ST:TTV513 | "Chosen"

Stardate 97271.9

Though finally moving on from the Arshai New World, the crew of the Valley Forge isn't done with their friends yet as they get sent to investigate a disturbance between two of the Arshai's vassal states; the Chosen Empire and the Commune, opposing factions of the Dunishai people. But will their worst fears of Horde manipulation turn out to be justified...

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View Act I - Prologue

Lendaria@crystyll FX | It has been an arduous few weeks for the crew, refitting the ship while docked at the Vue-En orbital ring. But now with upgrades and overhauls complete, spirits are high as the crew fliter back+ Lendaria@crystyll: + on board - along with a handful of curious volunteers who have chosen to join the mission Lendaria@crystyll stands at the airlock of the docking ring, looking out through a small waiting area to the VF beyond. Welcoming friends back, and new friends on board NPC@annpc#5570 | One of the Orions wave to Lennie as she approaches. Lendaria@crystyll smiles and returns the wave, tring to get a good look at the face through the crowd NPC@annpc#5570 | The Orion steps out of the crowd to greet Lennie, her Colonial Fleet uniform and familiar face becoming more visible. A taller Orion male follows her over as well. NPC@annpc#5570 | Orion: "Hello again! Your ship is the one going rimward to deal with this Horde, right?" Lendaria@crystyll smiles, "Sure is! Y'all taggin' along? I know a lotta folks from th'Orion district got curious since they learned we'se close to th'new Homeworld!" NPC@annpc#5570 | Orion: "Are you going back to the new homeworld after this. Where you have your new space navy and all?" Lendaria@crystyll: "Me personal-like?" NPC@annpc#5570 | Orion: "Well...the ship'll go back to where it came from, which'll be close to where our people's setting up, right?" Lendaria@crystyll: "Oh, f'sure yeah! Narris ain't so far from Federation space an' I know th'folks back home'll be eager to meet their kin" NPC@annpc#5570 | The Orion smiles, "Perfect! I'd love to see Narris for myself, but I have my duties with the Colonial Fleet, and they might need everyone they can get soon." NPC@annpc#5570 | She steps aside, giving Lennie a clearer view of the Orion male behind her, "My brother Tizan would like to come with you, though." Lendaria@crystyll: "Understandable" she nods, "OSN's friendly wit'ya Colonial Fleet, so this should be good t'build them bonds!" NPC@annpc#5570 | Tizan is quite typically built for an Orion male, and dressed in a simple vest with his muscular arms exposed. A harness crosses over his chest, which straps two identical looking weapons to - NPC@annpc#5570: - his back. Lendaria@crystyll 's gaze drifts towards Tizan, "Well ain't ya just a whole lotta fine green beef. I know if ya got this far ya already been through selection an' assignment. So watcha thing?" NPC@annpc#5570 | Tizan: "I've been put with your security. I trained in Arshai martial arts and started learning rifles too. Was gonna join the Colonial Fleet, but going with you seems a good option." NPC@annpc#5570 | His sister nods, "He's a lot faster than he looks. Hopefully he'll be able to help with your mission too." Lendaria@crystyll looks between the pair, "And y'all both good wit' bein' apart f'so long? Ain't tryin' a put ya off or nothin', just don't wanna see anyone suffer" NPC@annpc#5570 | The sister nods again, "Well he'll get to tell me all about the new homeworld when he gets back!" NPC@annpc#5570 | Tizan: "And we're probably gonna be apart in the Fleet too. Won't likely get assigned to the same ship, and the Fleet's got a lot of ships." Lendaria@crystyll grins, "Then welcome aboard! Ya gonna have all kindsa fun trainin' wit'Silvestries team. Ain't just ship security after all, but th'MACO's, Klingons & Guild mercs are all at it!" NPC@annpc#5570 | Tizan smiles, "I've heard about the Spike Guild mercs and Klingon warriors. Good fighters, from their rep." Lendaria@crystyll | Mia and Rianni enter the far side of the lounge. Mia bouncing around like her usual excitable self while Rianni juggles a number of shoulder slung containers behind her Lendaria@crystyll: "Tha' they are! Just don't be lettin'em convince tha'brute force always wins" she grins with a wink, returning a wave to Mia NPC@annpc#5570 | Tizan: "Oh I know better. Arshai training is all about playing it fast. Think faster, move faster, win faster." Lendaria@crystyll: "Look forward to seein' ya put it to practice then!" Lendaria@crystyll | Mia bounds over to the group, "Allo Ms. Lennie! Ooh, do we have new friends joining us?" NPC@annpc#5570 | Tizan: "I'm not as much of an expert as the lifelong practitioners. But I know enough to put it into practice." NPC@annpc#5570 | He looks Mia over curiously before noticing the drone, "You must be one of Mana's friends." Lendaria@crystyll | Mia beams happily, "We are! You are very well informed. This is a good trait on the Valley Forge, you will see!" NPC@annpc#5570 | Tizan smiles, "Well I only know cause Mana and her other drone was big news. Plus all she did with getting AI more accepted in the New World." Lendaria@crystyll | Rianni catches up to them, peering over the armfuls of containers with a muffled, "Hey Commander..." Lendaria@crystyll | Mia: "Well there's plenty more AI to get to know on the ship! Oh, Rianni there you are!" NPC@annpc#5570 | Tizan notices Rianni as she speaks, "Need help with that?" Lendaria@crystyll chuckles, "What's all this Cadet?" Lendaria@crystyll | Rianni nods, still muffled, "Thank you!" holding out the overloading of bags NPC@annpc#5570 | Tizan takes a number of bags off her, "Good question. And who made you carry it all?" Lendaria@crystyll | Rianni looks to Mia, "It was necessary to help Mia with supplies as dock scanner forces her to pass through without the avatar" Lendaria@crystyll | Mia chirps, "Ms. Rianni is one of our students, and a most helpful one at that!" NPC@annpc#5570 | Tizan nods, "Is that why the uniform looks so different?" Lendaria@crystyll | Mia nods, "It is! Our avatar stems from our original holoprojection which was a historical teaching assistant. We wear the uniform of Starfleet in the mid 23rd century" Lendaria@crystyll | Rianni takes the welcome reprise to take in the atmosphere, looking around with a smile at all the buzz of the room while shaking her arms loose with the reprive NPC@annpc#5570 | Tizan narrows his eyes, "That's a uniform? Looks like a...recreational thing." Lendaria@crystyll | Mia giggles, "It was the style of the era!" Lendaria@crystyll grins, "Ya gotta admit though Mia, nice pair o'legs do look damned good in it" NPC@annpc#5570 | Tizan smirks, "That they do." Lendaria@crystyll | Mia smiles, eyeing Tizan, "So... we're finally getting some Orion testosterone to offset all the lovely greenskinned beauties on board?" NPC@annpc#5570 | Tizan grins, "I think there's a few more of us coming along. Plenty to share for everyone!" Lendaria@crystyll: "An' here I was all worried tha' our rep as a ship of th'valkyries were in danger o'peterin' out..." Lendaria@crystyll | Rianni gives Lennie a curious look Lendaria@crystyll spots the look, "I'll-a... explain later, Sweets. ya?" NPC@annpc#5570 | Tizan and his sister both laugh at Lennie's comments. Lendaria@crystyll | Mia looks to the sister, "So, are you not joining us with your brother?" she looks sad at the idea NPC@annpc#5570 | She shakes her head, "I'm already with the Colonial Fleet. And they'll probably need me too." Lendaria@crystyll | Mia smiles, "It is a fine foundation that is lucky to have you, we are certain!" Lendaria@crystyll | Rianni continues exploring the room meantime, smiling at the sight of all the new faces, when something seems to draw her attention for a moment NPC@annpc#5570 | Tizan: "So, time to go, or?" He looks over as he notices something catch Rianni's attention. Lendaria@crystyll nods, "Yes, I think th' last of folks is headin' on board now" Lendaria@crystyll: "Rianni...?" she welcomes the cadet back to their side with a curious tone Lendaria@crystyll | Mia: "What is wrong Cadet, you look like you saw a ghost?" Lendaria@crystyll | Rianni shakes her head lightly and smiles, "Oh, it's nothing! I just thought I saw..." repeats the action, "It's nothing! Come on, we should get back on board. Don't want to be left behind now!" NPC@annpc#5570 | Tizan's sister gives him a hug, "Get some images and holos of the new homeworld if you can!" Lendaria@crystyll shares a warm smile with the others as they witness the family farewell NPC@annpc#5570 | Tizan smiles, "I'll get you everything I can. I promise. Maybe even bring back a few souvenirs." NPC@annpc#5570 | He hugs her back slightly awkwardly with all the bags before letting go, "Let's get going. Don't want to make your ship leave late." Lendaria@crystyll 's gaze lingers with curiosity and concern over the still distracted Rianni, though she holds focus on the moment as the siblings say their farewell NPC@annpc#5570 | Tizan gives his sister another smile as he heads for the airlock, "I'll be back before you know it!" Lendaria@crystyll looks to the sister, "Don'tcha worry, I promise ya I'll-a take good care o'him along wit'all th'other kin on board" NPC@annpc#5570 | She nods and smiles at Lennie, "Thank you. I'm sure he'll be in safe hands with you." Lendaria@crystyll: "So Rianni, wha's got ya so spooked?" Lendaria@crystyll | Rianni shifts awkwardly before reluctantly answering, "It's just... I could have sworn I saw someone who I recognized among the Orions boarding in that last group..." Lendaria@crystyll: "Well tha' ain't sucha bad thing, is it...?" Lendaria@crystyll | Rianni: "Only I know I can't have seen who I thought it was, because... well, she's just a holo..." Lendaria@crystyll | Mia grins as she realizes who Rianni means and hugs her, "Aww, Ms. Rianni! It is nothing to feel shame for! You are just seeing what you want to see amidst a sea of green!" Lendaria@crystyll chuckles, "Emma, right! Yeah... Lots'a Orions 'ere today, so no surprise tha' ya see somethin' a lil' familiar in th'crowd! Now c'mon, don't wanna let ya luggage run away from ya now!" Lendaria@crystyll gives Rianni's hair a playful ruffle as they head in together, "C'mon squish. Not everyday ya get t'be on th'bridge of a launchin' starship. Ya don't wanna miss it!" Lendaria@crystyll | Rianni smiles - even under the hair ruffle - and nods. The airlock hissing shut behind them... NPC@annpc#5570 | They don't make it far from the airlock when Lennie is intercepted by an enlisted Tellarite with petty officer rank pips, "Commander! I was looking for an officer!" Lendaria@crystyll: "Sup'?" NPC@annpc#5570 | Tellarite: "I think there's a mix-up. We just got a delivery of four tricobalt warheads, a dozen gravimetric torpedoes, enough dilithium to last us a month and a crate of some rifles I've never - NPC@annpc#5570: - seen before. There's nothing in the logs about expecting this shipment." Lendaria@crystyll: "Not a thing? Huh... tha' is kinda odd, but ain't exactly mah department. Ya tried Commander Vrolmacht?" NPC@annpc#5570 | Tellarite: "Checked with Chief Tyr first, she pointed me to Trinity, neither of 'em know anything. But the Arshai are insisting it's for us." Lendaria@crystyll: "Hmm..." Lendaria@crystyll | Rianni: "Was there any detail provided on the source of the shipment? Maybe that would shed some light?" NPC@annpc#5570 | Tellarite: "It's branded Colonial Fleet, which is why I think it's a mix-up. But you'd have to be really confused to mix up the Forge with a Colonial Fleet ship, even with all the repurposed - NPC@annpc#5570: - stuff they hav ein service." NPC@annpc#5570 | The Tellarite shrugs, "I'll ask Vrolmacht. Just saw you as I was coming down the hall. Might be worth asking Tee or Dra to contact the Arshai for clarification too." Lendaria@crystyll nods, "We was just headin' to th'bridge for final launch prep, so can I can check with th'Cap'n for ya if ya like" NPC@annpc#5570 | Tellarite: "Sure. Just don't wanna make off with somebody else's ordinance. Won't be the best for relations with the Arshai I bet." Lendaria@crystyll chuckles, "Ya ain't wrong. Thanks for flaggin' this up, we'll make sure is all tidied up before we go" NPC@annpc#5570 | The Tellarite nods before heading off. --- Keliaya@anncarise FX | On the bridge of the Valley Forge, the crew prepares for undocking and departure following the installation of their new upgrades... Keelah@crystyll exits the ready room, "How goes the launch preparations?" Keliaya@anncarise turns to Keelah from her console, "All systems are ready. The docking tubes have just been retracted and the airlocks are sealed. The Ring is just waiting for our signal to disengage the docking - Keliaya@anncarise: - tractors." Keelah@crystyll smiles, taking her seat, "Excellent. Upgrades online?" Keliaya@anncarise smiles back and nods, "We've tested everything we can so far. The Colonial Fleet's agreed to have one of their battleships assist with further testing once we're out of dock." Keelah@crystyll chuckles some, "Captain Vix will be so disappointed..." Keelah@crystyll | Lennie and Rianni enter from the turbolift, Rianni takes her station and Lennie joins her Keliaya@anncarise chuckles, "This will just be a basic test of functionalities. We could run a full battle drill with QanwI' if you like." Keelah@crystyll | Lennie looks to Vrolmacht, "Commander. Jus' had somethin' come t'our attention tha' I wanted t'check wit'ya; seemingly a large munitions shipment were sent over a short while ago, but ain't nobody+ Keelah@crystyll + knowin'bout it. Anytin' on ya radar?" Keelah@crystyll looks back to Kelly, "I feel like it's more a matter of what Captain Vix would like..." she chuckles again, attention lingering on Lennie's conversation with the blue shirt hovering out of place Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht gives Lennie a puzzled look and shakes his head, "I am unaware of any munitions shipment due to arrive today." Keelah@crystyll chimes in, "Is there a problem, Commanders?" Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "Apparently we are getting an unscheduled munitions shipment." Keelah@crystyll: "Oh? Lieutenant Dra, open a channel to Colonial Fleet Command. We don't to run off with their assets now" Keliaya@anncarise | Evanne nods and taps her console, "Channel open." Keelah@crystyll | Lennie returns to her station, pausing at Keelah's side, "There were apparently four tricobalt warheads, a dozen gravimetric torpedoes, enough dilithium t'last us a month and a crate of rifles" Keelah@crystyll nods an acknowledgement as she looks to the viewscreen, "Fleet Command, this is the Valley Forge" Keliaya@anncarise | An Orion female in Colonial Fleet uniform appears on the viewscreen, "The Ring has cleared you for departure, and we have a battleship standing by to conduct further testing. Is something wrong?" Keelah@crystyll: "Possibly... we appear to have an errant munitions shipment in one of our cargo bays. I wanted to be sure we clear things up before departing" Keliaya@anncarise | The Orion tilts her head, "An errant munitions shipment you say?" She lowers her head and appears to tap on a console for a moment before chuckling, "Oh. We didn't tell you about that?" Keelah@crystyll perks a brow, "Seemingly not. Would you perhaps care to elaborate?" Keliaya@anncarise | Orion: "Supreme Commander Caeru asked us to send you this as a token of thanks for your help here. The tricobalt warheads were...yours to begin with, really. They're from the Lupan ship you - Keliaya@anncarise: - captured, just repurposed for your torpedo launchers. The rest were given based on the recommendation of the Supreme- former Supreme Commander Vora." Keliaya@anncarise | Orion: "I'm glad the shipment made it to you, but I guess the message got lost somewhere along the way." Keelah@crystyll smiles, "Well then, please express my sincere gratitude to the Supreme Commanders - both former and present. With that settled, I am happy to report that we are ready for departure" Keliaya@anncarise | The Orion smiles back, "Perfect. Just send the signal to the Ring when you're ready to leave and we have our ship standing by for testing." Keelah@crystyll: "Thanks again, and farewell. You will receive our signal momentarily. Valley Forge out" Keelah@crystyll lets the comm end, then looks around the faces of the officers surrounding her, "Alright. Let's go around the horn people" Keliaya@anncarise | Evanne: "Ready to send the signal when you are, Captain." Keliaya@anncarise | Fisher: "Helm is ready, ma'am." Keelah@crystyll | Rianni: "Weapons upgrades are online. Tactical: ready!" Keliaya@anncarise: "Warp core is looking good. Intermix chamber is warming up for impulse power. Engineering is ready." Keelah@crystyll | Lennie: "Sensors are aligned and we'se got full power to th'main deflector. Science is go" Keliaya@anncarise | Kazra: "Medical is all set. All patients from the Lupan encounter are recovered and released now." Keelah@crystyll | Crystyl: "All personnel have reported back on board, and all new arrivals are logged in" Keelah@crystyll smiles, "Alright, Dra; signal our departure" Keliaya@anncarise | Evanne nods and taps her console again, "Signal sent." Keliaya@anncarise: "Docking tractors have deactivated. We should be good for maneuvering thrusters now." Keelah@crystyll: "Helm, ahead 1/4 impulse. Take us clear of the ring and lay in a course to rendezvous with the Arshai battleship" Keliaya@anncarise | Fisher: "Aye aye, captain." Keliaya@anncarise FX | The Valley Forge slowly emerges from the drydock on the Ring, revealing the new upgrades visible from the outside- the ablative armour generators and a suite of small phaser emitters across - Keliaya@anncarise: - the hull serving as a complete point-defense system. Keliaya@anncarise | A battleship of original Arshai design soon comes into view as they leave the Ring further behind. Keliaya@anncarise | Evanne: "The Arshai ship is signalling ready for testing." Keelah@crystyll: "Moment of truth then" she looks to tactical, "Commander, bring the ablative armour online. Stand by on the point defense" Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht nods, "Bringing ablative armour systems online now. Point defense system is standing by." Keliaya@anncarise | Evanne: "Looks like the hull modification is already working. The Arshai are reporting that they can't scan the Valley Forge or get transport lock on anyone from the outside." Keelah@crystyll smiles, "Excellent! We get this right and we could redefine the rulebook for Starfleet ship design" Keelah@crystyll: "...don't tell T'Pia..." Keliaya@anncarise chuckles, "I'll keep it a secret from her. The neutronium alloy's also strengthened our hull integrity by about 9%." Keelah@crystyll: "Well, I certainly won't say no to that little bonus" she smiles Keelah@crystyll thinks, "Let's see this new ablative armour in action... show me a reverse wide-angle from the rear saucer" Keliaya@anncarise: "Power levels are looking good. The power drain of the new armour system is almost exactly as expected." Keliaya@anncarise FX | The viewscreen shows a reverse view of the armoured ship from the saucer. Keelah@crystyll: "How far off predictions are the power levels?" Keliaya@anncarise: "Point-eight-one percent lower than expected. The Subcommander's power node idea was more effective than I thought it would be." Keelah@crystyll: "So far so good then. Commander Vrolmacht... activate the armour" Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "Aye Captain." Keliaya@anncarise | The armour slowly appears out from the newly installed generators, gradually covering the entire ship. Keliaya@anncarise: "We should test how effective it is against tractor beams." Keelah@crystyll watches wide-eyed, "I'm not sure I'll ever get used to seeing that..." Keelah@crystyll: "All readings stable through deployment?" Keliaya@anncarise nods, focusing on her console display, "Everything looks good." Keelah@crystyll: "Alright. Signal the Arshai vessel to initiate a tractor beam test" Keliaya@anncarise | Evanne nods and sends the message to the Arshai vessel. A moment later, a tractor beam appears from the battleship over the Valley Forge. Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "Tractor beam appears to be having no effect on us." Keliaya@anncarise | Fisher: "Confirmed. We're still mobile." Keelah@crystyll: "Very well. Proceed to test two" Keliaya@anncarise | Evanne: "The Arshai will fire a low-intensity polaron beam to test the armour." Keelah@crystyll: "Brace for impact. I can't believe we're purposefully doing live testing of new armour..." Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "Even without the armour, the agreed intensity of the beam should not penetrate our hull plating." Keelah@crystyll: "Still. Intentionally having our ship shot at is never particularly high on Captain's list of things to do..." she chuckles Keliaya@anncarise | A few seconds later, a pinkish beam emerges from the battleship and impacts the Valley Forge, and the bridge shakes slightly. Keliaya@anncarise: "Armour integrity is holding up!" Keliaya@anncarise: "The shaking is expected, we designed the armour based on old bunker concepts. There's a small gap between the generated armour and the hull, so we'll be...bouncing around a little inside." Keliaya@anncarise: "It'll prevent the hull of the ship from taking damage when the generated armour is hit." Keelah@crystyll: "Fair enough. Let's continue to ramp up the intensity to full power then" Keliaya@anncarise | Evanne: "The Arshai will be hitting us with a full intensity beam soon." Keliaya@anncarise FX | A much deeper pink beam emits from the battleship and hits the saucer of the VF. The shaking on the bridge is a little more severe and Kelly stumbles slightly as she braces on her console. Keliaya@anncarise: "Armour integrity holding at 95%." Keelah@crystyll: "95% is good. All systems holding within tolerance?" Keliaya@anncarise nods, "Yes captain. Power drain continues to be within limits." Keelah@crystyll: "Very well, let's hold on the armour for now and get a brief test on the point defense. Confirm the Arshai have duds loaded and ready to fire" Keliaya@anncarise | Evanne: "The Arshai report ready with the duds. They'll have the guidance system of any modern torpedo, but no antimatter or other explosives." Keelah@crystyll: "Hold position and standby on emergency systems, just in case. Give the order to fire" Keelah@crystyll | Rianni: "Point defense is online and actively scanning" Keliaya@anncarise FX | Small ports open in the generated armour, allowing for the point defense system to fire. Keliaya@anncarise | Evanne: "Signal sent." Keliaya@anncarise | A single torpedo dud fires from the battleship, coming towards the VF but not even getting close as a tiny phaser bolt shoots it down. There is no explosion and the dud is simply vapourized. Keelah@crystyll: "Intercept distance?" Keelah@crystyll | Rianni checks, "Target was acquired at launch... intercepted at 100km range" Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "From this distance, even if that were a live torpedo, the explosion would not have been close enough to affect us." Keelah@crystyll: "Then let us conclude the defensive tests with a complete assault. Signal the Arshai they are clear to go all out" Keliaya@anncarise | Evanne taps her console again, "Signal sent, ma'am." Keelah@crystyll: "This a defensive test only, remember. So hold position and standby with shields if the armour weakens" Keliaya@anncarise | Not long after, the battleship opens fire with several of its polaron arrays and unleashes a full spread of three torpedo duds. Keliaya@anncarise | The bridge shakes several times as the pink beams hit, while orange bolts from the point-defense systems manage to intercept all three torpedoe duds as they come towards the VF. Keelah@crystyll: "Armour integrity?" Keliaya@anncarise: "Holding at 80...79%!" Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "The point defense nodes could constitute a weak spot within the armour. However, I believe it is still more advantageous to dispatch incoming torpedoes before they impact the armour." Keelah@crystyll: "Do you want to allow one to impact the armour to test it's effectiveness?" Keliaya@anncarise: "That may end up disabling the node, and we probably don't want to have to effect more repairs. I think the neutronium reinforcement and the way the nodes are laid out should prevent too much damage - Keliaya@anncarise: - if one does get hit. We will have to be careful with our phaser banks though, as we'll have to open the armour there to return fire, which means our weapon systems are still vulnerable to being - Keliaya@anncarise: - disabled." Keelah@crystyll: "What about localized shielding around the emitters? Could we implement that without too heavy an impact on power reserves?" Keliaya@anncarise: "With the lower than expected power drain and improved power systems, I think we can manage some localized shielding to reinforce the weak points. They'll still be the most vulnerable parts, but it - Keliaya@anncarise: - should help." Keelah@crystyll: "Good. Signal the Arshai to cease fire then. Vrolmacht, I want a close monitor on the armour regen rate" Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "Aye captain." Keliaya@anncarise | The Arshai battleship ceases its attack upon receiving Evanne's signal and holds position there. Keliaya@anncarise | Evanne: "Captain, we are being hailed from the planet." Keelah@crystyll: "On screen" Keliaya@anncarise | Caeru appears on the viewscreen in the same Colonial Fleet uniform as usual, his temporary new position not reflected through attire unlike with Starfleet uniforms. Keliaya@anncarise | Caeru: "Caeru has been watching the battleship's sensors from the testing. Very impressive upgrades, Captain." Keelah@crystyll: "Supreme Commander" she smiles, "And yes, I do not mind admitting a certain sense of pride in our collective accomplishments here. None of which could have been possible without the support of the + Keelah@crystyll: + Colonial Fleet, might I add" Keliaya@anncarise | Caeru: "And the Colonial Fleet is pleased to assist. The success of the Valley Forge's mission will benefit the Arshai greatly as well." Keelah@crystyll: "That is the plan. We will continue testing our offensive refinements in open space, but for now I believe this concludes our defensive upgrade testing" Keliaya@anncarise | Caeru: "Caeru wishes the best for the Valley Forge's further tests. But Caeru is afraid the New World has one more favour to ask of the Federation." Keelah@crystyll: "Ask away Supreme Commander, anything we can do to repay your kindness" Keliaya@anncarise | Caeru: "Captain Keelah has heard about the Dunishai during the Valley Forge's time in Colonial Space, Caeru expects?" Keelah@crystyll nods, "A little, yes" Keliaya@anncarise | Caeru: "This came in from Tiramash, capital of the Chosen Empire." Keliaya@anncarise | The viewscreen switches to what appears to be a recording of a elegant modern city, its beauty marred by a smoking crater in the centre of the shot and collapsed structures all around. The - Keliaya@anncarise: - recording is framed by bars of text in an alien script, and a translated voice comes through. Keliaya@anncarise | Announcer: "...explosion caused by a plasma explosive planted either near or inside the former Temple of the Sun. The death toll has currently surpassed nine thousand and is continuing to rise - Keliaya@anncarise: - as a full catalogue of damage and casualties is being made. The Solar Guard have released a statement saying that this was an attack by the Commune, with the support of the Arshai." Keelah@crystyll: "That... does not sound good..." Keliaya@anncarise | Announcer: "The Emperor has vowed for revenge against the Commune terrorists and any involved with this attack, and the Solar Fleet is beginning to mobilize on the border-" Keliaya@anncarise | The recording ends and Caeru appears on the screen again, "The tensions among the Dunishai have risen to a climax. Very likely as a result of the agent Vora sent to quell the crisis, an agent - Keliaya@anncarise: - who was on the scouting expedition." Keelah@crystyll: "So by all likelihood, one who is... not exactly themself at present. Possibly even acting under direct influence" Keliaya@anncarise | Caeru nods, "Yes. And by directly being involved in escalating this crisis, Vora's representative has ensured that the Arshai cannot directly resolve the situation, not without first furthering - Keliaya@anncarise: - tensions even more." Keelah@crystyll: "I understand. Send us all the data you have on the Dunishai, historical relations with the Arshai and on Vora's agent. We will depart immediately" Keliaya@anncarise | Caeru: "Caeru will send all the data, but there is something else. Vora would like to accompany the Valley Forge and personally brief Keelah on the situation." Keelah@crystyll: "Not to put too fine a point on a personal matter, but does she feel fit to act in this capacity? Do your doctors...?" Keliaya@anncarise | Caeru: "Vora's role will not be an official one. The reason Vora wishes to come on board is actually to be away from the New World until Keelah's healers who are studying the Horde's effects - Keliaya@anncarise: - can restore Vora. Despite relinquishing command of the fleet, Vora still holds significant political influence on Vue-En, and fears Vora may accidentally abuse that power once more as a result of - Keliaya@anncarise: - the Horde's influence." Keelah@crystyll thinks a moment and nods, "Her thinking is surprisingly logical, I can respect that as much as the desire to protect her people. Very well, we will return to Vue-En so she can join us first" Keliaya@anncarise | Caeru nods, "Vora is ready to transport over as soon as the Valley Forge is in range." Keelah@crystyll: "We will be back with you shortly. Helm, form up with the Arshai vessel and take us back to the New World" Keliaya@anncarise | Fisher: "Aye aye, ma'am." Keliaya@anncarise | The Valley Forge turns back towards the New World, which soon comes into view on the screen. Keliaya@anncarise | Fisher: "We should be in transporter range now." Keelah@crystyll: "Chief Tyr" Keelah@crystyll | Crystyl nods, "Transporter room is engaging with Fleet Command now" Keelah@crystyll | Crystyl chimes in again a few moments later, "Transporter room report she is on board" Keelah@crystyll: "I'll meet her in the ready room. Helm, take us out" --- The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 | The doorbell to the ready room rings. Keelah@crystyll: "Come in" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 steps inside, her security crewman escort waiting outside the door. Keelah@crystyll smiles, already pouring two cups of tea out, "Welcome back" Keelah@crystyll slides one of the cups across the desk for her when done The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "Thank you," she takes a seat, taking the cup of tea. Keelah@crystyll: "Thank you for accompanying us on this mission. I am aware of your motivations and respect your decision. But that doesn't change the fact that your insights will be invaluable to us" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 nods, "I'm here to provide you any intel I can. But this is your ship, and my judgement might be...compromised. While this is New World business, Caeru decided to entrust you with deflating this - The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: - situation, so any final judgement is yours." Keelah@crystyll: "I hope you share his faith in us" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 nods, "You've done well so far. Without your intervention, I would've...who knows what I would've ended up doing." Keelah@crystyll raises a hand, "I find it best not to dwell on hypotheticals. Trust me, it is a slippery slope that is not easy to ascend once you've gone down it" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "Let's look to the future, then. How's your doctors coming along with finding a fix?" Keelah@crystyll: "It's a work in progress..." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "Well, once your people have something worked out, I'd like you to try it on me first. I've got both Arshai and Orion genetics. Hopefully if it works on me, it'll work on everyone else who was on - The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: - the expedition." Keelah@crystyll: "Don't worry, I'll be sure to keep you up to date with any and all developments on that front. But you have to appreciate the delicate neural chemistry we are dealing with here" Keelah@crystyll: "Vora... you might want to explore alternatives while waiting for a treatment, in the off chance that we are not successful in reversing what was done to you" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "That's why I passed the fleet to Caeru. He's a capable commander. And while I brought a lot of new tech and new ships to the Fleet, I'm not vain enough to think I'm indisposable." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "The New World's been around for centuries before me, and the Arshai people even longer." Keelah@crystyll: "Of course. Still, whilst I remain confident of success, it would be prudent to explore alternatives. I would suggest that you use your time on board to explore the knowledge of the various + Keelah@crystyll: + telepathic species on board. Vulcan, Betazoid, Chlasi, Ocampan; all with differing knowledge and techniques that may prove useful to you, even as an interim" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 nods, "I'm not usually a fan of people looking inside my head, but if that's what it takes..." Keelah@crystyll: "It is up to you what avenues to persue, if any." she smiles, "I'm just highlighting the possibilities, some may not even involve telepathic connection" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "We'll see what needs to be done. My people are looking into it too, but we don't have many telepaths, and your work's probably further ahead now." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "And even though I'm a part of the Researcher's Guild, I am /not/ letting a Doshaie experiment on me," she chuckles. Keelah@crystyll: "My point exactly; you can make the most of the assets we have on board. There is another - rather surprising - recent development of interest here..." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "Oh? What's that?" Keelah@crystyll activates her monitor, spinning it to show Vora the schematic for the Regulator's implant The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 leans in, examining the schematic for a good few moments, "Looks like...an implant. Advanced tech, not the stuff the Syndicate put in their thugs. More like Borg, or Scryer." Keelah@crystyll nods, "I believe it is devised from such technology. Though the technology is truly unique from those origins, that we can tell. This was presented to me by our resident Regulator; they have + Keelah@crystyll: + offered this development as a defense against the kind of invasion which you and your task force suffered" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "Ah. Regulator tech. That would explain it. You got the Regulators to share their tech with you?" Keelah@crystyll: "Apparently so. The reason we have Vulture on board is to work collaboratively on defenses against the Horde. Though quite how that came to this exact leap I am quite in the dark" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "You must've impressed them more than they showed during the Judgement." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "If this tech works against the Horde, it should help a lot. Take away one of their biggest advantages." Keelah@crystyll: "Possibly, though it still doesn't quite add up" she half turns the screen back, "Some of these designs elements... they bare semblence to Starfleet engineering techniques too. Could be coincidental+ Keelah@crystyll: + of course, but still... it raises questions" Keelah@crystyll: "And yes, we are hopeful that it will be key to protecting our mission team as we encroach on the Horde. They report successful tests, though with limited telepathic testing. Once satisfied, we will + Keelah@crystyll: + perform our own tests - including safe removal and after effects" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "Maybe the Regulators studied your tech and put it to use. Everyone borrows from everybody else. Most just don't do it as blatantly as I do," she smirks. Keelah@crystyll chuckles, "Perhaps. Which brings me to the caveat of this new implant; in order to warrant sharing this with us, the Regulators have increased our security clearance with them. But this only applies+ Keelah@crystyll: + us. That said, we have scope to share functioning implants with races mutually deemed to be in need and positioned to benefit from their use. I.E. unable to evacuate. Advanced societies capable of + Keelah@crystyll: + interpreting the technology may be eligible to receive them as well, but with the further caveat of eventual Judgement" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "That...may be a problem. We can't help you if our ships succumb to their influence." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "Though as we already have passed a Judgement, though with an access level that doesn't grant access to their tech, we might be able to negotiate with them, let them confiscate the tech once we're - The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: - done with it." Keelah@crystyll: "I am sure there could be a similar caveat to the one which was allowed the temporary amendment to our own access level" Keelah@crystyll: "This is of course all assuming that we successfully test and implement the technology" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "I don't suppose anyone's tested it against the Horde itself yet?" Keelah@crystyll shakes her head, "It is a very new development still, with limited testing full stop" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "If you confirm it works, we could talk to the Regulators about getting access to it." Keelah@crystyll smiles, "My thoughts exactly. And whilst it is considered more of a preventative measure, there is no reason not to think that learning more about how it all works will get us closer to treatment" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 nods, "Hopefully so. But from how I understand things, the Horde doesn't just affect minds. If we got any closer, we'd be under their direct control. I think those of my people that turned - The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: - against me already did fall under their control. And I don't know if that can be treated, only prevented." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "All depends on how exactly they do it. But we couldn't learn enough of that before we were forced to turn back." Keelah@crystyll: "Yes, the whole problem here is that we simply don't know enough. But alas, what can you tell me about this current mission?" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "What'd you know of the Dunishai so far?" Keelah@crystyll: "So little that it is best to say nothing" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "In short, they're our vassals now, but they started out as our enemies. Not unlike the Toroki. Well, might not be fair to say they /started/ out as our enemies." Keelah@crystyll tilts her head, perking a brow at the clarification, "Sounds like quite the history there" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "The New World didn't approve of slavery long before I got there. And the Dunishai in these days were like the Lupan in some ways. Just more united, and not quite as tough to kill." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "But they were xenophobic and like to think they're special. That's why they call themselves the Chosen Empire. They worshipped their sun as a god and had a rigid caste system, with a slave caste." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "We didn't first meet them in war like with the Toroki. It's no surprise we didn't get along, though, and war broke out soon enough." Keelah@crystyll nods, "A sadly familiar story" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "The Colonial Fleet fought with the Solar Fleet, but if you know anything about our history by now, it's that we never win a war by actually fighting it. The Colonial Fleet of that era matched the - The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: - Solar Fleet well enough, but the Supreme Commander at the time, Yala- yes, the same one I named my daughter after, had something different as her real play." Keelah@crystyll: "A fellow keen strategist?" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 smirks, "A fellow revolutionary. Her military tactics were alright. But her brilliant move was stirring up dissention among the Dunishai. Inciting rebellion among the oppressed lower castes." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "The Dunishai started turning on themselves. Didn't take long for the Empire to surrender." Keelah@crystyll: "I see. So what about the current state of affairs?" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "The Chosen Empire today's a shadow of what it once was. They still got the Solar Fleet, but they haven't caught up with tech as well as we have, and they only have control over their home system." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "The revolutionaries formed their own government- the Free People's Commune. We call it the Dunishai Commune, or just the Commune. They discarded their old religion and caste system and don't call - The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: - themselves Chosen anymore; they refer to themselves as the Free. It's /supposed/ to be an egalitarian society, but when you give a lot of power to people who are used to being stepped on..." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "Well, sometimes they go a little overboard with it." Keelah@crystyll nods, "One of the many reasons we have the Prime Directive" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "Both of them are our vassals right now. The Empire's had to accept our rules since they surrendered, and the Commune owes its existence to the Arshai. But as you can imagine, they don't get along - The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: - with each other." Keelah@crystyll: "I can well imagine" she nods, "So what is your take on this alleged terrorist attack; is it within the realm of feasibility for this Commune?" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "No. The Commune's no stranger to trying to mess with the Chosen. They've started border disputes, stolen ships using pirates under their payroll, even made a few attempts on the lives of Emperors - The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: - and Empresses. But they're all about giving freedom to the people and destroying the Chosen's way of life." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "They'd never kill so many innocent people in a city." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "Blowing up the temple, definitely. But they'd use a smaller bomb." Keelah@crystyll: "And what about this agent of yours?" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "He's been with the Fleet for a long time, but he's not just a soldier. He knows his way around politics, so I took him with me in some of my expeditions to your regions of space." Keelah@crystyll: "Fond memories for all there..." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "He's made deals with the Scryer Network. Helped me take out Syndicate cells and plan raids. If he's gone rogue, he's dangerous." Keelah@crystyll: "Any insights into what we might be walking into with these two factions?" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "Well the Commune likes to use spies, subversion, sabotage. They learned that from Yala's people. Their fleet, the Free People's Armada, is bigger than the Solar Fleet, but they've got more - The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: - territory to secure. A lot of their ships are repurposed freighters, ships seized from the Solar Fleet and a couple of secondhand ships we gave them." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "The Chosen Empire is proud and brash, even after falling so low. They still make their ships in the old style, but they look and sound tougher than they are. The only advantage they got if a war - The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: - does break out is that they're more united, more disciplined, more of a professional fighting force." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "Ideally, we don't want them to destroy each other, but it might just be a matter of time before these two groups go at it again." Keelah@crystyll: "Given the timescales we are working with, do you believe these two bodies will already be in conflict, or still gearing up and preparing?" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "Definitely still gearing up. The Emperor talks tough, but he's not gonna run head-first into a war. He knows it's not likely to go in his favour. And if the Commune wanted to invade, they would've - The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: - done it in the chaos right after the bombing. They've missed their window and now the Empire'll be ready for any move they make." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "What I'm most afraid of is if my guy makes another move and forces them into war." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "This bombing's already got them closer than they've been in decades to open conflict." Keelah@crystyll: "It sounds like both sides know that a direct conflict in the current climate would be ill-conceived. This is a promising stance for us" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "They know. But if my agent's rogue, he knows what he's doing, and he might pull off something that one group or the other is gonna have to respond to." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "We want to try and talk the two sides down, /and/ make sure he doesn't get in the way." Keelah@crystyll: "Agreed. We could make both sides aware of the nature of this threat; what happened to your agent?" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "I have no idea. He didn't turn on me like some of the others during the expedition, so I thought I could trust him when we got back. Or maybe the Horde made me /think/ I can trust him. So I sent - The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: - him to diffuse the already escalating situation with the Dunishai, and he just dropped out of contact." Keelah@crystyll: "What about the possibility of telling the full truth to these factions as a means of diffusing their pending conflict?" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "The full truth, as in admitting my agent might be compromised?" Keelah@crystyll nods, "Knowing that neither side is responsible could be sufficient to hold back their forces" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "If they believe it. If he really did help with the bombing and the Chosen have sufficient evidence to implicate him, it'll just sound like we're denying responsibility." Keelah@crystyll: "A fair assessment. Just sounding ideas out here" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "We probably want more information first. Find out what facts there are and make our play from there." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "Of course, the moment you show up, both sides'll probably try to get you to support them right away." Keelah@crystyll: "It would not be the first time we have been drawn into the middle of a regional conflict in such a manner" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 chuckles, "I've had that happen too. It's the price of flying a fancy ship." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "Hopefully this time, you'll be going in with a little more intel than usual." Keelah@crystyll: "That would make a refreshing change. Well until we arrive, there is not much more we can do other than reading up on things" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 nods, "I'll be here to answer any questions I can. And so your people can keep an eye on me. Just in case." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 stands, "If that's all?" Keelah@crystyll: "Of course, thank you for the debriefing. And... I hope you don't mind the chaperone, but given the circumstances presently I'm sure you understand" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "Not at all. If I were you, I'd have more of them watching me. I'm not half bad at Sone-Zae, you know," she smirks. Keelah@crystyll smiles, "I'll keep that in mind. Welcome aboard Vora" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 smiles back, "Thank you." She turns to head out.

