FX | Meanwhile on the VF bridge... Rianni@crystyll: | Lennie taps away at her console, humming idly as she conducts further scans of the planet Keliaya@anncarise: | Thorkildsen mans the engineering station, largely just liasing with the ground teams. Rianni@crystyll: | Crystyl suddenly sits up straight at her station, tapping to verify an alert update, "Captain, sensors just picked up multiple vessels entering the systems" Keliaya@anncarise: | Thorkildsen immediately switches focus as he examines any sensor data coming in pertaining to the vessels to try and identify them. Rianni@crystyll: | Keelah looks among her bridge officers as they analyze the situation Keliaya@anncarise: | Thorkildsen: "I can't confirm 100%, but it seems to be a number of Lupan vessels." Rianni@crystyll: | Keelah: "Yellow alert, standby shields. Crystyl, get our teams back up" Rianni@crystyll: | Crystyl nods, "On it, Captain" Rianni@crystyll: | Lennie interjects, "Captain, that might be a problem..." Rianni@crystyll: | Keelah turns to Lennie Rianni@crystyll: | Lennie: "Some sort of dampening field has gone up around the planet. It formed as soon as the ships entered the systems" Rianni@crystyll: | Crystyl: "Confirmed Captain, we can't get a transport lock and no response on comms either" Rianni@crystyll: | Keelah frowns at the situation, "Well we're not just leaving them down there. Mr Vrolmacht...?" Rianni@crystyll: | Vrolmacht just shakes his head, confirming what she already suspected about the futility of standing their ground Keliaya@anncarise: | Thorkildsen tries to find the source of this field. Rianni@crystyll: | Fisher: "Lupan vessels will enter range in 3 minutes" Keliaya@anncarise: | Thorkildsen: "It's coming from somewhere on the planet, but the field is affecting our scans so I can't get a precise location." Rianni@crystyll: | Lennie: "The mineral density of this planet should allow us to remain obscured from their sensors if we maintain a polar orbit, assuming their sensors are no more advanced than ours" Rianni@crystyll: | Keelah nods, "Helm, set a course. Mr. Vrolmacht, put Eon in the air. LT Baelai is ordered to rendezvous with the ground team and have them take cover until we re-establish contact" Rianni@crystyll: FX | The bridge is a hive of activity briefly while they organize their desperate plan. Soon the VF is 'hiding' over the southern pole while Jenni races to the surface in Eon Rianni@crystyll: FX | Meanwhile on the surface below, the survey team continue their work in blissful ignorance of events occurring in orbit... Rianni@crystyll: reports back to Trenick, "Lieutenant, I have captured as broad a range as I can find within the survey area. Hopefully this will be helpful to you somehow..." she hands him her tricorder Keliaya@anncarise: | Trenick smiles and takes the tricorder, "Thank you, Cadet. I hope you enjoyed the exploration as well." Rianni@crystyll: "Always, Sir! And if you have any spare sample containers, I think I found some potentially interesting physical samples. I'm not sure, but I think they might be fossilizations" Keliaya@anncarise: | Trenick turns and retrieves a few, "We brought a good number down here. Where did you find them?" Rianni@crystyll: "Just over the ridge there, where I was surveying. I won't be a moment grabbing these too!" she smiles, ever eager to please as she takes the containers and heads off Rianni@crystyll: disappears back over the ridge, smiling contentedly with her contributions Rianni@crystyll: FX | Kelly's combadge chirps, or tries to. It almost sounds more broken than anything Keliaya@anncarise: taps her combadge, "Kelly here." Rianni@crystyll: <C-?> *heavy static* "...-er? It's J-... ...-ust go-... ...-an inb-... now!" Keliaya@anncarise: <C> "Hello? I can't read you properly. What's going on?" Keliaya@anncarise: makes her way over to the machine TQ has taken over, "Tee, there's something wrong with our communications." Rianni@crystyll: <C-?> *more heavy static* "Kel-... ...-an you-...- ad me? ...ve to get-..." *heavy static* Rianni@crystyll: | TQ taps her combadge but just gets a 'no signal' error bleep Rianni@crystyll: meanwhile, sits on the grass, happily - and carefully - dislodging her potential interesting find when she hears something rustling in the foliage in front of her Rianni@crystyll: looks up with a start but laughs it off as they already know the planet is not inhabited. She carries on working but the rustling occurs again Rianni@crystyll: looks up more cautiously to catch the deep, rumbling growl as a hulking form rises before her from the overgrowth... Rianni@crystyll: -/\- To be continued... -/\- T'Quila@crystyll: | Rianni acts the instincts honed by the albino Klingon on the QanwI' and swings her feet out to planet a double-footed kick into the shin of the Lupan while pushing herself away T'Quila@crystyll: | Rianni rolls back and snatches up the open sample container, swinging the metal case hard across his jaw with the hope of dazing him long enough to run T'Quila@crystyll: | Rianni sprints back to warn the others, only to come skidding to a halt to see the others already surrounded by a pack of armed Lupan. Still in a stunned daze, she does not notice it's heavy feet + T'Quila@crystyll: + stop behind her and suddenly finds herself hoisted in the air by one arm, dangling and turned to face the snarling maw of the Lupan T'Quila@crystyll: | Rianni struggles and cowers some as he pulls her close, sniffing at her through a growl T'Quila@crystyll: FX | The Lupan growls, "You are not native..." he sniffs again, almost smiling, "But you have sharp teeth, little hunter" and promptly sets her down T'Quila@crystyll: FX | The Lupan wipes the fresh blood from it's jaw on the back of his hand (paw?), spitting some out to one side as he steps over Rianni towards the group, (literally) barking orders at the pack T'Quila@crystyll: FX | The pack appear to relax, though seem visibly apprehensive still T'Quila@crystyll: FX | The Lupan trudges over to the surrounded away team, "You all smell strange, but the little hunter is not your pack leader. Who speaks for you?" T'Quila@crystyll: pulls Rianni to her side, holding tightly onto her and making sure she is not hurt while the opportunity is present Keliaya@anncarise: looks around at the Lupan surrounding them, "I'm the one in command of this team." Keliaya@anncarise: takes a cautious step towards the one who spoke, "I presume you're the leader of yours?" T'Quila@crystyll: | The Lupan stands proud before her, "I am Nazas, alpha of this tribe." he looks her over, sniffing closely, "Your pack looks too soft to be hunters, but I have already seen that is not the case" Keliaya@anncarise: "Our people are a Federation of many different species. Some hunters, some herbivores. We came here to gather resources. Are you here to hunt?" T'Quila@crystyll: | Nazas gives a happy growl, pulling a smaller Lupan to his side, "This is Jarari, my eldest son. We are here for his coming of age" T'Quila@crystyll: | Nazas' tone implies a confirmation that yes, they are here to hunt Keliaya@anncarise: nods, "We don't mean to intrude on your hunting ground. We'll dismantle our equipment and be on our way. Unless...you're here for us?" T'Quila@crystyll: | Nazas laughs, patting her heavily on the shoulder, "We are here to hunt an apex hunter, but that is not you soft one! As for leaving... that will not be possible" Keliaya@anncarise: "Right. The comms interference. I suppose you're responsible for that?" Keliaya@anncarise: winces slightly at the heavy pat but stands her ground, not wanting to show weakness to a predatory species. T'Quila@crystyll: | Naza nods, pulling her along as he walks around the area, watching as his pack setup camp, "The coming of age is an important ritual. Nobody gets on or off the planet until it concludes" Keliaya@anncarise: "Well, if we're not in your way and you're not trying to hunt us, we don't have to leave in a hurry." Keliaya@anncarise: "What exactly /are/ you hunting, if I may ask?" T'Quila@crystyll: | Nazas pauses, turning to face Kelly with a serious gaze, "This world is home to a beast like no other. The Tiah is the ultimate hunter and that makes it the ultimate prey. The ultimate test of a + T'Quila@crystyll: + hunters skill" Keliaya@anncarise: "We've yet to come across such a beast, but I don't imagine it'll be easy to find." T'Quila@crystyll: | Nazas nods, "There is every chance we will not survive this hunt. I do not hold your chances high, but it would be an honour to share this hunt with fellow hunters" Keliaya@anncarise: "If our presence won't be a disruption to your coming of age ritual, we'll be glad to help. We're stuck here until this hunt finishes anyways." T'Quila@crystyll: | Nazas gives