ST:UNI206 | "RAWR!"

Stardate 100563

The cadets of the Heart happen upon their first encounter with the Terran Empire, through a deceptively (albeit, predictably) familiar face...

---

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Within the Command biome at the centre of activity at the Heart, Coalition HQ stands tall and proud from the central island with a steady stream of activity surrounding it

Inside it's halls - devoid of life for longer than most Children species have existed - the activity is now equally comparable, a testament of sorts to the once bustling Iconian population here

Deep within the higher levels of the tower, activity is reduced compared to other sections due to the higher level of security here

In a corridor almost completely empty, so deep within the secure section it is, a door opens from a side room and three personnel step out

Two are wearing SFI duty uniforms - marked by their purple division strip

The third - walking between these two - wears... a lot less...

Looking from the ground up; long leather boots stretch up past the wearer's knees to reveal a peak of bare thighs before a short skirt preserves what little modesty is left by the outfit

One thigh has a strap around it, to which we can see attached a dagger bearing a distinct Terran Empire emblem

Looking further up past the skirt and the expose midriff we find a typical cropped Terran tunic, only in recognizably cadet colours and with a red division strip

One arm bears another dagger, strapped high up around the bicep, while the other bears a wrist mounted PADD-like device that sticks out from it's pinkish hue

Though the figures are walking away, that pinkish hue is shared by the long curly hair adorning the head of the Terran cadet...

As the trio walk off into the distance, our perspective draws back slightly to the inner corner of a turn in the hallway

Our view briefly blurs as we pass through what quickly becomes clear to be a stealth field as we now see a mysterious figure clad in just a black hooded robe, watching the trio

The mysterious figure mutters in a hushed tone that is further distorted by the mechanical vocalization of a mask, "So it is true, they are here... Then I know what I must do..."

The hood figure stalks closer to the trio, disappearing from our view as their stealth field leaves us behind with only a vague silhouette of the character it now obscures from the view of others

It is unclear from our vantage point exactly what transpires, but it is clear that the figure swiftly dispatches the two SFI officers

Kayleigh spins around trying to figure what's going on with her escorts who both just suddenly dropped to the floor when a hand reaches out of nothingness and grabs her wrist, causing an involuntary yelp

Mysterious figure, "I'll get you out of here, just stay close"

The stealth field drops as the hooded figure darts off, dragging a bewildered Kayleigh along with her

It is not long before a red alert sounds, and the figure picks up their pace - ignoring the attempted protests from Kayleigh who is struggling to even keep up, let alone gauge what is happening

The fleeing pair weave through the halls, with the armed hooded figure soon exchanging fire with security personnel who attempt to cut them off

This continues and repeats a few times before they emerge into a docking bay

Mysterious figure: "We're almost there, come on!"

They make a dash for a shuttle, seemingly the one the figure arrived in by the familiarity with which they board and launch it

As the shuttle rises, turning sharply as soon as it is off the ground to face the exit, two starships come into view from beyond either side of the entrance

The shuttle pushes forwards regardless, brazenly - and pointlessly - firing it's underwhelming phasers at one of the starships as it wooshes by

The two starships fire warning shots across the shuttles path - obviously determined to recapture and not simply kill the escapees

This unfortunately affords the shuttle a sufficient head start before they can turn to latch tractor beams on and the shuttle speeds away towards the main gateway

The shuttle hugs some of the structures as it makes it's run, only peeling away to make a final push towards the main gateway

The gateway opens as the ship approaches, and it seems that the escaping Terran's are going to get away...

But then the Relentless Hunter lurches into view from behind the gateway, completely blocking the shuttles path and immediately opening fire with one of it's antiproton beams which is far too much for the small shuttle to handle, causing it to burst into a catastrophic - albeit tiny in scale - explosion...

https://youtu.be/jeFT3Fh6KFM?t=5

—

A few days earlier - Heart of Unity Starfleet Academy Annex

Commodore Becket's office

The Commodore is sat behind his desk, and he doesn't look happy

Sat across from him is a sympathetic looking ADM Enelya, and a more frustrated looking SFI officer

Becket folds his arms, "I don't like this Admiral, and that's going in my official report on this"

Harvey: "We've been over this Commodore, and HQ has already signed off on it"

Enelya nods, "You're welcome to include your thoughts in the reports when it's all finished. Just hear him out first, Becket."

Becket sighs and takes a sip of his coffee, "Fine. Go on, Commander."

The intercom chimes on Becket's desk, his yeoman speaking, "Excuse me Commodore, but she is here now"

Becket taps the intercom, "Bring her in."

Kayleigh steps into the office a moment later, initially with her usual rigid approach but hesitating at seeing the Admiral and the SFI officer, "I... um, I was told to come straight in... I apologize if I am interrupting something"

Harvey turns and smiles, "Right on cue cadet! Trust a Vulcan to be punctual"

Becket: "You're right where you're expected to be, Cadet. Although whether you really /should/ be here is a question for someone else..." he glares at Harvey

Kayleigh perks a brow at the Commodore's comment, following his gaze

Harvey places a hand on Kay's shoulder and 'encourages' he to take the empty seat next to the Admiral and across from Becket

Kayleigh looks around, "Am I in some sort of trouble again? Only normally I am at least acutely aware of the reason for my being here, but I am not aware of anything untoward that has transpired of late"

Becket shakes his head, "No, this isn't about anything you've done, Cadet."

Kayleigh looks around again

Harvey, "The truth is Cadet Kayleigh, that you have been selected for a special mission. That sounds appealing to a young cadet, right?"

Perks a brow, visually judging Harvey, "That would depend on the mission and the reason for my selection, Sir"

Harvey smiles a little, patting her on the shoulder - much to Kay's discomfort

Harvey, "This should really come as no surprise to you Cadet, but this is something that you are uniquely qualified for"

Kayleigh:"Then the most logical reason would be that you intend to use my recently awakened electro-psionic abilities"

Harvey, "No, actually I would prefer it if you very much did not use those here"

Kayleigh:"Or not then..."

Becket: "You don't have to undergo this mission if you don't want to. I know you've done a lot, but you're still a cadet. Not to mention you have these new abilities to manage on top of your studies, now."

Harvey paces a little behind her, hands folded at his back, "Do you recall the events of stardate 99779.5?"

Kayleigh looks to Becket, then back to Harvey, "99779.5? That was when we visited the Shenzou, if I am not mistaken"

Harvey, "You are Vulcan, and we are talking numbers. I am confident that you are not mistaken. And what else happened that day?"

Kayleigh:"You mean the rift that opened and the attack from the Terran Empire?"

Harvey nods, "Yes, and I assume you recall who we took prisoner that day"

Kayleigh:"The counterpart from that universe of my father- oh..." now she realizes why she is uniquely suited to this mission, "...so you need me to do something because he is a quantum duplicate of my father then"

Harvey kneels beside her and nods, "Yes Cadet, Starfleet needs your help in convincing him to open up to us"

Kayleigh:"But I am no skilled interrogator, and whilst mind melds have been used in this manner I highly doubt that my lack of expertise is the best option available, especially against a seasoned officer"

Harvey chuckles, "No no, nothing like that. You see, we have learned from their personnal records that his daughter - your quantum duplicate, as you put it - is also a cadet in their version of Starfleet. If we can convince him that we have capture her, I believe we can then use that to persuade him to be more cooperative"

Kayleigh shakes her head, "You are mistaken"

Harvey leans back a little, "Oh?"

Enelya: "You think that wouldn't work, Cadet?"

Kayleigh:"He is Vulcan. He would not be swayed by emotional detachment in that manner"

Becket: "Well, if you've got a better plan to suggest to our Intelligence commander here..."

Harvey smiles and tuts, "Ah but Cadet, you are considering /your/ father in this light. Our prisoner is an officer of the Terran Empire, and very much susceptible to his emotions"

Kayleigh:"Oh..."

Harvey continues, "Do not worry Cadet, we would not put you at any kind of risk by exposing you to him or any other danger like that. All we need is to fit you out in a suitable uniform and have you play the part of his captured daughter"

Kayleigh:"I... see. Well that does not seem so bad" she looks around, "But if it is so simple, why does everybody appear to be very much on edge about it?"

Harvey looks back to Becket with a rather smug 'I've won' look on his face, "Yes Commodore, why is that?"

Becket: "Well I know what's been going on with your father in this universe, and you're already under enough stress. Besides, there's always a risk when it comes to dealing with Terrans."

Enelya: "Most of the time, they're just predictively malicious."

Becket: "But still malicious."

Kayleigh lowers her gaze slightly, "Yes, that is all very true. And I do appreciate your concern Commodore" she looks around again, "But if I can help, I would at least like to try"

Becket: "You're not an Intelligence officer, or even an Intelligence trainee. Like the Commander says, Terran Vulcans aren't quite the same as the people you know from this universe. It'll take more than a costume to convince him that you're actually his daughter."

Harvey stands, "Oh come now, have a little confidence in your cadets! Alright Kayleigh, why don't you try it here and now? Just... think of all you know of the Terrans, and imagine portraying yourself as an 'evil' and 'psychotic' version of yourself from that universe!"

Kayleigh looks around, slinking back in her chair a little, "This does not feel like the optimal way to refine one's acting abilities..."

Harvey: "Relax! Nobody's expecting a miraculous transformation or anything, just give it a go and show the Commodore that you are capable with a little help!"

Kayleigh hrms, more with reluctance than consideration but sits up a little, "Alright..." she closes her eyes briefly to collate her thoughts...

Kayleigh then raises her arms in a rather timid claw-baring pose, "RAWR. I am an evil Terran. Beware, for I will do... evil things. Rawr" spoken with the most monotone voice she has ever come out with...