View Act II - The Chosen

The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 FX | After nearly four days at warp, the Valley Forge nears Dunishai territories, and a conference is called between the senior officers to discuss a plan of action... The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 steps inside after all everyone else has already gathered, fashionably late. Almost all gazes in the room turn to her as she enters, as everyone else is already seated. Keelah@crystyll looks up as well, "And that should be everyone. Join us Vora" she smiles, inviting her to an empty seat The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 nods and takes the empty seat, letting Keelah start the meeting and not stealing /too/ much attention. Keelah@crystyll: "Ok everyone, we're coming up on Dunishai territory. So it is time to firm up our plan of action. First things first; has there been any update on the political situation?" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 | Vrolmacht: "Our comms have been monitoring the official broadcasts. So far, everything is proceeding as we would expect. The fleets of both Dunishai factions are amassed along the border and - The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: - tensions are high, but so far no shots have been fired." Keelah@crystyll: "And what of the rogue agent, has there been any news of him?" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 | Vrolmacht: "None, only that the Chosen Empire appears convinced that Arshai were involved with the bombing." Keelah@crystyll: "Well if they haven't detected our approach yet, they soon will. What - if anything - do the Dunishai know of Starfleet?" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "The average Dunishai, nothing at all. We've shared some information with the Commune, but only the inner circles are likely to know about that." Keelah@crystyll: "So if we announce ourselves on arrival, they won't be completely blindsided then" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "Once the information gets to their bosses. But the average ship commander isn't likely to have heard of you." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "And if they did, all they'd know is that you're from far away." Keelah@crystyll: "It's something at least. So in terms of calming the situation, do we know our points of contact for each party?" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "The Commune have a Department of External Affairs. Mostly just an extension of the Free People's Security Service. Which is to say they're more spies than diplomats." Keelah@crystyll: "Charming..." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "Diplomatic relations aren't really the Chosen's strong point. You just have to talk to the Solar Fleet or the Solar Guard. If you're convincing, maybe you get to see an advisor to the Emperor." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "Normally I could get you the Emperor himself, but with them convinced we had something to do with the bombing...might not be the best idea." Keelah@crystyll: "Fair enough" she looks around the table, "So the question is; how are we going to approach this situation. Thoughts?" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 | Silvestrie: "We need to diffuse the tension, but we can't just do it by talking both sides down. Reminds me of the Trinity situation. There's bad blood on both sides." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 | Kelly nods, "We need more information on what actually led up to the explosion in their city." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "And that's the hard part. The Commune'll work with us, but they'll never admit it if they were involved. And to actually get a look at the scene, we're gonna need to enter Chosen space." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "And the Chosen tend to be a little less friendly to outsiders." Keelah@crystyll: "So what's our angle for getting boots on the ground with the Chosen?" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "I know this isn't exactly the Starfleet way, and I have no formal say here anyways. But if I were in your shoes, I'd play both sides." Keelah@crystyll perks a brow, "In what sense?" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "The Chosen aren't gonna work with you unless you help them. They don't like aliens, but they're not all fanatics either. Seeing as their flagship's not even in the same league as the Valley Forge, - The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: - they won't turn you down if you promise to stand with them. Problem is, if you get too friendly with the Chosen, the Commune'll probably refuse to talk with you." Keelah@crystyll: "So far so good. Nothing in that which is beyond our remit" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "You'd have to get pretty friendly for them to trust you with checking out the site of the explosion, though. And if the Commune think you're supporting the Chosen, you'd have little to no chance of - The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: - getting them to agree to make peace. My suggestion is that you make /both/ sides think you're working for them, but actually work for neither." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "You'll have to go near or cross Commune space first to get to the Dunishai homeworld. Talk to the Commune while you're there, get what info you can, and say you're not going to support the Chosen, - The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: - just make them /think/ you're on their side. And then you can play nice with the Chosen all you like and the Commune'll think you're doing it to get their trust for intel." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 | Vrolmacht: "It all feels very...Romulan to me. Why not just announce our true intentions to the Commune while passing through?" Keelah@crystyll: "Whilst I agree in principle with becoming friendly with both parties, we may not have to take a completely..." smirks a little at Vrolmacht, "...Romulan about it" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 smirks slightly, "Well, I /have/ worked with the Tal Shiar in the past." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "Whatever you do, I wouldn't recommend letting the Commune know you're looking for evidence on the bombing. It's possible they had nothing at all to do with it, but if they did...they're gonna do - The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: - everything they can to sabotage your investigation." Keelah@crystyll: "We have a unique position here that we may be able to take advantage of in this situation. Suppose we proceed to the homeworld and work with the Chosen, while Captain Vix independently moves in on + Keelah@crystyll: + the Commune?" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 nods slowly, "That's a clever idea..." Keelah@crystyll: "In theory, we can 'play' both sides, without technically betraying their trust" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 grins, "I like it." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 | Silvestrie: "So what do we need to know to deal with these Chosen?" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "They're a theocracy with a variant of their ancient religion where they worshipped their sun as a god. They have a strict caste system, with the Sun-Blessed Emperor or Empress on top, followed by - The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: - the priesthood with their own little hierarchy, the Prophets of the Sun advising the Emperor, lesser Reverends of the Sun and so on. You can probably see the full caste system in the records Caeru - The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: - sent. They used to have a slave caste, but we forced them to abolish it. They still look down on anyone who's not Chosen though, which includes aliens and Commune members now." Keelah@crystyll: "So sensitivty regarding their belief system" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "Pretty much. Oh, and there's Dunishai who live outside the caste system too, either stripped of their caste or born to parents who never had any. They're not seen as Chosen either. In some ways - The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: - they're the most free out of everyone in the Chosen Empire, but since nobody wants to let them do anything, they're also the poorest." Keelah@crystyll: "Is there any chance that your agent could have stirred them up to take action against the Chosen?" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "Definitely. The Free People's Security Service frequently recruits their assets from the casteless since most of them don't like the Chosen and have little to lose." Keelah@crystyll: "Sounds like an avenue worth investigating on our part. Alright, anything else before we wrap up here?" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "Whatever my rogue agent's plan is, I'm pretty sure it involves either turning the Dunishai on one another, maybe getting the Colonial Fleet involved to thin down our numbers. If he's being - The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: - influenced by the Horde, he's probably wants to weaken us any way he can." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "Since Caeru's holding the Fleet back from getting involved, he might make another play soon to turn this situation into a full war between the Dunishai factions." Keelah@crystyll nods, "I doubt that the Dunishai warrant enough of a threat to the Horde for them to be a solitary target. I see it likely that this is a secondary means intended to undermine the Colonial Fleet" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "I suspect so too. And if a war does break out in our space, I think we can only ignore it for so long before we have to get involved, one way or another." Keelah@crystyll: "Are there alternative contingencies to consider in case we are not successful? Besides drawing the Colonial Fleet into a full blown conflict, I mean" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "We could cut ties with both Dunishai governments, redraw the border and put our ships along it threatening to shoot down any Dunishai that try to cross over. It'll keep the Arshai out of the - The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: - conflict, but it's not ideal. The Commune pledges a fourth of its total military assets to answer the call of the New World, and if we leave them to deal with the Chosen alone we lose that help." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "If we get the Colonial Fleet involved though, we can keep the Commune as allies but both fleets might lose a few ships." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "So the Colonial Fleet may be a little smaller, and that fourth of the Free People's Armada will definitely be fewer ships than it is now." Keelah@crystyll: "Well ultimately, only the Arshai can determine what is best for the New World and it's vassels. But I think it is worth weighing up these options now as - should the time come to make such a call - + Keelah@crystyll: + we will not have the luxury of time to consider" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 nods, "The Fleet's in Caeru's hands now, and I trust him with that kind of decision. But you can see why diffusing the situation's our best option." Keelah@crystyll: "Of course, and I know Caeru will still be looking to you for guidance and feedback, especially with this current situation" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "I'll do everything I can to help, short of making decisions. Speaking of which, any progress on undoing whatever they did to my head?" Keelah@crystyll looks to Kazra, "Doctor?" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 | Kazra: "Fortunately, our treatment of Lieutenant Baelai from the Eon incident's given us a pretty good idea of neurochemistry rebalancing techniques. We've worked out the exact changes needed - The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: - to revert the Horde influence and are just conducting final simulations now." Keelah@crystyll: "Sounds promising" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 | Kazra: "So far the procedure looks that way, but you'll have to be out for its duration." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "We can do it on the trip back. Though I might be of more help once this is fixed. Your call, Captain." Keelah@crystyll raises her hands in protest, "Not this time, I'm afraid. Of course I value your input on this mission, and would love nothing more than to see you at full confidence. But as far as we're concerned, + Keelah@crystyll: + this is a personal affair. So I'd suggest you speak with Kazra independently and decide what is best for you. Whatever you choose, you have my support" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 nods, "I'll talk with her about it after, then." --- The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 FX | A few hours after the conference, Keelah's ready room doorbell rings... Keelah@crystyll: "Come in" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 steps inside, "Captain Keelah." Keelah@crystyll looks up with a smile, "Vora. Everything alright?" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 nods, "Your doctor'll be ready to perform the procedure soon. I thought it's best to do it sooner rather than later, so I can trust myself again and be of more help." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "That said, I might have to be out for a little bit, so if you got any more questions, now's the time." Keelah@crystyll nods thoughtfully, moving to get a drink, "I can't say I'm surprised by your decision. Tea?" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 nods and takes a seat, "Sure." Keelah@crystyll returns a moment later, presenting the drinks, "I trust Kazra presented sufficient evidence to quash any doubts about this for you?" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 takes the drink and gives a slight smile, "I am something of a doctor myself, you know." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "I don't expect to die or anything, just might not be able to help you for a little bit." Keelah@crystyll leans back as she sips her tea, a curious look on her face, "From your work with the Dominion cloning technology?" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "No, but my background is why I was able to understand and adapt the Dominion's methods." Keelah@crystyll: "I wasn't aware you had such a background. The downside of one's first introduction being to that of a pirate-turned-thorn-in-the-Federations-side" she smiles playfully The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 chuckles, "Well it was my mother's background, really. In EereE space, the Overseer didn't just raise us like livestock. It had everyone do all sorts of work." Keelah@crystyll nods, "I recall Mana's telling of such an origin" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "Like how Mana studied AI to improve the Overseer, my mother studied people. She understood we needed a certain independence we didn't have under the Overseer's calculated rule." Keelah@crystyll: "So you inherited a medical profession. That would certainly give an added benefit to working with Kazra on such intricate details as we are now" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "She taught me what she knew. She used the other secrets she took from EereE space to make herself useful to the Syndicate, but she was still little better than a slave, and so was I." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "She thought knowledge was a means to power, and she was partly right. Her knowledge kept her alive, but it was learning how to play people from the Orions that got me where I am today." Keelah@crystyll: "Well I'm glad we ended up on the same side, especially where the Syndicate is concerned. And equally so now" smiles and sips, "So, do you have an estimate of how long a recovery period you face?" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "The procedure itself should only take a few hours, but it might be a day or two before the neurochemistry rebalances fully to its normal levels." Keelah@crystyll: "That's not too bad then. And you are happy being in Kazra's care for that?" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 nods, "Your chief medical officer definitely knows what she's doing." Keelah@crystyll smiles, "That she does. We've thrown her our fair share of, um... what was that Human expression... curved balls?" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 chuckles, "I'm hardly the person to ask for Human expressions. But you Starfleet exploration types always tend to run into strange things. Which means your doctors have plenty of experience." Keelah@crystyll: "Indeed, and Kazra is no exception. I almost consider it a badge of honour to have had my CMO involved in some obscure new procedure. Of course, I would have preferred that it weren't my own baby + Keelah@crystyll: + daughter we did so with..." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "Something happened to your daughter?" Keelah@crystyll chuckles, "Long story, but yes before she was born in fact. In short a first contact misunderstanding led to my pregnancy being accelerated to remove her. They were not a typical two-gendered + Keelah@crystyll: + species so procreation was a foreign concept to them. They thought they were removing a parasite..." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "Sounds like an interesting species. We're no stranger to accelerated development technology now, but the New World didn't make any major leaps in that regard until I brought back the Dominion's - The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: - knowledge on it. It's not an easy technique to master, not if you want a fully functioning adult at least." Keelah@crystyll nods, "And don't I know it. T'Pia was born healthy but their process has lingering side effects, and well... there's a reason I suddenly gained a teenaged daughter" Keelah@crystyll: "It was quite the surprise for my husband when we returned from the mission. He didn't even know I was pregnant when we last spoke before then" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 chuckles, "Must've been quite the surprise." Keelah@crystyll: "We may have had a little fun with him on that day" she laughs, "Anyway speaking of family, how is your young one these days?" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "I knew better than to take her on the scouting mission. She's still in the Bose mountains, learning from the Doshaie. Even though she's more or less a clone of me, I didn't accelerate her - The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: - development or teach her anything before she was awake, so she's learning as we all do." Keelah@crystyll smiles, "That's great. It wasn't easy to bring Pia on our mission, and had I known then about the Horde I likely would have insisted she remain behind. But I have learned to treat her as the young + Keelah@crystyll: + woman she is, and she presented a reasoned and logical argument to remain on board" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "What's that? She has a vital role on the ship now?" Keelah@crystyll: "Not... exactly. More that our region of Federation space was seemingly unstable and her exposure to Starfleet was not portraying a true image" Keelah@crystyll: "Also, the other option was staying with her father and he has a nasty habit of getting his ship into trouble. Moreso than me, believe it or not" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "Now that's an impressive feat..." Keelah@crystyll chuckles, "Yes, well... much like the other youngsters on board she felt that a long range exploration mission was too rare an opportunity to pass up as a prospective Starfleet cadet" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "The Arshai don't have family units like Vulcans and Humans. Back before the birthing pods we had parents, and even after, our genetics are usually based on combinations from existing Arshai and - The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: - made as natural as they can be while still selecting favourable traits. But raising children was usually not the duty of the specific individuals who conceived the child in most of our cultures." Keelah@crystyll: "I believe there is a lot to be said for such approaches" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "The whole clan raises children together, with the children choosing what skills they focus on from a certain age on, and follow a specific mentor who specializes in that skill." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "Yala is a bit of an unusual case, as she was always meant to walk my path and I also do not formally belong to an Arshai tribe. So she spends some time on baseships, learning from everyone on board." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "But with the more dangerous missions, I like to leave her with people who can teach her on the New World. For now, it's mostly the Doshaie and some old Orion friends." Keelah@crystyll: "She's a lucky girl" she smiles The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 smiles back, "She certainly is. Much more so than I was, at least. Though when she is a little older, I hope for her to stay with the Haxash for a year or so. Live a simple but hard working life, - The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: - learn how to do things without the luxury of advanced technology." Keelah@crystyll: "They are quite the remarkable group of people. My officers who visited them had quite the experience by all accounts" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "That they are. I still remember doing their Trial of Trust and first getting to see their beasts, descended from the lost species of the old homeworld." Keelah@crystyll: "Yes, I'm sorry I never got to see those for myself" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 smiles, "It's amazing how many different cultures and ways of live have been preserved on the New World, and to think that it's only a fraction of what the old homeworld once had." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "Though many other peoples have lost their original cultures without the aid of cataclysmic events as well." Keelah@crystyll: "It is true. All things considered, your people have done remarkably well in preserving as much as they have" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 nods, "And we're fortunate to have all this-" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 FX | The ready room comm sounds. Keelah@crystyll sits forward with an apologetic glance, tapping the intercom, "Se'Lai" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 <C - Kelly> "Captain, we're approaching the Chosen Empire's border. Two ships are on an intercept course from another region of the border." Keelah@crystyll: "Acknowledged, I'll be right out" Keelah@crystyll looks across to Vora as she stands, "Well... guess it's showtime" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 stands as well, "I'll leave you to it. Good luck, Captain." Keelah@crystyll: "And to you" she smiles, moving to the door The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 heads out the door as well and makes for the turbolift. Keliaya@anncarise | Fisher: "Five minutes to intercept." Keelah@crystyll: "Any opening comms from them yet?" Keelah@crystyll | TQ shakes her head Keliaya@anncarise | Fisher: "We're not technically across the border yet. Still..." he checks his console, "a little under two minutes out." Keelah@crystyll: "Bring us to a stop just shy of the border and let them come to us" Keliaya@anncarise | Fisher: "Aye Captain." Keliaya@anncarise: "They're small ships, between the size of a Defiant and a Saber. Most likely patrol craft or scout ships." Keliaya@anncarise | Fisher: "Coming up to the border. Exiting warp now." Keliaya@anncarise FX | Warp streaks disappear from the main viewscreen as the Valley Forge drops out of warp into empty space. Keelah@crystyll: "All stop. Tee, send a standard greeting once they arrive" Keliaya@anncarise | A few minutes later, Fisher announces, "They've dropped out of warp just on the other side of the border. Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "They are armed with plasma weaponry, but their weapons are not charged." Keelah@crystyll: "And nor will ours be without provocation" Keliaya@anncarise FX | The viewscreen magnifies to show the ships: https://i.imgur.com/Z2jUvaH.jpg Keelah@crystyll | TQ: "Incoming hail, Captain Keelah@crystyll: "On screen" Keliaya@anncarise FX | An alien with a somewhat elongated face appears on the viewscreen. The background appears to be a ship bridge, but almost everything is gold and silver. The entire bridge is basked in a warm - Keliaya@anncarise: - golden glow like the setting sun, and the light reflects off the alien's visage as if its skin were made of polished metal. Keliaya@anncarise | Alien: "You approach the territory of the Chosen Empire. State your business." Keelah@crystyll: "Greetings. I am Captain Keelah of the Federation starship Valley Forge. We are explorers from a distant region of this quadrant" Keliaya@anncarise | Alien: "Our territory is not open to outsiders at this time, even those seeking to witness our majestic glory." Keelah@crystyll: "What about those who are friends by association and know about the current dilemma threatining this region, who offer a neutral party to assist in it's resolution?" Keliaya@anncarise | Alien: "You have heard of the cowardly strike on our city?" Keelah@crystyll: "We are aware of an incident and believe we may be positioned to assist in diffusing the current tensions between the Chosen and the Commune. If you speak to your leadership, I believe they will be + Keelah@crystyll: + aware of our Starfleet and the Federation to the point that we are skilled and proven at handling such circumstances as a third party" Keliaya@anncarise | Alien: "We will verify." Keliaya@anncarise FX | The comm ends for a few moments before the ship hails again. Keelah@crystyll sits back with a patient smile Keliaya@anncarise | The alien appears back on the viewscreen soon, "You will pledge your vessel's capabilities to assist the Chosen?" Keelah@crystyll purses her lips, not enthralled by the wording, "I will pledge our commitment to helping find a peaceful resolution to the current stalemate. But this vessel will not be drawn into any conflict or + Keelah@crystyll: + used a means to tip the balance of power" Keliaya@anncarise | The alien thinks for a moment, looking offscreen and possibly checking something on another console before turning back, "I will escort you to Calahadon." Keelah@crystyll: "Thank you, we will follow your lead" Keliaya@anncarise | Alien: "The Prophets will determine if your assistance will be welcome." Keliaya@anncarise FX | The comm ends again. Keelah@crystyll takes a deep breath, "Well, not exactly open arms but I'll take it. Mr. Fisher, you heard our gracious hosts; to Calahadon" Keliaya@anncarise | One of the ships warps off and the other soon goes to warp in a different direction, the Valley Forge accelerating to follow it. Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "If I am not mistaken, Calahadon is their name for their homeworld." Keliaya@anncarise | Fisher: "ETA is about twelve hours." Keliaya@anncarise: "Twelve hours? We're not that far away." Keliaya@anncarise | Fisher: "Their ship is travelling below our normal cruising speed." Keelah@crystyll: "In that case, I believe Mia is on in the lounge today and I am long overdue for some quality time with Pia" Keliaya@anncarise: "I'll let you know when we get close, Captain." Keelah@crystyll: "The bridge is yours, Kelly" she nods, heading to the turbolift

