ST:UNI211 Pt. II | "Talys"

Stardate 100639.8

After settling matters at the colony, the fleet moves on and while they are in between destinations it is an ideal time for the cadets to take Captain Vix up on her offer to spend time with the Klingon crew. But Cadet Kayleigh doesn't seem herself ever since the storm incident...

---

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Mariel steps into a side room after speaking with Kayleigh on the bridge, turning to Lexi as the doors close, "Okay, that went better. You didn't get shocked this time!"

Lexi grins, "Definitely an improvement. And to top it off, I think we really managed to get under her skin too! It might just be me, but I swear I can see more of your friend in her now"

Mariel "Me too. I have an idea, but...it's very risky."

Lexi slaps her on the back, "Well then, your time here seems to be paying off! Let's hear it, the worst that can happen at this stage is that we don't try it straight away"

Mariel "Actually, if my idea goes wrong, it could be worse..."

Lexi "Just from sharing it? Damn, you know how to peak an old Trill's curiosity don't you"

Mariel "Oh not from sharing it! From actually trying it and going wrong." She chuckles. "I should just cut to the chase, shouldn't I?"

Lexi "That would be a good starting point" she chuckles

Mariel taps her combadge, "Cadet Tanglao to Saturn. I think Captain Snow will want to hear this too."

Snow  "You have something we can work with?"

Mariel "Yeah, but you are not going to like this..."

Lexi "The cadet has an idea following our last interaction with the creature. And from the buildup, it's a doozy"

Snow  "Go on..."

Mariel "So...I think our best chance is to let Talys take the Saturn."

Snow  "Okay, that /is/ a doozy. To describe it lightly."

Lexi "Well now, let's hear her out at least. I mean, I get my ship back in this plan from the sounds of it. So that's good!"

Mariel chuckles, "I had a feeling you'd like that part, at least."

Lexi "Why don't you elaborate a little"

Mariel "Well, Talys said she is power, right? And I think she means that literally. She existed as a storm, so her natural form is energy. She needs to use it to tap into the ship, which means she's connected to the ship. In short, she's made herself into something like another ship subsystem."

Lexi "I guess that's one way to look it. Makes sense. So assuming we get her into the Saturn, then what?"

Mariel "Well, the deflector can channel power, right? We prepare first, and the moment Talys starts taking over the ship, we funnel her power through the deflector and channel it out into open space, or one of the asteroids or something. If that doesn't remove her from Kayleigh entirely, it should weaken her enough to be subdued."

Snow  "QanwI' has a deflector too. Why not try that right now?"

Lexi "Because she already has control, I guess. But can such a thing even be done?"

Mariel "That, and she's got too much control. But she doesn't seem confident in her ability to take over multiple ships. Saturn has other ships docked inside for maintenance, not to mention all the auxiliary craft. If we try it here, she can probably stop us before we get anywhere. If we can get the QanwI' into one of the Saturn's bays for repairs, make sure every other ship is tied in to the Saturn's power systems, and goad Talys into take over not just a much bigger ship, but everything within in, I think she'll be spread way too thin to counter us when we start draining her."

Lexi "But her issue was proximitiy, right? If all those ships are there she will be close enough to all for a connection. Another question; if this even works, how do we know we can split her off from your friend and send the right one into the void?"

Mariel "Well Kayleigh hasn't ascended to a being of pure energy yet. Separating her consciousness from her body is going to take a lot more work. At worst, we might drain her into unconsciousness I think, but I'm more worried about not draining /enough/ of Talys from her. I think proximity is the biggest issue, she can't even take control of the Saturn from this distance at all, otherwise she would've tried already. With a ship as big as the Saturn though, plus anything else docked with her, including the QanwI', I think volume is going to be a problem too. Talys doesn't have infinite power. I don't believe any psionic does, not even the Q. There's no guarantee that it'll be enough to overwhelm her though, which is why it's a risky plan."

Lexi hrms, "Well you've clearly thought it through. Captain Snow, it's your ship in the firing line here. Again, and sorry for earlier. So what do you think of this plan?"

Snow  "It's certainly a risk, but I can't think of anything better to try. Theoretically, the Cadet's plan makes logical sense. The question is whether the Saturn and everything on board'll be enough to overwhelm Talys or not. With a big enough ship, I believe the plan'll work. We just have no way of knowing if Saturn is a big enough ship until we try it."

Lexi "Alright then, how much time do you need to prepare?"

Snow  "Give us about...two hours. Keep Talys occupied until then."

Lexi "Got it. I've an idea of my own that we can try in the mean time to at least wear her down some for you"

Mariel looks to Lexi, "What's that?"

Lexi "Helping your friend break through. We saw before that Talys displayed her mannerisms when we put her under a little pressure. Rather than lashing out like she did the first time, she pouted like your totally unemotional friend. I think we can keep that trend going and the more we do, the more your friend will come to the surface. That may well help drive Talys out when we move her to the Saturn"

Mariel "Good thinking. Let's keep her distracted in the meantime, and see if we can push more of Kayleigh to the surface while we're at it."

Lexi "Let's do this then! Captain Snow, let us know when you're ready"

Snow  "Will do. Good luck in the meantime over there."

