ST:TTV723 | "The Immortals"

Stardate 98639.3

The Aethon is dispatched on a mission when the Coalition discovers that the Horde is up to something inside the Sphere. However, this may turn out to be exactly what the devious Architect wants...

---

View Episode

NPC@annpc#557 | Keelah is once again called to a Coalition meeting on the Foundry some time after the debriefing meeting of the assault on the Horde shipyards, with this meeting's subject being still unknown - NPC@annpc#557 - to her... Keelah@crystyl walks in and finds herself a seat NPC@annpc#557 | A few others walk in after her as usual, while a collection of representatives are already present, among them Lieutenant Colonel Malix Ra-Zhoreii, leader of the MACO company that recently - NPC@annpc#557 - came through the ground gateway NPC@annpc#557 | Once everyone is gathered, Vora addresses the room first, "We've got a development- this time something inside the Sphere for a change." NPC@annpc#557 | Vora nods over towards where Kayd and Lorri are sitting, "Tabadi, the table is yours." NPC@annpc#557 | Kayd sweeps an arm across the table, causing a holographic display of one of the Sphere's many facilities to be projected on the centre of the table NPC@annpc#557 | Kayd: "This is a facility currently within Horde-controlled territory in the Sphere. Despite its central location, the Librarian AI informs us that it's a part of the Genetic Archive system, - NPC@annpc#557:- built to contain particularly dangerous specimens for genetic categorization and preservation. The data it collected was sent to the central archival facility, so there's no risk of losing - NPC@annpc#557:- genetic data. This particular facility hasn't been in use for a long time, since there's no new specimens to come in here after the Sphere was lost and abandoned." NPC@annpc#557 | Supervisor: "So why this sudden interest in this currently inconsequential facility?" NPC@annpc#557 | Kayd: "We don't know exactly, but the Horde has clearly found some use for it," she waves her hand and what seems to be a shield is added around the holoprojection. Strangely however, it is - NPC@annpc#557:- neither a barrier that clings to the facility nor a perfect sphere of energy around it. It seems to be closer to the latter, but the 'shield' is not a perfect sphere, with its edges seeming to - NPC@annpc#557 - oscillate like wave Keelah@crystyl perks a brow as she quietly observes NPC@annpc#557 | Kayd: "On our latest patrol, the Kayeri Vaj detected a subspace bubble had formed around the facility. My girls studied it from range- we couldn't get close as it was under Horde control, but - NPC@annpc#557:- we determined that ships should be capable of passing through the barrier and it should be safe to do so. The facility as it stands now exists partly in subspace- we can't transport through the - NPC@annpc#557:- barrier and our sensors can't pick up anything beyond it, but if a ship enters the barrier, they should be capable of accessing the facility." Keelah@crystyl:"What of Horde activity in the area?" NPC@annpc#557 | Vora: "They've got a number of ships on standby there, enough to make an attack difficult, and patrols performing periodic tachyon and antiproton sweeps of the region surrounding the subspace - NPC@annpc#557:- barrier. I dispatched a Toroki raider to gather more intel. They made it past the patrols and through the barrier, but passing through the barrier seems to have alerted the Horde to their - NPC@annpc#557:- presence. The Horde intercepted and destroyed them as they were pulling back, but not before they were able to get a partial report through. There was an additional countermeasure scrambling - NPC@annpc#557:- sensors and they couldn't get any data on what's happening inside the facility, but the scrambling does not prevent transport, as long as we know where we're going without sensor data and don't - NPC@annpc#557:- materialize in a wall." NPC@annpc#557 | Unwavering Defender: "The Preserver has a complete schematic of the facility, as it was once under its purview before it lost control after the Horde's arrival." Keelah@crystyl:"So the challenge is to get within transporter range without drawing their attention" NPC@annpc#557 | The Regulator Supervisor speaks again, this time with her helmet active, "Toroki stealth technology is very rudimentary, but even our phase cloak will not protect us from detection passing - NPC@annpc#557:- through this subspace barrier. Fortunately, we do possess something that is capable of this task," her helmet turns towards Keelah Keelah@crystyl nods, "Aethon. Keep in mind though that it is technology liberated from the Horde, so advanced as it may be; there is every chance that they are familiar with it and so have a means to detect it too” NPC@annpc#557 | Supervisor: "Yes, but that is a risk we must take. Sneaking past the patrols is clearly the lesser of the challenges, as the Toroki managed it with a basic cloaking system vulnerable to even a - NPC@annpc#557:- simple tachyon sweep. The subspace barrier on the other hand is something the Aethon is uniquely suited to handle with the cloaking field enhancing emitters integrated into its hull. These can be - NPC@annpc#557:- set to a specific level to make its passage through the barrier completely imperceptible." NPC@annpc#557 | Vora nods, "I agree with the Regulators. The hull emitters is something no other Coalition stealth ship has, and to integrate such a system would require a complete overhaul of a ship's hull, - NPC@annpc#557:- something that'll take a long time to do even for a smaller stealth vessel." Keelah@crystyl:"Of course, I was not objecting to the assignment, merely highlighting the cautionary need. Is everyone satisfied with their crew assignments to the ship following its recent trial exercise covering - Keelah@crystyl:- for the Latenter, or are any alterations needed before we send them behind enemy lines?" NPC@annpc#557 | Malix: "It sounds like you'll be needing boots on the ground in this facility to get to the bottom of this, and we have no idea what awaits us in there. I suggest taking a MACO team along, - NPC@annpc#557:- either one of mine or the one on the Valley Forge. If the Horde's gone through all this trouble to protect this facility, it's likely to be heavily guarded on the inside too." NPC@annpc#557 | Issandros: "Could be a good chance to put some of those artifacts you acquired to use, too. That stealth ship isn't going to carry an army, so you'll want every individual sent down to be as - NPC@annpc#557:- good as they can get." Keelah@crystyl:"That much is a given, I just wanted to make sure the command crew was settled before moving on to that. But yes, I would suggest you assign personnel as you fit. I believe Commander Leveson-Scott - Keelah@crystyl:- is well suited to leading such a mission so I would have your MACO's report to her for the ground assault. Her presence would also bolster the Aethon's inexperienced command crew should the need - Keelah@crystyl:- arise" NPC@annpc#557 | Malix nods, "Good call. I'll have one of my teams report to the Aethon, then." NPC@annpc#557 | Issandros: "She's the one who was given the invisibility helm, wasn't she? Might want to bring it along for a mission like this." Keelah@crystyl:"I expect she will be eager to put it to use. Probably more eager than having a whole squad in support, but it's nothing she can't handle" NPC@annpc#557 | Kayd: "I'll send over one of my scientists who first studied the barrier too, if you don't mind. She's been wanting a closer look and she's an expert on subspace, so she'll be good to have on - NPC@annpc#557 - hand if something unexpected happens." Keelah@crystyl:"Of course" NPC@annpc#557 | Vora nods, "Sounds like we have everything settled, then. Let's go find out what the Horde is up to." --- Istar@anncaris | A short while later, the Aethon prepares to pick up the scientist from the Kayeri Vaj... Emma Ralde@crystyl heads down to the transporter room to welcome the new arrivals and returning crew, as has become habit Istar@anncaris | After a few crewmembers beam in and exchange a few words with Emma before moving to get to their stations, an Orion in OSN uniform materializes, sporting the larger shoulderpads of a Delbaj Istar@anncaris | From her appearance and the way she carries herself, Emma is able to see clear High Orion heritage Emma Ralde@crystyl smiles brightly, "Welcome to the Aethon Delbaj!" stepping around from the console Istar@anncaris | The Delbaj smiles back elegantly as she steps off the transporter pad, "Thank you. It's nice to have one of our own here to greet me. I'm told the Valley Forge has quite an unusual proportion - Istar@anncaris - of Orions serving on board for a Starfleet vessel." Emma Ralde@crystyl nods, "That they do. Many joined the crew when it first reached Vue En after hearing from them about the OSN" Istar@anncaris | Delbaj: "They are hoping to join up with the OSN eventually, then?" As they converse more closely, Emma notices the Delbaj has some features that quite resemble Tabadi Delandria, especially - Istar@anncaris - when the elder Tabadi was much younger, an appearance that few Orions today remember Emma Ralde@crystyl nod, "I believe so, yes. Some may have been drawn to Starfleet too or may end up calling the Valley Forge home regardless. All bets are off now that the OSN here alongside them!" she squints a - Emma Ralde@crystyl - little at the stranger, like trying to place the familiar face Istar@anncaris | Delbaj: "Reminds me of my own career," she gives a reminiscing smile before brushing her hair and looking at Emma curiously, "Was my hair out of place again?" Emma Ralde@crystyl chuckles, "Sorry no, it's just- you know that feeling when you feel like you recognize someone but can't put a name to the face..." she snaps her fingers, "That smile though, that's it! You're an - Emma Ralde@crystyl - absolute spitting image of Tabadi Delandria! In her prime of course, long before her matriarchal days" Istar@anncaris | The Delbaj smiles again, "Very well spotted. Delandria is my grandaunt. My grandmother always said I looked quite like her when she was young. How are you so familiar with how she looked back - Istar@anncaris:- then? Almost everyone in the OSN today knows her as the matriarch she is now. There are images in her files, but no one outside family's ever pointed out the similarity before." Emma Ralde@crystyl smiles awkwardly, "Yeah... oh what the Hell, it's not like it's worth keeping up appearances these days anyway now. I remember her face from the refounding of the OSN. Well, actually the early - Emma Ralde@crystyl - years of revolt which led up to it. She was quite the headstrong spitfire in her youth; full of idealism and the passion to pursue it, not unlike Tabadi Mysti during her day" Istar@anncaris | The Delbaj chuckles, "Oh she can still be quite headstrong today- have you seen her when the other tabadin disagree with her? But if you remember her from those days, you have to be at least - Istar@anncaris:- old as my mother...and you look a good ten years younger than me." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Yes, and I've been around a lot longer than your mother, or any of the other Tabadin for that matter" Istar@anncaris:| The Delbaj narrows her eyes, "How's that possible? Did you find a fountain of youth or something?" Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Or something" she nods, "It's a long story though, and I shouldn't keep you from settling in on board" Istar@anncaris | The Delbaj smiles and nods, "It sounds like quite an interesting story. I'd very much like to hear it sometime. I'm Delbaj Veladria, by the way." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Emma Ralde, and once you're all settled in I'm sure we can find plenty of time to catch up over drinks or something!" Istar@anncaris | Veladria: "Sounds good to me. Do I get a room while I'm here? Or a bunk I imagine for a ship of this size." Emma Ralde@crystyl nods, "Bunks are about the best we get on this little boat, but it works for us!" Istar@anncaris | Veladria: "I don't mind- I may be highborn, but your academy taught me not to be an entitled little jabi," she smirks Emma Ralde@crystyl chuckles, "You spent time at Starfleet Academy too?" Istar@anncaris | Veladria nods, "The OSN was just starting to become something proper when I came of age, but there wasn't really anything in place for training specialists at the time, just some basic - Istar@anncaris:- training programs, like what your enlisted go through. Starfleet Academy was the natural choice at the time, so I'm used to bunking with all sorts of different aliens." Emma Ralde@crystyl smiles, "Well, there's no shortage here! We've been steadily building up a regular crew for the Aethon from the various Coalition species who have a presence in the Sphere after all" Istar@anncaris | Veladria: "If there's one thing Starfleet's proven, it's that collecting talent from all species and civilizations is always advantageous," she smiles back Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Speaking of, you must be the one here to study this subspace barrier right?" Istar@anncaris | Veladria nods, "That I am. It's why I went to Starfleet Academy- I wanted to be a scientist." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"We'd best get you set up on the bridge as well then, standard OSN console configuration?" Istar@anncaris | Veladria: "Starfleet will do as well, I served for four years before I joined the OSN. Wanted to pay the Federation back for the education by serving for the time I spent training with you." Emma Ralde@crystyl smiles, "Will be nice not to be the only one around here who's sat in both camps at some point, even if just for a while. Alright, I'll make sure everything's setup for you, just let me know if you- Emma Ralde@crystyl:- have any specific requirements. Otherwise, we can catch up later once you're settled in!" Istar@anncaris | Veladria smiles back, "I look forward to it!" --- Emma Ralde@crystyl sits at what has become the customary single large dining table on the Aethon with Rianni, relaxing a little after getting everyone on board again Istar@anncaris | A short while later, Veladria strides into the mess hall in her usual graceful, High Orion manner. She smiles as she spots Emma, making her way over to the table Emma Ralde@crystyl waves her offer, "Veladria, come join us!" Istar@anncaris | Veladria slides into a seat, "Please, just call me Adria. People only call me Veladria when they're being formal." Emma Ralde@crystyl smiles, "Fair enough, we're all about keeping it friendly and informal here" pouring out a glass of their favoured Orion wine for the guest, "Isn't that right /Captain/?" to Rianni Emma Ralde@crystyl | Rianni frowns at the tease, shifting in her seat, "Yes, and that's exactly why I don't like formalities" she chuckles Istar@anncaris | Veladria smirks before looking to the glass, "You have a stock of Orion wine on board as well?" Emma Ralde@crystyl nods, "On the Valley Forge we do. This is a Vue-En blend, but we do have some rarer vintages from back home for special occasions" Emma Ralde@crystyl | Rianni: "Since our first trip out on this ship turned into something more of a camping trip, we tended to overprepare. That led to our last outing starting with a bottle of wine, and since that - Emma Ralde@crystyl - mission went smoothly we decided to keep up the tradition" Emma Ralde@crystyl smirks, "And so began the illustrious command career of a young Tierno, with her very first Captain's superstition!" Emma Ralde@crystyl | Rianni pokes her tongue in response Istar@anncaris | Veladria grins, "I like this tradition. What happened on your first outing?" Emma Ralde@crystyl | Rianni: "It was when we recovered this ship from the Horde. We were bringing it back here with the Valley Forge, but a code bomb left in the computer sabotaged our wormhole journey and we got - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- stranded in uncharted space with no real resources or provisions" she looks around, "We all camped in this mess hall the entire time" Istar@anncaris | Veladria looks around, "In here? That must've not been very comfortable. How long were you stranded for?" Emma Ralde@crystyl | Rianni thinks a moment, "About a week in the end. But it felt a lot longer!" Emma Ralde@crystyl smiles softly, holding her hand, "Rianni was given the mission to get a little command experience, so it really threw her in the deep end" Istar@anncaris | Veladria: "Almost sounds like you had your own miniature Voyager journey." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"It certainly felt like it for a while" Istar@anncaris | Veladria takes a sip of her wine, "How did you get back in the end?" Emma Ralde@crystyl | Rianni: "We worked our way back along a projected recovery course, taking a few small diversions when it was appropriate. We calculated an approximate time for the predicted search pattern to - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- reach us, and sure enough the Valley Forge caught up as anticipated" Istar@anncaris | Veladria looks to Rianni, "You're still an Ensign, how did you end up in command of the Aethon?" Emma Ralde@crystyl | Rianni: "I've been part of the command training programme for a couple of years now. Since I graduated while on this mission with the Forge, I started out covering night shifts on the bridge and - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- that sort of thing. Since it was deemed a comfortable enough mission with the Valley Forge beside us, it was meant to be just giving me a little more experience of running a bridge" Istar@anncaris | Veladria nods, "That would explain it. It was more like a training cruise, and no one knew about the code bomb that would get you stranded for a week." Emma Ralde@crystyl | Rianni nods, "Exactly, yes!" Emma Ralde@crystyl:smiles, "But since she did so well getting everyone through that, I think she got a taste for it and asked the Captain if she can keep the posting!" Istar@anncaris | Veladria: "And your Captain let her keep it because she proved herself on that journey?" Emma Ralde@crystyl | Rianni: "It's not like that... I just said that I didn't want to shy away from it, and would appreciate further opportunities to gain experience when it was suitable. It's not like I'm really in - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- command or anything. I'm not allowed to take the ship out at all unless there's an experienced member of the command team with me..." Istar@anncaris | Veladria looks to Emma, "If you've been around back when Delandria was still a young woman, you must have quite the amount of experience. Did you just join up with Starfleet recently with the - Istar@anncaris:- other New World Orions? Hence the Ensign rank and being a junior officer." Emma Ralde@crystyl shakes her head, "No, this is actually my, um... third tour I think? I chose to return at this rank firstly because I've been away for a long time and would be in an unreasonable position of - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- authority that was out of balance with my current experience, and because... well, let's just say that I don't exactly have a Tabadi's blood" Istar@anncaris | Veladria: "Just because you have or don't have Tabadi's blood doesn't necessarily make you fit or unfit for leadership. Mysti was a great leader, but she began as a lodubyal and made her way - Istar@anncaris:- to be the lodubyal ot and eventually the most influential tabadi of the OSN. Kayd started out as a hacker. But I understand what you mean." Istar@anncaris | Veladria: "When I joined the OSN, Emeria wanted to make me a Delbaj to start, due to my experience with Starfleet and my connection to Delandria. I ended up convincing her to start me at - Istar@anncaris:- Magren, I just wanted to be a science officer, not an Elt." Emma Ralde@crystyl nods, "It is true, but I actually meant it in quite the more literal sense" Istar@anncaris | Veladria: "Oh?" Emma Ralde@crystyl:"A side effect of my 'condition'. What you likened earlier to finding a fountain of youth is more like... being kept in a perpetual state of biochemical excitedness - in the atomic sense, not the - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- pheromone driven way - which means that as well as looking as I did that day, all of my biochemistry is the same as it was then. Physiologically and emotionally I am as I appear. Experience is the- Emma Ralde@crystyl:- only offset which doesn't get reset, presumably because of the unique way neur-chemistry functions for short and long term memory retention" Istar@anncaris | Veladria: "How did this happen? Contact with an anomaly or one of those celestial beings of extreme power?" Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Starfleet was experimenting with different forms of FTL travel, one of which involved manipulation of the mycelial network" Istar@anncaris | Veladria: "The mycelial network? That's only ever been theorized to exist. I specialized in subspace mechanics at the Academy and most Federation scientists dismiss these theories as fringe - Istar@anncaris - science. Were you trying to access it, prove its existence, but something went wrong?" Emma Ralde@crystyl:"They were trying to use it as a means of alternative travel. You should get to know some of our new friends from this region of space, the Regulators make regular use of their own version of the - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- technology" Istar@anncaris | Veladria: "Is that how they're able to jump across vast distances? I heard it was something related to subspace, but I thought it was just using subspace for shortcuts, like the corridors the - Istar@anncaris:- Carrans travel through." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"It is related to subspace, as that's our best understanding for the Network's plane of existence" Istar@anncaris | Veladria: "These experiments, were they omitted from the records because of what happened to you?" Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Not specifically because of what happened to me, but yes they were and technically still are" Istar@anncaris | Veladria: "So what exactly happened to you? If you're allowed to explain it, that is." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Starfleet's experiments were immature and volatile; they dabbled with things they did not understand properly and were completely ignorant of the impact on things around them. They did things back - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- then that wouldn't even be considered these days, it's just how it is for many species when taking their first steps into the galaxy. They were using an accidental discovery of a living creature - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- which was naturally connected to the Network to drive their experimental system. One day, they pushed things too far and overly stressed the creature to the point it felt severely threatened and - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- so it did what all creatures instinctively do when backed into a corner, and it snapped back. Of course, when the thing snapping is something you barely understand the nature of, and shares an - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- inherent connection to a layer of subspace that permeates into every corner of our galaxy, possibly our whole reality and others, you get a bit more than a flesh wound. It breached their - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- containment measures and caused an explosion of mycelial 'spores' which flooded the surrounded area. I was unfortunate enough to be in the adjacent corridor dutifully going about my simple admin - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- business at the time and was engulfed by it all" Emma Ralde@crystyl | Rianni squeezes her hand, "Not so unfortunate if you ask me" Emma Ralde@crystyl smiles at that Istar@anncaris | Veladria: "So you weren't a scientist working on the experiments, just someone in the wrong place at the wrong time?" Emma Ralde@crystyl nods, "I didn't even know what was going on, just that it was an engineering lab of some sort. Only the authorized crew actually had knowledge of the details up to that point. Probably because they- Emma Ralde@crystyl:- already knew that their actions were beyond their own measure of morality" Istar@anncaris | Veladria: "I imagine the records were sealed to prevent anyone from repeating those things?" Emma Ralde@crystyl:"In essence" she nods, "A typical over reaction to extreme circumstances; not Starfleet's first nor last such act" Istar@anncaris | Veladria: "I can see the reasoning, but I wish they did it in a way that didn't have to result in the concealing of scientific knowledge. I suppose if it was widely known that the mycelial - Istar@anncaris:- network is a real thing, someone might try the experiments again, even if Starfleet forbids it. Still, sealing all of it is an overreaction in my opinion. There's still the risk of someone - Istar@anncaris:- discovering the network's existence on their own and performing those experiments again because they don't have the mistakes of the past to learn from." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"It's just another one of things with no real clean answer I think. Like Omega" Istar@anncaris | Veladria nods, "Those molecules in the Sphere. That's another thing Starfleet never told me about- I only learned it from the OSN since coming here." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"I think these are all inevitable hurdles in social evolution that species must learn to resolve along their way. We all think of warp drive as being the pinnacle of that evolution, but that's only - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- because it's as far as we've reached. The Iconians clearly mastered Omega molecules, as evidenced by this Sphere's very existence. It's all just another step towards greater galactic understanding- Emma Ralde@crystyl:- no different to how pre-warp civilizations inevitably go through some leap towards FTL travel. Some make it, some don't. We're just lucky to have all made it this far" Emma Ralde@crystyl | Rianni looks at her: "You've been hanging around the sweet spot again haven't you" Istar@anncaris | Veladria looks between the two, "What?" Emma Ralde@crystyl chuckles, "It's what we call the anomaly at the gravimetric centre of every starship. You know, that one spot where all the different grav-plating systems are in just the right level of contradiction- Emma Ralde@crystyl:- that they create a naturally weightless but habitable environment. Apparently relaxing there makes me get all philosophical..." Istar@anncaris | Veladria: "Oh, /that/ sweet spot," she chuckles. "I was thinking of something different," she smirks Emma Ralde@crystyl grins, "Oh that one can certainly elicit plenty of philosophical epiphanies too!" Istar@anncaris | Veladria: "So, what about you two- you seem to be more than just friends," she smiles. "A fellow Orion can always tell." Emma Ralde@crystyl smiles and nods, "Rianni is my vijra, yes" Istar@anncaris | Veladria smiles, "A proper vijra? How did you two get together?" Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Through a suitably absurd set of random circumstances that could only occur on a Starfleet vessel..." she eyerolls with a slight chuckle Emma Ralde@crystyl | Rianni: "So remember how Emma said she'd served in Starfleet previously?" Istar@anncaris | Veladria nods, "And for three tours, was it?" Emma Ralde@crystyl nods, "Something like that. I tend to get fuzzy on the specifics" Emma Ralde@crystyl | Rianni nods as well, "Anyway, turns out that one of those tours led to her being involved with a previous incarnation of this ship; a 23C Valley Forge" Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Part of the reason why I felt inclined to sign on at Vue En, a moment of weakness and nostalgia probably" she teases Istar@anncaris | Veladria: "Quite a coincidence. Though you must've served on many ships over all your tours, so a little less so than it would've been for most people." Emma Ralde@crystyl | Rianni smiles, "Anyway, long story short; our resident holo-expert took it upon herself to recreate that past era ship as it's one she's fond of, and recreated the old crew as well so we could - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- experience some of their adventures and get to know our predecessors, so to speak. One of said predecessors who got recreated with a /very/ lifelike and accurate personality was-" she nods at Emma Emma Ralde@crystyl:"In fairness, Mia is a networked AI programmed with the knowledge of her own creators and capable of creating entirely new independent AI's if she wants to, so yes she did a very thorough job" Emma Ralde@crystyl | Rianni: "And she just happened to introduce me to the holo-Emma when testing the personalities out and..." she flushes, "...I kind of fell for her, and it got quite serious..." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"And then when I got shown the program because someone actually recognized me, she came blundering in while I was in the middle of a disgusted outcry at the whole situation and through /I/ was her - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- hologirlfriend!" Emma Ralde@crystyl | Rianni tries to shrink away under the table Istar@anncaris | Veladria: "That's...quite a story. I see what you mean by an absurd set of circumstances that can only happen on a Starfleet ship," she chuckles Emma Ralde@crystyl:"I was overly harsh with her, I have to admit. But once things calmed down we decided to put it all behind us and start over, getting to know each properly from scratch. Shows what a good job Mia - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- did with the holomatrix of me I guess, since we ended both falling for her" she smiles Istar@anncaris | Veladria smiles, "And she made the program before she even met you? That certainly sounds like a very accurate holomatrix. I'm glad it all ended well for you two." