ST:UNI213 | "The Long Road Pt. II"

Stardate 100653.5

Trapped in the distant past aboard the Enterprise NX-01, the cadets work with Enterprises's crew in a desperate bid to stop the escaped future Toroki from reaching Earth and fulfilling it's deadly mission.

---

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Kayleigh@crystyl | Early the next morning, the cadets are in Enterprise's mess hall getting some breakfast and awaiting their escort for the mission launch

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris takes a bite from her food, "Well the options here certainly aren't as diverse as our replicators, but at least they have plenty of Earth food selections I'm used to! What about you, Kay? I -

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris - imagine Earth food isn't too foreign to you, and with T'Pol around their chef's probably learned at least one or two Vulcan dishes, right?"

Kayleigh@crystyl:"That he has, and this soup is quite refreshing. And something of a relief actually"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"Really? Why's that?"

Kayleigh@crystyl:"The meal that Doctor first brought for us. I had reservations that the entire crew might have existed on such a heavy diet"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"Oh yeah. I mean, giving how they have to rely on actually cooking food, I was expecting something like emergency rations to be standard or something."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"Well then, it is fortunate that both our culinary reservations were put to rest" she eats some more, "How are you feeling about this mission?"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"I can't say I'm particularly fond of the idea of facing the Toroki, but I'm more worried about Archer and his crew. I mean, I know they're Starfleet legends and all that, it sounds kind of silly -

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:- to be concerned for heroes like them. Still, they're heroes from their time, and they haven't dealt with the dangers of our time. And if something happens to them, that could change history..."

Kayleigh@crystyl nods, "There is nothing silly about it. Things you and I take for granted could potentially pose life threatening challenges to this crew, even with their experience to date"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Malcolm crosses the room to join them, taking a seat, "You never know girls, we might surprise you yet"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"Well, we have studied some of your missions, and your little ship has dealt with things that should be way too dangerous for the technology you have on hand. So if anyone can do this, I think it's -

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:- you! That doesn't mean there still aren't significant risks, though."

Kayleigh@crystyl nods, "We certainly do not underestimate any of you. The simple matter is that between your time and ours, Starfleet has faced countless challenges that is has had to grow and adapt to overcome. It-

Kayleigh@crystyl:- is therefore only logical that without said experience to shape and evolve technologies and methods up to this point, the capability would not be equatable" she ponders idly, "It is fortunate the -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- Borg did not present in this era..."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Malcolm, "The what now?"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"Actually I remember coming across one of Archer's reports which seem surprisingly similar to Borg encounters. But they don't know them as the Borg yet in this era, and we definitely shouldn't tell -

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:- them any more about it."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"Right, a good point"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Malcolm looks between the pair and chuckles, "Anyway, are you ready to get this underway?"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"Ready as we'll ever be. What about your people?"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Malcolm, "Travis is prepping the shuttlepod and the MACO's should be there already"

Kayleigh@crystyl shares a glance with Mari, "Then we should not keep them waiting" and stands

—

Kayleigh@crystyl | Inside the shuttlepod hangar, Travis and the MACO's are busy loading up

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris steps in, taking a look around before making her way up to Travis and the MACOs, "This must be the shuttlepod we're using, right?"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Travis looks up to the catwalk and waves, "This is it! Might not be much to look at, especially to you girls, but these pods do us well"

Kayleigh@crystyl:"I see now why you call them pods. Still, I was not expecting the hangar to be so... literal"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Travis, "huh... Well, when we get back you can tell me all about your idea of a hangar then!"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris chuckles, "That's where the term comes from! I think. I'm not exactly a communications specialist. But words usually have a meaning like that which often gets lost or changed over time as -

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris - technology evolves. Like how ships originally referred to sailing ships on water!"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Malcolm hands the cadets a pair of rifles, "I trust you at least know how to handle one of these"

Kayleigh@crystyl takes it and checks it over, "I have completed basic weapons training, yes"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris takes the rifle and looks it over too, "Same, but these weapons are still pretty different from what we have in our time, right?"

Kayleigh@crystyl show Mari, "They are functionally the same, I believe these are the yield settings and safeties"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Malcolm nods, "We're there to fight, you're there to figure things out. But I'm not taking any chances by leaving you unarmed. So with that, let's load up and get over there" he heads down the -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- ramp and clambers into the pod

Kayleigh@crystyl follows, much less gracefully as she teeters on the flimsy access much to the entertainment of the MACO's

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris watches Kayleigh follow and goes a bit slow and carefully, which ends up looking just as ridiculous

Kayleigh@crystyl | Once the MACO's all pile in too, the shuttle seals up and the bay doors open beneath it. The deployment arm lowers it down before they release and turn towards the derelict freighter...

—

Kayleigh@crystyl | A short flight later and the pod is docked with the freighter. The change in atmosphere with the team is palpable as all the MACOs square themselves for combat. One of them opens the airlock and -

Kayleigh@crystyl - they start to filter out, securing the area for Malcolm and the cadets

Kayleigh@crystyl | A pair of MACOs remain just outside the airlock while Travis stays at the controls

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Malcolm moves out with his phaser rifle raised, carefully checking the environment before announcing, "Everything seems clear."

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris holds her rifle under one arm and keeps one hand on an open 22nd century hand scanner, "No lifesigns or movement on sensors either."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"We must assume that it knows we are here"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Malcolm: "Or soon will, if it doesn't already. Probably waiting for the right moment to strike."

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris nods, "Toroki are ambush predators. They'll stalk a target before attacking."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"We should make haste to the first waypoint Commander Tucker identified"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Malcolm: "Let's get to those environmental controls before that happens."

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris nods and keeps an eye on the scanner while Malcolm leads the way, keeping a physical eye on their surroundings

Kayleigh@crystyl | The MACO leader directs her squad who take strategic positions around the team

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris jumps slightly at a shadow before shaking her head and pressing on

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris checks her hand scanner as she walks before looking back in the direction of the shadow juuust to make sure

Kayleigh@crystyl | The shadow does seem to be innocent

Kayleigh@crystyl | The team presses on cautiously without incident. They pass debris both old and fresh, a stark reminder of events that Kay and Mari saw last time they were here

Kayleigh@crystyl | It is not long before Malcolm can see an access hatch to their target area

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Malcolm carefully checks the area again before proceeding towards the hatch again, making sure the MACOs have them covered before lowering his rifle slightly to open the hatch with one arm

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:rolls 88 (1-100)

Kayleigh@crystyl | It takes a little effort but he is able to force the door

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Malcolm holds his rifle with both hands again, pointing it ahead as he peers in to check beyond the door

Kayleigh@crystyl | The room beyond is small and he can easily see that there are no surprises in there

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Malcolm: "All clear."

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris follows in, still keeping an eye on her scanner, "Are these the environmental controls?"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Malcolm: "You tell me."

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:rolls 81 (1-100)

Kayleigh@crystyl:rolls 65 (1-100)

Kayleigh@crystyl | the cadets start exploring, being at least a little more familiar with the ship

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris steps over, examining a console, "Hey, take a look at this."

Kayleigh@crystyl & Malcolm join her

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"Someone's damaged this console."

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Malcolm: "Not exactly unusual considering the state of this ship."

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"Yeah, but specifically this one in this room? Nothing else seems to be damaged in here."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"Most shipwide damage is more typical" she inspects it more closely, "These look like clawmarks"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Malcolm takes a closer as well, "You're right. It looks like the Toroki specifically targeted this console."

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"Maybe it was a place where you could access the enviromental controls, and the Toroki knew the danger it could present..."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"That would be the most logical deduction"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Malcolm: "Guess our enemy's one step ahead of us. It could be worth checking out the other waypoints still. There might be more than one console to access the environmental controls from. -

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris - Maybe the Toroki missed one of them."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"That is why Commander Tucker identified all possibilities for us. Still, there may be another option"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"What's your plan, Kay?"

Kayleigh@crystyl:"Less of a plan, more of a consideration. If we could locate a system access panel, we may be able to cross reference Commander Tucker's waypoints with active diagnostic readouts. In short, we could-

Kayleigh@crystyl:- potentially predetermine if any other locations have been destroyed like this one. But, we do not have a clear location of such a terminal"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"If only Kerafar was here...no wait, I'm not sure he'd do well in a high-stress situation like this. We could call the ship and see if Commander Tucker can find one for us..."

Kayleigh@crystyl | The MACO Sergeant chimes in, "I would not recommend it. A comms signal could betray our location to the enemy"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"Good point. If the Toroki's smart enough to know which consoles control the environment it might be able to track comm signals too. I'll check with the scanner to see if I can locate a panel on -

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:- the way to the next waypoints, maybe."

Kayleigh@crystyl nods, "That may be our best option. If and when we find one, we can then decide how to proceed" she looks to Malcolm for a confirmation

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Malcolm nods in agreement, "Let's keep moving, then." He makes his way out the door and begins to lead the way towards the next waypoint

Kayleigh@crystyl | They proceed through the eerie silence and find the next station has also been destroyed, and quickly move on to the next

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:rolls 34 (1-100)

Kayleigh@crystyl | Another waypoint, another destroyed console and still no sign of an access point. At this point, doubt will be creeping in with the thought that the Toroki has destroyed all of them by now

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"We need a backup plan in case it really has destroyed all access to the environmental controls..."

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Malcolm: "Hide in the shuttlepod and vent the entire atmosphere of the ship?"

Kayleigh@crystyl:"That would require access to environmental controls to do effectively. If we attempt to force a breach, emergency systems would more than likely seal it"

Kayleigh@crystyl:"There is a viable backup plan, but given our situation I would prefer not to consider that as viable until we have to"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"That sounds ominous..."