—

After conferring with Snow, Mari and Lexi return to the bridge. Once again, the storm dies down so they can enter

Kayleigh turns, "The children return"

Mariel "Yes, hello great Talys. How're you doing?"

Kayleigh "It is strange"

Mariel "Strange? What do you mean?"

Kayleigh "Before finding this child of mine I existed for eons but thought nothing of it. Now it has been but a blink, yet I feel the passage of time and grow weary with the lack of progress"

Lexi, "So... you're bored"

Kayleigh "Yes, I am increasingly aware of the passage of time through the eyes of this child of mine. It is frustrating, I need entertainment"

Mariel "Have you tried entertainment that doesn't involve shooting the flagship or punching Captain Vix here unconscious? Something more...peaceful, maybe?"

Kayleigh tilts her head

Mariel "I don't know, a nice holoprogram, a game of chess? Okay, you probably won't enjoy chess as much as Vulcans do..."

Kayleigh "Oh I see, you mean being worshipped. Of course. You may bring more subjects to bask in my presence, or even select one as a noble sacrifice"

Mariel "I meant entertainment, like games or reading or something..."

Kayleigh "Yes... I can feel these things in her memories. But they do not involve any basking or worshipping"

Mariel "And...so you won't enjoy them?"

Kayleigh "Why would I? What point is there in anything if it does not lead to basking or worship"

Mariel "You're sure you won't enjoy them? How do you know if you haven't tried? Or are you tapping into Kayleigh's memories to evaluate if you'd enjoy them?"

Kayleigh "I see these things in the memories. But I see no value in something that does not satisfy me"

Mariel "And you know for a fact that nothing except basking or worship satisfies you?"

Kayleigh "I know this conversation does not"

Mariel "Way to tell me I'm boring..."

Lexi spins Mari around, turning with her in a little huddle, "Maybe we're being a bit too vague and open with her here"

Mariel whispers, "What're you thinking?"

Lexi "I don't know exactly... maybe try and think more in terms of drawing your friend out? I mean, I know she's Vulcan and all but she never really struck me as the chess and reading type, you know? What with her bright pink hair and fascination with styles and all"

Mariel "Oh yeah, good point!"

Lexi smiles, "Come on, you've got this!"

Mariel turns back to Kayleigh, "So all the fighting and stuff...you didn't find any of it entertaining and was just trying new things?"

Kayleigh "Fighting?"

Mariel "You know, punching Captain Vix, shooting the Saturn earlier. None of that was entertaining either?"

Kayleigh "That was not for entertainment"

Mariel "What was that for, then? Part of your plan to take over the ship? You'v got your lightning, you didn't have to punch her in the face..."

Kayleigh "I was still establishing control over this child of mine and learning how to fully utilize this form. It was required practice"

Mariel "Oooh, it was you...growing into this form? So now you just want worship, not a fight."

Kayleigh "Naturally. And whenever I get bored, I will take a living sacrifice. This is the order of things"

Mariel "Well, followers of a god usually have some fancy outfits to go along with it. You know, ceremonial robes, stuff like that. Not rough Klingon leathers and armour. I'm sure you know of plenty of examples from your time being worshipped. Maybe we could try designing something so we look prim and proper?"

Lexi, "Hey, I'll have you know this is the finest targ leather!"

Kayleigh hrms, "It is true that the children have always done such things. I will allow you to do this"

Mariel "Allow us? But you're our fashion expert. Or well, at least you have her memories now. Plus, we'll be worshipping you. You'll want to make sure we're dressed in a way that pleases you."

Kayleigh "This is also true, I am superior"

Mariel "Yes, exactly! So I was hoping you would help us design some uniforms, robes, whatever you want to call them. Might help with the boredom, too!"

Kayleigh "A curious prospect, but since we are still waiting for my vessel to be fixed... I will indulge"

Mariel smiles, "So, what style do you want? Robes, uniforms like what Kay and I are wearing now? Captain Vix's finest targ leather?"

Kayleigh taps her chin, looking between the two, "There are merits in both. But you do not seem to possess the decorative flesh adornments the crude child does"

Mariel "The...what?"

Kayleigh "The flesh adornments. They provide a curious aesthetic against the bare sections of the outfit"

Lexi looks down herself, "She means the spots..."

Mariel "Oooh yeah, we don't all have those..."

Kayleigh "So then, there is nothing of interest in the exposed flesh areas. Yet... it feels like that is still beneficial. I do not understand"

Mariel "It's a...fashion thing, I guess? Not sure how to explain it in a way that you do understand..." she chuckles

Kayleigh "Very well, if this is what is desirable. Then we must have exposed flesh"

Lexi snorts, "You sure she's not part Orion right?"

Mariel "Not genetically, but personality wise, probably!"

Kayleigh "It is done then. Expose the flesh"

Mariel "Gotcha. Any other design elements you want to include?"

Kayleigh "There is more to this process? What more is there beyond exposing the flesh now?"

Mariel "Well, colours, styles...quite a bit, actually."

Kayleigh "Oh yes, I remember this practice from the first children. They painted the exposed flesh!"

Lexi facepalms, "We're not /completely/ exposing the flesh! Get over it already!"