Stunned silence follows for longer than it should...

Harvey facepalms, while Enelya pinches the bridge of her nose, trying very hard to suppress a laugh

Becket sighs heavily, "Cadet... I... please, never do that again"

Kayleigh:"Rawr?"

Becket clears his throat

Kayleigh lowers her hands and looks down ashamedly, muttering an almost stubborn final "Rawr" to herself

Harvey, "Alright... we need a plan B..."

Kayleigh:"I take from your reactions that my performance was inadequate. I apologize, but I did state that it was not the optimal means of honing such skills"

Becket: "See. Kayleigh is a fine cadet who'll make an excellent officer, but she's not cut out for this Intelligence assignment you're putting her on."

Kayleigh hangs her head

Harvey hrms, "This definitely would be problematic, were we to proceed..."

Enelya: "Could we do this without having the Cadet interact with him? Just have him see that we've captured her as well, and then having an SFI interrogator take over from there?"

Harvey: "That was essentially the plan anyway, but a mere image won't be enough to sell it as that will be too easily assumed as fake"

Kayleigh:"A static image perhaps. But what about a holo?"

Becket: "That would certainly be much safer for the Cadet. Make a lifelike holo of her, find some good holodeck programming, it could work."

Harvey: "Well, we could certainly create a holoscan of the Cadet dressed as her Terran counterpart. But a convincing AI behind that though... I am uncertain"

Kayleigh looks across to Becket, "Professor LaRouche"

Becket considers, "That could work. Professor LaRouche is a friendly being at heart, but I think she could probably adapt to fit the occasion if needed."

Kayleigh:"As I understand it, her original programming was derived from records of her creator. If she were allowed access to these Terran records, I believe it likely that she could generate a convincing facsimile using this holoscan for a visual reference. More convincing than I could, it would seem"

Enelya nods, "A good suggestion," she looks to Harvey. "Do you think it could work, Commander?"

Harvey considers, "I am not familiar with LaRouche, not personally at any rate. But I am of course familiar with her, and if what I have read is correct then she may certainly be capable" he turns to Becket, "What say you, Commodore? Is this a more acceptable level of involvement to draft your cadet for?"

Becket nods, "She's had plenty of field experience, not to mention this matter isn't of a personal nature to her. I think she's a much better choice than the Cadet here."

Harvey nods, "Alright, we'll need a few days to get the holoscan equipment shipped over and installed. But once we do I will inform you when we are ready to progress with the cadet's part in this" he sets a hand on Kay's shoulder and smiles, "Thank you Cadet" and makes his way out

Becket: "The Cadet's part in this...?"

Enelya: "I'm sure he just means getting a scan for an accurate holographic reproduction."

Kayleigh:"That would be logical"

Becket: "Well, at least we got that resolved. Remember, if the Commander asks you to do any more than get some scans for the holographic reproduction, you can tell him no."

Enelya: "He's a man of his word, Becket. You might not trust Intel officers, but they're still Starfleet."

Becket: "If they didn't have a habit of poaching some of the best cadets, I'd trust them a bit more..."

Kayleigh:"I understand Commodore, and I do appreciate your defending my level of involvement. I do not like to admit this, but I do not believe my acting skills would have been up to Intel standards"

Kayleigh says so in such a way that suggests she doesn't know just how bad she was..

Kayleigh also specifically chooses her words, almost implying she did a bad job on purpose to avoid getting roped into deeper intel stuff...

Becket: "It's alright Cadet. No one expects you to have skills like that as a Starfleet officer. If you needed it, then we should be teaching it here at the Academy."

Kayleigh nods, "I expected as much, Commodore. If there is nothing further, may I be excused?"

Becket shakes his head, "That's all for now. I'll let you know when Harvey needs you again."

Kayleigh stands, "Thank you Commodore, Admiral" standing briefly to attention before turning and heading out

Enelya watches and turns to Becket after the door closes, "That girl is either the most innocent and naive young Vulcan I have ever met, or the most cunning... either way, something tells me she'll be an interesting one to watch"

—

Kayleigh makes her way back to the mess hall where the gang usually hangs out after class, only today - and for once - Kay is late to the party

Kayleigh replicates some tea and sits at the table in her usual spot, once Leandra slides over to an empty chair of course

Leandra: "Don't worry Kay, just keeping it warm for you!"

Kayleigh perks a brow as she sits, sipping her tea, "I was not aware that temperature of the cushion fabric required preheating"

Mariel chuckles, "It's...more a figure of speech than actually keeping it warm. But you Vulcans do prefer warmer environments!"

Kayleigh:"That is true" she looks to Leandra, "Your consideration is appreciated, but not necessary"

Leandra: "What? You mean... I didn't have to move?"

Kayleigh sips her tea, "I did not say that"

Mariel:"So, how's your day been Kay? Juggling the Chlasi training with your classes alright?"

Kayleigh:"The addition to my schedule does complicate things, but I am managing sufficiently. However that is not the reason for my delay today"

Mariel:"Where did you go, then?"

Kayleigh:"I was summoned to the Commodore's office" she sips again, assuming that to be sufficient and totally not just beg more questions

Mariel:"What, why? We didn't do anything /that/ exciting recently...and you've already talked to Academy staff about Kit and all that."

Kayleigh sets her tea down, "Oh right, of course. Well, do you remember when we visited the Shenzou and that Terran invasion happened?"

Mariel nods, "That was a while ago, now. Why would he call you in for that?"

Kayleigh:"Because they want my help to interrogate the version of my father from that universe, who was captured then"

Mariel:"Oooh..." she looks to Leandra. "We should probably explain what happened there, unless you've heard it from someone else already?"

Leandra shakes her head, "I've heard of that ship, but nothing more"

Mariel:"Well we were on board for a tour when another rift like the one it came through opened. The rifts are a whole other story, long story short there were some experiments looking for the ship your sister was on, but the probes went to other universes and caused a bunch of them to come through and investigate. The Shenzhou was one of them, but when we were on board, the Terran Empire from the Mirror Universe decided to open rifts and try to invade."

Kayleigh nods, "And in the heat of the battle that ensued, the version of my father who was on their flagship attempted to seize control before being captured by Coalition forces"

Leandra: "Ooh wow, and now they want your help to interrogate him! But... isn't that beyond our training still?"

Kayleigh:"Very much so, yes. As is acting, apparently"

Mariel:"Acting?"

Kayleigh hrms, "Yes. The Intelligence officer there first wanted me to pretend to be my Terran counterpart, under the ruse that she had been captured so as to make him cooperative. But apparently my acting skills were inadequate, so now I am to simply accomodate their assignment by providing holoscans of me dressed as said counterpart, then they are going to have Professor LaRouche play the part"

Mariel:"That sounds like a good plan. I'm sure Professor LaRouche could pull something like that off! Now I'm kind of curious to see your acting skills, though..."

Kayleigh:"Really? Why?"

Leandra smiles, "Well your story does sort of draw attention to them!"

Mariel:"Exactly, and it makes us curious now!"

Kayleigh:"Well, that is unfortunate then" she sips her tea, muttering a near silent "Rawr" to herself

—

Kayleigh & the hooded figure materialize in a remote landscape

Overhead, the shuttle can seen getting destroyed by Relentless Hunter in the extreme distance

Mysterious figure, "Phew, now that was a rush! We should be clear here for a while, but we can't dordle either"

Kayleigh looks to the figure, "What is going on here, who are you?"

The mysterious figure lowers her hood to reveal a familiar face with an unfamiliar haircut, "Lieutenant Commander Rianni Tierno." She pulls the cloak aside a little to give a glance at her own shoulder. "Don't mind the rank strips. I didn't get around to changing them after killing the Lieutenant Commander. Well, I guess there wasn't really a formal acknowledgement of promotion either, but hey, it's the action that counts, right?"

Kayleigh looks her over, "Um... sure, lieutenant... commander. So..." she looks around, estimating with some ease her current situation, "... what is the plan now again? We seem to be missing a shuttle"

Rianni smiles, "Oh we don't need that shuttle. Luckily what we need is right here inside the Sphere. Although...we will need another means of moving around /within/ the Sphere."

Rianni checks a datapad, "Let's see now, nearest Iconian station is...just a short hike away this way."

She begins leading the way

Kayleigh looks around, "Night will soon rotate in on this biome. We should think about making camp somewhere on the way"

Rianni: "Oh right, you Vulcans and your desert planet. I actually /prefer/ the darkness to the glaring light of the blue giant they got here."

Kayleigh:"Perhaps so, but you are not a nocturnal species. So unless you plan to keep up with me on adrenaline alone, you will require rest before we reach the station"

Rianni: "I can go plenty far without rest but...fair enough. Might have to do plenty of exercise once we transport over to where we need to go."

Kayleigh:"And where is that exactly? I assume since we are no longer there, that it is not the central tower where you found me"

Rianni: "Even I can't hope to take over the whole central tower on my own! No, I'm hoping to go after something a little less guarded than that..."

Kayleigh:"But... you already went after that...?" she asks, almost more to herself in confusion as she tags along, wondering how she's going to get out of this

Rianni: "Well yes, but that's only because more hands'll make going after the real prize easier. I didn't come all this way just to bust you out! You just got lucky!"

Kayleigh:"Yes, 'busting out' a cadet does seem an unlikely parameter, especially with a seasoned officer nearby. Though I suppose he would have been under heavier guard..."

Rianni: "Wait, there was a seasoned officer nearby? Why didn't you tell me sooner?!"

Kayleigh:"Well if you had given me a chance to get a word in at some point, then I could have. But the time I even knew who you were, we were down here"

Rianni: "Oh. Right. Well we're not going back up there again. Place will be crawling with security by now. Starfleet Security in this universe might be pushovers, but the Lupan...those things can be a proper challenge sometimes! Real fun to duel but I don't fancy our chances against a whole pack with just the two of us."

