ST:UNI110 | "Full Circle"

Stardate 100137.5

The cadets grow distracted by an unexpected arrival through the starship gateway. Kayleigh & Mariel get pressganged into further investigation.

---

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Kayleigh@crystyl | Following the latest flurry of excitement, the cadets are enjoying another uneventful day at the Heart. With the day's classes in full swing for the day

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Professor Lycas steps into the classroom, making his way to the end of the table, "Are you all familiar with Hodgkin's Law of Parallel Planetary Development?"

Kayleigh@crystyl raises her hand, "Isn't that the law which covers how the same socio-economical trends tend to form in unassociated civilizations?"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Lycas nods, "That is partially correct, Cadet Kayleigh. The law also posits similarities in biological evolution, which may or may be correlated to the socio-economic trends. By extension, -

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris - both biological and societal similarities frequently result in technological parallels as well."

Kayleigh@crystyl nods her understanding of the clarification, making some notes

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Lycas: "As we are receiving surprisingly frequent visitations from parallel universes possessing technology with a level of similarity to our own, I believe now is the optimal time for -

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris - studying these technologies. Usually, the difficulty of working with unfamiliar alien technologies are the stark differences which arise. Similar technologies, while seemingly far easier to -

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris - work with on the surface, have one key danger. Does anyone know what that may be?"

Kayleigh@crystyl for some unfathomable reason thinks of Mariel at this prompt, glancing her way

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris is suddenly put on the spot as several others notice Kayleigh's gaze and looks to her as well, drawing Lycas' attention too

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"Uhh...letting our guard down because it's so similar we forget that it's not actually our technology and has differences too?"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Lycas nods, "Or to put it more concisely, assumption."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Miklos chuckles, "Like they say, to assume makes an 'ass' out of 'u' and 'me'!"

Kayleigh@crystyl perks a brow. She doesn't get the wordplay, clearly

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Lycas perks a brow at the comment as well, "A rather crude way to describe it, but not entirely inaccurate. Though assuming you understand the technology can do far worse than what you -

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris - describe. By all means, theorize, hypothesize, speculate, even estimate if the need arises. But never assume you know something that you do not. When working with foreign technology, you -

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris - should always remember that it is still foreign technology, no matter the similarities it may possess, and take all the care I have taught you for dealing with alien technology."

Kayleigh@crystyl raises her hand, "Professor, is there a specific parameter which is generally considered an acceptable level of risk. For example if you have assessed something as far as you are able with the -

Kayleigh@crystyl - tools to hand and are still nonethewiser, is there a point where the best practice would be to attempt direct interaction?"

Kayleigh@crystyl naturally seeks a black and white answer to a very grey area. But before the Professor can answer...

Kayleigh@crystyl | The alert klaxons begin to sound. Not full panic mode red alert, but the Iconian equivalent to a yellow alert, one might say

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Lycas: "It would appear that another situation is arising nearby. You are all familiar with the protocol by now. We will continue this lecture in our next class. Dismissed, Cadets."

Kayleigh@crystyl promptly gathers up her things and stands, frowning slightly at not getting an answer to her question

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris gathers up her things and stands as well, moving to exit with Kayleigh, "What do you think it is this time?"

Kayleigh@crystyl starts working out with Mari and the rest of the class, "Based on recent experience, the likelihood would be another new rift forming"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"Last time the rift formed though, the academy didn’t go on alert. At least not when the Commandant came over to request our assistance. I'm not sure about later when those Tal Shiar ships started -

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:- attacking."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"It is possible that they have amended the warning protocols in light of that"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"Or it's another infiltrator situation, like the Courageous..."

Kayleigh@crystyl hrms, "That could be likely"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"Hopefully they manage to sort it all out. You think we could be getting P'Rishar and the Ferasan mercenaries again?"

Kayleigh@crystyl:"Perhaps, if the situation escalates. Fortunately in this side of the annex we do not have to hunker down in the dorms and wait for an update. The central forum is the closest assembly point here, -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- so we might be able to see what is happening from the observation deck there"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"If it's within range of the Annex. Maybe that's why they sounded the alarm. The last rift wasn't anywhere near the Annex, but if one formed right beside us, that would be cause for alarm."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"That would be cause for a red alert and evacuation" she continues to the observation deck, much of the class having the same idea and joining them

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"True, because there might be Terrans pouring out from it or something. Maybe a medium-range rift, then?"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris tries to get a glimpse of what's happening as they enter the observation deck

Kayleigh@crystyl | As the class gathers, they see much of the Coalition fleet mobilizing in the near distance. One of the Nuhar constructs cruises close by, leading their gaze towards the main gateway which is -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- powered up

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"Okay, it's definitely not a parallel universe rift. Unless someone found a way to link that with Iconian gateway tech."

Kayleigh@crystyl nods, "If they are mobilizing there it must be an unplanned activation from outside"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Shani can be heard nearby, "ooh I see the Thana"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Someone comments, "Even that Shenzou ship is heading out there too"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"It's definitely not an expected arrival, otherwise all these ships wouldn't be forming up. That is a defensive formation, right Kay?"

Kayleigh@crystyl nods, "It certainly looks that way"

Kayleigh@crystyl | As they watch, they see the VF & Co. drip feed in through the gateway, coming to a stop before the Coalition fleet

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"Wait, those are Starfleet ships! And a Nuhar!"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Kostenko, "And that one looks like a Klingon Bird of Prey!"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Miklos clips him around the back of the head, "It's a raptor you dope"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Kerafar: "But what is that little one that looks sort of like the Starfleet ships?"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Shani: "And why they go on alert for a Starfleet convoy arriving?"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Then the VFH comes looming in behind them all

Kayleigh@crystyl | Iona: "Another Starfleet ship! Isn't it...?"

Kayleigh@crystyl hrms, pulling out her PADD and tapping away to call up an image of the shadow ship they caught at the Heart way back. She holds it up to view side by side with the distant new arrival, "It's not -

Kayleigh@crystyl - the same, certainly. But... there are certainly similarities. It is likely that they are connected"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Miklos, "/That's/ why they're at alert!"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"Why is it travelling with Starfleet ships and Nuhar? You think they might be working for the infiltrators?"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Indeed, as they watch. Some of the Coalition ships with more distinct visuals can be seen with shields flickering on and weapons powering up at this last arrival as the gate closes behind it

Kayleigh@crystyl:"We don't know anything about those infiltrators still, so anything is possible"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Kerafar: "These Starfleet ships and the Klingon raptor looks pretty beat up, though. Doesn't seem like an invasion force."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"Certainly not the most logical of choices"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"Prisoners, maybe? No, that doesn't make much sense. Why would they bring whole ships through...why would they bring prisoners here at all?"

Kayleigh@crystyl:"I would also be hard pushed to explain the presence of a construct accompaning the infiltrators"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Indeed as the cadets all watch and speculate, the initial apprehension in the fleet seems to quickly dissipate

Kayleigh@crystyl | The new arrivals begin to move while the Coalition fleet stands down; some ships returning to their patrols, but a significant number of them redeploying to fly escort around the new arrivals

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"Looks like the Coalition's letting them in. Could they have surrendered? Or maybe it was the future ship that's the prisoner..."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"It seems unlikely from the trouble we know them to cause, but that would be the most logical conclusion to explain this formation"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"I wish we had sensor access so we can get more than a visual."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Shavi: "Maybe visual will be enough, look" she points

Kayleigh@crystyl | Sure enough, the escorted new arrivals are coming closer. Not exactly hugging the walls like they're in spacedock, but plenty close enough for a good look

Kayleigh@crystyl | As they draw closer, the familiar vessels become clearly recognizable

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris peers over the crowd at what Shavi is pointing out

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"USS Lexington and USS Valley Forge...wait, that's the ship the Midway was looking for when it contacted all these universes!"

Kayleigh@crystyl peers closer, "Yes, that is indeed the Valley Forge. I am not familiar with the Lexington, but studied the Valley Forge in detail when I transferred here"

Kayleigh@crystyl | As the ships approach the nearby drydock, their condition becomes apparent. VF being most prominent in their view, the cadets can see the heavy scorching across it's hull. The blown out deflector-

Kayleigh@crystyl - dish still sputtering and pulsing erratically. The flickering damaged nacelle, and of course the gaping hole through one side of the saucer from top to bottom

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"I wonder if the Midway managed to contact the right ship after all this time. But why are they travelling with that other ship? And what happened to them?"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Many of their classmates gasp and mutter in suddenly hushed tones at seeing the condition of the ship. Not just a battered starship, but the local hero ship at that

Kayleigh@crystyl perhaps they really did take that infiltrator ship prisoner, and this was the price they paid for it. Not just them either, judging by the look of the others"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris nods, "That would explain the damage...it would be pretty impressive for just a few ships to capture the infiltrator one. It took almost the whole Coalition to take down the one that showed up -

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris - during the whole Courageous incident."

Kayleigh@crystyl | The PA system pings

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris pauses to listen

Kayleigh@crystyl | <C> This is Commodore Becket. Stand down emergency stations. All cadets remain on standby for potential drafting to relief efforts"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"Ooh, relief efforts? Sounds like we might get to help!"

Kayleigh@crystyl:"That could mean the ships are very fresh from the conflict which caused all the damage"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Shavi looks over: "Hey, isn't that the ship Pia's mum runs?"

Kayleigh@crystyl nods, "It is"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Shavi: "She went missing with those infiltrators, right? You don't suppose...?"

Kayleigh@crystyl perks a brow, “Typically no, I do not suppose if I can avoid it”

Kayleigh@crystyl | Shavi eyerolls, “No no! I mean… maybe they got her back! Maybe that’s why they have that ship with them or something”

Kayleigh@crystyl “That seems an unlikely connection. But not impossible”.

Kayleigh@crystyl | Miklos: “Why don’t you head over there and see then?”

Kayleigh@crystyl “Because it is not our place to?”

Kayleigh@crystyl | Miklos: “Pfft! Come on, deny it all you want but we know she was the closest thing you had to a friend before Mariel came along. Just think how it would make her day if you did go!”

Kayleigh@crystyl “She is Vulcan, she-” shakes her head, “Nevermind, yes you are quite likely correct in your assumption that she would find such a gesture… pleasing”

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris giggles slightly at Kayleigh’s reaction, “If she’s anything like her counterpart on the Shenzhou, I think she would!”