View Act III - The Commune

Avita@anncarise FX | As the Valley Forge moves to deal with the Chosen, QanwI' approaches Commune territory... Avita@anncarise | K'Sarn: "You want cloak for this, or let them know we're coming?" Lexi@crystyll grumbles, "We should probably play nice for now. No cloak" Avita@anncarise | K'Sarn: "Aye Captain." Avita@anncarise | Merc: "We got a ship coming at us from the border. Unrecognized configuration." Lexi@crystyll: "Send a standard challenge; tell them we are not here to engage but will respond in kind to any hostile action. Inform them that we seek the Commune leadership" Avita@anncarise | Merc: "Sent. And they're trying to contact us now." Lexi@crystyll: "Let's have it" Avita@anncarise FX | An alien with a similar appearance to the one the Valley Forge encountered appears on the viewscreen, only that this one is clad in a simple uniform, and the bridge behind them is very - Avita@anncarise: - simplistic and small. Avita@anncarise | Alien: "This is Captain Moradin of the Free People's Armada. Were you sent by the New World to our aid?" Lexi@crystyll: "We have come to assess and diffuse the situation" she nods Avita@anncarise | Moradin: "I'm not sure diffusing is possible. It's at the point where we are just waiting to see which side fires the first shot." Lexi@crystyll: "Then it is fortunate that we have arrived. My task is to investigate the matter, which means I need you to take us to those in charge of your operations so that we can coordinate" Avita@anncarise | Moradin: "Not sure what there is to investigate, but I can take you to the nearest colony and inform the Security Service of your business." Lexi@crystyll: "That would be a good start. I would prefer to operate in your territory with consent, it makes life so much simpler" she smiles Avita@anncarise | Moradin: "We'll take all the help we can get. Nice ship, by the way." Lexi@crystyll grins, "That she is. We'll follow your lead" Avita@anncarise | Moradin: "Good. We'll show you the way." Avita@anncarise | Moradin: "And welcome to the Commune." Lexi@crystyll barks in Klingon at the helm to follow the alien vessel Avita@anncarise FX | The call ends and the QanwI' warps out, following after the vessel. Avita@anncarise | K'Sarn: "That ship looks like a modified freighter. Not built for combat, but they didn't do a half-bad job of strapping disruptors to it." Lexi@crystyll: "The necessity to survive can be a powerful motivator for innovation" Avita@anncarise | Merc: "That it can. Seen more than a few rigged ships like that in my time." Lexi@crystyll: "Aye, so what do we know about these people?" Avita@anncarise | K'Sarn: "According to the files the Feds got, they're revolutionaries stirred up by the Arshai back when the Arshai were at war with the Dunishai. The rebels broke off and made their own - Avita@anncarise: - government. In theory, they're like the Federation. All about freedom and equality and so on." Lexi@crystyll: "Revolutionaries..." she nods, "I can respect that. Of course it means they are just as likely to be demanding and problematic if they don't get their way" Avita@anncarise | K'Sarn: "Well they /were/ revolutionaries, almost a century back. Now they're mostly run by corrupt officials. The Security Service's the only thing keeping them from falling apart." Lexi@crystyll: "Eugh, corrupt officials..." Avita@anncarise | K'Sarn: "They talk like Feds, their government's run by Ferengi, and they might as well be controlled by the Tal Shiar. Yeah...it's a mess." Lexi@crystyll: "Isn't anyone out this way a good old honest warrior?" she sighs Avita@anncarise | K'Sarn: "I guess the Lupan are, for the most part..." --- Keliaya@anncarise FX | After nearly twelve hours of travel at lower warp speeds, Keelah returns to the bridge as they prepare to enter the Dunishai home system... Keliaya@anncarise | Ann: "ETA two minutes, Cap'n." Keelah@crystyll: "Any noteworthy signs of other activity?" Keliaya@anncarise: "None in the region. There's a significant amount of technological signatures coming from inside the system, but not very many warp signatures. Only expected, as the majority of their fleet's - Keliaya@anncarise: - preparing for war on the border." Keelah@crystyll: "Alright, maintain formation for now. Let's continue to show them respect" Keliaya@anncarise | Ann: "Aye Cap'n. Enterin' the system now." Keelah@crystyll | Lennie: "Cap'n, I'm-a seein' somethin' a lil' off on sensors 'ere. Can't explain it yet, but this star ain't addin' up an' th'main computers flaggin' a calculation error" Keelah@crystyll peers over, "What exactly isn't adding up?" Keelah@crystyll | Lennie: "It's producin' more energy than it should be for a star o'this type an' size. Ain't a huge discrepancy, but it sure ain't consistent" Keelah@crystyll: "Curious. Speculation?" Keliaya@anncarise taps her console, "I see it too. It's like our computer is missing a variable for the calculation, but our sensors should pick up everything needed for these calculations. Somehow the energy - Keliaya@anncarise: - output and the amount of plasma in that star is still off, though." Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "Plasma? These Dunishai ships make use of plasma-based weaponry. Perhaps it is the result of some weapons experiment." Keliaya@anncarise: "Don't they worship their sun? I don't think they'd be performing weapons tests on their god..." Keelah@crystyll: "If we look past theorizing the motivation, can we factor in plasma weapon discharges to offset the discrepancy?" Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "Calculating now. It does not seem like weapon discharges would be enough, not unless their entire fleet was firing on the sun." Keelah@crystyll: "Any other theories we extrapolate?" Keliaya@anncarise: "It's possible they've found some way to expediate the reaction of their sun. As an offering to their god or something." Keelah@crystyll: "It is certainly a curious oddity. Continue investigating as long as it doesn't hinder our activity, or offend the locals" Keliaya@anncarise nods and looks over to Lennie, "I suggest sending the data to Gwi. He might have better theories than we do." Keelah@crystyll | Lennie nods, "All over it. Will give 'em somethin' t'poke about at while we'se playin' peacekeepers" Keelah@crystyll | TQ: "Incoming hail from our escort, Captain" Keelah@crystyll: "Let's have it" Keliaya@anncarise | The Dunishai captain appears on the viewscreen, "One of the Prophets will see you. I will pass the coordinates where you will meet." Keelah@crystyll: "I assume from that we are clear to beam down to the designated coordinates?" Keliaya@anncarise | Dunishai Captain: "That is correct." Keelah@crystyll: "Please express our gratitude to your leadership, for allowing us to approach. We will proceed per your instructions" Keliaya@anncarise | Dunishai: "You may beam down when you are ready. The Prophet of the Sun awaits you." Keelah@crystyll: "Thank you again. Valley Forge out" Keliaya@anncarise FX | The comm ends, and TQ receives the coordinates. Keelah@crystyll | TQ: "Coordinates received" Keelah@crystyll: "Alright, let's not waste time then. Away team to transporter room 2" NPC@annpc#5570 FX | Keelah and her security escort beams down to an open hallway in the middle of a very futuristic looking white building with gold trim. Some distance ahead of them, two Dunishai in bright - NPC@annpc#5570: - golden armour stands, the light of the sun glistening off their hairless heads. Another Dunishai, this one in a long golden robe, walks up the stairs between the two armoured ones towards the team. NPC@annpc#5570 | Robed Dunishai: "You must be the alien visitors." Keelah@crystyll takes a step forward, smiling diplomatically, "I am Captain Keelah, representing the United Federation of Planets" NPC@annpc#5570 | Robed Dunishai: "I am Silcaran-Naemos. I speak on behalf of the Most Holy and its Chosen People." NPC@annpc#5570 | Silcaran beckons for them to follow, "Come." Keelah@crystyll dips her head a little and falls in behind them NPC@annpc#5570 | The robed Dunishai leads them past the two guards onto a terrace with a beautiful view to a large lake basked in sunlight. Two more armoured Dunishai stands on the two sides of the terrace, - NPC@annpc#5570: - eyes following the Starfleet team. NPC@annpc#5570 | Silcaran: "You will forgive the armed guards. One cannot be too careful after recent happenings." NPC@annpc#5570 | The guards don't appear to be holding any weapons, nor have any holstered on their armour. Keelah@crystyll: "I completely understand and would expect nothing less" NPC@annpc#5570 | Silcaran: "So, you come to offer aid in this difficult time?" Keelah@crystyll: "That is our intention, yes. With your permission, we came here with hopes of forming a strong new friendship with the Chosen. It would be in the finest tradition of our culture if we were able to + Keelah@crystyll: + prove ourselves to you by helping diffuse this situation" NPC@annpc#5570 | Silcaran: "And how do you plan on doing that? We are on the edge of war. The Emperor has moved the Solar Fleet to the border despite my recommendations." Keelah@crystyll perks a brow, "Interesting. So you do not believe confrontation is the best approach?" NPC@annpc#5570 | Silcaran: "Not with our ships. The Emperor knows they have the support of the New World, and their fleet outnumbers and outmatches our own." NPC@annpc#5570 | Silcaran: "But he wishes to make a statement. To show the Chosen that he is a leader worthy of them, one who can protect them." Keelah@crystyll: "Understandable" she nods, "I assume as his representative, that you have some knowledge of us ahead of our arrival today?" NPC@annpc#5570 | Silcaran: "I have heard of your Federation, yes. A little too close to the faithless parachs of the Commune for my liking, but there are some among your people who understand reverence for - NPC@annpc#5570: - higher beings." Keelah@crystyll perks a brow, "Higher beings? Forgive my ignorance, but our knowledge of your people and culture is limited. I am curious; to which higher beings, do you refer?" NPC@annpc#5570 | Silcaran motions to the sky, "The Most Holy and its Calmina, the Servants of Light. Though I expect your peoples revere different beings, perhaps just as mighty." Keelah@crystyll 's gaze follows his motioning, "Of course. And yes, numerous Federation cultures share similar faiths" NPC@annpc#5570 | Silcaran: "There are some among the Chosen who would argue that our god is the greatest god, but I know better to make such claims. I preach only that our place in this universe is minute, - NPC@annpc#5570: - insignificant, even." Keelah@crystyll: "Minute, technically perhaps. Insignificant; I do not believe. All life is significant and precious" NPC@annpc#5570 | Silcaran: "Precious to those like you and I, yes. But there are those in the universe to whom we are but insects, and they would step on us without second thought should we be in their way." Keelah@crystyll: "A regrettable truth which we are painfully familiar with" she nods NPC@annpc#5570 | Silcaran: "But a truth which many are blissfully unaware of." Keelah@crystyll: "Ignorance is bliss, as they say" NPC@annpc#5570 | Silcaran: "And faith is the source of greatest hope, a source which saddens me to see diminishing among the Chosen." NPC@annpc#5570 | Silcaran: "I do not think what you come to achieve is possible. But perhaps it is for the better. It has been too long since the Chosen have seen the true majesty of our Watcher." Keelah@crystyll: "Our diverse nature has led many of us to acknowledge faith manifesting in many forms; all as valid as each other, so long as they serve the purpose for those who hold them" Keelah@crystyll tilts her head a little, "Your... Watcher?" NPC@annpc#5570 | Silcaran motions to the sky again, "It is in the Most Holy, not the Emperor, that we must place our faith. Soon the people will be reminded of that." NPC@annpc#5570 | Silcaran: "I only hope that we do not lose too many lives before the Emperor pulls back the Fleet." Keelah@crystyll: "If our mission here is successful as planned, maybe we can bring everyone out of this with no lives lost" NPC@annpc#5570 | SIlcaran: "It is too late for that. Lives will be lost. But in the end, we will regain our faith, and perhaps our former glory." Keelah@crystyll: "Perhaps, but that will not dissuade us from making every effort to avoid such losses. At the least, minimize them" NPC@annpc#5570 | An armoured Dunishai walks down the steps, this one with a red cloak trailing behind him. He waits patiently just below the stairs, not interrupting the conversation. NPC@annpc#5570 | Silcaran: "Then convince the Emperor to bring the Fleet back, and let the Calmina protect us." NPC@annpc#5570 | He turns his head to the armoured Dunishai behind them, "What is it, Venchos?" Keelah@crystyll: "I would be happy to make a structured case to the Emperor, but you understand that to do so we will need to conduct a thorough investigation?" she trails off, glancing back to the new arrival NPC@annpc#5570 | Venchos: "Naemos. The Commune heathens have opened fire on the Solar Fleet." NPC@annpc#5570 | Silcaran: "So it begins..." --- NPC@annpc#5570 FX | QanwI' follows the Commune ship through their territory towards the nearest Commune colony... NPC@annpc#5570 | Pilot: "Captain, they're increasing speed. Matching ours now." Lexi@crystyll: "Stay with them. Are they altering course?" NPC@annpc#5570 | Pilot: "Same course, but they've accelerated past Warp 8. New arrival time is five minutes." Lexi@crystyll leans back, drumming her fingers on the armrest, "...hail them" NPC@annpc#5570 | Merc: "On it." NPC@annpc#5570 FX | Moradin reappears on the viewscreen. Lexi@crystyll looks up, "Got a sudden rocket up your impulse exhaust there? What's the sudden rush?" NPC@annpc#5570 | Moradin: "The colony reports it is under attack. Orbital defense has somehow failed and the patrol craft have been ambushed by stealthed ships." Lexi@crystyll: "Stealth vessels? Is that consistent with the Solar Fleet?" NPC@annpc#5570 | Moradin: "No. The Solar Fleet do not use that technology, but they have employed Toroki mercenaries to bolster their capabilities in the past." Lexi@crystyll: "Then we shall do the same before they see us on sensors. If there is an attack, we can best assist you with the element of surprise" NPC@annpc#5570 | Moradin: "Excellent. Stay behind us. We may need to use a tachyon sweep to expose their location. Then you may strike." Lexi@crystyll: "Acknowledged. Going dark" NPC@annpc#5570 | Pilot: "One minute to arrival." Lexi@crystyll again barks orders in Klingon, "Battle stations. Engage the cloak, and for the love of Kahless stay behind them until they do that sweep!" NPC@annpc#5570 | K'Sarn: "Activating cloak." NPC@annpc#5570 FX | The QanwI' cloaks as it follows behind the larger modified freighter. Soon they drop out of warp in front of a Class M planet with a visible black crater. NPC@annpc#5570 | K'Sarn: "The surface has been hit. Photon torpedo bombardment." NPC@annpc#5570 | K'Sarn: "Several population centres appear to still be intact." Lexi@crystyll: "Check your targets and get me an ID on the attackers!" NPC@annpc#5570 | Merc: "The Commune ship is doing a tachyon sweep now...we have ID, three Toroki raiders!" NPC@annpc#5570 | K'Sarn: "The Commune ship has opened fire and is drawing their attention." NPC@annpc#5570 FX | On the viewscreen, the three Toroki raiders make an attack run towards the Commune converted freighter, which is returning fire with pink polaron bolts. Lexi@crystyll: "Well at least can stop faffing with the Starfleet play nice stuff and help these folks proper. Intercept course on the raiders, lock weapons and prepare to decloak on my mark" NPC@annpc#5570 | Pilot: "Aye, intercept course." NPC@annpc#5570 | K'Sarn: "Weapons locked on the raiders!" Lexi@crystyll waits to decloak until the last moment, letting the QanwI' sweep in across the Commune freighters nose to point blank on the raiders Lexi@crystyll leans forward with anticipation, the leather of her gloves creaking as she tenses her fist, picking her moment, "...Fire!" NPC@annpc#5570 FX | QanwI' decloaks at the last minute, opening fire at the raiders and causing the central one to go down in a fiery explosion while the other two quickly veer off before they take too much - NPC@annpc#5570: - damage, breaking off their attack run. NPC@annpc#5570 | They try to recover from the failed attack, one of them circling around to try and get its sights on QanwI'. Lexi@crystyll: "HA! Bring us about and target the strongest surviving raider" NPC@annpc#5570 | K'Sarn: "Strongest raider targeted! Just waiting to get it in sight of our forward weapons..." NPC@annpc#5570 | Pilot: "I got this..." Lexi@crystyll watches with narrowed eyes NPC@annpc#5570 FX | QanwI' dances with the raider, while the other one goes for the Commune ship in the background. It doesn't take long for the nimble QanwI' to outmaneuver the raider and get it into the - NPC@annpc#5570: - firing arc of the raptor's main weapons... Lexi@crystyll slams her fist, "Fire!" NPC@annpc#5570 | QanwI' unleashes its firepower on the raider before it can turn fully to face them, taking it down as well! NPC@annpc#5570 | The remaining raider makes an attack run on the Commune ship, causing its shields to flicker, but the return fire proves too much and as the raider darts away after its run, its aft is - NPC@annpc#5570: - peppered by polaron bolts, disabling its engines and sending it drifting on inertia. Lexi@crystyll: "Tractor beam! Snag the bastards and prepare boarding parties" NPC@annpc#5570 | Merc: "Tractor beam locked, but they're starting to beam onto the planet!" Lexi@crystyll: "Send support teams to intercept them on the surface!" NPC@annpc#5570 | K'Sarn: "The Toroki raider is starting self-destruct! Diverting the boarding teams to the surface!" Lexi@crystyll groans, "Switch to repulsors and back us off! If we can't intercept them with our teams, then get transporter locks on them! We'll beam them right into holding if we have to!" NPC@annpc#5570 | Merc: "Switching to repulsors!" NPC@annpc#5570 FX | The QanwI' pushes the damaged raider away from themselves and the Commune ship for a few seconds before it explodes in a flash of light. NPC@annpc#5570 | K'Sarn: "We've obtained six prisoners before they self-destructed, Captain." Lexi@crystyll: "What about those on the surface?" NPC@annpc#5570 | K'Sarn: "Our teams are sweeping the locations where the transporter signals were registered, but so far we've managed to take out one and the Dunishai got another. They're using sensor masking - NPC@annpc#5570: - technology and moving fast." NPC@annpc#5570 | Merc: "There's still at least nine of them running rampant through the cities." Lexi@crystyll: "They are skilled adversaries! I will take alpha team to hunt them down personally!" Lexi@crystyll: "Hold position in orbit and await further instructions. If you can salvage anything from the debris of the raiders, all the better. Now... bat'leth, or honour blade..." she ponders whimsically as she+ Lexi@crystyll: + heads out Avita@anncarise FX | Lexi, Avita and two other warriors beam down to the streets of an old, run-down city. Avita@anncarise | Avita: "Reminds me of the Qo'noS slums. Or Syndicate run Orion places." Avita@anncarise looks around. There is no sign of the Toroki, only the bodies of two dead Dunishai. Avita@anncarise FX | Lexi, Avita and two other warriors beam down to the streets of an old, run-down city. Avita@anncarise "Reminds me of the Qo'noS slums. Or Syndicate run Orion places." Avita@anncarise looks around. There is no sign of the Toroki, only the body of two dead Dunishai. Lexi@crystyll nods, "Has a certain charm, doesn't it" moves to investigate the bodies Avita@anncarise | The bodies are still warm. Both are killed by methodical slits to the throat by some bladed weapon. Avita@anncarise "Quick and effective." Lexi@crystyll: "I expect nothing less. Stay sharp, time to hunt the hunters" she stands, readying her weapon Avita@anncarise reaches behind her back and retrieves her folded bat'leth, though she doesn't extend it, keeping it in its boomerang form. Avita@anncarise FX | The team proceeds down the street and one of the warriors darts back as a shot is fired in their direction, readying his rifle. Avita@anncarise: "Hold fire. These are Dunishai around the corner." Avita@anncarise FX | The Dunishai step over warily, two armed with pistols, one with a rifle and the last with some form of green energy blade extending from a wrist device. Avita@anncarise | The Dunishai with the wrist-blade speaks, "Who are you?" Lexi@crystyll remains quiet and watchful until they draw near, "Do not fear, we are here to assist you against the Toroki" Avita@anncarise | Dunishai: "You are with the Colonial Fleet, then?" Lexi@crystyll: "We are of the Klingon Empire. The Colonial Fleet count among those we are not outwardly hostile towards, sure" Avita@anncarise | Dunishai: "If you are not Chosen or their mercenaries, that is good enough. We are Security Service agents. Come, let us not waste time. Every minute the Toroki could be killing more people." Lexi@crystyll nods, "Lead on" Avita@anncarise | As they reach a slightly more open part of the street, Avita suddenly pauses, "Movement, up top." Avita@anncarise | Before anyone can respond, a bolt strikes one of the pistol-wielding agents, disintegrating him instantly. Avita@anncarise | The rest of the agents and warriors scatter, returning fire towards the rooftop where the shot came from. Lexi@crystyll dives into cover, looking for the source of the attack and watching for a counter on the ground Avita@anncarise | The agent with the wrist-blade raises her arm, the blade transforming into energy projectiles that shoot upwards at the rooftop. Lexi@crystyll: rolls 19 (1-100) Avita@anncarise | Everyone soon ceases fire as they realize the Toroki is long gone from whatever sniper position it was using. Lexi@crystyll: "They're just putting us off balance to expose our flank" she draws her bat'leth with suspicion Avita@anncarise | Agent 1: "These things are sneaky. Stay alert." Avita@anncarise FX | A window smashes and a body comes flying out, causing everyone to fire in that direction, though nothing seems to be there anymore. Avita@anncarise | Agent 2: "It's moving through the buildings." Avita@anncarise | Agent 1: "We can't split up. They'll pick us off one by one." Lexi@crystyll: "Hold your form and prepare for battle!" Avita@anncarise | Warrior: "There!" One of the QanwI's warriors points out a shape leaping from one rooftop to another, but their shots are too slow to intercept it. Avita@anncarise | Agent 1: "It went that way!" Lexi@crystyll continues to watch the sides as they follow Avita@anncarise | They begin to approach another open area, a small plaza with TV screens reporting the attack on the colony. Lexi notices movement on a walkway above them... Lexi@crystyll: "The walkway" she points towards the movement Avita@anncarise | The warriors and agents open fire, but once again the long, four-legged figure darts away before it can be hit. Avita@anncarise | Suddenly, Lexi hears one of her warriors yell behind her as he jumps back just in time to avoid the swipe of a Toroki's tail as it leaps down from the wall of the building. Avita@anncarise | Before he can shoot it or switch to a melee weapon, the Toroki pounces, knocking him to the ground and pinning him there. Avita@anncarise | The other warrior tries to shoot it, but it swipes its tail and knocks her rifle out of her grasp. Lexi@crystyll spins around and leaps towards the Toroki, sweeping her bat'leth aiming to cut off the tail Avita@anncarise | Her bat'leth swing cuts off the Toroki's tail, causing it to shriek in pain. It tries to bite down on the pinned warrior's neck, but he had managed to grab his d'k tahg and stabs it into the - Avita@anncarise: - Toroki's scaled side, taking the shock of the second attack to push the Toroki off him. Lexi@crystyll moves in for the kill, going for the jugular with the tip of her blade Avita@anncarise | She manages to finish off the wounded Toroki, but hears shooting sounding from behind her. Lexi@crystyll spins back to see the situation Avita@anncarise | The agents are one fewer again, and they are firing at another Toroki leaping across balconies. Avita has put her folded weapon on her back again and extended the forearm blades. She leaps at - Avita@anncarise: - the side of the nearest building, the blades allowing her to scale it almost as adeptly as the Toroki. Avita@anncarise | The Toroki notices her and jumps at her. She leaps off the side of the building and one of her blades manages to catch an overhanging sign, preventing her from falling down. She grabs the top - Avita@anncarise: - of the sign and pulls herself onto it, balancing precariously. Avita@anncarise | The Toroki comes for her again, thinking to knock her off for good, but she reaches behind her back and hurls the boomerang, which strikes the Toroki mid-air and causes it to drop instead. Lexi@crystyll moves to secure the fallen Toroki, finish it if needed Avita@anncarise | The Toroki breaks its fall with a roll and tries to recover. Before it can, the agent with the wrist-blade aims her arm and a bolt fires from the weapon, hitting the Toroki and it collapses. Avita@anncarise | The Agent steps over to the Toroki, pulling it up by its antennae and jabbing the energy wrist-blade through its neck to make sure before deactivating her weapon, "That should be all of them." Avita@anncarise | Agent 2: "In this city, at least." Avita@anncarise leaps down from the sign after retrieving her boomerang'eth. Lexi@crystyll: "Impressive equipment. Effective against this enemy" Avita@anncarise | Agent: "It's standard Solar Guard and Solar Fleet weaponry. They use it more than we do, most of our weapons come from Arshai designs." Avita@anncarise | Agent: "But being able to have long and short range options is always good when dealing with Toroki." Lexi@crystyll: "Still. Useful against this enemy, but if this area is clear we should move on to the rest" Avita@anncarise | The agent taps her earpiece, "I'm checking with the Service on the situation in the other cities." Avita@anncarise | The warrior knocked down by the Toroki steps over to Lexi's side. He is blooded from the Toroki's claws and has a new scar on his face, but appears mostly unharmed. He points up to one of the - Avita@anncarise: - screens in the plaza, "Captain." Lexi@crystyll looks up, giving him a hearty pat on the shoulder at a good fight as she watches the screen Avita@anncarise | The screen shows a uniformed Dunishai speaking, and the sound audibly echos across the now-quiet plaza. Avita@anncarise | News Broadcast: "...People's Armada have begun its advance across the border in retaliation to the attack on Thonthal Colony. We estimate a swift and total victory, with or without Arshai - Avita@anncarise: - assistance, but we remain confident that our allies in the New World will stand by us in this conflict." Avita@anncarise | The agent steps over, taking a glance at the broadcast as well, "The other cities are clear. None of the Toroki allowed themselves to be taken alive, so we don't have anyone to interrogate. - Avita@anncarise: - Though it seems like we've already decided the Chosen are responsible for sending them." Lexi@crystyll: "This is not helping our mission..." she sighs Lexi@crystyll: "We must contact your people's leadership immediately before they draw into a dishonourable fight" Avita@anncarise | Agent: "The fighting's already started. But if you still want to talk to my superiors in the Service, I can take you to them." Lexi@crystyll: "They need to understand the situation. Lead on" Avita@anncarise | The Agent nods and taps her earpiece. A few seconds later, they disappear into transporter beams... --- NPC@annpc#5570 FX | Meanwhile back on Calahadon... NPC@annpc#5570 | Silcaran: "We must speak with the Emperor. Come with me." NPC@annpc#5570 | Venchos: "You wish me to follow as well?" NPC@annpc#5570 | Silcaran: "Yes, General." NPC@annpc#5570 | Venchos: "I must prepare the Guard-" NPC@annpc#5570 | Silcaran: "The Guard will not be needed. Have faith." NPC@annpc#5570 | Silcaran waves everyone along as he proceeds back up the stairs. Keelah@crystyll follows, a cautious glance to her ensemble at the troubling development NPC@annpc#5570 | Silvestrie quietly mutters, "This is going to make peace a lot more difficult, isn't it..." Keelah@crystyll: "Depending on your philosophical views, there can be no such thing as peace without war" NPC@annpc#5570 | They walk up another flight of stairs to a doorway watched by two more armoured guards. The doors slide open and Silcaran and Venchos step through, but the two guards block the way as Keelah - NPC@annpc#5570: - and Co. begin approaching. NPC@annpc#5570 | Silcaran casts a brief glance behind himself, "They're with me." NPC@annpc#5570 | Guard: "Naemos, they're-" NPC@annpc#5570 | Silcaran: "Know your