Kayleigh:"The odds would be substantially in their favour in such an encounter"

Rianni: "Exactly. Still, we could use a couple more hands, though. But then again, the more trouble we cause, the harder it can get. Maybe we'll get some more recruits once we've got the firepower first."

Kayleigh:"The firepower... of course" she keeps trying to play along, figuring that's her best bet for now and uncertain how this stray Terran will react

Rianni: "So how many of you are locked up here anyways? And do you know of any other prisoners outside the central tower?"

Kayleigh:"I am not aware of anyone being held prisoner outside that facility, and the only other prisoner I saw was that one officer I mentioned"

Rianni: "Ah well, we'll make do with the two of us for now, then!" She pauses at a small overlook, pointing to a spot ahead, "That looks like a good spot to set up camp."

Kayleigh looks over the area, "Sheltered, enclosed but not boxed in, defensible. You have a sharp eye"

Rianni grins, "What can I say? I'm a tactical genius!"

Kayleigh:"A modest one at that" she comments, heading towards the campsite

Rianni starts heading towards the campsite as well, "So you came here with the invasion force I'm guessing?"

Kayleigh:"You mean to say that you did not?"

Rianni: "Nah, my arrival here is...quite a story."

Kayleigh:"Fortunately, we have time that requires occupying while we make camp"

Rianni nods, "Good point. And I don't suppose you've got that many stories to tell, given your rank and how the invasion force didn't seem to have made it very far..."

Kayleigh:"It was a total failure"

Rianni: "Of course it was. They didn't have me directing it!"

Kayleigh:"Of course..."

Rianni starts setting up camp, "So, the story of how I ended up here..."

—

On the Valley Forge, Lennie sits at her desk in the ready room, leaning an elbow on the desk and pinching the bridge of her nose while she listens to Becket and Harvey argue in front of her

Harvey: "Don't blame me! We covered all eventualities in our plan, how were we supposed to know an infiltrator would sneak in and grab her?!"

Becket: "You're Starfleet Intelligence! It's your job to know these things!"

Harvey: "We're Intelligence, not psychics. Or Q! Even you have to admit this was beyond unforeseen"

Enelya nods in agreement, "We agreed on using the cadet for the holographic disguise only. It should've been as safe as dressing up for a holodeck program. No one could have expected what happened."

Lendaria squints one eye open, watching for Becket's reaction

Becket: "The response still could've been better. The shuttle didn't need to be shot down!"

Lendaria:"I don't think th'Hunter intended to. He jus'... overestimated a lil', not tha' I expect tha' t'help any"

Becket sighs, looking to Harvey, "Well, my report on this will certainly make it clear that it was your idea."

Harvey: "That's fine, I have nothing to hide in what happened. It was just a tragic misfortune"

Becket: "A misfortune that got one of my cadets kill-"

The door slides open and Ann steps in, "Hey, looks like there was a transporter signature just before the shuttle exploded!"

Lendaria looks up, "Sweets?"

Ann: "The shuttle tha' the Hunter shot down. They beamed outta there in time!"

Harvey looks over, "You're certain? Then there is still hope for the cadet! Where did they go?"

Ann: "Tha' we can't tell. Too much interference, from the gateway an' antiproton blast an' everything. Was hard enough to isolate the presence o' a transporter signature, no way to say where the patterns actually went. Could be anywhere within range o' the shuttle's transporter at the time."

Lendaria:"Then let's get a search area defined based on tha' criteria"

Harvey: "But that will be a massive area of the biome, not to mention how many ships were in range"

Lendaria stands, "Then we'd better get started"

—

Meanwhile, on the surface. Kayleigh is stuck making camp - and friends - with the Terran Rianni

Kayleigh sits leaning back against a rock, "So, you have deduced that I arrived as part of the invasion fleet. What about this long story of yours now?"

Rianni: "I've told you about half of it now, how we got here by playing with some prototype tech we seized and I ended up getting kidnapped and replaced by my local self. Of course the Starfleet here was too soft to actually permanently replace me, so eventually they swapped us back again."

Kayleigh:"Still, I am somewhat surprised that a leader of your clear caliber was able to be replaced at all"

Kayleigh comments in a way that would sound sarcastic if she were anything but Vulcan, after Rianni's earlier bragging

Rianni: "Only by a leader of my caliber from this universe! Starfleet Security might be a pushover in this universe, and most of Starfleet, but apparently I'm not. I'm just amazing in every universe. It's a universal constant."

Kayleigh:"I see, well that certainly explains it. So what happened after you swapped back for you to end up here alone?" she looks around, "I may be mistaken, but you do not appear to be on your ship any more

Rianni: "Well, my captain wasn't exactly pleased with the whole getting replaced business. She didn't lock me up since we're stranded here and need the crew, but she pushed me back from being Chief. So I backstabbed the new chief, but the crew was starting to get soft from their time here and didn't like it. I didn't like how they were just flying around doing mercenary work anyways, so I stole a shuttle and went my own way."

Kayleigh:"So you deserted and found your way here. I assume this is where your cunning plan comes into play?"

Rianni: "Not deserted! Took initiative. I'm not doing this to run away from the Empire, it's the rest of my crew that's doing that. No, I'm doing this /for/ the Empire precisely because they aren't putting their warship to good use!"

Kayleigh:"Then why not simply kill your Captain and restore order? Surely that would be the correct course of action there, and then you would have a warship not a shuttle... ex-shuttle"

Rianni: "Her bodyguards. She's got those aliens of a species I've never seen before. And they're loyal, so there's no convincing them to help or turn a blind eye. Only chance I have is to lead a full on mutiny and that'd be too much of a mess. I had better chances striking out on my own, I figured."

Kayleigh:"I see. So what is the next move?"

Rianni: "Well, get a ship, of course!"

Kayleigh:"Of course. And your crew to run this ship consists of... you and I? Perhaps sticking with the shuttle might have been more fitting after all..."

Rianni: "That's why I was asking about the other prisoners. But with the level of automation modern ships have, I'm sure we can manage it! You're tactical right? With the red stripe? Or do you pilot or something?"

Kayleigh shakes her head, "I am tactical, same as you"

Rianni: "We'll make do! Plus maybe they'll be keeping prisoners near the captive ships or something. We might even get a pretty full crew to work with!"

Kayleigh:"The... captive ships?"

Rianni: "The ones you arrived in, of course! You think I'd try to steal one of the local Starfleet ships from out under their noses? Even if I didn't have a full crew to contend with, they're just not as well armed as good old Imperial Starfleet ships."

Kayleigh:"You think they seized our ships? From what I recall they were more destroyed"

Rianni: "I /know/ they seized our ships. I heard some pretty credible information that one of them has been relaunched under the colours of the local Starfleet here. And there's rumours that they're working on doing the same with several other ships they've captured."

Kayleigh:"Ah, that would do it then. So, we head to that drydock and take one of the ships. Simple as that"

Rianni nods, "My plan exactly! And if there's any more prisoners we can free while we find and take back one of our ships, all the better."

Rianni: "Tomorrow morning, we head to one of those Iconian stations, take the transporter up, find one of those ships and then the game'll be on!"

Kayleigh:"That it most certainly will"

Rianni: "Let's get some rest for the night, then. Tomorrow'll be a big day!"

Kayleigh nods and slides herself back a little to rest

—

The next morning Rianni awakes, looking around she finds that Kay is no longer at the camp

Rianni blinks at the missing cadet before quickly checking to see if she left any tracks or hint as to where she went

There is a clear set of tracks leading off into the brush

Rianni follows the tracks but doesn't go all the way inside, calling first, "Cadet? You there? Didn't get dragged off and eaten by any predators I hope!"

Kayleigh turns a corner, heading back towards the camp, "No. But I did manage to gather some edible fruits for breakfast" she holds out a handful to Rianni

Rianni: "Not bad!" She takes the fruits, sizing them up slightly. "You're sure they're edible, right?"

Kayleigh:"Of course" she lets Rianni take a bite before adding as an afterthought while walking back to the camp, "That, or poisonous. But the probability is marginally in favour of edible"

Rianni pauses after taking a bite, staring at Kayleigh, "/Marginally/? Nevermind, I don't want to know the odds!"

Kayleigh:"As has been my observation of... Terrans, which is why I did not offer them"

Rianni takes another bite, "You know what they say. No risk, no reward!"

Kayleigh:"You should adopt that as your personal motto" she packs up her things ready to head out

Rianni finishes the fruit and starts packing up as well, "Who says it isn't already? I mean this is all one big risky operation!"

Kayleigh:"Of course, that would be logical. On the subject of this risky operation I assume it is time to move on to it's next stage"

Rianni nods, "Time to continue our hike to the Iconian station. Then comes the fun part."

Kayleigh:"I am ready to depart when you are"

Rianni uses her cloak as a makeshift bag now, carrying her supplies over her shoulder as she gestures for Kay to follow, "This way!"

Kayleigh follows along, "So I assume you have weapons for this... right?"

Rianni: "Oh yeah, of course, I swiped the phasers off these guys who were escorting you from your interrogation. Or was it to your interrogation? But let's not use them unless we have to. They'll definitely pick up weapons fire on their internal sensors. Plus, hand to hand is muuuch more engaging!"

Kayleigh:"Of course. Is that why you haven't given me one of those phasers yet? So I can have more... fun?"

Rianni nods, "You're still a cadet. Don't want you getting nervous and firing it when we don't need to! You're also a Vulcan, so hand to hand, I bet that's right up your alley! Or desert canyon, or whatever you have."

