ST:TTV525 | "Ghost of Battles Past"

Stardate 97512.3

Q's second visit to the crew of the Valley Forge may glean more insight into his true intent, but at what cost...?

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NPC@annpc#5570 FX | The Valley Forge cruises through empty space, stars streaking by... NPC@annpc#5570 | The camera zooms in on the ship, then a specific window, going into Sin's quarters... Sin@crystyll sits at her desk, working quietly on the console NPC@annpc#5570 FX | The doorbell rings. Sin@crystyll stands and heads over to the door, "One of these days you might surprise me by not being you stood here" she jokes, turning right back inside and leaving the door open as invitation NPC@annpc#5570 | Luthril chuckles as she steps inside, "Perhaps, though as your guide I prefer you to surprise yourself, rather than going out of my way to surprise you." Sin@crystyll leans back lazily against the back of a chair, "Didn't have enough fill of my surprises back on Belyia? To what do I owe todays pleasure then?" she asks, laeving no scope to answer the first NPC@annpc#5570 | Luthril: "You haven't felt it yet, have you?" Sin@crystyll narrows her eyes a little, "Let's pretend I haven't..." NPC@annpc#5570 | Luthril motions to the chair, "Sit properly." Sin@crystyll turns and follows after Luthril moves to sit, not before managing an eyeroll when her back is turned at the matronly tone NPC@annpc#5570 | Luthril: "Close your eyes. Reach out and touch the universe around you, as I have taught you." Sin@crystyll sits up straight, both feet flat on the floor as she does so NPC@annpc#5570 | Luthril waits a few moments before speaking again, "Do you feel it now? There is a sickness in this place. It is faint- a barely sensable sign before the onset of symptoms, like the unease in - NPC@annpc#5570: - your throat before a cough, or the haze that clouds your mind before a migraine." Sin@crystyll nods slightly, "I feel it. But it is... unfamiliar. I do not know what it is I am feeling" NPC@annpc#5570 | Luthril: "Think back to when you were with my people. You've seen it before, but from much further away, rendered in a form comprehensible to your mind." NPC@annpc#5570 | Luthril: "We are getting close. Very close. The Horde is nearby, and soon our greatest challenge will be upon us." Sin@crystyll: "The visions" NPC@annpc#5570 | Luthril nods, "Yes. This place has not yet withered and died, but the disease is creeping in, its tendrils slowly writhing towards the heart." Sin@crystyll gasps lightly as her focused mind touches something else, "What...?" Sin@crystyll looks to Luthril, "What in the Stars is that?!" NPC@annpc#5570 | Luthril: "One of the Ascended has come to us. It is as I suspected. The time is near." Sin@crystyll: "Here, on the ship?" NPC@annpc#5570 | Luthril nods, "Do not worry. He has come to help- while he still can." Sin@crystyll: "Then I have to ask; what the hell are you doing here with me - shouldn't you be with him?" NPC@annpc#5570 | Luthril: "I know what I must do already. I am here to guide you. And he is here to guide another." Sin@crystyll: "Another?" She smiles a little, "Well this just got interesting..." --- NPC@annpc#5570 FX | Meanwhile on the Valley Forge bridge... NPC@annpc#5570 | Kelly: "Still nothing on sensors except star systems with no habitable worlds." NPC@annpc#5570 | Fisher: "Are you sure we're going in the right direction, Gwi?" NPC@annpc#5570 | Gwi: "Azatul mentioned passing by a red star. We passed that yesterday, and he said it was about halfway on the journey." NPC@annpc#5570 | Kelly: "We're sure he can be trusted? I mean, Lupan aren't exactly known for deception, but he did come from the zealots in the past. He may have little love for them now, but maybe he still - NPC@annpc#5570: - wants to protect his Holy City." Keelah@crystyll: "Which in most likelihood would be achieved by sending us right in the midst of their stronghold" Keelah@crystyll: "Fortunately, that is what we want so whether he is helping us or not, he is taking us where we need to go" NPC@annpc#5570 | Vrolmacht nods, "He has mentioned that the Holy City has dozens of Zealot packs guarding it. We are no threat to them." NPC@annpc#5570 | Kelly nods, "A mobile station and a fleet of packships, that's something we won't miss on sensors for sure." NPC@annpc#5570 | Kelly: "If we don't see it yet, chances are we won't be getting close for a while." Keelah@crystyll: "Doesn't mean they won't have patrols out far still. Maintain vigiliance and keep mindful of cloaked activity" NPC@annpc#5570 | Kelly: "We'll be alert. This place has been strangely quiet so far." NPC@annpc#5570 | Vrolmacht: "Too quiet." Keelah@crystyll | Rianni looks up at Vrolmacht, "I thought I'd taught you about saying things like that, Sir. Remember all those ancient Earth combat fictions we explored on the holodeck!" NPC@annpc#5570 | Vrolmacht: "Right. Good point, Cadet." Keelah@crystyll | Rianni giggles, almost sure she can see the crack of a toothy smirk from the Klingon NPC@annpc#5570 | Kelly: "Anyways, I think we have things in hand here at the moment, Captain. I'll let you know the moment something comes up." Keelah@crystyll nods, standing, "Very good. I promised Pia to look over some of her latest... imaginative ideas. I'll be in my ready room" NPC@annpc#5570 | The door to Keelah's ready room slides open...to reveal a man sitting in Keelah's chair. Keelah@crystyll pauses midstep as she looks to the figure. Turning her head back a little without taking eyes from him, "Commander Vrolmacht..." NPC@annpc#5570 | The figure looks up from the computer... NPC@annpc#5570 FX | https://i.imgur.com/7zP3fIH.jpg Keelah@crystyll is not impressed. NPC@annpc#5570 | Q: "Hello again, Captain." NPC@annpc#5570 FX | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjaejG-LDAQ&feature=emb_title Keelah@crystyll: "You're in my chair" she states flatly NPC@annpc#5570 | Q stands and sighs, "You Starfleet Captains, always so touchy about your chairs. Not even a 'May I come in, please?'" Keelah@crystyll: "No. You may not" she responds, turning his prose into a request to be denied as she sits - mostly just on principle of dominance NPC@annpc#5570 | Q: "So much for Federation hospitality..." NPC@annpc#5570 | On her computer, Keelah's personnel file is open. Keelah@crystyll: "Federation hospitality is for welcome guests, not stowaways" she glances the screen, looking back to him with a quirked brow, "Find what you were looking for?" gesturing to the screen before closing Keelah@crystyll: ...it NPC@annpc#5570 | Q: "Not quite. Your record says you have a medal for serving in the Klingon War. How many of those brainless brutes did you kill? A dozen? A hundred?" Keelah@crystyll: "I am an engineer, not a soldier" NPC@annpc#5570 | Q: "And yet here you are, leading your ship into possibly the greatest war of this era, a conflict that's as old as your kind of life in this universe." Keelah@crystyll: "We did not embark on this journey to find war, Q. We came to explore. But we can not ignore a threat like this, so if we have to fight to protect those who don't - then so be it" NPC@annpc#5570 | Q: "Even if you're not ready to face this threat? Even if it means the certain death of you and your people?" Keelah@crystyll: "Preferably not. But we are not