ST:TTV718 | "Hades"

Stardate 98544.3

The Kratt leads the Valley Forge to the Demon class world of Ha-at where the Olympian Hades was known to have visited, but the crew find more than they expect on this inhospitable planet...

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Keliaya@anncaris | On the VF bridge, the stars streak by with the Kratt ship ahead of them, leading the way... Keliaya@anncaris | Ann: "ETA fifteen minutes, assumin' this system is our destination, an' they ain't just makin' a pit stop here for some reason..." Keelah@crystyl:"We shall see soon enough" Keelah@crystyl | Lennie: "I wouldn't get mah hopes up Sweets. Nothin' of interest there I can make out. No life, no tech, not even any space junk!" Keliaya@anncaris:"Well, if I guess someone wanted to hide an ancient artifact of immense power, this would be a nice and discreet place for it." Keelah@crystyl:"Indeed. Our enigmatic Olympian does have a penchant for hiding after all" Keliaya@anncaris | Before long, the two ships enter the system. The Kratt ship continues leading the way through the system, dropping down to low warp before exiting warp entirely near the second planet Keelah@crystyl:"Match them for course and speed, exact headings" Keliaya@anncaris | Ann: "Aye Cap'n." Keliaya@anncaris | Sensors register the planet as a Class Y, not the harshest as far as Demon worlds go, but very much inhospitable to most forms of organic life Keliaya@anncaris | TQ: "The Kratt ship have sent us something. No message, looks like...instructions for deflector shielding modifications." Keelah@crystyl turns to Kelly, "Analysis?" Keliaya@anncaris taps on her console, "The planet we're headed towards is Class Y, which has radiation that's enough to affect even objects in orbit. These modifications seem tailored to shield us from the - Keliaya@anncaris:- planet's effects." Keelah@crystyl:"Tee, inform Kazra and have her on standby just in case" turning back to Kelly, "Can you make the modifications?" Keelah@crystyl | Lennie begins cross-examining them to try and verify that they will work as desired Keliaya@anncaris nods, "We'll need to open a window if we're to transport down, but we should be able to handle the brief time for transportation. Katie's informing me that we'll have to be within ten thousand - Keliaya@anncaris:- kilometres for the transporters to be effective." Keelah@crystyl nods, "Very well, make the necessary adjustments" Keelah@crystyl | Lennie nods: "It checks out against sensor data. Gonna be needed t'get in tha' 10k range" Keliaya@anncaris:"I'll have teams working on it immediately. We'll need a destination to beam down to, though. There's no energy signatures or artificial structures that sensors can find. It might be hidden by that - Keliaya@anncaris:- stealth device Ketkolep mentioned." Keelah@crystyl nods, "Tee, message the Kratt. Request transport coordinates and give an eta on the modifications" Keliaya@anncaris | TQ sends the message and responds a minute later, "Answer: 'We do not know the specific location on the planet surface.' Keliaya@anncaris:"We can't search the whole planet. That's impossible enough on an M class, let alone here. Didn't Ketkolep mention something about being able to see through his own tech?" Keelah@crystyl peers over with a perked brow, "Well that's helpful" nods to Kelly, "Tee" Keelah@crystyl | TQ nods: "I'll let him know" Keliaya@anncaris | A few minutes later, the turbolift door opens and Ketkolep steps out in his bipedal form Keelah@crystyl peers over, "Welcome to the bridge. I assume you know why I've asked you here?" Keliaya@anncaris | Ketkolep: "Yes. You've narrowed down the thunderbolt's location and wish me to see through Hades' stealth field." Keelah@crystyl smiles and nods, "And?" Keliaya@anncaris | Ketkolep: "One moment." Keliaya@anncaris:"A massive energy signature just appeared on sensors. Looks like it's inside a cavern complex in one of the southern mountain ranges, mixture of artificial and natural construction." Keliaya@anncaris | Ketkolep: "This is no ordinary cloaking device. You cannot simply pass through and everything becomes visible. I will need to continue this to keep it revealed to you." Keelah@crystyl nods, "We're adjusting our systems so that we can approach the planet and transport down. Are you able to communicate with him at all from here?" Keliaya@anncaris | Ketkolep: "As I suspected, Hades tied the energy output of the thunderbolt to the stealth device, which means I must focus my energies to counter the effects. I am unable to do anything else, - Keliaya@anncaris:- including accompanying you to the surface, without risking the complete expenditure of my energy. You must send your own people down and disconnect the invisibility device from the thunderbolt. - Keliaya@anncaris:- Then, I can proceed to the surface myself to retrieve the artifacts." Keelah@crystyl nods, "Understood. We will make that our primary objective" Keliaya@anncaris:"We'll have the modifications ready in forty minutes." Keliaya@anncaris | Vrolmacht: "The away team will need time to suit up and prepare for the hostile environment as well." Keelah@crystyl stands, "Then I'd better go prep my suit" Keliaya@anncaris | Vrolmacht: "You are going in person, Captain?" Keelah@crystyl:"I am the one whose mind was 'approved' by the Kratt. Unless you have any objections?" Keliaya@anncaris | Vrolmacht shakes his head, "I suggest you take adequate support with you. Not only is the environment hostile, it is difficult to say what you will encounter in those caverns." Keelah@crystyl smiles, "Well I wasn't planning a solo mission. Only so many regulations you'll let me break at one time" Keelah@crystyl:"Kelly, you're up. I'll take Sin as well" Keliaya@anncaris | Ketkolep: "Hades was one of the ones who truly cared about those his people ruled over, but he was also very aware of the tendency towards greed and corruption that many Children possess. He - Keliaya@anncaris:- had a fondness for setting complex defenses and traps. Reaching the thunderbolt will not be easy." Keliaya@anncaris nods, "I suggest we bring Mischa along as well. Not sure I know anyone who's better at looking out for and getting around traps." Keelah@crystyl:"Very well then" --- Keliaya@anncaris | Mischa enters the transporter room while Keelah, Kelly and Sin are suiting up Mischa@crystyl looks around, gaze settling on Keelah, "Captain... here to see us off?" Mischa@crystyl | Keelah looks up, midway slipping on a boot of her EV suit, so clearly not, "Clearly not" Mischa@crystyl:"Do you really believe this is the most sensible course of action, Keelah?" Mischa@crystyl | Sin quietly watches the pair, not used to seeing anyone else defy the loveable Vulcan Mischa@crystyl | Keelah, "Sensible, no. Logical, yes" Mischa@crystyl:"Your logic is flawed" Mischa@crystyl | Keelah slowly rises to give Mischa her full and unimpressed attention, "I am the only one the Kratt have permitted to come here" Mischa@crystyl:"Irrelevant. Your brain was scanned to ensure you were telling the truth initially, the whole ship was brought along and no instruction has been given specifying your sole attendance like at the - Mischa@crystyl:- Kratt colony" Mischa@crystyl | Keelah: "That does not make my decision any less optimal" Mischa@crystyl:"No, but your focus on the mission does" Mischa@crystyl | Keelah perks a brow, even more not amused now Mischa@crystyl:"I don't mean to call you out on your command decisions Keelah, and it is your prerogative. But personally; I think it's a dangerous environment and a critical mission. So you want to prove to your - Mischa@crystyl:- crew that you don't just sit on the bridge and send them into dangerous situations, but are willing to take risks yourself when necessary. Coupled of course with the critical success factor here" Mischa@crystyl | Keelah doesn't deny it Mischa@crystyl:"Furthermore, your focus on the mission has - in my opinion - made you overlook one key factor" Mischa@crystyl | Keelah: "Which is?" Keliaya@anncaris quietly puts on her EV suit as the two talk, listening while she suits up Mischa@crystyl gestures down herself, "Me. You and I are the two senior most command officers here. Not just here, but within the entire Coalition and years - not lightyears - away from Starfleet reinforcements. - Mischa@crystyl:- So how can you say it's the logical choice to have us both entering such a dangerous environment at the same time?" Mischa@crystyl | Keelah purses her lips, clearly wanting to rebuttal but unable to refute the point Mischa@crystyl smiles softly and sympathetically, "Trust me, I get the need to head out yourself. I lead almost all of the Latenter's away missions personally. But the two of us out there together in such a - Mischa@crystyl:- situation is an unwarranted risk. I am needed for technical expertise, Kelly is providing the engineering know how. Your presence is not mandated, ergo the logical solution is for you to sit this - Mischa@crystyl:- one out" Mischa@crystyl | Sin looks up with a slight frown at not being mentioned Keliaya@anncaris smiles over at Sin before putting on her helmet, "And you're needed for the telekinetic expertise." Mischa@crystyl | Keelah sighs softly, "You are right, of course. I had not considered the implications of putting us both at risk at the same time" Keliaya@anncaris | Meanwhile in a different timeline, Kirk is bringing both Spock and McCoy along...plus an expendable redshirt of course Mischa@crystyl smiles between the other two, "You're our mission SME Sin, the very linchpin of the operation! I was only referring to relevant experience against the Captain's" Mischa@crystyl | Keelah nods, "Alright Commander, the mission is yours. I... will be on the bridge" Mischa@crystyl sets a hand on Keelah's shoulder as she passes by, heading out, "It's the right call. Don't worry, we can handle this. And I promise to let you call me out on this the next time I have a mission - Mischa@crystyl:- that you fancy" she smiles Mischa@crystyl | Keelah gives a faint smile, turning to the others, "Good luck ladies. We'll be eagerly awaiting your safe return" Keliaya@anncaris smiles back, "Thank you, Captain." Mischa@crystyl suits up, quietly hoping the others don't feel put out by her decision to boot Keelah Keliaya@anncaris looks to Mischa after Keelah exits, "I promise, I didn't just recommend you because I knew you could dissuade Keelah from coming along on such a dangerous mission." Mischa@crystyl:"It is her prerogative, and if I didn't agree that I might be of some use down there then I would have happily decline in her favour" Mischa@crystyl chuckles, "I am also still surprised that Vrolmacht didn't barricade her in the ready room" Keliaya@anncaris chuckles, "I think he knows she'd break out. She might not be a traditional Vulcan, but the only way to stop her from doing something is still to outlogic her..." Mischa@crystyl:"I think I liked it better during that brief period after T'Pia grew all when all you had to do was mention her daughter, and that would do the trick" Keliaya@anncaris:"True. Now that she's a cadet that doesn't really work as well anymore." Mischa@crystyl | Sin: "Were you even around back then? I wasn't either, but pretty sure I don't remember anyone mentioning you being there either" Mischa@crystyl smiles knowingly, "Perhaps I was there all along, just hiding in the shadows" Mischa@crystyl | Sin eyerolls Keliaya@anncaris chuckles, "She was around. Not serving on the Valley Forge, but they were familiar with each other. Especially since she /was/ serving under Keelah's husband." Mischa@crystyl:"Eugh, you're no fun" she laughs Mischa@crystyl | Sin frowns, "Wait... Keelah's husband is in intelligence?" Keliaya@anncaris:"Sorry!" she looks to Mischa, "I'll let you decide whether to have her wondering on this one..." Mischa@crystyl:"Eh, cat's out the bag now" looking to Sin, "I was part of an exchange program so serving on board an SFC starship - the Gainsborough" Mischa@crystyl | Sin looks between the two again, "Wait... isn't that...?" Mischa@crystyl smirks, "Don't strain yourself thinking on the details" Keliaya@anncaris | Katie: "Bridge reports the modifications are complete and they're starting to move into transporter range now." Mischa@crystyl:"Then we shall have to cut this short. Time to head out" Mischa@crystyl | Sin grumbles, "When we get back, one of you needs to draw me a family tree for this place..." Keliaya@anncaris glances to Mischa as she steps onto the transporter pad, "That's probably something you're better at than I am..." Mischa@crystyl:"Ahh, but far less entertaining I'd wager" Keliaya@anncaris:"True. Besides, we Denobulans are pretty good at confusing family relations too." Mischa@crystyl | Sin: "Sounds like this ship could rival a Denobulan family" Mischa@crystyl:"You can find out later. Now we have a job to do" she nods over to Katie, "Energize when ready" Keliaya@anncaris | Katie nods, "Energizing." Keliaya@anncaris | The team materializes outside a large cavern entrance on the inhospitable surface of the Demon class world... Mischa@crystyl scans around Keliaya@anncaris:"I can see why Keelah wanted to come along. Even with the suits on, the heat here rivals Vulcan..." Mischa@crystyl is likely grinning a little at that under her helmet Keliaya@anncaris | Mischa's scans pick up the massive energy signature coming from deep inside the cavern complex Mischa@crystyl:"I have the reading. Let's do this quickly so Ketkolep can join us. Sin, any traps may not be of a technological nature so reach out as much as you can to get a sense of things down there" Mischa@crystyl heads in with that Keliaya@anncaris | The team proceeds through the caverns, which are completely natural at first. After a minute of walking, they find a large, glowing blue barrier in their path, beyond which more technological - Keliaya@anncaris:- constructions can be seen mixed in with the natural rock Mischa@crystyl scans the barrier Keliaya@anncaris scans as well, "You're right, this field isn't technological, or at least not based on any technology I understand. There's no emitters anywhere and the power readings are off the charts." Keliaya@anncaris | Mischa's scans confirm the same Mischa@crystyl looks to Sin Keliaya@anncaris looks to Sin as well, "I don't think a phaser's going to do anything against that." Mischa@crystyl | Sin is constantly reaching out with her mind at instructed so should get a sense of anything as soon it's clear Keliaya@anncaris | Sin senses the incredible power of the field, which seems to be emanating from the thunderbolt itself. It's not erected with the full power of the thunderbolt, but it's still enough to be - Keliaya@anncaris:- extremely powerful. With some probing, she finds a different device nearby which seems to be giving the field shape, something she can try to tap into with her telekinesis... Mischa@crystyl | Sin: "There is... something hidden from your scans. I have encountered hidden telekinetic locks like this before, let me try and..." she focuses to do her thing Keliaya@anncaris | The force field expands a few centimetres, than retracts a few centimetres...the force behind it is extremely strong, and even Sin doesn't seem to be able to shut it off on her own... Keliaya@anncaris | Suddenly, a voice emanates behind them, "I thought you would require a hand." Mischa@crystyl turns Keliaya@anncaris spins around as well, drawing her phaser as she sees what they are looking at... Keliaya@anncaris FX | https://i.imgur.com/rSxDsG4.jpg Mischa@crystyl & Sin both draw their weapons as well, "What the hell are you doing here?" Keliaya@anncaris | Architect-Rhys: "The same thing you are. I expect what would be more curious to you is /how/ I am here." Mischa@crystyl:"You have already proven an uncanny knack for showing up where you are not welcome, it is no surprise" Mischa@crystyl:"What /is/ surprising is that you think we might actually help you" Keliaya@anncaris | Architect-Rhys: "We need each other's help. If I could lower that field, do you think I would not already be inside? This lock was designed so that only one strong enough to take the - Keliaya@anncaris:- thunderbolt can gain passage. As a thrall, Ar-Rhys is not as powerful as he was when he had the worship and admiration of others. But Sin alone cannot open the barrier either." Keliaya@anncaris:"Or we could walk away, and