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"For now at least" Emma Ralde@crystyl | Rianni: "Come on now, I've told you we're going to find a way around this!" Emma Ralde@crystyl:"And I truly hope we do. But I've been trying for centuries to no avail, so it's hard t get my hopes up is all" Istar@anncaris | Veladria: "What is it you're trying?" Emma Ralde@crystyl:"To avoid spending a lifetime with Rianni watching her grow old and gracefully moving on while I'm still stuck like this" Emma Ralde@crystyl | Rianni: "In other words; trying to undo the result of her accident and restore her body to its natural state" Istar@anncaris | Veladria nods, "I'm no doctor, and I didn't even know this mycelial network was more than some obscure theory until today, but if there's any way you think my general subspace expertise could - Istar@anncaris:- help, just let me know and I'll do what I can." Emma Ralde@crystyl smiles, "I appreciate the thought, but we should probably focus on the Sphere for now" Istar@anncaris | Veladria: "But if there's any way I'll be able to help in the future, you're welcome to ask," she smiles back --- NPC@annpc#557 | The next day, the bridge crew of the Aethon gather on the bridge with Mischa as they begin to launch their mission... NPC@annpc#557 | Vusal: "We are cleared to proceed, Captain." NPC@annpc#557 | Suhani: "Hull emitters are properly configured for subspace barrier entry. Cloaking system's online and ready to engage." Rianni@crystyl:"Alright, take us out. We'll circle around to enter the barrier from an opposing approach vector to the Toroki scouts" NPC@annpc#557 | Ann: "Aye Cap'n, takin' us out." NPC@annpc#557 | The Aethon slowly begins moving away from the Foundry, leaving the VF and other Coalition forces behind NPC@annpc#557 | Ann: "We've got 'bout ten minutes before we start approachin' Horde patrols." NPC@annpc#557 | Suhani: "Engaging cloak will protect us from their sensors, but you'll still have to evade their antiproton sweeps. The tachyon ones are harmless to a cloak of this sophistication." NPC@annpc#557 | Ann nods, "Gotcha. Avoid Horde ships makin' any AP sweeps." Rianni@crystyl:"We can cloak in good time before then and take our time to analyze their search patterns before making a run" NPC@annpc#557 | Vusal nods, "An excellent idea." NPC@annpc#557 | As they slowly move towards the Horde controlled territory, Suhani glances to the observing Mischa, "So, you're Starfleet Intelligence?" Rianni@crystyl | Mischa nods and smiles, "I hope that doesn't make you uncomfortable? The stigma surrounding our division can have that effect sometimes" Rianni@crystyl glances up a little at Mischa saying that while looming over her. Nope, no idea why people would feel that way... NPC@annpc#557 | Suhani chuckles, "I'd be a hypocrite if I judged based on stigma. I used to be a part of Vora's raiding fleet. No, I was going to say you're not the first one I've met," she smirks Rianni@crystyl | Mischa gives a little smile, "Of that I have no doubt. What I find cute is that you think it's the first time you've met this intelligence officer" casually turning her attention to the front NPC@annpc#557 | Suhani turns to Mischa, "/Have/ I seen you before? You definitely look familiar, maybe I've caught a glance of you on the Valley Forge. I definitely haven't slept with you. That I'd remember. - NPC@annpc#557 - Or have I seen you in disguise. You intel types, all mind games..." Rianni@crystyl | Mischa smiles an entertained smile, "That's what makes it so fun" NPC@annpc#557 | Suhani: "Make your skin green and you'd be a perfect Orion infiltrator." Rianni@crystyl | Mischa: "I do always enjoy putting on that particular disguise. And if the rumours are to be believed, I'm not the only pinkskin around here that can pull it off" she smiles, patting Rianni on - Rianni@crystyl:- the shoulder Rianni@crystyl begins to suspect the whole reason Mischa chose that looming spot was for this very diversion strategy NPC@annpc#557 | Suhani: "Wait..." she looks to Rianni, "You've been in Orion disguise before?" Rianni@crystyl:"Apparently so..." she says with a begrudging glance to Mischa NPC@annpc#557 | Suhani: "Interesting...I'd ask to see it, but it sounds more like the kind of thing that's likely to be exclusive for Emma," she smirks Rianni@crystyl | Emma looks over with a smirk, "I will neither confirm or deny such things" Rianni@crystyl frowns, "Not helping, Vijra..." Rianni@crystyl | Emma giggles to herself, "I know!" NPC@annpc#557 | Ann laughs as she listens, "Alright, we're gonna be nearin' the Horde ships soon." NPC@annpc#557 | Suhani nods and turns back to her console, "Ready to cloak on your mark, Captain." Rianni@crystyl:"Thank the stars... alright, play time's over. Engage the cloak and take us to alert status. Ann, see if you can find us a spot with a nice view" NPC@annpc#557 | Suhani taps her console and the Aethon shimmers and disappears, "Cloak activated." NPC@annpc#557 | Ann moves the Aethon into position, with the patrolling Horde ships visible in the distance around the strange distortion which conceals the facility they are after Rianni@crystyl:"Alright, let's take our time and build a picture of their pattern" NPC@annpc#557 | Suhani nods, "Taking in their movements now. I'll compile them onto a tactical layout, make it easier to see." Rianni@crystyl nods her approval NPC@annpc#557 | A tactical map of the patrolling Horde ships appears on the viewscreen over the visual feed, slowly becoming more and more complete as the movements of the patrols are recorded, leaving behind - NPC@annpc#557 - lines to indicate their paths. After a short while of observation, the ships complete their patrol cycle, giving the crew a pretty clear image of their movements Rianni@crystyl looks to Mischa as they both study the results, "Anything you wish to recommend, Commander?" Rianni@crystyl | Mischa steps back holding her hands up slightly, "I have my opinion, but this is your command" Rianni@crystyl hrms, sensing the now familiar feeling of 'I know the answer, but want to see if you know my young apprentice'... Rianni@crystyl taps on her screen adding some rudimentary radar like sweeping fields to each of the ships, "Based on our best approximation of their standard ship classes, their default sensor grids are most- Rianni@crystyl:- likely aligned to these emitter points. Based on that..." she looks again and plots an approach line around them, "-this should give us a comfortable heading" Rianni@crystyl glances up to see Mischa's response, knowing full well she's watching over her shoulder as she works. But the spook is too quick and is already giving a focused study of the image on screen. Though- Rianni@crystyl:- the lack of objection serves as approval well enough for her NPC@annpc#557 | Ann: "Ready to execute the approach when you are, Cap'n." Rianni@crystyl sets a marker on one of the patrols, and another along its route, "That's your start point. When the patrol next cycles around to this configuration, make the run" NPC@annpc#557 | Ann nods, "Understood. Movin' into position' now." NPC@annpc#557 | The Aethon cruises over to the start point, waiting patiently for the patrol to reach the right configuration... NPC@annpc#557 | After a short wait, the patrol cycles into the right configuration and Ann sends the Aethon in, following the path Rianni laid out and evading the sweeping Horde ships... NPC@annpc#557 | Everyone else on the bridge holds their breath as the Aethon proceeds through, but a few tense minutes later, Ann announces, "We're through!" NPC@annpc#557 | Vusal: "No sign that the Horde are aware of our presence, Captain." NPC@annpc#557 | Suhani: "Now just the moment of truth passing the barrier itself..." Rianni@crystyl:"Nicely done, now is indeed the moment of truth. Proceed at 1/4 impulse and stand ready" NPC@annpc#557 | Ann: "Aye Cap'n. Contact with the barrier in one minute." NPC@annpc#557 | The Aethon slowly proceeds forwards, and Ann announces, "Thirty seconds..." NPC@annpc#557 | Ann: "Ten seconds...five, four, three, two, one...contact." NPC@annpc#557 | The viewscreen flares up for a second before the facility suddenly appears a short distance ahead of them NPC@annpc#557 | Vusal: "We are through. Sensors can no longer pick up the activity on the other side." NPC@annpc#557 | Suhani: "Guess we'll have to see if we've been detected from whether any Horde follows us in..." Rianni@crystyl:"As a cursory measure, reposition us relative to the facility; 120 degrees lat, 30 degrees long" NPC@annpc#557 | Ann nods, "On it." The Aethon maneuvers within the bubble to the position specified by Rianni Rianni@crystyl | Mischa smiles a little at the prudence, "At least if they do follow you in, they'll be searching in the wrong area" Rianni@crystyl:"What of the facility itself. What can we see now that we are inside?" NPC@annpc#557 | Vusal: "They are scrambling sensor readings of the facility. All I am able to discern is that there are energy emissions- the facility or at least some of its systems are powered online. The - NPC@annpc#557 - Toroki intelligence is correct, the scrambling should not affect transport as long as we know where we are going, and thanks to the schematics we possess, we should be able to beam in. Beaming - NPC@annpc#557 - back out, however, will require the scrambling to be deactivated, as we will be unable to maintain a transport lock on anything inside." Rianni@crystyl:"What about communications with our away team, will they be affected?" NPC@annpc#557 | Vusal nods, "It will be one-way, unless the team manages to tap into the communication systems of the facility itself. The scrambling prevents anything inside the facility from coming out- we - NPC@annpc#557:- will be able to transport in and provide updates to the away team, but we will not be able to hear them or transport them back out until the field is down, or if they locate a transporter or - NPC@annpc#557 - comm system built into the facility to establish a link." Rianni@crystyl looks to Mischa, "Far from an ideal setup" Rianni@crystyl | Mischa smiles, "That just translates to 'interesting challenge'. Don't worry, just get me down there and be ready when I call for pickup" Rianni@crystyl:"You and the MACO's" she corrects Rianni@crystyl | Mischa, "Of course" Rianni@crystyl:"Alright. Ann, take us into range. Commander, it's your mission from here" NPC@annpc#557 | Ann nods and taps her console, "Movin' into transporter range now." Rianni@crystyl | Mischa smiles at the courteous professionalism and nods, heading out to join her squad ready to beam down NPC@annpc#557 | A few minutes later, Vusal announces, "The team is away. Still no sign of any Horde vessels entering the subspace bubble. The possibility that they have detected us but not yet taken action is - NPC@annpc#557 - down to .21%. We should be safe for the time being." Rianni@crystyl:"Perhaps, but the Architect has a nasty habit of covering all of his bases including that .21%. Let's make a cursory analysis of the area within the barrier. If they do come looking, I would like to- Rianni@crystyl:- be able to latch on to the superstructure and camouflage our presence with the ambient background power signatures if it comes to it" NPC@annpc#557 | Suhani: "There's also the possibility that the team's actions might alert them. Intelligence can be discreet, but the Horde'll still suspect something's wrong if thralls start dropping inside - NPC@annpc#557 - this place. If any come searching though, Aethon's stealth systems should be up to camouflaging ourselves with the structure." Rianni@crystyl:"That is indeed a possibility, and our preferred course of action. I would simply like to have options should the need arise, at least as far as we can" Rianni@crystyl:"And whilst Intel may have a reputation for being discrete, the MACO's... not so much. And this a fresh squad up to the front lines, so if I've learned anything from Daz, it's that they'll be extra - Rianni@crystyl:- eager to get into a fight and prove themselves" NPC@annpc#557 | Ann nods, "Good point. Though we've got no idea wha's waitin' for 'em down there, it's possible Mischa might need the extra firepower. I mean she's good, but it's somethin' else havin' a squad - NPC@annpc#557 - o' MACOs at your back." Rianni@crystyl chuckles, "No arguments from me. But good luck convincing her of that one" NPC@annpc#557 | Ann chuckles, "Luckily it seems Keelah's already ordered her to take the MACOs with her, so we don't have to worry 'bout it!" Rianni@crystyl:"I'm betting it was pitched under a premise of 'putting them through their paces', or some such thing" NPC@annpc#557 | Ann: "Must be! So...any thoughts on wha' the Horde might be doin' down there? I guess we'll learn soon enough, but not much we can do now 'cept wait and speculate..." Rianni@crystyl:"I can think of two - relatively - likely scenarios" Rianni@crystyl | Emma turns in her chair, folding her arms across it's back to listen NPC@annpc#557 | Suhani looks over curiously as well NPC@annpc#557 | Ann: "Wha're those?" Rianni@crystyl:"Given the nature of this facility, the most likely I can imagine is that they are - and/or - have been using it to restore the dangerous species stored here so that they can be enthralled and - Rianni@crystyl:- used to bolster their numbers since they can't easily get reinforcements in past us now" Rianni@crystyl | Emma: "And the other?" NPC@annpc#557 | Suhani: "Certainly a possibility, but why the trouble of this whole subspace bubble? It does hide exactly what they're doing in it, but just creating the barrier drew our attention to the fact - NPC@annpc#557:- that they're doing /something/." Rianni@crystyl | Emma looks to Suhani and back Rianni@crystyl nods, "Which is the reason for my second theory; being that it is a trap to lure us into. The ground element is a possibility, but also too vague and uncertain" Rianni@crystyl | Emma: "You mean it's a trap for /us/ then?" Rianni@crystyl:"Look at this way; if your enemy took away your favourite toy and you wanted it back, what better way to bait a trap than with an elusive defense that only that particular toy can penetrate?" NPC@annpc#557 | Suhani: "That's a good point..." Rianni@crystyl | Emma: "Aah, the strategic mind of an unscrupulous warrior!" Rianni@crystyl nods, "The Architect is cunning, which means the Horde is while it's under his direct control" Rianni@crystyl | Emma smirks, turning back to her station, "Who said I was talking about him...?" NPC@annpc#557 | Ann chuckles, "Tha' ya even thought o' this as an option means ya would've come up with the same in this position!" Rianni@crystyl:"It's the eventualities I haven't thought of that concern me" NPC@annpc#557 | Ann thinks, "Could be both...might be a trap to lure the Aethon in, but the Architect /is/ actually hidin' somethin' too." Rianni@crystyl:"A distinct likelihood as well" she nods NPC@annpc#557 | Veladria chimes in from the back of the bridge, "What if the subspace bubble isn't there to hide something..." Rianni@crystyl turns, "You have a theory from your studies of it, Delbaj?" NPC@annpc#557 | Veladria: "Not necessarily from the bubble as it is now, but the Architect was contained in a subspace pocket when you found him. If they can create a bubble like this, they might be able to - NPC@annpc#557:- alter it. The barrier could be a /part/ of the trap, and not just merely the lure." Rianni@crystyl:"That would stand to reason. What have you been able to learn about it from your studies so far? I would prefer not to have to think of countermeasures on the fly if we can avoid it" NPC@annpc#557 | Vusal: "The Architect did utilize the hull emitters to push us out of the wormhole. We may be able to utilize it to have a similar effect on subspace, should the barrier close around us." NPC@annpc#557 | Veladria: "You can always count on a Vulcan to give a good suggestion. That could work, I'll look into the specific emissions to achieve the effect." Rianni@crystyl smiles and nods, "Good thinking. Vusal, why don't you work with your guest and see what you can come up with" NPC@annpc#557 | Vusal nods, making his way over to join Veladria at her console." NPC@annpc#557 | Ann looks back to the