ST:TTV704 | "Spirits of Devils"

Stardate 98311.3

Kelly receives another message from Eva, this time warning that the Architect has sent envoys to influence certain civilizations.

While the Valley Forge races to stop them before it is too late, Mischa and the infiltration team must resort to unexpected means in order to rescue Mia, who is being held captive in one of the Nuhar Foundries they came to activate...

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Keliaya@anncaris | It is early in the morning, and Keelah and T'Pia have just gotten up, going about their usual routine before starting the day... Keelah@crystyl sits at the table, sipping her morning raktajino while reviewing report PADD's from the nightshift Keliaya@anncaris | As she reads from the PADDs, the doorbell rings... Keliaya@anncaris | T'Pia: "That's early for a doorbell..." Keelah@crystyl looks up, "Here's a little tip for your schooling; that means it is either very good, or very bad as a rule" she smiles, watching as TP moves to answer Keliaya@anncaris | TP nod and walks over, opening the door Keliaya@anncaris | T'Pia: "Oh, hey Kelly!" Keliaya@anncaris:"Hey Pia. Is your mother around?" Keliaya@anncaris | T'Pia: "Yes, she's just inside! Come on in!" Keelah@crystyl peers over, "Good morning Kelly. Please, join me" Keliaya@anncaris steps inside, dressed in casual clothes, "Morning, Captain. I was hoping it wasn't so early that I woke you." Keelah@crystyl:"Not at all. Though I assume it is not a social visit at this hour?" Keliaya@anncaris shakes her head, taking a seat, "I've got...I suppose you could call it intel." Keelah@crystyl perksa brow, pushing the PADD aside as she leans back, "Ok Pia, third alternative would be... intriguing" she smiles before looking back to Kelly with interest Keliaya@anncaris | TP sits down with some breakfast, looking over curiously Keliaya@anncaris:"So the connection I still have with Eva...I think she's trying to tell me something again." Keelah@crystyl leans in with interest, "Eva is in telepathic contact with you?" Keliaya@anncaris nods, "Not...right this moment, but earlier. It's...not always straightforward, but the Architect is definitely up to something again." Keelah@crystyl:"Why don't you start from the beginning with this" Keliaya@anncaris nods, "Well, it's like the usual telepathic communications we have- had. It's just a little less coherent, and I don't think Eva can hear me, maybe because of the altered implant frequencies." Keliaya@anncaris:"But I can still get snippets of information from her, like when we were back in the Sphere. And it happened again earlier." Keelah@crystyl:"So I'm clear... does this come across as directed communication from her, or more your awareness of her thoughts?" Keliaya@anncaris:"A bit of both. It's like I'm getting her thoughts and she's not directly speaking to me, but I also don't get it all the time. I don't know if she's specifically showing me this, or if she's - Keliaya@anncaris:- just...dormant at other times." Keelah@crystyl:"Perhaps moments where the Architect is required to focus his attention elsewhere. But that's pure speculation. Please go on" Keliaya@anncaris:"What I've picked up is that the Architect is sending envoys through the subspace tunnels. To the Nuhar and the Cardassians. I don't know why them specifically, maybe ease of access using the - Keliaya@anncaris:- subspace corridors? I have no idea what he seeks to gain from the Nuhar, but the Cardassians don't have any defense against Horde control yet." Keelah@crystyl:"Indeed. And given their general state of being, they would be very easily manipulated. The Nuhar are an interesting one indeed... it's not even as if they have a central homeworld as a convenient - Keelah@crystyl:- point of contact..." Keliaya@anncaris:"They do have the Waystation, but a lot of the Constructs are very spread out. If I were the Architect, I'd be trying my luck with the Lupan. I mean, most of them worship his kind as gods. If it's - Keliaya@anncaris:- allies he wants..." Keelah@crystyl:"Yes, there has to be more to it. He knows they are a significant threat to him after all, so I fear that he aims to deploy a weapon against them perhaps" Keliaya@anncaris nods, "Maybe. Whatever he's planning, I think Eva's hoping we can stop these envoys. I got...flashes, I think she's trying to show me the route the envoys are taking, but I'm not sure. I - Keliaya@anncaris:- couldn't get a close look, and even if I did, we don't know the layout of the subspace corridors, and I'm not a pilot..." Keelah@crystyl:"Perhaps the Latenter has insight on their movements close to the sphere" Keliaya@anncaris:"The new buoy we dropped should allow us to get into contact with them from here. It's worth asking, if nothing else." Keelah@crystyl:"As for the rest..." she sighs, "The sooner we get back there and put an end to this, the better" Keliaya@anncaris nods and sighs as well, "But we have to complete our repairs, and wait for reinforcements from the Coalition, otherwise we wouldn't stand a chance." Keelah@crystyl:"I know. We'll be no good to anyone - least of all Eva - if we aren't ready" Keliaya@anncaris:"And we can't let the Architect get any stronger either. If there's anything we can do to stop those envoys..." Keelah@crystyl:"Then we will" she adds without hesitation, "But first, we need specifics to work with" Keliaya@anncaris:"Let's see what the Latenter has, and maybe we'll be able to work from there. As for these map flashes I got...I can't make much sense of them, but maybe a skilled telepath could?" Keelah@crystyl:"Telepathic cartographers are in quite short supply" Keliaya@anncaris nods, "Unfortunately. But maybe Sin could interpret it somehow, to a format we might be able to send to our cartographers for interpretation?" Keelah@crystyl:"Perhaps, though given her nature I am uncertain how well she will do with focused detail like that. In truth, a mind meld could be the best option" Keliaya@anncaris:"I'll defer to your judgement on it. You know more about these things than I do. Just let me know if you need me to try something." Keelah@crystyl:"Let's get on the trail with the Latenter first, then we should have some time to make the attempt" Keliaya@anncaris nods, "Sounds like a plan." --- T'Lana@anncaris | Ferry sets down on one of the massive Nuhar Foundry's landing platforms and the team disembarks. Visually, this facility is quite distinct from the other areas of the Sphere, most likely - T'Lana@anncaris - been constructed either primarily or exclusively by the Nuhar. It looks very much consistent with Nuhar architecture seen so far, with little to no Iconian influence T'Lana@anncaris | Stepping inside the facility, the team find themselves in a massive Nuhar industrial complex... Mischa@crystyl looks around, "So. Mia is here... somewhere..." T'Lana@anncaris nods, "The transporter log specifically stated a drone production area. We should attempt to locate that first." Mischa@crystyl:"Let's find you a console and see what we can learn. Rianni, stay sharp" Mischa@crystyl | Rianni gives an affirmative nod, watching their surroundings for movement T'Lana@anncaris | As they proceed further into the Foundry, the activity of drones buzz all around them, but none appears to pay the team any attention T'Lana@anncaris | There are surprisingly few consoles and a large number of drone access ports instead. If only Mia were here... T'Lana@anncaris | Fortunately, the drones continue to ignore the team as they explore the facility, and after a good while of exploring, they finally come across a few consoles meant for organics T'Lana@anncaris steps up, beginning to tap on the console, "Excellent. I am able to access a map of the facility." Mischa@crystyl:"I suppose a convenient red dot flagged as 'Mia is here' would be too much to ask for?" Mischa@crystyl | Rianni smiles quietly at that T'Lana@anncaris:"Unfortunately not. However, I am able to access a detailed layout of the Drone Production and Repair section." T'Lana@anncaris pulls up a holographic map highlighting the section, which is huge in and of itself. There are various labelled subsections- multiple identical drone production and repair lines, a drone - T'Lana@anncaris:- recycling area, and a smaller region labelled 'Specialized Drone Research and Prototyping' Mischa@crystyl:"Well there are lots of points of interest. What about a controlling AI like the Custodians?" T'Lana@anncaris taps on the console and the map zooms out before zooming into a central part of the facility, "This appears to be the AI core of the facility. There may be other ways to commune with it beside - T'Lana@anncaris:- proceeding directly to the core, but if there are, they are not listed on the map." Mischa@crystyl:"Can you see it's identity? Perhaps it will simply respond like the Ferry did" T'Lana@anncaris:"It is simply designated as Sphere Foundry Three on here." Mischa@crystyl shrugs and calls out, "Sphere Foundry Three?" to see if it responds T'Lana@anncaris FX | No response Mischa@crystyl:"Well it was worth a try. Well short of wild guessing at where to find Mia, our best bet seems to be interrogating the AI" T'Lana@anncaris nods, "I will lead the way to the AI core, then." Mischa@crystyl nods, "Let's move" T'Lana@anncaris closes down the console and begins proceeding through the facility towards the marked AI core T'Lana@anncaris | After passing through several long hallways and multiple large industrial areas, they come to a door with an access port beside it. As they approach, a holographic console interface forms in - T'Lana@anncaris:- front of the door T'Lana@anncaris:"This should be one of the doors leading into the AI core.” Mischa@crystyl:"See if you can work your magic" T'Lana@anncaris begins to tap on the console when Nuhar text flashes up on it: 'BIOSIGNATURE NOT RECOGNIZED. ACCESS DENIED.' Mischa@crystyl:"Bugger..." T'Lana@anncaris taps on the console some more, "It only recognizes Iconian and Nuhar biosignatures. And not just a lifesign reading, I believe it is also reading my genetic data." Mischa@crystyl:"That's pretty tight security. Any thoughts on a way around?" T'Lana@anncaris | Rianni notices hatches opening in the ceiling above them... Mischa@crystyl | Rianni: "Maybe you can ask them..." she points the opening hatches, "We have incoming" Mischa@crystyl:"Double bugger!" she looks to find cover T'Lana@anncaris darts into cover as well just as two armed drones emerge from the hatches and open fire Mischa@crystyl & Rianni do the same T'Lana@anncaris draws her pistols, returning fire and taking down one drone, but two more emerge from the hatch behind the first two Mischa@crystyl | Rianni tries to quickfire and take as many as she can before ducking back into cover Mischa@crystyl bides her time to make each shot count T'Lana@anncaris | Rianni's quickfire takes down one more, while Mischa's careful shots deal with the last two T'Lana@anncaris holsters a pistol and checks her tricorder, "I am picking up additional movement in the drone tunnels. We should fall back." Mischa@crystyl:"Alright, Plan B then. Now just to figure out what Plan B is..." she half mutters as they retreat T'Lana@anncaris leads the way back again, "I have one idea, but it involves a fairly substantial detour, and the chances of success are not absolute." Mischa@crystyl:"We really need to work on your sales pitch..." T'Lana@anncaris:"I am unsure whether this plan will suffice, but without Mia, it is unlikely we can extract the parameters required to access the AI core from this facility, and we have no biological data on - T'Lana@anncaris:- Nuhar or Iconians in their unaltered form." Mischa@crystyl:"So what are you thinking?" T'Lana@anncaris:"There are three potential sources of the data we need- the remaining Iconians, Nuhar Constructs, or the archival facilities here on this Sphere. The archives were designed to preserve information - T'Lana@anncaris:- on species endangered by the Horde and is not guaranteed to possess information on the builders of the Sphere, but it is the only option left to us without leaving the Sphere." Mischa@crystyl:"That is certainly not an