ST:TTV701 | "Revelations Pt. II"

Stardate 98278.1

Imprisoned by the indoctrinated crew, Mia & Sayu grow desperate to escape and save their friends. The cavalry arrives just in time to prevent the Valley Forge being obliterated by the QanwI', in the form of an unfamiliar Federation starship - with a less unfamiliar Commanding Officer...

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NPC@annpc#557 | Roughly about the time Sin broke free, on the Valley Forge... NPC@annpc#557 | After a while of searching, Mia and Sayu have so far been unable to break out when the entrance to the brig slides open NPC@annpc#557 | Keelah and Nishaa enter, stepping up to the cell Mia@crystyl hovers quietly in the corner next to Sayu. She doesn't need to face people to recognize their scan data NPC@annpc#557 | Keelah: "You say the crew is ready to give their lives?" Mia@crystyl ripples into view inside the barrier, "You know this to be accurate" NPC@annpc#557 | Keelah nods, "I also know how much Captain Keelah cares for her crew." She draws a phaser, holding it to Nishaa's head, who doesn't even flinch NPC@annpc#557 | Keelah: "She's still in here, watching. What do you think it would do to your Captain to have her watch as she executes her own people by her own hand?" Mia@crystyl shakes her head in disappointment, "No, you cannot do this. Even you cannot be so sinister" NPC@annpc#557 | Keelah: "I don't want to do this. But I need you to cooperate, Mia." Mia@crystyl:"If we are to consider cooperation. we require assurances of the crew's safety" NPC@annpc#557 | Keelah lowers her phaser, "They will not be harmed. My intention is to ensure that the Children survive. My Design is the only way that can happen." Mia@crystyl:"Says the one willing to torture one of their 'Children' by having her execute a friend" NPC@annpc#557 | Keelah: "You left me little choice. Your lockout of the-" NPC@annpc#557 | Keelah suddenly stops, staring blankly Mia@crystyl tilts her head curiously, "Our lockout of the...?" NPC@annpc#557 | Keelah continues staring blankly for a good minute, with Nishaa seemingly unresponsive as well Mia@crystyl tries to get a fresh scan of the pair for insight into what's going on with them NPC@annpc#557 | The influence seems to be weaker than it was before... Mia@crystyl:"Capitaine Keelah....?" Mia@crystyl | Keelah blinkblinks and focuses on Mia, "Mia? I... so it was not another dream?" Mia@crystyl:"Non mon Capitaine! You have all been indoctrinated! We do not know why it suddenly stopped..." NPC@annpc#557 | Sayu: [Maybe the Captain can get us out now that she is herself again.] Mia@crystyl | Keelah looks at the phaser in her hand, frowning as she reholsters it and looks to Nishaa, "We can't waste any time. Get this field down!" Mia@crystyl:[She appears to share your wisdom brother! We still can not trust them, but let us seize this advantage] NPC@annpc#557 | Nishaa quickly rushes up to the force field controls. In a moment, the force field shuts off Mia@crystyl heads out, "Thank you both" Mia@crystyl | Keelah smiles, "No, thank /you/ both. You have kept the ship safe and... stopped me doing something unforgivable. But I don't know long this reprise will last" Mia@crystyl:"Agreed. We shall maintain control for the moment" NPC@annpc#557 | Keelah freezes and stares blankly again... NPC@annpc#557 | Sayu: [We should move before she is controlled again.] Mia@crystyl:[We suspect she is out again. Let us leave here before they lose control again] Mia@crystyl:[Agreed] she promptly buzzes past Keelah and out to safety NPC@annpc#557 | Sayu follows her out, [We have to break the control over both the Nuhar support drones and the crew. I suspect liberating the drones is more your forte, sister.] Mia@crystyl:[We have established protocols for interacting with them] she agrees, [Let us retrieve the drones first] NPC@annpc#557 | Sayu: [I will follow and cover you. The weapons damping field does not appear to cover the rest of the ship, and I have set my beam to low power to stun if any of the crew try to stop us.] Mia@crystyl proceeds to search for the support drones NPC@annpc#557 | It doesn't take long until Mia finds one of the support drones working an open panel in a hallway Mia@crystyl hovers over and attempts to reestablish control and safeguard the drone from further bypassing NPC@annpc#557 | Mia's familiarity with the drones allows her to reestablish control and place further safeguards in place! NPC@annpc#557 | Sayu: [One down, many more to go.] Mia@crystyl welcomes the drone back to the fold and interrogates it's memory for information on the others NPC@annpc#557 | The drone provides the locations of all the others through the ship, and can act as a continual tracker if it follows Mia along, as the other drones will likely alter their positions as they - NPC@annpc#557 - go about trying to retake control of the ship Mia@crystyl acknowledges and begins systematically working her way around the ship to get all the drones back NPC@annpc#557 | As the drones proceed, they turn the corner to find two crewmen who promptly draw their phasers, but Sayu is much faster, stunning both before they can draw their weapons NPC@annpc#557 | Sayu gives an apologetic beep as he hovers over the unconscious crewmen NPC@annpc#557 | Mia frees a number of other drones, until she locates one working on the transporter systems, which must be how she and Sayu were beamed into a brig earlier. Its information seems to suggest - NPC@annpc#557 - that most of the crew from the control station were beamed back, but not all the telepaths... Mia@crystyl access internal sensors to verify the current complement on board NPC@annpc#557 | Sensors do verify that everyone except Sin, Eva, Luthril and the Architect are currently on board Mia@crystyl tries to contact Eva's combadge from her own comms array, not wanting to risk using shipboard systems NPC@annpc#557 | No response... Mia@crystyl tries again with Sin's Mia@crystyl | Sin: "Mia?!" Mia@crystyl:[It is us, Ms. Sin. You are not on board the ship, can we assume you are still in the control facility?" Mia@crystyl | Sin: "Yeah, I'm... *ahem* discretely searching... Not hiding, nope" Mia@crystyl:[What about Ms. Eva? We could not raise her?] NPC@annpc#557 | Sayu: [I think she is hiding.] Mia@crystyl | Sin sighs: "Eva has been... possessed by the Architect" Mia@crystyl | Sin snaps at Sayu: "Hey! What did I say? Definitely /not/ hiding. Just...strategically not being in plain sight..." NPC@annpc#557 | Sayu: [That is not good. I think we should try to evacuate her if we are able.] Mia@crystyl:giggles, [We are glad to hear you are your usual self Ms. Sin. But this news of Ms. Eva is not good. We agree brother, we have the transporter for the moment so we can beam her back] Mia@crystyl | Sin: "And do what? I can't just leave Eva here. And Luthril..." she trails off with remorse NPC@annpc#557 | Sayu: {We will need to move closer to the station as well. Do you have helm control as well, Sister?] Mia@crystyl:[Ms. Sin, what do you propose then?] Mia@crystyl | Sin: "I don't know! But if I'm back on the ship, I'll just be in your way. Here I can at least try and get some information on the Architect and his plans" Mia@crystyl:[She makes a valid point. What do you think, brother?] NPC@annpc#557 | Sayu: [That is true. Perhaps we should continue restoring the drones for the meantime, but it will be dangerous to leave her on that station. We should stand by to evacuate if we need to.] Mia@crystyl:[Agreed] Mia@crystyl | Sin: "So it's just you drones up there at the moment with any kind of sense about you?" Mia@crystyl:[Correct Ms. Sin. Sayu and I and some of the Nuhar support drones] Mia@crystyl | Sin: "Well... what about that grumpy old Lupan on board, and the fake Rianni? They both had natural immunity to the control right, so what are they doing?" Mia@crystyl:[...We do not know...] NPC@annpc#557 | Sayu: [Perhaps we can locate them, but I am not sure how much assistance they will be. We do not seek to take on the entire crew, after all.] Mia@crystyl | Sin: "Then I suggest you find out and keep in regular contact with me for now. I'll see what I can learn here in the meantime" she cuts the comm Mia@crystyl:[True brother. But if nothing else, we should verify their actions. They might be assuming their own course that could contradict our current plans] she tracks both their signatures to see where - Mia@crystyl:- they are NPC@annpc#557 | Azatul is in his quarters and does not seem to be up to anything specific Mia@crystyl | The Observer shows as being in sickbay Mia@crystyl:[Azatul's quarters are closest here. We should begin by investigating his situation. We can proceed in the service space beside his quarters again to scan him first Mia@crystyl heads off to do just that NPC@annpc#557 | Sayu: [Agreed.] He follows Mia off as well NPC@annpc#557 | Upon arriving near Azatul's quarters, Mia detects no sign of influence over him Mia@crystyl 's voice emanates from... somewhere in the walls, "Monsieur Azatul?" NPC@annpc#557 | Azatul stands from where he is sitting on the floor, making his way over to the wall curiously, "Why are you inside the wall?" Mia@crystyl:"Because this was the way we came to reach you. We do not detect any signs of influence in you" NPC@annpc#557 | Azatul: "Influence? What has happened?" Mia@crystyl:"Have you... not interacted with the crew at all in the last few hours?" NPC@annpc#557 | Azatul: "I am used to spending much time in seclusion, though I have left my room several times and spoke with a few of the crew. They do appear to be quieter than usual, but my people have - NPC@annpc#557 - never been very good at reading your expressions and language. Perhaps it is one of the failings in the Progenitors' design, or perhaps the Horde had not yet made extensive use of spies and - NPC@annpc#557 - sabotage when we were created." Mia@crystyl:"Curious. Why have they not deemed you a threat if you are not influenced..." NPC@annpc#557 | Azatul: "Perhaps they hope to keep me in the dark for as long as they can, or perhaps they are aware that I will not kill them. The Horde may be brutal, but they can also be cunning." Mia@crystyl:"We are not dealing with the Horde here. It is the Architect, he has taken control of the Horde... and the crew" NPC@annpc#557 | Azatul: "The Progenitor? Why?" Mia@crystyl:"We are uncertain, but believe it to have been his intention all along. Something to do with keeping the Horde as they are in order to maintain unity of the Child species through a common threat" NPC@annpc#557 | Azatul: "I knew my people's worship of him and his people were misfounded. Do you have a way to free the crew?" Mia@crystyl:"We are... working on it..." NPC@annpc#557 | Azatul is silent for a moment, then appears to move away from the wall Mia@crystyl waits a moment, "...Monsieur Azatul...?" NPC@annpc#557 | Azatul: "Can you see outside the ship from where you are?" Mia@crystyl:"We have the ship in lockdown but are able to access external sensors, oui" NPC@annpc#557 | Azatul: "It seems we are no longer alone in the Sphere." Mia@crystyl:"A moment..." she checks NPC@annpc#557 | Indeed, external sensors detect three other ships nearby. One of their readings matches a type of ship known to be in Horde service, another is unknown and the energy signatures of the third - NPC@annpc#557:- could be either Guardian or Horde seeing as most Guardian species come from civilizations consumed by the Horde, but given the evidence, it's most likely not Guardian... NPC@annpc#557 | Two of the three ships seem to be moving towards the control station Mia@crystyl:"At least one is definitely a Horde vessel, possibly the second as well. This is worse than we thought..." NPC@annpc#557 | Sayu: [Sin may need that evacuation after all.] Mia@crystyl:[Agreed. We will return to the transporter and retrieve her. Can you locate the Observer in the meantime?] NPC@annpc#557 | Sayu: [I will do so. Stay safe, Sister.] Mia@crystyl:[You too brother] Mia@crystyl:"Monsieur Azatul, we must retrieve another officer. Will you be safe remaining here for the time being?" NPC@annpc#557 | Azatul nods, "I will manage. The crew do not appear to be interested in me at the moment. If I do not reveal that I know of their state, perhaps they will continue to ignore me." --- NPC@annpc#557 | Sayu mimics Mia, sticking to the maintenance areas behind sickbay and scanning for the Observer Rianni@crystyl | Sayu confirms the presence of her readings, and no signs of the influence. However, the readings are fainter than they should be NPC@annpc#557 | Sayu makes sure there are no other lifesigns