ST:TTV621 | "Kolari"
Stardate 98182.2
Jenni, Emma & Ann are joined by Orion conscript Taizam-Dur to perform salvage operations on the rogue planetoid. A mundane mission takes an unexpected turn when raiders attack and force a desperate escape attempt; launching the fleeing runabout across space and time...
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Emma Ralde@crystyl FX | A few days after Lennie's team discovered the next clue at the Iconian ruins, a salvage team wraps up the last of their Element-One gathering Emma Ralde@crystyl | Jenni works away excitedly, still aghast at finding so much of their rare fuel source just lying around and insists on their Orion security escort helping. Emma Ralde@crystyl meanwhile, is in the old command centre; sealed by the team and provided with an artificial atmosphere to serve as base camp for the expedition. Perches on a defunct conduit eating some rations - Emma Ralde@crystyl - she sees Ann wandering by and waves, "Hey Ann!" Ann Carter@anncaris waves back and heads over, "Hey Emma! Takin' a break?" Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Mhmm!" she chirps, finishing a bite, "Want to join me?" Emma Ralde@crystyl | They are briefly interrupted by taskmaster Jenni's voice shouting to the Orion, "Nonono! Be caaaareful will you?! These aren’t just simple rocks, you have any idea how valuable this-... eugh, never - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- mind. Let's just get it loaded up. /gently/..." Emma Ralde@crystyl peers that way and chuckles, "It seems Jenni has things well enough in hand for the moment after all" Ann Carter@anncaris chuckles, "Seems that way! I'll join ya." She hops onto the conduit next to Emma Emma Ralde@crystyl rummages in the rations, "What takes your fancy? I've got... chicken curry, something called 'ramen', roasted-... eugh, who am I kidding-" she tosses a random one into Ann's lap, "They all taste - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- the same anyway!" Ann Carter@anncaris:"True..." she opens the rations Emma tossed her. "I'm pretty sure there used to be replicators 'round here. Or some kinda matter synthesizin' device. Probably not a food replicator come t' think - Ann Carter@anncaris:- of it. This place was automated after all. But I probably coulda gotten it to work with our replicator patterns if the devices weren't gutted." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Yeah... but don't forget mission parameters; minimum disruption to preserve the site for future archaeological expeditions. That means no unneccessary drain on the power systems" Emma Ralde@crystyl takes a dissatisfactory chomp of the ration bar, "Though my definition of necessity is starting to shift..." Ann Carter@anncaris takes a chomp of her ration bar too, "Yeah...I get what ya mean..." Ann Carter@anncaris:"Sadly I can't get those devices workin' even without mission parameters. Just ain't enough of the components left from whoever salvaged this place before." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"But culinary limitations aside, this is nice isn't it? Dreary ruins and bad food aside I mean, kind of like an old fashioned camping trip!" Ann Carter@anncaris chuckles, "And the fact that we're on a floatin' planet out in the middle o' nowhere aside. Tha' gets pretty obvious whenever we get a view outside." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Very peaceful though. There's a certain... serenity to it, no? A creepy serenity perhaps, but yeah!" she chuckles Ann Carter@anncaris nods, "Kinda eerie, but also serene. Nobody in this place 'cept us, and probably nobody's been here for a long time." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Makes you wonder, doesn't it?" she muses, looking around, "I know I keep on but I can't help it. Being here just... makes me all nostalgic, I guess" Ann Carter@anncaris:"Nostalgic? I know ya've been 'round for a long time, but not since the time o' the Iconians!" Emma Ralde@crystyl laughs, "Of course not! I suppose that isn't really the right word. Probably doesn't translate right... It just makes me... thoughtful about history, you know?" Ann Carter@anncaris:"Ooh yeah, I get what ya mean. Bein' in a quiet ruin like this makes ya think on tha' kinda thing." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Yeah!" she smiles, taking a sip from a flask, "And you know what else? This is nice too" she indicates pointing between the pair Ann Carter@anncaris takes a bite of her ration and looks to where Emma is pointing, "Hm?" Emma Ralde@crystyl chuckles, "/This/ - us, talking like this! In all the time since I came on board I've seen more of you than most, but we're always with Rianni and Lennie. After all that, feels like I still hardly- Emma Ralde@crystyl:- know you at all. We're always stuck playing couples with the others!" Ann Carter@anncaris:"Oh!" she laughs, "Yeah, good point! I've seen ya quite a bit but now tha' I think o' it, it's almost always when I'm with Lennie!" Emma Ralde@crystyl:"She has become like a ruri to me" she smiles Ann Carter@anncaris smiles, "Guess tha' makes ya like a ruri to me too! You knew her mother too, right? From back in the day?" Emma Ralde@crystyl nods, "Yeah, she was quite the wild child back then!" Ann Carter@anncaris:"How long ago /was/ tha'? I met her a couple o' times, but she was already the OSN Tabadi at the time." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Ohh... long enough" she chuckles, "Probably before Lennie was born. Or not long after at least..." Ann Carter@anncaris:"Wow...definitely long ago then! Was tha' back when you were with Starfleet, or after tha'?" Emma Ralde@crystyl shakes her head, "During my break from Starfleet. I was all 'pro-Orion' and 'rebuild the Thakolarivaj' back then" Ann Carter@anncaris:"An'...ya not anymore? Thought you were at the New World to help the Orions there an' everythin'." Emma Ralde@crystyl nods, "I headed out this way not long after. And don't get me wrong, I /am/ still all for seeing my people stand proud again. Just... not so militant these days" Emma Ralde@crystyl chuckles, "Must be going soft in my old age!" Ann Carter@anncaris chuckles, "I think ya'll like the new OSN! They've got ships an' troops an' all, but they're closer to Starfleet than most other folks out there. Most o' their tabadis an' elts are nice an' open - Ann Carter@anncaris:- to negotiation." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"That's good. To have come this far now means we might actually make it this time!" she stares off whimsically, "Just imagine; The Federation and OSN as great galactic powers standing side by side - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- presiding over a vast galactic union to rival any that have come before!" Ann Carter@anncaris smiles, "Now tha'd be somethin' I can get behind! Ever think o' bein' a tabadi or somethin'? I mean, ya got experience with both an' can help make tha' happen..." Emma Ralde@crystyl snorts, "Yeah and the maturity of a tiradosir chiltol to go with it!" still chuckling some, "But still, no. Tabadi is not just an earned title like a Starfleet rank. It's something that's in your - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- blood. Quite literally! And I don't mean in any noble sense or anything. Tabadi's breeding tends to be a little more... refined than most. In a scientific sense, they have particularly strong - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- genetics. Normally manifesting in particularly potent pheromones. Think 'Queen bee'!" Ann Carter@anncaris:"Really? Now tha's somethin' I didn't know. Does tha' mean Lennie can be a tabadi, since her mother was?" Emma Ralde@crystyl smiles and nods, "Of course! There's a reason the matriarchy is normally passed through the female generations of a family! You think it's a coincidence she found herself as a department head? You - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- must have noticed more than anyone how those around her have a natural inclination to follow her, right?" Ann Carter@anncaris:"Tha' is true...but she has her pheromones suppressed with her implant an' all, doesn't she?" Emma Ralde@crystyl nods, "Mhmm! Kind of makes you wonder how influencial she'd be without that implant, doesn't it" Ann Carter@anncaris:"Maybe she'd really be an OSN tabadi!" Emma Ralde@crystyl:"More than likely!" she considers Ann a moment, "So what /is/ the deal with you two anyway? You've been together for quite a long time now right?" Ann Carter@anncaris nods, "Since before we were on the Valley Forge, yeah. There aren't tha' many Orions in the whole o' Starfleet, the Valley Forge isn't exactly a typical representation of your average ship," she - Ann Carter@anncaris:- chuckles. "An' I often feel closer to Orions an' Romulans than my own people, so we spent more time together an' things just happened." Emma Ralde@crystyl nods, "Yeah, I was curious about that. Because you and Lennie call each other Vijra, don't you? From her I get it, of course. But it's a rare thing to see an outsider embracing Orion culture" Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Beyond indulgence in exotic stereotypes at any rate!" Ann Carter@anncaris:"I grew up 'round a lotta Orions an' Romulans. A few o' my own species too, an' Klingons an' Andorians an' the usual. But the place was under Syndicate control an' got more Orion an' Romulan - Ann Carter@anncaris:- population, probably due to proximity to Romulan space plus the influx o' refugees after their homeworld was destroyed. I know human culture an' history, much as any officer who attended the - Ann Carter@anncaris:- main annex at San Francisco for a few years, but I've always felt more at home with Orions or Romulans." Emma Ralde@crystyl smiles, "That makes sense. Though I'm a little surprised you didn't end up harboring a natural resentment of all things green after growing up under Syndicate control!" Ann Carter@anncaris:"Oh I was at first. Didn't take me long to learn tha' Lennie an' most other Orions who aren't a part o' the Syndicate got no love for 'em. Growin' up under Syndicate control, I know all too well - Ann Carter@anncaris:- it's not just non-Orions they hurt. If anythin' they hurt Orions more." Emma Ralde@crystyl nods solemnly, "It's true, and why I've fought so hard for so long to see our people turn themselves around" Ann Carter@anncaris:"I'd do all I can too. If the OSN found me instead o' Starfleet, I probably woulda ended up with them." Emma Ralde@crystyl chuckles, "Not just Orions, but other species serving alongside them like in Starfleet? Now that I've /got/ to see!" Ann Carter@anncaris:"Not sure if they actually accept other species actually, but if they can be good help..." Ann Carter@anncaris:"Plus I might not have the pheromones or green skin, but I'm probably still closer to Orions than my own species." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"I remember how hard it was just trying to convince the old Tabadi's to look past their prejudice of the classless and lowborn - like Mysti. It is hard to imagine them letting others in so openly" - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- she looks to Ann thoughtfully, "You really do, don't you?" Ann Carter@anncaris nods, "Not tha' I don't like humans. Humans are great, but most o' 'em grew up in the Federation core or at worst along one o' the outer colonies. Some o' those have had their own troubles with - Ann Carter@anncaris:- Cardassians or Klingons, but tha's a different set o' problems. Orions know wha' it's like to live under the Syndicate an' not have a proper place to call home. Same with the Romulans with their - Ann Carter@anncaris:- old empire." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"So that's why you relate to them more than your own kind; a sense of not belonging?" Ann Carter@anncaris:"Yeah, an' tha' we've been through a lot o' the same problems, problems tha' humans in the Federation don't understand. They've read 'bout 'em, know they're a thing, but none o' 'em has ever been - Ann Carter@anncaris:- through somethin' like tha'." Emma Ralde@crystyl nods, "Makes sense. Well, I'm glad you've found your balance with Lennie. The two of you have been a real source of hope for me!" Ann Carter@anncaris:"Really? An' I thought ya were a source o' hope for Lennie, knowin' her mother an' the old space navy." Emma Ralde@crystyl chuckles, "Maybe. But no, before seeing you two I never would have thought a Human could have a relationship with an Orion, not a meaningful one at least" Ann Carter@anncaris:"Oh! Tha's wha' ya meant!" she smiles, "Well, plenty o' folks in the Federation's managed meaningful relationships with folks real different from themselves. Lennie an' I aren't /tha'/ different - Ann Carter@anncaris:- all things considered!" Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Maybe my prejudices are still catching up... I'm too used to seeing people use and abuse my sisters" hrms thoughtfully, "Or maybe it's just males... they do seem to be more of a universal constant - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- regardless of race!" she chuckles Ann Carter@anncaris chuckles, "True! Tha's one o' the good things 'bout folks in the Federation- males tend to be a lot better for the most part." Emma Ralde@crystyl shrugs, "Eh, they have their uses" and grins, "Maybe that's why the Valley Forge feels so much more comfortable; a much more natural ratio!" Emma Ralde@crystyl | Jenni ahems from behind them, "If you two are done with your break, we're all packed up and ready to ship out now" Ann Carter@anncaris:"Guess it's time to go already...got all the Element One here?" Emma Ralde@crystyl | Jenni nods, "Yes, all the hard work is done now" she chuckles, "Time to beam back to the runabout" Emma Ralde@crystyl hops down from her perch, "Well, time to get back to business!" Ann Carter@anncaris hops down as well, "Right. C'mon then!" Emma Ralde@crystyl | Jenni calls the runabout computer to beam them back. --- Emma Ralde@crystyl back on the runabout, Emma settles into a support station while Jenni & Ann are left to the piloting Ann Carter@anncaris looks to Jenni, "Want the pilot or copilot seat this time?" Emma Ralde@crystyl | Jenni smiles, "We did all the hard work packing up, seems only fair you earn your keep now" leaning back and folding her hands behind her head Ann Carter@anncaris chuckles, "Good point, I did just come back from a break!" She sits down on the pilot's seat and begins working away at the controls Emma Ralde@crystyl | The runabout crew settles in preparation to break orbit... Emma Ralde@crystyl:"I hate to spoil the mood, but... a ship just appeared on sensors" Ann Carter@anncaris:"A ship? Out here? Any idea who?" Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Doesn't look familiar, but seems they were hiding behind the planetoid. From the way they just appeared, I'd guess they found us and hid there waiting for us to return to the runabout. Our rising - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- power levels likely gave us away. They are charging weapons..." Ann Carter@anncaris:"Tha's not good...get our defenses up Jenni!" Emma Ralde@crystyl | Jenni nods, "Already on it!" Ann Carter@anncaris looks back to Emma, "Try hailin' 'em, maybe they'll tell us what they want." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Defenses or no, this runabout will not stand up well in a conflict. Hailing on all frequencies, but they're not responding!" Ann Carter@anncaris:"Try an' contact the Forge, then, or send out a general distress! I'll evae as best I can if they start shootin'..." Ann Carter@anncaris taps away at her console to launch and evade Emma Ralde@crystyl | As if on cue, the ship is rocked by a weapons impact Emma Ralde@crystyl:"They're out of range, but I'll get a distress beacon away at least!" she braces as another impact lands on the shields Ann Carter@anncaris:"Goin' evasive! Might as well fire back!" Ann Carter@anncaris tries to dodge the next shot Emma Ralde@crystyl | Jenni returns fire, scoring a shield hit but with little effect Emma Ralde@crystyl | Ann successfully dodges, though a torpedo quickly follows this burst which strikes the rear port side of the runabout causing not only a violent rumble, but sparks and smoke throughout the rear Emma Ralde@crystyl:"We have to get out of here!" Emma Ralde@crystyl | Jenni: "No chance; that last blow took out the warp drive!" Ann Carter@anncaris:"Maybe we can set back down at the ruins an' hole up there...assumin' they don't try to bombard us..." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"And then what? We'll be cornered and ripe for the picking!" Ann Carter@anncaris:"Might be able to hold out in there longer than the runabout can up here!" she looks to Jenni, "Wha' 'bout that Element One we took on board? Anythin' we can do with tha'? It's a fuel source!" Emma Ralde@crystyl | Jenni looks to Ann, eyes darting as she thinks before they widen, "That's it! Wait... I don't know, maybe..." Ann Carter@anncaris:"We ain't got much time, so if ya have somethin' you can do with 'em..." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"'maybe' is a good start. If you've got a plan; less explaining and more doing would be good!" Emma Ralde@crystyl | another violent impant reinforces the point Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Shields down to 18%!" Emma Ralde@crystyl | Jenni vaults back from her seat, running to the rear and tearing open access panels. Emma Ralde@crystyl | Jenni: "Taizam-Dur, I need one of the Eon samples!" Ann Carter@anncaris | Taizam-Dur: "On it," He goes to retrieve one of the Eon crystals Emma Ralde@crystyl braces against another rumbling impact, "Diverting auxiliary power to shields" Ann Carter@anncaris continues evading while Taizam-Dur comes back with the Eon sample Emma Ralde@crystyl | Jenni quickly takes it, swapping it out for the fractured dilithium crystals, "This won't be pretty but it might just be enough to give us a shunt out of here!" Ann Carter@anncaris:"Anything's better than trying to dodge these shots for much longer!" Emma Ralde@crystyl | Jenni & Taizam-Dur work at lightning speed to force a working configuration Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Shields failing, we can't take another hit like that! Baelai just do it!" Ann Carter@anncaris:"Anytime now..." Emma Ralde@crystyl | Jenni: "Almoooost.... th-" before she can even finish, the Eon crystal flares up as power routes through it. More worryingly; at the same moment, the runabout is catapulted into a FTL slipstream- Emma Ralde@crystyl:- throwing everyone around the cockpit like ragdolls without warning! Ann Carter@anncaris:"Wooaaah!" Emma Ralde@crystyl | When Ann regains consciousness, it's amid a coughing fit as the cockpit is filled with smoke. Consoles spark, bulkheads are collapsed, but the compartment is intact and there are stars outside. - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- They're back in normal space and in one piece at least... Ann Carter@anncaris rushes over to a console to check the status of the runabout Emma Ralde@crystyl | It is adrift, but that's about all she can tell with most of the systems offline Emma Ralde@crystyl groans, rubbing her head as she slowly gets to her feet and joins Ann, "Eugh... what happened...?" Ann Carter@anncaris:"Not sure yet..." she sees if there's anything she can do about the smoke using the environmental systems Emma Ralde@crystyl | The others wake up and go about aiding each others minor bumps and bruises Emma Ralde@crystyl | With a little work, Ann is able to clear the compartment to a degree Emma Ralde@crystyl | Jenni, "Nevermind what happened... where are we? Where are the aliens attacking us?" Ann Carter@anncaris:"Okay, least tha's dealt with!" she looks to Jenni, "Can't say 'bout tha' yet, most o' our systems are offline." Ann Carter@anncaris:"Doesn't seem like we're bein' shot at anymore, so tha's also good." Emma Ralde@crystyl meanwhile stares out of the forward window, "Kolari..." Ann Carter@anncaris glances to Emma, then the window, "Kolari?" Emma Ralde@crystyl points out the window at a looming planet coming into view as the shuttle falls powerless into it's gravity, "Kolari! We're being pulled in!". rushes back to her station to try and do... anything Ann Carter@anncaris rushes over to the pilot's seat again, "If you can get some impulse power, tha'd be nice..." Emma Ralde@crystyl | As the team desperately try to restore power, the runabout gently drifts down into the planet's atmosphere... --- Emma Ralde@crystyl FX | We return to find the shuttle a steaming mess on the surface of the planet Emma Ralde@crystyl | Despite their best efforts, they were unable to sustain orbit. But skilful piloting with minimal engines allowed Ann to make a respectable crash landing leaving the shuttle largely intact Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Ann: "Cap'n's not gonna be happy 'bout this..." Emma Ralde@crystyl is slumped against her console, sitting up groggily and rubbing her head, "I'm really getting tired of faceplanting this console today..." Emma Ralde@crystyl | Jenni turns to Ann, "You ok?" Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Ann nods, "Wasn't my best landing, but I'm good. Any idea where we are?" Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur gets up in the back and glances around, "The shuttle looks repairable at first glance. Just going to need some work." Emma Ralde@crystyl | Jenni shakes her head, looking out at the unfamiliar landscape. It looks pretty arid, but no harsh desert Emma Ralde@crystyl tests the commlink, "Eugh, I think we left the comm array in orbit..." Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Ann: "Sensors?" Emma Ralde@crystyl | Jenni checks and shakes her head, "Not in our present condition but could be fixable" Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Ann: "Guess we're gonna have to scout our surroundings the old way for now." Emma Ralde@crystyl nods, "We should get a decent survey from tricorders still" Emma Ralde@crystyl clambers through wreckage to pop a supply compartment in the rear and begin gearing up Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur: "I can get to work on the sensors," he taps his head, "Or my built-in scanner could be of help out there." Emma Ralde@crystyl snaps around, "I uh... think you and me should take a look around. Leave the shuttle to the flyers for now, you know?" Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur nods, "I'll come with you then, Ensign." Emma Ralde@crystyl | Jenni: "We'll start a survey of the damage" Emma Ralde@crystyl:"We need to prioritize survival. No telling how long we'll be here, so water & food first. Shelter & repairs second" Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Ann nods, "Don't look like we'll get many materials for repairs 'less ya find an advanced settlement out there. We'll make do with wha' we got, hopefully turn the shuttle into a good site - Alien NPC@annpc#557 - for shelter, but I ain't holdin' out hope o' gettin' it airborne without some components." Emma Ralde@crystyl scans around with a tricorder, "At least we lucked out and crashed on a class-M world. Comfortable atmosphere out there, maybe a little tropical for you two, but Taizam-Dur and I should be more - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- than comfortable. No signs of life - intelligent or otherwise - out there, but there is vegetation and that means water and food at least" Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Still... who knows what's beyond this things range. We can't take any chances" she grabs a pair of phasers, tossing one to her partner Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur catches the phaser and hooks it to his belt, "Agreed. Ready to go?" Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Ready as I'll ever be..." she moves to force the door open, struggling a little but it gets there Emma Ralde@crystyl:| The pair exit the crashed shuttle and get a first glimpse of it's battered state. It's hard to tell where the weapons scoring ends and the rough landing begins. Either way it isn't pretty Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur looks over the shuttle, "I don't hold out much hope for repairing it here. but if they can get sensors up, at least we'll have a better idea of where we landed." Emma Ralde@crystyl:looks around, loosening her jacket, "At least it's comfortable, right!" Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur: "For us, at least. Where do you want to check out first?" Emma Ralde@crystyl:looks around in all directions before pointing out a nearby ridge, "We should get a better view from up there" Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur nods, "Good thinking." He begins making towards the ridge Emma Ralde@crystyl:strolls along, "So, you, uh... didn't happen to get a look at the planet before we spiralled into it?" Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur shakes his head, "No, I was in the back, helping Jenni with that crystal." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Right, right! Well that's good I guess. I mean, not good. But wouldn't exactly make any difference I'm sure..." Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur: "What do you mean? I don't think a cursory glance from space would help us much down here anyways. Footage might be useful, but memories are flawed." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Yeah, exactly. Yeah... Like I said; it wouldn't make any difference" Emma Ralde@crystyl:"I mean, it's not like any of us would ever hope to recognize a planet when were so far rimward, right?" she chuckles nervously Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur nods, "Even the Colonial Fleet hasn't come this far out before. Why, does it look familiar?" Emma Ralde@crystyl:glances around, "Not even a little bit" almost commenting more on the landscape at this point Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur: "Are you sure? It could be a psychological phenomenon if you thought you recognized it. I'm no expert on the matter, but I've experienced it too- seeing something similar that - Alien NPC@annpc#557:- triggers another memory, sometimes even makes you think you're seeing that person or place." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Yeah, that has to be it. It'd just be impossible any other way..." she continues musing distantly as they climb the ridge Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur: "What does it remind you of, if you don't mind me asking?" Emma Ralde@crystyl:pauses, looking up at the sky and the light silhouette of two small moons, "Kolari..." Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur: "Kolari? That sounds Orion." Emma Ralde@crystyl:stops and turns to him, pausing with a frown and taking a step to the side to put herself further up the ridge and more at eye level with him, "You're not too familiar with your heritage are you?" Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur shakes his head, "As much as many other Orions I know, but I'm afraid many of us don't know our own heritage too well anymore." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Well here's a little history lesson for you; Kolari /is/ Orion. You, me, all of us, we are Kolari. 'Orion' is not our word, it is not even in our tongue. That is simply what those around us - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- translate it to" Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur: "And...why does this place remind you of us?" Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Not of us - of our homeworld. That's something that tends to stick with people" she huffs, turning away, "I know it's impossible, we were so far away! I can't explain it, but as soon as glimpsed - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- the planet I /knew/ in my heart; this was Kolari, our ancestral homeworld..." Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur: "That does sound impossible. But if I've learned one thing from traveling through space, it's that even the most unexpected thing can happen." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Come on, dwelling on this won't get us anywhere. The ridge isn't much further now" Emma Ralde@crystyl:presses on quietly, lost in her own thoughts Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur nods and follows along quietly, keeping an eye on their surroundings Emma Ralde@crystyl:| Nearing the ridgeline, they spot the unmistakable sight of smoke rising in the distance Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur scans, checking to see if it's a natural fire or something else Emma Ralde@crystyl:| Scans show it's another crashed ship! Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur: "Looks like another crash site. We should check it out." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Odds on it's our attackers. Be mindful of survivors" Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur nods, "With luck, we'll find components we can use for our own shuttle. If they are hostile, at least we'll know." Emma Ralde@crystyl:nods and proceeds. Cautiously Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur follows cautiously as well, his hand on his phaser Emma Ralde@crystyl:| As they draw nearer, the smouldering wreckage comes into clearer view. Suddenly their own landing doesn't look very bad at all Emma Ralde@crystyl:| The investigation is short lived however as the sound of screaming and shouting snaps their attention further into the valley Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur: "That doesn't sound good." He scans to see what's happening Emma Ralde@crystyl:| Readings are too erratic to get a clear picture Emma Ralde@crystyl:draws her weapon, "Come on!" Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur quickly draws his phaser and follows, "Can't tell what's happening from scans." Emma Ralde@crystyl:| It is not long before they come into view of the source of the sound. What is best described as a tribal settlement of sorts, built into a rockface. Chaos ensues in front as roughly armoured - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- aliens chase around shooting after barely clothed tribals who try to fight back with simple thrown spears to no avail Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur: "Looks like this place is inhabited. Something tells me the armoured ones aren't native." Emma Ralde@crystyl:squints and gasps, "They sure ain't. But take a look at the indigenous..." Emma Ralde@crystyl:| Upon closer inspection, the tribals do look familiarly green-skinned... Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur scans to make sure.. Emma Ralde@crystyl:| Scans confirm. They're Orion Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur: "They're scanning as Orion. Maybe you were right..." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Goddess..." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"We have to help them! You've got the bulk for close quarters so get down there, I'll cover you from up here!" Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur nods, "Close quarters is what I'm best at anyways." He begins making his way down Emma Ralde@crystyl:bides her time before taking an opening shot at one of the aliens just as he pauses to savour a ruthless kill of a tribal Emma Ralde@crystyl:shouts in rage, and Orion native, "Leave my people alone, Gisjachet!" continuing to fire while TD closes in Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur makes his way around while the aliens are distracted by the shots before taking a few shots of opportunity with his phaser first to take out who he can Emma Ralde@crystyl:presses the attack, quickly dispatching the unsuspecting raiders between the pair of them Emma Ralde@crystyl:rushes down to join TD when it's over, "You alright?" Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur kneels on top of one of the aliens and gives him another punch, knocking him out before looking to Emma, "I'm good. You?" Emma Ralde@crystyl:nods, "Fine" looking to the alien, "Ugly bastards... nice swing though!" Emma Ralde@crystyl:meanwhile, the nervous tribals cautiously gather around the pair... Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur smiles and stands, "Thank you." He looks around at the tribals, "Looks like we've drawn some attention, though..." Emma Ralde@crystyl:turns to face them, "oh, right. umm..." Emma Ralde@crystyl:| The tribals all mutter, almost more in grunts. Seeming to lack proper verbal skills they rely more on body language. At least that the pair can see... Emma Ralde@crystyl:gently raises a hand ,"Um, hi..." Emma Ralde@crystyl:| More grunting and rustling from the tribals and... something else, something more instinctual. Pheromones... Emma Ralde@crystyl:| After a moment of tribal debate, they all suddenly drop to their knees and bow their heads to the floor Emma Ralde@crystyl:watches, "Well. This day just reached a whole new level of unsettling..." Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur nods, "I agree..." Emma Ralde@crystyl:tentatively approaches the nearest tribal, a female elder. Kneeling and encouraging the woman back to her feet, "No, please. You don't have to-" Emma Ralde@crystyl:| The female rises fearfully, barely able to raise her eyes to meet Emma's. But when she does rise she considers Emma more closely, reaching out with a frail hand to cradle the girl's cheek... Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Um..." Emma Ralde@crystyl:| The female continues, tracing the lines of Emma's face with rough fingers like she's in awe of the softer flesh. Even pressing her own cheek to Emma's! Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur: "What is she doing..." Emma Ralde@crystyl:is stiff as a board at this point, completely out of her depth, "I wish I knew..." Emma Ralde@crystyl:| The female pulls back, shocked and frightened by the verbal language. She leans in, peering into Emma's eyes with beady ones of her own before smiling and grunting something to the rest Emma Ralde@crystyl:| Whatever she 'said', it sounded positive and so was the reaction. Many of the tribals rush back to the village while a couple of younger girls approach; each taking Emma & TD by the hand as they - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- lead them back towards their dwelling Emma Ralde@crystyl:can't help but smile sweetly at the little ones, "I... guess that means we're their friends now?" Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur: "Seems like it. I mean...we did just defend them from an attack." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Makes sense. But I have a /really/ bad feeling about all this now..." Emma Ralde@crystyl:talks freely, but maintaining an almost polar upbeat inflection around their hosts Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur nods, "Doesn't Starfleet have a rule against making contact with less developed cultures? These people don't seem to have our technology..." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"No, and that's what worries me. It's also why we couldn't let those aliens wipe them out" Emma Ralde@crystyl:turns back to him as they walk, "Remember what I said before, well what if was right and this really is Kolari? These people /are/ Orions right" Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur: "At least according to my scanner they are. You don't think we're actually on the homeworld?" Emma Ralde@crystyl:| The little girl escorting Emma parrots with an excitable chirp, "Ko-lar-ee!" Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Say for a minute we are. Last I checked there weren't any tribal Orions living there, not in our century anyhow..." Emma Ralde@crystyl:smiles down at the girl, "Well done squirt!" patting her on the head Emma Ralde@crystyl:| The girl doesn't understand, clearly. But welcomes the affection and beams proudly, running ahead with a skip in step singing out, "Squirt, squirt!" Emma Ralde@crystyl:facepalms Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur chuckles before looking to Emma, "Perhaps we went through a temporal anomaly...but to be transported through both space /and/ time..." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"It is not beyond the realm of possibility, as you said before. That surge was no normal warp field after all, so who knows what happened" Emma Ralde@crystyl:stops and turns to TD, a hand on his chest to pause him and focus on the seriousness, "I /really/ hope I'm wrong. But what if I'm not?" she glances over her shoulder to the tribals all now busily - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- preparing a feast, "What if we are standing on our ancestral homeworld. That makes these people our ancestors! If those raiders - who are only here because of our escape accident - wipe them out, - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- that could undo our very existence! You take the Orions out of the galaxy in our century and where does that leave things? Think about Vue En, and the recent battle if nothing else!" Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur thinks for a moment and nods, "We can't just leave. Maybe we can defeat these raiders, take what remains of our own ship to repair our shuttle, and find a way back when it's safe." Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur: "But there's only a few of us..." Emma Ralde@crystyl:glances back again and grins, "Only a few; are you sure?" Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur: "You're suggesting we get these Orions to help us. What if we influence them, let them know too much of their own future?" Emma Ralde@crystyl:"What choice do we have? Well, that's assuming there's even any raiders left to deal with. First things first, let's just play nice and see if we can find a way to communicate with them" Emma Ralde@crystyl:"If nothing else, we need to learn how to say 'goodbye, don't follow us'!" she chuckles, heading into the village at the beckoning of the little girl Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur chuckles, "Good point." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"And here I always thought that temporal anomalies only ever threw Starfleet crew back to pre-warp Earth..." --- Emma Ralde@crystyl:| TD & Emma are led into the exterior heart of the settlement, though it is clear from the large numbers that the body of the place is below ground, hidden beyond the cave entrances Emma Ralde@crystyl:( https://www.touropia.com/gfx/d/cave-dwellings/guyaju.jpg?v=481a39573072c90ceab7909053889093 ) Emma Ralde@crystyl:| The tribal folk mostly seem to be going about their day again, though a large crowd remains around the pair Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur looks around at their surroundings, then to the tribals, then to Emma, "These people don't seem to use many words." Emma Ralde@crystyl:| More interestingly; the elderly female can be seen clearly relaying instructions to a number of males. There seems to be some reluctance to obey, but after a lot of pointing towards the pair, the - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- males concede and obey - proceeding to clear up the dead raiders and start preparing to burn the bodies away from the settlement Emma Ralde@crystyl:"I know right? Maybe we're at a point before verbal language developed" Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur: "But they can clearly communicate quite well. It would be impossible for them to build something like this settlement otherwise." Emma Ralde@crystyl:nods, "Did you notice the way the Matriarch sized me up before? Makes me wonder if these people use pheromones much more potently..." Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur nods, "I did. It's a good explanation. I'm not a biologist, but I've heard many species of social animals, particularly insectoids, are able to work together to build complex - Alien NPC@annpc#557:- structures or hunt as one with the use of pheromones. Maybe they're doing something similar." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"I'm pretty good on Orion history, but even I had no idea that we might have been like this once. If our current working theory is right - and these are our ancestors - this could change the whole - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- way we perceive ourselves!" Emma Ralde@crystyl:"ok, maybe not... but it's a big deal still!" Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur: "We can use our pheromones for more complicated communication, like the Arshai do. Maybe we still have that capability, we just forgot how to use it while the Arshai kept it going." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"It certainly wouldn't be the first time social evolution has led to the decline of natural instincts" she nods, then sighs as she looks around, "This is all well and good. But... Goddess, what are - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- we going to do? What if we can't get back? What if we have to live out our lives thousands of years in our past?!" Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur: "We'll be able to get back. Even if we can't replicate whatever brought us here, that other wreckage has to have enough materials for us to fix the shuttle. Even if this is the old - Alien NPC@annpc#557:- homeworld, there are still other advanced civilizations already out there among the stars. It might take a long time, but we'll find a way. I've never tinkered with anything that affected the - Alien NPC@annpc#557:- 'time' side of space-time, but I know the basic theories." Emma Ralde@crystyl:smiles, "You're right. It's just... a bit overwhelming to think on at the moment is all..." Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur: "Let's focus on the present first. We need to make sure there's no more of those raiders and salvage what we need from the wreck." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Yeah, but try explaining that to them" she nods out to their adoring crowd Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur: "We need to find a way to communicate with them..." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"They do seem able to verbalize, though I get the feeling it's more parroting than with any meaning..." Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur chuckles and nods, "From what I heard earlier, I think that's the case. Do you think we might be able to reach them using pheromones somehow?" Emma Ralde@crystyl:"I doubt it. Even if I weren't perpetually medicated to not make those around us go mad, I can't imagine being able to exercise my will in that manner" Emma Ralde@crystyl:| they are interrupted by an approach from the apparent Matriarch Emma Ralde@crystyl:| She approaches the pair humbly, appearing to beg an audience. When satisfied she has their attention she ushers a trio of males in front of them Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur is about to speak and pauses, looking to the Matriarch and the males Emma Ralde@crystyl:| The 3 modest males are all clearly a little unnerved, but make an effort to stand proudly Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Um..." Emma Ralde@crystyl:| The Matriarch smiles, gesturing eagerly with her hands to Emma as it becomes more apparent what she is indicating... Emma Ralde@crystyl:'s eyes widen a little before shaking her head and waving her hand in protest, "oh nono! Please, you don't have to..." looking to the males, "I mean, they're fine examples I'm sure. But... not my - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- thing" Emma Ralde@crystyl:| The Matriarch doesn't understand, but gets the impression of rejection well enough. She scowls... at the males, ordering them out and promptly following behind after an apologetic bow Emma Ralde@crystyl flushes a deep green, rubbing her brow, "Oh boy..." Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur: "I think they may be trying to reward us for our aid." Emma Ralde@crystyl:groans Emma Ralde@crystyl:| From outside, there is the unmistakable sound of a sickening *thwack*. Then a second, then a third... Emma Ralde@crystyl:| Goes stiff as a board, eyes wide staring at the floor as she tries to deny her senses Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur slooowly turns around to see what's happening Emma Ralde@crystyl:| They can't see exactly. The tribals wouldn't dare offend the eyes of their revered visitors with such an act. But TD can see 3 male tribals being dragged off in the distance. Well, their corpses... Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur: "Did they just..." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"I don't want to know..." Emma Ralde@crystyl:| The Matriarch promptly returns, eagerly presenting another 3 males. All much bulkier built like TD, one even moreso Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur looks back to the Matriarch, "We need to get through to them somehow..." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"I can't turn these away can I...?" Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur shakes his head, "Not unless we can find some way to explain to her..." Emma Ralde@crystyl:| From the way they are all eagerly (and for the males, now nervously) awaiting judgement, it is doubtful they have time to establish a dialogue first Emma Ralde@crystyl:sighs, looking to the Matriarch with a nervous smile and a cheesy hunched shoulders - double thumbs up as she nods in faux-approval Emma Ralde@crystyl:| The Matriarch beams proudly at her own reasoning and ushers the males forwards Emma Ralde@crystyl:squeaks in surprise as two of them promptly move to her sides, raising her up gently but firmly by the arms while the third hunches down in front of her. The two then return her to sit on the - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- hunched males back, then kneeling either side of her and crossing their arms at her back. They both stare longingly at Emma until she awkwardly rests against their arms, then smiling proudly Emma Ralde@crystyl:finds whole new shades of green to flush in her cheeks as this goes on. Looking to TD as they settle her, "Not. A. Word..." Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur nods, "Should I...give you some privacy?" Emma Ralde@crystyl:replies through the gritted teeth of a very forced smile, "Don't you dare!" Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur: "As you wish..." Emma Ralde@crystyl:| The Matriarch returns with 3 females. Offering them forward, still to Emma strangely. Though they are clearly intended for TD Emma Ralde@crystyl:groans and nods, "Not like I can do anything but agree at this point unless I want them to wipe out their population through disapproval…” Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur nods as well, "That would've made saving them from the raiders fairly pointless..." Emma Ralde@crystyl:| The 3 females surround TD, guiding him like the males did for Emma. Not lifting him of course... They usher him to a seat beside Emma's man-throne; cushioned on the floor. As they settle him down,- Emma Ralde@crystyl:- they then assume the more familiar fawning with one either side of him more caressing than Emma's cradling, while the third curls up in front of him, staring up Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur activates his cybernetic scanner, trying to identify any written symbols or imagery nearby that can be used for communicating as he's ushered to the seat Emma Ralde@crystyl:| There are crude, albeit relatively skilfull - pictograms around, though completely lacking context Emma Ralde@crystyl:is still preoccupied with their predicament, watching the whole setup and positioning, "Did... did we just establish the standard for our people that 'bulkier is better' for males, and that females - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- are on top...?" Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur looks to the Matriarch, "I'm not sure, but it looks like we've always had a matriarchy to some extent..." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Maybe... did you see how the males were resisting her orders before?" Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Perhaps it has always been there, but along with it a natural resistance?" Emma Ralde@crystyl:"I don't see any males of authority here. Oh Goddess, what if we were a perfectly balanced society before?!" Takes a steadying breath, "No... I'm getting worked up again. Sorry" Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur: "If we did interfere to cause Orion society to be the way we know it, then it would stand to reason that we had to, even if we don't like it..." Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur: "But we do have to find some way to communicate. I'm picking up pictograms, but no idea what they mean..." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"True... I think that's a thing too, um... oh! Predestination paradox!" she hrms, looking around. "Maybe we can help define our own with them?" Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur: "That might also influence them...but we might not have a choice. We need them to understand us, or worse things might happen." Emma Ralde@crystyl:looks around at her man-throne, "Yeah... 'worse'..." Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur: "At least we didn't wipe out their population through disapproval. Yet..." Emma Ralde@crystyl:'s combadge suddenly chirps. She taps it without thinking, "Ralde” Alien NPC@annpc#557:<C - Ann> Okay, good, ya still there. How're things goin'? Emma Ralde@crystyl:immediately regrets her instinctive reaction to the chirp as their hosts all stare in shock and awe Emma Ralde@crystyl:| The tribals all again drop to their knees, bowing their heads to the floor in reverence, including those Emma is now sat on causing her to tumble with a yelp Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur: "That's not good..." Alien NPC@annpc#557:<C - Ann> Emma? Y'okay? Emma Ralde@crystyl:groans as she straightens... Emma Ralde@crystyl:<C> Fine, you just spooked my throne a bit, I think... Alien NPC@annpc#557:<C - Ann> Your...throne? Emma Ralde@crystyl:<C> Long story... for another time. Short answer; we're not alone here, the raiders crashed too but we think we've cleared them out. Still need to check before scouting their ship for salvage Alien NPC@annpc#557:<C - Ann> We'll be on our guard here. What 'bout you, you gonna need any support? Emma Ralde@crystyl:<C> Unless you two can figure out some green skin pigment, it's probably best you stay put for now Alien NPC@annpc#557:<C - Ann> Uhh...right, gotcha. Emma Ralde@crystyl:<C> We'll check in... just as soon as we figure a way to escape the reverence... Emma Ralde@crystyl:| After spending more time than they are really comfortable with sharing a meal with the tribal ancestors, Emma & TD have managed to establish a crude degree of communication through simple drawing - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- in the dirt and body language Emma Ralde@crystyl:has the attention of the matriarch and a few others in the central outdoor area Emma Ralde@crystyl:draws a crude oval shape in the ground and points to herself, then another pointing to TD. She then places some of the leftover food on each of them Emma Ralde@crystyl:draws two more ovals but leaves them empty, pointing back in the direction of the crashed shuttle Emma Ralde@crystyl:| The matriarch tries to follow. After a moment she brings two of the females over, each carrying more food that they offer to Emma and TD again Emma Ralde@crystyl:shakes her head gently, placing a hand on the girls' arms and turning them to the horizon where she points away again Emma Ralde@crystyl:| The tribal girls tremble at her touch as they look, then to the matriarch who nods after a moment Emma Ralde@crystyl:"I... think they understand. We can take food back to the others" Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur smiles and nods, "That's a good start. Explaining the wreckage and the raiders may be more difficult..." Emma Ralde@crystyl:hrms, "We can't just send them off unprepared..." she looks around, spotting the remains of the raiders and rushing over Emma Ralde@crystyl:points to the raiders, then casting a wide arc with her hand indicating surrounding. Then approaches one of the males, gesturing for permission to take his spear Emma Ralde@crystyl:| He hands it over with pride Emma Ralde@crystyl:jabs it towards the dead raider, then again towards the horizon Emma Ralde@crystyl:returns the spear to the male, ushering him and the other armed tribals near him around the two girls with the food, making a circle gesture with her hand telling them to protect Emma Ralde@crystyl:"I think they're ready. You?" Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur nods, "As ready as they can be. If there are any raiders left, I hope they haven't fortified their wreckage. It will be difficult to get them with the weapons they have if they pick - Alien NPC@annpc#557:- us off from behind cover." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"We can scout ahead hopefully" Emma Ralde@crystyl:turns and waves the group to follow them. Pausing after a few steps to find the 3 males who she chose before all rallying to her side. The females also crowd around TD faithfully Emma Ralde@crystyl:looks around, "Ok... guess we have reinforcements..." Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur: "I think they're more like...heralds." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Heralds? How do you mean?" Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur: "I'm not sure if they're here to fight or just...support us. As your portable throne..." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Hey! I thought we agreed never to mention that again..." she pouts with embarrassment Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur chuckles, "I thought you just meant around the others." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Eugh, I'm never going to get that memory out of my head am I..." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Oh! We should check in with the others too. Let them know we're on the move" she taps her combadge, "Ralde to Carter" Alien NPC@annpc#557:<C - Ann> Hey Emma Emma Ralde@crystyl:<C> How go the repairs Emma Ralde@crystyl:| The tribals all crowd around, trying to see the magic for themselves Alien NPC@annpc#557:<C - Ann> Slowly, but we're makin' some progress. Gonna need plenty more work before we can fly again, but tha' ya probably already guessed Emma Ralde@crystyl:<C> No doubt! We're on our way back to check the raider ship, and we have food too! Diiiid... you get anywhere with the green pigment?" Alien NPC@annpc#557:<C - Ann> Do...we actually need tha'? We can get the replicators up for it Emma Ralde@crystyl:<C> Up to you, but we should keep you hidden if we can't green you up. And you'll have to send us a shopping list for salvage too" Alien NPC@annpc#557:<C - Ann> We'll try an' have some at hand, then. Wha' exactly's goin' on out there? Emma Ralde@crystyl:<C> We've got allies. Pre-warp tribals who look like us Alien NPC@annpc#557:<C - Ann> Gotcha. We'll try not to spook 'em. Good luck out there, Emma Emma Ralde@crystyl:<C> Want to meet us at the raider ship then Alien NPC@annpc#557:<C - Ann> We'll head on over soon as we got the pigment ready! Emma Ralde@crystyl:<C> Got it. We're sending you the coordinates now. Stay sharp and keep in contact, we don't know if it's clear yet Alien NPC@annpc#557:<C - Ann> We'll be armed an' ready for trouble Emma Ralde@crystyl:<C> See you soon then! Alien NPC@annpc#557:<C - Ann> See ya there Emma! Emma Ralde@crystyl:| The group continues through the wilderness unhindered until they come into view of the crashed raider ship Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur does a brief scan of the ship to determine its status and how many lifeforms are in the area Emma Ralde@crystyl:extends an arm to her side, slowly lowering at she crouches, encouraging the tribals to do the same and exercise caution Emma Ralde@crystyl:| Readings are difficult due to radiation leakage from the warp drive, but there looks to be at least 3 lifesigns within Emma Ralde@crystyl:( https://i.pinimg.com/originals/99/8a/6e/998a6eddbc326a08b1244cfec09e5597.jpg ) Emma Ralde@crystyl:| There's not much left of it, but what is visibly clearly has the tribals spooked Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur crouches as well, looking to Emma, "Radiation is interfering with my scans, but I'm picking up at least three lifesigns." Emma Ralde@crystyl:gives the food-girls a reassuring smile with a hand on each of their arms, "It might be too dangerous to let them go in there" Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur nods, "Even if there's only three of them, the wreckage doesn't seem stable." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Alright, scout it out and see what you can learn" Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur stands and makes his way closer to the wreckage carefully, scanning for more lifesigns and technology that might be compatible with the shuttle Emma Ralde@crystyl:| As soon as he moves forward, the tribals move to follow... Emma Ralde@crystyl:raises a hand to them, shaking her head. She draws their established symbol for the raiders or 'demons' and points to the hellish sight of the wreckage. Turns her hand and repeats the gesture to lay- Emma Ralde@crystyl:- low. The male hunters look at one another before standing firm and insistent on accompanying TD Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur tries to reinforce the message by pointing at them, then to Emma Emma Ralde@crystyl:groans, "Males... I don't think they're having any of it. Fine..." she points to a number of them then directs them to TD, pointing the last couple then the ground at her feet, firmly Emma Ralde@crystyl:| The males nod, holding their spears firm and proud to their chests Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur sighs and proceeds on with the males in tow, trying to keep a low profile in hopes that the others do the same Emma Ralde@crystyl:| The other males stalk along to catch up to TD, clearly looking to follow his lead as they fearlessly face the hellish sight before them Emma Ralde@crystyl:| They follow suit like a well trained regiment. It is quite apparent that these are all experienced hunters Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Glad that the ones following him seem to know what they're doing, Taizam-Dur makes his way up to the wreckage, alert for enemies and trying to ascertain their positions and full numbers Emma Ralde@crystyl:| With the heat of plasma fires and background radiation trying to push them back at every step, focusing through the smoky haze is difficult for the hunters. But TD's scanner is able to ID one of - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- the raiders who seems to be scouring the wreckage Alien NPC@annpc#557:<C - TD> I have the position of one raider. Should we move to engage Emma Ralde@crystyl:<C> If you have the advantage, I'd say go for it. but it's your call, I can't see what you're facing from back here Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur tries to see if he can close up behind the raider and take them out stealthily Emma Ralde@crystyl:| He has scope to close. But the closer he gets, the higher the risk of the raider spotting him Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur looks to the hunters, making the gesture of throwing a spear to see if one of them can get the raider at range Emma Ralde@crystyl:| They look and one of them nods, raising his spear to throw but looking to TD for a kill order Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur readies his own pistol and sets it to kill in case the spear misses or doesn't finish the job, then gives the order Emma Ralde@crystyl:| The hunter launches the spear with astounding power. It slams through the raiders chest so fast he doesn't even realize it happened until after the fact. A brief shocked hand raises to the tip - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- suddenly sticking out of his chest before he faceplants into the debris at his feet Emma Ralde@crystyl:| TD detects no further lifesigns outside the wreckage Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur gives the hunter a pat on the shoulder before approaching the body, removing the spear and hiding it out of sight among some of the debris Emma Ralde@crystyl:| The hunter smiles proudly at the acknowledgement, even if it does seem an odd gesture he seems to get it Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur smiles back, returning his spear to him before scanning for further raiders inside the wreck Emma Ralde@crystyl:| The readings are problematic, but are definitely inside Alien NPC@annpc#557:<C - TD> There are more of them inside the wreckage, but it's still difficult to get an accurate number Emma Ralde@crystyl:<C> Do you want us to join you and assist? Alien NPC@annpc#557:<C - TD> Move in after us, but don't join yet. We might do better as two groups. We can pin them down if we need to Emma Ralde@crystyl:<C> Understood Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur starts moving into the wreckage with the hunters, scanning for traps and nearby raiders Emma Ralde@crystyl | TD's party cautiously proceed into the wreckage of the raider ship through a hull breach in what appears to the remains of a mess hall Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur checks around to see if he can get a better read on the raiders now that he's inside Emma Ralde@crystyl | Radiation is causing too much interference for him to scan through the bulkheads Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur: "Still too much interference..." he signals for the hunters to continue staying low as he proceeds carefully Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur holds his phaser ready in one hand, in case they come across any raiders they aren't expecting Emma Ralde@crystyl | They proceed unhindered through the corridors, though one hunter is startled by a burst of sparks from a blown relay overhead and launches his spear into the wall. Luckily not causing any harm Alien NPC@annpc#557:| Taizam-Dur pauses as the hunter attacks the wall before continuing on Alien NPC@annpc#557:<C - TD> No hostiles yet... Emma Ralde@crystyl:<C> Acknowledged, all clear at the entrance Alien NPC@annpc#557:<C - TD> We'll proceed deeper inside Emma Ralde@crystyl:| Proceeding further, they turn a corner and TD finds himself face to face with the second raider just a few meters ahead of him! Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur fires on the raider, figuring the interference will work both ways and also cover the energy readings of his phaser from the raiders Emma Ralde@crystyl FX | *BZZT-FFFFT* the phaser doesn't work! That radiation is damned inconvenient.... Just long enough for the flash of panic to set in and *Whoosh* a spear flies over his shoulder to impale the - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- raider! Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur gives the hunter who threw the spear a nod of thanks before moving up to check if the raider has any weapons Emma Ralde@crystyl:| A plasma pistol is in his hand Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur takes the pistol, firing a shot at a bulkhead he detects no useful components or vital structural support behind to test if it works Emma Ralde@crystyl:| Fortunately the pistol does work! However the test fire must have drawn attention as the raiders commlink chirps, "What're you doing down there? I told you to stop shooting vermin before you hit - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- a damned conduit!" Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur takes the commlink, "I would hit a conduit, but that would ruin the salvage. I suppose it's your lucky day, if you're willing to talk." Emma Ralde@crystyl | There's a brief silence as the raider wraps his head around things Emma Ralde@crystyl:| Raider: "Whoever you are, you're going to regret attacking my crew!" and it promptly cuts Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur: "I guess that was a no." He backs up around the corner, motioning for the hunters to stay low and see if anyone comes to check on the dead raider's position Emma Ralde@crystyl | A good bit of time passes but nobody appears... Alien NPC@annpc#557:<C - TD> Move up to our position. They might send someone to check on the dead raider here. Be ready to ambush if anyone comes, we'll move further in Emma Ralde@crystyl:<C> Got it, we'll be right there! Emma Ralde@crystyl & Co. come up behind TD's party a few minutes later Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur gives Emma a nod of greetings before proceeding further into the wreckage, alert for surprises Emma Ralde@crystyl takes up position to watch from cover while signalling her hunters to keep protecting the food girls who now tremble with fear at the unholy surroundings Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur holds the plasma pistol at the ready, scanning for anything that can be picked up through the interference Emma Ralde@crystyl | His scans are frustratingly inconclusive... Alien NPC@annpc#557:<C - TD> Scanners are still useless in here. Be alert... Emma Ralde@crystyl:<C> Good to know Emma Ralde@crystyl:| A sudden shriek from one of the food-girls snaps their attention Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur looks back the way they came Alien NPC@annpc#557:<C - TD> What happened? Emma Ralde@crystyl spins around to find a raider launching himself at her group. She fires, also finding the same phaser failure as TD did. She looks at the useless gadget in frustration before desperately throwing - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- it at the raider. But she is too late as her trusty hunters have already grappled him back between the two of them and pinned him to the wall. The other food-girl takes a blade from the belt of - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- the hunters and runs it through the raider, lashing her clawlike nails across his cheek tauntingly as he draws his last breath Emma Ralde@crystyl watches, "Damn, we can be a cold people..." Emma Ralde@crystyl:<C> Sorry. A raider found us, but he's dealt with Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur and his group hurries back to Emma's position, "Everything alright?” Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur: “We'll keep going then.” Emma Ralde@crystyl spins around, "Oh, nevermind" she chuckles, tapping her combadge off again Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Want us to keep holding here still?" Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur: "Let's press on. They won't make the same mistake again and keep sending people to the same location. If I were them, I would hole up or try to slip out of the wreckage. If they're - Alien NPC@annpc#557:- holed up, we'll have to assault their position." Emma Ralde@crystyl nods, "Sounds good to me. Let's finish this sweep then!" she turns back to her group, showing a proud smile and holding a hand to girl's cheeks before signalling them to follow Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur turns and presses on through the wreckage, using his eyes instead of scanner now Emma Ralde@crystyl | They press on all the way to what's left of the bridge, which seems to be clear Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur: "Scanners showed three lifesigns, and we've taken out three, but I don't trust those readings. There might be more on some other part of the ship, but let's hold the bridge for now - Alien NPC@annpc#557:- and I'll try to get something working. I don't imagine any ship systems are still functioning, but maybe we can learn about who these raiders are." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Fair enough. I should get the innocents out of here, see if we can meet up with Ann and Jenni outside" Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur nods, "I'll stay in here with some of the hunters, we might be able to get some stragglers and start on the salvaging if nothing else." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Good plan then. Stay on comms" she nods, turning to head back out with her group --- Emma Ralde@crystyl:| Meanwhile, Ann & Jenni make their way to their wreckage Emma Ralde@crystyl:| Jenni keeps looking at the back of her green hands, "I feel ridiculous" Ann Carter@anncaris:"We gotta blend in with the locals here. Don't wanna be spookin' 'em any more than they probably already are..." Ann Carter@anncaris:"Besides, I kinda like bein' green," she smirks Emma Ralde@crystyl:| Jenni: "Oh I get it" she looks to Ann, "It... kind of suits you actually..." Ann Carter@anncaris:grins, "Thanks! So...Emma says she'll be the wreckage..." she checks to see how far away they are Emma Ralde@crystyl:| The should be pretty close now Ann Carter@anncaris:"Not far now," she scans with her tricorder to locate Emma and also check if there are enemies in the area Emma Ralde@crystyl:| No knowing if they are enemies or not, but she can detect a small group of lifesigns not far ahead of them Ann Carter@anncaris:"We got people ahead. Not sure if they're friendly or not, so let's be careful. Emma Ralde@crystyl:| Jenni nods, "Ground isn't exactly my forte, so I'll follow your lead" Ann Carter@anncaris:draws her phaser, moving towards the lifesigns slowly and stealthily to get a look at them before they see her and Jenni Emma Ralde@crystyl:| She is able to get close enough to see, though the view is rather disconcerting... Emma Ralde@crystyl:is back outside the wreckage and clear of the burning debris field with her party. As Ann watches, she sees two large males hoisting Emma high and setting her down on something. She seems quite - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- reluctant but in no position to argue... Ann Carter@anncaris:taps her combadge, "Uhh...Emma? Is tha' you there bein' lifted up?" Emma Ralde@crystyl:| Ann can see sudden movement from the males around Emma, their heads dip as if they quickly knelt to the floor? Emma Ralde@crystyl:<C> *Sigh* *grumble* Yes... I'm here. And by the way, they know you're here as well... Emma Ralde@crystyl:| Before she can ask, Ann receives clarification of this from a rustling behind her as a hulking Orion male steps out carrying a spear Emma Ralde@crystyl:| Jenni is escorted by a second one, "Sorry Ann. He came out of nowhere!" Ann Carter@anncaris:<C> Oh...just make sure they don't try to poke us with those spears o' theirs, Emma... Ann Carter@anncaris:stands with her arms raised Emma Ralde@crystyl:<C> Don't worry, they aren't trying to take you prisoner. They're guarding you. I think... Emma Ralde@crystyl:| The two hunters with Ann & Jenni do appear to be holding their spears ready, but not directed towards the pair Ann Carter@anncaris:<C> Seems tha' way. Alright, we're comin' to ya Ann Carter@anncaris:hooks her phaser back to her belt and makes her way over to Emma and the rest of the group Emma Ralde@crystyl:tries to stand, but is held back by the hurt looks from her escorts. Defeatedly, she slumps back against their arms, folding her own in frustration Emma Ralde@crystyl:hears the approach and tries - clumsily - to turn in her man-throne and peer back, leaning an arm of the rigid crossed arms that make her backrest and waving with the other, "Hey, there you are!" Ann Carter@anncaris:"Don't tell me, those locals think ya some kinda goddess or somethin'..." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Don't even joke about that. You have no idea..." Ann Carter@anncaris:"Wha's the deal with 'em, anyways? Parallel evolution, or they actually some distant relatives o' the Orions, like we think the Regulators are?" Emma Ralde@crystyl:| Jenni chimes in, "No Emma, you don't; I've been running calculations on the jump that brought us here and I'm worried there was a temporal effect!" Emma Ralde@crystyl:shakes her head, "Relatives; yes. Distant... not so much. Looking to Jenni, "And yes, I figured that part out too" Ann Carter@anncaris:looks around them, "Wait...ya don't think tha' they /are/ Orions?" Emma Ralde@crystyl:her man-throne obligingly lifts and turns so she is facing the others Emma Ralde@crystyl:nods, "I do. I recognized the planet and surmised from the state of evolution here that we were thrown back in time as well" Ann Carter@anncaris:"Tha's not good. We gotta get outta here before we change history!" she looks to the wreckage. "Assumin' we haven't already..." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"We may have been too late for that. When we got here, the raiders were already pillaging these guys' settlement nearby, so we had to intervene. They... appreciated our efforts" Ann Carter@anncaris:looks to the man-throne, then to Emma, "I can see..." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"As for changing history... well..." she rubs the back of her neck, "Everything we've seen which could be construed as influence of our presence and actions so far, well... it seems consistent with - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- our established evolution. Taizam-Dur had the idea that it could be one of those predestination things if so" Emma Ralde@crystyl:looks again at her man-throne, "Though frankly, I'm not sure which is the preferable option..." Ann Carter@anncaris:"Yeah, me neither... Either way, I think it's best we get outta here soon as we can," she looks to Jenni, "We have plenty more Element One on board, right?" Emma Ralde@crystyl:| Jenni nods, "There's enough to make another jump for sure. Regulating it is another matter though" Ann Carter@anncaris:"Get Tai to look into it. I can do salvage an' repairs, but figurin' out somethin' like tha'...wish Lennie were here, but he's the closest thing to a science officer we got. Even though he may not - Ann Carter@anncaris:- look the part much." Emma Ralde@crystyl:smiles, "He's got an impressive right hook too!" Emma Ralde@crystyl:| Jenni chuckles and nods to Ann, "We'll do the best we can. Just don't want to raise any false hopes" Ann Carter@anncaris:| As if on cue, Taizam-Dur and his team steps up to Emma's group, "Compliments of my father. But I prefer to be known for my technical skills." Emma Ralde@crystyl:looks back with a smile, "I'll make you a deal; you don't tell about 'this'- she indicates the man-throne, "-and I'll only ever sing praises of your technical prowess!" Ann Carter@anncaris:| Taizam-Dur chuckles and nods, "It's a deal." Ann Carter@anncaris:chuckles as well, "He'd make a great officer if he went through the Academy, but I think he plans on goin' with the OSN once we get back." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Can't argue with that! So what's the situation with the runabout? Hope you girls brought a shopping list!" Ann Carter@anncaris:"Quite a long one. Runabout's gonna need some work, but looks like we got a good scrapyard to work with." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"We should get started on that- but oh!" she looks around for the food-girls, waving them over, "Our friends have food for you both!" Emma Ralde@crystyl:| The two younger Orions hurry over to Ann & Jenni, humbling setting the food before them and bowing their heads as they await approval Ann Carter@anncaris:smiles and takes the food, giving the food-girls a nod, "Thank ya!" Ann Carter@anncaris:looks to Emma, "I don't suppose they understand us? They're actually surprisingly quiet..." Emma Ralde@crystyl:breathes a sigh of relief as the two girls happily scurry away Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Yeah, they are capable of verbal communication - they've picked up a few things from us but it seems mostly parroting without meaning. We believe they primarily communicate through pheromones" Emma Ralde@crystyl:"That and body language, or pictograms at any rate. We've established a crude rapport. Oh! And that reminds me, please don't reject any of their offerings. They /really/ take it to heart..." Ann Carter@anncaris:"Right. Gotcha." She starts eating the food, offering some to Jenni too. "Could definitely use some o' this right now!" Emma Ralde@crystyl:| Jenni welcomes the food as well, "Do I even want to know...?" Emma Ralde@crystyl:shakes her head, "I promise you; you don't" Emma Ralde@crystyl:"So you got that shopping list? I'll take a look while you two rest" Ann Carter@anncaris:hands Emma a PADD, "Here ya go!" Ann Carter@anncaris:| Taizam-Dur: "I'll come with you. Salvage is one of my specialities, after all." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Alright then, now what have we got..." she begins perusing, her expression growing increasingly grim, "Damn... you sure it wouldn't have just been easier to put 'new ship' instead?" she chuckles, - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- handing TD the PADD. I don't think we need to rush off, best we all stick together now I think" Ann Carter@anncaris:| Taizam-Dur: "Good idea. I suppose in normal circumstances, you would probably build a new ship. But it's easier to replace than rebuild without an industrial replicator at hand" Ann Carter@anncaris:smiles, "Fortunately ya got two salvage experts at hand!" Emma Ralde@crystyl:"I have everything in the pair of you!" smiles, considering Ann and Jenni, "Green suits you two ladies by the way" Ann Carter@anncaris:"Thanks! I rather like it myself!" Emma Ralde@crystyl:| Jenni mutters under her breath Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Well, as soon as you two feel suitably refreshed we can head in and start the salvage work" Ann Carter@anncaris:"Wha' 'bout the locals? They'll be comin' with us to...guard us still?" Ann Carter@anncaris:| Taizam-Dur: "We think we've cleared the wreckage, but the radiation makes scanning difficult. It can't hurt to play it safe." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"I don't think we get a choice in that at the moment anyway. They are... persistent" Ann Carter@anncaris:looks to the man-chair again, "Was...tha' how this happened?" Emma Ralde@crystyl:"This, and that" she nods over to the 3 female shadows TD can't seem to shake Ann Carter@anncaris:| Taizam-Dur: "You're lucky they're only offering you food..." Ann Carter@anncaris:"Yeah...seems so!" She finishes her food and looks to Jenni, "Ya ready to go too, or?" Emma Ralde@crystyl:| Jenni nods, "You bet!" Ann Carter@anncaris:"Let's start tickin' off the shoppin' list, then!" Emma Ralde@crystyl:claps her hands together, "Alright, salvage time!" looking to her guys, "Sorry boys, but you gotta let me down now" she pouts, making a point of expressing her sadness at having to step away so - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- they don't feel bad. She proceeds to make some crude drawings in the ground and do some general pointing and gesturing to the group Emma Ralde@crystyl:| It is unclear if the tribals understand, or how much if they do. But they begin to disperse with the food-girls and a few hunters essentially making camp nearby while most of the hunters move to - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- join the groups return into the hellscape Emma Ralde@crystyl:| The group return to the wrecked raider ship, confident now that no raiders remain within Ann Carter@anncaris:"So, this was the ship that was shootin' at us in the first place?" Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Alright, Ann, Tai; you guys are the salvage pro's. We'll follow your lead" she nods, "Yep, seems so" Ann Carter@anncaris:| Taizam-Dur nods, "We'll start work wherever their old Engineering section, or what's left of it, is. We'll always find the most variety of components around there." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Alright, should be easy enough to find" Ann Carter@anncaris and TD lead the way towards the likely location of the Engineering section.. Emma Ralde@crystyl & Jenni follow them, and tribals follow Emma mostly, though some of the hunters stay up front with TD still on guard Ann Carter@anncaris | Taizam-Dur stops, "No, change of plans. Too much radiation ahead. We won't be able to salvage the area without medication or suits." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"I don't suppose you brought a medkit from the runabout?" Ann Carter@anncaris:"I don't think there's enough medicine for everyone here. But there does look to be a large chamber nearby. Some kinda cargo or shuttle bay, maybe. Either might have some goods in it." Ann Carter@anncaris checks her tricorder, "Over here." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Seems as good as good a place to start as any!" Ann Carter@anncaris leads the way to what seems to be the upper area of a large and now extremely messy cargo bay. It never looked to be particularly organized in the first place, but now the cargo is strewn across - Ann Carter@anncaris:- the entire bay and even outside of it through the blast door, which has given way and reveals another exit out of the ship Emma Ralde@crystyl warns the tribals to be cautious and stay close to her Ann Carter@anncaris:"This is gonna take a bit o' pickin' through, but we're bound to find somethin' o' use in here." Ann Carter@anncaris explores the area, looking for a way down. Taizam-Dur looks around before saying, "This way," moving to lead the way down Emma Ralde@crystyl & Co. all follow, keeping an eye out for anything of use - regardless of the shopping list Ann Carter@anncaris:"Tha' built-in scanner o' yours is quite handy, ain't it?" Ann Carter@anncaris | Taizam-Dur: "Even with the radiation in here, it can at least help with navigation." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"He's already proven that more than once today!" she smiles Ann Carter@anncaris:"Wha' else do ya have?" Ann Carter@anncaris | Taizam-Dur: "I have a cochlear implant for short-range communication. Like one of your combadges." Ann Carter@anncaris | Taizam-Dur: "It also enhances my hearing overall and lets me detect waves from frequencies most biological ears don't pick up. Some of the functionality is redundant with the scanner implant, - Ann Carter@anncaris:- but I have to read the scanner data while the cochlear implant interprets it and sends it to my brain as if it were a natural sense, so it's faster." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Gotta say one thing of our people; we're good with implants. Well, the males are at least" she glances to the tribals, especially those hanging around TD, "I hope you're not now setting that trend" Ann Carter@anncaris | Taizam-Dur: "I hope so as well. They don't seem advanced enough to understand what implants are. It could start a fashion trend, but I doubt it'll impact much more." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"We can only hope..." Ann Carter@anncaris | Soon, they find the entrance to the main floor of the cargo bay, carefully stepping over spilled crates. Ann leans over, picking up and scanning one pile before digging out a few pieces Emma Ralde@crystyl & Jenni split up, searching around with a few of the tribals shadowing each of them Emma Ralde@crystyl:| The tribals obviously don't understand the salvage operation, but they do seem to be helping even if it's just natural curiosity that makes them search around too. Ann Carter@anncaris | Taizam-Dur begins searching through the cargo bay as well, "Even with the radiation, this is still a fairly easy site. Deep space salvage is much more difficult." Emma Ralde@crystyl | Jenni: "You've actually done that? Like... EV suits, crawling around wreckage that's adrift?" Ann Carter@anncaris | Taizam-Dur nods, "That's the main type of site we had. There is more empty space than surface area on planets in the galaxy, not to mention that crashes on a planet more often than not result - Ann Carter@anncaris - from battles fought above the planet, and the victors often take anything useful from the wreckage. In deep space, there are ships destroyed by anomalies, picked apart poorly by inexperienced - Ann Carter@anncaris:- raiders or ones more interested in the cargo or hostages than the ship, and ones that are lost from equipment failure." Ann Carter@anncaris | Taizam-Dur: "We had planetary sites on occasion, but we either had to be lucky or been contracted by another party to salvage on their behalf." Emma Ralde@crystyl | Jenni: "I bet you must have some stories to tell from all of that. I'd love to hear about it some time!" Ann Carter@anncaris | Taizam-Dur: "Quite a few. I always liked to figure out how exactly a ship went down, especially the derelicts in deep space with an unclear cause. The others thought I was unusual at first, - Ann Carter@anncaris:- and I suppose I've always been seen that way, but knowing what was behind a ship's destruction saved our skins more than ones." Emma Ralde@crystyl | Jenni smiles, "I can relate to that!" Ann Carter@anncaris | Taizam-Dur: "Figuring out what happened to a crew, or being seen as unusual?" Emma Ralde@crystyl | Jenni laughs, "Actually the whole piecing together what happened to a ship part!" Ann Carter@anncaris | Taizam-Dur: "I hear Starfleet does it quite often when responding to distress calls, or when a ship happens across wreckage." Emma Ralde@crystyl chimes in, "It's true. We do have a habit of sticking our noses into every corner of everything we encounter" she chuckles Ann Carter@anncaris | Taizam-Dur chuckles as well, "That certainly is the reputation you have in scavenger circles." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Is that why I hear you're not looking to go the full Starfleet experience with a commission, and hope to join up with the OSN when we get back?" Ann Carter@anncaris | Taizam-Dur: "Actually, the New World, Starfleet, or the OSN all suit me perfectly fine. All of them have what I'm looking for, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to help our people build - Ann Carter@anncaris:- something new and better, especially when I heard that the OSN is also running new and impressive R&D projects." Emma Ralde@crystyl smiles, "A male after my own heart. I must confess, I too am eager to see this progress I've heard of them making since I last saw them" Ann Carter@anncaris | Taizam-Dur smiles back, "That's exactly why I'm hoping to join up with them, and hopefully put my skills to good use there." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"They'd be lucky to have you!" Ann Carter@anncaris | Taizam-Dur: "I'm glad you think so. Our people have not had the best record of valuing my skills, but the New World was a good sign, and now the OSN sounds even better- something not just for - Ann Carter@anncaris:- Orions, but also by Orions." Emma Ralde@crystyl smiles thoughtfully, "Yeah... it's a proud thing" Ann Carter@anncaris | Taizam-Dur: "I look forward to seeing it. It's something I always hoped for, but never thought would actually happen in my lifetime." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Same!" Emma Ralde@crystyl | Jenni pauses mid searching, looking at Emma as she thinks that through 'not within her lifetime. /her/ lifetime... Ann Carter@anncaris | Taizam-Dur: "But first we have to make sure we don't make too many changes here and it still can happen. Let's move on to taking apart internal components; this bay has plenty more of value if - Ann Carter@anncaris:- we were salvaging to sell, but we have everything we can use for the shuttle from here. We need to find an area outside Engineering." Ann Carter@anncaris:"Think I saw the part o' the ship near the deflector intact. We can probably salvage deflector control." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Sounds good, let's move out. We can stockpile everything we need back at the entrance to save lugging it all around with us" Ann Carter@anncaris | Taizam-Dur: "Good idea. Let's leave it by the broken blast doors. It'll be easy to get from outside." --- Emma Ralde@crystyl:| After a good few hours of salvaging everything from Ann's shopping list, the team are left with a significant mountain of gear piled up back at the makeshift campsite just beyond the wreckage Emma Ralde@crystyl:| Night is already drawing in, and the tribals who stayed outside have made a campfire & even done a little hunting it seems as they have things well prepared by the time the team returns Emma Ralde@crystyl:| The decision is made to camp there for the night and look to moving everything in the morning with fresh light. On top of this, the tribals must have sent word back to their settlement as maaaany - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- more tribals have joined them at the camp now. And so, the crew are once again shoehorned into going along with the tribals’ plans, and settle in to camp for the evening.. Ann Carter@anncaris:looks around the camp, "Looks like they're prepped a big victory celebration for gettin' rid o' the raiders or somethin'..." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"We had something similar after we first fought them off. I get the feeling this is just how they do things..." Emma Ralde@crystyl:| Jenni: "Or maybe it's how they do things /with us/..." Ann Carter@anncaris:"Good point..." she glances to Emma. "So if this is ya homeworld and these are Orions...how far do ya think we went back?" Emma Ralde@crystyl:"It's hard to say, but I think recorded history goes back a good 5000years or so. Which means we'd be beyond that point, if I'm right" Emma Ralde@crystyl:| While the group chats, some of the newly arrived tribals certainly do seem to give the impression of a celebration as there is not only food being prepared and shared around, but as the entire - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- tribe gathers around the large bonfire, they start playing crude instruments and dancing together Emma Ralde@crystyl:( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tb0SF2WebsQ ) Ann Carter@anncaris:"Yup...definitely some kinda victory feast, I think." Emma Ralde@crystyl:smiles as she watches, marvelling at the lost heritage before her eyes Ann Carter@anncaris:watches the dancing and music as well, "Pretty different from modern Orion stuff, but I guess there's been thousands o' years o' evolution between now an' then." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"But isn't it amazing; like so much else we consider a core part of who we are in our time, music and dance seem to be right there at the heart of our evolution even in this time" Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Sure, it's no blade-dance. But it certainly has a sort of serene quality to it. I mean just look around; the innocence of it all" Ann Carter@anncaris:nods, "Tha's true. It's different, but it's got tha' general feelin' to it." Emma Ralde@crystyl:leans back on her palms, staring up at the now prominent moons, "All these years and I never imagined seeing that view..." Ann Carter@anncaris:looks up as well, "It's a great view. Wha' happened to this place now? I know the OSN's on Narris, an' the Syndicate doesn't operate out o' the Orion homeworld either..." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"They don't operate from it, but it's still there in our time. 'Botchok' was the common name for the eighth planet of the Rigel system. I've heard it still houses ruins of our lost civilization at - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- it's prime, back when the planet was known as 'Orion Prime' and supposedly rivalled Earth as a picture of utopian society. Now though, it is a lifeless rock ruined by pollution..." Ann Carter@anncaris:"Might still be a way to turn it 'round, if the OSN can get control o' it. Remember, Earth was in pretty bad shape 'round the time o' First Contact," she looks to Jenni, "I think 'bout when your - Ann Carter@anncaris:- ancestors left, right?" Emma Ralde@crystyl:| Jenni nods, "Yeah, the First left logs and information about old Earth. For generations we grew up believing it has self-destructed, it was that bad!" Ann Carter@anncaris:| Taizam-Dur nods, "With today's tech, we should be able to restore the planet. We won't be able to bring back all of the extinct species, but we can make it habitable again, at least." Emma Ralde@crystyl:smiles, "Tell you what Tai; if the OSN succeeds and makes that happen in our lifetime, we find this spot and have another camp out - right here!" Ann Carter@anncaris:| Taizam-Dur smiles back, "I'll take you up on that." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"That's assuming we make it back and don't end up a part of that lost history..." Ann Carter@anncaris:"We got a good haul from tha’ wreckage. I'm sure we'll be able to fix the shuttle an' get back." Emma Ralde@crystyl:smiles, "If anyone can, it's you guys!" Ann Carter@anncaris:| Taizam-Dur: "So how does that Element One substance work? I've never come across anything quite like it in my work before." Emma Ralde@crystyl:| Jenni: "We only learned that for ourselves after meeting Starfleet. We thought it was a rare mineral found only on a planet in our home system, but it turned out to be a byproduct of the Iconians - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- dilithium refinement process. That is why our ships only require a miniscule amount to sustain them indefinitely" Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Because it's so concentrated, right?" Emma Ralde@crystyl:| Jenni nods, "Yes, exponentially so" Ann Carter@anncaris:| Taizam-Dur: "But it's never been known to have temporal properties inherently?" Emma Ralde@crystyl:| Jenni: "No, but... nobody's ever forced a huge raw chunk of it into a warp assembly either" Emma Ralde@crystyl:"It is possible that the combined effect pushed us past the theoretical warp 10 threshold. Quantum theory states that surpassing that point opens up all of spacetime as a simultaneous destination" Emma Ralde@crystyl:"...Or something like that" Ann Carter@anncaris:| Taizam-Dur nods, "That makes sense. Wasn't it Starfleet who discovered this by accidentally flying too fast around a star? That's how the rumour goes, at least..." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"I don't know if the exact same effect, but they certainly did learn that to be a means of temporal displacement" Emma Ralde@crystyl:| One of the tribal children bounds bravely over to Emma, taking her hand and pulling her up to join the dancing Emma Ralde@crystyl:| The adult tribals are shocked and a little scared that the child would dare approach her and seem a little tentative until Emma smiles to the girl and stands, "Guess I have to join in..." Ann Carter@anncaris:"It looks interestin'! I think you'll enjoy it Emma! Want me to join ya?" Emma Ralde@crystyl:"First things first, I'm not sure I can dance to this rhythm..." Emma Ralde@crystyl:grins, moving to those playing the drums. She takes their hands and encourages a more favourable tempo... Emma Ralde@crystyl:| The tribals are confused, and most have stopped dancing around as they don't know what to do, and remain uncertain if Emma wants them to stop at first Emma Ralde@crystyl:smiles encouragingly, spurring the musicians on until they get into the swing of things and build their own natural tempo Emma Ralde@crystyl:closes her eyes, slowly twisting around as she lets the music embrace her like only an Orion female can, getting into her own swing of things Emma Ralde@crystyl:( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDJ3b88h_Dg&list=PL5755B7BA7F19B8D2&index=7 ) Emma Ralde@crystyl:starts off quite reserved, but gives more of herself over to the music as she continues, going full Orion seduction dance before long Ann Carter@anncaris:watches Emma dance away with a smile Emma Ralde@crystyl:| The tribals watch in awe, having never seen movement like it before they are truly entranced. Especially the males... Emma Ralde@crystyl:| Before long, the little girl who first drew Emma in joins her and tries to copy as best she can. 1 by 1, more of the tribals join and begin to find their own natural flare with it, going beyond - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- mimicry and moving for themselves. The allure of the dance is clear as the females all around dominate the males attention, and revel in the fact. The males don't exactly seem to be complaining - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- about it either... Emma Ralde@crystyl:| Ann can see the consistency with Lennie's expert blade-dancing, though can also easily see that Emma is no Lennie Ann Carter@anncaris:"Are we sure we ain't accidentally settin' a precedent for modern Orion dancin'..." Emma Ralde@crystyl:| Jenni: "I'm sure they'd have gotten around to it sooner or later anyway..." Ann Carter@anncaris:| Taizam-Dur: "We...might be. But are probably other tribes on the planet. What this tribe picks up from us might not necessarily spread." Emma Ralde@crystyl:is oblivious to the conversation at this point, completely 'in the zone' and loving it. Some might even think it's perhaps been a little too long since she really let her hair down as an Orion Emma Ralde@crystyl:| Jenni: "She does seem to be enjoying herself. All this business of being here & now must have taken quite the toll on her, I know she holds all this heritage stuff close to heart. Maybe we should - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- let her off the whole cultural influence thing on this one" Ann Carter@anncaris:nods, "Yeah, you got a good point. Besides, like she said, if we are influencin' 'em, maybe we're always meant to. It's not like she's teachin' 'em Klingon rituals or somethin', the Orions are - Ann Carter@anncaris:- supposed to adopt this in the future." Emma Ralde@crystyl:eventually wears herself out and leaves the excitement to the tribals who show no sign of stopping now. She rejoins the others with an exhilarated sigh as she finally rests. Emma Ralde@crystyl:doesn't sit quite as rigidly as before though. Now she partially lays on her side, with her legs curled up a hand draped across them Ann Carter@anncaris:"Tha' was quite a show, Emma!" Emma Ralde@crystyl:grins, "Glad you enjoyed! I haven't let loose like that in... well, too long!" Ann Carter@anncaris:smiles, "I can tell! Ya don't dance with Rianni at all?" Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Sure, we've danced on occasion at parties and stuff. But... I've never danced /with/ her like that. I didn't want to scare her off..." Ann Carter@anncaris:chuckles, "I don't think ya need to worry 'bout tha'! It's quite the opposite o' scary! Plus, ya do know Rianni managed to get along with a Lupan pack once, right? I'm sure she'll keep up with ya - Ann Carter@anncaris:- in no time!" Emma Ralde@crystyl:smiles, "I have to admit, I'd forgotten how much I missed it... and it will be great to see her again when we get back. So who knows!" she gives a knowing smirk Ann Carter@anncaris:smirks back, "I think the two o' ya will have fun with it! Ya dance reminds me o' Lennie's blade dancin', but not quite. Much more like the Orion dances I'm familiar with, but still kinda different." Ann Carter@anncaris:"Is it some older, more traditional form, from back during the old Space Navy times?" Emma Ralde@crystyl:shrugs, "Probably. It's just... me letting go really. I was never one for learning the proper forms or anything" Ann Carter@anncaris:"Well wha'ever it was, it looked great!" Emma Ralde@crystyl:smiles contentedly, watching the tribals all enjoying themselves like never before still, "It felt great" Ann Carter@anncaris:smiles, "I'm glad ya got to finally cut loose! An' the folks here seem to be havin' fun with it too!" Emma Ralde@crystyl:| Jenni watches with acute fascination as the tribals dancing becomes more like a game of seduction and control, "They really do..." Emma Ralde@crystyl:chuckles, "This is why Syndicate entertainers only put their girls out in small numbers. There's a loooot of pheromones at work out there right now!" Ann Carter@anncaris:"Oh yeah..." she chuckles as well Ann Carter@anncaris:| Taizam-Dur: "Did you take any medication for those? Might be a good idea..." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Good point" Ann Carter@anncaris:"Shoulda made 'em with the pigment. Didn't know we were dealin' with actual Orions at the time, I thought they just...were green!" Emma Ralde@crystyl:"It's not like you have to worry about being influenced like the males are. Worst case; you wake up tomorrow with migraines" Emma Ralde@crystyl:peers over, "As for you Tai... how are you holding up? Not 'feeling the urge' are we?" she smirks Ann Carter@anncaris:| Taizam-Dur chuckles, "That's also something my implants help with. I deal with more males than females during my time as a scavenger, but I grew up on a Syndicate world and still ran into them - Ann Carter@anncaris:- from time to time." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Aww, so no bending you to my will?" she pouts playfully Ann Carter@anncaris:| Taizam-Dur smirks, "Sorry. Not unless I let you." Emma Ralde@crystyl:chuckles, "Duly noted!" Emma Ralde@crystyl:| Jenni sizes Emma up briefly, unsure at first if she was being serious. --- Emma Ralde@crystyl:| Come morning, the team are greeted by the serene landscape. And the sight of all the tribals who seem to have danced themselves to sleep in an orgy of intertwined bodies all around the camp... Ann Carter@anncaris:| Taizam-Dur gets up slowly, looking around, "They seem like they had fun..." Emma Ralde@crystyl:smiles, "Ok, now /that's/ an Orion party" Ann Carter@anncaris:chuckles, "Tha' it is!" Emma Ralde@crystyl:| Some of the tribals are already up and about, many starting to wake as the sun rises. The little girl who first welcomed Emma meanders over with a smile on her face, "Squirt!" she chirps up at Emma Ann Carter@anncaris:smiles at the little girl, "Think tha' one's taken a likin' to ya!" Emma Ralde@crystyl:pats her on the head, "Yeah... please don't get in the habit of calling people that..." Ann Carter@anncaris:laughs, "Did ya teach her tha' by accident?" Emma Ralde@crystyl:"It was how we discovered that they are capable of verbalizing" Emma Ralde@crystyl:kneels before the girl, hands resting on her shoulders, "I wish I could explain things to you properly little Kolari..." Emma Ralde@crystyl:| Despite not understanding Emma's words, the girl does seem to comprehend the context. Or at least anticipate the correct reaction as she seems saddened at the drawing farewell Ann Carter@anncaris:"They do seem to communicate quite well without words, don't they?" Emma Ralde@crystyl:seems to share a moment with the girl before standing again, "It's uncanny. Almost feels like I imagine telepathy or perhaps rather empathy to be like" Ann Carter@anncaris:"Wonder if ya still capable o' that to some degree." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"I know it's not really a mental ability like that. Just a sort of... sense of one another. If I had to guess, I would say that maybe I'm more receptive to their pheromonal communication maybe?" Ann Carter@anncaris:"Tha' could be it, 'less your ancestors had actual telepathy but lost it like the Romulans after they left Vulcan. But the pheromones make more sense, we know Orions got 'em still today." Ann Carter@anncaris:| Taizam-Dur nods, "But we may have forgotten many uses our ancestors had for them. Emma Ralde@crystyl:"I've collected some pretty detailed bioscans of them. You know, for posterity and all. But now is not the time for scientific curiosity" Ann Carter@anncaris:"Right. Gotta figure out how we get back." Ann Carter@anncaris:"I'm sure Lennie'll love goin' though tha' data once we're back on the Valley Forge." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"First things first, we've got to get all that gear back to the runabout!" Emma Ralde@crystyl:| Jenni looks at the small mountain of salvage with a gulp... Ann Carter@anncaris:"Think we should get the folks here to help us, or best they don't find the runabout?" Emma Ralde@crystyl:"I think at this point, it won't do any more harm. And the alternative is us being around them a hell of a lot longer. I say we ask them to help" Ann Carter@anncaris:"True. They helped us get salvage from the wreckage already, after all. No harm in seein' the shuttle now." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Alright then, I'll try and find the Tabadi. See if I can explain the request... Ann Carter@anncaris:"Good luck, an' thanks for doin' the communicatin'!" Emma Ralde@crystyl:| Jenni looks between Ann and TD, "You guys think it will take long to make the repairs?" Ann Carter@anncaris:"Shuttle's in pretty rough shape, but we're not lookin' to get it brand new again, just stable enough to fly an' do wha' we need to do get back home. Might take a lil work, but not a whole week or - Ann Carter@anncaris:- anythin'." Emma Ralde@crystyl:| Jenni: "That's reassuring. Hopefully we won't have to refresh our green then" she smiles Ann Carter@anncaris:chuckles, "Think we should be good! Best to conserve the shuttle's energy an' not replicate more than we absolutely need to." Emma Ralde@crystyl:returns a few minutes later, "I think I got the message across" Ann Carter@anncaris:"Great! Let's get all this stuff back to the shuttle an' get started on the next stage o' the work." Emma Ralde@crystyl:nods, waving the first group of readied tribals over to the salvage pile which they start picking apart and carrying away. "Lead the way!" Ann Carter@anncaris:grabs a few pieces of salvage as well before turning to make for the shuttle Emma Ralde@crystyl:the group trek back across the plains the crashed runabout where work quickly begins on making repairs Ann Carter@anncaris:works away at the inside of the shuttle some time later, reaching into an open panel and pulling out some damaged components. She looks around for a bit, then over to Emma, "Emma! I know I had a - Ann Carter@anncaris:- macrotool 'round here somewhere. Any idea where it went?" Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Um..." she looks around, "No... let me see if I can find it for you" Emma Ralde@crystyl:begins searching around for the tool Ann Carter@anncaris:| Emma does not find the tool anywhere inside the shuttle Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Doesn't seem to be in here. Let me check outside, maybe Tai borrowed it" Emma Ralde@crystyl:steps out to find Tai and ask about the tool Ann Carter@anncaris:| Outside the runabout, Taizam-Dur can be found working on one of the craft's nacelles Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Hey Tai, you haven't got a macrotool here have you?" Ann Carter@anncaris:| Taizam-Dur: "I do," he holds up the tool. "Do you need it?" Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Yeah, Ann needs it inside if you don't mind" Ann Carter@anncaris:| Taizam-Dur hands it to Emma, "Here. Sorry to ask you to run around, but can you grab a plasma injector from the salvage pile on your way back? I can't leave this unattended and the locals brought - Ann Carter@anncaris:- me the wrong component. I guess the picture I drew was too rough," he chuckles Emma Ralde@crystyl:smiles, placing a hand on his arm, "Hey, no trouble! I'll be right, okay" she flashes another sweet smile and heads off Emma Ralde@crystyl:returns the macrotool to Ann inside, "Can't stop. Need to find a plasma injector for Tai!" Ann Carter@anncaris:"No worries, it's a busy time with repairs! Should be a few workin' ones among the salvage. Think it's in one o' the crates from tha' cargo bay." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Got it, thanks! Holler if you need anything now" she chirps, heading back out Ann Carter@anncaris:"Will do!" Emma Ralde@crystyl:goes to rummage the salvage pile for the injector Ann Carter@anncaris:| Emma manages to locate the crate and the injectors inside after a bit of searching Emma Ralde@crystyl:grabs it and heads back to Tai, "One plasma injector, fresh out of the oven!" Ann Carter@anncaris:| Taizam-Dur: "Thank you." He takes the injector, slotting it in place, connecting a few wires before closing the panel, "Right nacelle should be good to go." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Great! That's a real milestone for the repairs I think" Ann Carter@anncaris:| Taizam-Dur nods and smiles, "It's certainly good progress. He takes a moment to glance around, then up, then to Emma, "Is this the first time you've been here? On the homeworld, I mean. You said - Ann Carter@anncaris:- it looked familiar from space, so I assume you've at least seen it from orbit." Emma Ralde@crystyl:nods, "That's right. I've been through the system enough and seen it from orbit. But never set foot here before" Ann Carter@anncaris:| Taizam-Dur: "Me too. Were you born here in the system, or somewhere else?" Emma Ralde@crystyl:nods, "What is commonly perceived as our modern day homeworld, Rigel VII" Ann Carter@anncaris:| Taizam-Dur nods, "I was born on IX myself. Been through the system plenty of times, but never landed here." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Yeah... not the most welcoming of landscapes in our time, is it" Ann Carter@anncaris:| Taizam-Dur shakes his head, "That it isn't. Hopefully we'll be able to claim it when we get back." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"You know, I always believed in that ideal. But being here now, seeing it like this... makes me want to do more than just hold hope for a bright future one day. I want to /see/ it. I want to realize- Emma Ralde@crystyl:- that dream for myself now" Ann Carter@anncaris:| Taizam-Dur: "I never even imagined something like the OSN happening. Before I came to Vue-En, I was always more concerned about myself. I didn't exactly hold out much hope for our people based on - Ann Carter@anncaris:- everything I saw Rigel IX. Suppose I always was more of a realist than an idealist. Still am, really, but now that I can do what I've always wanted, I'd rather put my skills to a cause than for - Ann Carter@anncaris:- profit, and what better cause than building a new future for Orions?" Emma Ralde@crystyl:grins, "Couldn't have put it better myself!" Ann Carter@anncaris:| Taizam-Dur: "In a different time, I might stay with Starfleet for good. Back before the OSN was created, and before Vora became Supreme Commander on the New World. I did consider Starfleet before - Ann Carter@anncaris:- I knew about the latter, but life often has different plans for you. I'm one of the few lucky enough for things to have worked out in the end." Emma Ralde@crystyl:smiles, "I'm happy for you Tai!" Ann Carter@anncaris:| Taizam-Dur smiles back, "And I for you. I can tell all this is something you never expected to see, and it's been an experience you'll remember." Emma Ralde@crystyl:turns and watches the tribals who all seem to be congregated at a safe distance where they watch and revel in the presence of the team Emma Ralde@crystyl:"I don't imagine anyone expects to walk on the 5000 year old soil of their long lost ancestral homeworld and dance with their ancient ancestors" she laughs Emma Ralde@crystyl:"But it really is something special. And despite all the hardships, even consequences of all this. I can't help but selfishly feel great satisfaction for being here to experience it" Ann Carter@anncaris:| Taizam-Dur nods, "It's especially different for us. History's never perfectly documented, and anyone would be quite surprised seeing how things really were thousands of years ago. But with how - Ann Carter@anncaris:- much we've lost, it's even more impactful." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Exactly why I feel so honoured to witness it for myself. I mean, I'm not special or important. But somehow I end up here to learn all of this? It seems so unfair" Ann Carter@anncaris:| Taizam-Dur: "Well, you're important now. Maybe this knowledge is what makes you special. Plenty of people aren't born important, but become vital to history one way or another." Emma Ralde@crystyl:turns with a smile, "Yeah, maybe. Guess that's just part of my curse; never growing enough as a person to accept stuff like that" Ann Carter@anncaris:| Taizam-Dur: "In any case, I'm sure the Orions back on the ship, and in the OSN once we get there, will be very interested in what we have to share from our experience. Now just to get back..." Emma Ralde@crystyl:gives a firm nod, "Let's finish these repairs!" --- Emma Ralde@crystyl:| With repairs complete, it is time to bid farewell to the natives who seem to sense what is coming Emma Ralde@crystyl:& Co. stand before the tribals as Emma tries to sign that they are returning to the stars. Lots of pointing and gesturing Emma Ralde@crystyl:| They may not understand, but they seem to get the context of saying goodbye and are clearly saddened to part ways Emma Ralde@crystyl:starts with the little girl, kneeling down with a smile and patting her on the head, "So long squirt!" adding a friendly fingertip 'boop' on the girls nose which makes her giggles and parrot "Squirt!” Emma Ralde@crystyl:turns her attention to her three gifted males. Each in turn, she places her hands on their cheeks and pulls herself up to kiss them gently on the cheek Ann Carter@anncaris:smiles as she watches Emma give her farewells, "We're gonna miss 'em now we're leavin', aren't we..." Emma Ralde@crystyl:finally stands before the Tabadi, embracing her like a sister before trying to give a final instruction with drawings in the dirt. She tells her to bury the raider wreckage or 'seal the hell portal' Emma Ralde@crystyl:has a tear in her eye as she finally steps back from them, nodding as she dabs it with her sleeve, "You have no idea how much I want to stay here right now..." Ann Carter@anncaris:nods, "It's a simpler life here, with ya people back before anythin' bad happened. I'm not even Orion and I'd like to stay, but we got people waitin' for us back home." Ann Carter@anncaris:| Taizam-Dur: "We'll just have to do our best to restore the homeworld to what we've seen here." Emma Ralde@crystyl:nods, "And it's time we get back to them" looks to Tai, "If you've got any farewells to make, don't miss this chance. I'll start warming up systems" she turns and enters the runabout, pausing as - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- she steps up into the threshold to take one last look back to the natives before entering Ann Carter@anncaris:| Taizam-Dur nods, giving similar farewells to the females gifted to her before nodding at the Tabadi and turning to follow Emma back Ann Carter@anncaris:and Taizam-Dur soon join Emma in the shuttle, with Ann heading to the pilot's seat while Tai moves to the back Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Alright, let's get this show on road shall we!" Ann Carter@anncaris:"Ready to get this runabout off the ground when you are! All systems lookin' good?" Emma Ralde@crystyl:"All good here" Ann Carter@anncaris:"An' the Eon's ready?" Emma Ralde@crystyl:| Jenni nods: "Loaded up and primed. Coordinates are calculated so /hopefully/ this jump will be an accurate return trip" Emma Ralde@crystyl | Jenni quickly adds, "But don't blame me if we end up 5 million years in the past or something!" Ann Carter@anncaris | Taizam-Dur: "I've performed the calculations based on the phenomenon that brought us here, but with only one example, I can't be sure how exact it is." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Have faith" Ann Carter@anncaris:"I'll take us into orbit, then." Ann Carter@anncaris taps away at her console, slowly lifting off Emma Ralde@crystyl | The tribals all stagger back at the incomprehensible sight Ann Carter@anncaris:"Looks like tha' spooked 'em...but no more than any number o' things tha' happened while we were here." Emma Ralde@crystyl:quietly calls up an image from the port sensor array to watch as they disappear beneath the rising runabout. She tenderly touches a hand to the screen over their fading image Ann Carter@anncaris glances over, "We'll make sure wha' we know o' their culture lives on in the future, Emma." Emma Ralde@crystyl smiles, "I know. Won't stop me missing them though" she makes sure to capture an image of the group before they get too far out of view Ann Carter@anncaris nods, "Me too. I didn't know 'em as well as you, but they were good people." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"The best! Anyways, looking clear to make the jump when you're ready" Ann Carter@anncaris | Taizam-Dur: "Sensors are fully online this time, aren't they?" Emma Ralde@crystyl:"As good as they can be. Let's hope it's enough to keep us on track" Ann Carter@anncaris | Taizam-Dur: "Run a quick detailed scan on the planet first. It could help future efforts in restoring it. I'm sure scans from our early days of space travel exist, but even then there's - Ann Carter@anncaris:- already been damaged. We don't have any data of the planet back when there's been no pollution or overexploitation." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Good call, I'm all over it!" Ann Carter@anncaris:| Taizam-Dur: "We'll start the jump as soon as your scan is complete." Emma Ralde@crystyl takes a few moments before announcing, "That's it. Scan complete, let's go home!" Ann Carter@anncaris taps her console, "Jumpin' now..." Emma Ralde@crystyl:| The runabout is once again hurled into a violent slipstream... Ann Carter@anncaris knows to hang on tightly this time, or try her best to.. Emma Ralde@crystyl | The crew is still bounced around despite their best efforts and repairs; systems again blow out all around them Emma Ralde@crystyl 's console completely explodes and launches her backwards across the cabin, not that anyone is in a position to act... Emma Ralde@crystyl FX | The serene image of interstellar space is suddenly disrupted by a vortex opening and the runabout emerging - powerless and adrift... Emma Ralde@crystyl | One nacelle spews plasma from a breach in it's casing while the other flickers and stutters along with onboard systems... Emma Ralde@crystyl | The runabout drifts with just a cloud of debris in it's uneven wake. As silent inside, as outside, with all the crew knocked out from the violent ride.. Emma Ralde@crystyl | The view inside the cabin is not pretty either, barely any illumination on the unconscious crew and just a few flickering consoles around them... Emma Ralde@crystyl | Then a dark shadow is slowly cast over the runabout; obscuring the minimal starlight even from the interior as the approximate shape of a saucer slowly passes overhead and obscures the runabout... Emma Ralde@crystyl FX | Stardate 97870.3. Approximately 5 months earlier... Emma Ralde@crystyl:Rianni@crystyl | Following the little welcome home gathering - turned - promotion toast, Rianni finally makes her way back to her quarters while Emma goes to check on Lennie Emma Ralde@crystyl:Rianni@crystyl is a little surprised - and confused - to see that she has an open log entry already, always so stringent with her record keeping... Rianni@crystyl FX | It is however not Emma's face to grace the screen, but that of future Rianni; aged beyond her years by a life of warfare and impossible morality, and wearing a thread-bare Captain's uniform Rianni@crystyl Log | "Where was I... oh yes, Emma! Now there is every chance that the changes we put into effect will already prevent this coming to pass, but in case that does not turn out to be so; you must take+ Rianni@crystyl:+ heed of my warning here - because I promise you this Ensign; you will never... /never/ get over it if we let it happen again. Oh, um... right, so about that; if you haven't already been to your + Rianni@crystyl:+ welcome home party, well... 'spoilers'" she chuckles, "Sorry if I let the Caitian out of the bag. Just... try to look surprised still when Keelah pulls those pips out for you. But now, Emma; pay + Rianni@crystyl:+ close attention, act as you must to keep history from repeating itself, and never speak to anyone of this. Now pay attention..." Emma Ralde@crystyl future Rianni continues.... Emma Ralde@crystyl:| FR: "Even if you are successful in holding the Horde at Vue En, I believe you will end up at the same point where this occurred 5 months from the time you're reading this. Now I know you; and - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- I know you'll be reluctant to keep Emma away from her mission - one to salvage Element One from the Iconian Arms Factory - given that doing so would potentially rewrite galactic history as you - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- know it. I'll let her explain that part to you afterwards, remember: 'spoilers'" Emma Ralde@crystyl | YR frowns at the teasing from her older self as she listens... Emma Ralde@crystyl | FR continues: "So, because I know you won't risk changing your history to save her, here's what you're going to do. Encoded within this log is covert subspace frequency along with a personal - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- command code. If you want to avoid my pain of having her die in your arms after you recover the away team; then you must call on your buried memories of the Junayd Observer. I know you remember - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- how she operated, so you know how to send messages without flagging activity on a comms relay. Send instructions to the provided frequency using the command code. Provide these coordinates and - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- request recovery of the away team at the exact time listed here. This is your only chance to avoid having that painful memory burned into your mind Rianni, do what you must" Emma Ralde@crystyl:Rianni@crystyl FX | Rianni does not know how long she was sat there in a daze before the door opened and Emma enters, with Ann & Lennie in tow
Mischa@crystyl | On the Latenter, T'Lana is sleeping in her quarters when she is woken by a chirp on the internal comms, "Mischa to Lana" T'Lana@anncaris responds a few seconds later, <C> T'Lana here Mischa@crystyl:<C> I'm sorry to wake you but there's been a development. There's a spiced tea in it for you if you could see your way to joining me in my office" T'Lana@anncaris:<C> I'll be there immediately Mischa@crystyl:<C> Take your time T'Lana@anncaris arrives at the ready room a few minutes later, ringing the doorbell Mischa@crystyl:"Come in Lana" Mischa@crystyl | Sure enough, as Mischa sips from a small chine cup of tea there is also a fresh pot of spiced tea on the opposite side of the desk waiting for Lana T'Lana@anncaris steps into the ready room, taking a seat on the other side of the desk, "Thank you, Commander." Mischa@crystyl:"Thank you for coming. I'm sorry to wake you, but this is quite the curious conundrum" T'Lana@anncaris:"No need to apologize, I am capable of functioning with limited rest. What is this development you mentioned?" Mischa@crystyl:"Two hours ago I too was awoken by the computer. An incoming subspace message directed through our own communication arrays subspace frequency, and directed to me personally" T'Lana@anncaris:"Interesting. Something from the Network?" Mischa@crystyl shakes her head, "I do not believe so. The message was locked by /my/ command code. The network does not have such information" Mischa@crystyl:"Stars! Nobody has that information, not even you" T'Lana@anncaris perks a brow, "What were the contents of this message?" Mischa@crystyl spins her display to show TL as she summarizes, "Instructions to be at a specific set of coordinates at a specific stardate a few months from now" Mischa@crystyl:"It is a... very insistent request to recover a damaged Starfleet runabout and render medical aid to its occupants" T'Lana@anncaris:"That is highly specific. The only possibility that comes to mind is this message originated from yourself in the future. Perhaps something is about to happen which renders rescuing this runabout - T'Lana@anncaris:- of enough importance to go against primary directives." Mischa@crystyl:"That was my initial theory too, but there was something... off about the way this was written and routed. I've been scratching my head for the last hour trying to figure what was familiar about it" T'Lana@anncaris:"Perhaps a member of the crew, to whom for some reason you will entrust your command code in the future? With Leona's protection, I doubt whoever learned of your code did so by telepathy, and it is - T'Lana@anncaris:- reasonable to suspect that whoever sent the message is someone you trust who has give us these instructions for good reason." T'Lana@anncaris:"The likelihood of this being a trap is next to none. It is far too elaborate." Mischa@crystyl:"A logical deduction" she smiles, spinning the console back and tapping some more before returning it, "But then I found this" T'Lana@anncaris takes a sip of tea and examines the console again Mischa@crystyl | The screen shows a transcript from one of Mischa's interviews of Observer 93108 during her request for asylum T'Lana@anncaris raises a brow again, looking to Mischa, "I am aware of these events, but I fail to see their relevance." Mischa@crystyl:"Look more closely at the transcribed dialogue from the Observer. Now look at today's message. They are written in the same vernacular" T'Lana@anncaris reads carefully for a few moments before nodding, "How could the Observer have gained access to your code? It demonstrated skill with infiltration, but even if it had telepathy, which I do not - T'Lana@anncaris:- believe was ever reported, you would have been protected from it." Mischa@crystyl:"Not to mention that the last we saw of her, she was attempting to serve as a diplomatic representative of the Junayd back with the Federation. Even if she had all of this information it is - Mischa@crystyl:- implausible that she could be in range now to transmit" T'Lana@anncaris:"An extremely unusual set of circumstances indeed. I am unable to conceive of a single explanation in which all these pieces may fit together, but the universe has many ways of surprising us. I - T'Lana@anncaris:- suspect we will only have our answers if we proceed to said coordinates at the specified time." Mischa@crystyl nods, "I am afraid you may be right there" sipping her tea, "and you know how much I hate being in the dark..." T'Lana@anncaris nods, "We may simply have to wait five months for the answers to this one. I do not believe we will be in any danger by doing so." Mischa@crystyl:"There is only one frustrating way to find out..." Mischa@crystyl | 5 months later... Mischa@crystyl | Not one to leave anything to chance, Mischa orders the Latenter to within range of the designated coordinates a good time ahead of that stated in their instructions. They sit under cloak and bear- Mischa@crystyl:-witness to the Valley Forge's visit to the rogue planetoid, then the runabout's ambush by the raiders and it's sudden departure. And then at the appointed hour, it's return... Mischa@crystyl:"Well I'll be damned... helm, take us into range and get a tractor beam on that ship" T'Lana@anncaris | Nethay: "Aye Commander." Mischa@crystyl | The Latenter decloaks and approaches, looming close over the damaged runabout before a tractor beam secures it T'Lana@anncaris scans the shuttle for lifesigns Mischa@crystyl | TL Finds 4 lifesigns on board; two Human and two Orion, and one of the Orions signals is weak T'Lana@anncaris:"I'm detecting two humans and two Orions. One of the Orion lifesigns is weak." Mischa@crystyl:"Beam the straight to sickbay" T'Lana@anncaris | Victoria nods, tapping her console, "Transporting now." Mischa@crystyl:"As soon as that runabout is secured, re-engage cloak and move us back to observation range. T'Lana, lets go get our answers" T'Lana@anncaris nods, turning to follow Mischa. Mischa@crystyl & TL step into the turbolift, "Well, seems we finally get some answers then" T'Lana@anncaris:"Indeed. I am curious as to what the explanation to that message could possibly be." Mischa@crystyl:"Any thoughts or reservations so far?" T'Lana@anncaris:"The shuttle crew- they are most likely members of the Valley Forge crew who were originally on the shuttle before it disappeared. We may not have our answers if we do not speak with them, but if - T'Lana@anncaris:- we do, they will be aware of our presence." Mischa@crystyl nods, "If we do have to interview them, we will also have to adjust their short term memory afterwards" T'Lana@anncaris nods, "We should be able to treat their injuries and return them to their runabout easily without revealing ourselves, but interviewing them may be necessary to understand how and why the - T'Lana@anncaris:- message was sent." Mischa@crystyl:"Let's see what we can learn without interviews first" Mischa@crystyl | The pair enter the minimal sickbay, "Now, what do we have here then..." T'Lana@anncaris | Buena turns from the surgical bed to Mischa, "Commanders. We have four patients, all members of the Valley Forge crew from their combadges and uniforms. Two humans, one from Forged Earth, and - T'Lana@anncaris:- two Orions, with the female in critical condition. All injuries are consistent with the damaged state of the runabout and there's no reason to believe there were any additional causes." Mischa@crystyl:"Two Orions, two Humans..." she looks around the room, "But four green skinned patients?" she asks with an entertained tone T'Lana@anncaris | Buena: "The two humans have used a skin pigment altering substance. It will wear off soon." Mischa@crystyl smiles, "It's almost worth waking them up to just hear the story behind that" she moves to the first bed, "So who do we have here..." T'Lana@anncaris | Buena: "This one is Flight Lieutenant Jennifer Baelai, a member of the Forged Earth Planetary Defense attached to the Valley Forge and pilot of the Eon interceptor craft. She was largely - T'Lana@anncaris - uninjured, only a few bumps and bruises." Mischa@crystyl:"Aah, so this is the girl who became the face of her people after first contact" she chuckles, "Hard to imagine all this began when I directed Keelah towards a piece of debris from that fated colony- Mischa@crystyl:- ship! It is good to finally meet one of these sub-species for myself" she moves onto the next bed T'Lana@anncaris | Buena: "He is Specialist Taizam-Dur, an enlisted crewmember who joined the Valley Forge among many other Orions during their initial stay at Vue-En. The Starfleet personnel file they opened - T'Lana@anncaris:- for him lists him simply as a technician with a history of scavenging and ship repair work. Of course, we dug deeper into his history." Mischa@crystyl glances back to TL, "You found something of note?" T'Lana@anncaris nods, "A variant surprisingly similar to the configuration of disruptor beams utilized by many refit Orion vessels in the Colonial Fleet was attested to in a number of Beta Quadrant underground - T'Lana@anncaris:- markets between fifteen to twenty years ago, sold as improved salvage from Orion ships by a 'Taizam-Dur.' An additional search revealed that almost all such arrays sold came from his crew, or - T'Lana@anncaris:- were resold afterwards. Four patents are also registered under the same name on Underworld- one for a personal shielding unit, one for a force-field disruption device, one for an EPS grid - T'Lana@anncaris:- configuration and one for a cybernetic scanner implant." T'Lana@anncaris | Buena: "The same one he has on himself" Mischa@crystyl:"Quite the entrepreneur" she chuckles, moving on T'Lana@anncaris:"We do not have data on his contributions with the New World, but he is indeed far more talented than the average technician." Mischa@crystyl:"This one looks familiar..." T'Lana@anncaris | Buena: "This one is Ensign Annabelle Carter, a pilot. She was rescued from Nimbus III by then Commander Frederick Carter, who also mentored her and sponsored her Academy entrance. There is no - T'Lana@anncaris:- documentation of her life prior to her departure from Nimbus, but her own accounts indicate she was a survivalist and a scavenger who was orphaned from as far as she can remember." Mischa@crystyl:"Annabelle Carter..." snaps her fingers, "That's right, she served at the station for a while. She was still a cadet then though, I'm sure" Mischa@crystyl smiles, "Glad to see she stuck it out with Starfleet" T'Lana@anncaris | Buena: "Her file does indicate she only graduated not long before the Valley Forge set out on her mission." Mischa@crystyl moves on to the last patient T'Lana@anncaris | Buena: "This one is Ensign Emma Ralde. She also joined the Valley Forge during their stay at Vue-En, but that's all I've been able to gather. Her file's extremely classified, I don't have the - T'Lana@anncaris:- clearance for it. I can tell you of her injuries though. The energy surge from an exploded conduit caused her to go into cardiac arrest. Aside from that, she had minor burns, two fractured ribs - T'Lana@anncaris:- and a concussion, but the former would have been life-threatening or at the very least caused permanent brain damage if we treated her any later." T'Lana@anncaris | Buena: "She's stabilized now and we expect her to make a full recovery." Mischa@crystyl folds her arms, one hand raised which she rests her chin on as she thoughtfully considers the unconscious Orion, "So, the immortal Emma Ralde is the reason we are here..." Mischa@crystyl:"All this time. I had no idea she looked so... youthful though" T'Lana@anncaris | Buena: "Immortal?" Mischa@crystyl chuckles, "A fond nickname given to her long ago. Though as you can see for yourself, hardly an accurate one" Mischa@crystyl:"'Undying' would be more apt, but I believe another - less attractive - Orion already claimed that title..." T'Lana@anncaris:"It stands to reason that we were called here so that we would be in time to treat her. However, that still does not account for who sent the message." Mischa@crystyl:"Maybe she did" she nods back to the unconscious girl before them Mischa@crystyl:"Or for that matter, perhaps it was me all along. You recall the Valley Forge encountering a future version of themselves. It is not incomprehensible for me to have used that somehow to direct us" Mischa@crystyl:"Though..." she speculates further, "If I were to guide past events here, then why wait until the runabout returns in this state? Surely it would have been more effective to intervene before they - Mischa@crystyl:- disappeared into that vortex...?" T'Lana@anncaris:"Perhaps whatever they accomplished during the time of their disappearance was vital to still occur, but it was also important for her to survive." Mischa@crystyl:"Logical as ever" she smiles back over her shoulder, "We should investigate the runabout for more details before getting carried away with speculation. Buena, keep them all under for now" T'Lana@anncaris nods, "This is the only theory I can conceive of. But something is still missing, as I recall you finding it odd that the message was not worded like you." T'Lana@anncaris:"If you did indeed send the message, you must have had some reason to pretend it was not you." Mischa@crystyl:"Perhaps an intermediary was needed. I likened the wording to that of the Junayd Observer, but there has been no indication of further presence from her on the Valley Forge" T'Lana@anncaris:"Let us see if we can find this missing piece on the runabout." Mischa@crystyl nods, turning to head out, "Indeed" --- Mischa@crystyl | After leaving the unconscious shuttle crew in sickbay, Mischa & TL head down to investigate the runabout. T'Lana@anncaris takes out a tricorder, scanning around Mischa@crystyl explores visually in the meantime, "Well, this has certainly seen better days". T'Lana@anncaris nods, "Indeed. The readings indicate a significant amount of non-Starfleet components, likely integrated for field repairs. I suspect whatever phenomenon the shuttle went through caused the - T'Lana@anncaris:- majority if not entirely of the damage, necessitating repairs wherever they went prior to their return." Mischa@crystyl:"But these repairs look extensive. This would have taken considerably longer to perform than they were gone for, let alone time spent gathering them" T'Lana@anncaris:"Unless they traveled backwards in time on their return, or traveled to another point in time and attempted to return to the point they left, but did not manage precise accuracy." Mischa@crystyl:"Let's see what the computer can tell us" she moves to try and interrogate the sensor logs T'Lana@anncaris scans for chroniton signatures while stepping up behind Mischa Mischa@crystyl sits at the science station, "Huh. Did not expect that..." she notes in a bemused tone, leaning back in the chair and taking in the image of the tribals waving to the departing shuttle T'Lana@anncaris looks over, examining the tribals, "That does explain the green pigmentation. My scans also confirm that the shuttle has been through some temporal displacement, though the exact nature of when - T'Lana@anncaris:- it occurred on their journey is unknown." Mischa@crystyl:"I think it is safe to say that the vortex we saw them use likely had a temporal component" Mischa@crystyl browses the rest of the sensor data, "There is a highly detailed planetary survey in here. Presumably the world where those green aliens were" T'Lana@anncaris:"Perhaps it is a planet nearby. Try matching it to our database." Mischa@crystyl:"Patching in now. This will take a few minutes..." she moves to another station Mischa@crystyl:"Navigation is a mess. I'm not sure I can get anything from this" T'Lana@anncaris moves to tap at a console further back on the runabout, checking the ship's engineering systems and trying to figure out what generated the vortex T'Lana@anncaris:"Interesting. There appears to have been significant recalibration done to the dilithium chamber. I will need to review this data more closely to determine its relevance to the vortex they traveled - T'Lana@anncaris:- through, but I suspect they attempted to use some makeshift method of warp travel." Mischa@crystyl:"A desperate attempt to evade that fight we witnessed, no doubt" T'Lana@anncaris nods, "I suspect so as well. The temporal displacement was likely an unintended side effect." Mischa@crystyl moves to another station, "I'm going to check their mission logs. Such effects should not be achievable with any known application of technologies standard to a ship like this" T'Lana@anncaris:"They were salvaging an Iconian ruin. It is likely some foreign technology was utilized." T'Lana@anncaris goes to check the dilithium chamber itself to see if it holds any clues Mischa@crystyl taps away, "That would be my guess- sorry, logical deduction" glancing back with a smirk T'Lana@anncaris:"Fascinating," she takes a scan before looking to Mischa, "This is a piece of the Element One substance, utilized by Forged Earth as an alternative source of fuel." Mischa@crystyl joins TL, "Well, I think we've found our foreign element. Though I don't recall any records of the Forged people using temporal mechanisms. In fact, they weren't even warp capable" T'Lana@anncaris:"It was likely an unintentional effect. After all, the shuttle's systems were designed to make use of dilithium, and the recalibrations were no doubt performed in a hurry." T'Lana@anncaris:"It is impressive on its own that they were able to replicate the vortex and return this close to when they departed." Mischa@crystyl:"A remarkable happenchance if so. I suppose I should not be surprised; it is chance occurrences like this that more often lead to such discoveries than planned research after all" Mischa@crystyl:"Who knows, perhaps this is insight into the Iconians own methods. We know they utilized subspace to move entire spheres around after all, and extended into other galaxies. This could be an - Mischa@crystyl:- indication of how" T'Lana@anncaris:"An interesting idea. I suggest we collect as much data as we can, but leave things as is so the crew would not suspect anything and the Valley Forge will be able to study what has occured as well.” Mischa@crystyl:"Agreed, see to it" T'Lana@anncaris nods, "The temporal displacement may also explain the source of that message." Mischa@crystyl:"Quite possible. Stranded in the future, with only limited knowledge of fixed points in the past to aim for. Elusive messages passed third hand to help their own situation. It's feasible" Mischa@crystyl | The computer chimes with an update from the science console Mischa@crystyl:"Or... not" T'Lana@anncaris steps over, looking at the console Mischa@crystyl | The computer displays a match to the database with Rigel VIII, but records inconsistencies with stellar positioning T'Lana@anncaris:"Rigel VIII...the Orion homeworld. The stellar positioning either indicates a significant distance into the past or the future, and from the image we saw earlier, the past would be the logical - T'Lana@anncaris:- conclusion." Mischa@crystyl:"Not only that, but I've seen my share of the Rigel system and that planet is a contaminated wasteland. If it were the future, it would have to be so far as to not only have healed that damage, but - Mischa@crystyl:- a whole new evolution of life to cycle back around to this point of development. I find the past far more likely as well" T'Lana@anncaris:"Unfortunately, that does not answer the question of the message you received." Mischa@crystyl:"No it does not, but the more of these tangled threads we unravel the closer we get to the truth" T'Lana@anncaris nods, "Agreed. Is there any indication that they traveled somewhere else