neither of us get our hands on it." Mischa@crystyl:"Which achieves our objective of keeping it from you. So again we're back to my only surprise being that you think we would help you get it" Keliaya@anncaris | Architect-Rhys: "I already know the location. If you leave now, I could return with a hundred Psionic thralls and open it anyways. You cannot defend this world and contain my forces in the - Keliaya@anncaris - Sphere at the same time. The best option is for us to work together. Once we reach the thunderbolt, /then/ we can determine who it belongs to." Mischa@crystyl:"If you had enough psionic thralls you'd have come here with them to begin with. You're out of options, that's the only reason you're looking to us. And while you waste your dwindling resources - Mischa@crystyl:- trying to take this world by force, we'll keep squeezing you in the Sphere until you've nothing left but that one lonely little room. There is no deciding who it belongs to, we hold all the cards - Mischa@crystyl:- here so do us all a favour and skip to the part where you give up and abandon this thrall to it's fate like you always do" Keliaya@anncaris | Architect-Rhys sighs, "If you will not aid me willingly, then we do this the difficult way." Behind him, a dozen armed thralls round the corner. "Your transporters and communications do not - Keliaya@anncaris:- work inside these tunnels. I may not have other Psionics here, but I have more than enough thralls to ensure you never leave. Yes, I am well aware that you are ready to lay down your lives, but - Keliaya@anncaris:- what do you think will become of Captain Keelah if I send your corpses back to her? I advised her for a year. I have seen inside her mind. I know what strain this conflict has taken on her. Do - Keliaya@anncaris:- you really want to test if your Coalition stands a chance when the one who brought it together, the one who kept it together thus far, is finally pushed over the edge? The thunderbolt and whatever - Keliaya@anncaris:- is contained within this place is your best chance of overcoming me and leaving this place alive." Mischa@crystyl:"If you know any of us half as well as you claim then you would know that one Vulcan's feelings are not worth sacrificing the galaxy for. You're a stubborn old fool, and you're desperate. That's all - Mischa@crystyl: - there is to it" Mischa@crystyl | Sin meanwhile has been channelling all her fury at the thralls, determined to beyond her usual blood boiling trademark and outright explode them all Keliaya@anncaris | Sin finds her attempts being blocked by the Ar-Rhys thrall... Mischa@crystyl | Sin grows even more frustrated and turns her psionic attack on Ar-Rhys himself. Specifically channelling the physical thrall, not the Architect's presence so he's not aware of her attack Keliaya@anncaris | The thrall stumbles slightly, but is too strong to be outright exploded. As the thrall begins feeling the attack, the Architect quickly becomes aware of it as well and works to counter Sin - Keliaya@anncaris:- again as he looks to Mischa, "I may not have seen inside your head, but we both know your best chances of overcoming me lie further inside these caverns. You're smart enough to see that you - Keliaya@anncaris:- cannot beat me with brute force," he glances to Sin. "The defenses inside could thin out my thralls, perhaps even provide a distraction for you to strike this one, as one of you so cleverly took - Keliaya@anncaris:- advantage of last time. Of course I am trying to use you to get the thunderbolt, but you know that already- which means I have nothing to surprise you with." Mischa@crystyl grins to herself, "Yes I heard about that strike, and must confess a second surprise that I omitted from my earlier statement; I expected this one to have a squeakier voice now" Mischa@crystyl:"But you are indeed right about me Architect..." Mischa@crystyl:"I know we can not overpower your army by brute force, and is far too uncivilized an approach for my tastes" Keliaya@anncaris | Architect-Rhys: "Then let us open this barrier together and get on with this." Mischa@crystyl wags her finger, "You're forgetting proper etiquette again. You see, back in my humble little corner of the galaxy we recognize the importance of doing things properly, and part of that is something - Mischa@crystyl:- we like to call 'reading the room'. You are in no better position here than when you arrived, we still hold all the cards. Oh, and now you're getting in the way of me ditching this suit; very poor - Mischa@crystyl:- manners that I simply cannot abide" she promptly fires at the leg she saw buckle to off balance him or at least focus his attention while calling out, "Kelly, now" and firing again at the cave - Mischa@crystyl:- ceiling above him Keliaya@anncaris | Architect-Rhys stumbles off balance and Kelly joins in, firing at the ceiling. The Ar-Rhys thrall lunges forward, but not fast enough as the rocks collapse down, burying him underneath them Mischa@crystyl turns back to Sin, "You've got as long as it takes him to break free to get us through this barrier and reinstate it behind us. Time to show me that my hunch about you is right" Mischa@crystyl | Sin nods, tired from her attack on Ar-Rhys but also more focused and determined than ever as she tries again Keliaya@anncaris | Once again, the barrier expands and contracts and expands again...doing so several times before it finally flickers off! Mischa@crystyl | Sin drops to her knees as the fight is won Mischa@crystyl pats her on the shoulder, "I never doubted you. I know I'm asking you to push yourself harder than I have any right to, but we must pass quickly and get it back up" Mischa@crystyl | Sin nods weakly as Mischa helps carry her beyond the threshold, "Just give me a minute to catch my breath" Keliaya@anncaris follows through, "Clearly the Architect underestimated what you're capable of, Sin. Hopefully that gives you some solace..." Mischa@crystyl | Sin: "I don't need solace. I just need to make that bastard's head pop when this is all done. Promise me I can have that moment and I'll move any barrier in our way" she rises with gritted - Mischa@crystyl:- determination Mischa@crystyl stands behind Sin as she begins focusing to restore the barrier, holding a hand on her shoulder with her own eyes closed like she's focusing in her own small way of supporting Sin's strength Keliaya@anncaris nods, "I dislike him as much as you do, Ensign. He's still keeping Eva prisoner, remember?" Keliaya@anncaris | Restoring the barrier seems to be easier than taking it down, though it still takes some effort from the now drained Sin. The barrier flickers a few times before being re-established in the - Keliaya@anncaris:- spot it was earlier. Mischa@crystyl | Sin opens her eyes just as Mischa releases her hand, "Huh..." Mischa@crystyl:"See, now there's no stopping you! But... we also shouldn't tempt fate by lollygagging" Mischa@crystyl | Sin turns, "Lolli-wha-now?" Mischa@crystyl chuckles, "Something else for us to educate you on when this is done" Keliaya@anncaris chuckles and nods, "You alright to keep going, Sin?" Mischa@crystyl | Sin nods, "I'm fine. And I didn't mean to detract from your personal investment in this, just that guy really... pisses me off!" Mischa@crystyl pats her on the back, "As he does us all, Ensign. As he does us all" as they begin to progress forwards again Keliaya@anncaris | They proceed through the tunnels, eventually coming upon a large, dark cavern. As they enter, braziers slowly begin to light on their own across the room... Mischa@crystyl looks around, "Very atmospheric" Keliaya@anncaris | As the braziers illuminate the room, something large comes into view, first as an imposing shadow in the distance before the lights surround the room, giving a more clear view at it... Keliaya@anncaris FX | https://ylbnoel.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/three-headed-monster.jpg Keliaya@anncaris:"Not sure atmospheric would be the word I use..." Mischa@crystyl:"No... now terrifying would perhaps be more apt" she says it, though her tone doesn't say it Mischa@crystyl | Sin is of course full swing reaching into its mind Keliaya@anncaris | Sin feels a presence of some kind, but it might not be accurately described as a 'mind.' Whatever it is, Sin can't make sense of it or communicate with it... Keliaya@anncaris | The huge creature advances towards them, lowering one of its heads, which begins to glow with flame in its throat... Mischa@crystyl looks up at the best, projecting her voice as much as she is able. Probably helped some by the echo of the cavern, "Cerberus! Hear me!" Keliaya@anncaris | The glow fades as the creature tilts the massive head curiously, regarding Mischa Mischa@crystyl:"Yes, I know you. I know you guard this gateway to protect your master. But the time has come to stand aside, we come to reunite your master with an old ally" Keliaya@anncaris | The creature rears back its three heads, holding them there... Keliaya@anncaris:"Commander? Look down, something's happening." Mischa@crystyl looks down Keliaya@anncaris | The three find a thick, silvery liquid submerging them up to their ankles and pulling them further and further down... Mischa@crystyl:"Ok, that wasn't in the texts... Sin, thoughts?" Keliaya@anncaris | Sin can sense a presence across the room, once again not quite a mind, but something alive... Mischa@crystyl | Sin: "There is... something, but I don't know what" Mischa@crystyl:"Not as helpful as it perhaps sounded in your head. Do we let this play out or not?" Keliaya@anncaris | The liquid draws them down, burying their legs. Kelly tries to go for her phaser, but silver tendrils shoot out and restrain her arms, "Not sure we have a choice..." Mischa@crystyl:"Then I suggest we restrain ourselves from panic. We did after all just ask Cerberus to let us past the gate that it guards" Keliaya@anncaris nods as the liquid draws up to their chests, "My suit's reading compromised..." Keliaya@anncaris | Mischa's suit also gives a similar warning, then one about foreign presence being detected, and Sin gets the same. They feel the liquid inside the suit for a few seconds before suddenly the - Keliaya@anncaris:- compromised warning fades away Keliaya@anncaris is plopped out of the liquid, then Sin, then Mischa, leaving all three lying on nearby rock without a trace of liquid on them Keliaya@anncaris:"Okay, that was odd..." Mischa@crystyl sits up, "I bet Starfleet didn't have that in mind when they designed these things. Integrity checks" she orders, carrying out her own to confirm all is well Keliaya@anncaris slowly gets up, checking her own suit, "Mine seems all good. Oxygen levels are stable and there's no detectable damage. Strange that none of the liquid's clinging on to the suit at all..." Mischa@crystyl slowly stands as she recovers, "Something tells me that was no liquid in the strictest sense" Keliaya@anncaris nods, cautiously peering over and running her tricorder over the liquid, "Wait...I know what this is." Mischa@crystyl:"Silverblood" Keliaya@anncaris:"It was before my time on the Valley Forge, but I've heard about it, and read about them in the database. The composition matches perfectly- deuterium, hydrogen sulfate and dichromates. But what's - Keliaya@anncaris:- it doing here?" Mischa@crystyl:"It was first discovered on a Demon class world, this is it's natural habitat. That we have been submerged in it leads to the very likely possibility that we are not in fact ourselves right now, but- Mischa@crystyl:- silverblood clones. While the real us are all passed out back in the cavern still" Mischa@crystyl | Sin, "Wait, what?" Mischa@crystyl:"Not definitive. Just a possibility" Keliaya@anncaris:"But the clones don't need suits. Isn't our environment actually harmful to them? We're still breathing oxygen now." Mischa@crystyl:"A valid observation. But our suits did all register a compromise before we fully submerged. So we could now actually be wearing silverblood suits and be breathing the natural atmosphere" Mischa@crystyl:"Don't worry. I don't plan on removing my helmet just to test the theory" Keliaya@anncaris nods, "Best not to risk it." Mischa@crystyl | Sin, "So we'll be adding these 'silverbloods' to my education later I assume" Mischa@crystyl sounds like she's grinning, "Well, they are technically a part of your extended ship family after all. Or they were for a while" Mischa@crystyl | Sin stares blankly at her Mischa@crystyl:"hmm... think of them as... T'Pia's lost aunt" Mischa@crystyl | Sin stares even longer before shaking her head and turning away, not wanting to know any more now Mischa@crystyl meanwhile begins to look around and assess their surroundings Keliaya@anncaris chuckles, "They were actually first discovered closer to your home than ours, all the way out in the Delta Quadrant. I'll tell you all about them when we get back." Keliaya@anncaris | As Mischa looks around, Cerberus steps aside, revealing a passageway deeper inside... Mischa@crystyl:"Ah. I take it that's our way forward" and begins walking, remarking under her breath as they pass the giant 3 headed monster, "Who's a good boy!" Keliaya@anncaris glances at Mischa, "Why're you talking like it's a pet..." Mischa@crystyl:"What? It /is/ a pet! Maybe not mine, but still a faithful servant of it's master. And so very well behaved, he deserves a little praise once in a millennia or two. If he didn't tower of us so much,- Mischa@crystyl:- I'd even pat him on the head too" Mischa@crystyl | Sin doesn't get why Mischa can be so blase about the beast, not realizing her own fondness for all things dragon'y Keliaya@anncaris:"It does seem very obedient...though I definitely wouldn't try to pet it. Looks like it could bite my hand off...or my head. Or just swallow me whole." Mischa@crystyl:"All the more reason to let him know when he's been a good boy!" she chirps Keliaya@anncaris:"Good point." Keliaya@anncaris | Through the passageway, the team comes upon another room, this one illuminated by a bright blue-ish glow that fills the entirety of the room. The source of the glow is all too clear- the large - Keliaya@anncaris - thunderbolt in the centre of the room, contained within an energy field pulsating with waves of black energy much like the dark energy shields of the Regulators. By the thunderbolt, on a - Keliaya@anncaris - raised pedestal is a helmet of alien design linked to the thunderbolt by a number of wires attached to it. By both, on a simple stone chair, sits a figure... Keliaya@anncaris FX | https://i.imgur.com/IIFxWYQ.jpg Mischa@crystyl:"Our gracious host" Keliaya@anncaris | Hades: "Welcome Mischa, daughter of George and Victoria, of the House of Leveson-Scott." Mischa@crystyl bows her head in acknowledgement of one who comes prepared, "And how might we address you? For if you have touched our minds to know who we are, you will no doubt know that you are called by many - Mischa@crystyl:- names, by even more peoples" Keliaya@anncaris | Hades: "Yes, I assumed this appearance for it is the one your specific people are familiar with. You may call me what you wish, for I have no identity of my own." Mischa@crystyl:"As you wish then. Hades is the name which has lasted throughout our history. So tell me Hades, did you touch our minds or did the silverblood simply provide you all you need to know of us?" Keliaya@anncaris | Hades: "Both. I /am/ silverblood. The original Hades, you see, spent the last of his energy bringing the thunderbolt here and concealing it from those who would abuse its power. I am merely a - Keliaya@anncaris:- recreation, a shadow of the Lord of Shadows." Mischa@crystyl:"And what about us - are we shadows of the people who transported down here?" Keliaya@anncaris | Hades: "No. Your recreations were absorbed as soon as they were created, as we only made them to touch your minds. These implants you have- an ingenious creation, but fortunately we were able - Keliaya@anncaris:- recreate the technology as well as your biology. Do not worry, we will not abuse this information. You know we cannot survive long outside this environment." Mischa@crystyl nods, "A fact I know our own people regret as there are those among us who long to spend more time with your kind, but I digress. You have touched our minds so you know our purpose here. You know - Mischa@crystyl:- who is with us, what we need, and what our