Kayleigh@crystyl | Kerafar: “I hate to say it, but I actually agree with him for once. You should go”

Kayleigh@crystyl “I assume at this point you are all just trying to convince me to do what you want to do, but don’t want to get in trouble for”

Kayleigh@crystyl | Shavi: “What…? No! It’s not like that! It’s just… the logical thing to do if you think about it!”

Kayleigh@crystyl clearly does not agree

Kayleigh@crystyl | Miklos: “Besides, they said they want us ready for relief efforts right? So you’d just be getting a head start”

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris: “Yes exactly!”

Kayleigh@crystyl “That is the closest thing to a valid point any of you have made so far. However I do not see why this is my responsibility and mine alone”

Kayleigh@crystyl | Shavi grins: “That’s why Mariel should go with you!”

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris doubletakes, “Hey, I- well I guess I’m usually the one who accompanies Kay on these little escapades, so I’m the most logical choice, aren’t I…”

Kayleigh@crystyl thinks and turns to Mari: “We would be able to cover more ground… very well then. But if we get courtmartialled, I am presenting the recording of this conversation in my defense” she brandishes her PADD which shows a little blinking red dot that it is capturing audio.

Kayleigh@crystyl | The cadets all sigh and chuckle, waving the pair off / ushering them along.

—

Keelah@crystyl | Following the initial kneejerk reaction from the Coalition fleet, they break formation with almost exclusively all Starfleet vessels remaining and reforming as escorts around the VF & Co.

Keelah@crystyl stands from her chair, stretching a little, "It's finally over, we are home"

T'Emp@anncaris | T'Pia smiles, "I have to admit, I was missing the Forge a little during my time at the Academy, but it's nice to be back!"

T'Emp@anncaris | Eva: "I'm getting coordinates for a drydock, Captain."

Keelah@crystyl:"Perfect. Ann, take us in to berth" she sighs softly, "I'll be in my ready room"

T'Emp@anncaris | Ann nods, "Aye Cap'n, takin' us in."

Keelah@crystyl | Rianni smiles at the view, "I never thought I would miss this sight. But it is good to be back"

Keelah@crystyl | While everyone basks in the afterglow of the return, Lennie slinks over to TP's side, "Hey"

T'Emp@anncaris looks over, "Hey Lennie! Thought you'd be all over studying Junior's new evolution! Or is the weapon an old evolution we just didn't find..."

Keelah@crystyl | Lennie: "I'm not even sure yet! But there'll be plenty o'time for tha'" She glances to the busted ready room door, "Y'know, it may not be th'first time ya ma's paid a heavy price for a victory, -

Keelah@crystyl:- but it's been a long time. An' it don't get no easier. I bet ya'd do her th'world o'good about now"

T'Emp@anncaris nods, "Good thinking! I'll go check up on her." She makes her way over to the ready room, ringing the doorbell to see if it works

Keelah@crystyl | It does, sort of. But half the door is wedged in partial position and the other half stuck at angle

Keelah@crystyl is inside, salvaging her desk. She turns holding just the handle of her mug and smiles, "Pia. Something on your mind?"

Keelah@crystyl looks at the broken handle and chuckles, tossing it to one side

T'Emp@anncaris squeezes through the broken door, "Just wanted to check in! And see how the ready room is. It's closer to the site of impact than the rest of the bridge, and all the consoles on this side of the -

T'Emp@anncaris - bridge blew out, so..."

Keelah@crystyl moves over to the wall beside the door, picking up one of the past VF pictures in it's broken frame, "It is one piece, that is what counts. The Forge has never failed to protect us, and today was -

Keelah@crystyl:- certainly no exception. For the most part at least..." she brushes some broken glass from the frame with her sleeve, "... unfortunately not all of our shipmates can say the same"

T'Emp@anncaris nods sadly, "But she still saw most of the crew safe. And you got us a way back home too. That's something none of us were probably expecting to happen anytime soon."

Keelah@crystyl smiles, "Exactly. Yes, we had losses and yes, we certainly did not come out unscathed. But the Forge got us home like it always does still"

Keelah@crystyl tries to rehang the broken picture, it slants to one side. Tilts her head to match and then shrugs, moving on

T'Emp@anncaris smiles as well, "Now we just have to take good care of her in drydock."

Keelah@crystyl finds the spiderleg-nacelled doodle from young TP. Turns and shows it her, "Maybe we can add all of those extra nacelles you wanted"

T'Emp@anncaris giggles, "I was thinking to add that to the new Coalition ship! Not sure the Valley Forge can support all that with both cores running at full power."

Keelah@crystyl hrms, "Perhaps you are right" she chuckles, laying it down caringly and taking a seat, "What about you now, how are you doing with all of this?"

T'Emp@anncaris:steps over and joins Keelah on the couch, patting some dust away as she does, "I don't like seeing the Forge in this state either, it's been home for me for, well, pretty much all my life. Except -

T'Emp@anncaris:- the time on Belyia and in the Academy Annex here. So coming back to the Heart, that's also pretty nice..."

Keelah@crystyl:"Belyia was it's own flavour of trauma. But this now is arguably one of the most difficult types of days to learn to handle when you wear that uniform. I am curious; with all that has happened since -

Keelah@crystyl:- you chose this path; the Horde conflict, your kidnapping, all of this infiltrator mess and conflict today... do you still hold to your same conviction that this is the future you want?"

T'Emp@anncaris nods, "I guess there's bad days in any line of work. But I'm more familiar with it here now. The bad and the good. So I can be of more help when these things happen, and not be surprised or -

T'Emp@anncaris - confused."

Keelah@crystyl smiles, ruffling her hair, "That's very honest answer, and a good one. If you had said you were not affected at all by it - emotions or not - I would have had cause to doubt"

T'Emp@anncaris smiles back, "I know better than to try and lie to you, mum!"

—

Kayleigh@crystyl:| After getting themselves talked into it, Kay & Mari beam across to the drydock where the initial support teams are already gathering at the airlock

Kayleigh@crystyl | The docking corridor is already extended and latched on to the hull of the VF which now looms closer in front of them then any starship has even been. They join the support detail - with thanks -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- to some convenient admin overriding from T'Mer - and make their way through the circular glass corrider which now stretches out from the facility to the hull of the VF

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris looks out of the glass corridor, taking in the view, "Have you been on this ship before, Kay? I came here after it was already missing and all."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"I knew of it, but I too arrived after it departed. It is quite remarkable how different they look from this perspective..." she also gawks at the view above

Kayleigh@crystyl | Some of the veteran enlisted repair crew behind them chuckle at the typical first timer reactions

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"I've seen a ship of this class on ESD before, but the Valley Forge looks very different..."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"I have seen many images and holos of this ship in studying records of events here. It still looks very different from down here though"

Kayleigh@crystyl | As they walk and talk, they pass through the VF airlock into a tertiary corridor. The repair crews all dispersing in different directions with the predetermined tasks

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris randomly sidesteps and presses herself against the wall, "Woooah...nevermind."

Kayleigh@crystyl steps over, ready to brace Mari's arm, "Mari, are you alright?"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"Random charging Lupan. It's another vision. With a history as rich as this ship's, I might be seeing a few things here and there," she chuckles

Kayleigh@crystyl:"Do you wish to turn back?"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris shakes her head, "No, it's all good. I've got better control of the visions after all the time with the Chlasi. Just caught me off guard is all, now I know what to expect I'll be more careful -

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris - not to trigger random visions!"

Kayleigh@crystyl nods, "Very well. Now to the search. Computer, locate Cadet T'Pia"

Kayleigh@crystyl | A nearby panel flickers erratically, with audio static

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris looks over at the panel

Kayleigh@crystyl sighs, "Of course it would not be that easy. With the ground we have to cover, it may be prudent to split up"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris nods, "Do you know if she has a room here, or if she lives with her mother?"

Kayleigh@crystyl:"I do not know"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"I'll try and find her room. Maybe you can check Engineering, she might be lending a hand with all the damage and everything."

Kayleigh@crystyl nods, looking around, "Um... I guess I'll try going this way then. Comm me if you find any leads"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"Will do! I'll...see if I can find any information on her quarters without the computer's help..."

Kayleigh@crystyl | The two head off in different directions...

—

Kayleigh@crystyl makes her way through the ship in the search for Pia. As she walks, she encounters crew of all description going about their business and preparing to disembark, some already carrying holdalls -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- as they make their way towards the docking tube. Some have changed to clean uniforms or civilian outfits, but many still bear the signs of battle with torn, damaged and bloodied uniforms

Kayleigh@crystyl | Progresses further, noting how no part of the ship seems to have made it unscathed. Even deep in the bowels of the vessel where she now walks, though there was no direct damage, there are plenty -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- signs of what happened; a visual story without a narrator. Dust and debris litter more halls than not, many wall consoles are blown out by EPS overloads and light fittings popped, scattering -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- shards all over - most likely all caused by the deflector overload used to project the warp bubble, not that Kay knows about that

Kayleigh@crystyl passes an open access panel with the toolkit still abandoned on the floor next to it, thinking briefly how someone must have had to drop their work to get to battle stations. But she draws nearer -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- and sees dried blood spread across the corner of the open hatch. Suddenly her mind is filled with a very different story of someone else racing down the corridor in a panic and tripping on the -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- abandoned toolbox only to hit their head on the open panel. She realizes in that moment that despite her meticulous studies and field work, despite her understanding of how systematic damage -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- reports are processed and prioritized by a tactical officer; just how much more a heavy fight can truly hurt a ship and crew

Kayleigh@crystyl continues along her way, almost more absorbed with an almost morbid fascination of everything she is now seeing for the first time than the search. Turning a corner, she notice how even the -

Kayleigh@crystyl:-core infrastructure of the ship suffers; bulkheads showing signs of distortion and even some stress cracking in places. She realizes this is what probably happens when structural integrity gets -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- compromised and wonders what happened in the Forge's history to cause such extreme stress

Kayleigh@crystyl | https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.enjin.com/161311/Logs/TTV2/229-230.jpg

Kayleigh@crystyl ponders on this potential cause, having no idea what actually happened of course. She knows the ship has a long and vibrant history though, so is not surprised by the concept of it having it's -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- share of 'war wounds', as it were

Kayleigh@crystyl continues further still, seemingly towards an outer section as there are increasing signs of more direct and recent damage. Which she can now more clealry comprehend with the more she sees

Kayleigh@crystyl finds it no real surprise with that in mind, that this section is much quieter than others despite it's appearance of housing crew quarters - judging from the layout and some of the scattered debris

Kayleigh@crystyl | The quiet however affords her Vulcan hearing the opportunity to pick up something faint...