place, Garadin." NPC@annpc#5570 | Guard: "My apologies, Naemos." NPC@annpc#5570 | The guards step aside quickly and Silcaran gives a half-hearted wave of his hand at them, "You are forgiven." NPC@annpc#5570 | They step into a room with a number of golden consoles and windows on the side facing the lake, offering roughly the same beautiful view as the terrace they had come from. The Dunishai Prophet - NPC@annpc#5570: - taps one of the consoles before placing his entire palm on it, and a few seconds later, a larger-than-life hologram of a golden-robed Dunishai wearing a fancy tiara appears in the centre of the room NPC@annpc#5570 | Venchos drops to his knees, while Silcaran does only a small bow. NPC@annpc#5570 | Silcaran: "My lord." NPC@annpc#5570 | Emperor: "What is so important, Silcaran, that you must call me instead of coming to join my war council?" Keelah@crystyll mimicks the respectful bow, favouring that over kneeling. I mean in this skirt, come on...? NPC@annpc#5570 | The rest of the team joins Keelah in mimicking the bow as well. NPC@annpc#5570 | Emperor: "And you brought the alien visitors as well, I see." NPC@annpc#5570 | Silcaran: "My lord, you must withdraw the Fleet. You can see the aliens' ships in orbit. Even our Sunguard would not stand against such a vessel, and the Commune have vessels of such power from - NPC@annpc#5570: - what the Arshai gave them. And not to mention when the Colonial Fleet themselves join the fray. You cannot hold the line." NPC@annpc#5570 | Emperor: "I suppose you will try to convince me to pull the fleet back to Calahadon again. Lead them directly to our home?" NPC@annpc#5570 | Silcaran: "Yes! We must have faith! The Great Watcher will protect us, as it has from the Karstok raiders and the Three Companies." NPC@annpc#5570 | Emperor: "These are old legends, Silcaran. You place too much faith in them. Faith in the Great Watcher is faith in the Chosen people, not in myths." NPC@annpc#5570 | Silcaran: "And you place too much faith in your ships and technology. Even if you do not believe all the details of these...legends, you know there is truth to them." NPC@annpc#5570 | Emperor: "Tread carefully, Naemos. You are close to stepping over your place." Keelah@crystyll: "If I might address the Emperor...?" she peers up from the held bow NPC@annpc#5570 | The Emperor looks over to Keelah, "You may speak." Keelah@crystyll stands straight and steps forward from their group, "These are clearly uncertain times for the Chosen, and while I can not comment on legends I am unfamiliar with, I can tell you that such things + Keelah@crystyll: + are often found to have a basis in fact. Even if it is one that we are not expecting it to be" NPC@annpc#5570 | Silcaran: "The alien speaks wisdom. With respect, my lord, it is no accident that Calahadon has never been taken by enemy forces. That All Under the Light has never been invaded." NPC@annpc#5570 | Silcaran: "The Calmina will protect us." NPC@annpc#5570 | Emperor: "And where were the Calmina when the Arshai brought us low?" Keelah@crystyll: "Your forgiveness, gentlemen. But perhaps this is not the time for such debates. We had news of an attack on your fleet, please; what has transpired?" NPC@annpc#5570 | Emperor: "I do not know. The Commune Armada crossed the border and fire was exchanged. What motivation they had is beyond me." Keelah@crystyll: "Then I emplore you; consider the possibility that greater forces are at work here beyond your perception; a concept which should not be beyond such enlightenend gentlemen" Keelah@crystyll: "And trust in the fortuitous timing of our arrival here in a capacity to help reach the truth of the matter" NPC@annpc#5570 | Silcaran: "Possible, yes. How is the fleet faring?" NPC@annpc#5570 | The Emperor lowers his head, "Not well. The Sunguard is intact, but cannot match their old battleships." NPC@annpc#5570 | Silcaran: "Pull them back. Whatever comes from the Darkness, heathens or demons, the Watcher will protect us. We cannot win this war with ships. We /must/ have faith." NPC@annpc#5570 | Silcaran: "More of the Chosen needlessly die every second you tarry, my lord." Keelah@crystyll: "Then listen to your advisor and call your ships back. Allow me the chance to show our nature in this and repel the Commune fleet for you. Without firing our weapons or taking lives" NPC@annpc#5570 | Emperor: "Naemos! You...may be right. Very well." NPC@annpc#5570 FX | Keelah's combadge chirps... --- Keliaya@anncarise FX | While Keelah goes to speak with the Chosen leadership on the surface of the planet, activity on the Valley Forge bridge is relatively slow and quiet as most of the crew works on studying - Keliaya@anncarise - the system, primarily the strange plasma levels of the sun. Lendaria@crystyll | TQ: "Commander, I have an incoming hail from our patrol escort" Keliaya@anncarise looks over to TQ, "Put it through, Tee." She makes her way over to the command chair, not sitting down but standing beside it to be in more clear centre view, setting her left hand on the seat back Lendaria@crystyll watches with a light smirk, wondering when Kelly will finally feel comfortable enough to sit in Keelah's chair Lendaria@crystyll | TQ nods and opens the channel Keliaya@anncarise FX | The Dunishai captain appears on the viewscreen again, "Admiring the majesty of the Great Watcher?" Keliaya@anncarise quirks her head, "Pardon?" Keliaya@anncarise | Dunishai: "We've noticed that you've conducted a number of scans on the sun. The Great Watcher." Keliaya@anncarise: "Oh! Yes, we're...trying to figure out why its energy output doesn't match the equations. Is it not allowed?" Keliaya@anncarise | Dunishai: "You are free to observe the radiance of the Watcher, as long as you do not disturb it." Keliaya@anncarise nods, "Thank you. Would...you happen to know anything about why it's different from the other stars?" Keliaya@anncarise | Dunishai: "Of course. It is the source of the Light and the Calmina, the Servants of Light." Keliaya@anncarise: "Right. Well, we promise we won't disturb your Watcher. We're just observing." Keliaya@anncarise | Dunishai: "Bask in its glory. Few aliens have such a privilege." Keliaya@anncarise FX | The comm ends. Keliaya@anncarise: "At least we know we're not breaking any rules..." Lendaria@crystyll: "Continue passive scannin' f'now?" Keliaya@anncarise nods over to Lennie and returns to her console, "Let me know if you find anything that might be our missing variable." Lendaria@crystyll: "Got th'lab boys workin' on it now. Will keep ya posted!" Keliaya@anncarise FX | A few more minutes pass in relative quiet on the bridge, before the turbolift doors slide open and Gwi steps out. Keliaya@anncarise | He makes his way over to Lennie, a datapad in his hand, "Commander. I might have an explanation." Lendaria@crystyll looks around, "Watcha got?" Keliaya@anncarise | Gwi: "It's just a hypothesis, and...I'd say far-fetched, but after the things I've seen out here, nothing's far-fetched." He gestures to the console, "May I?" Lendaria@crystyll steps aside, "By all means" Keliaya@anncarise | Gwi types on the console, bringing up a bunch of data and what seems like a map of the star showing clusters of dots, "So, I've been noticing these concentrations of plasma on the star. Like - Keliaya@anncarise: - solar flares about to occur, but they don't eject. Instead, they seem to shift around, and they don't combine either when they come near one another." Keliaya@anncarise | He taps the console again, and the dots begin shifting around, "So I mapped their movement from when we got here to now, and it looks completely random." Lendaria@crystyll: "Random ain't somethin' tha' goes hand in hand wit' stellar phenomena as I recall from mah astrophysics..." Keliaya@anncarise | Gwi smiles, "That's because it's not astrophysics. You're going to like this, Commander." Lendaria@crystyll grins, "Ya gonna tell thems livin' beings ain't ya" Keliaya@anncarise | He nods and zooms the image in on one particular area with 3 dots, "I noticed this about five minutes ago. Keep an eye on this one here." Keliaya@anncarise | As the two dots move around it, the third dot splits into two and begins going in different directions. Keliaya@anncarise | Gwi: "I don't know how they sustain themselves yet, but...reproduction, an element of randomness in their activity, looks like life to me. Plasma-based life on the star." Lendaria@crystyll tilts her head as she watches with acute fascination Lendaria@crystyll: "Well I'll be damned... Hey Kel, ya gonna wanna see this" Keliaya@anncarise steps over, "What did you find, Commander? I heard something about life?" Lendaria@crystyll: "Not me. S'all on Mr. Gwi here. Go ahead, show her" Keliaya@anncarise | Gwi shows the movement and the splitting of one of the plasma concentrations, "Their movement seems random, they look like they're splitting but they don't join when they come close to one - Keliaya@anncarise: - another like naturally occuring gases would. I think they're plasma-based lifeforms." Keliaya@anncarise nods, "I was wondering how the Dunishai continue to worship their sun even after achieving warp and knowing what their sun is. But if this is the case...maybe there are gods on the sun. Or what - Keliaya@anncarise: - could easily be perceived as them..." Keliaya@anncarise looks over to TQ, "Tee, what was that word the patrol ship captain used? Calmina?" Lendaria@crystyll | TQ nods, "That's it, yes. You think that is their name for this lifeform?" Keliaya@anncarise: "Maybe. Search the datafiles the Arshai gave us on the Dunishai for all references to the term." Lendaria@crystyll | TQ: "Yes ma'am. Searching now" Lendaria@crystyll | TQ: "Could be an adaptation of this reference; Calmina. In their mythology they were lesser spirits in service to their deity, which manifests in this world as the sun" Lendaria@crystyll | TQ: "Their reference flows all the way into their warp era. They are credited with the salvation of the Chosen on more than one occasion in that recent era too. Not like ancient mythology, but as+ Lendaria@crystyll: + current as a Lupan tribe - the Karstok - who were a conglomerate of several smaller packs, and again when a trio of merc companies came for them" Lendaria@crystyll | TQ: "It doesn't give any details, just lots of typical religious reference: 'smiting the agents of evil' and so on" Keliaya@anncarise looks over to Lennie, "How dangerous would a plasma-based lifeform be? To say, a modern starship?" Lendaria@crystyll thinks and taps her console some, "In short; very. Th'Enterprise apparently encountered somethin' similar ways back. Shields, phasers, nothin' had an effect" Lendaria@crystyll: "Well... shield manipulation mighta held 'em a little, but if these things are anythin' like them, they'se vigorous lil' buggers" Keliaya@anncarise glances over to TQ again, "Were there any battles during the Arshai-Chosen War that took place in the Dunishai home system?" Lendaria@crystyll | TQ shakes her head, "It was more like a series of border skirmishes, so nothing from the Arshai's own records to corroborate" Keliaya@anncarise: "So the Arshai probably don't know about this..." Keliaya@anncarise: "What if this was the plan? The Chosen were never going to stand much chance against the Commune, and the Colonial Fleet would naturally support the Commune because of their relations." Keliaya@anncarise: "And when the Commune and their Arshai allies advance into the Dunishai home system thinking they've won, they find themselves suddenly attacked by the Calmina." Lendaria@crystyll: "S'possible, sure" Keliaya@anncarise: "It would inflict maximum damage. Much more than a conventional war." Lendaria@crystyll: "Tha' it would..." Keliaya@anncarise steps over to TQ, "Can you raise the Captain?" Lendaria@crystyll | TQ taps away, "Trying her now" Lendaria@crystyll: <C-Keelah> "Se'Lai" Keliaya@anncarise: <C> "Captain, we have a development on the sun. We believe it's inhabited by plasma-based lifeforms which are responsible for the unusual energy outputs and plasma levels." Lendaria@crystyll: <C-Keelah> "...lifeforms? Sentient?" Keliaya@anncarise: <C> "Possible, but we haven't confirmed it yet. We have reason to think that these lifeforms correlate with the mythological beings the Dunishai call 'Calmina,' who were responsible for fending off - Keliaya@anncarise: - attacks on their home system in the past according to their records." Lendaria@crystyll: <C-Keelah> "is there any sign of movement on long range sensors?" Lendaria@crystyll checks Lendaria@crystyll: <C> "Cap'n, I'm-a seein' lots Dunishai ships inbound at warp 8. More enterin' range every minute" Lendaria@crystyll: <C-Keelah> "...Stand by for further instructions. And try to raise Captain Vix on subspace, we may need her input sooner rather than later" Keliaya@anncarise: <C> "Understood, Captain." Keliaya@anncarise looks to TQ, "See if you can contact the QanwI'." Lendaria@crystyll | TQ: "Trying them now" --- B'Atar@anncarise FX | Lexi's team and the remaining Security Service agents beam onto a transporter pad. The agent with the wrist-blade weapon lead the way, but Lexi is stopped by the two guards outside the - B'Atar@anncarise: - transporter room. B'Atar@anncarise | Guard 1: "Please hand over your weapons. We'll keep them safe here until you return." Lexi@crystyll scowls, "You'd better crack a smile when you make jokes like that. A warrior does /not/ part with their weapon" B'Atar@anncarise | Guard 1: "I'm sorry, we cannot allow you to enter the building with-" B'Atar@anncarise | Agent 1: "Make an exception for them. They've proven themselves in helping us take out the Toroki." B'Atar@anncarise | Guard 1: "But if they cause trouble, that'll be on me." Lexi@crystyll: "For what it's worth, if we /were/ here to cause trouble... you would not have the luxury of standing here debating it while you insult us" B'Atar@anncarise | The Agent takes out a chip and holds it out to the guard, "Blame me for it if you have to." B'Atar@anncarise | Guard 2: "Just take the marks and forget about it, rookie. Before the agents and their alien friends have /both/ our heads." B'Atar@anncarise | The first guard nods and takes the chip reluctantly before stepping aside. Lexi@crystyll glares at the rookie guard as they pass B'Atar@anncarise | The rookie guard takes a step back from Lexi, despite being taller than her, getting a chuckle from the other guard. B'Atar@anncarise | The agents lead them into a lift which takes them up the building. Lexi@crystyll smirks to herself as they continue B'Atar@anncarise | Exiting the lift, they find themselves in a round operations centre filled with computer terminals and a central desk showing a large holoprojection. B'Atar@anncarise | Agent 1: "Wait here." Lexi@crystyll gives a curt nod B'Atar@anncarise | The two agents head to the centre, and a few minutes later the agent with the wrist-blade waves them along. B'Atar@anncarise | A Dunishai in a crisp black uniform awaits them in the centre by the table. She turns to them as the agent leads them in, "So you are the ones who helped defend the colony." Lexi@crystyll: "That's us. Is the situation in hand now?" B'Atar@anncarise | Dunishai: "The colony is safe. Thank you for your assistance. I am Sharivia, head of the Security Service here." Lexi@crystyll: "Captain Vix of the Klingon Empire. So what do we know about the source of this attack? We only saw Toroki vessels in orbit..." B'Atar@anncarise | Sharivia: "No, we have not managed to capture any prisoners to interrogate. The Toroki are difficult enough to kill, let alone capture alive." B'Atar@anncarise | Sharivia: "The Commune is convinced this was an attack by the Chosen Empire, as a result of recent tensions." Lexi@crystyll: "But... aren't the Toroki vassels of the Arshai too? If anything, would they not be joining the conflict on your side?" B'Atar@anncarise | Sharivia: "They are, but some of their mercenary companies work for the highest bidder. Some may be joining on our side, and the Commune have hired Toroki mercenaries in the past as well." B'Atar@anncarise | Sharivia: "I can't say for certain the Chosen are responsible, but I can tell you we would never attack our own colony to find an excuse to attack the Chosen." Lexi@crystyll: "It still doesn't add up. Isn't the aggressive first push like, against their religion or something?" B'Atar@anncarise | Sharivia: "The aggressive first push? You mean the bombing in their capital that they blame us for?" Lexi@crystyll: "Given the history between you lot, it's easy to see them making that leap" B'Atar@anncarise | Sharivia: "The Commune believes this attack may be in perceived retaliation. It makes sense, but it's hard to know with mercenaries." B'Atar@anncarise | Sharivia: "Especially dead mercenaries." Lexi@crystyll: "Well then, perhaps those we took prisoner will be able to shed some light on the matter" B'Atar@anncarise | Sharivia: "You have prisoners? Perhaps they could, if they are willing to talk..." Lexi@crystyll: "You'll find my people are especially adept at persuading reluctant prisoners" she smiles sweetly B'Atar@anncarise | Sharivia smiles back, "Excellent. I hope they'll shed some light on the situation, though it may be too late to stop the conflict, at least we will know who is responsible when this is over." Lexi@crystyll: "We have sufficient reason to believe that you all are being manipulated, so I would emplore you not to respond against the Chosen. At least until we have determined their culpability" B'Atar@anncarise | Sharivia: "I'm afraid that's not in my power to control. The Commune government have already blamed the Chosen for it and the Free People's Armada have moved across the border." B'Atar@anncarise | Sharivia turns to the central table and brings up a holographic battlemap. B'Atar@anncarise | Sharivia: "The battle has already begun, and the first Colonial Fleet forces will be arriving soon to join." Lexi@crystyll: "This is ill-advised. You /must/ convince your government to recall that fleet before it is too late" Lexi@crystyll: "There are greater concerns at play here that you are not yet aware of, and both you and the Chosen are being manouvered against each other like pawns on a 3D chessboard" B'Atar@anncarise | Sharivia: "There's something about this attack on the colony that makes me uneasy...but the situation was bound to escalate sooner or later. With the Colonial Fleet coming to our aid as - B'Atar@anncarise: - expected to preserve the fourth of the fleet we have promised to support them...it should be a quick and simple war." Lexi@crystyll: "The matter is not so simple. /We/ are the Colonial Fleet reinforcements" Lexi@crystyll: "They have already bore witness to the threat which we believe is manipulating this conflict, and have entrusted us to act in their stead" B'Atar@anncarise | Sharivia: "You are the only ones? Are you sure?" Lexi@crystyll: "Technically no... we have also sent a ship to deal with the Chosen. But no more" B'Atar@anncarise | Sharivia: "I am sure they will mobilize their main fleet once they realize the fighting has started. But even now our forces outnumber the Chosen, and the Solar Fleet is beginning to fall back." B'Atar@anncarise FX | Lexi's communicator sounds. Lexi@crystyll groans at the futility before turning away and poking aggressively at her wristcomp, "What?!" B'Atar@anncarise <C - K'Sarn> "Captain. We've managed to get the Toroki prisoners to talk." Lexi@crystyll: "Finally some good news! What did they have to say?" B'Atar@anncarise: <C - K'Sarn> "They claim the Arshai hired them. Or an Arshai, at least. They still got one more ship, their toughest one, but it's not here. They don't know where the Arshai took it." Lexi@crystyll: "So... the rogue is with their vessel... We must find that ship!" B'Atar@anncarise: <C - K'Sarn> "We have no idea where to look for it. They do not know. But at least we know he is responsible for this attack." Lexi@crystyll: "It's a start at least. Very well, keep me informed" B'Atar@anncarise: <C - K'Sarn> "Yes Captain." Lexi@crystyll: "Our interrogation has confirmed our suspicions about the source of this manipulation" B'Atar@anncarise | Sharivia turns back to Lexi from the war table, "And that is?" Lexi@crystyll: "A lone operative who is currently on board the Toroki flagship. A ship which was suspiciously /not/ anywhere near the attack here" B'Atar@anncarise | Sharivia: "And why would this lone operative be interested in attacking our colony? What motivation could they have?" Lexi@crystyll: "His interest is not specific against your colony. It is in turning you and the Chosen on each other so you will wipe yourselves out to save his masters the trouble of doing so when they get here" B'Atar@anncarise | Sharivia: "Who might these masters be?" Lexi@crystyll: "They go by many names... The Ancients, Primevals, Horde, Army of the Dead. The list goes on..." B'Atar@anncarise | Sharivia: "That sounds like something out of old Chosen legends. You believe that?" Lexi@crystyll: "We have seen it's influence already. This is why the Arshai have asked us to act in their stead here, because we caught the Horde trying to do the same thing to the Arshai" B'Atar@anncarise | Sharivia nods, "It would make sense why they would stir up the war...but the battle is clearly in our favour. The Chosen will be destroyed, but not the Commune." Lexi@crystyll: "They would stir up the war because their goal is dominate and destroy everything in this galaxy. And they are on their way here for the Commune and Chosen alike" B'Atar@anncarise | Sharivia: "I will pass your information to the Director of the Security Service and the Commune government. But I cannot promise that they will heed your warning." Lexi@crystyll: "Just consider this when you do; with such a powerful enemy trying to pull your strings. Does that act in itself not warrant outward defiance? Because surely if it is what they want, it is not going + Lexi@crystyll: + to be what you want - however it may look through the blurred vision they are allowing you" B'Atar@anncarise | Sharivia: "We have no wish to be manipulated. But it is not so easy to stop a war that has already begun." Lexi@crystyll: "Know that such an enemy would not do this without a plan. If they /want/ you to attack the Chosen, you can be damned sure they are luring you into a trap. Your fleet will be destroyed and you will + Lexi@crystyll: + defenseless when they arrive. To continue this attack... is to condemn your people" B'Atar@anncarise | Sharivia: "Give us your prisoner, and have them agree to confess to us. The Commune will want proof. If they will not listen to that, there is little else I can do." Lexi@crystyll nods, "That can be arranged" B'Atar@anncarise | Sharivia: "Good. Bring them to us and I will do my best." Lexi@crystyll taps her intercom again, "Vix to QanwI', prepare the prisoner for transfer to local authority. Expect communication from them for the details" B'Atar@anncarise: <C - K'Sarn> "Aye Captain. We've just received contact from the Valley Forge as well." Lexi@crystyll: "What does the good Cap Lexi@crystyll: (...) Lexi@crystyll: <C> "What does the good Captain have to report?" B'Atar@anncarise: <C - K'Sarn> "Apparently they think the Dunishai homeworld is protected by some plasma lifeforms. And the Commune ships are flying right into a trap." Lexi@crystyll looks to Sharivia to see if that was overheard B'Atar@anncarise | Sharivia does indeed seem to be listening, "Are you sure you're not just taking this from old Chosen stories?" Lexi@crystyll: "Our associates there are stringent scientists. They would not have reached this conclusion lightly" Lexi@crystyll: "You wanted evidence, this is it" Lexi@crystyll: <C> K'Sarn, have them send over their data and push it to my PADD as soon as you have it" B'Atar@anncarise: <C - K'Sarn> "Aye Captain. I'll coordinate with them to take the prisoners too." Lexi@crystyll: <C> Good Lexi@crystyll: "You will seen see hard evidence of this pending trap" B'Atar@anncarise FX | A few seconds later, the information comes through on Lexi's PADD. Lexi@crystyll opens the data pack and hands the PADD over, "There, see" B'Atar@anncarise | Sharivia takes the PADD, looking it over, "That is certainly troubling. We thought the Chosen's stories were only that. I will send this to the Director immediately." B'Atar@anncarise | Sharivia: "Thank you again, Captain Vix. For saving this colony and presenting this information to us." Lexi@crystyll: "Just make it count and get your fleet back" B'Atar@anncarise | Sharivia: "I think this information will be convincing enough. I will send it first, and then present the prisoners' testimonials once I have them. That will have to be enough." Lexi@crystyll: "I have every confidence in your ability to ensure that it is. But if there is nothing more, we must rejoin the hunt for this rogue agent and the last remaining Toroki ship" B'Atar@anncarise | Sharivia: "You may leave as soon as we have the prisoners. We have a ship in orbit that will watch the colony for now." Lexi@crystyll: "Of course. We will no doubt speak again once the region is secured. Qapla'!" she gives a rigid Klingon salute before calling for beamout --- NPC@annpc#5570 FX | A few minutes after Keelah's first comm call, as the Emperor and Silcaran continue to discuss matters, Keelah's combadge chirps again. Keelah@crystyll taps her badge, "Se'Lai" NPC@annpc#5570: <C - Kelly> "Captain, the ships attacking the Chosen's fleet are breaking their pursuit."" Keelah@crystyll: <C> Excellent news, thank you Kelly Keelah@crystyll steps over to the Emperor, "Excuse me, gentlemen. But as promised, I believe your fleet will confirm that the Commune vessels are turning away" NPC@annpc#5570 | The Emperor nods, "Yes. They are not entering the system." NPC@annpc#5570 | Silcaran: "What? But they were to be a demonstration. To show our people their faith is not unfounded!" NPC@annpc#5570 | Emperor: "Perhaps they are wiser than we gave them credit for." Keelah@crystyll: "You mean to show them that the plasma-based lifeforms living around your star would attack anything in sight that was not clearly a welcome guest of the Chosen?" NPC@annpc#5570 | Silcaran: "They watch over us, for we are the Chosen. After the rebellion, our people have been losing faith, going for far too long without witnessing our glorious Watcher in all its might." Keelah@crystyll tilts her head, "You almost sound disappointed at the lack of bloodshed today..." NPC@annpc#5570 | Silcaran: "The plan was save the Chosen, and show these Commune heathens the splendour of what they have forsaken. I am glad the Solar Fleet was not decimated, of course, but this..." Keelah@crystyll: "But this...?" NPC@annpc#5570 | Silcaran: "This changes nothing. The Commune is still out there, despising our very existence, and our people do not witness the miracle they need to renew their faith!" Keelah@crystyll: "Let us not lose sight of the fact that an unseen enemy continues to manipulate both yourselves and the Commune in this. In denying their will, your faith has already proven it's strength" NPC@annpc#5570 | Emperor: "What is this enemy you speak of? The demons that lurk in the Darkness?" Keelah@crystyll: "They are known by as many names as there are people who know them; The Horde, the Primevals, Army of the Dead to name but a few more common terms" NPC@annpc#5570 | Silcaran: "The Light will keep us safe. From the heretics and the demons-" NPC@annpc#5570 | Emperor: "Let the alien speak. You think this enemy is manipulating us?" Keelah@crystyll nods, "Not just you. We were led down this avenue after first uncovering their attempts to do the same to the Arshai" Keelah@crystyll: "We foiled their plan there, but they were smart and already planted the seed of a further plan here in the form of a rogue agent" NPC@annpc#5570 | Emperor: "A rogue agent. You're saying these unseen enemies are responsible for bombing the capital?" Keelah@crystyll: "That is our premise, yes. Though until we capture this agent we are unable to present evidence beyond 3rd hand assurance that the Commune were not responsible" NPC@annpc#5570 | Emperor: "How do we know you have not invented this threat to protect the Commune?" Keelah@crystyll: "Until we catch this operative, I must ask that you... have faith. Have we not earned at least the chance to prove our sincerity after staying true to our word in turning their fleet away?" NPC@annpc#5570 | The Emperor nods, "Very well. Find this rogue agent. Until then, the Solar Fleet will remain here, hopefully beyond harm under the Light of the Watcher." Keelah@crystyll bows her head, "We will not rest until we see this matter resolved" NPC@annpc#5570 | Emperor: "Make it quick. The Commune may try something again soon. Or perhaps this agent will." Keelah@crystyll: "You will hear as soon as we have news. Until then, see to your people; show them the inner strength of your faith in this time of uncertainty. We will speak again soon" Keelah@crystyll smiles again before turning to leave NPC@annpc#5570 | The Emperor nods and the hologram fades.