Kayleigh:"Logical as ever..." she silently eyerolls to herself

Rianni continues hiking towards the Iconian station. After a bit more walking, she asks, "So, how's the Empire doing these days? You were there a lot more recently than I was."

Kayleigh:"That... is a fair assumption..." she considers her words carefully, "...however, I could not gauge the difference without first knowing how things were when you were last there. To compare"

Rianni: "It was relatively quiet when I came here. Mostly dealing with internal rebellions. Main campaign was against the Fen Domar but that was the other side of the Empire from where I got assigned. Was some fighting with the Azedi on our side but nothing like the Zauger Extermination."

Kayleigh:"It would seem that not much changes then. A few more exterminations, business as usual"

Rianni: "Rumour I've heard says you've came here with some alien auxiliaries, Lupan and all. What about the Horde and the Diteans? Ran into them back in our universe yet?"

Kayleigh:"I was still in early training during the Horde conflict, but I know it was resolved and they were exterminated too. The Diteans, I am uncertain about. If it was occurring, then it was outside of my limited exposure to current affairs"

Rianni: "Well Starfleet here's only just starting to make contact with them, so I'm not surprised. Apparently they've taken an extermination approach here though which /does/ surprise me. I mean, good for them, I thought the Diteans would be a much better problem cause they're normally so /nice/, you know."

Kayleigh:"What do mean, Starfleet here has taken an extermination approach?"

Rianni: "Well they seem to have started an all-out war with the Diteans! I met them before anyone from this universe ever did, thanks to my time roaming around on my own in the shuttle. They're the very definition of an alien parasite. All nice and charming, worming their way into your society and eating it from the inside out. Though the local Starfleet would be in for some serious problems with them, but nope, they went in phasers blazing or something! Maybe they've got some of our prisoners advising them or something..."

Kayleigh:"I was under the impression that they were defending from an all out Ditean attack. Curious"

Rianni laughs, "An all out DItean attack? Now that's ridiculous. As if these shapeshifting cowards would ever use their plasma as weapons for anything other than a last resort!"

Kayleigh:"Speculation aside, look" she points ahead as the facility comes into view

Rianni smiles, "Now that's what we're looking for. One step closer to our objective now!"

—

Meanwhile at the annex, another day starts for the cadets as usual

Leandra likes it when it's busier like this at the mess hall and enjoys chatting with her fellow cadets in passing while she queues for the replicator

Mariel steps into the queue as well, spotting Leandra a little ahead and giving a wave

Leandra smiles and returns the wave, stepping back in the queue to join her, "Good morning Mariel!"

Mariel:"Morning Leandra! Oh you didn't have to come all the way back here to join me!"

Leandra:"Oh that's alright, I don't mind!"

Mariel:"If you're sure! How're things going, Leandra?"

Leandra:"Looking forward to a nice quite day today! Nothing but self study after home room this morning! You?"

Mariel nods, "It's a pretty free day today for me too, actually. I do have a bit of study to get through, but not much in the way of classes, here or at the Chlasi Temple."

Leandra:"That's a rare one for you right? Don't you normally spend free time at the temple?"

Mariel:"Depends! Sometimes I go out to the Promenade or other places on the Sphere when I want some off time, or study in my dorm in the Annex."

Leandra heads to their usual table once they have their breakfast, "Right! I haven't really gotten to the promenade yet, but it sounds amazing!"

Leandra hesitates as she nearly sits in Kay's chair, "Oops! Almost..." she chuckles, sitting elsewhere

Mariel chuckles as well, setting down her food and sitting in her usual spot across from Kay's seat, "I can take you there later today, if you have time! But Kay's definitely a better guide for the place than I am."

Leandra:"Really?"

Mariel nods, "She's very familiar with the Promenade! But don't tell her I told you that!"

Leandra pulls a funny look, "Is it... a secret promenade or something?"

Mariel:"Oh no it's a public promenade. A very public promenade, because that's...well, kind of the point!"

Leandra:"That's what I figured! So why the big secret with Kayleigh?"

Mariel:"She spends a lot of time there, but she doesn't like to admit that she enjoys it."

Leandra:"Is enjoying yourself against the Vulcan rulebook or something?"

Mariel:"I'm not sure if it's against the /Vulcan/ rulebook, but Kayleigh doesn't like to make it known how much she likes the place," she giggles slightly. "So don't tell her I told you! If you do want a guide to show you around there though, she's certainly the person to go with!"

Leandra:"I'll keep that in mind then! And don't worry your secret's safe with me! I mean... her secret..."

Mariel chuckles, "Speaking of which, I wonder where she's at. Maybe she got her breakfast much earlier..."

Leandra:"She is normlly quite punctual, isn't she? Does she have business at the temple maybe"

Mariel:"Not that I know of, but it's certainly possible! Although I'm pretty sure her next session with her mentor isn't until later this week..."

As they speak, Mariel's PADD beeps with a new message

Mariel looks down to check her PADD

The PADD plays a recorded message from Kayleigh, "Good morning Mari. If you have received this message, then I have been delayed in my assistance of Security. I would appreciate it if you could visit my quarters and provide a fresh ration of sustenance for Kittiah" the message ends

Mariel looks up to Leandra, "Looks like Kayleigh's been delayed helping Security. Weird, I thought they were asking Professor LaRouche now..."

Leandra:"Maybe we should check with the professor first. Don't want to intrude into Kayleigh's quarters if this was an error!"

Mariel:"Good thinking! Let's go find Professor LaRouche and see what's going on with this whole security business."

Leandra:"Good thing I'm a light eater in the morning!" she chuckles

Mariel finishes her food and stands, "Come on, then!"

Leandra stands as well, "Lead on!"

Mariel taps her combadge as she steps out, "Cadet Tanglao to Professor LaRouche."

<C-Mia> "Oh, allo Ms. Mariel! We did not expect to hear from you today. Is there something we can help you with?"

Mariel:"We just wanted to check in about Kayleigh. Apparently she's caught up assisting Security, or so her message claims. But I thought they were going to ask you to help them instead."

<C-Mia> "Ohh, but of course! Non, Ms. Kayleigh is still helping them. She is providing holoscans that we will then use to create an accurate holographic replica of the Terran!"

Mariel:"Oooh, yes that makes sense. Why would they call her in so early, though..."

<C-Mia> "Hmm... to our knowledge she has not been called early. In fact, it is a simple process that we believe she was being called for yesterday after class"

Mariel:"We just got a message saying she's still delayed now. How long could a holoscan take..."

<C-Mia> "We do not know, Ms. Mariel. Apologies!"

Mariel:"You've been very helpful with the information you've provided already, Professor!"

<C-Mia> "We are glad to hear that! If we can be of any further help, do reach out. But for now we must prepare for our classes, good day Cadet!"

Mariel:"You too Professor!"

Mariel looks to Leandra, "Well this sounds pretty unusual. Let's go make sure Kittiah gets her breakfast first. Then we should look into what's keeping Kay so long..."

Leandra nods, "Count me in! Any excuse to see that little cutie again!"

Leandra:"By which I mean Kittiah!"

Mariel giggles, "Well she /is/ pretty adorable!" She starts leading the way to Kayleigh's quarters

Leandra:"We are still talking about Kittiah. Right?"

Mariel:"Of course! Wait, who did you /think/ I meant..."

Leandra:"Well we were just talking about Kayleigh, and you two do seem pretty close"

Mariel:"As friends, not like that!"

Leandra:"Hey, it's all good! I wasn't judging or anything, I swear. I just wasn't sure is all"

Mariel smiles, "It's okay, I can see why you would think that since we do a lot of things together!"

Leandra:"So I assume you know which are her quarters?"

Mariel nods, "I do, but getting in I'm not so sure about. Last time we, uhh...kind of had to break in."

Leandra:"She is logical and methodical. If she had the foresight to anticipate this situation by leaving you that timed message, I'm sure she left a means for you to deliver on her request"

Mariel:"True! Let's hope she's set her lock to recognize me, then..."

Mariel steps up to Kayleigh's door, "Here goes. Oh and be ready to grab Kittiah, we don't want to have to chase her through the Annex again...

Leandra nods and stands ready

Mariel tries to open the door from the panel

Sure enough the door slides open for Mariel

And Kittiah darts out, deftly avoiding Leandra's attempt to grab her

Mariel sighs, "Here we go again..."

—

Mariel sighs, "Here we go again...

Leandra:"I think she has grown more nimble..."

Mariel:"She is still growing! Now how do we catch her without Kay around...

Leandra:"First thing is to not lose track of her I think"

Mariel nods, "Let's go after her then!" She races after Kittiah.

Leandra follows as best she can

Mariel keeps her eyes peeled, trying to keep an eye on Kit while chasing

Leandra pauses to catch her breath as they reach an intersection

Mariel spots Kit a short distance ahead down one of the turnings, sitting there looking back at them. She yips before turning and running off again

Mariel:"Hey just wait up a moment! We're trying to give you food!"

Mariel starts running after Kit again

Leandra sighs/groans and picks up the pace to follow again

Mariel:"She must be trying to find Kayleigh again..."

Leandra:"Makes sense. Maybe Kayleigh should install an autofeeder when this is all over..."

Mariel:"Yeah that wouldn't be a bad idea..."

They turn another corner and for a moment seem to have lost Kittiah, but then Mariel spots her jumping across to a balcony beyond a small crowd of cadets. She again sits and looks back to the duo

Mariel holds out her hand, "Come here, Kit! You know we're friends with Kay!"

Kit yips at them, hopping around in circles

Leandra catches up and watches, "I was going to say I don't think she could even hear you from there, but she clearly does. And she clearly doesn't want to listen"

Mariel:"I wonder what she's trying to do...think you can keep an eye on her while I run over to that balcony?"