Kayleigh@crystyl doesn't respond, simply looks ahead, "We are not out of options yet"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:rolls 67 (1-100)

Kayleigh@crystyl:rolls 2 (1-100)

Kayleigh@crystyl | The team press on towards the next waypoint in the hopes that it is intact

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris pauses as she looks around, "Wait. That door."

Kayleigh@crystyl stops and looks around, as does Malcolm while the MACO's snap to arms, anticipating an attack

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"No, it's not the Toroki. At least, I don't think it's behind there right now. But I've been here before, and this debris wasn't here last time."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"Well to be fair, none of the debris was debris when we were last here"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"Yeah, which is why it's not necessarily the Toroki who came through here. If we get through, maybe the maintenance room could be useful. To find if any of the other environmental controls are -

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:- accessible or something."

Kayleigh@crystyl hrms, "I see yes, if it was blocked before the Toroki started sabotaging consoles then it could have been overlooked"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Malcolm: "Let's see if we can get through, then." He gestures one of the MACOs to step over and help with moving the debris

Kayleigh@crystyl | The MACO nods and holsters his weapon, stepping over to help Malcolm clear the way

Kayleigh@crystyl steps in and assists as well

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris continues to watch her scanner and keep an eye out for the Toroki while the stronger people remove the debris

Kayleigh@crystyl | A few minutes and some gruntwork later, the doorway is clear

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Malcolm moves in first, checking the room with his phaser raised

Kayleigh@crystyl | They find that the room is clear, and the elusive systems access seems to be intact here

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris goes over to a console, trying to access the environmental systems and turn down the temperature

Kayleigh@crystyl | Mari finds she can't access environmental systems from here, but since it's maintenance it has system overview access which she could use to get the status of the remaining waypoints

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris checks to see if environmental access is available at any of the waypoints still

Kayleigh@crystyl | Surprisingly, all of Trip's guesses as to likely locations seem to match up. Less fortunately however, all but one of them show as offline

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"Wow, your Chief Engineer's good. He did identify all the right consoles, although only one is still active. Let's get there before the Toroki realizes."

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris shows Malcolm the waypoint still active

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Malcolm gestures for the MACOs to move out, "Let's go, then."

Kayleigh@crystyl peeks at the console as they begin to move, "Lieutenant, that may be unwise"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Malcolm pauses and glances back at Kayleigh

Kayleigh@crystyl:"This is just supposition, but given how quickly and effectively the Toroki was able to identify and destroy all access points that could be used to put it at a disadvantage, do you not find it -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- strangely convenient that exactly one remains intact? I have no way of knowing either way, but should point out the possibility that this may be a trap"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"That's true. Can you...check the schematics of the area around that console? See if there's convenient access points from maintenance tunnels or something that would make it a good ambush point -

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:- for the Toroki."

Kayleigh@crystyl taps away, "Unfortunately just about everywhere on the ship has such access points"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Malcolm: "Can you identify the ones that the Toroki might use to ambush us at that particular area? If we know there's a trap, we might be able to ambush the ambusher."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"I will do my best to. May I?" she gestures to Mari for her tricorder to update it

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris nods, handing over the device

Kayleigh@crystyl starts working away, trying to identify all the potential ambush points and display them on their portable map

Kayleigh@crystyl comments while working, "It is also worth mentioning that there is technically one other access point, but we had previously ruled it out in favour of these remote locations"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"Let me guess, the bridge?"

Kayleigh@crystyl glances up and nods, "Correct"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"I didn't consider that, but we can use it to our advantage..."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"Potentially" she turns to Malcolm, "If the Toroki did infact leave ths one terminal as a trap then it stands to reason it will be there waiting. Therefore we could go for the bridge to avoid it, or-

Kayleigh@crystyl:- proceed per current plans and engage it. On the other hand, if it did indeed simply miss this one location, then it would be fair to assume that it would be trying to drive us towards the bridge -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- order to ambush us there"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Malcolm: "Either way, we prepare for an ambush. If we guess right, it'll be at the other location, which'll make it easier to deal with."

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"The question is which location...the bridge is likely because of its importance, but it's also a key central spot, as opposed to a more obscure part of the ship which is more in line with the -

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:- Toroki's natural hunting habits."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"That is indeed the question. Whichever we choose, I can pull the danger points to our map"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Malcolm: "Let's head to the waypoint. There's a chance the Toroki left that one untouched to ambush us, but there's also a chance it actually missed that access point. There's no way it -

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris - doesn't know about the bridge, we'll just be banking on it not preferring to hunt there."

Kayleigh@crystyl nods, "Understood" and finishes updating the map. She hands it back to Mari, but also pulls her own tricorder and quickly pulls some further data from the console while everyone prepares to move out

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris takes the scanner back and gives Kay a nod of thanks while Malcolm signals the MACOs to move out

—

Kayleigh@crystyl | The team cautiously make their way to the last waypoint in hopes of finding a functioning environmental control there

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris continues checking her scanner as they go, alert for movement or any other signs of the Toroki

Kayleigh@crystyl | At this point, everyone is a bit more on edge and alert after being here so long now

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:rolls 92 (1-100

Kayleigh@crystyl:rolls 9 (1-100

Kayleigh@crystyl focuses a bit too hard on watching for ambushes, and accidentally catches a piece of debris with her foot causing it to rustle and clatter making everyone else jump

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris jumps, "You alright, Kay?"

Kayleigh@crystyl raises her hands to the primed MACO's now all giving her the evil eye, "Apologies. Yes, I am fine of course. It was just some debris moving on the floor"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Malcolm: "I hope that doesn't alert the Toroki..."

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"I'm sure if the Toroki is in the area, it'll already know we're here."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"A fair assertion Mari, but yes - I too do not wish to raise it's awareness of our movements. I apologize again"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Malcolm: "Let's keep going. Better not stick around in case it does come to investigate."

Kayleigh@crystyl | The team continue without interruption

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris continues checking her scanner, "We should be getting close to the waypoint."

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Malcolm: "Let's be extra careful here, in case there's an ambush."

Kayleigh@crystyl | The MACO's switch around the formation slightly and tread a little more carefully

Kayleigh@crystyl | As they continue, Malcolm's communicator chirps. Once again making everyone jump, this time drawing him the death glares from the MACO's

Kayleigh@crystyl mutters, "I hope that didn't didn't alert the Toroki to our presence either..."

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Malcolm frowns and activates his communicator, whispering, "Reed here."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Travis whispers through the comm, speaking very deliberately and somewhat fearfully, "Malcolm. Please tell me you are at the airlock..."

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Malcolm: "We're approaching one of the waypoints now. Is there movement at the airlock?"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Travis, "It's... here..." the comm promptly closes

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Malcolm: "That doesn't sound good. If it's there, then it's probably not at the environmental controls, right?"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"Unless there's more than one awake..."

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Malcolm: "We're too far to make it back to the airlock to be of any help. We'll have to hope Travis and the MACOs back there can drive it off. The best thing we can do now is continue to the -

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris - environmental controls and drop the temperature to weaken the thing."

Kayleigh@crystyl | MACO Sergeant, "That won't help us if it kills our pilot. Or worse, cuts the pod loose to trap us here. If it's at the airlock, my men could already be down"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"But if we head back now, we might lose our chance to weaken it. Unless the MACOs head back and we continue onward...I'm not sure if it's a good idea to split up even more though..." she looks to Kay

Kayleigh@crystyl:"If we want to eat cake, it would be the most expedient way. Both objectives have merit, and neglecting either has the potential for setbacks. I would be willing to split up, given that we know -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- where it is now and once the MACO's get back they will be able to keep it engaged. The three of us could continue to the waypoint in the meantime, and potentially buy them an advantage while they -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- hold it there"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Malcolm: "That might be our best call."

Kayleigh@crystyl | MACO SGT: "Is that your order then, Sir?"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Malcolm nods, "Get back there as quickly as you can. We'll lower the temperature and hopefully make it easier for you to deal with the enemy."

Kayleigh@crystyl | MACO SGT gives a firm nod and turns to his squad. With a silent affirmation, they all race off back to the pod

Kayleigh@crystyl watches them disappear around the corner, "We should also make haste"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Malcolm hurries ahead towards the waypoint, being less cautious than before as the Toroki is most likely not there

Kayleigh@crystyl follows, trying her best to make up for the lack of MACO protection

Kayleigh@crystyl | The three arrive at the workstation which does indeed look to be intact and functional

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Malcolm: "About time. Looks like that information of yours was right."

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris steps up to try and access environmental systems

Kayleigh@crystyl catches the glistening of something on the bottom of the console and fears the worst. She dives at Mari and tackles her to one side, "Mari wait!"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris is tackled to the ground with a yelp of surprise

Kayleigh@crystyl | As the pair tumble, a crude spring trap triggers which launches a piece of debris shaped like a small diameter broken off metal pipe. It flies out from under the console and embeds in a monitor -

Kayleigh@crystyl - on the other side of the room

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Malcolm jumps back, watching as the trap flies across the room

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris sees the trap out of the corner of her eye, "Woah...good catch Kay!"

Kayleigh@crystyl:"Are you alright?" she takes Mari's hand to help her back up

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris takes Kay's hand, "I'm good. Thanks for pushing me out of the way there."

