Star Trek RPG - Mission #4: "Codex Aelyrr"

In the wink of an eye, the alien turns, points the disruptor straight at the Klingon's head and shoots. There is a spray of purple blood.

It rasps, "I am Eris of the Aelyrr. This one attacked and boarded my ship. He killed my sister. He tried to kill me. He is a Klingon, and deserved to die. If you are truly here to help and not [untranslatable], come with me to stop his shipmates." Without waiting for a reply, it bounds down the hallway on all fours in the direction you were moving before.

Graham looks from Nia to Collins and back.

"Not exactly Starfleet protocol, but if some Klingon killed one of my sisters I can't say I wouldn't harbor some hostile feelings myself," he says, shrugging and bending down quickly to check the body for other weapons or intel. He glances at Nia while rifling the Klingon's pockets. "Orders, ma'am?"

Nia doesn't respond to Graham immediately but grabs her communicator. She is more shaken by having someone point a disruptor at her crewmate than the abrupt act of vengeance she saw just now. "Onn to Yorktown," she says over an open channel, fully aware the scout ship might be listening. "One Klingon's dead. You may wish to pass this information to the Klingon ship: they're not merely fighting Starfleet, but against a race who's just as liable to kill an unconscious Klingon as a conscious one. I don't know if they care, but it seems worth mentioning."

There's a hesitation, and then a quiet voice Nia recognizes as Ensign Kylah responds. "Death without honor is equally as bad as retreat to their culture... so I have read, anyway. Perhaps if they want their soldier's body back for a proper Klingon farewell, we can negotiate."

Nia smiles hollowly. Nice to see someone studying up on their knowledge of other cultures. "Affirmative. If our crew can beam this dead Klingon away to the Yorktown, please do so." She shoves the communicator away and retrieves her phaser, then starts to follow the Aelyrr, her head glancing back to Booker.

"Okay, Ensign Graham, since you asked. My first order is to get to the Klingons before Fluffy McWhiskers turns them into kibble. And yes, I'm aware that I look like what you'd call a salamander now, so feel free to joke all you want about my hypocrisy.

"My second order is to listen next time I suggest a plan. That point strategy clogged us all so that no one had room to shoot. Oh, and for the record, I'm counting that stun as mine. Leader's prerogative." She smiles wickedly at Booker, challenging him to argue with her at his peril. Then she looks at the ACoS.

"And my third order is, Collins, in the name of whatever deity you do or don't believe in, don't aim your phaser at someone we're trying to help unless he's aiming it at us first!" She softens the reprimand with a rueful smile at Collins, woman to woman. "Nearly got us a bunch of new ugly-toothed enemies on top of the Klingons."

Nia gestures with her head toward the opening to what is likely another corridor. "Now c'mon, folks. We're off. Same order, but hopefully different mindset this time. Rangin, I'm sure I can hear you grinding your teeth from here, so you can tell me how I screwed up that First Contact as we go." She hops over the corpse and runs. "Let's move!"

T'Var confirms that the Klingon is dead of massive head trauma.

Graham finds a communicator, a small animal-skin bag containing three gems, a d'k tahg dagger and an unfamiliar gadget, a little bigger than a Starfleet communicator, on the Klingon's body.

Onn receives a coded text from the Yorktown: All communications should be via this method, per Capt. Singh's earlier orders. Stand by for transport of the Klingon's body. Be careful, and good luck. THALEN.

http://memory-alpha.wikia.com/wiki/D'k_tahg

"Any landing you can walk away from, ma'am." replies Rangin who's only view of the alien had been around Collins' side, while stuck in the room.

So much for a discussion of what to do next , as he checks on the tricorder for the nearby telltale signs of Klingon. He'd keep his idea in mind for the moment.

After Nia stops and reads the communication from Thalen, she almost laughs as she practically tosses the device back on her duty belt. And who requested coded communications in the first place? Hey geniuses, it's called purposeful leaking of information. I swear, Singh's almost as bad as Vargas, sitting on their brains all day, always conveniently absent when there's actual work to be done. When was the last time they were useful anyway, when Cochrane invented warp drive?

She gladly puts the senior officers out of her mind and responds quietly to Rangin. "Good to know, thanks. Looks like we learned nothing out of that encounter other than the name of their species--and please send that info back to the Yorktown, coded of course, that's very important--and that whatsername was right, they do seem to be connected to the Caitians after all."

I guess we also learned that these aliens aren't particularly grateful to people trying to pull their asses out of danger, even though they're the ones who begged for help. Oh well, not the first time our assistance isn't appreciated, won't be the last. All part of the job.

She nods at Rangin's tricorder. "How many Klingons do you see ahead, and how far? Ditto the, uh, Aelyrr?" While she waits on his reply, she turns to Graham. "What do you think, is that device their version of a communicator? Strange that it's not familiar to us, considering we've all dealt with Klingons before. Wonder if this is stolen tech, or something new. Anyone have ideas?" She glances over the whole group. "That question's open to everyone. We have to follow, that's obvious, but don't forget what I said earlier--I'm not big for standing on ceremony, so if you have thoughts, I want to hear them."

None of the landing party has seen this particular gadget before. It does seem consistent with general Klingon design, but is apparently not another communicator. Rawlings says, "Klingon warriors tend to travel light, especially for boarding-party duty. There'd be no reason for him to be carrying two communicators."

The Klingon's body is beamed back to the Yorktown.

Rangin sees four other Klingon lifesigns ahead, in the direction Eris went, and five - no, now four - Aelyrr. The readings are still somewhat jumbled but all seem to be within 200 to 250 meters of you. One Aelyrr, presumably Eris, is apart from the others, but moving towards them.

T'Var confirms Rangin's readings and says, "Eris may need further assistance. We should do our best to prevent any additional loss of life."

Other than nodding her head in agreement with T'Var, Collins says and does nothing until Onn gives the order to move.

No, really, T'Var? We should prevent the loss of life? The hell you say. Nia is both amused and frustrated by the Vulcan propensity for pronouncing the most obvious remarks as if they're pearls of wisdom that lesser organisms have yet to learn. Then again, the same could be said for most of of the medical professionals Nia's known. The combination of Vulcans' innate sense of superiority and a medical degree just amplifies the condescension--although Nia's pretty sure T'Var, whom she likes, doesn't realize she's doing it.

So she just thanks T'Var and snaps her head to the man beside her: "Rangin, please contact Ferguson and ask why the hell he can transport dead Klingon bodies but not live ones. Double-T, you never told me you had such an impressive grasp of Klingon tech--not that I'm complaining. How about you take a crack at figuring out what that doodad is? Graham, please toss that thing to Rawlings. And Double-T, swap places with T'Var and work with Rangin. It might be some anti-transport technology, although Ferguson said it was the radiation that was causing the problem, not some unknown tech."

She looks at Booker. "Now let's get going. I think we'd better use the bounding overwatch method I mentioned before, unless the situation is vastly different. We keep alternating, no one's just gonna stand there soaking up phaser fire for the team. All that does is clog up the hallways and block our guys' views, as we saw. Anyone wants to pass along another idea, do it quietly as we move." Nia gestures with her phaser for Graham to lead off.

"I'm guessing the crew don't really have access to any sidearms, so unless we hurry, we're going to be trying to work out this ship with no assistance. Sooner the Klingons are neutralised, the better."

Rangin sends a coded message back to the Yorktown, with details of the species including their similarity to the Caitians, and to possible ask on two requests. One to Roble asking to what impact turning Dr Brold's sensor on the ships would have. Does Dr Brold think it would it black out sensor's on both sides? One, to to Ferguson as to why he can now transport out the dead body, whether the interference had gone.

Meanwhile, all Rangin can do is keep a lid on his emotions, because there was a new species...right there in front of him...and all he got see is the back of Collins due to the door before it had headed off.

When Onn gestures for Graham to advance, Collins is ready to follow a few steps behind. She looks to Onn and and tilts her head in the direction Graham is moving to ask if she should go next or let Onn go ahead of her.

Nia nods, interpreting Collins's gesture. "Yes, you're still second--you're still probably a better shot than I am. I got lucky by having that Klingon right on top of me. No cracks, Double-T," she adds with an arch look at Rawlings. She almost pushes Collins forward. "So yeah, go!"

Graham had only shrugged at the strange Klingon object before tossing it to Rawlings, saying "Afraid the only things Klingon I'm familiar with are obvious weapons."

It seems to him that there are too many closed doors to make Nia's choice of formation optimal--though she's right, on opening any given door it may turn out to be better. But what's optimal? Graham's inclined to think playing it safe.

He briefly wonders if her orders reflect her instincts as a pilot. Flyboys are typically more flamboyant than ground pounder...probably helps when cutting loose in the former case means a barrel roll at a thousands of kilometers per hour while in the latter it means hoofing it and hoping you don't blow out a hamstring...

Either way it doesn't matter at the moment: prerogatives of command. He acknowledges her gesture with a "understood, ma'am," and starts moving forward.

Roble replies to Rangin in a coded text from the ship, Will check on possible Caitian connection - get closeup scan of Aelyrr if at all possible. Doubt using radio astronomy sensor on two nearby ships would help, and would definitely hurt bioreadings from here. Captain says don't, at least for now. ROBLE.

Ferguson replies, Transporter interference completely gone as to that Klingon body (now on its way to morgue). Not sure why. FERGUSON.

Rawlings tells Onn, "I'd rather not be carrying a Klingon gadget that they might lock onto and beam away - and me with it. OK if I leave it here, ma'am?"

The Yorktown boarding party moves forward. The corridor makes a 90-degree turn to starboard. It then goes another 20 meters and ends in another door. There are two doors on each side of the corridor here. You hear a Klingon disruptor blast somewhere ahead of you, then another.

Rangin takes receipt of the two messages and ponders their respective meanings. Looks like his plan for the sensor is a no go. As for the Klingon, it may quite possibly be the result of that device preventing the transportation of the holder. It would be easy enough to prove with the next set they encounter.

As they head down the corridor, Rangin continues to scan for lifeforms so he can point out where they are and which doors they are behind. Should make life easier if they don't have to stop at every possible opening to check it out.

Nia holds one fist upwards, telling the group to halt. "Drop the device, Double-T, then ask Ferguson to beam it up to the Yorktown, assuming he can get a bead on it. Make sure to tell him if he does get it onto the transporter pad, Roble should take a good scan but don't let anyone touch it. Then again, their shields will be back up as soon as it's on the ship, so... well, let Roble decide what's safest."

She turns to Rangin. "Is your sensor any help in deciding where to go next? Or are the doors too close to judge which one leads to the most Klingons and Aelyrrs?" Her gaze shifts to take in Booker. It's hard to believe only hours ago they were lying nearly naked beside one another. "I don't want us to get separated," she says, still ostensibly talking to Rangin, "but if we can't figure out which is the magic door, we might have to."

Rangin slowly sweeps the area with the tricorder trying to narrow down the options. The last thing he wants to do is split the group especially, if it meant being stuck with Graham.

"So, if the transporter works now," Collins stage-whispers to Onn, so the others can hear, "since Ferguson beamed the dead guy away, couldn't he lock onto all the Klingons and beam 'em all to our brig?"

What the hell...? Nia is beginning to worry about Collins. Is she having hearing trouble or is her head not in the game? She contains her emotions since getting frustrated right now could worsen the younger woman's nerves.

"That's what I asked Rangin to ask Ferguson before. Didn't exactly get a yes or no answer, but all signs point to that gizmo being a transporter blocker of some kind. Once it was taken off, the body was able to be moved. My guess is that they all have one of those things. The real question ia why don't we have that tech? Would've come in handy for a certain ensign back on Anubis."

Hoping she was tactful enough...although tact is on short supply right now... she waits impatiently for the sensor to do its job.

Graham nods at Nia, then resumes covering the various doors with his phaser.

He keeps his face neutral, not sure whether the prospect of himself or Nia getting stuck with Rangin bothers him more.

Rangin's tricorder readings are little better than before. There are still four Klingon lifesigns ahead (although now to your left), in the direction Eris presumably continued, and four Aelyrr. The readings are still somewhat jumbled but all seem to be within 200 meters or so. A single Aelyrr is now considerably closer to the others. Rangin can't be sure, but it appears that there are no lifesigns directly behind any of the five doors you can now see.

Rawlings puts down the Klingon gadget and sends a text back to the ship. He quickly gets this response: Unable to lock on. The device itself is preventing transporter lock. FERGUSON.

The alien ship shakes a little underfoot. T'Var checks her medical tricorder and says, "Radiation levels have just risen 3%, but are still in the safe zone."