Leandra nods, "Go for it"

Mariel:"Let me know if she goes anywhere!"

Mariel heads over to find the balcony and get onto it

Mariel finds her way around, much to Kit's delight

Mariel steps up to Kit, "Alright, I'm here. Why are we here?"

Kit yips more at her, sounding quite agitated really, and promptly spins around and bolts away

Mariel:"Are you trying to find- Hey, wait up!"

Mariel sighs and continues following

Leandra watches and hurries around to catch up

Leandra rejoins Mari a short time later, "What happened? I thought you had her for sure that time!"

Mariel:"I don't know, I thought she was going to stop and show me something, but then she just ran off!"

Leandra:"Again? Huh... Do you think... no, I'm sure it's just me" she chuckles as they continue the chase

Mariel asks as she jogs after Kit, "What're you thinking?"

Leandra:"Well it's just that twice now it's like she has stopped to wait for us before continuing. She didn't do that the last time she gave us all the runaround, so I thought maybe she was actually trying to make us follow here somewhere. But that's just silly" she giggles

Mariel:"It's possible, but where would she be trying to lead us to? Kayleigh's probably not at the Annex..."

Leandra:"Exactly why I thought it was silly!"

Mariel points ahead at a door, "There! Looks like she's waiting for us again. You're probably onto something..."

Mariel jogs over to Kit

Kit turns and starts scratching at the door

Mariel looks between Kit and the door, "You want to get inside there?"

Kit yips excitedly at them and continues clawing at the door

Leandra:"Sounds like a yes to me. I'm just glad she isn't blowing it all up"

Mariel:"Yeah..." she checks to see what's behind this door

It's another hallway which Kit darts down when they open the door

Mariel:"This just leads to a docking port. Maybe she really is trying to get to Kayleigh..."

Leandra:"It does seem like it"

Mariel runs after, "Hey Kit! If we go looking for Kayleigh, will you come with us and stop running off on your own?"

Kit keeps running on, yipping excitedly at Mari

Mariel continues following, "Where are you going? Do you even know where she is?"

Kit continues until leading the pair to the docking pad where she circles around yipping more and more at them

Mariel:"You want us to take you to Kay, don't you?"

Kit yips some more, bounding around excitedly

Leandra:"I... take that as a yes?"

Mariel:"I guess we can call a Ferry. But...where to?"

Leandra:"That is a good question... do you know where Kayleigh was working?"

Mariel taps her combadge, "Hey, Professor LaRouche? Sorry to bother you again..."

<C-Mia> "Allo again Ms. Mariel! It is no bother, what can we do for you?"

Mariel:"Do you happen to know where Kayleigh went? We tried to feed Kittiah, but she seems like she really wants to find Kay."

<C-Mia> "Oh? Well if you want to find Ms. Kayleigh, everything was being done at the HQ tower"

Mariel:"HQ tower. Thanks Professor!" She looks to Leandra, "Guess that's where we need to go!"

Leandra:"Sounds like it! I'll call a shuttle then"

Mariel looks to Kit, "We'll find her, don't worry!"

Kit yips, somehow sounding happier as she sits and looks out waiting for the shuttle

—

As Rianni and Kayleigh enter the automated Iconian facility, two drones swing by to scan them. For a moment Kayleigh thinks Rianni might be outed...but the drones then hover off

Kayleigh silently curses the simplistic drones

Rianni heads on inside, checking a PADD briefly before leading the way again, "Should be a transporter around here somewhere..."

Kayleigh:"I think it's just up ahead a bit further"

Rianni nods, exploring ahead. After a bit more walking, she comes to a pause, "Aha! See, I knew my plan would work!"

Kayleigh:"It is a little soon for victory declarations yet I think"

Rianni: "True. Next stage of this operation is going to make or break this whole thing!"

Rianni steps up to the transporter, checking away at its available connections

Kayleigh:"So, now is the part where we beam right onto your new bridge?"

Rianni: "If only it was so easy. I need to figure out where they're keeping the ships first. But even if I knew exactly where it was, these transporters look like they're tied to specific other transporters. Can't just beam anywhere we like with them. This looks perfect, though..." she muses as she looks through the console

Kayleigh steps closer to get a better look at what she is thinking

Kayleigh sees that Rianni has picked out an industrial production facility out of the list of available destinations. Meanwhile, Rianni turns and steps onto the pad, "Come on, stick close Cadet."

Kayleigh follows quietly, mostly curious as to understand the logic for now

As they step onto the pad, the transporter energizes. A moment later, they materialize inside a different facility, this one looking much more Nuhar than Iconian. It is also significantly more industrial looking, with virtually no effort to cover up the pipes and supports across the room they appeared in

Kayleigh looks around, "We appear to be in a less refined area of the Heart now"

Rianni: "Well, this is an industrial facility, and an automated one at that. No point in decorating if no one's ever going to see it!"

Rianni begins making her way away from the transporter pad

Kayleigh:"Exactly which industrial facility is this? Something connected to the drydock where your new ship is?"

Rianni nods, "It provides materials for the Foundries, yeah." She steps over to a console, tapping away at it

Kayleigh follows, again watching curiously and wondering how close she can let this Terran get before she finds a way to call for help

Rianni shakes her head, "Useless. Need a different console."

Kayleigh:"What are you searching for? You realize you are going to have to trust me with details sooner or later, right?"

Rianni: "Well two things- the location of the ship firstly, and secondly, it would be helpful if we can get one of the replicators here to make us some local Starfleet uniforms. Should make getting through the Foundry much easier that way!"

Kayleigh:"That is logical. We would likely draw attention dressed like this"

Kayleigh looks around, "However, since this is an automated facility servicing the foundries I do not anticipate favourable odds of a replicator carrying Starfleet uniforms patterns. The location of the ship... more favourable"

Rianni: "We'll have to get uniforms at the Foundry. See if you can make yourself a cloak or something though, so you don't look /too/ obviously Terran!"

Kayleigh:"I will remain watchful for any sufficient fabric"

Rianni continues making her way through the industrial facility. The area is entirely devoid of people, with only Nuhar and the occasional Iconian drone

Kayleigh:"It is fortunate that these drones are not on alert following the events of yesterday"

Rianni: "They'd never expect us to come in here! The Foundry might be another matter, though. Which is why we have to go in prepared."

Kayleigh:"And how exactly are we to prepare, beyond figuring out where it is, of course?"

Rianni: "Well, not looking obviously like Terrans would help, too. But for now we'll have to make do with the stealth field."

Rianni steps into an area that is slightly less industrial looking with more consoles, "Aha. This must be the place for humans to work at when they come here. Or Iconians or Nuhar..."

Kayleigh:"Or Vulcans" she adds after taking a look around and heading for a console to start working

Rianni makes her way over to a console too, tapping away at it

Rianni: "So which ship did you come in on?"

Kayleigh:"I was serving on a ship called the Beowulf" she recites the only one that sticks in her memory from being the flag of the invasion force her father's duplicate was on

Kayleigh meanwhile keeps an eye over her shoulder on Rianni and tries to work discretely on raising an alert

Kayleigh is unable to alert any other facility to Rianni's facilities, but she does find a way to direct the facility's drones. Before she can explore the possibility of marking Rianni as a target however, she turns around

Rianni: "You came on the Beowulf? Perfect! I knew rescuing you was a good idea!"

Kayleigh:"It... was?"

Rianni nods, "Did you work on the Beowulf's weapons systems at all while you were on board? Or at least learned what an Oddy's capable of."

Kayleigh:"I have some basic knowledge of the class and it's operations. Why?"

Rianni: "Good. We're gonna need it. Come on, I know exactly where to go now!"

Kayleigh:"You- oh. Alright!" she quickly hides her incomplete attempt at raising the alarm, silently cursing her misfortune once more as she scurries to catch up

Rianni leads the way back towards the transporter, walking faster now that she knows where she's going

Kayleigh finds this newfound confidence quite disconcerting, "So you have a way for us to reach your new ship?"

Rianni nods and happily replies, "Yup!"

Upon arriving, she sets her destination and quickly steps on the pad, giving Kayleigh no time to linger...

Rianni: "Come on, we're almost there!"

Kayleigh hops up to the pad, "Almost where?"

The two disappear into transporter beams before Rianni can respond. They materialize in a transporter room where an Arshai is manning the transporter console

The Arshai gives the pair a confused look, "Is this one's visor malfunctioning? These look similar but different from Starfleet's usual uniforms."

Rianni steps up to the Arshai with a smile, "It's a special party variant. You like?"

Arshai: "Why would there be a party variant of-"

Rianni swiftly knocks out the transporter operator

Kayleigh regrets not being fast enough to save the Arshai from the KO

Kayleigh:"A party variant, seriously?"

Rianni: "Probably should've said a custom uniform by an Orion captain or something. They've probably got more of those here."

Kayleigh:"Custom uniforms or Orion Captains?"

Rianni: "Orion captains! Our uniforms are pretty customizable depending on the crew. Not sure if it's more or less than here, but that's besides the point!" She taps on her PADD and the stealth field activates around the pair again

Rianni: "Okay, stick really close..."

Kayleigh almost trips over herself as she gets pulled inside the cloak

Rianni drags Kayleigh along as she makes her way out of the transporter room. They pause as a pair of Engineering crewmen walk by through the hall before proceeding ahead...

Continuing on, they occasionally stop and dart around corners to avoid getting too close to drones and other people as to not be spotted. Most of the personnel here seems to be Starfleet Engineering, but there are also officers and crewmen from other divisions, as well as some Arshai and even a Romulan Republic officer. The Romulan was the closest to sniffing them out, actually glancing in their direction as she walked by. However, she didn't stop and investigate, simply shaking her head and moving on

Rianni: "Phew, that was a close one. Romulans...let's hope there's no more of them."