Kayleigh@crystyl pauses and listens more closely to what seems to be a faint whimpering kind of sound

Kayleigh@crystyl follows it towards a nearby section where a bulkhead seems to have collapsed and scattered some of the wall panelling in the process

Kayleigh@crystyl decides to investigate, even though this is not her objective she feels duty bound to assist

Kayleigh@crystyl has no trouble clearing the heavier panelling, but thankfully doesn't have to tackle any real structural bulkheads because that might still be a challenge even for a Vulcan

Kayleigh@crystyl clears a few larger panels, honing in on the source of the whimpering. Removing one final piece, she is greeting by a small white canine looking face staring back up at her

Kayleigh@crystyl carefully clears a bit more and reaches in to help the creature out

Kayleigh@crystyl | Though naturally apprehensive of a stranger who doesn't even smell like the ship, the creature is too frightened to object

Kayleigh@crystyl carefully lifts it out, noting how it is trembling and whimpering. She holds it up as she stands, out at almost arms length to study it. Though it seems more like she just awkwardly doesn't know -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- what to do with the poor thing

Kayleigh@crystyl realises upon closer inspection that this is no simple canine, but the features are actually more vulpine. She also notes some distinct facial markings, and most of all... a lot of tails...

Kayleigh@crystyl turns the creature from side to side, "What sort of environmental conditions could have possible caused you to evolve the need for all of those tails...?" she peruses aloud in a very curious tone

Kayleigh@crystyl | The creature yips

Kayleigh@crystyl:"Well you appear unharmed at least. You are quite fortunate you know" she kneels to set it down, "I suppose you have an owner out searching for you. You should probably return to them"

Kayleigh@crystyl | The creatures plops to the floor, trembling again and looking back to Kay with true puppy eyes

Kayleigh@crystyl:"What? I should warn you that I am quite aware of your kinds manipulations of sentient species through this gestures they will not work with me"

Kayleigh@crystyl | The creature yips again, skipping around excitedly and then turning to Kay again, standing up on it's hind legs and setting it's front paws on her folded leg as it looks up at her again

Kayleigh@crystyl hrms, "I admire your persistence. Very well, I shall take you with me and hopefully we can find your owner as well as my friend" she picks it up once more and stands

Kayleigh@crystyl holds it in front of her again, "Do not let this make you think that your manipulations have worked on me. It is only logical to cooperate in this matter"

Kayleigh@crystyl | The creature happily yips having enslaved another mortal with it's cuteness

Kayleigh@crystyl cradles more stably in her arms and continues her search, "Don't think I didn't hear that tone"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Those in the know - whilst recognizing this creature as /a/ Tiah, would also note that the size is a lot smaller than /the/ Tiah...

Kayleigh@crystyl | https://www.deviantart.com/darkkitty01/art/Nine-Tailed-Fox-Pup-632816265

—

Kayleigh@crystyl | Elsewhere, Mari is conducting her own search...

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris walks through the ship, quickly realizing she has no idea how to find T'Pia's quarters. She passes by a group who are clearly Valley Forge crew from the torn and dirty uniforms, most of them -

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris - either enlisted engineers or security judging from the gold shoulders. She briefly considers asking them for directions but quickly decides against it as asking for a specific person's -

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris - quarters would make her presence pretty suspicious...

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris pauses by an intersection, with one end of the intersecting hall sealed off by an emergency bulkhead, likely indicating a hull breach somewhere beyond. Seeing no one else in the area save a pair -

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris - of engineers walking in the opposite direction, she stands and focuses to trigger a vision

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | She sees a number of Valley Forge crewmen sliding down the hall, grabbing on to anything they can. One of them doesn't manage to grab anything, but fortunately another crewman gets a hold of -

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris - his uniform. The uniform strains under the force of the pull and tears. Soon the other loses her grip, but she's held on for long enough as an emergency force field snaps on and all of them -

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris - crash to the ground

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris shakes her head, deciding that the visions probably aren't going to be much help to her either...

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris keeps on walking, looking around for more access panels that might be in decent condition to try and draw up information on the ship

Kayleigh@crystyl | She still doesn't find anything of potential use

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris pauses upon seeing a completely fried panel with signs of scorching all along the wall. She spots a destroyed Nuhar drone nearby, most likely having been fried by a conduit rupture while working -

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris - on the panel. She steps over to the drone and kneels down, giving it a scan before frowning. If it can be repaired, it's certainly beyond her ability to do so

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris stands and continues on down the hall, wandering about to see what she runs into next

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris pauses as she spots a number of Nuhar drones emerging from a jefferies tube entrance, flying across the hall, and entering another one

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris waves over, "Hey! I think I found one of your downed friends. If you're interested in that..."

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | One of the drones veers off from the group towards Mari

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"It was over here. I don't know if it can be repaired, but I'm not an engineer."

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris leads the drone back to where she found the scorch mark and the destroyed drone. The drone following her promptly moves over, hovering over the downed one as it performs an analysis on it

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | After a moment, it moves over to the destroyed wall panel and scorching before promptly turning back the way it came

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"You're welcome. I guess..."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Continuing her search, Mari turns a corner to a sight unlike any other she has seen on the ship so far

Kayleigh@crystyl | A long hall stretches out before her, and she is completely alone there with a pair of officers just disappearing from view at the far end

Kayleigh@crystyl | Either side of the hall, the walls are plastered with images, PADDs, even some place holos and written messages

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris steps over curiously

Kayleigh@crystyl | Many of these features are further embellished with cleaned decorative borders, floral arrangements that remain well kept even given the state of the rest of the ship

Kayleigh@crystyl | https://thiswastv.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/battlestar_memorial_hallway1.png

Kayleigh@crystyl | She has unwittingly stumbled into the one place on the Forge that Mari of all people would not want to stumble into

Kayleigh@crystyl | As soon as she entered the area, something felt off. As she explores she begins to realize why

Kayleigh@crystyl | Mari realizes that this is a memorial. The realization widening her eyes as it expands to make her aware of the fact that each one of the countless tributes is to someone missing, lost, or worse

Kayleigh@crystyl | The sensation is more than anyone can rightfully expect to be prepared for, and catching her off guard it overwhelms her visions

Kayleigh@crystyl | Here in the most desperate emotional centre of the VF, Mari is bombarded with memories of the crew's traumas. Of lost friends and families mourned from elsewhere in the fleet. Her mind is flooded -

Kayleigh@crystyl - with incomprehensible flashes of countless emotional traumas, and she understandably falters

Kayleigh@crystyl | Clasping her hands her to her temples in desperation, Mari collapses against the wall and slumps to the floor...

—

Kayleigh@crystyl | Meanwhile...

Kayleigh@crystyl is still wandering around with the Tiah pup in her arms

Kayleigh@crystyl comes across a turbolift which she tries to call, but it just throws up an error message

Kayleigh@crystyl hrms

Kayleigh@crystyl | The pup yips and pants, looking up at her

Kayleigh@crystyl:"You are not helping, you know"

Kayleigh@crystyl | The pup yips again

Kayleigh@crystyl:"Yes. I know that you know"

Kayleigh@crystyl continues a bit further, finding another lift door which she tries again. This one does respond

Kayleigh@crystyl:"I suppose you're claiming this as your own success"

Kayleigh@crystyl | The pup yips again

Kayleigh@crystyl:"As I thought" she steps into the lift

Kayleigh@crystyl notes that this functioning lift seems relatively unscathed and so tries her luck again, "Computer, locate Cadet T'Pia"

Kayleigh@crystyl | A cracked panel flickers with some static, showing a personnel profile of TP. Just about, at least

Kayleigh@crystyl sighs, "Yes, that is Cadet T'Pia. Where is she - what deck is she on?"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Computer: "T-T-T-T'Pia... offspring..."

Kayleigh@crystyl looks to the pup in her arms, "If you're all like this here, it's a wonder how anything ever got done on this ship"

Kayleigh@crystyl | The pup yips proudly

Kayleigh@crystyl:"That was not a complement"

Kayleigh@crystyl tries again, "Computer, all biological lifeforms are offspring. /Where/ is Cadet T'Pia?"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Computer: "T-T-T-T'Pia... offpsring... Cap- ... Keelah"

Kayleigh@crystyl:"Also correct..." she sighs, "...um... take me to the deck where T'Pia is?" she ventures desperately

Kayleigh@crystyl | The lift starts moving

Kayleigh@crystyl:"Huh..." she looks to the pup who stares back up curiously, "Oh don't pretend you knew that would work..."

Kayleigh@crystyl | The pup once again yips playfully in response

—

Kayleigh@crystyl | Meanwhile...

Kayleigh@crystyl | Mariel's confusing visions continue to swarm her. But a shallow, distant voice keeps repeating through it all, "...cadet? ...cadet?"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris blinks, trying to focus on the voice

Kayleigh@crystyl | Mari is suddenly jolted by a strong and firm, but not violent, sharp pain to her cheek. She just got slapped back to reality

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris shakes her head and blinks again, "Wha...who?"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Her eyes rattle around and come to focus on a blurry face now directly in front of hers. She feels herself hoisted back to her feet as the face comes more into focus

Kayleigh@crystyl | Rianni: "Cadet? Are you with me?"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris nods slowly, "Sorry, it's just...this place..."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Rianni holds her gently to keep her stable. She looks around, "Is there something wrong with it? Wait..." she looks under her hand on Mari's arm and sees the ethereal Heart annex emblem, "You're -

Kayleigh@crystyl - from the academy here aren't you?. Not one of our cadets"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"Yeah. I'm...here to help. Got a little lost and found this hall..."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Rianni: "It's a very special place for all of us here. But you shouldn't let something like that get you all emotional"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Rianni obviously has no idea about the visions

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris shakes her head, "It's not me, there's too much emotion in this place. Okay, I guess it is also me. I've just started to train with dealing with this recently, not like Betazoids or Chlasi..."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Rianni's eyes widen, "But... you have emotionally driven psioninc abilities?"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"Kind of. Events with stronger emotions associated with them leave a stronger mark, and they tend to be more easily accessible. Sometimes /too/ easily accessible."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Rianni: "Oh! Then this is definitely not somewhere you should be. Come on, let's get away from here" she helps Mari along until they are far enough away

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris smiles, "Thanks." She turns to check Rianni's pips so she can address her with the right rank, her eyes widening as she gets a closer look at Rianni's face. "I know you...not you, you."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Rianni gives her a puzzled look, "Ok... maybe those emotions hit you harder I first thought..."