her another hearty pat on the shoulder, "Then have your pack make camp. The hunting party sets out after dusk" Keliaya@anncarise: nods and smiles, "I'll let them know." T'Quila@crystyll: watches Kelly with the others, curious about the discussion Keliaya@anncarise: makes her way back to the others, "So, we can't leave until they've completed their hunt. But they have offered us to join them in it." T'Quila@crystyll: "A hunt? As in... killing game for sport?" Keliaya@anncarise: "Yes. They're after a specific and very dangerous predator only found on this planet." T'Quila@crystyll: twists her lip with disapproving at the idea T'Quila@crystyll: | Rianni looks to Kelly puzzled, "But I thought we detected no life on this planet?" Keliaya@anncarise: "The Lupan have probably been here and done this before. If they say it's here, I'm inclined to believe them. It wouldn't be the first time scans have overlooked a lifeform." T'Quila@crystyll: "It could be some form of life we are not familiar with and so the sensors are not calibrated" T'Quila@crystyll: | Rianni: "Well if there is something out here, I guess we're better off stuck with the Lupan than stuck on our own, right?" Keliaya@anncarise: nods, "My thoughts exactly. I know most Federation cultures have given up such sports, and some abhor the idea of it. But we're travelling through Lupan hunting grounds, and we already have a pack - Keliaya@anncarise: - out to get us. If we help them with this hunt, it might make us friends among the Lupan, or at least friendly enough not to be swayed into hunting us in the future." T'Quila@crystyll: "Is there an actual requirement for us to actively participate in this hunt? Because I won't lie, I'm not sure that's something I can do" Keliaya@anncarise: "I don't think so. Even if I wanted to, I doubt I can do much to hurt this apex predator. Most of us here are scientists and engineers, not Klingon warriors." T'Quila@crystyll: "Vrolmacht will be so sore on missing this... But oh! What about the ship?" Keliaya@anncarise: "I suggest we go with the Lupan and make it our primary objective to assist them. Make sure they don't get ambushed, treat their injuries, and only act in self-defence if we have to." Keliaya@anncarise: "As for the ship...Tee, I was getting a very static filled comm line to someone from it. Any way you might be able to refine the connection and inform them what's going on?" T'Quila@crystyll: looks to Trenick with a nod, "I may require some assistance with improvised tooling, but will attempt to do so" Keliaya@anncarise: nods, "Do your best to update the Captain. The Lupan are setting out after dusk. Everyone else, let's gather our supplies. Bring all the scanners and medical supplies we have." T'Quila@crystyll: sets to work fiddling with some combadges. Rianni tries to make herself useful around the camp Keliaya@anncarise: looks around to see where the Lupan have set up. T'Quila@crystyll: FX | The campsite seems to scattered around them quite sporadically. Some even half pitching tents off the away teams mining rigs Keliaya@anncarise: makes her way over to one of their camping areas and approaches the Lupan who seems the least busy, "Do you have a moment?" T'Quila@crystyll: | The Lupan slowly turns to her with a snarl but grunts and gives a curt nod Keliaya@anncarise: "This hunt, are there any rules we should know about? Are we permitted to bring technological equipment?" T'Quila@crystyll: | The Lupan looks her over and laughs, "So that is how the prey hunts, with toys. Bring all you desire, it will not help you" Keliaya@anncarise: chuckles, "I can climb pretty well, but I don't imagine my hands and teeth are going to be as deadly as yours." T'Quila@crystyll: | The Lupan considers her, "Climb?" it looks up at the towering trees, "You could climb that?" Keliaya@anncarise: nods, "I could, but I can't say the same for the rest of our people. Most spacefaring species evolved to become the dominant one on our homeworlds though, so they all tend to have very useful traits." T'Quila@crystyll: | The Lupan nods, "You are all different to each other. Does your packs skills complement each others then?" Keliaya@anncarise: smiles, "That's the advantage of our Federation being so diverse. We have a wide range of skills and experiences to draw upon. We have our hunters and warriors too." T'Quila@crystyll: | The Lupan gives a growling smile, "So what are the strengths of all your different breeds? We already know the small pink one is a nimble fighter, fortunately for her Nazas is good spirits for the + T'Quila@crystyll: + occassion here" Keliaya@anncarise: looks back to the Starfleet personnel busy with preparations, "I don't think even Trenick can list the key traits of every single Federation species from memory. To name a few..." T'Quila@crystyll: | The Lupan shakes his head, "No" T'Quila@crystyll: | The Lupan points to the scattered away team, "This is /your/ pack. Prove to me you are their alpha and demonstrate why you have these flimsy things as your pack" Keliaya@anncarise: "Well, I'm probably closer to a...gamma? I'm not sure how you call it. Our alpha is with our ship, but I'm leading this resource extraction expedition. Most of us here are technical experts." Keliaya@anncarise: points out Katie, "Chief Oliver for example is our Transporter Chief. She's an expert with matter-energy transportation technology. We rely on her to come and go from our ship, but that technology - Keliaya@anncarise: - could also be used to move enemies away or even disassemble them at a molecular level." T'Quila@crystyll: | The Lupan frowns with disappointment, "More toy tinkering... does your 'Oliver' have this disassembling toy here?" Keliaya@anncarise: "No, but she's here to advise us on resource extraction. Our officers have some training in hand-to-hand and energy weapon combat, but the ones who specialize in it are still back on the ship." Keliaya@anncarise: "Rianni, the small pink one you've seen in action, is our only tactical officer here." T'Quila@crystyll: | Lupan: "She drew the Alpha's blood and shown she has teeth. I welcome this Rianni to our hunt" Keliaya@anncarise: "Unfortunately, we didn't bring any other tactical or security specialists since we didn't detect any life on this planet. I'm assuming that's why you say our tools won't be useful in finding this - Keliaya@anncarise: - Tiah predator?" T'Quila@crystyll: | Lupan looks around, "The Tiah are everywhere and nowhere. During my own coming of age, my Alpha died when - on the third night - one appeared in the middle of our camp" Keliaya@anncarise: "And you can't see, or smell or hear them coming?" T'Quila@crystyll: | Lupan: "We have been honing our instincts against them for generations. They have a scent, but they mask themselves. Right up to the point where they pounce" Keliaya@anncarise: "You've killed them before, haven't you? Is there any indication from their remains that they use technology to do this, or is it a natural characteristic?" T'Quila@crystyll: | The Lupan laughs, "Look around Gamme! This is not a world of toys. No, the Tiah's instincts are natural; it will blend into it's environment, cloud the mind of it's prey" T'Quila@crystyll: wanders over to the pair, "Excuse me, Commander?" Keliaya@anncarise: turns to TQ, "Yes, Tee?" T'Quila@crystyll: "Not wanting to interrupt, but we have a development" she indicates over to where she and Trenick were working Keliaya@anncarise: nods and looks to the Lupan, "I have to get back to my people. Thank you for the information you've shared." T'Quila@crystyll: | The Lupan grunts with indifference and goes back to making camp Keliaya@anncarise: follows TQ back. T'Quila@crystyll: "Charming, aren't they..." Keliaya@anncarise: "They rather remind me of Klingons, the very traditional ones, at least." T'Quila@crystyll: "Indeed. Anyway, good news and bad news here" Keliaya@anncarise: nods, "Go on." T'Quila@crystyll: "Good news is, we made contact. That broken comm you got was Jenni, she's down here in the Eon" T'Quila@crystyll: "Bad news is, there's a Lupan armada in orbit and a dampening field around the planet preventing any transporters or comm, even sensors" Keliaya@anncarise: "So we're on our own until the Lupan finish their coming of age ritual and lower the field." T'Quila@crystyll: nods, "We've updated Jenni who is remaining distant and running messages back and forth. If needs be, she can bring a shuttle down to evac us but the Captain is apprehensive about the Lupan reaction + T'Quila@crystyll: + if they discover the ship in orbit, or if we do anything to upset the balance down here. Our orders are as you suggested; seize the opportunity to learn about the Lupan and attempt to forge more of+ T'Quila@crystyll: + a