Kayleigh:"Yes... let us hope..."

Rianni presses on. Soon, a large window comes into view and Rianni picks up her pace

Kayleigh again nearly trips, "A little warning wouldn't hurt..." she grumbles

Looking out, they can see the nose of the ship protruding from the drydock

Rianni: "There she is! The ISS Beowulf, so you ready to get back to her?"

Kayleigh inwardly curses herself for choosing that ship to name, "But, you are aware that-"

Kayleigh is cut off when Rianni grabs her hand and rushes out, "Come on, let's go already!"

—

Following a short wait; Mari, Leandra & Kittiah all board the Nuhar shuttle that comes along

Mariel:"Take us to the HQ Tower, Ferry!" As the shuttle gets underway, she looks down to Kittiah. "Happy now?"

Kittiah gives a happy bark

Leandra watches her, "I... assume she is house trained, right? I don't think I can handle a cleaning bill for one of these ferries..."

Mariel chuckles, "Don't worry, the whole Ferry system is automated. That said, we do still need to feed Kit like Kayleigh asked. What rations does she usually eat..."

Leandra:"I am unfamiliar with the species. Did Kayleigh's message not say anything about that? Oh... it was probably listed on her replicator wasn't it!"

Mariel:"That's probably the case, yeah..." she looks around, "Hey Ferry, could you analyze the non-bipedal lifeform with us and produce something edible for her?"

Ferry: "Scanning now."

Moments later, a bowl of what looks like dog food materializes

Mariel steps over and picks up the bowl, "Let's hope this is edible..." She holds it out to Kittiah

Kittiah approaches and gives the bowl a cautious sniff. A lot of cautious sniffs in fact before braving a nibble. She seems to accept it and starts munching away

Mariel gives Kittiah a pat as she munches away, "Probably not her usual, but the Ferries are usually pretty good at figuring out the best foods for its passengers, so here's hoping it's a decent breakfast still!"

Leandra:"These ferries are impressive!"

Mariel smiles, "That they are! Way beyond any taxi service on Earth, that's for sure! And I bet Mars too."

Leandra:"You're not wrong! So this tower we're going to now, it's the headquarters of the whole Coalition?"

Mariel nods, "It's where the big Coalition meetings take place. Also a lot of offices for Coalition representatives and general Sphere administration people."

Leandra:"I feel like I should have worn a dress uniform now..." she half mutters

Mariel chuckles, "Don't worry, we're not actually going to attend one of these meetings or anything! I'm pretty sure our regular uniforms are completely acceptable."

Leandra:"I hope so. As for her..." she looks down at Kittiah who has just about finished eating now, and turns to look back at Leandra with food stained in the fur around her mouth

Mariel grins, "Well you wanted to play with her, and she's not running around for once!"

Kittiah yips and bounds around playfully at Leandra's feet

Leandra:"Hey, hey! Don't get your food on my uniform when we're going to the important HQ place!"

Mariel chuckles, "Maybe we should clean you up first. Ferry, towel."

A towel materializes

Mariel takes the towel and kneels down to clean up the food around Tiah's mouth

Mariel:"Thanks Ferry!"

Kittiah doesn't like being cleaned and tries to run and hide behind Leandra

Leandra crouches, trying to hold her, "How does Kay manage this all on her own..."

Mariel tries to clean Kittiah as Leandra holds her, "Stay still now, this'll only take a moment..."

Kittiah whines a little and tries to shy away, but a gentle touch has her all cleaned up and an encouraging pet makes it all better

Mariel smiles, "There we go! I'm sure she's easier to handle when Kay is around, since they share a special bond and all. Isn't that right Kit?"

Kit gives a happy yip and bounds around playfully again

Mariel smiles, "Now we can play with her!"

Leandra smiles and does indeed start playing with Kittiah, "Makes it all worthwhile now!"

Mariel:"That it does!" She steps over to join in playing with Kittiah. "She has so many tails..."

Leandra:"Tiah had them all too I think, right? Or at least a lot more than one!"

Mariel nods, "She did! Must be a trademark of the species no matter what form they take..."

Leandra:"Do you think Kittiah will grow up to a humanoid form too?"

Mariel:"I was wondering that too. The bond seems to influence the form, from what I remembered Tiah said...."

As they talk and play, Kittiah grows distracted and jumps up to the front of the ferry, standing at the window on one side, yipping excitedly

Mariel follows over, "Do you sense Kay? Are we getting close to the HQ tower?"

Leandra looks out the other windw, "Um... well we are, but it's not that way"

Mariel:"Maybe Kay's not at the HQ Tower anymore? She is getting delayed, it's possible they had something else they needed for. Ferry, what facilities are located that way?" She points to the window

Ferry: "There are no immediate facilities in the indicated direction. Beyond this district, that would be the direction of the Foundries"

Mariel:"What would she be doing at the Foundries..."

Mariel looks to Kittiah, "Do you want to go that way, or this way?" she points in the direction of the HQ

Kittiah yips at her and presses her paws against the window to the side she is facing

Mariel:"Okay...I guess take us in that direction, Ferry. Sorry for the detour."

Ferry: "Altering course. No apology is necessary"

Mariel:"I hope she really is sensing Kay and not just excited by something she saw in that direction..."

Leandra:"We can only hope!"

Mariel looks to Kittiah, "Let us know if we need to chance course again. I guess you're our sensor now..."

Kittiah yips happily

Leandra:"I really wish we could understand her half as well as she seems to understand us"

Mariel:"Yeah, me too. Would help with all this uncertainty of what we're doing!"

Leandra looks at Kit, "But I get the feeling sometimes she secrectly enjoys torturing us like this..."

Mariel chuckles, "That's also possible..."

Kittiah - still with paws pressed to the window - looks back at Leandra, yips, and turns back to the window

Mariel glances from Kittiah to Leandra, "Maybe you're on point there after all!"

Ferry: "Pardon the intrusion, but could you please identify yourselves?"

Mariel:"Identify ourselves? Sure! I'm Cadet Mariel Tanglao, this is Cadet Leandra Tierno, and Kittiah here," she gives Kit a pat

Mariel looks to the front of the shuttle, "What's this about, Ferry?"

Ferry: "I have received a request for the clarifying information from our registered destination"

Mariel nods, "The Foundry must think it weird we suddenly changed course from the HQ Tower towards them."

Ferry clarifies: "The request is from Coalition HQ, we are not yet registered with a destination in the Foundry district. Please identify yourselves"

Mariel:"Oh! Uhh, should I talk with them myself, or did you relay our identities to them already?"

Leandra:"I think it just wants to know who we are so it can relay the response. Cadets Tierno and Tanglao from the Starfleet Academy Annex"

Ferry: "Thank you"

A few moments later the Ferry speaks up again, "I am receiving a request for open communication, marked for your attention. Do you wish to open a channel?"

Mariel nods, "Put them through." She walks to the front of the Ferry

Leandra joins her, keeping an eye on Kittiah

A screen blinks on, showing Becket sat at a desk in a Starfleet looking office, "Cadets, I had a feeling it would be you when I saw that shuttle heading this way from the Annex"

Mariel double-takes at the screen, "Commandant Becket! Are...we doing something we shouldn't? I thought the HQ Tower has areas open to the public, and Cadets."

Becket smiles, "At ease Cadet, you're not in any trouble! Quite the contrary in fact, would I be safe in assuming that you were heading to the tower looking for your friend?"

Mariel nods, "That's right. Cadet Kayleigh told us she was delayed."

Becket, "Did she now? When was this?"

Mariel:"Just earlier when we were eating breakfast. We got a message from here where she said she was held up assisting security and asked us to get some food for Kittiah in her place."

Becket, "She said that... this morning?" he hrms, deep in thought

Mariel:"That's when we got the message, at least. Is there a problem, Commodore?"

Becket nods, "I assumed since you were already heading out here than you knew. But, Cadet Kayleigh was abducted last night and we are trying to locate her now. So you see, it is quite problematic that you received a message from her this morning, as you say. We may need to bring this to the Intelligence officers investigating"

Mariel:"Abducted? It was definitely her who sent the message, though. I wonder if she intended us to let Kittiah out, so she could lead us to Kay's current location..."

Leandra:"That would be quite the degree of foresight since she recorded it before she even left..."

Becket: "Wait, it was- oh... a prerecorded message, I see! Well that does explain it"

Mariel:"True, her new psionic powers don't include foresight! Still, Kittiah seems very intent on directing us towards the Foundries now, and we think she's trying to get to Kayleigh."

Becket: "That's the new pet she recently adopted, right?" he hrms again, "And you say this... Kittiah is leading you to the Foundries in a search for her?"

Mariel nods, "At least that's what we think. She has a connection to Kay and last time ran all over the Annex in search of her."

Becket: "Yes, so I heard... well if you have this lead, then please continue to follow it. We are tracking your shuttle on sensors here and will rendezvous with you at the Foundries. Do /not/ proceed any further after docking until we arrive. The one who took her is considered armed and dangerous, and we do not yet know who they are or why they did this. So wait for us at the dock"

Mariel nods, "Understood, Commodore. We'll head to whichever Foundry Kittiah leads us to and wait for you there."

Becket nods and the comm closes

Leandra:"Well this day just got a whole more interesting..."

Mariel:"That might be a bit of an understatement..."

Leandra:"So what do we do now? Do we change our approach to this at all?"

Mariel shakes her head, "We should probably follow the Commodore's orders. Have Tiah figure out where exactly to go and set down there to wait for Security or whoever else he is calling to arrive."

Mariel:"So, everything as usual until we get there."