You hear more Klingon disruptor fire off to your left and ahead.

"All right," Nia says, shoulder twitching at the sound of the disruptor. "I really don't want us to split up, since that means three against four Klingons for the lucky--or I should say, unlucky--group who runs in the right direction. So I'm going to say the farthest door to the left is the better option." She moves to the door and waits for Booker to do the honors. "We can at least head down this corridor and see if we're getting warmer. Unless anyone objects, Graham, go for it."

Before anyone moves, however, she kicks the Klingon device down the hall away from them, then aims her phaser. "If we don't get to play with it, they can't either," she mutters, and blasts the Klingon whatever-it-is.

Graham gives Nia a nod and a thumbs-up--with conviction, this time.

Debating points would;t be appropriate anyway, but in this case he agrees with her decision: Klingons, potentially uncooperative aliens...good call.

The gadget disintegrates with a loud "bang" and a shower of sparks.

Graham goes through the door and sees that it is an machinery and ducting accessway of some kind. Just beyond he sees that it joins up with another corridor which is almost perpendicular to it, running left and right. He hears another Klingon disruptor blast, more distinctly now, somewhere off to his right.

Rangin sees another Aelyrr lifesign wink out on his tricorder display.

Rangin makes a noise of disgust and readings he is getting. "Typical in these situations," he mutters to himself as he tries to clarify the details displaying on the tricorder.

"Sorry ma'am, I can't tell if the Klingons are together or in the two groups of two as they were earlier. Also, I'm amazed they are managing to kill the Aelyrr at such a rate. I guess they are fighting up front rather than sniping."

Rangin looks up from the tricorder back to the group. "Nope, can't tell which door would be the right one either, any to the left or in front are likely to be in the ri...correct direction, but there's too much interference to tell. All I can say is that Eris is over that way somewhere, Rangin waves an arm in the general direction, "and should be encountering the Klingons very shortly given proximity."

Graham points toward the right and moves up toward the intersection. Prior to peeking around around the corner facing right he waves Collins forward and signals for her to take the left side: pointing at her, then two fingers pointed at his eyes, and then pointing at the left-hand side of the "t."

Rangin refines his tricorder's scan and sees with some confidence that the four Klingon and five Aelyrr lifesigns are now closely grouped together, and are within 30 meters of him. Eris appears to have joined the others. T'Var confirms these readings.

Onn gets a text: Be advised, sensors show problems developing with Aelyrr drive core. Could be overload risk in next 15-20 minutes. Radiation levels still safe. Will keep you posted. ROBLE.

Moments later, the lights go out. Pale blue emergency lights come on, but dimly.

Despite this, Graham sees the corridor extends about ten meters ahead of him, ending in another door. There are no other doors in this area. He hears a Klingon disruptor burst and the door is blasted towards him, crashing against the bulkhead to his left before slamming to the deck with a loud CRASH just a meter ahead of him.

You all hear but cannot see a Klingon shouting angrily, "Get off me, damn you, get off me!" and an Aelyrr with a quavery voice say, "You cannot take it - you must not!"

Collins nods at Graham and takes up her position. Then when the shouting starts, she looks to Onn and Graham and nods in the direction of the shouts indicating they should move that way post haste.

Nia rushes forward to join the rest, beckoning the other three behind her and annoyed that, yet again, Booker treats Collins as the only member of the team. Gotta ask about that. Mentor/student, brother/sister, fuckbuddies or what? Did she save his life somewhere and he thinks of her as some kinda super-soldier? Otherwise I'm just not getting it.

Once she emerges from the access hallway she finds herself clad in dim blue darkness. The message from Roble brings still more good news. As she runs it through her mind for a proper plan, she waits for her eyes to adjust. Like most of the Ne race on Sidonia's Southwest continent, she derives some physiological benefits from their reptilian ancestors, manifesting itself in her vision as being highly sensitive to color. Glancing ahead she sees an exaggerated version of Booker and Collins's red uniform tops, and Collins's hair looks bright orange. But their faces are barely visible.

She looks back for the bright blue figures of T'Var and Rangin and the massive red form of Rawlings. In a whisper she reports the alarming text to Rangin. "If we can't clear this room of Klingons, our priority is to get to Engineering by ourselves and let the fighters do their thing. Got it?"

Looking down, she sees the gold of her own dress as if it's lit from within. No advantage. She strips herself bare, covered in scales that have now turned dark silver, and effectively seems very nearly invisible except for what used to be the whites of her eyes, now a gray-blue.

She removes her inhaler--a bright white that ruins the camouflage effect--and turns back to Rangin. "Pocket this for me, will you?" she whispers, first taking a long breath before relinquishing it. Then she moves forward, naked not for the first time on a mission. She doesn't even think of it anymore. Her phaser is tucked under her arm, her communicator hidden in her left hand.

The sound of the Klingon's words makes her frown. It seems unlike Klingons to make such requests or orders while fighting; they shoot or wrestle or use their swords while cursing their enemies, they rarely reveal petty frustration or annoyance.

Nia slinks up just behind Booker and Collins and whispers, "Speed is essential. Clock is ticking before their drive core overloads. Make sure you give the rest of us a path inside this time. I can crawl ahead to get behind and flank the enemy, they probably won't be able to see me in this darkness."

Graham does a momentary double take when he realizes Nia is naked but for her scales, but quickly recovers.

He whispers quickly, gesturing as he does it to illustrate his points. "For speed--recommend he go in hard. I'm front breaking left, Collins front breaking right. Rawlings right behind and center--you're literally at his heels, breaking left or right as you see fit. These cat things are getting wasted by the minute anyway, going in shooting and maybe stunning a couple in the process is better than everybody dying in a core breach."

Nodding, Nia waits for Rangin, T'Var and Rawlings to catch up. "I'll go in whatever direction gets me closest to the wall, and stay low. Announce who we are--Eris will hopefully remember we're on their side, but we don't want to double our enemies. I'm getting a weird feeling..."

She doesn't finish, just shakes her head. Truth is, Nia doesn't feel comfortable with these Aelyrr. Curiously it's the Klingons' reactions to them that worry her. Are we rooting for the wrong team here? Probably not, but we know almost nothing about them. Is the enemy of our enemy automatically our friend?

"Okay," she whispers to Booker. "I'll try to get around them, or to the side. I want Rangin with me, because once you four are all in taking care of business, the two of us need to get to the engine room and hopefully their equivalent of the Bridge. Don't forget, the Klingons could keep transporting over and we need their ship neutralized--that's not gonna happen without us moving their hiding place." Nia looks at Rangin. "Hope that sounds good for you. At least, that's what I'm gonna be doing." To the group: "We'd better start now. Announce who we are, as before, but keep those phasers going while you do."

Nia looks closely at Booker and a small smile crosses her lips. She doesn't want this to be a goodbye, but if it is, she wants him to know she didn't go afraid. "If everyone's on board with this plan... we'll wait on your count, Book," she says gently.

The Yorktown group takes up its tactical position - Rawlings goggles a bit at the sight of a nude Onn, while T'Var seems completely unfazed - and Graham does his count.

You rush down the hall in the dim blue light, and find yourselves in a octagonal chamber about twice the size of the one into which you first beamed aboard. Four hulking Klingon warriors are there, and five Aelyrr.

Klingon 1 is trying to get Eris, who is slashing at his face with its claws, off his back but can't quite reach the big cat. Klingon 2 is just going to his aid. Klingon 3 is holding a disruptor on the other Aelyrr, including what appears to be a thin, very elderly one with an air of brave but futile defiance, and two others, which are cowering. Another Aelyrr is on the deck nearby, unconscious and apparently wounded. Klingon 4, the largest and meanest-looking of the bunch, is in the middle of the room, next to a sturdy pedestal. He is hefting under his right arm a thick, silvery, elaborately-carved metal cylinder just over a meter long, and reaching towards his belt with his other hand.

K2 stops in his tracks, gapes and begins raising his disruptor towards the Starfleet boarding party. K3 just begins to turn towards you.

Rangin's eyes narrows as Lt Onn strips off and then hands an inhaler to him It's not so much the prime physical form in front of him as the prime example of Sidonian camouflage in action in front of him, scales and all. Accepting the inhaler with a nod, he sweeps up the remainder of Lt Onn's clothes and boots from the floor and rolls them up tight, old experiences of not leaving things behind subconsciously guiding his hands.

As they get to the chamber, Rangin knows his role is to hold back, and let the warriors do their stuff. Chances are the four of them will be able to deal with the Klingons, not to mention that Lt Onn is going to be near invisible to them all, and a disruptor would do the same damage whether clothed or not. He nods as Lt Onn gives her order to find the Engine room and not concentrate on the Klingons in order to move the ship, it seems a fair thing to do as we an element of surprise they should be able to take the Klingons down without too much difficulty.

As they enter the chamber, it seems that providence may have supplied an easier means to find the Engine room or Bridge, as there are still some Aelyrr still alive because it's always easier to ask a crewman than it is to try and locate it in the current electronic fog.

As the last into the room, he can see if anyone needs a hand as he still has a phaser to follow up with, but otherwise he will concentrate on the guard wanting him incapcitated before he can do anything to his captives.

Nia has full confidence in her crew and doesn't doubt for an instant that the security officers--and honorary security officer T'Var--will be taking care of K2 and K3. Between the four of them they should be able to get both of those imminent threats down. Eris seems to have K1 well in hand, or paw, or claw, or whatever.

She sidles along the side of the octagon, crouched and looking not unlike her reptilian ancestors. Her eyes are slits--better to hide the pupils that have enlarged in the dark--but she can see the colors of the Klingon uniforms, which normally are dull and dark. Nia stays against the wall, concentrating on shifting her scales' color to match the colors around her. If this is working, she should only be visible as a slight warped shadow around the curves of her body. Given the movements of everyone around her, it seems unlikely they're paying attention. The Aelyrr can probably see her, or at least smell her--if they have the same abilities as most felines. But they're exactly the sort of predator Nia's race was designed to evade. And the Klingons will almost certainly keep their attention on the four--possibly five, counting Rangin if he's been noticed--Starfleet officers wielding phasers at them. And hopefully blasting them, c'mon Book, you've gotta be an expert shot.

Her attention focuses on the fourth Klingon, Mr. Ugly Big Shot, who appears to be holding the Codex and--unless she is very much mistaken--is about to transport off the ship.

Nia freezes in the shadows for a few seconds to ensure that the others are engaging the Klingons and attracting all the attention. Holding her hands over her phaser to hide it, she slowly lifts it and aims for UglyBigShot's left arm--the one moving to his belt and probably intending to grab his communicator or the gizmo that blocks transport but possibly enables it for his own ship.

She exhales and prepares to shoot. The instant she's sure the others are in the process of taking down K2 and K3, or at least are engaging them, she takes the shot at K4.

Collins shoots 3 quick blasts at K3.

Graham fires at K2 (seeing him as the most immediate threat) and shouts the phonetic message that they are here to aid the Naradraen.

If he hits K2 and has the opportunity, he will squeeze off a shot at K4 while moving toward K1, shifting his aim from K4 to K1 if K1 has a disruptor in hand, but prepared to hit Klingon K1 where it hurts one-on-one in order to give Eris an advantage rather than taking the risk of stunning the cat dude.

Collins fires first. Her first shot at K3 misses, but her other two hit, and he falls.

The ship lurches, even worse than before, which throws off Onn's aim just as she fires. She narrowly misses K4, who immediately turns on his heel and runs down one of the adjoining corridors, the metal cylinder still under his arm.

K1 loses his footing and falls on his back, partly smashing Eris between him and the deck.

Graham also misses K2, but shouts out his message to the Aelyrr.

Nia curses inwardly and hisses "In pursuit!" before leaping off to follow the fleeing Klingon; he's larger and heavier than she is, which means this had better not be a hand-to-hand fight, but she hopes that her lean form and long legs will be to her advantage in a speed trial. She whips open her communicator and sends a coded message to Ferguson. "Try to home in on cylindrical metal object held by lone running Klingon and transport it ASAP! Even if you can send it only 20 feet behind him, do your best!"

She keeps her eyes peeled for the Klingon and, if she sees him, will attempt to keep him in sight. Her fingers tighten around the phaser, itching with the instinct to stun the hell out of this lucky bastard.

Collins fires three quick blasts at K1, and when falls away from Eris, she runs to help the Aelyrr.

The briefest of glances across the room and Lt Onn's almost curse at having missed, suddenly makes Rangin realise that her original plan of trying to sort out the engines and Bridge just suddenly fell to him. Hopefully Rawlings would go and assist her, while no doubt T'Var would be taking care of the injured Aelyrr.

