ST:TTV519 | "The Void"
Updated: Mar 18
Stardate 97403
The crew of the Valley Forge take on more than they realize when the investigation of a derelict ship strands them within the clutches of an enemy they are not yet prepared to face...
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Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | TWO WEEKS EARLIER... Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 FX | A brown furred Lupan stands at the head of a bridge. The place is darker than usual, with barely any lighting, causing the Lupan's eyes to shine like a predator in the night. Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Behind him, two other Lupan approach from the darkness, one male and one female, both of similar shades of fur but smaller in size. Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Smaller Male: "Nazanar." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Nazanar: "Speak, Arvanat." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Arvanat: "Our last attempt to escape has dropped the packship's power level to under 20%. Our livestock is gone, and we will need to start rationing synthesized paste." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Nazanar: "Then I suggest you find a power source, or you will be the first fresh meat the pack has had in some time." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Arvanat: "Yes, Alpha." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Nazanar turns around with a snarl, "What are you waiting for? Get to work!" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | The smaller male promptly turns and heads off as Nazanar turns to the female, "Why are you here, Orrice?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Orrice: "The morale of the pack is low, Alpha. And rationing paste will not help." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Nazanar: "So what do you suggest?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Orrice: "I do not know. We must get out of here, but our efforts have not been successful so far, and the pack is losing faith." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Nazanar: "You think there will be more challenges." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Orrice: "Yes." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Nazanar: "Let them come. Even if they kill me, they will do no better at getting us out of here." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Orrice: "So this is it?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Nazanar turns back to glance out at a viewscreen looking into a strange blankness akin to space, but white. Suddenly, a button on a console starts flashing. Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Orrice: "What is that?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Nazanar: "Ships. Coming in. We have no time to rally the pack. Take the controls. I will take the guns." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Orrice rushes to the front of the bridge and sits before the foremost console while Nazanar takes one to the side. Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Nazanar: "Take us to their entry point at maximum speed!" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | The packship rushes ahead as a vortex forms and three smaller ships come in through the wormhole like aperture, which promptly closes before the Lupan can reach it. Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Nazanar: "No!" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Orrice: "We can raid the new ships. Their supplies should last us a little longer. And maybe their crew, too." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Nazanar: "We are in no condition to raid." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Blue beams of energy emit from all three ships, hitting the Lupan packship and shaking the bridge violently. Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Orrice: "They're not giving us a choice..." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Nazanar growls as he leaps to his feet and taps his console as the packship's broadside cannons begin to bombard the newcomers. Their shields flicker but before they can collapse, the barrage - Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: - gets lighter and lighter before it stops. Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Nazanar: "I knew this would happen." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Orrice: "Was that all we had?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | The three smaller ships turn around and open fire again. The bridge shakes more as the packship's shields flicker and fail. Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Nazanar: "So. The gods have abandoned us." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 FX | A flashing torpedo emerges from the front of the third ship, heading straight for the bridge. There is a bright flash of light, first on the viewscreen, then spreading across the whole bridge. Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | PRESENT DAY Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 FX | The Valley Forge cruises through space quietly. Bridge officers type on their consoles, going about everyday business. Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Fisher: "Another three days until we reach that system Gwi's identified for charting. It's going to be a quiet trip for a while..." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Kelly: "Except for Gwi and his team, they're still cataloging all the systems that aren't worth deviating off course to check out." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Fisher: "Maybe I should've been an astronomer and not a pilot." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "We both know you'd get bored before you're even done surveying a single system." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Fisher chuckles, "At least flying is calming quiet and not tedious quiet..." Keelah@crystyll | Lennie chimes in, "One o'these days Fisher ya gonna learn not t'jinx us wit' all this quiet talk; ship on long range sensors Cap'n" Keelah@crystyll peers over, smirking a little at the commentary, "ID?" Keelah@crystyll | Lennie shakes her head, "No match on file" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Vrolmacht: "Its shields are not raised." Keelah@crystyll: "Have they altered course since coming into range?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Fisher: "They're not on a course. They're just...sitting there." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Kelly: "No sign of them being in distress either. They're powered up, no visible damage anywhere." Keelah@crystyll: "Alright, consider my curiosity piqued. Try hailing them" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 taps her console and shakes her head, "No response." Keelah@crystyll: "Alter course to intercept then. We shouldn't just pass by without making sure they are ok" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Kelly: "Their power signature is definitely distinct, but on closer examination, it looks like they do incorporate some components similar to what we've seen in other civilizations." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Fisher: "Aye aye, Captain. Altering course to intercept." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Vrolmacht: "Perhaps they are scavengers." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Kelly: "It's possible, but they didn't stop to scavenge. There's no sign of anything of note anywhere near here." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | FIsher: "ETA to intercept, six minutes." Keelah@crystyll: "Continue scans and hailing" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 nods, "Trying all hailing frequencies. Still haven't found anything they're responding to." Keelah@crystyll: "Lifesigns?" Keelah@crystyll | Lennie nods: "Looks t'be a full complement. Though o'wha' I couldn't tells ya, not a familiar species" Keelah@crystyll: "Any reaction from them at all to our approach?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Kelly: "Nothing we can observe, but their sensors and comm arrays should all be functional. Either they're taking the time to study us first, or they're ignoring us." Keelah@crystyll: "Anything we can do to verify our scans? This is a little too familiar to the Toroki traps we have seen..." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Kelly nods, "It does look like a pirate trap. We could do a tachyon sweep as soon as we drop out of warp. If they have more ships waiting to ambush us, we'll be able to see them." Keelah@crystyll nods, "Make it so. And raise shields, just in case" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Vrolmacht: "Yes Captain." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Fisher: "We're coming up on the ship now. Dropping out of warp in 3." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 FX | After 3 seconds, the VF exits warp in deep space. Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | A magnified image of the ship is displayed on the viewscreen: https://i.imgur.com/sutDWhV.jpg Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Kelly: "That reminds me a little of Andorian ship design..." Keelah@crystyll nods, "There are reminiscent design elements" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Vrolmacht: "A warrior's ship, with armaments to match. But no threat to the Valley Forge on its own." Keelah@crystyll: "Still no reaction to us?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 shakes her head, "No response to hails so far." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Kelly: "Tachyon sweep is ready." Keelah@crystyll: "Let's see what else is out there" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Kelly nods and initiates the sweep. Keelah@crystyll | Lennie: "Two cloaked ships on sensors!" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Vrolmacht: "They are not powering weapons, but there is an energy spike coming from all three vessels I cannot identify." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Kelly: "Looks like exotic matter. Subspace particles." Keelah@crystyll: "Red alert! take us out of here Mr. Fisher" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Suddenly, a strange glowing vortex like a darker and more ominous version of the Bajoran wormhole opens right in front of the ship. Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 FX | The opening draws closer and closer... Keelah@crystyll leans forward, "Evasive!" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Fisher: "I can't move us away, Captain! The gravitational forces are too strong!" Keelah@crystyll: "Time to impact?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Fisher: "Thirty-two seconds!" Keelah@crystyll looks to Lennie, "Options?" Keelah@crystyll | Lennie shrugs, "Reads almost like a subspace vortex, but not like th'Carran tunnels" Keelah@crystyll: "Well if we can't outrun it, there's only one choice; take us in Mr. Fisher - controlled manuevering only" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Fisher nods, "Aye aye, Captain..." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | The Valley Forge moves into the mysterious vortex... Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Vrolmacht: "Shields do not appear to be taking any damage as long as we do not struggle." Keelah@crystyll nods, "As I suspected. Keep holding us steady and ease the burden as while we ride this out" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | The vortex draws closer and closer. There is a blank whiteness in the centre, and as the Valley Forge passes through, the darkness of space clings only to the edges of the viewscreen, giving a - Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: - surreal, dream-like appearance before they disappear completely, leaving the viewscreen to display...pure whiteness. Keelah@crystyll | Lennie: "Definitely a subspace realm o'sorts. No signs o'tha' vortex behind us" Keelah@crystyll: "Well we are still somewhere anyway. Damage & casualty reports?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Kelly: "No damage or casualties. Fisher made a smooth entry." Keelah@crystyll: "Nicely done Lieutenant" she nods lightly to the front Keelah@crystyll: "Well then, let's get our bearings here shall we" Keelah@crystyll | Lennie: "Easier said than done Cap'n... Is like a starship graveyard or somethin' - loadsa derelicts, but no life or power signatures" Keelah@crystyll purses her lips, "Deploy a marker buoy and proceed to the nearest vessel. Maintain red alert for now..." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Kelly: "Deploying marker, Captain." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Fisher: "Making our way to the nearest derelict." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Kelly: "This one looks recent. Signs of damage consistent with tetryon weaponry. No more than a few weeks old." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Vrolmacht: "The ships we just encountered had tetryon weaponry..." Keelah@crystyll: "Continue surveying the area. We got in, so we must be able to get out. Staff briefing in 15 minutes" she stands, heading for the ready room --- Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 FX | Fifteen minutes later, the senior staff gather with Keelah in one of the conference rooms for the briefing. Keelah@crystyll looks around as the officers filter in, "Alright, let's keep this short. What do we know?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Kelly: "We are not so much in a layer of subspace as we are a pocket. This region is normally inaccessible, with barriers preventing both matter and energy from passing through." Keelah@crystyll: "Any indication of how expansive this 'pocket' is?" Keelah@crystyll | Emma steps in and takes a seat, "Oh you started already? Sorry I'm late- ...sorry..." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Kelly: "Approximately four light years in circumference. Starfleet's- " she pauses as Emma enters. Keelah@crystyll: "It's fine Ensign, we were just getting started" Keelah@crystyll looks to the others, "I felt the Ensign's own experience may be of benefit to us here, so asked her to join us" Keelah@crystyll | Lennie smiles, "Th'more th'merrier" always happy to see another Orion involved with stuff Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Kelly nods, "I think she probably has a rather unique understanding of subspace." Keelah@crystyll | Emma: "I'll help however I can, but I'm not sure I can tell you much about this place..." Keelah@crystyll stands, staring out the window at the void beyond, "None of us can say much about it, Ensign. That's why we are sitting here now" Keelah@crystyll glances back to Kelly, "Please continue" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Kelly: "As I was saying, Starfleet's actually encountered something similar but not quite identical to this. You may have heard of the Void anomaly that briefly trapped the USS Voyager during - Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: - their journey across the Delta Quadrant." Keelah@crystyll nods, "Do you believe this is the same kind of anomaly?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Kelly: "It's similar in nature, a closed region that's impenetrable by normal means, but there's a few key differences." Keelah@crystyll | Lennie looks across the table to Kelly, "Wha' exactly we talkin' ere?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Kelly: "Well firstly, the Void was a region of our space with subspace folded around it to form the barrier. This is a pocket of subspace with a similar barrier separating it from our space." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Kelly: "More importantly to us though, the Void had extensive gravitational forces that formed the funnels through which ships were pulled inside, which the Voyager ultimately used to escape." Keelah@crystyll: "And this one does not?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Kelly: "It doesn't. The good news is, without these gravitational forces, we won't suffer the same constant energy drain the Voyager had to contend with in the Void." Keelah@crystyll: "Well it's hardly a blessing, but I'll take what I can right now. What else do we have?" Keelah@crystyll asks, returning to her seat Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Kelly: "Without the gravitational forces, our power will last significantly longer, but we also can't replicate Voyager's means of escape." Keelah@crystyll: "Can we glean anything useful from our sensor readings during the pull in?" Keelah@crystyll | Lennie: "Still got mah folks workin' on it, Cap'n. But one thing we already figured is tha' this were entirely artificial" Keelah@crystyll: "Artificial means would indicate purpose. So whoever is responsible must have pulled us in here for a reason" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Vrolmacht: "A hunting trap." Keelah@crystyll | Emma: "Might just be, if I were of the ilk to want to set traps for things; I'm sure I'd think up a far less extravagent way to do it. I mean, just the sheer energy output to control those + Keelah@crystyll: + wormholes must be immense. That's a lot of work for a trap..." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Kelly: "You'd think so, but the energy spike wasn't more than jumping to warp. I don't think they generated the vortex. I think they triggered it." Keelah@crystyll: "It could be that whoever set this has stumbled upon the means to control it and now takes an opportunistic approach. But still, the Ensign makes a good point and know too little to assume either way" Keelah@crystyll: "But if someone has set this as a trap, then there must a means for them to retrieve what they want from it" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Vrolmacht nods, "It is not a very efficient trap. Without the energy draining properties of the Void, they would have to wait a long time for their victims to lose power. However, the same - Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: - tetryon weapons signatres have been detected on every derelict we have examined so far." Keelah@crystyll: "The same signature that was also on the vessels outside the pocket?