Kayleigh looks between the two, "But exposing a little is good, then why is exposing more not good?"

Mariel "Then what's the point of wearing anything at all? And no, we're not stripping down for you..."

Kayleigh "I am confused by this also. The memories are not clear on the reason for this"

Mariel looks to Lexi, "Maybe we should all just dress in Orion club wear..."

—

A short while later, Mari approaches Kayleigh with a PADD in hand, "Great Talys, we have some proposals for you."

Kayleigh takes it, looking it over, "Too much flesh... not enough flesh... what even is this supposed to be?" she shoots Lexi a glance, apparently a very Klingon option, "Hmm... this looks suitably regal. But it needs more red" she hands the PADD back

Mariel "More red?" she smiles at Lexi. "I think that's something the Klingons could get behind."

Lexi huffs, "Too flimsy, all that flowing fabric. Needs more leather. And studs"

Mariel "Hey, at least it's not pink..."

Lexi considers, "Yeah... why isn't it pink? I thought that was your friends whole deal?"

Mariel "I think Talys' whole deal is red. You know, with the red lightning and all..."

Lexi, "Indeed. But if your friend disagrees with that..."

Mariel "True..." she looks to Talys. "What about pink? Think that could look better?"

Kayleigh "What? Don't be absurd. Pink is the only colour for- no, I mean /pink/ is the only-... what is this?!"

Mariel "Pink's nice, isn't it?"

Kayleigh "No! It is too light and pleasant!" the storm swirls up around them, "RED is my colour"

Mariel "You don't even want to try it? See what it looks like?"

Kayleigh "I... no! Now makes the priest robes pink-... dammit, be silent child of mine!"

Mariel "It'll look nice, I guarantee you!"

Kayleigh "No it will not!"

Lexi smirks, "Oh now, let's be fair. your Vulcan friend does actually look good with that blood-red hair, don't you think?"

Mariel "Okay, maybe a little..."

Kayleigh "Yes, exactly!" she winces, holding her temple, "No, I will not..."

Mariel "Why not?"

Kayleigh "Because it is vulgar. I- I want pink"

Mariel smiles, "Pink it is!"

Kayleigh growls under her breath, "Now leave me!" waving a dismissive hand as she turns away

Mariel "As you wish, great Talys."

—

Mariel arrives on the bridge sometime later, wearing the revealing pink robes that look much more fitting in a club than a temple

Kayleigh "That disguating colour again... it is perfect"

Mariel smiles, "I knew you'd like it, Ka- Talys."

Kayleigh "So is my new vessel ready now? I grow weary with these delays"

Mariel "Actually about that...remember I was saying I had a plan to arrange something even better?"

Kayleigh "Of course"

Mariel "Well, I think I can make it work, but I'm going to need you to play along."

Kayleigh "Play... along? Is this another attempt at alleviating boredom?"

Mariel "Oh nothing like that. I have a plan to get you on the Saturn. But they're never going to allow you to take over their ship on purpose. So, we're going to have to pretend that Kayleigh has regained control somehow. I'll tell them that Kayleigh is back, and you, well, play along!"

Kayleigh "A deception? I see. And this is better than simply taking what I want, how?"

Mariel "You're still taking the Saturn. We just need a deception to get you on board, because as tough as the QanwI' is, you can't take on the entire fleet with her."

Kayleigh hrms, "This devious approach does seem to have merit"

Mariel "See? And the best part is, once they believe it's safe, I can talk them into taking the QanwI' aboard for repairs, since Saturn is a big mobile dock. So once you're inside, you should be able to take the Saturn without giving up the QanwI'. Who knows, you might be able to take all the other ships docked with it right now too!"

Kayleigh "Very well then"

Mariel smiles, "Perfect. Open me a channel to the Saturn, then."

Kayleigh turns to the viewscreen and it flickers on

Mariel steps up to the centre, "Tanglao to Saturn! Do you read?"

Captain Snow appears on the viewscreen, "Cadet Tanglao. What's the situation over there?"

Mariel "Cadet Kayleigh's managed to win the mental struggle against Talys and drive her out," she looks to Kay. "Isn't that right, Kay?"

Kayleigh doesn't figure that she's called Kay now and just stands there

Mariel waves a hand in front of Kayleigh's face, "Heeey. You there? Tell the Captain you're okay and half-Vulcan again!"

Kayleigh looks to her and back, "Yes... I am oh-Kay and I am half-Vulcan. Again" she turns to Mari, "Was that a sufficient deception? I can have my new vessel now"

Mariel looks back to the screen, "Sorry, she's still a little out of it. Fighting for control was...very draining as you can imagine."

Snow  "Yes, I imagine it was..."

Mariel whispers, "Quick, tell them your favourite colour! And Kayleigh's favourite pastime, convince them it's you!"

Mariel "Well, convince them it's not Talys you and Kayleigh you..."

Kayleigh "You mean to say that I prefer the disgusting pink colour your priestess robes were made in"

Mariel "Yes, exactly. Now tell them about it and your favourite club!"

Kayleigh "This disgusting pastel pink is the best colour, and I have a favourite club." adding, "I hit things with it."