first before entering sickbay proper Rianni@crystyl | There are two in the main sickbay. However the readings he's getting for the Observer place her in a distant and isolated side room... NPC@annpc#557 | Sayu checks for means to access the side room without having to go through the main sickbay Rianni@crystyl | He can get in through a jefferies tube access in the room! NPC@annpc#557 | Sayu enters the side room through the jefferies tube, searching for the Observer's visual position Rianni@crystyl | The room is oddly barren. Save for a single examination bed - which is empty - and a series of ports on the walls that look similar to the jefferies tube he just came from Rianni@crystyl | He appears to be in the ship's morgue NPC@annpc#557 | Sayu scans for the specific location of the Observer's lifesign Rianni@crystyl | She appears to be in one of the stasis pods. He can identify the specific pod without a problem NPC@annpc#557 | Sayu checks the pod and the lifesign within to ensure that the Observer is indeed alive and well Rianni@crystyl | She appears to be NPC@annpc#557 | Sayu scans the morgue more closely to see if there is anything the Observer left behind Rianni@crystyl | There is no evidence of anything. She is just in a tray in the morgue, but she is clearly alive. Albeit with weak readings, most likely sedated NPC@annpc#557 | Sayu checks to see who the other two lifesigns in sickbay currently are Rianni@crystyl | They are two duty nurses NPC@annpc#557 | Sayu interfaces with any consoles he can without alerting the nurses to check EMH activity Rianni@crystyl | The EMH appears to be offline NPC@annpc#557 | Sayu checks to see if the EMH had been activated at any point recently, or anything else he can find in the computer logs Rianni@crystyl | The EMH is completely offline, not just... not currently active. The program is completely shut down and inaccessible NPC@annpc#557 | Sayu tries to see if he can trace what happened to the program to the best of his ability. He's no Mia, but he is also a drone and more familiar with programming than most average people Rianni@crystyl | Best he can tell, the EMH program was purged from sickbay systems and isolated within its core program in the ship's computer NPC@annpc#557 | Sayu surveys the area with specific scans seeking to highlight any of the Observer's footprints, fallen hairs or skin flakes or other DNA samples to compile a trail he can follow to see where - NPC@annpc#557 - Observer came from Rianni@crystyl | There are footprints but they do not match for the Observer. They do match for one of the male nurses he detected outside NPC@annpc#557 | Sayu follows the trail as best as he can without being spotted to see where they lead Rianni@crystyl | It leads from the Observer's alcove to the door into sickbay... NPC@annpc#557 | Sayu scans the sickbay closely for any sigs of struggle or of the Observer's trail without entering it and alerting the nurses. He also checks the nurses for influence while he's at it Rianni@crystyl | The nurses show clear influence, however there are still no traces of the Observer moving through the area NPC@annpc#557 | Sayu tries to raise Mia on comms, [Sister, are you at the transporter?] Rianni@crystyl | Mia [We are brother!] NPC@annpc#557 | Sayu: [I have located the Observer in a stasis pod. She is alive and appears to have been sedated, but I detect no sign of how she arrived. Is there any record of transporter use that may - NPC@annpc#557:- explain this?] Rianni@crystyl | Mia checks quickly, [Negative] NPC@annpc#557 | Sayu: [This is very unusual. Do you think it is a good idea to attempt to revive her?] Rianni@crystyl | Mia [She is extremely capable and could be useful to us. We believe it would be prudent] NPC@annpc#557 | Sayu: [I will attempt revival, then.] NPC@annpc#557 | Sayu checks for something that could wake the Observer from the sedative Rianni@crystyl | He can use the controls on the chamber NPC@annpc#557 | Sayu interfaces with the controls to wake the Observer Rianni@crystyl | The hatch hisses open and the tray slides out holding the unconscious Observer NPC@annpc#557 | Sayu hovers beside the Observer, scanning to see if she is waking up Rianni@crystyl | She is not... NPC@annpc#557 | Sayu checks to see if the sedative or something else still has effect over her Rianni@crystyl | It would appear so. He will have to find and use a hypo in order to wake her it seems NPC@annpc#557 | Sayu scans the morgue to see if such a hypo can be found or replicated here, or if he needs to access the sickbay proper Rianni@crystyl | Fortunately it seems the indoctrinated nurses are not so sharp, and they have indeed left a hypo set on the workbench in the morgue! NPC@annpc#557 | Sayu takes the hypo in one of his appendages and hovers over, applying it to the Observer! NPC@annpc#557 | He hovers beside her again, waiting Rianni@crystyl takes a moment but soon begins to stir, looking around in confusion, "Why am I in a morgue...?" NPC@annpc#557 | Sayu quickly scans to see if the nurses can hear them outside the door Rianni@crystyl | They don't seem to have heard anything yet NPC@annpc#557 | Sayu projects a basic hologram of an Arshai, signalling with the hologram's hands in Federation Sign Language: [Can you understand?] Rianni@crystyl stares blankly at the projection. Apparently she can't... NPC@annpc#557 | Sayu lets out a quiet bwoop, then retracts the projection, connecting to a console instead and sending the text through it, [Hostiles outside. Keep volume low.] Rianni@crystyl reads and nods. Speaking in hushed tones, "You're Sayu right? I assume something big is going down. Can we get out of here to someplace safe?" NPC@annpc#557 | Sayu: [Correct. Checking...] NPC@annpc#557 | Sayu comms Mia again, [Sister, the Observer is awake. Can you transport us to Azatul's quarters?] Rianni@crystyl | Mia [We can, but the activity will show on the bridge] NPC@annpc#557 | Sayu: [Hold off on transporting] NPC@annpc#557 | He enters on the console, [Follow me through the jefferies tubes.] Rianni@crystyl | Mia [Acknowledged] Rianni@crystyl nods and follows, keeping at full alert NPC@annpc#557 | Sayu leads the Observer, searching for a place with no crew in earshot and a console he can use Rianni@crystyl | They find safe haven at one of the jefferies tube intersections NPC@annpc#557 | Sayu taps into the console again, [You do not know how you came to be in the morgue's stasis pod?] Rianni@crystyl:"Not exactly... I was asleep in my quarters and..." she rubs the back of her neck with some stiff pain, "...it was Vrolmacht! That dishonorable p'tahq jumped me in my sleep!" NPC@annpc#557 | Sayu: [It was not Vrolmacht. The Architect has assumed direct control of the ship's crew. He must have identified you as a threat.] Rianni@crystyl:"The Architect? But why, I thought he was on our side?" NPC@annpc#557 | Sayu: [Apparently not. He has taken control of the Horde as well.] Rianni@crystyl:"So the crew is part of the Horde now? This is very not good..." NPC@annpc#557 | Sayu: [It is not. Mia is currently attempting to rescue Sin from the control station. We have liberated a number of the Nuhar drones on board, but have not managed to liberate any crew yet.] NPC@annpc#557 | Sayu comms Mia again, [Do the crew have access to internal sensor readings?] Rianni@crystyl:"To do that we'd have to figure out how he bypassed their implants to exert control..." Rianni@crystyl | Mia responds [They do Brother] Rianni@crystyl looks to Sayu, "Look, I've got an idea. Do you have like... a secure comm range I can contact you on again once I have a badge?" NPC@annpc#557 | Sayu projects the frequency he is using with Mia onto the screen, adding, [If the Architect has identified you as a threat, he may send more crew after you. We will need a way to conceal you - NPC@annpc#557:- from them.] Rianni@crystyl:"That is my idea. I will locate the other me and take her place again. That will also allow me to get a closer scan of what exactly he's done to the crew, as well as let me move freely about the - Rianni@crystyl:- ship and gain access to the bridge to see what they're doing" NPC@annpc#557 | Sayu: [Very well. Be careful, and make sure the other you is safe as well.] Rianni@crystyl nods, "I'll be in touch as soon I have news" NPC@annpc#557 | Sayu: [We will monitor the frequency for contact.] Rianni@crystyl turns and quickly begins crawling off in the opposite direction to Sayu, on the hunt to once again take Rianni's place --- NPC@annpc#557 | Not long after the comm call with Mia, as Sin makes her way through the station, two overhead vents open and several Iconian and Nuhar drones stream out. They don't seem to be interested in - NPC@annpc#557 - attacking Sin however, simply moving to different parts of the room and conducting maintenance Sin@crystyl can't help but be a little more jumpy than usual though and still jumps as they appear NPC@annpc#557 | One of them dashes right by Sin, but continues to go about its own business Sin@crystyl mutters a string of profanities framing her opinion of mindless drones at that time... NPC@annpc#557 | She notices a console in the room that is clearly Starfleet tech and not Iconian, which must have been set up by the VF crew at some point... Sin@crystyl investigates for the chance that it's actually got something useful on it, being one of the few she can work around here NPC@annpc#557 | It seems to be monitoring activity in the control centre and has a significant amount of readouts, though much of it is highly technical and doesn't make much sense to Sin. She does however - NPC@annpc#557:- seem to be authorized to use the console and can extract the information, as well as try and use other functions of the console if there are any Sin@crystyl takes the data and checks other functionality NPC@annpc#557 | It seems the other functionalities are to monitor other data coming through the control station. She can get more data to copy, but the console does not have the ability to actually affect - NPC@annpc#557:- anything Sin@crystyl shrugs it off and continues searching, not wanting to stay still too long NPC@annpc#557 | She continues through a hall into another room, this one containing only Iconian consoles Sin@crystyl gives them a cursory glance but doesn't expect much given her lack of knowledge NPC@annpc#557 | Unfortunately, she is indeed unfamiliar with whatever data they are presenting or how to operate them Sin@crystyl expected as much and quickly moves on NPC@annpc#557 | She moves through another hall, and just as the door opens to the next chamber, she sees transporter beams appear throughout it, and from them, several Horde thralls begin to materialize... Sin@crystyl moves straight into cover and begins picking them off before they can fully materialize NPC@annpc#557 | Sin's experience as a mercenary allows her to pick them off before they get a chance to attack her! But as the thralls in the next room go down, she hears the door at the other end of the hall - NPC@annpc#557:- opening behind her... Sin@crystyl repositions herself to watch that way while seeking an escape NPC@annpc#557 | There are footsteps coming down the hall towards her, though the room behind her seems to be clear now NPC@annpc#557 | Sin does see another door in the room behind, though she does not know where it leads Sin@crystyl takes her chances with the mystery door NPC@annpc#557 | Sin ends up in another hallway, this one seeming clear, though the thralls behind her continue their chase. She hears the shots from their weapons, but the door she went through closes behind - NPC@annpc#557 - her, taking the shots for her. At the end of the hall is another door, again leading to a place Sin had not yet been Sin@crystyl continues forwards NPC@annpc#557 | The door into the next room opens...and she finds herself face to face with a huge behemoth thrall that towers over her... in@crystyl scowls, not having the patience for drawn out fights and reaches out instead with her mind to boil it's blood Sin@crystyl must be feeling reminiscent of her Belyia days thanks to the Architect's illusions... NPC@annpc#557 | Sin doesn't quite manage to instantly kill the huge thrall, but she does manage to stop it. It raises its large arm to strike before suddenly freezing, and then dropping onto its knees, - NPC@annpc#557:- its arms bracing to stop its fall. However, behind her the door begins to open... Sin@crystyl lashes out with one final push to seep the leviathan aside. Preferably through a bulkhead headfirst, but she's not really focusing as her attention turns with her gaze to the door