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"At least, I /think/ it's you. Kay got a closer look at you, but it would make sense, since this ship is basically our universe's equivalent of the Shenzhou, and I saw you on the Shenzhou's bridge."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Rianni: "Shenzou? Oh! Is that that strange looking ship out there that has a weird quantum signature?"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Rianni thinks a moment and adds, "And who's Kay?"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"Cadet Kayleigh. She's a friend from the Academy who's also here. And that's right, I'm pretty sure I saw your counterpart from their universe."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Rianni sighs, "Oh great, just what I need - another me! Anyway, do you know where your work detail is? I should at least see you back to them"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"I, umm...I think we were heading for your cadet bunks before I got lost."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Rianni nods, "Ah, of course. The cadet bunks. Well then, right this way! Is this your first time on a ship like this?"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris nods, "I've been on other Starfleet cruisers, but none of this class before. Or do you mean a ship with as much history as yours?"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Rianni smiles, stepping into a turbolift, "Oh no, I meant other ships of this class. Because that might explain how you somehow came to the conclusion that we have cadet bunks..."

Kayleigh@crystyl | The lift door closes on Mari's expression as she realizes she's been rumbled...

—

Kayleigh@crystyl stands patiently in the lift, idly petting the Tiah pup

Kayleigh@crystyl:"I hope this actually does take us to the right deck, wherever that ends up being"

Kayleigh@crystyl | On the bridge, everything is settling down as they finish locking stations down for the spell in drydock. Lennie wanders over to Kelly, "So, you an'Eva got some vacation plans now? Or ya already -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- plannin' all ya upgrades t'push on th'Forge while it's here?" she grins, obviously teasing a little

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Kelly chuckles, "I think we're due for a little vacation. Then maybe after that, I'll push some of my more ridiculous ideas to that Coalition development project Pia was working on. I hear -

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris - that's the place to go if you want to play with outlandish ideas."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Lennie laughs: "Figured you'd get designs on pitchin' more crazy ideas there!"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Kelly: "Also plenty of things to catch up on, too. Did you notice that damaged Odyssey saucer on our way into the Foundry?"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Lennie shakes her head, "Sorry, I were too busy keepin' tabs on Ju-" she pauses, turning as the lift opens

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Kelly glances over as well

Kayleigh@crystyl blinks as the door opens to the sight of the main bridge, and a collection of senior officers all turning her way, "To the bridge apparently. Thanks Computer..."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Lennie: "-a Cadet?"

Kayleigh@crystyl | The Tiah pup's ears pick up and it leaps from Kay's arms, almost gliding partway across the bridge to TQ's arms

Kayleigh@crystyl | TQ: "Tiah Two?! What are you doing here?"

Kayleigh@crystyl | The pup yips and barks at her

Kayleigh@crystyl | TQ holds it close

Kayleigh@crystyl:"Well, at least one of us completed our search. I knew you and that computer were conspiring against me..."

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Ann: "A Cadet an' Tiah...Two, apparently."

Kayleigh@crystyl | TQ smiles, nuzzling the pup with her cheek, "We had a litter! Well, Tiah did. /Don't/ ask me how that whole biology works... but yeah! This one's two of five! We thought we'd lost here, but -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- apparently she got trapped out in the corridor. Until she found her"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Lennie: "Trust a Starfleet Cadet t'save th'day I guess!" she looks to Kelly, "Didn't realize ya'd called 'em in already though. Guess it were a good thing!"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Kelly steps over, "Well thank you, Cadet..." her gaze trails to the patch. "You're not one of our cadets on board the Forge. You must be from the Heart Annex."

Kayleigh@crystyl steps forward, "Yes Commander. Cadet Kayleigh"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Kelly: "You're Tactical? I would've expected them to send Engineering cadets. What do you specialize in, Cadet Kayleigh?"

Kayleigh@crystyl:"Just basic tactical training at the moment"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Kelly: "Well our weapon systems do need plenty of work, but they're not exactly a priority right now. What detail are you assigned to?"

Kayleigh@crystyl:"I... am not... strictly assigned to any..."

Kayleigh@crystyl | TQ messages Keelah

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Kelly narrows her eyes, "You're...not?"

Kayleigh@crystyl shakes her head, "Not any of the work crews assigned already, not yet at least. I was... technically assigned a search mission here though..."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Keelah steps out, "And what exactly is it that you are searching for, Cadet?"

Kayleigh@crystyl looks over, "Captain Se'Lai... not a what, but a who; Cadet T'Pia Se'Lai"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Pia pokes her head out of the ready room door at hearing her name, "Hm?"

Kayleigh@crystyl 's eyes widen a little, "T'Pia, so you are here"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Kelly glances over to Keelah and T'Pia, "She's not a spy for the infiltrators, is she...?"

Kayleigh@crystyl | The pup in TQ's arms yips happily

Kayleigh@crystyl glances to the pup, "Ok I will let you have this one pup..."

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pia steps out of the ready room upon recognizing Kayleigh, "No, that's Cadet Kayleigh from the Academy! I'm /pretty/ sure she's not an infiltrator!"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Keelah: "If she is an infiltrator, she is not a very good one"

Kayleigh@crystyl flushes: "I am not an infiltrator"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pia giggles, "Kay, you came on board just to look for me?"

Kayleigh@crystyl:"I am glad you find this entertaining"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pia: "Were you assigned to help and decided to come search, or did you sneak on board?"

Kayleigh@crystyl:"That would depend on your definition of 'assigned'. I can assure you though that there was no sneaking involved"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Keelah: "What exactly /did/ you do, Cadet...?"

Kayleigh@crystyl:"At the behst of our class, we got our names added to the first support group so that we could verify if T'Pia was indeed present here"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Lennie: "Wait... 'we'?"

Kayleigh@crystyl | The lift door opens with Rianni and Mari

Kayleigh@crystyl | Rianni: "Guys, you are not going believe who I found wander-" she sees Kay, "-oh, ok maybe you will..."

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"Uhh...hi Kay."

Kayleigh@crystyl turns back, "Well, we were both successful in finding T'Pia. At least we can report that success back to the class"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Keelah simply watches the exchange and the squirming cadets, clearly more entertained than anything else

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"If they let us back..." her gaze trails over to Keelah and T'Pia

Kayleigh@crystyl | Keelah looks to T'Pia, "And you are still quite certain that this is the future you desire?"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pia: "I'm sure they were just looking for me because they were concerned! That's a good trait for Starfleet, isn't it? Maybe a little rash, but..."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Keelah hrms but is cut short before she can speak

Kayleigh@crystyl | TQ: "Captain, I have an incoming hail from the Admiral

Kayleigh@crystyl | Keelah pauses and nods, moving to stand in front of her chair, "On screen"

Kayleigh@crystyl turns to watch with Mari at her side, and Rianni hovering behind them both

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Enelya appears on the viewscreen with a smile, "It's good to see you again, Captain."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Keelah smiles, "You too Admiral. Though I must apologize for our late check in"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Enelya: "Don't worry about it. I apologize for not being there the moment you came through. You're not the only one to bring back a captured enemy ship and I was discussing that with Coalition -

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris - leadership when you arrived."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Keelah perks a brow, "Curious. I see we have missed a lot in our absence, and we clearly have a lot to catch each other up on"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Enelya nods, "There's been quite the series of events here, and you look like you've been through a lot too."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Keelah: "I could have done with a bit less. But we also have new arrivals to get acquainted here"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Enelya: "On both sides. Though I advise against contacting the Shenzhou until we've had a chance to tell you about it. Might be a bit of a surprise otherwise."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Rianni chimes in from the back, "I can confirm that Captain"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Keelah glances back and nods to Enelya, "Very well. Do you wish for the crew to remain on board also for the time being?"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Enelya: "They're welcome to use the Sphere's facilities. I imagine some of them might need a new place to stay at this moment. Just keep the senior staff on board, since we might have -

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris - questions for them."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Keelah nods: "Understood Admiral, we will remain on standby for the debriefs"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Enelya: "Get the repair teams settled first, and we'll be along shortly."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Keelah: "I'll apologize now for the less than pristine presentation" she smiles, "But look forward to welcoming you back aboard Admiral" she nods before the comm closes

Kayleigh@crystyl | Keelah looks around, "Well, you heard the Admiral; don't go getting too excited with your r&r plans just yet"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Lennie pouts a little

Kayleigh@crystyl | Keelah glances to TP, then the cadets, "Now where were we? Something about rash behaviour?"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pia: "I'm sure Kayleigh was just worried, since I got kidnapped from the Heart and all! I don't recognize the other cadet, though..."

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"I haven't actually met you yet. Not this you, at least. You look different without cybernetics..."

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pia gives Mari a confused look

Kayleigh@crystyl:"Cadet Mariel joined the class after your disappearance. After I was... encouraged to embark on this mission, she agreed to accompany me as we have undertaken multiple missions together"

Kayleigh@crystyl makes it sound very official

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Kelly: "Multiple...missions together? As Cadets?"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Rianni looks to TP shaking her head, "Don't get her started on the whole 'you, not you' thing. Honestly, it'll just give you a headache"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Keelah already has a good idea of where this is all going and gives a Rianni a look, trying to figure if she really doesn't realize how bad she is for it at times

Kayleigh@crystyl | nods to Kelly, "Both formal assignments, field commissions, and... less official assignments like this"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Keelah considers the pair, "Well..."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Keelah: "It sounds like it was quite the team effort in you two getting here. It also seems this is an established pattern for the pair of you, from what I'm hearing"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Keelah steps over, standing between the two with a hand on each of theirs near shoulder

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"Kind of...we just try to help where we can, Captain..."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Keelah: "There are not many who would take risks for something they believed in. But that compassion, initiative, creative thinking, the teamwork and leadership that has all played a part in you -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- two standing here now facing the prospects of courtmartial and even dismissal from the academy..."