inspiring plan given all the variables. We might actually have better chances just by searching this place" T'Lana@anncaris:"Any biological samples will have long since deteriorated. I suspect Ferry will be able to provide us with enough data to fake a lifesign reading, but the genetic data will be difficult to obtain." T'Lana@anncaris checks her tricorder, "The security response appears to have faded. If you wish, I may lead the way to the Drone Production areas to search for Mia manually." Mischa@crystyl:"I think it's the best we can do at present. That was where they got sent for repairs, yes?" T'Lana@anncaris:"Correct, though Mia was not damaged in any way. I do not believe she was sent for repairs, but because the Superintendent AI was unable to identify her." Mischa@crystyl:"It is also possible they sent her to that prototype and research section for identification. Which is closest?" T'Lana@anncaris:"One of the production lines is closest, but it is unlikely we will find her there. I suggest we check the research section first, then go through the repairs and recycling lines." Mischa@crystyl nods, "Sounds good to me. Let's move" T'Lana@anncaris continues leading the way through the facility. It takes them a while to move through the huge Foundry, but soon they reach the research section T'Lana@anncaris | Unlike the rest of the Foundry, this area is almost completely empty. From time to time, there are occasional drones performing maintenance work, but there is no production going on here Mischa@crystyl:"This does not look overly promising..." T'Lana@anncaris | There are also a larger number of consoles meant for biologicals present as well, alongside a number of various machines similar to the ones seen in the production line, but completely stopped T'Lana@anncaris:"I will check the consoles for information." Mischa@crystyl generally searches around the room with Rianni T'Lana@anncaris steps up to a console and begins typing away, "This area was designed for use by Constructs and Nuhar to design drone variants for specialized tasks. This would explain the lack of activity, as - T'Lana@anncaris - there have been no Constructs or Nuhar present for some time at the facility." Mischa@crystyl:"So nothing to suggest they brought Mia here then" T'Lana@anncaris | While looking around, Rianni notices a transporter pad similar to the ones they were using, but with a different, fully-Nuhar designed console interface Mischa@crystyl follows her, "What have you found, Ensign?" Mischa@crystyl | Rianni: "It just looks like this transporter is fully Nuhar in it's interface. I thought maybe it wouldn't have the same lockouts as the Iconian ones" Mischa@crystyl:"Worth a look" she nods as Rianni investigates T'Lana@anncaris | Rianni sees that it seems to only connect to the other Foundries and the Superintendent facility, however, there was a recent incoming transport from the Superintendent... Mischa@crystyl | Rianni's voice rises in pitch slightly from the optimism, "Commander look! There was a recent inbound transport" Mischa@crystyl:"That is likely to be our wayward drone. If she came through here, I would expect there to be a log of where she was sent" T'Lana@anncaris steps over as well, "Excellent find, Ensign. I will continue searching the consoles for records of Mia." Mischa@crystyl | Rianni smiles T'Lana@anncaris searches the other consoles for a few minutes before announcing, "Here it is. The unidentified drone was identified as having the same signature as the AI that meddled with Custodian-36's - T'Lana@anncaris:- protocols. She's been moved to Level 7 of Research and Prototyping for secure storage pending cross-examination by a creator or Construct." Mischa@crystyl:"That may be quite a long wait..." Mischa@crystyl:"What are our odds of being able to get in there?" T'Lana@anncaris:"The same as our odds of entering the AI core, it seems. They are both locked by the same parameters." Mischa@crystyl:"It seems your long shot is now our only shot then. This is a frustrating delay to our operation when the Valley Forge could be turning up at any time and expecting reinforcements" T'Lana@anncaris:"Agreed, but obtaining these Nuhar or Iconian genetics may benefit the primary objective of our operation. Access to the AI core could mean bringing this Foundry, and others, under our control, and - T'Lana@anncaris:- if these Foundries are truly capable of creating new Nuhar Constructs, they will be major assets for retaking the Sphere." Mischa@crystyl:"True enough. Sorry, you know how I feel about complications" she smiles. "Best we get back to the shuttle then and find this archive" T'Lana@anncaris nods, "Let us return to the shuttle, then." She turns and begins leading the way back again T'Lana@anncaris | The team takes some more time navigating the huge Foundry, but return to the shuttle with no incident. Ferry, as usual, welcomes them back in a pleasant voice T'Lana@anncaris:"Ferry, do you know if the archives here have Nuhar or Iconian genetic data stored?" T'Lana@anncaris | Ferry: "I am sorry, but I do not possess a catalogue of the genetic samples and data stored within the archives." Mischa@crystyl:"How long to reach the archives?" T'Lana@anncaris | Ferry: "That depends on the specific facility. They have different orbits around the star. Genetic data will most likely be found in the genetic archive, which is currently one hundred and - T'Lana@anncaris:- twenty-one minutes away from our current position at my maximum impulse velocity." Mischa@crystyl:"Think that one's our best bet?" she looks to TL T'Lana@anncaris nods, "The Library facility is the equivalent of the Superintendent for the archives. Visiting the direct source, the genetics archive, is most likely to grant us what we are seeking." Mischa@crystyl:"Then Ferry, please take us there with maximum haste. The clock is ticking on us here" T'Lana@anncaris | Ferry: "Understood. Preparing immediate departure." T'Lana@anncaris FX | The shuttle door closes behind them and Ferry soon lifts off from the Foundry... --- Keliaya@anncaris | A short while later with both Keelah and Kelly on duty on the bridge, TQ manages to establish contact with the Latenter through the new comms buoy Keliaya@anncaris | Victoria soon appears on the viewscreen, "Captain Keelah. How may we help you?" Keelah@crystyl:"Hopefully, by providing some intelligence" she ventures with a smile Keliaya@anncaris | Victoria smiles back, "That's what we're best at. Is there something specific you're looking for?" Keelah@crystyl:"Indeed. We have reason to suspect that the Architect is implementing a strategy and need to shut him down on it. Our suspicion is that the Horde is sending out advanced scouts through the subspace - Keelah@crystyl:- corridors towards Cardassian and Nuhar territory. To what end, we are uncertain but speculation would lead to indoctrination of the Cardassians, or at least allegiance. The focus on the Nuhar may - Keelah@crystyl:- be to deploy some sort of weapon against them" Keliaya@anncaris | Victoria: "That's troubling news indeed. Our observations here do point to your suspicions being correct. Earlier today, a single lightly armed escort exited the Sphere and disappeared into a - Keliaya@anncaris - subspace tunnel, shortly followed by a heavy cruiser and two better-equipped escort craft. Unfortunately, we don't have intelligence on the layout of the subspace tunnel network, but - Keliaya@anncaris - the first ship and the later three used two different entrances, suggesting two different destinations." Keelah@crystyl:"Whatever they are up to, we can be sure it is not in our interests to let them succeed. Is there anything you can do from there to prevent them using the corridor further?" Keliaya@anncaris | Victoria shakes her head, "Nothing short of intercepting ships before they reach the corridors or blocking them off, but blocking them would cause problems for any reinforcements that wish to - Keliaya@anncaris - arrive this way, not to mention the Horde can always use normal warp to bypass the blocked segments here in their territory. Hopefully the Coalition can get the Carrans cooperating soon, but - Keliaya@anncaris - until they have the network secure, all we can do is observe and report." Keelah@crystyl:"I understand. Please send us all the data you have on these movements, we will attempt to further plot their destinations" Keliaya@anncaris | Victoria nods, "We're forwarding them to you now." Keliaya@anncaris | TQ receives the data on her station Keelah@crystyl:"Thank you, I believe that is all we can trouble you with for now. Unless you have anything else that you feel may be pertinent?" Keliaya@anncaris | Victoria: "That's all. The infiltration team is still on the Sphere and we have no way of contacting them yet. We'll keep you updated as soon as we hear back from them." Keelah@crystyl nods, "Understood, and we shall do the same" she smiles again in parting before the comm closes Keliaya@anncaris looks to TQ, "What have we got?" Keelah@crystyl | TQ: "A lot of stuff that's beyond my paygrade..." she jokes, transferring the data to Kelly's console while Keelah joins her to see Keliaya@anncaris taps on her console, drawing up existing data on the subspace corridors to compare, "Well, they were heading corewards when they entered the corridors. Given their maze-like state, they /could/ - Keliaya@anncaris - be going anywhere, but if they're already on a corewards course, it probably means they're headed further corewards. But that's about all we can confirm with our limited knowledge of the - Keliaya@anncaris - network's layout..." Keelah@crystyl:"What about the timings and ship configurations - can we use that at all to tie in our estimations?" Keliaya@anncaris checks the data some more, "All the ships are giving off the same deflector signatures- rather reminds me of Carran ships, actually. I think their deflectors have all been modified for travel - Keliaya@anncaris:- through the subspace tunnels. Nothing that can tell us about their routes or destinations, though." Keliaya@anncaris:"The single escort is surprisingly lightly armed, but given the design I think it's a ship the Horde appropriated and not one they designed themselves. Not a very effective ship in combat, but it - Keliaya@anncaris:- could easily blend in as a non-Horde vessel in its current state." Keelah@crystyl:"So the question remains, what can we do about this now. How can we put the pieces together to make a solution..." Keliaya@anncaris:"Without a map of the corridors, we'll just have to hope they either drop out at some point or that the Coalition's obtained a map from the Carrans and are patrolling the corridors now, but we - Keliaya@anncaris:- have no way of warning them now that we've already sent the Observer to Vue-En. These...flashes Eva sent me might be our best hope, other than relying on the Coalition to happen to intercept them." Keelah@crystyl:"But we still need to figure out what to do with the information even if we can discern what she is showing you" Keliaya@anncaris:"If it's a map of the corridors or just the specific route they're taking, we might be able to intercept the ships. The single ship definitely won't be a problem for us, and the three...well, with - Keliaya@anncaris:- the QanwI's support we should be able to handle it. Unless you want to guard both routes, in which case the group of three could be a problem..." Keelah@crystyl:"I guess that all depends on what we learn. We should proceed with haste, are you ready?" Keliaya@anncaris nods, "Let's see what Eva's trying to show us." Keelah@crystyl nods, "Vrolmacht, you have the bridge. We are not to be disturbed until further notice" Keliaya@anncaris | Vrolmacht nods, "Aye Captain." Keliaya@anncaris follows Keelah Keelah@crystyl looks to Kelly as they enter the turbolift, "Your quarters may be best for this. A place you feel most at ease, and closest to Eva" Keliaya@anncaris nods, "Deck 9, then." Keliaya@anncaris leads the way into her personally designed quarters, "Anywhere specific you'd like me to be?" Keelah@crystyl:"Wherever you feel most comfortable" Keliaya@anncaris steps