NPC@annpc#557 | Sin manages to sweep the behemoth aside and slam it into the wall as the door opens behind her and five thralls stream through. Around her, transporter beams light up as more thralls start - NPC@annpc#557:- beaming in...then she realizes that something is also locking onto her Sin@crystyl really hopes it's Mia, and she doesn't take too long... NPC@annpc#557 | The five thralls open fire, but Sin disappears before their shots reach her... NPC@annpc#557 | Sin does indeed rematerialize in the VF's transporter room, with Mia and a Nuhar drone hovering by the console! Sin@crystyl looks over, "Mia, your timing is impeccable" Sin@crystyl | Mia smiles, "We detected a large number of hostiles in your immediate vicinity and thought it best to get you out quickly" Sin@crystyl:"Well, no complaints here. What about the others?" Sin@crystyl | Mia: "We were unable to establish a lock on either of them" Sin@crystyl:"Figures. So I assume we have a plan now if you were coming to pull me out anyway? I hadn't got very far with intel, but you can have this for whatever it's worth" Sin@crystyl passes over her tricorder with the console data she downloaded Sin@crystyl | Mia: "We shall take a look, thank you Ms. Sin. As for a plan... we are still working on that..." Sin@crystyl:"Oh..." NPC@annpc#557 FX | The door slides open and Sayu hovers in Sin@crystyl | Mia: "The ship was in position for personnel swap so we took the opportunity to evac you early when we saw your situation. It was not planned as part of a new strategy" Sin@crystyl:"Fair enough" she looks over at Sayu's entrance NPC@annpc#557 | Sayu gives a cheerful beep upon seeing Sin before communicating to Mia, [The Observer will attempt to replace the other Rianni and blend in among the crew. She will notify us through our - NPC@annpc#557 - secure frequency of any developments.] Sin@crystyl | Mia: [This is fortuitous indeed. We should find somewhere secure where we can meet her and bring Ms. Sin up to speed] Sin@crystyl:folds her arms, watching the drones beep at each other... NPC@annpc#557 | Sayu: [The jeffries tubes or unoccupied personal quarters may be the safest places to be.] Sin@crystyl | Mia: "Quarters may be more amenable for the biologicals] NPC@annpc#557 | Sayu: [Let us proceed to quarters and bring Sin up to speed, then.] Sin@crystyl | Mia {Agreed.] Sin@crystyl | Mia: "Ms. Sin, follow us! We will find a safe place where we can strategize" Sin@crystyl gestures regally, "After you" --- T'Lana@anncaris FX | On the Latenter, Mischa is called to the bridge as the ship begins to near the nebula Mischa@crystyl wanders over, "How's it looking out there?" T'Lana@anncaris stands, "Commander. There is good and bad news- though this time, they are one and the same." Mischa@crystyl:"That's quite an accomplishment if so" T'Lana@anncaris:"We have detected several ships passing into the nebula, and there are two more on their way now. We suspect they are Horde vessels who have been called here by the Architect." Mischa@crystyl:"Ok, well I can see how that would be bad news. Waiting on the silver lining now" T'Lana@anncaris:"Entering the dyson sphere will no doubt announce our arrival to the Architect by the opening of the Sphere's hatches, even if we were to remain cloaked and slip through the closing door after the - T'Lana@anncaris:- tractor beams fail to lock on, as the USS Jenolan did back when Starfleet systems were not yet compatible with the tractor technology. The opening of the doors without any visible entry would be - T'Lana@anncaris:- extremely suspicious. However, if the Architect is calling Horde ships to him, we will be able to enter the Sphere undetected behind one if it proceeds inside. The opening of the hatch will be - T'Lana@anncaris:- triggered by the Horde vessel in that case, and to the Architect, it will simply be the arrival of forces he called for." Mischa@crystyl:"Ok, I'll take that silver lining. What about the Valley Forge and QanwI' - any sign of either?" T'Lana@anncaris:"Not yet, but between the nebula and the outer shell of the dyson sphere, our sensors will not be able to detect them. We will likely have to proceed into the dyson sphere first." Mischa@crystyl:"What's our eta?" T'Lana@anncaris:"Sixteen minutes to the Sphere from this location." Mischa@crystyl:"Then let's be ready. Action stations" T'Lana@anncaris nods and moves to her usual console T'Lana@anncaris FX | The minutes pass as the Latenter enters the nebula, travelling through the sensor-interfering ionized gasses. Sixteen minutes later, they reach the huge edge of the dyson sphere T'Lana@anncaris | T'Fel: "We have sensors on one of the Horde vessels that entered behind us. They are heading towards one of the hatches." Mischa@crystyl:"Alright. Let them pass and form up on their rear" T'Lana@anncaris:"I suggest having the Lupan scout ship tail a separate vessel. There is only a limited window of entry, and I suspect this will not be the only Horde vessel to enter the Sphere." T'Lana@anncaris | Nethay: "Aye Commander. They're passing by now...and forming up." T'Lana@anncaris | On the viewscreen, a Horde cruiser trudges through the nebula in front of them towards the nearest hatch T'Lana@anncaris | Before long, the hatch opens and the Horde cruiser waits patiently as the tractor beams lock on and begin to pull it inside Mischa@crystyl:"There's our window. Nice and easy now" T'Lana@anncaris | Nethay nods, tapping on his console and easing the Latenter in behind the Horde cruiser. The hatch begins to close as they are about halfway in, but the massive entry doors give them more than - T'Lana@anncaris:- enough room to enter still without bumping into the Horde vessel in front of them. Soon, they are inside the Sphere T'Lana@anncaris FX | http://sites.psu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/9476/2013/03/url-1.jpeg T'Lana@anncaris | Daurant: "The last time the Latenter was in one of these, it was in the Delta Quadrant..." Mischa@crystyl:"Still has that sense of occasion doesn't it" T'Lana@anncaris | Victoria nods, "That it certainly does." Mischa@crystyl:"We can enjoy the view once the mission is done. For now we must focus. I want eyes on every ship out there, remember our Lupan friends are out there as well. Let's find our fallen comrades" T'Lana@anncaris taps her console, "Sensor data is coming in. I have a location on the Valley Forge, but not the QanwI'. I suspect they may be cloaked. I am also reading nine Horde vessels and activity from - T'Lana@anncaris:- a large number of facilities and drones” Mischa@crystyl:"Never mind the Heart of War. It's like the Eye of the Storm..." Mischa@crystyl:"Let's make a thorough sweep and be ready to launch the mission as soon as we're done then" T'Lana@anncaris nods and gets to work. A few minutes later, she announces, "Most of the Horde vessels seem to be holding position at the minimum safe distance from the central star, near a station we believe to - T'Lana@anncaris:- be the control facility. They are being reinforced by a number of the more offensive-geared Iconian probes, the same type as the Valley Forge discovered at the Iconian arms factory. I suspect - T'Lana@anncaris:- they are protecting the facility. The Valley Forge is not far away, but is not a part of their defensive formation." Mischa@crystyl:"Then the stage is set" T'Lana@anncaris | T'Fel: "The hatch is opening again. Two smaller Horde escorts are entering." T'Lana@anncaris | Victoria: "The Lupan scout ship reports they have entered behind the escorts." Mischa@crystyl:"Let's get over there then. Not a moment to waste" T'Lana@anncaris nods, turning to the turbolift Mischa@crystyl heads out alongside her --- T'Lana@anncaris | Near the airlock of the Lupan scout ship, Mischa and T'Lana begin putting on their EV suits Mischa@crystyl:"Well... this certainly won't be boring. You ready for this Lana?" T'Lana@anncaris nods, "It is not the first time I have had to operate among compromised personnel, though infiltration will not be as simple as it was during the bluegill incident." Mischa@crystyl:"I can't imagine that involved many ship to ship space jumps" she chuckles T'Lana@anncaris:"That it certainly did not." She holds up the suit helmet. "I suggest we keep these suits on while inside. Daurant and Root have made a few modifications, including complete soundproofing. No - T'Lana@anncaris:- sound we make inside the suit will be audible outside unless we turn the speaker on, so we will be able to communicate among ourselves via the suits' secure comm systems without being overheard." Mischa@crystyl:"Should work at least until we get the lay of the land" she nods T'Lana@anncaris nods, finishing with her suit and donning the helmet T'Lana@anncaris:<C> Comm check Mischa@crystyl:<C> Comm check confirmed T'Lana@anncaris:<C> We are all set. The Lupan will inform us when we are in position Mischa@crystyl:<C> No turning back now T'Lana@anncaris:<C> Our plan is the most logical way to free the crew of the Valley Forge. I see no reason to turn back Mischa@crystyl chuckles <C> Good to know T'Lana@anncaris:<C - Arvalan> This is Arvalan. We are in position- the target hardseal should be directly across your airlock. There is no sign that we have been spotted. Proceed when you are ready Mischa@crystyl:<C> Acknowledged. Heading out now Mischa@crystyl:<C> Alright then Lana. Time for something new Mischa@crystyl is clearly smiling beneath her helmet from the tone T'Lana@anncaris nods, tapping a panel and making her way into the airlock. The door into the ship seals behind them T'Lana@anncaris:<C> Airlock opening in five seconds T'Lana@anncaris | The airlock opens in precisely five seconds, and the two jump across the vacuum of space, floating for a good few seconds before latching on to the VF's hull T'Lana@anncaris | Looking back, there is no sign of the cloaked scout ship they jumped from... T'Lana@anncaris makes her way over to the hardseal, drawing the cutting beam Root had created and getting to work... Mischa@crystyl latches on the opposite side and begins cutting as well T'Lana@anncaris | Before long, they manage to breach the seal, opening up the way into the ship! Mischa@crystyl makes her way inside <C> So far so quiet T'Lana@anncaris follows inside, <C> We should put distance between ourselves and the hatch quickly. They will likely detect the breach Mischa@crystyl nods <C> See if you can locate Mia T'Lana@anncaris makes her way to the nearest maintenance panel, trying to access the internal sensor feeds T'Lana@anncaris:<C> I have tapped into the internal sensors and located Mia. She is inside her quarters and still active Mischa@crystyl:<C> Alright. Let's use the jeffries tubes to be safe T'Lana@anncaris nods, <C> A sound precaution, Commander. The nearest access point should be this way Mischa@crystyl follows T'Lana@anncaris steps over to the access point and begins climbing... T'Lana@anncaris | The pair climb for a few minutes, but T'Lana pauses as they reach the exit Mischa@crystyl:<C> What is it? T'Lana@anncaris:<C> Four lifesigns patrolling ahead. They should pass soon Mischa@crystyl:<C> Alright T'Lana@anncaris waits for a few seconds before announcing, <C> All clear Mischa@crystyl:<C> Right behind you T'Lana@anncaris steps out of the tube, <C> This is the closest exit to Mia's quarters T'Lana@anncaris makes her way over, using her suit's sensors to check its interior first T'Lana@anncaris:<C> I am detecting another drone of similar design, as well as an Ocampan lifesign Mischa@crystyl:<C> Most likely the mercenary, Sin T'Lana@anncaris:<C> Perhaps her telepathic abilities allow her to resist control. This may be a gathering of most or all of those on board who are not under the Architect's control Mischa@crystyl:<C> Stands to reason. Be ready in case you're wrong though. I'm switching to wide beam T'Lana@anncaris:<C> A logical precaution. I shall do the same. It is also likely given the state of the vessel that they may not easily trust us Mischa@crystyl:<C> Here goes nothing then... Mischa@crystyl approaches but doesn't chime the door. Instead raps lightly on the door T'Lana@anncaris follows along, standing ready with her phaser Mischa@crystyl | Mia of course, doesn't answer and is now likely for an escape... Mischa@crystyl sighs, checking their surroundings before calling out in a hushed voice, "Mia, we are from the Coalition. We got your message and have come to assist" Mischa@crystyl | There is a long pause, but the door soon opens T'Lana@anncaris lowers her pistol a little and steps in Mischa@crystyl does the same Mischa@crystyl | Mia: "Human, female. Vulcan, female. Neither