With two of the Klingons occupied, one running - a sight he never thought he would see - and the last one probably dealing with and having to deal with Graham, at least the Aelyrr on the far side are unharmed...and probably his best chance to find out what he can do to fix the ship.

Curving around the others to allow them space to deal with the remaining Klingons, he sprints across to greet those, that until a few moments ago, were being held captive. "I'm Ensign Rangin of the Yorktown, we are here to help." he says in the pheontic supplied by Ens. Kylah before continuing with his translator.

"Your ship is in danger, we need to fix the engines or get everyone off."

Onn cannot simultaneously run, brandish a phaser-2 and type in a text to the Yorktown. K4 pounds down the corridor ahead of her a short distance and then suddenly veers to starboard, through a doorway. The door slams down a second later.

Collins's phaser blasts catch both K1 and Eris, who are obviously very close; both slump to the deck.

Rawlings fires his phaser seconds after Graham and hits K2, who falls. T'Var does not have a chance to fire.

Rangin's arrival startles the Aelyrr but the elderly one says, "Thank you - thank you! But we have to stop that villainous Klingon thief from taking the Codex!"

Nia runs in the same starboard direction as the Klingon, but slows when she reaches the door. She immediately moves to the side, sliding against the wall in order to keep some cover, and quickly scans the door area to see if this is an automated system or if a button-push is required.

"Ferguson, you copy that or not?" she dictates in a whisper.

Collins runs over to where K1 and Eris have fallen, and checks the Klingon's body for a transporter-scrambling-thingy, which she will kick away, then signal Ferguson to beam K1 to the brig.

"I'll back up Onn," Graham shouts with a glance at Collins, checking his instinct to order her to secure the scene which would be poor form and in any event looks t be unnecessary. He takes off in the direction she ran.

By herself, one on one with a Klingon. That may be something we have to talk about...

Onn sees a similar kind of control panel on this doorframe as on the one earlier.

K1 has the same gadget as the first Klingon, killed by Eris, did. Collins kicks it away. Ferguson acknowledges Collins's request. He cannot beam K1 directly to the Brig, given the technology of the day, but shortly beams him to the Yorktown's transporter room, where Collins expects the unconscious prisoner will be taken into custody by other Security officers.

Dr. T'Var goes at once to Eris, kneels down and scans the felinoid with her medical tricorder. Rawlings guards her.

The elderly Aelyrr and the other two - let's call them A1, A2 and A3, respectively - go to the wounded one, A4. A3 goes to a nearby bulkhead storage compartment and takes out a thin, plastic-looking package.

Graham soon catches up to Onn, who, he sees, is standing next to a closed door.

Nia rolls her eyes at her communicator, belatedly remembering how curiously backward Starfleet is when it comes to some technology. It's not just the transporter blocking device that eludes the entire Federation scientists' grasp: apparently the engineers can't seem to devise a way to make their communication systems efficient! Absurd. Even back home, we've had the ability to dictate text messages for twenty years. Of course, Sidonia had the advantage of her father's ingenuity. Nia will have to do something about that...

But fixing the rudimentary Federation technology will have to wait. She takes five seconds to whip out a text message to Ferguson, for all the good it'll do: If possible beam metal container held by lone Klingon in front of me. Then she reaches a hand out to open the door.

Before she touches the button, she hears loud footsteps approaching from behind, and whips around at once, phaser aimed in the direction of the sound. But soon she sees the familiar shape of Booker. Though glad to see him, she just exhales in relief and tilts her head in the door's direction. "In there," she mouths. "He'll be expecting us--stay as covered as you can. On three?"

Collins goes over to where K3 has fallen from her phaser shots, kicks away his scrambler, and messages Ferguson again to beam the Klingon away.

After a few moments, Ferguson responds to Onn, Sensors show no Klingon in front of you. Judging by what I can see of the ship's schematics, the only Klingons aboard are behind you. FERGUSON.

Collins kicks away K3's gadget, and soon he, too, disappears into the transporter beam from the Yorktown.

A3 comes back with the package and opens it, revealing what appear to be the Aelyrr equivalent of a first-aid kit. The alien attends to A4 and then says to the others, "We should get her to the Infirmary."

A1 says, "Yes, do. And Pojel, go to Engineering and see what can be done there." A2 touches its chest and heads for a different doorway.

T'Var looks up from her tricorder says to A1, "I am sorry, but Eris was caught in the stun effect of one of our phasers. I can revive her, if you wish, or she will naturally regain consciousness in half an hour or so."

"Godl damn it!" Nia yells and kicks the door before turning to Booker. "Ferguson says there's no Klingon ahead. I think he's transported already." She types in her communicator to Singh, Vargas and Roble: A Klingon has stolen an object belonging to the Aelyrr and is no longer on this ship. Their scout ship may leave any second. Pursuit might be necessary.

Furious with herself, Nia aims her phaser with one hand and pushes the button to the door with the other. She doesn't expect the Klingon to be there, of course; Ferguson said he isn't. The action is just to hammer home her failure.

Collins now goes over to K2, where Graham felled him, kicks away his gadget and once more messages Ferguson. When that Klingon is beamed away, she tells Rawlings "Stay with T'Var and the Aelyrr." then runs off to help Onn and Graham.

Rangin looks as the Aelyrr start to sort themselves out. As one of them is sent to Engineering, Rangin politely interjects. "If you will excuse me, I may be of some assistance in Engineering. If the problem becomes too great, it will be the fastest way to get word to the Yorktown in case of something going critical."

It's loud enough so that the rest of the team can hear where he is going and, if not stopped, will follow quickly after the one called Pojel to see what aid he can render.

Graham's competing instincts to try and calm Nia down or to remind her not to split the party are sidelined by her abrupt opening of the door.

Sensors can be wrong or blocked...

He raises his weapon while side-stepping slightly way from Nia so they'd be less likely to both be caught in the same disruptor blast.

As Collins requests, K2 is beamed away to the Yorktown, as well.

A1, the elderly Aelyrr, says to T'Var, "It was your people's weapon, I'm sure fired at her inadvertently, which stunned her, so perhaps it would be best if you restore her to consciousness." T'Var nods, and administers a stimulant she is confident will be safe for an Aelyrr. In a few moments Eris is shaking her head and sits upright. She asks, "What happened? Where are the Klingons?" T'Var briefly explains.

The door opens. Onn and Graham see an empty corridor extending straight beyond. It goes 20 meters, with two doors to either side, and another door at the end. Collins catches up to them. A1 also hobbles up, peers around and says, "Did you catch him? Where is he?" Eris soon appears, too, a Klingon disruptor in her paw.

Onn gets a quick response: Acknowledged. Three Klingons securely in the bag here. Their ship appears to be powering up to depart. Given Aelyrr drive core's condition, Captain places priority on helping them; can pursue Klingons later. Do you require Engineering assistance? THALEN.

Rawlings says, "Aye, ma'am" to Collins, and remains with T'Var. Other Aelyrr come and take their wounded shipmate away. T'Var offers to come along; the Aelyrr accept and Rawlings accompanies her.

The Aelyrr sent to Engineering says to Rangin as it briskly walks down a different corridor, "I would be glad for your help. I am Pojel. What is your name? Are you an engineer? Our ship is in a [untranslatable] state." Rangin notices that Eris wore a utilitarian leather harness with a single spiky, circular insignia on it, as did the wounded Aelyrr who was carried away. However, all of the others, including Pojel, do not wear harnesses but instead have silvery bands or circlets on their forearms which appear to be made of the same decorative metal as the cylinder which K4 took. A1's is the longest and most elaborate of them all.

Nia looks at Booker. "Thalen is responding to a message I sent Singh, Vargas and Roble. Apparently engineers are a dime a dozen and we can have all we want, but we could only get a single team of six to beam down to fight a group of goddamned Klingons. Promise me, Booker, that one day when we're alone in front of a roaring fire, you'll explain the logic of that."

THALEN: Copy that, but I fear Aelyrr won't share our priorities. Yes, send down 1 engineer to back me up. Prefer anyone but Delaney.

Nia sees Collins and wonders what the hell is going on. Okay I'm gonna have to have a talk with this girl. When the Aelyrr arrive, she looks at them. "No, I'm extremely sorry, he transported out and their ship is about to escape. Our Captain wants to make sure your people are safe before we follow the Klingons. I'm an engineer and a pilot, and can hopefully help. But I have a few questions.

"First, who pilots your ship and is he or she uninjured and physically capable of doing so?

"Second, how many are on board the ship?

"Third, if you don't have escape pods and we can't get this ship fixed fast, we need to beam you all to safety on board ours--that will allow us to go after the Klingons. Is this acceptable? I tell you this--my Captain will not budge on going after those Klingons when you're in danger.

"And fourth: what is in that cylinder and why do the Klingons want it so much? While you talk, please lead me to your engine room--or, if you don't have a pilot, your helm."

"Well, I have no idea what [untranslatable] means, but I'll do my best to help out." It's easy enough to repeat the word, but Rangin still has no idea what it means. "My name is Velir Rangin, I'm an Ensign from the USS Yorktown," he touches the insignia marking his uniform as he does. "I'm a scientist more than an Engineer, Pojel, mainly dealing with new species we encounter, but the rest of the team is mainly Security, so I'm probably as good as it gets."

As the hurriedly move on, Rangin keeps up the questions, all the better to help the UT:
"What rank are you on this ship?"
"Are those bands your equivalent of insignia?"
"How did you come to be attacked by the Klingons?"
"Have you ever encountered them before?"

As he heads along, he realises he is still carrying Lt Onn's clothes and he hopes she isn't in any desperate need of them and thinks that he had better at least inform her of his destination as it would mean she could go straight for the Bridge assuming she managed to finish dealing with the Klingon she was pursuing.

Lt. Onn. Am heading for Engineering with Aelyrr. Still carrying your gear. Let me know if you need it ma'am. Ens. Rangin.

The elderly Aelyrr tells Onn, "I am Alveron, a high priestess of the Faith. We are truly grateful for your help. Our pilot and navigator must have been killed when the Klingons beamed a bomb onto our Bridge, destroying it. I hope we will be able to sail the ship from the Auxiliary Control Room - please, come there with me," she says, leading the way. As she walks, she says, "We had 39 aboard when we were boarded; several, I do not know how many, were killed by those murderous thieves. We do have escape pods, but the Faith prohibits us from abandoning our ship. This is a sanctified bearer" - the UT's new translation of the term Naradraen - "and if we cannot repair the drive, it is best that die aboard her, for the shame of having lost the Codex. That is the object you saw the Klingons take, and it causes me untold distress to know that it is now in their hands. Woe unto us. Woe unto all the Daughters of Ael! We must recover it - we must!"

Onn receives a text: Acknowledged. Please hold your present position momentarily. THALEN. A few seconds later, Chief Engineer Edgardo Cheverez materializes just down the corridor. The small, older Filipino man is holding a large, hard-sided Engineering toolkit. He looks around and is surprised to see both a naked Onn and two felinoid aliens, but then simply clears his throat and says, "I hear you need an engineer, Mr. Onn?"

Pojel tells Rangin, "I am not an engineer either, but a novitiate to our high priestess, Alveron. Yes, the bands are emblems of the Faith. The size and markings of mine reveal that I am but a humble priestess. The Klingons tracked us and followed us. We have not encountered this particular ship before, but the Klingons are all too familiar to our people. Long have they preyed on us, damn them."

Onn gets Rangin's text, and another: Klingon scoutship now moving off. We have crippled its drive; sensors show it now cannot exceed Warp 3. We are also still jamming its communications. Awaiting your status report when possible. THALEN.

Collins is only mildly disappointed that there won't be a firefight for the time being; she holsters her phaser. "Sir," she addresses Onn, "orders?"

First, Nia asks Collins to report on the rest of the Boarding Party's status, wanting to know if everyone's all right.

Then, as Alvaron speaks, Nia shakes her head in grief at her description of the devastation on board the ship--and in frustration at a religion that would value some kind of book over its believers' lives. She introduces herself, Booker and Collins, and then adds: "I'm terribly sorry about your losses. But no more woe is gonna happen while we can help it, I promise you that. We have doctors who can help the injured, and we're about to get assistance in repairing the ship. As for the Codex... we'll help you recover it to the best of our ability, I promise that too, Alveron.

"But as for staying on board a dying ship because some vicious enemies stole the Codex... surely, if retrieving your sacred book required you to leave the Naradraen--by joining us on board the Yorktown to reclaim it--that would be considered a justified pursuit in the name of your deity?"