bond than our previous encounter" Keliaya@anncarise: nods back, "Let's do what we can to make friends with the Lupan, then." Keliaya@anncarise: "We need to be alert for ambush, too. Apparently these Tiah the Lupan are after are very sneaky." T'Quila@crystyll: "Eon will remain in comms range. Apparently that field is projected from somewhere down here, so she is running a sub-orbital search grid to locate it in case they need to disable it. We can contact + T'Quila@crystyll: + her for emergency support, but aid will be delayed by transport times." hrms, "Tiah, that's what we're 'hunting' is it? How exactly are they sneaky?" Keliaya@anncarise: "I don't know. The Lupan I spoke with wasn't exactly specific. It's a result of natural evolution, but he also claims our technological tools won't be of much help." Keliaya@anncarise: "Seeing as our sensors didn't pick up any life here, I think we should be ready for some kind of cloaking or phase-shifting ability." T'Quila@crystyll: "Well it strikes me that there's only one hunter on this planet, and we're making camp with them. These Tiah probably use stealth to hide from this brutish ritual" Keliaya@anncarise: | Trenick: "Stealth is a very effective tool in an ecosystem. Both predators and prey species often make use of it. But there are few species I know of with natural cloaking or phase-shifting - Keliaya@anncarise: - abilities, save for ones that don't exist in our phase, like the Devidians." T'Quila@crystyll: "Also consider that if these Tiah are the only lifeform here - unless the entire ecosystem is beyond our sensor capability, which I doubt - then who or what do they naturally hunt when the Lupan + T'Quila@crystyll: + aren't here?" Keliaya@anncarise: | Trenick: "That's what I was thinking. There can't be a predator if there aren't prey around to sustain them." T'Quila@crystyll: glances over to where Rianni seems to be bonding nicely with the Alpha over hunting tactics, "I almost hope we're wrong, else some may find this rather more difficult to deal with..." Keliaya@anncarise: nods, "We'll have to see them to know exactly what they are. For the moment, I suggest we don't attack them unless for self-defense, but also be alert for potential threats that might not show up - Keliaya@anncarise: - on scanners." Keliaya@anncarise: "We'll figure out how to act once we have the full picture. But we have to be careful about alienating the Lupan, or none of us might leave this system, including the rest of the crew still on the - Keliaya@anncarise: - ship." T'Quila@crystyll: "Indeed..." T'Quila@crystyll: FX | After spending time setting up camp with the Lupan, the team and their hosts have tried to get some rest before moving out on the hunt T'Quila@crystyll: FX | The peace of the camp is disturbed by the ruckus of a Lupan scout party returning, calling for aid. Suddenly everyone is up and jumping into action Keliaya@anncarise: waves Trenick and the other officers with the most medical experience along to investigate. T'Quila@crystyll: looks around after begrudgingly being woken up, sighing as she joins the others T'Quila@crystyll: | Rianni joins too, mostly to see what's going on rather than being able to help, though Keliaya@anncarise: | Trenick and a few other science and engineering officers have medical kits ready, looking around to see if anyone is injured. T'Quila@crystyll: FX | The Lupan hurriedly carry a wounded member of their scouting party into the middle of the camp, dumping him on a makeshift table with a pained howl Keliaya@anncarise: | Trenick steps over to the wounded Lupan, looking to the ones who carried him in, "May I assist him?" T'Quila@crystyll: | One of the Lupan growls defensively at Trenicks approach, though another restrains that one, "They have toys. Let him help" Keliaya@anncarise: | Trenick nods, "Thank you." He steps over to the injured Lupan, seeing what the damage is. T'Quila@crystyll: | Despite a number of superficial cuts and wounds, the serious injury is a severe energy burn right in the middle of his chest Keliaya@anncarise: | Trenick performs a scan after the visual assessment to determine whether any organs have been damaged, as he is not familiar with Lupan anatomy and can't tell from the location of the injury alone. T'Quila@crystyll: FX | He has major injuries to multiple internal organs and is going critical. He starts convulsing violently, making Trenicks attempt even harder Keliaya@anncarise: | Trenick employs a dose from an anaesthetic hypo, to no visible affect. He increases the dosage and applies a different hypo, and the Lupan's movements start to become more like small twitches than - Keliaya@anncarise: - violent convulsion. Keliaya@anncarise: | Once he is easier to treat, Trenick attempts to stabilize him if possible in the field. T'Quila@crystyll: FX | The injured Lupan falls limp briefly but then convulses heavier than before T'Quila@crystyll: | Nazas joins them, pinning the injured ones shoulders, "Hold him!" T'Quila@crystyll: & Rianni help the others hold his legs T'Quila@crystyll: | Nazas leans in to the injured one, growling something incomrepehensible before tightly gripping his neck and twisting it. The injured one falls completely limp T'Quila@crystyll: | Nazas throws his head back with a guttoral howl. The other Lupan all join in T'Quila@crystyll: steps back, a little aghast at the brutality T'Quila@crystyll: | Rianni does the same, but in her typical fashion she participates and joins in the group howl Keliaya@anncarise: | Trenick steps back as well, slowly closing his tricorder. T'Quila@crystyll: | As the death howl concludes, Nazas closes the injured ones eyes and reaches into his jaw, snapping out a canine tooth that he holds tightly in one hand before securing it in a pouch around his neck Keliaya@anncarise: | Trenick: "I'm sorry I couldn't save him." T'Quila@crystyll: | Nazas looks back to Rianni, seeing her join in the ritual howl and bows his head. He reaches in and tears out another canine, walking around to grab Rianni's hand and place in hers, wrapping it + T'Quila@crystyll: + back tight around the trophy, "You honour the fallen hunter as a brother. Remember him as such" T'Quila@crystyll: | Rianni doesn't quite seem to know how to respond, but gives a firm nod, withdrawing her hand with a silent 'ow' at the tight grasp T'Quila@crystyll: | Nazas turns to Trenick: "Do not apologize for his condition. You tried, that is enough" he turns to Kelly, "Perhaps now you believe me about the Tiah. Pack up camp, we head out in 5. The hunt is on! Keliaya@anncarise: | Trenick makes his way back to Kelly and TQ, "That Lupan's injury looked like something caused by an energy weapon." T'Quila@crystyll: "If that's the case, these Tiah are more advanced than we thought" Keliaya@anncarise: "The Lupan claimed they didn't use any tools. We were specifically discussing their stealth abilities, but it sounded like he referred to them in general." Keliaya@anncarise: | Trenick: "Well, I can't think of any species that evolved the ability to project energy naturally. Acid and electricity, yes, but neither of that can cause damage so extreme." T'Quila@crystyll: | Rianni: "Could it be a naturally occurring in some other form?" Keliaya@anncarise: "On the surface of a planet? Lava might be the closest thing to directed energy burns, but that's not going to cause an injury that can be mistaken for an energy weapon..." T'Quila@crystyll: "Well this is a lifeform that evades our sensors, so I suppose anything's possible" she offers to Rianni with a smile, noticing she still awkwardly toys with the trophy tooth, not really sure what to+ T'Quila@crystyll: + do with it Keliaya@anncarise: nods, "I suppose so. We've seen beings with far more strange abilities, like Species 2501." T'Quila@crystyll: smiles to Rianni, "And that's quite the set of lungs you've got on you" T'Quila@crystyll: | Rianni giggles, "It seemed appropriate at the time. Though I feel a little silly for it now..." Keliaya@anncarise: chuckles, "Showing respect for the traditions of other cultures is a good thing." T'Quila@crystyll: "And they at least seemed to appreciate it!" she nods towards Rianni's clenched fist holding the tooth T'Quila@crystyll: | Rianni smiles at that T'Quila@crystyll: FX | After packing up camp, the team moves out with the hunting party. The forest is dark and hard to navigate, and the Lupan seem content to do their own thing; often disappearing into the wilderness Keliaya@anncarise: keeps her tricorder open and scanning for anything unusual as they walk. T'Quila@crystyll: FX | Some hours of this pass, to the point where a general feeling of fruitlessness can be felt by all T'Quila@crystyll: FX | But the Lupan appear increasingly alert, sniffing