without preparation" NPC@annpc#5570 | Q: "I'm not talking about your fancy implants and armour, as creative as they are for your primitive technology." Keelah@crystyll: "Why, Q; that almost sounds like a complement. But that is not our greatest strength, that is our unity" NPC@annpc#5570 | Q: "Oh, but your enemy is united too, in a way you could never be. Their unity can never break. Yours can, if it isn't strong enough." NPC@annpc#5570 | Q steps over behind Keelah's chair, leaning forward to peer at the computer, "But that's a matter for another day. I'm talking about you. What have /you/ done to be prepared for this? Fought a - NPC@annpc#5570: - couple of Tholians, drove off some Lupan? Cleaning out spiders and dogs- you know what we call that in the Continuum? Pest control." Keelah@crystyll: "It is. Countless times throughout history it has been underestimated. You yourself have consistently failed to value our-..." she perks a brow at the encroachment into her personal space Keelah@crystyll: "If you've been paying such close attention to my career then you know I have done far more than that" she stands, moving to put the desk between them NPC@annpc#5570 | Q: "If you're referring to your diplomacy, it won't help you here. If Picard couldn't even talk the Borg to death, what makes you think you can do any better with the Horde?" Keelah@crystyll: "Well tell me Q, since we lack your power to simply" snaps her fingers, "snap them out of existence, but seemingly do possess the will to act over those who do have the power to end this. What + Keelah@crystyll: + exactly more do you suggest? We give up? Run away to the far reaches of the galaxy and wait for death to consume everything?" NPC@annpc#5570 | Q: "This era will end eventually." He shrugs. "But if you insist on a suicide mission..." NPC@annpc#5570 | Q snaps his fingers. --- NPC@annpc#5570 FX | There is a flash of light, and Keelah finds herself in a different ready room... Keelah@crystyll raises her hand to stop him, "Q, wai-" but of course is too late. She looks around disorientated NPC@annpc#5570 | Many of her belongings seem to have been transported into the ready room, but the room itself is visibly smaller and of a different layout. The technology still seems relatively modern, so she - NPC@annpc#5570 - hasn't been transported to the time of jellybuttons or anything. Keelah@crystyll scowls, "...Q!" NPC@annpc#5570 | Keelah realizes that her uniform has changed as well... Keelah@crystyll briefly investigates the unfamiliar sensation of pants over her legs, "...Dammit Q, I know you're watching. Answer me!" NPC@annpc#5570 | Q's voice echoes through the ready room, "You're not ready, Keelah. That's why I'm giving you the opportunity to learn a lesson from someone who is." Keelah@crystyll: "To learn what, exactly?" NPC@annpc#5570 FX | No response... Keelah@crystyll holds an unimpressed frown, turning to spin the console to find out where and when she is supposed to be NPC@annpc#5570 | The LCARs on the computer is a significantly older version. The stardate places Keelah at sometime in late 2374. NPC@annpc#5570 | The computer still identifies the ship as the USS Valley Forge, though. Keelah@crystyll checks the registry to determine which VF NPC@annpc#5570 | It is NCC 43305...without the A. Keelah@crystyll: "43305..." she looks around again, almost with some admiration before turning back to the screen to keep digging Keelah@crystyll would check ship command structure and current location/mission details NPC@annpc#5570 | The senior command structure still lists Keelah's crew, though the overall crew complement is smaller. Their current location is at DS9, but they have orders to form up with the allied fleet - NPC@annpc#5570 - and proceed towards the Chin'toka system in 20 minutes. Keelah@crystyll: "Computer, what is the current location of Commander Keliaya?" NPC@annpc#5570 | Computer: "Commander Keliaya is on the bridge." Keelah@crystyll taps the intercom, "Keliaya, please join me in the ready room" NPC@annpc#5570 <C - Kelly> "I'm on my way, Captain." Keliaya@anncarise FX | A few seconds later, the doorbell rings. Keelah@crystyll: "Come" Keliaya@anncarise steps inside, also wearing a uniform of the time, "And here I was hoping Belyia was an isolated incident..." Keelah@crystyll seems to deflate a little at a clear sign Kelly also has her wits about her, "So it's not just me then. The whole crew is here?" Keliaya@anncarise shakes her head, "We were just getting our bearings on the bridge. It's not the whole crew, we're on a smaller ship and we have enough people to crew an Excelsior-class." Keliaya@anncarise: "All of our guests aren't here, along with some of the crew, but the senior staff are all present." Keelah@crystyll: "According to the computer we're moored at DS9 and under orders to form up with the allied fleet headings for the Chin'toka system. We've got 20 minutes" Keliaya@anncarise: "I can have the ship ready to go. I'm not as familiar with her as our own Valley Forge, but we can adapt easily enough. How did we get here, though?" Keliaya@anncarise: "Is this some kind of simulation or illusion?" Keelah@crystyll groans, "...Q" Keliaya@anncarise: "That's never good..." Keelah@crystyll: "So for all we know we are really here, on this ship in this time" Keliaya@anncarise: "If I remember right...wasn't the Chin'toka system where the Excelsior-class Valley Forge was damaged beyond repair, with significant casualties?" Keelah@crystyll nods, "Our own personal Kobayashi Maru" Keelah@crystyll: "We know the fate of this ship, so could turn events and avoid it's demise but at the risk of altering history" Keliaya@anncarise: "But if we don't, not all of us are going to make it out." Keelah@crystyll chuckles, "Like I said..." nodding Keelah@crystyll: "I don't mind admitting, Kelly; I am at a loss here and every assessment of the situation leads to second guesses of guesses upon guesses" Keliaya@anncarise: "I don't like the idea of putting everyone in harm's way when we can avoid it. At the same time, from what I remember of my history classes, the First Battle of Chin'toka was barely won. I'm - Keliaya@anncarise: - pretty sure some even argue it's a Pyrrhic victory. If a cruiser goes missing, it might just be enough to tip the outcome the other way." Keelah@crystyll: "So we join the fight, but I studied my predecessors well. I know this ship did not fall to enemy fire, but a collision with another vessel. So maybe we can aim to avoid that collision..." Keliaya@anncarise nods, "It's possible we can avoid going down." Keliaya@anncarise: "I can make whatever improvements I can in the meantime on the way to the system too. See if we can enhance the durability of this ship to better survive the battle." Keelah@crystyll: "I won't simply play Q's childish games to teach us a lesson by needlessly endangering my crew. I know the collision takes out one of our nacelles and that triggers a cascade overload through the EPS+ Keelah@crystyll: + grid. In proximity to the planet, the ship will lose power and fall into the natural gravity from there" Keelah@crystyll: "Once underway, we can prime all non-essential crew to the escape pods and be prepared to evacuate at a moments notice, should we not succeed in avoiding that collision" Keliaya@anncarise: "A good plan. I'll inform everyone and have them ready." Keelah@crystyll nods, "Alright... let's do this" Keliaya@anncarise turns and sets out from the ready room. Keelah@crystyll follows her out to the unfamiliar bridge Keliaya@anncarise | The same bridge crew from their VF are on the bridge, and look to Captain Keelah as she exits. Keelah@crystyll: "Ok everyone, I know this is unsettling..." she offers with a surrendering raise of her hands Keelah@crystyll: "Suffice to say there is every chance is this very real. We are on the old Valley Forge and about to disembark for the Chin'toka system" Keelah@crystyll: "And yes - for those who recognize that name - it is indeed where our namesake met it's demise" Keelah@crystyll: "But we know the circumstances, and will make every effort to survive this day. Kelly will be coordinating the crew to evacuation positions well ahead of the battle and we will go in with bare + Keelah@crystyll: + minimum only in control. We are not out to win a war, just survive the day" Keliaya@anncarise nods, "We have the advantage of knowing how this is going to play out, so we have a much better chance at surviving this." Keelah@crystyll: "We are Starfleet officers and as such we will perform our duty to the best of our abilities with all that is available to us, future knowledge not withstanding. Mr. Fisher... take us out" Keliaya@anncarise | Fisher: "Aye aye, Captain." Keliaya@anncarise FX | On the main viewscreen, the Valley Forge forms up with the diverse fleet ahead of them, comprised of Federation, Klingon and Romulan vessels. Keelah@crystyll | Rianni watches, "I remember studying this battle. It was one of first real accounts of what we now regard as the modern Alliance" she notes of the 3 distinct factions standing together Keliaya@anncarise: "Both times it's taken a significant threat to bring us all together. Hopefully, the modern iteration will last past that." Keelah@crystyll: "It has already stood more resolute than any previous temporary measure" Keliaya@anncarise | Eva: "We're getting the signal to warp out, Captain." Keliaya@anncarise: "Let's survive the past first before we worry about the future." Keelah@crystyll nods to the front, "Well said Kelly. Engage, Mr. Fisher" Keliaya@anncarise | Fisher nods and taps his console, and the Valley Forge jumps to warp alongside the other ships of the fleet... --- Keliaya@anncarise FX | Shortly after, Mia is called down to Main Engineering of the Excelsior-class VF... Mia@crystyll wanders in, looking oddly comfortable and familiar in the setting, "Allo?" Keliaya@anncarise steps out from behind a console, "Hello Mia." Mia@crystyll: "Ms. Kelly! Can we be of some assistance to you?" Keliaya@anncarise: "Has the Captain told you of her plan yet?" Mia@crystyll nods, "We are aware of the plan but have no specific role to play in it" Keliaya@anncarise: "You know the rosters well. I want you to help assign non-essential crew to escape pods before we go into battle." Mia@crystyll: "of course! We took the liberty of downloading this vessels schematics. With a quick tie in to sensors we can optimize crew distribution" Keliaya@anncarise smiles, "Perfect. And one more thing." Mia@crystyll: "Hm?" Keliaya@anncarise: "Professor Lycas wasn't brought here with us. That means with your historical knowledge and the schematics you just downloaded, you're the best expert we have on this ship." Mia@crystyll smiles, "What can we do to help?" Keliaya@anncarise: "I'm hoping to have you down here in Engineering during the battle. I have to learn as I go, unfortunately I don't have the capability to upload schematics to my brain," she grins. Mia@crystyll giggles, "We will be happy to assist! We can work on evacuation assignment from here too" Keliaya@anncarise smiles, "Thank you, Mia. We're lucky to have you along." Mia@crystyll: "We will do our part Ms. Kelly!" Keliaya@anncarise nods, "Let's get to work, then." --- Keliaya@anncarise FX | Some time later on the bridge, the crew work at their stations as the ship travels at warp... Keliaya@anncarise <C> "Engineering to Bridge." Keelah@crystyll | <C> Go ahead Keliaya@anncarise: <C> "Everything is ready here. All non-essential personnel are standing by for evacuation order, and we've done what we can to optimize the ship's durability in the limited time." Keelah@crystyll <C> Very good. We're as ready as can be then Keliaya@anncarise: <C> "I'll stay here in Main Engineering, where I can be of most help." Keliaya@anncarise | Fisher: "ETA to the Chin'toka system is five minutes." Keelah@crystyll <C> Understood. Remember what we know; in case that collision does occur, you'll need your finger on the button to shut down the core before it breaches" Keelah@crystyll glances up <C> We're 5 minutes out Keliaya@anncarise: <C> "I'll be ready, Captain." Keliaya@anncarise | Suddenly, Q's voice sounds from behind Keelah, "Such conviction! Marching into battle, even though you know full well what the outcome will be." Keelah@crystyll turns to see if he's actually there this time Keliaya@anncarise | The bridge crew turns as well, and they do see an actual Q standing there, now wearing a DS9 uniform. Keelah@crystyll: "Are you here to help or just to revel in your trickery once more?" Keliaya@anncarise | Q: "Revel? Well, I suppose the fun's just beginning, isn't it?" Keliaya@anncarise | He snaps his fingers and is gone as randomly as he appears. Keelah@crystyll pinches the bridge of her nose, sitting and focusing herself Keliaya@anncarise | Soon, Fisher announces: "We're entering the system now, Captain." Keelah@crystyll: "Standby tactical systems. Time to play follow the leader" Keliaya@anncarise FX | https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/memoryalpha/images/1/15/Chin%27toka_planets.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20100207144755&path-prefix=en Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "Tactical systems are ready." Keliaya@anncarise | Fisher: "We're approaching the defended planets." Keelah@crystyll: "Enemy status?" Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "Their defense platforms are offline. A squadron of Jem'Hadar vessels are moving in to intercept." Keliaya@anncarise | TQ: "We're getting orders to remain in formation and let the Klingons deal with the Jem'Hadar." Keelah@crystyll: "Suits me just fine" Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "The Klingons have engaged the Jem'Hadar. They are taking heavy damage from ramming maneuvers." Keelah@crystyll: "The Jem'Hadar know they are outmatched against the Klingons" Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "The Jem'Hadar are desperately trying to buy time for the defenses. Their numbers are quickly dwindling." Keelah@crystyll: "As frustrating as it is, remember our purpose here. We follow orders and stay in formation for now" Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht nods, "Yes Captain." Keliaya@anncarise | TQ: "We have the go-ahead from General Martok to advance and attack the defense platforms." Keelah@crystyll: "Stay on our lead's wing and prepare to engage" Keliaya@anncarise | Fisher: "Aye aye." Keliaya@anncarise | The VF and allied ships advance on the weapon platforms... Keliaya@anncarise FX | https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/memoryalpha/images/4/4d/Cardassian_orbital_weapon_platform.