over, taking a seat on the large bed, "I've been in telepathic contact and bonds, but never a mind meld before. I'll follow your lead, Captain." Keelah@crystyl nods, pulling up a chair to sit directly in front of Kelly, "The Vulcan mind meld is considered an invasive and forced connection. Not a natural bond like you have experienced with Eva, so just - Keelah@crystyl:- relax and focus. My presence in your mind will allow you to step outside of your subconscious thoughts and observe them in the third person as I do. Unless Eva is reaching out to you while we - Keelah@crystyl:- meld, we may not be able to attempt anything further than scrutinizing what she already shared with you. Are you ready?" Keliaya@anncaris nods, "As ready as I'll ever be." Keelah@crystyl smiles, "Don't worry. I'm right here with you and in complete control. Now..." she begins, pressing her fingertips to Kelly's face, adjusting to find the pressure points she needs as she begins, - Keelah@crystyl:- "My mind to your mind..." Keliaya@anncaris | As Keelah initiates the mind meld, she feels the surge of emotion that Kelly has been hiding under the surface- the concern for Eva, the fear of losing her, and the anxiety of whether it is - Keliaya@anncaris - already too late to save her... Keelah@crystyl:"...our minds our merging... our minds are one..." Keelah@crystyl | The pair come back into focus, standing in the middle of deep space. Kelly would recognize it as the first snippet of imagery that she felt shared from Eva Keliaya@anncaris looks around, "This is...part of what she showed me." Keelah@crystyl:"Let the memory flow. It is all there in your subconscious. Tell me what we are looking at" Keliaya@anncaris | They see a vortex of some sort open, and the view suddenly shifts to that of the inside of a subspace tunnel Keliaya@anncaris:"It's...I think it's the entry point for the tunnel. And now we're going through it..." Keelah@crystyl watches as they progress, "Good. Stay with it now, we'll follow it to wherever it ends" Keliaya@anncaris | The two of them sense Eva's message as they watch, not really formed words but thoughts- the thought of danger, of the plan to send envoys to the Cardassians and Nuhar Keliaya@anncaris | The view slowly shifts downwards to a console, and they realize they are not watching from a disconnected view, but out of the eyes of a person, perhaps a Horde thrall... Keelah@crystyl:"Oh very good Eva" she smiles, focusing on the details of the display with her Vulcan memory Keliaya@anncaris | There is a display on the corner of the console with a map of the region with numerous lines drawn over it, likely charting the subspace tunnels. One line is highlighted Keliaya@anncaris:"That's it! That's what she was showing me!" Keliaya@anncaris | Keelah focuses on the details, recognizing some of the stars they had passed by, and the position of the line relative to them... Keelah@crystyl:"That is very good. Don't let the elation distract you though. Stay with the detail and the memory" Keliaya@anncaris nods. The thrall's vision remains on the console, allowing Keelah to catch a few more details as it taps away on what appears to be a helm interface. The thrall's view soon shifts back up to the - Keliaya@anncaris:- subspace corridor, and the vision fades Keliaya@anncaris:"That's all I saw. All she showed me, at least." Keelah@crystyl ends the meld, eyes fluttering as the world comes back into focus, "There. Hopefully that wasn't too much of a strain" Keliaya@anncaris blinks a few times as well before rubbing her eyes and shaking her head, "Not at all, though I hope my...lack of experience with these things didn't make it too difficult for you either." Keelah@crystyl:"It is fine Kelly" she takes her hand for a reassuring squeeze, "We'll get her back" she offers against the emotions she felt from Kelly Keliaya@anncaris closes her eyes and nods, "Thank you, Captain." Keelah@crystyl moves her hand up to rest on Kelly's shoulder briefly, "Come on. Want to help me decipher that map?" Keliaya@anncaris opens her slightly watery eyes, rubbing them again before standing, "Let's go make good use of this information she's given us." Keelah@crystyl:"I assume you have a console we can make use of" Keliaya@anncaris nods, moving over to the console in the bedroom Keliaya@anncaris taps on the console, bringing up their map of the region Keelah@crystyl joins her, "Alright, start with the astrometric database. There were a number of familiar formations there so it should be easy to get a relative position" Keliaya@anncaris brings up all the data in the astrometric database, highlighting the various stellar formations Keelah@crystyl starts to systematically work through relevant sections to find the familiar star clusters Keliaya@anncaris | Keelah's Vulcan memory allows her to identify the star clusters and other bodies from the Horde map, allowing her to figure out the rough position of the highlighted line! Keelah@crystyl plots the line onto the relative positioning of their own chart, "So this is the route of the corridor..." she traces a finger along the path until she reaches a clear destination point Keliaya@anncaris | The path trails by the edge of Lodzki space, weaving in and out of regions the Valley Forge has explored before finally ending on the destination of a Cardassian colony on the edges of - Keliaya@anncaris:- their territory Keelah@crystyl:"Hm. Interesting choice" Keliaya@anncaris:"The Latenter's data shows the ships entered two different corridors. Maybe the paths join, or maybe Eva was only able to get us one of them. But I suppose stopping one is better than stopping none." Keliaya@anncaris:"We should be able to enter the corridor and either track down the Horde or stop them before they pass ahead of us." Keelah@crystyl:"Unless news of another entrance closer to us comes before we depart, we'll have to backtrack to where this one starts. Which means they will have that distinct head start on us regardless" Keliaya@anncaris:"We might do better if we follow the rough trail of the corridor as we've plotted here, Our warp fields should interact with the corridor once we pass by a suitable entry point. There's no - Keliaya@anncaris:- way of knowing when we'll find a suitable entrance, but it's better than backtracking all the way to the Sphere. Knowing the general theory behind the subspace tunnels, we're likely to find an - Keliaya@anncaris:- entrance faster than backtracking, and if we backtrack it'll be very difficult to catch up with the Horde even if we know their route." Keelah@crystyl:"Exactly my concern. Well if you think we can punch our way in, so to speak, then let us prepare to pursue this course as soon as we are fit to depart" Keliaya@anncaris:"I think we have a better chance of stopping them in time this way. And even if we don't, we'll at least still be moving roughly in the right direction of the Guardian Command Post." Keelah@crystyl:"That is something at least" she nods Keliaya@anncaris:"I'll send the map to Fisher and Gwi for further analysis. We should probably have the QanwI' rendezvous with us and follow us close- if we get pulled into subspace and have to confront the Horde, - Keliaya@anncaris:- we might want their support." Keelah@crystyl:"I'll see to it. In the meantime, why don't you take some time reflect on the experience of the meld" Keliaya@anncaris nods, "Just let me know if you need anything, Captain." Keelah@crystyl smiles a little, "I was about to say the same to you" Keliaya@anncaris smiles back, "I'll be sure to call on you if I do. Thank you, for the meld and helping make sense of this information." Keelah@crystyl:"I am always happy to help Kelly, however I can. I am just sorry that I do not possess the capacity to channel your thoughts back to her" Keliaya@anncaris:"It's alright. I'm glad we're able to understand the thoughts she's sending me, and I hope we'll be able to put them to good use against the Horde." Keelah@crystyl:"We already have. As for the deeper connection part. That may be something Ensign Sin is able to help with, should you choose to try" Keelah@crystyl:"Such a personal thing is not my place to comment on either way, so if you wish to pursue it I only ask that you are careful" Keliaya@anncaris nods, "I'll ask her about it after we deal with these Horde envoys. And I'll be sure to be careful." Keelah@crystyl smiles, "Alright. Well just call if you need anything of me" and leaves Kelly to it --- T'Lana@anncaris | Two hours after departing Foundry 3, Ferry touches down on a landing pad amidst a huge facility, this one of mostly Iconian design, almost the exact opposite of the Foundry they were at T'Lana@anncaris | As the shuttle doors open, the door leading from the landing platform into the facility clanks open as well Mischa@crystyl:"That is... surprisingly welcoming" T'Lana@anncaris | Ferry: "I am able to send the appropriate signals to notify the facility that I am bringing visitors. I regret I am unable to assist much more beyond opening the entrance for you, but - T'Lana@anncaris - hopefully the archive's AI will not see you as a threat if you do not interfere with its systems or the safety of its station." Mischa@crystyl:"Thank you Ferry, every little helps" T'Lana@anncaris | Ferry: "I am pleased to be of assistance. Good luck finding what you seek!" Mischa@crystyl:"Be ready to head back to the foundry. We'll be as quick as we can" she nods to the others, making her way inside T'Lana@anncaris follows Mischa inside. As soon as they enter, a drone swoops down from the ceiling T'Lana@anncaris draws a pistol but doesn't fire, as it doesn't seem to be a combat model Mischa@crystyl is also ready to react, but doesn't jump the gun. Instead watching the drone for a moment, "Curious little fellow" T'Lana@anncaris | The drone hovers in front of the team for a moment before pulling back up into the ceiling. There is a flicker further in the room as a holographic projection activates... Mischa@crystyl shares a curious glance with the others before headings that way T'Lana@anncaris | The projection turns towards the team as they approach, revealing the image to be that of a female Progenitor, "Greetings. I am the Preserver of the Imperiled. More accurately, a holographic - T'Lana@anncaris - recreation of the Progenitor to hold that Identity during the construction of this Sphere, though as I continue her work here, the Identity also rightfully passes down to me." Mischa@crystyl:"I suppose it does. I take it your function here is to accommodate future generations with their needs of the archive?" T'Lana@anncaris | Preserver: "My primary functions are to preserve the genetic data stored within this archive and aid the Children in reseeding the species destroyed by the Horde." Mischa@crystyl:"Perfect!" she claps her hands together, "Then you help me promptly reseed the genetic material of your creators" T'Lana@anncaris | Preserver: "My creators? By which species do you refer to, and for what purpose do you require this data?" Mischa@crystyl:"Iconian and/or Nuhar. The purpose being that the security of the reseeding operation is under threat and the foundries which can reinforce the defense of this very facility are locked down to the - Mischa@crystyl:- genetic key of those two species" T'Lana@anncaris | Preserver: "The reseeding operation is under threat? Please elaborate." Mischa@crystyl:"Well it's pretty much as I said..." she sighs, "This may be a little complicated as I can't imagine your programmer gave you all the pertinent information" T'Lana@anncaris | Preserver: "I may send a query to the Librarian to withdraw additional data from other archives as pertinent. Please elaborate." Mischa@crystyl:"Then search for the following keywords: Horde and Architect" T'Lana@anncaris | Preserver: "Horde. A massive force composed of enthralled Children species with the ability to near-instantaneously take control of the minds of other Children species. They are the reason - T'Lana@anncaris:- the species that the genetic data stored in this archive belongs to are imperiled or already extinct. I am aware of them. Architect. According to the cultural