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris gulps

Kayleigh@crystyl | Keelah smiles, leaning in and almost whispering, "These are all marks of outstanding officers that I value in every person in this room"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Keelah stands back, giving them both a pat on the shoulder before folding her hands at her back, "Good officers follow orders without question. Great officers understand that sometimes those -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- orders are incorrect. I suspect that in this instance, your academy leaders who ordered you all to sit by and wait did not fully appreciate the value of T'Pia's safe return you and all your -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- classmates did. So whilst the order given may have been correct by their understanding, yours was blessed with additional context which they lacked. And you acted within the best of your abilities-

Kayleigh@crystyl:- to fulfil your objectives, knowing full well the risks you were taking. That is officer thinking, and it reminds me of a certain other young officer who also made waves as a cadet..." her gaze -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- drifts behind the pair

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris glances over her shoulder

Kayleigh@crystyl | Rianni flushes and squirms a little, "Come on Captain, you make it sound like I was some sort of renegade... or do you mean the other me? Because she's not really me, I mean... I- oh... so that's-

Kayleigh@crystyl:- what it's like..."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Lennie laughs

Kayleigh@crystyl looks between the lot of them, "Forgive me Captain, but it sounds like you are not reprimanding us?"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Keelah perks a brow, "Well, I could if you /really/ want me to?

Kayleigh@crystyl also perks a brow, "I do not"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"Definitely not, nope."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Keelah: "Good, then that settles that. I will speak with your Commandant on your behalf if needed. But as caring friends of my daughter; I welcome you to the Valley Forge. Pia, since we are not -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- going anywhere for a while, why don't you spend some time catching up with your friends?"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pia smiles, "That's a good idea, mum!"

Kayleigh@crystyl:"Thank you Captain"

Kayleigh@crystyl heads back out with TP & Mari

Kayleigh@crystyl | After the lift closes behind them, Lennie looks to Keelah, "Did you really have to make them sweat so much?"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Keelah smiles, "Perks of Command" and heads back to her ready room

—

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | The cadets proceed into one of the VF's still intact lounges, though it's far from great condition. Several tables are loose and lying around, chairs are scattered all over the place and the -

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris - area by the bar is filled with shattered bottles and spilled liquid. Luckily, the couches seem rather untouched, save for some dust and a few chairs block the way

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pia pulls the chairs aside and pats one of the couches to dust it, "Sorry, we're not exactly in the best shape to host guests right now," she chuckles

Kayleigh@crystyl:"There was never a prerequisite for hospitality. Your apology is not necessary" she assists in clearing some space for them

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris also helps in clearing aside some chair and dusting a couch. One satisfied with the cleanliness, she takes a seat

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pia sits as well, "So, sounds like you two have been up to a lot since I was gone."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"With the activity in the Heart, the class has been priviliged with... frontier benefits"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pia nods, "You don't have to tell me, I was in the middle of that whole Challenger business, remember! But still from what you said before, you two have been up to more than the rest of the -

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris - class."

Kayleigh@crystyl glances to Mari and back, "That would be a fair assessment. Circumstances have led to our involvement in a number of extra curricular activities"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris grins, "Circumstances being some initial initiative that got us wrapped up into these events. Then...we kind of became in high demand because we had first-hand experience."

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pia: "And what exactly were these extra curricular activities? Does it have something to do with these weird ships we saw on the way in?"

Kayleigh@crystyl:"It is true that one thing led to another. After we became responsible for T'Mer, we became privvy to some early field work where her unique presence was beneficial. That formed the relevant -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- experiences for us which then made us both suited to another mission. Exposure to events there gave us relevant experience to assist in another, and the trend has continued"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pia: "T'Mer? Who's that?"

Kayleigh@crystyl:"Oh, of course. T'Mer is an Iconian who transferred to the annex from the station security"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pia widens her eyes, "Wait, there's an Iconian cadet now?"

Kayleigh@crystyl:"Yes. She was among the first rebirths, as such she is what they considered... substandard. Whereas subsequent generations came from a more refined process, hers lack the refinement required to -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- operate on their required level. So she initially joined station security, but that was not a good fit for her. Following our initial encounter, it was decided to transfer her to the annex"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pia: "That's quite a historical moment! I might've expected to see Iconians in Starfleet eventually, but I never thought it would happen so soon!"

Kayleigh@crystyl:"It did draw a lot of attention her way. For what it's worth, I believe your anticipations are more accurate and that she is the exception, not the rule"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pia: "Still pretty impressive! I can't wait to meet her for myself."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"Besides her and Mariel here there have been no changes to our class roster"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"We should tell her about the ships from other universes."

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pia: "The infiltrator ones? Oh, we've already figured out they're from the future of an alternate universe, not our own!"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"No, not those, but we did have another encounter with one of those too..."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"Not those actually. Since the Valley Forge disappeared, the Midway began conducted experiments to retrace your steps and find you all again. One such experiment saw a number of probes launched -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- through an artificial aperture in the hopes of contacting this ship. There was a miscalculation however, and instead of reaching across this galaxy, they reached across different realities. Since -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- then, a number of vessels have returned to investigate the source of the probes. Ships like the Shenzou which I understand you saw at the vanguard of the defense fleet when you arrived"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pia: "So that's what that ship was! And these extra curricular activities you've been having, they were related to these ships?"

Kayleigh@crystyl:"Somewhat, yes" she nods, "There was a chance encounter with, well, you. That is to say, the you from that ship. We ended up operating a brief cadet exchange program where some of our class spent a -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- little time on the Shenzou while it's cadets - including their T'Pia - joined our classes. It was during our time on the Shenzou that the second new arrival came through which was from the same -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- Terran Empire we learned about in class. Then, having familiarity with the process we were later called to bolster newly arrived Starfleet crews who did not yet have any personnel with local -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- knowledge but were required to support when another incursion came through which was from a Romulan-Vulcan dominated galaxy"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pia: "Wow...we've definitely missed quite a lot in our absence! Are all of these people still here, or just the Shenzhou?"

Kayleigh@crystyl:"Some are at least. But the Shenzou and it's task force have quickly become regular fixtures here. They work actively with the Coalition fleet and their personnel are regularly interacting with ours-

Kayleigh@crystyl:- now"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris smiles, "You should have a chance to meet them! We have procedures so you don't accidentally run into yourself and be surprised or anything, too."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"I believe that is why the Admiral encouraged your Captain not to let any senior staff depart yet since there is a lot of commonality with the ships that are coming through. Not all incursions, but -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- it is definitely a theme given that the probes spoke of your mother by name. The Shenzou - by all accounts - has a very similar senior staff to this ship. The Terran incursion had... other local -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- similarities"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Rianni and Emma walk in behind them

Kayleigh@crystyl | Rianni comments: "So that's what that Odyssey saucer was"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris turns and nods, "Yes, that was a saucer from the Terran flagship that led the incursion. We ended up closing the rift on it while it was still passing through, and that cut the ship in two with -

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris - the saucer on our side."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Rianni laughs, "That's one way to deal with them!" her expression softens and she rests a hand on Mari's shoulder, "How are you doing now - Mariel, right?"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris nods, "I'm okay outside of that hallway now. I've been training with the Chlasi to control these visions. Your ship has a lot of history and emotional moments so it's easy to get visions, but I -

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris - can keep them away as long as it's not too overwhelming."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Rianni smiles, "Glad to hear it" and looks to TP, "You look after your friends now Pia! Just shout if you need anything"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pia smiles back, "Will do!"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Rianni and Emma move on, leaving the cadets to their catchup

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pia looks back to Kayleigh and Mariel, "Now you've told me about everything going on at the Heart, I should tell you all about our adventures in the Gamma Quadrant..."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"I must admit to a certain curiosity as to what transpired out there. This ship is regarded highly by everyone I've met at the Heart, in no small part due to the part in played in the final battle -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- against the Horde. To have won a victory like that against insurmountable odds, it begs the question as to what occured to see it as it is now"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pia: "You said there was another encounter with one of those future ships here in the Heart, right?"

Kayleigh@crystyl nods, "Yes, and it made light work of the Coalition fleet during it's escape. So that nameless ship that came back with you, that is indeed one of theirs?"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pia nods, "We've encountered other ships of theirs, and the quantum signature matches. Plus we worked against them and it makes logical sense that they'd have a vendetta, since they were -

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris - definitely after us and we didn't just happen to run into them again."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"From what I saw, that looked to be a heavy cruiser of theirs. Given the superiority we've seen in lesser specced vessels, it is actually a testament to the Valley Forge that you are intact at all"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pia: "We weren't the only ships involved in the fight. There was also a pretty big mercenary fleet with thirty ships or so, and most of them didn't survive the battle."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"A formidable enemy indeed. I hope I will get the opportunity to learn the details of that encounter, but this is neither the time or the place as I appreciate that it is all still very fresh for -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- everyone here. What about the rest of your journey?"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pia: "Well, when we first arrived we were in a region ravaged by a mutagenic plague. We were still investigating that plague before we ran into the future ship, actually. We think the -

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris - infiltrators /might/ have something to do with it, but we haven't found any evidence yet so it's just speculation."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"A mutagenic plague? That sounds troubling"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pia nods, "It definitely is. The virus can be filtered out through the transporter so it was only fatal in the first region we were in, where most of the civilizations hadn't advanced to -

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris - that level yet. But there's no way to combat the virus other than filtering it out. We haven't been able to find a cure, and neither has the Commonwealth or Dominion. Which is a problem -

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris - still because direct infection of people isn't the only thing the plague can do."

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"What do you mean?"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pia: "It doesn't just mutate what it infects, it also mutates itself. It's almost like the Borg, it can adapt to whatever it's trying to infect. Which means it can affect pretty much -

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris - anything biological. Transporters can clear the virus from infected people, but even the Dominion doesn't have the technology and resources to transport entire planets."

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris nods, "So if the virus isn't contained, it'll wipe out its entire ecosystem."

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pia: "Exactly."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"There is a certain brutal efficiency to such a virus that at least indicates it is not naturally occurring"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pia: "That's what we thought too! But we still haven't gotten to the bottom of it yet. We were tracking the path of the plague, which was on our way to the Bajoran wormhole anyways, which -

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris - was our planned way home, but that would've taken us much longer. When we were passing through Commonwealth territory, we got attacked by the An."

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"Wait, you were attacked by the /An/?" she looks to Kay. "That's those explorers in the big Mothership, isn't it?"

Kayleigh@crystyl:"Indeed it is. They are supposed to be allies to Starfleet"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pia: "They are! It's a long and complicated story why they attacked us. We didn't know it at the time, but the infiltrators were also infiltrating the An and it's believed that they caused -

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris - the current war between the Commonwealth and the Dominion. The Lexington- our sister ship, you must've seen her coming through with us, right? She's the same class as the Valley Forge."