Mariel facepalms, "Not that kind of club..."

Snow  "Okay, I can clearly see that Cadet Kayleigh is back. Good work, you two. Let’s bring you home."

Mariel "The QanwI’ is going to need some repairs, so it might be easier if you just brought us all on board. I’m sure Captain Vix would appreciate it."

Snow  "We’re moving in to take you into one of our repair hangars."

Lexi waves from the back of the bridge, "Thanks Captain."

Snow  "I’ll see you on board, Captain."The comm ends and the Saturn can be seen moving in on the viewscreen.

Mariel "That was a...decent deception."

Kayleigh "This Children tendency for deception can prove troublesome..."

Mariel "Just wait until you meet Romulans."

Lexi "Or Ferengi."

Kayleigh "They will all come to worship me."

The Saturn settles in front of the viewscreen.

Kayleigh "Excellent. My new throne approaches."

Mariel "Told you you’d like my plan!"

A tractor beam from the Saturn locks onto the QanwI’ and begins pulling them into one of its hangars…

—

The QanwI' settles into the hangar of the Saturn, with the force field snapping into place behind it

Kayleigh "Finally. /Now/ I shall take my new throne!"

Mariel "Can you extend your...power and control it from here? or do we need to step out onto the hangar itself?"

Kayleigh "The systems of this inferior vessel are not connected. We must depart"

Mariel "This way, then!" She begins to lead Talys off QanwI's bridge

Kayleigh follows confidently

Mariel "One thing...if I may ask something of you, great Talys."

Kayleigh looks her over, "You have proven yourself worthy. Speak, and the Great Talys will hear your request"

Mariel "When we take over the Saturn, can you try not to zap anyone? You can use your powers to scare them, I'm sure they'll be in awe and submit. You know how rowdy Klingons are, Starfleet aren't as keen on picking a fight. Plus, the more people are alive, the more there are to worship you!"

Kayleigh "Well that seems like an odd request... but if that is what you ask, then of course. I will... 'zap' nobody. And a question in return to help me understand your strange communication of vibrating air waves"

Mariel "What do you want to know about our...vibrating air waves?"

Kayleigh "Why do you say 'zap' instead of simply saying 'kill'? It ocnveys the message must more coherently"

Mariel "I mean, you can zap without killing. I guess if you really want to, you can use very low energy, you know, like a phaser's stun setting from Kayleigh's memories. I'd just prefer no one getting hurt at all, not just getting killed. But if you /really/ have to subdue someone I'd prefer if you stunned them instead of killing them."

Kayleigh "Oh so you didn't want anybody maimed either? Well of course, I will oblige for my head priestess. Nobody underserving will be maimed either!"

Mariel smiles, "Perfect. Thank you, great Talys."

—

Mariel leads Talys into the Saturn's hangar. A few enlisted moving over give nervous looks in their direction

Mariel "Don't worry, we're just getting Cadet Kayleigh to a...sickbay! To get checked out, yeah."

Kayleigh "This... bay is where my new throne awaits?"

Mariel "No but that's where the QanwI' needed to dock. Can't park it on the bridge, as big as the bridge of a ship this size is!"

Kayleigh "Aha! So sickbay is where this bridge is?"

Mariel "No no, that was just a...deception for the deck crew here."

Kayleigh "I see. To my throne then!"

Mariel smiles, "To your throne!"

Mariel leads out into the Saturn's halls

Kayleigh "This setting... it is familiar to this child of mine"

Mariel "Yes, it's the ship we came on. And just a Starfleet ship in general, which Kayleigh would be very familiar with."

Kayleigh "This makes it a fitting choice. Maybe now she'll stop clawing at me..." she mutters

Mariel smiles, "Yes, I'm sure you'll like it!" She steps into a turbolift, "Bridge."

The lift doors close as they enter and it begins to ascend to the bridge

Mariel "Now remember, no zapping. Just make a little lightning display and scare everyone."

Kayleigh "Death is scary to children"

Mariel "Isn't it scary to you? I guess maybe it isn't, because you /don't/ die. But if you somehow could, that would be a pretty scary prospect too, wouldn't it?"

Kayleigh "I'm sure this inconvenient mortality is something to do with why you all fear it"

Mariel "I'm sure if you search Kayleigh's memories and feelings, you can get a pretty good understanding of it."

Kayleigh "I have tried, but she has no first hand experience. Rather disappointing really"

Mariel "Of course she...nevermind..."

—

The turbolift doors open as they arrive on the bridge, and a few eyes turn to them. Mariel whispers, "Remember, just make a little show. No actual zapping!"

Kayleigh "Make a show. Yes, this is a familiar concept" she strides out into the middle of the bridge and stands staring expectantly at Snow, "You are in my throne child"

Snow blinks, "Your...throne?"

Kayleigh raises her arms out to her sides, the red lightning storm stirring up around the bridge, "I am the Great Talys, and I claim this fortress as my new mortal palace"

Snow  "Woah, easy there. I'm no match for someone as terrifyingly magnificent as you. Your, uhh...throne's all yours." He stands and backs away from the Captain's chair, with Meghan quickly stepping back from the centre of the bridge as well

Kayleigh gives a satisfied nod, "Good children know their place. If you continue, you may even be welcomed as a priest of my worshippers" she gestures to the fantastically dressed Mari

Mariel accompanies Kayleigh to the centre of the bridge, "This is a satisfactory throne, I hope?"