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Vrolmacht: "Yes. Some of these derelicts are freighters, but some are Lupan packships and Spike Guild mercenary vessels. The ships outside the pocket would not have been able to bring them down - Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: - if they are in prime condition." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Kelly: "The ships have also been stripped of anything remotely useful." Keelah@crystyll: "Given the number of vessels in here, it is no stretch to conceive of scavenging by trapped ships in here" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Vrolmacht: "Possible, but the tetryon damage is consistent across all the ships so far. Ultimately, they all met their end likely at the hands of the ones who opened the vortex." Keelah@crystyll: "Do we have any reason to believe there to be multiple entry points?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Kelly: "It's hard to tell. The entire border of the pocket is impenetrable to us now, and the ships are scattered all throughout the region. They're likely to have moved after they were pulled - Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: - in, rather than just staying at wherever their entry point was." Keelah@crystyll: "Then it is time for recommendations. How do we proceed from here?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Kelly: "We have sensor records of how these ships triggered the vortex, and we're in subspace. We might be able to collect some of the exotic particles they were using, and we can try and - Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: - synthesize others in this environment. Depending on what exactly we need, of course." Keelah@crystyll: "You think you can do it? Reproduce the results and create the wormhole from in here?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Kelly: "We'll have to do more research, but I think it might be-" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 FX | Suddenly, everyone's vision (minus Emma) goes white. No one can move as strange, ghostly tendrils slither up from the whiteness and bind everyone's arms and legs to their seats. Strange - Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 - eyes flicker open and closed everywhere as a deep voice booms. "INTRUDERS. YOU DO NOT BELONG HERE. TRESPASSERS. THIS IS NOT YOUR DOMAIN. TORMENTORS. LEAVE." --- Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Emma, meanwhile, sees everyone suddenly freeze in their seats, some lurching back as if something grabbed them from behind and pressed them against the seat backs. Emma Ralde@crystyll looks around in confusion, moving to whoever is sat nearest to her to see what's going on with them Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Everyone appears to be alive. Their pulse and breathing are elevated as if under stress, but not to dangerous levels. Emma Ralde@crystyll waves her hand in front of Kelly's face, "Commander...? Commander, snap out of it!" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | No response... Emma Ralde@crystyll taps her combadge, "Ralde to bridge" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: <C> "Ensign! Okay, good, you're still awake. Is this happening everywhere else on the ship too?" Emma Ralde@crystyll: <C> Eva? Yes, everyone in the conference room just sort of... froze. What about sickbay?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: <C> "I'm on the bridge. Sickbay is unresponsive. The only people I've been able to raise so far are Mia and Mana's other drone. Our implants must be protecting us." Emma Ralde@crystyll: "Of course! Whatever's got them must be telepathic in nature then. I'm on my way to you" Emma Ralde@crystyll hurries out of the conference room as she speaks, heading back to the bridge Emma Ralde@crystyll steps out of the turbolift, "Eva, any news?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 is at the comm console, but everyone else is either on the ground, on a chair like the conference room, or slumped over a console. Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 looks up to Emma, "I have Mia on her way to sickbay to activate the EMH, but I don't think he'll be of much help." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "Something else is in here with us. Something very old, and very angry." Emma Ralde@crystyll: "At least we have the EMH in case this struck anyone in motion and injured them" Emma Ralde@crystyll: "Have you put out a shipwide instruction yet, or just attempting to contact people?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "I...hadn't thought of that, actually. I don't know who else is still conscious aside from us and the AIs. What should I tell everyone?" Emma Ralde@crystyll: "Assure them we have control and direct all available personnel to either come here or sickbay. When Mia gets there, hopefully she and the EMH can figure some way to help people" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 nods and taps her console, "This is Lieutenant Dra to all personnel. We still have control of the ship. If you're able, please report to either the bridge or sickbay." Emma Ralde@crystyll: "I'll try and route all command functions to a single interface up here. We'll have a much easier time than trying to run all these stations between the two of us" Emma Ralde@crystyll moves to the back to do so, not thinking that there's a station already in the middle of the room with all that functionality Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "Can't you use the Captain's chair for that?" Emma Ralde@crystyll pauses and glances to the chair, "I mean.... I guess. But you're the ranking officer here, Lieutenant" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "You have actual command experience. And...I may be able to do something, but I can't do it from the bridge." Emma Ralde@crystyll: "What's your plan?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "I think I should be able to shield one person from this attack. This being is strong, but it's subduing so many minds at once. I think I can break one free." Emma Ralde@crystyll: "Won't that expose you to it's control?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 shakes her head, "It'll weaken me, but it can't control me thanks to the implant. If I free someone like the Captain, I'll have to constantly fight it, but if I free someone strong enough, they - Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: - might be able to ward it off by themself at least temporarily." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "I'm not strong enough to help everyone either way. But I might be able to free someone who is." Emma Ralde@crystyll nods, "The Captain makes sense. See what you can do for her then" Emma Ralde@crystyll: "Oh! I'll ask Mia to check sickbay, maybe the doctor already has some more implants prepared for the testing!" Emma Ralde@crystyll moves over and leans across Eva's console to do that Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 nods, "Hopefully there's enough to get the senior staff up again. I'll try and reach the Captain." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "For now, you have the bridge, Ensign." Emma Ralde@crystyll sighs, giving a little eyeroll, "Thanks..." Emma Ralde@crystyll makes the call to Mia as she watches Eva rush off. With it done she turns and looks around the quiet bridge, going and plopping down in the Captain's chair with a sigh, "I'll just... be here then...+ Emma Ralde@crystyll: + waiting... alone..." Emma Ralde@crystyll doesn't sit for more than a few moments before the turbolift again opens. She looks over hopefully, "Eva! That was fas-..." Emma Ralde@crystyll tilts her head at the sight of swirling tails... Emma Ralde@crystyll | Tiah's head pops out, "The voice said Tiah should come here to help. Tiah has to help Kwaylah!" Emma Ralde@crystyll: "..." --- Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | "TRESPASSERS. LEAVE THIS DOMAIN. INTRUDERS. NO MORE TORMENT." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Suddenly, water begins to seep in from...somewhere in the blankness. The tentacles jolt back as it spreads to Keelah's feet, twitching and releasing their grasp. The water rises higher and - Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 - higher as the blinking eyes disappear under a massive tidal wave that slams into Keelah's face, completely covering her vision until she can open her eyes again and finds herself back in the - Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: - conference room, with Evanne standing beside her. Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Everyone else is still frozen to their chairs. Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "Captain! Can you hear me?" Emma Ralde@crystyll | Keelah coughs and gasps as she comes to, instinctive reaction to the experience, "What... Lieutenant? What's going on, what happened... to everyone...?" she looks around, noticing the others Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "There's something in this pocket of subspace. It's telepathically attacking everyone." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 taps her combadge, "Dra to Mia, are there implants ready in sickbay?" Emma Ralde@crystyll | Keelah idly rubs at her brow, listening for the moment as she mentally catches up Emma Ralde@crystyll: <C-Mia> Oui Ms. Eva! We have found some Ms. Kazra had replicated ready for the rollout!" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 nods, "Good. I'll have the Captain here soon. Have the EMH ready." Emma Ralde@crystyll: <C-Mia> "We will be ready!" Emma Ralde@crystyll | Keelah stands, "Is it just you two left?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 shakes her head, "There's Ensign Ralde who also has the implant, and Mana's other drone. Maybe a few others but..." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "I don't think it's safe to do the implantation while someone's being attacked, but I can only hold it back for so long. We have to get you to sickbay." Emma Ralde@crystyll | Keelah nods, "Let's move" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 leads Keelah into the nearest turbolift, moving much more sluggishly than usual. They take the lift to the sickbay and make their way in. Emma Ralde@crystyll | Keelah steadies herself against Eva, discretely helping to support her as she can see the toll it's taking on her Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 smiles a little, "Thank you, Captain. Let's...get this done quickly." Emma Ralde@crystyll | Keelah simply smiles and nods Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 looks around for Mia and the EMH. Emma Ralde@crystyll | Mia spots them as soon as they enter and bounds over to assist the pair, "Mon Capitaine! Ms. Eva! Oh you poor dears, come come! We are all set up here and ready to help" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 leads Keelah to the operation bed. Emma Ralde@crystyll | Keelah leans against the bed before propping herself up onto it's edge as she looks to the EMH, "These are not exactly ideal circumstances for this" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "I...don't think we have much other choice, Captain." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 looks to EMH, "Just let me know as soon as the implant is active, and I can release my shielding of the Captain." Emma Ralde@crystyll | EMH: "Really Lieutenant? You mean you don't want to keep over exerting yourself in the face of a telepathic onslaught that you have no way of knowing how it will impact on you?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "Right...you'll let me know when it's time..." Emma Ralde@crystyll | EMH turns to Keelah, preparing the implantation, "If it makes you feel any better Captain, I don't exactly appreciate being thrust into this archaic ritual of yours either. But what do I know, I'm+ Emma Ralde@crystyll: + just a doctor, it's not like I have thousands of gigaquads of data detailing why this is a bad idea..." Emma Ralde@crystyll | Keelah: "Doctor..." Emma Ralde@crystyll | EMH pushes her (gently!) back onto the bed, "Just lay back and this won't take a moment" he hits her with a hypospray to sedate her Emma Ralde@crystyll | EMH then holds his hand out expectantly for a presumed nurse to hand him his next implement Emma Ralde@crystyll | Mia looks between him and Eva a moment... Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 looks over to Mia, "I think you better do this..." Emma Ralde@crystyll | Mia smiles and retrieves the gizmo from the surgical tray, gingerly placing it in the EMH's waiting hand like laying down a priceless artifact Emma Ralde@crystyll | EMH grunts at the visible sarcasm, turning his attention to treating Keelah --- Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 FX | A short while later, Keelah reawakens on the operating bed... Keelah@crystyll 's eyes flutter open and she looks around while slowly sitting up Keelah@crystyll | EMH looks to the others, "See, I told you she'd be up and around in no time. Honestly It's like you don't have faith in someone who has the collective experience from thousands of medical practices Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 is seated nearby, eating an osol twist with an empty bowl on the bed in front of her. She sets the Romulan snack in the bowl as she hears the EMH and stands back up, "Captain. Feeling alright?" Keelah@crystyll smiles faintly, "Well as can be expected. I assume the implantantation went without a hitch?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "Since you're awake and not immobilized, I'd say so." Keelah@crystyll | EMH nods, "Congratulations Captain, you're now officially 1-part technology. Don't worry, nobody's perfect..." he adds smugly Keelah@crystyll: "Immobilized? Was that a possibility?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "Not permanently, but the rest of the crew is still frozen where they were. We...haven't freed anyone else yet, but I could've used the rest anyways." Keelah@crystyll nods, "Now is not the time to over exert yourself. If we're good here, we must return to the bridge and see about restoring the situation" Keelah@crystyll: "Doctor, Mia, see what you can do for critical personnel in the mean time" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "I think implanting while they're under telepathic attack might be dangerous. I'll have to shield them...but I'm not sure I can do that for many more people. One, maybe two more." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "You'd probably want as many of the senior staff up as possible, though...I have another idea." Keelah@crystyll: "Oh?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "This being has powerful telepathic ability, significantly above my own, but it's still straining to subdue the entire crew. If I can-" Keelah@crystyll: <C-Emma> Bridge to sickbay. Eva, are you there? Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 moves over to a console, "I'm here Ensign. We have the Captain back as well. What's the situation on the bridge?" Keelah@crystyll: <C-Emma> "Sensors picked up a vortex opening" Keelah@crystyll joins Eva Keelah@crystyll: "Ensign, take the opportunity and try to take us out. We're on our way" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 looks over to Mia, "We have less than a skeletal crew. We need all the personnel we can get on the bridge." Keelah@crystyll: <C-Emma> Understood Captain, we'll do our-... no Tiah, don't touch that!" Keelah@crystyll perks a brow, silently mouthing 'Tiah...?' Keelah@crystyll looks from Eva to Mia, "We must hurry" Keelah@crystyll heads out with that Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 nods, "Let's get up there." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "Tiah's a significantly different lifeform from us. She might not be affected by the telepathic attack." Keelah@crystyll | Mia follows, Miadrone beeping away via comms to her brother Keelah@crystyll | EMH stands there watching everyone walk out, " 'Oh yes, thank you Doctor for saving the day. We couldn't have done it without you, let us put you back to rest" he sighs, "Computer, deactivate EMH" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | They move through the halls, occasionally having to step around or over unconscious personnel. Soon they arrive at the lift, which takes them up to the bridge. Keelah@crystyll & Co. arrive on the bridge a short time later to find Emma trying to shoo Tiah away from the helm while she tries to program a course through a sea of swirling tails Keelah@crystyll: "Status, Ensign?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | As they near the vortex, the three ships from before emerge from the opening, coming towards them... Keelah@crystyll | Emma points to the viewscreen, "In short, Captain... that" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | The vortex promptly closes behind the three ships, who continue advancing to the VF. Keelah@crystyll moves to tactical, "Bringing shields and weapons online. Evasive action, Ensign" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 looks over to Mia, "You got engineering?" Keelah@crystyll: "Mia, keep an eye on things in engineering. If we get into a firefight we need to watch critical systems" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "I'll do what I can with sensors." Keelah@crystyll | Mia nods, "We already have eyes in main engineering, so to speak" Keelah@crystyll: "Lieutenant, you can sense this being yes?