She hears the familiar sound of someone beaming over and--although it sounds like Federation tech, Nia lifts her phaser in preparation. Fortunately it's Cheverez, which makes her smile despite the grim circumstances. "Chief. You are a sight for very sore eyes indeed. Yes, we're in grave need of--" Her communicator buzzes in her hand. "Excuse me a minute, sir..." She lifts up her communicator to see the latest message from Rangin. "Okay, Chief. I see Rangin's on his way to Engineering, which is good, because he's excellent with tech and problem-solving, but this will need the help of an expert who knows his way around a drive. And here you are."

After making a quick intro of Cheverez to the Aelyrr, she turns to Eris. "Could you please escort him to Engineering? We've got to stop this radiation leakage, or at least slow it down considerably. And Chief, if you need more assistance, contact Thalen. He seems to be the guy doling out supplies, so to speak."

Speaking of the Andorian, Nia just now gets his latest message. Bad news. Well, not all bad. At least they crippled the bastards' ship. Warp 3 is a slow saunter as far as Nia's concerned, although right now she doubts the Naradraen will be doing more than limping unless Cheverez works his magic. She doesn't share this latest update with the Aelyrr: they're already ready to sacrifice themselves; they don't need to know their Codex is already zooming--okay, loping--away.

She lifts her left hand to her head, trying to take everything into consideration, and then lowers it so she can open the communicator. She doesn't bother to use code; the Klingons are long gone and nothing she's about to say will be of any tactical advantage if the Klingons should overhear.

"Attention boarding party. Highest priority is to assist everyone on board and make sure they're safe and, ideally, gathered together. Rangin, thanks for heading down to engineering; you're about to be joined by Chief Cheverez. I'd go with you but they need a pilot. Once Cheverez gets there, work with him, if he needs the assistance. Otherwise find me in the Auxiliary Bridge; I'm sure the Aelyrr you're with will give you directions.

"T'Var--you know what to do better than I do. If you need any help--wait, hang on..." Nia lowers the device for a second and looks to Alveron. "Do you have any doctors or healers on board? Our doctor's excellent but it'd be best if she had access to someone who knows your biology. Also, is there any way you could communicate with your passengers and let them know we're on board and are here to help? That might save them some fear if they see a bunch of strangers running around."

After a second's thought, she asks Alveron if there's any location--preferably as far away from the engine room and its radiation as possible--where the injured and survivors can congregate. Knowing where everyone is will be vital if they are able to convince the Aelyrr to transport.

Back onto the communicator: "Rawlings, I'd like you to help scout for any more injured and help them to some central location; you're strong enough to assist anyone who's not ambulatory." Nia's eyes shift to Collins and Booker. "Collins and Graham: one of you stays with me, the other goes off on the same mission as Rawlings to find the survivors. Flip for it. I'll let you decide which is the lucky option, and who gets it. And finally..."

She takes a deep breath. "Good work to all of you back during that fight. I don't know the details yet, haven't the time, but I know the Klingons are gone from the ship, and you're all safe, which is excellent. We're not done yet, but getting rid of the infestation was vital. I'm grateful to all of you. I only wish I'd been as successful on my part." She swallows back the brief swell of anger and shakes her head as if clearing it. "Any questions or suggestions, I'm all ears. Actually I've got a lot more than just ears, as everyone can tell since Rangin's chosen to steal my clothes for some reason best left unasked." Her voice is rich with rueful humor at the mild joke. "But seriously. Give me your thoughts now, if you have any."

Whenever Alveron responds to her questions, Nia listens while absently tapping out a coded message to Thalen updating him on the ship's status, the contents of the cylinder, the Aelyrr's sacrificial stance, and what the boarding party are doing. She ends with: Fixing that engine room is priority #1. If Cheverez needs more hands, naturally his orders supersede mine. Even if that means sending Delaney down. N.B. you're keeping this between us, I hope.

Her last question is to Alveron again. "Do you have any idea who these Klingons were, and why they could possibly want your Codex? Does it have some financial or political value?"

Graham shrugs amiably enough. "We don't need to draw for it, I'll go wherever you--you two--," he corrects himself, glancing at Collins an willing to grant he the privilege of rank. "Uh, see fit."

Graham rubs his chin, not especially eager to open a discussion about the disconnect between criticizing his choice of tactics and running off along after an armed Klingon on an unfamiliar ship with his. superior officer and....well, the closest thing I have to a girlfriend.

"I'm not sure it's the best time for debrief at the moment, until we can, ah, you know make sure the ship doesn't go nova and kill us all within the next few minutes."

Alveron says firmly (as the nuances of her speech are interpreted by Onn's communicator's UT program), "Of course we wish to recover the Codex, and we will do all we can to do so, but we cannot all leave the ship. That is clear. It would be an unforgivable abandonment of a sacred vessel." Using a shipwide intercom, she tells all aboard that you are friends and are here to help. She also orders all who are not working either in the Infirmary or Engineering to assemble immediately in Cargo Hold 1. As to why the Klingons came, she says scornfully, "They are mercenaries, and insatiably greedy, and know of the Codex's value to us. It is an artifact beyond price, if one must put a grubby financial valuation on it, but it is more important for its absolute centrality to the Faith."

Eris agrees to take Cheverez to Engineering, and they leave.

T'Var says via communicator, "I am on my way to the Infirmary now. I understand the Aelyrr have a healer or physician aboard already. I will assist, if possible."

Rawlings adds, "I'm with Dr. T'Var. I'll team up with another Aelyrr and search the ship for any wounded, missing or dead."

Onn soon has a response from the ship: Acknowledged. You remain in command of the boarding party. Mr. Cheverez will focus on averting a catastrophic drive failure. We're standing by to lend any further assistance, as needed. Klingon ship now out of weapons range. THALEN.

Listening to Alveron, Nia nods. "So you suspect they were going to hold this for ransom. That's vile, but--with the greatest respect--a bit of a relief. If this were some attempt to cause a war, we'd have a much more dangerous issue on our hands." I also think you're crazy to worship a deity who'd rather some of you die than abandon what's effectively a large piece of floating radioactive metal, but hey, maybe that's just me. "If we can save this ship and the people on it, we will do so. Please show me to the Auxiliary Bridge."

Next she passes the information about the Cargo Hold along to the other boarding party members and requests them to move any survivors to that area.

She looks at the latest message from Thalen. Oh joy, she's in charge of a flailing radioactive ship with suicidal religious fanatics. Well, no one said leadership was a waltz through roses. While she listens to Booker's curiously chastizing speech, she taps away: Thanks, Thalen. I hope to have better news for you soon--and I assume vice versa.

Then she looks back at Booker with a raised eyebrow. "I didn't realize you or Collins, or indeed anyone in the party other than possibly myself, possessed the engineering skills that can prevent the ship from 'going nova and killing us all within the next few minutes.' I'd be down there if we hadn't got the cavalry in the form of Cheverez. Still, if you two are engineering whizzes, damn straight you shouldn't waste time talking to me. Follow Cheverez ASAP.

"Otherwise, I want you to assist by accepting the assignments I've given you, or--if you have a better idea--then offering it up. I lack the hubris to assume or pretend that I've always thought of everything. And I respect you all enough to want your suggestions. If you haven't any, then get to work. I guess it'll be Collins's choice. Have at it, Lieutenant."

She keeps following the high priestess toward the Aux. Bridge, but she can't help tossing her head back to catch Booker's gaze: "And besides, I've already debriefed, in case you haven't noticed."

In response to Onn's request for a sit rep, Collins succinctly states "All three of those Klingons are now in custody. T'Var is tending to Eris and will help with the wounded. Rawlings is with her."


In response to "have at it", she says "Graham, catch up with Rawlings and T'Var. I'll stay with Lieutenant Onn."

Nia nods her approval of Collins's choice, though adds tactfully, "On reflection, Lieutenant, I think it'd be more efficient for Ensign Graham to go on his own, just as Rawlings is. A search party shouldn't stay in a bunch when time is of the essence and we know there's no danger in splitting up. The Klingons are gone and we need to find as many of the Aelyrr as we can. Meanwhile, I'll be glad of your assistance on the Bridge. Girl power."

The thought makes her return to Alveron. "Speaking of that, Alveron--and by the way, is there a more appropriate way you want to be addressed? High Priestess, Priestess Alveron, anything? I don't want to be disrespectful, but we know nothing about your beliefs and traditions." She waits and adds, "Anyway, I was about to ask: speaking of girl power, I've noticed that thus far we've only seen or heard of female Aelyrr on board. Are males not allowed in your religion, or perhaps on sacred ships? Will there be anything inappropriate in having male officers searching for your shipmates? Not that we really have a choice, but if there's anything we should know about behavior among your people, it'd be a big help.

"I'd really be glad to hear of anything about your culture if you have time to tell us on our way to the Auxiliary Bridge. I'm afraid if the ship is lost, we might lose some of your culture with it, and your story should be told. In brief, where do you live, and what is your society like? What does this Codex contain--is it your religion's guide to its followers about history, traditions, practices, and so on? What exactly is the metal surrounding it, and in the jewelry you wear?"

Rangin receives the call from Lt Onn, slowing and stopping in the corridor while gesturing to Pojel to at least halt her steps for the moment. After waiting for her to finish, Rangin quickly responds well aware that time is of the essence. "Ma'am, I should be in Engineering shortly. I'll try and get an initial report for the Lt. Cmdr. for when he arrives. Sooner we can fix it the better. Rangin out."

Closing the communicator and turning back to his newfound companion, Rangin nods and heads back off down the corridor to get to Engineering. "You know, I'm not even sure those were real Klingons, I mean yes they attacked, but I've never heard of one running for his life like some common thief. I though it was against their religion." He pauses for a moment considering what Pojel had mentioned of herself.

"If you are a priestess, even a novitiate, then you have my respect. Perhaps, once we have rescued the Codex and sorted things out, we might compare notes. I can fully understand the nature of something so dear to one, although in my culture it's something more personal, a prized possession I would never want to see harmed in any way." Rangin thinks back to the carefully sealed case in his quarters containing his ndhorel. He hadn't worn it in ages, the last time was at the funeral of some of his colleagues from the USS Lexington and before that, Rangin struggled hard to remember, the times had been so few while he had been at the Academy.

"Anyway, when we stand before our respective deities, I want to say at least I tried. And in this case it means trying to prevent the core of your engine blowing, so let's hurry, I don't think we have much time to try and contain whatever emergency has overtaken it."

Rangin picks up his pace, urging Pojel to move faster while sending a message to Roble. "To Lt. Cmdr. Roble. Sir, what's the latest reading on the engine? Rangin"

"Yes, sir" Collins says to Onn's amendment to her decision. She listens to the questions Onn asks of the Aelyrr priestess, and finds herself curious about the answers. Facing Alveron, she adds "How many religions does your home planet have? Earth, where I'm from, has hundreds."

Alveron smiles toothily and says to Onn, "'High Priestess' is customary, but you are welcome to use just my name. All Aelyrr aboard this ship are female. Males of our race do not typically go into space, and of course they hold no office within the Faith. We do not mind males of other species helping us, however, as we know that our ways are not necessarily those of offworlders. No matter. All are beloved in Ael's eyes, and blessed by Her paw."

To Collins she replies, "Hundreds, you say?" She seems startled and even a little offended, if the Security officer is interpreting her expression correctly. "Our people have had the one true Faith since time immemorial. There are others, I confess, cults and sects that spring up from time to time, but they are blasphemous and few follow them. That is as it should be. But where to begin in telling you more about the Aelyrr? We are an old race, a rich culture, which has... ah, but that must wait for another time. Here is the Auxiliary Control Room," she concludes, as you arrive outside a doorway much like all the others you've seen.

The high priestess presses a complicated series of buttons on the doorframe control panel, and the door snaps open. Inside is a cramped space with four control panels facing each other. There are no chairs.

Pojel tells Rangin as they hurry along, "Not all Klingons act as you might expect them to. These mercenaries have little sense of honor, and are driven always by greed. When they are not fighting, they are stealing. But yes, I would like to learn more about your culture when we are not so pressed for time. I have met no aliens before other than Klingons, and most of what I know of them, I would forget if I could."

Rangin and she go down various corridors, twisting and turning, before arriving in Engineering. It is about a third the size of the Yorktown's Main Engineering chamber. Odd ducts and tubes snake over most of the bulkheads, and a massive but curiously-rounded machine occupies most of the center of the room. The machine is humming on a deep bass note which Rangin finds slightly unsettling. It is dark except for several white panels which glow very brightly against the ship's blue emergency lights.