archive, the shortened form of the - T'Lana@anncaris:- Architect of Life, the Progenitor identity chiefly responsible for the genetic design and seeding of Children species. The Identity was discontinued in Year 3249 of the Twelfth Drelan Cycle by - T'Lana@anncaris:- the Progenitor calendar for ERROR: REASON NOT STATED. That is most unusual." Mischa@crystyl:"Oh?" T'Lana@anncaris | Preserver: "Discontinuing an Identity is a major decision. There is always a reason for it. Perhaps the cultural archives have suffered damage." T'Lana@anncaris:"Year 3249 of the Twelfth Drelan Cycle. If I am not mistaken, that was the date given by the Keeper of Histories for the Architect's sentencing and imprisonment." Mischa@crystyl:"I believe so, yes. You see, the Architect was convicted as the Progenitor responsible for the creation of the Horde" T'Lana@anncaris | Preserver: "There is no information in the archives to support your claim. However, there is also no evidence to counter your claim, and given the unusual absence of a reason for the - T'Lana@anncaris:- discontinuation of the Identity, it is a plausible assumption. One moment. Requesting additional data from the Librarian." T'Lana@anncaris | Preserver: "According to the historical records, the first attestation of the Horde was in the late Twelfth Drelan Cycle. Circumstantial evidence supports your claim. However, I fail to see - T'Lana@anncaris:- why historical matters are a threat to my primary functions." Mischa@crystyl:"Tell me; given your knowledge of Progenitor culture. Would you concur that despite the nature of the accusations against the Architect, that the most severe punishment they would likely inflict upon- Mischa@crystyl:- him would be eternal incarceration?" T'Lana@anncaris | Preserver: "Correct. The Elder Council of the Twelfth Drelan Cycle would not have supported execution." Mischa@crystyl:"And the most viable means of delivering on this punishment would be a form of suspended animation, that would be contained within an isolated deep space facility" T'Lana@anncaris | Preserver: "One moment. Correct. That also matches with the records in the Cultural Archive." Mischa@crystyl:"Then you will see the viability of the circumstances here today; The Architects prison was unwittingly opened by the Children as they fought against the lasting Horde. The Architect manipulated the- Mischa@crystyl:- Children into misuse of the Heart of War, asserting himself back in dominant control of said Horde" T'Lana@anncaris | Preserver: "And with control of the Horde, the Architect of Life threatens the primary functions of this archive. Your reasoning is sound." Mischa@crystyl:"And given that over 200,000 standard years have passed since the demise of the Iconians and Nuhar. What do you estimate the probability to be that Children species of the current era could come to - Mischa@crystyl:- with such intimate knowledge of the Progenitors without the stated facts being correct?" T'Lana@anncaris | Preserver: "Low enough given the points that match the records in our archives here. I will grant your request. Please, follow me." T'Lana@anncaris | Another non-combat drone swoops down from the ceiling and hovers beside the team for a moment before leading the way T'Lana@anncaris:"An impressive display of logic, Commander." Mischa@crystyl smiles with satisfaction, "Thank you Preserver. We eagerly anticipate the near repopulation of this facility so that your designated purpose may finally be fulfilled in its entirety" T'Lana@anncaris | The drone leads them further into the facility, past a chamber with huge, towering rows of what seem to be secure archives Mischa@crystyl | Rianni: "Preserver, are all of these, um, containers(?) holding genetic samples of different species?" T'Lana@anncaris | The Preserver's hologram emits from the front of the drone, walking with them as it responds, "That is correct. These are archives of all species imperiled, determined likely to be imperiled, - T'Lana@anncaris:- or already completely consumed by the Horde at the time of this Sphere's construction. A significant fraction of the species are non-sentient ones we were either unable to transport to the Sphere or - T'Lana@anncaris:- determined as too much of a threat to stable coexisting biospheres to keep as living specimens." Mischa@crystyl | Rianni: "...Wow. Just how many different species have you got catalogued here?" T'Lana@anncaris | Preserver: "15,376 sentient species, with a further 32,761 non-sentient species." Mischa@crystyl | Rianni pauses mid step a second, mouthing a silent, '...wow...' before skipping a step to catch up Mischa@crystyl:"All the more reason why our mission is critical" T'Lana@anncaris | Preserver: "I agree. That is why I have elected to grant your request." T'Lana@anncaris | The Preserver leads them into a smaller chamber with a number of machines of some description. Most of them are dark, but one of them is lit up and humming. The drone (and holoprojection) - T'Lana@anncaris:- pauses in front of the active chamber, "Please wait. The process will soon be complete." Mischa@crystyl:"What... exactly is this process?" T'Lana@anncaris | Preserver: "I regretfully do not possess genetic data on the Nuhar, as they were not immediately imperiled during the completion of this Sphere. However, Lady L'Vas, the last Iconian in - T'Lana@anncaris:- control of the Heart of War, recorded and submitted her own genetic data just before the Sphere entered a low power stasis mode. I possess only the data and not a physical sample, which will not - T'Lana@anncaris:- be sufficient for your purposes. As such, I must utilize the data to create a physical sample." T'Lana@anncaris | The device slides open, revealing pod containing a tall, pale being encased motionless within Mischa@crystyl:"A pure Iconian of their time. Remarkable" T'Lana@anncaris | Preserver: "I have enacted Preservation Protocol 25, transferring enough data to the mind to be capable of movement and communication. This recreation will not possess the knowledge and - T'Lana@anncaris:- memories of L'Vas, but it will suffice for your purpose. Moreso, she will be susceptible to Horde control, so care must be taken." T'Lana@anncaris:"This clone is alive and sentient?" T'Lana@anncaris | Preserver: "Of course. My protocols allow me to recreate species for the purposes of repopulation. Therefore, I am not equipped to create dormant samples." Mischa@crystyl:"Oh boy. Well, this will certainly do the trick. However I had not anticipated a living breathing and sentient Iconian to be at our beck and call" T'Lana@anncaris:"Perhaps we should equip her with an implant before we wake her, given the proximity of Horde forces in the area." Mischa@crystyl:"Do we have the capacity to do so with the facilities here?" T'Lana@anncaris | Preserver: "I have the capacity to perform surgical procedures, but I do not have knowledge of your implant." Mischa@crystyl:"Do you have the facility to conduct a biomechanical scan of one of us?" T'Lana@anncaris | Preserver: "I have drones capable of such." Mischa@crystyl:"Then please bring it forth. Both of my associates have said implant" T'Lana@anncaris | A different model of drone emerges from one of the hatches, hovering down in front of Rianni before it begins to slowly circle around her... Mischa@crystyl | Rianni watches nervously, trying to stay completely motionless T'Lana@anncaris | Meanwhile, several much larger drones emerge from a door, hooking on to the pod with appendages and taking it elsewhere T'Lana@anncaris | The drone circles Rianni from head to toe before it finally breaks off, going the same way as where the large drones took the pod. The projector drone and image slowly begins striding in the - T'Lana@anncaris:- direction as well, "This way." Mischa@crystyl turns and follows T'Lana@anncaris FX | The drone leads them through a series of halls into a small room with a surgical bed of Iconian design, where the recreated Iconian has been placed. The empty pod still sits to the side of - T'Lana@anncaris:- the room, but the other drones are nowhere to be seen. Instead, the bed appears to be operating completely autonomously T'Lana@anncaris | A minute later, the hologram announces, "The procedure is complete. Do you wish to awaken her?" Mischa@crystyl:"I guess there's nothing else for it... please proceed" T'Lana@anncaris | An invisible field turns the Iconian over in the bed before an appendage reaches out, injecting a hypo T'Lana@anncaris | Slowly, the Iconian's six eyes begin to open... T'Lana@anncaris | The Iconian sits up slowly, looking from one person to the next T'Lana@anncaris | Preserver: "Can you understand me?" T'Lana@anncaris | Iconian: "Yes...I can." Mischa@crystyl watches quietly for the moment, letting the Preserver run its course T'Lana@anncaris | Preserver: "The data transfer is successful." Mischa@crystyl turns to the Iconian, "Do you know who you are?" T'Lana@anncaris | Iconian: "I...no. I do not recall anything. I...do not know how I understand you. Only that I do, and I can respond in kind. But I cannot recall who I am, or how I come to be here." T'Lana@anncaris | Preserver: "As I have said, I do not have the memories. I am only capable of recreating the physiology." Mischa@crystyl nods, "I understand. I just want to ascertain how much is inherent in the genetic memory" Mischa@crystyl looks around the room and addresses the Iconian, "Does this room feel familiar in any way?" T'Lana@anncaris | The Iconian shakes her head, "No, I do not remember it. The aesthetics are...pleasant." Mischa@crystyl smiles, "I thought you might say that. This facility is of Iconian design, as are you. You are a genetic reproduction of Lady L'Vas" T'Lana@anncaris | Iconian: "Who is Lady L'Vas?" Mischa@crystyl:"She was the last Iconian in charge of this archive. That was her identity, but I understand you have none of your own yet so we can use that name for you if it feels... right" T'Lana@anncaris | Iconian: "If I do not have her memories, then...I am only partly her." T'Lana@anncaris | Preserver: "That is theoretically correct. Identical twins are genetic clones and have a tendency to develop the same skillsets, but if separated and developed separately, significant - T'Lana@anncaris - differences have also been documented to occur." Mischa@crystyl:"Yes, she was like your... genetic template. But we can't very well just go around calling you 'Iconian' now, can we. It is your choice, your identity" T'Lana@anncaris | Iconian: "Iconian. I know that word. That is my people, is it not?" Mischa@crystyl smiles, "Correct, yes" T'Lana@anncaris | Iconian: "What can you tell me of my people?" Mischa@crystyl:"The first thing you need to understand, is that your people do not exist any more. They went extinct over 200,000 years ago" T'Lana@anncaris | Iconian: "So that is why I have been recreated from Lady L'Vas' genetics?" Mischa@crystyl:"Yes. Your people built this place to preserve the genetics of other species who were in danger of going extinct. When the time eventually came for the Iconians to follow suit, L'Vas added herself to- Mischa@crystyl:- the archive to represent the Iconian people. All with the hope of one day revitalizing them one day" T'Lana@anncaris | Iconian: "And it has been 200,000 years since then?" Mischa@crystyl:"Approximately" she nods T'Lana@anncaris | Iconian: "You have recreated me to revitalize my people after all this time?" Mischa@crystyl:"Not exactly, though I hope that now you are here you will be able to help us make that dream a reality as well. But no, first we urgently require your assistance because a powerful enemy is trying - Mischa@crystyl:- destroy what your people built here and undermine Lady L'Vas' work. Will you help us?" T'Lana@anncaris | Iconian: "I will assist you as much as I am able." The Iconian slowly stands from the surgical bed T'Lana@anncaris:"And what shall we refer to you as, if not L'Vas?" T'Lana@anncaris | Iconian: "I do not know the ways of my people- all I have is their language. But knowing my purpose, you may call me V'Elo, the First, for I am to be the first of my people in a long time." Mischa@crystyl