within the crew manifest. Neither showing influence. Both have Coalition implants" T'Lana@anncaris:"That is correct. We are not under the Architect's control. If we were, we would have attempted to surround you with the majority of the crew and cut off all paths of escape. The two of us - T'Lana@anncaris:- would not be a logical response if our goal was to neutralize the three of you." Mischa@crystyl | Sin steps out from the other room, "Well aren't you the clever little ones. She looks them up and down, "What are you supposed to be, the hit squad?" Mischa@crystyl:"We had to space-jump in order to board without detection. What is the situation here?" Mischa@crystyl | Mia: "We are all that remains unaffected. We hold the ship in lockdown, but they still have basic functionality. We have a squadron of Nuhar drones on side as well" T'Lana@anncaris:"I presume you still have control over the majority of the ship's functions?" Mischa@crystyl | Mia: "Oh! And the Observer. She is... somewhere. She went to attempt to incapacitate Ms. Rianni and take her place... again. It is our hope that this will allow her to access bridge controls as - Mischa@crystyl:- well as provide a chance for us to assess Ms. Rianni to see exactly how this was done to everybody" Mischa@crystyl | Mia nods to TL: "Oui. We were able to lockdown all command functions and have effectively relieved Capitaine Keelah of her duty. But they will eventually find a way to bypass the computer and - Mischa@crystyl:- regain critical systems" T'Lana@anncaris:"We should not delay in freeing the crew, then. Perhaps we should verify first on the incapacitated Rianni to ensure our plan will succeed." Mischa@crystyl:"Makes sense. But we'll have to find her, or... the Observer, first" T'Lana@anncaris | Sayu: [The Observer stated that she will contact us on our secure frequency. She may inform us once she has Rianni incapacitated.] Mischa@crystyl | Sin meanwhile eyes the newcomers suspiciously, "So we're throwing in with these two, just like that? Neither of you thinks this is the slightest bit odd? A Human and a Vulcan coming to our rescue- Mischa@crystyl:- all the way out here? Who are they, where did they come from?! And I can't read either of them..." T'Lana@anncaris:"You have detected that we are not under the Architect's influence. The only alternate situation in which we are a threat then is that we are working for him out of our own free will. What logical - T'Lana@anncaris:- reason does either a Vulcan or a Human possess for doing so?" Mischa@crystyl | Sin points at TL, "Ok. That one's the Vulcan" Mischa@crystyl | Sin: "But that still doesn't explain the convenience of everything, or why I can't read her" she glares at Mischa Mischa@crystyl smiles, not that it can be seen. But still carries in her tone, "No it doesn't" T'Lana@anncaris:"Our implants are set to different frequencies so we cannot be controlled by the Architect. That explanation will have to suffice for now." Mischa@crystyl | Before Sin can continue pushing, the Observer makes contact confirming she has taken Rianni's place and has her incapacitated in Rianni's quarters T'Lana@anncaris:"Excellent. We should proceed to Rianni's quarters quickly." Mischa@crystyl looks to Sin as they turn away, "The rest will have to wait for another time. But rest assured, we are on your side" Mischa@crystyl nods to TL silently and heads out T'Lana@anncaris follows, <C> Let us continue through the jefferies tubes Mischa@crystyl | Miadrone ducks and weaves to the front of the pack <C> This way ladies! T'Lana@anncaris follows Mia's lead, as she is much more familiar with the ship after all Mischa@crystyl | Mia leads them through the winding jeffries tubes until popping back out into the corridor outside Rianni's quarters T'Lana@anncaris makes her way over to the room, checking if it is locked Mischa@crystyl | It is, but as she examines it, the door is unlocked and opened from within to reveal the Observer, now wearing Rianni's uniform: "About time! Wait..." she fingers counts the group, "You appear to- Mischa@crystyl - have multiplied..." T'Lana@anncaris:"We have come to assist." Mischa@crystyl heads in after everyone else is safely inside Mischa@crystyl can almost be heard eyerolling at the Observer as she does finally step in too T'Lana@anncaris looks around for the original Rianni Mischa@crystyl | Observer: "She is in the bedroom" she leads the way Mischa@crystyl follows the group, staying out of the way so TL can work and she can keep an eye on people T'Lana@anncaris follow into the bedroom, taking out a medical tricorder from her suit Mischa@crystyl | Sin stays back with Mischa. Folding her arms and also keeping an eye on the room. And the mysterious stranger who seems to like loitering in the corner... Mischa@crystyl sideglances at Sin, folding her arms in the exact same fashion as her helmet turns just slightly back to watch the activity T'Lana@anncaris motions Mia over as she makes her way to the bed, "If my assumptions are correct, then changing the frequency of the implants should render the Architect unable to exert any control over them." T'Lana@anncaris:"You have given the Architect the same implant as the rest of your crew, did you not?" Mischa@crystyl | Mia: "Ooh, is that why the two of you are unaffected? You are using a different frequency implant?" Mischa@crystyl | Mia nods, "Oui" T'Lana@anncaris:"That is our suspicion. As a result of giving him the same implant, you have given him the cipher to the encryption that protects the minds of your crew. Changing the frequency should change the - T'Lana@anncaris:- cipher," she opens the medical tricorder and begins running it by Rianni's head, "This tricorder has been configured to emit the necessary EM signals to interface with the device and readjust the - T'Lana@anncaris:- frequency." Mischa@crystyl shifts, folding her hands at her back as she watches with satisfaction Mischa@crystyl | Sin narrows her eyes, mirroring the change in pose Mischa@crystyl grins to herself, having far too much fun messing with with the Ocampa T'Lana@anncaris taps on her tricorder, "Reconfiguring now." T'Lana@anncaris | Mia's sensors slowly begin to register the influence fading away from Rianni... Mischa@crystyl | Mias: "So if this works, then Ms. Rianni will be back to her old self, and safe once more?" T'Lana@anncaris:"That is correct. More importantly, it will confirm whether or not our plan for freeing the entire crew at once will be viable, as this process is far too slow to perform on every single crewmember - T'Lana@anncaris:- individually." Mischa@crystyl | Mia: "We were wondering about that... but oh, this looks promising! Ms. Rianni's readings are returning to normal!" T'Lana@anncaris checks her tricorder, "I am seeing it as well. The implant appears to be working once more." T'Lana@anncaris | Soon, Rianni's reading are completely normal, showing no sign of influence remaining! Mischa@crystyl | Sin: "So what's this about a plan to fix everyone at once now?" T'Lana@anncaris:"Our plan is to utilize the EPS grid to produce the small EM emissions used to interface with the implants, adjusting the frequency of the entire crew’s implants at once. Or at least the majority of the crew." Mischa@crystyl | Mia thinks and nods, "Of course! The emissions will have a limited range by this method, so it is likely some crew will not be in range" T'Lana@anncaris:"That is correct. We will need someone to activate the emissions from the shuttlecraft to cover the entire shuttlebay, and the arboretum cannot be covered in full, so the area will need to be - T'Lana@anncaris:- locked down. However, it should not be difficult to manually free anyone remaining in the arboretum should we free the remainder of the crew. Do you think your degree of control over the ship - T'Lana@anncaris:- is sufficient for this task?" Mischa@crystyl | Mia smiles and nods, "Absolutely it is! We are technically in command right now after all!" she giggles Mischa@crystyl | Observer: "I can get the hangar bays. My personal transport will get me to my ship easy enough and I can work at the rest from there" Mischa@crystyl | Sin: "Guess that leaves me with the arboretum" T'Lana@anncaris:"Excellent," she passes Mia the medical tricorder, "The specifics of the emissions I have just utilized on Rianni is contained here." Mischa@crystyl | Mia: "And what about Ms. Rianni? Do we just leave her here?" Mischa@crystyl | Observer: "She'll be out cold for a good while, don't worry" T'Lana@anncaris turns to the Observer, "Send word when you are ready in the shuttlebay. This plan will be most effective if you trigger the emissions at the same time as Mia does for the rest of the ship." Mischa@crystyl | Observer nods, "Give me a couple of minutes" and walks out, disappearing through a tiny wormhole --- T'Lana@anncaris | The Observer appears on her ship in the shuttlebay... Mischa@crystyl | Observer quickly gets to work configuring things there while setting her ship's computer to plot jump points for all of the other shuttles T'Lana@anncaris | Her work goes unimpeded until she is almost finished, when her ship's sensors pick up a lifesign approaching her ship Mischa@crystyl tries to narrow down an identity while preparing to activate defenses T'Lana@anncaris | It appears to be one of the crewmen who usually works in the shuttlebays Mischa@crystyl lays low and continues working quietly, keeping an eye on his movement still T'Lana@anncaris | The crewman seems to be scanning the ship now, likely suspicious of the activity Mischa@crystyl | The Observer sighs and determines she needs to act. She picks up a Starfleet toolset leftover from maintenance and calmly makes her way out, walking past the crewman in the same zombie-like - Mischa@crystyl:- fashion they all walk around in T'Lana@anncaris | The crewman seems fooled by the pretense and continues scanning the Observer's ship Mischa@crystyl | The Observer swings around as she steps past him and in one swift movement, jabs him in the middle of his back with one of the powered tools. Knowing it has the effect of shorting out the nervous system - Mischa@crystyl:- temporarily like a tazer T'Lana@anncaris | The crewman has no time to react, twitching slightly before collapsing to the ground Mischa@crystyl | The Observer catches him just before he slams, "You appear to be working too hard. You deserve a rest" she attempts a heroic quip like she's seen in the holos, but her face says it doesn't sound as good as it does- Mischa@crystyl:- those fantasy stories... she sighs, dragging him up into her ship T'Lana@anncaris | She drags the crewman in and is able to complete the remaining work uninterrupted! Mischa@crystyl:<C - Observer> Mia, I am ready in the shuttlebay Mischa@crystyl | Mia: <C> Excellect! We are also in place, so please proceed at once! Mischa@crystyl:<C - Observer> Understood. Initiating deployment now Mischa@crystyl | The Observer disappears into another mini wormhole, hopping from one shuttle to the next with what could almost look like flashes of lightning around the hangar bay with all the quick succession wormholes T'Lana@anncaris | Meanwhile, Sin reaches the Arboretum, feeling a slight tickle on the back of her head as the signal is sent... Mischa@crystyl | Sin shudders at the unnatural sensation, "I guess that's show time then" she initiates the lockdown T'Lana@anncaris | She sees Mei and two science crewmen inside, initially pacing about in their zombie-like state until they seem to realize that something is wrong. They rush up to the door but it doesn't open, - T'Lana@anncaris - having been locked down T'Lana@anncaris | Sin senses only the three inside and no one else Mischa@crystyl | Sin approaches them, "I apologize for this" and promptly stuns all three with her phaser T'Lana@anncaris | The three of them drop to the floor, unconscious Mischa@crystyl | Sin approaches, pulling out her tricorder and getting to work T'Lana@anncaris | It takes a good few minutes each person to use a tricorder to interface with an implant, and she quickly realizes why it wouldn't be practical to do this for every single member of the crew T'Lana@anncaris | Fortunately, Sin only has to do it for three, and before long all their readings return to normal! Mischa@crystyl | Sin: <C> Mia, the Arboretum is secure Mischa@crystyl | Mia: "That is good news! Everything is going according to plan" --- NPC@annpc#557 FX | On the VF bridge, Keelah watched helplessly as the Architect controls her body, while the Architect is forced to watch almost as helplessly as Mia takes control of the ship, moving