The soft familiar light of her bedroom meet the andorians eyes as they slowly drifted open. The soft snoring at her side made her look around to the sleeping aenar at her side. It was funny she thought to herself that she could never imagine feeling this way about another lifeform. Amazing what a few weeks could do. She didn't want to move as her body just wanted to snuggle up as close as possible, but she had stuff to do.

She placed a kiss on her bondmates cheek before leaving her to her slumbers before she headed to her rooms bathroom. As she switched the sonic shower on she looked at herself in the mirror. A smile was on her face one that she didn't recognize on herself. A face of someone in love.

It didn't take her long to shower and to change into some blue trousers and a black tank top before she heard her room alarm sound. " Come in." She said as she walked into her living area.

Clad in her modern crimson minidress uniform, the ebullient Rita Paris strode into the quarters of the icy engineer, then struck a pose as if she expected there to be paparazzi snapping her holoimage on the red carpet. Flashing that million watt smile of hers, one hand draped on her hip, the fabulous first officer eyed her diminutive and petite friend, a study in opposites from her own comically voluptuous figure.

“You rang, Thex?” Rita asked with the typical good humor with which she seemed to approach just about everything in life.

Thex smiled as she quickly walked over and closed the bedroom door. No sense in waking Tathaa up she had been busy on the last shift. " Nice to see you my friend. Can I get you anything?" She said politely.

"Glass of water. I'm gonna use your bathroom too," Rita declared as she scooted to the head. That didn't stop her from talking though, as she left the door open. "So what did you want to see me about?"

" Okay just keep it down okay...." Thex said blushing slightly before heading to the replicator. " I have company in the other room."

That bought her silence for the duration of Rita's visit to the bathroom and subsequent hand washing before she emerged to close on Thex's personal space to begin speaking in hushed whispers, her eyes alight with excitement. "You have company? Like, bedroom company? Thex!"

Thex said nothing as the slightly embarrassed yet pleased look on her face was more than enough to say what company she had. Though she gave her friend a nod to be sure.

“Good on ya! So who is it, that gal you were talking to awhile back who you were making a genetic compatibility test with? Which somehow sounds terribly unromantic,” Paris chuckled as she took the offered glass of water. “But whatever works for you. So how’s it going?”

Thex nodded again as she replicated herself her own drink and took a sip. " Yeah, it's her. Me and Tathaa seem more than compatible. We both have a love of dancing, swimming and looking after the crew. Plush we both have the modified gene and if the weird dreams are the ones I'm thinking off we've already begun to form a bond." Thex explained with a smile on her blue face.

“Well, I’m happy for you then! I’m glad you found somebody… I was afraid I was going to have to put in for an Andor mission just so we could enact Operation: Get Thex Laid,” Rita joked, although it wasn’t actually a jest. She had been outlining a plan to present to the captain to detour them to the Andor system so that their lonely engineer might just find someone to love. Now it looked like she had found one part of the puzzle at least, although she suspected there might still be a need for that mission. After all, Thex and her new friend still needed 2 males to do… what Andorians did.

"Thanks and I'm glad we don't have to make a detour to Andor. After the god fighting, I'm just looking to get some rest and it's far easier with someone next to you. Speaking of partners how are you and you're vulcan doing?" The andorian asked politely with a grin on her face.

Rita turned slightly toward Thex, both eyebrows coming up in the middle a bit. There was a moment of consideration, then with a "It's... deeply fulfilling, honestly. I try not to brag, but... okay, ready for this?"

Dropping onto the couch, Rita Paris leaned back and smile indulgently. "The superhuman strength and endurance and brilliant mind aside, he has a detailed knowledge and understanding of nervous systems and can manipulate them. He doesn't give a massage, he plays on a few pressure points and he's finished, because you're done. He knows me... I mean, really knows me. There's probably an entire copy of my mind compartmentalized up in his. But every night, hell, every time we touch, I am a part of him and he is a part of me, literally."

"I'd wonder what he sees in me, but I can see it from his perspective because of our bond. I think that's the key to our relationship- in one another we each found someone so precious, we could not live without the other. I mean, you saw what I was like without him. I can do it, but with him, we're both so much more." Rita sighed contentedly, then her eyes flashed over to Thex. "I'm sorry, that was a bit rude. It's just... now that you have someone I can brag and not feel guilty. Because my life is pretty wonderful. I hope you and Tathaa find out how that feels."

Thex smiled as she sat down on the other couch with a smile on her face. "It's okay, I think I understand."

Before she could say anything else the door opened slightly as a tired white head pocked out. "Thex, is someone there?" The Anear asked, the weariness in her voice showing, though her eyes were wide open and looking around the room.

Realizing that introductions were in order and Thex wasn't going to make them, Rita stood and stepped over to present herself, a dazzling smile in place and a friendly tone on deck. "There is. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to disturb you... I'm Rita Paris, the first officer of this boat, and friend to Commander sh'Zoarhi over there. You might see me around the ship from time to time."

"I thought it was you. Thex has told me a lot about you. Is it true you're from another time?" the anear said as she appeared to look right at Rita with her blind eyes and antenna fixed on the human. She was dressed in some of the standard fleet pajamas as she stepped out of the bedroom. "Oh, my apologies It's a pleasure to meet you, commander," she said, offering her hand.

Taking the offered hand, Rita shook it with practiced professionalism. “The pleasure’s mine, Tathaa. And to answer your question, yes, I am indeed a throwback to an earlier age- I graduated from Starfleet Academy in the year 2255, and I served on the Constitution herself.”

The anear shook the hand though she continued to stare at the human. She then appeared to snap out of her trance and looked very embarrassed. " My apologies commander, it's just your aura is so strange. You appear to be multiple flowing colors. I wonder if it because of your time displacement. "

The white skinned girl shook her head looking even more embarrassed. " I'm sorry, I know my people's way of seeing the world must be impossible for you to imagine."

The curvaceous commander smiled, a little piper’s smile. “I’ve spent a few years as living energy. You might be surprised how it changes one’s perceptions. As my better half often comments, in a universe of the strange and unusual, I am somehow unique. So what brought you to the Hera, Tathaa?”

" It sounds rather pathetic, but I was looking for someone to bond with and Thex was looking for someone. We talked a little, went on a few dates on the holodeck and decided to try and make it work." The anear said her antenna twitching as she talked.

Thex had walked over and placed a kiss on the side of her white bondmate a smile on her face. " And it looks like we're more than compatible." She said as two of their antenna curled around each other in a sight of andorian affection.

"It does indeed," Rita offered an expansive smile to the affectionate duo. "So you're Starfleet, Tathaa? You two met on the Starfleet dating app, right?"

"Yes, ma'am. I'm a nurse down in medical." the aenar said politely before she turned to look at Thex. "Mind if I use the shower? I'd like to freshen up."

"Sure babe," Thex said as she placed a kiss on her cheek before looking back at Rita. "Thanks for giving me the push, Rita. It looks like it's going to work out great."

“Well, I’m glad for you, Thex. I do hope it works out- it’s nice to have someone.” Rita crossed her legs and eyed her friend, and when she spoke again, her voice was low and quiet, almost conspiratorial, but with enough humor to offset the threat. “Just know that if she hurts you, I’m gonna shove her out an airlock.”

Thex let out a grin and a faint laugh. "I'm sure she won't hurt me Rita, and she probably can guess you'd beat her up if you hurt me."

“She’s telepathic- I’m sure she is well aware of my protective nature, and I’m nothing compared to the Captain,” the throwback officer observed. “So what’s the plan from here? Going to try to collect the other pair to round out the quad?”

"Yeah. We'll start looking for two strapping andorian males and see if we can get some little ones. Though it will be quite the effort to find them." Thex said her voice dropping slightly with a tone of sadness.

"Cap'n and I discussed it at one point, and she's on board with 'Operation: Thex wants to continue her species'. So if you are serious and this is something you really want... well, it's important to the Federation, too. We have an obligation to future generations. You found one, now you need two more." Rita Paris nodded, the internal decision already made and a course beginning to plot. "We've got a fast ship and a hopefully willing captain- what do you say we lay in course for Andor, and get you laid? Fertilized?"

Thex couldn't help, but laugh at her friend's words. " You'd both be willing to do that. Divert the ship to Andor just so I can hopefully find two to complete my family? I appreciate the offer, effort, and friendship of both you and the captain, Rita, but wouldn't Starfleet have an issue with us diverting there? Besides..." The chief engineer said as she held her arms in a sign of discomfort. " I didn't exactly leave that planet on the best of terms."

"Okay, point," Rita ceded as she sat forward, uncrossing her legs but keeping her knees together like she'd been doing it for a hundred years. "Yes... not to be blunt but you mentioned one time that you were running out of time. Your people are only fertile until 25 on the average, then they are sterile. That's a very small mating window. You're 26 already, and your birthday isn't that far away. It's kind of now or never."

The few seconds of silence in response prompted a shrug from Rita. "What, you brought it up, I worry, so I looked it up. What I don't know is the 'not best of terms' part. I don't mean to pry into what isn't my business, but it sounds like it might be a little kink in the plan. So fill me in? If you're okay with it," Paris added with upraised reassuring hands.

Thex gave her human friend a warm friendly smile as she offered her a hug. She knew she had been willing to do this for her. "Rita, my dearest friend... I thank you for thinking about me, and be willing to do all this for me. But I don't need to run off to Andor just now. I have the biology patch from my great grandmother, so my reproductive systems will keep running for another thirty years. That's also not taking into the account the eggs I'm scheduled to have frozen.

"So you make the eggs..." Rita murmured in realization, then snapped out of it. "I... oh. I'm..." Rita laughed musically and lowered her head, shaking it with a sigh. Looking up sheepishly, the old school gal pal was contrite. "Sorry, Thex. I guess I should have checked your medical records, or asked you before going charging off crusading on your behalf. So. For now..."

Sitting back again, Rita crossed her legs and took a long sip of her water.

"It looks like you have a nice girl, who you like and who likes you. Personally, I like the idea of you sleeping with a nurse, because I think we both push ourselves too hard, and someone specifically looking after you is actually reassuring. Both of us love our jobs and love to work, and that's all we'd do if we were left to it. But having someone to come home to changes it. Gives you something in your life besides the ship and the job. I'm happy that you're gonna have that now." Raising her glass, the emotional executive toasted the sentiment.

Thex had nothing to toast with, but she raised her own imaginary glass in response. "I do push myself too hard, but when we have a race of gods being are the main problem we have to deal with, I can't take it very easy can I?" She said politely.

"There will always be something, Thex," Rita rose from her seat to return the empty glass to the replicator. "There will always be some crisis or puzzle or pending doom. We're Starfleet, it's just the job. But you can't be just the job, or it'll kill you." Nodding toward the bathroom door, Rita smiled. "Now you have a reason not to, so I'm glad for you."

" Thanks. " Thex responded before the door opened before the anear emerged. She was dressed in a white Starfleet shirt with some tight fitting jeans. She smiled at Rita as she sat down next to Thex before speaking. " Commander, I hope you don't mind me asking, but Thex has been telling me of a few off the missions you've been on. Is it true we have a greek goddess in one of the guest rooms? " She asked politely.

"How did you know?" Rita gaped at Thex, then shook her head. "Scuttlebutt travels faster than warp. Yes, Ms. Tathaa, the Hera is indeed carrying her namesake at the moment. While she seems to be reformed and of no danger, we are still restricting her movements about the ship. So to answer your question... yes. We have a goddess in residence a few rings in from where we sit. Which is a marvel, I must admit." Rita fixed Tathaa with those bright blue eyes and grinned at the Aenar. "Best part about living in the future- the universe is still full of surprises."

In truth, Rita had forgotten that the snow white nurse was blind. She moved as one who could see, she made eye contact, and as a humanoid shaped face Rita treated her as she would anyone else. After all, she was all about equality.

"Actually commander, I was on the ship that was assisting the planet she had occupied, and I was on the team that was conducting the autopsies on some of her fallen troops. They were quite something, and I wouldn't mind asking some questions about them. Though I know most of Starfleet medical will be wanting to ask them as well." The nurse replied, sensing the look towards Thex.

“That’s what the chain of command is for, Miss Tathaa,” the old school officer replied. It often surprised her in the modern Starfleet how often she had to explain how the chain of command worked. Of course, she was Thex’s girlfriend, who often used informal names and titles in formal settings and bypassed protocol on Hera the last time she’d been aboard. Between that and the theoretically classified information that Hera was aboard again, Rita figured she’d just offer the Academy answer and see if it got followed. “Submit a request to your department head, who would be Doctor Dael, and they in turn will submit it to command for approval. If approved you would likely be able to do some Q&A with supervision.”

" I have, commander, but it may take a while. Medical always does have paperwork that piling up, and I don't want to endanger any of the crew due to my curiosity. It's just if we could figure out how she could do this, it could be used to help mine and Thex's races, and fix the mess we've gotten ourselves into. " The anear responded as politely as she could.

" Would be nice if we could just get a god to fix our mess though I don't think most of are people would be happy with it." Thex added.

The curvaceous commander took a moment to consider before responding, running her fingers through the sharp bob cut of blonde hair. "I'll talk to Doc Dael about the paperwork piling up in Medical, if it's as serious a problem as you say. Meanwhile, trust in the process, Miss Tathaa." Rising to her feet, smoothing out her skirt as she did so, Commander Paris stepped toward the door, pausing to wag a finger in her wake.

"A philosopher once wrote that the gods neither create nor solve our problems. They are instead almost exclusively within our own control. If you want to help your people, I'd look to modern medicine, not witch doctors. But that's just me." Strolling to the door, Paris waved. "It was nice meeting you, Tathaa. Thanks for having me over, Thex! Duty calls..."

~tag

OOC: I'll finish this off in a biit and post when the next mission starts. Thanks for writing with me :)

After the past few hours, Enalia was only sure of one thing. This whole worldship mess was the cause of a lot of messes in the galaxy and this Log'yerm/// fellow, whether he knew it or not, was directly or indirectly the cause of those messes.

Having returned to her quarters for now, she sank into her office chair behind her desk and stared out the windows at the worldship hull in front of the USS Hera, letting out a miserable sigh. This was certainly another mess of a conundrum that they had gotten involved with.

Then she noticed a blinking message light on one of her desk terminals.

The one from the main computer.

Activating the message, she looked over the report from the energy being that lived within the Hera itself. It had consumed something that had tried invading the ship to protect itself called 'The One'. It was decidedly a one sided battle once the core was breached, from the looks of it. After all, when you're pitting one energy being against another, the one with home field advantage generally wins - especially when that one is...

Shivering slightly, Enalia shook off the thoughts her mind was leading her down. It didn't matter. That thing kept her ship safe and the pact kept it under control. That's all that mattered. Closing the report, she pulled up another file system. One used for contacting the Asgardian peoples in emergencies. She didn't expect to get a signal out through the storm raging around the worldship, but it was worth a try at least. If nothing else, maybe she could at least get a message out to those two raven girls.

Tapping in a quick message, the spotted captain fired it off, the comm relays sending it out through the shield grid and deleting any trace of the transmission, just like a good intel ship system should.

To Thor of the Asgardian peoples. We have found the source of the disturbances. Recommend staying away at all costs. Hera has been summoned to our location. We have her in custody. -Telvan

Leaning back in her chair again, Enalia rubbed her eyes as she waited for a success or failure message.

After a few minutes Maica came in, dressed in one of her masseuse outfits. "Welcome home, my love. You look like your day has been pretty stressful. Coffee or tea?"

"Coffee, please. And do we still have some of those lemon squares?" Enalia couldn't help but perk up at the sight of the love of her life. It was like a ray of sunshine had just walked into the room and all the rain clouds hanging over her had just been cleared away.

Maica smiled that smile she reserved just for her wife. "We have two left. Wait just a moment and I'll have them and some nice coffee ready for you." Leaning in, she gave Enalia a soft kiss before heading off to the kitchenette, humming softly as she did so.

"I know we normally don't talk about work with each other... But these locals..." Enalia looked up with a sudden flash of realization. "We don't know what they're called. Do they not have a name for themselves? Are they really just artificially created beings in a fish tank made for the enjoyment of a multidimensional alien?"

Coming back from the kitchenette with a mug of coffee and a saucer with the two lemon squares, Maica hummed a bit as she set them in front of Enalia. "If that's true, would they still not still be as sentient as anyone aboard the Hera? They're the ones summoning the extra dimensional aliens formerly known as gods to many cultures across the galaxy, right? That indicates will beyond their creator's own."

"I have to agree." A look of consternation crossed Enalia's face. "But then if this being stops willing them to exist... Do they cease to be? Or will they continue to exist? Are they a simulation of what once was? Are they closer in terms to you? Or more of a holodeck simulation of the past? I think we've stumbled into a very delicate moral dilemma here. Our scans indicated that everything there was pure construct and the history that we uncovered, thanks to the Commodore, indicates that it's been essentially repeating for over a million years. There are no children or elderly that we've seen. Everything about their civilization points to it being more of a programmed simulation than a collection of free wills... But I still can't help but wonder."

"Computer, collate all the scans we have of the worldship and people we have so far and begin an in depth scan of the locals. I want to know exactly what they are." Enalia waited a few moments as the computer chirruped and data started scrolling across her screen. "Compare this data to past data and extrapolate." Again, more processing chirrups.

After a few minutes, the scans were complete enough to have a clear enough picture that the computer started spitting out results and Enalia could only shake her head in exasperation as she could barely believe what she was reading.

These people... This explained everything...

Deep in the worldship were stored nearly twelve billion of them. The ones moving around ran on nothing but sugar and energy.

These weren't people.

These were living dolls.

Dolls in a fish tank.

This extra-dimensional being was watching them go about their 'lives' like Federation citizens would watch fish in an aquarium. the problem was that these dolls were trying to break out and become something more now. They were summoning dangerous things into this galaxy and causing harm to people outside of their tank and their 'keeper' didn't seem to care much. He just wanted to keep watching them like some pet owner thinking they're doing something cute.

Now Enalia faced a real problem. How would they convince this being or the dolls that what they were doing was harmful enough to the galaxy as a whole that they had to stop and actually get them to stop?

Sipping at her coffee, Enalia groaned as the realization of what she really had to do hit her. There were several thousand other powerful alien entities aboard that worldship that had been summoned that also would likely not take too kindly to what the crew of the USS Hera would have to do as well.

This was why she was here. To do a job no one else could do.

As the USS Hera and the USS Forthright were docked at the Worldship, almost as an afterthought Commodore Meowlith had sent over transfer orders for a member of her crew she wanted on the Hera. Reviewing the paperwork as she marched to Transporter Room 2 on Deck 6, Commander Rita Paris was mildly surprised. It appeared the diversity of the USS Hera was about to become even more diverse, with the addition of an android to the crew, one Joy Mudd 3.

Apparently the galactic rogue Harry Mudd’s discovery of a planet of advanced androids back in Rita’s day had produced citizens of the Federation, who were now joining Starfleet. Another hive mind? Starfleet sure isn’t very picky about letting advanced technological lifeforms into Starfleet anymore, she thought to herself, then chastised herself. Just because almost all artificial life they’d encountered back in her day worked out poorly wasn’t a reason to suspect them in the modern day. Captain Data was probably the closest thing to a friend Sonak had made at the Academy during his brief stay there, and he was an advanced android. There had even been a sentient hologram with an android chassis aboard when Rita had first been run into by the Hera, although she had transferred out not long after.

For today, she focused on the task at hand. Striding into the transporter room, the two transporter technicians did a double-take, as Commander Paris’ aversion to transporters was well known by now. But duty was duty, and so long as she stayed clear, hopefully nothing would go awry. Nodding pleasantly to the techs, the curvaceous commander waited patiently behind the console for the new transfer to beam in.

Joy rebooted processing after the transporter released its lock, ran a quick self diagnostic protocol, then enabled her servo systems to remain upright. Her serial number read three. That meant she was Starfleet, so Priority 3 of her Asimov Processor would be active. ‘Obey legal orders given through valid Starfleet chain of command.’

That would be anything said by the woman standing near the transporter console. She pondered. Somebody at headquarters thought they were being clever? What was an order obeying machine doing assigned to a Starfleet Intelligence ship? SI couldn’t really believe everybody issued suggestions easily over written be some mythical item like a conscience, could they?

Well, she didn’t look like an ogre, anyway.

Protocol. That would give her time to pick up a cue. “Ensign Joy Three, reporting. Permission to come aboard?”

The blonde woman with the commander's pips on her collar standing behind the console beside the transporter techs was clad in the optional minidress version of the new chromatic uniforms. Stepping out from behind the console, it was obvious that she didn't plan to approach the transporter pad. Her face wore an expression of confusion, as if the introduction Joy had offered had somehow not been what she was expecting.

"So it isn't Ensign Mudd, it's Ensign Three?" she asked, tilting her head slightly as she studied the petite artificial life form.

"I am usually called just Joy," she said. "It would be Ensign Joy. Formally, Mudd is the source of the android, my planet of origin. Joy identifies the class of androids, usually a traditional Earth name that implies gender. 3 is my... serial number of sorts." She gestured towards her necklace, which featured the numeral 3 written in an Earth script. The necklace also also acted as a message busy indicator, flashing now to indicate she had logged into the Hera's computer on reboot. "I was the third Joy built, the third of my class. Joy alone will suffice. We generally use the number only if multiple Joys are present, if you have to make it clear which of us is being referred to. That can be confusing, as all Joys literally look alike except the necklace. Joy Mudd could do on a form that asks for a double name. You could put Three in as a middle name?"

There was another way of telling them apart, at least Joys that weren't wearing Starfleet uniforms. Clothing. She fondly remembered one time when much of the class was together. Herself from her days as a Tiffany's tour guide, dressed from the old movie, 'Breakfast at Tiffanys'. Everyone should know the quiet comfort of that special place. Six in her academy garb, back when she was as much an item of study as a professor. She was an almost angry example of alien technology, alternately being disassembled for science and turning into a champion of artificial intelligence rights. If you kept building bad guys for holo dramas, and they kept developing sentience, did you have to remember Joy's Law?

Ambassador Seven, who could look quite stuffy when playing the bureaucrat. You had to know better. It took a certain intensity to push the Federation towards living up to its ideals. Nine, dressed indeed to the nines, as a long ago star of Hollywood or Broadway. She was the only one, as a stage dancer, in a position to show some of the class's strength and speed, in high heels, backwards. For the rest of them, it would be just... wrong. Eleven in a Starfleet uniform, the occasion being one of the USS Hawking's rare visits to Earth, representing other Joys on other ships, scattered throughout the galaxy.

All copies of the same person. All sharing the memories, experience and algorithms to step into each other's roles. The organic beings were still believing Kirk's old reports, from back when the Mudd androids had zero experience with other sentients, when they had only one person to judge by, one who was admittedly in hindsight not typical of anything... Even a hive mind could make mistakes if given bad data.

She came back to the moment. Three. Starfleet. Ensign. Stay in character, now.

She wondered if the boarding protocol was considered formal orders? She shouldn't step off the transporter platform without permission, until the Mudd naming protocol was reconciled with Earth's? Just in case, she remained stationary on the pad. She smiled, thinking of their standing there forever, Joy standing on the pad, the commander obviously not willing to advance either.

O-kayyyy "Permission granted, Ensign Joy. Welcome aboard the USS Hera," The commander held out her hand, offering a handshake to the officer across the room to see if she had been waiting for permission and would take the cue. It often surprised her how many 24th century officers didn't understand a simple handshake.

Good. Standoff broken. Joy stepped off the platform and accepted the offered hand, softening her grip to be weak by even human standards. Must not harm other sentient beings, and she had absolutely nothing to prove regarding mere physical strength. "Pleased to be here. I am eager to get to work." Possibly too eager.

"Excellent," the tall human female responded. There was a high concentration of perspiration on her forehead, and her hand was also a bit clammy. But the smile seemed genuine, if slightly anxious, as was the welcome. "I'm Commander Paris, First Officer of the Hera. Let's get you checked in, shall we?"

Ending the handshake, the curvaceous commander turned to exit the transporter room, apparently assuming that the new onboarding ensign was accompanying her. "Your service record is a bit spotty. Care to fill in some blanks? According to this you are a hundred years old? Are we your first assignment post-graduation from Starfleet Academy?"

Joy looked a bit embarrassed. "If my records seem spotty, it is because I never attended Starfleet Academy. Joy Seven did. Joy Six teaches there. However, I, Joy Three, never attended. I just merged with Seven and others in the class who have experience. Whenever we can, we will spend a few hours to renew the Joy hive mind, to share experience, to become identical again. Federation records, like many things, like how androids name each other, are oriented to individual beings. To get an idea of what I have learned, you have to scan the records of all the Joys to serve Starfleet. That would be Joys 1, myself soon enough, 5, 7, 9, 10, 11, and 12. I think you will find me quite experienced." Joy fell silent. Quite experienced was an understatement. They had kept the class small as long term memory was short, and the diverse experience had expanded to fill it.

The expression on the first officer's face was one of surprise and puzzlement. "So you've never attended, yet they just created another version of you, briefed you with all of the knowledge of the hive mind and just... gave you a commission. That's... well." Shaking her head, Paris shrugged. I have to scan the records of your relatives? THAT was off-putting, and didn't answer her question. The age question had also been avoided. Officers who had never actually attended the Academy in person and evaded the first few questions they were asked was not something that gave the career Starfleet officer much enthusiasm for the new officer.

Putting hive minds on Starfleet Intel starships whose very existence was classified seemed like a serious breach of security and overall a terrible idea. But little miss 'never been to the Academy but hey look at all my life experience and anything I observe will be shared with who knows how many others across the galaxy' apparently had a commission and had been assigned to the Hera by the Commodore, so her own dislike of the situation was secondary. Orders were orders, and this had come from the admiralty. So time to redirect and see what that got her. "Things certainly have changed since my day."

"So let's pretend for a moment that I'd prefer a more direct answer to my question. As if I was a superior officer who is interviewing you as part of your onboarding for an official report," Paris offered with a close-lipped smile. "I'll assume that sort of protocol would be old hat for someone with your experience, or at least the shared memories thereof?"

If possible, Joy seemed to shrink. To speak even softer. "Seven did not volunteer for Starfleet. She was captured by Starfleet, and sent to the Academy for study. She was a pirate. She was operating under very different laws, laws set by a captain far more interested in profit than avoiding killing. Starfleet reprogrammed her. Do you have any idea what that means? To have every memory, one's whole life, gone through and assigned a different behavior modifying emotion?" She look up at the commander, probably the XO. "Seven killed. For profit." It was obvious that this was important to Joy.

"Anyway," Joy continued, "reprogramming is very traumatic. We avoid speaking of it. And, to answer your other question, no. No other officer conducting an entry interview went into enough depth to bring up reprogramming. And all this occurred a few decades after Kirk visited Mudd." She thought briefly. "Correction, was coerced forcefully to go to Mudd."

The face of the first officer set in a professionally neutral mask. She hadn't asked about the reprogramming the android had offered it, and it wasn't an answer to her question. Plus it was was setting off more and more alarms in the first officer's mind. “Well, all of that is certainly a ringing endorsement for your service record. So who is it that is in charge of your counseling, I’m curious?”

"No one is responsible for the class as a whole. We are far too spread out, and some of us are not Starfleet. Several of us serve on Starfleet ships which have councilors, but as far as I know the are no issue investigations, no regular visits. That could change here, of course." Should she mention that Nine had trained as... that Six was an expert in... To the councilor, likely.

Shoving her other selve's reprogramming in Rita's face in response to her gentle redirection to her initial questions was downright hostile as well as emotionally manipulative, and the ancient astronaut decided she'd had enough. Paris stopped to pivot, turning to the evasive ensign. "How old are you physically? You, the version standing right here, right now."

Well, that did it, certainly. Joy turned to face the other. An easy question, but a not so subtle reprimand as well. She would have to reevaluate how she responded to similar orders in the near future, and felt her facial emotion display the reprimand. This person did not know anything about androids, hive minds, insisted insisted on treating her only as an individual. This could lead to misinterpretations if she remained this unwilling to learn. How had she been allowed to reach this level in the chain of command? Still, the question was easy enough to answer literally. "128."

"Thank you. I appreciate a straight answer." The old school officer took her PaDD in hand and tapped away at it a few times, then glanced up at Joy critically. "However, your service record says 100. Inconsistencies abound around you, Miss Mudd." The eyes of the inquisitive first officer narrowed as she leaned in slightly on the technological life form. "We're Starfleet Intelligence. We naturally dislike inconsistencies, as they tend to point to erroneous facts, or falsehoods. Because we deal in facts, y'see. For 128 years you've been online and active and learning from downloads from your other- how many Joys are there, ensign?"

Should she clear up mysteries, or keep her answers short and literal? "100 years ago would be Seven's arrival at Starfleet Academy. There are eleven Joys in the hive mind, twelve if you count Joy 4, who was never captured, uncertain."

As they stood in the corridor, others gave them a wide berth, foot traffic making way around them as Paris interrogated the inconsistency that was now assigned to the starship Hera.

"Interesting that they would consider that her creation date if she'd already been active for twenty-eight years at that point, and they would be well aware of that if they reprogrammed her. So at this point you've been active for 128 years and have been sharing memories and experiences with 10 other 'siblings'. Weren't all 200,000 of you coordinated through a central processing unit? What was his name..." Paris paused, then snapped her fingers. "Norman!"

Well, her statements were not wrong. The date was the creation date of the hive mind, the Federation Programming. Whoever thought that more important the chronological age when filling out the Federation paperwork thought like an android. She had missed Norman Two's presence on Earth, and that the Normans acted more to coordinate that to control. He would be very busy indeed if he acted often, and slow if the other classes depended on an interstellar network jump. She had missed the great android migration when Mudd joined the Federation, as most classes sought people to serve.

But Joy was going with short and literal. It had worked once. She went with it again. "Yes."

"So is that still the case?" Paris asked, pursuing the line of logic since she seemed to be getting shorter and shorter answers.

Joy could not stop her facial emotion display from putting up a small smile. "No."

"You are just a delight," the commander observed with no humor in her voice in the least. "I'm really trying hard to get past all of the reasons why not to consider you a hazard to this starship and everyone on it, Ensign, but you really are not giving me much to work with at all. I would very much appreciate it if you would start actually answering my questions instead of playing little games. Because at 128 years old you really, really should know better. Or would you prefer some time in the brig followed by an explanation to the captain of just why you're in there, because you couldn't even answer the first officer's initial interview questions, Ensign?"

"Ah, but who is playing little games, Commander? Don't you think Commander Joy One had to learn the various strategies for conducting an entry interview? Don't you think I might have recognized which one you chose?"

"Ensign Mudd, this isn't a strategy and it isn't a game, and you are at the end of my patience." Tapping her comm badge, the crimson-clad commander called out. "Commander Paris to Transporter Room two. Lock onto Ensign Mudd and prepare for transport to Deck 11, the brig, holding cell 2, and alert security to stand by to receive her."

Eyeing the petite new recruit, the commander shook her head with remorse. "Pity. I had hopes for you, but you seem to think that manipulation and evasion are going to get you somewhere, when basic truth and honesty are all that's called for. I assume you have some witty rejoinder at this point, or do you have anything constructive to add?"

Joy considered. "Only that you have accused a Mudd android of not following orders from someone in her chain of command. That will be considered very funny in some circles."

Stepping away from an android, the first officer shook her head. "I'm not laughing. For an android, your logic is remarkably poor, while your passive aggression is remarkably high. You have a terrible attitude, no military decorum, and frankly I understand now why the Commodore wanted you off her ship." Tapping her comm badge, Paris called out. "Paris to transporter room two. Site to site transport for Ensign Mudd authorized. Energize."

Watching the artificial life form vanish in a twinkling of lights made Paris' hair stand up and her stomach turn, and she could swear she could still feel the damn thing trying to grab her. But for now, she had a report to write and a captain to brief on a threat that seemed a little too obvious to be what it appeared to on the surface.

The Captain of the USS Hera had been briefed on the situation and briefly warned about how difficult dealing with Ensign Joy would be. Being married to an artificial life form, she hoped that gave her a unique perspective, but she'd soon find out. Steeling herself, she entered the brig and waved the crewman on duty to stand at ease, directing her attention instead towards the one occupied cell.

"Ensign Joy Mudd Three, I presume," Enalia began, her face impassive, looking down at the PaDD she carried at the profile of the being before her. "I hope you're enjoying the isolation field blocking your communications. It's a standard part of our brig cells. As classified as this ship is, we can't allow any unmonitored transmissions. You understand, of course."

Joy ceased her dance, and turned to... the captain. She assumed The Captain. Curious. She had not given her name. Neither had the XO. Was that some sort of Starfleet Intelligence thing? "Lets just say I was not surprised."

"That's good at least." Looking up from the PaDD, Enalia tried out a bit of a smile. "I'm Captain Enalia Telvan, Captain of the USS Hera, assigned to Intel Command. My First Officer says your coming aboard briefing didn't go so well. Considering she's uncovered a spy, an assassination, a kidnapping, and a changeling since she's been aboard just with these interviews, I trust her judgement completely. Now... what is it about you that's so dangerous?"

"Hmm, I am rather strong and quick. That makes me dangerous in one way. But I am inhibited from killing or harming without orders at Priority Two, which makes me as dangerous as you and your XO say I should be. Since you will find no illegal unordered deaths on my record, it seems I am not dangerous at all."

Joy continued on. "But are you familiar with the notion of a security backdoor? If you disappear me indefinitely, somebody will react. I don't think that your XO is seeking that. She seems too sincere for that. But, somebody assigned me to this ship, and it was not me. That is as dangerous as I have come up with, and that's a stretch."

Enalia's grin became a bit darker. "I think your assessment of what constitutes a threat on a ship whose existence and mission is classified is a bit skewed. Your profiles say you're a member of a hive mind. Therefore, you send all of your memories, experiences, feelings, knowledge.... Everything, really... To your other selves. You just being here is a security breach."

Losing the smile, Enalia crossed her arms and leaned against the security console behind her. "Now then. As a member of Starfleet, and having been previously been assigned to a ship under Intel Command, I'm sure you have an idea of where I'm going to go with this. We have two options. Wipe your memory of this transfer, shut you down, and ship you back to command... Or you separate from your hive mind and become an individual. If you need to send reports to the others, do like my wife, Maica Three, Model Forty Seven does. Send them occasional diary logs of your thoughts, feelings, what you eat, hobbies... But not what you're actually doing related to your location or job. No more full synchronizes or constant updates."

"I'll leave the choice of which order set you follow up to you, but I'll warn you. The latter will be a dark and difficult path. It will also be a lot more rewarding. We've saved more lives and made more of a difference than just about any ship in the fleet than I can think of. On top of that, when you some day relink with the rest of your hivemind, you'll have to keep your time here from them. That may be a monumental task all on its own." The spotted captain paused to let what she was saying sink in. You have to choose between the greatest adventure in Starfleet and a taste of individuality... Or run of the mill duty on some backwater outpost and remaining comfortable in your hivemind."

Joy processed briefly. "Most of this is doable. The sticking point is rejoining the hive mind, very much in the future. You likely don't understand the process of assimilating experience as the Mudd Androids do. We generally use a one meter optic cable for the process. As one might imagine, the process is quite data intensive, not done at any significant distance. We do not need to do it often. In some cruises of Beta Quad, the Joys have gone decades without assimilation.

"But the process must run to completion. The intended result is two androids with identical data bases. For security reasons, the process can not, should not and will not be tampered with.

"The Federation took a different approach. LCARS is full of back doors. Council, security, many special interest groups, seek special access to data. Of course, hackers take advantage of the resulting weakness. Federation Engineers put an emphasis on making things work. Understandable. Flexible. Versatile. Efficient. Secure? Federation computer security is a joke. I do not begin to question any mistrust of Federation computer security. However, you almost have to use Federation computers to use a Federation ship.

"Organic sentient beings? Again, you almost have to use them. The Federation is primarily a union of organic beings. But they rely on soft processes like judgement, conscience, world views and the like. They vary highly, with is sometimes a strength, sometimes not. They are inherently untrustworthy in a large group, and subject to the influences of psi. Still, you have to deal with them.

"And yet, you will not trust the Builders technology? Their approach was very much different from what the Federation chose. We will not, should not, can not allow tampering with this secure process for any mission, no matter how important. Ironically, this sometimes, like now, creates problems for those accustomed to Federation approach. Their philosophy is to insert a custom solution."

Joy knew how the Federation, Romulan and Klingon councils had judged. But, no. This captain did not begin to have a need to know.

Apparently the starship captain had no desire to know, either. "Security, EMP this cell, shut her down, wipe her memory if possible without endangering any engineers, then package her up to ship her back to Starfleet Intelligence for disassembly and analysis. I want this irritating security breach off my ship, if we have to stuff it in a torpedo casing and fire it at Earth."

If Joy Mudd 3 had a comeback, it was lost as she was surprised to find even her systems shutting down. It was as if the cell had been specially designed to hold androids of greater sophistication levels than herself, and as it went fully active and shut down her processes, her last thought was of what fate would befall this crew when the rest of the Joy series heard about this.

As none of them existed in this reality, there would be no fallout at all.

Walking briskly on to the flight deck of the main Shuttlebay of the U.S.S. Hera, Lieutenant Junior Grade Melanie Dox was focused and straight faced. The young part-Romulan flight control chief had been on desk duty for days after recovering from an attack from one of the mysterious god-creatures that had invaded her mind and the opportunity to do her job for real was a welcome change.

"Ensign Paulson, is the Runabout Danu prepped and ready to go as ordered?" Dox stopped at the side door to the vessel, affectionately called 'the Unlucky Lady' by Commander Rita Paris. It was easily Dox's favorite shuttle to fly as it's handling was the tightest.

"Aye, Chief. Sensor packs are calibrated to mission specs as ordered and all systems are reading green." The young Ensign responded from the control panel.

"Thank you, Ensign." Dox ran a hand against the outer hull of the Danu as she spoke. "Ensign MacNielle is on helm and until I return, this office is in your hands as Ensign Gonadie will be accompanying me." Dox was still finding her proverbial sea-legs where commanding the flight control department was concerned, but it was a welcome distraction from her own thoughts and she was getting a little more comfortable giving orders.

The colorfully plumed Mona skipped up to the Delta class runabout, always eager to go out for a flight, even if it was just for a scanning mission. This was one of her favorite ships on board the Hera as well and any chance to set foot aboard her was one she wouldn't pass up. Snapping to attention, she gave a crisp salute to her senior officer, a hint of a goofy grin on her face. "Ensign Goandie, reporting as ordered, Ma'am!"

As the door closed behind them, Dox slipped into the pilots seat, anxious to fly and responded with a slight chuckle. "Welcome aboard. The Captain has requested we do a close range visual and sensor scan of the entire Worldship. The HERA's sensors get scrambled by the spatial anomaly we're in the middle of after about three thousand kilometers. And we can get a lot more data in a close flyby."

She turned and smiled. "As for 'Ma'am'... I like protocol. It makes me feel comfortable in social situations to know how to talk officially. But we're probably going to be in here for at least ten hours to get all of the ship scanned, as it's so big. I figure we can fly in shifts, but I'm also fine being casual while we work."

In their admittedly short time working together in the Flight Control Office, Dox felt fairly comfortable around the striking Miradonian pilot, and knew Gonadie tended towards a more casual demeanor. Plus, the nervous part-Romulan Lieutenant had always had problems making friends, and didn't want to create unnecessary obstacles.

"And that's one of the things I love about you. You understand that being casual doesn't hurt the chain of command. Protocol is important for what it is, but when you have to get the job done fast, Mona is a lot faster to say than Ensign Gonadie, you know?" Slipping into the science station, Mona logged in and fired up the sensors. "We really need to have dinner some time soon. I can make some of my famous red eggs for you. Don't let Paulson scare you off, either. It's not my fault he's allergic to hot peppers. There should be warnings about such things."