intentions are. You also know who else is here" Keliaya@anncaris | Hades nods, gesturing over, "The thunderbolt and cap are yours." Keliaya@anncaris:"Just like that?" Keliaya@anncaris | Hades: "As she said, I know your intentions, and they are not malevolent. However, you will have to disconnect the cap from the thunderbolt yourselves. I reproduced Hades' biology, but I never - Keliaya@anncaris:- had any of the reverence and worship he had. I have not the power to manipulate this technology." Mischa@crystyl:"You understand that when we do so, the Architect's forces on the surface will flood into this place searching for you. What will become of you and the rest of the silverblood here?" Keliaya@anncaris | Hades: "We will defend you. Between the forms we have access to and Cerberus, we should be able to keep him at bay. The cap of invisibility takes no special power to wear. Use it to strike the - Keliaya@anncaris:- final blow against the thrall that was once Ar-Rhys. He will not see you coming." Mischa@crystyl nods, "They are in limited numbers. We will gladly help you defend your home from these invaders. But first, we need Ketkolep to retrieve the thunderbolt. Kelly, time to work your magic" Keliaya@anncaris nods and steps up to the connected helmet and thunderbolt, "Definitely a dark energy containment field, but all we need to get Ketkolep down here is to bring down the invisibility. Which means - Keliaya@anncaris:- disconnecting this cap. I should be able to get the wires free with an anti-resonance pulse and a sonic driver, but with energy of this level flowing through it..." Keliaya@anncaris looks to Sin, "I'm afraid we'll have to call on your help again, Ensign." Mischa@crystyl | Sin nods, "Just don't expect me to grab that thing" she looks to the thunderbolt" Mischa@crystyl:"Yes, it will do more than make your hair stand on end. Even if you were capable of breaching the barrier protecting this place" Keliaya@anncaris shakes her head, "I just need you to try and keep back the energy that the thunderbolt is feeding to the invisibility cap so I can disconnect the wires connecting the two. It's not channeling - Keliaya@anncaris:- anywhere near the full energy of the thunderbolt. Think you can manage that?" Mischa@crystyl | Sin nods, "Absolutely. But I can not simply absorb power, I can only divert it. Thrusting that kind of energy into our surroundings could destabilize this place" Keliaya@anncaris:"Could you divert it back into the dark energy containment field? It's strong enough to hold the thunderbolt, it should be able to take the energy." Mischa@crystyl | Sin looks it over and nods, "As long as it holds it should be fine. I can't guarantee what would occur if that field drops and I end up channeling the energy back into the bolt" Mischa@crystyl:"I suspect then Ketkolep's job would be complete for him. Let us work quickly while we still have the upper hand" Keliaya@anncaris:"I'll work as fast as I can so you don't have to keep it up for long." --- Keliaya@anncaris takes out her tools, looking to Sin, "Ready when you are, Ensign." Mischa@crystyl | Sin nods, moving into position, "Moment of truth" and begins her work to intercept the energy Keliaya@anncaris | Sin is able to direct the energy back into the field, which flares up darker than before as streaks of electricity shoot into it. Kelly gets to work immediately, tapping her tricorder and - Keliaya@anncaris - running it over each wire while working the sonic driver at the point where the wire connects to the helmet Keliaya@anncaris | The energy is strong, but Sin is able to hold the redirection...for now Mischa@crystyl | Sin focuses herself to maintain a steady control of the flow while Mischa watches quietly behind her again Keliaya@anncaris takes a good few seconds to connect each wire, which plops to the floor as it is disconnected. Every time a wire drops, Sin feels the energy lessen, making her task easier as it goes along Keliaya@anncaris | However, the field flares up more wildly than ever... Mischa@crystyl | Sin stumbles backwards, frowning as she fights to maintain control, "Commander..." Keliaya@anncaris:"Almost there..." Keliaya@anncaris | Half a minute later, the last wire falls to the ground! Keliaya@anncaris:"Done!" Mischa@crystyl | Sin flops, only to find Mischa there to catch her. Was she standing within arms reach the whole time? Mischa@crystyl:"You did it Sin, now take it easy" Mischa@crystyl | Sin doesn't argue Mischa@crystyl tries her commline to the ship Keliaya@anncaris takes a step back, looking up to the thunderbolt. Crackles of energy continue to run through the dark energy field, which is now quickly fading... Keliaya@anncaris:"That's not good..." Keliaya@anncaris | Mischa's comm manages to get through, though with major amounts of static! Mischa@crystyl:<C> Valley Forge, come in. The field is down. We are ready for Ketkolep Keliaya@anncaris:<C - ?> ...read y-...as drop-...on...now... Keliaya@anncaris | The dark energy field flickers out, and tendrils of electrical energy begin to arc wildly across the room Keliaya@anncaris:"Get back!" Mischa@crystyl grabs Sin and pulls her back Keliaya@anncaris backs away as well as the energy crackles through the air. One narrowly misses them, striking the ground between Kelly and Mischa and Sin, causing a large black scorch mark, though the shock - Keliaya@anncaris:- from the impact is enough to knock all three to the ground Mischa@crystyl | Sin tries to stand, "I have to... control it..." Mischa@crystyl holds her back, "Not a chance" Keliaya@anncaris | The energy continues to arc wildly. Another bolt shoots near Kelly, but before it can hit, it seems to be stopped in place by a dark cloud Keliaya@anncaris | Long, dark tendrils emerge from the cloud, almost swatting the arcing bolts out of the air as they slowly envelope around the thunderbolt. One slithers in and circles around the bolt itself, - Keliaya@anncaris:- then another and another, the tentacles fusing together to form what looks like a cocoon around the artifact Mischa@crystyl & Sin watch in silence Keliaya@anncaris | Soon, the thunderbolt is fully encased in the cocoon and the light goes out for a few seconds before the cocoon itself begins to glow. Ketkolep's voice sounds across the room Keliaya@anncaris | Ketkolep: "The thunderbolt is under control." Mischa@crystyl:"Thank you Ketkolep, your timing is impeccable" Keliaya@anncaris | Ketkolep: "I came as quickly as I could, once the field was down. The thralls are on their way inside now. I must focus my energy on breaking down the thunderbolt." Mischa@crystyl:"We will buy you the time you need, we must defend the silverblood from them as well" she nods to the others Keliaya@anncaris | The silverblood Hades steps over, picking up the disconnected helmet. It seems to expand slightly in his hands as he holds it out to Mischa and Sin, "Take this. It will make the one who dons - Keliaya@anncaris - it completely undetectable to the Horde and able to pass through solid matter, not unlike the phase shifters you utilized against the Horde, but the Horde do not have the technological means - Keliaya@anncaris:- to see or attack you through the shroud even if they suspect you are there." Mischa@crystyl & Sin share a glance to one another Mischa@crystyl | Sin: "We both know this is more your thing than mine. Take that thrall down once and for all" Mischa@crystyl nods, accepting the helm, "Not my usual method, but Ar-Rhys was once a revered figure to many cultures across this galaxy. He deserves a better final fate than that currently holds him" Keliaya@anncaris | Hades nods, handing his bident over with the helm, "You will need this as well. Your weapons will not be effective while out of phase without special modification. While I may be a recreation, - Keliaya@anncaris:- this belonged to the original Hades and was designed to be used with the cap. I am certainly Kelly will figure out a means to make your weapons work with the shroud in time, but we do not have - Keliaya@anncaris:- that time at the moment." Mischa@crystyl nods, weighing the weapon in her hand as she takes it before giving it a little flourish, "This is preferable anyway for the stealth approach" turning to the others, "We must choose our hold point" Mischa@crystyl | Sin: "Cerberus' cave?" Keliaya@anncaris | The weapon feels surprisingly light for its size! Mischa@crystyl:"Sounds good to me" to Hades, "This is your home. We will follow your lead if you prefer a different course" Keliaya@anncaris | Hades nods, "The cave is our best option." He steps over to the edge of the room, opening several display cases that line across it. From within, he fetches a sword that seems to be made of - Keliaya@anncaris:- crystal and a shield which looks like a piece of some insectoid creature's shell Keliaya@anncaris | Hades: "Let us go." Mischa@crystyl turns and follows Keliaya@anncaris follows as well, looking to Silverblood Hades' weapons, "Were these Hades' as well?" Mischa@crystyl can't deny a strange sense of purpose as they stroll along, casually walking into battle alongside Hades against a fallen Ar-Rhys and wielding relics of the Olympian gods. She smiles to herself Keliaya@anncaris | Hades: "Yes, but they were forged by neither Hephaestus or Ketkolep. Hades was always fond of collecting mementos and relics from his travels. This blade was shaped from a shard of a - Keliaya@anncaris:- crystalline entity by a long-dead race known as the Xalkand, and the shield was made from the shell of a Nitorn beast, genetically engineered by the Voth." Mischa@crystyl:"A piece of the crystalline entity? A formidable weapon to wield" she gives her own Olympian relic a second look with a pang of jealousy Keliaya@anncaris | Hades: "The bident is more than a simple spear as well. Though it does not have the power of the trident, Hephaestus' works are impressive in their own right." Keliaya@anncaris nods, "To make energy weapons that can strike targets while out of phase is one thing, but a close-quarters weapon is another." Mischa@crystyl:"This was made by Hephaestus?" she tightens her grip a little, suddenly more protective of it Keliaya@anncaris | Hades nods, "Forged on the world you know as Vulcan, like many of the Olympians' artifacts made by him. Did you ever wonder why the name transliterated so smoothly to one of your names for - Keliaya@anncaris:- Hephaestus?" Mischa@crystyl:"Honestly, most of that era is so shrouded in obscurity in our histories we tend to take everything with a pinch of faith and not fret on the details. But it is a curious factor now that you - Mischa@crystyl:- mention it" Keliaya@anncaris | The team steps back into Cerberus' cavern, where the large, three-headed alien beast still stands guard. Hades looks to Mischa, "He is almost here. Do you wish to don the cap before the - Keliaya@anncaris:- fighting begins, or after?" Mischa@crystyl:"I will disappear now before he gets a sense of my presence" Keliaya@anncaris | Hades nods, and from a nearby silverblood pool, a figure begins to form, first as a nondescript silvery blob, then taking bipedal form before it becomes a complete replica of Mischa's suit Mischa@crystyl:"A decoy?" Keliaya@anncaris | Hades: "I hope you do not mind. The Architect will not expect you if there is another one of you around." Mischa@crystyl nods, "I am all for playing to every advantage" she turns face to face with the copy, tilting her head, "I am only sorry that she had to be formed in this suit. Seems such a waste" Mischa@crystyl | Sin eyerolls Mischa@crystyl 's voice emanates back from the copy as it also tilts its head in a mirrored action, "I hope when this is over, we have the opportunity to fully capitalize on the opportunity. However brief it may- Mischa@crystyl:- be" Mischa@crystyl nods, "It's a date then" clearly grinning at the absurdity, and also at adding the talking to herself to today's list of firsts as she dons the helmet and disappears Keliaya@anncaris looks to silverblood Mischa, "You are so going to make us guess which one of you is which after this, aren't you..." Mischa@crystyl | Sin comments sideways to Kelly, "Even among our oddball crew, I think she's the only one who could go straight to that place with a copy of herself..." Keliaya@anncaris laughs, "I might consider it..." Mischa@crystyl | SM turns to Kelly, "Like I would ever do such a thing! Now that the silverblood me has disappeared, everything will be simple, you'll see!" Mischa@crystyl | Sin turns, "Wait... hey!" Keliaya@anncaris chuckles, "See, she's already trying it!" Mischa@crystyl | SM: "It was too irresistible. And whilst the thought of enjoying one's own company, but in the third person, is intriguing. Our thoughts linger more on the intellectual stimulation and talking on- Mischa@crystyl:- equal terms. It can be quite tiring having to constantly adjust your natural tone and inference to accommodate the expectations of those around you" Mischa@crystyl | Sin: "So... you can talk about all your classified stuff openly with yourself...s" Mischa@crystyl | SM grins and nods. Well, she nods. But the grin is inferred Keliaya@anncaris:"That's one way of doing it without breaking any rules..." Keliaya@anncaris | From the other end of the cavern, Architect-Rhys enters, followed by a number of suited and armed thralls Keliaya@anncaris | Architect-Rhys: "You were able to pass the field yourself. I am impressed, Sin." Mischa@crystyl | Sin: "We told you not to underestimate us. It is over, the thunderbolt is destroyed. You lost" Keliaya@anncaris | Architect-Rhys: "It has not been destroyed yet. I can sense its presence. I gave up the shield ship so you could save that Kratt world and gain their trust. I followed you all the way here - Keliaya@anncaris:- with one of the best stealth ships in the Horde. I have invested far too much into this to give up now. If you insist on standing in my way, I will have to push my way through by force." Mischa@crystyl | SB looks up at Cerberus: "I think you'll find our new friend here has something to say about that" Keliaya@anncaris | Architect-Rhys: "Of course. Hades' pet." Keliaya@anncaris:"So it is a pet..." Mischa@crystyl:"And he is such a good boy too" Keliaya@anncaris | Cerberus lowers one of its heads again, its throat glowing before a burst of plasma spews out. Architect-Rhys raises his shield which expands in size, shielding him from the blast. He jabs his - Keliaya@anncaris:- spear forward, but Cerberus yanks back his head and sweeps his long, serpentine tail instead. Architect-Rhys flips over the tail, far more agile than he looks in his armoured suit. As the tail - Keliaya@anncaris:- returns, he leaps on top of it and attempts to run up the beast's body, but Cerberus slams its tail into the cavern wall, knocking Architect-Rhys off Keliaya@anncaris | Architect-Rhys breaks his fall with a roll and gestures with his spear, and the thralls begin to advance and open fire Mischa@crystyl bides her time for when he just stands to give his order, standing right in front of him she thrusts the bident forwards through his throat Keliaya@anncaris | Architect-Rhys doesn't see the strike coming. The bident pierces through his throat and he staggers back. He swipes his spear in front of him but it passes through Mischa harmlessly, unable to - Keliaya@anncaris:- hit her. He lets go of the weapon, grabbing his throat as he drops to his knees. The thralls freeze for a moment and Cerberus takes full advantage, breathing plasma from all three heads and - Keliaya@anncaris:- disintegrating a number of them Mischa@crystyl thrusts again at the weakened Olympian to drive him down onto his back Keliaya@anncaris | The Ar-Rhys thralls indeed drops on his back, clutching desperately at his invisible attacker in the air. The other thralls regain their composure and fire back, but their weapons don't seem - Keliaya@anncaris:- to be able to penetrate Cerberus' skin. Cerberus meanwhile continues thinning them down, clawing and swiping his tail at the ones that evade the plasma Mischa@crystyl aims to deliver a killing blow, driving the bident down at a sharp angle to cut into his jugular and make it a quick ending Keliaya@anncaris | As Mischa finishes off the Ar-Rhys thrall, it slowly begins to fade away, until there is nothing left of its body. Its armoured suit and shield clatters to the ground where he lay a moment ago Keliaya@anncaris | The other thralls begin to rush over, going for Ar-Rhys' spear as their weapons are unable to harm Cerberus. Hades points his sword at the thralls running for the spear and a beam of energy - Keliaya@anncaris:- shoots forward from it, vapourizing the two thralls caught in the line before he rushes to protect the spear, cutting down two more thralls on the way Mischa@crystyl | Sin meanwhile helps Cerberus hold back the ranks with telekinetic waves pushing them back Mischa@crystyl remains stealthed, wielding the bident more like a spear and cutting into the thralls with wide sweeping attacks Keliaya@anncaris | The silverblood pools begin to rise again, this time forming into the shapes of Kratt, Lupan and Nuhar drones which crash upon the Horde ranks on all sides. The crustacean Kratt barrel into - Keliaya@anncaris:- thralls, knocking them prone and crushing limbs and heads with their two large claws while the more agile Lupan leap over their backs into the thick of fighting, clawing and biting. Silverblood - Keliaya@anncaris:- Nuhar drones circle across the cavern, picking off the thralls with their red beams Keliaya@anncaris opens fire with her phaser as well, helping where she can, though the Horde are very much overwhelmed now Keliaya@anncaris | Before long, the thralls are finished off, and the silverblood creations, with the exception of Hades and Mischa, make their way back to the pools and are reabsorbed by the silver liquid Mischa@crystyl | SM joins the others, "Are you both ok?" Keliaya@anncaris nods, "I'm alright," she checks her tricorder, "No sign of any more thralls in the area. You can come out now, Mischa!" Keliaya@anncaris:"...other Mischa." Mischa@crystyl appears next to her clone, taking off the helmet, "You're no fun" she teases, tapping her commlink, "Valley Forge. Do you read?" Keliaya@anncaris:<C - TQ> We read you, Commander. Signal's clea...significantly since your last contact. Mischa@crystyl:<C> Priority One action: There is an advanced Horde stealth ship in the area. Command override Alpha-One; seek and destroy Keliaya@anncaris:<C - TQ> The bridge is on it, Commander Mischa@crystyl:<C> Acknowledged. Stand by on further updates here Mischa@crystyl turns to the others, "Hopefully it didn't drop those thralls and run" Keliaya@anncaris:"I doubt it. Transporting down here through the environment is difficult enough, transporting without the Valley Forge having noticed is impossible unless they have significantly better transporter - Keliaya@anncaris:- technology, which they would've implemented on other ships too. They've most likely landed on the planet." Mischa@crystyl | SM: "Your Captain has entrusted the three of you with completion of the mission down here. You must trust in her and the rest of your crew to find equal success up there" Mischa@crystyl turns to her clone, "I couldn't have put it better myself" Mischa@crystyl | SM dips her head to Mischa, "Why thank you" Mischa@crystyl | Sin eyerolls again, "Are you two always going to be this insufferable?" Mischa@crystyl & SM share glance then back to Sin in unison, "Yes" Keliaya@anncaris:"If you had taken the helmet Ensign, there'd be two Sins right now. Not sure that would be better, though..." Mischa@crystyl:"I think even Q would tremble before such a sight" Keliaya@anncaris chuckles, "If they don't turn on each other immediately after Ar-Rhys has been taken down to determine who's the superior Sin..." Mischa@crystyl | Sun shrugs and nods, "A distinct possibility. But we all know I'd win" Mischa@crystyl | SM: "In a fight between you and you? I would certainly put my money on, well... you" Mischa@crystyl chuckles, looking to Hades, "This could go well into the next galactic cycle. How are you and the other silverbloods faring after that encounter?" Keliaya@anncaris | Hades: "We have taken little damage, thanks to your assistance. We will survive here." Keliaya@anncaris:"But we should probably return to the ship soon. Unlike you, we need to refill our oxygen and maintain these suits, this environment does quite a number on them." Mischa@crystyl:"I am relieved to hear it. I know you are not individuals in the same sense that we understand it, but I want to thank you and all of the silverblood here for your aid. Not just today, but in - Mischa@crystyl:- everything you have done since Hades took shelter here. But Kelly is right, we must return to the ship for a brief respite" Keliaya@anncaris | Hades nods, "He entrusted us with the protection of his collection and the care of Cerberus, and we will serve his final wish. The thunderbolt is Ketkolep's now, as it is his creation. Do you - Keliaya@anncaris:- wish to take the cap with you for use against the Horde as well?" Mischa@crystyl:"We will gladly accept any tool you see fit to have us wield against the Horde" Keliaya@anncaris | Hades: "Then you may have it. I would ask that you return the bident, you should be able to make your own weapons compatible with the shroud. If there is anything else that may be of use from - Keliaya@anncaris:- the collection, you are welcome to take it with you, provided that you return them once the Horde is defeated." Mischa@crystyl:"Then with your permission, I would like to return to your armoury in order to assess the suitability of its contents" Mischa@crystyl | SM: "I can accompany you and provide details" Mischa@crystyl:"Tempting, but hardly the best date we can muster. Besides, I don't think these two would ever trust us as to who is really who again upon our return if we did that" Keliaya@anncaris chuckles, "True. We can return to the ship first and come back with some more tactical experts like Rianni. Just don't go make more duplicates of her..." Mischa@crystyl | Sin: "Don't give them ideas..." Mischa@crystyl looks between SM and Hades, "Though we joke about, we would like to make the most of this opportunity by using our presence to allow the silverblood to 'stretch their biological' legs. I have no - Mischa@crystyl:- doubt that if you wish it, Keelah will welcome as many of you as desired to take on physical forms and experience sentient interaction as we do now" Keliaya@anncaris | Hades nods, "Thank you. We have developed many capabilities since Hades encountered us, such as the ability to store forms and reabsorb ourselves back, as you have witnessed. It would be our - Keliaya@anncaris:- pleasure to take on new experiences to add to our collective knowledge." Mischa@crystyl:"The only caveat will be that none of you takes the form of any member of Keelah's crew, at least not without prior discussion with both the crewmember in question and either myself of Keelah. It's - Mischa@crystyl:- not that you are not trusted, just that this crew has had sufficient experience with lifeforms such as yourselves and may not be as comfortable as others with the potential of duplication" Mischa@crystyl:"Utilizing other forms to distinguish yourselves would be optimal, at least to begin with" Mischa@crystyl | SM: "Does that include me?" Mischa@crystyl:"...there are exceptions to every rule. You had to be introduced to the equation before this discussion and it would not be right to deny you the mind you now experience. For better or worse, it is - Mischa@crystyl:- now the one you have. Furthermore, I will gladly consent if it means experiencing your company for myself, and once we return I will put Keelah's mind at rest with additional measures to ensure - Mischa@crystyl:- our identities can not be mixed up" Mischa@crystyl | SM perks up, "Then I look forward to it" Mischa@crystyl | Sin grumbles, "Of course you do..." Keliaya@anncaris | Hades: "We have enough forms stored to facilitate interaction without having to assume any of yours. You have my word, we will not recreate any of you unless we have your permission." Mischa@crystyl:"Thank you. I am again sorry to ask, but it is just to alleviate any initial reservations from the crew. They are after all, not my crew so it is not my place to speak for them. Now, let us return - Mischa@crystyl:- to replenish our oxygen and update Keelah. We will return shortly with others to assess the armoury on offer" Mischa@crystyl | Sin: "I'll be straight back with that group to keep them in check too" Mischa@crystyl turns to Sin, "Of course you will" Mischa@crystyl | Sin: "I... well Ketkolep is here, and since awakening him I guess I'm sort of responsible for him. So I- I'm going to watch over him while he works!" Mischa@crystyl pats her on the shoulder, "You don't have to justify yourself to me. You've done yourself proud here, and were I in your shoes I would do exactly the same thing" Keliaya@anncaris Hades: "We look forward to speaking with you again." Mischa@crystyl | SM nods: "Me too! I know exactly how you feel with a protective bond driving you to care for an otherworldly lifeform" Mischa@crystyl & Sin both look to SM, one clearly more inquisitively. SM realizes her err and brushes it off before Sin can push Mischa@crystyl looks to SM: "I will see you shortly" stepping back and tapping her comm, "Valley Forge; three to beam out" --- Keliaya@anncaris | The team materialize back on the VF's transporter pad Keliaya@anncaris takes off her helmet before stepping off the pad, "Much better. And we're not dying, which means we're not duplicates." Mischa@crystyl immediately peels off her helmet and breathes in the slightly less stuffy air, "Much better. Well, it's no spring day in the Cambridgeshire countryside but still an improvement" Keliaya@anncaris | Katie: "Duplicates? What happened down here?" Mischa@crystyl:"More than we bargained for" to the others, "I'm going to check on the search progress" Keliaya@anncaris nods, "I'll come help, I spent a lot of time countering cloaks in the Klingon War. Just give me a moment to get the rest of this suit off..." Mischa@crystyl nods, promptly ditching her own with a comment to Katie, "Sorry to strip and dash like this, but we are rather keen to return to the bridge" Mischa@crystyl | Sin doesn't strip out of her suit, true to her word she moves to swap out the essentials, "I'll be heading back down shortly. Don't worry /I/ will help clean up their mess" Keliaya@anncaris | Katie chuckles, "No worries. Sounds like you have quite a complex situation going on..." Keliaya@anncaris looks to Mischa as she steps out of her suit fully, "Ready to head to the bridge?" Mischa@crystyl clears her own as well, "Let's go!" Mischa@crystyl clearly wore her standard skirted uniform under that suit... Keliaya@anncaris gives Keelah a nod as she arrives on the bridge, "Captain." Mischa@crystyl | Keelah turns: "Welcome back you two... just you two?" Keliaya@anncaris:"Sin's waiting in the transporter room, eager to go back down again." Mischa@crystyl:"She will return momentarily to continue working with Ketkolep on reforging the weapon. How goes the search?" Keliaya@anncaris makes her way to her console Keliaya@anncaris | Vrolmacht: "We have tried tachyon sweeps, but the cloaking must be sufficiently advanced, like Romulan cloaks." Keliaya@anncaris taps on her console, "If my suspicion's true, they've landed on the planet. If they try to leave, when they pass through the layer of atmosphere with the thickest radiation, they /should/ leave - Keliaya@anncaris:- behind a faint but detectable tetryon signature, if the cloak is anything like technology we're familiar with." Mischa@crystyl | Lennie: "I'll-a keep one eye on it f'any kinda disturbance" Keliaya@anncaris | Ann: "So, wha' happened down on the surface? Did ya run into the Horde there?" Mischa@crystyl | Keelah nods, eyeing the helmet tucked proudly under Mischa's arm with a curiously perked brow, "I am guessing things have developed" Mischa@crystyl smiles, patting it proudly, "This Hades' helm of invisibility from our mythology. I also wielded his bident and killed the Ar-Rhys thrall with it. Oh by the way; it was forged by Hephaestus. On - Mischa@crystyl:- Vulcan" Mischa@crystyl | Keelah sits back a little, "Quite the tale indeed" Keliaya@anncaris chuckles, "That's a very condensed version of what happened, at least." Mischa@crystyl:"Ok let's see, Sin breached a telepathic barrier supposedly to hold back anyone but the Olympians themselves. I rewarded Cerberus for being a good and loyal pet. Then Sin absorbed the power of the thunderbolt - Mischa@crystyl: - and we fought against Ar-Rhys and the Horde alongside the silverblood copy of Hades. They’re interested in coming and visiting the ship after centuries of isolation on that planet” Mischa@crystyl | Keelah: “Silverblood, as in...?” Mischa@crystyl nods, “The same kind of lifeform that once made a copy of you, but these silverblood more evolved than others; having experienced many sentient forms over a longer period than many - Mischa@crystyl:- Children races have been. But as usual they are limited in their capacity to hold physical forms away from their native environment. You are explorers still are you not? Meeting new life and all - Mischa@crystyl:- Starfleet goodness /is/ what brought you out here in the first place yes? We have caveats in place, and nothing happens without your approval" Keliaya@anncaris nods, "They promised not to assume any of our forms without our permission." Mischa@crystyl | Keelah thinks a moment and smiles, nodding slightly, "I assume we have something of a wait while Ketkolep works. Very well, as long as their attendance is controlled and they remain respectful of- Mischa@crystyl:- others' privacy then we will of course welcome them to visit" Mischa@crystyl | Rianni watches from the sidelines with fascination at the casual discussion of such wild tales Mischa@crystyl clocks her and leans in to Keelah, whispering, "And we made them promise not to make any more Rianni's" Mischa@crystyl may have said it loud enough for her to hear, and gets the desired fluster reaction Mischa@crystyl looks over, "Anyway Ensign; your presence has been requested on the surface as well" Mischa@crystyl | Rianni: "It... has?" Mischa@crystyl nods, turning to Keelah to explain, "Hades has a powerful armoury down there. Relics collected by the original Hades during his lifetime. We saw an impressive blade created from a cutting of the - Mischa@crystyl:- crystalline entity for one. He has offered us use of anything there but the bident in our fight against the Horde, as long as we agree to return any borrowed relics here for safekeeping - Mischa@crystyl:- afterwards. It was suggested that Ensign Tierno would be well suited to provide judgement on the suitability of different atypical items" Mischa@crystyl | Keelah nods, "Of course. As soon as this Horde ship is dealt with Ensign, you may proceed with this assignment" looking to Mischa, "But you are staying right here to look after these silverblood- Mischa@crystyl:- guests of yours. I don't dispute your decision in inviting them and would likely have done the same myself. But, you invited them so you are accountable" Mischa@crystyl smiles, sensing a little payback being cashed in from her earlier denying Keelah the away mission. She dips her head respectfully of the senior officer, "Of course, Captain" Keliaya@anncaris:"Probably for the best, so we don't confuse her with the silverblood version. Unless she comes here as well..." Mischa@crystyl grins a little, not having to see Keelah's face in that moment Mischa@crystyl:"I will take personal responsibility for her" Mischa@crystyl | Rianni: "But Commander, if there's two of you walking around, won't you be at risk of getting mixed up? Trust me, I know all too well how easy that happens..." Mischa@crystyl chuckles, "That is why I will see your doctor first and have her implant me with subdermal monitoring devices. At any time, regardless of surface appearance you will be able to know which me is me" Mischa@crystyl | Keelah nods: "Acceptable" Keliaya@anncaris | Lennie's sensors catch a tetryon reading in the atmospheric layer with the heaviest radiation! Mischa@crystyl | Lennie: "Got a contact! Kelly ya was right!" Mischa@crystyl | Keelah: "Red alert. Target that location with a phaser sweep" Keliaya@anncaris | Vrolmacht nods and taps his console. The red alert lighting kicks in while on the viewscreen, a frigate decloaks as it leaves orbit of the planet, caught by the phaser sweep Mischa@crystyl | Keelah: "Intercept course" turning to Lennie: "Analysis?" Keliaya@anncaris | Ann nods, "On it!" Mischa@crystyl | Lennie: "Nothin' special in armaments. Hull platin's different though, could be t'complement tha' fancy cloak o'theirs" Mischa@crystyl | Keelah: "Tactical analysis; can you disable it?" Mischa@crystyl:"Captain may I remind you that this ship was able to tail us for several days at close range, enter the atmosphere under our noses and almost emerge without ever being detected. It presents a - Mischa@crystyl:- significant risk to the Coalition. Give no quarter, destroy them" Mischa@crystyl | Keelah shakes her head, "If their cloak is that fancy then I want to take it from them if we can. If it can't be disabled, then we will destroy but I'm not wasting the opportunity to gain such an - Mischa@crystyl:- advantage. Even if the Horde know the technology, it may prove fruitful in time" Mischa@crystyl smiles and nods, "Then with your permission" she gestures to a vacant console, moving over once Keelah nods, and setting up a cyberwarfare suite just in case they manage it Keliaya@anncaris | Ann: "Tha' ship's fast, but we can get it...." Keliaya@anncaris | Vrolmacht: "The Kratt vessel is joining pursuit as well. They may not know we intend to disable." Mischa@crystyl:"I will attempt to disrupt their power systems" Mischa@crystyl doesn't say that her first thing was to send a quick message to Mia and recruit her Nuhar army who are all now plugging in all across the ship to assist the attack Mischa@crystyl | Keelah: "Tee, message the Kratt and explain our intention to disable the ship" Mischa@crystyl | TQ nods, "Already on it" Keliaya@anncaris | The Kratt send an acknowledgement! Keliaya@anncaris | Ann: "Wha'ever ya doin', it's workin'. Horde ship is slowin' down, intercept in ten seconds." Keliaya@anncaris | Vrolmacht: "Weapons ready, Captain." Mischa@crystyl | Lennie: "Tractor beams standin' by too" Mischa@crystyl | Keelah, "Tractor beams to station holding. Tactical fire to disable weapons and engines" Mischa@crystyl | Rianni works quickly alongside Vrolmacht to try and identify an optimal targeting solution Keliaya@anncaris | The tractor beams lock on to the fleeing Horde ship. It attempts to polarize its hull and wiggle free, but it is held in place long enough for Rianni and Vrolmacht's targeting solution to - Keliaya@anncaris - disable its engines! A few quick followup shots disables the weapons, leaving it helpless Mischa@crystyl | Rianni declares triumphantly, "They are dead in space Captain" Mischa@crystyl | Keelah nods, a small proud smile at her team's efforts, "Nicely done everyone. Mischa, can you do something about the population over there?" Mischa@crystyl nods, "I am familiar with your tried and tested method of overriding environmental systems" tapping away Mischa@crystyl doesn't actually try to do that, instead moves to open all airlocks and flush every thrall out into space Keliaya@anncaris | Thralls fly out into space from airlocks across the ship, draining it of most lifesigns. The ones that remain quickly flicker away, having died from the lack of an environment inside the - Keliaya@anncaris - ship Mischa@crystyl | Keelah turns to Mischa who spins around, continuing her previous statement, "Of course, such methods are far better suited when there is a purpose to keeping the hostiles alive. I have much more - Mischa@crystyl:- efficient means of dealing with thralls in these circumstances" Mischa@crystyl | Keelah hrms but doesn't argue the point, "Vrolmacht, Kelly, secure that ship. If we can restore systems, we'll man it with a skeleton crew for the return journey. If not, prepare it for warp tow" Mischa@crystyl sends a quick thank you message to Mia and her drone army before closing the console back down and rejoining Keelah Keliaya@anncaris nods, "On my way." She glances to Mischa, "Don't forget to restore the atmosphere, Mischa. I'd rather not go in a suit if I didn't have to..." Mischa@crystyl glances back with a smile, "I've even scented it with a hint of lavender, just for you Kelly" Keliaya@anncaris smiles back, "Aw, thank you Commander!" She heads to the turbolift with Vrolmacht Mischa@crystyl:"We have dealt a crushing blow to the Architect here today, Keelah. You were looking for that turning point; I believe this is it" Mischa@crystyl | Keelah looks up at her, curious how Mischa knows about her comments to Vora. She nods, "I hope you are right" Mischa@crystyl | Rianni looks over, "Captain, should I...?" Mischa@crystyl | Keelah nods, "Proceed Ensign" Mischa@crystyl | Rianni hands tactical over to an npc and heads out as well Keliaya@anncaris | As everyone heads out, Lennie's sensors pick up on transporting from the Kratt ship to the disabled Horde ship... Mischa@crystyl | Lennie: "Erm, Cap'n... seems ya ain't th'only one thinkin' on boardin' tha' thing" Mischa@crystyl | Keelah sighs, "Tee, please inform the Kratt that we are sending a team to recover that ship to use in the fight against the Horde. Invite them to share in all we learn from it" Keliaya@anncaris | The Kratt ship replies with, "We will provide assistance in restoring its systems while studying. Data will be shared." Mischa@crystyl | Keelah smiles, "That will do. Please inform Vrolmachts team before they beam over. Don't want them getting surprised by Kratt attendance" Mischa@crystyl:"See, you're making new friends all over the place again" --- Keliaya@anncaris beams into the main engineering of the Horde stealth ship with Emma, Vrolmacht and several other engineers. Further inside, a number of Kratt skitter around, working away at consoles and using - Keliaya@anncaris - various tools across the room Mischa@crystyl | Emma looks around, "Well this will be interesting" Keliaya@anncaris nods, "Let's do our best not to get in their way or agitate them. I've seen silverblood duplicates of them crushing thralls with those larger claws..." Mischa@crystyl | Emma: "Point taken. But don't we need to coordinate with them somehow? At least make sure that we don't trip over each other?" Keliaya@anncaris:"I'm not sure how we communicate with them..." Keliaya@anncaris steps forward, "Hello?" None of them pay her any attention Mischa@crystyl | Emma: "I guess... we just find our way then?" Keliaya@anncaris:"They were communicating with us on the bridge through text. Maybe that could work?" Mischa@crystyl | Emma: "It's worth a try" she taps out something on a PADD, "The universal translator should accommodate since it's already adapted through the ship to ship comms. She cautiously approaches one and- Mischa@crystyl:- presents the PADD face out for it see. Simply reading, "Work together?" Keliaya@anncaris | The Kratt looks to the PADD before tapping on its console. Technical schematics of the ship pop up, highlighting certain areas Keliaya@anncaris joins behind Emma, "I think it's showing us which areas to work on." Mischa@crystyl | Emma looks to the screen and nods, tapping again to display, "We will work in these areas. Please ask if we can help in yours" Keliaya@anncaris | The Kratt taps on its console, and text appears across its screen, "Understood." Keliaya@anncaris smiles, "Seems we have an understanding, then. Wonder if they can even hear us talk, or if they're just unable to process verbal communication..." Mischa@crystyl | Emma smiles to the Kratt, pleased that they established a dialogue, "I am also curious, hopefully we will get to know them better as we work together here" Mischa@crystyl | Emma downloads the schematics and work areas, reviewing them with Kelly, "I don't suppose the cloaking system is in one of our areas?" Keliaya@anncaris:"Not the core of the cloak, but it looks like the cloak is everywhere. It's set up almost like our shielding systems, with nodes across the hull like our shield emitters." Mischa@crystyl | Emma: "I know it's not a priority, but we need to ensure it's secrets are shared as agreed. So, what systems do we have if we're to get this thing flying again?" Keliaya@anncaris:"Looks like they want us working on the warp system and reinforcing structural integrity, with a few EPS conduits across the ship." Mischa@crystyl | Emma: "I'm guessing warp is top of that list then?" Keliaya@anncaris nods, "Definitely. I'm guessing they've given us the hull and warp because it's the most different from their own technology. They're nothing if not efficient." Mischa@crystyl | Emma: "Can't fault them for it!" --- T'Lana@anncaris | Rianni beams back down into Hades' collection chamber with T'Lana and Sin. Once again, silverblood Hades is waiting for them with the thunderbolt still encased in Ketkolep's cocoon behind him Rianni@crystyl looks around in awe, then to Sin, "Is that... Ketkolep?" T'Lana@anncaris | With the glow emanating from the cocoon, the room is well-lit, revealing shelves, lockers and display cases set around the room Rianni@crystyl | Sin nods, "It seems this is how he reforges the weapon" T'Lana@anncaris | Hades: "Welcome Rianni, daughter of Marcus and Vittoria Tierno. That is, assuming you are that Rianni." Rianni@crystyl is preoccupied looking around the chamber of treasures, attention snapping to Hades, "I... yes, that's me. But how...?" Rianni@crystyl | Sin smirks a little to herself T'Lana@anncaris | Hades: "How I know who you are? I have the knowledge and memories of Commander Leveson-Scott now," he gives a slight smirk as he rises from his seat and approaches the group Rianni@crystyl:"Oh right, the... Silverblood, was it?" T'Lana@anncaris | Hades: "Yes. Do not worry, I have no intention of making a copy of you." Rianni@crystyl:"Yes... I heard that was a thing now. Can't say I'm surprised though, there are a lot of me's around it seems. It's kind of hard to keep track" T'Lana@anncaris | Hades looks to T'Lana, "And you must be T'Lana. You remind me of Hephaestus." T'Lana@anncaris raises a brow, which can't be seen through the suit but can almost be heard in her tone of voice, "Hephaestus? Why is that?" Rianni@crystyl:"I heard Commander Leveson-Scott say something about him forging the weapon she used here on Vulcan. Maybe that's it?" T'Lana@anncaris:"Fascinating. That would explain the linguistic similarity of one of our homeworld's common names to one of Hephaestus'." T'Lana@anncaris | Hades nods, "Yes, he forged many of his works on your world, but you in particular are much like him, though he was certainly fond of your people as well." Rianni@crystyl smiles at that thought being something important to T'Lana T'Lana@anncaris:"Why me in particular?" T'Lana@anncaris | Hades: "Hephaestus' powers, you see, were significantly underdeveloped compared to the rest of his species. He turned to technology to make up for what he lacked in ability, and that was why - T'Lana@anncaris:- he became the greatest engineer among the Olympians. The others were not inept with technology, but were far more focused on obtaining worship to fuel their power. Hephaestus spent most of his - T'Lana@anncaris:- studying, developing and innovating." Rianni@crystyl loooks between the two in confusion T'Lana@anncaris looks to Rianni, "He is referring to the fact that I do not possess the telepathic abilities that my species is capable of, something he no doubt also learned from Commander Leveson-Scott." Rianni@crystyl:"Oh! Apologies, I had no idea" T'Lana@anncaris:"No need to apologize. I did not expect you to know, which was why I explained the similarity." Rianni@crystyl:"Well it certainly explains the similarity Hades sees" turning to him, "So... I was told you want us to use some of your weapons here against the Horde or something?" T'Lana@anncaris | Hades nods, "You may take anything you find of use to you, as long as you return it once the Horde are defeated. Speaking of Hephaestus..." T'Lana@anncaris | Hades leads the way to two display cases. Inside one is a vest adorned with tentacle-like motifs, and in the other sits two crossbow-like weapons T'Lana@anncaris | He opens the one with the vest first, "You may be familiar with this one from your mythology. It is the Aegis, crafted of course by Hephaestus." Rianni@crystyl:"Really? I thought that was a shield! If nothing else, I hope we can use this opportunity to put the record straight on things like that. So this is used by... Athena I think?" T'Lana@anncaris | Hades smiles, "It is a shield, but a shield as you would visualize it now rather than what your ancestors would have understood as a shield. That is why your mythology has conflicting accounts - T'Lana@anncaris:- of whether the Aegis was a shield or a piece of clothing or armour, at least from the sources your Commander read. It was most closely associated with Athena, though Zeus and the others used it - T'Lana@anncaris:- on occasion as well." He slips the vest on himself and turns to Rianni, "You may see for yourself what it does. Use your phaser on me." Rianni@crystyl:"O...k... if you insist" she tentatively draws her weapon and fires on a low setting T'Lana@anncaris | The phaser hits Hades, but a layer of shielding flickers to life around his skin, absorbing the shot Rianni@crystyl:"Impressive. Is it purely energy shielding or does it provide physical protection as well?" she guesses, given how it was famed in Earth mythology and they didn't have phasers back then as far as - Rianni@crystyl:- she knows T'Lana@anncaris | Hades: "It provides both. Unlike your energy shielding, it does not form a separate bubble of energy around what is being shielded, but reinforces that object with the energy. The energy is - T'Lana@anncaris - not hovering above my skin, but rather infused with my skin. As such, I may freely interact with the world around me," he closes and opens the case again, "without the energy interfering, but - T'Lana@anncaris:- any attempt to harm me, with a phaser or a blade, will not penetrate as the skin, or clothes or whatever your topmost layer of surface is, has now been reinforced with energy." T'Lana@anncaris | Hades: "The shielding can be overwhelmed with enough power, but it is more than enough to ward off your handheld weapons even at the maximum setting." Rianni@crystyl:"That is certainly useful" T'Lana@anncaris | Hades nods, taking off the Aegis, "You may borrow it for this conflict if you desire. It will only protect the wearer, but it may keep important individuals such as your Captain safe, should - T'Lana@anncaris:- she decide to embark on a dangerous mission." Rianni@crystyl:"As if Commander Leveson-Scott would ever let her... but yes, it will be most beneficial as you say. Thank you" she makes notes on her PADD T'Lana@anncaris takes the vest, "We will ensure it is returned unharmed once the conflict is over." T'Lana@anncaris | Hades steps over to the other display case with the crossbow-like weapons within, "These may not be of particular use against the Horde, but you may be interested to learn of them, as they - T'Lana@anncaris - were also creations of Hephaestus. I will let you determine whether you wish to borrow them." Rianni@crystyl turns attentively T'Lana@anncaris | Hades opens the case, "These are the bows of Eros. Your myths speak only of one bow, and they are correct," he lifts one of the weapons with a golden trim, "This was the one used by our Eros. - T'Lana@anncaris:- It affects the target with pheromones of choice, causing them to either flee or become infatuated with either the source of the pheromones or the first person they see." T'Lana@anncaris | Hades: "The effects of the latter are not unlike that naturally produced by Orions, and are likely of little use to a ship with a great deal of Orions already serving on board." Rianni@crystyl giggles a little, "You are probably right there. But this is all good historical cataloguing!" T'Lana@anncaris | Hades nods, setting the bow down, "I thought you would be interested." He picks up the other bow, whose design is almost identical but trimmed with deep red lines, "This one, your myths do - T'Lana@anncaris:- not speak of." Rianni@crystyl:"Ooh" T'Lana@anncaris | Hades: "This is one of the last relics of the Tyrants, the versions of the Olympians from the alternate universe they encountered. Most of their equipment was destroyed in the war, either - T'Lana@anncaris:- because there was no other choice, or they were designed solely to cause pain and suffering and nothing else. This one is the bow of their Eros. It too has the ability to strike fear with - T'Lana@anncaris:- pheromones, but the other type of pheromones it unleashes overcomes one with fury instead of