viewscreen, "An' now we wait to hear back from the away team...or see if the Horde come in an' start searchin' for us, whichever's first." Rianni@crystyl:"Preferably not the latter" NPC@annpc#557 | Ann: "Hopefully not..." NPC@annpc#557 | Veladria: "There's one other potential contingency measure we may be able to use if we need to make an escape. It's only going to be effective once we get out of the barrier, though." NPC@annpc#557 | Suhani: "If the Horde find out we're here, they'll likely continue trying to intercept us outside. Could come in useful." Rianni@crystyl joins the think tank at the back, "What have you got?" NPC@annpc#557 | Veladria: "We can use the deflector to draw tetryon particles from the subspace contained within the barrier once we're back outside. This tetryon fountain will destabilize in normal space and - NPC@annpc#557 - damage any ships caught in its wake. We'll need to be close to the barrier to use it, but it might help. We will have to get out of the way ourselves- it'll be like triggering a small solar - NPC@annpc#557 - flare, not quite as destructive enough to damage or destroy smaller patrol ships." Rianni@crystyl nods, "I'm familiar with a playbook maneuver that utilizes solar flares in that way, though I've never executed it personally. I do believe the Aethon is more than capable though" NPC@annpc#557 | Ann nods, "She's a fast little ship. I can outrun it if we trigger a flare, or somethin' similar to one." Rianni@crystyl:"Is there anything else we need to setup in order to execute this maneuver?" NPC@annpc#557 | Veladria: "The deflector should be capable of it as is, though it'll be more effective with some recalibration, and of course as much power as you can give it when we actually execute the - NPC@annpc#557 - maneuver. I can send the optimal configuration for the deflector so someone else can get working on the calibration while we work on the hull emitters." Rianni@crystyl nods, "Perfect, thank you!" NPC@annpc#557 | Veladria nods back and taps on a PADD for a few seconds before handing it to Rianni, "Here's what we need from the deflector for the best results." Rianni@crystyl takes it and returns to her station, while Emma greets her partway to take the PADD and go allocate the project NPC@annpc#557 | Suhani: "I'll analyze our data on the patrol ships in case we end up having to fight them. Hopefully, we'll be prepared enough if this is a trap." Rianni@crystyl joins her, "Let's take a look at those scans. I've seen my share of Horde ships since we've been here, so maybe between us we can glean some insight that could help!" NPC@annpc#557 | Suhani nods and grins, "I could certainly use your famous tactical expertise!" Rianni@crystyl:"Famous is it?" she chuckles, "I suppose that's better than infamous" NPC@annpc#557 | Suhani: "Well it's certainly infamous from the Horde's point of view. Which is something we want," she smiles. "Now, let's see if we can make it even more infamous for the Horde, shall we?" --- Leila Omar@annpc#557 | Mischa and five MACOs beam down to the interior of the facility... Leila Omar@annpc#557 | They materialize in a dark storage room of some description. Looking around, they see no thralls in sight... Mischa@crystyl materializes with her rifle drawn and ready, promptly scanning around the immediate area for threats before relaxing and retrieving her tricorder for a proper scan Leila Omar@annpc#557 | Neither Mischa's visual analysis nor tricorder scan picks up any thralls in the vicinity Mischa@crystyl gives a single wave of her hand telling the squad to proceed forwards Leila Omar@annpc#557 | The squad relaxes slightly as they begin proceeding forward out of the storage room and through a hallway into a larger, open area, still seeing no signs of thralls Mischa@crystyl stays at the rear, scanning and watching and knowing better than to get in front of a MACO squad securing an area Leila Omar@annpc#557 | After a few moments, the team leader, Lieutenant Sh’ivilnath, announces, "Area is clear." Leila Omar@annpc#557 | SSGT Walker: "I thought this place was supposed to be active. Looks like the lights are on low power and there's not a hint of any thralls here." Mischa@crystyl:"The possibility of this being a trap was always high. We should find some computer access to see what the facility has been doing" Leila Omar@annpc#557 | SGT Four: "There should be terminals down that hallway, per the schematics we were given." Mischa@crystyl:"Proceed with caution. I don't expect to encounter much here, but even if the trap is not for us it's likely they still would have left something to catch us out" Leila Omar@annpc#557 | The MACOs nods and press forward carefully Leila Omar@annpc#557 | As they proceed forward, there is a sudden squelch as one of the MACOs step into something. LT Sh’ivilnath holds up her hand for the team to stop before motioning to one of the MACOs, "Four?" Leila Omar@annpc#557 | SGT Four: "It is some form of organic matter. No hazard." Leila Omar@annpc#557 | CPL Kruger: "I think this used to be a person. Or a thrall. Something that was alive." Mischa@crystyl closes in to get a more detailed analysis of the goo Leila Omar@annpc#557 | Mischa notes that the goo's composition does indeed suggest it was once something alive, but there are no weapon signatures. It simply lost molecular cohesion and fell apart Leila Omar@annpc#557 | LT Sh'ivilnath: "What happened to it? Liquified by something?" Mischa@crystyl stands, shaking her head, "Whatever it was, it appears to have lost molecular cohesion. Possibly an experimental forced release from the archive here" Leila Omar@annpc#557 | LT Sh'ivilnath: "That's a possibility. Maybe we'll find out more from the computers." Leila Omar@annpc#557 | SSGT Walker: "Heads up, we got incoming, nine o' clock." Mischa@crystyl turns, readying her weapon Leila Omar@annpc#557 | The MACOs turn their weapons over in the direction too. A clearly malformed figure, looking more misshapen than usual even for a Horde thrall, comes into view. The team opens fire and several - Leila Omar@annpc#557 - bolts fly down the hall, but the figure disappears before any of the bolts hit it Leila Omar@annpc#557 | CPL Th’ezhiath: "Did we get it?" Leila Omar@annpc#557 | SGT Four: "My optical implant did not register a successful hit." Mischa@crystyl:"Negative. Stay sharp" Mischa@crystyl:"You lot carry smoke?" Leila Omar@annpc#557 | LT Sh'ivilnath nods, "We do. Want some cover, or thinking to flush it out?" Leila Omar@annpc#557 | SSGT Walker: "There it is aga- what the?" Mischa@crystyl:"Natural camouflage. Lay down smoke and look for movement, we're exposed here so I want 360 cover" Leila Omar@annpc#557 | LT Sh'ivilnath nods and the team lays down smoke before she looks to Walker, "What is it, Sergeant?" Leila Omar@annpc#557 | SSGT Walker: "My scanner system's locked up. I can't get it to work, it's requesting a command override. Apparently it picked up something it's not supposed to." Leila Omar@annpc#557 | LT Sh'ivilnath: "What? I thought the Colonel got rid of that stupid Omega protocol from our armour systems." Leila Omar@annpc#557 | SSGT Walker: "It's not Omega. Something about some spores..." Mischa@crystyl turns, "Prototaxites Stellaviatori?" Leila Omar@annpc#557 | Walker nods, "Yes, I think that's what the warning sa-" Leila Omar@annpc#557 | Suddenly they see movement out of the corner of their eyes and turn to find the misshapen figure among them. It swings a slender hand ending in a bony club, hitting CPL Th’ezhiath and sending - Leila Omar@annpc#557 - him stumbling back onto the floor. Four reacts the quickest, but the thrall pushes away the barrel of his rifle with its other hand just as he fires, causing the shot to impact the wall instead Leila Omar@annpc#557 | The thrall retaliates with the club hand but Four deftly evades the attack, jumping back and firing again. This time, the shot grazes the thrall, causing it to emit a loud, shrill shriek - Leila Omar@annpc#557 - before it disappears amidst what look like streaks of lightning Leila Omar@annpc#557 | Kruger rushes over to her fellow Corporal, scanning him before helping him up, "Just a few bruises. Nothing serious." Mischa@crystyl studies the readings she got on her tricorder while they were attacked Leila Omar@annpc#557 | LT Sh'ivilnath: "Stay alert, that thing's hurt but it's still out there..." Leila Omar@annpc#557 | Mischa's scans confirm that the thrall has been augmented with P. stellaviatori DNA. Its DNA is not entirely stable Mischa@crystyl:"This confirms the spores, though I must confess to have never seen an instance of them being genetically bonded to a living being like this before. The creature shows the same molecular instability- Mischa@crystyl:- as our puddled friend down here too" Leila Omar@annpc#557 | LT Sh'ivilnath: "So they're some kind of Horde genetic experiment?" Mischa@crystyl:"That would be my best guess from what we've seen so far" she nods Leila Omar@annpc#557 | CPL Kruger: "The Architect was a geneticist, wasn't he? Before he became a power hungry madman." Mischa@crystyl:"One with exceptional knowledge of Children species, yes. But that doesn't mean he knows anything of other lifeform types" Leila Omar@annpc#557 | SSGT Walker: "Maybe that's why they've got the molecular instability." Mischa@crystyl:"That is one possibility. It may also be because he is trying to force them out of the archive's systems" Mischa@crystyl:rolls 96 (1-100) Leila Omar@annpc#557 | Mischa spots the thrall out of the corner of her eye as it appears behind Sh'ivilnath to take her by surprise... Mischa@crystyl grabs Sh'ivilnath into what would normally be a disarm lock, but actually keeps the MACO armed, instead aiming and firing the rifle still in their hands Leila Omar@annpc#557 | Sh'ivilnath fires, the shot hitting the thrall clean in the head. The MACO team leader looks at Mischa in surprise, then turns her attention to the dead thrall as it thuds to the ground Leila Omar@annpc#557 | LT Sh'ivilnath: "Thanks. I owe you one." Mischa@crystyl gives a small nod in acknowledgement as she moves to get a closer look at the thrall Leila Omar@annpc#557 | The dead thrall is lanky and its proportions and features are very imbalanced and distorted, clearly a test subject and not an entirely successful one Mischa@crystyl tries to get an identity on its origin species Leila Omar@annpc#557 | It has multiple species, the original template seems to be a hybridization between Clenduros, Guardian-Captain Daian's species, and two other unknown amphibious species. In addition to - Leila Omar@annpc#557 - them and the P. stellaviatori DNA, pieces of Elachi and Iconian DNA has also been spliced into this augment Mischa@crystyl:"Quite the little cocktail we've been cooking up here..." Leila Omar@annpc#557 | Kruger steps over to join Mischa, "Maybe he's not using this facility for the archived DNA, but for the facilities here to work with DNA for his genetic experiments." Mischa@crystyl:"Perhaps, but this one has traces of Iconian DNA. So at the very least he's been trying to use information from the archive to bolster his experiments. And if he was simply experimenting, that would- Mischa@crystyl:- explain the strange barrier surrounding this place as he would know it would draw our attention. It is possible that it was an undesired side effect of whatever he's been doing with the spores, - Mischa@crystyl:- but that is pure speculation" Leila Omar@annpc#557 | Suddenly, the door they were headed towards slides open, revealing a room filled with consoles beyond. The MACOs turn their rifles in its direction immediately as a voice emanates from within... Leila Omar@annpc#557 | Voice: "Well that is unfortunate. I was hoping for it to perform a little better, but its time was always limited anyways." Mischa@crystyl slowly approaches with her rifle drawn Leila Omar@annpc#557 | Voice: "Commander Leveson-Scott. I thought you would come here to find out the truth behind this little mystery." Leila Omar@annpc#557 | Mischa sees that there's no one in the room, and the voice seems to be coming from one of the consoles Mischa@crystyl:"Finally run out of thrall puppets to speak to me through?" she ventures, slowly tracking the source of the voice without approaching Leila Omar@annpc#557 | The voice emanates from the central console closest to the door Leila Omar@annpc#557 | Voice: "Not quite. They just haven't made it to your location yet, so I thought we would take the time for some conversation. You are eager to have answers, aren't you?" Mischa@crystyl hand signals only to tell the squad she's identified the source and direct them to encircle the area without approaching Leila Omar@annpc#557 | LT Sh'ivilnath nods and the squad begins encircling the area Mischa@crystyl:"We are naturally inquisitive, but you already know that don't you. It's probably by your design. That said, you don't have to force small talk on my account. I can be as satisfied from pleasant - Mischa@crystyl:- conversation as I can be from assassination" Leila Omar@annpc#557 | Voice: "You will find that quite difficult once I am finished here. But I must admit, I am impressed you made it past the barrier onto this facility at all." Mischa@crystyl:"Well I am glad to hear that you weren't planning on making it easy for me" Leila Omar@annpc#557 | Voice: "Of course not. That would be no fun for you, would it?" Mischa@crystyl:"Indeed. So if we safely assume that you only reason you are talking to us now is in order to keep us occupied while you send more thralls for me to kill, that should give us sufficient time for you- Mischa@crystyl:- to show off your superior intellect, as I've no doubt you are itching to do by telling us all about how you've applied your genius here. After all, what's the point of being the best if nobody - Mischa@crystyl:- knows, right?" Mischa@crystyl continues to direct the squad into a defensive formation while talking Leila Omar@annpc#557 | Voice: "You've seen the results of my work already. What do you think?" Leila Omar@annpc#557 | The squad settles into a defensive position across the room in the meantime Mischa@crystyl:"I think I'm glad I didn't eat a full dinner before meeting your 'results'" Leila Omar@annpc#557 | Voice: "They are only the beginning. All inspired by our dear Emma, of course." Mischa@crystyl:"You know there are much easier ways to get into an Orion's pants. Right...?" Leila Omar@annpc#557 | Voice: "Unfortunately, what she has cannot be replicated by biological procreation. No, it has proven to be quite complex." Mischa@crystyl may be a little disappointed he didn't bite to her trolling, but doesn't let it show, "Well as lovely as it is to catch up again since the last time I killed you, I think we'll be going now. But we- Mischa@crystyl:- /must/ do this again soon, in person next time! After all, it's been - what - 2... 