Kayleigh "It will make for a sufficient palace for now" she places her hands on the armrests, red lightning dancing around her hands as she does. It soon spreads and dances across everyone's consoles as well as she exerts control over the ship

As Talys starts taking control, she realizes that the QanwI's systems has now been connected to the Saturn's, probably by the repair crew. Several other ships docked in the other bays for repairs are linked as well. Kayleigh naturally does not discriminate, and assumes direct control of everything

Mariel "Do you have control of the Saturn, Talys?"

Kayleigh "Naturally"

Mariel "All its systems and everything, just like the QanwI?"

Kayleigh "I see, you wish for a demonstration" the ship begins to turn towards one of the engineering support fleet, weapons coming online

Mariel "No no no, no zapping...or shooting, remember!"

Kayleigh "No shooting either?" she pouts, "This is beginning to feel very restrictive..."

Meanwhile, Snow taps his combadge, "Snow to Deflector control, it's now or never..."

The Saturn's deflector would begin trying to channel Talys' power and fire it out onto a barren asteroid… Kayleigh doesn't notice at first but soon gets a sense of the additional drain. The storm around the bridge begins to whip up. The Saturn continues to drain power...

Mariel looks around the bridge, "This looks...concerning..."

Kayleigh "I have been betrayed..." she stands and glares at snow

Snow  "Betrayed? I don't know what you mean."

Kayleigh "You dain take your God as a fool?! I will show you just how far my power extends!" the storms grows more fierce around them

Snow taps his combadge again, "Can you maybe drain it a little faster...?"

Deflector engineer, "We're already at 110% Captain, sorry! We're already trying to power up more systems to compensate and draw the additional energy. but we don't have much in here to work with"

Snow  "Just keep drawing as much as you can!

Meghan, "Captain, what if we get everyone else doing the same?"

Snow  "Good idea. Get every ship in our hangars we're connected to on it as well. Runabouts too."

Meghan fights her way against the storm to join Shavi and sends orders out to the whole ship and docked craft to power up everything

Kayleigh "Foolish children! You invoke the wrath of the Great Talys before my very eyes!" she lashes out, sending a stream of lightning crackling in a arc across the back of the bridge

Snow ducks down upon seeing the lightning arc

Mariel "Hey no killing remember!"

Meghan dives down, pulling Shavi with her too

Kayleigh "I said I would not kill those undeserving. These betrayers are very much deserving!" she lashes out again, but stumbles against the chair

Snow  "It looks like she's weakening. Keep at it!"

Kayleigh regains her footing, "What...? No, what is this... pulling..." she winces, grabbing her temples and yelling painfully

Mariel "Kayleigh, are you in there? Keep fighting her, this is your chance!"

Kayleigh "No! This is... /my/ child now..." she lashes out again, some lightning streaking but not as major as before and the storm around them is diminishing

Shavi peers out, "Hey Kay! What, you going to settle for nice deep red hair now?"

Mariel "Yeah, pink looks much better on you!"

Kayleigh starts trembling, still grasping her temples, "I... will... never..." she grasps the arms of the chair, Talys' yelling echoing more around them in the storm, "...have... red hair!" an explosion of energy erupts and swirls around the room before being drawn into the consoles causing many sparking overloads. She slumps against the captain's chair

Mariel rushes over, "Kay? Kay, is that you again?"

Kayleigh groans, slumping groggily into the chair she's leaning on, "Mari...? That was a strange dream..."

Meanwhile, the bridge crew are regaining control of their systems and they see the deflector discharge on the viewscreen. The red lightning storm appears to propel itself out of the deflector and dissipates into the targeted asteroid

Mariel "I don't think it was a dream..."

Kayleigh groans groggily, leaning her head on one hand. Then jumping slightly as her elbow catches a control on the chair's arm which makes it beep. She looks down, "Mari... why do I appear to be sat in the Captain's chair...?"

Snow makes his way over as well with a chuckle, "Because it's your throne, Cadet."

Kayleigh perks a brow

—

After clearly being restored to her old self, a slightly confused and reluctant Kayleigh is ordered to sickbay for a check up. Mariel arrives not long after, spotting Kay and making her way over, "Well, no more red hair..."

Kayleigh "So that was real then. I am relieved that I did not have to witness it for myself"

Mariel "Do you remember anything else that happened?"

Kayleigh "It is difficult to reconcile exactly what is memory and what is dream at this point"

Mariel "I...have a feeling most of it is real. Talys did some preeetty wild things."

Kayleigh "That is not what I was hoping to hear" she sighs

Mariel "I had a feeling. Well, it was her controlling you, none of it is your fault!"

Kayleigh "Not directly at least, but I still lost control to her in the first place"

Mariel "But who can blame you for losing to a powerful storm god? Wasn't exactly a fair fight, was it?"

Kayleigh "Perhaps, perhaps not. Someone more adept with psionic control may have been able to contain her and fight back more. Regardless though, the past can not be changed. I must simply come to terms with what has transpired. What... exactly did transpire?"