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Malcolm meanwhile carefully checks for more traps

Kayleigh@crystyl | There doesn't appear to be anything else rigged up that he can see

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Malcolm: "Looks clear to me now. Good eye, Cadet."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"It occurred that this may have been left on purpose to draw us in, but if the Toroki was one step ahead to the point of luring us away to first cut off our escape then it was logical to believe -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- that it would have trapped it's lure as well. It was simply fortunate that I was suitably positioned to see it"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"I wonder if the bridge would've been similarly trapped if we went there...but now that we're here and the trap seems to be triggered, hopefully we can help out the MACOs," she approaches the -

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:- console again, more cautiously this time

Kayleigh@crystyl | Her caution is prudent, but ultimately unneccessary now as she is able to access it without incident

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris quickly turns down the temperature to 5 degrees celcius

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"Alright, temperature should be dropping now. Let's hope that helps out the MACOs..."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"Should we return to aid them now?"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Malcolm: "Might not be a good idea to try and comm them if they're in the middle of a fight. Let's head back for the airlock."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"Understood"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Malcolm starts leading the way back to the airlock, keeping his rifle raised and ready

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris continues checking her scanner for movement and lifesigns as she follows behind

Kayleigh@crystyl pauses at the door as they begin to head out. She turns and fires once at the console, glancing between the odd looks Mari and Malcolm give her, "The Toroki was sabotaging them to prevent -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- tampering. It is only logical to take the same precaution now that we have adjusted things"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Malcolm nods in agreement, "Good thinking. Now if the Toroki wants to turn the temperature back up, it'll have to head to the bridge so we know where to find it, if it isn't at the airlock."

Kayleigh@crystyl | With that the trio rush back to the airlock

Kayleigh@crystyl | As they approach, they can hear lots of weapons fire

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris lowers her scanner and raises her rifle, "It's definitely here..."

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Malcolm holds his rifle ready as well, though he doesn't rush in and approaches carefully, ready to fire if the Toroki jumps out at them

Kayleigh@crystyl | Peering around the corner, they see Travis and the MACO's grouped at the airlock. Travis is trying to pull an injured MACO into the pod while the others are covering him, firing at the Toroki -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- which they finally get a good look at as it jumps around erratically, almost determined to find a way through the defensive fire

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Malcolm gestures for the cadets to hold. He steps up and takes aim around the corner, trying to hit the Toroki from behind, careful not to accidentally shoot the friendlies on the other side

Kayleigh@crystyl | He catches it alright, and draws it's attention

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris peers out and sees that Malcolm has drawn the Toroki's attention. She quickly fires her own rifle at it as well

Kayleigh@crystyl joins in the frey as well

Kayleigh@crystyl | With increased fire from both directions, the Toroki finds itself increasingly backed into a corner. Moving slowly due to the temperature as well, it is eventually pushed back into a maintenance -

Kayleigh@crystyl:-access affording the team an opportunity to finish getting the injured into the pod and escape

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris helps get the injured on board, leaving the rest of the fighting to Malcolm and the uninjured MACOs

Kayleigh@crystyl provides some covering fire, helping with the lst injured MACO and calls to Malcolm, "That's everyone Lieutenant"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Malcolm: "Let's get out of here, then! Hopefully the Toroki won't turn the temperature back up when we're gone."

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"Even if it does, it's already hurt and weaker than it was before. We'll still have an advantage when we get back. Let's get your people to sickbay first."

Kayleigh@crystyl | After the last of MACO's enters the pod, Malcolm follows and seals the hatch

—

Kayleigh@crystyl | Back on Enterprise's bridge, Archer watches eagerly on the viewscreen as they shuttle break free of the derelict

Kayleigh@crystyl | T'Pol, "The shuttlepod is returning. Ensign Mayweather advises that they have injuries"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer relaxes back into his chair, "Not great, but better than fatalities. Hoshi"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Hoshi nods and turns to her console, "I'll make sure Phlox is ready"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer stands and stretches, walking around to relax, "Let's hope they at least got done what they needed to"

Kayleigh@crystyl | T'Pol, "Captain. The freighter is charging weapons"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer snaps back around, in time to see a disruptor pulse strike the back of the shuttlepod...

—

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer turns to see the freighters fire strike the rear of the shuttlepod and send it careering off course. He jumps back into seat, "Arm phase cannons and target their weapons. Polarize the hull-

Kayleigh@crystyl - plating"

Kayleigh@crystyl | The tactical over is already hard at work, "Targeting weapon arrays"

Kayleigh@crystyl | As they watch, it fires again. Becoming clear now that despite being a few centuries newer, the freighter is no warship with low yield disruptors only and the Toroki itself isn't in best shape -

Kayleigh@crystyl - right now which does not help it's attempts

Kayleigh@crystyl | Tactical: "Weapons ready"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer: "Fire!"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Enterprise's forward cannons let loose a short volley which makes short work of the freighter's unshielded weapons

Kayleigh@crystyl | After a few moments the tactical officer announces that the weapons have neutralized

Kayleigh@crystyl | Hoshi: "Shuttlepod reports engine damage and difficulty manouvering. But no casualties"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer breathes a sigh of relief and stands, "Bring the grapplers online and pull them in manually" and heads down there to check on the returning team

—

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer looks in on the hanger bay to see the damaged shuttlepod now back in place, then promptly moves on

Kayleigh@crystyl | Having made in back in - mostly - one piece, the away team all pile into the decontamination room and start taking stock

Kayleigh@crystyl & Mari of course, being completely unfamiliar with the process and at a bit of a loss, having never before visited the 'blue room'...

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris looks around, "Uhh...what's this? Some kind of sonic shower?"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Malcolm gives her a quirked look, "What on Earth is a sonic shower?"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Travis chuckles, "Don't worry, it's just a decontamination sweep. Won't take long!"

Kayleigh@crystyl looks around, "Is this process not incorporated into your base systems?"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"I'm guessing they don't have that technology yet..."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Malcolm, "The transporter buffer can handle it. Kind of has to, since you can beam straight in without a decon chamber! But otherwise, this is standard practice"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"Yeah, definitely haven't incorporated it into entryways and exits and all that..."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Travis, "Wait, are you saying you /don't/ do this where you're from?"

Kayleigh@crystyl shakes her head, "No, as Mari eluded such precautions are incorporated into pertinent areas"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"The ship systems still do, we just don't have to get into a special room for it anymore."

Kayleigh@crystyl | The viewing hatch slides open to reveal Archer and Phlox peering in

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer, "Malcolm, report"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris stares into the viewing hatch, "And you have a whole viewing thing set up too, how quaint...oh Captain, sorry!" She steps aside to let Malcolm answer

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer chuckles slightly, imagining how this must all look to Mari and Kay

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Malcolm steps over, "Some of the MACOs were wounded, but no fatalities, sir. We manage to injure the Toroki in return, though."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer, "An eye for an eye then. What about your mission plan?"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Malcolm: "We turned the temperature on the ship down, but the Toroki has access to the bridge, so it might've turned it back up. It's hurt and weakened either way, though. No luck on finding -

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris - how the ship travelled across time yet, or how to get the girls back to where they came from."

Kayleigh@crystyl steps over to the pair, "Pardon Sirs, but that may not be entirely accurate"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Malcolm turns with a confused look

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer, "Speak your mind"

Kayleigh@crystyl holds up her tricorder, "While accessing the ship systems, I was able to pull the ship's manifest. I do not know what it contains yet though"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer: "It's worth a look at least, nicely done. We'll get to it as soon as your clear there now"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Phlox leans in, "And for most of you that time is now, you are all cleared through. But Ensign Mayweather, Cadet Kayleigh, you will require additional cleansing. I'm synthesizing a remedy now"

Kayleigh@crystyl | The MACO's all start filing out and Malcolm nods to Mari to proceed with them

Kayleigh@crystyl hands the tricorder to Mari, watching as Travis gives a resigned sigh but doesn't seem at all concerned by this so chooses to follow suit, "It would seem I will have to follow shortly"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris takes the scanner and looks at Phlox curiously, "Why do they need additional decontamination? Kay was with me the whole time, she couldn't have picked up anything I didn't."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Travis, "How do you think I feel, I barely even left the shuttlepod!" he laughs, removing his jumpsuit

Kayleigh@crystyl perks a brow at the stripping down

Kayleigh@crystyl | Phlox smiles, "That's just how it goes sometimes with these little bacteria. Haven't you ever shared a room with someone and one of you catches a nasty cold, but the other doesn't?"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"True...well, I'll leave you two to it, then!" She moves to follow Malcolm and the others out

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer turns away with Malcolm, "Let's get this data to T'Pol and see what we can make of it"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Phlox reappears after the others have left, "Here we are, just apply this ointment all over and I wll check back in shortly"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Travis heads over and retrieves the small pots of ointment from the tray that pops open before Phlox closes the hatch and leaves them to it

Kayleigh@crystyl stands to one side, watching curiously and a little tentatively at the continued undressing, "So..."

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Travis: "Right, you've never done this where you come from. Well, you have to undress and use the gel the doctor gives us. Like this," he takes some of the ointment and rubs it over his arm to -

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris - demonstrate

Kayleigh@crystyl:"Interesting. Well, that seems simple enough" she sits and dabs some on the end of her finger, giving it a curious sniff before rubbing it gently onto the back of her hand

Kayleigh@crystyl naturally assumes that is all that is required. Gel met skin, so job done logically

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Travis: "No, no, you have to apply it all over your skin, not just on one spot, so it can spread out and do its thing."

Kayleigh@crystyl turns to Travis, looking him up and down again now that he is stripped down to his underwear and sat there glistening from the gel in the blue light, "All over, as in... all over...?"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Travis nods slowly, "Yes...that's why we have to undress first."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"I see" she starts to follow suit, peeling off her tunic first, "And is this always done co-ed, locked in a dark room like this?"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Travis: "Yeah... Hey, you heard the doctor's orders! It's not like I'm doing this to take advantage of you or anything!"

Kayleigh@crystyl:"I am aware, and while I appreciate the chivalrous sentiment I am sure you are equally aware that taking advantage of a Vulcan in that manner would be virtually impossible for a Human"

Kayleigh@crystyl notes, matter of factly, pulling out her bun and letting her hair flow suprisingly long down past her shoulders so she can peel her undershirt up and over her head while sat down beside him still

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Travis: "Right...superior strength and all..."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"Exactly. But as you said, that is not your intent so it is of no consequence" she pulls off her boots before standing

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Travis shifts away from Kayleigh nervously as he applies the ointment over himself

Kayleigh@crystyl stands, twisting around slightly to unzip her skirt before wriggling it down and dropping it to the floor. She starts peeling her stocking down before sitting back down to finish removing them. she-

Kayleigh@crystyl:- glances at Travis, noting in passing, "Are you alright Ensign? You appear to be flushed and your heartrate is noticably higher than is normal. Perhaps this condition is more severe than we -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- thought. I can attempt to contact the doctor-" she stands, now stripped down to her underwear intending to call for help

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Travis: "No, no, it's not- I'm fine. Uhh...let's just get this done with..."