3 times I've killed you now? That must be getting quite frustrating to see a mere Child always breaking your - Mischa@crystyl:- favourite toys after all!" Leila Omar@annpc#557 | Voice: "I think it's about time I turned the tables then, Commander." Leila Omar@annpc#557 | SSGT Walker: "There's no sign of any thralls still. They should be here by now..." Mischa@crystyl:"Until next time then!" she chirps before turning her attention to the squad, "Assume that they are" Leila Omar@annpc#557 | LT Sh’ivilnath nods, "Understood, Commander." Mischa@crystyl:"Move out. Let's find a comms relay and a way to shut this place down" --- NPC@annpc#557 | As they wait for contact from the away team on the Aethon bridge, Vusal announces, "Four Horde patrol ships have entered the bubble from four separate vectors." NPC@annpc#557 | Suhani: "They must know we're here. Or know the away team is and suspect we're waiting for them." Rianni@crystyl:"To combat stations" she checks her display to see the various approach vectors NPC@annpc#557 | The display shows the ships approaching from very spread out vectors, most likely intended to establish a wide search pattern around the facility Rianni@crystyl:"Hug the facility and try to keep us out of their direct search lines, but I want you stick to maneuvering thrusters only as far as you can" NPC@annpc#557 | Ann nods, "Aye Cap'n." NPC@annpc#557 | The Aethon moves in, hugging the facility as the patrols begin, sweeping the area with AP beams... Rianni@crystyl | Emma: "AP sweeps now. They must know it's the Aethon that got through" Rianni@crystyl:"What are the chances we won't be affected if they catch us with one of those beams...?" NPC@annpc#557 | Suhani: "Regular AP sweeps, I'd say twenty, twenty-five percent chance, but the Architect knows this ship as well as we do. I wouldn't take the chance with the sweeps he's doing." NPC@annpc#557 | Emma picks up a general comm broadcast from the facility... Rianni@crystyl | Emma: "Incoming signal from the facility" Rianni@crystyl:"Cutting it fine Commander..." she mutters before nodding, "Let's hear it" NPC@annpc#557 | Mischa's voice comes through, but with significant static in the background, "We...comm relay...a way to shut this place down. How..is...up..there?" Rianni@crystyl:"Getting crowded" NPC@annpc#557 | Mischa: "...have to...give us sufficient time..." Rianni@crystyl 's eyes narrow and she looks to Emma who nods back, "I'm already analyzing the signal..." Rianni@crystyl | Emma nods after a moment and turns, "The signal is a fake" Rianni@crystyl curses herself for responding, "Cut the comm and reposition us - maximum thrusters" NPC@annpc#557 | Ann nods and just begins to tap on the helm console when suddenly the bridge shakes NPC@annpc#557 | Suhani: "Antiproton burst from the facility! Cloak is down!" Rianni@crystyl:"Evasive!" NPC@annpc#557 | Suddenly, another one of the slender, misshapen thralls pops into existence on the bridge. It wraps one long arm around Emma, holding her in a chokehold. Vusal rushes over to stop it, but it - NPC@annpc#557 - swings its other arm, knocking the Vulcan into Emma's console Rianni@crystyl jumps from her seat to tackle the thrall as well NPC@annpc#557 | The thrall's long arm swings around, hitting Rianni in her stomach before she can reach it. Veladria draws her disruptor, but the thrall spins around, positioning Emma between it and the other - NPC@annpc#557 - Orion so she doesn't have a clear shot. Before Rianni can get back up again, the thrall disappears into streaks of lightning, taking Emma with it Rianni@crystyl:"Emma!" she scrambles up to Emma's station, trying to intercept the transporter beam NPC@annpc#557 | Rianni doesn't manage to intercept it, and ends up grabbing nothing but air Rianni@crystyl tries then to track it and see where she was taken to NPC@annpc#557 | There is no sign of a transport...but there are signs of P. stellaviatori spores Rianni@crystyl stands back, giving the console a puzzled look, "Spores...?" NPC@annpc#557 | Meanwhile Suhani announces from the other side of the bridge, "Cloak is ready to reactivate, but patrol ships are on an intercept course. If we cloak now, we might be able to throw them off." NPC@annpc#557 | Ann: "They'll be sweeping for us, it'll be tight but there's a chance!" Rianni@crystyl:"Do it, give the engines a quick burst and take us on an erratic course away" Rianni@crystyl returns to her seat, fighting the thoughts of Emma from her mind after a quick longing glance to the empty station NPC@annpc#557 | Ann and Suhani nods and the Aethon's engines flare up as it darts away, shimmering and disappearing as the cloak is activated. The patrol ships swoop in, immediately beginning their sweeps, - NPC@annpc#557:- and Ann taps on her console quickly, dodging and weaving between them before they leave the Horde ships behind NPC@annpc#557 | Vusal meanwhile gets back up, shaking off the hit and returning to his console, "There was something unusual about that thrall. It appears more deformed and mutated than usual." Rianni@crystyl:"Internal sensors recorded P. stellaviatori spores" NPC@annpc#557 | Vusal: "Curious. It seems to have come here specifically for Ensign Ralde as well." Rianni@crystyl:"Then that was the purpose of the trap. But where did they take her? We have to find her and get her back!" NPC@annpc#557 | Vusal: "We have another communication from the facility's comm array, this one with Starfleet Intelligence encryption." Rianni@crystyl:"Alright, be ready to react if it's another fake though" NPC@annpc#557 | Suhani nods, "We should be out of range if the station sends another burst like the last one." NPC@annpc#557 | Ann: "I'll be ready to evade if the Architect's got another trick up his sleeve." NPC@annpc#557 | Vusal: "Putting it through now." Rianni@crystyl | Mischa: "Aethon, come in. Do you read?" Rianni@crystyl:"We read you Commander. What's the situation?" Rianni@crystyl | Mischa: "The Architect's been up to some evil-genius level horrific experiments down here. We only found a comm relay so far, but are still working on dropping the scattering field to beam out" NPC@annpc#557 | Vusal: "Computer analysis believes the Commander's voice is authentic this time, Captain." Rianni@crystyl:"P. stellaviatori spores, yes we know" Rianni@crystyl | Mischa: "You... do? What happened?" Rianni@crystyl 's voice waivers slightly, "A strange thrall we've never seen before - tall and gangly looking - appeared on the bridge and-... and it took Emma. We don't know where yet" Rianni@crystyl | Mischa is silent for a moment, "...I see. Then we have a new objective down here. We'll find Emma for you Captain, you just focus on avoiding the Horde" Rianni@crystyl:"Easier said than done when there's four ships in here searching for us. But we will do what we can" Rianni@crystyl | Mischa: "Just stay focused, I know you can do it" Rianni@crystyl:"We will Commander. Just please, bring Emma home safely" Rianni@crystyl | Mischa: "You can count on it. We'll stay in touch" and the comm ends --- NPC@annpc#557 | Emma pops into existence behind a force field. The thrall lets go of her and staggers back into the wall behind them Emma Ralde@crystyl looks around in disorientation and scrambles backwards away from the thrall NPC@annpc#557 | The thrall slumps to the floor, blood trickling down from its deformed nose NPC@annpc#557 | Voice: "Hello, Emma." NPC@annpc#557 | One of the Psionic thralls with the large heads steps up to the force field from the area beyond, which seems to be a lab Emma Ralde@crystyl looks between the sickly thrall and the talkative one, "Um hello... thrall...?" NPC@annpc#557 | Psionic: "That one is nearing the end of its time. Climb on the bed. And please- call me Architect." Emma Ralde@crystyl glances to the bed and back, folding her arms with a scowl, "I think I prefer to stand" Emma Ralde@crystyl is not impressed NPC@annpc#557 | The Architect gestures his arm and the sickly thrall gets back on its feet, "I'm afraid that was not an offer, but a request." Emma Ralde@crystyl backs up, standing prone to defend herself, "What's with the games all of a sudden anyway? Didn't anyone ever tell you not to play with your food?" NPC@annpc#557 | Architect: "You are not food, and I do not seek to turn you into a thrall. I have looked inside your mind already, when I had the crew of the Valley Forge under my control." NPC@annpc#557 | The sickly thrall moves to grab Emma again, but is much slower this time, not to mention lacking the element of surprise Emma Ralde@crystyl tries to sidestep it in the close confines of her cell and swipes her sharp Orion claws across its face as she does NPC@annpc#557 | The thrall's face gets scratched and it reels into the force field, then collapses onto the ground again much more dramatically than it should have from a scratch NPC@annpc#557 | Architect: "Using your knowledge, I managed to get this far, but..." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"My knowledge? What are you talking about?!" NPC@annpc#557 | The sickly thrall begins convulsing as its body seems to liquify almost like a changeling NPC@annpc#557 | Architect: "Your knowledge of your condition. My people were aware of the existence of the mycelial network. We even entered it and explored it briefly, before that led to the accidental - NPC@annpc#557 - birth of the people you know as the Elachi. They were impressive in their own regards, but your condition- that was a possibility I had not thought of before meeting you." NPC@annpc#557 | The sickly thrall is now nothing more than a puddle, like the one Mischa and co. saw earlier NPC@annpc#557 | Architect: "Unfortunately, my experiments so far have all been as unstable as this one." Emma Ralde@crystyl 's face twists at the horrific sight as she backs up from the goo puddle, "Well thank you for the invitation, but I prefer to not end up liquified. So I'll just be on my way and you can play in - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- peace" NPC@annpc#557 | Architect: "You do not need to worry- I will not be experimenting on you. No, you are the key to a stable creation. You see, you are aware of how your condition works, but you are not an - NPC@annpc#557 - expert on all the scientific details. That is why I must study you firsthand. This was all for your benefit, my dear Emma. I had one true thrall among those Rider anarchists you so deftly - NPC@annpc#557 - defeated, a single spy, but it was enough for me to catch the broadcast from your buoy and recognize Ensign Tierno's service number. I took a gamble that Captain Keelah would send her with the - NPC@annpc#557:- Aethon to penetrate this barrier, and that you would come along with her. If it had failed, then at least I had a chance to reclaim the Aethon. But as I expected, here you are..." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"No" NPC@annpc#557 | The Architect sighs, "Very well, we will do this the hard way, then." He steps back to his console and taps on it. The puddle is transported out as vents open in the force field area... Emma Ralde@crystyl tries to cover her mouth and nose with the sleeve of her tunic while looking for something to block the vents if not break out of the cell NPC@annpc#557 | Emma is able to block a vent on the lower part of the wall, but the one on the higher part is too high for her to reach, and she sees no way to escape NPC@annpc#557 | Architect: "You were an accident- an impressive one, but an accident nonetheless. I will create something truly beautiful. A new Design- a body that will not die like yours, but accelerated a - NPC@annpc#557 - thousand fold, the cycle repeating not every day, but every second. A truly immortal body, immune not only to natural aging, but rapid enough to regenerate any wounds inflicted on it instantly." NPC@annpc#557 | As the Architect speaks, Emma begins to feel herself getting more and more lightheaded... Emma Ralde@crystyl wobbles, "You're as sick as you- you are... delusion... delusional..." Emma Ralde@crystyl slumps against the wall NPC@annpc#557 | Architect: "I prefer to think of myself...as a visionary." Emma Ralde@crystyl 's eyes begin to roll but she grimaces while digging her clawed nails as hard as she can into her thigh. She starts chuckling… Emma Ralde@crystyl:"I should... thank you really..." NPC@annpc#557 | Architect: "What for?" Emma Ralde@crystyl:"You may have peered... into my mind. But I have seen your... your thoughts now. Making up... wild stories to- to connect random events.... and claim foresight. We... may be Children. But..." she - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- grins, forcing her gaze back to the talky thrall, "But you... are just- just a child..." she finally passes out --- Leila Omar@annpc#557 | Elsewhere on the facility, Mischa finishes her comm with the Aethon... Mischa@crystyl looks to the squad, "You got all of that?" Leila Omar@annpc#557 | SGT Four nods, "If she has been taken prisoner, it is possible she is captive in one of the holding cells for dangerous lifeforms located in this facility. They should be one level below us." Mischa@crystyl nods, "Let's move out!" Leila Omar@annpc#557 | The MACOs nod and move out, proceeding carefully like before Leila Omar@annpc#557 | Before long, they make their way to the level below, and as they pass through a set of round Iconian doors, they are greeted with the sight of bodies of thralls strewn about the hallway Leila Omar@annpc#557 | CPL Th’ezhiath: "That's a lot of failed experiments..." Mischa@crystyl:"As always, the Horde do everything by sheer numbers. Like monkeys and typewriters" Leila Omar@annpc#557 | CPL Kruger leans over and flips the body over, "I don't think these are experiments. Not all of them, anyways." She runs a tricorder over the body. "This one definitely died of the lacerations - Leila Omar@annpc#557 - it received." Leila Omar@annpc#557 | LT Sh’ivilnath: "From what?" Mischa@crystyl:"Likely fell to some other failed experiment if I had to guess" Leila Omar@annpc#557 | CPL Kruger: "I'd guess so as well." Leila Omar@annpc#557 | LT Sh'ivilnath: "Let's move on and keep an eye open for what did this." Mischa@crystyl nods, "And remember earlier; don't just rely on your scanners" Leila Omar@annpc#557 | The MACOs nod and proceed onward. Soon, they reach the door to the containment area Leila Omar@annpc#557 | SGT Four: "Ten hostiles inside, according to sensors. No P. stellaviatori spore readings." Mischa@crystyl:"Alright, check your fire. Remember this is a SAR now, so I'll follow your lead" Leila Omar@annpc#557 | SGT Four: "Correction- no spore readings from the thralls, but I am detecting spores within a lifeform in one of the holding cells." Leila Omar@annpc#557 | LT Sh'ivilnath: "Is the force field of that cell active?" Mischa@crystyl:"That could be Emma. Though she does not normally register with spores this way, we must hurry" Leila Omar@annpc#557 | SGT Four: "Affirmative. Force field is active." Leila Omar@annpc#557 | LT Sh'ivilnath: "Let's take out the thralls first, clear the room, then check what's in that cell." Mischa@crystyl takes up position and nods to the LT to proceed Leila Omar@annpc#557 | The MACOs take up positions and opens fire as soon as the door opens Mischa@crystyl steps in with them, firing rapid but calculated single shots around the room like she's pitching for a high score back on the training ranges Leila Omar@annpc#557 | The thralls fire back, but with Mischa and the MACOs' skill and accuracy, the fight is decidedly one-sided. Before long, the thralls are all down, and Walker calls out, "Clear!" Mischa@crystyl presses into the room, staying focused with her rifle ready as she searches towards the holding cell Leila Omar@annpc#557 | The MACOs enter the room, their rifles also held at the ready as they approach the holding cell with the spore readings... Leila Omar@annpc#557 | CPL Kruger: "That's...definitely not Emma." Leila Omar@annpc#557 | Inside the cell behind a force field sits a huge oversized tardigrade... Mischa@crystyl:"Not unless she's /really/ let herself go. No time to gawk, we've got to keep searching. Move