Cheverez is already there with Eris, and talking rapidly with a slim, lithe Aelyrr who, Rangin gathers, is the Naradraen's chief engineer, Adeev. The two engineers, Human and Aelyrr, are standing at a control panel facing the hadron-pulse drive. Rangin knows that Cheverez is speaking Federation Standard, but can barely understand the technical terms he and Adeev are rapidly discussing as the Filipino man tries to get a grip on this alien technology.

"I'm sorry if I offended you," Collins offers, "But yeah," she hopes her tone is more respectful as she continues, "There are a dozen or so main ones, but many many offshoots of each, and each offshoot considers itself separate from the others. In our long past, it caused many problems - wars, terrorism, vicious battles of culture and words; but over the last centuries, we've learned that everyone is entitled to believe how they wish. As long as we respect each other, everything is good. There are even a large number of Terrans who do not believe in any deity at all."

Nia acknowledges Rangin's update, and once they enter the chamber, thanks the high priestess for the information thus far.

However, she tunes out the religious talk, her focus dominated by a visual scan of the control panels. Without chairs, she needs to discern whether piloting the ship will require four different people, or if only one person usually handled all four panels. She also tries to see if any one panel appears to contain the primary controls for the ship.

She asks Alveron, "Does your--I'm sorry--did your pilot work alone, or were there others to help her?"

Also, if there is any writing on the panels, she'll need a translation, and will ask Alveron for assistance there.

"Uh...yeah...right," Graham acknowledges Nia's "debriefed" pun. He nods at her and then Collins. "I'll get to it, then."

He hails Rawlings and asks for his location and the direction he plans on taking to search the ship, intending to make sure they don't duplicate efforts.

Alveron replies to Collins, somewhat primly, "Your ways suit you, I am sure, just as ours suit us." To Onn she says, "A pilot and navigator typically work together, I believe. I confess I was only on the Bridge a few times. I am not a pilot myself." Reading the labels - which are cryptic even for her - she explains that the four control panels are apparently for a pilot, copilot/navigator, scientist/engineer and communications/weapons officer.

Rawlings says to Graham via communicator, "Looks like there are five decks to the ship. I'm starting at the bow, or at least the farthest-forward compartment, and working my way back from there on the top deck - let's call it Deck 1. Haven't seen anyone else yet."

Again Nia thanks Alveron, and glances at Collins with a minuscule shake of her head. Don't worry about it, just let it go, she thinks. Meanwhile she pulls out her communicator. "Onn to Cheverez and Rangin. Status report, please? I'm in the Aux. Bridge and I want to practice moving this thing--but obviously I can't do that until you tell me it's safe. So, no hurry or pressure, I know you've got the most important job right now. But... whenever you have something new for me, please pass it along ASAP. And, um, if that happens to be now, all the better."

Even as she finishes up, her eyes return to the panels. Performing both helm and nav duties shouldn't be a problem; she's been piloting solo since she was 13, and even if she didn't have that experience, the Starfleet Academy path to becoming a helm officer naturally included a stint of learning the basics of a navigation officer's tasks--and vice versa. The two are so closely connected on ships like the Yorktown, it only made sense to get trained so one has a thorough understanding of your partner's responsibilities.

But the same can't be said for the other essentials in this mini-Bridge. "Jeremi," she says while running her hands over the nav and pilot controls--not actually touching them, just getting used to them as Alveron described the labels. "If we do get this ship moving, and end up going after the Klingons, we'll want our weapons at the ready. Can you familiarize yourself with the panel here? Also we need to know if the weapons systems are at 100%." She nods to Alvaron. "Alvaron, could you help Lt. Collins, maybe let us know who usually takes care of that area--and whether she's... available."

Back to Collins: "If you find you can't determine the status of the systems from here, jog on down to Engineering and see if you can determine what the problem is from there--or get help from Cheverez."

Nia returns to Alveron, mulling over what she knows about how all this began. "While we have a bit of time, I'd like to give you a little background, and I need to ask a few questions too. We first picked up signals from your ship many hours ago, long before the Klingons attacked the Naradraen. Our translator didn't work that well at first, but you seemed to be communicating concerns about an enemy and your Codex even then. Were these Klingons the ones you were talking about? How long have they been pursuing you?

"Later, we picked up another signal--something from a stationary source. Do you have a space station, planet or colony nearby? Because if you do, is it possible to get in touch with them and ask for reinforcements in locating and tracking the Klingons?"

Nia hesitates, knowing that the UT might be taking some time in translating longer speeches. "If I may ask, what was your origin, and what was your destination? I'm just wondering how the Klingons found out you possessed this precious item, and what their own destination might be."

Collins, more taken aback by Onn addressing her familiarly than by Alveron's response to her description of Earth's religions, merely says "Aye, sir." She turns to what is apparently the tactical station and studies the panel, waiting for any information Alveron might provide. I may not be an engineer, she thinks, but I can work a weapons system. Now, let's see what we have here. She imagines an Aelyrr at this station and what would be the most efficient layout for that species. "Okay, let's get this puppy powered up." she says aloud, "Do you know which switch displays the status?" she asks Alveron. The last thing she wants to accidentally hit the self-destruct button.

The control panels are quite unlike anything Onn or Collins have seen before. It's hard to know where to start.

Alveron says, "Let me call for a member of the crew. I am not familiar with the technical details of the ship." She taps a communications button and says, "This is High Priestess Alveron. Any ship's crew who are available and knowledgeable about the Auxiliary Control Room systems, please come here at once."

"This is Clindar, a ship's technician," comes the response from the cargo bay. "I am on my way, High Priestess."

Alveron replies to Onn's questions, "Yes, these were the same Klingon mercenaries about whom we were concerned earlier. Our sensor readings were unclear and we weren't sure if they were actually pursuing us, or simply looking for us after we left Aelyrrin, our homeworld. I think now that they were probably chasing us for two or three days. We were on our way to our colony on Yaavel. By the time we realized the Klingons were on our trail and intended to attack, it was too late to call for help, but we did anyway. We have had no response, but could certainly try again. Yaavel is not a military outpost, though, and I do not know what they could do for us; the colony was simply our destination - far, we hoped, from the reach of the Klingons. I keep asking myself how the Klingons found us, but I have no answer."

Cheverez responds to Onn, sounding harried, "I only have time to scratch the surface of this system before it blows - or, I should say, before it implodes and creates a nanosecond-long but damn lethal artificial black hole, of sorts. It's all Greek to me, but... well, let me see. Stand by." He goes back to talking to Adeev, then a minute later calls Ferguson on the Yorktown, bringing Onn into the conversation. He says, "All right. The Klingons' ship-to-ship disruptor fire damaged the hardon-pulse system, which has 16 drive plates on the exterior hull. Two of the plates were damaged, one critically. For reasons I'm not quite sure I understand, there's no time to simply shut the system down. So Mr. Ferguson, I want you to beam the damaged plates off the hull and rematerialize them at least 30 km away from the ship, and at least that far from each other. That will remove them from the drive core's field and avert an implosion. Understood?"

Graham acknowledges Rawlings' reply. "OK, I'll hustle down to the ass-end bottom and work up and forward."

He starts off at a trot. That's probably where they pile the kitty litter...

After acknowledging Cheverez's first half of his message and while waiting for him to continue, Nia tells Alveron that they'll be glad of the help. She looks over to Collins, speaking conversationally, "I know how you feel, I'm looking forward to trying out this new tech myself. But it's probably best for us not to use anything that might tax the engines in some way--not until Cheverez gives us the all-clear, which... we'd better hope happens soon."

Then Cheverez's voice returns and he describes the problem in more detail. Nia shakes her head to herself, keeping a poker face although she's gravely concerned about this incredibly dangerous situation. Six slots in a transporter room. Seven crew members here. Fantastic.

Not wanting to speak aloud in front of the Aelyrr priestess, she quickly taps out a message to Singh, Thalen, Vargas and Ferguson.

Implosion seconds away. Aelyrr won't agree to escape; I won't agree to sacrifice my team for suicidal religious beliefs. Captain, requesting permission to order Ferguson to lock onto Collins, T'Var, Rangin, Rawlings, Graham and Cheverez so he's prepared to beam them back to the Yorktown ASAP if transporting the drive plates fails. If another transporter room can lock onto me, great, but understand if there's no time.

Swallowing, she sends the message and waits to hear from... well, almost anyone.

Graham almost chuckles as he jobs along: I wonder if this will be like herding cats...

Nonetheless he's conscious of the danger...which gives him an idea...

Graham to Onn, he says, flipping open his communicator. "I wonder if these Aelyr would accept the offer of Federation shuttlecraft with which to pursue the Klingons. Maybe they could take whatever's so sacred about this ship with them. Seems like hot pursuit of the holy grail, so to speak, would take precedence."

Nia lifts the communicator and hears Booker. Her throat is tight but she clears it while he's still talking, making she her voice isn't too tense. "I had a similar idea before, but it didn't fly then. I'll try again and let you know if it works." She shrugs, although he can't see her, and looks down at the panel as she murmurs, "If it doesn't... I'll see you on the ship, Book. Onn out."

She closes the device in her hand and turns back to Alveron. "With the greatest respect for your beliefs, High Priestess, I have to ask again. If we can't fix the ship, it's going to be destroyed. The more time we take, the more risk there is to everyone. Please consider allowing us to beam everyone off to the Yorktown. You can take whatever sacred items are part of the Naradraen back with us, if there's time. And we'll provide shuttles to help you retrieve your Codex to its rightful place." Nia's words are soft but intense. "Must lives be lost for your duty to Ael to be paid? After all, if you sacrifice yourselves, what will happen to the Codex then?"

Ferguson says to Cheverez, "Understood, sir."

The Chief Engineer checks his tricorder and reads out two specific transporter coordinates. "Adjust the annular confinement beam to setting J25, with a Type 7A differential and a 0.372 field variance," he then says, "and watch for signal degradation along the Haynes-Mackall waveline. Got it? OK. Energize when ready."

"Aye, sir. Adjusting transporter settings now... stand by...."

Onn has a response at once. Transporter Rooms 3 and 4 already have locks on all Yorktown personnel over there, including you. We should have just enough time to bring you back, if necessary. Stand by. SINGH.

In what looks like someone's cramped living quarters, Graham finds an unconscious Aelyrr. It - she? - is smaller than Eris and appears unwounded.

Alveron says calmly to Onn, "We do not use transporters, lest we lose our [untranslated] souls when our duplicates are created. We will await whatever fate Ael has decreed for us. Ael is good and merciful, always and everywhere, and She will provide. She brought you here, and now you are working with us to save the ship, for which you have our gratitude. All will yet be well - you will see."

Clindar, the technician, arrives in the Auxiliary Control Room.

Nia acknowledges the message from Singh--gratified to hear from the captain for the first time since they left the Yorktown. Although someday she'll have to ask Singh, politely of course, why Nia was only allowed a six-person team (presumably due to there being only six pads in the transporter room), when multiple transporter rooms could have allowed them to massively outgun the Klingons and thus might have prevented several Aelyrr deaths.

She's also somewhat frustrated by her inability to do anything. All the useful activity is being performed by a transporter engineer and Cheverez, not her original mission team. Of course, protecting the Naradraen is the most important thing, and she's grateful for the help, but Nia's a woman of action, and it's almost, well, demoralizing to be forced to stand around, impotently watching other people solve problems. It's like being in the audience of a play, rather than being part of the acting troupe.

Speaking of passivity... it's all Nia can do to nod respectfully while Alveron natters on about Ael's will and how one must sit back and just accept fate. Do people who think like this ever realize that maybe their precious deity wants them to get off their asses and work?! Maybe it's Ael's choice to give them the opportunity to flee!

When Clindar arrives, Nia turns to her and hurries through an introduction of herself and Collins. "Any assistance you can give us in interpreting the controls would be greatly appreciated. We don't need the finer details--Collins needs to know how your weapons and shields work, and I want to steer the ship and fly her fast." Assuming it doesn't explode.

Collins steps aside to let Clindar at the weapons panel; she will watch and listen intently when the Aelyrr describes the set up.

Rangin knows better than to interrupt an Engineer in the middle of attempting to save the ship and stands by patiently and attentively in case he is required.

Ferguson says, "Energizing now... got the first drive plate... all right, that did it. Transport complete."

"Good. Run a quick diagnostic, then proceed to the next," Cheverez says. He has tied the entire Yorktown boarding party into the comm circuit.

"Acknowledged... diagnostic complete. No damage; all green. Now for the second plate... stand by..." He curses under his breath. "Hold on, there's a power surge there... hadron M-count rising... stand by...."

Cheverez, looking at his tricorder, says calmly but clearly, "Compensate for the surge. Adjust to setting J27."