Leandra:"Well I assumed we weren't going to disobey orders" she chuckles, "But now this serious do we need to arm ourselves or anything?"

Mariel:"i don't think the Ferries can make weapons. I'm sure we'll be fine if we stay on board. Plus, we've got Kittiah with us with her psionic ability and all that."

Leandra:"That's a point, she'll probably run off as soon as we land again. Maybe we can wait in the ferry when we get there?"

Mariel:"That's what I was thinking, too. Don't want her running off after Kayleigh!"

Leandra:"Hopefully we won't have to wait too long" she looks to Kittiah, "I don't think she will have the patience for it"

Mariel:"Yeah. I hope she doesn't blast open the Ferry ramp and go running off after Kay anyways..."

Leandra 's eyes narrow suspiciously at Kittiah

Kittiah glances back and gives a happy yip

Mariel:"We'll just have to play with her and keep her occupied! But first, let's see exactly where she wants to go..."

As they approach, Kit's position does seem to shift around the view

Mariel follows Kit, "Let's see, what facility is she facing..."

Leandra points, "There! What's that one?"

Ferry: "That is the direction of Foundry number 3"

Mariel:"Put us down there, then. But keep the Ferry closed for now!"

Ferry: "Understood"

Mariel pats Kittiah, "Don't worry, we'll find Kay soon."

Kittiah whines, staring out of the window

Mariel:"Just stay in here until Security arrives. Then I'm sure we'll get everything all sorted out. You've been a great help with leading us to her already!"

Kittiah yips happily at the praise

The ferry lands at the docking port to the foundry

Leandra peers out, "This is the first time I've seen a foundry, I've only heard of them until now. You?"

Mariel:"You haven't been to a Foundry before? I guess we cadets don't usually come here often, unless you're on the Engineering track. I've been here before, mostly with T'Pia."

Leandra:"Ooh, is that visiting the development project? I think she said she was working on it in her spare time. Or someone said at least"

Mariel nods, "Yup, that's her!"

Leandra:"I have to admit even though I'm not really into ships like she is, the whole thing does sound pretty intriguing. What was it like?"

Mariel:"I'm not really a ship specialist either, but it's quite the project to behold! Mostly from all the various different species and civilizations all working together, but there are some crazy ideas being proposed and explored too, apparently."

Leandra:"I'm guessing that's where T'Pia comes in..." she chuckles

Mariel chuckles, "You've heard of her reputation from your sister, I'm guessing?"

Leandra smiles, "Yeah, Rianni used to talk about her all the time!"

Mariel nods, "She has some crazy ideas, but apparently so do some other people on the project! It gets interesting when you have people from so many different cultures all bringing their own ideas and views."

Leandra:"I bet!"

Through the view to the side facing away from the foundry they see a starship approach

Mariel turns as she notices the starship, stepping over to check it out

It is recognizable as the VF, if not by it's familiar profile then by Junior coasting alongside

Mariel:"Hey look Kit, it's your old home!"

Kittiah hops around to that side and peers out, yipping and pawing at the window

Mariel smiles, giving Kittiah another pat, "I wonder if they're the support the Commodore called..."

Ferry: "You are receiving another communication. Would you like to open a channel?"

Mariel makes her way back to the front of the shuttle, "Put it through."

Becket once again appears on the screen, "We are entering range now Cadets. I trust the facility you have docked at is where your trail is leading this search now?"

Mariel nods, "That's where Kittiah led us to. I'm sure if we keep following her, she should take us straight to Kayleigh herself, wherever she is in the facility."

Becket: "Understood. We're beaming over now, we'll rendezvous outside your dock"

Mariel:"We'll meet you there soon, Commodore."

The pair disembark the ferry with Kittiah eagerly heading out. As they step on to the pad and the ferry lifts off, they see Becket beam in along with Garvey and some armed armed security officers

Mariel:"Kittiah, don't run too far ahead!"

Kittiah - shockingly - actually seems to behave a bit better now, maybe since this is unfamiliar territory

Mariel follows closely, looking behind her to make sure the others are ready to keep up too

Leandra does indeed stick close

Becket and his group approach, focusing on Kittiah

Becket: "So this is the creature that is going to lead us to Cadet Kayleigh?"

Mariel nods, "She's got a special bond with Kay. Last time she was able to find Kay's quarters in the Annex and try to get inside when we weren't there, before finding Kay herself in the halls when we got back."

Becket: "Well it's the best chance we have right now, let's continue then. But stay close and if we tell you to get back, you get back and let the security personnel handle things"

Mariel:"Understood, sir."

Becket nods to the security team who begin to cautiously explore their way forwards

Kittiah seems to follow suit, sniffing around the unfamiliar area

Mariel continues following behind Kittiah, watching as she sniffs around and tracks Kayleigh, "I hope you don't lose the trail here or anything..."

Kittiah doesn't seem to respond to her at all, just continuing and making her way forwards. Somewhere...

Mariel follows along, looking around to get a sense of where they are going

—

Rianni eagerly rushes out, though not so foolhardy to risk their cover and again slowing to a cautious pace as they exit onto the catwalks which surround the dock

Rianni drags Kayleigh close along, keeping her well within the stealth field as she beelines for the dock

Whilst there is activity here, it is far from crowded

Rianni: "Perfect, they've left it mostly unguarded too. See what I said about their Security being a pushover."

Kayleigh:"The foundries are controlled by the Nuhar. I would not underestimate their security just because you can't see people walking around"

Rianni actually starts looking around for hidden security measures now, checking for traps and turrets as they proceed

With her mind a little more focused, Rianni does indeed spot a number automated monitoring systems

Rianni: "Okay, it looks like they do have some sensors around here. Got to try and avoid them..."

Kayleigh:"I assume a leader of your caliber is able to outclass security protocols. Perhaps another workstation will allow you to determine how they are monitoring exactly"

Rianni nods, stepping over to check at the workstation

Kayleigh eyerolls as she continues to follow closely

Rianni taps away, checking to see what the security systems are monitoring and if she can take them offline

She finds there are a number of different systems. Some monitoring heat and movement through the area, some running silent alarms on doorways and connections

Rianni makes sure to mark the doorways and connections that have alarms so she can circumvent them or try and shut off the alarms

It takes some doing, but she does manage to successfully map a route onto the ship

Rianni: "Alright, follow me, Cadet. Final stretch and we should be there now..."

Kayleigh:"And then I assume you know a way for two people to effectively run a ship meant for 1000"

Rianni: "There's plenty of automation on modern ships. We'll manage!"

Kayleigh:"I suppose there is only one way to find out now"

Rianni: "Indeed there is...come on!"

Rianni starts making her way along her planned route

They work their way around the security systems and suffer a few delays to avoid workers but soon enough turn a corner that brings the looming nose of the ship into view overhead

Rianni looks up with a smile, "Now that's a flagship..."

Kayleigh:"It is something alright..."

Rianni - seeing the fruits of her labour and scheming finally coming to fruition - again grabs Kay's hand and rushes towards the docking arm, but comes skidding to a halt as their view opens up show the emptiness beyond the ship

Rianni, "Wha-... but... where the Hell is the rest of it?!"

Kayleigh:"This is not what you were expecting?"

Rianni: "Wha-... well of course not! Why didn't you tell me?"

Kayleigh:"You did not ask"

Rianni huffs and snarls, "Who the Hell /asks/ if a ship is - oh, I don't know - MISSING HALF OF IT?!"

Kayleigh opens her mouth to respond but quickly finds Rianni's hand clamped over it as she throws the cloak back up

Rianni: "Shush, someone's coming"

Kayleigh notices her grip is a lot tighter than previous times Rianni has grabbed her and surmises she is not too happy right now

Becket & Co. turn the corner, with the security personnel all chasing after Kittiah who bounds along eagerly now

Rianni: "What the Hell is that thing supposed to be..."

Kayleigh:"I have no idea..."

Kittiah runs right up to them and starts hopping around, yipping and barking

Kayleigh:"I think it knows we are here though..."

Rianni sighs, "Must be some sort of weird tracking critter these Starfleet use here now. Damn it! /NOT/ that we actually had a prize in sight after all that work anyway though..."

The cloak drops when it becomes apparent that their presence is known

Rianni raises her hands in what can best be described as a light hearted attempt at looking spooky, "Stay back! I'm an evil Terran come to take over this galaxy! One step closer and I'll, um, do... evil things! RAWR!"

Kayleigh watches in somewhat disbelief, and then looks to Becket and co, arms folded with a face that very much says 'told you so'

Kayleigh is not impressed

Kayleigh finally gets the opening she's been waiting for however, and promptly pokes an electrified finger into the small of Rianni's back, effectively tazering her

Rianni yelps and drops unconscious

Kit watches, then looks up with a happy yip and jumps into Kay's arms

Rianni just barely glances up to see Kittiah jump into Kay's arms, "You... what...?" before finally passing out

Mariel rushes up behind Kittiah, "Nice work, Kit!"

Kayleigh hrms, petting Kittiah and looking to Mari as they all catch up, "It seems I was fortunate in asking you to feed her in the event of my delay"

The security officers hurry to secure the Terran Tierno and haul her away

Mariel looks between the Terran Tierno and Kayleigh, "Wait, she didn't think you were an actual Terran...did she?"

Kayleigh:"She did"

Leandra catches up after everyone else, as usual. Looking to the Terran being carted off and doubletaking, "Wait... Rianni?"

One of the VF security hauling her off just casually responds with, "Yeah, you get used to it..."

Leandra looks to Mari, "But... I thought you said the other version of her that was here was all cybernetic or something? I was expecting here to look like a Borg or something, not a cadet from a sleazy Ferengi holonovel involving Vulcans!"