out" Leila Omar@annpc#557 | CPL Kruger makes a quick scan before moving off, "Claw size and shape match the lacerations on that thrall outside. I think we know what took them out." Mischa@crystyl:"At least that's one less thing to worry about then" Leila Omar@annpc#557 | LT Sh’ivilnath: "Four, check that console." Leila Omar@annpc#557 | SGT Four moves over, tapping on a console in the centre of the area with the holding cells Leila Omar@annpc#557 | SGT Four: "Emma is not within the holding cells, but the facility is picking up one Orion lifesign in a lab another level below us." Mischa@crystyl:"Has to be her" Leila Omar@annpc#557 | LT Sh’ivilnath: "Let's move out!" Leila Omar@annpc#557 | The team moves down yet another level, and this time Four announces: "Three thralls in the room with the Orion lifesigns, one with spores." Mischa@crystyl:"I'll focus on the one with spore readings from the opening. Maybe get lucky and take it out of the fight before it starts Leila Omar@annpc#557 | LT Sh’ivilnath nods, "Everyone else, take out the other two and support the Commander." Leila Omar@annpc#557 | As the door opens, the three thralls turn to them... Mischa@crystyl quickly aims and fires for a headshot Leila Omar@annpc#557 | The MACOs instantly take out the other thralls. Mischa's headshot tears a hole straight through the thrall's head...but a second later it seems to fully heal back as it raises its rifle and - Leila Omar@annpc#557 - returns fire! Leila Omar@annpc#557 | SGT Four fires a shot through its torso, with the exact same result, doing nothing more than stumbling the thrall before it returns to fully healed a second later Leila Omar@annpc#557 | SGT Four: "It is somehow regenerating at a rate even the Borg cannot achieve." Mischa@crystyl is taken aback by the recovery and barely returns to cover in time Mischa@crystyl:"This is... problematic. The Architect must have taken Emma to unlock the secrets of her condition" Leila Omar@annpc#557 | SSGT Walker: "Keep its attention! I think I know just what to do." Leila Omar@annpc#557 | Walker taps on his rifle as the rest of the squad begins providing covering fire Mischa@crystyl joins in, pushing into the room and spreading out to force it's attention in multiple directions Leila Omar@annpc#557 | Walker ducks out of cover and fires a single bright red shot from his phaser. It hits the thrall in the chest and immediately disintegrates it. A few seconds pass in silence, and it seems to - Leila Omar@annpc#557 - be gone for good Leila Omar@annpc#557 | SSGT Walker: "Ha! Thought it wouldn't be able to come back from that." Mischa@crystyl:"Let us hope not. Secure Ensign Ralde, I'm going to see if the facility has further means to contain or destroy this thrall and all of the research that led to it” Leila Omar@annpc#557 | LT Sh’ivilnath: "Everyone set your weapons on the highest setting," she nods to Kruger and Four, "Secure the Ensign." Leila Omar@annpc#557 | Mischa notes that the Horde have cut off the facility's connection to the rest of the Sphere to prevent the Preserver AI from having control of the facility, which means that any data here is - Leila Omar@annpc#557 - isolated within the facility's computers and can be purged. The thrall that Walker disintegrated is no longer registering and is probably permanently gone, but there is another lab nearby - Leila Omar@annpc#557 - which has high energy readings suggesting something is going on there. Mischa also finds that the scrambling field is set up separately by the Horde and not a part of the facility's own - Leila Omar@annpc#557 - systems, so they cannot be deactivated from here, though she is able to use the facility sensors to locate the scrambling devices to deactivate or destroy Mischa@crystyl checks to see if the lab has any absolute purge or cleanse function to completely wipe it out Leila Omar@annpc#557 | There is indeed a purge option! Mischa@crystyl joins the squad, "How is the Ensign?" Leila Omar@annpc#557 | CPL Kruger stands by the bed where an unconscious Emma sleeps, the force field having been disabled, "I've done a thorough check. She's unconscious, sedated by anaesthetic gas, but she's - Leila Omar@annpc#557 - perfectly fine. No sign of any genetic augmentation, with the spores or otherwise. I can wake her with a quick hypo; I suggest we do- carrying her will slow us down and she's a trained - Leila Omar@annpc#557 - Starfleet officer too. She can handle herself, maybe even lend a hand if she's up and about." Mischa@crystyl nods, "Do it" Leila Omar@annpc#557 | Kruger takes out a hypo and injects it into Emma's neck. She slowly begins to come to... Mischa@crystyl | Emma's eyes slowly flicker open and a smile form, she continues her giggling gloat in her sedated state, "just... a child... hehehe" Mischa@crystyl perks a brow, "Well. Seems she's more damaged than we thought. Guess we'll have to put her out of her misery" Mischa@crystyl | Emma blink blinks and turns, "Commander?" rubbing her eyes and sitting Mischa@crystyl:"Aah so, not just a child now?" Mischa@crystyl | Emma: "Huh?" Mischa@crystyl:"Nevermind, we have to keep moving. Are you mobile?" Leila Omar@annpc#557 | CPL Kruger chuckles, "That's what you were saying. Probably a side effect of the sedative. How're you feeling now?" Mischa@crystyl | Emma stands nodding ot Mischa, "The Architect was here in one of the thralls, prattling on about using me to perfect his experiments here and gloating about how soooo many things were all part of- Mischa@crystyl:- his cunning master plan. That's right! /He/ was the child!" she grins, "I was laughing at him victoriously while he gassed me unconscious" Leila Omar@annpc#557 | CPL Kruger: "Right...well, fortunately he hasn't done anything with you other than gassing you unconscious." Mischa@crystyl:"That sounds about right for him. Alright, well if you're up for it we could always use an extra gun" she hands her sidearm to Emma Mischa@crystyl:"We're bugging out here and shutting down the rest of his experiments. I've got coordinates for the transport inhibitors, but there's another active lab first. And the Tardigrade's pen" Mischa@crystyl | Emma gives her a look, "They actually have a Tardigrade here?" Mischa@crystyl nods Leila Omar@annpc#557 | CPL Kruger: "It tore through quite the number of thralls, too." Mischa@crystyl | Emma: "I've only ever heard about them. They were used by Starfleet in the experiments that I got caught up in, even tore up their share of crews too apparently. We're rescuing it too, right?” Leila Omar@annpc#557 | CPL Kruger: "Are you sure it wouldn't just try to kill us? Is it even sentient?" Mischa@crystyl:"I do not believe it sentient, but I do believe it is intelligent. LT, I suggest we split up; one main squad with me to shut down operations here and an escort with the Ensign to recover the - Mischa@crystyl:- Tardigrade. If it's going to respond amicably to anyone, she has the best chance" Leila Omar@annpc#557 | Sh’ivilnath nods, "Walker, Kruger, go with the Ensign. Everyone else with me and the Commander." Mischa@crystyl | Emma: "What about the ship? Can we contact them?" Leila Omar@annpc#557 | LT Sh'ivilnath: "We accessed the comms from a console earlier. We may not pass by that way again, but there could be other consoles with comm access." Mischa@crystyl:"We'll keep an eye out as well and let Rianni know we have you as soon as we can" Mischa@crystyl | Emma smiles a little, "Thank you. Alright, I'm ready to go" Mischa@crystyl:"We'll see you when we're done" Leila Omar@annpc#557 | LT Sh'ivilnath: "Let's move out, everyone." Mischa@crystyl returns to the console and prepares to purge to the lab once everyone leaves Leila Omar@annpc#557 | An alarm goes off as the purge begins, wiping clean the lab behind them. Now just the other active one she saw on the console to go... Mischa@crystyl ducks out through the closing door before it seals as a bright flash engulfs the room behind them Leila Omar@annpc#557 | They proceed towards the next lab, which is only some ways down the hall. As they approach, Four announces, "Six lifesigns within, three regular thralls and three with the spore readings." Mischa@crystyl double checks her own rifle setting, "Let's not give them the chance to pull any creepy stuff this time" Leila Omar@annpc#557 | LT Sh’ivilnath: "Agreed. Ready?" She and the MACOs take up position outside the entrance Mischa@crystyl takes up position and nods, signalling the team to breach the door Leila Omar@annpc#557 | They breach the door and immediately begin firing, targeting the modified thralls. Two are disintegrated instantly, but the third seems to be larger than the others- not quite the size of a - Leila Omar@annpc#557 - Behemoth thrall, but its skin has a distinct colouration and pattern identical to that of the tardigrade, but it is humanoid, even with Klingon-like ridges on its head Mischa@crystyl again focuses on the priority target Leila Omar@annpc#557 | Their shots leave black burn marks on the large thrall's skin but it doesn't disintegrate. The scorch marks disappear after a second and the thrall picks up a large rifle, opening fire into - Leila Omar@annpc#557 - the doorway and forcing the MACOs into cover Mischa@crystyl looks to the squad, "Packing anything a little heavier?" Leila Omar@annpc#557 | Th’ezhiath nods and takes out a grenade, rolling it into the room. There is an explosion and the lifesigns of the other thralls flicker out, but the lifesign of one thrall with spore - Leila Omar@annpc#557 - augmentation still remains. The super-thralls steps out of the smoke with large patches of burns across its skin which quickly begin to fade away. Its rifle is disabled however and it tosses - Leila Omar@annpc#557 - the weapon aside as it steps forward...and begins to speak in a deep voice: "You are too late. Your weapons cannot harm this creation. You may have taken the Ar-Rhys clone from me, but that - Leila Omar@annpc#557 - one was not ready. You are powerless against me now." Mischa@crystyl:"Aren't you getting tired of spouting that same line at me?" she responds with a cursory headshot Leila Omar@annpc#557 | Her shot leaves a scorch mark on its ridges, which simply fades away as before Leila Omar@annpc#557 | SGT Four: "I suggest we retreat. There may be one method remaining that can destroy this thrall." Mischa@crystyl nods, "Fall back" Leila Omar@annpc#557 | The thrall gives chase as the team retreats, though without a ranged weapon, it is unable to do much. The team's covering fire also doesn't do much except slightly slow it down though, as it - Leila Omar@annpc#557 - tanks and regenerates through even their maximum power shots Leila Omar@annpc#557 | SGT Four: "This facility does not use Omega. Instead, it is powered by energy harnessed from the Sphere's sun- which means we will be able to destroy it without risking too extensive damage. - Leila Omar@annpc#557:- This thrall may be able to withstand personal arms fire, but I highly doubt it can take the full brunt of solar energy." Mischa@crystyl:"That should do nicely to destroy all of the research here too. Alright, let's make it happen" Leila Omar@annpc#557 | Sh'ivilnath nods, "Let's take out the scrambling devices, then the core so we can call for beamout." Leila Omar@annpc#557 | CPL Th’ezhiath: "Lieutenant...it's stopped following us." Leila Omar@annpc#557 | LT Sh'ivilnath: "Might be looking for a weapon, or a way to cut us off. Stay alert." --- Leila Omar@annpc#557 | Meanwhile, Walker and Kruger lead Emma back to the tardigrade's pen Leila Omar@annpc#557 | SSGT Walker: "You're sure you want to open this?" Emma Ralde@crystyl:"I'm sure I don't. But we don't really have a choice" Leila Omar@annpc#557 | Walker nods, moving up to the console, "Here goes..." Leila Omar@annpc#557 | The force field drops and the tardigrade leaps out of its cell, looking around at the three Emma Ralde@crystyl stands in the middle, looking back Leila Omar@annpc#557 | SSGT Walker: "Is it trying to decide if we're friend or foe, or which one of us to have for dinner first..." Leila Omar@annpc#557 | It edges towards Emma... Leila Omar@annpc#557 | CPL Kruger: "I think it chose her..." Emma Ralde@crystyl slowly kneels, "It was held captive in this room against its will with no understanding or context. Now we are what it sees, so yes I imagine it thinks we're the ones who imprisoned it, or at least- Emma Ralde@crystyl:- fears that we may be" Leila Omar@annpc#557 | The tardigrade takes an uncertain step back, rearing up defensively, though not to its full height, keeping three pairs of legs on the ground and only raising the first pair Emma Ralde@crystyl doesn't move, just lets it react, "Come on. This will be so much easier if you play nicely..." Leila Omar@annpc#557 | The tardigrade slowly lowers itself back down to all eights but doesn't approach, staying there cautiously... Emma Ralde@crystyl:"That's it. You can probably sense something about me can't you. Just... don't go getting any cute ideas please, we're not that closely related" Leila Omar@annpc#557 | The tardigrade finally decides to take a step closer... Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Does this mean you're going to follow us out of here?" Leila Omar@annpc#557 | The tardigrade of course does not respond, but its posture does seem to relax a little to Emma. Somehow, she seems to recognize its movements as its posture relaxing, despite the creature - Leila Omar@annpc#557 - being so alien and her not having worked with one before. The MACOs don't seem to notice any change and don't react at all Emma Ralde@crystyl slowly stands, "Ok... let's try this, um, Tardi. Come on now, out we go!" she steps back a step Leila Omar@annpc#557 | 'Tardi' does indeed follow forward a step! Emma Ralde@crystyl smiles with satisfaction, "Attagirl! If you are a girl... do Tardigrades even have genders? Well, you're clearly smart so you must be a girl! Come on then, let's get you out of this hell!" she pats her- Emma Ralde@crystyl:- legs, encouraging it along as she turns to leave, looking back to make sure it follows Leila Omar@annpc#557 | It continues to follow and the MACOs turn to follow it out as well, still keeping their eyes on it cautiously Leila Omar@annpc#557 | CPL Kruger: "Time to rendezvous with the others now." Emma Ralde@crystyl nods, "Lead the way!" --- T'Vek@anncaris | Mischa and the MACOs accompanying her easily destroy the first scrambler, guarded by a small group of thralls. As the area is secure and the scrambling systems are disabled, Four finds a - T'Vek@anncaris - console that can tap into the comm systems, and Mischa manages to update the Aethon on the events thus far! T'Vek@anncaris | LT Sh'ivilnath: "One down, three more to go." Mischa@crystyl nods, "Let's get to it then" T'Vek@anncaris | As they move back out into the hall, the MACOs freeze for a moment, raising their weapons before Four states, "Friendlies," and they relax T'Vek@anncaris | Further down the hall, Emma approaches with the remaining MACOs and the giant tardigrade... Mischa@crystyl smiles a little, "Well I'll be damned" T'Vek@anncaris | LT Sh'ivilnath: "She actually freed the thing and got it to come along..." Mischa@crystyl | Emma: "She's a little nervous, so I suggest trying to avoid startling her" Mischa@crystyl:"...'her'?" Mischa@crystyl | Emma smiles, "Tardi's too smart to be a male!" Mischa@crystyl chuckles, "Such flawless logic. Lana would be proud" T'Vek@anncaris | Kruger chuckles as well, "And yes, she named 'her' as well." Mischa@crystyl:"Well