smiles, "Very appropriate. Alright V'Elo, we must depart this archive with haste and travel to a nearby foundry. There we will find automated security systems that are coded to only respond to your- Mischa@crystyl:- genetics" T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo: "So that is why you require my aid. Lead the way." Mischa@crystyl:"To be specific; it is why we came here seeking Iconian genetic records. We did not set out to bring you into this world for the sole purpose of using you to our own immediate ends. I want you to - Mischa@crystyl:- that distinction because it is important to me that we have a proper understanding. Now that our search has resulting in your presence, we will do everything we can to help and guide you" T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo: "I understand, and I will appreciate your guidance. Everything aside from the words you are speaking and their basic meaning is...unfamiliar to me." Mischa@crystyl:"Which is why I am so conscious of being clear and comprehensive with you. Context is everything after all" she smiles before turning to the Preserver, "Alas, it is time for us to part ways. I can - Mischa@crystyl:- not thank you enough for your assistance and regrest parting so soon. But rest assured that we will be back as soon as we have secured the situation. Hopefully then, you can begin your work proper" T'Lana@anncaris | Preserver: "I hope so as well. I will await here for further updates." Mischa@crystyl:"If you have any additional defenses, I suggest activating them once we are gone" T'Lana@anncaris | Preserver: "I will ensure the archive is sufficiently defended and relay a warning to the Librarian to secure the other archive facilities as well." Mischa@crystyl:"Excellent, and be sure to make sure they all understand that the central control facility is compromised and not to be trusted. I will inform you when the situation changes" Mischa@crystyl | Rianni taps at her tricorder, "I'm giving you my comm frequency, Preserver. If you have any doubts of things you can contact us" T'Lana@anncaris | Preserver: "Understood and received. I will contact you if necessary." Mischa@crystyl | Mishca glances quietly and smiles to herself at seeing Rianni use the Observer's encryption on the frequency as a matter of course T'Lana@anncaris | Soon, the team return to the shuttle with V'Elo, the entrance into the archive closing behind them as they step onto the landing pad. Ferry opens the door and extends a ramp as usual upon - T'Lana@anncaris - their approach T'Lana@anncaris | Ferry welcomes them back upon setting inside as usual, but also adds, "I am detecting one Iconian lifesign. I take it your task was successful?" T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo looks around, confused, "Where is that voice coming from?" Mischa@crystyl:"Indeed it was Ferry. This is V'Elo, please show her the same courteous service you have shown us. Meanwhile, we must make haste back to the foundry" Mischa@crystyl | Rianni looks up, "It's the AI of this shuttle!" T'Lana@anncaris | The shuttle door closes behind them as Ferry introduces herself, "I am Ferry-625, an intra-sphere transportation unit equipped with artificial intelligence." T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo: "So this shuttle is...alive?" Mischa@crystyl | Rianni continues with her: "Not in the same sense that we are as biological lifeforms. It is an artificial intelligence that is highly advanced and self aware" T'Lana@anncaris | As the shuttle takes off, V'Elo steps over to the forward window, trying to peer out curiously at the dyson sphere below, "Where are we?" Mischa@crystyl looks to Rianni with a smile, "Well, go on" Mischa@crystyl | Rianni smiles and joins V'Elo, "We call it a Dyson Sphere. It is an artificial world built by the- well, by your people. It surrounds a star at its centre" she points roughly. “Even all these eons- Mischa@crystyl:- later, these things remain all across the galaxy as an eternal testament to your people's accomplishments" T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo: "My people built all this? It is remarkable." Mischa@crystyl | Rianni nods, "We are still only beginning to learn all about it for ourselves. Until a few decades ago they were all hidden you see" T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo: "Is that why no one has created me until now?" Mischa@crystyl | Rianni nods, "In essence, yes. This particular sphere is in a very remote area of the galaxy headings towards the galactic rim. We have only just discovered it a few days ago!" T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo: "And you have discovered others like this one?" Mischa@crystyl | Rianni: "Well not me personally... but yes, I learned all about it while I was a cadet! It wasn't that many years back, but I was still quite young at the time. There was some sort of incident - Mischa@crystyl:- like, an accidental discovery of a sphere through it's connected gateway system. That got activated while they were there and then- poof!" she gestures with her hands, "-the whole network pops - Mischa@crystyl:- back into normal space and sphere's are becoming a part of everyday life" Mischa@crystyl leans to TL, "Quite the romanticism view of everything, wouldn't you say. I wonder, did Starfleet breed us all like that to begin with?" T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo: "Gateways...I am familiar with that word, some form of instantaneous transportation system. How does it work? Are there ones here?" Mischa@crystyl | Rianni: "We believe there are gateways here, yes! I... don't really understand the technology behind them. Only that they act like a doorway and you step through it to be instantly transported to the - Mischa@crystyl:- adjoining gateway" T'Lana@anncaris:"Those outside of Intelligence do tend to be given a more romantic view of the galaxy, though the Ensign's upbringing in the core of the Federation may have contributed as well." Mischa@crystyl:"I'm just trying to remember a time when I saw the galaxy through those wondrous eyes" she chuckles T'Lana@anncaris:"You served on exploration cruisers as well. Surely there was some romanticism there." Mischa@crystyl:"I was an Intelligence Officer first still, that was always my way ever since I was pulled from the Academy" T'Lana@anncaris nods, "As was I. Do you know why you were chosen for Intelligence?" Mischa@crystyl:"I had displayed a natural aptitude in a number of key criteria that put me on their radar" T'Lana@anncaris:"I can see why. It was a good choice, and I am pleased you are here to command the Latenter, even if it may come at the cost of sacrificing a little romanticism." Mischa@crystyl grins, watching Rianni talk with V'Elo, "Who knows... maybe it's still in there somewhere..." --- Keliaya@anncaris | Some time later, the VF and QanwI' follow the trail of the subspace corridor as seen in the map from Eva's message... Keliaya@anncaris | The stars slowly streak by on the viewscreen as the ship travels at normal warp, not yet finding an entrance into the subspace tunnel... Keliaya@anncaris:"How long has it been, Fisher?" Keliaya@anncaris | Fisher: "An hour and twenty-six minutes." Keliaya@anncaris:"Still well within estimates...though without knowing the exact locations of entrances, estimates are just that, and we might get unlucky..." Keelah@crystyl listens quietly to the chatter around her Keliaya@anncaris | Fisher: "Let's hope we get lucky, then..." Keliaya@anncaris FX | A few more minutes pass quietly on the bridge before the ship suddenly rocks slightly and the view abruptly shifts Keliaya@anncaris | Fisher: "We're in!" Keelah@crystyl looks up, "Sensors" Keliaya@anncaris | Sensors pick up a variety of forks, branches and turns in the subspace corridor network, and the ship is moving fast through it. Astrometrics will have to work quickly to align the tunnels - Keliaya@anncaris:- with the specific highlighted segment from the telepathic message and feed that data to the helm to take the right turns in time... Keelah@crystyl | Lennie looks over to Keelah, "Don't even say it. They'se already on it!" she works frantically to support Keelah@crystyl nods, looking the other way, "Vrolmacht, we need to find that ship" Keliaya@anncaris | Vrolmacht nods, "Tactical sensors are scanning for them, but the complexity of the corridors is making it difficult." Keliaya@anncaris | Fisher meanwhile also works frantically at the helm, taking forks at the last minute as Lennie's data comes in Keelah@crystyl:"Kelly, can you do anything to support navigation in this?" Keliaya@anncaris nods, tapping her console, "I'm increasing power to the sensors and RCS accelerators. That should smooth things out a little." Keliaya@anncaris:"It's still going to be tight, but together it should buy Fisher more time to make his turns." Keliaya@anncaris | Fisher nods, "Thanks Commander. And I thought maneuvering in a battle between fleets of thousands was going to be the hardest thing on this journey..." Keelah@crystyl:"Never say never Mr. Fisher" Keliaya@anncaris | Fisher: "Phew, that was close! I bet this would be a lot easier with one of those Carran maps..." Keelah@crystyl:"Or the right deflector configuration..." she muses, thoughts lingering on the shared vision with Kelly Keliaya@anncaris nods, "Indeed..." Keliaya@anncaris | Vrolmacht: "I have three vessels on sensors. Their configuration matches the heavy cruiser and escorts from the Latenter's sensor records." Keelah@crystyl:"Travelling together?" Keliaya@anncaris | Vrolmacht nods, "No sign of the fourth vessel which was seen entering a different corridor, however." Keelah@crystyl:"How far ahead are they?" Keliaya@anncaris | Fisher: "Now that we have a direct target, I can speed up without waiting on science analysis. We should be able to catch up to them in a minute." Keelah@crystyl:"Stand by weapons. We will have to force them back into normal space" Keliaya@anncaris:"Speaking of deflector configurations, we can use a deflector pulse to mess with their frequencies. That's how the Turei force others out of subspace corridors." Keliaya@anncaris | Fisher: "40 seconds to intercept..." Keelah@crystyl nods to Kelly, "Be ready" Keliaya@anncaris nods back, "We should be able to modify our own shields similarly to be forced out alongside them. Tee, send this configuration to the QanwI' as well." Keelah@crystyl | TQ nods and does so Keliaya@anncaris | Fisher: "Ten seconds..." Keliaya@anncaris:"Pulse is ready!" Keelah@crystyl waits until they get into range, "...fire" Keliaya@anncaris taps her console and fires the pulse. The Horde ships try to speed up, but are caught by the pulse and are knocked out of the corridor! Keliaya@anncaris | Vrolmacht: "Adjusting our own deflectors as well..." Keliaya@anncaris | Regular stars soon come into view on the viewscreen, and the QanwI' appears not far behind the VF Keelah@crystyl:"Brace yourselves. Be ready for evasive" Keliaya@anncaris | Vrolmacht: "We've exited ahead of the Horde ships and are still out of their weapons range, but they are advancing. Recommend we deploy the armour, Captain." Keelah@crystyl:"Tactical alert. Deploy the armour and bring us about, we'll hold their attention while QanwI' does the heavy hitting" Keliaya@anncaris | Vrolmacht: "Aye Captain." Keliaya@anncaris | Fisher: "Bringing us about." Keliaya@anncaris FX | The armour deploys around the VF as they turn to face the incoming Horde ships... Keliaya@anncaris | The Horde heavy cruiser and two escort craft come into view on the viewscreen before promptly stopping Keelah@crystyl half mutters under her breath, "This far. No further" Keliaya@anncaris | Vrolmacht: "They've stopped just outside our weapons range." Keliaya@anncaris | TQ gets a hail from the Horde cruiser... Keelah@crystyl | TQ: "Captain, they... they're hailing us...?" she doesn't quite believe it herself Keliaya@anncaris | Fisher: "Since when do the Horde hail..." Keelah@crystyl perks a brow, "This is definitely a new Horde. Alright, let's humour them. Tell QanwI' to stand by and follow our lead" Keliaya@anncaris | The view of an alien bridge appears