Kayleigh glances down at her own attire and looks back to Leandra with a perked brow, "That is quite a specific analogy"

Mariel looks between Kay and Leandra too

Leandra waves her hands, backpedalling, "On no! I didn't mean anything of you by it Kayleigh! It's just... well those uniforms do kind of look like they belong in that sort of setting..."

Becket steps up, "A setting that should not be topic of discussion between young cadets. Cadet Kayleigh, are you alright?"

Kayleigh:"I am uninjured Commodore"

Garvey seems relieved

Mariel:"What was she even trying to achieve here..."

Kayleigh:"She wanted to seize control of the Beowulf"

Becket looks up, "But... it's only the saucer?"

Kayleigh:"She was not from that attack group so was unaware"

Becket: "And you didn't tell her it was not fit for service?"

Kayleigh:"I did not"

Garvey smirks a little just imagining Terran Rianni's reaction to that revelation that they must have just missed

Becket: "Well no doubt it will make for an... interesting debriefing. But for now, I will leave you ladies to enjoy what is left of your day. We will deal with the Terran and debrief you in the morning" he turns and pauses, looking to Mari & Leandra, "Good work you two, that was some real initiative you showed today and we might not have caught her if not for your help" he smiles and continues out with Garvey

Mariel smiles, "We're happy to help!"

Mariel looks back to Kay as Becket exits, "If she wasn't part of the attack group, where'd she come from? Rianni's known for having versions of her, but they don't just appear out of thin air..."

Kayleigh:"Apparently this one is from a ship that has been here for some time" turning to Leandra, "She said something about your sister replacing her for a while, after that she fell out with her CO and went AWOL"

Leandra, "Oh! Yes, I remember Rianni telling me about that! They all got taken prisoner by these Terrans once, and there was a version of her there. They managed to swap them and leave Rianni on that ship for a while to spy on them!"

Mariel:"That sounds like quite a task, blending in with Terrans. Although you seem to have managed it pretty well, Kay..."

Kayleigh:"I doubt it is a comparable experience. This one on her own was not particularly threatening, and since I was her only ally and a necessity that somewhat blinded her to any potential alternative"

Mariel:"Was it just her? Even if there was an entire ship, she was planning to take it with just the two of you?"

Kayleigh:"I questioned this also, my suspicion is that she did not exactly plan that far ahead. In fact every part of her 'plan' seemed to be made up as we reached it"

Mariel:"Which is why she didn't research that the ship she wanted to commandeer was in fact just half a ship..."

Kayleigh:"As I believe is quite typical of Terran culture; she ws blinded by ambition. She could have escaped on the shuttle she started with, or easily commandeered a less significant vessel. But she wanted the flagship of that attack group from the moment she heard it was captured"

Mariel:"And you never told her that the flagship isn't actually operational. Sneaky!"

Kayleigh:"I determined that if I did foil her plans like that, it would put her more on edge and likely more desperate seeking alternatives. Allowing her to proceed under the guise of total success was statistically the best means of preventing her from resorting to more drastic action"

Mariel smiles, "A good plan as always, Kay!"

Mariel looks back to Leandra, "Now let's just hope they don't come up with some idea to dress you up to interrogate your alternate reality sister..."

Kayleigh:"It was the logical course of action. But now what about the two of you? How did you end up here, and with Kittiah?"

Leandra gulps at the prospect

Kayleigh:"I don't think you need to concern yourself with that. For one, they have already tried that and got into trouble for it so I doubt they would proceed. Also, this version of your sister is quite malleable so I suspect they will find a way to gain her cooperation"

Leandra smiles, a little comforted by this knowledge

Mariel:"As for how we got here...well, we went to feed Kittiah as you asked, but she ran out as soon as we opened the door to try and look for you. Led us all the way to one of the landing platforms, so we figured she knew you weren't in the Annex anymore. Turns out she can track you across the Sphere so she led us right here!"

Kayleigh:"Interesting, though I suppose it is what she did the first time too. The curious element being how she knew I had been taken"

Mariel:"If the connection is psionic, maybe she can detect your emotional state and not just your location?"

Kayleigh:"Perhaps. Perhaps it is another side to this supposed 'bond' they spoke of before". she holds Kit up to look at her, "Is this correct? Did you sense that I was in danger and lead my friends here?"

Kittiah yips happily, tails swishing all over the place

Kayleigh:"Well there is no need to be smug about it" she returns to cradling Kittiah and petting her

Mariel chuckles, "She's definitely a handy companion to have around!"

Leandra: "I have to admit, I'm a little jealous!"

Kayleigh perks a brow, "You... wish to be held and petted too? It seems a little odd, but you did come to help so..." she shrugs and sets Kit down, stalking towards Leandra

Leandra: "What?! NO! Hey... hey, stop that! What are you? Kayleeeeigh!" she runs away, Kay and Kit totally not teasing her as they continue the zombielike chase out of the foundry

Mariel follows along, "Wait for me!"

As the cadets leave the saucer section of the broken Beowulf behind, the camera zooms out to show work bees circling around the wreck, clearly resuming their work now that the incident is over

Several work bees move around a phaser strip, dismounting it from the Terran ship. As it finally comes loose, a tractor beam from a larger tug pulls the strip free

Turning around, the tug tows the strip across the Foundry, past unfinished Nuhar and a Sutherland-class undergoing repairs to another drydock

As it approaches this dock, we can see that another Odyssey-class cruiser sits within, this one with Federation livery. Its hull looks a little damaged, but it is in much better condition than the Beowulf. However, most of its lights are off, including all the ones on the hull, with just a few visible through windows

As the tug moves the phaser strip into position, more work bees crowd around to help receive and install the new strip

One work bee's light moves past the ship's name, one letter at a time: U.S.S. YORKTOWN

—

As the cadets return to the Academy, they don't make it far inside the Annex facility when Shavi walks on by, giving Kayleigh a surprised look, "Really embracing that Orion style, I see! I didn't realize someone made an Orion variant of the uniform..."

Kayleigh perks a brow, "Orion variant...? Oh!" she looks down herself, "I was not aware this consituted an Orion style. Though many of the dresses in that new store do have an exposed midriff so I suppose I should have seen it..."

Shavi chuckles, "If there was an Orion variant, it would probably look something like that!"

Kayleigh hrms, "A cultural variant. Interesting..."

Kayleigh totally isn't considering an appeal to keep the Terran uniform now...

Mariel chuckles, "Thinking about removing the Terran symbols and wearing it around, now?"

Kayleigh:"Given the larger Orion presence at the Heart, and steadily growing within Starfleet ranks now too-" she notes Shavi, "-it would only be logical to consider cultural accomodations through an optional variant"

Kayleigh likes logic. It can be used to justify anything

Mariel:"Of course it would. Though, maybe we could make a new design that looks a liiittle less like something from such an infamous alternate reality..."

Kayleigh:"No daggers then?"

Shavi: "Well, some of us Orions who worked closely with the Klingons do wear daggers..."

Kayleigh:"Orion daggers then, that seems like a reasonable compromise where appropriate"

Kayleigh now busies her mind justifying her own use of an Orion dagger to be appropriate

Shavi: "I'm pretty sure Tabadi Mysti wore one, actually, when the Thana was attached to the KDF..."

Kayleigh hrms, "The Klingon connection may be key. That could be problematic..."

Problematic to her own designs at least, not to anyone who actually has a valid connection of course

Kayleigh:"Perhaps we can make it an interesting project to explore officially in class, that would increase the validity of an appeal also"

Mariel:"Wearing daggers, or just cultural uniform variants?"

Shavi: "I guess the two could be connected, in the case of a Klingon officer..."

Kayleigh:"Exactly" she nods to Shavi, "I think some of our classes have scope to explore the cultural significance and if we carry that to reflect into current affairs, that would inspire an interesting group activity to study the historical components and and develop proposed variants that would be fitting for use here"

Shavi: "Sounds like an interesting idea! Especially with how much more diverse Starfleet is getting by the day! Won't be long until we start getting lots of cadets from the local civilization, and who knows, maybe alternate realities too..."

Mariel:"Now that could be interesting..."

Kayleigh:"I wonder if that Rianni will become a cadet in that case..."

Mariel:"It would definitely make things awkward for Leandra..."

Kayleigh:"And the real version when she gets back. And the one from the Shenzou... ok, I believe I am beginning to understand Professor Se'Lai's illogical comments about her now"

Mariel chuckles, "Not so illogical after all, as it turns out!"

Kayleigh:"Indeed"

Mariel:"But for now, let's head to the dorms and get you changed out of that uniform before someone else thinks you're an actual Terran..."

Kayleigh:"That... would be prudent" she acknowledges, almost sounding reluctant

Mariel leads the way towards their dorms, "Oh, Leandra and I were also discussing the idea of installing an auto-feeder for Kit, just in case you're away for a bit. Although if you had that, we wouldn't have gone to feed her and then got her to lead everyone to you. Still, not every unexpected delay for you will be getting in danger! So it could be useful for more...ordinary delays."

Kayleigh:"That is an excellent idea. And knowing Kittiah- " she looks down to her at her feet, "-she would have found a way out even if you had not turned up there"

Kittiah yips proudly

Mariel:"I just hope it doesn't involve blasting down the door or something. Speaking of which, I think you used your psionics to subdue the Terran Rianni, right?"

Kayleigh nods, "That is correct"

Mariel:"Good work there! You actually had enough control over your powers to just shock her, and not totally fry her or anything. I think you're definitely improving!"

Kayleigh:"It was a calculated risk" she notes, slightly hinting that it was more luck than judgement as she turns to head out

Mariel:"I think it worked out well in the end! But of course, it was a Vulcan calculation..."