desire. One affected by those pheromones will lash out at anything around them, often turning upon - T'Lana@anncaris:- their own allies and causing chaos among their ranks." Rianni@crystyl:"I guess I should expect the mirror version of the Olympians to have such malicious tools" T'Lana@anncaris | Hades: "This was among their tamest weapons, and one that had a practical use in war rather than simply causing torment for the sake of torment itself. That was why Hades retained it in his - T'Lana@anncaris:- collection, under our protection, of course." Rianni@crystyl:"I assume this is all held here still under that premise - to protect the galaxy from such powerful weapons being misused? And that's why anything we take must be returned, yes?" T'Lana@anncaris | Hades: "Indeed. Of course, the Aegis is a tool of protection rather than destruction, but the technology could still be dissected and used for the wrong purposes, as you yourselves witnessed - T'Lana@anncaris:- with the shielding modifications you provided to the Forli at the Quaternary Stars." Rianni@crystyl nods, "All the more reason why we are ever so grateful for you entrusting these to us even for a short time" T'Lana@anncaris | Hades: "You fight for a just cause, not to mention if you are to lose, the Horde will overwhelm us eventually and these artifacts will fall into their hands." Rianni@crystyl:"Speaking of just causes, is it true that Ar-Rhys - or the shadow of that figure that was reduced to life as a thrall - fell here?" T'Lana@anncaris | Hades nods, "It is true. We have collected his equipment and added it to the collection here. His shield was another creation of Hephaestus, though not one with any particularly grand legends - T'Lana@anncaris:- associated with it. It can deflect focused energy back at its source, but it takes skill and training to use, and a shield is not within your usual Starfleet repertoire, is it?" Rianni@crystyl:"No, but I was hoping the remnants of his equipment - or at least something of it - would be something we could take freely. Captain Vix fought him, and he was the only person who she didn't manage - Rianni@crystyl:- defeat. Though we did best him in the end, seeing proof of his demise might be of importance to her. But she is not the kind to simply borrow things. It is of no consequence though, please - Rianni@crystyl:- continue!" T'Lana@anncaris | Hades: "It was one of you who struck the final blow, and it is by right yours. You may take any pieces you wish." He steps over to the shelf where Ar-Rhys' shield and Horde armour are being kept Rianni@crystyl follows, looking the set over for a suitable prize for Lexi Rianni@crystyl | Sin calls over, having been listening but staying with Ketkolep, "How about the codpiece?" with a snort Rianni@crystyl grumbles T'Lana@anncaris | Hades: "If it is a trophy you seek, the shield is no doubt the most impressive. The helm may also be quite a visual symbol. This one was crafted as a replacement by the Horde rather than an - T'Lana@anncaris:- original of Olympian make, though it could be used to symbolize his state as a thrall." Rianni@crystyl hrms, "She does have a fondness for bladed weapons. But... I think the symbology of presenting her with his 'head' will be more fitting. Yes, that will do nicely thank you" T'Lana@anncaris | Hades nods, retrieving the helm and handing it to Rianni, "It is all yours, then." Rianni@crystyl studies it with mixed feelings before tucking it under her arm, "Ok, so back to the Horde. Obviously their greatest strength is their numbers, so does any of this cater more to dealing with large - Rianni@crystyl:- volumes of foes?" T'Lana@anncaris | Hades nods, stepping over to a different display case, "This one, some of you have already seen in use. It is created from a shard of a crystalline entity and can be used to fire a powerful - T'Lana@anncaris:- beam which cuts through multiple foes. Every enemy slain is converted into energy for the blade, in the same way the entity itself feeds, but on a lesser scale. The drawback is that it accepts no - T'Lana@anncaris:- external energy sources. When the energy is depleted, the only way to charge the beam again is by slaying foes by using the blade as a blade, in close quarters, but once enough enemies have been - T'Lana@anncaris:- consumed, it may once again fire its beam. It is best used against larger numbers of enemies, as the beam is only sustainable if it consumes enough enemies to continue powering itself." Rianni@crystyl | Sin calls over again, "It did a good job in the fight here, and Commander fancy-pants had her eye on it too!" Rianni@crystyl glances back then nods to Hades, "Alright, since we have at least one key player willing and able to wield such a weapon then I am sure it would not go to waste" T'Lana@anncaris | Hades: "Then it is yours to borrow as well. There is another weapon which is of particular use against large numbers of enemies, though I will provide you the means to produce it rather than - T'Lana@anncaris:- the weapon itself." Rianni@crystyl:"That is most gracious!" T'Lana@anncaris | Hades: "I will need one of your isolinear chips." Rianni@crystyl unclips one from her PADD and passes it over T'Lana@anncaris | Hades steps over to a nearby pool of silverblood and dips the chip inside. An identical chip forms on top of the liquid and he takes it, handing both back to Rianni, "Download the data from - T'Lana@anncaris:- our chip and return it to the pool." Rianni@crystyl takes them both, with a nod she plugs the silverblood chip into her PADD T'Lana@anncaris | The data downloads into her PADD as schematics to produce something known as a singularity grenade, which makes use of a highly compressed form of micro-singularity technology Rianni@crystyl:"Singularity grenades? Wow..." T'Lana@anncaris | Hades: "Now you see why I cannot offer you the weapon itself, as each grenade is consumed upon usage. The method of function is surprisingly similar to the crystalline blade. The grenade - T'Lana@anncaris:- detonates into a small micro-singularity, which pulls anything nearby inside. The more it consumes, the larger and stronger the singularity grows. A very dangerous weapon if used improperly, but - T'Lana@anncaris:- by far the most effective grenade to use against overwhelming enemy numbers. It is Tkon technology but an invention from one of their earlier ages. I only present it to you as your people already - T'Lana@anncaris:- control several Iconian Spheres, which contain far riskier technology. If you have managed omega particle generators, I trust you will be able to use those responsibly." Rianni@crystyl:"I promise you that we will" T'Lana@anncaris | Hades nods, "Good. There is a limit to how large these micro-singularities can expand under normal circumstances. They will usually not consume an entire ship or city, but they could grow - T'Lana@anncaris:- to consume the user if you are not careful. If you seek to use them, learn how much the singularity expands dependent on the mass it consumes, and take note of the amount of enemies and other - T'Lana@anncaris:- objects it may consume when activated." Rianni@crystyl nods, "I will make sure we fully understand any weapon before attempting to wield its power" T'Lana@anncaris | Hades holds out his hand, "Return the chip once the information is downloaded into your PADD, so we may reabsorb it." Rianni@crystyl:"Oh right!" she chuckles, "Sorry, I almost forgot" promptly retrieving it and handing it back T'Lana@anncaris | Hades: "Thank you," he drops the silverblood isolinear chip back into the pool, which promptly sinks down and disappears. "There is one more thing which may be of use to you." Rianni@crystyl:"Please" she gestures for him to lead the way T'Lana@anncaris | Hades leads the way over to another shelf, from which he recovers something that looks like a small stone box Rianni@crystyl follows, watching curiously T'Lana@anncaris:"Curious. That bears similarity to a katric ark." Rianni@crystyl:"A katric ark?" T'Lana@anncaris:"A vessel designed to hold a katra, the Vulcan consciousness or spirit, as more traditional views see it." Rianni@crystyl:"Ooh. Is that what this is then?" she asks of Hades T'Lana@anncaris | Hades smiles, "I thought you would notice the similarity. It is essentially a katric ark, but this is not a relic of your civilization nor any other, but a creation of the original Hades - T'Lana@anncaris:- himself. He was the one who taught your people the process, and your own arks were based upon those designs." Rianni@crystyl:"So does this ark contain somebody's katra?" T'Lana@anncaris | Hades: "Yes, an early Vulcan, but that is not what I wish to offer you. Your Captain may find it interesting for personal reasons, but that is another matter." He sets the ark aside and - T'Lana@anncaris:- retrieves a similar box of slightly larger size, with a more triangular shape Rianni@crystyl:"Another katric ark?" T'Lana@anncaris | Hades: "A katric prison. A later invention of Hades, to deal with particularly powerful and dangerous beings. I believe your present adversary calls for one." Rianni@crystyl 's head rises with intrigue, "You... read my mind?" T'Lana@anncaris | Hades: "Not yours, but I know of your current situation through the others whose minds I have touched. It will not be as simple as using the ark, you will need to find some way to lure the - T'Lana@anncaris:- Architect inside, or intercept his consciousness mid-transfer. But once he is contained within, only a sufficiently powerful being can break the seal to free him. It will be far more secure than - T'Lana@anncaris:- the prison his own people held him in." Rianni@crystyl:"That's just what we've been looking for! And I was planning on asking if you had anything here to help in that particular area too!" T'Lana@anncaris | Hades smiles, "I thought you would have use for something such as this." He hands over the prison to T'Lana, who takes it. "You are the best one to handle this. Do not allow any telepaths - T'Lana@anncaris:- to handle this. If someone else must handle it, have it be of a species who are not naturally telepathic. It is far easier to enter the prison than to exit it." T'Lana@anncaris nods, "I understand." Rianni@crystyl:"Thank you again for your gifts of aid. We dare not ask any more of you, though I would like to remain and learn about everything else you have if that's alright" T'Lana@anncaris | Hades: "Of course. Not everything in the collection is here because it is dangerous in the wrong hands. Hades also collected many objects of cultural significance which you may be interested - T'Lana@anncaris:- in, as well as various scientific curiosities and oddities. Rianni@crystyl:"Absolutely!" --- NPC@annpc#557 | Meanwhile in the transporter room of the VF, silverblood Mischa materializes on the transporter pad, along with a Talaxian male. Both are not wearing any EV suits and seem well for the moment Mischa@crystyl stands beside Katie and smiles, "Welcome aboard. I'm sorry you don't get to visit our ship, but you know this does have it's charms too" she welcomes, clearly towards SM then looking to the - Mischa@crystyl:- Talaxian, "And our first new face as well. Interesting choice, I was not aware Talaxians had ever come to this part of the galaxy" NPC@annpc#557 | Talaxian: "We have not. Hades travelled very far and obtained a great number of genetic samples for us. We have access to a wide variety of forms, but Talaxians are one of the species viewed - NPC@annpc#557:- most favourably by others- fun entertainers at best, harmless traders, at worst a little annoying, but almost never threatening. A nice friendly face for a bit of social interaction, don't you - NPC@annpc#557:- think? he smiles Mischa@crystyl smiles, "A wise and thoughtful choice. There is at least one Talaxian on board so you might be interested in meeting her for yourself now you share her nature" NPC@annpc#557 | Talaxian: "That would be a most interesting experience, yes!" He steps off the pad, "Oh, and don't worry about the lack of suits, we've developed ways to cope with your environment for a short - NPC@annpc#557:- time. Any suits we form will be useless anyways, as they'll be made from the same substance as we are, but as long as we don't stay for more than a couple of days at once, there shouldn't be any - NPC@annpc#557:- permanent damage." Mischa@crystyl:"We will just have to make the most of our time then" NPC@annpc#557 | The Talaxian smiles, "That we will!" he looks from SM to Mischa, "So what's it like, interacting with yourself?" Mischa@crystyl looks to SM and smiles, "That is what we hope to find out for ourselves in all of this. We spoke on the surface, but we were wearing our EV suits and voices were distorted. It is much easier for - Mischa@crystyl:- us to disassociate the connection when it is obscured. To look upon one another now with no denial of the reality... it will certainly be interesting" NPC@annpc#557 | The Talaxian chuckles, "I can imagine. The only time we've used the same form to interact with an individual before was with Hades. After that, we've always been assuming forms of genetic - NPC@annpc#557:- samples he gave us. Don't be concerned though, he obtained all these samples with permission- usually from dying individuals who wished their memories to live on, but some like the Lupan and - NPC@annpc#557:- Kratt were pretty open to just giving him samples." Mischa@crystyl:"During past encounters, Starfleet officers have been known to give similar consent" NPC@annpc#557 | Talaxian: "We'll be happy to take any who're willing to offer. Don't worry, we won't recreate you while you're around, just so we can have your memories and knowledge added to our collective - NPC@annpc#557:- ones. We're not quite the silverblood you know, not anymore, at least." Mischa@crystyl:"So I have noticed. Due to the unfortunate state of this limited existence for your kind, our capacity to learn about and understand you better is sadly limited. Of the few Silverblood encounters our - Mischa@crystyl:people have experienced, many have been with Silverblood which is just then experiencing it's first taste of sentience" NPC@annpc#557 | The Talaxian nods, "While we have been sentient for a few thousand years. Come on, let's grab a table in one of your lounges and I'll tell you all about it." Mischa@crystyl smiles, "Right this way" NPC@annpc#557 | The Talaxian and SM follows behind Mischa Mischa@crystyl enters the lounge with a knowing grin to herself as she sees the Talaxian working away at the bar NPC@annpc#557 | The silverblood Talaxian sees the other Talaxian and steps over with a wide smile, "Ah, another Talaxian! Or a real Talaxian, I should say." Mischa@crystyl | Jexala pauses midway pouring a drink, staring back Mischa@crystyl leans to SM, "I do believe this is a first" NPC@annpc#557 | Talaxian: "Oh yes, I should introduce myself. It'd be rude not to. I'm a silverblood recreation of a Talaxian, not an actual Talaxian- but I do have the memories of an actual Talaxian. From a - NPC@annpc#557:- thousand years ago." Mischa@crystyl | Jex blinkblinks then starts looking around, searching with her eyes, "Alright Mia, jokes over. Now where's that mischievous little drone hiding...?" NPC@annpc#557 | Talaxian: "No drone, I'm an actual silverblood recreation. Look over there, there's two Mischas!" he points Mischa@crystyl & SM smile and wave Mischa@crystyl | Jex doubletakes NPC@annpc#557 | The Talaxian smiles as well, "See! No tricks and no drones." Mischa@crystyl | Jex is clearly still suspicious, leaning across the counter and giving him a scrutinizing look over, ever grabbing at his whiskers before she gasps, "You /are/ real!" NPC@annpc#557 | Talaxian: "Told you so! How did you get all the way out here- if you don't mind me asking, of course." Mischa@crystyl | Jex smiles, "I just came here with this ship! But how was there a Talaxian out here a thousand years ago? Who was he, ooh maybe a distant relative..." she trails off, leading him to a table NPC@annpc#557 | The Talaxian follows over to the table, "He wasn't out here a thousand years ago. He was back on the homeworld, and he offered his genetics to Hades when he visited." Mischa@crystyl looks to SM, "There, I think they're suitably settled for now. How about a drink?" NPC@annpc#557 | SM smiles, "Prince of Wales tea as usual?" Mischa@crystyl:"Naturally. They have