Kayleigh@crystyl hrms curiously and sits back down, "You are more familiar with this process than me, so I will defer to your judgement" she scoops some gel and starts lathering up, starting with both arms and then-

Kayleigh@crystyl:- extending one leg at a time to coat them each in turn

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Travis quickly coats himself in the ointment before sitting down awkwardly

Kayleigh@crystyl works her way up her body methodically, standing to coat her rear and then twisting awkwardly to try and get her back, "Um... I may need some assistance here" she sits and twists to present her -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- bare back to Travis, pulling her loose hair to one side

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Travis: "Right." He hesitates briefly before he covers a hand in ointment and starts putting it on her back, his movements often too stiff and quick

Kayleigh@crystyl flinches slightly at the rough touch, "If I might make an observation, you appear unusually tense. Moreso even than on the mission"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Travis: "Sorry, it's just, uhh...very crowded in here. And dark, yeah."

Kayleigh@crystyl looks around the empty room

Kayleigh@crystyl | As she turns, Travis can't help but notice her soft pale skin glistening under the gel as he gulps and slides his fingertips under the strap of her bra

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | This time, Travis' hand lingers for a little too long before he realizes and draws away, "Okay, that should be it!" He immediately shifts away from Kayleigh again

Kayleigh@crystyl:"Thank you" she turns back to face him squarely and scoops some more gel. She gives him a look to say 'come on' before gestering a twirl with her other hand, "Your turn. Unless you are actually a -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- shapeshifter and can cover it yourself"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Travis chuckles a little, "Well I'm sure no shapeshifter last time I checked!" He stands and turns around

Kayleigh@crystyl gets to work, coating his back with a noteably more delicate touch

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Travis: "You sure you haven't done this in your time before? Or...after, I guess."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"Quite positive" she continues her methodical application

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Travis: "Well, you seem pretty good at it."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"Thank you for the praise" she continues a bit, lost in thought, before adding, "You have a very well defined physique"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Travis: "Oh, uhh...thanks."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"It is customary to repay praise of a personal nature with a likened complement" she finishes covering his back and sits back. When he turns back around she waits a moment more before stating, "Do -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- you wish to apply the gel to my chest?"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Travis: "Wha- no! I uhh...you can reach there yourself, right?"

Kayleigh@crystyl turns her gaze towards him, "It is quite clear that you are experienced significant sexual tension right now. Through my social observations, I have come to understand the best way to alleviate -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- this without directly satisfying it is with humour" she turns back

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Travis blushes, "Oh, that was a joke..."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"There is little in the way of situational context here to work with for creating such parodies. I am reasonably confident that you have by now noticed the fact that I am Vulcan, and so no prone to -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- act on such urges even if they are experienced. But if it helps the situation for you, I can confirm that you would make a desirable mate in the right circumstances"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Travis: "Right. That's, uhh...a good compliment. Thank you."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"The right circumstances would - among other things - include not being temporally displaced by a few centuries" she dabs a final bit of gel and rubs it around the tips of her ears

Kayleigh@crystyl | Phlox appears at the hatch, "Good news you two, scans are all clear now so you are free to go once more!"

Kayleigh@crystyl stands and steps to the door, but pauses and turns back to Travis, "I assume we are not meant to walk through the ship still coated in this gel and so have the facilities to clean off first?"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Travis nods and points to a side door, "Yeah, just through there”.

Kayleigh@crystyl & Travis both head to the showers to clean up.

Kayleigh@crystyl: “Are you heading to the debriefing afterwards?”.

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Travis strains his neck trying to look every but at Kayleigh as he follows her, “Y-yep. After a nice long shower. A nice… long cold shower…”.

—

Kayleigh@crystyl | While Kay and Travis go through decontamination, Mari joins the rest of the senior staff as they gather on the bridge to review their findings

Kayleigh@crystyl | As they enter, Archer heads over to the conference table and waves T'Pol over, "T'Pol, see what you can make of the data on here"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pol steps over and begins examining the data. Mari peers in and takes a look as well, curious what Kayleigh recovered

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pol: "This looks to be a cargo manifest for the freighter." She begins scrolling through the list

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"Does it have any information on the living cargo?"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer, "A good question"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pol: "It would appear only there is only one loose about the ship. These log entries are peculiar, however. It would seem that the crew was becoming more and more unhinged as the entries -

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris - went on."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer's brow furrows, "Like that Vulcan crew we found in the expanse?"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pol: "There are similarities, yes, though the cause is likely different."

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"Well, that all tracks with what we know. It's good to confirm we only have to deal with one Toroki, though."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer, "Whatever it is could be significant" he looks to Mari, "You said this Toroki was exhibiting similarly unhinged behaviour, right? What if there's something else on that ship that it and -

Kayleigh@crystyl - the crew got exposed to? Then we could all be compromised"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"No, I know what causes this behaviour, and it shouldn't be able to spread to us. At least, not under normal circumstances."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer looks to Mari, "Care to elaborate for those of us not in the know?"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"Are you familiar with psionic energy yet?"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer looks between those gathered, "That's psychic powers, like Vulcan mind melds right?"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pol nods, "It is the type of energy which is responsible for transmitting them, as gravitons are for gravity."

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"Well, this behaviour spreads through psionic energy. A single, non-psionic individual like a Toroki shouldn't be able to produce enough of it to spread the...infection, I guess you can call it, to -

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:- anyone else. Or a Vulcan, even. If we're dealing with a Betazoid or a Chlasi then there might be a risk, but like T'Pol said, it's just that one Toroki on board so we /should/ be fine."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer hrms, "Alright then, I can't say I really understand all of this stuff. But if you say it's nothing to worry about, I'm inclined to believe you. So, we know there is only one of them now. -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- What's next?"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pol: "I suppose our next move should be to subdue the Toroki and determine how to utilize the ship to send the cadets back home. We may be able to do both simultaneously, if the data here -

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris - provides some clue on what technology transported the ship through time."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer, "Assuming the ship wasn't built to cross time - and from the looks of it, I consider that a reasonably safe bet - then it must be something it was transporting right?"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pol nods, "That is my suspicion as well."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer chuckles, "I don't suppose there's an entry on that manifest conveniently labelled 'suspicious time travel equipment' is there?"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Trip laughs, "Now wouldn't that be something?"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"I can help check if there's anything. Temporal mechanics isn't my focus, but we've been studying it quite a bit in the Annex due to recent events and all, so I might be able to spot something -

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:- that's involved in the time travel process or something."

Kayleigh@crystyl | T'Pol nods and transfers the data to the main table display for them all to see

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:rolls 51 (1-100)

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:rolls 90 (1-100)

Kayleigh@crystyl:rolls 66 (1-100)

Kayleigh@crystyl:rolls 52 (1-100)

Kayleigh@crystyl | The team all grow quiet, Archer sipping from a mug, as they browse the data made largely of unfamiliar names and references

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pol: "Interesting. While the majority of the list state specific item names, this entry only says it is salvage from a particular civilization or ship."

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris looks at the entry T'Pol points out, "Wait, Krenim...that's a species which has been involved in time travel, I believe."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer looks, "Well that seems rather suspicious" he smirks at Trip, "Not quite the convenient label we were hoping for, but I'll take it"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Trip smile and nods, "Win some, lose some Cap'n!"

—

Kayleigh@crystyl | After finally clearing decontamination, Kayleigh makes her way to the bridge, joining the others at the review

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer looks up at the arrival, "All clear I see. No Travis?"

Kayleigh@crystyl steps over to the table, "No Captain, he said something about a long cold shower. He seemed rather... focused on it, so I came ahead"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Trip smirks a little, knowing full well why Travis is needing a cold shower

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"Well, we're trying to figure out the time travel technology on that ship. But we could probably use a strategy for dealing with the Toroki again when we get back, too."

Kayleigh@crystyl nods, glancing at the table and seeing that they are looking through the manifest, "Did we learn anything from the data yet?"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris nods, "We found an entry listed as Krenim salvage, which is possibly connected to time travel tech, but it doesn't specify exactly what the salvage is."

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pol: "That was what made it stand out. Unfortunately, the lack of detail also makes it difficult to determine how we can utilize it until we can see for ourselves aboard the vessel."

Kayleigh@crystyl looks up from her perusing, "Krenim technology? That certainly has the potential to be a part of this" she continues browsing some before commenting, "Hm. You can actually discern a timeline to -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- their indoctrination on board that ship from these entries. Fascinating"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer, "Indoctrination? Is that the psionic energy you were talking about?" he looks to Mari

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris nods, "The indoctrination is done through exposure to the corrupted psychic energy."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer, "And... you're certain we're not at risk?"

Kayleigh@crystyl:"Not likely. The source is not present, which is likely the reason for the Toroki's current state of mind"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"Technically, the source /is/ still present in this century, but it's way too far away to have a direct impact on us or the Toroki."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"Precisely. And we know from our studies what happened to the entrhalled when the Architect was defeated. Now in the Toroki's case, it was sealed away in stasis. But then awoke to a world without -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- the influence. But it's mind had already been eroded by the process. So what is left is like a mindless thrall running on the instinct of it's last known thought"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"So the Toroki is the only thing we have to worry about, its corruption shouldn't be able to spread to anyone else."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"Indeed"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer and Trip share a confused glance

Kayleigh@crystyl | Trip, "Yeah... I still don't get it..."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer, "But you two clearly understand the situation"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pol: "We should not think of this as a conventional viral infection. The Toroki does not have the capability to transmit this psionic corruption on to any of us due to lacking enough psionic -

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris - energy of its own. Think of it as a computer infection, but the infected vessel does not have a comms system strong enough to broadcast the virus, so only the one ship is compromised."