Kayleigh@crystyl nods, "Yes, we saw it. But are not familiar with it"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pia: "She was on an exploratory mission through the Bajoran wormhole and was working alongside the Dominion. They started investigating the infiltrators and the real cause of the war and -

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris - the Andarash, the An's military back home, had them marked as enemies. The Mothership here doesn't exactly have the ability to communicate with their people back home, so when the An saw us, -

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris - they assumed we were the Lexington or at least on the same side as them and attacked us."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"I believe I understand"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pia: "We sorted out the misunderstanding and started looking for the Lexington. We only learned about the infiltrator involvement when we finally found them and learned why they had made an -

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris - enemy of the An. They weren't really enemies with the An, it was the infiltrators in the Commonwealth using the An against them. Turns out, they actually have allies among the An trying to -

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris - root out the infiltrators too!"

Kayleigh@crystyl:"It sounds like the Commonwealth-Dominion border is as much a front line for this infiltrator conflict as the Heart is. Maybe moreso"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"What about that other ship following you, the one that looks like a smaller Valley Forge? That's not a sister ship, it's like a...well, smaller version of you! I know Starfleet occasionally makes -

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:- newer ships based on older designs, but I've never come across anything like that before in the databases or history books."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"There was something quite unusual about that one now that you mention it"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pia: "Now, that's another long story. He's a bioship, we call him Junior and he's the Valley Forge's child."

Kayleigh@crystyl perks a brow

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pia giggles, "To put it /very/ simply."

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"That...raises more questions than answers."

Kayleigh@crystyl looks between the two, "This... sounds more like your field of interest, Mari. If you will excuse me, there is someone I wish to speak with"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris smirks, "You're running after that tactical LT that found me, aren't you?"

Kayleigh@crystyl:"Actually not" she looks across the lounge to where TQ has not long sat down

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"You know her?"

Kayleigh@crystyl:"Not exactly, but she knows more about a curious encounter I had while searching the ship and I wish to better understand it" she nods to the two and crosses the room towards TQ

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pia looks over curiously before turning back to discuss Junior with Mari

—

NPC@annpc#557 | In the VF transporter room, there is still some dust by the side, though the main area has been cleared. The transporter is clearly lit up and operational and Enelya materializes on the pad

Keelah@crystyl stands ready to welcome her with Mia standing to attention by the door and playing a 'wee-ooo' on the naval whistle for the Admirals arrival

Keelah@crystyl stands at attention

Keelah@crystyl lets the transport cycle complete before standing to attention, "Admiral on deck"

NPC@annpc#557 | Enelya smiles at the Mia whistle and steps off the pad, "At ease, Captain.

Keelah@crystyl relaxes her stance and smiles, moving to greet Enelya in a more familiar manner by taking her hand, "It is good to see you again Enelya"

NPC@annpc#557 | Enelya: "It's good to see you too, Keelah. For a while, we thought we might've lost you. We knew you were still out there, the gateway didn't open into a star or anything, but it could've been -

NPC@annpc#557 - anywhere in the galaxy or even beyond. There was no guarantee you'd ever be able to make it back on your own."

Keelah@crystyl:"For a while there, it felt like the darker hours of our journey to the Heart" she nods, "But as fortune would have it, we did not have to wait long to find our way again"

NPC@annpc#557 | Enelya: "We actually received some intel recently that you might be in danger and were putting together a rescue team. We were warned we might be too late to help you though, and I'm glad you -

NPC@annpc#557 - managed to get yourself back in one piece still in the end."

Keelah@crystyl:"Yes, though I was still hoping our little present for you might have been a bit more special"

NPC@annpc#557 | Enelya: "Well, the ship that Captain Leveson-Scott captured seems to be their version of a science ship. I think there's plenty still we can learn from the one you brought through. We've only -

NPC@annpc#557 - debris to pick through for their cruisers."

Keelah@crystyl:"Captain Leveson-Scott?" she perks a brow, "Clearly we have much to catch up on. Please" she gestures, leading them out

NPC@annpc#557 | Enelya nods and follows out, "Yes, she received a promotion from the Director of Starfleet Intelligence for the capture of that ship, and another mission that's still classified."

Keelah@crystyl:"I expect nothing less. If by chance she is still in the region however, I have news for her as well"

NPC@annpc#557 | Enelya: "She and her ship are right here in the Heart preparing for their next mission."

Keelah@crystyl:"Perfect. We lost the Loki in that final battle, but most of the crew were saved included Commander T'Lana"

NPC@annpc#557 | Enelya nods, "I was about to ask what happened to the Loki. I thought you wouldn't just abandon a ship like that even if it must've had roster issues after exposing the infiltrators."

Keelah@crystyl:"It was a valuable asset throughout the journey, and played a critical role at the end. If you haven't got that far in my reports yet, I have put the commander in for a commendation too"

NPC@annpc#557 | Enelya chuckles, "There's a lot of reports to get through. I'm still on the ones about how the Valley Forge gave birth to a bioship..."

Keelah@crystyl:"Now that's a report that keeps getting addendums..." she smiles, as they step into the lift

Keelah@crystyl walks over to the sofa where she already has a newly replicated teaset laid out and begins to pour.

Keelah@crystyl:"I hope you won't mind the informality, but... yeah" she nods towards her desk that has a bulkhead through it

Keelah@crystyl:"We at least swept up all the broken glass in here for you though, so there is that"

NPC@annpc#557 | Enelya takes a seat on the sofa, "Don't worry, Keelah. I'm just surprised your replicator's still working."

Keelah@crystyl:"Despite how things look, most of the damage is superficial. Apart from the deflector of course. And the hull breach...es. And the nacelle..."

NPC@annpc#557 | Enelya: "And most of the tactical systems, as well as that armour system you received on your journey out here. I've passed the damage report on to our Engineering specialists in the -

NPC@annpc#557 - Foundries. All of it is repairable, but..."

Keelah@crystyl pauses a sip of her tea, "But...?"

NPC@annpc#557 | Enelya: "Tell me more about Junior, first. Your reports indicate it still sees the Forge as a mother?"

Keelah@crystyl nods, "That is at least our best analogy for it. We do not have a direct method of communication with him, so most of the analysis is based on subjective behavioural analysis"

NPC@annpc#557 | Enelya: "And you believe he's still growing, developing?"

Keelah@crystyl:"Yes, whether it was a single growth spurt or the first of many though we can not say. Not too long ago, he underwent a transformation of sorts through which he developed what you might consider a -

Keelah@crystyl:- crew compartment; areas within him which held an identical atmosphere to the Valley Forge. As we investigated, this evolved further through adapting our survey equipment and generating his own -

Keelah@crystyl:-equivalents to our interfaces. During the battle, he charged in when he saw us taking heavy damage and fired weapons we had not previously seen - though they could have been there but not known. -

Keelah@crystyl:- As best as we can hypothesise so far, he seems to be evolving to emulate the Valley Forge; taking on his 'mothers' image, as it were. First it was the physical appearance, and then the capacity to-

Keelah@crystyl:- function in a symbiotic relationship of sorts, which one might surmise is how he sees our interaction with our ships if he sess the ships like himself"

NPC@annpc#557 | Enelya raises her own cup, taking a few sips as she listens before contemplating the information quietly

NPC@annpc#557 | She speaks after a few seconds of silence, "So, you think he's growing in the image of the Valley Forge?"

Keelah@crystyl:"That is what CMDR Lendaria believes, yes. This evolution has produced evidence of his growing efforts in enabling communication and interaction with us as well. But despite appearances, he is -

Keelah@crystyl:- still very much... juvenile. If not a child, his behaviour could be likened to a lower lifeform still learning it's masters desired behaviour"

NPC@annpc#557 | Enelya nods, "That's what I suspected too. How's he doing now with the Forge damaged?"

Keelah@crystyl:"We're keeping an eye on him. He is apprehensive about the new surroundings, but I believe as long as he can see the ship he will be appeased. Though direct interaction is limited still, we have a -

Keelah@crystyl:- more thorough communication system established with him using light and colour. By periodically presenting him a reassuring colour, we are able to prevent from getting stressed and worried"

NPC@annpc#557 | Enelya: "I'm glad to hear that," she smiles, taking another sip before setting the cup down and turning to focus on Keelah

Keelah@crystyl looks back, still curious to what she was leading to before

NPC@annpc#557 | Enelya: "The Valley Forge is coming up on 40 years of service now. Under most circumstances, a ship of her age that's sustained such heavy damage would be slated for decommissioning. But we -

NPC@annpc#557 - can't deprive a child of his mother, not to mention that you're quite a symbol for the Coalition."

Keelah@crystyl:"I am glad to hear it. For a moment there it was starting to sound like you were talking about mothballing her"

NPC@annpc#557 | Enelya: "Nothing quite so extreme. But the Valley Forge is an aging ship. She might be able to keep up with the fleet today. Compared to the new designs being worked on here, in the Jenolan -

NPC@annpc#557 - Sphere and the new lines being produced in the fleet yards though...you're going to need another major refit to match their capabilities. At that point, we might as well commission a new -

NPC@annpc#557 - starship. And there's Junior."

Keelah@crystyl:"So what is the plan for us from here?"

NPC@annpc#557 | Enelya: "The Foundry will bring you back up to operational status. But you're being reassigned to Sphere research. Like you said, Junior is still a juvenile, and quite possibly a unique -

NPC@annpc#557 - lifeform. The Valley Forge draws a lot of attention out there now with all you've achieved. You'll be putting yourself, your crew and Junior in danger, especially with the current situation. -

NPC@annpc#557 - In here, the Coalition's already proved that we can take down an infiltrator ship, and our ability will only increase now that we have two of them captured to study."

Keelah@crystyl nods, "The Sphere is substantial, and I can see the need for active starships working within it's borders to aid the research projects. And the Forge is still heavily equipped for scientific study.-

Keelah@crystyl:-

Keelah@crystyl:- We will soon adapt to this new assignment"

NPC@annpc#557 | Enelya smiles, "Exactly, and it's the safest place for Junior to grow up. I'm glad you see the logic in it."