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20190224090312&path-prefix=en Keliaya@anncarise | Fisher: "Approaching weapons range in three." Keelah@crystyll: "Fire forward weapons, and check your lock. There's a lot of friendly targets out there" Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht nods, "Weapons locked on confirmed hostile targets. Firing." Keliaya@anncarise | Phasers and torpedoes fire from the front of the Excelsior-class, destroying a weapons platform directly ahead and sending the one behind it spinning out of control. Beside them, the other - Keliaya@anncarise: - allied vessels fire, similarly taking out the first wall of defenses and quickly proceeding to sweeping up the next. Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "The defense platforms are coming online!" Keelah@crystyll: "Evasive pattern delta-2. Don't let them get a lock" Keliaya@anncarise | Fisher nods and taps at his console frantically, veering out of the way just as a beam comes in their direction. The ship rocks however as a cannon impacts from the side. Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "Shields at 90%." Keliaya@anncarise | Fisher: "This Valley Forge isn't as maneuverable as I'm used to..." Keelah@crystyll: "Just nice and steady. The old girl's got plenty of kick still" Keliaya@anncarise | The ship rocks again while Vrolmacht returns fire on the platforms targetting them. Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "80%. Allied forces are taking heavy fire." Keelah@crystyll: "Status of the enemy defense line?" Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "We've taken out a few platforms, but they have more weapons remaining than we do." Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "The platforms appear to come with shielding on par with a small escort. It is far more difficult to destroy them now that they are online." Keelah@crystyll: "The most logical course would be to punch a hole through that perimeter and come in behind their targeting arc Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "We can- Captain, the platforms are targeting an Akira-class vessel nearby!" Keelah@crystyll: "Evasive manouvers, launch escape pods" Keliaya@anncarise | The Excelsior lurches out of the way as the Akira goes out of control... Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "Escape pods away!" Keliaya@anncarise | There is a small rumble and a shake on the bridge. Keelah@crystyll: "Status?" Keliaya@anncarise | Fisher: "We've just managed to avoid the Akira." Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "Shields down to 65%. We've taken a few more hits from the weapon platforms." Keelah@crystyll: "Hold her steady, this is far from over still. Bring us back in with the lead and continue to press the attack" Keliaya@anncarise | Fisher: "Aye aye, Captain." Keliaya@anncarise | The VF reforms with the fleet and continues the attack, their weapons slowly chipping away at the defense platforms, whose return fire wreaks havoc around them. Keliaya@anncarise | TQ: "We're getting new orders from the Defiant. They've located a power generator for the defenses and are directing the attack there." Keelah@crystyll: "Adjust heading and support the Defiant. They have some of the strongest weapons here so lets carve a path and get them through" Keliaya@anncarise | Fisher: "Adjusting heading. The new target is on a small shielded moon." Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "The Defiant and a Bird of Prey is forming up for the attack run." Keliaya@anncarise | Fisher: "Approaching weapons range." Keelah@crystyll: "Continue suppressive fire. Helm, barrel us over the Defiant - interrupt enemy target locks" Keliaya@anncarise | Fisher nods and the Valley Forge barrels over the Defiant as the three ships make a pass at the moon, weapons firing. Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "The Defiant and Bird of Prey has inflicted negligible damage to the moon's shielding. They appear to be diverting weapons power to better defend the power source." Keelah@crystyll jumps back over the horseshoe to man engineering, "I'm pushing everything to weapons including life support from evacuated decks. Hit them with everything" Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "The Defiant is making another attack run and more ships are joining us." Keliaya@anncarise | Fisher: "Circling back into weapons range in ten seconds." Keelah@crystyll: "Stay tight and keep them unbalanced. I'm surging everything to the forward weapons, it won't be pretty on the lower decks afterwards, but should make a significant boost to output" Keliaya@anncarise | Fisher nods as they keep the ship in formation for the next attack run, "Weapons range!" Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "Target locked." Keelah@crystyll: "Fire!" Keelah@crystyll braces against her console for the turbulence from her predicted weapons overload Keliaya@anncarise | The Excelsior unleashes all weapons at the moon alongside the other vessels. The ship shakes violently from the weapons overload. Keelah@crystyll looks back over her shoulder to watch the viewscreen for an update Keliaya@anncarise | On the viewscreen, the weapon platforms return fire and they watch in horror as the bird of prey is clipped on the wing and barrels right towards them. Fisher pulls the ship aside, but the - Keliaya@anncarise: - crashes into the side of the saucer, going down in a flash of light. Keliaya@anncarise | The bridge rocks violently as lights flicker, and TQ is knocked back from her console. Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "Shields are down!" Keelah@crystyll: "Get us out of here!" Keelah@crystyll: <C> Kelly, it's time Keliaya@anncarise <C> "Understood, Captain." Keliaya@anncarise | The VF begins pulling away from the moon when there is another violent shake. Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "They've scored a direct hit on our port nacelle." Keliaya@anncarise | Fisher: "We're drifting!" Keelah@crystyll staggers to another console to check the core status, "Can you do anything to level us off?" Keliaya@anncarise | Core containment is failing...but it hasn't be ejected yet. Keliaya@anncarise | Fisher: "I've lost all helm control. Good news is we're drifting /away/ from the moon." Keliaya@anncarise | Fisher: "We must've cleared its gravity already." Keelah@crystyll: "If you can't do anything more Mr. Fisher, then get to your escape pod. All of you... it's time to leave" Keelah@crystyll: <C> Kelly, we're bailing out Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht nods, "Yes Captain." Keliaya@anncarise FX | No response from engineering... --- Keliaya@anncarise | Down in Main Engineering... Keliaya@anncarise | Lights are flickering erratically as the whole ship shakes. Keliaya@anncarise | <C - Keelah> "Kelly, it's time." Keliaya@anncarise: <C> "Understood, Captain." Keliaya@anncarise moves to eject the core when there is a more violent explosion, launching her tumbling across Engineering. A tank bursts, engulfing a nearby crewman and disintegrating him instantly. Keliaya@anncarise FX | https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/memoryalpha/images/6/64/Plasma_coolant%2C_first_contact.