View Act IV - Endgame

Keelah@crystyll joins her staff in the conference room after returning to the ship, "Give me some good news, people" Keliaya@anncarise: "Captain Vix has managed to talk the Commune into standing down for the moment as well. And from the Toroki prisoners she captured, we suspect the rogue Arshai agent to be commandeering a - Keliaya@anncarise: - Toroki ship. Very likely equipped with a cloaking device." Keliaya@anncarise: "At least we know what we're looking for, but the cloak complicates matters." Keelah@crystyll: "Perhaps we can enlist the now stationary Chosen fleet in setting up a tachyon grid around the planet" Keliaya@anncarise: "Good idea. That should prevent him from trying something yet again on Calahadon." Keelah@crystyll: "What else do we have?" Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "It is difficult to anticipate what his next move will be. With both the Chosen and Commune aware of his manipulations, he may get creative." Keliaya@anncarise | Kazra: "And the person who knows him best is still unconscious. The procedure is a success and Vora's brain chemistry appears to be back to normal, but we don't want to wake her until she - Keliaya@anncarise: - recovers naturally for risk of disrupting the neurochemistry again." Keelah@crystyll: "Of course. Well that is some good news at least. What projections do we have on the agents likely next move, now that we have disrupted his first plan here?" Keliaya@anncarise | Silvestrie: "We have to try and think like him. Now that both Dunishai governments are wary of him...what's his best option at causing chaos here?" Keelah@crystyll | Lennie: "Well if I were 'im, I'd-a be lookin' to try an' stir up these plasma wisps somehow" Keelah@crystyll: "And how exactly would one go about doing that?" Keelah@crystyll | Lennie shrugs a little, "Hard t'say. But they'se clearly got some attachment t'this star, could be a reaction in tha' might set 'em off. Just a theory o'course" Keelah@crystyll nods, "It's worth considering. Thoughts on that?" she looks around Keliaya@anncarise: "We haven't figured out what exactly they use for sustenance yet, but they are definitely tied to the reactions of the stars somehow. Just like how plant life affects the soil on planets." Keliaya@anncarise: "By disrupting the star, it might be possible to upset them enough into a frenzy..." Keelah@crystyll: "Well, we don't have sufficient ships in this Chosen fleet to protect the star and the planet. So which do we feel he is most likely to go for? Which proverbial basket do we put all of our eggs in?" Keliaya@anncarise: "I think the star. While he could do a lot of damage to the planet, it's less likely the Chosen will start trouble with the Commune over it now." Keliaya@anncarise: "Besides, as soon as he does anything, we'll have an idea where he is. But if he messes with the star it might be too late to stop him once he's done." Keelah@crystyll: "Agreed. Contact the fleet and inform them of our plan. The sooner we mobilize, the better" Keliaya@anncarise nods, "What about the Commune? Should we have Captain Vix recommend they do the same with their ships in case he tries anything there?" Keelah@crystyll ponders, "No... not yet. Have them hold position on the border... we don't know what will happen yet and if we do need cavalry to assist, it would be nice for it to be them" Keliaya@anncarise: "And if they come in to help, it might be able to reconcile the differences between them and the Chosen a little." Keelah@crystyll smiles, "Exactly. Be sure they run a tachyon grid deployment as well, just in case the rogue sees our ploy and switches target" Keliaya@anncarise: "We'll make sure they're ready." Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "Hopefully, we will be able to stay a step ahead of him this time, and prevent whatever his next action may be." Keelah@crystyll: "Have faith Mr. Vrolmacht" she smirks a little, "Theme of the day" Keelah@crystyll stands, "If there is nothing more, we have a lot of work to do" Keliaya@anncarise | Everyone else shakes their head and stands as well. Keelah@crystyll: "Let's get to it then. Dismissed" --- Keliaya@anncarise FX | Nearly 12 hours has passed since the senior staff conference, and activity on the bridge consists mostly of regular monitoring while the Dunishai's Solar Fleet forms a tachyon detection grid - Keliaya@anncarise: - around their star. Keliaya@anncarise looks over to Lennie, "I think I've identified a series of reactions which might be related to the plasma wisps. No idea if it's related to their feeding or...whatever form of sustenance they use - Keliaya@anncarise: - though. I'll send them over for you to check." Keelah@crystyll | Lennie moves over to her, "Watcha got?" Keliaya@anncarise: "It took me a while to isolate them, they're very highly integrated into the star's natural reactions. But I checked the equations and these add up to roughly the extra energy we detected from the - Keliaya@anncarise: - star, so I suspect they have something to do with the plasma lifeforms." Keelah@crystyll | Lennie: "What exactly are lookin' at?" Keliaya@anncarise: "I think they're chemical reactions very heavily integrated with the fusion processes of the star. Nothing like carbon-based life at all, but I'm not sure if you'd be able to-" Keliaya@anncarise | Evanne: "Commander, the Solar Fleet is reporting that they've detected something." Keelah@crystyll | Lennie glances to Kelly and hurries back to her station to check sensors Keliaya@anncarise looks over to Evanne, "Inform the Captain. And take us to yellow alert, Vrolmacht." Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "Yes Commander." Keelah@crystyll | Lennie: "Looks like they'se found our rogue Toroki ship! It's breached th'tachyon grid an' they'se opened fire on it" Keelah@crystyll emerges from the ready room in good time to hear Lennie's summary, "We have a confirmed hit on the detection grid?" Keliaya@anncarise: "Appears so, Captain." Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "The Toroki's shields are failing. They are returning fire but not doing any significant damage." Keliaya@anncarise: "There's too many Solar Fleet ships. It's nowhere close to a fair fight." Keelah@crystyll: "Dra, remind the fleet that we need that ship intact if we are to capture our rogue agent" Keelah@crystyll: "Helm, move us into range" Keliaya@anncarise | Evanne: "Reminder sent, Captain." Keliaya@anncarise | Ann: "Moving' us in." Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "The Toroki ship's engines are disabled. The Dunishai have it held with tractor beams." Keelah@crystyll: "Hail the Toroki" Keliaya@anncarise | Evanne: "No response." Keelah@crystyll | Lennie: "Cap'n, plasma wisps're startin' t'emerge from th'star" Keelah@crystyll glances to Lennie, "On screen" leaning in with a scrutinizing gaze Keliaya@anncarise FX | Several glowing yellow wisps, each looking almost like a miniature sun, darts towards the disabled Toroki ship, currently held in place by three different tractor beams. The Toroki's weapons - Keliaya@anncarise: - begin firing on the wisps to no visible effect, and the wisps draw closer and closer, surrounding the ship and almost instantly disintegrating it. Keliaya@anncarise: "The Toroki ship is gone, Captain." Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "It stood no chance. That was too easy." Keelah@crystyll: "I don't suppose we - or anyone else - had the foresight to get a transporter lock on anyone from that ship first..." Keliaya@anncarise | Ann: "We only just got into transporter range a second before they vapourized the whole thing." Keliaya@anncarise: "But we were still in sensors range..." Keliaya@anncarise looks over to Lennie, "Commander, do our sensors of the ship after it lost shields show any Arshai lifesigns on board?" Keelah@crystyll looks to Lennie, as Kelly takes the words out of her mouth. Briefly glancing back with a smile Keelah@crystyll | Lennie checks and shakes her head, "Nope. In fact, not many lifesigns at all. No more than a dozen confirmed readin's" Keelah@crystyll hrms, "It isn't over... He threw his ship away to expose our defence. Why...?" Keliaya@anncarise: "From the scans we got of the ship before it was destroyed, the cloak shouldn't be too different from Klingon cloaking technology. Vulnerable to a basic tachyon sweep, but still more than sufficient - Keliaya@anncarise: - to cover up transporter signals if used properly. He could be anywhere..." Keliaya@anncarise FX | Meanwhile on the viewscreen, the wisps return to the star, joining with its glow and becoming indistinguishable from the bright ball of gas. Keelah@crystyll: "The Solar Fleet ships... they must have boarded one" Keliaya@anncarise | Evanne: "Captain...the Solar Fleet says they've just lost contact with their flagship, the Sunguard." Keelah@crystyll: "It had to be the flag, of course..." she sighs, "Inform the fleet to maintain alert status and isolate the Sungard. Tell them it may be compromised and to regard as hostile" Keliaya@anncarise | Evanne: "They are isolating the Sunguard now and have formed a perimeter around the ship." Keelah@crystyll: "Excellent. Try hailling the Sunguard" Keliaya@anncarise | Evanne: "No response." Keelah@crystyll | Lennie: "Sunguard's chargin' somethin' from it's main deflector" Keelah@crystyll: "Target?" Keelah@crystyll | Lennie: "They'se facin' th'star!" Keliaya@anncarise FX | The viewscreen enhances in on the Sunguard: https://i.imgur.com/OZTR9QO.jpg Keelah@crystyll: "Can we get a tractor lock?" Keelah@crystyll | Vrolmacht nods, "Tractor beam is standing by" Keelah@crystyll: "Helm, take us in tight and prepare a course to turn them away" Keelah@crystyll: "Mr. Vrolmacht, get a lock on their bow. And do not let them shake it until we have them turned away from the star!" Keliaya@anncarise | Ann: "Aye aye, Cap'n." Keliaya@anncarise FX | VF swings in towards the Sunguard, the tractor beam latching on to the vessel of similar size to their own before beginning to pull them away as the tip of the Chosen ship begins to glow. Keelah@crystyll: "Hold it together now..." Keliaya@anncarise | Bright green beams emit from the side of the Sunguard and the bridge shakes slightly. Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "The Sunguard is opening fire on us. Shields are holding at 90%." Keelah@crystyll: "Let them take their potshots, maintain power to the tractor beam and shields" Keliaya@anncarise: "Maintaing power, Captain." Keliaya@anncarise | The VF continues to pull the Sunguard's point away from the sun. Three large, glowing plasma torpedoes emerge from the side of the Chosen flagship, flying towards the Valley Forge, but small - Keliaya@anncarise: - bolts of point-defense fire take them out before they can close the distance between the two ships. Keliaya@anncarise | Ann: "Almost there..." Keliaya@anncarise | Several more beams strike the VF, shaking the bridge more. Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "Shields holding at 85. Their weapons are not as powerful as ours." Keelah@crystyll: "Good, keep turning them" Keliaya@anncarise | Ann: "Got it!" Keliaya@anncarise FX | A bright white deflector beam emerges from the Sunguard, narrowly missing the sun and shooting out into empty space. Keelah@crystyll: "Nicely done" she smiles proudly Keelah@crystyll: "Maintain tractor lock and let's try hailing them again. Perhaps now they are more in the mood to talk" Keliaya@anncarise | Evanne: "Hail is through, Captain! Putting it onscreen now." Keliaya@anncarise FX | An Arshai appears on the viewscreen to the background of a fancy Chosen ship bridge. Keelah@crystyll looks to the screen, "I trust we have your attention now" Keliaya@anncarise | Arshai: "Faenu expected this vessel would be trouble. Captain...Keelah, yes?" Keelah@crystyll: "I am Captain Keelah. What have you done with the crew of the Sunguard?" Keliaya@anncarise | Faenu: "Some are dead, some are still trying to resist. A feeble effort, with so many Toroki on board. The Sunguard is in Faenu's control now." Keelah@crystyll: "The Sunguard is in our control now, lest you failed to notice you are little more than a passenger on board. Do the dignified thing and turn command back over to it's crew, and surrender yourself + Keelah@crystyll: + into our custody" Keliaya@anncarise | Faenu: "Faenu cannot do that. But Faenu recognizes the power of Keelah's vessel, so Faenu is willing to negotiate. Let the Sunguard go, and Faenu will spare the rest of the Solar Fleet." Keliaya@anncarise | Faenu: "Faenu's only target is the Calmina." Keelah@crystyll: "You are in no position to negotiate Faenu. Now look, I-" Keelah@crystyll | Lennie moves over and discretely reports to Keelah on her findings that the pulse would have killed the Calmina rather than aggravate them Keelah@crystyll nods and continues, "Look Faenu, I am not about to let you kill the Calmin. I know you believe you are doing right by order of the Supreme Commander, but there are extenuating circumstances" Keliaya@anncarise | Faenu laughs, "The Supreme Commander? No, the Supreme Commander is insignificant in the scheme of things. Faenu has far more worthy masters now." Keliaya@anncarise | Faenu: "The Calmina have no right to keep the Chosen as pets. We were made for the gods and no one else. The Calmina cannot be allowed to interfere." Keelah@crystyll groans, turning to Kelly while casually waving a hand to have the comm muted Keelah@crystyll: "Can we get a transporter lock on him?" Keliaya@anncarise shakes her head, "The Sunguard still has its shields up." Keelah@crystyll: "Any alternative options that can bring this to a clean close?" Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "If he refuses to surrender, I am afraid we may have to take him by force." Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "We should be able to drop the Sunguard's shields and disable the vessel if we need to." Keliaya@anncarise nods, "The ship's slightly larger than the Valley Forge, but the armaments aren't much better than an old Excelsior." Keelah@crystyll: "Unless our friends can give us a cleaner way... Eva, get me the leadership of the Solar Fleet" Keliaya@anncarise | Evanne nods and a fancily armoured Dunishai appears on the viewscreen. Keelah@crystyll: "We appear to have something of a situation here" Keliaya@anncarise | Dunishai Admiral: "I have noticed. The occupants of that Toroki ship have seized the Sunguard, our strongest ship." Keelah@crystyll: "Yes, and their zealous drive is making it unlikely they will surrender it. However, /if/ you could provide us with the Sunguards command codes, we can override their computer and stop them in their + Keelah@crystyll: + tracks before any more of the crew there is lost to the Toroki" Keliaya@anncarise | Dunishai Admiral: "I can do so, but...the Sunguard is our flagship. It /also/ has the command codes for the rest of the fleet." Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "So his threat was not empty..." Keelah@crystyll: "All the more reason to end this quickly. If we can take control of the Sunguard, we can lock it down. If we can not, our only option will be to destroy it" Keliaya@anncarise | The Admiral considers for a second before nodding, "We are sending you the code now. Do what you must. Protect the Great Watcher at any cost, and save as many of the Chosen as you can." Keelah@crystyll nods, "Thank you Admiral. We will do whatever is necessary" Keelah@crystyll looks over to Lar, loitering quietly as ever in the corner, "Lar, you're up. Seize control of their main computer; disable their shields and put the ship on lockdown" Keliaya@anncarise | Lar works on it and a few seconds later... Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "The Sunguard's shields have been lowered and the ship is locked down." Keliaya@anncarise: "Transporter room is still reporting that they can't get a lock...they're using the same stealth fields the Toroki used when that one boarded us." Keelah@crystyll: "What about Faenu?" Keliaya@anncarise: "Same for him. We can evacuate the remaining Dunishai crew, but not any of the boarders." Keelah@crystyll looks to Lennie, "What about non-lethal chemical solutions? Can you pump anything through their environmental systems to neutralize all on board without injury?" Keelah@crystyll | Lennie considers this for a moment then nods, "Aye, should be able t'mix somethin' up that'll drop even th'Toroki. Th'crew'll wake wit' some nasty headaches, but no lastin' damage" Keelah@crystyll: "Prepare the solution and stand by. Eva, let's see how our Arshai friend's mood is now, shall we. reopen channel" Keliaya@anncarise | The channel reopens, and Faenu appears again. Keliaya@anncarise | Faenu: "Not bad, Captain. Not bad at all." Keelah@crystyll smiles, "Thank you. Now one last time, do the sensible thing Faenu and surrender into our custody before you force me to put that beautiful ship and all on board to waste" Keliaya@anncarise | Faenu: "Captain Keelah does not understand. If the Calmina are not stopped, many more lives will be needlessly lost." Keliaya@anncarise | Faenu: "We all belong to the gods. Denying this is foolish. The gods will come, and if the Calmina stand in the way, many will die." Keelah@crystyll: "Captain Keelah actually understands better than you do, and once we are able to help you, you will understand as well" Keliaya@anncarise | Faenu: "Faenu has seen much that Captain Keelah has not. Faenu cannot fail." Keelah@crystyll shakes her head despondently, glancing to Lennie with a subtle nod to proceed Keelah@crystyll: "Well Faenu, I must say that I am very disappointed by this outcome" Keelah@crystyll | Lennie quickly gets to work overriding the environmental systems on the Sunguard to neutralize those on board" Keliaya@anncarise | Faenu: "Destroy Faenu if Keelah must, but the gods will come. All will serve the rightful masters." Keliaya@anncarise FX | The gas begins to seep into the bridge, and the Toroki on it start trying to escape and dropping. Faenu stands, staggering slowly towards the camera. Keliaya@anncarise | Faenu: "Keelah...will wish...that Keelah had submitted..." Keliaya@anncarise FX | He collapses in view of the screen. Keelah@crystyll: "I am sorry Faenu..." she mutters before signalling to cut the comm Keliaya@anncarise | The comm cuts and the image disappears from the viewscreen. Keelah@crystyll: "Mr. Vrolmacht, take the MACO's over and secure the Sunguard. Ship all prisoners back here" Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "Yes Captain." He nods and proceeds to the turbolift. Keelah@crystyll: "Eva, get Kazra on standby to treat the Sunguard's crew. And get the Admiral back for me" Keliaya@anncarise | Evanne: "Raising the admiral again." Keliaya@anncarise | The Dunishai Admiral reappears on the screen. Keelah@crystyll: "Admiral, the threat has been neutralized. One of my senior officers is moving to secure the boarders from the Sunguard now. As soon as we have a safe condition confirmed, her crew should be able to + Keelah@crystyll: + retake control. We will retain our forced lockdown on the ship until they are ready, just to be safe. Once they have control back, be sure to have them reset their command codes" she smiles Keliaya@anncarise | Admiral: "Thank you. You may be aliens, but you have protected the Watcher and its Chosen today. For that, you have my respect." Keelah@crystyll dips her head, "Just glad we were able to help. Now if you will excuse, Admiral; we must remain vigilant here as we secure the Sunguard" Keliaya@anncarise | The admiral nods and the feed cuts. Keelah@crystyll: "Stand down to yellow alert, I don't want to drop our guard until we know every last detail is taken care of" Keliaya@anncarise nods, "We'll remain vigilant, Captain." Keelah@crystyll: "I'll be in sickbay. I want to monitor Faenu's situation closely... you have the bridge, Kelly" Keelah@crystyll wanders into sickbay, trying to stay out of the way as she gathers the situation Keliaya@anncarise FX | The sickbay is a flurry of activity, with doctors and nurses caring for many of the injured but still alive Dunishai recovered from the Sunguard. Kazra is working at one bed with a Dunishai - Keliaya@anncarise: - on it, aided by a nurse. Keelah@crystyll heads over, "Doctor. What's the situation?" Keliaya@anncarise | Kazra turns over to Keelah, "We have a lot of wounded from the ship. Many of them puncture or lacerations, but there's energy burns and worse too." Keliaya@anncarise | Kazra: "I don't think we can save all the wounded, but we're doing the best we can." Keelah@crystyll: "I know you are. What of Faenu?" Keliaya@anncarise | Kazra: "I haven't had time to look at him too closely with all the urgent injuries in here. From what I can tell, his neurochemistry's been altered more than Vora's." Keliaya@anncarise | Kazra: "The same procedure should theoretically work on him, but he's going to need to undergo it multiple times. I'd estimate a few days to a week." Keelah@crystyll: "No surprise. I assume Vora's condition remains unchanged?" Keliaya@anncarise | Kazra nods, "Vora's still unconscious, but her neurochemistry's returned to normal. I'll let you know when she's awake." Keelah@crystyll: "Thank you, I won't keep you from your work" she smiles, turning away Keliaya@anncarise | Kazra turns back to work on the injured Dunishai again. --- The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 FX | A few hours after finally putting a stop to Faenu's interference, most of the unharmed or lightly wounded Dunishai crew are returned to the Sunguard, where they have retaken control of their - The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 - flagship. As things quiet down, Keelah is informed that Vora has finally awoken after the procedure to undo the Horde's effect on her brain. Keelah@crystyll strolls in with a smile as she sees Vora sitting up on the bed, "Well, trust you to sleep through all the excitement" she chuckles The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 chuckles, "I heard quite a lot went down," she looks around at the more heavily wounded Dunishai still on the beds around her. Keelah@crystyll: "Indeed, but it could have been a lot worse" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "So tell me, what did I miss?" Keelah@crystyll: "Well our suspcions were right, and Faenu was behind the bombing. He had a small Toroki task force which he sent against the Commune. Though they were destroyed, it provoked the Commune into chasing + Keelah@crystyll: + the Solar Fleet back into it's home territory. Fortunately, we were able to turn them away before came into range of the Calmina here. Did you know about them?" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "Something from the old Chosen mythology, if I remember right." Keelah@crystyll: "No longer a myth. They are plasma-based lifeforms living in close proximity to the star. They destroyed Faenu's flag after our tachyon grid detected it's approach towards the star" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "I suppose most myths are based on something real. And that would explain the strange readings from the star..." Keelah@crystyll: "Indeed. Well after they destroyed Faenu's ship, he seized the Sunguard with a number of Toroki. They tried to kill the Calmina, but we prevented them. After that, we simply took control with the + Keelah@crystyll: + command codes and pumped the ship full of a harmless neural agent to incapacitate everyone on board" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "These Dunishai were injured by his assault on the Sunguard, then?" Keelah@crystyll nods, glancing about the room at the injured, "Yes, there was an inevitable delay between his boarding and our taking control. Many did not survive, but those who did all fought bravely to defend + Keelah@crystyll: + their ship. A sentiment I hold close after facing such circumstances far more often than I care for" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 nods, "The Chosen are known for their loyalty. It's not like Faenu to make such a desperate attempt, but I guess none of us were acting particularly like ourselves, were we?" Keelah@crystyll: "Some more than others" she smiles, "So how are you feeling now, anyway?" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "Well I...feel the same, mostly. There never was any physical impacts, but I do remember being terrified of the Horde, but I can't remember why anymore." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "I recall everything that happened, everything I did...just that the reasons for it aren't clear to me anymore." Keelah@crystyll: "Interesting. This is uncharted ground for all of us, so I would appreciate everything you can offer on the experience. Perhaps spending some time with one of the counsellors, just because they are + Keelah@crystyll: + the most suitably skilled at dissecting the information of course" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "It's definitely an unusual experience. I was still me, I remember everything, but at the same time I was like a different person. Some of the things I did, I wouldn't have usually done." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "And it's not just being emotionally compromised, either. It's like I was evaluating situations as a completely different person. You know those tales of people who had one too many mods and changed - The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: - their personality?" Keelah@crystyll: "Not intimately, but I get the idea" she smiles a little The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 nods, "That's what it was like, more or less. I had the same memories, but I was...behaving like a different person." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "What about Faenu? How bad is he affected?" Keelah@crystyll: "The imbalance to his neuro-chemistry is definitely more severe than yours was" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "Will the procedure work on him?' Keelah@crystyll: "There is no reason to believe it won't" she smiles The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 smiles, "Good. Now that we know the procedure works, we can provide it to the rest of the New World, recover everyone who came back from the scouting mission." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "I can take Faenu back with me, though I'd understand if you'd rather keep him prisoner. One of your officers might want him to answer for what he's done in the past." Keelah@crystyll: "Indeed we can!" she tilts her head a little, "Oh? Care to elaborate?" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "Well, he was responsible for planning the hit on your Chief Science Officer way back. And she wasn't too happy to hear about it." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "The Dunishai might want him too. After everything he's done. He's a useful operative, but if I have to give him up for the sake of diplomacy..." Keelah@crystyll: "I see..." she frowns a little at the unpleasant news, "...I will not presume to take any action while he is in his current condition. Once he is recovered and can answer regarding these historical + Keelah@crystyll: + claims, then we will decide what is best" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 nods, "And even though everything he's done to the Dunishai has been due to what the Horde did to him, he's still done a lot of damage." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "They might want him, and if it means preventing this from happening again, it might be best to give him to them." Keelah@crystyll: "I am confident that our actions here today will suffice in convincing the Dunishai to accept our ruling, whatever it may be" Keelah@crystyll: "There is still a delicate matter here between them and the Commune too. I do not know how long the two will continue to sit back quietly" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "The Commune are refraining from moving in on the Chosen after you convinced them to turn away?" Keelah@crystyll: "For the moment at least" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "And the Chosen accept that we're not responsible for bombing their capital, it's all one rogue agent?" Keelah@crystyll: "I have not yet spoken with the Emperor since before this final confrontation, but they appeared willing to accept the story once we proved the presence of said agent" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "Then we might have to give him over. The New World might be able to talk the Commune into backing down, but the Chosen'll be harder to convince. We'll have to do everything we can." Keelah@crystyll: "Indeed. We may also have our own motives for keeping the Chosen on side..." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "These Calmina you mentioned?" Keelah@crystyll nods, "Yes. From the way Faenu was borderline obsessing over the need to destroy them, it stands to reason that the Horde feel threatened by them" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "Well, the Chosen believe they're Chosen because the light of their sun protects them, and the rest of space is a Darkness ruled by demonic figures. If the Calmina are real, maybe they can protect - The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: - them against the Horde." Keelah@crystyll: "If we could find a way to communicate with them, they might help to protect more than the Chosen" Keelah@crystyll may or may not have an incessantly Starfleet glint in her eye at the sheer notion... The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "If they know to protect the Chosen, they must be intelligent. I don't know how you'd start on talking to them, but it's possible." Keelah@crystyll: "Starfleet has encountered such beings in the past. If I can find anything in the archives that suggest a means of communication, I think it is worth investigating at least" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 chuckles, "I can always count on Starfleet to start negotiations with the most unlikely of things." Keelah@crystyll smiles, "It is what we do, after all!" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "Once Faenu recovers, I can talk to him. Get him to confess everything to the Chosen, and hopefully that'll convince them we're not at fault. Then the Fleet can come in to talk the Commune down, and - The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: - hopefully that'll settle things here." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 smiles, "Caeru made a good call trusting you with this. Thank you, Captain." Keelah@crystyll: "I am just glad everything has worked out. It will be some time for Faenu to recover, extrapolating from your own recovery time of course. So we will remain here for a spell and get to know the + Keelah@crystyll: + Chosen better... and see about communicating with the Calmina" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "If you can talk them into letting us reach out to the Commune sooner without thinking we're gonna try and invade them, all the better." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "That way we can make sure they don't try anything stupid in the meantime." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "And feel free to study the Calmina. Just be careful, the Chosen can be a little sensitive about their god." Keelah@crystyll: "Oh don't worry, we won't try anything without their blessing. And I'll see what can be done regarding the Commune... you know, you could always join me in presenting the case to them" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 smiles, "Now that my head's my own, I can definitely do that."