we've got one of the inhibitors down and we got a message to the Aethon so Rianni can focus on her job again now. We should continue to do the same" T'Vek@anncaris | LT Sh'ivilnath: "I expect we'll run into further guards at the other scramblers. We should go ahead, clear out the area first so the tardigrade doesn't get startled." Mischa@crystyl nods, "Sounds good to me" T'Vek@anncaris | LT Sh'ivilnath: "Kruger, stay with the Ensign, just in case. Walker, come with us." T'Vek@anncaris | The MACOs and Mischa press on, clearing out and destroying the other jammers. Resistance begins to increase as the Horde knows what they're up to, but the next two jammers still go down - T'Vek@anncaris - without much trouble, the superior skill and weapons of the MACOs easily defeating the increased numbers of thrall guards in the area T'Vek@anncaris | As they assault the fourth location however, one of the teleporting thralls appear among the team, arriving from somewhere else to strike them while they are in the middle of the firefight T'Vek@anncaris | Fortunately, the team is prepared for it this time. As the thrall goes to ambush Walker, Th’ezhiath slams it across the back with his rifle, knocking it to the ground before disintegrating it - T'Vek@anncaris - with a shot before it can teleport away T'Vek@anncaris | CPL Th’ezhiath: "Not this time!" T'Vek@anncaris | A second one jumps into the room, choosing a spot behind cover to snipe at the team from instead of trying to ambush them at close range Mischa@crystyl glances back at the comment with a smirk, otherwise focused on clearing the room ahead and taking an early shot at the sneaky thrall T'Vek@anncaris | Mischa nails the other teleporting thrall, and the rest of the team is able to quickly clear the rest of the room! With a few shots from his rifle, Walker completely destroys the last scrambler T'Vek@anncaris | LT Sh'ivilnath: "We should be all set for evac. Now just to overload the facility's core." Mischa@crystyl nods, "Let's finish this once and for all" T'Vek@anncaris | The team makes their way to the heart of the facility to overload the core, but just before they reach the entrance, they find their way blocked by the large superthrall, flanked by - T'Vek@anncaris - four other thralls of various types T'Vek@anncaris | Super-Thrall: "I thought you would come for the core. I cannot allow you to do that." Mischa@crystyl:"Fine, give up and die. Then we won't have to - everyone wins. Well, except that poor thrall, but that thing lost the minute you got your clutches into it" T'Vek@anncaris | Super-Thrall: "Perhaps you should be the ones to give up. You took out my scramblers after all- well done. Now run, while you still can." The thrall raises a newfound rifle and opens fire - T'Vek@anncaris - simultaneously with its regular comrades, forcing the MACOs into cover in the intersecting hall Mischa@crystyl takes cover as well, returning fire while assessing the area T'Vek@anncaris | The MACOs quickly take out the supporting thralls, but more seem to pile in from the core area. As before, their shots barely affect the super-thrall, and what damage is done resets in a - T'Vek@anncaris - second anyways. Mischa spots no environmental hazards she is able to use against the thrall, but looking into the core room as the enemy reinforcements come through, she does see that there - T'Vek@anncaris - is another way into the room, but one that is also guarded by thralls Mischa@crystyl points the option out to the LT T'Vek@anncaris | Sh’ivilnath nods, "There's no way we're going through that thing, but if we go around, it might just turn back and come at us the other way. We'll keep it occupied here- you go around, grab - T'Vek@anncaris - Kruger while you backtrack and push in the other way. Hopefully you'll have the core overloaded before the big one has a chance to get back." Mischa@crystyl nods and quickly slips away T'Vek@anncaris | The rest of the MACOs begin pulling back, firing on the thrall and keeping its attention as they do T'Vek@anncaris | Soon, Mischa backtracks to where Emma, Kruger and the tardigrade are waiting T'Vek@anncaris | CPL Kruger: "Commander. Where's the rest of the team?" Mischa@crystyl:"We were cut off from the final objective by an annoying thrall. I need you to come with me and take the room from the other side while the squad keeps it occupied" T'Vek@anncaris | Kruger nods, "Understood. Lead the way." Mischa@crystyl continues to push around a different route back to the main chamber T'Vek@anncaris | Kruger follows along and the two reach the other side of the main chamber, guarded by thralls, but not the super-thrall T'Vek@anncaris | CPL Kruger: "I'll clear the immediate entrance with a grenade, then we go in blasting." Mischa@crystyl nods T'Vek@anncaris | Kruger rolls in a grenade and ducks into cover as it goes off. She barely waits for the smoke to clear before giving the signal and opening fire... Mischa@crystyl joins in, pushing forward aggressively while she shoots --- T'Vek@anncaris | Meanwhile back with Emma... T'Vek@anncaris | Tardi turns to face the direction Mischa came from for a second before spinning around to face the direction Mischa and Kruger left in Mischa@crystyl | Emma watches, "Yes, there's Horde in both directions. But don't worry, our friends are fighting them, not joining them!" T'Vek@anncaris | Tardi begins moving after where Mischa went Mischa@crystyl | Emma tries to hold her back, "Hey, hey nonono you don't want to go down there it's dangerous!" T'Vek@anncaris | Tardi pauses as Emma tries to hold her back, nudges her gently, and continues trying to go in that direction Mischa@crystyl | Emma frowns, "Eugh, I take it back. You're as stubborn as a male! Fine, but if you get killed don't complain to me!" T'Vek@anncaris | Tardi nudges Emma again and goes to run off after Mischa and Kruger Mischa@crystyl | Emma groans and follows, drawing her fancy loaned intel phaser --- T'Vek@anncaris | In the core room, Mischa and Kruger have cleared a path to the core, though a few thralls still remain across the room. As the shootout goes on, their comms sound Mischa@crystyl taps her combadge T'Vek@anncaris <C - Sh’ivilnath> "Be alert, the big one's turned back for the core." Mischa@crystyl:<C> “He's aware of us now from the other thralls here. Understood” T'Vek@anncaris | Kruger: "I'll provide covering fire, you get to the core and start the overload." Mischa@crystyl nods and makes a run for it T'Vek@anncaris | A few shots fly by Mischa as she runs, but she makes it to the central console without being hit. However, the door on the other side of the room opens and the Super-Thrall charges in, laying - T'Vek@anncaris - down fire from its rifle and forcing Mischa to take cover behind the console Mischa@crystyl takes cover, again checking the environment for a means to help stop the super thrall T'Vek@anncaris | In the core room, she can see emergency vents for excess energy which she can shoot to cause them to malfunction and spew plasma! T'Vek@anncaris | The super-thrall continues advancing and firing slowly Mischa@crystyl bides her times before sniping one of the vents to engulf the thrall T'Vek@anncaris | The thrall is caught in the vented plasma and lets out a roar. It raises an arm to shield itself from the plasma as it slowly pushes its way through, but its rifle disintegrates entirely, - T'Vek@anncaris - limiting the incoming fire from the few remaining normal thralls across the room and allowing Mischa to duck out of cover! Mischa@crystyl pops up and quickly takes the adds out of the equation T'Vek@anncaris | The super-thrall makes its way out of the plasma badly burned, the arm shielding itself withered and completely blackened, but a blink of an eye later and it is back to normal, charging in - T'Vek@anncaris - directly at Mischa. Kruger tosses another grenade between Mischa and the thrall and it goes off just as the thrall nears it, causing the thrall to emit another roar. However, it recovers - T'Vek@anncaris:- before the smoke clears, leaping out of the dark haze. Kruger fires off a burst before rolling aside, but she is not quick enough as the thrall slams her back and stuns the corporal before - T'Vek@anncaris - immediately changing direction to charge at Mischa. Before it can reach Mischa however, the door they came through opens and the tardigrade leaps onto the ceiling, crawling upside-down and - T'Vek@anncaris - then lunging down from above, intercepting the super-thrall and causing the two to tumble to the ground Mischa@crystyl looks around to see Emma rush in and check on Kruger. Taking the opportunity to progress her work at the console T'Vek@anncaris | Kruger: "I...I'm fine. Might've...fractured a rib...or several. But...nothing serious..." She takes out a hypo from her belt and injects it into her own neck T'Vek@anncaris | CPL Kruger: "Could use a hand...to get back up, though." Mischa@crystyl | Emma helps Kruger back up and stays close acting as support T'Vek@anncaris | Meanwhile, the tardigrade and super-thrall wrestle with one another. The tardigrade's claws and teeth leave gashes in the super-thrall's skin, though the wounds fade away as the thrall resets - T'Vek@anncaris - itself every second. The tardigrade persists, using its claws to dig in and hang to to the thrall, keeping it occupied for a while before the thrall finally manages to rip Tardi off and toss - T'Vek@anncaris - it away. Tardi simply rolls back onto its feet and charges at the thrall again, re-engaging before it has a chance to stop Mischa and buying enough time for Mischa to progress the overload - T'Vek@anncaris - beyond the point of no return! T'Vek@anncaris | The rest of the MACO squad enter from the other side of the core room, rifles at the ready, but they don't fire as they see the friendly tardigrade wrestling with the super-thrall Mischa@crystyl taps her combadge, "LT, the wheels are in motion. Time to bug out" T'Vek@anncaris | Sh’ivilnath nods over from the other side of the core room and begins calling for evac T'Vek@anncaris | As the transporter sparkles begin to envelop the team and the tardigrade, Tardi leaps off the super-thrall. The thrall grabs on to one of its hind legs, but it turns around and swipes it - T'Vek@anncaris - across the front arm multiple times with its other legs, mauling the thrall's arm until it lets go, then deftly jumps to the ceiling, scampering off as the transporters engage fully. The - T'Vek@anncaris - super-thrall leaps after the tardigrade but it grabs only thin air and roars in fury as the core explodes, engulfing it in solar energy. Its armoured skin protects it for a second but - T'Vek@anncaris - even the super-thrall cannot resist it for long, and it is finally disintegrated... --- NPC@annpc#557 | On the Aethon's bridge, everyone watches as a huge ball of plasma erupts and engulfs the entire station. Ann pulls them away out of its blast radius, but the energy is far from strong enough - NPC@annpc#557 - to persist and soon fades away, leaving nothing in its wake, not even a trace of debris from the facility NPC@annpc#557 | Vusal: "Transporter room reports everyone on the facility is on board and accounted for, Captain." Rianni@crystyl deflates into her seat, "That is a relief. Alright Ann, time to take us home" NPC@annpc#557 | Ann nods and moves towards the edge of the subspace bubble, which seems to be shimmering more than usual. There is a flash somewhere ahead of them in the distance... NPC@annpc#557 | Suhani: "One of the Horde patrol ships has been destroyed on contact with the barrier." NPC@annpc#557 | Veladria: "With the facility gone, the subspace bubble must be destabilizing. It's no longer safe to pass through, and it seems to be collapsing in on itself." Rianni@crystyl:"What about our contingencies?" NPC@annpc#557 | Veladria: "The hull emitters might be our only way out of here now." Rianni@crystyl:"Then that is what we will do. At least once we're clear we have room to maneuver if the Horde are a problem" NPC@annpc#557 | Veladria nods, "Activating emitters now..." NPC@annpc#557 | The bridge begins to rumble as the emitters get to work. The rumbling gets more and more intense, and there is a bright flash on the viewscreen, and the next thing they know, the Spherescape - NPC@annpc#557 - comes back into view NPC@annpc#557 | Veladria breathes a sigh of relief, "We're back in normal space." Rianni@crystyl:"Well, as normal as this place can be. What about the Horde?" NPC@annpc#557 | Suhani: "Five patrol ships across the area are adjusting course towards us." NPC@annpc#557 | Ann: "Time to make a run for it." Rianni@crystyl nods, "Indeed. Get us back to the fleet Ann" NPC@annpc#557 | Ann nods and makes a dash back towards the Coalition fleet NPC@annpc#557 | Several Horde ships follow close behind them, firing potshots as they pursue. A few hit them, causing the bridge to shake NPC@annpc#557 | Suhani: "Aft shields at 75%." Rianni@crystyl:"Can we make it back at this rate?" NPC@annpc#557 | Suhani: "Depends on how accurate they are...or how lucky we are." Rianni@crystyl:"Do what you can to ensure they are not accurate then" NPC@annpc#557 | Vusal taps his console and opens a comm, "Commander Leveson-Scott. Is there anything you are able to do to hamper the systems of the Horde patrols pursuing us?" Rianni@crystyl | Mischa responds, "I will get to a console and see what I can do" Rianni@crystyl nods to Vusal, "Good thinking" NPC@annpc#557 | The bridge rocks again NPC@annpc#557 | Suhani: "Shields at 60%." NPC@annpc#557 | Several shots go wild, flying past the Aethon harmlessly, likely as a result of Mischa's sabotage... Rianni@crystyl smiles, "I really must learn what she knows one of these days" NPC@annpc#557 | Veladria: "I'm not sure if she'll be willing to share...but you could always ask Emma to persuade Tabadi Kayd to teach you some hacking." Rianni@crystyl:"Kayd? I don't think I'm familiar with her" NPC@annpc#557 | Veladria: "She's the one in command of the Kayeri Vaj, where I normally serve. She also leads the OSN's cyberwarfare division." Rianni@crystyl:"Ooh, I didn't realise that! I've the ship and it's an impressive looking thing. Wouldn't mind getting a proper look, especially at that deflector system. Looks /way/ over the top for a ship that - Rianni@crystyl:- size" NPC@annpc#557 | Veladria: "It's an adapted Colonial Fleet deflector, but from a larger ship. That's why-" NPC@annpc#557 | The bridge shakes again NPC@annpc#557 | Suhani: "Aft shields down to 50%! Looks like they're hitting us again..." NPC@annpc#557 | Ann: "Almost there..." Rianni@crystyl:"Signal the allied forces, make sure they know we're coming in hot" NPC@annpc#557 | Vusal nods, "Informing them now." NPC@annpc#557 | Ann goes evasive, dodging the streams of fire coming behind them as she makes for the Coalition fleet at full speed. She manages to evade most of the fire, but a few shots graze them NPC@annpc#557 | Suhani: "40%..." Rianni@crystyl:"Divert power from the forward emitters if needed" NPC@annpc#557 | Vusal nods, getting to work reinforcing the aft emitters NPC@annpc#557 | Ann goes into another evasive pattern, weaving left and right and dodging the next volley. In the distance, the familiar shape of the Valley Forge's saucer comes into view... NPC@annpc#557 | Ann dashes the Aethon forward before suddenly pulling up, leading the patrol ships right into the VF's line of fire before giving them a clear shot. VF's forward phasers light up, taking out - NPC@annpc#557 - the two directly on the Aethon's tail and the remaining patrol ships immediately break off and pull back! Rianni@crystyl:"Form up on their wing ready to pursue and destroy" NPC@annpc#557 | Ann; "Aye Cap'n." NPC@annpc#557 | QanwI' forms up on the other side of the VF as the three ships turn the table and pursue the patrol ships, who are now the ones being chased NPC@annpc#557 | The chase doesn't last long, and Suhani soon announces, "Entering weapons range in 5 seconds." Rianni@crystyl leans forward, counting in her head, "...Fire" NPC@annpc#557 | The Aethon opens fire alongside the VF and QanwI'. The three Horde patrol ships try to evade, but despite their best efforts, they don't last long against the collective firepower of the three - NPC@annpc#557 - vessels and are quickly taken out! NPC@annpc#557 | Suhani: "All enemy contacts destroyed, Captain." Rianni@crystyl:"Alright, stand down from alert status and set a return course to base camp" NPC@annpc#557 | Suhani: "Standing down alert." NPC@annpc#557 | Ann nods and taps her console, "Course set an' ready." Rianni@crystyl:"Match formation with the flag, and message them that the mission was completed successfully" NPC@annpc#557 | Vusal: "Updating them now, Captain." NPC@annpc#557 | The three ships turn back towards the Coalition HQ in formation... --- T'Vek@anncaris | After returning to the Aethon, Emma escorts Corporal Kruger to the modest sickbay of the stealth ship. Tardi continues following Emma and seems to be exploring its new environment. Despite the - T'Vek@anncaris - small size of the hallways she has no trouble squeezing through, often alternating between walking on the ground and climbing the walls and ceiling, causing crew scrambling out of its way as - T'Vek@anncaris - it tags along Emma Ralde@crystyl watches with an apologetic smile to everyone it disrupts, "I hope this isn't the start of a new thing..." T'Vek@anncaris | Kruger: "Yeah, Tardi might be...problematic as a pet." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"I really don't need another pet. I mean, I already have Rianni!" T'Vek@anncaris | Kruger: "You consider her a /pet/?" Emma Ralde@crystyl pauses and glares, "And for the love of the Goddess don't ever tell her I said that, even in jest!" she chuckles, "Just lightening the mood is all, she is my vijra of course!" T'Vek@anncaris | Kruger laughs and coughs as she does, "Ouch...shouldn't be laughing. Don't worry, your secret's safe with me, Ensign." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"I swear I really don't think of her that way! I'm sorry, I shouldn't make jokes right now should I" T'Vek@anncaris | Kruger: "Don't worry about it. This is light as far as injuries go. I'm a combat medic, I'm familiar with this sort of thing." T'Vek@anncaris | As they enter sickbay, the Arshai doctor Jaslu-Inuze works away in his Colonial Fleet uniform. He turns as the pair enter T'Vek@anncaris | Jaslu: "Which one is injured? Both?" Emma Ralde@crystyl shakes her head, "Just Kruger here" T'Vek@anncaris | Kruger: "Just a fractured rib or two. Blunt force trauma." T'Vek@anncaris | Jaslu: "Get the patient onto a- what is /that/?" He remarks as Tardi begins squeezing through the entrance Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Oh don't mind Tardi. She's a, um... well we picked her up on the facility. Haven't quite figured how to set her on her way yet..." she helps Kruger to the bed T'Vek@anncaris | Kruger takes off her helmet and sets it down to the side with her weapon, taking off her toolbelt and sidearm and laying it there as well T'Vek@anncaris | Meanwhile, Jaslu looks between Emma and Tardi, "The creature is...tame, yes?" Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Well... she hasn't mauled anyone apart from Horde thralls if that counts?" T'Vek@anncaris | Kruger: "But it's one hell of a tough creature when it does get into a fight." T'Vek@anncaris | Jaslu: "That is good enough. Jaslu will just try to stay out of the way." He gives Tardi a wide berth as he makes his way to the bed T'Vek@anncaris | Kruger looks to Emma, "Can you lend a hand with the armour?" Emma Ralde@crystyl:"I'll try. But this is probably going to hurt" T'Vek@anncaris | Kruger nods, "I expect as much. Let's get this over with, shall we? Just need the chest armour off so the doctor can do his job." Emma Ralde@crystyl nods and does her best to remove the armour smoothly T'Vek@anncaris | Kruger winces in pain as the armour is removed and nods a silent thanks to Emma before climbing onto the bed Emma Ralde@crystyl returns the nod as she sets it down with the rest of the gear T'Vek@anncaris | Jaslu steps over, giving Kruger a quick scan before taking out his medical tools to get to work. Meanwhile, Tardi seems to be exploring the little sickbay, accidentally knocking over a tray as - T'Vek@anncaris - it does T'Vek@anncaris | Jaslu: "Please, try to refrain the creature from making too big of a mess..." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Easier said than done.." she mutters, moving over to Tardi, "Come on girl, you have to be careful in here" T'Vek@anncaris | Tardi pauses and turns to Emma...knocking over a stool with its hind-most pair of legs by accident in the process Emma Ralde@crystyl facepalms, "We need to find you somewhere to stay until we get back to the Forge. But why are you still here, you're free now" T'Vek@anncaris | Tardi looks around, prodding a medical cupboard with its antennae. Emma gets the sense that it may be curious, though once again she's not quite sure how she's able to read its body language Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Hey Jaslu, what's in that cabinet there?" T'Vek@anncaris | Jaslu: "That cabinet? Neural equipment. Mostly for implantation work, but some other tools and equipment as well for neurosurgical use." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Hmm... None of that sounds like potential food. Tardi are you just being nosy now?" T'Vek@anncaris | Tardi moves away from the cupboard and nudges Emma before moving over to a different part of sickbay. She gets the feeling that it is just being nosy... Emma Ralde@crystyl follows, keeping an eye on her, "Oh you are /so/ just being nosy" T'Vek@anncaris | Emma notices that Tardi's hind legs are about to knock into another drawer that might send the tools on top falling to the ground.. Emma Ralde@crystyl tries to shield it from Tardi if she can't move it out of the way T'Vek@anncaris | Emma manages to move it out of the way just in time as the tardigrade's lower body swings by and it moves to be nosy elsewhere in the sickbay. After another minute of prodding about, it - T'Vek@anncaris - returns to Emma, sitting around and waiting there Emma Ralde@crystyl gives Tardi a quirked look, "Oh, now you're satisfied? Better late than never I suppose" T'Vek@anncaris | Meanwhile, Jaslu finishes treating Kruger, setting away his tools and saying, "This one should be back in good condition. Avoid doing anything too physiologically demanding for the next - T'Vek@anncaris - forty-eight hours if possible." T'Vek@anncaris | Kruger: "I know, I know, I'm a medic," She sits up and gives Jaslu a nod. "Thanks." T'Vek@anncaris | Kruger looks over to Tardi, "Should we check it...or her, for injuries? It was in quite the brawl with that thrall." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"It would be prudent. She doesn't feel like she's in any distress, but it would be reassuring to know" T'Vek@anncaris | Jaslu nods, carefully stepping up to Tardi, who turns around at his approach, causing him to take a brief step back before continuing on to conduct a scan T'Vek@anncaris | Tardi continues to turn, its head following the tricorder T'Vek@anncaris | Jaslu: "Jaslu needs to scan the rest of the body as well." T'Vek@anncaris | Tardi doesn't comprehend and continues trying to follow the tricorder with its head Emma Ralde@crystyl kneels beside Tardi, trying to encourage her to hold steady, "Not everything is for you, you know! Come on girl, let Jaslu work" T'Vek@anncaris | Tardi turns over to Emma as she speaks, letting Jaslu finish his scans. He taps away at his tricorder, "Very minor scratches and bruising, but these are already beginning to heal along well. - T'Vek@anncaris - Tardi does not require medical treatment. This creature is remarkably resilient. Was this one of the species held in the Genetic Archives?" Emma Ralde@crystyl stands again, "They may have Tardigrades in there, but I doubt it. I'm actually at a loss to guess where they got her from... maybe it was the archive..." T'Vek@anncaris | Jaslu: "The Horde had control of that specific archive facility. Where else could the Horde have obtained Tardi from?" T'Vek@anncaris | Kruger meanwhile hops off the bed, "You said you've heard of them before, Ensign?" Emma Ralde@crystyl nods to Kruger, "Yes, they were used in Starfleet's early alternate FTL experiments" T'Vek@anncaris | Jaslu: "This species? Jaslu is no warp specialist, but Jaslu cannot see how this creature has any collection to faster than light travel." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Is Jaslu familiar with the Mycelial Network?" T'Vek@anncaris | Jaslu shakes his head, "No, Jaslu is not." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Ok, well... you know how fungi work in a forest?" T'Vek@anncaris | Jaslu nods, "Yes, that Jaslu is familiar with." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Alright. So think of the Mycelial Network as a fungal entity with the galaxy, or the universe - I'm not sure, as the forest" T'Vek@anncaris | Jaslu: "That would explain the name. And possibly the FTL connections." Emma Ralde@crystyl nods, "Yes, those early experiments tried to use that Network as an alternate to warp drive. The way it permeates our galaxy means you can essentially travel from any one point to any other in a - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- virtual instant. However, such a complex labyrinth is impossible to navigate at such relative speeds even for modern advanced computers. The only way is to know it by instinct. Cue Tardi here" T'Vek@anncaris | Jaslu and Kruger both look over to Tardi T'Vek@anncaris | Jaslu: "Emma is saying this creature can naturally travel at FTL using this network?" Emma Ralde@crystyl nods, "Yes. Like biological fungi, the Mycelial Network produces spores where it permeates this reality. Tardigrades feed on those spores as I recall, so they become natural navigators of the - Emma Ralde@crystyl:- Network. And yes, that means Tardi here can travel the galaxy at FTL speeds far beyond the theoretical warp 10 barrier as naturally as we walk down the hallway" T'Vek@anncaris | Jaslu: "Very interesting. Quite a remarkable lifeform indeed!" T'Vek@anncaris | Kruger: "But if Tardi can travel at such speeds, how'd she get captured by the Horde in the first place? Maybe she was produced by them using genetic data they had, or they set up some - T'Vek@anncaris - elaborate trap." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Possibly. I don't really know how it works, but if ancient Starfleet can manage to imprison one I'm not surprised the Horde were able to as well" T'Vek@anncaris | Jaslu: "Does the species normally exist in the galaxy, or as part of the network, or perhaps lives partly in both? Is there a natural environment to even return Tardi to?" Emma Ralde@crystyl:"I'm afraid that's the limit of my knowledge. If I had to guess, I'd say they're kind of nomadic and exist in both. Maybe the Guardian Elachi knows more about them" T'Vek@anncaris | Kruger: "Maybe we should bring her to them. They might be able to help." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Yes, I need to check if they are in the area or not. If they are, perhaps Aethon can go and meet them. Otherwise, we'll have to try and house Tardi on the Forge until they get back" T'Vek@anncaris | Kruger nods, "Want to go up to the bridge and check?" Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Yes but I don't really want to take Tardi to the bridge..." T'Vek@anncaris | Jaslu: "Jaslu can open a comm to the bridge from here to ask the bridge crew to check." Emma Ralde@crystyl smiles, "Thank you Jaslu. Now that Tardi's comfortable here I'd rather not move her around the ship if I can help it" T'Vek@anncaris | Jaslu nods and steps over to a console, tapping on it, "Sickbay to bridge." Emma Ralde@crystyl | <C-Rianni> “Bridge. Everything ok Doctor?” T'Vek@anncaris | Jaslu: "Everything is well. Jaslu wishes to inquire about the availability of any Guardians or Elachi in the Sphere." Emma Ralde@crystyl | <C-Rianni> "Ok... There aren't any Guardians in the area right now. But... yes, the Regulator vessel with the Elachi pilot is. Do you want us to try and raise a comm channel to them?" T'Vek@anncaris | Jaslu nods, "Yes, that may be beneficial." Emma Ralde@crystyl | <C-Rianni> "One moment and we'll patch them through to you" T'Vek@anncaris | A few seconds later, the Navigator's voice comes through the comms, "This is Operator 9090-241-006. How may I assist you?" Emma Ralde@crystyl leans into next to Jaslu, "Hello Operator, it's Emma" T'Vek@anncaris | <C - Navigator> "Ah, hello again, Emma. I hope all is well?" Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Quite well thank you. I am sorry to disturb you with yet another unique matter, but we have a rather unusual guest on the Aethon right now and I'm not sure how to get her home" T'Vek@anncaris | <C - Navigator> "Do not worry, I am not in the midst of anything of importance at the moment. What form of unusual guest? Is it another Elachi?" Emma Ralde@crystyl:"No, she is a Tardigrade. Are you familiar with the species?" T'Vek@anncaris | <C - Navigator> "The kind that traverses the mycelial network? Yes, I am. How did you come across one here?" Emma Ralde@crystyl:"The Horde were holding her captive while they experimented in trying to recreate my 'condition' for their thralls. We freed her from them, and have her on the Aethon now. But... I don't really know- Emma Ralde@crystyl:- anything about the species, let alone how to get her home. She doesn't exactly seem eager to part ways from me right now..." T'Vek@anncaris <C - Navigator> "She should be capable of finding her own way home. There are two possibilities- either she simply wishes to remain and explore here, or, more likely, she requires more spores to - T'Vek@anncaris - make a jump." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Yeah, she eats spores right? So... I don't suppose you know of a convenient stockpile around here?" T'Vek@anncaris | <C - Navigator> "Indeed I do. Our vessel grows them for use in our jumps. Bring her to us, and I can ensure that she is fed enough to be on her way." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Oh thank the Goddess! Please relay your coordinates and we'll be with you as soon as we can" T'Vek@anncaris | <C - Navigator> "Sending them over now." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Thank you Navigator. We'll see you soon" T'Vek@anncaris | <C - Navigator> "I look forward to it." T'Vek@anncaris | Kruger smiles, "Looks like Tardi has a way home." Emma Ralde@crystyl:"That is such a relief" T'Vek@anncaris | Tardi moves closer and nudges Emma again T'Vek@anncaris | Kruger chuckles, "Hopefully she hasn't gotten too attached to you." Emma Ralde@crystyl looks down and smiles, holding a hand against Tardi's head, "Don't worry, we'll get you fed and on your way soon now!"