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20120805225304&path-prefix=en Keliaya@anncarise | The plasma coolant engulfs Kelly's console and begins to quickly envelop the room. Keliaya@anncarise: "Ensign! Ventilation!" Mia@crystyll rushes over to pull Kelly clear Keliaya@anncarise | Ensign: "It's not venting fast enough!" Keliaya@anncarise stands back up, tapping a button and a force field springs into place between them and the core for a brief second...before dissipating. Keliaya@anncarise: "Come on..." Keliaya@anncarise taps the console again and a force field springs into place over the entrance of Engineering. Mia@crystyll: "Ms. Kelly there is no time, you must evacuate main engineering!" Keliaya@anncarise nods, "Everyone get to the force field!" Keliaya@anncarise | The Ensign and two other crewmen remaining in Engineering runs over to the force field, but a bulkhead collapses, crushing one of the crewmen and blocking the path. Keliaya@anncarise: "That's our only way out...we can't reach the tubes and the transporters are offline..." Keliaya@anncarise backs up towards the collapse as the coolant seeps closer. Mia@crystyll meanwhile, ripples out of view while Miadrone moves to manually override the ejection systems, coasting casually through the haze Keliaya@anncarise | Consoles begin beeping as the core starts going critical. Keliaya@anncarise FX | Mia is unaffected by the coolant due to having no organic body and manages to activate the manual override! Keliaya@anncarise | The core is ejected out the ship, but the entire area is now covered in coolant. Mia@crystyll | Miadrone hovers around as she assesses her situation. Then moving to the forcefield Keliaya@anncarise FX | There is no sign of Kelly or the other engineers. Mia@crystyll hovers around other areas, looking for a way out Keliaya@anncarise | The jefferies tunnels are still there, just previously inaccessible to the organics as it is past the area where the coolant had already covered. As she searches, she notices someone walking - Keliaya@anncarise - through the mist... Mia@crystyll | Miadrone emits a curious and inquisitive beep as nobody should be alive in the coolant Keliaya@anncarise | The figure walks over towards Mia, clapping and speaking in a familiar voice... Keliaya@anncarise | Q: "Bravo! Bravo! You did it." Mia@crystyll | Miadrone gives another questioning beep Keliaya@anncarise | Q: "You ejected the core without hesitation, saved everyone else! You're the big hero!" Keliaya@anncarise | Q snaps his fingers and the coolant vanishes around them. There is still no sign of anyone who was in the coolant though. Mia@crystyll ripples back into view, "It was the logical course of action, nothing more. Organic lifeforms can not function within the chemical composition of the coolant. We can" Keliaya@anncarise | Q: "And that, little machine, is why you're going to be so much more important than you know." Mia@crystyll: "The moral debate of deciding to eject the core had already been determined by Capitaine Keelah and the order given, so we had no quandry to ponder" Mia@crystyll: "Monsieur Q, are you preluding to a scenario such as this occurring to our own ship and crew? That all of this exercise was for for our benefit personally?" Keliaya@anncarise | Q: "Ah ah ah, spoilers. Not this situation precisely, but you'll see." Keliaya@anncarise | Q: "Many organics would've probably tried to find some way to save their friends from the coolant. But you knew what you had to do and you did it." Mia@crystyll: "We had already taken every measure to evacuate friends from the coolant. Those who were caught behind were already sealed in their fate to it" Keliaya@anncarise | Q: "As your friends will be in your own timeline. Let's hope you can act without hesitation then as well, shall we?" Keliaya@anncarise | Q waves, "Au revoir, mademoiselle Mia!" Keliaya@anncarise | He flashes and disappears. Mia@crystyll: "What a strange creature..." Mia@crystyll | Miadrone gives an affirmative beep --- NPC@annpc#5570 | Back on the bridge... NPC@annpc#5570 | Vrolmacht: "Wait...the core is being ejected!" NPC@annpc#5570 | Fisher: "With our previous velocity, we might be able to drift away from the worst of the blast in time." Keelah@crystyll <C> Good job Kelly! Keelah@crystyll moves back to the engineering station, "There might not be much left in the reactors, but I'll push whatever I can to reinforce the facing arc NPC@annpc#5570 FX | Keelah manages to reinforce the facing arc just in time as the core explodes. The Excelsior rumbles violently, but stays in one piece. Keelah@crystyll | <C-Mia> Ms Kelly had to evacuate with her team mon Capitaine. But we completed the ejection sequence as ordered! Keelah@crystyll pauses, smiling a little <C> Good job Mia, you just saved our skins NPC@annpc#5570 | Shortly after, there is a second rumble. Keelah@crystyll calls out behind her as she works, "What is our status?" NPC@annpc#5570 | Vrolmacht: "The moon has been destroyed. We are at minimal power, but life support is operational for now." Keelah@crystyll moves to comms, "I'm sending a general distress for our escape pods" NPC@annpc#5570 FX | Soon, the surviving ships begin picking up escape pods, and one of them contacts the VF to tow the ship back to DS9. Keelah@crystyll answers with a grateful acceptance NPC@annpc#5570 FX | On the viewscreen, a slightly damaged but mostly intact Galaxy-class catches the VF in a tractor beam. Keelah@crystyll checks on TQ now the worst is over Keelah@crystyll finds a heavy wound to her head that will likely leave her concussed for a while, but she's in one piece NPC@annpc#5570 | Vrolmacht: "We have casualty reports coming in, Captain." Keelah@crystyll: "How bad?" NPC@annpc#5570 | Vrolmacht: "Fifteen fatalities on the ship, and three of the escape pods were lost in the chaos." Keelah@crystyll: "Not exactly good news, but could have been a lot worse" NPC@annpc#5570 | Vrolmacht: "Commander Keliaya and Lieutenant Silvestrie were among the casualties. And one of the escape pods contained our neuroscience specialist." Keelah@crystyll: "There is little to be done up here now. We're dead in space and under tow, so I want all capable personnel in sickbay tending the wounded" Keelah@crystyll kneels and carefully lifts TQ, "That includes me" she notes, moving gently to the turbolift NPC@annpc#5570 | Vrolmacht and Fisher nods, both standing and moving over to the lift as well, with Vrolmacht moving over to help Keelah. Keelah@crystyll: "It's ok Commander. I've got her" she nods firmly NPC@annpc#5570 | Vrolmacht nods, "You take the lift first. You'll need the room." Keelah@crystyll gives another nod, reaching out to activate the panel as they step back NPC@annpc#5570 FX | The lift doors close as Keelah descends to sickbay. NPC@annpc#5570 | As the lift begins moving, Keelah hears Q's voice behind her, "Well you managed to keep the ship intact. I'm impressed." Keelah@crystyll slowly turns, "I trust this means we've provided sufficient entertainment for you and we can all go back to our own lives now" NPC@annpc#5570 | Q: "Actually, I was hoping you would all be in escape pods. How you keep these primitive tin cans flying is beyond me." Keelah@crystyll: "It seems that once again you underestimate our resolve" NPC@annpc#5570 | Q: "And once again your Starfleet shows no appreciation for me." Keelah@crystyll: "Oh no, I get it. Just as you once hurled the Enterprise into the path of a Borg cube. In your own backwards way, you work to help us. To prepare us for the dangers that await. You may hide your Keelah@crystyll: + noble intent from most behind your juvenile facade, but I see right through it. What I do not know, is why. Why the games and double-entendres? Why not just come out with it and lay the facts out + Keelah@crystyll: + plainly for once?" NPC@annpc#5570 | Q: "What's the fun in that? Besides, life is full of metaphors. Do you think this war you're so recklessly charging into is really about stopping a rampaging Horde from overrunning the galaxy?" NPC@annpc#5570 | Q: "Things are /always/ more than they seem, mon capitaine. I'd have thought you of all people would know that by now." Keelah@crystyll: "No, I think it is about protecting life in this galaxy from an ancient nemesis deadlier even than the Senn. One that I think has even the Continuum worried" Keelah@crystyll: "Be honest Q. These Primevals... they are the reason the Continuum created the galactic barrier. Aren't they?" NPC@annpc#5570 | Q: "Yes...and no. We created the barrier to protect you, but not from what you think." NPC@annpc#5570 | Q: "Since you proved yourself at least somewhat competent, let me give you one parting gift." Keelah@crystyll perks a brow NPC@annpc#5570 | Q: "You have no idea what you're getting into. And because I'm just a kind and benevolent person, I'm going to give you a peek at the face of your enemy." NPC@annpc#5570 | Q snaps his fingers again... Keelah@crystyll again opens her mouth to protest but finds it too late NPC@annpc#5570 | Keelah appears in a long cave. There are crystals lining the walls and ground, crystals that glow a faint, pulsing blue colour like lights leading Keelah onward. NPC@annpc#5570 | TQ is nowhere to be found. Keelah@crystyll cautiously proceeds, finding the experience strangely reminiscent of her time on the Senn ship NPC@annpc#5570 | Keelah travels through the cave of glowing cave which twists and turns. Eventually, she begins to see bright, almost blinding sunlight coming from the end of the cave, but the light is blocked - NPC@annpc#5570 - by something tall in the centre. It only manages to slip through the edges and gaps of whatever lies between her and the exit, making the shape all the more darker. Keelah@crystyll continues her steady approach, figuring she can't do much else to get out of this vision anyway NPC@annpc#5570 | As she gets closer, she can see what is blocking the light... NPC@annpc#5570 FX | https://i.imgur.com/NaEFkru.png Keelah@crystyll curiously studies the sight as it comes into focus NPC@annpc#5570 | As she gets closer, a layer of mist begins to fade from what appears to be a tall mirror. NPC@annpc#5570 | The outline of a figure starts to become distinguishable in the mirror... NPC@annpc#5570 | The figure slowly becomes more and more distinct, no longer shadowy but instead looking like a generic humanoid, except without hair. As Keelah stares at it, it begins to morph, its shape - NPC@annpc#5570 - becoming more feminine, round ears forming, then stretching out to points, hair sprouting from the top of the head...until she finds her own reflection staring back at her. Keelah@crystyll frowns at the metaphorical message NPC@annpc#5570 | As the mirror clears up completely, it is almost a perfect reflection...save for one thing. The crystals in the mirror glow a deep red. Keelah@crystyll: "What is the meaning of this?" NPC@annpc#5570 FX | No answer. Keelah@crystyll studies the reflection, analyzing any subtle differences or details NPC@annpc#5570 | It appears to be completely identical to her and her surroundings, save for the red crystals. But as she examines the reflection, she notices that there is a faint red glow on her too... Keelah@crystyll focuses on that, holding an arm out as she studies her own glow NPC@annpc#5570 | It seems to be cast on her by a light source, and not emanating from her own body. Keelah@crystyll looks around to identify the source NPC@annpc#5570 | She notices that the crystals around her are no longer blue, but glowing the same deep red as inside the reflection... NPC@annpc#5570 | Then, she hears a rumbling and feels the ground beginning to shake... Keelah@crystyll looks around again to see what's going on now NPC@annpc#5570 | She turns just in time to see the entrance of the cave beginning to collapse, first small pebbles and clouds of dust, then large boulders. A wave of dust washes over her, and when her vision - NPC@annpc#5570: - clears, the light at the end of the tunnel can no longer be seen. NPC@annpc#5570 FX | The crystals around her fade until they go dark completely, leaving her unable to see. NPC@annpc#5570 | Then, once Keelah blinks her eyes, she finds herself in her own ready room again on board the modern Valley Forge. NPC@annpc#5570 | She is back in her uniform, and Q is nowhere to be seen. Keelah@crystyll looks around, "Q...?" NPC@annpc#5570 | Q's voice achos through the room, "I've shown you what you needed to see. It's as literal as it gets. You'll understand soon enough. There's some lessons that have to be learned the hard way." NPC@annpc#5570 | Q: "Good luck Captain! You'll need it..." NPC@annpc#5570 | Keelah catches Q's visage outside the window, but it quickly fades to nothingness. Keelah@crystyll: "Q!" she curses NPC@annpc#5570 | Silence. Keelah@crystyll sighs, again pinching the bridge of her nose, moving to the replicator for a well needed drink NPC@annpc#5570 FX | The comm sounds as Keelah replicates her drink. Keelah@crystyll takes her time, enjoying a sip of calming spiced tea before moving to her desk Keelah@crystyll <C> Se'Lai NPC@annpc#5570: <C - Kelly> "Captain! Are you alright?" Keelah@crystyll: <C> Kelly. I assume you and everyone else remembers the illusion I just experienced?" NPC@annpc#5570: <C - Kelly> "Everyone on the bridge does, at least. I'm not sure about the ones who weren't taken there with us." Keelah@crystyll: <C> What about time index? Have we been gone for an equivalent amount of time as well? NPC@annpc#5570: <C - Kelly> "No, no time has passed at all. And all the crew are accounted for, so it seems nothing has changed here." Keelah@crystyll: "We should get the senior staff together. Luthril, Sin and Mia too. Everyone who can interpret symbology and visions, or has associated experience" NPC@annpc#5570: <C - Kelly> "Good idea. I'll call a meeting now." Keelah@crystyll: <C> And Professor Lycas too. I may need his particular expertise" NPC@annpc#5570: <C - Kelly> "I'll notify him as well." Keelah@crystyll: <C> Thank you Kelly. I'll see you there Keelah@crystyll wanders in last for a change Keelah@crystyll takes her seat, "Ok. We all know what we experienced at the hands of Q's latest intervention. Was everyone here taken to that reality?" NPC@annpc#5570 | Luthril: "I was not present, and neither was Sin. I believe its guidance was not meant for us." NPC@annpc#5570 | Lycas: "And neither was I. I was unaware anything at all had transpired until Commander Keliaya notified me of it." Keelah@crystyll: "In summary; many of us were forced to play out the final moments of our predecessor - the