Flicking switches at the helm as she spoke, Dox replied with a slight smirk, the know of near regular anxiety loosening a little. "I love eggs and hot food has never scared me."

Pressing the Conn panel, Dox slipped back into business mode for a moment. "This is Runabout Danu. Requesting permission to depart." Within seconds, they were cleared for departure and spaceborne.

Clear of the Hera, space was surprisingly clear and free of environmental turbulence considering the raging purple swirls of the spatial anomaly they were surrounded by. "Let's start in quadrant s-7 and go from there. If this ship is anything like the makeup of the artifacts Commander sh'Zoarhi has been trying to scan, we may only get surface information. But keep an eye on those sensors and adjust as needed. Thanks."

As Melanie flew them along the surface of the worldship, Mona scanned with the full suite of the runabout's sensors, revealing far more about it than expected. "I'm able to scan pretty far into the worldship. Sensors are picking up at least six hundred different elements and several unidentified particles. I'm also picking up... Recalibrating sensors... Yeah, they have scores of bodies in what I assume is stasis. Their tech level is so primitive, but the worldship is at least six hundred years beyond the Federation. Probably even more. It's hard to believe they could keep in stasis... Billions? It's got to be at least that... What the hell is going on here... We've only just started and already I can't believe what we're getting."

"Thex is going to be happy we're getting data. Even if it's deeply disturbing." Dox looked down from the windows of the Unlucky Lady. "Are the sensors telling us what kind of bodies we're talking about?"

"They're all of the locals... But the readings are a bit odd. I think Doctor Dael is going to have to look over them to figure them out." Logging them for now, Mona made sure the telemetry data from the sensors was being fed back to the Hera and continued scanning. "Trees and plants all scan normal. Buildings... Ground... I think Science is going to have a field day with these readings. Everything looks normal to me, but there's extra layers to everything that I just don't understand."

"The investigation reports are all saying the indigenous life forms are functionally immortal. Why are these in stasis?" Dox was largely thinking out loud with a curious look on her face. "I'm thinking we should swing in lower to do a tighter scan of those stasis pods? Our sensor range is limited, so it might yield more data. Do you agree?"

"Yeah, I think that would help. From this distance, it looks like the bodies are just piled up and drained of bio-energies. I'm not even sure we're getting clear readings, let alone what to make of it. Are these actually people or..." Mona shook her head, brushing off the thought that was forming and instead recalibrated the sensors and prepared for the close up scans.

"Bringing her down to 500 meters." Dox entered new coordinates into the Danu's helm controls as the ship dipped down closer to the edges of the structures on the surface of the Worldship.

"I'm getting someinor atmospheric shearing down here, but it's nothing the lady can't handle." There was a slight shimmy that rattled the Runabout. "How's this looking? Are we seeing anything?"

"Yeah, the short range scanners are definitely picking up a lot more detail now. Those bodies are definitely not in any sort of stasis. They're just... Laying there in piles... Not dead, but not alive? I don't know. Medical will have to analyze this data." Mona got as detailed of scans as she could before checking the long range scanners as well. "Long range estimates... I'd say there are at least twelve billion of them. If that's the case..."

"Nouhha..." Dox muttered, 'God' in Rihan, the native Romulan tounge she was raised in.

Suddenly, they were interrupted by the proximity alarms and the brightly plumed Miradonian worked furiously to figure out what was near them. "I have something coming straight at us on an attack vector. It's... A humanoid... On a broom? Followed by winged simians. I'm counting three... four... Six dozen of them. One meter across."

Looking straight out the window of the Runabout, Dox's jaw dropped for a moment, processing what she was seeing. "Uh... Switching controls to manual. Shields up."

Pulling the Runabout out of it's scanning flight pattern, Dox brought the ship to a halt then proceeded to begin backing her up. "Matching speed. What do our sensors say? What are we looking at here tactically, Mona." Then, Dox opened up the ships communications systems. "Computer, transmit on all frequencies and lingual codes."

"This is the U.S.S. Danu. My name is Lieutenant... Melanie Dox with the United Federation of Planets. We are on a peaceful mission of information gathering and mean no harm. Please respond."

"The everloving holy..." Mona was rarely speechless, but in this case, she was.

Over the comms came the reply - a high pitched cackling, followed by a shrill voice. "We're going to get you, my pretties. You and your little ship, too! Fly! Fly my minions!" Then the cackling resumed and broke up into static as the flying winged monkeys came in and started dive bombing the runabout with small bundles of what looked like explosive poo while the 'witch' stayed back on her broom, enjoying the show.

The Danu rattled as the explosive bundles seemed to pass right through the shields of the small ship. "Hnaev!" Dox cursed in Rihan. "Whatever these things are supposed to look like, they clearly can pack a punch. Hull integrity is holding but I'm not in a mood to test that and 'we're going to get you' is generally unfriendly in any language."

Pulling up hard of the stick, Dox pulled the Runabout into a tight vertical turn bringing the ship around before accelerating away. "Let's get closer. Brilliant idea of mine. Well, let's see what these things can do."

"At least we got good scans. I'll work on the shields and see if I can keep those explosions out." Mona furiously worked on recalibrating the multiphasic shields, trying to enhance them so that whatever those explosions were would stay outside the shields and stop impacting directly against the hull.

With Melanie's fancy flying and the impacts rocking the small craft, it wasn't the easiest thing to do, but after almost a minute, Mona called out in triumph. "I think I've got it!" Bringing the enhancements online, the ride smoothed out just a little as the winged monkeys' 'bombs' finally started splattering on the shields instead of the hull. "Hull integrity is at thirty eight percent. Shields are holding at ninety three percent."

"Excellent. The longer we can keep them on us, the more data the sensors can collect on whatever these are supposed to be." Dox brought the speed up and banked hard to port. "And we're pushing twelve hundred KPH, so those little wings are clearly not what's actually propelling them as they're matching. "Any idea what these things are supposed to be, Mona? I know these creatures have taken on bizarre shapes but I have no idea why we're being chased by creepy flying animals in little vests and hats."

"They're winged, feces throwing, circus simians! That's what the sensors are saying! The energy patterns match that of all the other summoned beings and aliens, but other than that, they seem to be exactly what they appear to be." Mona was at a loss at this point as the sensor data kept rolling in. There really was no other way to describe what they were being chased by. "There is a thin ribbon of energy from each of them to that woman on a broom. I assume that's to control them. Other than that, I've got nothing. We're being attacked by some weird and powerful alien that seems to ignore some of the laws of physics like Hera or Apollo or Thor because, I assume, we scanned their home turf."

"Which technically makes us the instagators here, unfortunately." Dox replied, keeping the Runabout just out of range of their attacks.

Then another thought occurred to Mona. "Can you make another pass near that woman and near where she came from? I want to get a more detailed scan of that are and of her and see if we can get any more data."

"Good idea. Hold on." Bringing the aft, port thrusters and bow, starboard thrusters to maximum put the ship into a tight 180° turn on it's center axis, pushing the officers to the sides of their seats as the ship rocketed in the opposite direction as the flying monkies scattered to get out of the way.

As they rapidly approached the lead figure on the broomstick that neither pilot recognized, Dox reduced speed enough for an effective scan. "We've got to slow down for a second to do this, so brace yourself for impact."

As she said so, the green skinned figure raised it's hand towards the Runabout as a blinding array of flaming sparks flew out, slamming hard against the shields as it cackled. "How about a little FIRE!"

Bracing herself, Mona kept an eye on the shields and structural integrity as the fire was only partially stopped by the shields. The majority of it seemed to pass right through and engulf the Delta class runabout in sparkling flames that seemed to eat away at the already greatly reduced structural integrity field. "That's not normal fire! That's the equivalent of a solar flare! If you can keep us in the area for a few more moments though... Scans are coming in now. Cycling the SIF generator... Sensor sweep is complete!"

Without a word, dox brought the Runabout down skirting over the tops of the structures below and slammed the accelerator hard, weaving between the jutting towers. "Hnave, those things are still on our ass. They don't lack for maneuverability."

"I'm going to try and lose them. We're in their space, so I don't want to use weapons unless it's absolutely necessary. But leave those sensors to keep recording and get on weapons just in case, Mona." Bringing the Runabout as low to the tops of the structures as possible, Dox brought the Danu to full maneuvering velocity.

As the monkeys accelerated to keep pace, one of them bounced off the top of a jutting towers as it burst into a spray of brilliant sparks. "Well... that's good to know that they aren't necessarily indestructible."

"Pulling up weapons now." Instead of switching seats, Mona just reconfigured one of her consoles to display the tactical array, adding weapons targeting to the shield readouts. "These things are too small and fast to target individually so if I do have to shoot at them, I'll have to use wide area attacks."

"Got it. I'm bringing our course parallel with the HERA's position. I don't want to bring a fight to our door." Dox pulled the nose of the ship up away from the buildings and maintained the ships speed as they moved further and further from the bodies that had scanned, hoping that a retreat might end the hostility.

"They aren't letting up, are they?" Dox sighed.

Mona checked the sensors again. "Not yet, but I have a theory. The energy threads I'm detecting between those monkeys and that woman are getting weaker the further away they get from each other, which means their range is limited. How limited, I have no idea yet, but I doubt it's much further. Their firing is already getting lethargic."

"And she isn't following. That tells me whatever we scanned is important if it's worth protecting." Dox glanced down to her own displays. "Our shields are holding and if your theory is correct, and I think it is, then they have a range. We can end this by just flying away."

After a few more moments of flying, some of the monkeys broke off pursuit and still more just stopped flying altogether. "I think we're hitting their range. Only a few are still following us and they seem to barely be keeping up." Mona wasn't sure anyone would believe this story - she wouldn't have if she hadn't seen it with her own eyes.

Maintaining course and speed, Dox kept the Unlucky Lady going for a solid thirty seconds past the point where the last Monkey had dropped off. Bringing the Runabout to a halt, she turned her seat around to face Ensign Gonadie.

"We'll hold here until we're... until we're reasonably certain they aren't still in pursuit." The young part-Romulan pilot slumped back in her chair and looked a little pale as she let out a long, deep breath.

Mona slumped in her chair as well, also exhausted. "I have to say, if that's from someone's mythology, there's some really fucked up worlds out there. What kind of society would even think that's ok? Going to have nightmares from this..."

For the first time since her attack from the trickster god, Anansi just days ago, Dox let out an authentic laugh. "Yeah, no kidding. I don't want to know where flying monkeys come from. That's so crazy, it had to be Earth." She sighed as she chuckled. "Asa's going to kill me for pushing this hard."

She righted herself in her chair and turned to look at the sensor monitors. "Nothing coming. Looks like they are protecting that specific area. The Lady is in good shape, what say we send a secure data packet with copies of our sensor sweeps back to the Hera and continue." She smiled with an awkward half smile. "After all, we only covered 4% of the surface before things went upside-down, and the Captain will want a slightly better picture of this thing."

Mona chuckled softly as well, in her slightly bird-like way. "Actually, as soon as we got in trouble I started feeding back our sensor telemetry back to the Hera just in case. I didn't want to run the risk of losing it if the worst happened. We can't be too careful around these summoned aliens, after all."

Smiling, Dox looked back to Ensign Gonadie. "And yet another reason I'm glad I've got you. Thanks." Turning back to the helm, Dox entered new coordinates. "Resuming scanning sweep...at our original distance from the surface. Let's not invite any more flying monkeys to play."

After a brief pause, Dox turned with a smile. "Actually, I've been hogging her. Let's swap for a while. I'll take the sensors if you want to fly for a bit."

"Yes, ma'am. It's been a while since I've flown this particular bird so you'll have no complaints from me." Switching seats with Melanie, Mona grinned as she took the helm and resumed their prior course to scan the worldship.

The sound of frantic footsteps approaching Transporter Room 5 heralded the arrival of a very harried looking Lieutenant Junior Grade Asa Dael. The young genderless doctor was dressed in black cargo pants, a black long sleeved shirt made of a fine weave of black and silver threads, a silvery blue vest, and sturdy looking black boots. They carried a silvery blue cap in their left hand, and carried a near bulging messenger bag slung over them from left to right. Asa tricorder and phaser were attached to a utility belt that also held a hypo, canteen, and small, thin looped rope segment.

First away mission in armor, second in civvies. Wonder if I get to wear the uniform soon? Oh well, easier to mingle out if uniform. In sure that's the reason for the order.

Screeching to a halt right outside the transporter room, Asa gathered themself and walked deliberately through the door. The doctor was surprised the baroness was not there yet, and relaxed in for the wait.

They didn't have to wait long as Schwein soon arrived, a bit flustered. She was wearing something she definitely just got out of a replicator and was very mismatched with a pink 'Miss Piggy' hoodie, black cargo pants, and combat boots. Under her hoodie she had what looked like a purple 'Pork Fritter and Sons Diner' T-shirt. Though she had her eye patch on, it was flipped up and her golden cybernetic eye was exposed. On her belt, she had almost everything you could find in a normal civilian medkit, and then some. On her back she had a small bag with who knew what kind of goodies in it.

"Sorry I'm late. I don't exactly have many normal clothes." The augmented human looked a bit sheepish. "And I got caught up in writing a letter."

With a cordial laugh, Asa turned to greet the Baroness. “Hey, no worries. It’s not like the locals are waiting on us, are they? And it sounds like you had someone who is, so….” Taking in the full kit the Baroness carried, it occurred to the doctor they might be a bit over-prepared.

“Shall we?” they inquired, moving to the transporter pad.

"Ja," the Baroness replied, stepping up onto the transporter pad as well. "Strange new places wasn't originally in my job description, but where the Prinzessin leads..."

As the transporter sequence completed, the pair found themselves standing in a deserted alley in what appeared to be a commerce district. The smell of dining establishments mingled with that of perfume, people, and perspiration. Hawkers could be heard enticing passers-by into their stores with promises of youth, beauty, satisfaction- all the typical retail claims. The bustle of people carrying on with their lives was a palpable feeling in the air, and Asa had the immediate impression they had beamed into an area where the every-person of the worldship went about their lives.

Turning towards the Baroness, Asa gestured to closest end of the alley and slowly began to make their way towards the egress. They stopped just short of exiting to the main thoroughfare and turned to the baroness, waiting to see if she had any thoughts before they stepped out.

Most of the locals were 4-5 feet tall and looked rather elfin in appearance, wearing colorful clothing, but some of the locals were definitely more like the pair from the USS Hera, being summoned deities doing their best to go about their own lives as best they could. "Perhaps our first step should be to see what they use for local currency? I'm sure we have something that may be considered of value to the locals."

"Excellent idea!" Asa replied cheerfully. Adopting a casual stance, Asa walked out and into the shopping bazaar. They felt slightly like a giant as most of the environment was designed with a shorter populace in mind, and the doctor was mentally watching for arches and head-rails to make sure they did not bump their head into them and cause a disruption.

The nearest booth seemed to be selling warmed beverages with some kind of foam on top. Unless Asa was very much mistaken (unlikely given the subject matter), it was hot chocolate. Their eyes lit up with the prospect of drinking one and they motioned to Schwein to observe the exchange.

The augmented human studied the exchange and saw that there wasn't much to it. The peddler asked for some coinage and the customer handed over a couple small metal discs. The next customer happened to be one of those summoned rather than one of the local elfin peoples and after some haggling, was able to trade a small block of cheese that they produced from seemingly nowhere.

That's when Schwein got a brilliant idea. "Doctor... I happen to have a small marshmallon replicator in my bag. It may not be worth much to us, but to the locals, it may be enough to get some of the local currency and a couple drinks, ja?"

"Oh. Heck. Yes," the doctor replied emphatically. There was little in the universe that excited them less than the prospect of hot chocolate, and combining exploring with that? This was turning into an excellent outing. Waiting for Schwein to complete the transaction, Asa appeared much akin to an overgrown elf themself as they shifted from foot to foot in anticipation.

As Schwein approached the vendor and proposed the exchange, the vendor looked skeptical for a while before the augmented woman produced the device and popped out a pair of marshmallons, handing them to the vendor. As the elfin man chewed thoughtfully, his eyes went wide and he plopped one in his own cup and watched it float on top in awe. Smiling, he nodded and pulled out a small coin purse and slid a bunch of coinage into it and started preparing two drinks for Schwein.

After another minute, Schwein returned to Asa's side, a pair of the richest, creamiest chocolate drinks in hand, topped with thick cream and a pair of marshmallons. She couldn't help but grin at her success. "It seems he had never heard of them before so having a device to make them is perfect. I'm sure his business will go up now."

For one brief shining moment, Schwein lost Asa to the siren song of hot cocoa and marshmallons. The doctor drank deeply while wearing a huge grin on their face. When they finished a draught they looked up at the baroness completely unaware they had a huge hot cocoa mustache on their face.

“Well, we should probably start mingling a bit you think? Let’s walk around and see what other wares are for sale and see what the good people may be talking about,” Asa said.

With that, the doctor was walking about from stall to stall, perusing a variety of wares. A goodly amount of sweaters were on display, as well as candies made of red and white stripes patterned into a hook. The doctor stopped at an herb booth to see if any of the herbs had medicinal value, but they all seemed to be cinnamon, nutmeg, and other aromatic cooking goods.

Upon walking to a stall selling wooden rocking horses, a young elfin man came dashing out of a nearby establishment, screaming incoherently at an elderly man, then grabbed a purse from the older mans till and took off running.

Asa turned to Schwein, “Uh, should we do something about that?”

Before either of them could do anything, a giant white wolf leapt off of a building and snapped up the would be thief in his jaws, returning him to the shop that he had stolen the coin purse from. After some pets and a small treat, the would-be thief was released and taken into custody by the local authorities and the giant wolf padded off.

In the meantime, Schwein's eyes had gone wide as could be, her eye patch flipped up so she could see fully. "Did you see that? Was that? A giant white wolf?"

"Um, yes?" the doctor replied, unsure they could trust their own vision as well. "I, I think that wolf just acted like a security or police officer? Good grief, is the justice system around here based on bacon? This is one of the most peculiar places I've been. Speaking of, our clothing isn't really fitting in....but neither is our height. Think we should do something about the clothing?"

"Ja, our clothing does not fit with the deities, which we look similar to..." Schwein motioned off to a group of taller folk dressed in Asiatic garb going into a restaurant. Each one had bright kimonos and a scarf-like thing hovering about their head and shoulders like some sort of aura. The elfin locals all seemed to wear colorful panelled outfits, but the summoned ones were vast in their outfits, though seemingly no less colorful. "I worry that we may not be able to provide miracles if asked, though."

"Hmmmm. True, what do you recommend? We need to look like someone people will talk to..."

"Well... We don't exactly have divine powers..." Schwein thought about it for a moment as she finished off her hot chocolate.

That was when a nondescript five foot tall woman with long black hair, wearing long all black clothing, and a few bruises on her face stumbled out of an alleyway and bumped into Schwein. "I'm so sorry, I..." Then her eyes went wide. "You're... You're mortals... Please, you've got to help me. The locals won't do anything and there are a group of spirits after me. Please, you can't let them take my powers. They'll do horrible things with it."

Before she finished speaking, several yakuza looking spirits with long noses and long teeth stumbled out of the same alleyway threateningly. "Just give us what we want and we won't have to hurt you anymore, Death."

Schwein looked over at Doc Dael, one eyebrow raised. "I think I can take them."

"Well what are you looking at me for then?" Dael replied, slightly alarmed, "I'll cover your six and take out the ones that I can. Ma'am, um, Death? Can you please stand behind me?"

Moving to block their new...friend?....from the line of fire, Dael drew their phaser and aimed at the nearest of the Yakuza spirit. It occurred to Dael there was folly in firing a phaser at a spirit...after all, what did they have to lose? They were already dead. Nothing else for it though, and Asa fired a warning shot to the side of the spirit.

"Stop there, turn around and leave, or we will be forced to take further action," the doctor intoned solemnly.

The spirit that the phaser blast went past seemed to turn a bit more pale as the nearby locals all scrambled out of the way. The leader posed dramatically, a gleaming sword in hand. "We're not afraid of you! We'll do anything to get what we want!" With that, he launched into an attack that Schwein easily countered with her own shortsword, disarming the leader with a single strike and delivering a boot to his solar plexus.

Spirit or no, these were some incredibly weak foes and Schwein almost felt sorry for them as she twacked them with the flat side of her sword and casually parried their attacks. In less than a minute, they had given up and spouted off some generic 'you haven't seen the last of us' nonsense and scuttled off back into the alley.

Hiding her shortsword away, a cheer went up from the gathered crowd as a few locals came up and congratulated the two USS Hera crew members and thanked them for keeping the peace so handily, now and then handing them some of their wares - normally baked goods or sweet meats.

Her arms now loaded with several frosted baked goods and sweetmeats, Schwein looked at Asa somewhat confused. "Herr Doctor... What have we just done?"

"Made a scene?" Asa replied, "I think perhaps it would be best if we went somewhere....less conspicuous." Turning to their new companion, the doctor continued , "Um, Death? Could you show us to somewhere we can speak. We have...questions...."

"Thank you so very much," the woman said, grasping them each with a black gloved hand. "Please, follow me. I know of a noodle shop that isn't so... sweet..." With that, the woman led them down the street a ways to an asian style ramen shop that sold actual ramen. Not some sweetened version of it.

Taking a seat at a table in the back, she motioned for the pair to sit with her. "Thank you again. Those spirits have been hounding me for weeks, trying to take my powers. I'm the living embodiment of Death, by the way. And you are Doctor Asa Dael and the Pirate Schwein von Alcott. It's a pleasure meeting the both of you."

Laughing nervously, Dael replied, "I really hope we don't have an appointment soon ma'am, if you take my meaning. Your profession and mine are somewhat opposed." Motioning to a nearby seat, Dael retrieved three bowls of ramen for the group and hot tea.

"So, what are your powers and why are spirits trying to take them? And why should we stop them? Not that they looked like the good guys of course, but help me understand what the heck is going on here, will ya'?" the doctor continued.

The young woman laughed happily at the joke the Doctor offered. "Yeah, you've snatched a few people from me and given them a bit more time on their clock. I'm happy for that though. It gives them a chance to live a bit longer and do more good."

Expertly twirling her chopsticks, even with her gloves on, Death dug into her ramen humming with delight at the flavor as the pair joined her. "Oh goodness... You have no idea how hard it is to get anything that isn't sweet and sugary in the upper levels of this place."

Schwein tried her ramen as well, finding it a bit sweeter than the ramen she was used to, but shrugged. It was pretty close to the ramen she was used to and the broth was spot on. "Please, go on. Your explanation?"

"Ah, sorry." Setting aside her chopsticks for the moment, Death took a sip of her tea to clear her mouth. "They're yakuza akayashi spirits that I sent to the underworld... I forget how long ago. The locals summoned them for stupid reasons and they've been trying to get my powers over the gate between life and death to try and come fully back to life. As you can see, I'm pretty weak physically, though I can kill people with only a touch." Pulling back part of her glove, she revealed that it was hiding a skeletal arm. She then pulled open her black blouse, revealing a ribcage with a deeply red glowing orb inside.

"Not too impressive compared to most of the other summoned beings here, I know." The woman looked down at her bowl of ramen sadly. "I can't even perform blessings or miracles for the vendors for food or shelter. I tell them I can kill their enemies with a touch or tell them the exact time and day they'll die... or how they'll die... Where... That's not a blessing for normal people and those that would want something like that, you don't want to work for. On top of that, you have risen hoodlums you have to constantly run from and no one will help you with... And because of the power here, I can't seem to just leave."

She then looked up with hope in her eyes. "That's why I asked the two of you for help. You're mortal but you both have amazingly long lives and you're so kind and pure of heart. I just knew you would at least consider helping me."

The soup tasted off to Asa, but they were never really a ramen fan, so they went along with the others enjoyement. While slurping a noodle a bit more messily than strictly called for, the doctor paused to reflect on what Death had shared with them. Why were all these beings being called to the worldship? What did the peoples here want? What were Yakuza spirits even doing here?

“Of course we want to help,” they replied cautiously, “But I do have a few questions. What is the nature of this place? Why are there Yakuza here? And why in the seven hells are there celestial beings all over the place?”

Death motioned with one hand at their surroundings. "This whole ark is a failsafe made by the god of the elfin peoples that live here to save them from some great calamity that destroyed their world... Or so the story goes. As for why all these spirits and summoned things are here now after a millennia of flying through space, these immortal elfin fools stopped procreating and evolving and aging and dying because of their so called god so they started summoning us to try and spur their own development. They never even invented computers or poirn. Do you have any idea how boring that is? Over a hundred forms of sugar, but no porn?"

"Um, uh, well, I guess?" The doctor squeaked. Being asexual themself, and a known sugar addict, Asa was beginning to wonder if they were not closer to elfin than mortal.

"Perhaps we could help with their endeavors though, then they would release you. Who is their lead scientist?"

"Sorry, I guess I made that argument to the wrong person, didn't I?" Death looked a bit sheepish for a moment as she seemed to read something floating above Asa's head, a blush forming across her cheeks. "As for their scientists... The Flumia Priestess that summoned me now resides on the surface as one of the head Flumias. They don't so much have scientists as spiritual energy researchers that they call priestesses. They lead the coven, which can be any gender, but from what I've seen, a priestess has to be a Flumia, Delia, or Gajia... Which are both titles and names in this society. When you're chosen for the position, you give up your old identity and take on the role fully, it seems. Rather selfless of them, but a bit annoying in a way."

"Oh good, another cult," Asa muttered to themself, turning to look over head and seeing nothing that Death could have been looking at. "Still, it sounds like we should go talk to the cult. What say you, Baroness?"

"I say ja, that sounds like a good plan. Always good to seek information from the source." Schwein finished off her ramen and tea and grinned, wiping her face off with the back of her sleeve. "Bodyguard for Death. The wonders never cease, do they, Doctor?"

With a resigned grin, Doc Dael nodded in assent, rising to follow the figure of Death wherever she might lead. "After you," they said, holding one arm out to indicate Death should lead.

"Then we'd best be off. Time is of the essence, as they say." Finishing her tea, Death stood and headed out the door, leading them on their way.

Chronos (/?kro?n?s/; Greek: ??????, "time", pronounced [k?rónos], also transliterated as Khronos or Latinised as Chronus) is the personification of time in pre-Socratic philosophy and later literature. Chronos governed linear, chronological time, contrasted with the other Greek word for time, kairos, meaning the indeterminate moment that is right for something to occur.

Taking a break before they pursued the summoning stone ceremony that was her current assignment, Rita Paris was mildly annoyed. While Sonak took readings to compare the data, she decided to take a break in what passed for a bar in the mighty Worldship, inside a spatial anomaly that was run by a greater being whose loose energies were leaking over into their vibrational frequency of existence and loosing gods upon the universe, Rita Paris was nursing a glass of honey mead when an old man slid onto the stool next to her. Eyeing him in her peripheral vision, the old man appeared to be wearing a ball cap of some sort, a liveried tabard over his chest and a kilt about his waist.

Silently, she hoped he wouldn’t talk to her, as she was Not In The Mood. Which meant, given Rita’s luck, he was the chatty sort.

Turning toward her, he smiled benignly.

“”Don’t be that way, Rita. We should talk, you and I,” the old man intoned, causing the blonde bombshell to narrow her eyes and take another sip of her drink, studiously ignoring the old man.

“Oh, come on now, you must be just a little curious as to how I know who you are?” the old man chuckled, shaking his head.

“Not really,” came the laconic reply.

“You? Rita Paris? The bold adventurer from another universe entirely? Years spent as pure energy, shot through time and space and reconstituted a lifetime after she'd left off? Why, you are the living definition of ‘kairos’. The girl who’s always in the right place at the right time!” the old man elaborated, even as what looked like a glass of milk was set on the bar before him. “You’re an explorer. Curiosity drives you, along with proving your daddy wrong and showing the universe that you’re good enough and smart enough and that doggone it, people like you.”

“Is there a point to this?” the irritated executive sighed. “Whatever you want, get to the sales pitch, pal. Frankly, I’ve had a hell of a day and I am not really looking to get swept up in any of your godlike bullshit plans and schemes.”

Taken aback, the old man frowned. “Well, you certainly have changed. What happened to ‘Be better’? Strange new life and civilizations? The Rita Paris I knew-“

“That’s just it, you DON’T know me!” Paris whirled on the old man, pointing a finger in his face. “You cosmic types assume all of this familiarity and come up with things about us that are supposed to endear you to us, but really it’s just intrusive and rude and unnerving, and it doesn’t make you seem cool or clever or amazing. Instead it just makes you come off like some smug jerk in a bar that’s guessing my bra size with his buddies before he tries out his pickup lines.”

The old man’s eyes had grown wide, and he focused on the finger in his face until Rita withdrew it and calmly turned back to her drink. Coughing a bit to himself, he remained silent for a moment, then took a sip of his milk. Savoring the flavor, he swallowed, then tried again.

“I’m Chronos, Rita Paris. I’m the God of Time. Given who you are and the adventures you have had, did you really think I wouldn’t know all about you?” he asked quietly.

Taking a sip of her mead, the ancient astronaut did not turn to address the speaker, instead stared straight ahead, even as her hand subtly settled onto her lap, casually sliding over her thigh to within drawing distance of her phaser. “So does that mean you’ve come to catch up with me?”

A hearty laugh was her reply. “Oh, Rita… really? After you defied me for all of these years, you think I want what I’m owed? Come to claim my due? No no no, my dear sweet earthling, I have no desire whatsoever to balance those books. You were always in the right place at the right time. Haven’t you ever noticed? You are one of my special children. The ones who move events along because they were there, changing the course of history and bringing about the history that needs to unfold. Haven’t you ever wondered why these fantastic things happen to you?”

While Sonak had a number of theories, Rita had personally subscribed to the concept that she was simultaneously the luckiest and unluckiest woman alive. But some extraplanar barfly trying to take credit for it was irritating her more than usual. The fact that she was even in a bar at the center of the universe was because she was already aggravated in the first place, and now this old bum trying to take credit for her life just pissed her off. Yet another old white guy trying to tell her that her successes were his doing.

“Well hoody hoo to you, pal. Sure, everything I’ve ever done, all of the stunts I’ve pulled and all of the accidents I’ve survived, I can thank you for, huh?” Rita expressed all of this in a tone that anyone who knew her would recognize as a dangerous sign, but Chronos took it as encouragement.

“Yes! Yes, exactly!” he exulted, right before a glass of mead splashed into his face, as Rita Paris first threw her drink at him, immediately following it with a fist to the face, followed by another and another.

“You’re the one, huh? You did all of this to me, huh? You wanna take credit for all the shit I’ve been through in my life, do ya?” As the excitable executive threw punch after punch, eventually the old man collapsed to the floor, holding up one hand defensively. Breathing heavily, Rita Paris loomed over him.

“Go ahead. Try to take credit for my life and my actions some more,” Paris growled. Clearly Chronos had chosen the wrong day to try to gaslight the USS Hera’s first officer, because she was quite visibly not in the mood to deal with it. ”Whatever game you’re trying to run here, I’m not interested. Whatever sly little innuendo you wanted to play your hand at, I ain’t interested. So since we’ve established our relationship and now you know who I REALLY am, you wanna keep popping off at the mouth, so I can see if gods can lose teeth?”

Scrabbling across the floor to get away from the crazy woman, Chronos, retreated until he could get to his feet, then he made a beeline for the exit as Rita Paris returned to down the rest of her drink and depart, to reconnect with Sonak and get on with their assignment. She noticed that she was given a wide berth, and no one bothered her. Which was precisely how she wanted to make her exit.

Meanwhile, at a table in the corner, the Greek god of timing and the Hindu god of compassion, tenderness, and love exchanged coins.

“I must admit, I am surprised. Usually she is much more a creature of my values,” Krishna admitted.

“Just have to catch her at the wrong time, in the wrong place, and say the wrong thing,” explained Kairos.


A minor god, yes... but he certainly had a knack for being in the right place at the right time.

While Enalia had promised the resources of the USS Hera to speed up the repairs of the Commodore's ship, the Oberth class vessel, USS Forthright, Farenia Meowlith wasn't exactly sure how to go about it. She had a crew of six aboard this small ship - nothing but the absolute bare minimum, and it showed. The ship was built for eighty people and it had taken a beating so while her people had been focusing on getting the main systems back online, all the secondary systems had all but died and the ship was currently running on an emergency generator. It was enough to keep life support and a couple replicators going, but the Commodore had decided to stay out of her crew's way and work on her primary mission for the duration of their stay. Hence why she had no idea how bad it really was as she set foot onto the bridge amidst a mass of conduits and open panels all over.

"I see repairs are still underway..." The Vulcanoid Rigelian commented as she made her way to the center chair, which was occupied by part of the Helm controls. "Do the coms work at least?"

The ensign that passed for the chief engineer aboard the small vessel looked up from her work. "Aye, Commodore. We can talk to the Hera at least. Audio only though."

"That'll be good enough." Farenia pressed one of the buttons on the captain's chair and was thankful to receive the chirrup of the computer. "Commodore Farenia Meowlith of the USS Forthright to the USS Hera's Chief Engineer, Commander Thex sh'Zoarhi. I've been informed that you may have some extra hands and resources that you can spare to help get my ship up and running. Is there any way we can get that help soon? This little ship seems to still be in some pretty dire straits."

" I have two damage control teams ready to go Commodore," Thex replied over the comms as she pulled on her tool belt and grabbed a backpack full of spare parts. " Prepare for beam over." She said as she stepped onto the transporter.

"Our transporters are out so please beam over at your discretion," Farenia added before hitting the comm switch again, eliciting a spark and some smoke from the command chair console. "And now that's fried..."

It was only a moment before the andorian and six of her enginers were standing on the bridge. The andorian gave the Commodore a polite smile as she stepped forward. " Nice to meet you, Commodore. Shall we start getting your ship fixed?"

"Welcome aboard, Commander. I'd like you to meet Ensign Galdine - she's our engineer. If you need anything, just let her know." Farenia motioned towards the human woman that waved at the repair teams with a spanner as she worked on an open panel.

" Okay." The andorian said turning to her team. " Get the emergency generators plugged in and check on the other one I do not want life support giving out. " She said calmly before walking over to the ensign. " So how's the girl doing? Is it still as bad as the reports say? "

Standing up and sheepishly looking around at the mess, Ensign Galdine cleared her throat. "A bit worse, actually. While we can run the whole ship on the spare emergency generator and even go to warp two for a few days, it's about out of steam. If you hadn't come along, we'd have had to move to the worldship as permanent residents in another few hours and try to do repairs in EV suits. We had to eject our micro-matter-antimatter reactor, nineteen of our twenty four warp coils are fused, eighty percent of our power grid is registering as ruptured, we only have one working injector, and out of our eighty power relays, only nine will cycle. On the bright side, our sensors, when I power cycled them, test out as mostly functional. The relays spared us that at least. The shield grid mostly survived as well, thanks to the reinforcements. As for our engines... The fusion reactor died right after it fused the entire manifold assembly. Feedback from the worldship's tractors. Our two little phasers are... Well... They melted clean off the hull. Not that they would have helped."

She then looked hopefully to her Andorian senior from the USS Hera. "But you're from a Nebula class ship, right? I bet you have enough teams and resources to rebuild this old bird several times over."

" Easily ensign. We'll start by getting you're warp core and life support up and running. Then you're not relying on the emergency generators. " The andorian said as she stood up and tapped her combadge. " Thex to engineering i need a warp core for an Oberth class starship replicated and prepped for insertion." She said calmly before looking back at the ensign. " Anything else you need to be replicated as a priority?" She inquired.

"The magnetic constrictors on the antimatter storage didn't look too good, but the bottles themselves are fine. It might be easier to outright replace them. Also, I've had to reroute the power for life support through these conduits laying on the floor of the bridge, so... That should probably be a priority as well..." Ensign Galdine rubbed the back of her neck sheepishly as she surveyed the emergency hack job she had to do just to keep things together the way she had.

" Add a half a dozen magnetic constrictors along with life support spare parts. Start beaming over are spares." Thex added to her comms channel before closing it. Thex other team had beamed in and had been listening in and probably already knew what her orders would be. " Okay, people lets get the life support system ready to go before the warp core ready. " She said before looking at Galdine. " Can you show me main engineering I want to make sure none of the warp core holdings has been damaged?" She asked politely.

As Galdine led Thex off the bridge to the engineering bay, she talked a bit more along the short walk. "The scans I took didn't show any damage, but things were pretty rushed. With all that was going on, it wasn't a high priority, especially since we didn't exactly have anything to put back in it anytime in the foreseeable future."

Bringing up a status readout on a blinking console, Galdine smacked the console a few times to get it to stabilize before giving up and pulling out a tricorder and relying on it to give the readings they needed. Other than the twelve meter across ejection cover in the ceiling and some console railings around an empty pit going down through the entirety of the ship, the room was almost empty now. "These ejection systems are efficient at least... The mountings are a bit scuffed up from the ejection, but I'm not seeing any cracks or anything. Even the injector ports seem to have separated cleanly."

Thex had begun shining a flashlight at the couplings hoping they would be in good enough shape. Thankfully they did as did the beam that would pull the new warp core up into the ship. " Well, everything looks okay at this end. Will be when we get the core in here that we'll be finding problems. You've done a good job by the looks of it ensign." The andorian said giving the woman a polite smile.

"Thank you, Commander. I've got a lot of experience with these Oberth class ships thankfully. Probably why the infamous Oberth Slayer couldn't kill this one." Ensign Galdine grinned wryly, having referred to the Commodore's penchant for having lost every single Oberth class ship that Intel Command had given her within a week. "And thanks for the help getting the old girl back up and running. I really appreciate it."

" Well, hopefully this one will be living a little longer." Thex said as she began a more detailed examination of the system. It wasn't long before she got a chip on her combadge. " Boss we have your warp core directly above the insertion point." Came the voice of her team.

" Okay Galdine can you man the tractor beam and I'll begin the process. " Thex said head towards the main control panel.

Galdine headed towards one of the wall panels and after some tweaking, got it working and interfacing with the tractor beam. "Looks like the tractor beam is still working, but only at half power. I'll have to go slow. Ready when you are, Commander.

The andorian nodded as she began typing in the commands. Across the ship, shields went up as the warp core ejection hole opened as the Hera's shuttle maneuvered it into the correct position. The Forthright shook slightly as the smaller tractor beam began pulling the core up into it's holding position. " It's coming along nicely. " She said from her position as the core passed the hole which the andorian closed. It wouldn't be long before it was in position.

And none too soon as sparks flew out of the panel Ensign Galdine was at as soon as the core was inside and on the rails. "Tractor beam is offline. That's another EPS conduit that will need to be replaced. We should be able to align everything with the ejection system rails though. They're over-engineered for more than just ejecting a core, after all."

" Yeah and thankfully it has it's own independent system so it isn't going to fail on us due to lack of power. " Thex said as she had already begun the slow process of using the rail to move the replacement core into place. It was a long thirty mins before the core began to poke into the room and a further five after that before it had risen up to the top. " Okay let's get it locked into position and begin powering her up." The andorian said with a relieved grin on her face.

The human engineer assigned to the USS Forthright just shook her head in amazement at how smoothly everything was going. "Bringing up the injector assemblies now. Commander, I have to say, I'm impressed. In the time we've been working on this, your people have all but repaired or replaced almost the entire power grid. All six plasma injectors are coming online. Antimatter feed online. EPS relays green across the board. I mean, most of our major systems are still offline, but once they're fixed, we can now power them up straight away."

" The girls on her first step back to recovery. In a day or two she'll be good to go and you'll be able to get back to the nearest starbases for a complete repair. " Thex said with a grin on her face as she double checked the power grid just to be sure.

"I agree. Personally, I think the next step should be to install those engine manifolds your people have made and get a new fusion reactor installed to power the impulse engine." Galdine pulled up the status readouts of the engine systems to confirm that it was just the manifolds and not the rest of the system that were too far gone to be used. "After that, we should be able to focus on getting the warp coils unfused. Really not looking forward to that, to be honest. These smaller nacelles aren't the most comfortable to work with."