Keelah@crystyl:"I believe I may actually enjoy spending some time coasting around the sphere with Junior in tow. Though we will of course need to look at reducing the crew as many will no longer be needed on board"

NPC@annpc#557 | Enelya: "I think some time off will be good for you and your crew. You never did have much of a breather after that whole Horde situation. But you're sure you want to stay on board as CO of -

NPC@annpc#557 - the Forge? I know this ship is special to you. I was a captain before I was an admiral, and we've all had commands we've poured heart and soul into. Supervising science expeditions, it's -

NPC@annpc#557 - quite a different life than being out on the frontier. Much less exciting and slower paced."

Keelah@crystyl 's eyes narrow, "That feels like a weighted question. I get the impression you already other designs on my future"

NPC@annpc#557 | Enelya: "I'm not going to force a reassingment, Keelah. If the Forge is really where you want to be, then you're welcome to stay. I think your abilities and experience is better served -

NPC@annpc#557 - elsewhere, though."

Keelah@crystyl:"I assume you refer to the ship development project given my time at UP?"

NPC@annpc#557 | Enelya nods, "That's one option. There's always a different command; as you might have noticed, we're in the unique situation of having more ships than crews and commanders right now. Vice -

NPC@annpc#557 - Admiral Ali is personally overseeing the Courageous, and we've acquired a number of ships during the Terran incursion that are being repurposed to serve in Starfleet. The Diplomatic Corps has -

NPC@annpc#557 - been trying to poach you from me for a while now," she chuckles. "You could officialize your role as a central figure in the Coalition with them. And Commodore Becket is on the lookout for -

NPC@annpc#557 - experienced officers for the relatively new Annex here."

Keelah@crystyl hrms, "You do raise some interesting prospects there. I am not certain I am ready to fully commit to one extreme or the other by either taking a new command or a transfer to the Corps... I believe -

Keelah@crystyl:- the most desirable prospect right now is providing a stable home for my daughter and supporting her through her cadet years. I would have previously thought that best served by returning to Vulcan-

Keelah@crystyl:- to stay with my mother so she could attend in Sol. However, after what happened with the cadets here upon our arrival, I realize now that this is where she needs to be. So it is where I need to -

Keelah@crystyl:- be. Given these criteria, and a desire not to risk rash decisions..." she thinks, "...whilst remaining on the Forge for it's dignified retirement would indeed be a comfortable option, it would -

Keelah@crystyl:- indeed not be giving my fullest to Starfleet. And as you have pointed out, this would be a waste right now. So then, I think rekindling my engineering roots by aiding on the project would be the -

Keelah@crystyl:- most appealing as it would afford me additional time working with T'Pia. And if that commitment permits me the time, I am not adverse to assisting at the academy, though I admit it is not -

Keelah@crystyl:- something I ever considered doing before"

NPC@annpc#557 | Enelya: "Many of the cadets are out here because they want an Annex that gives practical, hands on experience. Who better to teach them than a captain with a record like yours?" she smiles

Keelah@crystyl smiles, "Part of me does find the prospect enticing. I found myself taking an interest in cadet careers with Tierno when I brought her on board before she graduated. I saw something in her and all -

Keelah@crystyl:- the trials she endured that I believed could be the foundings of a great officer. And now I find myself taking a similar interst in the cadets of your annex now, so yes; I believe this could be -

Keelah@crystyl:- fruitful"

NPC@annpc#557 | Enelya: "I thought I saw some cadet uniforms on your bridge over comms earlier, in addition to your daughter. Well, take your time to think it over. You'll be in dock for a while, so there's -

NPC@annpc#557 - no rush to make a decision."

Keelah@crystyl nods, "I assume that should I choose to persue any of these opportunites that you are content for the Forge to remain in Keliaya's hands?"

NPC@annpc#557 | Enelya nods, "She's already proven herself to be a good commander on multiple instances. And she has a background in theoretical science before she joined Starfleet, so she's a good fit for -

NPC@annpc#557 - overseeing research here."

Keelah@crystyl:"Everyone will be taking some r&r in the short term, but I think she will be happiest overseeing the repairs for the most part. I am going to take some time with Pia to visit with her father. They -

Keelah@crystyl:- have been apart for far too long now. If it is acceptable, I will give you my decision upon our return"

NPC@annpc#557 | Enelya smiles, "That's perfectly fine. You deserve some r&r after everything you've been through just in the Gamma Quadrant, not to mention the previous journey here."

Keelah@crystyl smiles, "Then that is how we will proceed. I am certain there is more for us to discuss on our time in the Gamma Quadrant, but that can perhaps wait until you are caught up on those reports first. -

Keelah@crystyl:- In the mean time however, there is the matter of this other ship - Shenzou I believe - and the reason we are on lock down awaiting debrief on the subject?"

NPC@annpc#557 | Enelya: "Well the short explanation is, you're in command of it, and there's a few of your senior staff on board as well. We didn't want any unexpected encounters; we've established some -

NPC@annpc#557 - protocols around that since the extra-universal contacts began happening."

Keelah@crystyl:"I am? Well, I had better strike that one off my list of potential new commands to request then if I'm already there" she smiles

NPC@annpc#557 | Enelya chuckles, "Out of all the universes that's contacted us, theirs is probably the closest to ours, at least as far as the Federation and Starfleet is concerned. But there's still a few -

NPC@annpc#557 - major differences that make them look rather...different. It might be a little bit of a shock to see yourself. Once we coordinate with them to make sure you don't run into your counterparts -

NPC@annpc#557 - by accident, you'll be off lockdown."

Keelah@crystyl:"I understand. Does the same apply to the other extra-unversal arrivals? Insofar as, they are also me?"

NPC@annpc#557 | Enelya: "Only from the Romulan-Vulcan universe. The Terrans didn't seem to have a version of you."

NPC@annpc#557 | Enelya: "Or well, they do, but she wasn't involved in the incursion here."

Keelah@crystyl:"I certainly won't complain about that. Many more of me, and I would be getting an earful from Tierno"

NPC@annpc#557 | Enelya smiles, "You can always let her know there's a counterpart of her on the Shenzhou too. And of course you're all too familiar with the Terran one..."

Keelah@crystyl:"Among others..." she nods. "So what are the repercutions of these visits so far? Exploratory incursions are one thing, but it is clear that some like the Shenzou are staying for extended periods. -

Keelah@crystyl:- you mentioned a Vulcan-Romulan one, which I assume means they are a dominant power there. Are things like that having an impact on the civilians here?"

NPC@annpc#557 | Enelya: "The Vulcan-Romulans are here as refugees now. It's a complicated situation, but they took the opportunity to break away from the oppressive Tal Shiar dominated regime back in their -

NPC@annpc#557 - universe. Between the brief firefight that went down during that encounter and the Terran incursion, some of the civilians are a little worried about less peaceful encounters. The Shenzhou -

NPC@annpc#557 - working alongside us is mostly just a curiosity for everyone here, and we're taking the chance to learn more about each other's universes."

Keelah@crystyl:"Much like a civilized first contact then" she nods, "I just imagine that with events like the Vulcan-Romulan arrival, there would be heavy stirrings from the Romulans in particular given the -

Keelah@crystyl:- potential for a reality where they most likely did not suffer as they have here. A sign of hope like that can be a strong motivator"

NPC@annpc#557 | Enelya: "The Republic are the main ones looking out for them now. They quickly learned that the power in that universe came at a heavy cost, which was essentially the surrendering of every -

NPC@annpc#557 - level of freedom and privacy. The last thing any Republic Romulan wants is oppression by the Tal Shiar. It would be more of a motivator for the Imperial Romulans; they were the ones who used a -

NPC@annpc#557 - stronger, united Romulan people as an excuse for the terrible things they've done."

Keelah@crystyl:"But they still have a presence here, do they not? I am certainly not complaining if so, but a little surprised still if they are not acting on this"

NPC@annpc#557 | Enelya: "Not yet, actually. The Imperials were still considered enemies of the Republic and a potential threat to the Federation until quite recently. Their new Empress- a familiar name to -

NPC@annpc#557 - you, actually, is much friendlier to the Republic and Federation. They will probably be sending a representative to the Coalition soon, but we'll start planning for that when we have -

NPC@annpc#557 - confirmation from the Romulan side."

Keelah@crystyl perks a curious brow, "A familiar name?"

NPC@annpc#557 | Enelya nods, "Nikee ir-Fethraie t'Rllaillieu. Forgive me if I get the pronounciation wrong, I've never quite mastered Romulan," she smiles

Keelah@crystyl stares a moment, "...Nikee...? As in /Republic/ Intelligence Officer turned mission representative Nikee?"

NPC@annpc#557 | Enelya: "Turned Empress Nikee, apparently. You should ask Captain Leveson-Scott for the details. Nikee left your ship with her and then they got wrapped up in an Imperial civil war somehow. -

NPC@annpc#557 - Then she was Empress and rallying what was left of the Imperial forces to help against the infiltrator problem."

Keelah@crystyl:"Fascinating. The fact that this transpired while she was on secondment to the Latenter, I can't help but see Mischa's hand in this somehow. Either way, I doubt she will give me a straight answer. -

Keelah@crystyl:- She wouldn't even if she could, that one. It's just her way to be elusive. Out of everything you have told me about that we missed, this may well be the biggest surprise of them all"

NPC@annpc#557 | Enelya: "There's a few other things you've missed in your absence that might get close. Mischa also saved your mother from augment assassins sent by the infiltrators. And the Republic lost -

NPC@annpc#557 - their flagship protecting Admiral Tuvok from an attack by one of their vessels."

Keelah@crystyl:"Mischa again?" she sighs, "Another reason I have to speak with her before she runs off again..."

NPC@annpc#557 | Enelya: "She's been busy...speaking of which, I have to talk to Captain Omar about the infiltrator business in the Gamma Quadrant. I understand you have some information on it too, but the -

NPC@annpc#557 - Lexington's been the one heading the investigation into that."

Keelah@crystyl nods, "I'll have everything in my latest reports for you, but you know you can always call me if anything more is needed"

NPC@annpc#557 | Enelya nods back and stands, "I'll let you know if I need anything else. Fair warning, you're probably going to get questioned on the infiltrators a lot more by Mischa. Starfleet Intelligence -

NPC@annpc#557 - and the Romulans, Imperial and Republic, are spearheading this shadow conflict against them right now."

Keelah@crystyl:"I'll just go ahead and schedule a full day with her at this point". she smiles

NPC@annpc#557 | Enelya chuckles, "Might be a good idea. Anyways, you've got plenty of time right now, anyways. Take your time, relax, wind down now that you're back and safe," she smiles

Keelah@crystyl:"I will do so Admiral, thank you"

—

NPC@annpc#557 | Back in the Academy Annex, Commandant Becket works away in his office

Keelah@crystyl approaches the office, chiming the door

NPC@annpc#557 | Becket: "Come in."