Kayleigh@crystyl considers, "A reasonable analogy. But I would add to this that your metaphorical computer had it's core programming wiped as well"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Trip looks between the two and shakes his head, chuckling, "Vulcans..."

Kayleigh@crystyl | T'Pol gives him an incredulous look

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer smiles, "Point taken ladies, thank you. So we are still no better off than before as I am seeing it. We still have a ship out there, and a Toroki on board intent on killing anyone it can, -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- and the means of sending you home locked away there"

Kayleigh@crystyl:"We do now at least understand the enemy. It is less of a sentient and skilled hunter and more of an instinct driven creature at this point. That understanding will be valuable in dealing with it"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Malcolm nods, "I am inclined to agree with her there Captain. Knowing your enemy can be half the battle"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"And we've already hurt it too, so it'll be easier to deal with. Assuming it doesn't have medical supplies or know how to use them."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer, "A lesson we have learned the hard way far too often" he looks to Mari, "Do you have any estimate as to the extent of it's injuries?"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"It's hard to say...the Toroki definitely took a few hits, and all our phasers were on the maximum setting, so even glancing shots would've hurt it. I didn't see exactly where it was hit or what -

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:- the damage is. If we're lucky, it might've been fatal and the Toroki just clung on to life long enough to shoot at the shuttle and is already dead now. We shouldn't count on that, though."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer looks to Malcolm, "How are the MACO's holding up?"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Malcolm, "A few scrapes, but Phlox is tending to the worst of the injuries now. They should be back up to fighting speed by tomorrow"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer, "Then I guess we will just have to try again then" he looks around, "Good work today, all of you. Now get some rest, we'll look at sending another team over tomorrow. Dismissed"

Kayleigh@crystyl | The Enterprise crew start to disperse

Kayleigh@crystyl watches and steps after T'Pol, "Subcommander"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pol looks to Kayleigh, "Do you require something, Cadet?"

Kayleigh@crystyl:"Since we have some time now, I was curious if you would be interested in resuming our previous discussion"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pol nods, "We can reconvene in my quarters if you wish."

Kayleigh@crystyl nods, "Very well, I will stop by there later" she turns back to Mari

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris looks to Kay, "I think that went pretty well. No one died and we got some information and weakened the Toroki."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"Yes. Many would all too easily focus on the negative in that it is still alive and we learned nothing overly decisive. But focusing on the positive progression in these circumstances is -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- strategically wise"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"Hey we learned about the Krenim salvage! There's still a lot to learn, but at least we have an idea of where to look."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"And what to look for. Do not misunderstand, I was not condemning your view. Far from it, I was actually just thinking that a suitable emotion right now would be pride"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"Really? I mean, we didn't completely subdue the Toroki or get back home yet..."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"No, but you have shown a deeper appreciation for the value in strategic thinking. Hence, if I were to express an emotion it would be pride in your development"

Kayleigh@crystyl | The more she says, the more Mari gets the feeling that Kay is winding her up again...

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"Right...uhh...what're you up to, Kay?"

Kayleigh@crystyl:"Hm? Nothing in particular as it happens. Though I am curious, can you explain to me the contextual value of cold showers...?" she trails off as the pair head off into the turbolift

Kayleigh@crystyl | The bridge crew all chuckling at the exchange

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris glances to Kayleigh as the lift doors close, "It's, uhh...a human thing, I guess. Vulcan being warm and all..."

Kayleigh@crystyl perks a brow, "But we are not on Vulcan...?"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"Nevermind, I'm not sure how to explain it..." she giggles. "It's an old saying anyways, since- oh wait, I guess it's not an old saying yet because they don't have sonic showers yet..."

Kayleigh@crystyl hrms, "Very well. But yes, that was quite the revelation before. Setting aside the whole decontamination process, the showers... with actual water of all things"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"I know right! It's so different how they do things in this century. It's actually really interesting to see where a lot of our modern technology and processes originate from."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"Very much so, yes. Though I must say of all things I am most relieved to see us having moved on from, it is that decontamination process. Most inconvenient"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"Yeah...although I guess if we stick around for longer, we might find more inconveniences of their tech. Hopefully this Krenim salvage will be able to get us back home."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"We can only hope"

—

Kayleigh@crystyl | Later on in the day, Kay stops by T'Pol's quarters. Chiming the door on arrival

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pol: "Come in."

Kayleigh@crystyl steps inside, "I trust this is not an inconvenient time?"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pol: "Not at all, Cadet. You mentioned you wished to resume our prior discussion?"

Kayleigh@crystyl:"Yes, I still believe your insights will provide me with valuable understanding"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pol: "I will help you where I can, though I imagine there are some subjects on which you may have more insight than I do."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"And if I can help you by sharing that, I would be happy to do so. But the area that interets me is your experience as the first Vulcan to really integrate with a close quarters Human environment"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pol: "It has certainly been challenging. Several have tried before me, but the experience proved too difficult for them. There are significant differences between Vulcan and human culture, -

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris - as I am sure you are aware."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"Perhaps. I know there are still difference in my time, but I also understand that many have also disappeared since the here and now"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pol: "That is likely. I presume human and Vulcan societies are more...interconnected in your time, hence why you are half-human."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"Yes, though both still retain their own unique identities within the larger collective"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pol: "I imagine neither culture would be willing to give up our cultural distinctions, though some degree of integration is inevitable should this current cooperation continue far into the -

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris - future. Expectation may be the most significant and most crucial difference between our times."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"How so?"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pol: "Even though it has been many years since first contact, our cultures still do not understand each other fully. I researched human culture as much as I was able before arriving on -

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris - Enterprise, but there were still many surprises I was not prepared for. Many of the humans on the ship had no idea what to expect of a Vulcan either."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"You have been here for some time now. Do you find anything particular still stands out as a point of confusion on either side?"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pol: "I believe there are still more than one. While I have found myself becoming more adept at deciphering human behaviour, there are still many things which confounds me. I have come to -

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris - expect emotional responses from humans, but I often fail to predict the exact time of emotion they will react with."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"Well for what it is worth, we all still struggle with that one even in my time. Unlike most other species we work alongside, Humans are particularly difficult to get a read on as a whole"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pol nods, "I find they are particularly unpredictable. Other emotional species behave differently from Vulcans, but the way they will respond can often be extrapolated. The Klingons, for -

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris - example, have emotional responses that are usually quite simple to anticipate."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"Yes, quite the example indeed. Reading emotions and gauging responses is one thing, but there is a lot more consider when living for so long with others. What has been your experience in handling -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- Vulcan traits in this environment, living with a shorter-lived species, experience with mind melds and emotional suppression, that sort of thing?"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pol: "It has been more difficult than among fellow Vulcans, that is for certain. And our experiences in the Expanse did not help matters..."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"I don't need to be familiar with the details from history lessons to know that it was a significant ordeal for all of you, and you have not actually returned to base since that was concluded, right?

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pol: "That is correct. The mission into the Expanse has been by far the most difficult this far. I am impressed at what the crew has been able to accomplish."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"You have all endured a lot without respite, and our arrival has only further delayed things for you. I may be far from learned myself, but as the only other Vulcan around right now I would be happy-

Kayleigh@crystyl:- to help you if I can. I may not be experienced in initiating mind melds, but I am familiar enough with the process if you wish support in refocusing your thoughts. Or for a more Human approach, I -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- am also quite adept at listening"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pol: "I...do not think a mind meld would be a good idea. Listening may be preferable."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"I understand, do not think me presumptuous for it. I am aware that my inexperience can be offputting, especially in more pertinent uses like this as oopposed to actual training in the art"

Kayleigh@crystyl obviously has no idea how much stigma there is around that particlar practice in this age

Kayleigh@crystyl (or T'Pol's experiences for that matter)

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pol: "Your inexperience is understandable. I take it mind melding has become more common in the Vulcan culture of your time?"

Kayleigh@crystyl tilts her head slightly, "Is it not so now? I was raised to understand that it was an ancient technique developed by our ancestors"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pol: "It is not commonly practiced in this century, no."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"How curious, do you happen to know any more on why this is or what it is related to?"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pol: "I am unsure from where the stigma originates, but it is considered a very intimate affair, generally a violation of the privacy of others. I am curious how you view it in your time, -

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris - and how it has come to change."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"Well, there is no denying that it is an intimate connection. That is why we take care to learn proper techniques - not just to avoid harming ourselves or others - but to learn how to properly -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- maintain emotional control"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pol: "I do not believe we are aware of the proper techniques. Whether this is a result of the practice becoming shunned, or the reason it is shunned to begin with, I can only speculate."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"Still, a curious deviation from historical tradition. It begs the question of what else is different, that I may take for granted. I trust we still walk the path of logic in this time?"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pol: "Of course. I cannot imagine we would ever deviate from that."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"True. Still, this latest revelation has made me realize I should not take so much for granted, and that the familiar may in fact be not so familiar now. You will forgive my saying I hope, but in -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- light of recent events you already mentioned, I take it your emotions are running close to the surface still?"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pol nods, "Unfortunately, yes."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"Which was what first prompted my offer to assist. You may confide in me if you so wish, as a means of exposing the root of the emotional inbalance"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pol: "The primary cause was my exposure to trellium-D. Are you aware of the effects of the substance on Vulcans?"