Mariel "Uhh...quite a bit. Long story short, you took over the QanwI', attacked the Saturn, and then tried to take over the Saturn too..."

Kayleigh slumps and groans, "I will be lucky to keep my commission after all of that..."

Mariel "Like I said, it wasn't you. If officers can be blamed for what they did when controlled by some other entity, I'm pretty sure most of Starfleet's legends would've been fired by now. I mean, wasn't Keelah and the whole Forge crew controlled by the Architect at one point?"

Kayleigh straightens, "You are correct, of course. I just... well, with what you describe it feels somewhat familiar. Like a vague sense of deja vu from a dream you can't quite recollect fully right now. I believe I will feel more balanced against once I have meditated"

Mariel "I hope so," she looks over as Dr. Delcroix, the Saturn's CMO, walks over. "How are the scans looking, Commander?"

Delcroix: "Nothing unusual that I can tell. I can see residual psionic energy, like any psionic who just recently used their abilities, but all within normal levels. There's elevated hormone levels indicative of stress, but once again it's in natural limits."

Kayleigh "Am I officially myself again now then? I did attempt to explain to them on the bridge that I did not feel unwell at all".

Mariel looks to Kay, "You had a checkup after absorbing the lightning too, right? When there were still traces of the red lightning in you?"

Kayleigh nods, "I did, yes"

Mariel "And they didn't catch Talys hiding in you?"

Kayleigh "There was indication of any psionic presence"

Mariel "Just raised energy levels?"

Kayleigh "I believe the results were comparative to todays?" she looks to the doctor

Delcroix nods, "That's why I called in a second opinion." She smiles as the door opens and Commander Meghan Suren steps in

Kayleigh looks over

Meghan: "Cadet. How're you feeling?"

Kayleigh "Besides the disorientation of what felt like a bad dream being reconciled with living memory; perfectly ordinary and simply requiring some meditation time"

Meghan: "Do you mind if I join you, or does it only work when you're alone? Just to observe, and make sure no traces of that entity remains."

Kayleigh "You wish to meditate with me? Whilst company is a distraction, I am hardly a practicing master of the form. The concern is warranted, and I have no objection"

Meghan smiles, "Come on, then. Whenever you're ready, Cadet."

Kayleigh hops off the bed, pausing and looking to the doctor, "That is assuming I am cleared to depart sickbay, Sir?"

Delcroix: "You're all clear. It's the Commander's job now, biobed scanners aren't of any more help."

Kayleigh "Thank you Sir" she looks back Meghan, "In that case Commander, I am ready"

Meghan turns and leads on

—

A short while after her meditation, Kayleigh receives a comm from Captain Snow to report to his ready room. Kayleigh prepares herself with an extended pause outside, then chimes the door

Snow "Come in."

Kayleigh walks in and assumes a rigid attentive stance, "Reporting as ordered, Captain"

Snow "At ease, Cadet. How was your meditation? Helped centre yourself?"

Kayleigh relaxes, almost noticeably, "I would be naive and presumptuous to assume a single session to be sufficient enough in countering the extreme emotional impact of what transpired. But, it was more than sufficient to maintain my ongoing duties"

Snow smiles, "I'm glad to hear that. And Commander Suren tells me she senses no trace of the Talys entity, either."

Kayleigh "Yes Sir, she accompanied me in my meditation and seemed satisfied of this"

Snow "Excellent. Have a seat, Cadet. You've been through quite an experience. Do you remember any of it at all?"

Kayleigh "Perhaps more than I presently realise that I do. That will largely be the subject of more ongoing meditation"

Snow "And I imagine it might be quite troubling, realizing everything that happened. Such as having red hair."

Kayleigh twitches a little, "In the grand scheme of things Sir, I do not believe that constitutes particular consideration. Not against the things I did while she was in control like seizing the QanwI' and attacking the Saturn"

Snow raises his hand, "That's where you gotta draw the separation. Now, it's easy to think of your body as being you. After all, most of us can't survive after our bodies fail. But as we know now, the body is just a vessel, for the consciousness, katra, soul, whatever you want to call it. Your consciousness wasn't the one driving your actions, not entirely, at least. You can no more be blamed for opening fire on the Saturn than the QanwI', or anyone else aboard that ship. Your body was hijacked, just like the QanwI' was."

Kayleigh nods, "I do understand this Sir. But as you just said; I was not entirely in control, which means I was in there somewhere. My subconscious familiarity with those events is testament to it" she hangs her head slightly, "Had I been more capable of resisting her then I may have been able to prevent things"

Snow "Your memories of what happened really are fuzzy, aren't they?"

Kayleigh nods, "Yes Sir. The best analogy is that of a dream that you remember having, but can not recollect the details of. Yet elements feel familiar still"

Snow "Well, let me fill you in on some details, then. You remember attacking the Saturn, as you said?"

Kayleigh "In a sense, yes. I... recall it happening, but could not recite any specific details. Much the same as everything else"

Snow turns his computer around to show Kayleigh, "This is the damage report from the attack, Cadet."