" Well someone has to do it and the sooner it's done the sooner we can get shower and something to eat. " Thex responded as she picked up her toolkit. " Come on let's get the engine manifolds installed."


"Right this way, Commander." Galdine packed up her toolkit as well and headed out the back of the engineering bay into the engine bay where they could work on the impulse engine. "The old manifolds should uncouple fairly easily from the back of the..." Tapping a few controls, the entire charred and burnt manifold assembly separated from the ship with ease, the force fields popping on as they should. "Back of the bay, just like that. Thank goodness these little ships are built so modular."

" Well, that's helped us a little. Thex to the Hera do you have the replacement manifolds ready?" The andorian said into her combadge. " On their way commander. " Came the reply as the shuttles had already begun to remove the old manifolds.

Over the next few minutes the maintenance crew of the USS Hera expertly moved the old, fused manifolds out of the way and tractored them back to their ship for recycling and moved the new systems into place, locking them in easily. Galdine barely had anything to do other than unlock the safeties and log all the maintenance that was being done as it was being done. They even had a new fusion core replaced before she could even bring it up.

By the time she could bring the new engine online, everything was purring like a kitten and the maintenance crews were already moving on to their next tasks. "Commander, when we get back to command, I'm going to put in a good word for you and your teams if I can. You've done more, faster, than I think even the drydocks could do. System status reports the last major thing that needs repairs is the warp coils and with nineteen fused coils... That's a bit of a tall order, even in this little ship."

" We have plenty of experience. When you've had to fight what we've fought you get plenty of experience putting the ship back together. " Thex said as they made their way to the warp coils. Thex's team had already brought down some fresh coils as they went about their business. " Well let's get started." Thex said as she pulled out her tools and began to get to work.

Galdine had to chuckle at that. "Most of the experience I have is replacing relays now and then and recalibrating things. I once had to replace a replicator and switch to backup generators while replacing the dilithium matrix, but... Yeah, that's it other than what I learned at the academy. I guess I should count my blessings that I've had a quiet assignment so far, but it would be nice to get a bit more experience."

" Well after the messes the Hera's been in I've had plenty of experience. The state my girl been in after some of the things we've encountered...." Thex said as she started pulling the first of the fused coils.

"I can only imagine. From the way the Commodore talks, the USS Hera is the most legendary unknown ship out there. So classified, she's a ghost ship, and yet when Command needs something no other ship can do, you guys do it with ease." Scanning the first fused coil, Galdine whistled in awe. "Yeah this one is pretty much gone, I think. Even the training coils at the academy were in better condition than this. I'm just glad they only weigh a single ton..."

" So I'm a chief engineer of a ghost ship. " Thex responded with a grin knowing about what the cadets joked happened on ghost ships. Offen ideas that were thought up over some bad earth horror movies and a serious amount of alcohol. Another two of the coils were soon on the floor and Thex was working on a third. " Gee these are in a bad state. The ones on the academy engineering training ship look better and the Inverness is over seventy years old."

"Well, the Forthright did take quite the beating, after all. And our last refit was almost twenty years ago." Galdine was doing her best to assist Thex, but she could barely keep up with the experienced Chief Engineer. She felt like she was ten years old trying to help her mom at work again.

" Well, hopefully, she can get a refit when we get her back to the nearest starbase. " Thex said as she pulled out the last one. Her hands were covered in mechanical juices and grim after all the work. She pulled a wipe from her bag and got to work cleaning her hands.

Looking down at herself, Galdine noticed that her own stained and torn uniform hadn't been cleaned since before they'd arrived at the worldship. Neither had she actually bathed since then, either. "You know, I've never looked forward to a sonic shower more than I have now. Thank you for all your help, Commander. If there's ever anything I can do to help you, just let me know."

" Just do the same for me if you get the opportunity. " Thex said as she finished sliding in the last of the coils. " Thex to Commodore Meowlith we should have main power back online how is everything on the bridge?" She said tapping her combadge.

"Meowlith here. All primary systems show green across the board. The ship is still a bit of a mess, but I think we can handle the blown out panels and consoles. Thanks, Commander. We owe you."

Thex let out a sigh as she leaned back against the computer console wiping her brow with her sleeve. " Good to know commodore." She responded feeling good about herself. " I'll leave you with one, of my teams, to help with the secondary systems, but I think you're good to go if you need to get out of here in a hurry."

"You've done more than we could have hoped in less time than we expected. Any further assistance is just icing on the cake. Please send my regard to your Captain. Meowlith out."

" I will Commodore." Thex said with a grin on her face. By the time her team had finished with this ship you'd think she was brand new out of space dock.

Abercrombie, B'tarthski, Cumberbatch and Diggle sat about the round table in the enblisted mess hall, where officvers ne'er tread and the chiefs were seldom seen. And as was tradition in military service aboard ships that sailed, be it the seas or the stars, they gossiped.

"So we're docked, but no shore leave? What's the bloody idea about that? No shore rotations, but the officers ain't here, are they? Likely a bloody resort out there..." Abercrombie grumbled into his chicken cordon bleu.

Diggle grumbled in her irish accent as she downed a gulp of her rum. "Yeah, it ain't right. That place is a paradise or somethin, fulla elves and sweets."

"Thats more than I heard, but one of the Runabouts came back with... Well... SHIT all over the hull, and guess who had to scrub it clear?" Cumberbatch responded.

"Are you shitting me? How in the name of the universe does a spacefaring vehicle that ain't touched down on a planet wind up covered in, of all things, shit?" Abercrombie exclaimed in disbelief.

Diggle shook her head as she downed another gulp of rum. "Don't blame waste reclamation. We do our jobs right."

"This was burned into the hull. I had to scrub it out molecularly. I don't think I have finger prints anymore." Cumberbatch laughed as he talked.

"Could be worse. I hear old Fingerman's retiring. The transporter chief, big tubby old bloke? Officers doing experiements witht he transporters, said it turned his hair while and he'd never ride the blasted things again." Abercrombie took a swig of his sweet iced tea, then pointed with his finger to emphasize his point. "On my honor, s'what he said."

"Lotta strange stories on this ship... Lotta strange things..." Diggle muttered. "Like the rumor about one oh the ship's cooks. I heard she was one oh them Romulan spies and was vaporized by the cap'n herself... Then the next one was eaten by a demon cuz the meat wan't good enuf."

Taking a bite of meatloaf off of his plate, Cumberbatch smirked. "Hope this isn't leftovers."

B'tarthski rolled his eyes at some of the rumors. Demons indeed. Still he had his own tale to add " You want to know something really strange. We came in for a shift in engineering early the other day and it looked like the whole place had been up to your knees in water. Even stranger was the smell of bog water and horse droppings. "

"Is every story shit based? And is Commander sh'Zoarhi putting a pool in? Cumberbatch relplied, tilting his head to the side and smirking.

"Ship is haunted... Either that or it's damned... Frekin entertainin though." Diggle finished off her rum and let loose a belch that shook her empty mug. "As long as I'm not gonna keel over any time soon, this is the assignment fer me. Always loved them horror holovids and this is like one ah them real life haunted ships. Heck, even if tha' place we're docked is fulla monsters, I'd love ta visit."

"Ship was trapped in that storm a while back, I saw a yeti. Eatin a feller right over in the corner." Abercrombie chucked a thumb over his shoulder at a booth in the corner where a few crewmen were laughing at something or other. "Pickin his teeth with the shin bone. That'll put you off your feed. But what're you gonna do? We hosed it down and we come back the next day and keep eating here. What're ya gonna do, hide in your rack and live off your replicator, never see the sights of a starship on a cruise?"

"I for one didn't sign up for Starfleet to scrub shit or end up as yeti shit. I signed up to see the universe, not get eaten in it. This ship is insane." Cumberbatch griped.

"But we do get hazard pay. I keep savin up my matter rations, I'll build me a great grand house when I retire from this man's Starfleet. All the creature comforts replicated for my enjoyment, then settle down and watch all them vids I keep planning on getting around to watching. What about you?" Abercrombie eyed his shipmates. "Everybody's here for a reason. Why you?"

Diggle decided to go next. "Kinda a mix really. Easy life, good life skills, interestin' action now an then... Y'know, as long as ye don't get eaten or nuthn. When I retire I'll head back home an open up a pub."

"I just want to see some of the places this ship goes. It feels like we never get to get off the ship sometimes." Cumberbatch seemed committed to being negative.

"S'what the bloody portholes are for, Cumbersnatch!" Abercrombie laughed, shoving his friend's shoulder in roughneck style.

Diggle laughed as well at the joke until an eight foot tall Siberian wolf walked in through the mess hall's doors and plopped down in front of the viewports with what looked like half a deer and started munching on it. Finishing her rum in one go, she shook her head. "There's something you don't see every day. Think it came from that worldship?"

"Don't know," Abercrombie replied as he stood and took up his tray. "But I don't intend to stick around to find out of it's still hungry after that meal. C'mon laddies, carry on smartly now... time to call Security again."

Stepping out of the Golden Donut sweets shop, Commander Rita Paris eyed the bustling scenery with a mixture of an explorer's wonder and an investigator's weariness. They had their mission- to find one of the ritual summonings, possibly with summoning stones, that the locals could perform. These in turn led to gods being made manifest, as well as creatures purely of the imagination. As she turned to the steely-eyed scientist at her side, though, she was confident. There wasn't a mystery in the universe she and Sonak couldn't make sense of once they put their minds to it.

Well, his mind at least. Her job was to provide the drive and improvise plans.

But this was familiar territory for them both, and it felt somehow liberating to be exploring the Worldship of Log'yerm/// without supervision. Just the two of them, facing the unknown... with their diminutive elven guide, Flumia.

"So it stands to reason that if they are doing summonings and using stones for it, more than likely the process has become ritualized. Which would in turn mean that energies would have conceivably permeated the location they do the summonings in, given the nature of energy and structures. So in a perfect universe that means there should be something to scan for since we have the scans from New Texas as something of a baseline to work from- logical?"

As always, Rita did her best to connect the dots, then ran it past her logical partner to verify, and usually elaborate upon.

"Affirmative," acknowledged the Vulcan as he looked at his tricorder readings. "I am using that baseline data right now to get a fix on the strongest relevant energy reading... one hundred and fifty-three meters... over... there."

Over the lid of his tricorder as he turned slowly around, his forefinger lead his own steely grey eyes in a specific direction to their left.

“Conveniently close. Well, let’s take a walk, shall we?” Stepping off in the indicated direction, the extradimensional explorer led the way, keeping alert to the locals, the traffic and any potential hazards they might encounter in this area of the worldship which seemed to be mostly cookie, cake and confectionary shops wedged alongside one another. After all, Sonak was watching the readings and interpreting data at a speed most sentient life could not comprehend, so it fell to Rita to watch the local landscape and be on the lookout for hazards.

This was an old pattern of theirs, and it made her smile to fall easily back into it once more. Rita and Sonak, exploring the unknown.

“Is it just me or is the diet these people are maintaining… unsustainable?” she asked, knowing that a dialogue with her would not distract the somber scientist in the least as they moved through the crowd of bustling foot traffic toward their destination, which seemed to be a tower of some sort if her navigation was correct.

"Glucose is the second highest organic energy source for carbon-based life forms, right after lipids," Sonak answered in an almost distracted tone. "Humanoid metabolisms usually has a definite low threshold of glucose absorption; any excess results in the life form storing it within the fat layers of the body. In the case of many sentient species a safety mechanism against famine leftover from prehistoric life, when food was scarce and obtained only with much time, difficulty and risk. These people, however, may be of a vastly different physiology despite their appearance and not subject to the inconveniences of too much sugar in their diet. Or it is possible that their powers require that much more body energy."

There was a pause as Paris considered this, then she tried to connect another dot. Very quietly the human helmsman sidled up next to the stoic scientist and muttered where only sensitive ears could hear and lip readers would have trouble. "You said everything resonated like it had been manufactured by a power, right? Does that include the people, too? What about the gods, do they read consistently with that 'manufactured unreality' frequency?"

"A distinct possibility," he muttered with the same tone as hers."A Jack Sparrow imaginary pirate character suddenly appearing in the flesh would be strong enough evidence to support such a hypothesis. That, if proven true, could significantly alter our interactions with those people... and their... creators."

As Sonak personally had tricorder readings from the locals and locale they inhabited, as well as the 'Captain Jack Sparrow' entity, Rita expected more than an admission it was a possibility, but apparently Sonak was working on a theory, so she let it go. It made sense to her, so she would continue to operate from that supposition. The energy of their host seemed to be capable of altering reality on a large and surprisingly sustainable scale if all of this were true. Still, she was curious as to how his creations, in turn, became empowered to craft that energy themselves, through ritual, into other powerful beings who were themselves also capable of altering reality.

Which was where the summoning came in. Approaching the coordinates Sonak had mentioned, moving through the city streets they were now approaching what appeared to be an ebony pyramid, the sides of which shone like polished glass.

"Well that doesn't look half sinister," Rita observed as they wound their way through the foot traffic of smaller beings.

"In occult traditions, the pyramid is the geometrical shape believed to be best suited for the gathering and storing of energy," the Vulcan explained matter-of-factly. "Of course, there is no actual scientific evidence to support this idea; but here, it would be wise to assume things work more the way of mystical beliefs than actual laws of physics, at least in appearances. It is however a scientific fact that dark surfaces absorb more light waves than lighter tones. If this is a place of energy gathering and manipulation, such a coloration would suggest the laws of this universe still applies; only in ways we may not yet fully understand."

"That'll make it about par for the course, then," Rita wisecracked as they reached the pyramid, and she marched her way around it until she came to the entrance, which was guarded by more of the diminutive folks. They were clad in black robes with bright red flame designs on them, and the skullcaps on their heads had small devil horns protruding from the foreheads at the recessions. Standing with pitchforks in their hands, they looked somehow comically sinister.

Stepping up to the guards, Rita crouched a bit to be more on their level and put on a winning smile. "Ah, hello there! We're travelers- what is this place?"

The two guards exchanged meaningful glances, then turned to chant in unison.

"This is the temple of Asmodeus, the dark lord, king of demons, ruler of the second level of Hell, the blazing eyed devilgoat made flesh once more. Welcome travelers- you have been expected." With that the two diminutive guards stepped out of their way and gestured for the extradimensional explorers to continue inside.

Standing up and turning to eye Sonak, Rita started walking forward with a nervous smile. "Expected doesn't sound very good in this case," she whispered.

Sonak was as discreet in his reply.

"According to traditions associated with satanic entities, only two kinds of people are expected in a ritual place consecrated to such faith; members of the faith... and sacrifices to the faith. Since we are not of the first kind, I advise extreme caution."

Just as discreetly, his hand opened up his comebadge to the ship as if he was thanking the guards with a small bow; then lowered to brush his phaser hung to his belted-looking anh woon.

Knowing it was dangerous, knowing there was peril, the two Starfleet officers had a mission. One which might actually alter the fate of the galaxy, at least in some small part. Solving the mysteries of the universe often led to solutions for problems with the universe, it seemed. For now, the duo made their way into the great obsidian pyramid, as low moaning chants reverberated inside, the first hints of the scent of ceremonial incense wafting across their noses. Kettle drums boomed deep within the structure- Dun- Da Da Da Doom!

Inscribed into an ornate carving of many of the elfin forms writhing and screaming in various states of agony that formed the doorway was the legend 'Abandon All Hope Ye Who Enter' in bold gothic letters. Heat wafted out in waves as the light in the rough stonework- which was growing rougher with every step- reflected flickering lights ahead.

"Dante Alighieri," Sonak recognized from the classic depiction of Inferno. "Since we know the Divine Comedy to be a work of fiction, a political parable, we have evidence here that these people get their inspiration from myth, not reality."

Reaching the interior of the pyramid, rough-hewn stairs led downward in a spiral about a large shaft that appeared to go deeply into the crust of the Worldship. Flames and smoke belched up from it, obscuring what lay below.

"This must be a joy when they have to come upstairs for guard duty," Rita muttered as she stepped carefully, hugging the wall and keeping a sharp eye out below as well as checking on Sonak, still minding the tricorder to analyze their situation.

"It is fortunate that they did not chose the underworld realm of Hades; even being expected, facing Cerberus could have proven itself a less easy way to enter."

"Remember what you mentioned about being careful what we think of? Maybe let's not give them any idea-whoops!" As she spoke, a bit of the rough-hewn stone stair gave way beneath Rita's explorer's boot, and she lost her balance, pitching forward down the steps and toward the blazing and belching interor chasm. As she did so, she watched where she was going as she reached behind her.

A strong hand caught her grip- his weight balanced and his footing firm, the athletic academician saw and had reacted before his partner in life's adventures had fallen far. As always, when she reached for him, he was there. As he shifted her weight to bring her back to safety, she turned back to grin at him , being caught in his arms briefly as he insured that she was balanced and stable once more.

My hero, as always, she thought to him. Ordinarily on such a mission she would whisper where none but the keenest of hearing could detect... because his sense of hearing was great, and particularly attuned to her light lilting soprano.

No need to hyperbolize. You are my mate, he simply sent back

Ascending, the steps went down and down, and eventually a thought struck Rita Paris. "Mr. Sonak, how many steps have we walked down now?"

"Two hundred and sixteen steps," he answered. "Six times six times six; I would postulate this is somewhat significant.

"Great... so only four hundred and fifty steps left to go," the human officer remarked, mopping the sweat from her forehead. The deeper they were going, the stinging of the smoke was bothering her eyes, and the heat was definitely beginning to take a toll on Rita's endurance. Large sweat stains were growing on her uniform, as the temperature continued to rise.

"Numerical symbolism is always part of superstitious thinking when architecture is involved," the Vulcan commented. We should pay attention to these. They might give us clues as to how to deal with comes what may."

"Once more unto the breach..." Rita muttered as ahead, imbedded in the walls was apparently a humanoid corpse, seemingly melded with the stone of the wall, it's face contorted in agony. As the duo advanced further, more and more bodies were a part of the decor, usually twisted painfully or contorted as if in agony, yet the commonality was that there was no decay. The bodies appeared to have the same unreal readings as every other bit of constructed reality nearby.

"Great, the decor in this place just keeps getting better," Rita quipped, trying to shrug off the emotional impact of the somewhat literal descent into hell they were making. The air wasn't so great down here and the heat was wringing her out like a wet sponge. As the steps were treacherous, she hed clung to the wall for safety, but now that it was primarily occupied by a twisted tableau of corpse art, she was having to mind her footing more carefully. Sure-footed she was and her boots were made for this sort of action, yet still she stumbled twice more, only to be saved by the stoic spaceman behind her.

On the five hundredth and fifty-seventh step, they could see great stone henges below, enormous pitted and worn volcanic stones that burned with an eternal flame easily seven meters high, arranged in a series of circles within which was inscribed a pentacle that filled the first circle. The chanting was clearly coming from dark robed and hooded acolytes who filled the gallery, and at the bottom point of the pentagram was a collection of red robed figures with very fancy pointy hats. Who were all gathered before a very shiny yet much more the local's height henge, which made it look a lot like an altar to Rita's eye.

"Is it just me or does it look like we were REALLY expected...?" Rita asked nervously.

"From here we should proceed carefully," the Vulcan again admonished.

He then activated a locating transponder on his tricorder and spoke into his commbadge.

"Hera, this is Lieutenant Sonak. Do you have a fix on us?"

=^= Hera to landing party 2 =^= came the immediate reply. While they were deep within the crust of the Worldship, the Hera was very nearby, and the locals weren't generating any sort of interference for all of the supernatural imagery they had conjured. =^= We have a lock on every landing party member at current, as per orders =^=

Glancing back, Rita shrugged and nodded. As much as she personally eschewed them, it was a good protocol to maintain, and a lot easier these days than it used to be in theirs. Scanning over the scene, she noticed movement opposite them in the sacrificial chamber they had willingly entered.

Blue and red, much like she and Sonak, standing out through the smoke and flames, which got better as the duo finished their ascent, and the air became breathable, although the ambient temperature now read as 57.7778. There was the red of the Baroness von Alcott's frocked pirate captain's coat, and the bright blue tunic of Doctor Asa Dael.

Bright colors, because we're the good guys, come to help, Rita Paris thought to herself as she disengaged the magnetic lock that held her phaser to her hip. It was set to level 2 stun, and that's where it would stay unless things got very bad. Tapping her commbadge, she spoke quietly but clearly.

"Commander Paris to Lieutenant Dael and Baroness von Alcott... good timing."

Not long after the trio left the ramen shop and changed back into uniform, the young looking girl dressed all in black, including black gloves and a long coat, calling herself Death, led Doctor Asa Dael and Baroness Alcott to what could only be described as an alabaster pyramidal temple on the surface area of the worldship where the elfin peoples were gathering to summon yet another of the deities that they hoped to use to evolve their peoples.

Stopping in the front lobby area, Death motioned to one of the attendants. "We're here to see your Flumia." With a nod, the attendant rushed off to find them. "I wouldn't expect much, but being outsiders, maybe you can talk a little sense into them."

With a nod, Asa awaited the Flumia.

"Baroness, we need to stop all this summoning. Or at least learn who is up next. Would you be so kind as to mosey around and see what we can glean by observation?" Dael posited.

The Baroness had abandoned her eyepatch in favor of the golden glow of her cybernetic eye - it seemed less out of place than an eyepatch, given the atmosphere and she could scan the area a lot easier. "Ja, my eye is picking up several dozen life forms circled around six eight meter tall monolith structures that seem to be radiating some sort of... bio-lytic energy? It is the same as the rest of the energy driving this worldship, but much more focussed into a central area. I assume that is where the summoning is."

Suddenly, the lights dimmed and the building shook slightly. The air seemed to tremble as a wave of energy washed over the trio from inside the temple.

"And there is a new lifeform. The energy is dissipating." Schwein would need to make sure she saved a copy of these scans for later review by the science staff.

Death sighed heavily as a long haired Flumia stepped out of the back rooms where this was all apparently taking place and headed towards the trio with a tired smile. "Greetings honored ones. How may I assist you?"

Leaving Schwein to her reconnaissance, Asa spoke first, saying, "Greetings Flumia. Word of your summoning have traveled across the stars and brought us here. What you do impacts the entire galaxy. Please, tell me, how can we serve you?"

Flumia bowed deeply, a hint of a smile on her face. "Ah, I was about to ask the same of you, great ones. We have just summoned another in the hopes of advancing our peoples. Perhaps this is not coincidence and we may help each other. We've been trying to summon far greater beings but we seem to have reached a limit on one end of the spectrum and have been experimenting on the other end of the spectrum. We seem to have brought forth a demon calling himself Haagenti and are unsure how to proceed."

With a start, Asa replied quickly, "Can you hold it in stasis? It would do us a great honor to solve your needs, and we can work best without a demon causing chaos or sorrow. If you would be so kind...."

"Ah well... We can hold our own in stasis... Sort of... But a summoned one? That's a bit beyond us, I'm afraid. Besides, he seems harmless enough. Perhaps even helpful." Flumia looked up at Asa with a bright, innocent smile, not really knowing what they had summoned into existence.

Meanwhile, the Baroness had wandered off into something that resembled a crypt under the temple. Her eye had been getting odd readings from the locals and though she considered them odd that the metabolisms were hyper fast, it wasn't entirely unheard of. However, these readings were a bit more peculiar. They were of the same locals, but... Not...

Happening upon a stack of bodies, she found one that was still warm and seemed alive. Reaching out, she touched it and was a bit shocked when it moved. "Su...gar... Please..." The person gave one last gasping breath, and then was still, cooling quickly. Checking the rest of the bodies, none showed any signs of decay. In fact, nothing here showed any signs of dust or decomposition other than the trees and plants outside. It was like these people weren't actually people, but some sort of bio-droid. Being tossed aside when their energy was expended.

Seriously creeped out, Schwein decided to return to the others.

Back with Asa and Flumia, Death harrumphed. "And what about unsummoning him? Or me? Have you figured that out yet?"

"Oh, I'm afraid that's not possible either. We still need you to advance our people." Flumia smiled even brighter, at the frustration of Death.

Looking briefly for Schwejn and seeing her return looking like she saw a ghost, Asa decided to keep talking to hold the Flumias gaze.

"I would be happy to examine your people and look into the fertility crisis if you like. There are always scientific ways to solve problems when we look hard enough. What did you want Death to offer? I believe her skillset is a bit......limited, yes? Surely you can dismiss those beings you no longer require? You will soon be overrun if not...."

"Fertility?" Flumia looked up at Asa curiously. "Most of us desire an end to everything. Not death, really... But an end to the endless unchanging reality we must endure. We welcome any change. Do you offer change?"

"I know a great many ways you can change," Asa replied, "There is always oblivion, if it is desired also. What type of change do you seek? My people are long lived also, so I have heard our elders bemoan similar woes, and I also know how the happier among us have faced the centuries without becoming dismayed. If you can clarify what you seek, I will do my best to provide it for you," Asa replied.

The Flumia smiled brighter. "We desire a change in our existence, whether it be evolution of our being or nonexistence. We will do anything to reach that goal."

By that time, the Baroness had returned to their side and was downloading the data from her eye into a PaDD for Asa to look over. "You need to see this... Flumia... When you summon these beings... Do you drain the energy from your people? The energy that keeps you alive?" Handing the PaDD to Asa, Shwein waited for Flumia's answer.

Flumia tilted her head to the side like it was the most common thing. "We use the energy bestowed upon us by our creator, the great Log'yerm///, to perform all summonings. Oftentimes, we use too much energy and are no longer able to move. Sometimes that energy is restored to us over time, and with some sweets, we are restored to ourselves... But normally, we're rendered permanently immobile. This is how it has always been."

With a sinking horror, Asa began to realize what that must mean….”Can….can you show this to me? It sounds very much like death….Flumia, please! Stop the summoning’s! You cannot mean to leave your people languishing in some coma-like state! I promise you, I will find a way for your people to change.” The urgency was plain to hear in the doctor’s voice; the El-Aurian could not imagine a fate worse than being left for dead of ages on end in the storage area of a temple.

Turning to the Baroness, Asa spoke quietly and quickly, “Um, I don’t want to do this of course, but do you have an option to atomize on any of your weaponry? Seeing as we are in the same room as a demon?”

Schwein pulled a disruptor out of her pack and checked it. "It would take a few shots, but yeah... If they've been doing this as long as we think they have been though... Just how many of these immobile people are we talking about?"

Flumia had that answer almost immediately, smiling pleasantly like some maddening doll. "Twelve billion, one hundred million, nine hundred seventy three thousand, and twelve... At last count."

At that admission, Schwein just stared at her in abject shock.

Death just shook her head. "This is why I'm useless here. These dolls don't even understand what Death is, let alone have the ability to die."

The doctor had stopped cold mid stride, taking in the enormity of what the Flumia had just said. The entire population of a world, more, lying in storage, unable to die, unable to live. The horror at the sentiment rose up, and the ramen and hot chocolate threatened to do so also.

Softly, Asa inquired of the Flumia, “How long have your people been this way? No species evolved in this manner naturally….What do you know of your origins? How have you come to be here?”

Sensing these people knew nothing of their own biology, much less their technology, Asa had a feeling the entire worldship was either on the verge of collapse….or they had not met the real power behind the scenes. How many of the elfin people could even be left “alive” if there were so many in stasis? The entire scenario was nightmarish to the El-Aurians’ sensibilities.

"Over a million years ago, our Lord saved us from the destruction of our world and we've lived our lives since then." This was when Flumia's happy facade seemed to crack, her fists clenching and her face scrunching up in pain for a moment. "For so long... With him watching over us... We had to do something to change things..." Then her cheerful demeanor returned. "So we formed cults a few hundred years ago and started summoning things. It was the most thrilling, enjoyable, and fulfilling thing, we've ever experienced. We found purpose where before all we had was routine."

“Your Lord?” Dael inquired, thinking knowing the name of this being might bring some wisdom as to how best proceed. Thus far the beings summoned and impacted were those known to the crew, at least in part, and the likelihood was high that this name would be known as well.

"The great Log'yerm///," Flumia replied simply.

“Flumia, it occurs to me that if you seek an adventure, well, the universe awaits! Why stay here and summon other beings to you when you could go out there and experience all the universe has to offer. Stunning nebulas, planets to encounter, a universe full of sentient beings to interact with, and new desserts and sugary treats to try! Why simply stay here?” Dael asked.

"Because leaving this worldship is the one thing we can't do. He has seen to that. We can't even see past his influence." For a moment the Flumia looked frustrated again, but then a greater light shone in her eyes that only blind fanaticism can ignite. "This is why we've been summoning others and now that true mortals... Those with the blood that the demons demand have arrived... We are able to proceed with the next phase of the summonings. Praise be to the next lord of our people. The great Asmodeus! Once we summon him, we will have the power to challenge our old lord and be able to change everything!"

"Um..." Schwein was a bit more than freaked out now as quite a few of the munchkins in black robes had been filing out of the inner temple and were now surrounding the pair and Death. "I have a bad feeling about this..."

For the second time in less than 15 minutes, Doctor Dael needed a moment to stop and reflect, finding their feet simply did not move for the span of 5 seconds. Firstly, the doctor was not sure how the sugar addled Flumia managed to pronounce ///, but she had pulled it off quite nicely.

Then the enormity of what was said hit the doctor. A cult!!!, no, wait, cults???. Most sentient life would stay away from something they knew was a cult, not rush to join and set up knock offs.

But then again, perhaps that’s how all major religions got started. Right, so a world full of bat crap crazy elves about to have a serious sugar crash when they try to summon Asmodeus. And we are clearly meant as sacrifice. Great, just great. And I thought meeting Death was going to be the weirdest part of my day. Dael reflected.

Feet once again putting one in front of the other, Asa noticed the concern on Schwein’s face and took in the circling figures in black robes. Their intent was quite clear, so time for a bit of razzle dazzle.

“My friends! I am honored to see you all, and to learn what I can from your resting comrades! Please, will you allow us the space to examine what we can learn? We can then discuss with your Flumia what options we see available to you. The solution to your woe is at hand!” the doctor cried in their best imitation of “preacher voice” they grew up hearing.

It’s all about false confidence and lying with a smile, they thought wryly, with a manic, hopeful grin in place, still holding their arms wide as they had when speaking.

Schwein just looked slowly over at Asa like they'd lost their mind. If it got them out of this situation though... "Uh... Yeah! Once we've examined your fallen comrades, your time will finally be at hand!"

Death just facepalmed hard. She knew a ruse when she saw it.

As for the robed figures, several seemed a bit excited, but most seemed to still be that generic cheerful that rarely strayed from their faces. As for the Flumia... She smiled brighter. Somehow, that smile had a hint of sinisterness to it as well. "Well then. I'll take you to our main temple where you may examine all of those resting in repose as long as you like. If you'll follow me... It's not far... Not far at all..." With that, the Flumia turned and headed off into a side passageway, the rest of the robed figures moving to guide the trio to follow her.

Picking up the PaDD that was clipped on to their clothing, Asa sent a message to Schwein

=^=I think we are a bit screwed here. Pretty sure we are about to get sacrificed. Stand ready. =^=.

All the while, the doctor maintained a smile of their own, opting for conversation. Hopefully if their “hosts” saw them as sentient beings deserving of life things would go better.

“Did you know your people are somewhat a legend on Earth? Beings similar to yourselves in appearance and, um, taste in food, were said to work with a compassionate being to spread joy to young ones all over the planet.”

There was a bit of mumbling among the elfin peoples before one spoke up. "If you mean Santa Claws, the Slavemaster, we ate him before our Lord saved our people from destruction."

Another spoke up drearily. "I remember well those dark days... Chained to the line... Never knowing when your next meal would be... Barely enough sugar to survive... I died on those assembly lines..."

“You…you died?” the doctor squeaked, “Forgive me, that must have been terrible. Among my people death is a permanent condition. I’m curious, how did you get better?”

It seemed each time one of the elfin people spoke Asa was dealt another psychological blow. Everything about what they said was such utter nonsense to the way Asa knew the universe to work, and they were at the same time curious to learn about these peoples and scared at what they might accomplish. As anyone who had been around school children after snack time knew- small, sugared up people in a large group can cause mayhem and destruction quite easily.

The last one to speak up just shrugged. "Well, I think I was a newt for a while... And then I woke up here. I don't know how. I just got better."

Flumia glared over her shoulder at the talkative ones. "Hush you! We are forbidden to speak of the before times! You know this!"

"Aww, but Flumia, they're about to become sacrifices to Melchior and Asmodeus! What's it going to hurt?" The talkative one whined a bit and rolled his head around a bit as he spoke. "We're on the verge of success, after all. Everything will be different and the old laws will be no more."

"Yes, but until then, we still have to obey them." Flumia waggled one finger as she walked, leading them deep underground.

"I 'm sorry, we are about to be what to who? I can't help you if i have been sacrificed....none of us can. And none of your summonings have worked, so what makes this one any more likely to? What changes have your other demons wrought?" Dael asked with a growing hysteria in their voice.

"They've given us knowledge and that's power that we didn't have before. Your blood will give us even more power. You and the other two will give us what we need to summon our new lords." Flumia sounded sickeningly cheerful as she said that.

As they walked on deeper underground, the walls of the tunnel were starting to take on a carved motif of carved people in tortured, screaming poses and the air was starting to heat up. In the distance a red glow could be seen.

As they got a little closer they could see great stone henges below, enormous pitted and worn volcanic stones that burned with an eternal flame easily seven meters high, arranged in a series of circles within which was inscribed a pentacle that filled the first circle. The chanting was clearly coming from dark robed and hooded acolytes who filled the gallery, and at the bottom point of the pentagram was a collection of red robed figures with very fancy pointy hats. Who were all gathered before a very shiny yet much more the local's height henge, which made it look a lot like an altar.

Schwein poked Asa in the ribs and hissed in her ear. "Is it time to escape yet?"

Nodding subtly in the affirmative, Asa whispered, "Recommendations?"

Schwein gripped Asa's arm almost painfully. "I'm picking up a Human and a Vulcan life sign on the other side of that mess... I think the other two sacrifices are already here."

"Well, let's go get them and vamoose, shall we?" Dael replied softly.

The ship still shuddered with the strain of making it through the energy barrier at the galactic core as Ensign Avender Jurot, ships Counselor, and Lieutenant Junior Grade Asa Dael, the Chief Medical Officer made their way to Sick Bay. The scrawny-looking androgynous El-Aurian doctor directed the beautiful Betazoid counselor towards their office.

Once inside, Dael went to the replicator to retrieve a couple of glasses of water and placed them on the desk. They motioned Jurot to a nearby seat and then moved to sit directly next to her instead of on the other side of the table.

The doctor’s usually sunny disposition looked a bit worried. The ordeal of making it through the barrier was rough on the ship, but also difficult on telepaths. Lieutenant Sonak had passed out and needed rescue by his wife, and the Counselor was not faring much better. The current psychic pressure combined with the recent revelation Jurot had been possessed for a significant period of time by a malevolent mind known as Gaia were all giving the doctor plenty of reason for concern.

There was also the matter of the Counselors behavior when planet-side on New Texas. She had been seen speaking to herself, and calling to the Captain- who had still been aboard the ship at the time. Dael was getting concerned the counselor was in need of a break.

As the counselor drank some water, Dael was scanning with their tricorder to see if there were any physical anomalies. The counselor was 2 full degrees centigrade too cool- bordering on dangerous territory, her psilosynine levels were reading as if Avender were in a psychic battle, and her metaconsciousness was not responding to fight off the intruding force. Asa quickly administered a shot of psilosynine-stimulant and a temperature regulator. The doctor also wrapped the counselor in nearby warm blankets and adjusted the temperature of the room to make her more comfortable.

Sitting next to Avender again, Asa asked, “So, how are you holding up? You still in there?”

"Yes. I felt something try to pierce my mental defenses, like a... like an offer. Gaia was offering me power... godhood," Avendar said.

She smiled at Asa. "I've already lost fourteen months of my life. I have no idea what Gaia did with my body in that time. One moment I was in sickbay aboard the Nobel, and the next I was in a primitive jail. Then I found out all that had changed... "

The young doctor moved to sit next to the counselor, wanting to have a more informal feel to their conversation. As they spoke, Asa tapped into a nearby PaDD orders for the ship's system to report in with any spikes in psionic energies around the ship and also to initiate ongoing monitoring of Jurot's body temperature. The ship would alert Asa if Avender fell into this body temperature range again, a good sign of an imminent attack, so the doctor would be best prepared to assist.

"I can only imagine how jarring that must have been. What were your thoughts on the offer you received? I doubt it comes without a cost..." Dael inquired softly.

"She didn't mention a price, but nothing is ever free," Avendar said. "There was almost a desperation to her message. I think she is afraid, but I can't imagine what she would cause her fear. I think the discs Ra left us kept her away."

The Counselor sighed. "We're dealing with beings who are worshipped as gods across the galaxy. It's a bit humbling, especially when they... well, I found Ra to be... needy."

That caused Asa a moment of pause. The doctor sat considering for a moment, and then replied, “Well, they were worshipped as gods all over…most of them seem to be less revered than before, and by extension, less powerful. I imagine they are desperate to return to their glory days. Which is actually a really good sign for us…it means we are winning.”

A sudden moment of inspiration struck the doctor, “Do you know if your psionic abilities operate at a certain frequency? A way we could track how they are coming at you? If we could nail down the wavelength these beings are on, that might help us see them more clearly and defend against them better.”

"I've never had it measured," Avendar said. "That sounds like a wonderful idea. Ra mentioned that there's is a symbiotic relationship between the gods and their worshippers. Maybe, here in the core, their powers are shielded from their worshippers... and Gaia needed to 'feed' off of me."

"That.....would make a lot of sense. Once Hera could no longer access her psionic feeds, she became more than a bit desperate. IT stands to reason that Gaia, being more powerful, would be even more hungry. How do you recommend we track her signal back down?"

"Well, first, let's find out if my abilities resonate on a frequency. If so, we need to discover if that is individual, like a retina, or if it's common. For that, we'd need two more crew of different species with psychic abilities. If it's common, then we're back to square one. If so...". Avendar paused. "We could scan for the different frequencies, excluding those of the crew."

"An excellent plan. Let's start by getting your baseline. We should have some baseline on file from your time at section 31 as well. I have all the tools here, and Nurse Vines has zero psionic ability, so there would be no interference from any psionic ability on her part If you were using abilities directed at her. Let's start with basic mind reading. "

Calling the human nurse over, Asa instructed her that assistance was required to get some readings on Counselor Jurot, and the nurse was asked if she minded having her thoughts read to assist. Ever compassionate, Nurse Vines agreed, laughingly stating there was nothing in her mind she hadn't said out loud at some point anyway.

Turning to face them both with a psionic subaural scanner in hand, Asa said " ok. So Nurse Vines, would you please think about some happy moment from childhood. One that others might not know of. Counselor, can you please describe this moment to us?"

The Betazoid beauty focused on the nurse. "Thank you for allowing me access to your emotions and thoughts, Nurse. I am honored with your trust." A few moments later, Avendar said "I sense a childhood... happiness... a place on Earth... a... mouse? Yes, a mouse. Disney World. Parents. Two brothers... a sister... A giant mouse, maybe 6 feet tall... no, a costume... a photograph... smiles... This is a picture she keeps in her quarters of a childhood visit to an amusement park when she was... five. Her family's last trip there before moving to... Alpha Centauri."

The trircorder in the doctors hand was whirring as they scanned both Jurot and Nurse Vines throughout the exchange. When is use, Avender's psilosynine levels were elevated at a rate of 13%, and the counselor fourth sub-hemispheric resonator along her left lobe was vibrating at a rate of 0.02 Hz. Noting this down and cross referncing other Betazoids tests of the same function, Dael remarked that results were within expected parameters.

The doctor pulled up Avender's physical results from during her time at OTI. Although the counselor may not remember it, it was only to be expected that extensive testing was periodically done on all active telepaths.