"Doing that now... hold on... got it!" Ferguson says finally, sounding very relieved. "All right. J27 made the difference. Transport complete. Uh, I've beamed both plates 100 km from the Naradraen and Yorktown, and from each other, to be on the safe side. We can find them easily once repairs are complete."

"Thank you, Mr. Ferguson," Cheverez says, exhaling. He grins. "Well done. Mr. Onn, that should take care of the implosion risk. We're safe. Now I'll talk some more to Adeev about repairs."

All of the Aelyrr you see are now smiling with relief and happiness, showing sharp teeth and making a rumbling purring noise. Collins thinks she might almost hear Rawlings cheering somewhere abovedecks.

After exhanging thanks and congratulations all around in the Auxiliary Control Room, Clindar demonstrates how the control panels work. They are not really set up with Sidonian or Human hands in mind, but Onn and Collins think they can get the hang of it. The ship is still running on emergency power and cannot move in space. Weapons and shields are offline; there are several damage indicators lit. Life support, navigation, computer operations, communications and sensors are all in good to fair shape.

"Thank you, Chief and Mr. Ferguson," Nia says. "That was very exciting to witness." After Clindar's demonstration, Nia thanks her too. Wish I had a chair and some popcorn, though, she thinks irreverently as she waits for people like Cheverez and Adeev to accomplish everything. And Adeev and Clindar are also followers of the 'Ael will take care of everything' religion, too. One wouldn't expect such normally passive creatures to handle so much.

From the sound of it, Rangin's not being utilized either--quite a shame, since he's shown such intelligence and problem-solving abilities. She wonders why Cheverez wouldn't seek his assistance. Seems an awful waste of resources.

She snaps her communicator open again. "Onn to Rangin. Cheverez seems to have engineering well in hand. I hate to see your talents underutilized. So let me redirect you, or at least offer a suggestion. Can you scan the ship for all Aelyrr lifeforms who haven't already made it to the meeting place, as ordered? Right now, Graham and Rawlings are going door-to-door, but I bet you can make that search much more efficient. Any survivors who haven't followed Alveron's instructions are likely unconscious or injured so badly they can't move. I'd imagine you'd have no problem adjusting your tricorder to learn their normal body temperature, genetic type or... well, you know better than I do. Is this possible?"

Graham kneels down and touches the unconscious Aelyr on its shoulder--haunch?--while saying quietly "We have come to aid the Narandraen. You are safe. The others are...gathering in a safe place."

Collins attempts to determine what is needed to get the weapons and shields back on line. If she can do it herself, or with Clindar's or Onn's help, she'll begin. Otherwise she'll call to Engineering for assistance.

Onn does not know that Adeev and Clindar are also followers of the Faith.

The Aelyrr doesn't respond to Graham's touch or voice.

With Clindar's help, Collins sees that the ship's weapons - two phaser emitters, totaling about one-tenth the Yorktown's phaser firepower when in good repair- are damaged and will need repairs. The deflector shields were knocked down by the Klingons but may possibly be reinitialized and raised again.

Nia may not know it, but she nevertheless believes it. A multitude of passengers on the ship was praying acc. to the message logs translated by the UT, and the ship is considered a holy vessel that itself was carrying the most sacred relic of this religion. Alveron herself said "We do have escape pods, but the Faith prohibits us from abandoning our ship," and it sure sounded like that meant all the passengers. So yeah, as far as Nia's concerned, and completely consistent with everything she knows about this ship and its inhabitants, they're probably believers.

Nia waits for Rangin's reply.

Rangin opens his communicator from the side area of Engineering where he is staying out of the way and letting the others get to work. Lt. Cmdr. Cheverez certainly seems pleased with his actions and Rangin watches as he starts to talk away to the Aelyrr around him about fixing things.

Listening to Lt Onn's suggestion let's him ponder a few actions he should probably carry out. "Ma'am, I have the readings for the Aelyrr with a tricorder. I'll send the settings I have to Rawlings and Graham to assist in their checks. I'll also check with Lt Cmdr. Roble and see if he can pick up anything extra with the Yorktown's main sensor. Actually, that's a good point, there was a radiation leak of some description going on causing some interference with sensors. We need to check whether the fix to the engine has stopped that or if there is another issue we need to deal with pronto. I can confirm with Lt. Cmdr. Cheverez and see if there is anything else he requires, otherwise I'll start a sweep from this area for any missing Aelyrr. Is that acceptable ma'am?"

While shifting the communicator to between his shoulder and chin and speaking away, Rangin holds up his tricorder and carefully taps in the sensor details to check for the radiation that was causing a problem earlier to see if it is still an issue. With luck it was just a by-product of the damaged engine, but better to be safe than sorry.

"Okay," Collins says to Clindar, "first things first. Let's get the shields going." She presses the necessary panel buttons, checking with Clindar as she goes. Once the reinitializing is running, she calls Cheverez. "Collins here, Commander. The weapons are in need of repair as well. We'll do what we can from here, but they need an engineer."

Graham hails T'Var. "Graham to T'Var. I've found an unconscious Aelyr. Unless otherwise advised I'll carry it--uh, her, I think--to the infirmary."



[If he is not otherwise advised he will carefully pick up the alien to carry to the infirmary/]

Nia nods. "Yes, Rangin, excellent thinking. That's the sort of thing that made you a must-have for my team. Let me know what you get." She then reconnects to the team as a whole. "T'Var, Graham and Rawlings. Can you please update me whenever you can? The rest of you, I already know about, but if anything new crops up, let me know."

Collins is able to reinitialize and raise the shields, but they are only at about half their full strength. It looks to her - and Clindar agrees - that some shield generators must be burned out and will need to be repaired or, more likely, replaced.

Cheverez says, "Thank you, Mr. Rangin, for your help. I should've said something earlier but," he chuckles a little shakily, "I had a lot going on." He brings Rangin into his discussion with the Aelyrr chief engineer. They review the ship's systems and it soon becomes apparent to the two Starfleet officers that the hadron-pulse system will need at least a week of repairs here in deep space, or probably less time in a fully-equipped Aelyrr dockyard. The ship's phasers will also need at least several days' work. The shields are in better shape but still damaged.

Rawlings reports to Onn, "I've found no one. All the Aelyrr seem to be gone from what I've seen of Deck 1 so far."

Dr. T'Var reports to Onn, "In addition to the wounded Aelyrr I helped bring here, there are three others with varying wounds inflicted by the Klingons. All are in stable condition now and I expect all will make a full recovery."

The Vulcan healer tells Graham to stand by for a medical team. Soon, two Aelyrr show up bearing a stretcher of odd design. They carefully put their unconscious shipmate on it, and one says to Graham, "Come with us, please, sir." They head down the corridor.

Rangin finds that the radiation interference has now stopped. He provides his tricorder readings to Graham and Rawlings. It appears that all Aelyrr are now accounted for - dead, wounded and uninjured.

A thought occurs to Collins. "Sir," she addresses Onn, "Would the Naradraen fit in our shuttle bay? We could move our shuttles to the side if need be, or maybe move them to the cargo bays. That way, the Aelyrr are not abandoning their ship, and repairs can be conducted more easily, and we can see to their wounded. And at the same time we can follow any leads we have on tracking the Klingons."

After acknowledging the various reports--none received from Booker yet, but Nia's sure he'll check in when he gets a chance--Nia looks over at Collins and smiles.

"Nice thinking. I've been mulling over the possibility of a tow, but a docking would be ideal--a tow would surely slow us down considerably, and bang go the chances of capturing that Klingon ship."

If, indeed, that's what the Captain orders. With the emergency over, Nia isn't sure how much more intervention the powers-that-be will allow. The thought of towing reminds her that the Klingons seemed to want the entire ship, considering they were attempting to tow it toward them. Strange.

"Problem is," she continues aloud, "the Naradraen is one-sixth the size of the Yorktown--not convinced we're built for that much bulk..." She thinks a bit more. "Give me a second to calculate."

Graham--realizing belatedly--responds to Nia. "Graham here. I found an unconscious Aelyr. I am accompanying an Aelyr medical team dispatched by Dr. T'Var at their request."

Nia is glad to hear from Booker, but she frowns. "Acknowledged, thanks. But you say she was unconscious--was she injured? Where was she?"

Onn soon realizes that the Naradraen would indeed be too big for the Yorktown's Shuttle Bay, both in width and length. The heavy cruiser would be able to tow the alien ship relatively easily with a tractor beam, however, if necessary.

Graham follows the three Aelyrr to the Infirmary, where Dr. T'Var and the ship's healer, Balcen, are waiting. The Infirmary is much smaller than the Yorktown's but seems well-equipped. Dr. Balcen is briskly efficient. She scans the unconscious Aelyrr and finds nothing immediately wrong with her. "Merwilh has fainted in the past, due to stress," she says thoughtfully. "Perhaps she did again. Her brain activity is normal and she's not in any danger; I'll let her wake naturally." She turns to Graham and says, "Thank you for finding her and letting us know."

"If it's too big," Collins continues her thought, "Is there an Aelyrr outpost nearby? At the very least we can tow the Naradraen there where folks who know the systems can see to the repairs, with some of our engineers along for the manpower; then those of this crew who are willing and able can join us on the Yorktown. Still no abandonment, no loss of face."

Rangin looks over the details of all the repairs that need to be made to get the ship into order and shakes his head and comments to Cheverez, "Sir, It's going to take far too long to fix all of this to bring the ship back up to full running capacity. Too much of it is damaged in one way or another."

He steps back from the panels and looks round the engine room at the various parts. "Given the nature of the problem why bother trying to fix it all. Is there any way we can cannabilise the the working parts and make some functional bits available to give us limited capacity and then look to work on the rest of it."

He leans forward again and flicks to a few screens for display to the two Engineers, one Human and one Aelyrr. "You will have to tell me if this is possible, but the Hadron-pulse engine requires 16 plates for full running, could we get it working on eight, maybe twelve, to give us minimal engines. Can we also salvage these bits from the phaser arrays to give at least one working phaser, no matter how small it may be? Same goes for shields?"

Looking across to them, "We're pretty much stuck here unless we get some power or the Yorktown does it for us. The sooner the Naradraen becomes self-sufficient enough to limp back to a shipyard, the sooner we can go catch those who stole the codex. Well, sir,", he nods to Cheverez, "Ma'am," he nods to Adeev, "Your thoughts?"

Nia looks at Alveron, still holding the communicator to her ear waiting for Booker. "High Priestess, where is the nearest location where you'd be able to get some technical help? I can't commit to anything before speaking with my superiors, but as Lt. Collins says, I'm sure we'd at least be able to tow you someplace where your people can help fix the Naradraen."

Adeev says, "We could make at least minimal repairs and resume our course to Yaavel, and they could send out a ship to tow us in or even help us make repairs in deep space. That would at least get us farther away from any likely Klingon patrols. But this is not my decision; let me discuss it with the High Priestess."

She does, over the intercom, and Alveron asks, "So there is no chance of making repairs here and being able to pursue the Klingons ourselves in this ship?"

"No, High Priestess," Adeev says respectfully. "Not anytime soon. The damage is too great."

Alveron thinks. "We must get the Codex back, and quickly, but we cannot abandon this ship...." She turns to the still-nude Sidonian. "Tell me, Lt. Onn, could we send someone with you to recover the artifact? Could your people help us with this great task?"

Graham nods respectfully. "Of course, it's our pleasure to help."

He steps outside the treatment area and types out a message to Nia. Sorry for delay. Aelyrr appears OK. Maybe stress/fainting in quarters during attack. Am available for assignment currently in infirmary.

Nia sees Booker's message and nods, about to respond but is distracted by Alveron's request. To Alveron, she replies: "I'll have to check with my captain, High Priestess. I know how important your Codex is. Please excuse me."

Not wanting to make the request in front of the Aelyrr, she leaves the room to find somewhere private. As she walks slowly, she taps out a message:

Onn to Singh and Vargas. Request permission to end coded discussions; with Klingons absent this precaution seems unnecessary. Meanwhile, ship is secured but unable to be fixed in time for Aelyrr to retrieve their artifact; their priestess requests our help in reclaiming stolen item from Klingons, with 1 representative from Aelyrr on board Yorktown. Please advise.

The reply soon comes back: Message received. Well done in averting core breach of Aelyrr vessel. Chief Engineer Cheverez wishes to beam over additional Engineering personnel to begin repairs and to study unusual Aelyrr systems. He will assume command of Yorktown personnel there. Return ASAP with original boarding party and your selection of Aelyrr guest(s) for further discussions. SINGH.