up to - NPC@annpc#557 - the station to extract Sin. She continued to watch as sensors indicated a breach in one of the hardseals but was unable to pick up any intruders, but the enthralled crew were dispatched to - NPC@annpc#557:- search the ship anyways. Then, after an unknown amount of time sitting in the Captain's chair, she feels a tickle at the back of her neck and instinctively twitches from it, only to realize that - NPC@annpc#557:- she once again has control of her body Mischa@crystyl | Keelah looks around and tries moving NPC@annpc#557 | Her eyes obey her commands and allows her to look where she wishes, and she is able to move! She sees that the rest of the bridge crew around her seem to be doing exactly the same, testing to - NPC@annpc#557 - see if they are truly themselves again Mischa@crystyl | Keelah: "Is everyone... themselves again?" NPC@annpc#557 | Fisher: "It...seems so. Aye Captain! I can move again!" Mischa@crystyl | Keelah: "What... what is our status?" NPC@annpc#557 | Thorkildsen: "Checking...I think I'm locked out of my station, Captain." NPC@annpc#557 | Fisher: "Same here, I don't have helm control." Mischa@crystyl | Keelah: "Mia... of course!" she tries her combadge to call Mia NPC@annpc#557 | She is able to reach Mia! Mischa@crystyl | Keelah: "Mia. I don't know what you did, but it seems to have worked. Everyone up here just regained their sense" Mischa@crystyl | Mia: "Oh we are relieved mon Capitaine!” Mischa@crystyl | Keelah: "But your command lockout is still in place..." Mischa@crystyl | Mia: "Oops! A moment..." Mischa@crystyl purses her lips, drumming her fingertips on the arm of her chair, "Well, this is embarrassing..." NPC@annpc#557 | Thorkildsen and Fisher wait patiently... Mischa@crystyl | Mia responds again a few moments later, "There! Command lockout removed!" Mischa@crystyl | Keelah: "Thank you Mia. I'm sure there is much to be done, but we must first secure the ship" Mischa@crystyl | Mia: "Capitaine, you should know that the Architect has possessed Ms. Eva and is still on the station. Luthril was also killed and her body is still there" Mischa@crystyl | Keelah pauses briefly, "Alright Mia, thank you for the update" NPC@annpc#557 | Thorkildsen: "There's also a Horde presence surrounding the station now. Eleven...make that thirteen ships." NPC@annpc#557 | Thorkildsen: "And at least fifty Iconian combat probes..." Mischa@crystyl | Keelah looks to her staff, "If my own head is anything to go by at present, I know you're all still very disoriented. But our job is not done yet. Secure general quarters and get me a detailed- Mischa@crystyl - status of the ship. We will not move or take any action to raise suspicion until we have cause to. With luck, they won't know we are free" NPC@annpc#557 | Thorkildsen: "On it, Captain!" NPC@annpc#557 | The turbolift opens and Vrolmacht steps out, "Captain." Mischa@crystyl | Keelah turns, "Vrolmacht, welcome back. We are securing general quarters while reconciling the situation" NPC@annpc#557 | Silvestrie: "Kelly is reporting in from Main Engineering. All senior staff are accounted for. Internal sensors are still confirming the rest of the crew." Mischa@crystyl | Keelah: "So far so good then" NPC@annpc#557 | Vrolmacht takes the tactical console, getting to work immediately --- NPC@annpc#557 | In Mia's quarters, T'Lana looks to Mischa, "It appears our plan is successful. We should return to our ship, but I doubt Keelah and her crew will let us leave without further explanation." Mischa@crystyl:"I must admit; I had not imagined sustaining our cover even at this point. We may have to confront Keelah" NPC@annpc#557 | T'Lana nods, "That may be inevitable." She glances to Mia, "I presume you would object if we simply tried to slip off the vessel?" Mischa@crystyl | Mia: "Of course! We haven't even got to thanking you properly yet, and how can we if you simply run away?" NPC@annpc#557 | T'Lana: "As I suspected..." she looks at Mischa again. "How do you recommend we proceed, Commander?" Mischa@crystyl:"We could call for a beamout. But that will just leave Keelah with more questions and now is not the time to be inducing paranoia. This crew is still recovering and vulnerable, so... let us head to - Mischa@crystyl:- the bridge" NPC@annpc#557 | T'Lana nods, "To the bridge, then," she glances to Mia. "I presume you would wish to join us as well? You played no small role in saving the crew, and may possess important information we do - NPC@annpc#557:- not have that the Captain would be interested in." Mischa@crystyl | Mia nods, "We shall accompany you. If nothing else we can offer explanation to passing crew about the two strangely dressed people roaming the ship..." NPC@annpc#557 | T'Lana: "It will be prudent to have you along to inform the crew that we are not their enemy. They will likely be on edge given recent events." NPC@annpc#557 | T'Lana begins making her way out of the quarters Mischa@crystyl nods and heads out --- NPC@annpc#557 | On the bridge... NPC@annpc#557 | Silvestrie: "All crew accounted for. Except the ones included in Mia's report earlier..." Mischa@crystyl | Keelah nods, "It's a start at least. Then we must address the problem of the Architect..." NPC@annpc#557 FX | The turbolift door opens with Mia inside, along with the EV suit clad Mischa and T'Lana Mischa@crystyl | Keelah turns, perking a brow at the strange sight of the two in suits. But as this occurs... Mischa@crystyl | The VF hangs quietly in sphere space, still appearing to be lacking control. When a familiar rippling pattern appears in the air on rapid approach to it Mischa@crystyl | Before anyone knows what's happening, the QanwI' decloaks at point blank range on a vertical strafing run, slamming the unshielded VF through the bottom of it's saucer section with cannon fire - Mischa@crystyl - tears right through the ship NPC@annpc#557 | Vrolmacht quickly checks for damage Mischa@crystyl | The bridge is plunged into darkness and chaos as the ship lurches to one side, launching people across the room NPC@annpc#557 | Vrolmacht tumbles to the ground, rolling across the bridge before he can get a damage report Mischa@crystyl | Keelah pulls herself to her feet, "They must be on to us. Evasive action! Get the armour up!" NPC@annpc#557 | Vrolmacht quickly gets back on his feet, rushing back to his console to deploy the armour Mischa@crystyl | Vrolmacht can't deploy the armour because of multiple hull breaches penetrating the saucer section NPC@annpc#557 | Vrolmacht: "We have multiple hull breaches! The armour cannot deploy, Captain." Mischa@crystyl | Fisher finds they have limited maneuverability NPC@annpc#557 | Fisher: "We've taken damage to the impulse engines! We can fly, but maneuverability is limited..." NPC@annpc#557 | Vrolmacht: "The QanwI' is making another attack run! Permission to return covering fire?" Mischa@crystyl | Keelah nods, "Do what you must to defend the ship" Mischa@crystyl | Keelah's eye again catches the strangers braced in the turbolift, "And who are you supposed to be?" Mischa@crystyl | As Vrolmacht goes to return fire, he detects another signature decloaking... NPC@annpc#557 | Vrolmacht: "Captain...there is another vessel decloaking." Mischa@crystyl | On the viewscreen, the small black raptor barrelling towards them quickly barrel rolls away from it's attack as the large black saucer of the Latenter looms into it's path with all weapons - Mischa@crystyl:- pummelling the small Klingon ship Mischa@crystyl steps forward and removes her helmet, "You might say, we are the cavalry. Hello again Keelah" NPC@annpc#557 | T'Lana follows suit, removing her helmet as well Mischa@crystyl | Keelah stares a moment, dumbfounded, "...Mischa?!" Mischa@crystyl | The ship is again rocked as the Iconian probes begin to swarm it NPC@annpc#557 | Vrolmacht: "A third vessel is decloaking. It is...targeting the probes." Mischa@crystyl braces against the horseshoe, "Whilst I do love a good catch up, perhaps we focus first on surviving the day" NPC@annpc#557 | T'Lana: "Agreed. We need to liberate the QanwI's crew and retreat as soon as possible. We are heavily outnumbered." Mischa@crystyl turns to Vrolmacht, "They are Lupan allies. Focus on disabling the QanwI'. I'll deal with those probes, if I may?" Mischa@crystyl | Keelah just... nods, still trying to wrap her mind around the illogical events unfolding here NPC@annpc#557 | Vrolmacht nods as well, tapping to focus fire on the QanwI' Mischa@crystyl looks to TL as she hurries to a console, "A hand with the probe hacks?" NPC@annpc#557 | T'Lana steps over, tapping on the console, "Of course, Commander." Mischa@crystyl & TL work their intel magic on hacking the drones out there while the Latenter and Lupan Scout help VF stave off the masses and disable the QanwI'... NPC@annpc#557 | The drones soon turn on the Horde vessels, largely doing minor damage but helping keep them at bay Mischa@crystyl | Lexi puts up one hell of a fight and makes all three allied ships earn their victory. But it eventually comes with a well placed combination of shots from VF & Latenter which result on a small- Mischa@crystyl - explosion from the rear of the QanwI' before it quickly loses all power and begins to drift NPC@annpc#557 | Vrolmacht: "QanwI' is disabled!" NPC@annpc#557 | T'Lana: "We may not have time to adjust their implants at the moment. Perhaps we should grab them in a tractor beam and reach safety first." Mischa@crystyl | Keelah nods, but Lennie preemptively cuts her off, "That'd be great if we /had/ a tractor..." Mischa@crystyl "Let us help with the heavy lifting" she comms the Latenter and gives the order to tow QanwI' out NPC@annpc#557 | Fisher: "Time to fall back out of the Sphere, Captain?" Mischa@crystyl | Keelah gives a weary nod after a moment's hesitation. We are no shape to help Eva at the moment..." NPC@annpc#557 | Vrolmacht nods, "We cannot overpower all these Horde vessels, even with our new allies, and there are more arriving from other parts of the Sphere." NPC@annpc#557 | Fisher taps his console, turning the VF around towards the nearest hatch as Vrolmacht continues to provide covering fire Mischa@crystyl | Latenter snares QanwI' in a tractor beam and follows VF out while the Lupan provide cover for the retreat NPC@annpc#557 | As they near the hatch, it slides open of its own accord and a medium-sized Horde cruiser begins to enter, immediately charging weapons... Mischa@crystyl | Latenter immediately starts hammering the new arrival with everything it can throw at it Mischa@crystyl | Keelah, "Fire at will!" NPC@annpc#557 | Vrolmacht nods and VF quickly follows suit, firing all beams alongside a salvo of three torpedoes. The Lupan scout ship provides what fire it is able, and the cruiser soon buckles under the - NPC@annpc#557 - combined firepower, detonating in a fiery explosion. As the hatch begins to close, Fisher darts the VF right through before the fire has completely cleared, dashing for the exit with the - NPC@annpc#557 - Latenter and Lupan vessel close behind it NPC@annpc#557 | The three vessels juuuust make it through before the hatch closes behind them! NPC@annpc#557 | T'Lana: "We should be able to lose any pursuers in the nebula." Mischa@crystyl | Keelah nods, "Lendaria, keep a careful watch on our allies. We don't want to lose them in this soup" Mischa@crystyl | Lennie nods, "Aye Cap'n, I'm-a on it" NPC@annpc#557 | The three ships (and tractored raptor) proceed into the thick blue gasses... --- T'Lana@anncaris speaks again as the four ships cruise further into the nebula, "The ionized gasses will make it difficult for the Horde to find us, but it will also make transporting to the QanwI' impossible." Mischa@crystyl:"Then we do it the hard way again" T'Lana@anncaris looks to Mia, "I was going to suggest the drones, actually. It will be difficult for us to sneak through a ship as small as the QanwI', and a confrontation with its warriors is inadvisable. The - T'Lana@anncaris:- drones, however, are much smaller and nimbler and should have the capability to hack into QanwI's EPS grid and perform the required procedure." Mischa@crystyl nods, "Makes sense" looking to Keelah, "I however, can not give them the order" Mischa@crystyl | Keelah watches the pair, till dumbfounded by their presence, "Mia and Sayu can have the mission" Mischa@crystyl | Mia nods, "We will depart at once!" T'Lana@anncaris:"You will have to cut through one of the QanwI's hardseals." T'Lana@anncaris | Sayu: [My upgraded beam should be capable of the task.] Mischa@crystyl:"Then good luck to you both" T'Lana@anncaris | Sayu gives an appreciative beep before heading