Excelsior Valley Forge, 43305" NPC@annpc#5570 | Lycas: "I am familiar with the vessel, though not personally. It was critically damaged during the Dominion War, if I am not mistaken." Keelah@crystyll nods, "The battle of Chin'toka. We played out those events, which I believe to have been orchestrated by Q as a sort of personalized Kobayashi Maru. At least that's the impression I got from him" Keelah@crystyll | Mia chimes in, "Actually mon Capitaine, monsieur Q also paid us a visit after we ejected the core..." Keelah@crystyll: "Oh?" Keelah@crystyll | Mia nods, "Oui. He implied that the scenario was a test of our capacity to act rationally and sacrifice the few for the sake of the many" Keelah@crystyll: "Sacrifice the few...?" Keelah@crystyll looks to Kelly for clarity NPC@annpc#5570 | Kelly: "Mia did well. It was the right call, almost like something you'd see on a Starfleet Command training test, just more...real. Even if she managed to stop the coolant leak in Main - NPC@annpc#5570: - Engineering, the core going critical would've killed us all. Ejecting the core immediately was the only thing that could be done." Keelah@crystyll: "And this was done at the sacrifice of crewmen trapped in the chamber, I assume from your context?" NPC@annpc#5570 | Kelly nods, "We were all trapped in Main Engineering. Those of us who were essential to its operation and weren't evacuated, at least." Keelah@crystyll: "Fair enough. A tough scenario indeed, I remember a similar test from my academy days. You did well Mia, again" she smiles a little Keelah@crystyll: "And Q spoke with you after this took place?" Keelah@crystyll | Mia nods, "Oui. He appeared after we ejected the core and congratulated us on being able to make the sacrificial decision that organic lifeforms often face moral dilemmas with" Keelah@crystyll | Mia: "We explained that the moral quandry was already handled by your giving the order, and that our processing of the information is simply exponentially faster. But he vanished before we could + Keelah@crystyll: + clarify this. He did imply that our capacity to act in this manner would be important during our current mission, though. Not exactly that situation, but something likened to it at least" Keelah@crystyll: "Troubling predictions, but I won't let vague soothsaying make us second guess our course of action. Thank you for the update Mia" Keelah@crystyll looks around, "There was a further interaction I had with Q at the end. Further indication of his goal in preparing us to face the Horde. However he also left me with what he called a parting gift, + Keelah@crystyll: + which I am having difficulty focusing" she looks to Luthril and Sin, "You ladies have more experience interpreting visions, it is my hope that you can help us understand what I saw" Keelah@crystyll to Lycas, "Professor. To best portray this experience without bias, if you are willing, I believe it would be most fruitful for us to meld and for you to voice the experience; lest I show perceptual+ Keelah@crystyll: + bias" NPC@annpc#5570 | Lycas nods, "I am willing to do so." NPC@annpc#5570 | He stands and makes his way over to Keelah. Keelah@crystyll stands, "I am glad you too see it as the most logical course of action. I am ready" NPC@annpc#5570 | Lycas places his hands around Keelah's face and begins the meld. NPC@annpc#5570 | Lycas: "I am...in a cave. There are glowing crystals around me, lighting the way, leading me forward." NPC@annpc#5570 | Lycas: "I proceed through the cave, and there is a light at the end. But...something is obscuring that light. A mirror." NPC@annpc#5570 | Lycas: "As I look into the mirror, the glaze on it begins to clear. I can see a figure...a biped but with no distinct features." NPC@annpc#5570 | Lycas: "The biped is beginning to develop features. My features. It is my face in the mirror. Captain Keelah's reflection. But the crystals in the reflection are glowing red, not blue." NPC@annpc#5570 | Lycas: "And...so are the crystals around me. Something is happening. The entrance is collapsing, and the light is cut off. The crystals are fading...and then darkness." NPC@annpc#5570 | Lycas removes his hands, staring at Keelah with a quirked brow, "Fascinating." Keelah@crystyll perks a brow back in response, "Indeed" before retaking her seat Keelah@crystyll: "Q stated beforehand that this vision was to show me the true face of our enemy" NPC@annpc#5570 | Lycas returns to his seat as well. NPC@annpc#5570 | Luthril: "Perhaps it means that our enemy has no face. That our enemy takes whatever face it can access, like yours." Keelah@crystyll: "My first instinct is that he was trying to say that we are our own worst enemy. That would be consistent with his historical action, but... it doesn't quite sit right with the reflection analogy and+ Keelah@crystyll: + the crystal colours" NPC@annpc#5570 | Luthril: "It could be a warning. The reflection is what the Horde wishes to change you into, and if you are not careful, you will join with the enemy you have come to stop." Keelah@crystyll: "A distinct possibility" NPC@annpc#5570 | Luthril: "Or it may be all of these explanations. Often times, there is no single right interpretation to something as cryptic as a vision." Keelah@crystyll: "True. I suppose the real question is what - if anything - do we take away from this whole experience. The very fact that Q saw fit to interfere this way, and why now" NPC@annpc#5570 | Luthril: "I believe it may be because the Horde is nearby, and we will soon encounter them." Keelah@crystyll: "If that was meant to sound reassuring..." NPC@annpc#5570 | Luthril: "It is not, but it is the best explanation I am able to offer. I have felt it, as has Sin." Keelah@crystyll: "The presence of the Primevals?" NPC@annpc#5570 | Luthril: "The presence of their corruption. It can be felt here, perhaps carried by some of their minions, or perhaps their influence has already spread this far and are slowly warping the - NPC@annpc#5570: - minds of those in this region." Keelah@crystyll: "Just how strong is this sensation? I mean, could it mean the presence of a being itself like we faced inthe void?" NPC@annpc#5570 | Luthril: "It is far from that strength, from this distance at least. When we come closer to those beings orchestrating the Horde, it may be as strong, or even stronger." Keelah@crystyll: "Still, a troubling presence nonetheless" NPC@annpc#5570 | Luthril: "Indeed. I fear it may be relatively soon that we encounter the Horde itself." Keelah@crystyll: "Considering that we are anticipating arrival at the Lupan Holy City, that could prove... interesting" NPC@annpc#5570 | Lycas: "Fortunately, the Lupan are most likely immune to their influence. We will not have to worry about Horde influence over them, though they present their own set of challenges." Keelah@crystyll: "Indeed. Well, if there is nothing more I believe the best we can do for now is reflect on these experiences. Further contemplation may open other interpretations to us" NPC@annpc#5570 | Luthril: "Agreed. I will think on this vision the Ascended has presented to you, and let you know if I find any more potential meaning to it." Keelah@crystyll nods, "Thank you. If I can provide anything more to assist, do let me know. If there is nothing more however, you're all dismissed"