Nia's teeth tug at her lip as she types back:

Thank you, ma'am, but the credit goes entirely to Cheverez and Ferguson's acts of ingenuity. Will do as requested except for one problem: the Aelyrr don't transport--it's against their religion. Will ask but given the leader's strong opinions on faith, I can't imagine this sacred ship contains any nonbelievers. I might be able to pilot a shuttle over close enough for an EVA transfer--tricky but I've threaded smaller needles before.

She sends the message and in the interim contacts the boarding team: "Okay team. The six of us are being called home. I'm waiting for some further instructions, so let's just gather first. Find an Aelyrr and ask them to get you to the Auxiliary control room." After a second, she adds: "T'Var, if you're still dealing with any patients or otherwise assisting, you can finish up what you're doing--the ship's not going anywhere yet, and Cheverez is staying and bringing more engies on board.

"And Rangin, if Cheverez needs you to stay you can, but I think before I go back to the ship I'd better get my uniform, if you can drop it by? Scales aren't the fashion statement I want to make when meeting with the Captain or especially Vargas." The thought makes her smirk. On the other hand, that might be the only way to get Vargas's approval.

Continuing, she finishes: "See you soon. T'Var, Rangin, let me know if you need to stay."

Nia waits for any responses before returning to the control room.

Well, this was rather anticlimactic. Collins thinks after Onn calls the team to their location. I'm going to need a lot of cardio tonight.

T'Var says, "I am finishing up here, and will come to the Auxiliary Control Room shortly."

"On my way," Rawlings says.

After a few minutes, Onn gets another message. Interesting. Would rather not risk EVAs with our new friends; will ask Engineering to craft a docking adaptor for one of our shuttles and Aelyrr airlock or equivalent. Ask them to send specs. How many Aelyrr would you like to bring here? Please extend invitation(s). SINGH.

A response to the message from the Captain is easy enough for Nia. I'd imagine two Aelyrr would be ideal, just to make each other feel comfortable among such alien beings. But I'll ask the high priestess her opinion, and will get specs/location for docking adaptor. Excellent idea, ma'am, if I may say so. Should've thought of it myself. Blame 2 hours' sleep.

She sends the message off and heads back to the ACR, where she nods in encouragement toward Collins and the others. "High Priestess, I'm glad to say that Captain Singh is willing to discuss the best way to assist you in retrieving your artifact. And, being respectful of your feelings about transporters, she'll have our engineers adapt one of our shuttles so that one or two of your representatives can be flown safely to our ship."

Nia smiles reassuringly. "I'll be handling the shuttle, and I promise it'll be safe. We'll just need to know the specs on where and how big we need to make the addition to our shuttle so it matches the Naradraen's hatch, or whatever you normally use to exit and enter the ship. Maybe the crew member who's working with Mr. Cheverez now will be the best person to ask. Of course, we leave it to you to decide who would like to come aboard the Yorktown. I was thinking maybe two Aelyrr would be best, so no one should feel too alone among all the strangers and different technology. Do you have ideas on who might volunteer to come aboard?"

Suddenly she remembers that she should let Alveron know about Cheverez's plans. "Oh--also, with your permission, Mr. Cheverez is hoping he'll be allowed to continue to work on fixing your ship--in fact, he'd like to send more of our engineers over to help him restore the Naradraen's damaged systems. Will that be all right with you?"

Collins feels herself getting antsy, but hopes feverishly that it doesn't show.

Rangin checks with Cheverez as to whether he needs to stay or not. Regardless he will head for the Auxiliary Control Centre to hand the uniform back to Lt. Onn.

Alveron says, "Yes, please have your engineer continue his work, and he is welcome to bring more of your people aboard to help. I will have Adeev send the technical information to your ship so that a shuttle may safely dock." She calls Adeev and issues the order, switches off and then says, "I would like to come meet your Captain myself, and I think I will bring" -- she thinks a moment -- "Eris with me. She is our sole surviving and unwounded warrior, and will probably be the best person from this ship to retrieve the Codex."

Collins appears calm and professional to all around her.

T'Var and then Rawlings arrive in the ACR. Rawlings quietly asks Collins, "What's new, Lieutenant?"

Cheverez says, "I understand the Captain wants the original boarding party to return, Mr. Rangin, so yes, you can go. Thank you again for your help." Rangin soon finds his way to the ACR, Onn's uniform in hand.

Onn has another response from the ship: Understandable; I'm sure you could all use a rest. Carry on, and see you soon. SINGH.

Nia thanks Alveron and adds that the Yorktown will be honored to have her and Eris. She then contacts Cheverez to let him know he can go ahead and send for extra help, and welcomes T'Var and Rawlings. With Double-T's arrival, Nia starts to find this small room a bit tight. She slips just outside to find Rangin.

"There you are. I really owe you for holding everything for me. Sorry about that--you're not my butler." She smiles and takes the uniform from him. Only now does she realize that her boots, underwear and stockings must be back in the corridor wherever she dropped them. Not a huge problem, though she'll look strange walking around barefoot. Once she slips the dress over her head, she exhales and relaxes, letting her scales recede everywhere but her torso--given the lack of underwear and the shortness of her skirt, she figures better safe than sorry.

Despite her relaxation, from the appearance of the skin on her hands--somewhat metallic, matching the walls--there's still enough nervous energy coursing through her to keep her instinctively camouflaged. That's weird. What am I anxious about? The fact that she hasn't heard from Booker in a while might be one reason, but she knows he must be on his way.

Things were awkward when she disagreed with him about tactics and gave him the orders to search the ship. It can't be because she's a woman, can it? Booker must be plenty used to women superior officers--hell, the Captain's female, and Collins... although he hasn't spent much time under their commands yet. Still. Is it just her? Considering she and Booker are... whatever they are?

With a shrug and mental decision to deal with that later, she asks the ensign beside her for her inhaler. "Thanks again, Rangin." Nia's smile turns rueful. "Y'know, I'm usually on a first-name basis with guys who help me into or out of my clothes. You mind if I call you Velir, when appropriate? And I'm Nia."

Collins looks up at Rawlings and smiles, "Same old, same old." she replies. "You?"

"Of course not ma'am, as appropriate," Rangin replies politely while holding out both the inhaler and the pair of boots that Lt. Onn had left behind. "I believe you will find your undergarments in them as well."

"It appears that our work here is done, for all that I did. At least I got to meet a new species and see the Sidonian Scaled Camouflage Response And Movement in the flesh, if you don't mind me saying ma'am as I've only seen vids of it before. So at least my time here wasn't a complete loss." Rangin sighs at the thought of what he was doing just before all this occurred. "I do hope the Captain isn't going to expect me to finish the shift where I started it. The Captain's chair is really not comfy enough to fall asleep in." he wonders half to himself and half to anyone else who might be listening in.

"Have we been given any new orders ma'am after we return." he enquires of Lt. Onn once she has finished dressing.

Nia is shocked, to put it mildly, to see Rangin produce her boots. Just where did this guy hold them all this time? Do Coridanites have pouches I don't know about?

She thanks him again and waits to answer his question as she slips on the boots. The stockings and underwear will wait; she might not be a hugely modest person, considering she's been running around naked for the past however-the-hell long it's been, but something feels wrong about slipping on her black silk underwear in front of the guy who's... apparently been hanging on to them steadfastly throughout a dangerous battle with Klingons. Okaaay.

She straightens and puts her hands on her hips, the undies and stockings bunched together in her left hand. "First of all, I understand and share your frustration. I personally accomplished basically nothing, except scaring off the Klingon with the Holy Grail and giving you all a peek at my scale-covered goodies. But you acquitted yourself well, Velir. You came up with good ideas and kept your wits about you. I was right to pick you, and I think some people..." I just don't see what Booker finds so sinister about this guy. Is my creep radar that off? "...I think some people underestimate your skills.

"Not that you're not valued," she adds quickly. "But between you, me, and no one else, after the way you've performed over the last two missions--or three, if you count the search for Ensign Kylah--if you were a bit more pushy, or maybe were in a more, um, lionized department like the one led by our First Officer, I think you'd have at least a dotted one of these," she says, pointing to her gold Lieutenant's stripe and, of course, referring to the same rank as Collins and, until recently, Delaney.

"Anyway, as for what follows, I'll tell this to the team in private once our party's finally reunited..." Nia looks over Rangin's shoulder somewhat impatiently, hoping Booker will show up soon. "But you might as well get first dibs on this. I have a suspicion either the Yorktown will be flying out to capture the Klingons or they'll be sending us off in a shuttle to take care of the hunt. If it's the former, your knowledge of that new sensor device may come in handy if the thieves are off hiding on some planetoid somewhere. If it's the latter and I'm asked to lead a team again, I'd still like you to be part of it... that is, if you don't mind working under someone who shot her phaser twice to no effect and then twiddled her thumbs for the rest of the mission." She smiles crookedly at him. "I promise I'm not normally this impotent."

Rangin settles back into a more formal stance, hands behind his back where he had been holding Lt. Onn's boots. No wonder she had looked surprised when he produced them.

"Ma'am, all the action I saw was from behind Lt. JG. Collins - twice - and then got to stay out of the way of Lt. Cmdr Cheverez as he stopped us being turned into a quantum smear in space. Hopefully next time, I will be more use than just pointing out where the Klingons are." His comment about tidying up after people goes unsaid. It was probably more useful than anything else he had done as part of the boarding party. "And it would at least give me a chance to converse with the Aelyrr some more, perhaps find out how close to the Caitians they actually are, whether an offshoot or perhaps two species that appeared independently. Although I have a feeling Dr T'Var will already have started looking into that."

Rangin shrugs. "As for my performance, I think Lt. Cmdr Roble has the same thoughts as you. We'll see what happens in the long run."

"If you would like me to serve under you, then I have no problems with that." Rangin brightens slightly, "I'll just have to find someone else to look after the sensor tests if it contends. Actually, with any luck, Dr Brold might have some decent readings from the test yesterday."

He nods sagely. "Something else to look forward to."

Cheverez says, "Thank you, Mr. Onn. I'll beam over an Engineering team shortly."

Rawlings shrugs and says to Collins, "Beats digging a ditch. It was interesting to get to look over this ship a bit - been a long time since I've been on a First Contact mission."

It takes about half an hour for the Yorktown's artificers to craft a docking adaptor. Alveron and Eris lead the boarding party to a starboard airlock as the Starfleet shuttle approaches.

Graham rendezvous with the rest of the team by the control room.*


*Assuming that's where they still are

Collins giggles a little at Rawlings' ditch comment. 'Yeah, but the good stuff was over before it started" she adds quietly so the others don't hear. Then in a normal voice says "A couple of them are coming with, so there's still a chance to learn more from them."

Nia can hear the touch of frustration in Rangin's otherwise mild tone. She can't blame him; a xenobiologist and skilled scientist having no opportunities on such a mission--a first contact with a new alien species--well, she'd be pissed off too. Of course in her position she can't complain openly to a subordinate, but she looks as sympathetic and supportive as she possibly can.

Booker's arrival is late, and he says nothing to her, doesn't even seem to look at her. Nia is beginning to worry about him.

Then the final nail in the coffin of this mission occurs when, instead of being beamed back to the ship separately before the Aelyrr... either for a debriefing, or a chance for Rangin and T'Var to privately update Roble about the new aliens' biology and any needs they might have before stepping into a foreign environment, or a pep-talk with her own team, or--what Nia was personally most looking forward to--a chance to fly the shuttle with its new addition and help Alveron and Eris on board, as she'd promised... she and her team are forced to sit on their heels for a half-hour, underutilized. Again.

Damn it, I was hoping to fly the Naradraen, and now I can't even get a shuttle.

She pushes away her personal disappointment and considers the very real issues caused by this decision. I need to suggest some better procedures to the captain in cases like this. Respectfully, of course, but she needs to hear them. We shouldn't have first-contact aliens on board without making certain there's no biohazard to them or our crew. Not to mention any, uh, social hazards related to their religion. Heck, I'd've liked to be consulted about what accommodations the ship can make so our guests will be comfortable--they don't use chairs, after all.

Nia remembers when she first entered a Starfleet vessel back on Sidonia, she was vetted and kept in quarantine for some time before being allowed onto the ship; she also had extensive discussions with the ship's xenosociologist and captain so that she understood the ship's culture--and her own.

Of course she had vastly different medical requirements, given the unusual atmospheric conditions on Sidonia versus M-Class environments, but even so. Make a note to follow up, 'cause first contacts are incredibly delicate. And who knows that better than someone who's been on the other side of this sorta thing?