on the screen. In the centre stands an alien with a very large cranium Keliaya@anncaris | Alien: "Meddling with my Design will only be to the detriment of the Children, Captain." Keliaya@anncaris | On the background behind the alien, Horde thralls can be seen working about the bridge Keelah@crystyl:"No Architect, meddling with the Children will be your undoing. Now turn these ships back before I am forced to destroy them to protect the Children of the galaxy" Keliaya@anncaris | Architect: "I do not wish to fight you. But if you insist on meddling with my Design, then you leave me with no choice." Keelah@crystyl:"I am giving you a choice; end this hostility, or risk the wrath of scorned Children who will not be so forgiving as your peers were" Keliaya@anncaris | Architect: "Your escape was impressive, but you are still Children. You do not frighten me. If you do not allow these vessels to resume their course, I will show you all I am capable of." Keelah@crystyl:"You know I can not permit you to contaminate even more of the galaxy than you already have" Keliaya@anncaris | Architect: "Very well. If I must go harshly on you, then I shall." Keliaya@anncaris | The comm ends Keliaya@anncaris | Vrolmacht: "The Horde ships are advancing into weapons range." Keelah@crystyl:"Be ready for evasive. I don't care who our enemy is; Starfleet doesn't fire first" Keliaya@anncaris | The Horde ships come closer as the bridge stands ready at their consoles... Keliaya@anncaris:"Reading a power buildup in the cruiser's deflector!" Keelah@crystyl:"Evasive!" Keelah@crystyl | VF's quick move would also be a recognized trigger for QanwI' to engage Keliaya@anncaris | The VF veers to the side, flying away for a second before stopping in its tracks and being pulled in a different direction... Keliaya@anncaris:"They've generated an artificial gravity well between us and the QanwI'!" Keelah@crystyl:"Close enough... give them everything Mr. Vrolmacht" Keliaya@anncaris | Vrolmacht nods and taps his console, firing everything at the Horde vessels. The heavy cruiser moves in front of the two escorts, taking the hits as they all proceed towards the immobilized - Keliaya@anncaris - QanwI'... Keelah@crystyl:"Can we launch the squadron?" Keliaya@anncaris | Vrolmacht: "Not with the gravity well in place. They will get caught as soon as they are launched." Keelah@crystyl:"Then neutralize it. Failure is not an option here" Keliaya@anncaris:"The heavy cruiser isn't returning fire..." she taps her console, "It just be using all its power on its other systems...including maintaining the gravity well. We can use the same process we used - Keliaya@anncaris:- to disrupt the Azedi wormholes- or a variation of it, to overload their deflector through the gravity well! they're generating!" Keelah@crystyl nods, "Do it" Keliaya@anncaris:"Lennie, I'll need you to help with configuring this..." Keliaya@anncaris | Vrolmacht: "I will try to hamper the Horde vessels and delay them from reaching the QanwI'." Keelah@crystyl | Lennie rushes to Kelly's side and gets to work Keliaya@anncaris | Vrolmacht continues firing phasers at the Horde cruiser while configuring a volley of torpedoes to arc over it at the escorts, forcing the escorts to break off and evade Keliaya@anncaris | He takes the chance to hit the escorts when he can and one of them loses shields as it fails to throw off a torpedo Keelah@crystyl:"Nice work, keep it up" Keelah@crystyl:"Ladies, that disruption pulse would be handy about now" she pushes Keliaya@anncaris | The escorts manage to escape back behind the cruiser soon however... Keliaya@anncaris | Lennie and Kelly finally get the configuration down! Keelah@crystyl | Lennie: "Tha's it! Firin'" Keliaya@anncaris | The pulse travels from the gravity well to the deflector of the cruiser generating it! The cruiser stops dead in its tracks Keliaya@anncaris | Vrolmacht: "Systems are failing across the Horde cruiser!" Keliaya@anncaris | The two escorts dart out from behind the cruiser, making a run at the QanwI', but the QanwI' can move again with the gravity field dissipating... Keelah@crystyl:"Bring the forward cannons to bear and hit that cruiser with everything" Keelah@crystyl | QanwI' pulls no punches either as it quickly darts around and begins to pummel the escorts Keliaya@anncaris | QanwI' quickly takes out the escort that lost its shields earlier, and the second escort quickly realizes it is no match for the QanwI's maneuverability, beginning to break off and retreat - Keliaya@anncaris:- towards the mostly disabled heavy cruiser Keelah@crystyl | QanwI' doesn't let up, tearing through the blaze of the first escort to hunt down the second without remorse Keliaya@anncaris | Meanwhile, TQ gets another hail from the heavy cruiser... Keelah@crystyl | TQ: "They are hailing again" Keelah@crystyl briefly considers ignoring it and answering with a torpedo, but thinks better of it and nods, "Very well" Keliaya@anncaris | The thrall under the Architect's direct control appears on the viewscreen again, with a much dimmer bridge in the background Keliaya@anncaris | Architect: "You will regret your interference." Keliaya@anncaris FX | The call promptly ends Keelah@crystyl:"Put those Children out of their misery" Keliaya@anncaris | Vrolmacht: "The cruiser's core is going critical!" Keelah@crystyl:"...and get us out of range" Keliaya@anncaris | The QanwI' quickly realizes the last escort isn't fleeing, but trying to lure them into the self-destructing cruiser! Keelah@crystyl | Lexi would still try to destroy them first out of spite before darting away at the last second Keliaya@anncaris | The QanwI's firepower manages to take out the escort in a small explosion, breaking away just in time as the larger explosion erupts, overshadowing the one caused by the escort Keliaya@anncaris | QanwI' breaks away just in time, rocking slightly from the shockwave of the explosion while VF makes a much cleaner escape Keliaya@anncaris | Vrolmacht: "All enemy ships are down. No Horde lifesigns in the vicinity." Keelah@crystyl:"But there is still one more out there and on mission..." Keliaya@anncaris | Vrolmacht: "There was no sign of another ship in the stretch of subspace corridor we traversed." Keliaya@anncaris:"According to the Latenter's data, that ship used a different entrance, and entered ahead of these ships. Either it's using a different route or already far ahead of these ones, or both..." Keelah@crystyl:"Can we re-enter the corridor and search for it?" Keliaya@anncaris:"We can try using the same method we used before to get back in." Keelah@crystyl:"Then let us proceed and hope fortune still favours the bold" Keliaya@anncaris | Fisher: "But if it's using different corridors, there's no way we can just stumble upon it in the maze that's the corridor network. Now that the Architect knows we're trying to intercept him, - Keliaya@anncaris:- he might be taking detours even if the other ship is using the same route. I know I would." Keelah@crystyl:"Agreed. But a desperate plan is better than no plan. So until we can come up with a better solution, this will have to suffice" Keliaya@anncaris | Fisher nods, "Taking us back onto the corridor's trail, then." Keliaya@anncaris | Vrolmacht: "At least we have taken down one group- and learned how this new Horde operates." Keelah@crystyl:"It is a start" she nods, "But not good enough" Keelah@crystyl | Says Captain Ahab... Keliaya@anncaris | Fisher: "We'll do all we can to find this other ship, Captain." Keelah@crystyl sighs softly, "I know, and I couldn't be more proud of all of you for your efforts. This situation is just very... frustrating..." Keliaya@anncaris nods, "Hopefully Emma and the Observer will get those Coalition reinforcements, and we can deal with the Architect himself soon." Keelah@crystyl:"We have to, there is too much at stake for us to fail again" Keliaya@anncaris | Fisher: "We're back on the corridor's path again. Ready to engage warp and follow on your mark, Captain." Keelah@crystyl:"Engage Mr. Fisher. And pray for a miracle" Keelah@crystyl rises and retreats to her ready room, realizing that she's letting things get to her Keliaya@anncaris | The VF jumps to warp again, with star streaks reappearing on the viewscreen. --- T'Lana@anncaris | As the shuttle begins nearing the Foundry, V'Elo continues to marvel at the sights and asking questions T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo: "If there were instant gateways for transport...why are we taking a shuttle?" T'Lana@anncaris | Ferry: "Do you mean to imply that I am redundant?" T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo: "No! That's not what I meant." T'Lana@anncaris | Ferry: "I jest. It is a very valid question." Mischa@crystyl | Rianni: "They are not active at the moment. Besides, I think they mostly connect to other spheres. Though there are regional transporters here too" T'Lana@anncaris | Ferry: "That is correct. The Iconians however did make use of personal area-to-area gateways while they were here. I was created primarily for three reasons. Firstly, gateway opening on most - T'Lana@anncaris:- areas of the Sphere surface is forbidden except under emergency circumstances. Gateways can be entered by anything while it is open, meaning it is possible for wildlife to reach a biome they - T'Lana@anncaris:- should not be in, becoming an invasive species and disrupting the environment. As such, the only methods of transportation permitted on the surface in regular circumstances are transporters and - T'Lana@anncaris:- shuttles." T'Lana@anncaris:"That explains the trouble we had with the transporters. They must be specifically configured to prevent rogue lifeforms from being caught in transport, and beam said lifeforms back to their - T'Lana@anncaris:- environment. As the Superintendent could not identify us, it transported us to the closest biomes it could find on the Sphere which matched the environments it believes we evolved in, or are most - T'Lana@anncaris:- suitable for." Mischa@crystyl nods, "Well, that confirms our theory on the subject at least" T'Lana@anncaris | Ferry: "The second reason is that people often wished to see parts of the Sphere from afar, both for technical assessment and enjoyment purposes. The latter is one of the reasons I have been - T'Lana@anncaris:- equipped with a hospitality suite. The third reason is redundancy. A facility as complex as this has many degrees of redundancy in every system. This is the reason most relevant to you, as you - T'Lana@anncaris:- have stated that the Gateways are offline and you are having problems with the transporter systems. My creators foresaw that such issues may occur, and built an additional transport system - T'Lana@anncaris:- disconnected from the Sphere's built-in systems and power grid." Mischa@crystyl:"Additional transport systems, as in... you? Or as in site to site transporters that we might be able to make use of?" T'Lana@anncaris | Ferry: "I refer to myself, but there are also other transporter systems. However, you will need to bypass security locks to utilize them." Mischa@crystyl:"Hopefully that will now be a fruitful option with the aid of our new friend here" T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo: "I will do all I can to assist!" T'Lana@anncaris FX | Outside the window, the Foundry facility looms into view and soon the shuttle touches down on the landing pad again T'Lana@anncaris:"I suggest we release Mia first. She may provide additional insight for everything else we seek to accomplish here at the Foundry." Mischa@crystyl:"This is it V'Elo. I hope this works, but we are dealing with countless unknowns here. Whatever happens though, we will protect you" Mischa@crystyl nods to TL, "Yes, rescuing Mia has to be our top priority" T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo: "I thank you, and will try to help where I am able." T'Lana@anncaris:"Let us return to the Research and Prototyping area, then." Mischa@crystyl | Rianni smiles up at the Iconian, "Don't worry. We're all new to this place, so we can learn our way around together!" T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo smiles