reasonable approximation in the replicators here, but sadly it is not our recipe" Mischa@crystyl moves to retrieve the drinks before sitting across from her other self and sliding one cup over, "Well. This is certainly... different" NPC@annpc#557 | SM takes the cup, "Thank you. Or is it thank me? Yes, it's very unusual..." Mischa@crystyl:"I already have a newfound appreciation for Rianni and the Observer being in close quarters" she chuckles, taking a sip with her little pinky standing high and proud as always NPC@annpc#557 | SM chuckles, taking a sip the same way as Mischa, "It's impressive how they're living on the same ship together for the past year now." Mischa@crystyl:"Indeed. So what about you now, is this your first time experiencing physical forms. Do Silverblood's even maintain any semblance of individuality when returning to a natural state?" NPC@annpc#557 | SM: "It's...complicated. We don't have any individuality in our natural state, but we still know what individuality feels like from the memories we have. How do I explain this..." NPC@annpc#557 | SM: "I didn't really exist as an individual before I took your form and memories, and I won't really exist as an individual once I return to my natural form, but we have the experience from the NPC@annpc#557 - past. So...yes and no," she smiles cryptically Mischa@crystyl grins, "So this is what it feels like when I tease knowingly to others" NPC@annpc#557 | SM chuckles, "Now you know! I thought you'd be curious about our existence as silverblood, it's the thing I know that you don't, and I know everything else you know!" Mischa@crystyl:"It does rather take the mystery away from getting to know a person, doesn't it" NPC@annpc#557 | SM: "True, but at least you always get to know their intentions!" Mischa@crystyl:"But this can't be the be all and end all for you now can it? Sure, we share each other's memories. But what about your will and desires, are they purely inherited from me as well?" NPC@annpc#557 | SM: "Not purely, but in our particular case, mine aren't that different from yours. You see, we evolved to function as a collective. Not like the Borg, I know what's what comes to mind first - NPC@annpc#557:- when you hear collective. Each recreation is a person, with our own will and desires, part of which is derived from the original. But all of us are also imbued with the desire to gather new - NPC@annpc#557:- knowledge and experiences to add to the whole when we're reabsorbed. Since you're already interested in gathering more knowledge, we're practically identical." Mischa@crystyl:"Good. Then we can use this time now to focus on that, and giving you the most unique experience we can here" NPC@annpc#557 | SM smiles, "Perfect. You can think of us like an extension of the silverblood, their operatives in a sense. Not unlike how the Observer is for the Junayd." Mischa@crystyl:"This will be fun" she smiles, "And if this is a new experience I am curious about, I am certain you are as well" she holds out her hand across the table NPC@annpc#557 | SM smiles back and holds out her hand as well, "I certainly am!" Mischa@crystyl takes SM's hand in her own finding the whole experience surreal and fascinating and smiles, "Yes, definitely fun" --- T'Emp@anncaris | Keelah is called to one of the cargo bays as T'Lana returns with the artifacts. Stepping inside, she finds Mischa already there...both Mischas Keelah@crystyl sighs quietly to herself at the sight. Of course there are two Mischa's now Keelah@crystyl approaches, "T'Lana. Mischa's" T'Emp@anncaris | T’Lana nods to Keelah, "Captain. I am sure you will find our temporary acquisitions most useful." Keelah@crystyl 's gaze lingers on the two Mischa's, and their shared expression of self-satisfaction, "You and Rianni were able to secure some beneficial assets I take it?" T'Emp@anncaris | T'Lana nods, "That is correct," She leads Keelah over to where the artifacts are being stored, a pure crystalline sword, the Aegis vest, and two containers that seem suspiciously like katric arks Keelah@crystyl looks them over curiously, "So what do we have-... are those...?" T'Emp@anncaris | T'Lana: "One of them is. The more pyramidal one is a katric prison, especially dangerous to touch telepaths. Hades suggested I be the only one to handle it and especially warned against other - T'Emp@anncaris - Vulcans from doing so, as you may accidentally seal yourself within." Keelah@crystyl:"Duly noted. I assume this is intended to seal the Architect in when he is driven from Eva?" T'Emp@anncaris | T'Lana: "Indeed. Hades believes it will be a more effective prison than the one he was held in previously, and I believe the logic is sound." Keelah@crystyl:"I trust your judgement. An impressive donation to the cause indeed. But what then is the significance of the other katric ark?" T'Emp@anncaris | T'Lana: "That one is for you, Captain. Hades thought you would have a personal interest in it and asked us to bring it on board temporarily so you may meld with it." Keelah@crystyl perks a brow, "That is... unexpected. He said nothing more about it?" T'Emp@anncaris | T'Lana: "Apparently, it contains the katra of an ancient Vulcan." T'Emp@anncaris | SM: "T'Persa-Sevon-Vae, to be exact." Keelah@crystyl:"T'Persa-Sevon-Vae?" T'Emp@anncaris | SM: "It would've been far too ancient for your recorded history to remember the name exactly, but there's variations of it in legend. It's where the human myth of Persephone came from, or the - T'Emp@anncaris:- name, at least. The actual myth is a conflation of several different events into one." Keelah@crystyl:"Fascinating. Even more so why Hades wanted me to connect with this person. Nonetheless, I will not deny the opportunity. Thank you for delivering this" Keelah@crystyl:"What are the other relics here?" T'Emp@anncaris | T'Lana: "The blade is the one forged from a piece of a crystalline entity, which the Commander," she glances at Mischa, "both of them, saw in use on the surface. It is capable of feeding on - T'Emp@anncaris:- life in a similar fashion to the entity it was shaped from and consumes its targets to power its beam, making it optimal for use against large enemy numbers, which the Horde are known to employ." Keelah@crystyl | Mischa nods, "I am pleased you were able to bring this back for me Lana. It was impressive to see in action" T'Emp@anncaris | SM smiles, "And now you get to try it out for yourself! Even I can feel the excitement." Keelah@crystyl:"It does make sense that such a powerful weapon is wielded by one already familiar with its capability. And the vest?" T'Emp@anncaris | T'Lana: "It is the Aegis of mythology. It reinforces your skin and clothes with a layer of powerful shielding that protects against energy and physical weaponry. The shielding is not - T'Emp@anncaris:- invulnerable, but it is superior to anything we are capable of producing." T'Emp@anncaris | SM smirks, "If you really want to go on a mission, you have to wear this." Keelah@crystyl:"Useful indeed T'Lana I-" turning to the smirking Mischa's and back, "I do hope that is an attempt at humour" T'Emp@anncaris | T'Lana: "I believe so, but as the vest only protects the wearer, it would be logical for high-priority personnel such as the ranking command officer to be equipped with it on the field." T'Emp@anncaris | T'Lana: "Of course, it could also be beneficial for protecting non-combatants or mission-critical personnel. The wearer is best determined by the specific situation of the mission." Keelah@crystyl:"That sounds more like the reasoning I would expect from having you and Rianni together. Where is she anyway? I would have expected her to be presenting this while eagerly awaiting approval" T'Emp@anncaris | T'Lana: "She is viewing the rest of the collection with Hades. While not of tactical value, much of his collection has significant cultural and scientific value, such as this katric ark, - T'Emp@anncaris:- artworks from ancient civilizations such as early Bajor, and even millenium old Borg implants." Keelah@crystyl smiles a little, "Very good then. I am glad to see she has not been completely embroiled in her early career of warfare just yet at least" T'Emp@anncaris | T'Lana nods, "She is still quite eager to explore and learn new things. I suggest you take the katric ark with you to meld with in private, when you have the time." Keelah@crystyl:"I will do so. In the meantime, we should transfer all of these into the vault for safekeeping" T'Emp@anncaris | T'Lana: "Agreed. I will help see to the transfer." Keelah@crystyl nods, looking to the Mischas, "And I am glad to see you two enjoying yourselves" T'Emp@anncaris | SM smiles, "You had one yourself, Keelah. It's only fair we get ours." Keelah@crystyl smiles, retrieving the katric ark, "True, but the Silverblood copy of me was far less mature than the Silverblood here. She barely held together long enough to appreciate her newfound sense of - Keelah@crystyl:- awareness" T'Emp@anncaris | SM nods, "That's very unfortunate. We can always make another copy of you...if you want, of course." Keelah@crystyl raises a hand, "Thank you, but no. Frankly, it was... difficult to see her suffer and I have no desire to be reminded of that experience. Besides-" she looks between the two, "-we already have our - Keelah@crystyl:- share of duplicates on this ship. But I know your time is limited, so do not let me keep you any longer" T'Emp@anncaris | SM: "Thank you, Captain," she holds out her hand to Mischa, "Shall we?" Keelah@crystyl | Mischa smiles, taking SM's hand, "We shall. To the holodeck; Adagio awaits!" and heads off Keelah@crystyl turns and watches the odd pair, "Am I imagining things, or is your Commander enjoying herself a little too much with all of this?" T'Emp@anncaris | T'Lana: "I believe your observation is accurate, Captain." Keelah@crystyl:"Close as she is to my family and... well everything, it seems at times. But be that as it may, I can not proclaim to truly know her as I might a member of this crew. Is this cause for concern, or a- Keelah@crystyl:- welcome rare sight of her letting her hair down?" T'Emp@anncaris | T'Lana: "I believe the latter, as she is able to discuss things openly with herself which she is either not able to or may not wish to discuss with others. As the silverblood duplicate cannot - T'Emp@anncaris:- travel with us, I do not believe there is a need for concern, unless she begins to feel the absence of the duplicate too strongly, but the Commander is a professional." Keelah@crystyl:"Alright. If you are not concerned, then I have no reason to be. I have always viewed her as a very private person, so I can see the logic in your assessment of the situation. I do also believe that- Keelah@crystyl:- she perfectly capable of compartmentalizing her emotions, even if they do linger" she pats the katric ark, "Now for something new. Commander Vrolmacht can accommodate you with the vault move" T'Emp@anncaris | T'Lana: "I will coordinate with him." --- Keelah@crystyl walks into her quarters, carrying the ark T'Emp@anncaris | T'Pia lounges on the sofa, reading from a PADD. She sets down the PADD and looks to Keelah, her eyes widening, "Hi mum! Is that..." Keelah@crystyl smiles, kissing TP on the head before sitting across from her, "I am pleased to see you have a keen eye. Yes, it apparently is" T'Emp@anncaris | TP swings her legs over the sofa, eyeing the ark, "I heard we were picking up some interesting artifacts, but I wasn't expecting we'd find one of those out here!" Keelah@crystyl:"We have begun to learn of interactions between the species we have come to know of as the Olympians and our own ancestors. I assume Mia has been educating you on all of this history since recent - Keelah@crystyl:- events started to unfold?" T'Emp@anncaris | TP nods, "She has! Well, mostly legends, we didn't know much about the history outside of the Enterprise's encounter and the ones we've had out here." Keelah@crystyl:"True, but as we have encountered more out here we have started to build a more solid understanding of these beings and their roles in our history. Moreso, how those roles have been skewed by - Keelah@crystyl:- centuries of primitive mythology. So has she told you yet about Hephaestus?" T'Emp@anncaris | TP: "He's the...god of smiths, wasn't he? He's the one attributed to a lot of their artifacts. Oh, did he make all the ones we're picking up now? Except the ones made by Ketkolep." Keelah@crystyl:"Some, perhaps. He did make Hades' Bident which Commander Leveson-Scott wielded during the fight on the surface below, so it would not surprise me. And we have now learned that he made that - Keelah@crystyl:- particular artifact on Vulcan. Most likely the fireplains" T'Emp@anncaris | TP: "Wow. Was that also where they picked up that ark?" Keelah@crystyl:"Possibly, but I do not for certain. I believe that this may be the first of such physical arks, created by the Olympians or Ketkolep perhaps. And that it became the template for the katric arks our- Keelah@crystyl:- ancestors once mastered. Now, what about the figure known as Persephone?" T'Emp@anncaris | TP: "She was Hades' wife, and I think in the Earth stories he tricked her into it, but they reached a deal where she'd spend some of the time with him in the Underworld and the rest with her - T'Emp@anncaris:- mother, who was...another one of the gods. The goddess of fertility and agriculture, yes! And because of that when Persephone's in the underworld, her mother's sad and all the plants stop - T'Emp@anncaris:- growing, which was their explanation for why the seasons occur." Keelah@crystyl:"Indeed. Well as much as the mythology likely formed around a whole number of variables - some linked to the actual person, others not. I have now been made aware of a new revelation" T'Emp@anncaris | TP: "What's that?" Keelah@crystyl:"Persephone's real name; T'Persa-Sevon-Vae" T'Emp@anncaris | TP: "That sounds...Vulcan." Keelah@crystyl:"Indeed it does" she pats the ark sat on her lap, letting TP piece it all together for herself T'Emp@anncaris | TP looks from the ark to Keelah, "She's in that ark, isn't she!" Keelah@crystyl:"So I am told" she nods. "Apparently, Hades asked for this to be delivered to me so that I may meld with the katra held within. Though as to his reasons for this, I am still at a loss" T'Emp@anncaris | TP: "Maybe he thinks she could use more company in there?" Keelah@crystyl:"Well I certainly hope it's not meant as accomodation for two" T'Emp@anncaris | TP: "I don't mean permanently! I don't know how time passes in them, but if she's been in there for a while..." Keelah@crystyl:"I am not even certain how self aware a katra could even be. Still, he has aided us to no end and so I am going to meld with the katra in here" T'Emp@anncaris | TP nods, "Don't see any reason for him to trick you now. But be careful mum! And I'll make sure you're not disturbed." Keelah@crystyl smiles, "Thank you Pia. Though solitude is desirable for the meld, I would feel much more comfortable knowing that you are just outside the door. Moreso than I would with one of Kazra's gadgets - Keelah@crystyl:- stuck to my neck" T'Emp@anncaris | TP chuckles and stands, "I'll ward her off if she catches wind of this somehow!" Keelah@crystyl stands with the ark, setting a hand on TP's shoulder and smiles, "That's my girl. I do not know how long this will take, but be patient and trust your judgement as I do" T'Emp@anncaris | TP nods and smiles back, "I won't let you down mum!" Keelah@crystyl gives a final nod while holding the smile before heading off into the bedroom, setting her combadge on the table as she passes T'Emp@anncaris | TP sits back down, watching Keelah disappear into the bedroom --- T'Emp@anncaris FX | As Keelah initiates the meld, her vision fades as she drifts out of consciousness. When her eyes open, she finds herself in a very different interior... Keelah@crystyl looks around curiously T'Emp@anncaris | She sees a garden of some description ahead, and a lone figure working inside it Keelah@crystyl makes her way towards the garden T'Emp@anncaris | The figure inside seems to be a young to middle-aged Vulcan woman in a dress, calmly tending to the plants. She glances over to Keelah as she works, "Hello. You're one of our people. I haven't - T'Emp@anncaris - had any visits from you since I came here. Does that mean we've spread to the stars and follow in the