View Act V - Science Show

Keliaya@anncarise FX | The Valley Forge bridge is once again populated by a science-focused crew instead of the usual bridge shifts. Kelly and Lennie are still on the bridge, though Lennie takes the comm station - Keliaya@anncarise: - for this shift instead as they try and figure how to contact the Calmina. Trenick oversees the usual science station, and Gwi is at the helm of the ship. Lendaria@crystyll hovers from one station to the next. Either naturally more invovled or purposefully avoiding the chair, it's hard to say Keliaya@anncarise | Trenick: "I'm trying to identify if, and how, these plasma beings are communicating with each other, but with how little we know of them, it's difficult to tell what's communication and what's - Keliaya@anncarise: - a regular bodily function." Lendaria@crystyll: "Maybe regular body function is communication f'them..." Keliaya@anncarise | Trenick: "It's possible. Maybe something in their movement or their chemical reactions is what they use to communicate, but it's impossible to tell. The movement at least seems random." Keliaya@anncarise | Trenick: "Some patterns for specific individuals, as you would expect, but no discernable pattern overall." Lendaria@crystyll hrms, "Wha'bout our resident telepaths an' empaths?" Keliaya@anncarise: "Evanne wasn't able to detect anything while she was here. I think we're going to have to reach them using...whatever method they use to talk." Lendaria@crystyll: "Which I guess means back t'basic stimuli an'see wha' gets 'em payin' attention" Keliaya@anncarise nods, "That might be the only way. See what they respond to, and go from there." Lendaria@crystyll moves to someone else, "Wha' we got available in th'probe arsenal these days?" Lendaria@crystyll | NPC: "Full complement, Commander" Lendaria@crystyll: "Really? Huh... I must pester th'Cap'n to use these things more often..." Lendaria@crystyll | NPC smiles a little at that Lendaria@crystyll: "Ready a Class VI Beacon. The comms functionaly 'oughta give us a broad spectrum t'play wit'" Lendaria@crystyll finally sits in Keelah's chair, prepared to observe the probe in action Lendaria@crystyll | NPC: "Probe ready, Sir... ma'am... Sir? ...Commander" Keliaya@anncarise looks over and chuckles at the NPC. Lendaria@crystyll eyerolls, "Jus' launch th'damned thing an'don't worry s'much on formalities. S'just me after all!" she flashes a friendly smile Keliaya@anncarise grins, "Now you know why I don't like sitting down." Lendaria@crystyll looks to Kelly with a chuckle, turning back to see the probe glide away towards the star Keliaya@anncarise looks over to the viewscreen as well to observe the probe. Keliaya@anncarise | Gwi: "There's no indication of anything subspace-related around the star, so we probably don't need to try any form of subspace communication. The lifeforms likely can't access it naturally." Lendaria@crystyll: "Any noteworthy response to th'probes presence?" Keliaya@anncarise | Trenick: "I'm not seeing anything at the moment. They weren't hostile towards us or any of the Chosen's ships either, so they don't react to objects just being there." Keliaya@anncarise: "But they did intervene when the Toroki ship began firing, which means they're definitely aware of their environment, or maybe specifically energy weapon discharges..." Lendaria@crystyll: "A'ight, le's start wit' th'basics; audio n'visual emissions, full spectrum sweep" Keliaya@anncarise FX | The probe cycles through its basic emissions... Keliaya@anncarise | Trenick: "No visible difference in the lifeforms or their behaviour." Lendaria@crystyll quietly hopes for https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4PYI6TzqYk Lendaria@crystyll sighs softly, "Figured that'd be too easy, but gotta start somewhere!" Lendaria@crystyll: "A'ight, le's shift to th'non-visual spectrums. Focus on ranges consistent wit' tha' star" Keliaya@anncarise | Gwi: "If they react to energy weapons...they might be able to detect other forms of energy or radiation emissions." Keliaya@anncarise: "But we don't want to do anything too close to a directed energy weapon, or they might think of it as a threat." Keliaya@anncarise FX | The probe begins cycling through ranges consistent with the star. Lendaria@crystyll nods, "If th'probe ain't able t'give us a full range, we got any other options. Short o'firin' at 'em, course" Keliaya@anncarise | Trenick: "No reaction to these ranges so far. If they've detected it, it might be blending in to their background ambiance. Like hearing the rush of wind on a planet surface for us." Lendaria@crystyll: "Can we amplify th'signal an' take th'probe away from th'star, see if it attracts 'em?" Keliaya@anncarise | NPC: "Trying that now." Keliaya@anncarise FX | The probe moves back towards the VF. For a few seconds, nothing changes. Then, a glowing wisp emerges from the surface of the sun, slowly hovering over to the probe. Lendaria@crystyll leans in, watching with fascination, "Y'see tha'! Magnify" Keliaya@anncarise | The screen magnifies on the wisp as it makes its way toward the probe, coming closer and closer. Lendaria@crystyll: "Hold th'probe there an' note ya current emissions" Keliaya@anncarise | NPC: "Emissions noted. Commander, the probe is starting to heat up from the proximity." Keliaya@anncarise | Trenick: "I don't think it means to harm the probe. Its temperature is just always so high due to its existence as a being comprised of plasma. Lendaria@crystyll: "Stands t'reason. Le's drop our emissions an' let it cool off" Keliaya@anncarise | NPC: "Dropping emissions." Keliaya@anncarise | The wisp hovers around for a few seconds before heading back to the star. Lendaria@crystyll: "Wha' was our output there wha' drew it's attention then?" Keliaya@anncarise | NPC: "It was cycling through a number of particles produced by the star." Keliaya@anncarise | NPC: "I'm not sure which particle specifically attracted its attention. We can try them individually to see." Lendaria@crystyll: "Well it's a start I guess. Can we narrow th'field to specific particles? Maybe plot a narrow orbit wit' short focal bursts o'each particle type along it's route. See wha' gets 'em goin'" Keliaya@anncarise | NPC: "I'll try that now." Keliaya@anncarise FX | A few minutes pass as the probe tries various particles... Keliaya@anncarise | NPC: "That should be all of them." Lendaria@crystyll: "Any response tha' weren't so obvious?" Keliaya@anncarise | Trenick: "No visible changes again, but I have been tracking the specific lifeform that approached us." Lendaria@crystyll: "Anythin' on tha' curious lil' fella?" Keliaya@anncarise | Trenick: "It appears to have joined a circle with a number of others, and I'm detecting some electromagnetic signals passing through them." Keliaya@anncarise: "Plasma is ionized gas that's become conductive. Maybe conducting these signals through themselves is how they communicate..." Lendaria@crystyll: "Run tha' electromagnetic signal through th'UT. Long shot, but it may pick somethin' up" Keliaya@anncarise nods and turns to tap on her console, "The UT is definitely identifying patterns...but it can't make sense of what they mean." Keliaya@anncarise: "It's not random for sure." Lendaria@crystyll: "No surprise without context t'wha' we'se hearin'" Lendaria@crystyll: "Was any o'this talk detected when tha' one investigated th'probe?" Keliaya@anncarise | Trenick: "No, there was nothing when it investigated, only after it returned and joined with some of the others. I'm looking back on older scans now and there's a few instances of this we - Keliaya@anncarise: - missed due to the sheer amount of other emissions from the sun." Lendaria@crystyll: "Isolate wha'ya can from th'old scans an'start compilin' a linguistic databse. Th'more th'algorithm hears, th'more it should be able to register" Keliaya@anncarise | Trenick: "I'm adding them all to the UT." Keliaya@anncarise: "I think we've attracted some attention..." Keliaya@anncarise FX | A Chosen ship flies into view, parked just in the corner of the screen's current view. Keliaya@anncarise FX | https://i.imgur.com/X3FwEQT.jpg Lendaria@crystyll: "Open a channel" Keliaya@anncarise FX | A Dunishai in their fancy armour shows up on the background of the gilded bridge. Keliaya@anncarise | Dunishai: "You've managed to attract the attention of one of the Calmina without provoking it?" Lendaria@crystyll looks back a moment before present a diplomatic smile Keelah would be proud of, "Good t'meet ya too. An' yes, seems we got their attention as well as we got ya own" Keliaya@anncarise | Dunishai: "It is not often that the Calmina present themselves. We were merely interested in how you achieve this, and your continued interaction with the Great Watcher." Lendaria@crystyll: "You'se welcome t'stay an' watch. Hells, send someone over t'observe here as we work if ya like. Though I'm-a reluctant t'share th'ways an' hows until we complete our study. Too early t'tell an' the + Lendaria@crystyll: + last thing we'd want is show y'all a top way t'piss ya Watcher off" she smiles Keliaya@anncarise | Dunishai: "We will continue to observe from here. The Emperor is allowing your communication due to your efforts to protect the Watcher, and he is confident you mean it no harm." Lendaria@crystyll: "Tha's very true, we don't mean it no harm. But we'se barely scratchin' th'surface o'interaction 'ere an' all it takes is one wrong move t'upset things" Keliaya@anncarise | Dunishai: "Be careful, then." Lendaria@crystyll: "Ya got mah personal promise tha's top of th'priority list" Keliaya@anncarise | The Dunishai nods, and the comm closes. Lendaria@crystyll rubs her brow, "I don't know how th'Cap'n does this all th'time without blowin' up folks. An' this's th'nice ones!" Keliaya@anncarise chuckles, "Well, they're only nice after we helped save their flagship and their god. Something tells me they wouldn't have let us do this a few days ago." Lendaria@crystyll: "Speakin' o'their God. Any word from our wispy lil' friends?" Keliaya@anncarise | Trenick: "The group's broken up, but the UT might have the beginnings of something. It's very rough, I'm not sure if it can be refined any more from what we have, but you know languages better - Keliaya@anncarise: - than I do." Lendaria@crystyll goes over to take a look at his work Lendaria@crystyll: "Languages's one thing, this is somethin' else entirely. But le's see..." Lendaria@crystyll nods, "Not unlike neuro-chemical signals. Good think we'se been workin' s'much on them lately wit'Kazra, else I may not have seen it" Lendaria@crystyll: "Still, very differnt though. An' at th'moment we'se got patterns without meaning... lemme try pullin' in global neura-chem signal ID's, maybe get enough of a basis t'form a translation matrix" Lendaria@crystyll hrms, "Gettin' there, but is still jus' gobbltey-gook..." glances to Trenick, "An' yes, tha's th'technical term f'it" Lendaria@crystyll: "Maybe if we try reversin' th'matrix an' runnin' Federation basic through it. Maybe we can't understand them, but perhaps this'll let them understand us" Keliaya@anncarise | Trenick chuckles, "That could work. But we'll still need a way to talk back to them." Lendaria@crystyll: "Could we direct th'comms relay through th'probe an'use tha' t'emit our signal in their format?" Keliaya@anncarise | Trenick: "We can try it. I don't know if it'll work, because in all the instances of communication, the lifeforms have been linked together to pass messages through one another." Lendaria@crystyll: "Linked like... literally?" Keliaya@anncarise | Trenick: "Not joined together into one being, but, well think of it more like touch telepathy than talking. Except we can pick up the signal coursing through them from afar." Lendaria@crystyll: "Kelly, anythin' we can do wit'our probe that'll let'em, err... touch it?" Keliaya@anncarise shakes her head, "They'll disintegrate the probe if they got that close. They could burn down a ship's shields and straight through the hull if they wanted." Lendaria@crystyll: "Well... I'm-a open t'suggestions..." Keliaya@anncarise: "If we concentrate power on maintaining the shields, we might be able to establish contact with them for a short while. But we'd only be able to communicate through short bursts." Lendaria@crystyll: "With th'ship itself?" Keliaya@anncarise nods, "A shuttle or runabout won't have the shields to sustain contact for more than a few seconds. The Valley Forge's shields could last us one to two minutes, assuming only one comes to talk - Keliaya@anncarise: - at a time." Keliaya@anncarise: "If we maximize power to the shields, we might be able to manage up to three minutes." Lendaria@crystyll: "Tha'decisions a lil'above mah paygrade..." she moves over to the Captain's chair and hits the intercom, "Bridge t'Cap'n Keelah" Lendaria@crystyll: <C-Keelah> "Go ahead Commander" Lendaria@crystyll: <C> Cap'n, we'se got a possible means t'open dialogue wit'these lil' wisps, but's gonna mean invitin'em into direct contact wit'our shields" Lendaria@crystyll: <C-Keelah> ...I trust your judgement, Commander. Can we initiate contact with minimal risk to ship and crew?" Lendaria@crystyll glances to Kelly on that one Keliaya@anncarise: <C> We can have the ablative armour standing by as backup. It should buy us time to back off if we need it. Lendaria@crystyll: <C-Keelah> Very well, proceed at your discretion. I will join you shortly Keliaya@anncarise: "Boosting shield power to maximum." Lendaria@crystyll turns to Kelly after the comm closes, "Well, guess it's show time. Sounds like she's headin' up'ere, so I suggest we'se do all th'prep we can an'wait f'her to proceed" Keliaya@anncarise | NPC: "I suggest broadcasting the entire range of signals that attracted it before. It doesn't seem to react to the specific particles, but the full range might get its attention again." Keliaya@anncarise | NPC: "From the ship, that is, so it comes here and doesn't fry the probe." Lendaria@crystyll looks over with a chuckle, "Good plan. Standby t'proceed, an' open me a comm channel to tha' Solar Fleet ship" Keliaya@anncarise FX | The channel opens, and the Dunishai captain appears on the viewscreen again. Lendaria@crystyll: "Hey. Jus' lettin' y'all know, we'se about t'attempt direct communication. If this works, they'll be in direct contact wit'our shields. So don't worry if ya see anythin' lookin' odd" Keliaya@anncarise | Dunishai: "We will trust your abilities and continue to observe without interfering, then." Lendaria@crystyll: "A'ight, fingers crossed this works! Valley Forge out" Lendaria@crystyll | Keelah enters the bridge as the comm closes Lendaria@crystyll | Keelah takes her chair, while Lennie relieves the NPC at her station Lendaria@crystyll: "We'se all set Cap'n. On ya order" Lendaria@crystyll | Keelah nods, "Proceed with your plan, Commander" Lendaria@crystyll: "A'ight!" stretches her arms out with interlocked fingers, "Show time. Shields t'full, helm, take us into range" Keliaya@anncarise | Gwi: "Aye Commander." Keliaya@anncarise: "Shields currently at maximum power level." Keliaya@anncarise FX | The VF moves in closer towards the star, the glowing yellow sun taking up almost the entire screen now. Lendaria@crystyll: "Patchin' in translation matrix now. Kelly, redirect th'comms relay output through th'shield grid" Keliaya@anncarise nods, "On it." Keliaya@anncarise taps on her console before saying, "Shield grid is ready. We should be all set to attract one of them now." Lendaria@crystyll: "Understood. Initiatin' signal now" Keliaya@anncarise FX | A few seconds later, one of the wisps emerges from the sun towards the VF... Keliaya@anncarise | Gwi: "Here it comes..." Keliaya@anncarise | The wisp soon makes contact with the shields, causing them to flare up around the Valley Forge. Lendaria@crystyll: "S'all yours Cap'n" Keliaya@anncarise: "Shields draining slowly...98...97%..." Lendaria@crystyll | Keelah stands, watching the flaring shields on screen with a nervous gaze, "This is Captain Keelah of the Federation starship Valley Forge, can you understand me?" Keliaya@anncarise | Trenick: "The electromagnetic signals are passing through. It should be getting the translation matrix." Keliaya@anncarise FX | No response to Keelah. Keliaya@anncarise: "It might take a while for all the data to go through this way..." Keliaya@anncarise: "Shields continuing to drop steadily. I'll put the number on the main screen." Lendaria@crystyll | Keelah nods and repeats her message Keliaya@anncarise FX | 85%... Keliaya@anncarise | Still no response. Keliaya@anncarise | 75%... Keliaya@anncarise | 65%... Lendaria@crystyll: "Still recalibratin' th'matrix..." Keliaya@anncarise | 50%... Lendaria@crystyll | Keelah tries again, "This is Captain Keelah attempting to communicate with the lifeforms known to us the Calmina" Lendaria@crystyll: "I got somethin'!" Keliaya@anncarise | 45%... Lendaria@crystyll: "Routin' back through th'computer f'audio output" Keliaya@anncarise | Computerized Voice: "Impressed. Able to talk. Intrigued." Keliaya@anncarise | 40%... Keliaya@anncarise: "I suggest letting it know of our limitations in communication first, before it burns through our shields..." Lendaria@crystyll | Keelah: "We have limited ability to talk. You are... hurting us. But we want to talk more" Keliaya@anncarise | Voice: "Interested. Shape like the shells the little ones have. But different. Vulnerable to this heat." Keliaya@anncarise | 30%... Keliaya@anncarise | Voice: "Concerned. Depart when too hot. Make like sun again when ready. Talk again." Keliaya@anncarise | 20%... Lendaria@crystyll | Keelah: "Yes, our shell is vulnerable. Please, depart now. We will speak again" Keliaya@anncarise | Voice: "Will depart. Return again when make see. Curious." Keliaya@anncarise FX | The shields stop flickering as the wisp returns towards the sun, the number stopping at 16% on the screen. Keliaya@anncarise | Gwi: "I think the signal attracts it because the specific combination of particles made us appear like a sun to them. That's why they say we're making ourselves like the sun." Keliaya@anncarise | Gwi: "The individual particles didn't get their attention because they're only a part of what a sun would regularly emit, but rotating through all of them made us look...homely, perhaps?" Lendaria@crystyll | Keelah smiles, "An outstanding effort. Good work everyone! Now the real challenge begins... how to sustain dialogue without burning out our shields" Lendaria@crystyll nods to Gwi, "I think ya on t'somethin' there. This should give us a premise in order to consistently open dialogue" Keliaya@anncarise looks over to Keelah, "I think there may be a way..." Lendaria@crystyll | Keelah moves to Kelly's side, "I was hoping you might say that" Keliaya@anncarise: "The Borg adapt to weaponry by tuning their shields precisely to counter that particular weapon frequency. While it's not practical for anyone else to use such a tactic in combat because the unique - Keliaya@anncarise: - nature of the Borg allows it to calculate this exact frequency rapidly enough to respond...we could study and modulate our shields in such a fashion that they specifically counter the energy - Keliaya@anncarise: - levels of the Calmina." Keliaya@anncarise | Trenick: "But the Calmina's energy levels aren't always consistent." Lendaria@crystyll: "As long as their fluctuations ain't so frequent we can't keep up, should be feasible t'run an adaptation algorithm" Keliaya@anncarise | Trenick: "They seem to fluctuate when they're on the sun, but the ones that leave lose energy slowly, but at a predictable rate." Lendaria@crystyll: "Should be workable then" Lendaria@crystyll | Keelah nods, "How long to make the necessary adjustments before we can try again?" Keliaya@anncarise: "It'll take time, we're not Borg after all. But we should be ready in a shift or two.” Lendaria@crystyll | Keelah: "Make it so then. I look forward to our next attempt" she smiles, "As you were, everyone" before heading off with a satisfied smile Lendaria@crystyll beams proudly, logging their findings on her console --- Keliaya@anncarise FX | Several hours after first establishing contact with the Calmina, Keelah is informed that the ship is ready to attempt contact again, this time with measures in place to hopefully allow for - Keliaya@anncarise - prolonged conversation... Keelah@crystyll enters the bridge, "Is everything ready?" Keliaya@anncarise nods, "We've got the adaptation algorithm applied to the shields. From our simulations based on captured energy levels of the Calmina so far, it should allow our shields to negate the impacts of - Keliaya@anncarise: - their presence completely." Keelah@crystyll smiles, "Excellent, then let's give this another go shall we... raise shields. Helm, take us in" Keliaya@anncarise | Fisher: "Aye aye, Captain." Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "Shields are at maximum strength." Keliaya@anncarise FX | The VF moves in towards the star once again. Keelah@crystyll: "Initiate the particle burst as soon as we are in position" Keliaya@anncarise | Fisher: "We are in position." Keelah@crystyll | Lennie: "Initiating particle burst now" Keliaya@anncarise FX | A few seconds later, one of the Calmina emerges from the star again, coming closer and closer until it makes contact with the shields. Like last time, the shields flare up dramatically. Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "Shield strength is holding steady." Keliaya@anncarise: "Looks like the adaptation is working." Keelah@crystyll: "So far so good. Continue monitoring and open the comms array to it" Keelah@crystyll | Lennie: "Array tied in. Ya good t'go" Keelah@crystyll: "This is Captain Keelah. Please respond" Keliaya@anncarise | Calmina: "Elated greetings, Captain Keelah." Keelah@crystyll: "Elated greetings to you as well" she smiles, "We have made changes to our... 'shell', which we hope will allow us to talk for longer. But this is the first test, so please forgive us if we have to + Keelah@crystyll: + break for any changes" Keliaya@anncarise | Calmina: "Understanding." Keelah@crystyll: "Are you the same individual who we spoke with last time?" Keliaya@anncarise | Calmina: "Individual. No. But memory-signals of last encounter shared. This one remembers last time." Keelah@crystyll: "I understand. Do you understand the name Calmina, that it is what we - and those you call the small ones - call you?" Keliaya@anncarise | Calmina: "Confused. Have not spoken with small ones here. But small ones help and are friendly. Captain Keelah means Calmina is the small ones' name for us?" Keelah@crystyll: "Yes, that is their name for you. Does this name satisfy or do you have another that you prefer?" Keliaya@anncarise | Calmina: "Their name will suffice. Curious. Captain Keelah not of the small ones here. Where does Captain Keelah come from?" Keelah@crystyll: "We come from a very distant star, several really. This ship - our shell - is filled with lifeforms from across the galaxy" Keliaya@anncarise | Calmina: "Interested. Why does Keelah's ship travel so far?" Keelah@crystyll: "Our purpose is to explore and understand the galaxy better. To meet new life..." she smiles thoughtfully, "...like you" Keliaya@anncarise | Calmina: "Few manage to communicate with us. Especially little ones. Impressed." Keelah@crystyll: "We felt it worthwhile to try, even in this limited form" Keliaya@anncarise | Calmina: "Interested. Offer. Willing to share anything Keelah wants to learn." Keelah@crystyll: "Also interested, and willing to share anything the Calmina wish to learn. But first an important matter to discuss" Keliaya@anncarise | Calmina: "Curious. Discuss." Keelah@crystyll: "Recently, another shell tried to harm the Calmina. What does this one know of that?" Keliaya@anncarise | Calmina: "Detected high concentrated energy. Likely threat. Approached and was targeted by energy. Not impressed. Destroyed shell and little ones on board." Keelah@crystyll: "Yes, now this may not translate well; but try to understand that the little ones in that shell were not acting of their own will. They were being... controlled by something else" Keliaya@anncarise | Calmina: "Understanding. Little ones vulnerable." Keelah@crystyll: "For now, yes. The thing to understand that the ones controlling them are something much stronger. Something that is not vulnerable, and something that we think feels threatened by the Calmina" Keliaya@anncarise | Calmina: "Potential understanding. Clarification required. Keelah speaks of the fallen gods." Keelah@crystyll perks a brow, "Uncertain. Can this one provide context to who the fallen gods are?" Keliaya@anncarise | Calmina: "Ancient ones able to control little ones. Some little ones see as gods. Others as enemies. We do not fully understand. We are not like little ones." Keelah@crystyll nods slowly as she considers, "That is consistent with what little we know. What does the Calmina know of the... fallen gods?" Keliaya@anncarise | Calmina: "Very little. Old memory-signals from long ago remembers contact with other little ones. Explained like...trying to send memory-signals to other little ones, but in unpleasant manner." Keelah@crystyll: "That sounds like the way they control little ones, yes. We think the fallen gods fear the Calmina and tried to harm you before they reach this region of space" Keliaya@anncarise | Calmina: "Concerned. Possible. Fallen ones use little ones and little ones use shells like this one. Vulnerable." Keelah@crystyll: "We share your concern, and want to help. If we can show your small ones how to speak with you as we are now, they can help protect the Calmina, as the Calmina have always protected them" Keliaya@anncarise | Calmina: "Yes. Much appreciation. Calmina and little ones will protect each other as we have done since the little ones woke." Keelah@crystyll: "This shell will soon leave here. We will try to stop the fallen gods before they reach you. But if they do, are the Calmina capable of leaving this star?" Keliaya@anncarise | Calmina: "Only briefly like this, or to destroy dangers. We cannot cross the void-between-stars without assistance. Will run out of energy and fade." Keelah@crystyll: "You rely on the energy of the star to survive? Is this like the energy our shell creates to attract you?" Keliaya@anncarise | Calmina: "Similar, but shell look like sun, not real sun. Must have real sun. We can live for little without sun, but not long enough to cross void-between-stars." Keliaya@anncarise | Calmina: "Need shell like little ones, but little ones' shell too fragile. Only shell we can use is large sun-shell." Keelah@crystyll: "Large sun shell..." she thinks, "We know of such things and believe there is one in this region of the void. We are looking for it to stop the fallen gods in fact" Keliaya@anncarise | Calmina: "Old memory-signals from long ago show we travel in sun-shells made by little ones. But very long ago, and not seen these little ones since." Keelah@crystyll: "The Calmina have long memory if they know of those little ones. Even if we could find one however, we have no means to bring it here that we know of" Keliaya@anncarise | Calmina: "Memory-signals passed down from long ago. This individual did not meet the little ones. Only ones from long long ago." Keelah@crystyll: "Of course. Still, the fact that such a thing is possible - and we have already learned to connect with you - in time it may be possible to find a way again" Keelah@crystyll: "This is only a suggestion, but if we can make it so the Calmina can talk to their small ones, they work with them to try and find a way. Just in case we are not able to stop the fallen gods" Keliaya@anncarise | Calmina: "Hopeful. We will help if possible." Keelah@crystyll: "We can at least try. But enough talk on that, you have been very welcoming to us. Is there anything you wish to know from me?" Keliaya@anncarise | Calmina: "The sun-shell Keelah talk about. What does Keelah know." Keelah@crystyll: "Only that it was made long ago, possibly the little ones in your memory. We believe they made it specifically to imprison the fallen gods" Keliaya@anncarise | Calmina: "Interested. We will work with little ones here. Find other possible ways to move. But if Keelah can move that sun-shell after Keelah deals with the fallen ones, we will appreciate." Keliaya@anncarise | Calmina: "This sun satisfactory. No need to move. No urgency in request." Keelah@crystyll: "I will keep it in mind, I promise you. But do not wish to raise your hopes as we have never yet found a way to move these sun-shells" Keliaya@anncarise | Calmina: "Satisfied. We will not need to move for long long time. Many lifetimes for Calmina and little ones. Little ones will have plenty of time to find way." Keelah@crystyll: "As long as we find a way to stop the fallen gods of course" Keliaya@anncarise | Calmina: "Yes. Stopping fallen gods most important. We hope Keelah succeeds." Keelah@crystyll smiles a little, "As do we... Well we should probably pause this talk there before risking failure of our shell adaptation. We will attempt to make the next talk with your small ones shell. If we + Keelah@crystyll: + are unable to help them speak with you, we will return and speak to you ourselves before we leave" Keliaya@anncarise | Calmina: "Eager anticipation. Will await next contact." Keelah@crystyll: "Eager anticipation here as well. Goodbye for now" Keliaya@anncarise FX | The shields stop flaring as the Calmina departs, returning for the sun. Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "Shields have deteriorated slightly, but still at 86%." Keliaya@anncarise nods, "The adaptation algorithm didn't predict its changes perfectly, but it adapted well enough to counter most of the energy for all that time." Keelah@crystyll returns to her seat, "Excellent. Helm, take us back to the planet. It is time to share news of this contact with the Chosen" Keliaya@anncarise | Fisher: "Aye aye, heading back to the planet." Keliaya@anncarise FX | The VF turns away from the sun and cruises back towards the Dunishai homeworld. Keliaya@anncarise | After a brief minute of inter-system travel, the VF is back above Calahadon. Keliaya@anncarise: "We have the current adaptation algorithm ready to send to the Dunishai if you like, Captain. There's a few tweaks we can do with the first proper application, but this version will be good enough - Keliaya@anncarise: - for maintaing contact for a conversation, as we've seen." Keelah@crystyll: "Thank you, Kelly. Stand by on that. For now, let's simply open a dialogue and see where they take us with it" she nods over to comms Keliaya@anncarise FX | A few seconds later, the image of a golden-robed Dunishai appears on the viewscreen. Keliaya@anncarise | Dunishai: "I am Galahan-Naemos. I have been watching your interactions with the Calmina." Keelah@crystyll: "Then you will be pleased to know that we have made significant progress. I should speak again with the Emperor" Keliaya@anncarise | Galahan: "I will contact him for you." Keelah@crystyll: "Thank you" she smiles Keliaya@anncarise | The screen fades for a moment before the visage of the Emperor appears. Keliaya@anncarise | Emperor: "So you impress us once again, as Galahan tells me." Keelah@crystyll: "Emperor, I am pleased to inform you that we have succesfully communicated with the Calmina" Keliaya@anncarise | Emperor: "One of our vessels witnessed you attract and successfully sustain contact with the Calmina for some time. Or do you mean communication by...actual speech?" Keelah@crystyll smiles, "I mean I personally spoke directly with the Calmina. The technicalities may take a little explanation, but we would be happy to take you through everything. Perhaps you would care to join + Keelah@crystyll: + us on board? After all that's occurred the last few days, I think a celebration is warranted" Keliaya@anncarise | Emperor: "It is not customary for an Emperor to board a foreign vessel. But after all you have done for us, I suppose an exception can be made. Without your assistance, the Great Watcher may - Keliaya@anncarise: - very well not be the same, and you claim to have spoken with the Calmina, something even the Prophets have not managed." Keelah@crystyll: "It would be our honour to play host to you and your Prophets" Keliaya@anncarise | The Emperor chuckles, "I do not believe Silcaran-Naemos is particularly pleased he did not have his demonstration of the Calmina's power, but those in the Fleet have at least witnessed what - Keliaya@anncarise: - they can do to a single ship. I am certain that Galahan-Naemos and myself will join you on your vessel." Keelah@crystyll: "Whoever from your court that you feel warrants joining you, Emperor. My senior staff and I will be ready to welcome you on board at your convenience" Keliaya@anncarise | The Emperor nods, "We will inform you of when we are expected to arrive." Keelah@crystyll: "I look forward to. Valley Forge out" Keliaya@anncarise FX | The viewscreen returns to a view of the planet once again. Keelah@crystyll: "I would make the customary complaint about hosting dignitaries, but knowing how much this is my own doing I would expect to have things thrown at me if I did..." Keliaya@anncarise chuckles, "It's not everyday we get an Emperor on board. Other than that one time with the colony whose leader decided to convince his people to make him Emperor..." Keliaya@anncarise: "I don't think he was much of an Emperor by the time he got here, though." Keelah@crystyll smiles, "Indeed, time to dust off the dress tunics then" Keliaya@anncarise: "I think it's been a while since I wore those last...not a lot of Admirals to meet out here." Keelah@crystyll: "All the reason to embrace the chance while we can! And on that note, I need to make sure I can still squeeze into mine..." she stands, heading for the turbolift, "You have the bridge, Kelly" --- Keelah@crystyll & senior officers gather in the transporter room ready to greet the Emperors party on board The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 | The Emperor and Galahan transports on board, along with four armoured Dunishai guards. Keelah@crystyll: "Emperor, Galahan. Welcome aboard the Valley Forge. May I present my senior staff; CMDR's Keliaya, Lendaria, Vrolmacht & Meel" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 | The Emperor nods, "You have already met myself and Galahan-Naemos." He looks over to Vora, "Supreme Commander. I was not aware you had come along as well." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "I'm not Supreme Commander at the moment. It's a long story." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 | Emperor: "I am certain we will have plenty of time to discuss it." Keelah@crystyll: "No doubt, among many other topics I hope as well. We have a small reception waiting for us where all can be discussed" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 | The Emperor nods, "Let us proceed, then." Keelah@crystyll: "Right this way, gentlemen" she smiles, leading them out into the corridor Keelah@crystyll | The group arrive at the reception after a short walk/talk through the ship Keelah@crystyll | Many more officers await them inside, already mingling around a lavish central buffet The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 | Galahan: "An impressive vessel you have. Few can come close to the splendor of our Fleet." Keelah@crystyll: "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't proud of her. But not half as much as I am of her crew" Keelah@crystyll looks about the room, "As is customary for such occassions, we have prepared a wide culinary sampling from across the Federation. Hopefully you will find some to your liking, but if you have any + Keelah@crystyll: + specific requirements not fulfilled here just inform one of my staff and we will assist" Keelah@crystyll: "Otherwise, I invite you to simply enjoy our hospitality in celebration of recent successes" she smiles The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 | Emperor: "Thank you. We would not be here if not for your assistance. You have protected the Chosen and the Watcher, and if that does not make the light of your actions clear enough, the - The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: - Calmina have blessed you by communicating with you. I would be a fool to ignore the Watcher's will." Keelah@crystyll smiles at the high praise while loading up a plate of nibbles, "You are too kind, Emperor. Now I understand the reverance that has formed among your people around the Calmina, so I apologize if what+ Keelah@crystyll: + I am about to say sounds insensitive, that is not my intention..." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 | Emperor: "Speak, for you alone have spoken to the Calmina." Keelah@crystyll: "But do you understand that the Calmina are simply a different form of life, sentient just as you or I" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 | The Emperor takes a seat at the table, one of the guards picking and testing some of the food for him first. "Please, elaborate." Keelah@crystyll pulls up a seat next to him, "It is difficult to explain, but the reverance which has naturally evolved among your people around the Calmina is common among many species who share such a symbiotic + Keelah@crystyll: + relationship. However with the passage of time and countless generations, it is easy for such perceptions to become skewed" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 | The Emperor nods, "We have encountered more...unusual forms of life among the stars. You think the Calmina to be merely one such form of life?" Keelah@crystyll nods, "I do. And let me reiterate that I mean no disrespect to you, your people, or your relationship with the Calmina in saying that" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 | The Emperor nods, "You say you have a means to speak with the Calmina now?" Keelah@crystyll: "Yes, and we have enjoyed a promising first real dialogue with them-" she looks around and waves Lennie over, "-Commander Lendaria here can explain more as she was in charge of the team who devised + Keelah@crystyll: + the method" Keelah@crystyll takes the opportunity to slip away and catch up with Vora The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 smiles as Keelah approaches, "I didn't think anyone that's not Dunishai would ever learn the respect of the Chosen." Keelah@crystyll: "It's been a successful expedition, that's for sure. And I'm glad you could join us here too, remind the Dunishaai that the Arshai were a key factor in this as well" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "I suspect we'll still need to hand Faenu over so he can answer for what he's done. The Dunishai might respect you, but we need to give them someone to blame, and hard evidence that the Arshai - The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: - weren't involved in bombing their city." Keelah@crystyll: "That's between you and the Dunishai..." notices a sideways glance from Lennie at Faenu's mention, "...This is your territory, and these are your people after all" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 nods and looks over to Lennie too, "I think I may have a way to convince him to go along with this willingly, and hopefully provide some satisfaction for Lendaria too." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "I'll need to take her to see him when he's awake, though. And she's your officer." Keelah@crystyll: "As long as you're not putting her in any position that may compromise her duties here, I will consider this a personal affair" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "Don't worry, I'll make sure she comes out of this better and not worse." Keelah@crystyll smiles, "Glad to hear it. So has there been any word from the Colonial Fleet since we reported your successful recovery here?" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "I've sent the specifics of the treatment over to them, and they should be starting the procedure on the rest of the scouting expedition. Caeru's still in charge for now and he's holding a few - The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: - ships outside Commune territory. He doesn't want to bring them in until we're sure the Chosen won't see it as a threat, so we want to get Faenu sorted out first." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "After that, we probably want to head into Commune territory briefly. I'll take back over on the ships there and if all goes well here, we'll have the Commune side under control." Keelah@crystyll: "Sounds promising. I would certainly feel better about the whole situation if I could leave this region safe in the knowledge that the Chosen and the Commune aren't still looking to pounce on each + Keelah@crystyll: + other" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "If Faenu admits all responsibility and the Chosen's satisfied with having him, we'll definitely be able to get the Commune to stand down. They always listen to us, they owe us their existence after - The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: - all. And now that they know about the Calmina, all the more reason not to wage war on the Chosen." Keelah@crystyll: "And perhaps knowing about the Horde will be all the more incentive for them to actually play nice as well" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "We can hope. Either way, I think we have the Commune side in hand, the trouble is making sure the Chosen don't see us getting the Commune to stand down and misinterpret it as us coming to support - The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: - them or anything. You did very well on this front, and as long as we can move into this region without causing more trouble, it should be fine." Keelah@crystyll: "Good thing we have you and the Emperor in the same room now then so you can establish those good intentions" she smiles. Was she planning this all along...? The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 grins, "You play well, Captain." Keelah@crystyll dips her head with a little smile, "I try. Anyway, enjoy the reception, I should probably rescue Lendaria..." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 chuckles, "Good luck." Keelah@crystyll returns to Lennie and the Emperor, hovering to catch the end of their conversation before simply butting in The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 | Emperor: "I am sure we should be able to learn more about the Calmina with this method. If what your Captain says is true, it may be difficult for the Chosen to come to terms with it completely." Keelah@crystyll | Lennie smiles kindly, "As is th'nature o'exploration, we often gotta come t'terms wit' takin' a new view on wha' we always took f'granted" Keelah@crystyll | Lennie: "But hey, ya guy's got tha' PADD I gave him now an' ya can see there for yaself e'erything we did and said. Just... start easy, and get t'know 'em" Keelah@crystyll smiles, "Sounds like you two are making headway" Keelah@crystyll | Lennie looks up with a smile, "I'd-a say so. But hey, if y'all excuse me I wanna grab Vora 'fore someone else does. Emperor, s'been a pleasure talkin' wit'ya" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 | The Emperor nods, "Likewise." Keelah@crystyll smiles, looking back to him, "I trust she was able to adequately explain our experience with the Calmina so far?" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 | Emperor: "She has indeed. And while some of my people may not like what they learn, I think it is more beneficial for us to establish contact with the Calmina." Keelah@crystyll: "Well, like she said; start small and see where things go. Before we get excited about anything, we should see about applying the shield harmonization to your own vessels. After all, it won't be much+ Keelah@crystyll: + good getting excited about talking with them only to then find the technique doesn't work" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 | Emperor: "We will have to see. I am familiar with the capabilities of our fleet, but the specifics of the shield systems is not something I have studied in my position. But speaking of - The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: - things my people may not entirely accept..." he stands and steps over to Keelah. Keelah@crystyll watches curiously The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 | Emperor: "Though you are aliens, you have helped us much, and our people have watched your interaction with the Calmina. Whatever they may be, you are their friend, and a friend to the Chosen." Keelah@crystyll bows her head lightly, "And it is our honour to be called friend by the Chosen. Long may that good relationship last" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 | Emperor: "For all you have done, I name you and your crew Tarros. It means Honoured Guest, and usually an informal term of friendship. But I am codifying it as a place within our hierarchy, - The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: - unprecedented as it may be. There will be those who oppose me, I have no doubt of it. However, so long as I reign, you and your crew will be Chosen, despite the different forms you bear." Keelah@crystyll: "A great honour for us all. On behalf of my crew; thank you" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 | Emperor: "Your place will be below that of our warriors, but you will have roughly the same rights as our defenders do. And of course being guests, you are not bound to obey the will of those - The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: - above you, though we ask you respect those who bear such positions." Keelah@crystyll: "A responsibility that will not be squandered, I assure you" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 | Emperor: "And I will ensure that those below you will respect you in return, and treat you as they would our own warriors." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 | The Emperor glances to Vora as she talks with Lennie, "Perhaps someday, the position of Tarros can be extended to others as well, assuming my successor is convinced to keep the position." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 | Emperor: "For many, I suspect your actions have demonstrated that aliens can be just as capable and respectful as our own." Keelah@crystyll: "I have every confidence that if anyone else is worthy of earning that title on behalf of the Arshai, it is Vora" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 | Emperor: "But for now, I have matters to discuss with her concerning this rogue agent you mentioned." Keelah@crystyll: "Of course. Enjoy the reception, your grace" she smiles again, turning to mingle elsewhere