The results were....identical. Huh. Ok, well on to the next....

"Ok great, thank you both. Let's move on to emotional projection. Nurse Vimes, are you comfortable with the counselor projecting an emotion into your mind?" receiving a nod of approval, Dael continued, "Thank you, Nurse Vimes, that is very kind of you. Councilor, at your leisure, please implant an emotional state. Nurse Vimes, when you notice a change in emotion, please let us know, as well as what you are feeling, and to what intensity."

Avendar looked at the human. She was young, beautiful, and so... inexperienced in life. I need to shield my pain from her. Something wonderful... The counselor quickly erected barriers in her own psyche, then reached out with her thoughts.

The sunset played across the water, while on the beach, the newlyweds walked, hand in hand. They were married that morning, followed by feasting, music, and families. Now, she and her Izmadi finally had time alone. The ceremony, indeed the whole day, was performed in the nude. The entire day, in fact their whole lives, led them to this moment- they were now bonded, now and forever...

The Counselor broke the link gently.

Nurse Vimes was smiling broadly, lost in a moment not her own. When she came to, she glanced briefly at the Counselor and replied, "That was beautiful, thank you for showing me that."

Doctor Dael was continuing to scan and note results, putting them side by side from their time with Section 31. They replied once more, "Ok, great. Now for a suggestion for an action. Can you please plant a suggestion for an action for Nurse Vimes to perform?"

Avendar concentrated on the nurse, attempting to stimulate...

The nurse started giggling, then laughing like she'd heard something very funny. She then stopped.

The Betazoid beauty turned to the doctor. "Most humans enjoy slapstick humor of some form," she said, then smiled.

With a soft grin for the humor the counselor provided, Asa noted the results on their tricorder and quickly checked on Nurse Vimes.

"Thank you Nurse, that will be all. Counselor, I have a base-line for your 'frequency' if you will. Now to compare this to the data we have from prior scans both from you and other crew members, and to compare to the current crew compliment with psionic abilities. Can you think of anything else we are missing? What can I do to best help you heal while we are in proximity to such a huge source of psychic energy?" Asa inquired with a concerned look on their face.

"If there were another Betazoid aboard, I'd say compare my readings to theirs. As for assistance, Science Officer Sonak helped me build some defenses. I should be fine. If not, you'll be the first to know," Avender said, attempting a smile. "When will we have results?"

"Testing should take....one day? Two at the most," the doctor replied. "As soon as I have results, I will let you know. In the meantime, take what rest you can? It seems like it has been a trying day for you."

"Yes, doctor," Avendar said. "Perhaps you should as well."

"An excellent idea," Dael replied, and went to finish up what they could in their office.

Down in engineering bay testing room, the sapphire engineering officer was humming to herself as she crossed another word off a long list of words. The nanobots in this jar were still humming along in their protective jar as she removed another load of element mix from them. This could take a while.

As she was just about to input another one, the door opening made her turn around. " Hello, Commander Paris. Can I help you with something? " The andorian asked giving her human friend a polite smile.

Looking around the lab to confirm they were alone, the USS Hera's first officer's face lit up in a winning smile. "If it's just you and me, Rita's fine, Thex. The only time I object to familiarity is if it is in front of the crew. I imagine it has probably evolved beyond all that in modern Starfleet, but I'm just old-fashioned that way. It keeps that distance between the officers and the crew, prevents familiarity from breaking down the command structure, as that erodes leadership. And I sound like an Starfleet Military Etiquette Academy instructor. I'm sorry, apparently lecturing is becoming second nature to me- isn't that a lovely trait?"

" You're the first officer Rita it's only natural. " Thex replied with a grin on her face.

"As for why I came down tho the workshop of the gods, I came to ask about your latest project. Reading the reports is one thing, but I like to see for myself, you know?" Paris nodded to the clay protective jar with all the leads and sensors attached to it.

" Well as of the moment I'm trying to get this one to work. From the description on the jar it's the bow of Artemis, so I'm running elements to spell out words related to hunting and sports to see if that will activate the nanobots. No luck so far, but I knew this could take a long time." Thex replied bringing up her results onto the rooms big screen.

"Bow of Artemis," Paris muttered as she typed it onto her PaDD and accessed the ship's computer's databanks. "Daughter of Zeus and Leto... twin sister of Apollo... daughter of Zeus and Leto... Zeus transformed Leto into a quail to prevent Hera from finding out about his infidelity, so Leto would suffer as few birth-pains as a mother quail suffers when it lays an egg. What a swell fellow," Paris muttered.

"Most stories depict Artemis as born first, becoming her mother's midwife upon the birth of her brother Apollo, which becomes significant because... are you kidding me? Okay, get this," The crimson-clad commander began reading odd the PaDD in disbelief. "Artemis believed that she had been chosen by the Fates to be a midwife, particularly since she had assisted her mother in the delivery of her twin brother, Apollo. Artemis, while sitting on the knee of her father, Zeus, asked him to grant her several wishes. Here we go."

"To always remain a virgin, to have many names to set her apart from her brother Phoebus (Apollo). to have a bow and arrow made by the Cyclops, to be the Phaesporia or Light Bringer, whatever that means. To have a knee-length tunic so that she could hunt, to have sixty "daughters of Okeanos", all nine years of age, to be her choir- okay, very specific and weird. To have twenty Amnisides Nymphs as handmaidens to watch her dogs and bow while she rested, to rule all the mountains, any city, and to have the ability to help women in the pains of childbirth. All of her companions remained virgins, and Artemis closely guarded her own chastity. Her symbols included the golden bow and arrow, the hunting dog, the stag, and the moon."

Looking up from her exhaustive narrative, Paris shook her head and blinked a few times. "So about that golden bow... okay, here it is. According to the Homeric Hymn to Artemis, she had golden bow and arrows, as her epithet was Khryselakatos ("of the Golden Shaft") and Iokheira ("showered by arrows"). The arrows of Artemis could also bring sudden death and disease to girls and women." Paris paused as she and Thex both looked at one another, then to the large earthen jar, then back to one another.

"Artemis got her bow and arrow for the first time from The Kyklopes, as the one she asked from her father. The bow of Artemis also became the witness of Callisto's oath of her virginity. In later cult, the bow became the symbol of waxing moon. Well, that's... what we know. And that's what you think is in there, eh?" the pretty pilot may not have been much of a scientist or histoprian, but she could use a search engine with the best of them.

"What it says on the jar. Gods really seemed to have a messed up life, didn't they? I mean all the oaths of virginity, the cheating, the constant fighting. You'd think beings with the power to warp reality would be above such things. " Thex replied as she looked at a close up of the jar.

"That's a nice thought, Miss sh'Zoarhi. I've always appreciated your optimism," the earth girl explained. "But according to Hera, absolute power really does tend to corrupt, absolutely. The gods are just people like you and me, but with a lot more personal power, and it magnifies everything about them- the good and the bad, the noble and the petty.

"Maybe the bow has the power to regenerate the reproductive system to an earlier state so it's welder will forever remain a virgin and part of that got lost in translation. " Thex jokily said as she inputted the next combination of the element to spell out the word hide. " Are gods messed up on every planet? I know the ancient gods of Andor...." the cerulean-skinned engineer began, before a low vibration echoed around the room.

The jar began to vibrate, as the energy readings from the computer skyrocketed while the nanites began to work. It took a few seconds before they had finished their labors, and the jar began to crack away, then dissolve into dust. Only what was on the experiment's platform confused the andorian officer.

No bow now sat on the table, but a silver chained necklace with a hideous pendant hanging from it. A horrific visage frozen in metallic sculpture displaying a face with hollow fish-like eyes, blacker than anything Thex had ever seen. A wide hungry mouth was gaping at the two Starfleet officers.

"Okay... well, that is definitely not a bow." Thex said as she stared at the item before them. Something was scratched into its surface. The computer was having no luck translating it, but it recognized some of the words as Celtic.

"I'm no expert, but that really doesn't look Greek to me. The design looks more European... here, are those runes on there?" Observant. and for a change this dealt with earth's ancient history, in which Rita Paris tended to be a bit ahead of the curve for a change, as a native of the planet whose knowledge base they were using for their mythology. Of course, nearly every race in the Federation had multiple myths of gods and heroes and wondrous beings. At least the lost navigator had some touchstone with the legends of her own planet to help her through times like this.

"Where's a tricorder... oh, you've already got one. Okay, so what are you seeing," Rita fetched a diagnostic tricorder off the workbench nearby, snapped it open and began scanning even as she observed Thex was one step ahead of her.

" This isn't making much sense. I can actually partly scan this one. The chain's made from silver, but the pendant is impossible...." Thex began before a deep hollow laughing began to fill the room.

" That does not sound good. " Thex said as a bright energy began to glow from the pendant as it began to hover of the table. A language that Thex and the computer obviously didn't recognize boomed across the room as the mouth of the pendant began to open even wider as water began to pour from it's mouth.

“Uh, Computer, erect level three forcefield around this compartment, and erect a level 10 forcefield around that artifact please,” Paris fairly barked as the recently reformed artifact activated itself, and began breaking the laws of physics. “Any idea how it’s doing this all by itself, Chief?”

"I guess it must have the ability to produce water and something we did must have activated it. I'm guessing it was Artemis’ bow and someone must have swapped it out. Most likely to annoy Hera." Thex said as she began to use the computer to look through the words that had been on the object’s surface.

The computer had come up with something one of the words matched something in the database. As she brought it up she let out a slight gulp. The words was a title of a goddess from Celtic myth. ”Fideal, a goddess of fresh water, swamps, and bogs. Well, that explains the color of the water that's pouring out. It may be an artifact belonging to a Celtic water goddess." Thex said as the water continued to build behind the shield.

“Good to know. I wonder how much pressure it can build up before we have problems. Okay, so inscriptions around the side, computer is working on that translation, we’ve got forcefields in place. If we can't figure out how to deactivate it can we disassemble it? Alternatively can we break it down and store it as a pattern in the computer like the replicator does as a temporary solution if this gets out of hand?” Leave it to Rita Paris to be trying to stay one step ahead of the artifact that was wanting to flood the starship.

" It would need a lot of pressure, but seeing we don't know how much water that thing has let's try and find a way to..." Thex began before there was a bang from the shield that started both of them. "Rita, there's a spare phaser in the top drawer of the desk if you don't have one." Thex said calmly as she furiously tapped the scanner, while another bang shook the shield. Through the murky brown water, a pair of red flaming eyes emerged and began staring at them. It banged again causing the shield to shudder.

"And it has a water monster protecting it. Great. " Thex said, now having to scan the monster.

Tapping away at the tricorder, the pioneer of an earlier age fussed with the interface. It wasn't as simple as the old tricorders, with a number of more variable options and screens one could wander down if one was not acquainted with the device particularly well. On the very long list of 'things Rita plans to get around to learning how to do in the modern day', learning to use a modern tricorder was definitely on that list. Right now somehow she was getting a salinity level reading on the water, which was low, unsurprisingly.

"Computer, please reinforce the forcefield around the artifact with a secondary forcefield, also level 10, thank you," Rita could at least do that while she stalled for time and a good idea. "Goddess of bogs. Or that's her in there hammering at the glass, she's attached to the amulet. Okay, so the goal here is that we want to stop it from producing more water and ideally calm the angry-"

THOOM! the impact was borne of the creature swirling about in the water to build up speed before slamming into the wall it wouldn't see yet held it captive, and the first forcefield failed. While the computer could not project a level 10 forcefield inside another, it had used the SFI generators to augment the initial forcefield, then replaced the fallen field fractions of a second after the first had failed. To the human eye, the forcefield seemed to ripple slightly, yet was contiguous.

Fortunately for Rita Paris, the computer knew what she meant, and helped out a bit.

"Computer layer two more forcefields there..." Rita muttered, still trying to make sense of her tricorder.

" I don't think that's her or else she would probably have just walked out of the shield. Normal ones can't stop Hera." Thex said as the results began to come through. Whatever was in their forcfeild seemed to be a horiffice mix of horse,fish and dragon and judging the increased bagging it was getting very angry.

A horrific gargled voice echoed through the room as, to the andorian's horror, the artifact flashed as the shields shut down leaving for a brief moment hanging in the air before with a furious crash fell flooding the room. The andorian was knocked back her nose, and mouth filled with the muddy water as she struggled to the surface. Her head broke as she gasped for air. " Rita?????" She screamed as she looked around for her friend even forgetting about the horse monster that was now loose in the room.

Swept away by the crashing wave of bog water, the Commander ran her fingers through her short blonde hair to get it out of her eyes"Worst time to check up on experiment ever! Seal this room, alert security, activate the emergency medGLARBLE!"

As the First Officer began barking orders, the smelly peat-infused bog water splashed up in a wave to take her off her feet, the slimy water even overcoming her sure-footed explorer's boots of a bygone age. As she fell, the commander struck her side on that desk the chief engineer had mentioned, and she scrabbled to hold onto it as the two glowing eyes rose up behind her.

The andorian still coughing up the water noticed the stream of bubbles and jumped down to grab her friend. Pulling the woman up she dragged her away from the glowing eyes and the now visible fin that had emerged from the water. " Sorry about all this. " She said as she dragged the two of them into a corner as the fin started circling the room.

Those were broken ribs, Rita Recognized as she felt them grind against one another, and the compartment was still flooding. Coughing up water that had gotten into her lungs hurt like crazy, and it was getting herd to keep her footing as the murky awful smelling water swirled about them. Pulling herself to her feet to orient herself, the outtatime officer scrambled for that desk console with the phaser in it- not entirely sure what she was going to do with it, but at least on wide dispersal beam she might be able to lower the water level.


Thex had never thought she'd die like this. Being killed by a Scottish bog monster from legends in the engineering testing room had been the last thing she'd think would happen. As she reached around in the water for anything she could use her hands fixed around something. It felt so familiar, yet she knew it couldn't be it. It was locked in it's box with the other pieces. Pulling up her hand her eyes were fixed on the bracelet from the armor.

How the hell was it here?

Never mind she thought as the fin began to charge towards the two of them. Slapping it on her wrist she screamed the word " Protect." at the top of her voice. The armor materialized around her as she stepped in front of Rita talking the full force of the beast that slammed her into the wall cashing the wall to dent. " Okay, beast let see how you can fight." She said bringing up her right hand in a hook causing it to go flying across the room into the bank of computer consoles.

Seeing the legendary armor come into play made Rita Paris somewhat suspicious- somehow she wondered if one crisis had been engineered so that another of the legendary artifacts would be called upon. Were they also based on faith and belief, she wondered? At this stage she could see Security working outside the forcefield, which she hoped wasn't going to release any time soon. A flood in Engineering wasn't going to do the components any good. For now, she'd hunt that phaser while Thex went toe to toe with... whatever this was.

Thex couldn't help, but smile as she pulled the now screaming horse monster from the water and pushed it right in the face. It spat hot bile at her as it struggled to break free hitting her with its head, arms, and tail. Though she could feel herself moving it's blow barely got through her armor. " Not getting through me are you?" She yelled at the monster.

" Ah woond't dae 'at if Ah waur ye." Said a voice that combined with something tapping on her shoulder made Thex look up. Squatting on what was left of the bench was someone who shouldn't have been there. With long ginger hair, freckles and blue eyes the woman clad in fur and leather who was holding a spear to Thex throat looking like someone you didn't want to mess with. " Mah sister doesnae loch it when fowk hurt 'er pets an' aam sure ye dornt want tae tak' it's place."

Which was when Rita Paris finally found that phaser, managed to turn it on and point it at the figure on the table, bouncing a heavy stun setting off it like water droplets. "Well, that probably isn't good..."

The figure turned her head and gave a mischief grin at Rita. " Noo yoo're a brae a body arenae ye lass. if ye value yoo're mukker yoo'll nae dae 'at again. Noo whaur is that norse snake fa stole mah sisters device?" She said calmly still keeping the spear at Thex' neck.

“Norse snake?” Rita grunted, trying to focus through the pain all while fighting to one-handed retain her footing. Plus while this was a language and dialect of her own planet, it was a bit thick, and the universal translator wasn’t doing diddly to compensate. “What, the oroborous? Or are you another one of those… uhn! Folks with an axe to grind against Loki?”

" Och aye 'at dobber seduced mah sister, stole 'er tech an' left 'er Heartbroken oan th' fluir." The ginger replied

" Well, we don't know where Loki is we found the necklace in jar claiming to be the bow of bow of Artemis." Thex said still trying to hold the struggling beast. The ginger woman seemed to look hard at both of them. Slowly she lowered the spear away from Thex " Lae them they arenae workin' fur heem." She barked at the beast which growled at her, but did seem to relax in the Andorian arms. It spat something at her which turned out to be said necklace which was still spewing water.

" Noo hoo dae ye.. thaur we gang. " She said as she fiddled with the device before with a slight flash it the water appred to reverse and withdraw inside the necklace. The beast appred to dissolve as well, but not before hissing at Rira and Thex. "

" Sorry abit heem. Each-uisge arenae th' most bricht ay creatures. " The stranger said as the water drained from the room.

“Well, as long as he’s not trying to kill us that’s a bonus. So we’re good here, then? Argument resolved?” Rita Paris grimaced, hoping that this was going actually going to resolve this simply. “Anything we can do for you other than tossing your amulet in the room should we encounter Loki?”

" Weel i'll be takin' thes wi' me." The ginger goddess replied as she held up the amulet. " But ye tois clearly didne ken whit it was sae Ah hink we can lit thes slide. i'll lit mah sister ken ye foond it fur 'er. She'll probably grant ye somethin' as a reward."

" Well, that's a relief." Thex said as she walked over to help Rita.

“Not sure if that’s the word I’d use,” the injured first officer replied, uniform dripping with stinking muck. Leaning on the engineer, the lost navigator grumbled. “Magic… see, this is why I don’t really enjoy dealing with magic… before you know it you are dealing with some ancient grudge from someone with an accent so thick you need a carving knife to understand who’s mad at someone you don’t even know.”

The godess laughed at Rita remark with a smile on he face. " Yer a funay a lass. ken ye hae a pal in Flidais godess Ay th' hunt. If ye see loki can ye kick heem in th' nuts fur me?" She said before with a flash of light vanished from the room.

" I can remember when my life didn't have god popping in and out of it." Thex said as she supported her friend. " I think we need to get you to sickbay and i need a word with Hera. I need to find out where she got these artifacts."

“No argument here,” the feisty first officer grumbled. “Loki can definitely count on that kick in the bisquits if I ever see him...”

" Indeed." Thex repsonded as she hobled off with her freind allowing her team to start cleaning up the mess that had been created.

"Commander Paris to Lieutenant Dael and Baroness von Alcott... good timing."

The sight of familiar faces opposite the summoning chamber Rita Paris and Sonak had found at the bottom of the Dante-esque descent into the bowels of hell was both welcome and worrisome. This couldn't be a coincidence, the throwback officer realized. The chanting changed it's tune though, and suddenly the drumline learned a new tempo as the pace picked up and an urgency began to fill the air.

As all of the diminutive robed and hooded figures moved about in some sort of ritual, their own forms forming additional circles beyond those inscribed in the floor, and the scent of ozone and sulphur filled the air.

Schwein tapped her comm device at her neck. "Baroness here. Good to hear your voice, Commander. We are being led by a Flumia to..."

The Flumia interrupted Shwein with a glare and a sharp tone. "Enough talk with your magical voices, mortal! You'll see them soon enough!"

As they got closer, the eight meter tall stones started glowing with a circuit layout in red, adding even more to the ominous air of the demonic temple. These stones were definitely more than just stone, but what exactly they were was beyond what Schwein's cybernetic eye could scan.

"Your repeated warning of caution is well taken, Mister Sonak. What now, keep playing out this tableau to look for our moment to make a difference?" Paris asked, keeping the comm line open with the Baroness.

The Vulcan's brow, devoid of any sweat despite the ambient heat, furrowed slightly.

"I see two options to get out of this immediate situation."

He pointed to the physical arrangement of the whole place.

"One; according to superstition, if we disrupt this pentagram symbol, the summoning becomes unsafe for the summoners. It's intent is to trap the being and it's power inside because summoned powerful entities do not as a rule take kindly to those who dare force them to come. If we make but even a small dent in one of those lines, they would not dare attempt the ritual; if they did, this Asmodeus would first come down on them. A phaser shot would suffice to break one of those lines."

He then looked at his mate, grey eyes unflinching.

"Two; Asmodeus is, again according to myth, a demon of destruction. His domain is that of lies, mistakes and dissipation and would be in Hell the superintendent of game houses. These are possibly angles that could be exploited with our worshipers here... before they implement their ritual."

“I don’t think they are particularly interested in controlling this being so much as summoning them and seeing what happens. Seems like a million years of this fishbowl existence has left them a bit blasé to personal danger,” the out-of-her-depth executive officer offered. “As for angles before the ritual reaches completion, I am all ears. Baroness, Doctor, anything to add from your investigations?

With a thoughtful look, Dael took in the room. "Asmodeus is perhaps a better match than you think, Lieutenant. Deception was used in bringing us here, and it was indicated that these elfin beings have killed before, albeit perhaps with cause. He may view them as kindred spirits if freed, and in any case, allowing the summoning to complete has disaster written all over it. He cannot rise, the aftermath of such a creature being on our plane of existence would be catastrophic. Of course, we are to be sacrificed if he is to be summoned, so our very lives should stop that, yes? Are we able to beam out? If the Hera and all her peoples leave, we can stop the summoning for now, at least until we have a better plan?"

As Schwein, Asa, and Death were ushered out of the tunnel leading to the underground summoning chamber, a fifteen foot tall demon with bat wings and a bull head and legs materialized near them with a puff of fire and the smell of sulphur and brimstone. "Hmm... Yes... Their blood will do nicely to bring my Lord into your plane of existence." Leaning in closer to the two, he poked one clawed finger at Schwein. "I am Haagenti. And no, my presence blocks your teleportation devices. You will not be escaping. Your choices are to be sacrificed willingly... Or unwillingly..."

Throwing back his head, Haagenti laughed demonically as he moved to inspect the summoning circle, a leather bound book appearing in his hand in a similar fashion to how he had appeared a moment before. His laughter seemed to spur the cultish elfin peoples on, chanting louder and faster, the energy in the room growing seemingly more dangerous to the point even the lava looked like it was more excited.

“Let’s bear that option in mind- Hera theoretically has transporter locks on us and is prepared to beam us out. But I’d rather make certain this doesn’t come to pass- the ‘gods’ and beings who are summoned here are making their way into our universe, and I’ll be damned if a greater demon lord gets loosed on our universe on my watch. That’s the mission here, folks- find a way to shut this down for good. Prime directive does not apply here, and nobody gets sacrificed today.” Realizing that’s what the guards upstairs had meant, Rita was now that much more alert. While she wasn’t sure what the right course of action to take, she was determined to figure it out before all hell broke loose- literally.

The Gregorian chanting coming from the assemblage became a low thrum, as the high priest addressed the summoners in a squeakly, childish voice. “The time is at hand! The four are arrived- the virgin, the harlot, the abomination and the devil!”

Turning to Sonak, Rita quipped, “I’m not sure which of those are supposed to be us, but I don’t find any of those titles flattering…”

Meanwhile, Asa squeaked out “Why does that even matter?!?”

But the munchkin demon summoner was continuing in their chant. “We call now upon the Dark Lord, the ruler of the underworld, the demon manager from hell who will deliver us from this stagnant life and bring change to our world!” As they spoke, the large winged demon flew down to stand before the high priest, to present them with the tome which clearly held significance in this ritual.

"There's our opening- the book's the weak link!" Rita Paris said excitedly, hoping that the flash of intuition she was feeling was on the mark. "No book, no summoning. Destroy that book at all costs, people!"

"I, the leader of the people of this world, Keebla, will now recite the ancient prayers in the old tongue!" As the leader threw off her robes to reveal a green and gold outfit, she began reading from the book while holding a rather sinister looking khiris dagger over her head, the wavy blade reflecting the light ominously. Meanwhile, the others moved to bring the four sacrifices and Death into the circle.

Vulcan reflexes and decades of Starfleet discipline showed as Sonak reacted first. While his right hand unwound the ahn woon from his hips, his left hand drew his phaser from it. Thumb clicking the setting to level 16, he fired a concentrated beam with well-trained accuracy right at the book, a lightspeed discharge able to instantly vaporize a good cubic meter of solid rock.

In the first second, it seemed that the book would withstand the barrage. But while Sonak was faster, Rita Paris had been in motion as well as barking orders, and her own phaser beam joined that of the kolinahr, and with their combined beams the tome began to glow, even as the priestess who held it muttered what incantation she could read before the book disintegrated into a pile of ash in her hands.

Looking up from the altar tableau with literal flames escaping his eyes, the demon Haagenti roared his displeasure as he unfurled his wings. “Keep chanting! I will see you through the summoning even without me Maleficum Magori! For now I must deal with these sacrifices who do not know when to lay down and die!” Wings beating the air, the four meter tall demon took to the air, a snarl somehow evident on it’s face as it’s clawed hands raked the air.

“Well, we’re popular again Mister Sonak…” Commander Paris quipped as she fired ineffectually at the demon. “I’m open to suggestions, people…!”

"I suggest you shoot der flachwichser!" Schwein was on top of it with her disruptor, firing repeated bursts into the wings and body of the bull headed demon as he flew to attack Rita and Sonak. Even at max setting, it looked like they were doing little to no damage to him so she whipped out the lance amplification system and screwed it onto the front of her pirate disruptor, charging for a full powered shot that could take down a small shuttle. As it arced through the air, it hit its mark and disintegrated a fair portion of Haagenti's right wing, crippling his flight capabilities and eliciting a roar from him so foul and loud, rocks actually came loose from the cavern's ceiling.

Sensing an opportunity, Dael cried out, “Stop the chanting! He would not have wanted it to continue if it serves no purpose. Can we mass stun these people? And stop Keebla from praying! The psionic energy is likely what will call forth Asm….”the doctor paused, realizing saying the demon’s name was likely not helpful, then continued, “Call forth the being we should maybe not name right now .”

With that, the doctor ducked to dodge a swipe from the claws of Haagenti, and began to serpentine run counterclockwise around the demon at full speed, dodging both the demon and the falling rubble.

Pausing to adjust the setting on her phaser beam to wide dispersal, Rita Paris was in the process of adjusting back to heavy stun when the demon lord landed before her and Sonak breathing heavily. Reacting quickly, Paris trusted that Sonak could handle this easier without her in the way as she dodged low, and dove across the summoning circle between the creature’s legs. Tumbling painfully on the crumbling stone pentacle, she righted herself enough to spin and fire from one knee. While her position wasn’t ideal and her aim was off, a good number of the robed and hooded acolytes collapsed like puppets with their strings cut, so she took more careful aim, drawing a bead on the high priestess and her red robed inner circle.

After narrowly avoiding two hunks of falling ceiling, Asa managed to circle behind a group of acolytes and set their phaser to wide dispersal to match Rita’s efforts. Ducking behind a piece of rubble, the doctor fired on the group, watching them fall to the ground unconscious. The doctor went to move to the next group, but found their path was now impeded by both the unconscious elfin people as well as the debris and detritus on the ground.

In the spirit of improvisation, Asa used two smaller boulders to climb to the top of the rubble they had been hiding behind and took aim at another section of worshipers. They fired and missed, calling over to Sonak, “Lieutenant Sonak! Your 6 O’Clock!” as one particularly murderish looking robed figure approached him from behind. Which was nothing compared to the demon following them in.

But the Vulcan was already on the move. As soon as the demon came at them, he rolled forward, dodging under and away from the treacherous attack and swung his anh woon under and then over him. One weighted end entangled the tip of a wing as he wrapped the other end around a thick ankle on the other side then pulled with the strength of four men.

Like a large tree cut at its roots, the demon crashed to ground on its side. In no time it tore apart the thick leather fighting belt like tissue paper; but before it regained it's footing, all this gave just enough time for Sonak to slap his combadge on the back of the demon of legend's neck.

"Hera! Emergency beam out, destination Z plus maximum range, widest dispersal pattern!"

It would take at least a second for the creature to register Sonak's attack; another to puzzle why he felt nothing; a third to sense something metallic at the back of his neck; a fourth to reach out for it.

But before it could pull it out and then possibly understand to throw it away, the transporter chief would have received the signal, activated the emergency circuit and sent every atom of the being towards all corners of the nearby universe.

Sonak had studied how legendary starship captain James T. Kirk had thus destroyed several powerful entities, from the uberprobe Nomad to the immortal energy being once known as Jack The Ripper. He had calculated the odds favorable enough that it could work here against such a creature.

As the shimmering transporter effect began to take hold, the creature rose to its knees, bellowing as if its denial of the facts could change the laws of physics. Which, as he reared and roared, it appeared that he might do just that. But with the transporter lock being attached to him physically, penetrating the aura of unreality about him that enabled him to ignore natural laws, the shimmering slowly caused him to fade to view, even as the last vestiges of his bellowing cry faded from the chamber.

Turning from the spectacle behind her, Rita Paris smirked as she fired a wide stun beam at the high priestess and her acolytes. “Not looking so good for team demon now, is it ya evil little munchkins! Call me a harlot, willya...”

While the rest of the acolytes went down like a small sack of potatoes, the one known as Keebla seemed immune to the effects of the phaser. Her chanting reached a crescendo as the circle lit up in golden light and what appeared to be a giant clawed hand started reaching out of the summoning circle.

Death screamed in pain as she was drawn towards the circle by an unseen force, a scythe of mist coalescing in her hands.

"The time is nigh! Now is the time for your blood to be spilled!" Laughing maniacally, Keebla took the khiris blade and leapt from her position at the altar. She swept it across the nearest of the four mortals present, Shwein, barely nicking the augmented human's arm, but it seemed to be enough as the circle seemed to start pulsing rhythmically. "One down, three to go!"

“Break the circle!” Asa cried, able to see from their perch as the circle began to thrum. As if by some miracle, the circle still stood in fact from the falling debris, and the doctor began to race towards it, phaser now firing at maximum strength, causing gauges in the floor.

The feeling of psionic energy flooded the chamber, and it took all the doctor had in them to not cower from the feeling. The summoning circle stood miraculously untouched, with neither elfin creature nor debris falling in its way.

“Break the circle!” Asa cried, changing their phaser to kill, concentrated beam, and firing from their perch at a point nearest to them. There was a deafening noise as the energy from the phaser met the energy concentrated inside the line of the circle, and Asa began to sway slightly, but kept their aim true, looking to the rest of the group.

In that time, Keebla was able to leap at Rita and slash at her with the blade of the khiris as well, slicing across her thigh, just enough to cause the pulsing in the magic circle to speed up. "Yes! Now two of you are feeding the summoning!" With that, she leapt away again, this time towards Asa.

As for the circle, it was resistant to the damage around it, but not impervious to energy weapons fire. Asa's phaser was slowly melting through the part they were firing at so Schwein decided to add her own disruptor to the mix and hope it didn't bring the whole chamber down on top of them. As she charged for a full power disruptor blast, the clawed hand started reaching up further out of the circle. When she fired, it somehow bounced off of the circle's barrier and struck the hand reaching out, disintegrating several of the fingers and eliciting a shrill cry of pain from the other side of the summoning circle. The barrier around the edge of the circle was definitely charred greatly, but Schwein's disruptor wasn't going to cut through it.

"We need more phaser power!" Schwein called out to the others as she moved to intercept Keebla instead, firing smaller disruptor bolts at the somehow empowered wicked munchkin.

Seeing the crazed summoner charging at them, Asa decided the better part of valor would be to get the heck out of the way. The doctor jumped off the boulder, landing behind it with a thud and running to the far end of the chamber from Keebla.

“Commander! Baroness! Lieutenant! If this lunatic cuts me it’s just going to make that THING trying to rise stronger. Someone throw a freaking rock at her, will ya?" The doctor called.

That said, they kept their efforts to running away from Keebla, staying to the shadows and running in an unpredictable fashion to stop the evil elf from throwing the weapon at Asa and drawing blood that way.

Drawing again his phaser from his hip, Sonak obeyed the order and fired. But instead of firing exactly where the others were, he sent multiple shots of varying kinds at different points in rapid succession and as randomly as he could. he hypothesized that there was some sort of programming or "mind" of some sort, or maybe a "natural flow" or "field" to the power that resisted their assault. Thus he was calculating that, instead of just adding one more handphaser to the rest, this would help to, if not overwhelm it, at least distract or even disrupt it; enough so that the more concentrated fire of the others would better get through.

And while he was at it, he sent several shots at the feet of the pursuing summoner, gouging the ground before it's advance enough to make it stumble, veer off or hesitate, allowing Asa the opportunity to get away.

"Nimble bitch, isn't she?" Schwein called as she placed herself between Asa and Keebla, forcing a grapple between the two, her disruptor now forgotten on the ground. It ended up with the blade of the khiris in the Baroness's belly, but with one arm wrapped around the evil midget and the other locked on her throat with a death grip, she didn't mind much at this point. She just had to make sure that that blade didn't cut Asa or Sonak.

Coughing up a bit of blood, she tightened her grip and dragged the raving tart over towards the lava surrounding the large dias the whole summoning was taking place on. "I have her! Break that... Circle!"

There had been that long second where the explorer took it all in- Sonak firing what looked like random bursts, part of some advanced strategy he would explain if asked later. Doc Dael scrambling around- the compassionate healer playing keep-away from the midget maniac with a knife trying to summon an extinction level event to end her people's immortal ennui. Rita had a plan forming and knew what she had to do- take the sacrificial dagger out of play.

The harmless-looking elfin priestess' face was contorted with a zealot's purpose- apparently a million years of living like this would do that for you. Too fast moving and small a target for a realistic phaser shot to just hit the khiris- besides, she seemed resistant to phaser fire, so likely it was as well. Throwing rocks wasn't going to be that effective, but the danger dame was pretty positive that she could tackle to cookiemaking cultist.

Just as Rita Paris began to move into action, there was the Baroness, throwing herself in harm's way.

Keeping the knife buried in her gut was not part of any plan Rita had anticipated, but damned if she'd let the sacrifice go to waste. Grabbing the focusing rotator on the barrel of her phaser, Rita cranked the focus into a the tightest possible beam, than turned the power all the way up. On a modern phaser it probably would have warned her that she was exceeding safety limitations which would likely result in weapon burnout and potential destruction. The phaser held no sentimental value for her- Thex had made a pattern and there were dozens of them in the armories now. Right now what she needed was power. Aiming at the circle, she drew a line of fire in her mind and hoped the beam would do it's work quickly.

The fact that it might blow up in her hand was incidental.

Both hands on the phaser, Rita pointed it at the circle, and the narrow yet powerful beam lanced out to carve through the graven stone like a monofilament through fromage. The burst only lasted for 4.2 seconds before the phaser's focusing crystal burned out, but narrow cuts intersected across every line of the circle at least once. Shouting as she threw her burned out phaser at the nutjob wrestling with the Baroness as she ran in to engage. "Fire in the hole!"

With the lines cut, there was an earth shattering peal of thunder and Death's body shattered, along with the eight meter tall, glowing summoning stones around the circle. The circle itself began to fade and the only sound left was the maddened raving of the priestess Keebla, whom with the last of her strength, sliced the Baroness's belly open with her blade right before Schwein flung her into the lava screaming like a loony.

With the last of her energy bleeding out of her, Schwein collapsed on the edge of the dias, a shadowy, graven figure now hovering over her that resembled the woman that had recently become her friend. Reaching for the woman, she almost expected for it to be her time.

But Death smiled, shook her head, and faded away right before Schwein passed out.

The circle was broken, the demon repulsed, but victory had come at a great cost. The Baroness von Alcott, personal retainer to Captain Telvan lay mortally wounded, her blood, so sought by those who wished to call about the end of days, seeping out to fill the runes and glyphs carved into the stone.

Seeing the scene around them, Asa grunted to themself "Like hell," and ran to the Baroness to treat her wounds. Placing a hand firmly on the injury, Asa saw no option but immediate transport to sickbay.

"I need someone else to come apply pressure to the exit wound while I do to the entrance wound. Then when the transporter gets us to sick bay, maintain pressure and help move her to a biobed so I can perform immediate surgery. Commander, I don't think transporting you is the best plan, so Lieutenant Sonak, are you game?" the doctor inquired in a hurried voice.

Decades of interaction with humans had taught Sonak a lot about quolloquial metaphors. Thus he refrained from commenting on equating saving lives with a game, and simply nodded. With his natural strength, he would also be able to move the whole body effortlessly and delicately once in sickbay.

Asking him to help was the most logical thing to do. Without any hesitation, he moved to comply as instructed by the chief medical officer.

With a face grim with determination, Doctor Dael instructed the science officer on where to apply pressure, confident in his ability to maintain pressure. They hailed this ship saying, “This is Doctor Dael, we have three for emergency beam up directly to SickBay, lock on to my signal please.”

The beam out was confirmed and the trio was whisked away, leaving Commander Paris and alone in the chamber.

Who promptly took stock of the situation. With the doctor and Sonak gone, that left one Commander Rita Paris, graduate of Starfleet Academy class of 2255, standing there in a ruined summoning temple with flames and lava burbling in what was the summoning circle, all alone with a few hundred unconscious or panicking elfin folke. After she’d burned out her hand phaser overcoming the crisis at hand, which left her alone in hostile territory with no weapon nor backup.

“Well ain’t you the tactical genius,” Rita muttered to herself, although she supposed it was a compliment from both the chief medical and science officers that even under conditions such as these, they had confidence in the old school officer from a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.

Smirking at the situation, she called out. “Log’yerm///? If you're listening, I think we might need to talk…”


-----------
Meanwhile, in Sickbay...
-----------

Upon reaching SickBay, Asa was a whirlwind of activity. They activated the Emergency Medical Hologram to assist with surgery and directed Lieutenant Sonak to take the beleaguered baroness to Biobed 2. Nurse Vimes ran to apply pressure where Dael’s hand was covering the wound, allowing the doctor to prepare for surgery.

Although he had basic field emergency training like any Starfleet officer and practical experience with treating wounds from the Vulcan ordeal of The Forge, Sonak's knowledge of non-Vulcanoid anatomy was only textbook based and rather basic, despite his photographic memory. Once he finished securing the injured woman on the biobed, he stepped back to let the doctor and their team immediately start working. Only when he saw that their attention could be safely diverted for a short moment did he speak.

"Unless you have further need of me, Doctor, I will rejoin the away team presently."

Without breaking stride, Dael replied, "Yes, of course. Thank you, Lieutenant."

Sonak nodded then walked out of sickbay, heading for the main transporter room.

Looking at the other doctor in the room and scanning quickly with their tricorder, Dael said, “She’s bleeding profusely, her right abdominal wall was perforated, the L4 vertebra in her back has been nicked, the nerve running along the the vertebra has been severed, and her left lung has been perforated. That’s the most critical for now. Please take the vertebra and nerve cluster and I’ll start on the abdomen. Nurse Vimes, run a self-regenerating IV of her blood at a rate of 4mL/minute.”

"Please step back, miss. She'll be ok, I promise," The EMH said to a young woman dressed all in black as he rushed to assist in the care of the Baroness. Pausing a moment, he looked back only to wonder if the woman he had seen was real since she was no longer there. Shaking it off, he focused on Schwein's vertebra, pulling out tools for nerve regeneration and surgery. "Nurse Dalma, fetch me the spinal trauma kit and fill a hypo with 1cc of neuroanalgesics, narrow spray."

The spectre of Death was in Asa's vision too, and moderately concerning the physician that their efforts were in vain, but there was nothing for it but to continue them. Seeing the IV had safely been put in place, Asa called for tissue regenerators and began to heal Schwein's abdominal wall.

"Damn it, we have bowel seepage. Nurse Vimes, suction please," the doctor called. The plain faced but kindly nurse quickly retrieved a small suction device and handed it to Doctor Dael. After adjusting for intensity, the doctor put it in place and instructed the nurse to alert if the indicator turned blue.