footsteps of the Olympians now?" Keelah@crystyl smiles faintly, "So you are Vulcan, not Olympian yourself. Fascinating" T'Emp@anncaris | T'Persa nods, "That's right." She turns to Keelah more fully, "Is that what your stories say about me? That I was one of them?" Keelah@crystyl:"Much time has passed since you walked the plains of our homeworld with the Olympians. As such, very little remains by record and most of what does is obscured beyond recognition for what it once - Keelah@crystyl:- truly was. But you are not forgotten; by Vulcan's or the other races whom you touched. The name may have become obscured, but now that we are learning of them properly from the source, we will be - Keelah@crystyl:- able to set the records straight once more" T'Emp@anncaris | T'Persa laughs, "I don't mind being remembered as an Olympian. I might've, when I was younger, but that was a different time, and I'm not as young as I choose to appear- if you haven't already - T'Emp@anncaris:- guessed." Keelah@crystyl:"Given the amount of time you must have spent with them, it is to be expected that you at least lived a full life by our own measure of average. It is also reasonable to deduce that if there even - Keelah@crystyl:- a hint of reality in the stories of your relationship with Hades, then he would have done everything in his power to keep you with him for as long as possible, and that he had the power to do so. - Keelah@crystyl:- I would go so far as to surmise that is why this katric ark was first created, and why it remains with him even now" T'Emp@anncaris | T'Persa smiles and nods, "Very astute. Yes, Hades and I were close, and he built this ark so my spirit would remain with him." Keelah@crystyl:"Then as one who shares the value you clearly hold on such personal connections, I hope it will bring you some degree of comfort and satisfaction to know that even after his own natural end- Keelah@crystyl:- he has found a way to continue to watch over you for all eternity" T'Emp@anncaris | T'Persa smiles again, "That is good to hear. But what do you mean by 'one who shares the value on personal connections?'" Keelah@crystyl steps further into the garden itself, "Our people have changed and evolved over time. I can see clearly that you are one with the emotions which run deep in all of us" T'Emp@anncaris | T'Persa: "Is that not the case anymore with the others of our people?" Keelah@crystyl shakes her head, "For the most part, no. Many centuries ago we underwent a transitional period shared by many Children species in early development. Bloodshed and warfare almost destroyed your - Keelah@crystyl:- descendents until they overcame that nature by learning to fully suppress their emotions and walk a path of pure logic. There have always been minorities - either those who chose to defy this - Keelah@crystyl:- convention and hold true to their emotions, and those who are naturally born with a stronger tendency towards emotional balance - those like myself. Perhaps that is why Hades wanted me to be the - Keelah@crystyl:- one to visit you here, now" T'Emp@anncaris | T'Persa: "Perhaps. There were some monks in my time who thought that we needed to control our emotions, but they were always the minority. We are a passionate people much like the Olympians - T'Emp@anncaris - themselves. That is why we did well together, when we did work together. I suppose I can see the logic of controlling our emotions to prevent bloodshed, but suppressing them, that feels like - T'Emp@anncaris:- denying your own nature." Keelah@crystyl:"I couldn't agree more. But regrettable politics and prejudice have taken their toll, and now I am a minority amongst our kin; a barely tolerated outcast. I must ask your forgiveness of my - Keelah@crystyl:- ignorance, but katric arks are not common in modern society - even considered myths themselves by some - so I lack proper understanding of the mechanics involved. I know I have melded with the ark- Keelah@crystyl:- to be here now, but since I do not sense your thoughts directly and from your questions you clearly do not sense mine, I would assume that we are not connected in the same manner as a direct meld" T'Emp@anncaris | T'Persa: "I do not know how the arks you create now are made, but presently, our minds inhabit the same environment," She motions around her, "This place I drew from my memories, but we can be - T'Emp@anncaris:- wherever we like, as long as it is somewhere one of us remembers. Our minds are not linked, your spirit is simply reaching in to speak with mine. They can be linked, but at least in my time, our - T'Emp@anncaris:- people were very private, and this is a more preferable form of communication. Melds were only done with those very close to us, those we trust completely and utterly." Keelah@crystyl:"This remains true through to this day. That said, those of us who explore the frontiers of deep space have had to learn to be adaptable. As such, I have melded with others on a few occasions when - Keelah@crystyl:- it was necessary. Though not strictly necessary here, I would not object to sharing my thoughts with you; should you desire to see the galaxy through the eyes of your descendents" T'Emp@anncaris | T'Persa: "It will be a very interesting experience, if you are willing to share. I am quite curious to learn more about all the changes our people have been through." Keelah@crystyl:"I would think myself selfish were I to deny you of this. My thoughts are yours" she steps forward T'Emp@anncaris | T'Persa smiles, "Thank you," she sets a hand on Keelah's face and closes her eyes. As they meld, Keelah gets flashes of T'Persa's life as well. She sees things through T'Persa's eyes as she - T'Emp@anncaris:- grows up on a much lusher Vulcan than much of the planet is today, as she challenges the gods, is held captive by the familiar figure of Poseidon holding the Trident, then meeting Hades for the - T'Emp@anncaris:- first time and growing to care for one another, even travelling away from Vulcan with him at times, but maintaining an influential position among her people while she is there T'Emp@anncaris | As T'Persa lowers her hand, Keelah can still feel her thoughts, as they are still melded and the physical gesture is little more than imagery within the ark. She feels a mixture of awe, - T'Emp@anncaris:- sadness and contemplation from the ancient Vulcan T'Emp@anncaris | T'Persa: "Our people have come far indeed, but they have lost much on that road." Keelah@crystyl:"We have changed" she nods, "But for all we have a lost as a whole we have also gained much" T'Emp@anncaris | T'Persa nods, "We have. But you are not entirely pleased with the way our people are at the moment either." Keelah@crystyl:"I will not deny it. I have felt the persecution of prejudice at the hands of the narrow minded. But I have also felt wonder at our capacity for growth and understanding. I am still barely more than- Keelah@crystyl:- a child myself, yet I already see the changes of more stable emotions within myself through maturation. Yes my experiences were tainted, but I am not blameless in the cause of those negative - Keelah@crystyl:- experiences either. I am also a mother now, perhaps that has elicited further growth and stability within me. But none of that has detracted from my ability or desire to love my daughter with all- Keelah@crystyl:- of my being. I have seen visions of a dark future, and a painful reality that would befall her in it. Nothing can compare to the torment of that image, but that does not stop me feeling for her.- Keelah@crystyl:- I have experienced so much and had my emotions stretched in every conceivable direction, but still I am proud to be Vulcan - to be the Vulcan I am" T'Emp@anncaris | T'Persa smiles, "And that is the way a Vulcan should be. Our people, as we were in my time, were much closer to those you know as Romulans today, those who left on the exodus from our home. - T'Emp@anncaris:- But the one called Surak speaks wisdom as well. I have seen the damage our emotions can do unchecked, even without the weapons of your age, and you have seen the damage caused by the Romulans, - T'Emp@anncaris:- both to their own people and those around them. It saddens me to see our people split in two extremes- if only both sides could understand the balance you have achieved." Keelah@crystyl:"I believe that one day, they will. And I do not speak of the unification movement, but natural evolution. It may be further... diluted - for want of a better term - by other species' influence. But- Keelah@crystyl:- I see a future where the Children exist more as a single collective society than a smattering of different peoples" T'Emp@anncaris | T'Persa nods, "I hope so. Despite the troubles we had, I have seen that different peoples such as Vulcans and Olympians can exist together and work with one another. This Federation you have - T'Emp@anncaris:- formed, it is already a step in the right direction for such a future." Keelah@crystyl smiles a little, "Indeed, and you have seen now the bonds that have formed between all of the different species on my crew; how we have grown to become a real family" T'Emp@anncaris | T'Persa smiles, "And one day, perhaps the whole galaxy could become such a family." Keelah@crystyl:"It is a dream I believe in with all my heart, and one we fight desperately now to protect. But I do not wish to sour your sanctuary with fears for the future" T'Emp@anncaris | T'Persa: "I have seen the adversary you face as well- a most dangerous foe." T'Emp@anncaris | T'Persa: "The thoughts of them are quite strong in your mind." Keelah@crystyl:"With good reason. I spoke of my family here, but... it is incomplete" T'Emp@anncaris | T'Persa: "Yes, your enemy has taken one of you, and you seek to bring her back. That is why you have been given the mind prison." Keelah@crystyl:"Yes, I must bring her home to her family. Hades, Ketkolep, everyone has been so incredibly helpful in bringing us closer to this" T'Emp@anncaris | T'Persa: "I am pleased to hear that. But you should be wary not to work too blindly towards a goal, even if it is a just cause. When I was young like you, I saw the Olympians as meddlers, - T'Emp@anncaris:- believed that we should not have to bow down to them. You must have seen it in my memories- I was one of the first who challenged their role as gods. I do not believe I was wrong to do so, by - T'Emp@anncaris:- these rules our people established which you now follow, they were breaking one of your fundamental principles. But in doing so, I upended the lives of many of our people- even led directly to - T'Emp@anncaris:- the deaths of some. It was only with mutual understanding with Hades did I build a better relationship between our peoples. I do not believe the exact option is possible with your enemy, but - T'Emp@anncaris:- letting your goal alone drive you may lead you off the path and down a dangerous road." Keelah@crystyl nods, "I understand, and I... I know there is more of a personal investment in this conflict now than I desire. But I believe I maintain focus on the context of the larger stakes" T'Emp@anncaris | T'Persa smiles and nods, "Do not lose sight of the road by focusing on the destination. I believe that is the mistake those of our people who remained on the homeworld have made- they were too - T'Emp@anncaris:- desperate to find a way to put an end to the war and violence that they chose to suppress everything, rather than practicing a more nuanced, balanced and healthier form of control." Keelah@crystyl nods, "I will make every endeavour to contemplate your words and remain true" T'Emp@anncaris | T'Persa: "I wish you luck in your struggle, both here and in the problems you face with your own people." Keelah@crystyl:"It has been a most unexpected and rewarding experience to get to know you. Is there anything that I can do for you, anything you would ask of me before we part ways?" T'Emp@anncaris | T'Persa smiles, "Only that you continue to work towards the future you envision. And please return the artifacts once you are done with them- Hades has sealed them away for practical reasons, - T'Emp@anncaris:- but he's also always been fond of his collection as well." Keelah@crystyl:"Of course, we have no intention of betraying his trust" T'Emp@anncaris | T'Persa: "Thank you, for showing me all that has occured to our people so far." Keelah@crystyl:"And thank you for showing me who we once were, and what we can be again. Since our traditional parting seems almost in bad taste here, I will simply you wish you all you can desire from your - Keelah@crystyl:- sanctuary here" T'Emp@anncaris | T'Persa chuckles, "And I wish you are able to complete your family again soon." Keelah@crystyl smiles and bows her head in parting, turning to head back the way she came as she leaves the meld T'Emp@anncaris | Keelah comes back to in her own bedroom, holding the katric ark Keelah@crystyl takes some time to reflect on the experience, resting a hand on it Keelah@crystyl eventually rises and returns to the living area T'Emp@anncaris looks up from her PADD as soon as the door opens, "Mum! Everything go okay?" Keelah@crystyl smiles, approaching Pia and hugging her, "Yes love, it was... unexpected" T'Emp@anncaris | TP hugs Keelah back, "Unexpected in a...good way, I'm guessing?" Keelah@crystyl:"I would say so, yes" T'Emp@anncaris | TP beams, "What happened in there? Was Persephone not what you expected, or just...the whole experience?" Keelah@crystyl:"The whole thing really, including her. She was Vulcan, but she was also as we are" T'Emp@anncaris | TP: "As we are? Like, not the extremely stoic kind of Vulcan?" Keelah@crystyl:"Exactly, yes. She is of a time long before our people turned to emotional suppression; a time when emotions lived on the surface for all" T'Emp@anncaris | TP nods, "That makes sense! If she was around back when the Olympians were on Vulcan, that was long before all that became commonplace. It must be very different from talking with Vulcans today!” Keelah@crystyl smiles, "It was... refreshing. I shared her thoughts as well; saw her life as she first stood against the Olympians to deny them as Gods, her relationship with Hades, all of it. It... will take - Keelah@crystyl:- considerable time to contemplate on everything" T'Emp@anncaris | TP smiles back, "I bet! Sounds like a very interesting experience! I can't wait to hear more about it once you've contemplated it all, but take all the time you need!" Keelah@crystyl:"Her Vulcan looked a lot different to our world as well; more like a luscious green Human colony" T'Emp@anncaris | TP: "Oh yes, her time was before all the nuclear wars on Vulcan and everything too! I always wondered what things were like before then..." Keelah@crystyl:"Perhaps once I have the images straight in my own mind, I will be able to share them with you" T'Emp@anncaris | TP nods and smiles, "I look forward to it mum!" Keelah@crystyl:"For now though, I am compelled to return this ark to where it belongs" T'Emp@anncaris | TP: "Yes, we probably shouldn't keep her away from Hades for too long. It was very nice of him to let you borrow it, though!" Keelah@crystyl:"I think he knew my nature as being a less typical Vulcan, which is why he wanted me to be the one to visit her and show her a more favourable image of her descendants" T'Emp@anncaris | TP nods, "Or maybe he thought you would appreciate meeting her more than other Vulcans would." Keelah@crystyl:"My appreciation likely ranks quite low on his priority list, but my capacity to appreciate her for all she is and not view the whole thing with stoic skepticism... probably somewhat higher" T'Emp@anncaris | TP: "True. Whatever his reasons, I'm glad you got to meet her!" Keelah@crystyl:"All I know is that for a love so deep to drive them to create the ark's in the first place, and for him to find the Silverblood so some part of him could watch over her for an eternity has to - Keelah@crystyl:- place more value on the object of those desires above all. She has been existing in there for thousands of years, he has waited patiently for one who she would find most relatable to come along - Keelah@crystyl:- before encouraging them to speak to her; a gift of company for the loved one" T'Emp@anncaris | TP: "That makes sense. I hope she enjoyed your company, then!" Keelah@crystyl:"As do I" she smiles, "But now to return her, I will be back shortly"