Kayleigh@crystyl shakes her head, "I am not familiar with the substance"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pol: "Trellium is a common material, but the Trellium-D compound is a neurotoxin specifically to the Vulcan physiology. Exposure degrades our neural pathways."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"That would be extremely problematic. And you were exposed to this?"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pol nods, "Not as much as the crew of the Seleya, but some damage was still done."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"The Selaya? I take that is another ship who encountered the same thing?"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pol: "A Vulcan vessel, yes. As its crew was comprised entirely of Vulcans, the effects of the Trellium-D were far more severe. That is another benefit of serving with a crew such as -

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris - Enterprise. If I had been on another entirely Vulcan crew, we would have succumbed to the same fate as the Seleya. Similarly, there have been situations that have affected the humans, but -

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris - which Doctor Phlox and myself were more resilient or immune towards."

Kayleigh@crystyl nods, "I have heard tale of many such instances where diverse crews have benefitted from individual traits. From the sounds of it, any lingering impact from the Trellium exposure is more of a -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- medical thing to resolve at this point. But you said that was the first thing which had such an impact on you, so what else occupies your thoughts?"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pol: "The Trellium exposure was the catalyst. The damaged caused by that eroded my capability to control my emotions. Combined with the emotional toll a mission like this has had on the -

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris - crew...it has resulted in being affected by more emotion than I am comfortable with."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"As a matter of personal curiosity, is there a particular reason you are so uncomfortable with your emotions?"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pol: "It is a...very personal matter."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"I understand, and that is pretty much a given as well. For what it is worth, you may have observed already that while I am no v'tosh ka'tur I do maintain a more active awareness of my own emotions -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- for the most part. And whilst I will admit I still have difficulty at times while still learning to properly master them, I have found that they do prove useful in coexisting with other species. -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- Not least of which being showing emotional vulnerability, believe it or not"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pol: "Is that due to your human heritage, or is such a practice common among all Vulcans in your day as a result of coexisting closer with humans?"

Kayleigh@crystyl:"If anything I would attribute it to my age. Even had I been born and raised on Vulcan, I would still be learning how to master my emotions. The difference is that beign surrounded by others for -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- whom they are a natural part of life, I am more socially influenced towards embracing them. Of course, other species can never comprehend the depth and complexity of Vulcan emotions and so it is a-

Kayleigh@crystyl:- constant balance of reassessment and adjustment. You may not be comfortable with your emotions, but they are a part of you. And living among Humans will only serve to emphasize that. In the long -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- term, you may choose to seek an alternative environment or means to exercise control. But for the here and now, you are suffering as a result of your emotions and lacking the experience to -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- effectively coexist with them in this setting. I understasnd that personal matters are especially difficult, and will not push. But since I am now here with both a deeper understanding of your -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- emotional experience, and my own in adapting to living with them, is it not logical to make use of me while I am at your disposal? From my experience dealing with other species, I can testify to -

Kayleigh@crystyl:the point that discussing awkward personal situations can in fact lead to resolution of them"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pol: "I have heard of such sentiments from humans as well. Though I am unsure if the practice would work for Vulcans, with our culture being so different."

Kayleigh@crystyl hrms, "I understand. Perhaps I should also divulge the other reason I wished to speak with you in private as a matter of demonstration, as it were"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pol: "And what might that be?"

Kayleigh@crystyl:"Well in truth you see, I was hoping to seek your input on a matter not so much as a Vuican native to this time, but rather as one living among Humans. Whilst I have lived among them for longer, -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- most of that was childhood. Whereas what I need now is more... adult advise"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pol raises a brow, "It sounds like you have a very specific subject in mind you seek advice for."

Kayleigh@crystyl nods, "Yes. You see I had an encounter with one of the crew earlier, and there was clearly a lot of sexual tension there. I have no real experience in physical relations yet, nor romantic -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- interactions with Humans-" she says deadpan, not mentioning what happened on shore leave... "- so I was hoping for your input on how best to proceed, since I invited CMDR Tucker to manhandle me -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- but - whilst he was clearly wanting to - seemed to shy away from the invitation"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pol blinks in surprise at the name, "You invited CMDR Tucker to do what?"

Kayleigh@crystyl tilts her head, "To manhandle me, at least I believe that is the right term. Subcommander, is that concern your tone betrays? You need not worry about me, I am quite capable of handling a single -

Kayleigh@crystyl - Human male for sure"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pol takes a brief moment to compose herself before replying, "And...why did you choose Tucker in particular for this...manhandling?"

Kayleigh@crystyl:"Oh I did not, this is in response to his initiation. I am simply attempting to determine how best to respond, would it for example be more prudent for me to initiate intimatacy?"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pol: "No, it would not. Even though the organization you serve is significantly different from the Starfleet of our time, the ranking systems are comparable, and while you are here, you are -

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris - effectively serving as a cadet within Starfleet, just as I am effectively a Commander. It would be inappropriate in human culture to conduct such activities with one so much higher ranking -

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris - than yourself."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"Why so defiant Subcommander? You are not actively engaged in relations with him right now. Unless... you desire to be..."

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pol: "I...are you certain CMDR Tucker initiated with you? Did you create this entire story simply to judge whether I am engaged in relations with him?"

Kayleigh@crystyl almost gives a hint of a smile, "Fabricated the story, yes. But not to judge your established relations with the Commander. But to make you more open with yourself about your obvious feelings for -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- him. I apologize for the deception, rest assured no such interaction took place"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pol: "I see. How did you know of my...feelings for the Commander? Is it in your historical records, or is it so obvious?"

Kayleigh@crystyl:"I have consistently noticed odd interactions between the two of you, most likely subconscious glances and such. I was uncertain before, but when I noticed similar behaviour from another crewmember -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- who was fighting internally with his own physical attraction towards me, that is when I surmised your situation. You do not need to act on your impulses like a Human does, but if you are at least -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- more consciously aware of them then - it has been my experience - that you will be better armed to manage them"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pol nods, "I did not realize it was so evident, but I suppose you have more experience reading such things than I do. I will keep that in mind, Cadet."

Kayleigh@crystyl turns to leave and pauses, glancing back, "It is none of my business if you choose to pursue a relationship with the Commander or not, but for what it is worth I believe the two of you complement -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- other very well. And once we are restored to our own time, Enterprise will be finally heading back to base where you will no doubt be getting some downtime. If you were to explore your interest, -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- that might be the opportune moment" she continues to exit, leaving T'Pol with her thoughts

—

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | After the meeting on the bridge, Malcolm steps in to the mess hall to grab a meal and wind down a bit after the mission

Kayleigh@crystyl | Travis arrives a short time later, also getting something to eat before sitting down with Malcolm, "Hey Lieutenant, how are the MACO's doing?"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Malcolm: "The MACOs are doing well. Doctor Phlox informs me the wounded should be able to make a full recovery from their injuries, though they'll have to sit it out when we head back to the -

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris - ship, of course."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Travis shudders, "I don't even want to think about heading back into that mess right now" and chuckles

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Malcolm: "You and me both. But you have something nicer to think about, don't you?"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Travis gives him a quirked look, "Lieutenant?"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Hoshi steps over and ruffles Travis' hair, for what it is to be ruffled, "Cooled off now hot stuff?" she teases as she sits with them

Kayleigh@crystyl | Travis looks between the pair, "Ok, why do I get the feeling I'm the butt of a bad joke here..."

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Malcolm chuckles, "It's not quite a joke. /Someone/ told us you were taking a cold shower while we were on the bridge."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Travis flusters, "What? Who- ohh... well damn, but I mean can you blame me?"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Malcolm: "I suppose not. It is rather awkward being crammed into that decontamination chamber."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Hoshi eyerolls, "Honestly, you guys are all as bad as each other!"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Travis, "Hey, if you were with us I bet she'd have even got you hot and bothered!"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Hoshi snorts, "Yeah, keep yourself that"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Malcolm: "Well, I'll have to thank the doctor for not locking me up in there with her. Now I get to laugh at you instead of being the one laughed /at/."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Hoshi, "Oh come on Malcolm, nobody's ever laughing at you!"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Malcolm: "If I was stuck in there with the Cadet, she might be laughing at me..."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Travis, "I'm sure she's got a pretty wicked sense of humour beneath that Vulcan exterior, but she wouldn't do that and you know it!"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Malcolm: "I wonder how much is beneath that Vulcan exterior. I mean, she is half-human after all. You think she would actually indulge if you asked her...?"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Travis, "I don't know, I mean I think she probably would but... something tells me she's just as likely to tell you something ridiculous instead just to mess with you"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Hoshi, "Well that's just what you get for prying into a girl's private affairs!"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Travis, "I'm serious! I swear she was outright messing with me in there!"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Malcolm: "Really? What did she do?"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Travis flushes, "Well... she asked me to help her apply the gel..."

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Malcolm: "That's pretty normal, isn't it? Most of us help each other since the doctor wants it to cover everywhere, and it's hard to reach behind your back."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Travis, "I mean... yeah, but... look, do we have to talk about this?"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Malcolm: "Now that you mentioned it, I'm curious how she messed with you."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Hoshi leans in, "You're not the only one..."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Travis sighs, "Look, I'm not going into details for you. Let's just say that she gave a blunt invitation, but then suggested that she was just winding me up to relieve the tension"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Malcolm: "Huh. Do you think she really was, or just her way of brushing it off?"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Travis, "That's the thing, I kind of feel like it was both..."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Hoshi, "If anything, I bet you're just reading way more into it all because you like her"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Malcolm laughs, "Probably! But if it was both, maybe there's quite a lot of human under that Vulcan exterior..."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Hoshi, "I had a chance to chat with her back when they first got here and... yeah, I don't know how much but I'm sure there's some"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Malcolm: "Maybe you've got a chance after all, Travis."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Hoshi, "Oh come on, you can't actually be seriously thinking about going after her?"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Travis, "Are my chances that low in your eyes?"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Hoshi frowns and flicks him in the forehead, "No you dunce! She'll be going home to the future as soon as we've resolved this situation right"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Malcolm: "That, and your chances are pretty low. Trip on the other hand might have better luck..."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Travis, "Wait, seriously?"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Hoshi, "I think he does have a thing for Vulcans. Well, one at least" she smiles

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Malcolm nods, "With how human this Vulcan is, I think he can win her over in no time."