the air and prowling around a small clearing Keliaya@anncarise: glances to TQ, "I think we're getting close, at least from the look of the Lupan..." T'Quila@crystyll: nods, looking around with heightenend senses Keliaya@anncarise: "You can detect something here too?" T'Quila@crystyll: shakes her head, "Detect is a strong word. But... you ever get that feeling as a little girl when you were sure there was a monster in the cupboard? And those little hairs on the back of your neck go" Keliaya@anncarise: nods, "I know what you're talking about..." T'Quila@crystyll: FX | The area lights up suddenly as what can best be described as a ball of blue energy hurtles through the group and strikes a tree by one of the Lupan Keliaya@anncarise: jumps at the blue energy, "What was that?" T'Quila@crystyll: dives for cover, "I can't even see where it came from!" Keliaya@anncarise: similarly jumps behind cover, checking what her tricorder picked up. T'Quila@crystyll: FX | The whole pack is scattered and on the defensive. None seem to be able to tell where it came from T'Quila@crystyll: FX | One of the Lupan howls painfully as it is suddenly snatched away Keliaya@anncarise: "The readings on that look similar to a tetryon blast! I think we might be dealing with a subspace lifeform!" T'Quila@crystyll: FX | All goes quiet as the pack prowls around for a sense of the Tiah, seemingly sensing it's continued presence T'Quila@crystyll: is unaware of the ominous glowing red eyes which seem to phase right through the tree she is taking cover behind T'Quila@crystyll: FX | Nazas however is aware and suddenly bounds towards her on all fours, pouncing to intercept the creature over her head T'Quila@crystyll: rolls out of the way, unable to do anything further as the pair grapple ferociously Keliaya@anncarise: rushes over to Tee, "Are you alright, Chief?" T'Quila@crystyll: FX | The Tiah is difficult to see in the dark; a mass of appendages whipping around violently while others slash at the Lupan T'Quila@crystyll: nods, turning to watch as the other Lupan circle in around their prey Keliaya@anncarise: looks over to the two combatants as well, "This would be a good moment to have access to gravity plating controls...or a Regulator suit..." T'Quila@crystyll: FX | Nazas strugges with the creature but seems to gain the upper hand with some well placed strikes. The pained howls almost sound as canine as the Lupan's, though rather more ethereal T'Quila@crystyll: FX | With increased focus and prolonged observation, they begin to see the Tiah for what it is... T'Quila@crystyll: ( https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F118CMbzJOU/Ub9esTP44KI/AAAAAAAACrU/QMDmF484xLs/s1600/kyuubi.jpg ) T'Quila@crystyll: FX | The fight is all but over, as sesnsed by the Lupan. The others move in, with Nazas' son claiming a killing blow. The Tiah tumbles to the ground, bloodied and beaten T'Quila@crystyll: 's eye catches something in the undergrowth as the pack revels in it's victory. A small face peeks out just enough to be visible Keliaya@anncarise: waves Trenick over, who tries to scan the Tiah for information. T'Quila@crystyll: shakes her head and shoos the creature away before quickly turning her attention elsewhere before she is seen Keliaya@anncarise: glances back to TQ and notices her looking elsewhere, following her gaze to see if there are more Tiahs. T'Quila@crystyll: FX | There seems to be nothing else around Keliaya@anncarise: looks back to TQ, "What is it, Tee?" T'Quila@crystyll: FX | Trenick's scans would reveal unusual readings, like the creature is in a state of genetic flux T'Quila@crystyll: shakes her head, "Just making sure we're not vulnerable..." Keliaya@anncarise: nods and turns her gaze back to Trenick. Keliaya@anncarise: | Trenick: "That's strange...the Tiah looks like it's in genetic flux. I suppose if it is a subspace lifeform, it probably doesn't exist very well in regular space." T'Quila@crystyll: "That's... odd" she walks over, kneeling beside the fallen creature Keliaya@anncarise: follows TQ over. T'Quila@crystyll: "She was so beautiful..." she notes, taking a closer look while running a hand across the Tiah's mane, a tear rolling down her cheek Keliaya@anncarise: | Trenick nods, "An elegant creature indeed." T'Quila@crystyll: | Nazas approaches the group, "A fine hunt, and a proud moment for my boy! With the hunt over, we are leaving" Keliaya@anncarise: "And the field disrupting our communications will be lowered?" T'Quila@crystyll: | Nazas nods, "Of course! The cage is only there to prevent cowards from fleeing the hunt, or bringing in aid. Now we are done, it is gone" Keliaya@anncarise: nods, "Thank you. It's been an honour to come with you and learn of your people." T'Quila@crystyll: | Nazas bows his head, "Savour the hunt, for when it comes again you may not find yourselves as the hunters..." he barks more at the pack and they all disappear into the forest Keliaya@anncarise: "Well...I guess that's that." T'Quila@crystyll: | Rianni: "An improvement over our last encounter with them at least" Keliaya@anncarise: "Something tells me it might be too much to hope for more..." T'Quila@crystyll: "More? This feels like it was already too much..." she pouts, continuing to mourn the fallen beast Keliaya@anncarise: "Well, it would be better than having to constantly look over our shoulders as we pass through these regions." T'Quila@crystyll: | Rianni: "I'm not sure we are clear of that prospect just yet, Commander" Keliaya@anncarise: "I doubt we're likely to be, but I hope it's a possibility." T'Quila@crystyll: | Rianni: "From talking to the Alpha back at camp, it sounds like this group is as self contained as the one we previously encountered. But I too hope this is a sign that they at least can be reached" Keliaya@anncarise: nods, "Just because we don't agree with many of their ways doesn't mean we have to be hostile to each other. We have plenty of allies with questionable traditions and practices." Keliaya@anncarise: "Like the Dominion, or the Klingons." T'Quila@crystyll: stands, "Questionable is an understatement" she sighs, "Sorry Commander. Maybe we should get back to the mining rigs and get out of here..." Keliaya@anncarise: "We definitely don't want to be here when they activate that field again." T'Quila@crystyll: nods, trudging along despondently as they return to their site T'Quila@crystyll: rolls 79 (1-100) Keliaya@anncarise: rolls 32 (1-100) T'Quila@crystyll: distractedly looks to a continued rustling in the overgrowth to their side. Seeing the same small face as before she scurries over trying to shoo it away, "Nono, you must hide. Go on already!" Keliaya@anncarise: notices Tee scurry off and follows, "Chief?" T'Quila@crystyll: "Don't hurt her!" Keliaya@anncarise: "Who?" T'Quila@crystyll: FX | An ethereal glow seems to pulse gently amid the foliage, only this one has a more pinkish hue Keliaya@anncarise: looks over to the glow. Keliaya@anncarise: "Was that what you saw earlier?" T'Quila@crystyll: FX | A small face slowly peeks out, furry and white with big purple eyes Keliaya@anncarise: kneels down, "Is that..." T'Quila@crystyll: smiles at the small face, answering Kelly, "Yes, I think it's that Tiah's offspring. I can't explain it, Commander. But I get a strong feeling from her, like an empathic connection" T'Quila@crystyll: "She won't hurt us, Commander. She's..." sniffles, holding out a hand, "She's alone and scared" T'Quila@crystyll: FX | The Tiah cub gives a tentative sniff of TQ before cautiously hedging forwards, coming into full view T'Quila@crystyll: ( https://i.pinimg.com/originals/23/5b/4f/235b4f41450991c74e3f10261d38ff83.png ) Keliaya@anncarise: "Is there anything we can do to help it?" T'Quila@crystyll: "I don't know. But it feels wrong to just leave her after what happened to her mother" T'Quila@crystyll: FX | The Tiah cub seems more comfortable with TQ's presence and nestles in front of her, nuzzling under her hand. It hiccups and emanates a brief pink glow in the process Keliaya@anncarise: nods, "She'll probably not make it to adulthood on her own." T'Quila@crystyll: | Rianni awws as she watches, "She's adorable!" Keliaya@anncarise: "Do you think she can survive off this planet? If they have a connection to subspace and the Lupan only find them here...maybe there's something about this planet or even this specific continent - Keliaya@anncarise: - that enables them to live in our space." T'Quila@crystyll: "Each time she's appeared, it's like she crosses into our space by taking this form. I don't know enough about subspace physics to surmise hypotheticals though" T'Quila@crystyll: FX | The Tiah cub hops up again and circles around in front of them a few times. Her tails spread and begin to