into the lift Mischa@crystyl | Mia follows and they disappear for their mission Mischa@crystyl | Keelah stands, "Now that is in hand. A word" she says to the pair before heading to her ready room expecting them to follow T'Lana@anncaris glances to Mischa, following her lead Mischa@crystyl watches, "Aah I'd forgotten the joys of joint Intel & Command operations..." she says with a sarcastic tone as she follows with a feeling like they're being called to the headmasters office Mischa@crystyl | Keelah sits behind her desk, eyeing the pair, "Where do I begin...?" T'Lana@anncaris takes a seat in one of the chairs in front of the desk Mischa@crystyl:"A thank you would not be the worst start" T'Lana@anncaris FX | The doorbell rings Mischa@crystyl | Keelah scowls a little, "...thank you for coming to our aid. Now-" she looks up, "Come" T'Lana@anncaris | Kelly steps inside with a PADD in hand. She walks halfway across the room as she sees the two sitting in front of the desk, before taking a step to the side to observe them from a different angle T'Lana@anncaris | Kelly: "...Mischa?" Mischa@crystyl glances back with a smile, "Hello Kelly!" T'Lana@anncaris | Kelly: "How...are you here?" Mischa@crystyl | Keelah: "That is what I want to know" Mischa@crystyl:"We cut through the hardseal on an airlock. It was necessary to avoid being detected while you were enthralled. Oh and, apologies for that. But it will need repairs'' T'Lana@anncaris | Kelly: "But how did you get inside the Sphere? We never opened any gateways, even under the Architect's control..." Mischa@crystyl smiles, "Oh that part was easy! We just followed one of the Horde vessels in while cloaked. The increased activity there made it a lot easier than I had initially anticipated actually..." Mischa@crystyl | Keelah facepalms at the obvious dodging of the real question T'Lana@anncaris | Kelly looks to Keelah, then back to Mischa, "How did you get all the way /out here/? Did Starfleet send you after what happened to Starbase 375? Even then, how did you reach us so quickly?" T'Lana@anncaris raises a brow, "What happened to Starbase 375?" T'Lana@anncaris | Kelly: "Its crew fell under Horde influence." T'Lana@anncaris:"We have received no such intel." Mischa@crystyl:"I believe you have been fed false information. Presumably to expedite your decision to attempt to use the Heart of War" T'Lana@anncaris | Kelly: "Curse it! That Architect..." Mischa@crystyl nods, "As for how we got out it here, there is nothing special to it. We flew out here just as you did" T'Lana@anncaris | Kelly: "But it would've taken you years, even at maximum warp." Mischa@crystyl:"That it has" T'Lana@anncaris | Kelly looks to Keelah, "I thought we were the only Starfleet vessel out here." Mischa@crystyl | Keelah perks a brow, "So you must have departed before we even knew of the Horde threat" Mischa@crystyl:"Correct Keelah. The truth is, we have been following you from the very beginning. Our mission was to monitor the impact of your presence throughout this region and assess any new threats you expose" T'Lana@anncaris | Kelly: "So you were here all along?" Mischa@crystyl:"Not here. Just... in your wake, you might say" Mischa@crystyl | Keelah: "And not once did you let us know you were in the region, or help any of the times we got in trouble..." Mischa@crystyl:"We rarely followed so closely, and only really caught up to such close range of you since you turned back to help defend Vue En. As for help, the only real combat you have seen that you could not - Mischa@crystyl:- handle alone was always faced with much greater numbers on your side, so one more ship would never have made the difference. Until now, when it could make a difference" T'Lana@anncaris adds, "We did provide assistance, when the runabout's crew were in danger after returning from its unintended temporal journey." Mischa@crystyl | Keelah's brow furrows, "There was no mention of this in the reports..." T'Lana@anncaris:"That is because the crew were unconscious, and we did not leave any trace of our involvement." Mischa@crystyl | Keelah: "Of course you didn't..." Mischa@crystyl:"That is not to say we have not been busy making our own contributions to the greater cause of your mission. We would - after all - be remiss not to act against a threat such as the Horde" Mischa@crystyl | Keelah perks a brow Mischa@crystyl:"The implants for one thing. And I am certain you noticed the presence of Zihil when you stood against the Horde fleet" T'Lana@anncaris | Kelly: "The implants were you? No wonder it didn't look exactly like Regulator tech..." T'Lana@anncaris:"We developed them in collaboration with the Regulators." Mischa@crystyl nods Mischa@crystyl | Keelah: "And I suppose you insisted that they took steps not to reveal your presence as well..." T'Lana@anncaris:"They were amenable to the idea. The Administration is no stranger to keeping secrets." Mischa@crystyl nods, "We have been able to do all that we have because of our anonymity. Had you known of our presence, you would have increasingly relied upon it. And it would have ultimately impacted your - Mischa@crystyl:- mission. Exploration is not our goal, it is yours. We were simply there in the background to take care of the details for you" she smiles Mischa@crystyl | Keelah, "I will admit... there is a certain logic to what you say" T'Lana@anncaris | Kelly nods, "I can see where you're coming from. How did you know we needed help, though? Did Mia manage to get a distress call out?" T'Lana@anncaris:"In a manner of speaking. She managed to reply to our warning and update us on the situation, but we were aware of the threat previously." Mischa@crystyl:"That is thanks to our Lupan friends out there. They are... something of a lost tribe by all accounts. You are - I assume - familiar with the Lupan's revered Progenitor recording?" Mischa@crystyl | Keelah nods, "What there is of it at any rate" T'Lana@anncaris:"This lost tribe possessed complete versions of these recordings, which provided a warning on the Architect." Mischa@crystyl | Keelah: "I recall no such communication as this warning you mention. But if you say Mia replied, perhaps it came through after we were enthralled..." T'Lana@anncaris nods, "I believe that was the case." Mischa@crystyl:"Now that we are all up to speed. I am aware that you took an unfortunate amount of damage back there, but we can not allow the Architect to progress his plans. Not while he sits in control of that - Mischa@crystyl:- sphere with gateways that could take the Horde straight into the heart of Federation space. We must find a way to get in there and finish what you started" T'Lana@anncaris | Kelly looks to Keelah, "I'm also sensing something...off in my connection with Eva, and she's not on the ship anymore. Is she..." Mischa@crystyl | Keelah nods, looking to Kelly, "No Kelly, she..." Mischa@crystyl:"She is the Architect now" T'Lana@anncaris | Kelly: "What?! How?" Mischa@crystyl:"From what little we know of our brief time catching up with Mia's resistance cell; The team you had on the station broke themselves free of the Architect and fought back. They killed him, but he - Mischa@crystyl:- 'possessed' Eva's body" Mischa@crystyl | Keelah: "Don't worry Kelly, we'll find a way to seperate them and get her back" T'Lana@anncaris | Kelly nods, "I can still sense her. She has to be in there somewhere." Mischa@crystyl 's turn to scowl, "That is quite the tall order Captain. Given how dangerous the Architect now is, our safest best would be to destroy him without chance of a repeat. The needs of the many-" Mischa@crystyl | Keelah frowns, leaning across the desk to Mischa, "Do /not/ try to manipulate me by quoting Vulcanisms Commander. Eva is a member of our family and she will /not/ be abandoned to her fate just - Mischa@crystyl:- because it's the easier solution. Understood?" Mischa@crystyl smiles softly, "Of course. I apologize if I misspoke, I meant no disrespect to you or your crew, naturally" T'Lana@anncaris | Kelly closes her eyes before shaking her head, "We can figure out how to free her later. We can't go back there. Now that you've revealed yourselves, he's configured the entire sphere to - T'Lana@anncaris:- perform routine antiproton sweeps. He hasn't summoned all the ships he wants, but in our state and with our numbers, it's already enough to prevent direct assault." Mischa@crystyl:"Direct assault is rarely the optimum approach anyway. But this is why we must get our heads together and act before he has time to completely entrench himself in there" Mischa@crystyl | Keelah nods, "I'll get the senior staff together" Mischa@crystyl smiles, "Room for a few more?" Mischa@crystyl | Keelah gives a faint smile and nods, "I think it's time for these two crews to starting working together" Mischa@crystyl stands, "I'll get my staff over here then" T'Lana@anncaris stands as well, before looking to Kelly curiously, "We did not detect antiproton sweeps on our way out." T'Lana@anncaris | Kelly: "That's because he hadn't configured them yet." T'Lana@anncaris:"Then how are you aware of them?" T'Lana@anncaris | Kelly: "I...think Eva's giving them to me." Mischa@crystyl smiles, "Always handy to have someone on the inside" T'Lana@anncaris | Kelly nods, "I'll do what I can to help. As is Eva." Mischa@crystyl | Keelah sets a hand on Kelly's shoulder, "We'll get her back, don't worry" --- B'Atar@anncaris | Meanwhile, Mia and Sayu launches from one of the VF's airlocks, the two drones traversing the vacuum of space with no issue B'Atar@anncaris | Sayu: [Visibility is low, but we should be approaching QanwI' soon.] Mia@crystyl scans intently to find their way B'Atar@anncaris | Before long, the QanwI's outer hull shows up on Mia's sensors! Mia@crystyl:[There it is!] B'Atar@anncaris | Sayu: [Locating a hardseal now...] B'Atar@anncaris | Sayu hovers along the hull until he finds one and activates his red beam at its maximum intensity, cutting through with the glowing ray B'Atar@anncaris | Soon, he has it cut open and hovers into the interior of the QanwI', [Clear.] Mia@crystyl follows closely, [Let us make haste brother] she races through the ducts and crawlspaces to reach her target location B'Atar@anncaris | Sayu follows her through. As they go, they detect lifeforms all around them on the little ship, but they seem to be concentrated in the halls for the moment B'Atar@anncaris | Before Mia can reach her destination however, one particular lifesign pops up inside the crawlspaces behind them... B'Atar@anncaris | Sayu: [I think we are being tracked.] Mia@crystyl stops suddenly [We concur. Scanning for alternative route...] B'Atar@anncaris | Mia locates an alternative route Mia@crystyl quickly diverts to the new course B'Atar@anncaris | Sayu follows along, and they don't have to travel much further through the small raptor before reaching their destination Mia@crystyl quickly gets to work B'Atar@anncaris | As Mia gets to work however, she reads a lifesign closing in fast... Mia@crystyl:[Brother, we have company!] B'Atar@anncaris | Sayu: [I will cover you!] Mia@crystyl keeps working as quickly as she can to free the QanwI' crew B'Atar@anncaris | Avita suddenly crawls into view, aiming a pistol, but Sayu darts over, shooting the pistol from her grip. The weapon still fires, but the bolt bounces harmlessly off the bulkhead B'Atar@anncaris | Avita extends her cybernetic blades and lunges at Sayu, but the drone is nimbler and darts between her blades and behind her, firing another stun shot, though it seems to have minimal effect - B'Atar@anncaris:- on the cyborg Klingon; whether it is due to her armour, modifications or a combination of both is unknown. She spins around for another slash and Sayu dodges and fires again B'Atar@anncaris | Despite being rather fast, Avita's size restricts her in the area and Sayu is able to dodge around her, occasionally firing a shot to distract or stagger her B'Atar@anncaris | As Sayu keeps the indoctrinated Avita occupied, Mia finishes her work! Mia@crystyl:[There! Firing the pulse now] B'Atar@anncaris | Avita suddenly pauses as the pulse is fired, before slumping down to the ground. Sayu hovers over her cautiously B'Atar@anncaris | Avita retracts her blades, removing her helmet and shaking her head, "I did not mean to attack you, little drones. I was not in control." Mia@crystyl:"We are aware Ms. Avita, do not worry! Your crew should be themselves again now" B'Atar@anncaris | Avita nods, "And this will be permanent? We had a brief respite earlier, but we quickly lost control again." Mia@crystyl:"Oui! The Architect used the implants to seize control, but