View Act VI - Old Wounds

The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 steps into Lennie's lab, "Commander. Am I interrupting?" Lendaria@crystyll glances over her shoulder, "Hey, not at all" Lendaria@crystyll taps some more before turning fully, "Wha'sup?" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "Faenu's awake now. The procedures are complete and he's been moved to one of your guest rooms under guard for the time being. Thought you'd want to know." Lendaria@crystyll: "Well I sure would like t'get some answers from'im. But this kinda feels like one 'o them things that never ends happy..." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "I don't think it's going to end happy either way for him. Now's your chance to talk to him while you can, get some answers." Lendaria@crystyll: "Weren't s'much him I were worried about..." Lendaria@crystyll: "I don't know, ya really think I can get any real closure from hearin' him justify wha' he did?" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "I guess that's up to you. If it was me, hitting him a few times would be satisfying," she smirks. Lendaria@crystyll: "An' if I weren't a Starfleet officer. On duty. On a Starfleet ship..." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 chuckles, "I keep forgetting you have stricter rules." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "Anyways, now's your chance. To hit him or ask him a few questions." Lendaria@crystyll sighs, "S'pose I'll only go on regrettin' it if I don't go see him" Lendaria@crystyll turns back and briefly wraps up her work, "No time like th'present" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 smiles slightly and turns to lead the way. The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 takes Lennie through the halls and up a lift, soon ending up outside a room where two enlisted security stand guard outside. Lendaria@crystyll: "Gents" she looks to the guards to see if there will be any problem The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 | Security #1: "Commander. He's well-behaved so far. It looks like Commander Meel's treatment worked, but Silvestrie still wants us to keep an eye on his room." Lendaria@crystyll: "No problem if we check in on 'im then" she smiles The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 | Security #1: "Not at all." Lendaria@crystyll: "Good man. As ya were then" she smiles, stepping between them to chime the door The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 | A voice sounds from within, "Enter." Lendaria@crystyll strolls in, looking around The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 follows Lennie inside. The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 | A male Arshai sits on the couch and immediately rises to his feet as he sees them enter, "Supreme Commander." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 motions for him to sit, "I'm not Supreme Commander right now, and I'm not the one here with questions." Lendaria@crystyll glances over her shoulder to BL, "Well at least he recognizes one 'o us" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 | Faenu nods and takes a seat, looking Lennie over, "Is Faenu supposed to recognize this one as well? Faenu does not remember seeing this one among the Fleet before." Lendaria@crystyll: "Well now why don't go ahead an' take a nice long look. Ain't so many Orions in Starfleet after all, even less sportin' this brand..." Lendaria@crystyll walks closer, standing before him as she talks The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 follows behind Lennie but lets her get much closer. The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 | Faenu: "Ah. Yes. Faenu remembers this one now. Lieutenant Lendaria, no?" Lendaria@crystyll: "So ya do remember. Good... means ya havin' no trouble in explain' yaself" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 | Faenu: "Explain? There is not much to explain. Lendaria's mother was an enemy of the Colonial Fleet at the time. Faenu did what must be done for the good of the people." Lendaria@crystyll: "Y'all made momma an enemy, she didn't do nothin' t'you'se! An' even then, where does tha' translate t'havin' her estranged daughter assassinated?!" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 | Faenu: "Assassination was not the objective. The objective was emotionally compromising Tabadi Mysti for ease of future operations." Lendaria@crystyll: "An' wha' did ya think were gonna happen when ya sent them goons in, huh?" she peels open her tunic to reveal the scarred stab wound on her chest Lendaria@crystyll: "Think this were enough t'emotionally compromise her? 'Cos it sure as hells was enough f'me!" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 | Faenu: "Lendaria's mother was an enemy at the time. How that came to be was not Faenu's concern. Faenu's concern is to resolve threats to the fleet or the New World by any means necessary." Lendaria@crystyll: "Momma were th'threat, not me! This ain't makin' sense" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 | Faenu: "Eliminating Tabadi Mysti by assassination served no purpose. That would simply make Mysti a martyr, as Mysti's passing ultimately did. The purpose was to either destroy or capture the - The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: - Thana Vaneri to demoralize the Orion Space Navy. Both of which the Fleet attempted. By psychologically compromising the Tabadi, this would be easier to achieve." Lendaria@crystyll huffs, "So ya had me stabbed just t'get ya dirty mitts on ship tha' was nothin' to do wit'me?!" Lendaria@crystyll glances to Vora, "Were always this ass-backward, or did th'Horde go an'really screw wit'his head?" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "No, he's always like this. He does whatever it takes to get any advantage for the Fleet, even though sometimes the collatoral damage isn't worth it." Lendaria@crystyll jsnaps back to Faenu, "Sounds like a liability t'me" her lip twists in disgust, "If I weren't a better person I'd-a take great pleasure in clawin' them beady eyes out an' leavin'ya t'suffer" Lendaria@crystyll 's venemous tone serving to underline the often overlooked vicious streak that runs in Orion blood... The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 | Faenu nods, "Faenu would not blame Lendaria if Lendaria did so. Everything Faenu has done, Faenu has done for the good of the Fleet. Regrettably, Starfleet and the OSN were not allies then." Lendaria@crystyll waves a dismissive hand, turning away and folding her arms, "Wha's th'point! I knew it'd be like this, trash like'im ain't got no capacity f'remorse" Lendaria@crystyll is not impressed. The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 | Faenu: "Remorse, yes. Faenu is sorry Lendaria was caught up in everything simply due to Lendaria's birth. Regret, no. Faenu did what Faenu had to, for the sake of the Fleet and the New World." Lendaria@crystyll: "Complete sehlat crap" Lendaria@crystyll: "Ain't no justification f'bein' like tha'. There's always a better. Always!" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 | Faenu: "Perhaps. But diplomacy is for the Commanders and Representatives. Faenu's job is efficiency." Lendaria@crystyll: "An' wha' exactly's so efficient 'bout sendin' assassins halfways 'cross th'quadrant after an innocent, 'stead o'just talkin' t'folks" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 | Faenu: "Talking is not Faenu's specialty. Though Faenu will do whatever Faenu has to. At the time though, Faenu was not ordered to use diplomacy as a method, so Faenu did what Faenu does best." Lendaria@crystyll snarks back, "See tha' right there - tha's pride! Pride in ya work. Ya enjoy wha'ya did, which means ya'd go outta ya way t'do it rather than th'right thing. /Tha's/ ya problem" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 | Faenu nods, "Faenu supposes Lendaria is right. Faenu rarely explores other alternatives." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 | Faenu: "But Faenu's role is not a diplomatic one. Faenu cannot be blamed for doing work Faenu is deployed to do. Just as Starfleet will not send a MACO squad to ask enemies nicely to stand down." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "You know I'm right here. And the op was your idea." Lendaria@crystyll: "An' thanks t'tha' shortsightedness, I almost died! Not some faceless name, not some evil enemy outta get ya. Jus' an innocent young girl as I were then" Lendaria@crystyll leans right into him, "Go ahead. Look nice an' close into these eyes an'tell me is all good 'cos ya jus'bein' a lil' soldier followin' orders. Tell me it don't matter who gets hurt" Lendaria@crystyll: "Tell me my life don't matter..." she finally dares him up nice and close The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 | Faenu sighs and tries to gaze away, "Faenu cannot undo what has already been done. Faenu can only allow Lendaria to do as Lendaria wishes with Faenu's life." Lendaria@crystyll tilts her head a little, making it hard for him to look away, "Jus' look me in th'eye right now an'tell me th'truth in ya heart" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 | Faenu: "Lendaria wants Faenu to admit that Faenu's actions were...extreme? Unprecedented?" Lendaria@crystyll: "Lendaria knows these truths already. Lendaria wants to see if Faenu truly believes it t'be" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 | Faenu looks back to meet Lennie's gaze properly. "Faenu...believed Faenu's actions were for the good of the Fleet at the time. But Faenu sees now that Faenu has...gone too far at times." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 | Faenu: "As with Lendaria." Lendaria@crystyll holds his gaze in an awkward silence as she gauges his sincerity Lendaria@crystyll purses her lips, still with narrowed before softly kissing his cheek (yet somehow still ominously like a Mafia kiss of death...) and steps back, "Then I forgive ya" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 | Faenu nods quietly and remains silent. Lendaria@crystyll looks back to Vora briefly before lowering herself before him, "So wit' tha' done. How're ya holdin' up from recent stuff?" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 | Faenu: "Faenu has no excuse for Faenu's recent actions, as these actions were directly against the good of the Fleet now that Faenu is capable of clear thought." Lendaria@crystyll: "Only this time ya do got an excuse, don't ya. These weren't ya own actions, just like Vora's weren't hers when they had her doin' stuff" Lendaria@crystyll looks again to Vora for affirmation The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 gives a single nod. The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 | Faenu: "Yes, but...Faenu understands Faenu has done such things in the past, just...never on such a scale." Lendaria@crystyll: "So genocide's a first for ya? Good t'know" she smirks a little, clearly having a dug but also with sufficient upbeat inflection to be dark humour as well The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 | Faenu nods, "Faenu has typically dealt with specific targets or small groups. Never...entire cities of people." Lendaria@crystyll: "Do ya remember anythin' o'why ya felt wha' ya had t'do?" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 | Faenu: "Only that...the only way was to help the Horde...appease the Horde, somehow. Faenu cannot remember why..." Lendaria@crystyll: "No inclination as t'why ya targeted th'Calmina specifically?" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 | Faenu: "No, just that Faenu thought dealing with the Calmina would appease the Horde." Lendaria@crystyll: "An' wha' about th'now; wha's next for ya?" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 | Faenu: "Faenu does not know. That is up to the Supreme Commander..." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "I'm not Supreme Commander right now, but there's only one way Faenu can fix this." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 | Faenu nods, "Faenu understands. Faenu will do whatever is needed for the Fleet and the New World. And perhaps..." he glances to Lennie, "Faenu deserves this as well, even if not for what Faenu - The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: - has done under the influence of the Horde." Lendaria@crystyll: "Tha' all depends wha' 'this' is, really now don't it" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 | Faenu: "Faenu must be given to the Chosen. The Chosen will need someone to blame so the Chosen will not think all Arshai were involved." Lendaria@crystyll: "Well I guess tha's down t'you'se guys an' th'Chosen now, ain't it. Internal affairs an' all tha'" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 nods, "I've persuaded the Emperor to keep him alive, but I doubt they'll release him back to us. Even after getting his confession that the Arshai aren't involved at all, he's still the only - The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: - person they can blame for more than ten thousand lives lost on the Chosen side." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 | Faenu: "And Faenu would rather be blamed than have all Arshai be blamed." Lendaria@crystyll: "Sounds like death'd be a mercy. But stayin' alive means th'chance for redemption" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 | Faenu nods, "And perhaps Faenu will have that. At the very least, Faenu can try to undo what Faenu has done recently by taking responsibility." Lendaria@crystyll: "Ya wanna make good? I'd-a start by usin' wha' ya know t'help ready these folks" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 | Faenu: "Faenu will do what Faenu can. Hopefully, the Chosen will believe Faenu after all Faenu has done." Lendaria@crystyll: "Nobody said it'll be easy. An' frankly I don't think ya deserve easy anyway, from ya past. But this recent stuff ain't on ya, so it kinda sucks t'see ya go down for it" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 | Faenu: "But as Lendaria says, Faenu probably deserves this for other things Faenu has done, if not this." Lendaria@crystyll: "Yeah, an' part o'me'd still glady watch ya hang for anythin'. Don't make it right though tha' it's for somethin' ya couldn't control, I still know wha's right an' wha's not" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 chuckles, "That uniform definitely fits you." Lendaria@crystyll glances back wit' a slight smirk, "Rightly so too!" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 | Faenu nods, "Right or not, this is something Faenu must do for the New World." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 | Faenu: "And what Faenu knows is that Faenu will do anything Faenu can to help the New World." Lendaria@crystyll: "Sounds like tha's everythin' settled then" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "I'll ask the Captain to arrange the transport soon. Then we'll head for Commune space once the Chosen have their answers, and I can take over from there." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 looks to Lennie, "Anything else you wanna ask him?" Lendaria@crystyll shakes her head, "We'se done'ere" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 nods and turns to head out. Lendaria@crystyll gives a final glance of thought towards Faenu before turning to leave as well The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 leads Lennie out of the quarters and down the hall before asking, "Hopefully that didn't end as bad as you thought it might?" Lendaria@crystyll: "Not sure if I'm-a better off hatin' th'guy or feelin' sorry for'im..." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "At least you got your answers now. Feeling...that's usually a lot more complicated." Lendaria@crystyll: "Ya tellin' me" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 steps into the lift, "Well, he's getting punished for something he didn't have control over, but he's not entirely innocent in other things either." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "Not exactly right as you say, but some would call it fair." Lendaria@crystyll: "Wha's fair is he seems t'genuinely feel f'his actions. Now at least... an' even though he ain't really guilty in this, he's gettin' a chance at redemption wit' personal reason t'strive f'it" Lendaria@crystyll: "Now tha', I call fair" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 nods, "Let's hope he takes it and helps strengthen our ties with the Chosen." Lendaria@crystyll: "Ya think it'll be enough?" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "For now, it'll ease tensions. Enough for us to get the Commune to back down. Long-term, we'll have to see." Lendaria@crystyll: "Long term, I guess we'll just have t'see..." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 FX | The turbolift door slides open. The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "This is your stop, Commander." Lendaria@crystyll nods and steps out, but hovers in the door, "Thanks Vora. F'givin' me th'push I needed back there" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 smiles, "Glad it helped you. Thanks for talking to him too. He's been working with people like the Romulans and Cardassians for too long." Lendaria@crystyll chuckles, "Ain't so long back we said th'same kinda stuff 'bout you. Be seein' ya now" she smiles, giving a little wave before heading off Lendaria@crystyll | As Lennie exits the lift, she turns the corner and moves out of sight. The lift doors closes and almost gets there before a greenskinned hand just squeezes in to hold it... The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 takes a step back to allow the new arrival to enter. Emma Ralde@crystyll squeezes in, PADD tucked expertly under one arm as she encourages the door to hiss back open, "Thanks! Thought for a second I was going to have wait for the nex- Oh! Supreme Commander!" Emma Ralde@crystyll suddenly stands a little more rigid, as though on instinct in the presence of very senior officer The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "Just Vora will do," she smiles slightly. "I'm not Supreme Commander at the moment." Emma Ralde@crystyll relaxes some, "Of course, that title has passed now to Caeru-Faeshe Dos Indoi'Vaie'Take Nos Rosu-Vondorei Indoi-Vondoree" she smiles thoughtfully, "I always thoughts he'd be an eventual successor + Emma Ralde@crystyll: + to you. Just... not under such circumstances, of course" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "You must be one of the Orions who joined from the New World, then. I didn't think they would have you in uniform so quickly." Emma Ralde@crystyll smiles, "Bit of a long-" ahems, "- long, long story there" Emma Ralde@crystyll calls to the computer, "Deck 9; forward lounge" and looks to Vora again The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "Well, I have taken a lot of misfits and outcasts to the New World in my day, but I certainly would've remembered if I brought someone from Starfleet..." Emma Ralde@crystyll: "Short version; I've been out of active service for a while, but decided to reinlist when I learned about this ship being at the New World" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 chuckles, "Well, ex-Starfleet would explain it. I don't know everyone's background after all." Emma Ralde@crystyll chuckles, "I wouldn't expect you to. Especially not for a harmless junior officer" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "Didn't fit in with the Feds, or did you just make friends with an Orion who knew about us?" Emma Ralde@crystyll: "Both, and neither really. Like I said... long story" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "We certainly get a lot of them on the New World. This ship's on an important mission, so I can see what makes you want to join back up." Emma Ralde@crystyll: "Is that why you're here too? Instead of back at Fleet HQ I mean" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "Partially," she smirks, "Also a long story." Emma Ralde@crystyll grins, "Must be the Orion in you; we seem to have a penchant for long stories, don't we" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 chuckles, "I guess we do." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "I'll be taking control of the Fleet again soon, but Caeru and I have been talking about putting a formal representative here, at least for the duration of this mission." Emma Ralde@crystyll: "Here as in, here on this ship?" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 nods, "For now, at least. Maybe a long-term representative to the Feds, but we'll see." Emma Ralde@crystyll: "Sounds like things are getting serious there now. Next thing we know there will be an envoy from the OSN living back on the New World!" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 smiles, "Well, now that we're friendly with them, that's not too far-fetched. I'm certainly considering one of our Orions as a representative to Narris." Emma Ralde@crystyll: "If it's not too bold of me to say, Su-... Vora; it would be a great accomplishment to see" Emma Ralde@crystyll glances over her shoulder, "Oh, and that's me! Well, see you around I guess. Or is this part you tell me you were heading this way too..." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 chuckles, "Not today, but I'd certainly be interested in hearing that long story of yours sometime. Sounds like an interesting one." Emma Ralde@crystyll chuckles nervously, "Yeah... that's one word for it, I'm sure. Well, enjoy yourself now" she smiles again before heading out The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "You too." Emma Ralde@crystyll steps out into the much more crowded upper lounge, just passing Rianni who steps into the lift, almost bumping right into Vora as she doubletakes at what must be a ghost...