glow, intensifying... Keliaya@anncarise: "Matter typically only passes in and out of subspace by the use of technology, and even then it's typically done where there's a slight rift, like the subspace corridors used by the Carrans." T'Quila@crystyll: "What is she doing...?" Keliaya@anncarise: stands and takes a step back, "I'm not sure..." Keliaya@anncarise: "Most matter in subspace can't exist in our space for long away from a rift, but it's still on the planet..." T'Quila@crystyll: FX | The cub begins to levitate, tails swirling elegantly behind it as the glow intensifies. It becomes almost blindingly bright, but the form at it's centre seems to be growing and shifting... T'Quila@crystyll: FX | With a brief flash at it's peak, the glow settles and the Tiah settles to the ground, now standing on two legs at about the same height as the team. A humanoid form T'Quila@crystyll: ( https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/yWUAAOSwjXVarIDj/s-l640.jpg ) Keliaya@anncarise: "So it can take on other forms..." T'Quila@crystyll: watches in awe T'Quila@crystyll: FX | The Tiah draws a deep first breath, looking around the team with a smile, "Only once" T'Quila@crystyll: | Rianni: "And speak..." Keliaya@anncarise: "You...understand what's going on here then, I presume?" T'Quila@crystyll: | The Tiah nods and smiles, though it turns solemn, "You came with the hunters, they... killed my mother..." she looks to TQ and smiles, pouncing a hug around her shoulders, "But you are gentle and + T'Quila@crystyll: + kind. You kept me safe from them!" T'Quila@crystyll: "I, uh... well I guess..." Keliaya@anncarise: smiles, "You did a good thing, Tee." T'Quila@crystyll: smiles, "I did what felt right" looks at the Tiah, "But you look, well... like us? Sort of..." T'Quila@crystyll: | The Tiah smiles, hopping back and twirling happily, "Yes, you are my imprint! Isn't it wonderful?" she runs a hand through one of her bushy tails T'Quila@crystyll: "I don't understand..." she shakes her head in bewilderment Keliaya@anncarise: "You...based your form off her?" T'Quila@crystyll: | The Tiah nods, "It is not so much of a choice as that sounds though. We bonded after she protected me, and with my mother gone..." she stands timidly, "...I was scared, so I imprinted on you. This + T'Quila@crystyll: + gave me your form like how I would have taken my mothers form eventually" Keliaya@anncarise: nods, "So it's how you mature, which is why you can only do it once." T'Quila@crystyll: | The Tiah thinks on this a moment before nodding, "Yes, you could say that! It is less a matter of age and more of connection though" Keliaya@anncarise: "Is it something that can exist permanently in our space?" T'Quila@crystyll: | The Tiah nods eagerly, "Of course! Once we imprint we can not go back!" Keliaya@anncarise: "Is that why your people come here, despite the fact that you know there are hunters here?" T'Quila@crystyll: | The Tiah shakes her head, "We do not come here. We are already here, they come" she snarls, tails swishing ferociously, "And they kill us!" T'Quila@crystyll: takes her hand, "It's ok... they are gone now, they won't hurt you" T'Quila@crystyll: | The Tiah relaxes, looking between the others, "What's going to happen to me? You're going as well, aren't you? I feel your apprehension" Keliaya@anncarise: thinks for a while, "There...might be a way to keep your people safe, but I can't promise it'll work and it probably won't happen right away." T'Quila@crystyll: FX | The Tiah draws a deep first breath, looking around the team with a smile, "Only once" T'Quila@crystyll: | Rianni: "And speak..." Keliaya@anncarise: "You...understand what's going on here then, I presume?" T'Quila@crystyll: | The Tiah nods and smiles, though it turns solemn, "You came with the hunters, they... killed my mother..." she looks to TQ and smiles, pouncing a hug around her shoulders, "But you are gentle and + T'Quila@crystyll: + kind. You kept me safe from them!" T'Quila@crystyll: "I, uh... well I guess..." Keliaya@anncarise: smiles, "You did a good thing, Tee." T'Quila@crystyll: smiles, "I did what felt right" looks at the Tiah, "But you look, well... like us? Sort of..." T'Quila@crystyll: | The Tiah smiles, hopping back and twirling happily, "Yes, you are my imprint! Isn't it wonderful?" she runs a hand through one of her bushy tails T'Quila@crystyll: "I don't understand..." she shakes her head in bewilderment Keliaya@anncarise: "You...based your form off her?" T'Quila@crystyll: | The Tiah nods, "It is not so much of a choice as that sounds though. We bonded after she protected me, and with my mother gone..." she stands timidly, "...I was scared, so I imprinted on you. This + T'Quila@crystyll: + gave me your form like how I would have taken my mothers form eventually" Keliaya@anncarise: nods, "So it's how you mature, which is why you can only do it once." T'Quila@crystyll: | The Tiah thinks on this a moment before nodding, "Yes, you could say that! It is less a matter of age and more of connection though" Keliaya@anncarise: "Is it something that can exist permanently in our space?" T'Quila@crystyll: | The Tiah nods eagerly, "Of course! Once we imprint we can not go back!" Keliaya@anncarise: "Is that why your people come here, despite the fact that you know there are hunters here?" T'Quila@crystyll: | The Tiah shakes her head, "We do not come here. We are already here, they come" she snarls, tails swishing ferociously, "And they kill us!" T'Quila@crystyll: takes her hand, "It's ok... they are gone now, they won't hurt you" T'Quila@crystyll: | The Tiah relaxes, looking between the others, "What's going to happen to me? You're going as well, aren't you? I feel your apprehension" Keliaya@anncarise: thinks for a while, "There...might be a way to keep your people safe, but I can't promise it'll work and it probably won't happen right away." T'Quila@crystyll: | The Tiah shakes her head, "They are safe now. With my mother gone and me..." she looks down herself, "like this, there is nothing here for them to hunt. The others will never come here again" Keliaya@anncarise: "There's no others of your people left?" T'Quila@crystyll: | The Tiah shakes her head, "Not in this... what do you call it? This space, this plane?" Keliaya@anncarise: "And they won't come back again in the future?" T'Quila@crystyll: | Tiah: "No chance! Not after seeing what the hunters did to us here. In a way, my imprinting on another is a blessing for all as it means no more of us can be hunted" Keliaya@anncarise: "We might be able to find out what's connecting your space to ours and close it to make sure no one else ever comes through and finds themselves hunted, if you like." T'Quila@crystyll: | The Tiah beams, tails swishing happily, "That would be wonderful! I get the feeling you people are very clever with these things" Keliaya@anncarise: nods, "We're familiar with rifts into subspace, and our ship should be able to close this one. You're certain your existence won't be affected if we cut off your access to subspace?" T'Quila@crystyll: | The Tiah smiles shaking her head, "No, there is never any going back once imprinting is complete. I am a part of this place now" she looks to TQ, "A part of you..." T'Quila@crystyll: shifts awkwardly, "I..." looking to Kelly, "This will take some explaining to the Captain, won't it..." Keliaya@anncarise: smiles, "Don't worry, I can help with the explaining." T'Quila@crystyll: | The Tiah bounces excitedly, "Does this mean we can stay together?" T'Quila@crystyll: | Rianni giggles, "Mia is going to love this..." Keliaya@anncarise: chuckles, "I think Laesa would be interested in meeting another extradimensional lifeform as well." T'Quila@crystyll: looks back to the Tiah with a smile, "It appears so the-" finds herself cutoff by another pouncing hug Keliaya@anncarise: grins and taps her combadge to make sure the dampening field is down and update Keelah. T'Quila@crystyll: | Crystyl responds, "Valley Forge here. It's good to hear your voice, Commander" Keliaya@anncarise: <C> "You too, Chief. Are the Lupan ships gone?" T'Quila@crystyll: <C-Crystyl> Confirmed, we're back in geosync above your landing site and standing by for retrieval" Keliaya@anncarise: <C> "Perfect. We're pulling out as soon as we have all the equipment packed up. We'll be bringing a guest with us, one of the beings the Lupan were here to hunt. I'll explain - Keliaya@anncarise: - more once we're back." T'Quila@crystyll: <C-Crystyl> "Sounds... like a story alright! I look forward to hearing all about it later, Commander!" Keliaya@anncarise: <C> "It certainly is. Oh, and ask Science to scan for any subspace anomaly on the planet or its vicinity in the meantime." T'Quila@crystyll: <C-Crystyl> "Will do!"