Kayleigh leans in, studying the report, "That... is a lot of damage"

Snow "But no casualties. And note the area that is damaged."

Kayleigh "I assumed the casualty report was seperate?" she looks again more closely at the damage report, "I am unfamiliar with much of the terminology here, but... I see no primary systems mentioned?"

Snow "Exactly. The QanwI' hit our storage bays. Not exactly an obvious target. To Talys it was no doubt just a random spot on the hull of the ship. Anyone unfamiliar with Starfleet ships would probably still think to target something that /looks/ important. Like the nacelles or main deflector. And someone who is familiar with Starfleet ships definitely won't target there. Unless..."

Kayleigh tilts her head, "Sir?"

Snow "Unless they were trying specifically to /avoid/ casualties."

Kayleigh "You... are implying that I actually did have some level of control?"

Snow nods, "I think you were fighting back. And you did a damn good job, considering not only that I have no casualties here, but you're back with us again."

Kayleigh thinks deeply on this, "It is certainly something that I would consciously seek to do. Fighting back I mean, not firing on the Saturn... but, I have no conscious memory of doing so and am unable to corroborate that theory"

Snow "Not yet. Maybe you'll be able to once you meditate more. But all the evidence is pointing to that theory right now. I don't think hitting that part of the ship was an accident. I think you weren't strong enough to stop Talys directly, but you still managed to influence what was being done, to an extent."

Kayleigh "I... am uncertain what to make of that Captain. But your logic is sound, and so I will have to take this into consideration as I continue to reconcile the facts"

Snow "Just remember, it wasn't you who did these things. If anything, you tried to stop it. You're not the first Starfleet officer to lose control of your body to a foreign entity, and I doubt you'll be the last. It's one of the risks of being out here. Don't blame yourself for what happened."

Kayleigh "Thank you Captain. And for providing this fresh insight, the thought that I may have on some small level managed to fight her back and lessen the severity of the situation is... a relief"

Snow smiles, "I think you did your best. Better than most people would have in your situation I bet."

Kayleigh "I imagine most people would not have gotten themselves into that position in the first place, but I appreciate the vote of confidence"

Kayleigh "May I ask something Captain?"

Snow "Ask away, Cadet."

Kayleigh "My mother had a fond saying from Earth; that hindsight is 20-20. Seeing now what happened with Talys as a result of my attempt to protect the colony we found her at, was it wrong to attempt to use my unique ability in that situation?"

Snow "No. It was done with good intention. On Stardate 4729.4, Dr. Richard Daystrom installed the M-5 multitronic computer onto the USS Enterprise as a test for the next evolution of computer technology. The computer ultimately ended up going rogue, seizing control of the Enterprise and firing on fellow Starfleet vessels, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of crewmen. Daystrom still has an esteemed research institution and multiple awards named after him."

Kayleigh considers, "I... believe I understand. Thank you Captain, I am aware that operational procedures around the psionic emergence are as much unexplored territory as this region of space. I would not like this incident to sour the general perception of people utilizing psionics in the line of duty. But I am also aware of historical experiences of Starfleet from that same era you mentioned in fact, which still serve to the contrary. I would like to continue to grow with this ability, and learn to master it more skilfully as a supplement to my other skills. But in the light of recent events I would understand if that were vitoed for now"

Snow "Psionics is unexplored territory, yes, but at the end of the day, it's just like any other tool. In the right hands, it can be used for great things. In the wrong hands, it can do terrible things. And sometimes, it can just go wrong or have unintended side effects. Not much different from any other tool or technology we use. I was an engineer, trust me, I know how badly things can go wrong sometimes. There's no reason to throw psionics out the window because of this one incident, just like how Starfleet didn't discontinue using computers after the M-5 incident."

Kayleigh "Understood Captain. With your permission then, I would like to request additional time for mentoring with Commander Meghan in this area specifically"

Snow nods, "Permission granted, Cadet. Anything else?"

Kayleigh shakes her head, "No Sir, not here at least. I do feel duty bound still to speak with Captain Vix so I will proceed there"

Snow "Sounds good to me. You're dismissed then. Oh, actually, one other thing."

Kayleigh stands, but pauses, "Captain?"

Snow smirks, "For what it's worth, I think pink hair suits you better too."

Kayleigh perks a brow, "Naturally" and proceeds to make her exit

—

The next day, Kay beams over to the QanwI' with Mari, having not-so-subtly-as-she-thinks convinced her to come along for any reason other than moral support

Upon arrival they are met by a typically annoyed looking Klingon with his arm in a brace, who silently escorts the cadets to the bridge

Upon entering, everyone turns to face them, including Lexi who spins around in her chair. They all have pink hair, and somehow deadpan expressions

Mariel doubletakes, "Umm..."

Kayleigh perks a brow, "Things appear to have improved since we were last here"

Lexi bursts out laughing, jumping up and storming over to give Kay a deserving hearty slap on the shoulder, "And they say you lot have no sense of humour!"

Mariel bursts into laughter as well, "I just wasn't expecting /that/!"