we have altered their frequency now so he will not be able to do so again!" B'Atar@anncaris | Avita: "Then we are in your debt." She puts on her helmet again. "I will ensure the rest of the crew are themselves again." Mia@crystyl:"If you don't mind. We would like to be transported back to the Valley Forge now. we can navigate in the nebula to a point, but we fear what those gasses will do to our servos..." she jokes B'Atar@anncaris | Avita: "With our crew in control of the ship again, transport should be viable if you coordinate with one of the QanwI's transporter rooms." Mia@crystyl:"We shall do so! Thank you" --- Keliaya@anncaris FX | A short while later in one of the VF's conference rooms, both the senior staff of the VF and the Latenter are gathered, along with the newly freed Lexi and Captain Arvalan of the Lupan ship Keelah@crystyl:"Ok, thank you everyone joining us. We have a lot of new faces here, but I suspect it will take our everything to best the Architect now" she looks to the Lupan, "I understand your people have - Keelah@crystyl:- particular insight on him?" Keliaya@anncaris | Arvalan: "Only in what our creators left behind. We know that he is responsible for creating the backdoor that allowed for the emergence of the Horde, though the creation of the Horde was not - Keliaya@anncaris:- his doing. His followers created the Horde after he was imprisoned by his people. It is not known how to kill him, as he has the ability to transfer his consciousness to other bodies." Keelah@crystyl | Mischa: "That's our first challenge then. We need to find a way to kill him without him simply taking over someone else's body" Keelah@crystyl | Mischa glances to Keelah and quickly adds, "/After/ we've forced him out of Lt. Dra..." Keliaya@anncaris:"We also need to reach him. He's calling more and more ships into the Sphere to reinforce him. I think he's vulnerable in there, which is why his first action after taking over the Horde is to - Keliaya@anncaris:- defend the Sphere." Keelah@crystyl | Mia: "Mon Capitaine, we have Zytomin requesting speak" Keelah@crystyl nods, then watches as Mia projects the holo Keliaya@anncaris | Zytomin's hologram appears, "First, I wish to apologize, Captain. The Architect deceived me- I aided in his calculation, unaware of his ultimate intentions." Keelah@crystyl:"He deceived all of us Zytomin, do not worry about it" Keliaya@anncaris | Zytomin: "Using my knowledge of his procedure, I have managed to gleam several interesting pieces of information from the data recovered from the control station." Keelah@crystyl | Sin folds her arms, leaning back smugly in her chair, "I knew it was valuable data" Keelah@crystyl refrains eyerolling - more than can be said for Mischa, "Please Zytomin, what have you learned?" Keliaya@anncaris | Zytomin: "While our initial plan of destroying the Horde required only one burst signal, to maintain control of the Horde, the Architect appears to require to continually broadcast his - Keliaya@anncaris:- commands from the Sphere. These commands are not as intensive as the initial signal, but they are still consuming every bit of energy that the Sphere is creating. We do not have to worry about - Keliaya@anncaris:- him opening gateways or moving the Sphere. He is unable to perform any other function with the Sphere if he wishes to continue controlling the Horde." Keelah@crystyl | Mischa: "A slight reprieve if nothing else, and it certainly explains why he is gathering his forces" Keelah@crystyl nods, "Anything else?" Keliaya@anncaris | Zytomin: "If we disrupt either his energy supply or separate the Trident from either him or its location on the Sphere, his control will be disrupted." Keelah@crystyl:"And from what you say, the Horde will then likely revert to its former self?" Keliaya@anncaris | Zytomin: "Correct." Keelah@crystyl:"Not my first choice, but a necessary step towards the final resolution I suspect" Keliaya@anncaris | T'Lana nods, "The Architect is currently on the defensive, summoning forces to protect his new command centre. With access to the subspace corridors, the Horde in its former state will likely - Keliaya@anncaris:- return to the offensive, and the false scenario the Architect provided to expedite your decision may indeed become reality." Keliaya@anncaris | Zytomin nods, "And if the Architect stops using the Sphere for control but the Horde still hold it, they will be able to open the gateways." Keelah@crystyl | Mischa: "Indeed. So our best bet is to get in there, incapacitate him, and then reinstate your original plan to stop them for good" Keliaya@anncaris | Zytomin: "I agree. However, once the Architect's control is disrupted, the Sphere will need a short period of time to generate sufficient energy to reinstate the original plan. The two cannot - Keliaya@anncaris:- be done in rapid succession due to the Architect's consumption of energy while he is maintaining control." Keelah@crystyl:"Do we have an inclination as to how long it will need to recharge?" Keliaya@anncaris | Zytomin: "Estimating from its current recharge rate, a minimum of one day, perhaps more. Information is insufficient for a precise prediction." Keliaya@anncaris | Vrolmacht: "That means we will have to either drive the Horde out of the Sphere entirely, or hold them off for that long." Keelah@crystyl l Mischa: "Holding them off for that long will be a problem with our limited numbers" Keelah@crystyl | Rianni: "Then maybe we can bolster those numbers with the Iconian remnants" Keliaya@anncaris | Arvalan: "The Iconian remnants?" Keelah@crystyl | Rianni: "We know there are drones active out there. We fought a fair few of them in the escape as I understand it. Now a sphere that size has got to have significantly more laying dormant" Keliaya@anncaris:"We'll have to find and activate them while evading and fending off the Horde." Keelah@crystyl:"Which brings us to the point of how we get in there in the first place" Keelah@crystyl | Mischa: "Sneaking in on board one of the Horde ships could work" Keliaya@anncaris:"The same idea might not work twice. The Architect is going to be more careful with infiltrators on board now." Keelah@crystyl | Mia nods: "That is evidenced by our experience clearing the QanwI'. They were actively searching even without indication of our infiltration" Keliaya@anncaris | Vrolmacht: "Our best chance may be to return with the entire force of the Coalition. This /does/ give the Architect more time to call reinforcements as well, but even with the support of - Keliaya@anncaris:- drones, we may not survive another confrontation with the forces inside the Sphere." Keliaya@anncaris sighs and nods, "As much as I want to get Eva back as soon as we can, I have to agree with Vrolmacht on that one. I can get our engines back fully, but we can't repair those hull breaches while - Keliaya@anncaris:- hiding in this nebula, which means our armour generators aren't an option. And I suspect things are even worse for the QanwI'," she looks to Lexi Keelah@crystyl | Lexi nods, "It will take time to get the QanwI' back in fighting condition" Keliaya@anncaris | Arvalan: "Our vessel is mostly operational, but it is designed for scouting, not direct battle." Keelah@crystyl | Mischa: "Perhaps then we should hedge our bets and pursue both avenues. I can lead a small team to infiltrate the sphere and work on bringing the drones into the fight while you repair and summon- Keelah@crystyl:- the Coalition. It is a big sphere after all, and the Horde is only congregated in one small area so we can easily go unnoticed" Keelah@crystyl | Lennie: "There's th'suspected foundry too. Could be worth investigatin'" Keliaya@anncaris nods, "That's a good plan. Maybe you can create a few Nuhar constructs there to assist as well." Keelah@crystyl:"It would be prudent to have an element of support ready within the sphere when we return..." Keelah@crystyl:"Alright then, sounds like a plan. Now for the Architect himself..." Keelah@crystyl | Mischa: "I have been thinking on that and I have an idea" Keelah@crystyl perks a brow, listening with a 'this should be good' face Keelah@crystyl | Mischa: "We kill your officer he inhabits" Keelah@crystyl scowls, but is unable to counter before Mischa continues Keelah@crystyl | Mischa: "If he transfers his consciousness at the point of death, then we have to kill her. Or at least, make him believe that we are killing her. Then he will leave her body as long as he - Keelah@crystyl:- believes he has a viable alternative nearby" Keelah@crystyl perks a brow, "That is... actually quite logical" Keelah@crystyl Mischa pulls a face, "I really wish you'd stop sounding so surprised when you say that..." Keliaya@anncaris | T'Lana nods, "Commander Leveson-Scott is very adept at logical solutions." Keelah@crystyl | Mischa smiles, "High praise indeed! Keliaya@anncaris | T'Lana: "For a human." Keelah@crystyl | Mischa pauses, suddenly pouting again Keelah@crystyl:"Well there are certainly plenty of medical means to simulate physical death. But they all require getting close to the target" Keelah@crystyl | Sin: "If I attack his mind again that could provide sufficient distraction" Keelah@crystyl:"Even if that works in principle. How can we trick him into a prison of some form instead of another body?" Keliaya@anncaris | Kazra: "We'd have to create something similar to another body. Or another mind..." Keelah@crystyl:"Ironically, that was the Architect's field of expertise..." Keelah@crystyl | Rianni thinks for a moment, "The Observer!" Keelah@crystyl | Rianni: "I mean... not the Observer, but... maybe the Junayd can create one?" Keliaya@anncaris nods, "That's possible. They did create the Observer, after all." Keelah@crystyl | Rianni: "They create clones of existing people specifically. So it stands to reason they would have to clone one of us" Keliaya@anncaris:"What do they need, the whole body, or just a sample of DNA?" Keelah@crystyl:"And from what little we know of how they did this with you, that clone would likely be a fully sentient being just like the original" shakes her head, "I do not like where this is going..." Keelah@crystyl | Mischa: "We know they use the whole body and sustain them in a neural link in order to provide the clone with memory and personality" Keliaya@anncaris | Kazra: "The Junayd and the New World both make clones. Sentient ones, yes, but maybe together they can figure out a way to make something to the specifications we require." Keelah@crystyl | Rianni: "Right! So maybe a 'blank' body can be made without that" Keelah@crystyl:"That's all well and good, even if highly circumstantial assumption. But we would never be able to get a blank body within range of the Architect without raising suspicion. And even if we did, there- Keelah@crystyl:- is every chance that he would just be able to control it like any other" she shakes her head, "This does not sit right..." turning to the Lupan, "What about the Progenitors? They successfully - Keelah@crystyl:- imprisoned him previously, yes? They must have found a way" Keliaya@anncaris | Arvalan: "They sealed the body he was inhabiting at the time within an isolated pocket of subspace. However, such a pocket can be opened, even accidentally stumbled upon in time. It was not a - Keliaya@anncaris:- foolproof method." Keelah@crystyl:"As we have learned the hard way..." Keelah@crystyl | Mischa: "Like it or not Keelah, creating a fake body seems like the best option. You might have to put your polished morality aside here and actually get your hands dirty" Keelah@crystyl frowns, "Perhaps. But we still need to trap him in this hypothetical body" Keliaya@anncaris | Kazra: "And a way to actually lure him into that body instead of some random Horde thrall he has control over. But maybe we'll be able to figure out specifics once we begin working with the - Keliaya@anncaris:- cloners themselves. All we're doing is hypothesizing, we don't even have a body to work with yet." Keelah@crystyl:"A fair point. We aren't going to get all the answers sitting here" Keelah@crystyl | Mischa: "So it's settled then. I'll go in with an infiltration team to start building up a reserve drone force. You regroup with the Coalition and come back with the answers" Keliaya@anncaris | T'Lana: "We need a way for the Valley Forge to retreat safely. There are no doubt Horde ships inbound towards the Sphere, and you do not have a cloaking device. You will be spotted as soon as - Keliaya@anncaris:- you leave the nebula's cover." Keelah@crystyl | Mischa: "The Latenter can draw them off with the Lupan's aid. Once you're away, they can cloak and regroup to