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AFTER ACTION REPORT STARFLEET SECURITY CLEARANCE LEVEL 2 | Confidential
FILED BY
LCDR Keliaya
ON STARDATE
97031.5
LOCATION
KEY PERSONNEL
Sector V-012; Tiah System
LCDR Keliaya
FLT Baelai
LTJG Trenick
CPO Oliver
CPO T'Quila
CDT Tierno
MISSION PARAMETERSOUTCOME SUMMARYExtract raw resources from seemingly uninhabited planet for future maintenance and repair. Planet revealed to be a crossing point for lifeforms in a different phase which subsequently attracted Lupan to utilize the area as a hunting ground for sport hunting of said lifeforms. Accompanied Lupan on their expedition in order to leave the planet and rescued a member of the species, named the Tiah, after the Lupan departed.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Attempt to locate and close whatever is responsible for allowing these lifeforms to cross over so they do not find themselves prey to the Lupan in the future.
NARRATIVE
After a hostile first contact with the Lupan, our senior officers decided to stock up on raw materials which can be refined for use in maintenance and repairs in anticipation of further confrontation with Lupan packs. Stellar Cartography identified a suitable planet and our geologists marked the optimal extraction point. We deployed a combination of engineering and science specialists for the resource extraction process, with a few personnel joining to observe or study the native flora.
During the extraction, we received a strange transmission which we later learned was from LT Baelai but had too much interference to identify at the time. I brought this to CPO T'Quila's attention, who determined that all communications with the ship has been cut off. Shortly afterward, we found ourselves surrounded by Lupan. Fortunately, they were not hostile towards us and when asked whether they were here to hunt us, they explained that they were seeking a much more dangerous species they called 'Tiah' as part of a coming of age ritual for the alpha's son.
The Lupan alpha, Nazas, offered to allow our team to join their hunt. Though the personnel currently on the ground were largely tech and science specialists, I agreed to accompany them in order to remain in the good graces of the Lupan. Nazas insisted that no one was to leave the planet until the ritual was complete so we did not wish to risk alienating them in order to depart in peace. Seeing as we were passing through Lupan hunting territory, it would also be useful to attempt to build a less confrontational relationship with some Lupan groups.
Because of this, we decided not to have the Valley Forge interfere even after T'Quila managed to establish communications with the Eon. We learned that the Lupan had arrived in force and the ship was taking advantage of the planet's mineral contents to hide in orbit. A dampening field had been placed around the entire planet preventing communication and transportation and the Eon was deployed in order to contact our team.
During the preparation for the hunt, Cadet Rianni appeared to fit in well with the Lupan, largely due to her impressing Nazas when she briefly engaged him in combat when the Lupan initially arrived. T'Quila expressed concern for joining this violent ritual of the Lupan, but agreed that it may be necessary to play along with the Lupan to survive. I gave instructions to focus on medical and scanner support and only fight in self-defense.
LTJG Trenick attempted to assist one of the Lupan scouts who was wounded by the Tiah, but the injury was far too severe to treat in the field, resulting in Nazas ending the injured scout's life. Trenick determined that the damage was inflicted by some form of energy attack and we theorized that the Tiah were either more advanced than the Lupan claim or some form of unique lifeform.
When the hunt commenced properly after dusk, we learned the Tiah's true nature as a lifeform native to a different phase after it attacked the Lupan using energy similar to tetryon, which does not exist in our space. The Tiah was killed by the Lupan, who departed shortly afterwards and lowered the dampening field. During this time, T'Quila had apparently protected the offspring of the hunted Tiah from being seen by the Lupan, and she revealed herself to us when the Lupan were gone.
Apparently, the young Tiah had formed a telepathic bond to T'Quila and used her as a template to transform itself into a bipedal form, in the absence of being able to use her mother as a template. She affirmed that she would be able to exist away from the planet now and I suggested for her to claim asylum with the Federation. For the moment, she will be brought on board the Valley Forge while we investigate the reason the Tiah cross over exclusively in this area and determine whether they can be prevented from doing so in the future in case any of them stumble through by accident and fall prey to the Lupan.