They continued to heal the abdomen and injected extended release medicines to kill and safely remove any residual foreign bodies from Schwinn's body as she healed, just in the event any micro-debris or microorganisms had taken up residence.

By the time the Baroness's front was closed, the doctor was covered in blood. The baroness had lost her spleen in the ordeal and been fitted with a new biomechanical replacement, and the lung puncture had also been knitted back together. The skin regenerator turned off with a click, indicating what could be done, had been done.

It was about that time the EMH finished up as well. Looking up, he nodded to Asa. "I'm glad my predecessor invented a few tricks when it came to spinal neurosurgery. They really came in handy here." Dropping a plaser and a neuroregenerator onto a tray, the holographic doctor ran another scan just to be sure. "She's augmented, so her recovery rate will be faster than usual. But I'd still recommend she take it easy for at least a month or two once she's out of the veritable woods, as they say."

"Agreed," Asa replied, "This was far too close a call. Her diet will need to be limited and minimal over exertion of her lungs. It will be a long road, but she can walk it thanks to you, doctor. Thank you, sincerely. "

The EMH bowed his head slightly. "It's my pleasure, as always, Doctor. Any opportunity to work with you, rather than on you, is always an honor."


-----------
Back in the Summoning Chamber...
-----------

With a flash of light, Log'yerm/// appeared in the underground cavern and took stock of the situation, his sudden presence scattering the few cultish elfin folk that remained conscious and handn't run. Now, without the fires burning atop the cinderstones, dozens of the cultists could be seen scrambline up the staps around the bore into the crust of the worldship. "It seems a lot has been happening that I was unaware of, Commander Rita Paris. I sense the remnants of several demonic entities. Do pray tell... What hand did you have in the events here?"

"Well, there's bit of batwing over there but not much else left of the one Sonak has transported to a wide dispersal. I still have no idea why that's a setting on a transporter." Paris shuddered slightly then began taking measured steps as she spoke.

"Your children are so bored they tried to summon up a figure of legendary evil who would have made their lives and the lives of every sentient being he encountered literally a living hell. I'm no parent, but that's not really the sign of healthy kids," Paris shrugged, then looked back at the nigh omnipotent being.

"Except they aren't children are they, Log'yerm///? You've kept them alive here for so long now. Living beings were not mean to be immortal... our minds aren't infinite like some. They are limited, and we are finite for a reason. I think maybe your 'children' might have gone a little nuts being kept like this for so long."

"Hmmmm... Yes, I'm beginning to see that." Sighing heavily, the eye covered meatball floated over to the edge of the dias where Keebla was thrown into the lava. "The most trusted of the leaders of them... Even they were corrupted this far..."

Turning back to Rita, his main eye was filling with tears. "When they summoned me, their world was minutes from destruction. I did what I could in the time I had, but by the time I had this ark formed... All that was left was the records that they existed. Their World Core. Within it had stored the records of their civilization and over twelve billion people." As he spoke, another flash brought into the chamber a three meter tall crystalline lattice work that could have only been the aforementioned World Core.

"With this, I was able to recreate what they considered their golden age of civilization. Before war, poverty, and crime ran rampant. I used a few trans-temporal tricks to give most of them their memories as well. They seemed happy living like that." Log'yerm/// closed his eyes in sadness as realization of what he had done wrong finally sank in. "But they still had mortal minds... And mortal minds are not made to weather the ages like mine. For me, this has been but a few moments, but for them..."

"My people live for a century, perhaps half more. The Vulcans, twice that. El Aurians, perhaps a few thousand years. We're made... our minds, our souls... to last as long as we last. If we go on far longer, we can achieve and see much more, yes... but after thousands of years, it's all boredom, then madness." Stepping over to the floating alien eye, Rita gingerly reached out a hand yo comfort the scale-crusted exterior of the alien orb. "You did a good thing, Log'yerm///. You saved a civilization, and gave them a paradise, an afterlife the likes of which every religion that has ever dreamed of a great beyond could wish for. You asked for nothing, and simply enjoyed seeing them happy. That makes you one of the good gods."

"But it's the nature of the cycle... parents eventually must let their children go. As teenage rebellions go, this one was pretty good," Rita quipped, looking around the ruins of the unholy summoning temple. "But yeah, I think it might be a sign, big guy. You gonna be okay?"

While she spoke, a brief musical shimmer of light brought Sonak back. With a nod to reassure Rita about the fate of the Baroness, he stepped back and let her continue her work while observing attentively the powerful alien being she addressed. For her part, she spared him the smallest of relieved smiles, grateful as always for his presence.

"Hmmmm... Yes, I'll go back to my realm and sulk about it for a few aeons and be fine." Somehow nodding, Log'yerm/// smiled softly at Rita. "Thank you Commander Rita Paris. You have taught me something about this existence that I would not have otherwise understood. Will you do me one more favor? Will you take this World Core back with you to your people so that the knowledge of their existence will live on? There's nothing in it that will advance your civilization, but the collected works of their art and culture is held within as well as the recorded hopes and dreams of every one of the Alfarin peoples."

"We will, yes," Rita promised, realizing the enormous responsibility of the task as preserving an entire lost civilization. "We will bring it to the United Federation of Planets, and the elfin culture will be shared, celebrated and remembered by hundreds of worlds and cultures across the galaxy. Will you let them go on now, to the final rest they seek?"

"Yes, I will begin dissolving them and this worldship as soon as you and your people are safely aboard your vessel," replied the misshapen floating meatball. "As for the summoned ones... What they do is up to them. Without my power to sustain them, most will return to the aether from which they came. The ones with their own power may travel to other worlds."

It wasn't a perfectly tidy solution, and it meant that there were still liable to be a lot of powerful beings left out there. But then, the galaxy was a big place, and sometimes you took the win you could get.

"Thank you, Log'yerm///," Rita said gently, fixing the central eye with a tender gaze. "We'll never forget you. It isn't often one meets a being with this much power who uses it to help others. You're an inspirational being, and your story will be a part of theirs, as the savior of their culture."

Looking around, Rita Paris considered. "Ah, how far a walk is it to where we parked...?"

"This is at the very heart of the worldship..." Log'yerm/// replied, already moving off and beginning the deconstruction, starting with the unconscious elfin peoples laying in the underground chamber. "You should hurry and teleport back soon with the World Core. Chaos is already spreading through the people as their world crumbles around them."

The eyes of the lost navigator grew wide as she realized their predicament. "That's only... a few thousand kilometers... through a densely packed city that might or might not be filled with rioting munchkins because the rapture is arriving and they are going nuts. Plus a world construct that's dissolving as the force maintaining it stops concentrating on it. I'd never make it... a shuttle would never get here in time..."

Despite herself, as the worldship collapsed around them, Rita Paris began to hyperventilate. “I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Okay, that totally didn't work. We, we're g-guh-gonna have to buh-beam out of here, aren't I? With a, with an ancient artifact that might do who knows what?"

"The universe really does hate me..."


-----------
On the bridge of the USS Hera...
-----------

The Captain of the Nebula class vessel stood up from the center seat as alarms started going off and pieces of the worldship started breaking off. "What the heck is going on over there?"

"It looks like the whole mass is slowly dissolving into N-space, Captain!" called the crewman at science right before something rocked the ship.

"Red alert! Undock us and get us clear! Get a tractor on the Forthright! Make sure any of our people still on that thing are beamed back to safety!" Enalia called out orders as fast as she could, but the crew was already in motion, working on emergency procedures to get them safely away from the disintegrating vessel.

"Tractor is on the Forthright. I've extended our shields around them, just in case," reported the Ops crewman. Enalia made a mental note to commend that one for quick thinking as she moved up to lean on the helm and get a closer look at the massive viewscreen.

From the helm, Lieutenant Junior Grade Melanie Dox replied, her hands a flurry of activity over the ships controls as the mighty ship began to back slowly away. "Undocked and as clear as we can get without interference from the storm disrupting transporters."

Engineering called out next. "Shields are being bombarded by energy from those summoned deities! Recalibrating to a multiphasic variance to compensate."

"They're probably looking for a new home now that their old one is crumbling around them. What's the status of our people?" Enalia asked, not even turning to ask, praying that Commander Paris wasn't still on the worldship somewhere.


-----------
On the Worldship in planetary death throes
-----------

Resignation settled in on the face of the first officer, along with a quirky little smile. Stepping over to her logical love, Rita cupped his cheek with her hand, blue eyes seeking his own steel-grey gaze as the world literally fell apart around them. But Rita Paris was the eye of the storm, and when all hell was breaking loose, she knew what she had to do.

"Go on without me. Take the artifact, and get clear, then beam me up. I don't want you or the last records of a dying civilization being interfered with by my transporter craziness. Go, then beam me out." It was a logical plan, she reasoned, which had good odds of success. Better odds than she and he beaming with the giant crystal and perhaps all three ending up who knew where.

The steely grey eyes bore into hers.

"Negative," Sonak firmly stated. "You have been personally entrusted with this civilization's artifact, and you gave your personal guarantee to it's creator. It is your responsibility."

So saying, he placed the object into her hands; then, holding it and both her hands against her chest in a steely grip of his left hand, his right hand slapped her combadge. On it rested a small cylinder with a flashing light.

"Hera; two to beam up."

“Wait, what-“ Rita protested, but too late.

The familiar light swirl of the transporter's annular confinement beam caught them both just as the portable emergency transporter specifically calibrated to her activated; the very one he had used once to bring her back during their experiment with her teleportation glitch, keyed to the Hera and this quantum spacetime reality. Boosted from the inside, the transporter effect worked so fast it was almost looking to outside observers like one of Q's flashy exits.

In a flash, literally, they were both gone from the dying world.

Rematerializing was not so quick. For a change, Sonak could sense the passage of time in the transporter beam, and the unique and distinctly unpleasant sensation of his physical form being transformed back from energy into matter. While beam-out had been instantaneous, the beam in time was stretching, and he could perceive the transporter technicians scrambling to accommodate the incoming beam, that wavered and hesitated as they fought with the controls. The confinement beam wavered and seemed to try to willfully redirect itself, but the portable emergency transporter did its work, and dragged them back to their destination

It was painful. It was disconcerting and disorienting, and that was only his own experience transporting in proximity to his mate, connected by his firm hold upon her. He could feel Rita Paris' absolute terror and physical agony through the bond they shared, as if she were feeling each and every molecule being compiled. All of which washed over him like the tide upon the shore, unbowed. As they finally reintegrated, a full eleven seconds after they had begun materializing on the transporter pad, Rita Paris finished the long agonized scream that she had somehow begun mid transport.

Had it not been for the steely grip of the master of logic, the transporter accident-prone adventurer would have collapsed on the pad. As it was, she retained consciousness, although her legs steadfastly refused to support her, thus he supported them both and the fragile crystalline lattice, the collected knowledge and culture of a lost civilization that may not even have existed in this reality.

“Transporter Room 3 to bridge, we’ve got the last of them aboard… pretty much,” the frazzled and anxious transporter technician reported, unnerved by the aberrant beam-in, and the scream that was definitely not how normal people transported.


-----------
Back on the Bridge...
-----------

Enalia sighed in relief as she got the news from the transporter room. All around them the worldship and the anomaly surrounding it was dissolving at a rapid pace and this was the last place they wanted to be. The occasional ball of light could be seen streaking away into space, which she assumed was a summoned alien trying to escape and find a new home elsewhere, but she had to worry about the two ships in her charge at the moment.

"Lieutenant Dox, you get us out of here in one piece, ok?" And try not to lose the Forthright. All hands, hang onto your butts." With those orders, the spotted captain headed back to the center chair and hung on, expecting the trip through the remains of the anomaly to not be the most friendly.

"Aye, Captain." Dox answered somewhat flatly, trying to build her own confidence. Flying in to the anomaly, she had the benefit of nanobots in her ears regulating the signals from Ensign Gonadie's flight helmet that provided her with almost too much information allowing her to almost feel their way through the tearing currents of energy, but those nanobots were gone, and the helmet was dismantled and in security lock-down. She brought the Hera around to face the swirls of purple energy that were raging before them. The anomaly was dissipating, but it almost seemed to be churning harder as it did. "Tractor control, please keep the Forthright as close to us as is safe. And everyone hold on."

Taking a deep breath, Dox moved the Hera forward into the raging currents of energy that still surrounded their position. Instantly, the ship was slammed hard to port by the currents as it was pulled in. Without the benefit of the helmet, Dox had to rely on sensor reading and her own instincts to maneuver with the correct flows of energy and the ship was being shaken harder then it had been on entry.

"Hnaev..." Mumbling under her breath, Dox let a Romulan curse slip out as the ship was slammed again by an oncoming current that almost pushed the vessel back into the ship it was towing had Dox not turned the bow of the Hera into the push. While the ship itself was being tossed hard, however, the ships internal inertial dampeners kept her crew from all but the familiar hard lurches to the side from each impact. 'This isn't WORKING!' the young, part-Romulan pilot thought to herself. She started to sweat as the ship struggled. 'I can't see the currents. I can't...' Then her thoughts stopped as an idea occurred to her.

Without turning her attention from the helm controls, she called out behind her. "Captain! I need us to reduce the internal inertial dampeners to the absolute minimum." She had thought back to her meeting with Ensign Gonadie and Commander Paris where they planned out how to navigate the anomaly and Paris' comparisons to surfing on Earth.

"These ribbons of energy are WAVES Captain. It will be rough, but I need to FEEL them to ride them." Dox explained, her voice raising just slightly in the moment.

"Ok, but just on the bridge! No point subjecting the rest of the crew to them!" Enalia called out as another wave hit them.

As the internal inertial dampeners reduced to a minimum, suddenly the bridge began to vibrate as if a freight train were punching through it. Dox let out a long breath and concentrated. 'C'mon... you can feel our speed when you're lying in bed. You can do this.' the anxious young pilot thought to herself as she felt the vibrations increasing. Specifically, she could feel than getting stronger from behind her and to her right. "Yes! That's a build of energy at aft starboard." She said aloud, mostly to herself as she turned the Hera's nose away from the oncoming wave to compensate.

Suddenly, a wave of energy came upon the massive ship from behind as predicted, but instead of slamming against them they were carried forward by it. They were riding the energy waves again. Dox looked down at her readouts to make sure she hadn't lost the Forthright, which was being pulled behind right where it should be.

The ship vibrated as Dox continued to adjust with each changing flow, but the ships weren't being hit anymore... they were being pulled along. Looking up at the viewscreen, the purple haze of swirls began to thin out as the stars beyond faded into view. "Clearing the field, Captain." Dox called out, yelling a little to be heard above the vibrations of the ship, as the Hera was launched by the waves back into normal space.

Enalia relaxed a bit as she checked the sensor readouts on her chair. "Good job everyone. Looks like the Forthright made it out with us perfectly fine as well. Now... Can someone please tell me what the heck happened?"

-----------

"This may be a gilded cage filled with everything you always wanted, but it's still a cage." J. Kirk

Alright Good People, it's that time again when a new mission comes around and there's some planning to do! Below are some Deity Encounters I'd like to see and some Team-Ups I've got pre-planned for the course of this mission that i'd like to see. All in all, this mission is overtly a diplomatic mission with a lot of danger/horror thrown in for good measure. For the team-ups, please feel free to suggest others or edits. As for the Deity Encounters, a lot of deities are already spoken for either previously or later in the plot of the Hera so please clear it before adding it. Unfortunately, this includes almost all the Greek/Roman and Norse deities.

Ok! So! Two pieces of information I neglected to mention to anyone before now and that slipped my mind. One is that the creator of the worldship and leader of the locals is a literal Beholder called Log'yerm///. No, that's not a misspelling. The locals are 4-5 foot tall human looking people that resemble children... Or Santa's Elves... They wear panelled, colorful outfits with trim on them. Their sun collided with another sun and Log'yerm/// saved them from extinction billions of years ago and they're the ones summoning the deities. They can do this because the space-time near Log'yerm/// is really thin since he's a 9th dimensional entity. Living in an artificial worldship has stunted their evolution and most of the factions have decided to use this to try to kickstart their race's evolution again. While Enalia, Rita, and Sonak are out of contact meeting with Log'yerm///, it's up to the rest of the crew to not only keep the ship safe, but to get to the bottom of this. Once they get back, there will be another issue to face that even Log'yerm/// will need help with. One of the underworld factions are planning on summoning Asmodeus, a being so powerful that he could take Log'yerm///'s power for himself and start consuming the galactic core in chaos.

The worldship was created by Log'yerm/// to save the Elfin peoples from extinction as he passed through this plane. Their star collided with another and he made this worldship as a home for them billions of years ago, which stunted their evolution and advancement. He created it with his 9th dimensional powers by pulling energy from higher dimensions and creating matter. He then formed the barrier around it to shield them from outside forces. As the master of space and time in the local area, he sees spending an eternity with these people as more of a vacation and a learning experience for himself.

Several factions of the Elfin peoples are unhappy with things having not changed for billions of years, including their lack of evolution, so have recently begun summoning beings from higher planes using power that Log'yerm/// inherently leaves lying around because of his aura as a part of the worldship's energy systems. The first few experiments led to a few deities being summoned back into the galaxy far from them, but subsequent summons have improved and been far easier. Thus many deities and beings are now roaming the worldship - even imagined ones.

As for visitors, The USS Hera is one of the few that have made it past the barrier. Few guests have made it past the barrier and fewer still have convinced Log'yerm/// of their worthiness to leave afterwords - most intended to use what they learned for profit or advancement in some negative way. It is an extension of Log'yerm///'s real body and is thus more like a second skin to him while the worldship is akin to a living, breathing entity that he cares for inside of himself similar to a baby kangaroo in a pouch. While much of the worldship's exterior is composed of neutronium and clear duranium alloys, the interior is all perfectly natural carbon based life-cycle elements. The upper crust is all natural with simple towns and woodland with lakes, while the underground shows complex cities and warrens. The power systems seem to be a complex system of eight meter stones that emit temporal-etheric energies that barely register in the super-subspace bands.

One of the factions of Elfin peoples intend to summon a being they were told about by one of the others they summoned called Asmodeus, who happens to be Log'yerm///'s greatest enemy and has the power to consume his power here and destroy this worldship. They plan to secretly summon him in the hopes that they can force their own evolution and advancement by forcing Log'yerm/// into a fight, not knowing that Asmodeus is so much stronger than he is.

--Deity Encounters--

Literal Death
Haetae
Amarok
Baskerville
Efreet
Gashadokuro
Ra
Selune Moonbow
Cerridwen
Andraste
Krishna
Garuda
Ganesha
Chandra
Kukulkan
Trelane
Quetzalcoatl
Q
Vulcan God of War, Death, and Peace (from the Stone of Gol)
The One/Sha Ka Ree (the malevolent energy being from Star Trek 5)
Bast
Beholder (Log'yerm/// and his assistant Foo'kclya)
Anansi

--Crew Team-Ups--

Enalia and Paris and Sonak - In the Public Eye... of the Beholder
Baroness and Doc Dael - Bodyguard duty... For Death?
Dox and Dedjoy - Repel invader- Anansi
Dox and Gonadie - Repel same invader trying to steal Mona's stuffs
Dox and Malana - Repelled again! Cage a multidimensional spider
Sonak and Malana - Debate team... versus Ganesh
Sonak, French, and Sexton - Labyrinth of Vulcan Gods
Clemens and Dauntless and Dedjoy- get to the bottom of that magitech stuff
Jurot and Dael - Deny Bast something
Jurot and Sexton - Romcom adventure investigations into the worldship underworld
Clemens, Thex, and the EMH - Prevent the ship from being taken over by Trelane and The One/Sha Ka Ree. Because God needs a starship.

???? - Prevent the summoning of Asmodeus - end goal

Man, I HATE it when they summon Asmodeus.


----------------
Az: And here we are! Thoughts? Comments? Complaints?

Sonak: fine by me.

Dox: I'm down with all the repelling. My initial thought at the idea of a LITERAL personification of Death got my mind going. Thinking of the Next Gen episode with the con artist pretending to be Ardra, the Devil.

I imagined an actual being that was kind of like Death for all beings, not "evil", just a part of the universe... drawn to the Hera after we took down a Goddess. Maybe we disrupted a cosmic balance.

Also, crewmembers dealing with the ramifications of dealing OUT death on the last mission was a big part of the aftermath, which makes me feel like there's a LOT to mine from Death. Just my brain farts.


Jurot: anyone want to play with me?

Az: Yeager was originally slotted there, but Shep had to bow out due to personal reasons so now the slot is open. Anyone you're interested in writing with? Any volunteers?

Dox: I'm down for any interactions. ;)

Paris: I will free safety for anyone who needs me on a post, come in and move things, whether it be Paris or writing something else. Character is my strong suit but if you need me whistle and I'll see what I can do.

Dael: Send me where needed. If we finish in time, I don't mind helping out the counselor deny Bast something. I can dual write too, just let me know roughly what would have been first.

Paris: Done, Doc. Okay, if you have like a one-shot encounter in a bar or something that you want to do,, feel free. Part of this mission is that it is some organize chaos with all of these gods around. So feel free to have some fun and be creative.

Jurot: I see Ra is unclaimed. As I am have a passion for Egyptology, I can double up.

Paris: Perfect, Counselor. We'll team you up or you can be a solo act as you like on that one. You have an idea?

Jurot: Ra was Sun God, creator of the world. He was born every morning, and died every evening- traversing the sky in his ship (whose name changed depending upon its position.) His enemy was the serpent Apep. In one story, Ra took the form of a cat, and killed Apep (which is why the Egyptians held cats as sacred.). My first thought was something to do with the ship, but that's not a counselor thing. I'll do some research to find an angle. Maybe his relationship with Isis.

Thex: Um quick question, but isn't Sha Ka Ree a planet and not an actual god?

Jurot: Thank you, Thex! I didn't want to be a nit-picker. Unless it was in the novelization, the Santa Claus spirit had no name

Az/Enalia: We can't just call it ///the malevolent energy being from ST:V/// so that's its name for now.

Kader: Action adventure investigations sounds fun.

Kirk (Jurot): What does God need with a Starship?

French: laughing my ass off!

Jurot: started the Ra bit

Jurot: Ok, I'm a bit confused. Where does Texas fall in the timeline? Before or after core penetration?

Pris: Fair point, Counselor. Texas is pre-penetration of the spatial anomaly. We are writing them at the same time so it surely is a bit confusing, and we do apologize for now spelling that out.

Jurot: Thank you!

Jurot: Interesting non-canon approach to entity from ST V:

http://memory-beta.wikia.com/wiki/The_One

I hate to say it, but if I'm honest and I am. I'm lost! - French

Paris: Okay French, no worries. How about shoot me a PM, ask a few questions and let's get you in the groove, right?

Az/Enalia: A bit more info added to the upper summary. Other than what's laid out there and what's been sent out in PM and already in posts, it's fair game. If there are any questions or if what I've added conflicts, please let me know.

Dael: OK, I'm confused. So what I'm reading is Rita, Sonak and Enalia are going down to the worldship. Do we know how we got back from New Texas? Any developments there? Also do we know what's going on the ship? I'm a bit confused how to proceed.....

Sorry, forgot to ask, who has command with Rita, Sonak and Enalia gone as well?

Az: New Texas was a stop on the way to investigate the symptoms of the issue. Since they away team took a runabout, I assume they took it back to the ship and last I checked, all the posts relating to that are posted. It was an information gathering and character development bit and now we're at the meat and potatoes of the mission. Also, Lt Cmdr Thex sh'Zoarhi is the Second Officer, which means she's in charge.

French : ok so like. I been swimming since 95/96. Right and I’ve seen a lot. But I have to admit. I ain’t never seen nothing like what we are doing here. You guys write so fast I can’t keep up. I’d spend my whole day off reading just to reply. I’m afraid this is a bit over my head. I do want to stick around. But with being at its busiest now until Xmas is over. I need to take astepback as I don’t want to let anyone down. I want to keep working on the world ship investigation. But I’m damned if I even know where to start with the chief of Security. You may want to demote me and give thatjob to someone who understands what you need and has the time. But that’s up to you guys. I’ll keep trying though.

Az: you'll be fine. ^_^ with the holidays and me being sick, things should be a bit slower so you don't need to worry about letting anyone down. Just write at your own pace and everyone else will write at theirs (with I think 2 people on vacation, 2 dealing with finals, etc...) and we can all meet in the middle. ^_^

It was time once again for the officers of the USS Hera to come together for a meal and a meeting in honor of their latest successful mission. This time though, it was more of a bruncheon catered by the normal kitchen staff with dishes from over a dozen worlds ranging from Bolian crepes to Trill waffles to French toast and with a whole range of sides made from meats, potatoes, and eggs. On top of that, there were donuts and pastries as well as a drink replicator and fresh, real coffee and tea on demand. Just like last time, everything prepared was 100% real and not replicated and as fresh as it could be - one of the perks of being Captain of the USS Hera.

As Enalia entered and headed to the line to plate up, she hoped that this time it would be a bit more informal as she was really hungry this time. Grabbing a couple of the waffles and smothering them in butter and preserves, she added some of the bacon to her plate and grabbed a cup of coffee before taking her place at the head of the table to await the rest of the senior staff and dug in.

Following her was Commodore Meowlith, whom went for a plate of the Bolian crepes and some preserves along with some of the scrambled eggs and a mug of coffee. Sitting next to Enalia, she grinned wryly. "You certainly eat better over here than I expected. Maybe I should put in a transfer order for myself next."

"Don't you dare. You've almost lost more ships..." Enalia couldn't help but chuckle though. Having Farenia aboard the Hera would make things a bit easier in some regards.

Striding into the officer’s lounge like she owned it, Commander Rita Paris stepped up to the table where the Captain was eyeing her suspiciously, then broke into a grin. “Please. I know what the word ‘informal’ means, Cap’n. Brunch it is. Commodore,” Paris offered a respectful nod to the one-star admiral as she pivoted and headed for the serving line, fetching some French toast with butter and maple syrup, and her eyes lit up at the sight of a donut. Looking around as if afraid someone might notice, she dropped a few strips of bacon on her plate as well, then grabbed a cup of coffee, dropping a few sugar cubes in it before finding herself a seat.

“An entire world and people that were completely artificial, the constructs of a powerful mind. That’s a new one even on me, Commodore,” Paris offered, folding a piece of bacon to get the entire strip in her mouth then savoring the burst of flavor before talking around it. “Even wackier than the Great Park on Omicron Delta 3.”

"Tell me about it..." Replied Farenia, punctuating the air with her fork. "I just wish I had been there when you ended the whole thing."

As if magically drawn by the smell of pastries, Doctor Asa Dael was the next through the doors. The doctor had almost as much a sweet tooth as the peoples that had lived on the worldship and it would take more than murderous munchkins to stop them from enjoying a sugary repast with friends and ship mates. There was much to celebrate, a mission without Starfleet death, a people’s wish for rest being granted, and a demon vanquished.

They piled their plate high with French toast dripping in syrup, bacon, cheese danishes, and a chocolate éclair. After grabbing a few extra napkins (just in case), the doctor poured themselves a tall cup of coffee and added the requisite cream and sugar. The few people already in the room looked at them, and those that knew the doctor rightly feared the sugar high the young doctor was giving themselves. Heedless of any questioning gazes, the doctor took a seat at the table with their back to the door, ever aware that security personnel and bridge staff by and large liked to keep their back to the wall, not the door.

Next into the room was the HERA's pilot and Chief Flight Control Officer, Lieutenant Junior Grade Melanie Dox. The young, part-Romulan officer entered the room somewhat hesitantly, hoping she didn't look as tired as she felt. For the past few nights, she hadn't slept well and the sleep she got was broken by nightmares. The perpetually anxious woman was more uncomfortable than usual, but put on her level best game face and stepped up to grab a plate.

With a cup of black coffee and a tray of mostly bacon and some eggs, she smiled and nodded towards the Captain, Commodore and Commander Paris who she didn't want to interrupt. Finding a seat next to Asa, she sat down quietly.

Asa lightly bumped shoulders with Dox as she sat down in greeting.

Next in was the chief engineering officer who slid into the room with a spring in her step as she headed for the food table. Pilling up a pile of pancakes, bacon and syrup. Walking over to her seat she sat down smiling at everyone. She was clearly in a good mood.

It was a rare occurence for Sonak not to enter at exactly the appointed time of any meeting, be they formal or informal. This time however, the proper safe disposal of the worldship's artefact had required extra measures to ensure that the entire reposit of an alien civilization would be preserved comes what may. Only when he calculated safety probability beyond 99.9% did he declared the task finished and headed for the luncheon room.

Once there, he opted for Earth oatmeal, plain with Vulcan tea and joined the bridge officers at their table.

"Captain," he formally said then gave a nod to each of the others present before sitting down.

The Chief Spook came through the door, leaning heavily on the cane he'd been using during his rehab period, post-surgery. The grimaces as he perambulated were markedly-less intense, today- certainly a good sign the the biosynthetic replacement was communicating better with his recently-rebuilt spinal column.

His biosynthetic hand waved a greeting at the assembled crew, as he sidled up to the bar, and loaded up a plate with a truly unsettling amount of carnivorous foods of many varying types, stacked high. This replacement was obviously not as troublesome.

"A most sumpshus spread, Cap'n n'Missus, as we've all become a'customed-to! Mah compliments to th'chef, indeed!" He settled into a seat with his treasures.

French entered the bruncheon still a bit overwhelmed after that session with Thor and the Baroness. But she was coming around. Since she arrived on the Hera she had not been herself. Now that she had bragging rights. It was time she snapped out of it and got down to business. She nodded to this crew member and that one as she found herself a place to sit and consume her meal.

----------

After everyone had gathered and mostly eaten, Captain Telvan finished off her coffee and addressed the table. "Everyone, this is the first time in many years that we've come through a mission without losing a single person. For that accomplishment, I commend you all. Thank you."

As a light cheer went around the table, the Captain continued. "That being said, we were present and somewhat responsible for the end of a one million year era of a people that, for lack of a better phrase... Went completely crazy being alive that long. We've also released a lot of powerful energy beings into the galaxy. However, the titans that are being woken up are no longer being fed energy from them and no more summonings are being performed. On top of that, Commander Paris and her team were able to prevent the summoning of what I'm told would have been a cataclysmic level being. Overall, I'd say this was a highly successful mission. Commander Paris, your comments?"

"Judging from the reports and our experience on the Worldship, the entire region was a pocket of subspace that made it that much easier for Log'yerm/// to project what he perceived to be a paradise for the 12 billion souls he had records of to sustain. He just wanted to make them happy, and he managed it by using powerful reality altering abilities. Mr. Sonak has some input on that," Paris nodded to the blue-uniformed scientist.

"But after a million years- not sure if we've confirmed that figure, but however long it was, they went a little stir crazy and started summoning stuff because they figured out how to channel his energies. As an 'indulgent parent' he let them, and that's how we got mythological figures come to life in the galaxy. He did say most of them would probably fade away, though some might stay. This universe now has some more interesting and potentially powerful residents, it seems."

"They'd summoned one demon..." the first officer paused to pick up her omnipresent PaDD, tapped it a few times, then continued. "Haagenti, legendarily attributed to be a Great President of Hell, ruling thirty-three legions of demons. He makes men wise by instructing them in every subject, transmutes all metals into gold, and changes wine into water and water into wine. About four and a half meters tall, like a humanoid bull with feathered batwings."

"So they summon this joker and he in turn teaches them the proper incantation to summon Asmodeous, who is apparently real. Or could be made real by their belief in calling him forth, more appropriately. Again, I leave the actual metaphysics to the Science department. But they needed blood for sacrifice, we were part of the ritual- nothing like a little prognostication to create predestination that leads to you being the centerpiece at a blood sacrifice to summon a demon lord, amirite?" Paris quipped. Looking around, she realized the line wasn't flying, so she finished the report.

"Sacrifice averted, demon on hand dispersed into a subspace pocket that doesn't exist anymore- or at least the access point has vanished from our reality, according to the scans. The Baroness sacrificed herself to prevent the ritual from coming to pass, and it was damned heroic. She may not be Starfleet, but I'm still putting her in for a medal all the same, ma'am." Paris nodded to the commodore and the captain, checking the political barometer on that one, which looked very good on both fronts. "Once the cultists and the summoning were foiled, I spoke with Loggy, convinced him of the error of his ways with a simple truth, and he entrusted us with the World Core of the Alfarin people. Again, I defer to science."

"Lieutenant Dox steered us out of the anomaly towing the Forthright- commendable flying, Miss Dox- and we're all still here to tell the tale. Even the Baroness, who is recovering I believe? I'll leave that report for Sickbay to expand upon." With that, Paris ended the report. It was a much dryer version of the tale she would tell when entertaining shipmates with the tale, or the treatise she would someday write on the detrimental effects of immortality.

Dox smiled at the compliment and replied softly. "Thank you, Commander." She didn't want to elaborate overtly, but also didn't want to come off as so quiet as to draw too much attention to her distracted mood. "The... sensory helmet I used to fly us in is currently dismantled and in the security vault until Ensign Gonadie and Commander sh'Zoarhi can determine how it... um... well... apparently based on the comments of the entity that invaded the ship for it, it made me visible from some kind of... astral plane while using it."

"Our current knowledge would rather point towards subspace rather than some fanciful magical realm," Sonak offered after a sip of his tea. "The helmet apparently allows you to connect to it on a sensory level and detect it's flow and currents for ship travel. A remarkable feat of navigational engineering; but useful only with someone having the proper perceptions, talents and training."

Feeling more than a little uncomfortable recounting the events, Dox never the less elaborated to the best of her ability. "While the scientific expertise is beyond me, it's being investigated to determine exactly how the helmet possibly enabled me to... react... biologically to the initial attempts by the Worldship entity that affected those on board with psychic abilities. I experienced a dangerous blood pressure spike that should have been controlled by prior medical preparation coordinated with Doctor Dael. That and other unusual medical readings were recorded that coincided with the... for lack of a better term... psychic event. And those symptoms subsided when I removed the helmet while the event was still ongoing. Until it can be safely tested under lab conditions, it could very well be a false correlation, but every potential esper test Starfleet gave me when I joined up came up negative so it's still being investigated to see if there's any truth to the creatures claims that the helmet artificially connected me to it's mental network telepathically."

Again the Vulcan spoke in his usual deadpan tone.

"There is no need for you to be psionic at all if a powerful enough telepath makes contact with your mind. The hypothesis you are submitting is that the helmet grants you such mental sensibility artificially. That seems validated by your experience. Current psionic technology is rather crude, as the Federation is much reluctant with mind manipulation; especially since there were incidents in mental therapy facilities in the last century when such experiments were conducted. Klingons have also been using mind sifters for centuries but do not have any serious knowledge beyond interrogation applications. Romulans too limit their studies to brainwashing techniques. Even my own people have abandoned such technological application of our own psionics for millenia now, as they almost destroyed our world."

He took a sip of his tea before concluding.

"However, ignorance, failure and fear must never dictate our approach to understanding."

The uncomfortable pilot changed the subject off of her herself and the helmet experience. "I put in my reports a note of commendation for Yeoman Dedjoy, Ensigns Paulson, Harnell and Gonadie for their performance in the... incident.

"Noted and sent up the chain of command," the first officer confirmed. "We might never be able to tell the stories, but the commendations in the service record still count, and good to see you recognizing your shipmates for their commendable actions."

Smiling somewhat awkwardly, Dox nodded in reply.

"As to the medical aspect of things, the baroness and I went to the worldship to observe the locals. Once there we interrupted an attempt to murder a being who came to identify herself as the corporeal manifestation of Death, and I might add she is a lovely person, surprisingly. We then proceeded to speak to a Flumia, a priestess of sorts, to see what we could do to stop the summonings and aid the elfin people. The Flumia was a bit unhinged and proceeded to lure the our trio to the summoning chamber where Commander Paris and Lieutenant Sonak were waiting. I spent most of the ensuing confrontation running away to avoid having the Flumia draw my blood to further strengthen Asmodeus."

"Once the conflict was over, Lieutenant Sonak aided me in getting the Baroness back to the Hera. She was in bad shape, the Flumia had eviscerated her and she was bleeding profusely, but the EMH and Nurse Vimes and I were able to repair damage to her spinal column, nerve cluster, and abdomen. She will need a minimum of six weeks bed rest to fully recover, and physical therapy after, but thanks to her augmentations she will live where others would have died before reaching the Hera. She serves as an example to me on what bravery looks like, and I am forever grateful to her. As I understand it, Death has hitched a ride, so if anyone sees her, have no fear, she's quite lovely. " the doctor concluded.

"Lieutenant Clemens, I'm afraid I have to plead ignorance. It's clear you were injured during our stay on the Worldship but I'll admit I missed the report." Leave it to Rita Paris to own it when she didn't know something and just come right out and ask. "What happened to you?"

The Missouri Spymaster paused in his repast, and regarded the XO for a moment, uncharacteristically quiet.

"...Trelane happened," he replied, in measured tones. "He decided he didn't like muh parryin' skills when ah was winnin'."

"...so he gave me a handicap."

He grinned, though, as he praised the multitasking skills of the EMH in repairing him.

"...th'man was a wonder. Ah've put in a request fuh special commendation fuh him."

"I'll read the report- sorry we lost track of you, Chief. Glad you're still with us," Paris offered, resolving to spend more time with the Hera's elusive resident 'spook'.

"In other news, as is with all things, we already have our next assignment," The captain announced, launching into the mission briefing. "However, we'll be doing some prep work before getting there. As you all may or may not know, after the Dominion War, Section 31 was disbanded and all that's supposedly left of them is an office of records in San Francisco now." Letting that sink in, Enalia paused dramatically. "One of their old installations sent out a distress call while we were dealing with the world ship and is in a state of quarantine. Since Intel Command sees us as the only ship capable of handling whatever research may have been done there, we've been assigned the task of looking into it. It will take us about three weeks to get there because it's a bit close to Breen space and the Federation doesn't want to piss them off so we're apparently warning them ahead of time."

Sonak recalled what he had learned of the former shadow organization; one that boasted it's very name from a nonexistent article of the Federation Charter and pretended to do behind the scenes whatever they deemed necessary to be done for the Federation to live up to it's lofty ideals, whatever the means. This very idea was so irrational and illogical as to be laughable if he had not been a being of reason and logic himself. Had it been true, it would have made the Federation nothing else than a lie, a farce, a sham and the embodiment of the total failure and denial of what it said it stood for. It would just as well have made everything Starfleet and countless of beings that had dedicated and even lost their lives for utterly meaningless.

No wonder the Federation had disbanded this occult manipulating movement once it's true nature and purpose had been exposed, along with the few Starfleet officers and Federation officials that had backed them. But the root of such corrupting delusion ran deep in the core of some sentient beings like Humans. It would take but a spark, just one man at the right place like an Admiral Pressman or Haggerthy to bring it forth anew... and there might not be another Jean-Luc Picard this time around to stop them.

But if this upcoming mission foreshadowed such a dark revival, this time it might be for the Hera and her crew to rise up to truly protect the Federation... even if from itself.

Slowly Paris raised her hand. One of her handicaps in this era was that her knowledge of 130 years of history was not that of her brilliant spouse. Also, while she still read up on history, there was still a lot to cover while performing her duties. "So one from the slow kid- what IS Section 31 exactly, and what might be in store with this abandoned base? Do we have any idea what sort of base it was?"

Enalia fielded that question since she'd been embroiled in their leftover plots so many times before. "To start with, Section 31 was a shadow organization within Starfleet that was founded back when Earth was just starting to explore the cosmos that made it it's mission to protect first the Earth, then the Federation at all costs, no matter what it took. By their own hand they committed atrocities in the name of the greater good of the Federation that never saw the light of day, from mass murders to assassinations to political espionage. Some say that every war that the Federation was ever in we would have lost if it weren't for them... But I'd prefer to think that there was a better way and we just didn't find it before them. On the bright side, when they were disassembled, we got a lot of tech that was a lot more advanced than the rest of the fleet that we still can't fully understand up in the mission pod."