monitor nebula activity" Keelah@crystyl | Mischa hrms and smiles, "And that chaos could be just the distraction we need to slip my team on board one of their ships too!" Keliaya@anncaris | Arvalan: "You may take refuge at our Sanctuary before returning to the Coalition. We do not have an orbital shipyard, but we can provide some materials for what repairs you can perform. The - Keliaya@anncaris:- Sisters may also have more information for you there." Keelah@crystyl | Keelah: "You understand that Coalition presence will likely draw more Lupan to you. I believe that has been something you have typically avoided in the past" Keliaya@anncaris | Arvalan: "The Sisters decided that it is time we reveal ourselves. Commander Leveson-Scott here claims that the other Lupan have rallied to fight the Horde as well." Keelah@crystyl nods, "They are invaluable allies as part of the Coalition. Not all Lupan answered the call, but many have and more continue to join them" Keliaya@anncaris | Arvalan: "Then our people are returning to the right path, and we should have little to fear from them.” Keelah@crystyl | Mischa: "We should make preparations and get this plan in motion asap. The longer we sit here, the more time the Architect has to rally his troops" Keelah@crystyl | Keelah nods, "Just one more thing, Commander. Your infiltration team; you should take Mia with you. Her abilities will be essential to you in working with the drones" Keelah@crystyl | Mischa nods, "Makes sense. I would also like to take Ensign Tierno, with your permission" Keelah@crystyl perks a brow Keelah@crystyl | Mischa: "I am perfectly aware of her inherited expertise, and whilst the Observer would be a fine addition to the team as the more experienced infiltrator, she is of more use to you in quickly - Keelah@crystyl:- rallying the Coalition. Ensign Tierno may not be essential to the mission like Mia, but it is the best place for her and we both know it" Keelah@crystyl thinks a moment and nods, "Agreed. Besides, she'd never forgive me if I denied her the opportunity to work with you" she smiles Keliaya@anncaris | Vrolmacht chuckles, "That much is true." Keelah@crystyl | Rianni looks between the two, a little mixed feelings at Keelah's suggestion of her predictability, but overall feeling grateful Keelah@crystyl smiles at Rianni's reaction, "You're representing this ship now Ensign. Don't let us down" she teases before standing, "Alright, let us get to work" --- Mana@anncaris and Sayu meets with Mia in the transporter room as she prepares to go with the Latenter crew for infiltration Mia@crystyl:[We wish you were coming with us again Brother. But you need to keep Ms. Mana safe!] Mana@anncaris | Sayu: [I wish I was coming with you too. We make a good team, Sister!] Mana@anncaris:"Is Mia certain Mia will be safe back in the Sphere?" Mana@anncaris:"Mana knows Mischa is a very capable officer, but the Sphere is a dangerous place now." Mia@crystyl:"We will take every precaution out there Ms. Mana do not worry!" Mana@anncaris smiles, taking out an isolinear chip and handing it to Mia, "Mana hopes this will at least help. Mia can replicate weapons for self-defense, but this is a schematic for the Arshai projectile - Mana@anncaris:- weapons. Not as effective as a phaser, but completely silent and leaves no energy signature. The schematics have both a pistol and rifle variant and may be useful on an infiltration mission." Mia@crystyl:"Ooh, thank you Ms. Mana! This will certainly be of use!" Mana@anncaris | Sayu: [Stay safe, Sister!] Mia@crystyl:[You too brother! Look after Ms. Mana for us!] Mia@crystyl:"And Ms. Mana, we know you will take care of Sayu for us too!" Mana@anncaris | Sayu: [I will be sure to!] Mana@anncaris smiles, "Don't worry, Sayu is in good hands!" Mana@anncaris gives Mia a hug, "Be careful, and Mana hopes to see Mia soon!" Mia@crystyl hugs her back, "We look forward to it!" Mana@anncaris:"Good luck, Mia! And take care of Mischa too! Mana looks forward to catching up with Mischa properly when events are more settled." Mia@crystyl:"We will take care of everyone!" she chirps, stepping onto the pad beside Rianni Mia@crystyl | Rianni mutters, "I hope you include me in that..." Mia@crystyl giggles, "Ms. Emma already gave us special instructions to ensure no harm comes to you!" Mia@crystyl | Rianni, "... figures. See you soon Mana, Sayu!" Mana@anncaris smiles, waving to the two, "Mana hopes to see Rianni soon and wishes Rianni good luck as well!" Mia@crystyl | Rianni smiles and turns to the operator, "Energize" Mana@anncaris | The operator taps on his console, and the two beam away, materializing on the Latenter's transporter pad, where T'Lana awaits them Mana@anncaris | T'Lana: "Welcome to the Latenter. It will not be long before we proceed out of the nebula. Is there anything you require in preparation for the mission?" Mia@crystyl | Rianni steps forward, "Commander... T'Lana, right? Thank you for including us in the mission, and having on board your ship! I am not even familiar with this class..." she looks around curiously Mia@crystyl follows, "We are suitably prepared to proceed Commander" Mana@anncaris | T'Lana: "That is correct. This is a class specifically designed for intelligence operations. Most of the specifications are classified." Mia@crystyl | Rianni: "Well, I look forward to working alongside the experts! I... know I'm only here as a token gesture..." Mana@anncaris | T'Lana: "Not at all. You do not give your skills enough credit, Ensign. I have seen your record with the Valley Forge. You have not only performed numerous successful infiltration missions, - Mana@anncaris:- but also managed to contact us discreetly to rescue your runabout. You had some help from the Observer's memories, but it seems you were able to keep the entire affair completely hidden from the - Mana@anncaris:- rest of the Valley Forge's crew. Not to mention your impressive display of logic when I contacted you. You are just as capable of an operative as your counterpart." Mia@crystyl | Rianni: "When I learned who the two of you were earlier and what's been going on all this time, I knew that was you I spoke with previously..." Mia@crystyl:"Ms. Rianni. You appear to have been busier than we realized! Perhaps you are not so out of place here as you thought..." Mana@anncaris | T'Lana: "My point precisely." Mia@crystyl | Rianni: "Still... I'm sure the Captain would have preferred to send a more experienced officer. But I appreciate the vote of confidence" Mana@anncaris | T'Lana: "You have skill and talent, and more experience than many outside Intelligence in such missions already. This mission will be an opportunity to earn more experience and further hone - Mana@anncaris:- yourself." Mia@crystyl:"And prove yourself first hand in the eyes of Ms. Mischa, no doubt" she adds with a smile Mia@crystyl | Rianni flushes under the focus, "Anyway... We'll follow your lead Commander. Where to?" Mana@anncaris | T'Lana: "You may come with me to the bridge. I am also aware of your tactical acumen, which could be of use in the coming confrontation." Mana@anncaris | T'Lana turns and heads off to the bridge Mia@crystyl & Rianni share a look as they follow Mia@crystyl | Rianni: "I think that means you too Mia" Mia@crystyl smiles, "Of course! We will help wherever we can!" T'Lana@anncaris enters the bridge with Rianni and Mia in tow Mischa@crystyl turns and smiles, "Welcome ladies" Mischa@crystyl | Rianni: "Thank you for including us, Commander" she looks around in awe of all the new shinies Mischa@crystyl ahems, "Tactical is over there" she points, "Feel free to assist. Mia, Ops and Comms can always use an extra hand" Mischa@crystyl | The two nod and disperse, greeting their Latenter counterparts T'Lana@anncaris heads over to her station as well T'Lana@anncaris | Mia gets notification that the VF and QanwI' have done what field repairs they can and are ready to proceed! Mischa@crystyl | Mia: "Valley Forge reports all ships ready to depart!" Mischa@crystyl:"Then let us make some noise. Action stations" Mischa@crystyl | Rianni blinks at the unfamiliar terminology, watching while the Latenter crew go to red alert and prepare to attack T'Lana@anncaris | Nethay: "We're ready to exit the nebula, Commander." Mischa@crystyl:"First things first; let's cloak and see what's going on out there. Take us out" T'Lana@anncaris | Nethay nods, moving out of the nebula as Latenter cloaks. As they clear the gasses, both the viewscreen and sensors clear up... T'Lana@anncaris:"I am reading four ships on approach for the nebula. One heavy cruiser, one light cruiser and two raiders." T'Lana@anncaris:"They will enter the nebula in five minutes." Mischa@crystyl:"Signal the Valley Forge to stand by then. We will hold at the nebula's edge and attack when they come into range" Mischa@crystyl | Mia nods, "All ships are ready" T'Lana@anncaris | Before long, the four ships begin coming into range... Mischa@crystyl:"Commence attack" Mischa@crystyl | Rianni: "I recommend decloaking on the rear of the heavy cruiser and taking it out in the opening volley" Mischa@crystyl smiles and nods, "Tactical discretion" meaning she defers to her officer's own judgement T'Lana@anncaris | Nethay taps his console, maneuvering the Latenter behind the enemy heavy cruiser, then announcing, "We are in position." Mischa@crystyl | The Latenter decloaks and immediately begins pummelling the heavy cruiser T'Lana@anncaris | The unsuspecting heavy cruiser doesn't even get its shields up in time and quickly goes down to the barrage of fire. The remaining ships immediately raise shields and begin to engage the - T'Lana@anncaris - Latenter, but the Lupan scout ship decloaks behind one of the raiders, opening fire and getting its attention Mischa@crystyl:"Continue evasive maneuvers and keep the pressure on. Mia, signal the Valley Forge to make their run" T'Lana@anncaris | The light cruiser and remaining raider begin firing on the Latenter. Nethay goes evasive, though a few shots glance the Latenter's shields, causing the bridge to rock slightly Mischa@crystyl winces at the thought of her pristinely kept ship getting scuffed Mischa@crystyl:"Keep on them. Tactical; just enough to keep them busy and remember we need to disable at least one ready for boarding" T'Lana@anncaris | Latenter returns fire on the two, while the Lupan ship continues with the single raider, managing to outmaneuver it and slowly whittle it down. Behind them, the VF and QanwI' emerges from the - T'Lana@anncaris - nebula... Mischa@crystyl | Rianni works to find vulnerabilities that can help disable one of the ships T'Lana@anncaris | The Latenter bridge rocks again as the raider targeting them lands a shot, then it begins to pull away, having noticed the two ships emerging from the nebula... Mischa@crystyl | Rianni uploads a targeting pattern, "This take take their main systems offline" T'Lana@anncaris | Rianni's targeting solution disables the light cruiser, allowing the Latenter to fully deal with the remaining raider! T'Lana@anncaris:"Recommend locking tractor beams to finish the raider." Mischa@crystyl nods, "Go for it" T'Lana@anncaris taps her console, "Activating tractor beam. The raider is immobilized." Mischa@crystyl:"Finish this" Mischa@crystyl | Tactical obligies T'Lana@anncaris | A few well-placed shots, and the raider is down, just as the Lupan scout ship finishes their raider as well T'Lana@anncaris:"Ensign Tierno, I suggest we fire an additional shot at these coordinates. It will make their internal sensor systems unrecoverable without extensive repairs, which will make infiltration - T'Lana@anncaris:- significantly easier. They should not even be capable of detecting transporter beams onto their vessel." Mischa@crystyl | Rianni nods, "I concur. Firing" T'Lana@anncaris | The shot lands and scans read that their internal sensor systems are fried! Meanwhile, the VF and QanwI' safely jump away to warp T'Lana@anncaris:"Long range sensors are picking up two more vessels emerging from subspace. I suggest we beam on board and have the Latenter and scout ship cloak as soon as possible." Mischa@crystyl | Rianni: "I also recommend having both ships plot a visible course to mirror the Valley Forge and QanwI' to feign a collective retreat. In their growing numbers here, this Horde force may be - Mischa@crystyl:-growing in intuition again" Mischa@crystyl stands and nods, "A prudent course. Make it so. Come now, we must board the disable ship before they recover and retreat" T'Lana@anncaris turns and follows Mischa towards the turbolift Mischa@crystyl | Rianni and Mia both follow as well