—

Kayleigh@crystyl | The next day, Kay and Mari are making their way to the bridge to see what thef next plan is

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"So...another trip to the cargo ship. Can't say I'm excited about the prospect."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"I think we are all in consensus on that note, but I am uncertain of any better option"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"Me neither. I guess we just have to hope the Toroki's already died of its injuries, or is pretty weak and not much of a threat anymore."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"That would be a welcome new level of convenience for us"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"Yeah...something tells me it won't be so easy."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"Still, we can't just blindly wade in and presume to simply try again. Our strategy last time barely worked, so it's fair to assume that it will be less successful on a repeat"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris nods, "And it would be a good idea to assume the Toroki is still as strong as ever instead of relying on whatever damage we did having killed or weakened it. Better to play things safe."

Kayleigh@crystyl sideglances at Mari as they walk, "Curious, that's the second time since we got here that you have demonstrated a strategic line of thinking. I appear to be influencing you more than I thought"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris chuckles, "Probably! I think being a Cadet in general helps in that regard. Since I come from a more science background, thinking tactically wasn't really my thing, but even science officers -

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris - pick up a bit of tactical strategy in the Academy."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"You often comment on your uncertainty when it comes to career plans. Perhaps when we get back you should consider trying the aptitude tests for the tactical path"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"Maybe, though I feel like I'd probably do better in Security with my psionic talent. I hear a lot of Security officers end up manning tactical stations in situations."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"There is certainly a lot of crossover between the two fields. In fact, you mentioned security before I believe. With a focus on investigation"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris nods, "Yeah, that's what I was thinking! Or actually what I got recommended after learning of my psionic talents, but I'm seriously considering it too."

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | As they walk, they step into a different hallway and find Travis strolling down it, also headed to the bridge

Kayleigh@crystyl:"Hello Ensign, heading to the bridge too?"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Travis: "Oh, hello Cadets. Yeah, I'm just headed that way to start the day's duties."

Kayleigh@crystyl | The awkward silence between Kay and Travis is almost palpable to Mari

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris looks between the two, "Right...shall we head to the bridge together, then?"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Travis: "Together. Right. Yeah."

Kayleigh@crystyl thinks the other two are acting odd, oblivious as always to her own part in things

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris tries to break up the awkwardness as they walk, "So...Ensign, think you'll be flying the shuttlepod again in our next trip?"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Travis: "I'd...rather not come face to face with that Toroki thing again, but you're going to need a pilot. Rather not get stuck in an awkward decontamination, either..."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"They are rather inconvenient. By the way, did you enjoy your shower?"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Travis blushes and stammers, "I, uhh..."

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris giggles, "You are relentless with teasing him, aren't you Kay?"

Kayleigh@crystyl:"Teasing? I believe you are confused. When we left decontamination, he was very much anticipating his cold shower. It is only polite to follow up with a courtesy inquisition, right?"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"It's...complicated," she looks to Travis again. "Forgive my friend, even I can never tell when she's genuinely oblivious or playing with you. Which I think is the point..."

Kayleigh@crystyl looks between the two, focusing on Travis, "If I caused offence with my inquiry, then I apologize of course"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Travis chuckles, "No, no offence, it's alright. Let's just...get to the bridge."

Kayleigh@crystyl nods and continues forwards. As the trio progress, the ship is suddenly rocked hard causing them to lose their balance

Kayleigh@crystyl finds herself laying on her back, pinned by Travis who felt face first towards her...

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris stumbles into a wall, "What was-" she looks to Kay and Travis and notices them, "...that."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"Not good, whatever it was" she looks to Travis expectantly

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Travis is stunned for a moment before quickly composing himself and climbing back up, "Sorry, uhh...my bad."

Kayleigh@crystyl gets back to her feet, "These things happen, no harm done. But we should make haste to the bridge"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris nods, "Feels like the ship just got hit..."

Kayleigh@crystyl | The trio continue as they make their way on to the bridge...

—

Kayleigh@crystyl | The trio enter the bridge to a hive of activity, Travis quickly takes his station

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris looks around, trying to figure out what is going on that made the ship shake earlier

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer turns to see the pair, "It would appear our Toroki friend has other ideas than just waiting around for us to revisit"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"Was that him shooting at us again?"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer, "Yes, and while it wasn't a particularly powerful hit they caught us with our pants down"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Malcolm, "They're coming around for another pass"

Kayleigh@crystyl | The bridge shakes, but much less dramatically now as they have obviously raised defenses and polarized the hull at this point

Kayleigh@crystyl | Joins Malcolm at tactical, "So we're in combat?" she looks around, "But I don't see the red alert?"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Malcolm, "The Reed what now?" he shakes his head, "Nevermind that, get around here and help me with targeting"

Kayleigh@crystyl nods and joins him

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"So much for the Toroki sucuumbing to its injuries...do they have shields up?"

Kayleigh@crystyl checks, "Not yet at least"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Malcolm returns fire, targeting a few phaser cannon blasts at the freighter's engines. Scoring glancing blows, but nothing of consequence

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Travis: "Looks like our weapons still aren't making much of a dent on it, though..."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Malcolm, "I can increase the yield, but not knowing the extent of their defenses I'm worried we'll do too much damage"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"Yeah, we don't want to destroy our ticket home. Wait...this is an NX starship. We don't have shields either, do we?"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Malcolm gives her an odd look, "No..."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer, "We can polarize our hull to defend against energy weapons"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"But there's nothing stopping us from transporting over to the ship the next time they make a pass."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Malcolm, "You want to transport between two moving targets?!"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"Oh wait, you can't do that yet either..."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"That technology is still very new here, so it might be asking a bit much from it"

Kayleigh@crystyl | The freighter fires again, the impact causing some consoles to spark

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"So...what can we do without blowing up the freighter by accident?"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer, "Something would be better than nothing" he glances to tactical

Kayleigh@crystyl | Malcolm, "We're trying to identify suitable targeting points to shut down their engines. But being so unfamiliar with the ship and it's technology, it won't happen quickly"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer, "What about the weapons then? You can make those out easily enough right?"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Malcolm nods, "Reacquiring targets now"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris moves over to the science station with T'Pol, "I'll see if I can help identify anything, I'm no engineer, but I'm still more familiar with the tech of our era."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Enterprise fires and takes out one of the freighters weapon emitters

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"That looks more promising, at least..."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"Unfortunately, they still have more"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer, "Continue evasive, try and keep us offside from their weapons"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris examines the science station, "Enterprise doesn't have tractor beams either yet, does it..."

Kayleigh@crystyl | T'Pol, "No it does not, Humans have not yet obtained that technology"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Meanwhile the two ships dance round each other, exchanging occassional blows but otherwise at a stalemate

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | Travis: "We do have the grappler, though."

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"Is it strong enough to hold that ship in place?"

Kayleigh@crystyl | T'Pol, "Unlikely, especially while the ship is moving. Were it stationary, we may be able to hold it steady or tug it but little else"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"If only Pia was here, she might be able to figure out some trick to do with the tech of this age..."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"Unfortunately I am not so familiar with it. I didn't even know we don't have red alerts yet..."

Kayleigh@crystyl | T'Pol, "Equally unfortunate for us, I am detecting a power buildup in the freighter's engines"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer, "The're running? Stop them!"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris quickly checks the scans to figure out a safe spot to target the engines with more power in order to disable them without destroying the ship

Kayleigh@crystyl frowns at the readings on tactical, "They're not running, these don't look like that kind of reading... wait-" she looks at the viewscreen, "Get out of the way!"

Kayleigh@crystyl isn't quick enough to prompt Travis though, and as Enterprise comes in behind the freighter, it releases a plume of green mist from it's engines. The plasma floods into Enterprise's intakes and -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- grinds the ship to a halt with a violence more like the first weapons hit

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris stumbles before grabbing on to a railing to stabilize herself

Kayleigh@crystyl | Everyone braces as the room shakes, some stumbling hard. With the disruption to the engines, power fluctuates all over the ship

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer sits back up, "Report!"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Hoshi, "Engineering reports that the warp core is offline"

Kayleigh@crystyl looks over, "It should be recoverable, they just have to purge the intakes of the superheated plasma"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Malcolm gives her a glance, "So now you're an engineer?"

Kayleigh@crystyl:"It is a well documented tactic in starship combat; venting warp plasma to disrupt pursuing vessels"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer, nods over to Hoshi who relays the information to Trip, and looks to the flickering viewscreen

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"Well documented in our time, at least."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"A valid point"

Kayleigh@crystyl | As Enterprise hangs awkwardly in space with lights flickering all across it's hull as emergency batteries try to distribute power everywhere calling for it, the Frieghter comes about and starts -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- making a fresh approach

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"So much for running away..."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer narrows his eyes, trying to make out the obscured viewscreen image before realizing what he's looking at, "Malcolm, repolarize the hull, now!"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Malcolm works furiously with Kay, "Not going to happen Captain, not until we get power back up"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer, "Brace for im-"

Kayleigh@crystyl | He stops midsentence as the freighter does not attack, but instead jumps to warp flying right over the crippled Earth ship

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer, "...or not"

—

Kayleigh@crystyl | Some time later, the cadets are helping the bridge crew restore order to the ship. Everyone is at their stations, save for Archer who is in engineering

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris looks to T'Pol as they work, "Enterprise can track warp trails at least, right?"

Kayleigh@crystyl | T'Pol nods, "Yes, until it dissipates at any rate. I have already tracked the freighter's trail, but it is degrading slowly"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"I don't imagine with the damage they've suffered, they can go particularly high warp, so we should be able to chase them. As soon as our own systems are fixed up, that is..."