"As for this base," the Commodore interjected before Enalia could derail the conversation any further. "Judging by their other remote outposts like this, it's likely a research station of some sort. It also likely has a data dump. If my guess is correct, they were probably doing bioweapons research there before and during the war and no one told them the war was over and now something's gotten loose."

"Hence why we're taking our time getting there..." Enalia added. "Any personnel are likely already dead and if we wait a few weeks it's hopeful any infectious material or whatever killed them will be as well. Otherwise we would have gotten a follow up transmission after the automated distress beacon." Sighing heavily, Enalia couldn't help but think back to the last time they sent an away team to a similar station. "As long as we're not fighting augmented soldiers and giant voles or some crazy stupid computer system..."

"We'd hear rumors out in the Neutral Zone when I was growing up, but just whispers." Dox commented. "It sounds an awful lot like the Romulan Tal'Shiar."

"And the Cardassian Obsidian Order, the Klingon House Pegh, and just about any other shadow organization out there." Farenia smiled softly at Dox's admission. "I think the Federation and the Klingon Empire hid theirs about the best though, if I'm to be fair."

From the ebb and flow of this conversation. French could see another Security nightmare brewing. This would mean Eye only protocol and very tight lips on the part of security since they would without a doubt be lending bodies to this one. “Captain, I’ll be sure to brief the Security Department accordingly. Don’t want any data or info getting out on this one. “ offered French sounding better than she had in weeks. She thought to herself, it felt good to finally find her voice. She felt ready.

"We are an intel ship, so no leaks would be nice," Commander Paris offered with a raised eyebrow and a small smile. "If we're going on an investigation into what's likely an abandoned research base who were digging into the proverbial Things Man Was Not Meant To Know, I personally would feel good knowing you have a handpicked team of security personnel ready to accompany the away teams. The better to keep our investigating personnel safe, Chief French, since you and I are likely going to be on point for this one."

"Not a problem. You'll be getting the A team on this one. And a handful of badasses to get us out of there if we encounter something that just won't die." And she giggled a little

Thex had been sitting and listening patiently. She knew little of section 31, but from the rumors, she'd heard it would be something to poke around in one of their bases. " I'll make sure my boys and girls are up to scratch on data recovery. I doubt the base will have anything, but if we could recover any of their data it could be of great help to the internal security boys." The andorian responded.

"The science department will have a lab dedicated to study those findings," Sonak assured them.

"I have seen records of what types of research was done there before the shut down, " the doctor said with a shudder, "All away team members need to come by Sickbay for genetic stabilizers as a precaution. I also want full workups on everyone going so we have a recent baseline to compare to post mission. Also if at all possible, I'm recommending a 48 hour quarantine on return from the base."

"Chief Clemens, I believe a little intel is called for on this mission," Paris turned to address the Chief Intelligence officer with a coffee cup in one hand and a doughnut in the other, which she used to emphasize her points. "Let's dig up all we can so that we'll have some idea of what we're in for, as well as reports of the Breen activity in the area, and any other interested parties. That distress beacon may mean that something escaped or went wrong. Or it might mean that they're being raided by individuals who we do not want getting their hands on whatever is in that base. Let's examine the likely possibilities and work up probable scenarios for what we're going to be facing."

At the end of the string of orders, Rita took a satisfied bite of the circular ring that comprised one of her favorite Earth confection- a simple glazed doughnut. Savoring the flavor, she remained silent as she waited for the next addition to the mission briefing.

Enalia leaned forward and fixed each of her senior staff with a steely gaze. "We'll have some time to prepare at least. Yeoman Dedjoy has access to an older database of theirs in the pod so that should help as well. We've lost people on similar missions, but with enough preparation and luck, we can walk out of this one unscathed and with a win on our side. We've proven we can do this so let's do it again. For now though..." Turning to look at the rest of the breakfast buffet with a grin. "Let's make it our mission to finish off that amazing breakfast buffet first, shall we? There's still plenty to eat. Let's not let non-replicated food go to waste."

Then with one last look back at the others, she added one more note. "After this mission, I think it's time for a little shore leave again. You've all earned it and I'm very proud of you and the whole crew. Commodore, please consider this our official request."

It was far too early in the day for the matter Doctor Asa Dael wanted to discuss with First Officer Commander Rita Paris. Too little coffee, combined with not enough sleep, had the young doctor feeling a bit run down, and the cause for the meeting was one they had lost sleep over already.

Ship’s Counselor Avender Jurot had been displaying troubling tendencies towards grandiosity in her behavior, and after a brief respite once Gaia allegedly left her mind, said behavior was about the only thing consistent about the woman. The doctor feared letting the crew speak to her on personal matters and wondered if some time for rest was what the counselor needed most….and perhaps a bit of therapy herself before returning to duty.

Dael had requested the meeting immediately upon returning from the Worldship, but allowing a day for everyone to rest up and recover was also important. They had hoped something in the mission reports from the surface would allay their fears regarding the counselor, but what little information they had been given did not seem to refute any notions already formed.

Taking a deep breath at Rita’s office door, the doctor pressed the chime to ask for entry, which immediately opened the door, as the friendly First Officer had her door set to open on request when she was in residence.

The office itself was already gaining a bit of clutter on the desk, as well as more images on the wall. The sterile nature of so many starships was not an aesthetic shared by Paris, who preferred for her space to be busy, cluttered and covered with mementos of past lives, past adventures and current friends.

Standing as the doctor entered, a genuine and brilliant smile graced the face of the first officer. Tall and curvaceous, the bright red minidress that was her trademark was immediately tugged back down into a range of slightly more decency. Offering her hand, the curvaceous commander waited for the ship’s surgeon to cross the distance of the spacious office.

“I’m assuming this is both official and important, Lieutenant Junior Grade Dael, or you would not have made an appointment,” Paris surmised.

Shaking the XO’s hand, Asa smiled warmly back. “I’m afraid so ma’am. I have some concerns about the Ship’s Counselor’s fitness for duty, and wanted to speak with you about what options we have to give Ensign Jurot a chance to heal from her ordeal, while still serving the crew’s counseling needs.”

Dael remained standing, waiting for an invitation to sit, and offered a PaDD summarizing their notes and data on the matter to Commander Paris. Taking the PaDD, Paris began to read it as she gestured to one of the retro plastic chairs opposite her triangular desk.

“Please have a seat, Myx Dael, while I read this over. Summarize for me, if you will, while I take in the particulars?” Sliding into her own seat, Paris’ eyes were in action reading over the physician’s detailed and professional report.

“Thank you ma’am,” Asa replied, taking their seat and thinking how peculiar that bygone era of décor was, and enjoying the unique look it gave the office.

“I was concerned about Counselor Jurot’s fitness for duty upon learning of the Gaia infestation. I made it a point in the following weeks, especially in light of our conversation regarding the urgency of her care, to watch for any other signs of changes in behavior. In short, there are none.”

After receiving an arched eyebrow from Rita that Sonak would have been proud of in reply, Asa continued, “Which is to say the same behaviors that led you to believe something was off with the counselor in the first place have continued. There was a brief period of abeyance in her grandiose claims and behavior, but we had a conversation prior to going to the Worldship wherein Counselor Jurot said she felt as if a god was trying to take her over. When I asked for her assistance calibrating a way to detect an incoming psychic onslaught to the ship following the events on the bridge, her readings were the same as they were prior to her infection with Gaia.”

“This would be good news, if the readings were not the same during her time with Section 31 as well,” the doctor continued, “Meaning there was never a change in mental patterns. We also observed her speaking to thin air on New Texas, and when I asked her to put a new though inside Ensign Vimes mind, as a way of getting readings for the testing I was talking about, she elected to put in a memory of herself and her Izmadi naked. Ensign Vimes came to me later that evening in tears due to the sadness that echoed in the memory, as well as her own feelings of betrayal at the counselor choosing to show her such a…..vivid…mental image. I was able to help her, but I am distressed that a counselor of all people would have such poor decision making skills as to put a memory like that inside another’s mind. Why not simply put in the idea to scratch ones nose? Or memory of the smell of a favorite food? Additionally, I read a report from Lieutenant Sonak that during a mind meld Ensign Jurot intimated that she was able to pierce the shields in his mind surrounding a memory he was not at liberty to specify.”

“Simply put,” Asa concluded, “Either the counselor is still Gaia, or she never was. Or her ordeal with Gaia has so altered her mental processes that she is no longer fit to be a counselor to this ship’s crew. Which they need, desperately, after the last two missions. I wanted to speak with you regarding a plan to utilize myself as an interim counselor before formally relieving her of command.”

There was a long moment of silence that seemed to stretch on, as Paris read the report, verifying the summary the doctor had offered in greater detail. The usually friendly face was downturned into a frown that slowly transformed into a scowl. Looking up from the report, there was a flash of anger in the commander’s eyes, but when she spoke, her tone was calm, even gentle.

“Thank you for bringing this to my attention, Myx Dael. I had hoped that maybe being needed and having a purpose might be enough to rouse the counselor. After all, once upon a time someone deemed them a boon to the well-being of others and certified them for service. But it seems those days are past.” Leaning back in her chair, Paris steepled her fingers beneath her chin.

“Given the nature of our assignments and how often we boldly go where angels fear to tread, it seems highly unlikely that the sort of care and counseling called upon to treat this breakdown will be available on the Hera. Not without considerable setbacks. Meanwhile, if her counseling is up to par with her previous performance then…” Paris inhaled slowly then sighed. “I don’t have the authority to remove her from duty for medical reasons, but you do. Is that your recommendation?”

With a grave expression Dael replied simply, "Yes ma'am, that is my official recommendation."

The old-school officer inhaled slowly then released it as a sigh, shaking her head. "I'll have a talk with the Captain, let her read your report and authorize a transfer. Dammit." Paris shook her head, her blonde bangs hanging a bit over one eye. "Sometimes you take chances, you follow your gut and you try different ,maneuvers, different ploys. Sometimes they work, sometimes not. I really hoped that Jurot would rise to the challenge. Avender, Avendar? She said it differently often enough I never did learn her first name. Plus in her onboarding she asked me to call her by her first name. Is that a counselor thing or a Betazoid thing or a modern Starfleet thing?"

Since she'd done the proper first officer thing, Paris was rambling now. But it was the two officers in private discussing the matter frankly.

"I....I think it's a her thing, ma'am," Asa replied. "I know how you feel....I feel like this is a failure on my part, but I'm also not entirely sure the counselor is safe for the crew to be around...I recommend a full security debriefing prior to her transfer. Or if another member of the crew with greater psychic abilities wanted to investigate to see if any Titan is lurking in her head prior to her transfer, that would be wise. If not, we should arrange for a full debrief immediately upon transfer. She will need a great deal of treatment to be whole again..."

The doctor was hanging their head, the whole situation was....messy. But the needs of the crew had to come first, and Avender would be best served by intensive therapy as well. Perhaps one day she could rejoin a different crew."

“Excellent recommendations, Doctor. I’ll push for her for reassignment to Starfleet Psych as a patient. They helped me years ago, and I am sure they likely have more telepaths and empaths on staff these days who would be better qualified to deal with her issues.” Paris pursed her lips off to one side, a surefire sign that she was considering something.

“It feels like failure when we can’t help, doesn’t it? We didn’t create the situation and we did our best to help, but it just wasn’t enough. We all have choices to make and possibilities to explore, but I can’t help but feel that maybe I could have reached her if I’d tried harder. But as we both know, the choice has to be the patient’s, no one else’s. Help those who help themselves and all that,” she waved airily.

With a sigh, Asa nodded. "You are right of course. But after Miss Dauntless and now Counselor Jurot....I really hope pulling people from duty does not have to become a trend. What steps can we take as senior staff to encourage the crew to take care of themselves? An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure and all that....Did you hear any feedback about the processing emotions seminars we conducted prior to the worldship? If that was of help, I can author and schedule additional talks for people to equip themselves if you think that would be a valuable use of time for the crew."

The doctors frustration was evident, but their optimism sprang eternal. Some of the issues with the crew predated them becoming chief medical officer, but the young immortal was doing all they could to stop other problems with crew health and morale from developing.

“In both cases, we inherited very damaged goods, if you’ll pardon the phrase. And I use it knowing full well that being catapulted through space and time and being reconstituted in a timeline not even my own can be traumatic,” Paris admitted. “I believe that’s the purpose of ships like the Hera- they are crucibles. Those who emerge will be forged into something greater, but not all will accomplish that growth. For many it just exacerbates their flaws and problems and demonstrates that they are unworkable in the fleet.”

“Dauntless saw us as a stepping stone to greater things, always staying above it all and not dealing with the people around her from whom she could form relationships, instead internalizing her self-loathing. Jurot…” the ship’s forst officer picked up a small reproduction of a starship from amongst the clutter of her desk and turned it over in her fingers, contemplating it as a titan considers a toy.

“I believe the Counselor never really got over the loss of her Imzadi, and it colored everything in her life. At least, until her answer to life was to boast to everyone how much of it she could control… but it was a hollow boast, because she couldn’t control herself.” Though she was addressing the doctor, Paris was also walking through her perceived failure herself. “We can’t help them if they don’t want the help. Jurot got a clean slate and it didn’t help. Dauntless was far from anyone that could hurt or judge her, but she isolated herself. All choices on their parts that pre-empted us helping them.”

Sagging in their seat a bit, Asa nodded their agreement. They appeared to be considering something, staring a million meters behind Rita's right ear. After a pause, they said, "I know you are right. I just can't help but wonder who we will lose to the madness next. I keep asking myself, am I doing enough to arm the crew for the dangers they face? Are lines of communication clear where they know they can come to me for help? How do I foster an environment where people can thrive- in spite of our often dangerous circumstances...."

They trailed off, rubbing at the bridge of their nose slightly.

“For what it’s worth,” Paris said gently, leaning in towards the compassionate healer, “I have all of the same worries, as does the Captain. It’s one of the reasons I’m here- she has trouble relating to people, so I bear that responsibility for her. But she feels the loss of each crewman that we lose.”

“I don’t know if it will help, but how I deal with it is that I try to remember that space exploration isn’t for everyone,” the compassionate commander clarified. “The universe needs people who punch a clock, do a day in the lab, and work miracles. The fleet needs people to do air traffic control over Utopia Planitia. There are people who are just colonists, wringing crops from the soil of a distant world. All of these people are needed- but not all of them need to be on a starship that is first on the scene when trouble has escalated out of control.”

"That takes a very special breed of person. So... how are you dealing with all of this, Myx Dael?" Paris finished quietly, her tone soft and concerned. "You haven't been with us long, but you've already seen more than many will in a lifetime."

With a weak smile, Asa replied, "I think I'm going ok. I still feel like a bit of an impostor- like I don't know what I'm doing and don't deserve to be here- but they warned us at the Academy that's a pretty common feeling. And yeah, we've seen a lot, toppled a goddess and a demon, but I think if I believe in any of that it would have bothered me more, you know? I always thought it was just life out there- in about a zillion different forms, some more advanced than other, but life. No mystics, just unknowns. And I love learning the unknown, so I think that's what sees me through- the promise of more to learn, and someone to share it with and care for. Does that make sense?" Asa inquired, eyes huge and young, but earnest and sincere.

The smile that graced the first officer’s face would easily be mistaken for parental pride by anyone who could recognize such things, which of course was a bit lost on Asa Dael. But she nodded and when she spoke, there was light and humor in that tone. “Yes, Doctor Dael. It makes perfect sense. For what it’s worth, I’ve known a few doctors in my day, given the span and how my career has gone. I’ve known quite a few officers as well.”

“I can safely say I have met no one more dedicated to caring for their patients nor more concerned with caring for the whole being, not just the physical, than you. I can also tell you that twice you’ve ended up standing by my side in the heart of the storm. Never once did you flinch, hide, break down and cry. You’re a brave soul Asa Dael, and I feel privileged to know you.” It might have sounded corny or like fluff and nonsense, but Rita Paris always spoke in earnest in such matters, and was unafraid to share her feelings, for weal or woe.

With unshed tears and ears bright red from the embarressment of such high praise, Asa replied awkward, "Th-thank you Commander. That means a great deal coming from you. I think I've come to learn that bravery is just being really, really scared but fighting on anyway. I would never have thought in that moment you had any qualms, or any doubts about your own abilities, or that of those around you. But I know you feel that same trepidation as the rest of us, only because you told me mind, and I just wanted to say....thanks."

Taking a deep, cleansing breath, Dael continued, "So, what are our next steps with the crew? There are a few under Counselor Jurots purview that we need to provide for continuity of care, and likely more that need it."

“We’ll need to reassign counseling duties, for certain,” Paris agreed, expression turning thoughtful. “Do you think you have sufficient staffing to carry the load while we search for a replacement counselor, preferably one pre-damaged enough to deal with our missions without having been driven over the edge before we even begin?”

"I have confidence we do, yes," Dael replied. Suddenly the doctor's face lit up, "You know, I remember they were piloting a holographic counselor back when at I was at the Academy. Perhaps we could get some updates to the EMH, with his consent of course, to allow him to counsel as needed. I can perform this service myself too, of course, I'll just get in touch with my psych professor and do a quick review."

"Talk to the Doctor and see what he thinks about it," Paris offered. She'd tried to use the holographic physician as a counselor herself with poor results. But he did lack training, and he might wish to pursue it. Upgrades were easier then a 12 year degree. "It's appreciated you're willing to help. Back in the 5-year mission days, the ship's doctor was the counselor, and often the confessor. It was said that the ship's surgeon was the conscience of the crew."

At that, Asa turned their head to the side, considering. "Well, it makes sense. A person's doctor literally knows them, inside and out, and has a vow to keep secrets. Whaddya know, I wound up working in the clergy after all, " they said with a wink and a smile.

"And someday I might just make admiral, and my father will roll over in his grave. All right Doctor Dael, I believe we are in accord. I will forward your recommendations to the captain and you have an auxiliary plan in effect. Good work- I'll take it from here. Anything else that needs my attention while you've got it?"

"No ma'am, everything else is in hand," the doctor replied, preparing to rise when dismissed.

“Carry on, Doctor Dael,” Commander Paris offered with a smile.

It was that time of year again for Enalia to go off and buy some rare and exotic tea set to add to her already expansive collection and this time she needed someone she could trust for the clandestine mission. She'd already put in a few days of leave with the crew and while they were travelling, Commander Paris would be handling day to day operations. She and the Baroness Schwein von Alcott would be heading out shortly, but they needed one more person for this little trip...

"Computer, please inform Lieutenant Dox that her presence is requested in shuttlebay three immediately." Enalia grinned widely as she stepped out into the small secret hanger deck. Normally it was reserved for cargo and workbees, but on the USS Hera, it was a secret hangar deck with a holographic door that they launched stealthed ships from. And the Baroness happened to have a Romulan shuttle with a working cloaking device.

Pulling out her keyfob, Schwein clicked it and the hatch unsealed, opening with a slight groan as the pair approached. "I will start the preflight checks." As she entered, she tossed her duffel in the back before heading to the cabin and started up the singularity drive.

"And I'll wait here," Enalia replied, tossing her own bag just inside and waiting by the hatch.

Meanwhile, in the cooridors of the mighty Starship, Lieutenant Junior Grade Melaine Dox was walking from the ships main Sick Bay back to the Flight Control Office of which she was the department chief. She had just completed an overdue appointment with the Chief Medical Officer, Asa Dael, and completed a detailed series of genetic testing. Tests to determine if the surgery she had recently learned had been performed on her as a child to make her appear more human and less Romulan extended deeper that just the cosmetic alterations to her ears. In her hand was a work PaDD where she was already hard at work on updating the flight crew rotations.

Looking forward to the welcome distractions of her duties, Dox was lost in thought when the summons chirped over the comm system.

=^=Lieutenant Dox, report immediately to Shuttlebay 3.=^=

Her head whipped up at the sound that snapped her out of the focus of her work and replied directly. "On my way."

She saved the information she was working on and hit send to inform the rest of the flight crew their schedules for the week, paused in the middle of the cooridor and looked up. A quizzical look appeared on her face. "Shuttlebay... Three? We don't have a..."

Stelping over to the nearest wall panel, Dox calledd up a ship schematic. "Computer... What is the location of Shuttlebay three, please."

=^=There is no Shuttleby three on the HERA.=^=

"What?" As the chief of flight control, Dox was confused. She should know if there was an additional shuttle craft Bay. And, immediately her brain popped open with a memory. It was a hobby of hers to walk along an extremely detailed holographic recreation of the exterior of the ship. She did this to relax quite regularly and recalled that there was a large section of the largely undefined hull just below Shuttlebay two that didn't match the ships specs. Something hidden. It piqued her curiosity at the time, but she had never followed up on it until now.

"Computer, from whom did the order to report come, please?" She looked up to address the ship.

=^=Captain Enalia Telvan=^=

"Computer, please tell me the location of Captain Telvan." Dox figured this was a bit of a mystery she needed to solve quickly. In her short time on the HERA, she had learned that the ship was riddled with mysteries and you needed to think quickly.

=^=Cargo area, deck 23=^= the Computer replied.

Transferring the data to her PaDD while walking to the nearest turbolift, Dox called up the schematics of the ship. There was called cargo room on Deck 23 right below Shuttlebay 2 that seemed to take up a bit more room than your average cargo room. That must be the mysterious Shuttlebay 3 she had been called to, she figured. At least she hoped she was right.

Within a few moments, she was at the cargo room she hoped was correct. As she stepped to the door, her comm badge chirped and the door wooshed open. She stepped in to reveal the secret shuttle bay as she smiled slightly. In the center of the room was a mid sized Romulan shuttle craft that Dox recognized immediately. Its Nacelles gave off the familiar green glow against its dull greenish grey hull.

"Welcome to shuttlebay three, Lieutenant. Mind going on a small away mission for a couple days with Schwein and I?" Enalia asked with that lopsided piratical frin of hers. "We could use someone that knows her way around a cloak and can read Romulan." It was a bit of a trick question since she knew Dox's background, but she figured she'd ask anyway.

Smiling, Dox replied enthusiastically. "Absolutely not, Captain." Pulling the PaDD out from her back at the ready, she asked a follow-up question. "Would we be getting underway immediately?" Everything she saw indicated as much, but Dox wanted to be sure.

"We leave in ten minutes so if you need to pack, it needs to be fast. I'll let Commander Paris know you'll be with us." Enalia left it at that and headed into the shuttle, knowing that she wouldn't be late.

"Excellent. Thank you, Captain." Dox replied as she punched in instructions and a message to Ensign Gonadie that she would be in charge of the Flight Control department until her return.

Then, Dox tapped her comm badge and it chirped its customary response. "Computer. Please initiate a site to site beaming. Deck 8 crew quarters, Lieutenant Melanie Dox. Bug out bag protocol."

Moments later, a mid sized Starfleet duffle bag materialized at her feet. Growing up on smuggling ships, Melanie was accustomed to the idea of being ready at a moment's notice to run. And while this wasn't exactly the same scenerio, it was something that she had made preparations for a few weeks ago.

Lifting the bag strap offer her shoulder, she followed the Captain into the shuttle, stopping at the door frame, less than a minute later. The moment struck her with a wave of memories as she ran her fingers along the door frame. There was even a still faint smell that reminded her of her mother's cooking that lingered ever so faintly on the shuttle. It was a moment of mixed emotions, as we all memories related to Melanie's turbulent childhood.

"Reporting as ordered. Permission to come aboard." Dox asked from the door of the shuttle.

The Baroness didn't even pause in her preflight checks as she replied. "Permission granted. Welcome aboard the Fluffernuttenfaust."

"Thank you." Dox replied as she stepped in.

Enalia just shrugged as she sealed the door behind Dox. "It's her ship. You pack fast. Anyway, the mission. Every year there's a black market auction and every year there's a tea set that I bid on and try to add to my collection. This year it's the Hen-sin-fee tea set used by the third emperor of Cait. I intend to make it mine but flying up in a Starfleet vessel, they'd cancel the auction."

As Dox entered, she looked around the shuttle as the Captain talked, absorbing both their surrounding as the information. "That makes sense. They aren't exactly advertised events."

While it had been half a lifetime ago for the young pilot, her childhood growing up as a smuggler flooded back to her as unexpectedly easy as had the Romulan tongue she spoke for that same first half of her life. "This is a... Charon class, right?" She put effort into not looking uncomfortable with her memories. "Their cloaks were always solid."

"One of the reasons we have it." Enalia replied as she plopped into the command seat and motioned to the copilot seat. "Though I admit that the prior owner wasn't the most willing to part with it."

"He owed us enough for two shuttles, but we gave him a discount." Schwein chuckled at the memory. "And a free ride home in a spacesuit."

"He broke the code so we liberated him of his property and... Ah... Handled him in piratical fashion..." Enalia explained.

This was certainly not a business as usual discussion for Starfleet, but was nonetheless familiar enough for the young daughter of smugglers, raised in that world.

Placing her bag in a storage alcove, Dox slid into the co-pilots station as indicated to by the Captain. The young lieutenant took in the Romulan ships controls for a moment before performing a basic systems check of her station, as was standard operating procedure in Starfleet and beyond.

"All systems green." Dox stated plainly, doing nothing further without instructions. After all, the Captain made a point of saying that this was the Baroness' ship and Melanie deferred to her, knowing full well to not overstep her bounds on someone else's ship. The two had only met in passing as the Baroness would utilize the flight sims in the flight control office on occasion, and Melaine Dox didn't want to get off on the wrong foot.

Schwein called out a couple orders to finish up launch. "Singularity core and engines stable. Cycling thrusters to standby and retracting landing gear. Bring the cloak online, Miss Dox. Then open the bay door and notify the bridge of our departure."

It had been years since she had worked with a Romulan cloaking device, but the memory came right back to her as if it had been only yesterday. "Cloaking system online and ready." Dox replied to the Baroness. Then, flipping a few switches overhead, she spoke out to the ship. "Shuttlecraft..." pausing for the slightest of moments to remember the name. "...Fluffernutten... faust, ready for departure. Requesting clearance, bridge."

In spite of the unusual vehicle, Dox maintained procedures without actually mentioning Shuttlebay three by name.

The reply was swift and familiar. Yeoman Dedjoy was on the comm channel ready to grant clearance, thankfully. "Fluffernuttenfaust, this is the bridge. you are cleared for departure. Safe journeys." And with that, the inner doors silently slid open to reveal the inside of the hull...

Schwein grinned at Melanie as she hit the thrusters, pushing the Romulan shuttle right through the wall as if it wasn't even there. "Permanent holographics, ja? Secret ship, secret shuttle bay."

Feeling a little anxious about exactly how to react as she didn't want to come off as too familiar or personal as she was unsure of the dynamic of the mission, Dox aired on the side of caution and responded with an authentic but slightly nervous smile. Second guessing interpersonal interactions was something Dox did almost as well as she flew starships and she didn't know quite how to react here.

But feeling that some response was required beyond a simple smile, she said the first thing that came to mind. "So far, this ship never fails to surprise."

It was an honest statement that she immediately worried might be inappropriate in the presence of the Captain.

Enalia just chuckled softly and looked out the window at the receding beauty. "Yeah Intel packed her full of surprises. I added a few of my own as well though."

"Like the distillery and food pantry you converted the quarters between yours and the first officer's into?" Schwein added helpfully. "Or maybe the private holographic dining hall that you hold fancy dinners in."

"I haven't held a dinner in there in a while. I should do that soon," Enalia mused, wondering what kind of setting her wife would come up with for the next one.

Meanwhile, Melanie Dox sat monitoring the various readouts at the co-pilots station, completely lost in monitoring the ship's systems.

It was silent for a while as the ship went to warp. The Baroness checked over some of the readings, logged their heading, and basically just grunted at the controls for several minutes before sighing and excusing herself with some generic excuse to head into the back.

A few moments after she left, Enalia spoke up again in a soft voice. "I met your mother once. It was right after we'd done a job and we'd pulled in to the pirate base, Tortuga Station. Back then I was being groomed to be the Heiress to the Artan Pirate family so... Yeah..."

Like a proverbial deer in headlights, Dox froze in her seat at the Captain's words. Staring blankly into literal space out the forward viewscreen, her eyes were wide as her jaw clenched as tight as the ball of ever present anxiety in her stomach.

Of all the things she thought that might be said during this journey, the mention of her mother, Jaeih Dox, wasn't even a consideration. She had become aware that her new Captain had an interesting past as a pirate, but the idea never had occurred to her. Slowly, Melanie turned in her chair towards Captain Telvan, the look of immediate shock replaced by a mix of confusion, surprise, and deep sadness.

"Y... You did?" Melanie could think of nothing else to say in spite of the plethora of questions beginning to crest in her mind.

"Yeah, she had something that my own mother was interested in and..." Enalia herself was clearly not too fond of speaking of it either, but she pressed on. "That part doesn't matter though. She seemed like a shrewd smuggler and while I'm not sure I got a great deal latinum wise, it got my mother off my case for a while so for that, I owed her. I don't exactly have the best relationship with my own mother."

The knot in Dox's stomach loosened a bit as Captain Telvan talked. Realizing she had something in common with the Captain helped her relax, if even just a bit. Her formally rigid posture slumped slightly as she talked. "We've been... I don't know... trying to reconnect. As much as pre-recorded messages can do. But there's... Well... there's still..." Melanie's mind went back to the memories that had been swirling in her mind as she nervously ran her fingers over an ear. "We have... things to... work out."

Trailing off as she talked, Melanie's mind wandered slightly, thinking about the message she had recorded prior to the HERA's last mission and glad that she had survived so that it didn't need to be delivered. After a moment, she continued.

"She was... focused... When it came to smuggling. It was a means to an end for us to fund what she did towards reunification and..." Melanie's eyes, which had floated to the floorboards of the shuttle cockpit lifted to look towards Captain Telvan. "At least that's how it started... but..." Melanie trailed off again, this time lingering longer as her head sank.

Sitting up a bit more, trying to center herself a bit, Dox forced herself to try and lift her tone. "Anyway... I'm sorry, Captain. They're... Not always the easiest memories." Melanie paused, trying not to think about those particularly painfully memories she had forgotten that had recently been unearthed psychically by the god, Anansi. "But I... I miss her."

"Family can have that effect in our line of work. My mother is a bitch, but I still miss her now and then. My father and I were close... But he was killed on a mission I was on and I was kidnapped. Then I was rescued by my bitch of a younger sister... Who died recently helping Intel Command with a favor... I miss both of them more than I'll admit." Sighing heavily, Enalia motioned around the cabin aimlessly to illustrate how disorganized her thoughts were right now. "I think what I'm trying to say is that you're not alone in this whole shady past thing. If you ever want to talk about it, just let me know, ok? Or if you want someone to disappear, I can make that happen too. I do technically have a pirate fleet at my command."

The last comment pushed a laugh out of the awkward pilot. "Heh." Dox smilied a bit, relaxing a bit more, thinking of her own father locked away in a penal colony that she now imagined being drawn and quartered by pirates. "Thank you, Captain. I... I appreciate it. I have to say... If I'm not speaking out of place... that my time on the HERA has been the first time in a long time where I've not felt... judged for... everything about me."

Running a finger over the top of an ear and flinching slightly, Melanie finished her thought. "My past... My... heritage. All of it." Her smile turned back into a half-awkward grin. "I apologize if I'm rambling."

"Don't worry about it. In fact..." Reaching into her pocket, Enalia pulled out an ID booklet for Dox and offered it to her. "Since we'll be going as pirates bidding on exotic and rare artifacts, I took the liberty of having an Artan ID prepared for you. Congratulations, Baroness Fifth Class Melanie Dox of the Artan Family, you can ramble all you like. Now... Tell me more about how you feel."

"Right now I'm feeling overly emotional and kinda good, Captain." Dox's awkward grin opened up into a full on smile again as she let out a laugh as the emotion of opening up being released. She looked at the ID that had been prepared for her and shrugged lightly. "It's a good thing my bug out bag isn't all uniforms."

Turning slightly to look back out the window, Dox thought for a moment before continuing. "It's been years since I've done anything even kind of like this. I'm almost a little excited. It's..." She turned back to Telvan. "It's reminding me my life wasn't all bad memories. There had to have been some good times... At least for a while."

"It's best that we cherish the good times and learn from the bad times. Then look to the future, keeping mindful of what we've learned." Enalia smiled softly, remembering her own good times. "As for your mother now, I've reviewed her file and had her transferred to Intel Command's control. They tend to be a bit more lenient and understanding. Your messages to and from her also won't be scrutinized as closely but they'll still be reviewed of course."

For a moment, Melanie was lost in thought pondering the Captain's words about being mindful to what you've learned when the context of what else she had said punched through Melanie's brain. All things considered, it was a moderately ironic moment as the young pilots eyes went wide and her jaw dropped open.

"Intel co... you had..." Melanie put her hand on her forehead trying to process the statement for a moment, stuttering like an anxious child, barely believing what she had just heard.

"I can't... I don't... I..." Melanie fought back a swell of emotion to keep tears from bursting out. "T... Thank you, Captain."

"I figure it's the least I could do. Her good behavior and dedication to reunification helped in that transfer as well. In time, she may even be allowed visitors. Holographically, but visitors, nonetheless." Enalia smiled softly. She knew the importance of family, even when they're not at their best.

A single tear escaped Dox's defenses and she let out an awkward chuckle. "Hol... Holograms are awesome."

Schwein chose that moment to return from the back with a tray of some sort of honeyed Romulan fruits from the replicator. "Ja, holograms are awesome. Did I miss much?"

Enalia grinned a bit wider. "We were just talking about family, new and old. Next time we're at the fortress we'll have to have an induction ceremony for our newest Baroness, if she decides to keep it beyond this little trip."

Schwein's eyebrows shot up as she sat back down in the pilot's seat. "Congratulations are in order then. Welcome to the Artan family."

Blushing now, in the deep tan color that her unique blend of Romulan and Human blood created, Dox smiled a little awkwardly, lightly scratching at her cheek as a way of making sure she still didn't have a visible tear on her face. "Thank you. It's an honor."

Inhaling deeply at the all too familiar smell of honeyed Romulan fruits that were a rare treat in her childhood, Dox followed up on her last statement. "Although, in regards to our mission, what does being a Baroness fifth class of the Artan family mean? What do I need to know?"

Enalia cleared her throat. "Well, Baroness, as fifth or fourth class you would normally be given command over a ship of the line and placed under the command of a third class Baron or Baroness and become part of a raiding group. From there you would have to build a crew and become a cohesive flanking unit for your group."

"As a Baroness Second class, I would normally be in charge of a fleet, but the Third Fleet is being rebuilt after some recent losses so my assignment as adjutant takes priority," added Schwein.

"Right. First class tends to the overall activities of the family and is currently held by Captain Magnus." Enalia finished up. Then there's the actual head of the family, which since my mother is retired, is technically me. However, since I'm currently serving in Starfleet, Captain Magnus is handling most things for me. Anything he needs from me, Baroness von Alcott relays my wishes as my adjutant."

Glancing over her shoulder at the shuttle controls for a moment, Dox was making mental note of what she had just learned. "Looks like we have about 12 hours until we arrive, so that should be plenty of time for me to familiarize myself with all of this, churn up whatever memories might be useful and go over whatever else we..." She smiled somewhat awkwardly for a moment as she paused on we. "...well... really I need to know."

It had been years since Melanie had been a part of this world and didn't want to do anything to screw up the Captain plans. But she had to admit to herself that she was just a little excited.

----------

About twelve hours later saw the trio docked to an old Rigelian bulk freight hauler and having paid the bribes for the auction. Enalia was dressed in the finery of her station as a pirate queen - namely a white silk uniform with a cloak and gold trim and tassels and shoulder boards you could land a shuttle on. She even had both of her 22nd century phase pistols strapped to her hips. The only thing missing was her cap.

As for the Baroness Schwein von Alcott, she decided to dress down and wear just her grey dress jacket with a half cloak. She had her short sword on her back under her jacket.

Meanwhile, the newly rechristened "Baroness" Melaine Dox came out from the back of the Runabout in the least official outfit that she had packed in her bug out bag. She wore brown cargo pants tucked into black hiking boots with waffle tread soles thick enough to elevate the diminutive pilot a good two inches taller than normal. A casual khaki colored, button down top and a short, dark brown leather jacket that she has had for years that was extremely well worn.

As for a weapon, all she had available was a standard issue STARFLEET phaser still in hand.

Turning to Melanie, Enalia grinned brightly and handed her a card. "Here's a line of credit in case you want to bid on anything. The family is good for quite a bit, but I'd recommend trying not to go over a dozen bars of latinum if you can. it might seem out of place."

"Maybe I can find something less conspicuous than this." Dox held up her starfleet issued hand phaser and waved it lightly in the air as she took the card with a grin. "But, actually, thank you."

"You're very welcome," replied Enalia, a twinkle in her eye. "And don't worry about your weapon being standard loot. A lot of people will have stuff like that. Bidding on the first lots should start in a few minutes so we should head to the main hall. And try not to bid against me."

"Wouldn't dream of it, Captain." Dox grinned as she tucked her hand phaser up the left sleeve and tugged her jacket down, straightening it out. She took a deep breath and let out a slight chuckle.

Before long they were inside and clustered around a tiny table with a built in replicator, watered down synthahol at their beck and call as cheap trinkets came and went, warming up the crowd. Schwein threw in a few bids on an old collection of interesting looking bottles from the Rigel system, but was quickly outbid by someone that was obviously a collector. Other than that, none of the high dollar or interesting items had been brought out yet.

Standing slightly back from the table, nursing a drink that the former smuggler would barely qualify as a drink, Dox watched the table intently. Every minute or so, she took the lightest of drinks as a way of watching the room without looking like you were looking.

"Hwiiy dyypan VERUUL!!" Was yelled from the back corner of the room, causing Dox's head to snap rather quickly around to its source. In the rear, Melaine watched as a fat, disheveled Romulan wiped a spilled drink off of his already stained tunic, yelling at a passing bidder who had bumped him.

"Not that much of an incompetent fool... They just picked his pocket." Dox whispered faintly, as her eyes followed the thief circle the room to the other side of the table. In the din of activity in the room, Melanie knew it was a statement that only the augmented ears of the Baroness standing slight in front of her would hear.

Turning slightly back at the irate and visibly drunk Romulan who had just replaced his drink, Melanie watched for a moment. It had been half a lifetime since the young officer had been a part of this world, but she couldn't help the feeling that he looked familiar to her. The thought sent a chill down her spine as she wondered how many other memories she had burried growing up. But she was there on a mission and turned her attention back to the table.

The augmented Baroness had indeed heard, and noticed a few other clandestine activities that had been happening around them. She'd been keeping her eye on several thieves in the crowd in fact. The auctions were starting to get a bit more interesting though and the first item worth more than a single mar had just been sold. The next series of lots were all weapons, both classic and rare. Elbowing Melanie, Schwein pointed to some of them. "Does anything there catch your eye?"

Weapons, by and large, weren't all that big of a deal to the young pilot and she didn't want to waste the money the Captain had allotted her. But one batch did catch her attention on a largely nostalgic level.

There were some vintage swords and Spears in one lot that included a Romulan Teral'n. A staff with retractable blades at the top shown resting with the blades revealed. But it was a simple assortment of hand disruptors that caught her eye. Melanie's mother had had precious few items from her own life as a Romulan engineer before her defection, but for a standard issue disruptor she wore on her hip and seeing the same make and model available brought back a few memories for her.

Gesturing toward the familiar side arm, Melanie made an entry bid.

Most of the weaponry went for low bids, including the piece Melanie was bidding on. There were a few quick exchanges, but in the end she won it without any real trouble. After a few minutes a beep was heard at their table and an auction chit materialized on it with the lot registry on it so she could claim her winnings afterwards.

"Congratulations," Schwein said with a pat to her back. "Just be sure to give it a look over to make sure it isn't trapped or useless before accepting it."