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 nods, "It's somewhere in the very centre of this region." Keelah@crystyll: "Do you think you can communicate with it?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "I can try to talk to it, but with the implant, it might not be able to reach back." Keelah@crystyll: "I got the strong impression before that it does not want us here - in it's place - maybe if we can make it understand that we want to leave as well, it will help" Keelah@crystyll: "Ensign, I hope your memory of combat manouvers serves you well. Evasive action!" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 nods, "I'll try to get to it." Keelah@crystyll: "I'm bringing the armour online. Try and keep them in our forward arc, we have our heaviest weapons there" Keelah@crystyll | Emma nods and does her best to pilot the ship with her rusty knowledge Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | The ships open fire as the armour comes online over the VF. She manages to evade one of the ship's tetryon beams, but the other two hit the armoured hull, lowering integrity to 81%. Keelah@crystyll returns fire, focusing on the lead ship Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Keelah lands a hit on the lead ship, taking its shields down to 75% as the three maneuver to make another attack run. Keelah@crystyll: "Bring us about Ensign, draw them in" Keelah@crystyll: "Mia, think you can make us play dead?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "Their crews are surprised. I don't think they were expecting us to hit back. And they're nervous too..." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "I think they're also scared of what's in here." Keelah@crystyll | Mia smiles and nods, "A little plasma discharge from the nacelles and some fluctuating power should do it" Keelah@crystyll: "Lieutenant, signal the lead ship. Tell them disengage" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | The three ships come in for a second run, this time only dropping the integrity 10% as Emma has more maneuvering skills coming back to her and the armour is also more fully deployed. Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 nods, "Signalling the ship." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 FX | The ships start breaking off, though two of them drop a few mines behind them as they go. Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "I'm seeing those energy spikes on them. I think they're making a new vortex." Keelah@crystyll: "Stick with them Ensign, leave their mines to me" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Another vortex starts to form and the lead ship moves into it, followed by the other two... Keelah@crystyll | Emma nods, accelerating to catch up to them, while Keelah engages the point defense to sweep the dropped mines from their bow Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | The three ships start firing their aft turrets to dissuade the Valley Forge from following as the lead ship passes into the vortex, the other two still slightly behind. Keelah@crystyll reinforces forward defenses, "Stay with them Ensign..." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Suddenly, one of the two ships on the side of the formation breaks off, doing a flip as it puts itself right in the VF's path, its forward beams firing followed by a salvo of three torpedoes. Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | The torpedoes are picked off by the point defense, but the beams hit the ship and rock the bridge. Keelah@crystyll braces on her console and returns fire Keelah@crystyll: "Lieutenant, tractor repulsors. Push them out of our way if you have to" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | The returning fire hits their shields hard, but they don't budge... Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | The second enemy ship enters the vortex as the third holds its ground stubbornly. Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 activates tractor repulsors and pushes the third aside, who tries to tractor the VF back but is unable to thanks to the armouring. Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | The third ship engages engines, trying to break free of the repulsors as it continues firing. Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | As the VF nears the vortex and begins getting drawn in however...it begins to seal and quickly disappears, the inertia of the pull simply propelling the ship forward. Keelah@crystyll braces again on her console through the rough ride, "Ride the wave, Ensign. Mia, structural integrity" Keelah@crystyll | Mia: "Holding steady at 65% mon Capitaine" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "Captain, the third ship's core is going critical." Keelah@crystyll: "Reinforce from secondary systems if it drops below 60%" Keelah@crystyll: "Ensign, get us out here" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | The VF veers away from the remaining ship, which doesn't try to chase after and ram, simply sitting there before being consumed in a barely visible explosion among the white backdrop of the region. Keelah@crystyll: "I guess they really did not want to let us out..." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "No sign of survivors, and I don't sense any either. It's just us and that being in the centre of the region again." Keelah@crystyll: "Any luck communicating with it?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "I've tried to tell it that we're not here to harm it. I can only feel its presence and its anger, I'm not sure if the implant is blocking its attempt to communicate back or if it's simply not - Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: - willing to talk." Keelah@crystyll nods, "It's a long shot I know, but we have to try. Just keep reinforcing that we want to leave just as it wants us to. So that we can stop the ones who keep sending ships in here" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Emma would notice Fisher stirring on the ground beside her... Keelah@crystyll | Emma, "Captain!" she points out Fisher, moving to his side Keelah@crystyll grabs a tricorder and heads down to the front, "Lieutenant, can you hear me?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 turns to observe as well. Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Fisher stands to his feet but ignores Emma and Keelah, staring straight at Evanne, "You send your thoughts to me, yet I cannot touch your mind." Keelah@crystyll takes a wary step back, waving Emma to do the same Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "I...are you...communicating through Fisher?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Not-Fisher: "This one shall serve as my voice, for his mind is open to me. You claim you do not trespass on your own volition?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 glances to Keelah. Keelah@crystyll: "It is true. We were brought here against our will and seek only to depart. We mean you no ill will" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Not-Fisher: "The ones who brought you here. They trespass many times, bringing others with them. They torment me. Force me to open the doors." Keelah@crystyll: "We saw them manipulating you like this from the other side. If we can stop them from tormenting you like this, will you be ok then?" Keelah@crystyll indicates the other derelict ships in view, "These other foregin presences will not... pollute?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Not-Fisher: "I will deal with the lifeless husks when I am free. I have borne witness to your power. Free me, and I shall free you." Keelah@crystyll: "How can we free you?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Not-Fisher: "I do not have much energy with the doors they force me to open, but I reserve enough to bring them in. They do not stay long enough for me to find their minds. Destroy them as they - Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: - come through, and I will let you go." Keelah@crystyll: "I understand your feelings toward them, but it is not our nature to kill like that. If we can speak to them, make them understand..." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Not-Fisher: "They are cruel and self-serving. The dregs of your kind. They must be exterminated." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 glances back to her console as it beeps, "The vortex is opening again!" Keelah@crystyll: "We will defend ourselves, but please; let me at least give them a chance just as you are giving us" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "The two remaining ships are being pulled through. It looks like they're trying to fight it but they're taking damage." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Not-Fisher: "Try if you must, but you cannot reason with them." Keelah@crystyll: "Lieutenant, hail them. Warn them to stop fighting it while they can" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 FX | The vortex appears further in the distance on the viewscreen, the two ships coming into view from the centre. Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Not-Fisher: "Destroy them while they are vulnerable, or they will try to escape!" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "Message sent, Captain. It looks like they've stopped fighting it." Keelah@crystyll: "That's a start... now see if they will actually talk to us" Keelah@crystyll looks to not-Fisher, "Please, let me do the talking. It may not help matters if they realise you are with us" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Not-Fisher steps aside and stays quiet. Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "They've responded to our hail, Captain. Putting it onscreen now." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 FX | An alien visage appears on the viewscreen: https://i.imgur.com/yooa5Gk.jpg Keelah@crystyll looks to the visage ahead of her, "There, talking is far more civilized the exchanging weapons fire" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Alien: "You are in control of yourself? You are not being used by the Primeval Entity?" Keelah@crystyll: "I speak my own words. So you know of the lifeform who inhabits this place" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Alien: "Yes. Why has it pulled us in if it is not using you?" Keelah@crystyll: "So that we may have the chance to resolve this liked civilized people. Are you aware that this lifeform is sentient?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Alien: "Of course. And very dangerous. How are you able to resist its powers? You are not Lupan." Keelah@crystyll: "We have the ability to resist such influence. Are you then also aware that your manipulation of the barrior to this place causes it great suffering?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Alien: "It is how we coerce it to open the barrier. And often it deals with the trapped crews as well. But we do not need it any longer." Keelah@crystyll: "Which begs the question as to why you needed it in the first place" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Alien: "It gives us an edge in raiding. But the Entity is dangerous to us as well. We cannot stay for too long at a time." Keelah@crystyll: "So you knowingly abused this innocent life for your own selfish ends, is that it? Is a little salvage truly worth that to you?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Alien: "It is the difference between life and death. How else are we to contend with the Lupan, the Nuhar, the Toroki and the other raiders?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Alien: "And it is hardly innocent." Keelah@crystyll: "Oh...?" She glances discretely to not-Fisher Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Alien: "Where do you think it obtained its powers? Its kind predates ours. They think we are usurpers. They despise us. It is their kind that ravages the rim, their kind whose armies of thralls - Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: - destroyed our people. It is only fair we use them in kind." Keelah@crystyll holds her composure at the revelation, "And yet this one sits harmlessly inside a subspace void that only joins our universe when you manipulate it" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Alien: "And were we not sitting harmlessly when its kind marched their hordes through our system and turned our people into their slaves?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Not-Fisher: "The Tormentors are mistaken. I merely exploit the controls put in place by your makers. The Horde is an evil of your own creation." Keelah@crystyll: "That does not excuse the conduct. 'violence begets violence begets revenge begets more violence'. It is an endless cycle for which nobody gains" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Alien: "How else are we to survive? We have no home. Our people are scattered. We do what we must, like the Rider gangs." Keelah@crystyll: "By working /with/ others, not against them. Unity breeds strength - we are testament to that. Were it not for the unity of our alliances we would not have the means to resist the Primevals influence+ Keelah@crystyll: +, we would not have the knowledge to stop the Horde. We would not have frends among the Toroki, the Lupan and even the Nuhar - those very groups you claim to defend against. Yet we have never raised+ Keelah@crystyll: + an aggressive hand against them save for self defense. All life acts with purpose, sometimes that purpose is misunderstood by others, and that leads to conflict. When it does we have a choice; + Keelah@crystyll: + propogate that conflict, or resolve it. /I/ choose resolution over revenge, and now, you must also choose. For we all sit here at the whim of the Primeval - a being you have caused great harm to + Keelah@crystyll: - so you both-" she looks between not-Fisher and the viewscreen, "- must choose" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Not-Fisher: "There are many beings your precursors named as Primevals. I have done nothing against your kind." Keelah@crystyll: "Did you not just claim to 'only' take advantage of your circumstances? Did you take the time to understand those who were thrust into this place before attacking them? You may not have asked for + Keelah@crystyll: + this situation, but you chose to propogate the cycle once. Don't make that mistake again, not when we are so close" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | The 'Tormentor' alien thinks for a moment before responding, "You have friends among the Lupan and the Nuhar and the Toroki?" Keelah@crystyll nods, "We do" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Alien: "Interesting. You sound like the Guardians, yet for all their talk of strength in unity they were unable to save our civilization." Keelah@crystyll: "Which is deeply regrettable. But you are not the first to have suffered so, by what right do presume to inflict that suffering on others? There are others who have faced what your people have, but + Keelah@crystyll: + they do not walk this path" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | The alien nods a little, "Like the fleet that passed through here not long ago. But it will only be a matter of time before they give up their proud ranks and traditions and do what must be - Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: - done to survive." Keelah@crystyll shakes her head, "We know the fleet you speak of. They are now on the path to recovery, working with allies to help one another" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Alien: "You truly think they can achieve their ambitions of rebuilding?" Keelah@crystyll: "I have seen it happen with my own eyes. Those they now ally with have achieved this very goal, as have many others across this galaxy. All by working together" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Alien: "But we have only enemies in this place. The Lupan, Nuhar and Toroki all attacked us upon our first meeting." Keelah@crystyll nods, "As will all species, there are those who do right... and those who do not. You have faced the latter, but you do not have to become them" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Alien: "How do you propose we not resort to their methods, when that is the only way of life around us?" Keelah@crystyll: "We can see you to the waiting arms of those who stand with you; who would lend their strength to bolster yours" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Alien: "And where would we find those allies?" Keelah@crystyll: "They are within reach of this place. But I will not reveal their presence to any I deem a threat to them. This aid is yours to claim, but you must prove your sincerity; destroy your means of + Keelah@crystyll: + manipulating this place, and all knowledge of it" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | The alien thinks for another moment, "Very well. This place has become more dangerous than it is worth anyways. You better not be lying about those allies of yours." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "It looks like they're ejecting various forms of exotic matter back into the environment, along with...some device from each ship." Keelah@crystyll places a hand on her chest, "On my honour as a Starfleet Captain; you keep your word, and I shall mine" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 looks to Mia to see if she can figure out what it does. Keelah@crystyll turns to not-Fisher, "There; they can not hurt you anymore. Now send them back" Keelah@crystyll | Mia nods quietly to Eva, confirming the action from the aliens Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Not-Fisher: "I sought their destruction, but I will settle for the destruction of their tools of torment. Scatter the tools into particles so that they may never be used again, and leave this - Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: - domain forever." Keelah@crystyll: "Send them back first. Then we will do as you ask" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "Another vortex is opening behind the two ships. They're being pulled back out." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | The comm with the alien ship fills with static. Keelah@crystyll looks to the alien on screen, "Wait for us and we will honour our agreement" Keelah@crystyll mutters, "I hope they received that..." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Alien: "You better, or we- " Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "We've lost the signal, Captain." Keelah@crystyll moves around to the tactical console, locking onto the ejected debris and firing phasers Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | The phasers easily hit the ejected components, vapourizing them. Keelah@crystyll looks to not-Fisher, "There, you can not be harmed by these things again" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Not-Fisher: "Thank you. You are free to leave this domain." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "The vortex is still open." Keelah@crystyll: "Are you certain this is what you want? Once we leave..." shakes her head, "...you will be alone forever..." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Not-Fisher: "Once this domain is safe again, there will be visitors. You do not belong here. Not yet." Keelah@crystyll: "Then we will leave you in peace. But I would remiss not to ask if you can share your knowledge with us" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Not-Fisher: "You are not ready for the knowledge I possess. The Children must first be prepared before they face the darkest depths of the universe." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Not-Fisher: "I can share with you only this. You tread the right path, but you will falter. You must guide others, and rely on the strength of those around you." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Not-Fisher: "You will be divided. But in the end, you shall come together, as you always have." Keelah@crystyll dips her head, "I will contemplate your words, thank you. Very well then, release my people and will leave you in peace" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Not-Fisher drops to his knees and everyone around the bridge suddenly begins to stir. Fisher looks around, confused, spotting Emma, then trailing his gaze to Keelah. Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Fisher: "Captain! What happened? Is everyone else..." Keelah@crystyll smiles softly, "Easy Lieutenant" looks to Emma, "Ensign, get us out of here" Keelah@crystyll pats Vrolmacht on the shoulder as he stands, returning to her station Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | He glances around to see everyone else beginning to stand up and gets to his feet as well. Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | The Valley Forge moves into the vortex, which comes up on the viewscreen, looming closer and closer... Keelah@crystyll | Tiah bounds around happily, "I hope Kwaylah is awake now too!" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 moves back to the comm console, chuckling at Tiah, "You should probably go check on her." Keelah@crystyll | Tiah beams and bounds off to the turbolift, while Mia fusses over the waking crewmen to make sure they are ok Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | The Valley Forge moves into the centre of the vortex, which is pitch black this time instead of white. As they emerge through on the other side, it is the opposite of their entrance into the - Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 - subspace pocket as a white haze clings to the corner of the viewscreen, giving a dreamlike effect before it dissipates like mist, and they see regular black space with shining stars dotted - Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 - throughout the vast emptiness. Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "Captain, we are being hailed by their lead ship." Keelah@crystyll: "On screen" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | The same alien from before reappears on the viewscreen. Keelah@crystyll: "It is done then" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Alien: "Yes. No one will be going back to that place anytime soon." Keelah@crystyll: "As it should be. And as promised, I have instructions for you to contact those who can aid you going forwards" turns with a nod to Eva Keelah@crystyll continues, "The designated coordinates are not far from here. Go there and signal as instructed, they will come and guide you from there" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 taps on her console, sending the information over. Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Alien: "Thank you. We will proceed there, and inform others of our kind of this place. But like the Riders we are a scattered people now." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Alien: "There are many others out there who may still continue to raid, and are hostile to even our own kind now." Keelah@crystyll: "As once were those who you will be contacting. Nobody said it would be an easy road to recovery, but it is one that I am confident you can complete" Keelah@crystyll nods, "As may be the case for some time to come. The important thing is that you hold true to yourselves; your generation may not see it, nor the next even. But it is only through those taking the + Keelah@crystyll: + first hard steps that their descendants can one day hope to have what once was" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Alien: "Perhaps one day we may return to being artisans and scholars again. But until then, I would suggest you be wary of ships similar to our own." Keelah@crystyll nods, "Duly noted. Equally so, that datapacket includes equal warning of those regions ahead of you which we have found to be frequented by troublesome parties" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Alien: "We appreciate the information. There is not much we can offer of this region, as the threats here tend to roam and not set a trap in one place for long as we do." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Alien: "Though some of the Lupan have been behaving more uncharacteristically, or so I've heard." Keelah@crystyll perks a brow, "How so?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Alien: "I've witnessed a fleet pass by larger than any tribal alliance I have seen. And there are rumours that they have been purchasing slaves. Some packs are known to...consume sentient - Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: - beings as food, but they are always captured from raids. Slaves are priced for long term use, and Lupan are not known for purchasing them." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Alien: "They say the purchases themselves are peculiar too. Very...picky. But I don't know how. I don't do slave trading myself." Keelah@crystyll smiles, "Then there is hope for you yet. Thank you for the information, we will remain wary of this fleet" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Alien: "Watch yourself out here, and stay alert." Keelah@crystyll: "You too" she smiles, raising her hand in a Vulcan salute, "Peace and long life to you" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Alien: "And to you." He tilts his head slightly as the comm ends. Keelah@crystyll: "Any residual readings from the barrier vortex?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Gwi: "None, Captain. There's no sign of anything anomalous in the region. I think it's safe to say that pocket is fully disconnected from our space now." Keelah@crystyll: "Excellent, then I think it's about high time we get back underway too" she stands, heading to her ready room, pausing and glancing back Keelah@crystyll: "...If, that's not going to be too quiet for you, Mr. Fisher...?" she adds with a smirk Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Fisher chuckles and shakes his head, "I think a little quiet is perfect right now." Keelah@crystyll: "Well, since you approve then" she smiles, "Resume course for the survey at your leisure" Keelah@crystyll begins walking off again, "Dra, Ralde. A moment" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 nods and follows Keelah. Keelah@crystyll | Emma doubletakes, glancing back to Eva before promptly handing the helm back to Fisher and joining Eva to enter the ready room Keelah@crystyll: "Ladies, please; sit" she smiles Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 takes a seat. Keelah@crystyll | Emma sits next to her Keelah@crystyll: "That was quite the ordeal today wasn't it" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 nods, "Despite all the...unpleasantness, I think it was a very worthwhile detour." Keelah@crystyll: "Agreed. Not a planned test, but a positive one for our implants. Not to mention our first face to face experience with one of these Primevals" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "This one claims not to be related to the one or ones behind the Horde, but its telepathic ability was still impressive. It's not quite coming face to face with the Horde, but I think our implants - Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: - should be able to stand up to them." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "This is probably the closest we'll get to a full field test before we meet the actual Horde." Keelah@crystyll: "It may not be related, but it certainly knew of them and of our mission to resist them. I would not be surprised if it is one of the same beings, and that subspace pocket was a prison created to + Keelah@crystyll: + hold it. Remember what it said about manipulating the work of our Makers" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 nods, "It's possible, though by now it seems to see that pocket as its home. Whatever it is, I don't think that being'll be a threat to anyone else, assuming no one provokes it again." Keelah@crystyll: "Indeed, for all we know it's future visitors it mentioned could be the very Primevals we seek to stop. I only hope that if so, our benevolence made an impression and word of that - as well as our + Keelah@crystyll: + ability to resist them - reaches the thoughts of those we do stand against" Keelah@crystyll | Emma's eyes widen a little, "Wait... you were playing that thing all along? Damn..." shakes her head, "...see Eva, /that's/ what makes a Captain!" Keelah@crystyll smiles a little, "This would be the part where I recite academy teachings about experience, Ensign. But that hardly seems fitting for you" Keelah@crystyll | Emma chuckles, "Yeah... still, a nice sentiment Captain. And... about that subspace pocket and the beings visitors" Keelah@crystyll: "Ensign?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 chuckles, then looks over to Emma curiously. Keelah@crystyll | Emma: "While it remains cut off from this plane of existence, the mycellial network still extends there - the cause of my accident" Keelah@crystyll nods, "Subspace manipulation, of course. It's certainly possible, but we should not dwell on speculation. I did not ask you two here for that, but rather - to thank you" she smiles Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 smiles back, "I'm always happy to be of help, Captain." Keelah@crystyll | Emma looks from Keelah, to Eva, and back again Keelah@crystyll: "Come now, this is not the time for modesty; we owe our lives to the two of you. Without you taking charge when the crew got incapacitated we may very well have not survived this day. And for that, + Keelah@crystyll: + I am eternally grateful" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "I wasn't sure our plans were going to work there for a moment, but I'm glad they did. I think everyone else would've tried to do the same in our place." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "It's lucky that Kazra decided to test the implant on me earlier this week, so I could stay conscious to shield you. There's better telepaths than me on board, but they were probably surprised and - Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: - overwhelmed by the sudden attack. And if I didn't have the implant, I imagine I would've been too." Keelah@crystyll: "One thing you will one day learn about command, Lieutenant; sometimes luck plays a part, the key is not to second guess when it does. Only be thankful" Keelah@crystyll: "You have both earned a mark of distinction in your permanent files today, Mia too" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 smiles, "Thank you, Captain." Keelah@crystyll | Emma smiles as well, "Yes, thank you" Keelah@crystyll: "Now, don't let me keep you. It's been a long day and you earned a good rest. I must also still speak with Kazra about rolling out the implants to the entire crew" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 nods, "It's probably better to have that done as soon as possible, seeing what happened." Keelah@crystyll: "My thoughts exactly. Now go on, go enjoy some R&R" Keelah@crystyll | Emma stands and smiles, "You don't have to tell me twice, Captain. Don't worry, I'll make sure she gets some downtime" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 stands as well, "I can use some rest. And food. Blocking a Primeval's telepathy is very taxing work..." Keelah@crystyll: "I can well imagine. That will be all then" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 nods and heads out.
View AAR
AFTER ACTION REPORT STARFLEET SECURITY CLEARANCE LEVEL 2 | Confidential
FILED BY
CAPT Se'Lai
ON STARDATE
97403
LOCATION
KEY PERSONNEL
Sectors V-018
CAPT Se'Lai
LT Dra
ENS Ralde
MISSION PARAMETERSOUTCOME SUMMARY Investigate believed derelict spacecraft Derelict found to be bait for an artificial portal into a subspace pocket. Entity found within that is believed to be of the same species as those controlling the Horde. Truce negotiated and Valley Forge freed from trap with no sustained damage.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Priority 1: Full mandatory rollout of the telepathic inhibitor implant will commence without delay across the entire crew.
The group operating the trap have already surrendered their equipment and it no longer poses a threat. As Horde refugees they have been directed to the designated coordinates for tentative contact and support by the Colonial Fleet. Further scrutiny is advised before any accommodations are made, given the experience to date of this species' conduct.
NARRATIVE
After following sensor readings to investigate a derelict craft, the Valley Forge was drawn into what we surmised to be a subspace pocket of considerable relative proportion. While surveying the scattered starship remnants surrounding our entry point, we came under telepathic attack from an entity within the pocket realm. It almost instantly immobilized every member of the crew without warning, and held us all - speaking from personal experience - within a harrowing and nightmarish state.
Fortunately for us, LT Dra & ENS Ralde were already sporting fully functional trials of our newly development inhibitor implant which was designed to protect against similar forms of influence. Along with Tiah - who it seemed was naturally immune - Mia and the EMH, they were able to secure the ship and work from CMDR Meel's medical notes to fit me with one of the implants. This relied on LT Dra's substantial telepathic ability to effectively shield my mind while the inhibitor was fitted, a process which was visibly draining on LT Dra, to the point where I was not prepared to ask her to repeat the process immediately.
ENS Ralde had held the bridge for my return, and this coincided with the arrival of more vessels whom we learned to be responsible for setting this trap. They were caught off guard by our still-operational status which afforded us sufficient advantage to prevent them from boarding and salvaging the Valley Forge. We learned that these were Horde refugees who had stumbled upon the ability to manipulate the portal into this realm and began using it out of desperation to survive in the face of adversity. Further to this, we learned that they operated the portal by painfully manipulating the entity which resided in this realm; which was a catalyst for it's aggressively defensive behaviour, as we saw it.
After LT Dra successfully piqued the entity's interest through her attempts at communication with it, we were able to establish a complete dialogue both with it and the trappers who we had snared in a tractor beam, preventing them from fleeing the subspace pocket. Negotiations ensued and the trappers were convinced to abandon the technology they used to manipulate the vortex into this realm. Offset to this, the entity freely returned them and we provided them with details to contact the Arshai and establish a more progressive road ahead for their survival.
I was able to pursue a brief dialogue of interest with the entity, through which I came to believe that it is of the same species - or at least an equatable classification - as the telepathically powerful Primevals driving the Horde. Though this yielded little-to-no information of consequence regarding our mission, it did provide valuable insight into both the mindset and capability of these lifeforms. It also served as stress test of the implant technology, without which we would not likely have survived the encounter. Whilst there is no decisive information to support the theory, it is this officers personal judgement - interpreting what little was said on the subject - that the subspace pocket was an entirely artificial construct built by one of the ancient races such as the Preservers, Nuhar or Iconions. I believe it was constructed as a means of containment for the entity we met within, a prison as it were.