Kayleigh@crystyl chimes in from across the bridge, "A ship like that is likely capable of exceeding warp 5, at peak effeciency at least"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"But it's probably not at peak efficiency, so we've still got a chance."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"Indeed"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"So, how are our own systems looking? The sooner we jump after them, the better our odds are."

Kayleigh@crystyl | T'Pol, "The Captain is working with Commander Tucker in engineering to restore power"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"Anything we can do to help in the meantime, maybe figure out how to even the odds when we go up against them again?"

Kayleigh@crystyl | T'Pol nods, "Any assistance you can provide will be welcomed"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris looks to Kayleigh, "I might be thinking a bit more tactically, but you're still the tactical cadet. Any ideas, Kay?"

Kayleigh@crystyl:"If the Toroki is more interested in something else than persuing an immediate prey in us, then the most logical move would be to prevent it from reaching it's goal and turn it's attention back on -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- us"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"What do you think it's going for, Earth?"

Kayleigh@crystyl | T'Pol, "That is most likely given it's trajectory"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"What do we do once we've got its attention, though? We'll just be stuck in a fight like the last one. We need a way to disable the ship so we can board it again. Or at least keep it in place so we -

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:- can transport."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Malcolm, "We've got to worry about catching it before that"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"True..."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"Perhaps then we should attempt to lend assistance in engineering, since that is currently the critical path"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"Maybe, but we're not engineers, and we're not familiar with the way this ship works. We might get in the way more than we help."

Kayleigh@crystyl | T'Pol, "Do not sell your knowledge and experience short, cadet. You may not know this ship, but you know more about the technology of the ship we are engaged with and that may prove useful"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris nods and looks to Kay, "To Engineering, then?"

Kayleigh@crystyl nods and heads over to join her

—

Kayleigh@crystyl | The pair of cadets arrive in engineering, to find it busier than ever. As feared, almost as soon as they walk in a crewman nearly bumps into them and grumbles as he goes about his work

Kayleigh@crystyl | Trip is on top of the engine while Archer is on the raised platform with the controls for it

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"Woah- so much for not getting in the way..."

Kayleigh@crystyl:"Like everything, it is rather more compact than we are accustomed to"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer glances over his shoulder, "Ah, girls! Come to assist? Perfect timing, can one of you watch the temperature on that panel over there for me?" he points to one side

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris nods, "On it! Should I just watch if it changes from what it is now?"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer, "Just make sure it doesn't go over 300"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris heads over to the panel, keeping an eye on the temperature

Kayleigh@crystyl | Trip meanwhile peers down, "Hey, I don't know who it was who said about purging the intakes, but it was right on the money! We're just getting ready to reinitialize the core now, but if we didn't-

Kayleigh@crystyl:- know about that we'd probably still be ripping things apart trying to figure this thing out!"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer smiles and waves Kay over, "Here, could you regulate this for me? Just don't let it deviate more than 0.02 from the baseline, adjust the flow regulator here to compensate"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"That was all thanks to Kay!"

Kayleigh@crystyl climbs up and watches attentively while explains, proceeding to take over while he moves over to work another area

Kayleigh@crystyl | Trip looks down to Kay, "Well then, thank you miss"

Kayleigh@crystyl peers up at him, "You are welcome Commander"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer queries while he works, "So what's the latest from the bridge?"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"We should be able to track the freighter once everything's set down here. It seems to be continuing towards Earth, probably to complete the Toroki's original goal."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer pauses and looks to Mari, "It's heading to Earth? Why?"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"We think that was always its plan, from what Kay discovered on the bridge. And seeing how it ended up here, time travel was probably always the plan, to attack Earth when you don't have the -

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:- technology to effectively defend against it yet, and prevent what we manage to do in the future."

Kayleigh@crystyl "I'm not sure time travel was part of the plan for it"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"You think they stumbled upon the Krenim salvage and decided to use it, or it accidentally activated somehow?"

Kayleigh@crystyl:"Given that it was marked generically as Krenim salvage, I believe they likely were not aware of even what they had. It was most likely inadvertently triggered during the initial chaos when the -

Kayleigh@crystyl:- Toroki first awakened"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"It's certainly possible. Either way, it's headed towards Earth now, which is even less prepared for the attack than in our own time."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer, "Then we need to get a move on. Trip, how's it looking up there?"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Trip, "Just about set to reinitialize the cor now Cap'n!" he barks at some crewmen, "You two, get that panel closed up!" and clambers down, joining Kay at the console

Kayleigh@crystyl | The team all coordinate with impressive cohesion and the core is soon humming away again

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer hops over to a comm panel on the wall, "Bridge, the core's coming back on now. As soon as you have a stable field, engage a pursuit course"

Kayleigh@crystyl | T'Pol, "Understood Captain"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Trip turns to Archer, "I know you're going to do it anyway, but I'm also going to tell you anyway; don't push it beyond 4 until the core's back up to full capacity"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer smiles, "I'll try my best Trip"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Trip looks to the two cadets, "Oh, uh... yeah, you can stop monitoring those things now..." he chuckles, waving some of his team over to relieve the pair

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"Right. Back to the bridge, Captain?"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer nods, "Back to the bridge"

—

Kayleigh@crystyl | The three resume their posts on arrival at the bridge

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer, "What's the situation?"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pol: "We are following the cargo ship's warp trail, but there is nothing on sensors yet."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer, "They've got quite the head start on us... I'll have to apologize to Trip later. Travis, warp 5"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Travis nods and slowly pushes the Enterprise up to speed and it starts to become a little turbulent

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"I hope we don't fly ourselves apart before we get there..."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer smiles, "Enterprise is a lot more capable than you might think"

Kayleigh@crystyl:"So this is... normal at warp 5?"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Everyone looks around and sort of nods

Kayleigh@crystyl | They continue the blind chase for some time...

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pol: "The freighter has just appeared on sensors ahead of us. It is travelling at Warp 4.6."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer looks over, "How long until we can intercept?"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pol: "At our current speed, five minutes and twelve seconds."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer, "Malcolm, be ready"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Malcolm nods, "We've analyzed the sensor data from last time. I'm confident we can take out their engines"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"Once we get their engines down, should we board with transporters or shuttlepod? The Toroki might still have weapons to shoot our shuttle with, and now that we know its likely on the bridge, we -

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:- might be able to corner it if we just beam in, instead of doing the whole tense hide-and-seek we had last time."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer, "A very astute observation, cadet. We'll use the transporters"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pol: "The cargo ship is increasing speed."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer, "What are they at now?"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pol: "4.7...4.8 now."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer leans forward, "Travis... 5.2"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Travis, "Aye Captain, pushing beyond the red line now..." he gingerly increases speed, and the turbulence increases with it

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"You can go /over/ 5? Are you sure that's safe?"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer, "There's a safety margin built in to these things"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pol: "It is increasing speed again. Warp 4.9 and rising."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer, "Travis..."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Travis nods, "5.3, but it won't last"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer, "Time to intercept?"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pol: "Twenty seconds. We are almost within weapons range."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer, "Ready weapons!"

Kayleigh@crystyl | As the freighter cruises along, Enterprise bears down on it's flank

Kayleigh@crystyl | As soon as Enterprise draws near, it opens fire on the freighter with a series of short bursts of cannon fire, causing small rippling explosions across the engineering section of the ship

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris | T'Pol: "The freighter is dropping out of warp."

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris meanwhile checks to make sure they haven't done too much damage

Kayleigh@crystyl | The freighter appears back in normal space, immediately veering to one side with smoke billowing from the fires on it's engines. Enterprise appears moments later and turns to pursue

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris breathes a sigh of relief, "They're still intact, not falling apart or about to get a core breach."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer, "Stay on them Travis. Malcolm, give me some good news"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Malcolm nods, "We managed to knock out their core. I can't imagine the Toroki will be able to get it back online any time soon without a crew down there"

Kayleigh@crystyl | The two ships once again resume their dance around each other, exchanging blows when able

Kayleigh@crystyl | Malcolm comments to Kay, "Easy does it, watch the yield now. That ship's not exactly at it's best"

Kayleigh@crystyl nods and compensates

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris:"Should we get a ground team down there to corner the Toroki on the bridge, while we know it's still on there?"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer, "Once we have it stationary and secure, yes"

Kayleigh@crystyl | With both ships damaged to some degree, Enterprise's already strained engines take a critical hit from a chance shot off the Toroki and the ship once again starts to drift

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer curses, "Travis, do what you-"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Travis cuts him off, "Captain, look!"

Kayleigh@crystyl | As Enterprise hangs motionless, the viewscreen shows the freighter turning about and coming at them. But it's weapons do not fire, it instead starts to accelerate..."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Travis, "They're on a collision course!"

—

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer, "Travis!"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Travis, "I've got nothing Captain"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer hesitates but looks over to Malcolm, "We have no choice. Malcolm"

Kayleigh@crystyl | Malcolm moves to launch Enterprise's remaining torpedoes, but pauses to see Kay already activating the control

Kayleigh@crystyl | A pair of torpedoes launch from Enterprise and impact the freighter. Malcolm follows up with a spread of cannon fire and the freighter quickly crumples and explodes. The bridge is rocked by the -

Kayleigh@crystyl - shockwave, but it soon dissipates to leave them in silence, watching as the fiery debris slowly drifts apart in front of them

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer, "I am deeply sorry girls, but I have to think of the safety of this ship first and foremost"

Kayleigh@crystyl:"It was the logical decision to make"

Mariel Tanglao@anncaris nods, "Yeah, we're aboard the Enterprise too. We can't get back home anyways if we die here."

Kayleigh@crystyl | Archer sighs and stands, "Let's... get repairs underway. Travis, as soon as we're in shape for it, set course for Earth. It's about time we head home" and heads off to his ready room, clearly despondent