View Bonus
T'Quila@crystyll FX | The team rematerialize on the VF transporter pad. The operator looks up with a slightly alarmed expression at the sight of their guest T'Quila@crystyll: | Operator: "Commander, the Captain is awaiting your debrief in the conference room" Keliaya@anncarise nods, "I'm on my way." Keliaya@anncarise looks to TQ, "You should probably come with us, Chief." T'Quila@crystyll: "Of course Commander" she looks to the operator, "Chief, please arrange quarters for our guest" and proceeds to follow Kelly, only to find a hand holding her back T'Quila@crystyll looks back to the Tiah clinging to her, "Or... maybe I can help her settle in and catch up with you once the Captain is up to speed..." T'Quila@crystyll | Rianni awkwardly tries to step around the curiously flicking tails, finding them wrapping around her arm and leg in the process Keliaya@anncarise nods, "It might be a good idea to take her by medical first, make sure there's no adverse effects to leaving the planet behind." T'Quila@crystyll: "Yes, I will accompany her while things settle here" T'Quila@crystyll turns to the Tiah, "Come on, I promise nobody here will hurt you. We just need to make sure this transition, even being here at all, isn't affecting you" T'Quila@crystyll: | The Tiah nods and smiles, "Whatever you say!" Keliaya@anncarise nods, "Best to be safe. I'll head up to the conference room, let me know if you need anything." T'Quila@crystyll: "Will do!" she steps out, encouraging a curious Tiah along who is fascinated by everything, and seemingly unaware of her tails' apparent minds of their owns as they swish around disruptively to all Keliaya@anncarise steps inside the conference room, still in her excursion uniform. T'Quila@crystyll FX | Keelah sits at her regular seat, looking up with a smile, "Welcome back, Commander" she gestures, inviting Kelly to settle Keliaya@anncarise steps up an takes a seat, "Thank you, Captain." T'Quila@crystyll: | Keelah: "Apologies for calling a debrief so soon, ordinarily of course I would give you all time to recuperate. But I am curious about this guest of yours" Keliaya@anncarise nods, "You and me both. We know she's a member of the species the Lupan are here to hunt. They call them Tiah." Keliaya@anncarise: "From what I've seen so far, I believe they're native to another layer of space and can only come through on this planet due to some phenomena present here." T'Quila@crystyll: | Keelah nods along as she listens, "So why is this one coming on board and not returning to it's own realm?" Keliaya@anncarise: "I think it might not be able to remain. Ordinarily such lifeforms can't exist far from whatever rift they came through, if they can survive at all in our space without the assistance of sealed - Keliaya@anncarise: - suits. But this species have a unique way of maturing which involves an imprint of its parent." T'Quila@crystyll | Keelah perks a brow, "Curious. But I fail to see the bearing on this one's perticular circumstances" Keliaya@anncarise: "I'm far from understanding how exactly it works, but with her mother dead, this Tiah apparently formed a connection with Chief T'Quila and morphed into a bipedal form." T'Quila@crystyll | Keelah: "I take that implication to mean that it's present form is not a natural one?" Keliaya@anncarise: "In normal circumstances, it would've taken on the form of its parent, yes. But we don't know if it's common for them to imprint on other lifeforms naturally, or if the form its mother took is even - Keliaya@anncarise: - standard. We'll have to ask her more about her people." T'Quila@crystyll: | Keelah: "And what about this 'connection' formed with T'Quila? Is Tee at any risk?" Keliaya@anncarise: "I don't think so, but I don't have the professional expertise to make that judgement." T'Quila@crystyll: | Keelah nods: "Of course. Any noteworthy observations on the subject from what you've seen so far? I won't pretend here Kelly, I'm more than a little apprehensive about these circumstances. I want + T'Quila@crystyll: + to know all I can before confronting the pair" Keliaya@anncarise: "From how they talked about it, I was under the impression it was somewhat similar to a Vulcan telepathic bond. Not an active sharing of information at all times or anything like that, more - Keliaya@anncarise: - just a...connection. As for the Tiah, she doesn't seem malicious and I doubt she is. But as is common with beings from other layers of space, they don't often understand ours." Keliaya@anncarise: "Not unlike Species 2501. They might not mean ill, but they might not understand if something they do is harmful in our universe." T'Quila@crystyll: | Keelah nods, "Alright Kelly, thank you. Now whilst I don't mean to jump your full report, I am curious about your interaction with the Lupan while we are here" Keliaya@anncarise: "This meeting wasn't confrontational, but I don't think it changes our assessment of them so far. Their alpha said when we parted ways that the next time we meet we might not find ourselves as - Keliaya@anncarise: - hunters." Keliaya@anncarise: "The Lupan are clearly intelligent, and like the Klingons they have their own code of morality and honour. But I get the feeling that while they're capable of making alliances, it's not usually a - Keliaya@anncarise: - very permanent thing in their culture." T'Quila@crystyll: | Keelah nods: "That certainly fits the limited profile we have to date. Frankly, I'm just relieved we came out of this unscathed. The fact that you've been able to gain some insight into their + T'Quila@crystyll: + culture is a bonus" Keliaya@anncarise: "Definitely. I was hoping we'd be able to form a lasting alliance with this pack as well, but I knew that was fairly unlikely." T'Quila@crystyll: | Keelah smiles, getting to her feet, "Well you have certainly laid some promising groundwork to that effect, Kelly. You should proud of your teams efforts down there, I know I am" T'Quila@crystyll: | Keelah: "I look forward to your full report on the situation. For now... I have a guest to meet" Keliaya@anncarise stands, "There is one thing...the Tiah and I both agreed that we should close whatever rift her people are coming through, so they don't find themselves hunted in the future." Keliaya@anncarise: "As long as it doesn't harm her by doing so, that is." T'Quila@crystyll: | Keelah nods: "See what you can learn about it, if you're right I would expect some trace readings on sensors. If we learn any more from this guest, I'll keep you apprised" Keliaya@anncarise nods, "Thank you, Captain. Good luck with the guest." T'Quila@crystyll: | Keelah smiles, "Computer, location of Chief T'Quila?" T'Quila@crystyll: | Computer: "Chief T'Quila is in the forward lounge" T'Quila@crystyll: | Keelah perks a brow and moves out Keliaya@anncarise steps onto the bridge. Thorkildsen turns to Kelly and steps away from the console, but Kelly shakes her head, "As you were, Lieutenant." Keliaya@anncarise steps over to Lennie, "Commander. Found any signs of a rift in the area?" T'Quila@crystyll | Lennie shakes her head, "Nothin' Kelly. It's as if th'whole planet's still devoid o'tech" Keliaya@anncarise: "What about the rest of the system? Maybe it's not located on the planet itself, but the beings just come through on the planet." T'Quila@crystyll | Lennie: "I'll-a keep lookin', but we found nothin' on long range sensors so far" Keliaya@anncarise nods, "If you find something, look into ways of potentially closing it. A graviton pulse typically works for subspace rifts, but we might be dealing with a different layer of space here." T'Quila@crystyll | Lennie nods, "So... how's Tee? I understand she's made a friend?" Keliaya@anncarise: "She did. We're still trying to figure out her people and if it's safe for her to come with us, but the two formed some form of telepathic connection." T'Quila@crystyll | Lennie gives her an uncertain look, "I hope she's doin' ok wit' it. Closeness ain't exactly her thing, let alone telepathic stuff..." Keliaya@anncarise nods, "She's always had doubts about that sort of thing..." Keliaya@anncarise: "Hopefully, having some experience will end up being better for her, as long as the experience is positive." T'Quila@crystyll | Lennie smiles, "Thanks f'lookin' after yer down there Kel'. I'll check in wit'her later, an' meet this new friend hopefully!" Keliaya@anncarise smiles back, "I always look out for fellow crew." Keliaya@anncarise | Thorkildsen: "Commander, I've found the source of the dampening field." T'Quila@crystyll | Lennie peers over curiously Keliaya@anncarise turns to Erik, "I was told it's on the planet surface. How did we miss it?" Keliaya@anncarise | Thorkildsen: "Because we weren't looking for the right thing. Once the field is down, I identified the most likely point of origin, but there still wasn't any technology there. Nothing - Keliaya@anncarise: - conventional, that is." Keliaya@anncarise steps over to the engineering console, "How unconventional are we talking about here?" Keliaya@anncarise | Thorkildsen taps the screen, bringing up the readings: "Sound-based." Keliaya@anncarise: "That's..." Keliaya@anncarise | Thorkildsen nods, "Preserver. I scanned the whole planet for Preserver ruins after that. Nothing. Just this one piece of technology, inactive until the Lupan turned it on." Keliaya@anncarise: "You think the Lupan may have moved it here?" Keliaya@anncarise | Thorkildsen: "That, or maybe the Preservers originally built this to protect the lifeforms and the Lupan maintained it for their own purposes." Keliaya@anncarise: "Either way, this means the Lupan, or the particular group we encountered, knows how to operate Preserver technology..." ------ T'Quila@crystyll strolls in with the Tiah prancing around her excitedly. As the enter, the Tiah goes wide eyed at the view and bounds over to the window, tails swishing and even knocking over some glasses on nearby + T'Quila@crystyll: + tables. TQ raises a hand and opens her mouth to discourage her, but sees it's too late. She chuckles and goes to the bar T'Quila@crystyll: "Hey Jex. Two Orion wines, please" T'Quila@crystyll shudders at the sound of another crash as another glass goes tumbling, looks back to Jex apologetically, "I'm sorry Jex, she's trying I swear. It's just... new, and difficult..." Ann Carter@anncarise follows the excited Tiah with her gaze before looking to TQ as she settles at the bar, "Welcome back, Tee! Who exactly's tha'?" T'Quila@crystyll: "That's... a good question, Ann. We haven't exactly got to names yet..." Ann Carter@anncarise: "Ya haven't asked yet? Was she from the planet?" T'Quila@crystyll: "I think it's the more the case that she doesn't have a name. She was native to the planet though, yes. I say 'was'..." glances over, "...she is disconnected from her kin, so is staying with us" Ann Carter@anncarise glances over to the Tiah as well, then back to TQ, "Wha'd ya mean, disconnected?" Ann Carter@anncarise: "An' I thought the planet didn't have any natives. Wasn't it the Lupan ya met down there, not...her?" T'Quila@crystyll: "It's hard to understand, but the best we can tell from Kazra's scans is that her kind exist natively out of phase with the rest of us, kind of like the Dividians. But the Tiah are metamorphs, + T'Quila@crystyll: + transitioning into phase here and taking permanent form." she nods, "The Lupan were there... hunting the Tiah..." her face contorts at the thought T'Quila@crystyll | The Tiah moves back over to them, more aware of her tail movements after seeing the mess being cleaned up and bundling them together timidly in her arms T'Quila@crystyll | The Tiah draws close to TQ: "It's not your fault, you couldn't stop them hunting. But you stopped them hunting me!" Ann Carter@anncarise nods, "I heard 'bout the hunt. Was thinkin' they were gonna be after the team on the surface. Got called to standby an' everythin', case ya needed evac, which is why I'm in uniform." T'Quila@crystyll: smiles back, "I know, but that doesn't stop it feeling back... anyway, we have another friend for you to meet! This is Ann, she flies the ship" T'Quila@crystyll | The Tiah's ears flit back and forth before she smiles, reaching out to hold Ann's hands in greeting, "So many friends here!" Ann Carter@anncarise smiles back and offers her hands to the Tiah, "An' I fly the shuttles too. Nice to meet ya!" T'Quila@crystyll | The Tiah forgets that in doing so, her tails again go free and swish around excitedly, a fluffy brush batting at TQ's cheek among others passing by them T'Quila@crystyll laughs, brushing the stray tail away, "Ann made an interesting point before. We don't have a name for you yet, do we!" Ann Carter@anncarise chuckles at the swishing tails, "Do ya people have individual names, or we wanna pick one for you?" T'Quila@crystyll: | The Tiah looks to TQ, "You individualize identities, I have noticed..." she hrms, "...I have never needed anything like that before" and looks to TQ, "When you look at me, the name Tiah is strong. + T'Quila@crystyll: + Can I have that?" T'Quila@crystyll smiles, "You can have whatever you want... Tiah" Ann Carter@anncarise: "Well, if there ain't others o' your kind tha' might get confused with the name..." T'Quila@crystyll | Tiah beams happily, "Then Tiah it is!" Looking to Ann, "My kin are not of this place as you see it, there will not be any more" Ann Carter@anncarise: "Where are ya from? An' Tee said you were...metamorphs?" T'Quila@crystyll: | Tiah nods, taking their hands and leading them over to the window T'Quila@crystyll tries not to trip over all the tails as they follow Ann Carter@anncarise follows over, also careful of all the tails. T'Quila@crystyll | Tiah points at the planet below, "That is my home! Or, it was... I'm not sure exactly which part, it all looks so different from up here!" Ann Carter@anncarise chuckles, "It does, doesn't it! I know the feelin' o’ seein' the planet ya grew up on from space for the first time." T'Quila@crystyll points out a region of the planet, "I believe it was somewhere in that continent that we met" Ann Carter@anncarise: "Ya said your kin aren't from this place as we see it, but ya met on the planet?" T'Quila@crystyll | Tiah smiles and nods, "Yes, the spotty one said something about... phases?" looks to TQ T'Quila@crystyll chuckles, "Kazra is the spotty one..." T'Quila@crystyll: "And yes, she found indicators of a phase variance in her RNA. We theorized that Tiah's native realm is the same physical space as ours but on a phase variance, a bit like Dividians are apparently" T'Quila@crystyll: "The metamorph aspect is..." puffs out her cheeks, "...something to behold. But Tiah tells me it's a once in a lifetime event?" Ann Carter@anncarise: "So ya can't change shape at will or anythin'?" T'Quila@crystyll | Tiah smiles and nods, nuzzling against TQ, "Yes, when we reach sufficient maturity, we become susceptible to emotional imprinting. This bond forms emotionally when we find our mate" T'Quila@crystyll 's cheeks flush at the talk of mates T'Quila@crystyll | Tiah: "And it only happens once, yes. I am not what the spotty one called a 'shape-shifter'" Ann Carter@anncarise nods, "An' this is ya shape permanently now?" T'Quila@crystyll | Tian smiles and nods, giving a little twirl, "Yes, isn't it wonderful?" T'Quila@crystyll | Tiah stops and looks to the pair, "But I must ask... how do you maintain your balance without a tail?" Ann Carter@anncarise: "I...guess ya just get used to it." Ann Carter@anncarise chuckles, "Think there's some explanation 'bout the way our brains are or somethin', but ya probably wanna ask the spotty one 'bout tha'." T'Quila@crystyll: "I have known species to have a single tail, but so many is quite unique" Ann Carter@anncarise: "Yeah...do ya need all o' 'em to keep balance?" T'Quila@crystyll | Tiah looks behind herself, running a hand through them, "Not for this bipedal movement, but in our native form that you saw they are essential for speed and balance. Let alone extended airborne + T'Quila@crystyll: + time!" Ann Carter@anncarise: "Airborne time? Ya can fly? Or...glide?" T'Quila@crystyll: | Tiah ponders this, "I think... glide would be a more appropriate term. Though I have not tried it since maturing, I've been having too much fun standing upright!" she laughs Ann Carter@anncarise: "If ya can in this form...tha'd be somethin' to see!" Ann Carter@anncarise: "Don't hurt yaself tryin' it though. Probably best to test first in the holodeck or somethin'..." T'Quila@crystyll: "Indeed it would, and yes that's a smart idea Ann!" T'Quila@crystyll | Tiah gives a curious head tilt, ears flicking back and forth, "Hollow-deck?" Ann Carter@anncarise: "It's a...how'd I explain this...place where we can make things look real but aren't." T'Quila@crystyll | Tiah's head tilts the opposite way, still not comprehending T'Quila@crystyll smiles, "It is a little hard to explain without context. We can go there later and show you" Ann Carter@anncarise: "Yeah, probably a lot easier to understand when ya see it!" Ann Carter@anncarise: "Long as ya don't mistaken wha' ya see for the real thing." T'Quila@crystyll: "I will endeavour to explain when we get to it" she smiles, looking around as Keelah enters and approaches, "Captain" Ann Carter@anncarise turns at TQ addresses Keelah, "Cap'n." T'Quila@crystyll: | Keelah smiles, "I hope I'm not interrupting" she looks to Tiah, "But I was hoping to meet your new friend" Ann Carter@anncarise: "Not at all! Just curious 'bout our new arrival here!" T'Quila@crystyll finds herself holding the hand of an uncertain Tiah, seemingly sensing the authority instilled by Keelah's presence in the others, or at least in TQ Ann Carter@anncarise glances back and notices Tiah holding TQ's hand, "Don't worry, the Cap'n doesn't bite. She just wants to know new folks on her ship." T'Quila@crystyll nods, "Yes, she is another friend I promise! Come on, let's go talk" Ann Carter@anncarise: "I'll leave ya to it." T'Quila@crystyll: "Catch you later Ann!" T'Quila@crystyll: takes a seat with Tiah close at her side, and Keelah opposite. All ready for a long and hearty discussion about events
View Bonus Bonus: T'Quila's Surprise!