other than Rigel?" Mischa@crystyl shakes her head, "From what's left of the computer, the best I can tell is that the vortex carried them there, they crash landed, made repairs, then returned" T'Lana@anncaris:"It may at least answer why we were asked to intercept the shuttle after their return and not before. It is possible that their visit to an Orion homeworld in the past is essential to ensure that - T'Lana@anncaris:- history plays out the same way up to the present." Mischa@crystyl:"At least in the opinion of whoever originated our mystery message. I suppose there's no way of knowing now, as if they have changed anything then we are already a part of that altered timeline" T'Lana@anncaris:"True. Perhaps whoever sent the message is not on board this shuttle, but simply wishes to ensure that the timeline continues a certain way, with this crew traveling to the past, but the Ensign - T'Lana@anncaris:- surviving the ordeal. It could even be yourself in the far future, intentionally wording the message based on the Observer to lead you to the Observer, for a reason not yet known to us." Mischa@crystyl:"Something tells me that's the best explanation we're going to get for all of this. Your thoughts on our next move?" T'Lana@anncaris thinks for a second, then steps over to check the shuttle's comm records Mischa@crystyl | Nothing of note in the record, though she can see that during the initial fight they tried to send a distress signal and failed due to array damage T'Lana@anncaris:"There is no record of any message being sent from the shuttle, only a failed distress call. All indications seem to suggest that the message did not originate from the shuttle's crew. While we can - T'Lana@anncaris:- wake them and alter their memory afterwards, the chance of us getting something for our trouble is extremely low." Mischa@crystyl:"Agreed. I think then once you have all the data captured, we return the runabout and the crew - keeping them sedated long enough to avoid raising suspicion. We activate their distress signal and - Mischa@crystyl:- return to discrete observation until they are recovered" T'Lana@anncaris nods, "In addition, I would suggest finding or creating an opportunity to speak with the Observer. If she did not send the message, it was phrased like she had for a reason. The fact that she - T'Lana@anncaris:- possesses considerable skill in infiltration and very advanced creators also gives her the potential to be responsible, the only one remaining with said potential who seems to have some - T'Lana@anncaris:- connection to all this beyond yourself." Mischa@crystyl:"Once the Valley Forge arrives, they will likely hold position while they investigate. We can attempt to retrace the received message then as we know the Observer is with them now. If it is her, she- Mischa@crystyl:- may well receive it" T'Lana@anncaris:"An excellent plan. I will have the crew returned to the shuttle with the distress call active and remove all traces of our presence here." Mischa@crystyl:"Very good, then we shall see" --- Rianni@crystyl | After racing back to the rogue planet, VF recovers the shuttle and it's crew who are transferred straight to sickbay Rianni@crystyl bursts through the door, looking around and gasping with elation as she sees all of them - including Emma - sitting up on the beds and seeming well Ann Carter@anncaris smiles and waves, "Hey Rianni!" Rianni@crystyl runs over and launches the the tightest embrace she can around Emma, trembling as she holds on to her for dear life Ann Carter@anncaris smiles at the reunion, "Don't ya worry, we're all fine!" Rianni@crystyl | Emma gasps, welcoming the embrace but tapping out, barely able to speak, "Missed you... too Ri, but... can't... breath!" Rianni@crystyl:"Hm? OH!" she forces herself back, still holding tightly onto Emma's hands, "Sorry!" she turns to Ann, "It is a relief to see you - all of you - are ok!" Rianni@crystyl | Emma gives her a surprising look at the tight grasp around her hand, having never seen Rianni so worried before Ann Carter@anncaris:"We've had quuuite a trip, but we're all back now! Ya never looked this anxious before when Emma was away on a mission, and she's been to some dangerous places..." Rianni@crystyl:"I..." she flushes, catching herself finally and loosening her grip on Emma's hand, wringing her hands nervously still, "Sorry. I just... when we got the distress call, I guess I just feared the - Rianni@crystyl:- worst..." Rianni@crystyl | Emma smiles softly, reaching out and taking Rianni's hands again in a much gentler grasp Ann Carter@anncaris:"Well, the shuttle wasn't in good shape, but still a miracle we even made it back. Guess you'd be worried if ya knew wha' happened, but...did ya know we were gone before ya got the distress call?" Rianni@crystyl flusters, "G-gone? What do you mean gone? I have no idea about that..." Rianni@crystyl | Lennie & Keelah arrive as well Ann Carter@anncaris:"Actually, how long were we even away for...we tried to send a distress call before we left, but..." Ann Carter@anncaris looks over to Lennie and Keelah, "Hey Lennie! Cap'n." Rianni@crystyl | Keelah chimes in, "Go on Ensign, I am eager to hear what happened. If you feel up to it" Ann Carter@anncaris nods, "I'm up for it. You're not gonna like it..." she looks to Lennie, "But I think you're gonna love it." Rianni@crystyl | Lennie moves over to embrace Ann. Lovingly, but nowhere near as desperately as Rianni. She is that much older and more mature after all, right? Ann Carter@anncaris smiles and hugs Lennie back, "So, we got snuck up on by some raiders. Warp got knocked out an' runabout's no match for 'em, so we had to improvise." Rianni@crystyl | Lennie: "Tha's puttin' it mildly Sweets! Hardly anythin' original left on tha' runabout now!" she chuckles Ann Carter@anncaris chuckles, "Okay, tha's somethin' else. At the time we just tried to go to warp, an' we got all the Element One crystals, right?" Rianni@crystyl | Keelah perks a brow, "You were able to use it to facilitate field repairs to your warp drive?" Ann Carter@anncaris:"Not exactly. We used it as a last-ditch attempt to get away an', well...it ended up bringin' us to the Orion homeworld, way back in the past. We'd no idea anythin' like that'd happen, Cap'n. Tha' - Ann Carter@anncaris:- it even /could/ happen." Rianni@crystyl | Lennie raises a hand, "Woah, woah, woah... ya went where'n'when now?!" Rianni@crystyl | Emma chuckles, "It is true Len, we were there; the birthplace of our people. Kalori!" Rianni@crystyl | Lennie looks to Kazra, "You'se err... did check 'em f'concussions, right?" Ann Carter@anncaris | Kazra nods, "They're fine, just some minor scrapes and bruises." Rianni@crystyl | Lennie sloooowly looks back to the patients, "You're serious..." Ann Carter@anncaris nods, "We are! Turns out it pulled both us an' the raiders there an' we all crashed, but it gave us a chance with the raiders. We salvaged their crashed ship for components an' tha's where all - Ann Carter@anncaris:- the stuff in the shuttle came from. The locals helped us deal with the remainin' raiders, but the raiders attacked 'em first...didn't have much o' a choice o' keepin' away from 'em." Ann Carter@anncaris:"We did wha' we could, makin' ourselves look Orion an' all." Rianni@crystyl | Keelah eyes Ann and Jenni, "Yes, I noticed. So let me be clear in my understanding of this; you accidentally travelled to the Orion homeworld at some distant point in the past where you enlisted - Rianni@crystyl:- the aid of the indigenous people to fight raiders from our time and salvage their ship. Did I miss anything?" Ann Carter@anncaris shakes her head, "Told ya you wouldn't like it, Cap'n." She looks to Emma for help Rianni@crystyl | Emma: "It is true Captain, but we did our best to hold to the temporal directive" Rianni@crystyl | Keelah reviews a PADD, nodding as she listens, "Minimize interaction with past societies, avoid action that may result in altering historical events, that kind of thing?" Rianni@crystyl | Emma nods, "Yes. We... tried..." Rianni@crystyl | Keelah, "So it would seem" she turns the PADD, showing them the image Emma saved of the tribals waving them off. Rianni@crystyl | Emma opens her mouth to protest, but resists and clamps it shut as she averts her gaze and tries to hide the deep green flush in her cheeks Rianni@crystyl holds an arm around her, "I know it looks bad, Captain. But we should hear them out" Ann Carter@anncaris:"Sorry, Cap'n. We weren't expectin' to be flung back through space /an'/ time, an' we weren't sure they /were/ Orions at first." Rianni@crystyl | Keelah gives Rianni a stern look, almost surprised by the rare side of Rianni standing up to her Rianni@crystyl | Keelah nods to Rianni, "You are right Ensign" turning to Ann and the others, "I expect /highly/ detailed reports from all of you on this. But for now, please, give me the brief version so I may - Rianni@crystyl:- understand" Ann Carter@anncaris:"Well, it was either workin' with the locals or lettin' the raiders have their way with the locals, an' knowin' their types, they'd probably kill an' pillage till the locals probably end up - Ann Carter@anncaris:- givin' in. Then they either settle on the planet as their gods or somethin', or fix up our shuttle at some point an' mess up the past o' other places." Ann Carter@anncaris:"An' after we helped the locals, it was already too late to un-contact 'em. So we did our best to minimize influence an' fix the shuttle to get back quick as we can." Rianni@crystyl | Emma: "By the time we traced the readings of the crashed raider ship, we found their crew already attacking the local settlement. It was with the temporal directive in mind that I chose to act as- Rianni@crystyl:- I saw future aliens wiping out my people as they had barely begun to evolve into a sentient species" Rianni@crystyl | Keelah thinks for a moment and nods, "Very well. Continue" Ann Carter@anncaris:"Once we worked with 'em in clearin' out the raiders, they'd seen the wreckage of the raiders' ship already an' our weapons in action, so there was little harm in askin' 'em to help us bring some - Ann Carter@anncaris:- salvage back to the runabout. We figured we'd do more harm if we took longer doin' repairs an' stayed longer, we'd influence us more since the locals were more prone to copyin' wha' we do.” Rianni@crystyl | Keelah perks a brow, "Hold on. What exactly were they 'copying'?" Ann Carter@anncaris:"Well...they were capable o' vocalizin', but they didn't seem to use language as their main form o' communication. They didn't understand anythin' we said, but some o' 'em repeated some words, - Ann Carter@anncaris:- 'specially the kids," she looks to Emma again Rianni@crystyl:"Yes, one little girl in particular who was rather friendly with me. She would often parrot, um, random words she heard me speak" Rianni@crystyl | Keelah's turn to open her mouth to speak, but think better of it. Turning back to Ann instead, "Alright, anything else?" Ann Carter@anncaris:"They also seemed to hold us in high regard, Emma an' Tai 'specially since they were the ones who helped 'em fight the raiders. So we wanted to leave quick as we could case they start worshippin' - Ann Carter@anncaris:- us or somethin'." Rianni@crystyl | Keelah almost shudders at the thought, or at least that of having to explain such an eventuality to Temporal Investigations one day Rianni@crystyl | Lennie: "If... they did alter Orion history at all, we wouldn't know would we? Maybe when Emma's up t'it, we can spend some time goin' through th'databse to see if anythin' jumps out as odd t'her" Rianni@crystyl | Emma nods, "Honestly, I'm as worried about this as you are Captain, so I would like to do that even if just to put my mind at ease" Ann Carter@anncaris:"I think tha' if we did, it mighta been one o' those predestination paradoxes. But yeah, tha's a good idea." Rianni@crystyl | Keelah nods, "Agreed. If there's nothing else to add here, I'll review the details in your reports later" Ann Carter@anncaris:"Tha's...all I can think o' at the moment, at least. We fixed up the shuttle, recreated wha' brought us here, an' ended up roughly back where we left." Rianni@crystyl | Keelah nods, "Then I shall leave you to your rest" she turns, pausing and looking back with a smile, "Regardless of events, I am glad you are all back and well. We will face the rest together in - Rianni@crystyl:- time" with a self-satisfied smile at her obligatory time pun, she heads out Ann Carter@anncaris chuckles and looks to Rianni and Emma, "Well, tha' didn't go too badly..." Rianni@crystyl:"As well as can be expected I think" Rianni@crystyl | Emma nods, "Better than I had hoped, if I'm honest" Rianni@crystyl:"The Captain is not unreasonable. She does not like temporal complications, but she remains objective" Ann Carter@anncaris:"Yeah! We did try everythin' we can to minimize our impact on 'em." Ann Carter@anncaris smiles at Lennie, "Ya'll love all we learned o' the ancient Orions, though!" Rianni@crystyl:"And I'm sure she realizes that. Or at least she will once she has a chance to absorb all that's happened" Rianni@crystyl | Lennie looks to Ann, "Oh yeah?" Ann Carter@anncaris nods, "Ya can see a lil of where modern Orion culture comes from, but there's a loooot difference 'bout the Orions we met. Even Emma had no idea wha' they'd be like! An' we got scans o' 'em too!" Ann Carter@anncaris:"We think they might primarily use their pheromones to communicate instead o' language an' such. Ya definitely wanna look over our readin's!" Rianni@crystyl | Lennie sits on the bed next to Ann, "I can't wait t'see! Wha' were they like then? I wanna hear everythin'!" Rianni@crystyl smiles, perching beside Emma and still holding onto her as she listens to their adventure Ann Carter@anncaris smiles as well, "I thought ya would! Well, I'll tell ya everything I knew, Emma might know a lil more as she interacted with 'em more, an' figured out how to communicate with 'em. But pretty - Ann Carter@anncaris:- roughly, as she's not sure if she can use her pheromones to the same extent they do." Rianni@crystyl | Emma laughs, "Oh, I'm pretty sure I can't!" Ann Carter@anncaris:"But maybe, if it is pheromones they're usin', if we study 'em then modern Orions might be able to relearn how to use 'em tha' way!" Rianni@crystyl | Lennie thinks, "It's certainly possible" Rianni@crystyl | Lennie looks to Emma, "Maybe it's still within us, an' simply bein' around them wha' did use it like tha' kinda woke th'sense in you. Ya did do more communicatin' wit'em right?" she looks around Rianni@crystyl | Emma nods, "True, but there was a lot of body language and pictograms involved too" Rianni@crystyl | Lennie looks to Kazra, "Anythin' in Emma's bioscans on this?" Ann Carter@anncaris | Kazra turns to her console, tapping to check Ann Carter@anncaris | Kazra nods, "I'm seeing recent stimulation in the gland. You might be onto something." Rianni@crystyl | Lennie grins, "This's gonna make a fascinatin' study!" Ann Carter@anncaris grins back, "I thought ya'd like it! We got readin's of the planet all the way back then too, though ya probably more interested in the biology. Could be useful in restorin' the planet in the - Ann Carter@anncaris - future, though! We're hopin' to pass it on to the OSN when we get back." Rianni@crystyl | Lennie: "'Course I'm-a more interested in th'people, but tha's amazin' too!" Rianni@crystyl smiles, "Temporal shenanigans aside, this truly is remarkable stuff" Ann Carter@anncaris nods, "Yeah! Never thought I'd get to see wha' ancient Orions were like. Some o' the stuff we see in Orions today were still there, the clan was led by some kinda tabadi, an' the males were - Ann Carter@anncaris:- pretty strong, an' good hunters." Rianni@crystyl:"Do you know how far back you went?" Ann Carter@anncaris:"Not exactly, no. But it was prior to history bein' written down, I think it was 'round...five thousand years by your estimate?" she looks to Emma Rianni@crystyl nods, "Only insofar that I'm not aware of any recorded history beyond 5000 years. Of course, it still could have been much more recent and just remote. In theory at least..." Ann Carter@anncaris:"Might be able to tell from tha' planetary scan. If there's more advanced groups o' Orions present, we should be able to see 'em. An' if not, I think we can still get a good idea from the planet - Ann Carter@anncaris:- itself an' the stars, an' the rest of the system." Rianni@crystyl | Lennie nods, "The stellar cartography should give us a pretty accurate picture" Ann Carter@anncaris:"Tha' should let us know exactly how far back we went, an' how it all fits into Orion history overall!" Rianni@crystyl | Emma: "I am... eager to see if we had any impact" Ann Carter@anncaris | Kazra: "Not so fast. Your injuries were more severe than the rest of the team. Looks like your heart stopped for a moment- I don't know by what miracle you recovered but you rest here while I - Ann Carter@anncaris:- make sure everything's fine." Rianni@crystyl | Emma turns and pouts, "Really? /So/ not fair" Rianni@crystyl smiles, kissing her on the cheek, "Don't worry. I need to finish up my duty log for the day anyway. So get your head down, I'll be back when I'm done. Promise" Rianni@crystyl | Emma grumbles, returning the kiss, "You'd better!" Rianni@crystyl waves to the others and heads off Rianni@crystyl returns to her quarters, breathing a sigh of relief and deflating as she finally relaxes. She moves to replicate a tea which she sips while retrieving a PADD off the table T'Lana@anncaris FX | As Rianni sips, her console suddenly chimes a notification... Rianni@crystyl peers over curiously, setting down the PADD and moving to check the console T'Lana@anncaris | The console shows an incoming comm through the same frequency Rianni was instructed to use by Future Rianni... Rianni@crystyl sets the tea down, staring at the screen with uncertainty. She reaches to activate it, her hand pausing just shy of the interface a moment before she bravely taps, not saying anything though T'Lana@anncaris FX | The place where the comm screen would normally come through is black, showing no image feed. A distorted, unidentifiable voice comes through, "Is this Observer 93108?" Rianni@crystyl:"Given that you're the one making this call, I would hope you know who you are calling first. It is also more appropriate to introduce yourself before asking blunt questions" T'Lana@anncaris | Voice: "We are the ones you contacted. We have proceeded to the coordinates at the time you requested and ensured the survival of its crew. Will that suffice?" Rianni@crystyl leans in slightly, "Y-you... so it worked? Everything happened exactly as she said after all..." T'Lana@anncaris | Voice: "Exactly as who said? Where did you obtain the information to contact us?" Rianni@crystyl:"Why is that important? How can I trust you won't try to undo what's been done? I still don't even know who you are after all" T'Lana@anncaris | Voice: "What is done has already been done. We are not in the habit of utilizing temporal manipulation to alter events. However, your specific directions indicate that you knew precisely where - T'Lana@anncaris:- and when that shuttle would appear in need of assistance, which suggests that you possessed knowledge of how future events would unfold. As you are no doubt aware, possession and use of this - T'Lana@anncaris:- knowledge can be unpredictable and dangerous. We have no desire to take back the life we have saved, but we are concerned with how you have obtained this information." Rianni@crystyl:"Take back? You wouldn't!" T'Lana@anncaris | Voice: "We would not. We are not assassins, and as of now, we have done you a favour. We have performed as you instructed and saved the one you intended to save. In return, we seek answers." Rianni@crystyl breathes a sigh of relief, "That is understandable. But as you yourself said; these are delicate circumstances and dangerous information. I can't just give that to anyone, favour or no" T'Lana@anncaris | Voice: "That is something you should have considered before you enlisted our assistance. We already know that you possess information that you have no other means of obtaining without the use - T'Lana@anncaris:- of temporal manipulation. As you have said, it is dangerous information, and it would be irresponsible of us not to investigate." Rianni@crystyl thinks a moment, "You raise a good point, there is a lot 'we' know isn't there; you acted on this blind instruction which suggests you have the means to travel - most likely a ship - and if you are- Rianni@crystyl:- not the one giving the orders on it, you at least have their ear. We also know that you were convinced to act on this leap of faith because of the command code included with the instructions. I - Rianni@crystyl:- may not know whose code that is, but clearly it means something to you. And I /do/ know a Starfleet command code when I see one. That means you are Starfleet, and with the means to reach this - Rianni@crystyl:- distant point far from Federation territory. And one more thing we know right now; the way you work through things reminds me of my Captain when she really focuses. Nobody makes logical deductions- Rianni@crystyl:- like a Vulcan. Mask your voice if you like, but your tone and inflection carry regardless, Vulcan" T'Lana@anncaris | Voice: "You demonstrate an impressive use of logic. You may pass as a Vulcan yourself, if you spent more practice in masking your emotional reactions. I will neither confirm not deny what you - T'Lana@anncaris:- have deduced. However, if you believe that we too are Starfleet, then you will also assume that we are familiar with your Temporal Prime Directive. Given the Observer's prior history with - T'Lana@anncaris:- infiltration and her presence here as a representative, I find it unlikely she will be wearing a Starfleet tactical uniform or even be allowed access to one. Thus, you must be the original Rianni - T'Lana@anncaris:- Tierno, a Starfleet ensign. As an officer of Starfleet, you are no doubt aware that the actions of the runabout crew were not in direct violation of the Temporal Prime Directive as the temporal - T'Lana@anncaris:- displacement was unintentional. You, on the other hand, consciously utilized knowledge of the future to your own advantage. So, if you do believe that we are indeed representatives of Starfleet, - T'Lana@anncaris:- it would be the least you could do to explain how you came to possess this knowledge." Rianni@crystyl:"Fine... The information came from a future which no longer exists, ergo the person who passed it to me is no longer culpable under that directive. Or if they are, then they are also responsible for- Rianni@crystyl:- preventing that original future where the Horde overwhelms this galaxy and destroys everything we are sworn to protect" T'Lana@anncaris | There is a slight pause before the voice responds with, "Has this person passed any additional information to you, information about events that have not yet come to pass? Or is this the - T'Lana@anncaris:- extent of the knowledge on future events which you have been given?" Rianni@crystyl:"Well, she did let slip about my surprise 'welcome home' party if that counts. Otherwise, no; the message I received was solely a personal apology for us not getting to meet in person and a plea for- Rianni@crystyl:- me to put right her past mistake, with your help" T'Lana@anncaris | Voice: "I see. Thank you for answering our questions. We will appreciate it if you do not spread rumours concerning your deductions, and we will keep this interaction between us." Rianni@crystyl:"You keep my secret, I keep yours. Sounds fair to me" T'Lana@anncaris | Voice: "Excellent. Rest assured that we will not seek any payment, nor desire to undo what we have done. Thank you for your time." Rianni@crystyl:"No, thank /you/. You have no idea how important the life you saved is to me. Whoever you are, know that you are heroes in this officers eyes - the finest examples of Starfleet officers" T'Lana@anncaris | Voice: "As are you, Ensign. Your logical capabilities and tactical acumen are impressive, and Starfleet has long had a history of overlooking minor instances when the rules are bent by capable - T'Lana@anncaris:- officers. But please, do avoid it whenever possible." T'Lana@anncaris FX | The comm ends Rianni@crystyl leans back, deep in thought again. But slowly smiles with the determination that she has a friend out there now --- Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Some time after the runabout team's return, Lennie studies the biological readings in one of the labs... Alien NPC@annpc#557 | In the midst of her work, the door slides open and Taizam-Dur steps inside, "Commander. I hope I'm not interrupting." Lendaria@crystyl 'studies' by sitting on the floor in front of the large display, leaning back on her palms and staring up at the sensor image of the planet. She glances back over her shoulder, "Oh hey Tai. Jus' - Lendaria@crystyl - admirin' th'view!" Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur steps up to the display, "You've seen it as it is now, I suppose?" Lendaria@crystyl pats the floor next to her, inviting him to join her, "Yup, but not since I were a lil' girl. You?" Alien NPC@annpc#557 sits down beside Lennie, "It's been a long time for me too. Probably not as long as you, but I haven't been to Rigel since coming out here to the Colonial Fleet. A good nine or ten years now." Lendaria@crystyl smiles, staring up at the image, "Y'know how a lotta Humans 'round 'ere romanticize Earth an' get all bleary eyed by th'image of it?" Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur nods, "I've met a fair few humans like that." Lendaria@crystyl:"I never understood 'em bein' like tha'. Until now. Now I look up at tha' image an' I feel mah heart skip a beat, y'know?" Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur smiles, "I do indeed. Were you born in the same system, or far out on a ship or remote camp?" Lendaria@crystyl:"I have no idea actually" Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur: "Really? Did you grow up an orphan like Ann, then?" Lendaria@crystyl shakes her head, chuckling as she indicates the brand on her cheek, "I grew up property of th'Syndicate. Presume I were born in one o'their fesin, but no idea which or where. Only tha' I were - Lendaria@crystyl:- rescued from 'em on Rigel IX" Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur: "Rigel IX? That's where I was born, and grew up at as well." Lendaria@crystyl looks to him, "No way? Syndicate brat too?" Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur: "Actually...my father was an enforcer for the Syndicate. Not something I'm proud of, but at least I can say he wasn't one of the cruel ones." Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur: "He was just in to feed his family, and mostly served as a glorified guard." Lendaria@crystyl:"aah" she looks back to the image, "Makes sense I s'pose. I don't think there's many servin'em who really wants to" Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur: "There's always a few, some people want an excuse to fight or kill. My father enjoyed a good brawl too, but he wasn't a psychopath or a sadist." Lendaria@crystyl:"So wha'bout you then; didn't fancy followin' his example?" Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur shakes his head, "No, and my father wasn't all too happy with it. He didn't want me to work for the Syndicate either, but he expected me to be a fighter, like our males are expected - Alien NPC@annpc#557:- to be. He kept trying to train me, and I wasn't too bad at it, but my interest was never really there." Lendaria@crystyl:"So ya found ya callin' elsewhere" she surmizes Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur: "Not entirely. Not at first, anyways. I've always liked tech since I was a kid, you see. But I didn't just like to build my own PADDs and consoles, though it was a fun pastime for - Alien NPC@annpc#557:- me. I wanted to push the boundaries, be an inventor. And there wasn't much room for that for a male in Syndicate society." Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur: "I ended up signing up with a freelance scavenger crew. Only place where my skills were much use, and I could make some money." Lendaria@crystyl smiles, "Bet you an'mah Sweets had a helluva fun time patchin' tha' runabout back t'gether!" Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur chuckles, "That we did. Rigging things up from scrap is something we've both come to be good at doing." Lendaria@crystyl:"I hear ya!" She faithfully pats the folded tricorder sat suspiciously at her side Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur peers over at the tricorder curiously, "Is that one of the tricorders we had on the mission, with the scan data?" Lendaria@crystyl shakes her head, "Nu-uh. This's mah own lil' companion Ann put t'gether for me. Kinda like mah own lil' guard dog!" Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur: "Interesting. I would never have thought of creating a guard from a scanning device." Lendaria@crystyl:"There was a time when I were bein' hunted. Assassins even snuck on board a Starfleet space station an' had a good go at me. So, Ann made some o'these lil' defense drones that'd blend into our - Lendaria@crystyl:- environment" Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur: "Ahh, clever. And I suppose the tricorder's original functions are still intact to help it identify threats?" Lendaria@crystyl:"To a degree, though I wouldn't want t'survey a new planet wit'it or anything" she chuckles, patting the tricorder which sprouts spindly little legs and scurries around some like it just woke up Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur chuckles, "An impressive little creation." He watches as the tricorder scurries around Lendaria@crystyl | It has a little scurry, checking the area most likely, and investigates Tai as he is in close proximity, but it soon folds back up beside Lennie Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur smiles at the tricorder bot as it investigates him, "I suppose creating things from salvage and components just lying around was good practice for actual research and invention. A - Alien NPC@annpc#557:- good way to start and get some experience, even though I felt forced into it at the time. But having to work with what you've got at hand is a good way to test the mind." Lendaria@crystyl:"Not unlike scientific research really! We'se lucky t'have ya here" Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur: "An I'm pleased to be here. Always did dream of working with Starfleet as a kid too- the Federation values new ideas and innovation. I'm mostly working as a technician on the ship, - Alien NPC@annpc#557:- but if you need to come up with something new, feel free to call on me." Lendaria@crystyl:"Duly noted. Ya should put in for a few o'Kelly' special assignments; she's always runnin' off duty workshops an' all to tinker wit' projects an' all" Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur nods, "I'll be sure to ask." --- T'Lana@anncaris | Not long after the call with Rianni, the doorbell to Mischa's ready room rings Mischa@crystyl:"Come in" Mischa@crystyl sits by the window, almost curled up on one side. Sipping tea and looking out at the stars T'Lana@anncaris steps inside, "Commander. It seems we finally have our answers after five months. I do not suppose you expected this particular explanation?" Mischa@crystyl looks over with a smile, "I think in this case 'explanation' is a loose term" T'Lana@anncaris:"At least we know how it occurred. Though it does not precisely explain where your command code was obtained from, there are a number of possibilities where an alternative future is concerned." Mischa@crystyl nods, looking back out the window, "I have been thinking on that, and there is one scenario which I keep circling back to as the most likely" T'Lana@anncaris:"Oh?" she steps closer to take a seat Mischa@crystyl nods, "I gave it to her" T'Lana@anncaris:"Under what scenario do you expect your future self would give away her command code?" T'Lana@anncaris:"Perhaps you are deceased in that future and gave it to her for utility purposes?" Mischa@crystyl:"It is the only thing which makes sense. Even under duress, I would not give up such information" she nods to the suggestion, "A possibility. Either way, the only eventuality which makes sense is - Mischa@crystyl:- that I gave Rianni my command code. And the only reason I can think to do so if I intended her to use it a means to convince me to take action with direct explanation. Because nothing short of - Mischa@crystyl:- that personal code would have convinced me to follow those instructions without suspecting deceit" T'Lana@anncaris nods, "That is a reasonable explanation. If you gave it to her with the express knowledge that she would utilize it to send these instructions, it would also imply that you had a reason - T'Lana@anncaris:- to save the Ensign as well. I do not imagine it is a personal one, as you have not encountered her prior to the point where she would have died in that future." Mischa@crystyl:"And that is what continues to elude me. My best guess is that the me of that alternate future is close enough to that Rianni that I would willingly aid her with this as a personal endeavour" Mischa@crystyl:"It is also feasible - albeit far less likely - that in that time, we learned of something about the Horde which Emma would have been critical to resisting. Say like, something of her unique - Mischa@crystyl:- condition that could be weaponized against them. That sort of thing" T'Lana@anncaris:"That is a possibility I was considering as well. I suspect you had good reason, even though it is not clear to us now." Mischa@crystyl:"And nor will it be. We have all the answers we are going to get on this now, including the rather surprising one of young Rianni being the messenger" T'Lana@anncaris:"Indeed. I was expecting the Observer with the skills she is known to have, but she was created from the original Rianni who still possesses her memories, which explains how she knew to send the - T'Lana@anncaris:- message discreetly, as well as the similarities in speech." Mischa@crystyl smiles and nods, "Yes, I dealt with the Observer during her asylum request. Though I had no idea just how much her persona was derived from the real girl" grins, "She gave you quite the runaround!" T'Lana@anncaris:"Her logical capabilities were impressive. I can see how she became a successful starship captain in that future, and why you would entrust her with something such as your command code." Mischa@crystyl sips her tea, "You know, under the right circumstances I could see her becoming a respectable Operative" T'Lana@anncaris:"As can I, especially with the Observer's experiences. She also has the makings of a great Starfleet captain as well, and I expect she will do well on the tactical path." Mischa@crystyl:"Of that there is no doubt. I can quite easily see her becoming a legendary Starfleet captain if she continues along her present path. But I am also considering inviting her to switch to Intel when - Mischa@crystyl:- the time is right" T'Lana@anncaris:"If there is a good opportunity, I am certain she will do well here. Perhaps she may still command her own ship, as you are now." Mischa@crystyl:"From her personnel file, I suspect it would be a prerequisite to her accepting any such invitation" she chuckles T'Lana@anncaris:"That is true. Let us hope she does not have any more surprises for us for the time being, as much as that may improve her resume as an operative." Mischa@crystyl laughs, "I know they aren't exactly a Vulcan's favourite thing, but surprises can be good too" T'Lana@anncaris:"Speaking of which..." she takes out a PADD, "We may have solved this mystery, but I may have come upon another." Mischa@crystyl:"Two in one day? Well now I feel spoiled" she smiles, setting down her tea T'Lana@anncaris:"It is not exactly recent, but studying the vortex created by the runabout and the ensuing damage caused me to revisit something else." Mischa@crystyl:"Oh?" T'Lana@anncaris:"You recall the lifeform we found on board the Ranger vessel. It all began with the death of one of the Rangers in some form of shipboard accident, which allowed the being to take control. An - T'Lana@anncaris:- incident that was not unlike the Ensign's in the runabout. I realized how strange it was that a lone Ranger was killed and none of the others noticed the death until it was too late. So I looked - T'Lana@anncaris:- into the data we recovered from the ship when I was off-duty." Mischa@crystyl:"You should think about more fun pastimes. Like meditation or Kadiscot" she chuckles. "What did you learn?" T'Lana@anncaris:"I do meditate. I was simply curious, and I learned several interesting things. Firstly, the deceased Guardian was alone, the perfect target to be taken down silently. In addition, he was also - T'Lana@anncaris:- performing maintenance on the cloaking systems, specifically one that was responsible for dispersing tachyon particles produced by the cloak. The tachyon readings at the time were much higher - T'Lana@anncaris:- than normal, high enough that it could have affected spacetime in the Guardian's vicinity, and quite possibly the connection via the mycelial network to their World Tree. There was a rupture in - T'Lana@anncaris:- the system, one that hit the Ranger with twice the energy the Ensign was subjected to, similarly stopping his heart but leaving his brain and body intact. Alone, all of these seem coincidental, - T'Lana@anncaris:- a series of mechanical issues which resulted in a failure within the cloaking systems that happened to catch this unfortunate Guardian." T'Lana@anncaris:"However, this failure was specific enough that it killed a single Guardian who was alone, in a way that may have cut off this telepathic connection so the other Guardians were not aware of his - T'Lana@anncaris:- death, and moreso ended his life in a fashion that preserved his body perfectly for the entity to take over. That seems far too perfect." Mischa@crystyl:"You believe now that these events were specifically orchestrated then?" T'Lana@anncaris nods, "I looked deeper into the data and records we extracted from the Ranger vessel. It is highly unlikely that the entity sparked these events. It does not have the capability to produce or - T'Lana@anncaris:- affect tachyons, and even if it did, the barrier the Rangers erected around it would have prevented such interaction. In addition, we know it was responsible for killing the rest of the crew and - T'Lana@anncaris:- have already admitted such to us. There is no logical reason for it to lie about one more death, which means it genuinely believes the first death to be an accident." T'Lana@anncaris:"I looked into the ship systems' logs around the time of the incident as well, and can find no reason for the sudden tachyon surge outside of external interference." Mischa@crystyl:"I hope this is the part where you present your logical speculation about that?" she asks with a smile T'Lana@anncaris:"Only so far as to say that someone helped the entity, and that it was not one of the Guardians. If it was, they had but to open the field and let the being flee without causing the death of their - T'Lana@anncaris:- entire crew. This means there was another party involved, but I am unable to ascertain who, hence the mystery." Mischa@crystyl:"Quite the conundrum" she nods, "Could one of the Ranger's have been acting under Horde influence somehow?" T'Lana@anncaris:"From the data we do have, it does not appear the sudden spike in tachyon particles was caused as a result of tampering with the ship's systems. The internal sensors give no explanation at all for - T'Lana@anncaris:- how it occurred. It is possible the logs have been tampered with, but not long after the death, the entity utilized the body to fool and kill other Rangers, spreading its control across the ship." T'Lana@anncaris:"There was no time to expose the agent, and even if they were exposed, they would have died either way, to the entity's thralls or at the hands of other Rangers. There was no reason to conceal the - T'Lana@anncaris:- evidence, as escape was never an option." Mischa@crystyl:"Is this your way of telling me you have no plausible explanation for this?" T'Lana@anncaris nods, "That is correct. Logic can only go so far when we are clearly missing vital information. I am only able to say with relative confidence that the entity had help, but I am unable to - T'Lana@anncaris:- determine who aided it." Mischa@crystyl:"Ok, so how do we proceed from here?" T'Lana@anncaris:"I am unsure. The entity is already free and we have likely done as they wished, whoever they may be. It is difficult to say what their motivations are for helping the entity, and they may not - T'Lana@anncaris:- be affiliated with the Horde nor be a threat. We may wish to be alert for any overly coincidental and difficult to explain events, particularly on the Valley Forge if this is indeed the doing of - T'Lana@anncaris:- our enemies, but there is no lead to investigate." Mischa@crystyl nods, "Wise words, now more than ever" T'Lana@anncaris:"It is possible, even likely, that we may never hear from whoever was aiding the entity. Perhaps it was another being from its dimension, and its sole concern was the liberation of its fellow. We - T'Lana@anncaris:- may never know for certain, but it is always good to remain cautious." Mischa@crystyl:"Indeed" she smiles T'Lana@anncaris:"Any other possibilities you can think of who may have assisted the entity?" Mischa@crystyl:"The possibilities are virtually endless at this time" T'Lana@anncaris nods, "I suppose we will have to wait and see, then, and be vigilant until then. At least we have resolved one question." Mischa@crystyl smiles, "That we have. Don't worry Lana, if there's an answer to be found on this latest mystery; we'll find it" T'Lana@anncaris:"I am sure we will. We managed to resolve this one after all." Mischa@crystyl:"Exactly! Meanwhile, we should determine our next move from here. This is the first time since setting out on this mission that we've been within visual range of the Valley Forge, so I'm inclined to- Mischa@crystyl:- let Keelah pull ahead again" T'Lana@anncaris nods, "I agree. It is better if we follow behind them and not be in such close proximity. In the meantime, we may be able to explore this area to see if we may find something they missed on - T'Lana@anncaris:- their search, or perhaps identify the Horde's movements. I understand the Guardians are not certain what to expect next from them after stopping their recent advance." Mischa@crystyl:"Indeed. This was an unprecedented victory which leaves this Coalition in the unfortunate position of being in a cold war without any intelligence on the enemy" Mischa@crystyl:"This is our primary function" T'Lana@anncaris:"Precisely. We will be able to perform best here, seeking more information on what the Horde may be planning next." Mischa@crystyl:"I think it is time for us to stop playing babysitter and get back to our roots. Have engineering recalibrate all arrays and get the analysts working through every teraquad of data coming in from - Mischa@crystyl:- across the Network. We're going full surveillance mode" T'Lana@anncaris:"An excellent plan. I will have our arrays and analysts ready," she stands Mischa@crystyl smiles, "It will be good to remind ourselves of our true purpose. This is after all, what this ship was built for, and what this crew is best at" T'Lana@anncaris:"Indeed. I look forward to utilizing our capabilities fully here. Is there anything else we should prepare, Commander?" Mischa@crystyl:"We know our intelligence network is limited, at least in terms of this unexplored region. We need to allocate sufficient resources to long range monitoring of the region ahead. Astrometric data and - Mischa@crystyl:- comm frequencies; everything stray bit of data that's been put out. If we're lucky, we will dead drop on comms to start profiling new species before the Valley Forge reaches them. I'd also like to - Mischa@crystyl:-explore the possibility of hacking the signal from the Lodzki surveillance network, tapping the Nuhar subspace comms and exploring the potential of the Junayd wormhole technology" T'Lana@anncaris nods, "I will look into those, Commander." Mischa@crystyl smiles, "/We/ will. Don't think I'm about to sit back and let you have all the fun now!" T'Lana@anncaris:"I thought you would wish to get involved now that we are focusing on surveillance and intelligence gathering once again. Let us get to work, then." --- Rianni@crystyl FX | Rianni and Emma cuddle on the sofa discussing Emma's impactful experiences Rianni@crystyl | While they talk, we look back to the visited planet in our minds; imagining ourselves disappearing out of the window to their quarters and streaming across the stars until it comes into view Rianni@crystyl | We continue down through the thick polluted atmosphere of the dead planet. All the way down until the ruins of Orion Prime become distinguishable through what's left of the overgrown wilderness Rianni@crystyl:( https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DOr-U6GX0AARdXS.jpg ) Rianni@crystyl | Delving deeper still, far underground beneath the ruins we find a long hallway - clearly once lavish and elegant - now crumbling beneath it's own weight with strips of light flickering from a - Rianni@crystyl:- near endless power source reaching the inevitable end of it's long life. The light illuminates a long stone wall, not part of the structure, but a feature set in from it; like a museum display. Rianni@crystyl | The stone comes into focus a mural of carvings made into the ancient stone. First showing a female figure stood proud atop a mountain, pointing commandingly as an army of males swarm faithfully - Rianni@crystyl:- with spears in hand to stop an approaching horde of demonic figures shown to be rising from a burning underworld. The murial continues to show images of love and affection from the same female - Rianni@crystyl:- figure, and worship & adoration being lavished upon the figure in return. The final segment shows the same figure again directing the people, this time they carry materials on a great journey - Rianni@crystyl:- where they build a magnificent temple. The female figure sits dominantly within the temple which glows with the light of life and delivers the figure to heaven. Rianni@crystyl | Beneath the mural, an rusted metal plate is adorned with Orion script: "Earliest known record of Goddess worship. Though unclear if it predates the religion, or was created as a part of its - Rianni@crystyl:- rise, this carving was recovered from ancient ruins buried deep beneath the holy capital of our ancient ancestors and is widely accepted as a depiction of the Goddess' induction of the first - Rianni@crystyl:- Circle; the oldest creation myth in our own colourful mythology. Sadly, the ancient origins of our religious beliefs may be forever lost to us now, leaving only our speculation as to who the - Rianni@crystyl:- Goddess really was. Perhaps it is simply enough that she became whoever we have needed her to be throughout history....