back, looking around at everything curiously as they disembark and begin to enter the Foundry, "This is very different from the archive earlier." Mischa@crystyl | Rianni: "This foundry was built by people called Nuhar. They were friends of your people and built lots of artificial lifeforms. Kind of like the shuttle, though I don't think that's theirs" T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo: "Interesting. Are the Nuhar still around?" Mischa@crystyl:"No, but their Constructs are. Once we have our friend safe, we will further explore those as a means to help protect this place" T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo: "Their Constructs? Are these the artificial lifeforms?" Mischa@crystyl:"Yes, and this facility is supposedly capable of creating new ones" T'Lana@anncaris | After a bit of walking, they return to the Research and Prototyping area. This time, T'Lana checks the map, leading them deeper in and stepping into a lift T'Lana@anncaris:"This is where you come in, V'Elo." T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo: "What should I do?" T'Lana@anncaris:"Select Level 7 from the console. It should scan you and do the rest." T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo nods, activating the console and staring for a second before she presses a button T'Lana@anncaris | Nuhar text appears on the console, stating, 'ACCESS GRANTED' and the lift begins to move Mischa@crystyl smiles quietly T'Lana@anncaris FX | The lift opens to a room lined with containment chambers. A central workbench lines the middle, with a number of smaller stations and consoles across the room T'Lana@anncaris | Looking around, Rianni soon spots Miadrone being held in one of the containment chambers... Mischa@crystyl | Rianni points: "There she is!" moving to rush over, though Mischa holds her back Mischa@crystyl:"Not so fast, Ensign. Caution" Mischa@crystyl | Rianni nods and takes her time to assess the setup and make sure it's safe T'Lana@anncaris | There doesn't seem to be any traps, but there is a holographic interface that projects over the containment chamber, not unlike the one T'Lana tried to use outside the AI core which triggered - T'Lana@anncaris:- defense drones due to unidentified genetics Mischa@crystyl:"V'Elo, that is the friend we have come to retrieve. Could you try the controls there?" T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo nods, stepping up to the console and tapping. Another 'ACCESS GRANTED' pops and the containment chamber opens. The field deactivates slowly, lowering Miadrone to the ground, and with the - T'Lana@anncaris:- field down, Mia can resume her normal functions! Mischa@crystyl | Miadrone sits there a moment before lights blink and she hovers back up to her regular cruising altitude Mischa@crystyl | Mia soon ripples into view, "Mon dieu! An Iconian!" T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo examines Miadrone curiously, tilting her head this way and that before jumping back as Mia ripples into view T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo: "Are...you like the Preserver?" Mischa@crystyl | Mia thinks for a moment, looking to the others, "Preserver?" T'Lana@anncaris:"The Preserver of the Imperiled, or rather an AI that has taken the Progenitor's image and mantle, also communicated to us through a drone with a holographic projection. It was in charge - T'Lana@anncaris:- of the archive that created V'Elo here." Mischa@crystyl | Mia: "Hmm... Then in that case, it would be more accurate to say we were like this Preserver. You see-" Mischa@crystyl cuts her off, "We can play name that drone later Mia. Firstly, are you alright? Did the foundry interfere with your systems in any manner?" Mischa@crystyl | Mia smiles, "We are unharmed, thank you Commander. We were simply contained and scanned!" Mischa@crystyl smiles, "Good. Now we can get back on mission. This transporter diversion has been far too costly to our timeframe" T'Lana@anncaris nods, "Agreed. Perhaps you will be able to commune with the Foundry AI through one of the various drone access ports, Mia." Mischa@crystyl | Mia nods and promptly heads over to one T'Lana@anncaris | Mia connects with the Foundry's network and suddenly sees communication from thousands of drones across the facility! Through the network, she can indeed contact the AI Mischa@crystyl | Mia's eyes dart back and forth as she processes everything, "So many drones... But, a moment... oui! We have the Foundry AI" Mischa@crystyl:"I don't suppose this one has a convenient holographic interface like the Preserver..." T'Lana@anncaris | Unfortunately not, though Mia can communicate with it through the network! Mischa@crystyl | Mia shakes her head, "But we can act as such!" Mischa@crystyl:"Alright Mia. You said there are a lot of drones already active. Are any of them combat models awaiting instructions?" T'Lana@anncaris | There definitely are a number of combat drones in the facility, and the Foundry itself comes with defenses as well Mischa@crystyl | Mia nods, "Affirmative" Mischa@crystyl:"We need them ready to deploy on our signal. Can you put something in place to accommodate?" T'Lana@anncaris | Mia can! Mischa@crystyl | Mia, "Oui, we can establish a remote connection to our internal array. This will allow us to remain in contact with the network at this level and relay instructions" Mischa@crystyl:"Perfect! Now what about this foundry and its capabilities - can we use it to bring more capable Nuhar to aid the effort, and without alerting the Architect?" T'Lana@anncaris | The Foundry does indeed have the ability to create new Constructs, though if any of the Constructs are released from the facility, the Architect is likely to spot it eventually. Each Foundry - T'Lana@anncaris - is capable of storing up to five Watcher Constructs or two Defenders, but any more will necessitate additional space to be freed Mischa@crystyl thinks after Mia relays all of this, "How many foundries are you in contact with?" T'Lana@anncaris | Mia is only in contact with this particular Foundry at the moment Mischa@crystyl | Mia, "Just this one. We would have to interface with the others directly, or find the next level AI to coordinate them all" Mischa@crystyl:"Then I believe we should get this foundry preparing two Defenders as a first port of call" T'Lana@anncaris nods, "Two Defenders will be a significant boost to the existing Nuhar forces, given the specifications of these Constructs." Mischa@crystyl | Rianni: "They will also provide sturdy support to any initial recovery attempt, even if it just the Valley Forge and Latenter" Mischa@crystyl | Mia: "Very well. Relaying instructions and adding the standby status for their completion" T'Lana@anncaris | With a little working around the Foundry's command systems, Mia is able to trigger the creation! Mischa@crystyl | Mia beams, "That is it! We are officially building a new Nuhar!" Mischa@crystyl | Rianni giggles, "Nu-Nuhar. Makes it sound like you're stuttering Mia" Mischa@crystyl | Mia also laughs T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo smiles, "I am pleased to be of assistance!" Mischa@crystyl:"V'Elo, you have been a bigger help than you may realize. Thank you" T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo: "I will continue to accompany you, if I may. I...do not exactly have anywhere else to go that I know of, and perhaps I may still be helpful." Mischa@crystyl:"I was hoping you would say that V'Elo. Until we secure this sphere from Horde forces it is not safe to go exploring" Mischa@crystyl:"And your presence alone is a huge help, as you have seen" T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo: "I would like to explore this Sphere more thoroughly sometime, especially these archives, and learn more about my people." Mischa@crystyl:"As do we, V'Elo. I would very much like to explore it with you, but we must stop those who would undermine it first" T'Lana@anncaris | V'Elo nods, "And I shall do all I can to help with that!" T'Lana@anncaris:"We should proceed to the other Foundries so Mia can do what she has done with this one." Mischa@crystyl:"Indeed. We have a strategy coming into place. Now it's just a matter of how much we can get ready before reinforcements arrive" she notes, turning to head back out T'Lana@anncaris nods, following Mischa back out --- Keliaya@anncaris | Two hours later, Keelah is back on the bridge as the VF reenters the subspace corridor, but there is still no sign of the other Horde ship... Keliaya@anncaris:"According to my estimates, we should be over halfway to Lodzki space already. We can always use the corridors to get back to the vicinity of the Guardian Command Post, but it might be worth - Keliaya@anncaris:- dropping out and contacting the Coalition. At this range, we might be able to relay the signal through Lodzki and Arshai comm networks." Keelah@crystyl nods, "It is worth a go. Make it so" Keliaya@anncaris:"It'll take us more time to get back in, but if we have more Coalition ships to help us look, that'll be very helpful." Keliaya@anncaris | Vrolmacht: "Applying deflector frequency to exit the corridor, Captain." Keliaya@anncaris FX | Soon, a field of regular stars appears on the viewscreen instead of the subspace corridor Keelah@crystyl looks over to TQ Keliaya@anncaris | Fisher: "Wow, we /have/ travelled far. If only we know about this tunnel earlier, we could've given the Lodzki a lot more time to evacuate..." Keliaya@anncaris | TQ does indeed receive a reply with a Coalition signal! Keelah@crystyl | TQ: "Channel open, Captain" Keliaya@anncaris | There is no viewscreen image, but whoever is calling seems to be requesting holoprojector access Keelah@crystyl glances back to TQ inquisitively Keelah@crystyl | TQ checks, "Oh! Holoprojector access. Still can't get use to that... patching it in now" Keliaya@anncaris | The holo of a Progenitor appears on the bridge before Keelah, but on closer inspection, it's not the Architect Keelah@crystyl still has a slight kneejerk reaction at the sight of one before realizing Keliaya@anncaris | Progenitor: "This is the Devoted Responder. Most fortuitous timing, Captain Keelah." Keelah@crystyl:"Devoted Responder, you took the words out of my mouth. We have a most urgent situation" Keliaya@anncaris | Devoted Responder: "I suspect we may be speaking of the same situation. What do you have?" Keelah@crystyl:"A rogue Horde vessel loose in the Carran subspace network" Keliaya@anncaris | Devoted Responder: "A small vessel, minimally armed, likely taken from a consumed species with little to no modification?" Keelah@crystyl nods, "That sounds accurate. So you are already aware of it?" Keliaya@anncaris | Devoted Responder: "The vessel appeared 0.33 Waystation rotations ago in the Waystation's system. Its affiliations were revealed to us after broadcasting its message and it was promptly - Keliaya@anncaris:- destroyed by the Keen Watcher." Keelah@crystyl:"What was the nature of this broadcast?" Keliaya@anncaris | Devoted Responder: "A simple message- no malicious code or programming overrides included. It was an ultimatum. The Architect now controls the Sphere, and by extension, the Foundry facilities - Keliaya@anncaris:- within. He asked every Construct to side with him, and those who would go against his Design will be destroyed. If too many Constructs resist him, he threatens to destroy the Foundries and end - Keliaya@anncaris:- the last hope for the creation of more Constructs in the future." Keelah@crystyl:"So blackmail and propaganda are his game, how juvenile... What has been the reaction to this message?" Keliaya@anncaris | Devoted Responder: "That is the troubling part of the situation. A significant portion of Constructs joined the Coalition to claim the Heart of War and the Foundry facilities, and bear little - Keliaya@anncaris:- loyalty to the Children. So far, 41% of Constructs in communication with the Coalition have dropped out of contact, including members from both the former factions. There is no discernable split - Keliaya@anncaris:- between the Remnants and the Free Thinkers. The Relentless Hunter is so far the only one to