View Act VII - Mana Returns

The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 FX | It has been several days after the Valley Forge saved the Calmina from the Horde-influenced Arshai agent known as Faenu. Following the restoration of Faenu's mind, the Arshai has been handed - The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 - over to the Chosen Empire by Vora to answer for his crimes so that relations between the New World and the Chosen can be eased. The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 | Per the Chosen Emperor's agreement with Vora, they have allowed Colonial Fleet ships to enter Commune territory to convince the other side of the Dunishai to stand down, and the Valley Forge - The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 - departs Chosen space to rendezvous with the Colonial task force, where Vora will reassume her role as Supreme Commander... The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 steps onto the bridge as the turbolift doors open. Keelah@crystyll glances over, "All set to retake your mantle?" she smiles lightly The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 smiles back, "I think I've been away long enough. We should almost be there, if I'm right about my timing." Keelah@crystyll | Lennie calls over, "Confirmed. Th'fleet just come into sensor range" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "Perfect. Good to know my warp calculations are still on point," she smirks slightly, "See, all fit to take command again." Keelah@crystyll: "I don't think there was ever really any doubt" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "Anyways, thank you for letting me on your ship and fixing me up. And everything you did leading up to that." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "And in between that with the Dunishai crisis. You do get busy, don't you Captain?" Keelah@crystyll chuckles, "It's a habit..." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 grins, "I remember all too well. Glad we're on the same side now. We're gonna need someone like you in the fight against the Horde." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 glances around the bridge, "And a ship like yours. Starfleet might've come up with some pretty tough models after recent events, but we in the Colonial Fleet know there's nothing better than a - The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: - reliable old one brought up to spec." Keelah@crystyll: "Hey! It's not like the Forge is an old relic dusted off..." Keelah@crystyll | Lennie snerks, "Vora, y'know the Cap'n used t'be an engineer. Don't ever offend an engineers ship, y'know" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 smirks, "I was saying good things about it. If there's one thing somebody in the Colonial Fleet knows, it's that we know a good ship overhaul, and your ship's got some really fancy mods." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "Even better now with what you've done on the Ring." Keelah@crystyll: Indeed. I've heard of a few starship to undertake significant field modification, though can't say I ever anticipated this being one of them" Keelah@crystyll: "But the old girl does seem insistent on continuing to grow and evolve" she smiles thoughtfully The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "Hardly a field, with the hardware we got in the Ring. I don't know about Starfleet today, but it certainly rivals a Dominion shipyard." Keelah@crystyll: "Of course, but you know what I mean. Starfleet vessels rarely take port outside of our own docks" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 nods, "And you rarely need to. These cruisers of yours last remarkably well on their own in the middle of nowhere." Keelah@crystyll: "One of the reasone the Forge was ideal for this mission. On standard supplies we can go several years out of port, and we stocked up before we left this time too" Keelah@crystyll: "Of course, there is no accounting for circumstances when beyond your own borders, as we have seen..." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 nods, "The Lupan are serious troublemakers. We've lost our share of ships and lookout stations to them, but we're lucky to have the natural concealment of the New World and the firepower to drive - The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: - off bigger tribes when we need to." Keelah@crystyll: "Another fact which I am ever grateful for" she smiles The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 | Fisher: "Coming up on the rendezvous coordinates now." Keelah@crystyll: "All stop. Hail the Colonial task force, let them know we are ready and waiting for them" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 FX | The VF drops out of warp, the viewscreen showing three large Colonial Fleet ships, two of original Arshai design and one a heavily modified Orion cruiser. Around them are four smaller, - The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: - raider or frigate sized vessels that are hard to identify with the current magnification. Keelah@crystyll | TQ: "The flag acknowledges and confirms they are ready to welcome back the Supreme Commander" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "I'll see you when I get there, then." Keelah@crystyll nods, "Best of luck to you now" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 turns for the turbolift before pausing and looking back, "Since we're talking about the Lupan- I was too busy to mention it before, but we've noticed an increase in their activity of late." Keelah@crystyll: "Oh?" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570: "We think they're looking for something. No idea if it's relevant to the attack on your ship or not, but thought you might want to know since you're headed back out to where they roam." Keelah@crystyll: "Good to know, thank you" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 nods and smiles slightly as she heads to the turbolift. Keelah@crystyll stands... Keelah@crystyll speaks out in her grown up voice, "Attention on deck!" Keelah@crystyll stands at attention. Keelah@crystyll & all the bridge staff snap to attention, following her gaze towards the turbolift Keelah@crystyll: "Supreme Commander of the Arshai Colonial Fleet; disembarking" and snaps a salute, that the others mirror Keelah@crystyll salutes The Branded Lady. The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 mimics the salute back to Keelah. The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 salutes Keelah. Keelah@crystyll and stands easy, "It might not be your way, but it is ours. Farewell Vora, live long and prosper" she smiles in a final farewell The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 smiles back, "May the stars light your way, Keelah." The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 steps into the lift and the doors close. Keelah@crystyll: "As you were!" Keelah@crystyll turns back to her seat, catching a curious glance from Lennie, "Commander...?" Keelah@crystyll | Lennie: "Bit much? Y'know Vora ain't one f'all th'pomp an' circumstance o'Starfleet" Keelah@crystyll smiles, "No, perhaps not. But to extend such a tradition to her in this way only serves to bolster the atmosphere of mutual friendship between Starfleet and the Arshai. I'm sure she would appreciate+ Keelah@crystyll: + the gesture, if not the practice itself" Keelah@crystyll | Lennie gives a little sideways smirk, "See, tha's why you'se the Cap'n. Momma woulda been proud" Keelah@crystyll smiles, "No greater complement could be asked for. Ok Mr. Fisher, what's say we get back underway; resume mission course" The Branded Lady@annpc#5570 | Fisher: "Aye aye, Captain." Keelah@crystyll | TQ: "Um... Captain, you may want to belay that order..." Keelah@crystyll looks over with a perked brow, and giving a brief affirmative nod to Fisher to do so, "What is it Tee?" Keelah@crystyll | TQ: "The Colonial flag is saying they want to transport a representative on board..." Keelah@crystyll thinks a moment, "Curious... very well, hold position for the moment. Have them beam over to transporter room 1, I will meet them there" Keelah@crystyll pauses at Lennies side with a small smile, "You have the bridge..." she notes rather quietly Keelah@crystyll | Lennie looks around with a gulp before relocating, wishing now she hadn't talked up the Captains role moments before Mana@anncarise | Katie: "I've got two signals, Captain. Materializing now." Keelah@crystyll nods and stands ready Mana@anncarise and Sayu appears on the transporter pad, Mana now dressed in what appears to be a refined version of what she wore while on the VF, with the addition of two fancy shoulderpads with decorative - Mana@anncarise - grey cloth attached to the back. Sayu sports the same upgrades to his drone shell, which Keelah had already seen before. Keelah@crystyll smiles, "Mana! I didn't think to be welcoming you back again so soon" Mana@anncarise smiles back, "Hello again, Captain Keelah! The Supreme Commander...Commanders...Vora and Caeru wanted a representative to see this important mission through." Mana@anncarise: "And maybe further diplomatic relations afterwards. Mana was the logical choice due to Mana's time among the Federation." Keelah@crystyll: "You're saying you are here to rejoin us?" Mana@anncarise: "For the duration of the Valley Forge's mission against the Horde, at least. Afterwards, Mana understands the Federation's custom for foreign representatives is to manage diplomatic relations. But - Mana@anncarise: - that is not the Arshai's custom for representatives. Arshai representatives work among the group the representative is sent to, in order to further both the New World and the other group with the - Mana@anncarise: - representative's skills." Keelah@crystyll: "Well you won't have any complaints from me. It's great to have you back with us" Keelah@crystyll turns to Katie, "Inform the bridge that we can now get underway" Keelah@crystyll looking back to Mana, "We should get you settled" Mana@anncarise | Katie nods, "Yes Captain." Mana@anncarise: "Mana will require no special arrangements. Just a room like Mana had before will be good. And Mana would like to help, as Mana had when Mana was here before." Keelah@crystyll leads her out into the hallway as they talk, "I'm sure that can be arranged. Did you have any preference on where you may best apply yourself now?" Mana@anncarise: "Mana has been continuing to use Mana's knowledge of artificial intelligence with the Researcher's Guild, so that is still Mana's speciality. Though Mana has knowledge of the regular maintenance of - Mana@anncarise: - a ship when that specialized knowledge is not needed. And Mana has learned some things from the Doshaie as well." Keelah@crystyll: "Perhaps you could continue your research here. It could be good to reconcile what you've learned from the Nuhar with our own data" Keelah@crystyll enters the turbolift, "Like the uniform by the way, promotion?" she indicates the new touches Mana@anncarise: "Mana is certainly interested in learning more about the Nuhar. And this is not really a uniform, but..." she reaches back to take one of the long cloth-extensions attached to the shoulderpad. Mana@anncarise: "These are standard for representatives from the New World. Fortunately, Mana is only expected to wear those for formal occasions and not for everyday work. Everything else is built to mimic - Mana@anncarise: - Starfleet style with a touch of Arshai aesthetic, as is tradition for representatives." Keelah@crystyll chuckles, "Well it suits you. And you know who else will be pleased to see you doing so well-..." Keelah@crystyll the lift doors open and Mia bounds in like an excited puppy, launching a hug around Mana's shoulder while Miadrone enters a beepy frenzy with Sayu Keelah@crystyll chuckles, shaking her head, "-... Mia, of course" Mana@anncarise laughs and hugs Mia back, "Hello Mia! How did Mia know Mana was here so quickly?" Keelah@crystyll | Mia: "We received a request from Ms. Katie to assign new quarters. It was very simple to match the timing with transporter records with lift movements with logical course with personnel locations + Keelah@crystyll: + to know you were coming here!" Keelah@crystyll: "Naturally..." Mana@anncarise chuckles, "Very well extrapolated Mia!" Keelah@crystyll | Mia: "If it please Capitaine Keelah, we can escort Ms. Mana to her new quarters and see to everything for her!" Keelah@crystyll smiles, "I would have it no other way. You two take your time and get settled in, I'll be on the bridge" Mana@anncarise nods, "Mana will see Captain Keelah around the ship then!" Keelah@crystyll: "Will do. Welcome aboard again, both of you" she looks to Mana and Sayu with a smile before they depart Mana@anncarise follows Mia as they head to her new quarters. Mia@crystyll: "This is so great! We can't believe Ms. Mana is back with us after all this time!" Mana@anncarise: "Mana is glad to be back as well! The New World is wonderful, but the Mana has been here a long time and has missed the Valley Forge!" Mia@crystyll: "So what are you planning on doing now you're back?" Mana@anncarise: "Mana is here to do whatever Mana can to help the Valley Forge's mission. Captain Keelah suggested Mana can combine what Mana learned from the Harvester with the Valley Forge's data and continuing - Mana@anncarise: - researching the Nuhar. But if the Valley Forge needs any other help, Mana is here to assist as well if Mana can." Mia@crystyll: "Does Mana have any special duties in her new role as official representative?" she indicates the adornments Mana@anncarise: "Officially, yes. Mana is to represent the interest of the New World and work together to further that and the Federation's interests. Mana is supposed to report anything that goes against the - Mana@anncarise: - New World's interests, negotiate if possible to dissuade the action, and request advice or support from the Council if Mana is unable to do so." Mana@anncarise: "But for this mission, stopping the Horde is obviously in both the New World and the Federation's interests. And the Supreme Commander trusts Captain Keelah, as does Mana." Mana@anncarise: "So Mana's main role is simply to assist the Valley Forge." Mia@crystyll: "Short and simple. We like it!" she giggles, opening the door to Mana's quarters Mia@crystyll: "And here we are!" Mana@anncarise follows Mia inside, "Mana has missed these Starfleet quarters too! Mana's places of residence on the New World were comfortable, but the Colonial Fleet ships do not have anywhere as much room as - Mana@anncarise: - the Valley Forge!" Mia@crystyll: "Oh, we did so love the New World!" Mana@anncarise smiles, "The New World is great! So much Arshai culture, and a place for many Orions and others who don't fit in elsewhere too!" Mia@crystyll: "Well if there's anything you need, you know where we are! We should leave you to settle in..." Mana@anncarise nods, "Mia is welcome to come by whenever Mia wishes to, as usual!" Mia@crystyll: "We will, don't you worry! Oh, and Ms. Mana can join our show in the lounge later too!" Mana@anncarise: "Oooh, Mia is doing a show?" Mia@crystyll: "Yes indeed! We entertain in the main lounge every week, we have found quite the penchant for it!" Mana@anncarise: "Mana will definitely come and check out Mia's show!" Mia@crystyll: "Yay! Well, enjoy settling in then and we will see you both very soon!" Mana@anncarise smiles, "Mana looks forward to that!" --- Mana@anncarise steps into the lounge, looking around for Mia. Rianni@crystyll | Mia buzzes around near the centre of the room, laughing and joking with people as she moves from one group to the next Mana@anncarise waves to Mia, "Hello Mia! Mana is on time for Mia's show, Mana hopes?" Rianni@crystyll | Mia beams happily, waving her over, "Of course! We were just taking a break between songs" Mana@anncarise smiles, "Mana always like hearing Mia sing!" She heads over and takes a seat at a nearby table." Rianni@crystyll | Mia smiles thoughtfully, "And we know exactly what we want to do next!", making her way to the stage where she starts singing the same song she did for Mana's departure Mana@anncarise listens with a smile to Mia's song. Rianni@crystyll enters partway through the song, smiling to see Mia up to her usual and moves to get a drink from the bar Mana@anncarise notices Rianni's entrance, watching her as she goes to the bar. Mana@anncarise waits until the song finishes before applauding Mia and moving over towards the bar as well. Rianni@crystyll smiles at the lovely song, also applauding and giving a chatting with passing friends Mana@anncarise looks Rianni over closely before asking, "This one is Rianni, yes?" Rianni@crystyll turns to Mana, "That's me, yes. Can I help you with something? Oh my! I hope you're not one of that Supreme Commanders people, I think they've left already..." Mana@anncarise: "Mana is here to stay as the representative from the New World! Rianni...does not remember Mana?" Rianni@crystyll tilts her head a little, "I don't... think so?" Mana@anncarise tilts her head a little too, examining Rianni, "But this one's name is Rianni?" Rianni@crystyll nods, "It is! Not exactly a common name among Humans, I must admit. So the odds of you mistaking me for another cadet by the same name are fairly slim..." Mana@anncarise nods and looks over to Mia to see if she's in the middle of a song. Rianni@crystyll | Mia isn't singing, but she is distracted by a fairly large group around her at the moment and doesn't see Mana Mana@anncarise looks back to Rianni, "Did...Rianni get a memory reset? Or...does Rianni not know about that..." Rianni@crystyll 's brow furrows with confusion briefly before she goes wide eyed with realization, "Ohhh, wait a minute! Were you ever on a Starfleet deep space station?" Mana@anncarise nods, "Mana was mostly with the Valley Forge and the Gainsborough during Mana's time with Starfleet, but yes. Mana has been on a station too." Rianni@crystyll: "I was on the Gainsborough too! So... that means you must have known the other me then..." she shrinks away a bit Mana@anncarise: "The...other Rianni?" Rianni@crystyll nods, "She was a clone made the Junayd, an Observer. She... kind of took my place after the Gainsborough incident, for a while anyway" Mana@anncarise tilts her head, observing Rianni some more, "So this Rianni is the original Rianni, not a newer clone of the same model?" Rianni@crystyll beams proudly, "Yep! The original, real thing" Mana@anncarise: "So this Rianni was on the Gainsborough, but not the Rianni Mana knew from when Mana was on the Valley Forge?" Rianni@crystyll: "Yes, I only joined the ship when it left for this mission" Mana@anncarise: "And Rianni is still a trainee? Cadet?" Rianni@crystyll: "In my final year now! I was only a first year on the Gainsborough, see. We have quite a long programme..." Mana@anncarise nods, "There is a lot to know in order to work on a ship! Mana understands." Rianni@crystyll smiles, "Mana... Wait, you're /the/ Mana?!" Mana@anncarise: "Rianni has heard of Mana?" Rianni@crystyll laughs, "Only like, every other day! Mia is our professor and she is always talking about you!" Mana@anncarise chuckles, "Ooooh, of course Rianni knows from Mia who is teaching cadets! Yes, Mana created Mia's drone and drone AI, and linked the hologram AI to the drone too." Mana@anncarise chuckles, "Ooooh, of course Rianni knows from Mia who is teaching cadets! Yes, Mana created Mia's drone and drone AI, and linked the hologram AI to the drone too." Rianni@crystyll smiles, "You are extremely skilled in your field to have created such intricate AI's!" Mana@anncarise: "That is what Mana does best! But Mana has more experience with drones like Sayu and Mia's drone shell than AI that replicate people. Mia's creator did very good work making Mia as well." Rianni@crystyll glances towards Mia in the distance briefly, "She certainly is one of a kind" Mana@anncarise nods, "That Mia is! Mana has heard of other self-aware holograms and worked with networked AI before, but Mana has never heard of or seen anyone like Mia!" Rianni@crystyll: "Self aware holograms are rare, but not unheard of in the Federation. But even they recognized Mia as a unique lifeform, even gave her a designation all of her own she was that unique!" Mana@anncarise: "There are some very unique AI in the galaxy that Mana have encountered now like the Nuhar, but still nothing like Mia!" Rianni@crystyll: "Oh you know them too? We had one living here with us for a while! That was so surreal..." Mana@anncarise: "Mana worked with the one that Captain Keelah convinced the New World to take in! The Nuhar are very interesting beings. Very ancient, with a lot of knowledge." Rianni@crystyll: "Ooh, how is the Harvester now?" Mana@anncarise: "The Harvester is doing well! The construct has self-maintained surprisingly well using what was available and is helping the Colonial Fleet now. The hardest part was persuading the Shipwright's - Mana@anncarise: - Guild to help. But not as hard as the Captain persuading Vora to accept the construct in the first place, Mana imagines!" Rianni@crystyll giggles, "She does have an admirable tendency for getting her own way, doesn't she. I'd be so lucky as to be half the Captain she is one day!" Mana@anncarise nods, "And from what Mana has learned of the Valley Forge's journey out here so far, Captain Keelah has done very well!" Rianni@crystyll: "It's certainly been quite the journey too. More than I could have ever hoped for during my final training years!" Mana@anncarise: "Mana hopes Rianni has learned a lot so far on the journey?" Rianni@crystyll: "Oh definitely! This has been an incredible experience and just keeps getting better the further we go!" Mana@anncarise: "There are many things out here Starfleet has probably never seen before! Like the Nuhar...Mana wonders how the Nuhar will be categorized..." Mana@anncarise: "The Nuhar are not like any synthetic lifeforms that Mana has heard of the Federation encountering..." Rianni@crystyll: "That is true. Though there have been other comparable encounters made" Mana@anncarise: "Starfleet has been to many places. Mana would not be surprised if Starfleet has encountered something Mana has not gotten to read about." Rianni@crystyll: "There was one comparable species which springs to mind. There was no official designation for the creations, but they were humanoid sentient robots created by a lost species they called the Builders" Rianni@crystyll: "They too were built for servitude, and I think warfare... If I remember from class, they outlived their creators and were last seen trying to evolve a form of procreation" Mana@anncarise smiles, "Rianni has studied very well!" Rianni@crystyll: "Well I mean... when you have an AI professor, and major encounters with sentient AI starships. It kind of becomes a key point of interest" she giggles Mana@anncarise chuckles, "Oh yes, that does make sense." Mana@anncarise: "So, since Rianni is the original, non-clone Rianni, Mana supposes Rianni does not have the combat training of the clone Rianni?" Mana@anncarise: "Mana does not believe Starfleet trains cadets to be such good fighters as standard..." Rianni@crystyll shakes her head, "I only get as much combat training as I do because of my tactical focus and with aim for a bridge position" Rianni@crystyll: "Many cadets won't do anything beyond the mandatory basic training" Mana@anncarise nods, "That makes sense. Many in Starfleet are scientists and doesn't need to focus in combat training." Rianni@crystyll: "Exactly! With my own personal experience to date, I have actually put a lot of increased focus on that side of things" Mana@anncarise: "This part of the galaxy can be dangerous, with the Lupan and Toroki and other mercenary groups." Rianni@crystyll: "Not like home was any safer for me..." Mana@anncarise: "Mana thought Rianni was from one of the Federation homeworlds. Or did something happen when Mana was away? Mana knows the homeworlds have been attacked or almost attacked before..." Rianni@crystyll: "I mean all that stuff that happened with the Gainsborough and everything" Rianni@crystyll: "That was my first deep space cruise, supposed to be a fun little orientation to the environment. And it ended up with me in an escape pod, picked up by aliens and shut in stasis for over a year" Mana@anncarise: "Oh yes, Mana understands. The galaxy can be a very dangerous place." Mana@anncarise: "And if what Mana has been told of the Horde is true or mostly true, trouble will reach Rianni sooner or later..." Rianni@crystyll: "Well I didn't choose to join this mission for the quiet life" she chuckles Mana@anncarise chuckles, "Mana is sure there is plenty of interesting journey to come still!"

View AAR

AFTER ACTION REPORT STARFLEET SECURITY CLEARANCE LEVEL 2 | Confidential

FILED BY

CAPT Se'Lai

ON STARDATE

97271.9

LOCATION

KEY PERSONNEL

Sectors V-015

CAPT Se'Lai

CAT Vix

Senior Staff

MISSION PARAMETERSOUTCOME SUMMARY Fulfill request from Colonial Fleet allies to investigate potential Horde influence over recent disturbances between vassal states. Suspicions confirmed and hostile action countermanded. Presence of previously unknown additional species in the Chosen Empire's home system confirmed as Calmina.

RECOMMENDATIONS

The political situation between the Chosen and the Commune is regarded as a purely internal Arshai affair, as both are remaining their vassal states, as such no further action from the Federation is deemed necessary. Continued friendly relations are encouraged beyond this, owing to the confirmed presence of the Calmina and their knowledge of those believed to be in control of the Horde. With the indigenous having limited exposure to life beyond their own comprehension of it, Federation support may still be favourable to ensure a smooth transition in their perception of the Calmina.

NARRATIVE

Upon departure from the New World Arshai colony, we received a request from the new Supreme Commander to investigate a recent disturbance between two of their vassal states. Our brief stated that upon her return from the Horde scouting mission; the former Supreme Commander had dispatched a potentially influenced operative to the region. Further to this, we received news that one of the two vassals - the Chosen Empire - recently suffered a suspected terrorist attack, and that the other vassal - the Commune - were being held accountable for it. Though ordinarily a purely internal affair, the suspected influence of the compromised operative warranted our attention beyond the allied request for a neutral investigating party.

After assessing the delicate political situation, we adopted a two-pronged approach in which the Valley Forge established contact with the Chosen, while the QanwI' diverted to contact the Commune independently. Captain vix reported that their arrival coincided with an assault on Commune forces by Toroki mercenaries whom they drove back before engaging survivors who had transported to the planet's surface. Once on the surface they assisted the indigenous with containing the threat before establishing contact with colony leadership, at which time news arrived of fleet deployment changes along Chosen border.

Our own opening dialogue with the Chosen was relatively uneventful, and - as predicted - far more diplomatically precarious. The Chosen leadership were apprehensive, to say the least, about our presence. Nonetheless, they were willing to accept our offer of assistance as a mutual ally. Our investigation was not able to progress far before the fleet movement along the border also came to light. Fortunately, we were successful in dissuading continued engagement and the Chosen fleet was recalled to it's home system. During the course of this, we learned more about the unusual energy readings surrounding the star of this system, and local mythology suggesting a tangible power being associated with it that seemed central to the strong religious belief system in place here.

With knowledge of the QanwI's engagement, and confirmed presence of the rogue operative on a single remaining Toroki flagship, we convened with the Chosen leadership to formulate a defense strategy. Though early assumptions suggested an imminent assault on the colony itself, we soon came to suspect that the star was in fact the most viable target, and also the most vulnerable while the Chosen's Solar Fleet was in close proximity. To that end I enlisted the support of the Solar Fleet and formed a tachyon detection grid around the star.

A predictably long wait eventually yielded results as the cloaked Toroki vessel was detected attempting to approach the star. The Solar Fleet immediately engaged, while we moved to intercept and assist; knowing that the live capture of the operative was key to proving our claims of external influence on local affairs and exonerating the Commune from blame for recent attacks. The Toroki flagship was far more advanced than the Solar Fleet vessels and so was able to comfortably hold off their assault. As the Valley Forge moved into range, a large energy buildup in the Toroki vessel's main deflector was observed and we surmised that they were preparing to fire a discharge into the star. With the Valley Forge already closing on an intercept course, we maintained our closing and used the tractor beam to force-ably redirect the discharge and cause it to miss it's target.

With the hostile vessel contained, it's occupants transported away and had seized control of the Solar Fleet's own flagship. The rogue operative was confirmed as being on board and leading the raid on the Solar Fleet vessel, though was predictably zealous in his beliefs and seemed to prove fears of Horde influence through this dialogue. Knowing that innocent Solar Fleet officers were still fighting to retake control of their ship, I was reluctant to fire on it and ensured that the rest of the fleet did no more than isolate the threat their flagship now posed. I instead chanced a dialogue with the fleet leadership where I requested their admiralty provide us with the ship's command codes, that we might override the rogue's control and secure the vessel safely (under a preemptive agreement that said codes would be surrendered, along with control of the vessel once the threat had passed). This was accepted and we enacted a plan from my senior staff to first shut down all primary functions on board the ship; weapons, engines, defenses and lockdown procedures. It was our hope that this would demonstrate the futility of continued aggression from the rogue operative and encourage a peaceful resolution, however this was not the case and they persisted in their efforts to turn the ship back to their control. We continued from this point to override their environmental systems and replace the internal atmosphere of the vessel with a non-lethal toxin to render all lifeforms on board unconscious. Once this was confirmed on sensors, CMDR Vrolmacht led a team of MACO's to secure the vessel before returning control to it's crew.

With the rogue operative in custody, his neural patterns were verified as showing indications of Horde influence and he was given the same treatment as the Supreme Commander. Whilst recovery efforts ensued, we remained in the system and continued to survey the star - with the blessing of the Chosen Empire - to ascertain exactly what about it was deemed such a threat to the Horde. LCDR Lendaria's team confirmed the presence of suspected sentient - non-corporeal - lifeforms living within the star's radiation and devised a means of communication with them. Calling upon historical Starfleet records and working with current sensor readings, a method was devised to redirect output from the communications array through the shield grid to allow likened interaction with the beings. Our first attempt - though successful insofar that we confirmed sentience and established a dialogue - was short lived as direct contact with the entity caused significant damage to our shields.

Further analysis of the first interaction allowed us to refine the procedure and use our knowledge of Borg shield adaptation to effect a similar method to match our shield frequency to the output from the entity, thus allowing sustained contact and more in depth dialogue. This proved successful and enlightening, affording the Calmina a rare opportunity to converse with those they view as 'small' lifeforms i.e. bipedal Humanoids. The discussion confirmed their knowledge of the Horde's controlling force, beings the Calmina referred to as 'the fallen gods' and our own knowledge of them in the present affirmed the belief that the Calmina pose a potential threat to them (presumably owing to their nature and the damaging effect of contact with them on carbon based life). The Calmina advised that they are unable to exist away from the star's radiation for a long enough period to evacuate the system without assistance, and whilst even the Valley Forge was able to output a comparable energy for a short enough duration to draw their attention, it could not sustain such an output for a long enough period to assist the Calmina in relocating to a different star. They advised of ancestral memory of doing such moves in what we interpret as our Dyson Sphere's, most likely the Calmina existing around the star at a Sphere's core while the Sphere itself moves as we know is possible.

Once the situation was settled, we had to present details of our work with the Calmina to the Chosen Empire who had - up until this point - observed from a distance only while we worked. In the spirit of continued friendly relations, and knowing the resounding impact the revelations may have on this culture, the Emperor was invited on board the Valley Forge as an honoured dignitary. We hosted a diplomatic reception for the Emperor and his selected representatives where we presented the results of our interaction with the Calmina. Our efforts - both in this, and protecting the revered Calmina from the attack - earned as a great deal of respect from the Emperor and his people, which was recognized in his naming us 'Tarros' (honoured guest). Though little more than an honourary title in practical terms, it is a recognized standing of significance with the court of the Chosen Empire, which I take as genuine reflection as to the resounding positive impact our actions here have had.

Our departure from the Calmina left us with an agreement that - should we find the means to effectively assist them (with our own mission object being a potentially suitable Sphere for them to exist in) - that we return and aid them in escaping the Horde, in the eventuality where the Horde's arrival in this system can not be overcome. Beyond this, we have taught the Chosen how to adapt their shield frequencies and use this method of communication so that they may continue to speak with the Calmina. This will be a long and difficult transition as the Chosen's entire culture has evolved around strong religious and spiritual beliefs regarding the Calmina who are now a very real embodiment of what has always been perceived by these people as a supernatural protectorate to them.

The rogue operative - whilst recovered and fully compos mentis - is accepting of punitive action as a result of his own actions here. This has been left in the hands of the Arshai as the recognized authority in this region, and overseeing this system as a vassal. I will however note that the operative has also been confirmed as having direct involvement with hostile action against Starfleet and it's personnel (including a member of my crew) during the time of hostility between Starfleet and the Colonial Fleet. It is my understanding upon writing this report that the operative has been turned over to the Chosen Empire who seek incarceration as his punishment.