View AAR

AFTER ACTION REPORT STARFLEET SECURITY CLEARANCE LEVEL 3 | Restricted

FILED BY

CAPT Se'Lai

ON STARDATE

97512.3

LOCATION

KEY PERSONNEL

Sectors V-022

MISSION PARAMETERSOUTCOME SUMMARY Unexpected visitation from Q Continuum. Despite his methods and crude insistence on cryptic wording and riddles, I believe Q's intent was wholesome - albeit misguided - in it's intention to prepare us to face the challenges which lay ahead. This is a rather foreboding commentary, given the nature of experience at Q's hands, but whilst the intervention was unwelcome; the interest and willingness to support is not.

RECOMMENDATIONS

No further action required.

NARRATIVE

Whilst cruising through deep space in Sector V-022; my duty shift was disrupted by a visit from Q Continuum; believed to be the same individual entity who previously visited this crew. He spoke of our ill-preparedness to face the challenges that lay ahead of us; quoting familiar lines about our civilization being juvenile and still on trial, et-cetera.

In order to help us prepare for this, we were transported away to another time and place. A large number of my officers and I found ourselves stationed on a starship from an earlier point in Federation history, and in appropriate uniform to that era. We found it to be the predecessor to our vessel - USS Valley Forge NCC-43305 - Excelsior Class vessel. We were docked at DS9 preparing to join that ship's fated mission in supporting the join alliance initiative against Cardassian aggressors. Thankfully, both my senior staff and I had extensive knowledge of this ship and it's fate, and so resided ourselves to 'playing along' but not willingly following the established course of events - as we did not know if were experiencing an illusion or reality.

Events played out similarly to as recorded in history, though knowing of the in flight collision that would occur to ultimately be the downfall of the ship, we prepared evacuation and emergency shutdown procedures. This avoided the initial chain reaction failure to occur from the impact, though we found our altered course of events led to a parallel outcome with a second in flight impact to the saucer section leading to the same results.

After this, we were returned to the present and a suitably smug Q left us alone. A check of historical records showed they were as we remembered and not affected by our chosen course of actions, leading to the conclusion that it was indeed an illusion or at worst; an alternate reality.