All the Klingon bridge crew erupt into a raucus laughter as well, very much appreciating Kay's reaction

Kayleigh "Perhaps we should have Commander Meghan examine the crew here. Talys may yet have survived in them"

Mariel "I was going to say, are you sure you didn't learn the ability of possession from Talys and decided to take over the ship for yourself? If it was Talys, they'd all have /red/ hair!"

Kayleigh hrms, "A fair point, yes"

Lexi laughs more, ushering the pair in, "Well see, we heard that it was someone pointing out that you hair as red as bloodwine that finally prompted you kick her out!"

Mariel grins, "That much is true!"

Mariel looks to Kayleigh, "Do you remember that at all, Kay?"

Kayleigh "I am still more aware of those events through third hand accounts than my own memory. But it does... feel accurate"

Mariel chuckes, "Of course it does!" She looks back to Lexi. "Did you do all that just to tease Kay, or is it some kind of warding ritual to make sure Talys doesn't take over again?"

Lexi, "Ritual? Nah, we just wanted to get our own back on this little vixen!" she ruffles Kay's hair, much to her annoyance

Mariel "It's a better way to get back at her than I thought! Was half expecting you to punch her unconscious the moment we showed up."

Lexi shakes her head and smiles, "If that stupid energy ball was here, /that/ would get far worse. But your friend here did not dishonour us" she side glances a few officers still sporting arena injuries, "Though she did highlight where /some/ of us have been slacking in our martial training!"

The few Klingons shy away a little

Mariel giggles and looks to Kay, "Do you remember beating all of them up, or was Talys already in full control then?"

Kayleigh "I do recall some extensive combat, and felt in my muscles after regaining control" she hrms, "Curious though, I thought I most distinctly recalled fighting with Captain Vix..." she looks to Lexi

Lexi pulls a face and laughs it off, "Ahaha... yeah, aaaanyway... you're quite the little spitfire when you want to be. Earned a lot of respect here, even if it was Talys pulling the strings it was still your capability she was using" she slams a fist to her chest plate, "It would be our honour to join you in battle again some day"

Kayleigh attempts to mirror the gesture, "I- ow... thank you" she settles for simply bowing her head slightly after hurting her chest

Mariel grins, "High honours from a Klingon captain! And she makes a good point, if Talys was in control of me, Captain Vix probably would've subdued me long before I had a chance to take over the ship."

Kayleigh "Unfortunately Talys had no concept of restraint - in more ways than one apparently - but including that over the Vulcan physicality"

Mariel "And your powers are a lot more dangerous unrestrained than mine..."

Kayleigh "If you are referring to psionics, yes. But they are also far more unrefined. And next to her own, they were completely insignificant"

Mariel "True. I suppose the red lightning was all her, not you. You just both happened to have lightning powers."

Lexi, "Yeah, we should probably count ourselves lucky she mostly used it for show. I hear there was quite the outburst on the Saturn's bridge"

Kayleigh nods, "Yes, though I believe it would be more accurate to describe it as her natural state"

Mariel "I did my best to keep her in check when we got on the Saturn. Sorry for all the damage here, though."

Lexi shakes her head, "Nonsense! It was your sharp thinking that helped us keep that creature in check after all!"

Mariel "All I did was play along and pretend to be her head priestess..."

Lexi, "Don't sell yourself short! Your playing along bought us a lot of necessary time, and nobody else could have done it so well!"

Kayleigh looks between the two curiously

Mariel pats Kayleigh on the shoulder, "Don't forget Kayleigh, she did her part in fighting Talys too! Talys even said that Kay was trying to fight back."

Lexi wags a finger, "All encouraged by your actions still"

Mariel "I just did what I can! I'm glad there aren't any hard feelings with you and your crew, though. Everyone knows Talys was in control, but she was still wearing Kayleigh's face when doing it, and I was afraid that might cause some blood feuds or something..."

Kayleigh "That was... something of a concern"

Lexi nods, "Understandable, which is why we wanted to show you that there are no hard feelings here young Kayleigh"

Kayleigh "I appreciate the consideration Captain"

Mariel "Well, the hair certainly is a...creative way to show it!" she giggles

Lexi, "Well, we know how important it is now!" she laughs

Mariel laughs, "That we do! So, how is the QanwI' coming along, anyways? I hope the damage wasn't too bad?"

Lexi, "We're already back in fighting shape! And I hear the Saturn isn't going to be far behind either"

Mariel "Yeah, I think the damage wasn't too critical. Just some cargo bays or something."

Lexi smirks, "Yeah, funny that. With all those expose systems seems to me it would have taken more effort to miss them all than to even hit one by blind luck"

Mariel "Does seem to be more than a lucky hit..."

Kayleigh "That was Captain Snow's conclusion as well. He has determined that part of my fighting back was to influence her aim away from critical sections"

Mariel "See? Kayleigh was definitely helping too!"

Lexi "Oh I have no doubt of that. It was truly a team effort that only you two could have pulled off. And that's why we're celebrating you girls!"

Mariel smiles, "Thank you, Captain Vix."

Kayleigh "Yes, thank you Captain"

Lexi, "Pfft! Nevermind that, now you two aren't going anywhere until we've emptied at least one barrel of bloodwine! Come on!" she slaps a hand on both of their shoulders, turning the girls around and marching them off the bridge and towards the bar..