openly declare loyalty to the Architect, but several others have been heading rimwards with it, or - Keliaya@anncaris:- independently of both the Relentless Hunter and the Coalition." Keelah@crystyl:"That is... disappointing; to see so many swayed so easily by half truths and empty threats" Keliaya@anncaris | Devoted Responder: "From the account given by the personnel you sent to the Coalition meeting, the Heart of War has indeed fallen under the Architect's control." Keelah@crystyl:"He occupies the control facility for the /weapon/ the Heart of War. The larger sphere is beyond his capacity to control whilst also exercising his will over the Horde" Keelah@crystyl:"we know this because he has not activated the gateways to despatch Horde directly from within the sphere" Keliaya@anncaris | Devoted Responder: "But he is calling additional Horde vessels to the Sphere, a fleet strong enough to destroy the Foundries. I am one of those who care for the well-being of Children species - Keliaya@anncaris:- will not abandon the Coalition, but it is a cause of genuine concern for us." Keelah@crystyl:"For us all my friend. But he is clearly trying to manipulate the Constructs into defending his position because he knows he can't amass sufficient Horde forces to repel the Coalition" Keliaya@anncaris | Devoted Responder: "Of course. Unfortunately, it appears that the desire for self-preservation among some of my brethren proves too strong. We are a dying breed, after all, and the factions - Keliaya@anncaris:- united at the Waystation when the knowledge that Foundries still remained in the Heart of War was pieced together." Keelah@crystyl:"I understand. If there is anything we can do..." Keliaya@anncaris | Devoted Responder: "I will appreciate it if you are able to make these Constructs see sense instead of facing them in battle. Even with the Foundries and the ability to create new Constructs, - Keliaya@anncaris:- it would be preferable to save as many of the existing ones as we can. They have been seen heading rimwards, and the Coalition has agreed to dispatch a vanguard of reinforcements to meet you at - Keliaya@anncaris:- the Guardian Command Post. Perhaps you may be able to intercept them before they reach the Sphere." Keelah@crystyl:"Of course, we will make every effort. Please send us everything you have on their course and heading" Keliaya@anncaris | Devoted Responder: "Relaying our data to you now." Keliaya@anncaris | TQ gets the info on her console Keelah@crystyl | TQ: "Received and relaying for analysis now" Keelah@crystyl:"Alright Devoted Responder. We should make haste if we are to intercept. I am only sorry that we were unable to get to this last rogue vessel in time" Keliaya@anncaris | Devoted Responder: "No need to apologize, Captain. The Architect would certainly have found other ways and delivered his message to us sooner or later. I only hope that some of my people can - Keliaya@anncaris:- be convinced." Keelah@crystyl:"As do I. Take care Devoted Responder, and let us hope that when we next speak it is of a far more upbeat nature" Keliaya@anncaris | Devoted Responder: "Indeed. Take care as well, Captain Keelah." Keelah@crystyl looks to the front as the comm closes, "Do we have a heading to intercept?" Keliaya@anncaris | Fisher: "If we take the subspace corridor back some ways, we'll be able to get to a good position to intercept them." Keelah@crystyl:"Then let us get underway at once" she nods Keliaya@anncaris | Fisher nods, "Aye Captain. Plotting a course back along the corridor. I'll update you when we're back in the corridor." Keelah@crystyl stands, "I'll be in my ready room" --- Keliaya@anncaris | A short while later, the ready room doorbell rings Keelah@crystyl:"Come" she calls after a moment Keelah@crystyl stands by the thinking window, watching as they cruise through the subspace corridor Keliaya@anncaris steps in, "Captain. Fisher and Lennie seem to be getting used to navigating the corridors, or this particular stretch at least. Thought I'd check how you were doing." Keelah@crystyl glances over with a faint smile, "Checking up on me now? It must be bad" she half jokes, moving to sit on the sofa and inviting Kelly to join her Keliaya@anncaris chuckles and follows over to the sofa, "It's only fair after everything you do for me. Besides, it's a hard time for everyone." Keelah@crystyl:"There's no denying that" Keliaya@anncaris nods, "At least we know there's no virus infecting the Nuhar...but I don't know if this outcome is much better." Keelah@crystyl:"For us; almost certainly not" Keliaya@anncaris:"A lot more work for us, but there's still a chance to talk them down, which might be a better situation for the Coalition as a whole." Keelah@crystyl:"I certainly hope so. We're going to need them on side if we have any chance of fixing this mess" Keliaya@anncaris:"I don't envy you the prospect of having to negotiate with them again, though. But you've done it before, I'm sure you'll manage this time." Keelah@crystyl:"It was different before; they were filled with hope after eons of hopelessness. Now, they are filled with desperation and the illusion of shattered dreams" Keliaya@anncaris:"True, and I expect they'll want reassurance that we can take the Sphere from the Architect and protect the Foundries." Keelah@crystyl:"It would help if I knew that we could" Keliaya@anncaris:"Mischa and her team are probably doing all they can to secure the Foundries," she sighs, "But we don't have any guarantees..." Keelah@crystyl:"And therein lies the problem" Keliaya@anncaris:"At least there's one thing we know for sure now- these messages from Eva give us good information, as long as there's someone to interpret it," she smiles Keelah@crystyl:"Purely as a matter of curiosity... did you pursue options with Sin to reach out to her in the end?" Keliaya@anncaris:"I didn't have the time yet- been working on the bridge or helping make sense of the map we got. But I plan to once we have a moment to breathe." Keelah@crystyl nods, "I understand. This return journey may be the best opportunity you see for a while, though" Keliaya@anncaris:"I'll be sure to seek her out. Anything I can do to help prepare for this upcoming confrontation with the Nuhar?" Keelah@crystyl:"If I think of anything, I'll let you know" she smiles Keliaya@anncaris smiles back and stands, "I'll leave you to it then, Captain." Keelah@crystyl:"I'll be alright, Kelly. You don't have to worry. I just need to put this mistake right before anyone else pays for it..." she trails off, turning away distractedly Keliaya@anncaris:"We were all tricked by the Architect, Keelah. It's not your fault. We're all responsible, and even then, we're dealing with someone who programmed a backdoor into every Progenitor seeded species - Keliaya@anncaris:- and kept his people in the dark about it for who knows how many years. There's no way we could've known what he was up to." Keelah@crystyl almost looks back to Kelly, but shows barely an over the shoulder look more to her feet. Clearly not able to argue the point, but equally not ready to stop blaming herself either Keliaya@anncaris:"Just...try not to shoulder all the burden alone. And call me if you need anything." Keelah@crystyl looks back a little more to show the corner of a smile, "Thank you Kelly, I will" Keliaya@anncaris smiles back before turning to head out --- Keliaya@anncaris makes her way to Sin's quarters and rings the doorbell Sin@crystyl:"It's open" Keliaya@anncaris steps inside, "Hey Sin." Sin@crystyl:"Oh hey Kelly. Damn, I wasn't due on shift again already was I?" Keliaya@anncaris chuckles and shakes her head, "No, you're good. I'm here about something else." Sin@crystyl:"Oh... well, forget I said anything then. Come join me!" she kicks out an empty chair at the table she's sat at Keliaya@anncaris grins and sits down, "So how're things going for you after...everything at the Sphere?" Sin@crystyl scowls, "Don't remind me..." Keliaya@anncaris:"Sorry. Well, the Captain thought it might be worth checking with you to see if there might be some way of reaching Eva. She's been giving me...messages on occasion, but she can't hear me. I - Keliaya@anncaris:- think it might be because we converted our implants to a different frequency, or maybe I just don't know how to do it properly." Sin@crystyl leans in with interest, "She is touching your mind from this distance? Damn Eva, you go girl!" Keliaya@anncaris:"We have a connection, and on top of that the Architect is using the Trident through her to control the Horde. She might not be able to overpower him, but she's sneaking the occasional message - Keliaya@anncaris:- through to help us." Sin@crystyl:"Impressive stuff!" Keliaya@anncaris smiles and nods, "Unfortunately I'm not as impressive, but the Captain was wondering if it might be possible to reach her with your help. Like how you helped with the switch." Sin@crystyl puffs out her cheeks with a heavy exhale, "Wow, that's... um, I don't know. I mean, in theory... but telepathy was more Eva's thing than mine. I'm more manipulation, you know? But... yeah, maybe" Keliaya@anncaris:"I know it's a big request, but I thought it'd be worth a try. You're definitely better at it than I am, I have no natural telepathic ability, and very little experience outside the bond and the - Keliaya@anncaris:- brief time in Eva's body." Sin@crystyl nods, "No, I get it don't worry. I said it's not my thing, I didn't say I'm not the best person to do it" she grins Keliaya@anncaris smiles, "Thank you. And don't worry if it doesn't work. I thought it's worth a try." Sin@crystyl:"Alright, you all set to do this now or you need some time?" Keliaya@anncaris:"I'm ready to do it now if you are." Sin@crystyl:"Sure thing! Now, um, I guess it would help if you try and focus your thoughts on her Keliaya@anncaris nods, closing her eyes and focusing as instructed Sin@crystyl stares intently at Kelly, channeling her thoughts into Kelly's and following the Eva trail Keliaya@anncaris | Sin manages to follow the connection back to Eva, sensing her presence through Kelly's bond, though very faintly Sin@crystyl focuses on the presence, pushing herself into Eva's thoughts Keliaya@anncaris | Her thoughts are strangely quiet, but Sin can sense a feeling of concern, but nothing tangible beyond that... Sin@crystyl tries to bridge Eva and Kelly's minds, similarly to how she would have when they were switched Keliaya@anncaris | It takes some difficulty with the implants, but the bond is strong and she manages to create a bridge, though only basic thoughts are able to cross over Sin@crystyl does what she can to push the pair together, but knows she can only serve as a conduit Keliaya@anncaris takes advantage of the conduit, passing through all the positive feelings she is able to muster, trying to reassure Eva that they'll be coming to help Keliaya@anncaris | Eva replies in kind, but maintaining the bridge soon becomes too straining for Sin to bear for much longer... Sin@crystyl holds it as long as she can for them Keliaya@anncaris | Sin is eventually left exhausted and forced to terminate the bridge Sin@crystyl faceplants the table, panting for breath, "I'm... sorry. I... couldn't..." Keliaya@anncaris slowly opens her eyes, wiping away the wateryness from them before setting her hand on Sin's, "It's alright. That was...already more than I could hope for. Thank you, Sin." Keliaya@anncaris wipes her eyes again before giving Sin a reassuring smile Sin@crystyl peers back, "It was... gratifying to feel her thoughts. She is still there Kelly, that means we can still save her!" Keliaya@anncaris nods and smiles again before stepping over and giving Sin a hug, "It certainly was gratifying. Thank you isn't enough- if you ever need anything, just let me know." Sin@crystyl freezes awkwardly at the unexpected hug, "I, uh... well I mean, sure." she finally softens and smiles, holding a hand on Kelly's arm, "We can try again another time you know. Maybe if we keep - Sin@crystyl:- nudging her like this, it will help her keep fighting, you know?" Keliaya@anncaris:"Maybe. But I should probably let you rest for now. That seemed tiring for you."