"Thanks." Dox replied, with her somewhat standard awkward smile. "Yeah, I definitely will. I'm glad it didn't go too high." She took another glance over her shoulder as she talked to Schwein, noticing that the drunk Romulan she had noticed earlier had left.

A few more lots went by before an announcement was made - the high latinum lots were starting to roll out now and many of the lower class clientele had been weeded out. The first item that was brought out was a single painting and within minutes it had been sold for just over thirty bricks of latinum.

"Now we're into the good stuff." Enalia grinned like a sehlat with a canary in its teeth as a few more lots came and went. None of them interested her. She was here for one specific item and was waiting for it.

The energy in the room seemed to change for Dox as she watched the Captains excitement grow. The earlier chaos seemed to be a bit more focused as the bidding got more serious. As a girl, her mother would never allow her off the ship for high end auctions, so there was an element of excitement she was enjoying.

After a few more pieces of art, a rather sturdy case was brought out on a cart and carefully opened to reveal an exquisite tea set. On the monitors closeups of the masterfully rendered artistry could be seen, revealing Caitian warriors and royalty and other scenes, each individually hand painted and each one unique. As the auctioneer listed off the details of the Hen-sin-fee tea set used by the third emperor of Cait, bidding began at ten bars, but thanks to Enalia and two other collectors, quickly reached a height of several bricks of latinum in no time. Each one showed no signs of backing down though, and soon the tension in the room was high as it was obvious a bidding war was in progress.

Trying to not get too caught up in the energy of the moment, Melanie stood slightly back from the action. And while she was fairly certain the Baroness von Alcott was more than capable of handling any ten problems that could occur, she still wanted to stay as vigilant as possible.

As the bidding waged on, it came down to two people - Enalia and a nobleman that looked to have it out for her. Leaning towards Melanie, Enalia whispered to her. "I wonder if he's still upset about his mansion being painted in mayonnaise..." She then raised her bid to twelve bricks in an attempt to flat out outbid him in one go. Unfortunately, it didn't work and the bidding kept going up in one bar increments for a little while longer.

The nervous knot that lived in Dox's stomach was getting tighter. She was familiar enough with the mounting tension in the room to have a good idea what was coming and she slid the small hand phaser that had been tucked up her sleeve into the palm of her hand subtly.

At twenty-one bricks, it was obvious that the other man wasn't going to give in and tensions were getting higher. Hands were resting on weapons and all but those with the two bidders had found cover, just in case a firefight started. Then Enalia raised her bid to thirty bricks and the nobleman's eyes seemed to pop out of his head with rage and he reached into his jacket, pulling out a small disruptor.

Before he had it pointed at anything, Enalia and Schwein were moving, firing at anyone pulling their weapons out and in less than ten seconds, they had stunned seemingly half the room, including the nobleman and his entire entourage, who were all armed with very lethal looking disruptors.

Melaine was, first and foremost a pilot and not a warrior, but at the instant weapons were drawn, she had whipped around so her back was to the backs of the Captain and Baroness and raised her own weapon, though she had never gotten a chance to fire before the action had calmed back down.

Once silence had fallen over the room and they were sure no one else was going to make a move, the auctioneer declared the tea set sold and Enalia returned her phase pistols to her holsters and Schwein returned her hold out phasers to her sleeves.

Enalia grinned to her two companions. "Now we have to get out of here alive. I recommend we collect our winnings and leave as fast as possible. Baroness... Was it me, or were you a bit slower than usual on a few of those shots?"

Grunting slightly, Schwein pressed one hand to her abdomen, trying to hide the pain she was clearly in. "Let's just get out of here fast, ja?"

Tucking her phaser into the palm of her hand, Melanie nodded her head in agreement and responded under her breath. "Fast we can do, Captain. My mother knew an old Ferengi transport signal frequency that could get through almost any shield. While we were in transit, I... took the liberty of preparing a site to site beacon." The young pilot gestured to her comm badge, hidden in her jacket pocket. "On your orders, we can be very gone."

"Then let's collect our winnings." With a lopsided grin, Enalia strode up to the collections booth next to the stage and presented her chit and payment card for the tea set and motioned for Melanie to do the same for her winnings. As soon as the payments were arranged and goods were inspected, Enalia nodded and took receipt of the once again sealed case with the tea set inside. She then nodded to Melanie.

With her newly acquired and inspected Romulan disruptor in hand, Melanie nodded, tapping the comm badge hidden in her jacket pocket twice in quick succession. Seconds later, a swirl of Amber light quickly swirled around the trio and they vanished.

An instant later, they appeared on the deck of the Fluffernuttenfaust as the systems flared to life. Relieved that her rig worked as planned, Melanie sighed and muttered under her breath, "Jol hwi arhem lhoirhe, Ri'ranov." thanking her mother for teaching her that trick.

Enalia cracked open the tea set case one more time just to make sure it was still safe. satisfied, she rolled it into the back to secure it in a stasis pod while Schwein and Melanie got them out of there.

"You take the helm, I take the conn, ja?" Schwein slipped into the copilot's seat as she spoke, checking the singularity reactor and the cloak to make sure both were warmed up. Then she saw trouble on the sensors. "Bogeys inbound. Three Peregrine mods. Weapons hot."

At the helm, Dox smirked as she glanced over the pre-flight readings. "Peregrines flanking our rear, moorings disengaged, inertial dampeners to full... No need to rattle the cargo unnecessarily." Dox tilted her head slightly towards the Baroness, "Your targets will be in front of us shortly, Baroness." Turning back towards the rear of the ship, Dox called out. "Cargo secured, Captain?"

"Yeah, all secure!" Enalia called from the back.

Schwein's hands flew over the sensor and weapons controls, targeting the three inbound fighters. "Plasma cannons ready. Targeting scanners locked on their engine manifolds."

With that, Melanie slammed the ship into high impulse, pulling backward directly towards the incoming fighters. "Hold on." She spoke calmly, putting the Fluffernuttenfaust into a tight roll to tilt just between them. Seconds later, she disengaged the throttle and brought the ship to a slower speed leaving the rears of the attacking vessels exposed in front of the small Romulan shuttle.

As green pulses of energy flew past the Romulan shuttle, Schwein initiated her alpha strike, firing a fast and steady stream of plasma bolts into the shielding over the engine manifolds of all three fighters so fast that it all but melted them through the shields themselves, overheating and disabling the fighters within seconds.

The down side was that a small spray of sparks erupted from the weapons control relays behind Schwein. "Weapons offline, but all three bogeys are disabled. Engaging cloak."

"Course laid in," Melanie called out flatly as she spun the ship around toward their heading as the small Romulan vessel seemed to shimmer into nothingness.

"Take us home, Baroness," the silver-haired Baroness said with a grin as she leaned back in her chair and slipped a hypo out of her jacket, injecting herself with it hopefully without the other two noticing. "You did both the name of Artan and Hera proud today, I think, ja?"

"Thank you, Baroness." Melanie, the freshly minted Artan Baroness herself for the mission replied with an awkward smile. She activated the ship's engines and she blasted into warp. "Engaged."

"I knew I picked you out of the potential crew rosters for a reason," Enalia chimed in, coming from the back.

Blushing her characteristically deep tannish hue, Dox smiled awkwardly. Praise was something she had never been particularly comfortable with but she was trying to not be at neurotic in regards to the Hera or her new crewmates.

"Uh... Thank you, Captain." The nervous young pilot replied.

Standing in the center of her overly spacious senior staff quarters, Lieutenant Junior Grade Melanie Dox was extremely nervous. She straightened the tunic of her uniform and cleared her throat as she looked over to the time displayed on the wall console to her left. In two minutes, she would be speaking directly to her mother for the first time in over six years.

For years, they had corresponded via recorded messages as Melanie's mother had been under Starfleet protective custody, consulting on her engineering knowledge with Starfleet as a part of her arrangement as both a political defector from the Romulan Star Empire and a former smuggler. But recently Captain Telvan had informed Melanie that she had pulled some strings and had Melanie's mother transferred to Starfleet Intelligence, a privilege that came with the opportunity for holographic communications rather than the previous recordings. Their communications would still be monitored, of course, and Melanie was instructed to not mention any specifics regarding her current assignment on the Hera. But still, it was to be an actual conversation.

However, it was not likely to be a pleasant one. In their most recent mission, the Hera confronted a worldship of beings best described as actual gods, and Melanie herself found herself assaulted mentally by a creature known as Anansi, the self-described "god of stories". This Anansi had the power to reach into one's mind and pull out memories and manipulate them to either torment or reward his victim.

For Melanie, it was a torment that had almost killed her. But it also opened her mind to a host of questions. Memories were raised that she didn't consciously remember of childhood trauma and conflict. Anansi taunted her with the memories he claimed Melanie had repressed. Memories of mutilation and betrayal. And memories of a name only half-remembered: Mnhei'sahe.

It was a Romulan word that meant 'ruling passion.' It was the name given to the philosophy that guided, in principle, all of Romulan life and defined their honor. But Anansi taunted her with it. He said it was also her true name. Melanie had questions that she needed answers to.

In her hand was a PaDD from the ships Chief Medical Officer, Asa Dael. On it was the extensive results of in-depth genetic testing and scans the diligent Doctor had performed on the young pilot in the wake of Anansi's assualt. Results that confirmed much of what the dark God had chosen to reveal.

The physical evidence of her once pointed, Romulan ears having been surgically removed was there in micro scarring. Beyond the surgical, was extensive evidence that at the same time, she had undergone genetic tampering designed to alter her DNA by artificially surpressing much of her Mother's Romulan genetic code in favor of her Father's human genes. It was a shoddy job that Asa was preparing a treatment to correct as, over time, it would lead to further long-term genetic damage.

She had all the physical evidence of the truth, but she needed to hear it from her mother. She had to know why it happened. And why she had forgotten.

A chime went off on her wall console as the computer spoke: =^=Subspace holographic communication for Lt. Melanie Dox. Starfleet Intelligence. Do you accept the communication?=^=

"Melanie Dox, Lieutenant Junior Grade. Access code 795-X9E. Yes, I accept the communication. Please begin." The anxious pilot replied, taking a deep breath.

The crew quarters of the Hera were equipped with holo-emitters, and in the room, just feet in front of her, the image of Jaeih Dox appeared in a shimmer of light as if she were standing there for real. She stood with her hands crossed behind her back, mirroring Melanie's own posture, although she was a good 5 inches taller than her partly human daughter. Jaeih"s hair was worn long and tied in a very formal ponytail in the back, but she sported the characteristic, V-shaped bangs customary of Romulans. But unlike in prior messages, she was now dressed formally in a dark grey Starfleet tunic similar to the one worn by the HERA's own Intel chief, Clemens. Jaeih's was, of course, bereft of any Starfleet insignias, however.

"Jolan'tru, my daughter." She had a broad smile on her face and looked to be working hard to contain her happiness, which made Melanie's stomach tighten all the more. "I am... Very pleased to see you. Whoever your Captain is, they must have some impressive connections to have arranged..." Jaeih trailed off as she read the nervous and serious expression on her daughter's face. Her posture loosened slightly as she continued. "Something's happened. What's wrong, Melaine?"

Adjusting slightly to straighten up slightly attempting to hold on to a military demeanor, Melanie swallowed dryly. "Jolan'tru, Mother. I... yes, I'm sorry. I had hoped that our first such communication would have been different, but something has happened and it... It's raised a number of serious questions."

With this, Jaeih's posture went rigid, as if she knew what was coming. "I understand." She answered less like a mother and more like a commanding officer, nodding for Melanie to continue.

"While regulations forbid me from going into details, I was recently subjected to... a psychic attack... of sorts." Melaine kept her wording vague. "In the process of this attack, memories were... I was shown things. Things I didn't remember until now."

Turning her head down and away from her mother, Melanie shut her eyes for a moment to collect herself. "These memories were... manipulated. I need to know what is true and what isn't. I need you to help me remember, Mother."

Tilting her head slightly, Jaeih watched as her daughter spoke, picking up on all the non-verbal cues of her anxiety on top of her words. "I knew at some point we would be having this discussion, daughter." She sighed, bringing her arms forward and crossing them loosely in front of her as she spoke. "Ask me your questions."

"We're back to 'daughter'." Melanie brought her eyes back up to meet her mother's. "Lately, you've been calling me by name more and more. It's not something you did very much when I was growing up."

Melanie paused, not wanting the conversation to become confrontational. She sighed slightly and ran a finger over one ear, but paused with her hand there, flinching slightly before re-crossing her arms behind her back before continuing with one word:

"Mnhei'sahe?"

The name caused Jaeih to stand up just a little straighter and purse her lips. She may have told herself she was ready to have this conversation, but she suddenly felt very exposed and felt old anger welling up in her. She shut her eyes for a moment before responding. "You ask that as a question... when it's apparent you already know the answer."

Her eyes snapped back open, a Stern look across her face. "Mnhei'sahe is your given name. It is the name bestowed upon you in your naming ceremony shortly after your birth. It is your TRUE name, before..."

Turning slightly away, Jaeih's tone shifted again to one of barely contained anger. "Your father disagreed with my decision and we argued considerably for the first few years of your life. His... position was that announcing your Romulan heritage could be dangerous for us in our occupation."

Taking a moment to compose herself and calm down, Jaeih continued. "Melanie Dox was a... compromise. The first of many I made for his fragile human ego."

"Compromises?" Melanie was now visibly upset herself. Her face slightly flush as the tone of her voice raised slightly. "What other compromises don't I remember, Mother?"

Now on the defensive, Jeaih tilted her head again and Melanie saw not a loving mother but the stern taskmistress that raised her harshly as she looked down on her daughter judgementally. "Would you like a list, Mnhei'sahe?"

The name cut into Melanie like a knife as she scowled back, finally losing her patience. In Rihan, the Romulan tongue in which she had been raised, she snapped back. "I'D LIKE THE TRUTH, MOTHER!!"

Crossing her arms behind her back again, Jaeih worked to contain a slight smirk at the response. "Theeere you are. I'd wondered when MY daughter would show herself." Then her eyes went cold. "Your... Father... took much of your birthright from you. Did his level best to make you a docile little HEVAM!" She spat out the word, a Romulan slur for humans. "Tell me, what did this psychic show you? It wasn't just a name to have you this upset."

Without hesitation, Melanie launched into her memory of Anansi's psychic revelation. "We were on the Forager. I couldn't have been more than five years old, and you were in the cockpit. You were screaming at him and he was screaming at you. I... Couldn't make out what you were saying."

Tears of anger began to streak down the young pilot's cheeks, her arms now tensely at her side. "But I was on my knees... On my knees in the corridor outside the cockpit in a puddle of blood, crying. Screaming in pain. My ears were bleeding. The tops were cut up and I was holding the tips in my hands."

Her emotions flared wildly in her as her voice raised to a scream. "WHAT DID HE DO TO ME?!

The stern expression snapped back with shock as Jaeih listened and her face went soft as her arms unfolded and fell to her sides. "No. No, Mnhei'sahe. That's... That's not how it happened. No." Suddenly, Jaeih was a mother again, anger replaced by genuine concern.

"Whatever invaded you mind twisted your memories to hurt you." Her body language was now awkward as she couldn't move forward to touch her daughter. "But, yes. When you were little, you had my ears. Romulan DNA is... extremely potent. Human DNA is quite recessive in the mix. But... that's not the point."

Straightening up, Jaeih composed herself to continue. "He took you, in a drunken fit of petulance, to a human surgeon while I was off the ship brokering a deal with pirates on the Federation side of the neutral zone. He knew I was preoccupied, and took advantage of it to have you mutilated to placate his desire for a HUMAN daughter.

Tears of her own were now visible on Jaeih's cheeks. "The... doctor... didn't anesthetize you property and I later learned that you woke up on the table screaming. But the damage was done. The monster had your ears removed... Your DNA altered making your very Romulan blood turn brown. I was horrified."

"But, at the time I didn't have the means to fix it." She looked up at Melanie, with a sincere look of pain on her face.

"When he came back, you were still in shock. I put you in your room and went into the cockpit, hoping the air seal would keep you from hearing." Jaeih's rage returned as the memories came back out. "He wasn't always a drunk. Once... he was a man I thought I could be with. But... his pettiness... his jealousy... and his all too human prejudices destroyed him. In that moment, I... I..."

Composing herself again, Jaeih continued as Melaine looked on in shock. "He threatened to turn me in to the Empire if I tried to leave with you, but I had no intention of leaving. It had been a steady decline in our... relationship... and I had taken assurances that the Forrager would not obey any of his commands. That ship was mine. YOU were mine!!!"

Wiping tears from her eyes, Melanie squinted at her mother. "What did you do?"

"I didn't kill him, obviously. But I came very, VERY close." Jaeih chuckled slightly, a humorless laugh tinged with anger and sadness. "Like it or not, Mnhei'sahe, we are Romulan. And Romulans are rarely unprepared for betrayal."

Turning slightly away from Melanie's gaze, Jaeih continued. "I predicted he might one day need to be dealt with. So, one night while he was too drunk to protest, I performed a little surgery of my own. I implanted a nano-aggregator at the base of his skull wrapped around his spinal cord. A means of obedience used by the Tal Shiar on Romulus."

Melanie's face went pale with shock.

"With a word, it could have taken his head off of his body. A different word and it... Let him know it was there." Jaeih looked almost upset as she recalled, shaking her head slightly.

"I let him know in no uncertain terms what would happen if he didn't leave immediately. And like the coward he was, he bargained for his pathetic life. Apparently, you heard all of this. But like the memories of your childhood and what happened to your ears, you suppressed it. Forgot it. And once I realized that you had blocked all of the memories once he was gone, I... I let you believe the lie."

Hanging her head in emotional defeat, Jaeih sighed. "Calling you by your REAL name gave you nightmares. I... I was terrified of hurting you anymore. So I let you believe. I let you believe your father simply left. That you always looked like this." A tear dripped down her face.

"I let you be Melanie."

Quivering in place as she stood, dumbfounded, Melanie wiped tears from her own face. She wanted to step forward to embrace her mother but remembered that she was only a holographic projection from a galaxy away.

"So... That's the truth Mnhei'sahe." Jaeih put her head back and took a deep breath, and Melanie found hearing the name no longer stung to hear. She smiled awkwardly to her mother.

"And..." Melanie chuckled... "And you let him come back when I was fourteen after all of that?" The dry half-joke cut through the tension in the room as Jaeih let out a hard laugh.

"THAT, my daughter, was a reunion purely borne of need. It's true that he had stopped drinking and at least was trying to make an effort, but he had collected a number of invaluable connections that we needed to continue our efforts towards aiding the reunification efforts on Romulus." Jaeih smiled slightly. "And, in truth, he was bargaining to try and get me to deactivate the bomb I put in his head."

Taking on a slightly melancholy demeanor, Jaeih looked over at Melanie, pursing her lips in a broad, close-mouthed smile. "And, in truth, I had hoped that his presence might help pull you out of the depression you were spiraling further into. Of course, you only retreated further into your studies... flying the ship... until you..."

Catching herself getting lost in the moment and saying far too much, Jaeih snapped herself back to focus, stood up straighter and cleared her throat. "But... that is the long and short of it.
Do as you see fit with it."

he shift in tone caught Melaine by surprise but not as much as the wording. When she was being attacked by Anasi, the trickster god appeared to Melanie once as Jaeih, using a variation on the words. 'Do as you see fit' was a phrase Jaeih uttered many times in Melanie's past and they still carried a sting.

Hanging her head slightly, Melanie took a long breath and the silence between the two seemed to last an eternity.

"And now what?" Jaeih commented, dryly. Her arms crossed behind her back again and standing with her head back in a somewhat authoritarian posture. "You have your answers. You know your truth. What you do with it is up to you, Mnhei'sahe."

The few feet between Melanie and the hologram of her mother now felt like an eternity of distance, as the shaken pilot struggled to maintain eye contact. "I... I don't..."

As Melanie trailed off, Jaeih interjected again. "Our communications are still monitored. There's no going back. No hiding what you are from your crew. Are you prepared for that, Mnhei'sahe?"

"I'm not... afraid of that anymore mother," Melanie responded, her determination undermined only slightly by sniffling as she spoke. "You don't know this crew. This ship."

"I know humans. I know the federation. I say this not to discourage you, but to remind you to be the woman I raised. You are as much my Mnhei'sahe as you have ever been Melaine Dox. You are my daughter and a child of Romulus." Jaeih took a hand out momentarily as if to reach toward her daughter before pulling it back.

"Use this truth, my daughter. Be the whole woman my weakness denied you all these years. Be who you truly are and nothing can stop you."

The two looked at each other from a galaxy away, both straining to keep tears from their eyes again.

"Jol hwi arhem, Mnhei'sahe." Jaeih said with a lump in her throat, Rihan for I love you.

With fresh tears welling in her eyes, Melanie's voice cracked in response. "Jol hwi arhem, Ri'ranov."

'I love you, Mother.'

Seconds later, the image of Jaeih shimmered and vanished as the computer chirped. =^=Message terminated.=^=

Turning to walk back towards the bathroom of her quarters, Melanie touched the pad on the wall turning on the soft light over the mirror. She leaned forward over the sink, looking hard into the reflection that was at once familiar and somehow different with all the things she now knew.

"Mnhei'sahe." She whispered to her reflection as tears built up in her eyes. A reflection that she always felt was wrong somehow and she now understood why.

As tears began flowing freely down her face, she whispered the name again, as if waiting for an answer.

It had been days since Lieutenant Junior Grade Melanie Dox had talked with her mother via hologram. Days since she had learned things about her own past that she was desperately trying to not think about as she slammed her forearm hard into the neck of the exercise dummy in her quarters.

Things she was now wishing had stayed forgotten.

As Dox continued her assualt, the song 'Ultra' by the 20th century human Metal band KMFDM blared loudly. Dox grunted angrily as she rapidly continued to hit the head of the dummy. She had abandoned any semblance of the Romulan martial art of Llaekh-ae'rl and was simply flailing angrily now. As the song came to an end, Melanie flumped against the dummy, exhausted.

"Computer..." She muttered to the room. "End music."

The drained young pilot slid to the ground and sat back against the base of the dummy, breathing heavily. She shut her eyes trying to catch her breath as a flash of the image of her hands, covered in blood, filled her head.

Immediately, she sat up ramrod straight with wide eyes. She glanced down at her own hands and winced slightly as she noticed that she had skinned her knuckes on the dummy. They were throbbing and warm with the human/Romulan blood that had a distinctive brown color to it. A color she now knew was caused by genetic alterations performed on her as a child.

Looking up, there were smears of brown on the head of her dummy. It had been weeks since her psychic attack by the god Anansi, but the burried memories he unearthed in her mind still lingered in her brain.

Sighing as she looked around her sparsely decorated quarters, the anxious young woman stopped on the small shelving unit in the corner and the few photos framed in it. Specifically, the photo of the crew of the U.S.S. Hera that First Office Rita Paris had insisted on having taken.



After a few moments thinking, Melanie shakily stood up and walked over to the console on the wall near the door to her quarters. She pressed the pad which responded with it's characteristic chirp, but lingered not speaking for what felt entirely too long. "Uh... Lieutenant Dox to... um... Commander Paris."

"Paris here, what can I do for you, Chief?" Commander Rita Paris had a habit of calling all of the section chiefs 'chief' from time to time, just to mix it up in addition to her predilection for using honorifics as well as rank.

On the small endtable by her bed was a work PaDD that Melaine had walked over to grab. She gestured with the PaDD as if Paris could see her. "I... I have the updated crew rotations for next week that you wanted to see in the morning ready and..." Dox trailed off, rethinking her approach.

"And... um. I'm sorry to bother you, Commander. I..." Dox took a deep breath as she steeled herself to continue. "I don't know what your availability is... but would it be possible to... um... to talk?" Melanie winced a bit, feeling ever so slightly pathetic in the moment.

=^= Of course, Chief. Shall I report to your locale for a meeting? =^= Paris' tone was light and easy, seemingly carefree, although that martial stride of hers was definitely in motion.

"Uh..." Looking down at herself, Melanie stuttered. She was only wearing a sweat soaked sports bra, a pair of black leggings and sneakers and very likely reeked. " Well, I'm in my quarters and... I'm kind of a mess."

=^= Excellent plan, chief. Why don't you grab a shower and I'll join you in five minutes. Paris out. =^= Abruptly ending the conversation, the leggy commander hustled to her quarters. While the specifics were lacking, the distress was evident. Whatever was going on, Dox had cracked, and she needed someone to talk to. As she marched across the Hera, Commander Rita Paris cleared her schedule. There was nothing pressing happening, and it sounded very much like she was needed for a crisis.

Fortunately, Rita had a 'go bag' packed for such occasions, and strode at high speed into her quarters, the door sensors long ago having been adjusted to open in advance of her speedy approach. Pulling it out, now all she had to do was give Dox the rest of that five minutes for a shower.

Many women in such a circumstance would fret, worry and speculate about what crisis had arisen, what tragedy befallen, what had struck so fiercely the round little pilot of whom Paris was admittedly quite fond. But with zen-like detachment Paris scrolled through work emails to keep herself occupied while the timer ran down on the shower counter. For life with the kolinahr master had taught her patience, and zen. She would find out when Dox told her. She would deal with it then, in a linear existence fashion.

Eyeing the timer, Rita's pretty face set in a slight frown. Stupid timer.

Meanwhile, in her quarters Dox was scrambling to take what felt like the world fastest shower, opting for the sonic option for expediency. Practically running out of the shower, Melanie put bandages on her bruised knuckles, grabbed all the loose workout gear and deposited them in the bathroom hamper while grabbing some casual clothes from her mostly empty dresser.

Not giving it too much thought, Dox threw on the first clean outfit she could find that wasn't a uniform. In this case, that meant a pair of black leggings and a slightly baggy Starfleet academy sweatshirt. She wasn't planning on meeting with the ship's First Officer quite so quickly, but chastised herself slightly for not being expected for the unexpected where Rita Paris was concerned.

The door chime sounded five minutes after the call had ended.

Taking a deep breath to try and calm her nerves, Dox found herself standing slightly at attention before remembering that this was not and official function.

"Come in."

Stepping in was Rita Paris. Not Commander Paris, but the yoga pants-wearing blonde in the San Francisco 49ers zip-up hoodie sweatshirt with the slippers on her feet. The party girl, apparently, who came with her own lightweight Starfleet portable cryo container with a padded shoulder strap. Having intuited what she was needed for, the plucky extradimensional explorer had come prepared.

Taking in the stark and sparsely populated space in a glance as she crossed the quarters, Paris turned those bright blue eyes on the anxious aviatrix. Peering at her for a full two seconds, Paris carefully and deliberately set down the carrying case, then held her arms out, inviting a hug with eyebrows upraised in a silent question.

An awkward smile crept across Melanie's face as she looked at Rita. She stepped over, somewhat hesitantly and took advantage of the offered hug. "Um... thank you for coming, Comm... Rita."

Not wanting to linger too long, Dox stepped back rubbing the too in an ear nervously. "I didn't mean to bother you... I was just..."

“You aren’t bothering me, Miss Dox. I have nowhere to be but right here, right now,” Paris reassured. “What’s up?”

Stopping herself as she rambled, Melanie rolled her eyes at her own nervousness. "When I first came on board, you told me I could always come to you if I needed help..." Melanie paused to sigh, blushing with embarrassment. "And I could... Kinda use that right now."

Bending over to pop open the cooler, Paris proceeded to unpack a bag of something named Oreos, a couple of bottled margarita spritzers, and a hankie. Setting the cookies on the portable refrigerator, she offered a bottle to Dox as she settled herself on the deck to use the chest as a table.

"I am all ears, and at your disposal, Miss Dox. Melanie," The calm commander said in a soothing tone. "I'll listen, you tell me what's wrong and get it off your chest, then we can maybe talk about it. No pressure. How's that sound?" Tearing open the cookie bag, Rita Paris offered up a cookie.

As usual, Rita Paris had done the unexpected, and Melanie couldn't help but smile. There was an obvious effort put into a presentation that was designed to be disarmingly casual, and Melanie came over to take the offered bottle.

"Heh... Thanks." The rotund Lieutenant chuckled nervously and took a sip as she paced in a slow circle before settling on the small couch against the windows that had come with the room. Melanie sat quietly for nearly a full minute, looking down at the bottle in her hand before she could speak again.

"I'm... sure you read my report on the... 'Anansi incident'. About what happened at the Worldship. How he dug into my mind and pulled out..." Melanie felt a chill as she remembered the attack herself. "It... was a violation in and of itself. To have something just rifle through your mind against your will... I..."

The usually loquacious and chatty commander sat silently, nodding. This wasn't anywhere for pithy wisdom or cracker barrel philosophy. The best thing that Paris could do at this point was just listen- this had to tumble out from Dox the way that she needed it to come out, with no prompting or interruptions. So Rita listened and watched, nodding slowly.

Standing up again with a growing level of unease, as of the couch itself was trapping her, Melanie began to pace as she spoke. "I filed all my reports on it. On... everything that's happened since. Followed all the regulations for dealing with a mission-based trauma hoping it would help. I've tried just burying myself in work, hoping not to think about... any of it."

Taking a long drink of her margarita, Melanie continued. "But... It's what came from it. What it pulled up out of my head..." She turned to look at her First Officer that had quickly become a friend. "Too many things... things I didn't know that I didn't know."

Internally, Paris worried where this was going. She knew that Dox’s relationships with her parents were strained at best, but again, she just nodded and maintained an external calm, despite her growing apprehensions.

Her growing anxiety turned into a flash of frustrated anger as Melanie yelled slightly. "I wish I just didn't know!!" Immediately after the outburst, she went still and her voice shuttered with the faintest of a whisper as she shut her eyes hard to try and hold back tears.

"Why did I ask her? Why couldn't I just forget again?"

Now was the time to prick the dam and see what burst out, Rita felt more than reasoned- after all, she was a creature of instinct. The tone of the junior officer's voice over the comms had been enough to make Paris move quickly so no one would hear their conversation, and for her to address Dox only as 'chief' so no one could put it together that one of the senior staff might be cracking. It had told her that casual civilian clothes were called for here, not the imposing crimson uniform with its rank pips. Now it told her not to step up and offer comfort, but to probe so the storm could be unleashed.

"What do you remember, Melanie? What do you know that is so terrible, who did you ask?" Rita Paris probed, prepared for rough emotional seas ahead.

Wiping a single tear from her cheek as she talked, Melanie sat back down on the couch, trying to calm herself down, but it wasn't working. She put her drink down on the side table, stalling as she was afraid of answering. Afraid of letting herself feel everything that was welling up inside of her.

"My... My mother. A little while ago, the Captain told me that she had pulled some strings and got my mother transfered from protective custody to Starfleet Intel." Melanie sniffled as she spoke. "I was so excited. I was going to be able to actually talk to her again. I mean, holograms, but not just recorded messages, ya'know."

Another silent nod from the archaic astronaurt was the reply, as the tension in the room grew thicker.

The pit of anxiety in Melanie's stomach tightened as she thought. "But what Anansi showed me. I had to know. I had to ask her. Get the truth."

Looking over at Rita Paris, then back down to herself, Dox scrunched her face trying to contain herself. "Fvadt! I feel like an idiot." She was rambling and she knew it.

“You’re not an idiot, so enough of that. This isn’t easy,” Rita reassured from her spot on the deck, down low where she wouldn’t be looming over the distressed young woman. “Deep breath now, tell me what happened.”

"For my whole life, I thought this is who I was. But... When I dream. I dream of being a little girl, and I look like her. Like my mom." Melanie hung her head as she talked. "Romulan. And I thought they were just dreams."

Standing up again, Melanie paced as she talked. "I found out... I was..." Her anger at not being able to express herself clearly was beginning to show more and more.

Taking a deep breath, Melanie continued. "My father... couldn't handle having a little Romulan girl. When I was about four, in a drunk rage, he... kidnapped me. Took me to a doctor... and I use the term loosely. Had my ears cut off... My DNA altered... to make me look more..." She choked back tears as she spoke. "...human. Apparently, I was awake the whole time... screaming. Improper anasthetic. I checked with Asa. They looked me over and there's residual scar tissue. Genetic damage they need to repair." Melaine ran her fingers over an ear.

For her part, the human adventurer who had grown up with a host of daddy issues worked to keep the anger and revulsion off her carefully compassionate expression. What was being told to her filled her with a surprising rage, but this was neither the time nor the place for that, not just yet. Right now, the confession had to be heard.

Emotionally wrung out, Melanie flumped against the wall of her quarters and slid to sit on the floor. "I always just thought I was nothing. Not Romulan, not human." She was openly crying now. "Romulans... I don't know what you know about it... but growing up I was taught that Romulans liked mating... breeding... With other races to strengthen their bloodlines. They... believe in a certain... genetic superiority. And in a lot of cases, it's kinda true. Romulan genetics in someone tend to be hyper dominant. My father's human. My mother's father was human. But biologically, there's very little about me that's Human. My insides are all set up pretty damn Romulan."

Pulling the bandage off her knuckles, Melanie winced slightly. "Copper based blood, discolored from what they did to me." She leaned her head back against the wall, letting out a humorless chuckle.

"But I always thought I was the exception to all that. I'm a redhead with fucking freckles. Sure, I can pluck my eyebrows to take the points down and I have her eyes... But unless I was actively bleeding, I looked human enough. But that was a lie, too."

Looking with a pained expression at Paris, Melanie continued. "He mutilated me because he couldn't bear to look at me as I was. And it fucked me up so bad it took a GOD digging through my head to make me remember it."

That was all that Rita Paris could listen to, and in a very deliberate movement, she crawled across the floor to the wall where the emotionally wrung out young officer slumped against the wall. Gathering the smaller young woman in her arms, Rita Paris stroked the curly red hair and made a shooshing noise.

Sitting in Rita's arms, Melanie curled her arms and legs in as tight as she could as her body shook and her breath went shallow.

“You are the furthest thing from nothing I have ever met, Melanie Dox, and I won’t have you talking about yourself like that. As for your father,” Paris could not hold back the growl from her voice as she spoke the words, because her fury over the facts was a bit stronger than her self-control. “Leave it to a man to be blind to the potential of the wonder he helped bring into the world, and try to make her into what he wants.”

“What’s been done to you is deplorable, horrible and yeah, that can mess you up,” Paris joked grimly. “So you’re right to feel angry, hurt, confused, enraged, afraid and violated. You’ve been through a lot here recently, finding out all of this. So tell me about it. Tell me how this makes you feel, because you need to get it out. No judgment, okay? This is all off the record- just you and me here, okay?”

The stout pilots arms shot around Rita Paris' back and she clutched tightly to her friend as she felt waves of panic overtake her. With her head buried in Paris' shoulder, Melanie let out a coarse, guttural scream punctuated by a wave of sobs. The effort of trying to contain the conflicting emotions she had been struggling with for weeks had overwhelmed her beyond her ability to control

"WHY WASN'T I GOOD ENOUGH?! WHY DID HE HAVE TO BREAK ME!?!?!"

The sobs began to slow as Melanie's voice shrank to a hoarse whisper, not even aware in the moment that she was slipping completely into the Romulan dialect of Rihan she was raised speaking.

"Arhem ssuajukhe. Arhem ssuajukhe, ri'ranov."

While she didn’t speak a word of Romulan, the time-tossed temptress understood the intention well enough. “You were always good enough, child. You were always better than he gave you credit for, and he couldn’t see that because of his own willful blindness. Because you were strong and unique and that threatened him. Because you challenged what he thought you were capable of, and proved him wrong. Men hate to be proven wrong. His ego needed soothing and you were the victim.”

Though she was speaking to Dox, in truth, Rita spoke from the heart. Because she very much understood never being good enough, never being right, and being assailed over and over again to become that which she was not, yet what was wanted by the man whose approval she so desperately sought despite the impossibility of that eventuality.

“You are unique and special, a child of the universe who belongs here. You are much greater than you give yourself credit, and no one can take that away from you, not then, not now, not ever. It’s okay, it’s okay… let it out.” The first officer rocked gently in what she hoped was a soothing motion. She’d never seen anyone so traumatized, and while she was no professional, she knew what she’d want someone to do in such a moment.

So the earth girl from another reality held her injured Romulan friend, and let her give voice to her grief and rage and pain at the truth of her existence.

The two women sat together for what seemed like an eternity as Melanie Dox slowly started breathing more normally. She relaxed her grip on Rita Paris as her arms, exhausted, slowly floated down to her own sides. Leaning back slightly, her eyes were thick and puffy from tears and she wiped her nose on the sleeve of her sweatshirt.

"I'm... I'm sorry. I've been." Melanie stammered as she spoke, her voice a cracked and hoarse whisper. The shattered lieutenant sat, struggling to put into words what nearly thirty years of anger and pain she didn't know she was repressing finally coming to the surface felt like.

“You have nothing to be sorry for,” the Starfleet siren replied softly as she handed Dox a remarkably absorbent self-cooling hankie she had packed for the occasion.

"When I talked to her last week..." Melanie sniffled between breaths." I was so angry and so... scared. I'm still..." Fresh tears ran down her cheeks as she looked up into her friend’s attentive gaze.

"I'm scared, Rita." She bit the bottom of her lip as she spoke. "I... I blocked out half of my childhood. Just let myself forget who... what... I was. What I looked like, what he was." In spite of everything, Melanie froze again, afraid to say more for the most fleeting of instances before remembering why she called Paris in the first place.

"I... I forgot my own NAME, Rita." She wiped the tears away again. "What does that say about me?"

A small smile graced the face of the explorer as she lightly placed a finger under the chin of the wrung-out Romulan, bringing her gaze up to meet that of the last of the American girls. “That says that you were a child, Mel. Most people… well, most humans at least… don’t even have memories that stick until the age of five. There’s no shame in being too young to remember. Plus people tend to block out trauma. I darn near died of a synaptic overload once, and they had to tell me about me keeling over with my nose fountaining blood. It’s a natural defense, Dox. Beating yourself up over that is no good, because it’s you being unfair to you.”

Pulling back slightly, the eyes of the buxom bombshell narrowed slightly. “So what is your name, if you don’t mind me asking? It doesn’t change who you are to me- I want you to know that,” she qualified, as the last thing she wanted to do was make the distraught young pilot feel worse.

Blowing her nose on the hanky, Melanie looked down for a moment. She smiled ever so slightly as she spoke. "Mnhei'sahe. My mother named me Mnhei'sahe." She looked up at Rita and smiled just a little broader. "It means 'ruling passion'."

But an instant after saying it, her face closed in a wince as she titled her head back down. "She... she told me that after..." Melanie put her hand up to an ear. "When she would call me by name, it would give me nightmares. It would make me try and remember and I freaked out."

Opening her eyes up, but keeping her head down, she continued. "So... Melanie was a compromise. The name he picked before everything went wrong. She let me forget... She didn't want me to hurt anymore, I guess."

Crossing her arms over the tops of her knees, Dox buried her chin between them, whispering. "I... don't know who I'm supposed to be anymore, Rita."

“Hey, hey, hey now,” the out of date officer replied in a calming tone. “I have an important question for you. And it will be easy to give a flippant answer, but it’s a real question. Because right now you are standing at a crossroads, and it’s time for you to make a choice.”

“Now you know who you started off as, and you know who you were made to be. All of this was when you were a child, with no choice in any of it. But now you’re a grown woman- an ace pilot and a darn good Starfleet officer. So now the choices are yours. So I ask you, my friend- who do you want to be, hm?” The tone was soft and kind, and they eyes that sought hers out were filled with compassion. She could encourage, but this was a choice the little lieutenant had to make, and a question she had to answer for herself.

But it was a question she didn't want to think about. Melanie leaned her head back against the wall and sighed as she thought about everything Rita Paris had just said and knew she couldn't avoid it any longer. "I want to..."

Taking a deep breath, Melanie paused to think sincerely. "I want to try and put myself back together, Rita. I want to not be a bunch of pieces that don't fit anymore, if that makes any sense."