Keelah@crystyl strolls in, "Commodore"

NPC@annpc#557 | Becket: "Captain Se'Lai. Come, have a seat. Do you want any refreshments?"

Keelah@crystyl sits, That will not be necessary, thank you though"

NPC@annpc#557 | Becket: "How's the Valley Forge doing? The repairs going alright?"

Keelah@crystyl:"Moving along nicely, yes. It is a welcome respite not to have to rush repairs, so we are taking our time with her to get everything just right again"

NPC@annpc#557 | Becket smiles, "That's good to hear," he takes a sip of his drink. "So, I assume this is about your daughter? Now that you're back in the Heart, she'll be rejoining classes here, right?"

Keelah@crystyl:"That is something I wanted to discuss while here" she nods, "I had considered taking her back to live with her father and complete her training at Sol. However, having seen the potential of your -

Keelah@crystyl:- cadets here I now believe this would be the best place for her to continue"

NPC@annpc#557 | Becket: "I think she's been doing well here, and she's certainly very proud of her involvement with the Coalition ship project. Of course, the Academy back at Sol is one of our finest and she -

NPC@annpc#557 - can always get involved at the shipyards there, but she's already settled nicely at the Heart," he smiles. "I think you're making the right decision for her education."

Keelah@crystyl:"Yes, the ship project is a part of it as well. But honestly it was seeing the comaraderie between the cadets that finalized my decision. I am uncertain if you know or not, but the Valley Forge has -

Keelah@crystyl:- historically schooled cadets on board when appropriate. Though we did not have any active classes when we set out on that last mission, we did have our resident professor. She can provide all the -

Keelah@crystyl:- required confirmations of T'Pia's continued study, so I do not believe she will be hindered by rejoining the ongoing curriculum here"

NPC@annpc#557 | Becket nods, "I've heard that your ship was one of those that carried cadets and has a professor on board. A synthetic lifeform made from a sentient educational holoprogram, if I remember -

NPC@annpc#557 - correctly."

Keelah@crystyl smiles, "Mia, yes. While still the topic of T'Pia's return though, I should clarify that she will not be rejoining you straight away. Since getting kidnapped from the Heart, she has suffered as -

Keelah@crystyl:- much as the rest of my crew. So she will be on mandatory R&R for the next few weeks, where I will be taking her to spend time with her father. When we return though, she will be ready and -

Keelah@crystyl:- available for classes again"

NPC@annpc#557 | Becket: "I understand. It's been a long and difficult journey for you, no doubt. And with you being out here for so long, it's been a while since she's seen her father and any other family. On -

NPC@annpc#557 - the subject of Mia though, you'll be in dock for a while. Do you think she'd be interested in some teaching here at the Annex?"

Keelah@crystyl smiles, "Yes, the Admiral mentioned that you were in need of teaching staff. I suppose it is a difficult balance to maintain when the fleet here outnumbers the crew available for them. Getting -

Keelah@crystyl:- suitable officers in to teach must be a challenge"

NPC@annpc#557 | Becket nods, "I managed to recruit a few of our professors from the ships that got decommissioned after the final battle here at the Heart. And we had to call in a few friends and contacts -

NPC@annpc#557 - from afar in order to cover some more specialized topics, but there's still more demand for professors. We have people to cover every field, but some of them are stretched thin teaching more -

NPC@annpc#557 - classes than a full-time instructor normally would at another Annex. And others like your friend Lycas are only teaching part-time since they have other duties in the Sphere."

Keelah@crystyl:"He always did have a habit of keeping busy" she smiles, "Well, you may be pleased to know that even though the Valley Forge is pegged to be in drydock for a good spell, it will not be leaving the -

Keelah@crystyl:- Heart when it does press back into service. And given her passion for the field, I am confident that Mia would be more than happy to aid the annex. I would recommend using her as something of a -

Keelah@crystyl:- sutstitute to lessen everyone elses burden, rather than any specific topic. Since she covers all core subjects on the Forge, this would be a fruitful use of her broad range"

NPC@annpc#557 | Becket: "Thank you for the advice, Captain. We can definitely use someone like her here."

Keelah@crystyl:"And... given that this will be something of a dignified retirement for the Forge, I find myself facing a number of options on my own future. It is most likely that I will step down from command of -

Keelah@crystyl:- the Forge and focus myself on supporting the fleet development work here. This is likely to continue at least while T'Pia is in training. I may well reassess once she graduates, but until then I -

Keelah@crystyl:- anticipate residing at the Heart for some time. Now since it has already been suggested to me, but it is not something I had previously considered, I would like to know what you look for in a -

Keelah@crystyl:- professor"

NPC@annpc#557 | Becket smiles, "So you would be interested in a teaching position here? Well, the two most important qualifications are knowledge of the field you'll be teaching and the ability to interact -

NPC@annpc#557 - with young adults, the age that most cadets tend to be. You were an engineer before you went into Command, right?"

Keelah@crystyl:"Correct, but I have been out of the field for too long to effectively teach I believe. Do you teach the Command specialization here at all yet?"

NPC@annpc#557 | Becket nods, "We do. The vast majority of the classes are handled by Captain Matthews right now. He's one of those we recruited after the battle. He used to command the USS Loomis, which -

NPC@annpc#557 - took heavy damage in the fighting and was decommissioned afterwards."

Keelah@crystyl:"I see. Well I certainly don't want to tread on anybody's toes. But if he is in a better position for it, then the Admiral may have a more suitable home for him with the ships we are trying to crew -

Keelah@crystyl:- up now. Then again, since I am likely going to be splitting my time should I proceed down this path then it may suffice to simply ease his burden a little"

NPC@annpc#557 | Becket: "He could certainly use someone else to take a few Command classes. It's a popular subject among cadets, as you might expect. Many of them are coming in with the dream of becoming the -

NPC@annpc#557 - next Janeway or Picard. Not to mention there's mandatory Command-related classes for cadets of all disciplines, plus some cadets in other specializations choose Command courses as electives -

NPC@annpc#557 - because they're considering taking on roles as XO or CO once they've progressed high enough up the ranks."

Keelah@crystyl nods, "Yes, it's a familiar story alright. Well if you are amenable to the prospect, I would like to consider it - at least a trial perhaps - which could commence once T'Pia and I return"

NPC@annpc#557 | Becket: "That sounds good to me. I'm sure the cadets will be quite excited to have you around. You are something of a local hero, which makes you a role model to many of them."

Keelah@crystyl:"It will be... interesting to engage in that context. I will inform you of my final decision upon my return Commodore, but this seems a likely course of action"

NPC@annpc#557 | Becket smiles, "Enjoy your r&r, Captain. I'll look forward to hearing from you again."

Keelah@crystyl:"I intend to Commodore, thank you. Now before I depart, I would like to make one more inquiry"

NPC@annpc#557 | Becket: "Ask away."

Keelah@crystyl:"Cadets Tanglao and Kayleigh; what can you tell me about them?"

NPC@annpc#557 | Becket: "These two? Well, they have a knack for getting themselves wrapped up in things. Sometimes they can cause a little trouble, but it wouldn't be fair to call them troublemakers. They're -

NPC@annpc#557 - eager to participate and sometimes that ends up getting them involved in the wrong things. At the same time, they've contributed a lot more to our efforts in the Sphere than any of their -

NPC@annpc#557 - classmates, more than most officers, even. They've got great potential, they just need a little more...wisdom, you could say."

Keelah@crystyl hrms, "As I suspected. Interesting"

NPC@annpc#557 | Becket: "Let me guess, you had a run-in with them?"

Keelah@crystyl smiles, "Indeed. Nothing of consequence though, but they did make an impression"

NPC@annpc#557 | Becket chuckles, "They have a tendency to do that. To tell you a little more about them, Cadet Kayleigh is half-Vulcan and half-human. She has family in Starfleet, right here in and around the -

NPC@annpc#557 - Sphere, actually. She's quite similar to your daughter in some regards."

Keelah@crystyl:"That would explain why they seem so cloase. And Tanglao?"

NPC@annpc#557 | Becket: "Cadet Tanglao is one of those who developed psionic abilities after the events here. The specific ability she has is very rare, something I didn't even know was possible for psionics -

NPC@annpc#557 - until she transferred here. It's called retrocognition- it's the opposite of precognition. Instead of being able to see into potential future outcomes, she can see things that happened in the -

NPC@annpc#557 - past."

Keelah@crystyl perks a brow, "Quite the unusual ability indeed. And quite problematic to live with I imagine. It says a lot that she is able to manage this ability and sustain focus on her training"

NPC@annpc#557 | Becket nods, "The reason for her transfer here was to train with the Chlasi, and I hear her control over her ability has been improving. Still, it means she has a lot more work than most other -

NPC@annpc#557 - cadets. She's been managing it impressively. She's not the top of the class, but her grades don't show any need for concern right now either."

Keelah@crystyl:"Grades are important, but they are not the first thing I look at when recruiting graduates"

NPC@annpc#557 | Becket: "Yes, good grades don't necessarily mean good performance out in the galaxy. We include a large number of practical instruction and evaluations, but simulation's still not the same -

NPC@annpc#557 - as the real thing."

Keelah@crystyl:"I couldn't agree more. You mentioned these two cadets in particular have gotten involved in a number of events?"

NPC@annpc#557 | Becket nods, "That's right. They...played a part in the enlistment of the first Iconian cadet, who they're working closely with now, and they found themselves at the centre of these contacts -

NPC@annpc#557 - with other parallel realities. They participated in an exchange with the Shenzhou and right now they have more experience with first contact with other universes than the majority of officers -

NPC@annpc#557 - in the fleet. To the point that they were actually given temporary assignments as mission specialists when the last rift opened up."

Keelah@crystyl:"Quite the impressive resume for 2nd year cadets. Well, I am glad that my impression of them was justified"

NPC@annpc#557 | Becket smiles, "I hope you end up giving teaching here a try. Cadets like them could use guidance from an experienced officer like you."

Keelah@crystyl smiles, "And officers like me tend to take an interest in cadets like them. Well Commodore, thank you for your time. I will be in touch once I have my decision finalized" she stands

NPC@annpc#557 | Becket: "Thank you for your interest. We'll all be very glad to have you here, Captain."

Keelah@crystyl nods and heads out