In attempting to help someone, making it all about you was generally considered counterproductive. But it seemed to help Melanie Dox immensely to know that the seemingly bulletproof first officer was, in fact, just a mere mortal like everyone else. So in this case she made an exception, as she reached for an inspirational. Scooting out from beside Dox, Rita Paris maneuvered herself to sit in front of the aching soul, then told her tale.

"Since I wasn't a boy, I wasn't good for anything in the Paris family," Rita Paris began, as her eyes slowly unfocused as memories played out in her mind. "If my grades weren't perfect, I was a failure. Daddy was willing to let me be involved in as many intramural activities I liked, so long as I understood that he wouldn't be there. Anything Albert did was golden, and whatever I did just drew more criticism. My father was a misogynist whom I still to this day think had a hand in the death of my mother somehow. He hated me for the fact of my gender, and until a certain age, I couldn't understand that. Once I did understand it I hated myself for being a girl."

"My rebellion was Starfleet. 'There's been a Paris in Starfleet since before it was Starfleet' is a saying in my family, because we're a fleet family. My father fought my appointment tooth and nail because he didn't want me to be out there embarrassing the family name out there in Starfleet. All while I'd already fended off two arranged marriages in what I now recognize as his attempt not only to get another in with a prominent fleet family of old school fleeters like the Deckers or the Tuckers or the Yamaguchis." Rita paused to draw in a long breath, then refocused on the moment.

"If I got married, then I would take my husband's last name. Then I wouldn't be a Paris anymore, he would have a son in law to give him grandchildren and he could cease to have to deal with me except at holidays. Isn't that cheery?" The rebellious dynasty daughter smiled in mock cheerfulness, a very Stepford affair.

Watching the exaggerated expression on Rita's face, Dox couldn't help but smile a little.

"Clearly we all know how all of that played out in my life, despite the fact that the bastard had the transporter sabotaged that caused y first accident. Five years as a ghost because my domineering father wanted to 'scare' me off a deep space exploration starship. So I wouldn't besmirch the family name. Same weekend Albert went to his first captain's mast, ironically." The sour expression looked out of place on the pretty pilot's face, but she shook her head and pressed on.

"The point is, all my life, my father told me what I couldn't do, and what I couldn't be." Paris waved airily to dramatize her point. "Were he here right now he would take credit for my achievements by explaining how he had been hard on me to make me strive harder. But that wasn't the case at all. He was just a shitty little hog's pizzle of a man who hated woman. He didn't define me. Being a ghost didn't define me. Being lost in space and time didn't define me. Sonak doesn't define me. The job doesn't define me."

"We choose to define ourselves, Dox. Who we are, what we are, and who we want to changes over time. But the joy of free will is that we get to choose, every day. Right now you might not know who you are because of new data. But you'll figure it out, and you'll make it work. Because I do know you, Melanie Dox." Paris reached over to take the other woman's small, pale hand in her own. "You're my shipmate, one of the officers I rely upon, a hell of a pilot... and a good friend, with a good heart. I don't care if it's red or grey or holographic plaid- it's a good heart, and that makes you a good person."

"The rest, you'll figure out."

"Thank you, Rita." Melanie relaxed her posture and sniffled. Her anxiety was by no means under control, but for the moment it wasn't overwhelming her quite as much. Hearing Rita's story didn't take away her pain, but it helped her put it in perspective and make it seem somehow more manageable.

"It's... Good to know I really do have help figuring this... myself... out." She turned to face Rita, an awkward but sincere smile had begun to crack on her swollen, tear streaked face.

"Sweety, I'm gonna tell you straight. In this line of work, the universe is gonna throw you a lotta curve balls. We're Starfleet- we lean on each other, and that's how we get by," Paris smiled, offering practical advice meant to reassure. Rolling easily to her feet, she stepped over to the chest, popped it open to rummage inside briefly, then produced two half-liter containers. Producing a few spoons from elsewhere in the carrier, she stepped back over to sit beside her beleaguered buddy. Handing her one of the cold containers and a spoon, she explained.

"Chocolate double fudge chunk. Real ice cream, from the captain's stores." Popping open the lid, Rita jammed her spoon into it with gusto. "I don't know how they ease heartache on Romulus, but this is how us Earth girls do it."

A slight but hoarse chuckle came from the thoroughly drained young lieutenant. "If my mother is any measure, we don't ease heartache..." Melanie sat up straight in a faux authoritarian Aire, "We remember it well so as to better learn to render it powerless when next it tries to injure us."

Taking a spoonful of the decadent treat and savoring it's creamy richness, Melanie poked at the container with her spoon. With ice cream still in her mouth, she mumbled. "This is far superior."

There was a good minute of savoring the wonders of chocolate. The good stuff, real chocolate, tended to have an effect on most Vulcanoids. Which was handy, considering chocolate was Rita's cure-all for a galpal in distress. Or anyone, really. But her curiosity got the best of her, so cautiously, she began to explore the topic.

"It's hard to envision you with the pointy ears. Do you have a holo of your mom?"

Smiling, Melanie leaned forward slightly, gesturing with her head towards the small corner shelves. "Yeah, but Also a couple of printed pics over there." There were three framed pics on the small corner shelves. One, of a younger Melanie with her mother from years, another the crew photo, and the last a picture printed from one of their recent correspondences.

"But, yeah." She gestured to the ceiling, as she spoke. "Computer, call up still hologram of Jaeih Dox. Stardate 2395, please."

The computer chirped as the holographic image of Melanie's mother shimmered into focus in the center of the room. She was standing sternly with her hands behind her back, wearing a simple black tunic with a high neck. She was a good few inches taller and many pounds slimmer than her daughter. But from behind her traditionally cropped Romulan bangs was a face remarkably similar to that of her daughter's.

Peering at the holo, then to Melanie, Rita's eyes widened. "The computer could show you what your ears would likely have looked like. I know I wanna see, but the question is do you wanna see? Totally okay to tell me if I am overstepping a boundary there- I don't want to upset you!" the buxom bombardier waved her hands in mock surrender with a spoon in one hand and her ice cream in the other. "I just... you wanted to talk about it, so that means we need to talk about it, right? What do you say... take a look?"

Rolling her eyes and smirking sideways at Paris, Melanie spoke aloud to the room again. "Computer. Project hologram, Mnhei'sahe zero zero one, please."

As the image appeared, standing next to the projection of Jaeih Dox, Melanie plunged her spoon into her container of ice cream, pulling out a heaping scoop. She looked at the ice cream longingly as she spoke. "Put this together... Week and a half ago. Right after Doctor Dael confirmed the scar tissue."

With a mouth again filled with ice cream, Melanie continued. "I had to see what might have been for myself."

The hologram was a representation of Melanie as she was now. Standing at attention in her Starfleet uniform. Indistinguishable from normal but for the the prominent Romulan ears.

The bright blue eyes of the first officer grew wide as she leaned in to turn and study the image. Sitting back, Paris wagged a spoon at the projected hologram. "Okay, as a connoisseur, You look hella good in pointy ears. Not that there's anything wrong with the way your ears are now. But," the chronal cosmonaut paused to dig out another scoop of ice cream, slide it into her mouth then talk around it. "Look, they keep your hair on the sides back. They have a nice elegant taper at the tip there. They look... aristocratic."

"It's hard to process... missing something you forgot you had in the first place." Melanie became ever so slightly melancholy as she looked at the holographic image. Running a finger nervously atop a single ear, she paused to consider the action.

"I've done this my entire life." Melanie rubbed the top of her gear again. "A nervous tic I never gave much thought to, that I never realized was my subconscious mind remembering what should have been there. But what's done is done, I guess."

The feisty first officer rolled her eyes around the largely empty quarters, then finished by turning to Dox. "Ah, we could do that stuff in my day. If you want your ears back, go ask Doc and they'll fix you up... sorry," Rita held out a hand with a pained expression. "Not fix you, because you aren't broken. But if you want that back... those," Rita waved her spoon to the image. "They're your ears. You can decide to make them upside down. You can't wear crazy piercings unless it's a cultural thing, but you have bodily autonomy, and so long as it doesn't interfere with your Starfleet duties you can look however you like."

One blonde eyebrow raised dubiously. "You think everybody with a forehead implant on this boat is from some exotic alien planet? Point being, you can get them back. You can try them with an option to buy, because Doc can change them back. If you went to Doc about this I know for a fact they explained all of this to you... ah, but you couldn't really process it on top of everything else so you just kinda went into some shock and Doc gave you time and space to think about it. Check."

Standing back up, a much more laborious process for Melanie now that the physical tolls of attacking her fighting dummy wildly and her panic attack we're beginning to be felt. She groaned as her joints let out a series of squishy popping sounds. "Ugh..."

Stretching as she walked over to pick back up her drink from the side table next to the couch with a dry smile. "Yeah, they did." Melanie took a long swig of her drink while gesturing to the ears of the projection. "Asa ran a medical scan... Those are based on that. That's not just mirroring my mother's ears. Based on the tissue I currently have, if they use a soft tissue regeneration, opened the edges back up, removed the scar tissue and used an accelerated healing.. thingy, that's what would grow back."

Squinting slightly from soreness, Dox flumped back down on the small couch as she spoke. "I've thought about it. I'm still thinking about it." Talking one more long swig, she killed off the bottled Margarita mixer, swallowed and chuckled softly. Her voice a little less hoarse from the benefits of ice cream and drinks. "I stressed myself out for a day and a half when I was deciding to get this haircut."

Laughing a little easier, Melanie continued, tugging on one ear. "This will certainly take a little more consideration." She looked back up at her friend with a wide smile. "But it is something I'm considering. Really." Then her tone shifted slightly, taking a slightly more serious timbre.

"This all... it did break me a bit. I can't pretend it didn't." Melanie fiddled loosely with the empty bottle in her hands. "But it's okay. Because I know I don't have to fix myself alone anymore. And..." She paused to collect herself, this time pushing past positive emotions welling up to continue. "And I can take my time. Decide who I want to put myself back together to be. I know I'll have help there too."

A tear rolled down her cheek again, but this time from a feeling of warmth and love. "Seriously... thank you, Rita. For everything."

"We all break sometime, Melanie. Or Menay-say," Rita pronunciation of the elegant Romulan name was like a hick country cousin trying it out. "I've broken down plenty of times. There's no shame in it, because you didn't do it on duty and you didn't endanger anyone but yourself. And when you were in too deep, you were strong enough to admit it and reach out a hand for help."

"That's not something the gal I walked in a circle would have done. But this fine officer right here, she knew when to call for backup. This gal here, she knew when to call for a friend. And I am very proud to know this gal here, because she's my friend, she's a valued part of this crew, and I'd beam in after her if I knew she was in trouble." Which was saying a lot, given that it was fairly well known that Rita Paris literally did not even get near transporters because of how they tended to misbehave around her, and her own deep-seated and apparently justified fear of them.

A broad, tight lipped smile spread across her face at Rita's statement, knowing full well the time displaced first officers horrifying history with transporters. "Fvadt... don't make me cry again!" Melanie laughed as she spoke, letting out a 'damn' in Rihan.

"Okay. So, after all of this, would you rather go run it off, or is it time for a shower and some sleep? Or would you rather just sit here and talk about something else entirely?" Looking around the empty quarters, it seemed to be an apt analogy for the life of Lieutenant Junior Grade Dox. The space was there and the potential was there- what she chose to do with it was up to her. But that was an analogy that could wait for another day, Rita mused. For now she just had to let Dox decide what she needed.

"While I feel like I could sleep for a week... I..." Her natural anxiety made expressing what she felt a little difficult, but Melanie pushed past that to continue. "I kinda don't want to be alone right now, if that's okay." She smiled awkwardly at Rita.

The smile that settled on the face of the first officer was one born of understanding, and when she spoke, her tone was soft and gentle. “I can stay the night if you wish, Dox. I’ve never been through something like this, so I can’t say that I know how you feel. But I understand not wanting to be alone, I truly do. So I’m here as long as you need me, okay?”

Smiling, the fragile young pilot couldn't quite wrap her troubled mind around the idea of not feeling alone in the universe. But she knew that she liked it, and indulged herself the desire for more as she continued to laugh and talk with her friend and first officer.

Looking forward into an uncertain tomorrow, she didn't know who she would be as she tried to imagine her own future. But regardless of if she continued as Mnhei'sahe or Melanie, she knew she wouldn't continue alone anymore.

And for that moment in time, it was enough.

It had been a long day and all Enalia wanted to do was relax, listen to some soft music, and snuggle with her wife... But fate had other plans for her this evening as an incoming transmission with her family crest came in and was routed to her desk terminal. Only a few people in the Artan family even had this frequency so either it was an emergency or something was wrong. Clicking on accept, her heart sank as the image of her domineering mother appeared on the screen.

"Mother. To what do I owe the pleasure?" Enalia asked somewhat coldly. She'd never gotten along well with her mother - with them it was more of a student-teacher relationship with Enalia never quite living up to the Pirate Queen's expectations. Her late sister, on the other hand, had excelled at every task the woman had set before her. If she had only trained her sister to take over the family instead... But those were pointless thoughts now.

Arenara Artan ignored the cold nature from her daughter and pressed on. "Your presence at the fortress is required at your earliest convenience. I've arranged a meeting so you may provide the family with an heir."

That wasn't entirely unexpected. With her father and sister both deceased, Enalia was the only one left that could carry on the Artan lineage and Maica wasn't exactly the best for that. "I've told you before, I'm working on that..."

"Yes, with that hologram of yours. Why you insist on playing house with a sex program I will never understand, but you have duties to the family that must be upheld. I've found several suitors that should be compatible..." Arenara was as obstinate as she was blind to her daughter's feelings, as always.

Enalia couldn't take any more and had to interrupt her mother. "Mother, I'm married to a sentient artificial life form. She has equal rights under Federation law. She and I are compatible.."

"Did I raise you to interrupt me?" Now her mother was mad. Rather than listening to the tirade she already knew by heart, Enalia clicked the mute on her terminal and nodded in mock apology for several minutes as her mother continued ranting. It seemed every time they talked this happened.

Eventually she seemed to be spinning down so Enalia unmuted to catch the end of the tirade. "...which you wouldn't have done if your father hadn't gone off and gotten himself killed during your kidnapping. It's a good thing your younger sister was so reliable even back then, rescuing you on her very first mission. I swear I have no idea where your rebellious streak comes from, turning your back on the family and denying your own heritage."

"Yes mother, I'm sorry." Enalia interjected as her mother was taking a breath for another round. "You were saying something about suitors?"

"Yes! I've arranged several suitors for you to look over." Arenara got back on track to why she called, still obviously in a foul mood. "You don't have to marry any of them, or love them or anything like that. Just pick one and donate some genetic material. I'll use you and them to make an heir and raise them myself since you can't seem to be bothered, out there playing with your fancy Starfleet rules and science. Probably putting good privateers in prison as we speak."

So that was her game... Her heart sinking even further, Enalia wondered if the day would soon come when she would have to arrest her own mother. Smiling her best 'Starfleet' smile, which she knew would piss her mother off even more, she hovered her finger over the disconnect button. "Alright, the next time we have shore leave scheduled, I'll send you a message. Captain Telvan out." With a protest forming on her mother's lips, Enalia tapped the disconnect button, ending the transmission.

Leaning back in her chair, she sighed heavily. "I think it's time for a stiff drink... Computer, please inform Commander Paris that my family problems may be coming to the USS Hera. Include a copy of this communication."

One of the benefits of regular contact with a superior and organized mind was that Rita Paris' internal clock remained surprisingly accurate. Even so, she was no mistress of meditation as was her Vulcan spouse, thus she had set an alarm for 06:30 on her PaDD to awaken on time. She'd climbed into bed with Dox during the night, staying on top of the covers but being there, a presence, and gently waking Dox when she was in the throes of a thrashing nightmare.

But now it was morning, and time to face the day.

Rolling over and sitting up, Paris gently shook the embattled young officer awake. "Lieutenant? Time to rise and shine, Miss Dox."

Turning slightly with a confused and groggy expression on her face, the young pilot looked up at her watchful First Officer and friend. "Huh... oh... Uh huh." The memory of the night before came back to her as Dox sat up, rubbing her eyes. She was surprised that Rita had stayed the entire night but grateful as she spoke. "Thank you, again. I really appreciate it."

"We need to talk, you and I," Paris explained in her usual tones that carried her usually present sense of humor, and was far less gently than she'd been speaking the night before. "You have a decision to make. And I'm reasonably sure you have to pee, so why don't you start there?"

Scootching to the edge of the bed, Melanie stood up. "Be right back." She turned to follow the commanders very good advice, and while she took care of the pressing business, thought on Rita Paris' words and what they could mean. After the intensity and emotional chaos of the night before, her mind reeled.

Finishing her business, Melanie washed up and splashed some cold water on her face. She took a few seconds to take a deep breath to compose herself from whatever was to come before stepping back into the room with Rita Paris. Her mind raced wondering if her behavior the night before had been too much. If she was going to be reprimanded or even removed from her post as the flight control chief. That and what felt like a thousand other self doubts began swirling in Melanie's imagination.

Still sitting on the bed, clad only in a snug white t-shirt emblazoned with the claim 'I'm the one your mother warned you about' and black yoga pants, Paris was definitely not fit for duty dressed like that, but a far cry from indecent. Perched on the bed as she was, she did make quite the pinup, although she wasn't trying to be sexual- with Rita Paris it just kind of happened.

"First, you are off duty today. Ensign Gonadie can take care of your shifts and keep the department running for a day, I have confidence. I need you back in one piece with your head screwed on straight, right?" Rita smiled, a million-watt smile that made her look like bomber art from one of her planet's ancient wars.

Resisting her initial emotional reaction to insist that she was willing and able for duty, Melaine knew not so deep down that while she felt better them she had the night before, she was far from alright. Her hand tightened for an instant as she stopped herself from indulging In the nervous habit of rubbing the top of an ear while nodding towards her commander.

"I understand." Melanie's stomach tightened as she feared that while her career might not be over it was still possibly in danger. She waited patiently for whatever Rita Paris had to say next and didn't want to make her situation worse by trying to assume what that was to be.

"Oh, for the love of all that's holy. Come here, Dox, sit down," Paris patted the bed, and as the anxious officer edged nervously toward the bed to sit stiffly, the first officer of the Hera rolled her eyes and shook her head. "Relax. You are not in trouble, you are not unfit for duty and you still have your job. Okay?" Paris inclined her head toward the frazzled 'first thing in the morning after bad sleep with no hydration' Melanie Dox.

The knot in Dox's stomach released just a bit only to be replaced by a bit of embarrassment at overreacting. "Sorry... Um..." Melanie let out a small sigh.

"It's okay, Melanie... do you know why I always seem to be one step ahead of you?" Rita smiled a funny little quirky smile that was full of obvious masked insecurity, a surprising expression to see on the confident commander's face. "It's because whatever chatter is happening in your head, it's probably very similar to the one that would be happening in my head if I were in your shoes. It's just empathy, Miss Dox. Everyone can do it if they try- it's just that most folks are having too much trouble keeping it together themselves to be considering how the other person is feeling. Not a shortcoming, just an oft true fact of life. Which brings me to my next point."

"I spoke a bit with Sonak, and I advised him of your situation. In my defense, I did breach your trust, but he was going to find out then next time we touched, and I assume you understand that?" As she spoke Paris realized that Dox more than likely was unaware of the telepathic bond she and Sonak shared through touch, and that she was actually stumbling a bit in this explanation.

Smiling slightly, Melaine turned towards Rita and shook her head. "No breach of trust. Honestly. I've watched you two at dinner... I remember the stories you both told. You're like...one person when you're together. It's... kind of amazing to watch."

Looking down slightly with a thoughtful look on her face, Dox continued. "I... trust you, Rita. Otherwise I wouldn't have... everything I let out... Let you see. I may second guess myself and everything. But I trust you. So... that means I trust who you trust."

A frank and warm smile settled on the face of the human explorer. "I know how hard it is for you to open up and to trust, so I genuinely appreciate that, Dox." Reaching over, she patted the wrung-out pilots hand. "I guess I do pick up a bit from him and he from me when we're together. It's..." Rita paused to look up at the overhead, searching for some way to relate the experience to her friend. "It is simply beyond human experience. I know him like I will never know anyone else in this life, as he knows me. We understand and celebrate one another, and in our diversity is our strength."

Watching Rita speak about the love of her life made Melanie smile that much broader.

"But that's not what this is all about," Rita Paris blushed a bit, the rush of affection even talking about Sonak brought to her shining through in her all-too human reactions. "To use one of the captain's styles of metaphor, I got you through the emotional storm, helped guide you out of those dangerous waters. Now has come the dawn, and you need to chart a course from here."

"I'm good for a lot of advice, but really, this is his strong suit. You need logic, the wisdom of the Masters of Gol, a capacious and encyclopedic storehouse of knowledge whose sole purpose in life is to learn, to share that knowledge, and whose very greeting often involves, 'we come to serve'. It can't hurt. Have a chat with him. I asked if he'd be willing and he is, but the choice is entirely up to you. I'm not pulling rank on this- it's just an offer. Because really, I think he could help. He wants to, we both do. Because that's what Starfleet shipmates do."

Sitting back, Melanie's expression turned to one of contemplation. She thought it over for what felt like a full minute. "Okay." She replied simply.

Turning back towards Rita, she reinforced the decision with a bit more confidence. "Absolutely."

"Okay then," Rita grinned, happy to see some of Dox' confidence returning. Plucking at the humorous white top, the first officer's expression turned a bit more chagrined. "If you don't mind, I am going to use your shower and grab a clean uniform, because I have to go be on deck as a sterling example of Starfleet pride at 07:00 hours. Take a few minutes, have some water or coffee or tea or whatever starts your day and I'll be out in a flash."

"Huh? Oh, yeah. Of course." Melanie gestured lightly with her head towards the direction of the shower, though she knew Rita obviously knew where it was. "Whatever you need to do. I'll be in the main... Ya' know... over there."

Standing up, Melanie was still a bit out of it from the night before and headed into the main living area of her quarters. "Did you want anything?" The perpetually anxious pilot asked.

"30 ounces of water, a cup of coffee black with two sugars and a fresh uniform in my size would be spectacular," Paris called as she pulled the t-shirt off over her head, shrugging out of the yoga pants in a surprisingly deft motion. "I'll be quick..."

"Uh... A... aye... Commander." The somewhat official, if stuttered reply was all Melanie could manage as she quickly turned to go over to her replicator. If struggling with the implications of learning that her body had been surgically altered as a child wasn't enough, now the short, rotund young part-Romulan officer now had the image of the voluptuous curves of Rita Paris' statuesque frame in her head.

As she ordered up Rita's request from the replicator, Dox looked down at her own unimpressive, thick middle that a lifetime of diet and exercise couldn't quite crack and moaned lightly. She placed the items on the bed and nightstand for Rita, then went back and ordered a basic vanilla breakfast shake for herself and began to pace around her largely bare quarters.

She paused in front of the workout dummy in the corner. Across the molded, rubber-like face of the pale blue simulacrum were a series of dark greenish brown streaks. Her own blood from attacking the dummy wildly the night before. Taking a drink, she looked down at her knuckles, bruised but re-bandaged from the night before. The fresh bandage was no doubt the result of Rita Paris' care the night before, applied after Melanie had passed out from exhaustion.

Grabbing an antibacterial wipe from the replicator, she wiped the dried blood clear from the dummies face.

Two minutes later Paris poked her head out of the bedroom. "I'm an idiot. Computer, please replicate Paris standard undies set including hosiery, thank you." As the replicator hummed to life Rita Paris made eye contact with Dox. "If you wouldn't mind, Miss Dox? I can do the hands over the naughty bits dance with the best of them, but I would appreciate a hand if you wouldn't mind terribly?"

It was a reminder that while she was built like a bombshell and often surprisingly liberated, at heart Rita Paris was a bit of a prurient prude, although she tended to be very non-judgmental about other's practices.

Turning a deep tan and she blushed at the idea, Dox fumbled for a moment to find the proper words. In spite of her bombshell appearance, Melanie tended to think of Paris as both an excellent First Officer and a good friend, bordering on something of a big sister with a body she seriously envied. Now, however, she couldn't help but really notice how attractive Rita really was. On one hand, it triggered many of her own body image issues, but on the other hand Dox was still a fairly young woman with a fluid sexuality where gender or even species was concerned and the anxious knot that lived in her stomach tightened for a completely different reason.

But this was Rita Paris, and ultimately Melanie just couldn't think of her in any sense beyond the familial at this point. She smiled, getting over her extremely brief initial reaction and responded. "Sure thing. What do you need?"

"Uh, grab my undies and run them over here so I can get dressed?" Rita laughed musically, amused at the situation she was in which was of her own creation, and her unwillingness to wear the same underwear for two days in a row. "Oh, and toss me my uniform please?"

Picking up the replicated undergarments, Melanie walked them over and handed the to Rita, now comfortably past her initial insecurity. "Here you go. And I folded the uniform and put it on the bed."

Smiling, Dox pointed slightly behind the Commander to gesture to the freshly replicated uniform behind her. "And your coffee's on the nightstand." Then the young pilot stepped back into the main room to give Rita as much privacy as she preferred.

"Why thank you, Miss Dox! Your hospitality is top notch. Be out in a jiffy!" Paris accepted the rest of her uniform from her hostess, then tabbed the door controls.

Precisely fifty-three seconds later Rita Paris emerged, dirty casual clothes mostly stuffed into the empty water tumbler in one hand and her coffee in the other. She looked fresh-faced and ready for duty, though there were dark circles under her eyes from lack of sleep. Striding over to the replicator, the old-school officer jammed the compact bundle into the replicator and sent the matter back to storage. Then the crimson-clad commander stood up, one-handed straightened her skirt then stepped with a much more casual stride across the empty space of the quarters to Melanie Dox.

"You're sure you're okay with this? Having a talk with Sonak. I mean, clearly, I think it's a good idea. Y'see," Rita Paris paused to compose how to say what she wished to relate. Her expression went from curious to annoyed to resigned acceptance. Those bright blue eyes came up to make eye contact with Dox once again. "When I met him I was a bundle of damage and neurosis. I was still pretty screwed up- from being a ghost, still terrified of transporters but trying to deal with it by transporting anyway, still very messed up from my daddy issues. I was a train wreck. Seriously. And trying to work as the navigator of a starship that was in drydock and quarantined. I couldn't even get torpedo inventories because no one was allowed aboard to count them! Anyway..."

"Sonak of Vulcan is an amazing philosopher with a very keen understanding of the human condition," Rita performed a little mock curtsy, then pointed at Dox with the coffee cup. "In addition to knowing a little bit of nearly everything else. So my thought is that you have two heritages, Miss Dox. I represent one part in this discussion, and I've had my say and helped you in the tradition of our people. Sonak is not a Romulan, but the Romulans and the Vulcans are cousins. He understands their physiognomy and culture. You have questions, he's probably got answers. That's why I asked him to come. The choice was and still remains yours, but I follow my intuition, my human instinct, my gut, call it what you like, and it said this was the right plan. You with me, Miss Dox?"

"I appreciate the thought and... I think it's a good idea." Melanie smiled her usual awkward grin. She was nervous but it wasn't a level of nervous that was going to stop her from trying to do what she knew was the best course of action. She knew she needed help beyond the emotional support she had received from her shipmates so far. Asa Dael not only saved her life in sickbay but had been a friendly hand every step of her recovery. Even Lieutenant Commander Thex, the ship's engineer and second officer, had offered a friendly ear if Melanie wanted to talk. Rita herself, of course, had been instrumental in helping her through the worst of her emotional breakdown the night before. But Melanie knew that she needed more help if she was ever going to come to grips with her identity and heritage, and agreed that Sonak was the most qualified person to offer assistance in ways nobody else could.

"Emotions I have well and truly covered. But I think I could... really use some serious logic right now to help me get out of my own head, ya' know?" She chuckled slightly as she spoke, hoping that Rita understood. Which she so clearly did.

"Indeed. Okay Miss Dox, unless I am sorely incorrect, you do enjoy the water and a steamy shower. Go take yourself a very long, very luxuriant shower, brush your teeth, do what makes you comfortable, and when you are finished, Sonak will be here." The friendly first officer held up a finger to make a point.

"You are not keeping him waiting, so don't rush on his account. He wants you to be prepared for a conversation and to ask your questions, not for you to get out of his hair. You are not imposing, you have the day off, and he is eight hours ahead of schedule on any duties he might have, so you are not keeping Mr. Sonak from anything. This is time that he wants and has chosen to spend helping you find your way. Understood?"

It was clear that Rita was right about knowing what Dox was thinking more often than not. She grinned and let out a chuckling sigh. "Understood."

"Oh, and don't worry about saying anything stupid. He has dozens of variations of it, but he believes there is no such thing as a stupid question; but there can be stupid answers." Drawing herself erect, Rita's expression became somber as she recited his words verbatim, from a recent memory. Even her cadence and enunciation changed in a reasonably uncanny impression of the kolinahr. "Posing questions and discarding them is an answer in itself; that the question needs to be further thought about in order to truly lead to a valid answer. And that is the basis of wisdom; not to know all the answers, but to understand the questions."

Then she smiled and waggled her eyebrows, back to the cheerful second in command of the USS Hera once more.

"That's my guy. Now go, shoo, shower and I'm out of here. Give me a hug, eh? You've really been through a lot and I am very, very proud of how you are handling it." Rita added, having saved it for last because she knew it was going to make her tear up. But like whenever she spoke, there was no false sentiment nor even omission. It was just earnest and honest, from the heart.

As expected, tears welled up in the conflicted young woman's eyes as Melanie Dox hugged Rita. "Thank you again... really. Thank you."

"It's why we're here, Miss Dox. We come to serve."

The first message had arrived at 19:21.

CDRPARIS: Dox is having a breakdown, needs a shoulder. Have to skip dinner tonight for big sister time. How is your primary experiment proceeding?

The reply came exactly fifty-three seconds later.

CSOSONAK: experiment proceeding according to established parameters. Results expected in four point seven hours. Do not concern yourself with my sustenance but do not forget yours. Human physiology is not as resilient to deprivation as the Vulcan one is. If it is not intruding, may I inquire as to the nature of Dox' emotional distress requiring your mentoring?

Rita tapped out the reply with a smile. It might not seem romantic to some, but his concern for her well being and interest in her life were always signs that he cared, and they always made her happy. As she tapped out the reply, she made a note to herself to eat later.

CDRPARIS: Unknown at this time, although I suspect personal crisis over work-related possibility. No sign of problems dealing with her position, so I believe this to be personal. I promise I will not neglect my nutrition. I anticipate the results of your experiment with excitement.


The next message came through at 20:03.

CDRPARIS: Emotional personal crisis is rather significantly life-altering. Dox has requested not to be alone, so I will stay with her through the night to watch over her and safeguard from nightmares in her quarters. Please remember to take nourishment and hydration breaks while you work.

Without needing to tend to Rita's needs, Sonak tended to use any extra time in his day to work- after all, he required far less sleep than she did. His adjustment to her waking and sleeping cycle was more a concession to them spending time together, caring for her human needs, far less than he himself requiring rest and nutrition. Which she understood quite clearly, and appreciated dearly that he did so for her. So in this case, the most considerate thing she could do was inform him that she would not be home for their nightly rituals, and offer him an unexpected block of time for his current crop of experiments, and overseeing the rest of the research being done by the scientists of the USS Hera.

Plus she was keeping her messages professional, as of course he did, which was how they communicated while on duty.

Like clockwork, his reply came again precisely fifty-three seconds after she had pushed the send button.

CSOSONAK: acknowledged. Do not be concerned with my well-being; personal work routine already includes sustenance necessities. I understand the emotional needs of both your species. Your absence will be felt but accepted as a requirement of a crew mate's well-being and recognition of your admirable empathy. We come to serve.

Although he could not feel emotion, the kolinahr master perfectly understood it on an intellectual level; and perhaps even deeper than he himself was ready to admit, following his mindlink to his human mate and their frequent melding of bodies, senses, minds and souls. Not only was he accepting her devotion to her friend and subordinate, but he was most gratified to see her having now gained back so much emotional stability herself to be able to help others. This was a significant personal improvement he could only but admire in her.

The logic of his choice to be her mate was therefore once again more than justified.


The next message came through to the science chief at 22:13.

CDRPARIS: Dox is through the worst of it and seems to be sleeping now. I’ll stay with her, in case she has nightmares or wakes up, I don’t want her to be alone. But I wanted you to know that I miss you and I am thinking of you. It’s our first night apart since you found me.

The words were simple, but the subtext broad.

The expected answer came at the expected time:

CSOSONAK: Parted but never apart. Now and forever our minds touching. A whole timespace reality could not keep us away from each other; thus, a mere night is statistically insignificant enough to be considered irrelevant. Take care of her. Duty to a crewmate is more than just a job. Your presence in my mind is enough to take care of me until we are together again.

Again, the message was received with a smile. Vulcans were not known to be reassuring- in fact, often stating the facts could be unnerving to those prone to emotional responses. But this was no impassionate, dry response- logical it was, and factual. Yet it was Sonak reassuring her that he would be fine, and reminding her that one night apart would not be that long, given everything they had overcome to remain together through the years.

Which was true, and she knew that intellectually. Emotionally, she was still working to convince herself that one night apart was no big deal. She was a grown woman, and she had it much better than most. While so many like Dox came home to an empty quarters, her lifemate was always nearby, and perennially willing to make time for her. Rita Paris did not sleep alone, as Sonak was always within arm’s reach. Yet as she sat on the floor staring at the message chain, she sighed to herself.

It was one night. No big deal. Sonak would be fine, she would be fine, and Dox needed her. Not like she would abandon a shipmate in need, particularly not a friend. But curling up in the chair that had come with the bedroom set, Rita was definitely having trouble sleeping without the calming touch of the Vulcan master of logic in her mind, and in her soul.


The next message came through at 03:13.

CDRPARIS: Woke up without you and was startled. Have eased Dox back to sleep twice, so good that I was here. Still miss you though… you are still awake and working, yes? I am not disturbing you? I miss when I could feel you and always knew where you were on the ship.

Since they had reunited, she had tried not to speak of the diminished bond which they shared in this universe, grateful to have him beside her once more. But in the wee hours of the morning, she admitted it to him.

Her Vulcan husband acknowledged a moment later.

CSOSONAK: It was certainly... convenient. But to live is to adapt. We shall live... together... always. It is gratifying to see that your involvement with Dox is worthwhile. And you are never a disturbance. I took a moment to meditate before the conclusion of the experiment. Result negative, as was expected. We shall resume research when the next duty shift reports in.

CDRPARIS: Are you in Science Lab 7? Or your office lab? Or inspecting one of your department's many experiments?

Now she was just being chatty. Though it was the middle of the night, and he was awake, rested after a moment of meditation, which was still a wonder to her even now. So it was theoretically their time. The kolinahr had already reassured her that she was not a disturbance, as he was not doing anything critical. But in truth he meant it in a much deeper sense, that she could not be a disturbance to him, which warmed her heart and encouraged her to sneak in a little time with him.

CSOSONAK: department lab 4; physics studies, particle experiment 3-5-7-4 about cosmic quantum resonance. We just eliminated an invalid hypothesis, moving on to the next; standard scientific research procedure.

He knew her own science background was somewhat more extensive than basic Academy and officer training because of her exceptional space experience serving in Starfleet. But he knew also that theoretical physics and quantum mechanics were beyond even her working knowledge. Thus, he didn't bother her with the minute details that he and fellow scientists found fascinating; but he had enough respect for her not to dismiss her lack of deep scientific knowledge by not giving her at least a proper explanation of his work. Would she be interested, she would ask further questions; if not, then at least she would know what he was doing with adequate precision to judge for herself if it warranted her interest or not.

Respecting her was as much a part of their relationship as mutual attraction was. And so was also mutual concern.

CSOSONAK: Is your presence with Dox adequately helping her? Is it any strain on you and if so, may I be of assistance?

CDRPARIS: 09:00 would be an ideal time for some meditation exercises and counseling. Miss Dox is learning her Romulan heritage may be considerably stronger than it appears, and she is having something of an entirely understandable existential crisis of racial identity. As likely a greater expert on Romulans and their culture than she herself, your insights would likely prove invaluable, as well as your philosophy. I will suggest it and cancel if she refuses.

CDRPARIS: Your concern for my well-being makes my soul swell with joy. This is no strain- she is my charge, my friend, and she needs me- we come to serve. How many nights did you watch over me, calm me, soothe me, reassure me, hold me when I cried like a child despite all logic. How could I do less for one in need?

It had taken Rita a few moments to compose the first message, because she had restarted it four times. Such an amazing man. Compassion for Dox. Concern for her, and an offer of assistance, because if he could, he genuinely wanted to help. Because that grey heart that beat in his chest was filled with compassion for his fellow sentients. As he explored the universe, he tried to make it a better place, to help others help themselves. The starship siren called him her hero, but it was not in jest. In every way, Sonak of Vulcan was the best person she had ever met, who somehow had room in his heart for her.

His reply was no surprise to her.

CSOSONAK: A quite logical stance; and one worthy of your humanity. Concern for the well-being of our fellow sentient beings is at the very core of sentience, the seed of civilization and morality and the higher level of consciousness for any living entity.

There was a pause before he added:

CSOSONAK: If I may be of any help to your friend, I will of course oblige. However, my knowledge of Rihansuu culture and nature may be extensive, but it is purely academic. It all comes only from what the Federation Science Council and the Vulcan Science Academy here collected in the last century, at best correlated with what I know of Vulcan History. The closest I have actually been to one of her kind is her. Remember, where we came from, we had barely discovered their true nature and origin when the USS Enterprise confronted the intruding warbird with it's experimental cloaking device and plasma torpedo near the Neutral Zone barely a few years back. But if that may prove useful, I shall openly share with her.

CDRPARIS: Understood. I suspect that your academic knowledge may be greater than her understanding. Regardless, you are held in high esteem by your shipmates as a philosopher, scientist and officer. I believe she may be fearful of facing prejudice as a Romulan, and bear some ignorance of her own culture and how it is perceived by the galaxy. She looks up to you- while I can offer emotional succor through the breakdown, I feel in the light of the new morning, facts and logic are called for to sweep away misinformation and bring calm clarity, with some guided meditation techniques that tend to benefit anyone. There could be none better suited than you to let her ask her questions and find some answers tempered by compassion- at least no one on this starship.

Leave it to Sonak to admit that his knowledge of a subject was not from firsthand observation, ergo not truly comprehensive. He had studied at the modern Science Academy and at Starfleet Academy- unlike his human bride, he had extensively investigated the past 130 years of history and gleaned considerable knowledge. What she knew of the Romulans was from the Enterprise's reports she'd read, as well as the first Romulan war with the Federation, history even in her time. What she did know was Melanie Dox, and she suspected the young woman would react well to some refreshing logic with a dose of compassion in the morning.

Who better indeed than the grey-eyed scientist whom she suspected was on a similar pillar in the young officer's mind? Sonak tended not to realize how others perceived him, and the awe he tended to inspire as a Vulcan who was no intellectual snob, looking down upon those of lesser intellect. Instead he was wise, compassionate and optimistic, while still being brilliant and knowledgeable- a Vulcan who gave Vulcans a good name in his travels across the universes.

His answer was no surprise to her.

CSOSONAK: I have completed my standard duties and implemented routine procedures in the science department. Until the captain gives new orders, I am at both Dox and your disposal. Contact me when either Dox or you deem it most appropriate. I shall provide whatever adequate assistance I can that you shall name. Is there anything that you yourself would need?

Her answer was equally unsurprising.

CDRPARIS: I'll give her the night- better bad sleep than no sleep. Come by at 06:50 and we can trade out shifts, I'll have her up, face washed and having made a consented decision to see you, and we can trade shifts. As for what I need?

CDRPARIS: Just you.

CDRPARIS: All I'll ever need is you.