When they enter the shuttle, Nia is curious to see how the Aelyrr will react. She looks to see who's flying this bird, and will congratulate him or her for his achievement. Somewhat enviously, admittedly, but good piloting is good piloting.

Graham has joined up with his shipmates.

Onn can see the shuttle through an outer-hull viewport as it approaches the last few meters - it is the Steinmetz. The pilot brings the shuttle up very gently to the Naradraen's flank, and the jury-rigged docking adaptor smoothly mates with the Aelyrr airlock. Alveron seems quite interested in the process. Eris is monitoring the airlock controls and, after a minute or so, says, "An airtight seal is established. I am opening the inner hatch now." There is only enough room in the airlock for three at a time to pass through.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Proteus_Steinmetz

Graham has no interest in making small talk with Rangin, or in his company,

But as the shuttle approaches he sees that Onn is observing it through a viewport. He approaches close, just over her shoulder. "I see you've, ah...re-briefed, ma'am," he says quietly. "Everything all right?" he asks, equally quietly, a mix of respect for a solid mission commander, concern for someone (however skilled) thrown into a different context--pilot versus hand-to-hand combatant--and solicitude for a...lover...

Feeling the warmth of Booker's body close to hers, and then hearing his murmured voice... Nia exhales and closes her eyes briefly, at last reminded of how it felt to lie in his arms. It's a lengthy process, turning off the exterior facade that she wears as a team leader--much slower to ebb away than just her scales.

Her aim, whenever she's led a mission, is to keep her attitude efficient but not cold, businesslike but not humorless, and tough but not callous. With Booker nearby, she's tempted to lean against him and relieve herself of the responsibility; just being glad they're all safe, but aware that she's failed in so many ways.

Of course, she can't do that yet. She does shift her eyes briefly away from the shuttle she wishes she could be flying, and aims her gaze at Booker. "Could be better. Too many were lost, including our quarry. At least we've got some of the enemy to question." Can't wait to see their ugly faces in a cell. She swallows and lifts a shoulder in a kind of shrug, not wanting to dwell. "So I'll take this, for now."

Nia can't help noticing that due to all the action they've seen, strands of his dark hair are hanging in his face. Every instinct urges her to brush them tenderly backward. Instead she gives him a small, private smile, somewhat questioning. "You okay?"

Graham's jaw clenches slightly, then he puts a hand on Nia's shoulder and squeezes firmly but gently.

"Yeah..."

"Nothing wrong with being pissed about bad guys who got away..." He exhales. "Or these...poor Aelyrr bastards who we didn't get to fast enough. But everyone who came aboard is going home safe. That's something dealing with Klingons, ma-."

He pauses a moment. "Nia. Believe me, I know."

He releases her shoulder somewhat regretfully, letting the gesture stand as one any comrades-in-arms might make, rather than something more intimate.

Thanking Booker with her eyes and a silent nod, Nia turns back--accidentally-but-not-really letting her shoulder brush against his--to hear Eris's announcement. Reluctantly she moves away from the strong man beside her and toward the pair of Aelyrr. "High Priestess, Eris, and..." Nia's eyes scan the group. "Lt. Collins," she concludes, deciding on rank. "You're welcome to board the shuttle whenever you're ready."

She looks at the rest. "Next will be just two of you, Rawlings and Rangin. As usual, Double-T, you require special accommodations fitting into tight places." Nia lets her eyes sparkle mischievously at her friend and ex before returning to the final two. As far as she's concerned, a team leader's duty is to be the first into the fray and the last into safety. Not that the ship is dangerous any longer, but she's not going to deviate from habit now. "That'll leave T'Var, Graham and finally me for the last trio."

Before she forgets, she opens her communicator. "Mr. Cheverez, the original boarding party is about to enter the shuttle. Thanks to your assistance, we're leaving the Naradraen in better condition than we found her. Team command is in your hands, sir."

Seeing Graham approaching Lt Onn, Rangin moves away from her and heads across to Rawlings and Collins. He is pondering the results that Dr Brold and his assistants are likely to gain from the test when something occurs to him.

"Ma'am, Mr Rawlings" he greets the pair of them, "so how was first contact for both of you? For me, normally its a little more interesting, we hardly seem to have got to know them. Just out of curiousity ma'am, I take it your going to be in charge of keeping them safe, chaperoning them if you will as it is quite important the right person is doing that" Rangin shuffles slightly, "I only ask as I would like to get to know them further, purely from a xenobiological and scientific point of view, of course."

Hearing Lt Onn give out the orders for embarking on the shuttle, Rangin nods towards Rawlings, "I'm still waiting for someone to make a little and large joke," he dryly says.

"Chaperone, yes," Collins says, "they'll be our guest for a time. I have no problem with you talking to them to learn all you can, but you'll have to go at their pace." she smiles a bit "Alveron is their spiritual leader. I'd speak to her first about what you can and cannot ask of the others."

"As for first contact, well, it wasn't ideal, for sure. My idea of first contact is to observe a people for a while first, find out what makes them tick, then approach carefully, but friendly." She thinks for a moment. "But I think we did okay."

She hears Eris' announcement and Onn's directive, "I'll see you on the shuttle." she says to both men, then heads for the airlock. She'll let the two Aelyrr go through the door first before she steps in herself.

Cheverez responds via communicator, "Acknowledged, Mr. Onn, and thanks again. Have a good - and short - trip back."

No one takes issue with Onn's order as to entry of the shuttle, of course.

Alveron, Eris and Collins pass through the airlock. Pressure equalizes and soon, with a hiss, the shuttle's outer door opens. They go inside. Collins sees that the only person in the Steinmetz, now rising from the controls, is its pilot, Ens. Ben Cooper. He bows slightly to the Aelyrr. "Welcome aboard, honored guests," he says, shooting her a sidelong wink that they can't see.

Rawlings replies to Rangin, "I was just saying, I liked having the chance to look over the alien ship. Very interesting. I wouldn't have minded stunning more Klingons, too, but I'll take what I can get." He smiles. "And I leave the big-and-little jokes to others; Lord knows I've heard enough of them over the years."

Collins smiles when she sees who the shuttle pilot is. She returns the wink then sees to it that the Aelyrr are comfortable. She stand at a point within the shuttle that gives her line of sight and easy access to the whole vessel. Once everyone else is aboard, she'll slip into the copilot's seat and stay there, unless someone else gets there first.

Once Collins and the Aelyrr are through, Rangin will head through with Rawlings and take a seat near them and all the better to make sure that Ens Graham can't be seated near himself.

"I hope that we are able to assist you recovering the Codex during your time on board, as well as learn more about each other's races. I would hope we have a lot to offer each other." Rangin says politely to them, trying to engage them in conversation and make it as pleasant as possible.

On the Steinmetz, as with most Class F shuttlecraft, from the bow proceeding aft, there are two seats set side by side at the forward control console (either one of which may be occupied by the pilot), followed by the door entry area on the port side with one seat against the starboard bulkhead, then two seats, and then another two seats - seven in all. A small technical-access bay and even smaller bathroom are at the stern.

Thus:

S1 S2
___S3
S4 S5
S6 S7

The aliens take seats 4 and 5, looking about them with great interest. Rawlings and Rangin pass through the airlock with no problems and are also given a friendly greeting by Cooper. Rawlings, who seems to make the shuttle's interior smaller simply by being there, remains standing near the door.

T'Var says to Onn and Graham, as the airlock cycles through again, "Shall we...?"

A reminder of the Class F shuttlecraft of the TOS era: http://memory-alpha.wikia.com/wiki/Class_F_shuttlecraft.

Graham nods and gestures, inviting T'Var and Onn to proceed. "After you, ladies. Uh--sirs."

Rangin sits in S3 next to the Aelyrr, all the better to engage in conversation and answer any questions they may have. It also gets him away from Graham and none of the rest of the group are exactly chatty, well apart from Lt Onn.

With Collins and Rawlings both standing there is enough room for everyone else to sit down, but he keeps an eye towards the door to see anyone of a higher rank would like to take the seat to speak to the Aelyrr.

Nia steps inside and, seeing Collins and Rawlings so close to the door, takes a look around the shuttle. She does a bit of a double-take at the fact that the Aelyrr are seated--Wonder why they have no seats on their own ship, they seem perfectly comfortable now--and then starts to consider whom she'll order to stand.

And that's when her eyes widen...and she begins to laugh. Starfleet's best and brightest, folks.

"I don't believe we did this," she murmurs to herself, shaking her head. Then, to the others: "Team, we've all been in a haze. Not you two, of course," she adds to the Aelyrr. To the rest: "Do you realize we've been standing around like statues waiting for the shuttle for the past half-hour, when most of us could've just beamed back? We only need one person to escort our honored guests--or two, me and a security officer. And now look, we've got too many for the shuttle."

Amused, she steps further in and lifts a thumb in the direction of the Yorktown. "Okay. Two of you are beaming back--actually, everyone can beam back as far as I'm concerned, except for me and... oh, let's say Rangin, because you look as if you're dying to get a chance to talk to the High Priestess and Eris... and I'll need one security person, just because. It's probably a good idea for as many of us to beam back as possible, it'll allow you to get refreshed for our debriefing. And I expect Lt. Collins, Mr. Graham and Mr. Rawlings will want to arm-wrestle for the chance to interrogate the Klingons."

She faces Cooper, belatedly acknowledging him with a warm glance. "I'm sorry, I've been rude. Good evening--or rather, good morning, Mr. Cooper. Smooth bit of flying there. Now, if you'd be so kind...?" She nods toward the pilot's chair. "I promised the High Priestess that I would personally fly the ship. And as you know, my word is my bond." Nia smiles sweetly while she gestures for him to stand up. "Thanks for keeping the seat warm for me."

She turns to the rest of the team. "So? Who'd like to beam back and take advantage of the extra time to grab some coffee or refresh yourselves?"

At the offer of coffee, Collins says "I'll beam." She hopes Cooper will also volunteer since he's been usurped anyway.

Cooper smiles graciously. "The ship is yours, ma'am. If you'd like a copilot, I'd be glad to stay; otherwise I'm willing to beam back."

"Likewise," Rawlings says, turning towards the door. "Mr. Graham, want to stay?"

"I will return with you, Mr. Rawlings," says Dr. T'Var.

The Aelyrr look at each other. Alveron says to Onn, her tail twitching a little, "Whatever you decide, I am eager to meet your Captain and recover the Codex."

Nia thanks Cooper and, with a playful glance at Collins, says, "Oh, I think for such a short trip we won't need a co-pilot. Go back and enjoy the extra time."

She'll take her seat at the controls once it's free, and reassures the Aelyrr that they'll be on their way ASAP.

"With your permission, Sir?" Collins moves towards the airlock.

"Sure, Lieutenant," Nia says, "all ashore who's going ashore. But we can do this the easy way." She pulls out her communicator and adds with a sparkling look at Graham, "Since I want one security officer with us, looks like you're it, Mr. Graham. That's what you get for letting Collins and Rawlings beat you to the punch."

Next she speaks into her communicator. "Onn to Transporter Room 1. Please lock on Lt. Collins, Lt. Cooper, Dr. T'Var and Ensign Rawlings, and beam them back to the Yorktown." Then we can get this show started, she thinks with a happy grin. She's never more at ease than when she's at the helm in command of her own ship, big or small.

Collins, Cooper (an ensign, not a lieutenant), T'Var and Rawlings are soon beamed back to the ship. Mr. Nguyen, behind the transporter console on the Yorktown, says after they have rematerialized, "The Captain asks you to report to Conference Room 1 in ten minutes."

Onn sees that Cooper left the shuttle's engines on but disengaged, as is permitted under Starfleet regs for short-term docking. All systems appear normal.

Graham and Rangin both take their seats.

"Thank you, Chief." Collins says. "I'll see you there," she says to Rawlings and T'Var. She can't imagine why Cooper would need to be debriefed, so to him she says "Lunch, 1300?" After he answers, she will head to the mess for a cuppa to go, and a fried egg with Swiss cheese on a roll, which she'll eat on her way to the conference room.

Nia sighs contentedly and, in a gesture she can complete with her eyes closed, shuts the shuttle's outer door and tells the passengers that they're ready to go.

However, before she disengages the docking attachment, she asks over her shoulder: "Excuse me, Eris. Will the Naradraen's airlock hatch re-stabilize and close automatically? Since you were the one to handle the controls earlier, and I didn't see any other Aelyrr nearby...?"

If Eris gives her this reassurance, Nia will then safely retract the docking adapter. The rest of the departure sequence, she knows, should all be rote: initiating the impulse engine; raising the shields--usually not essential for such a short hop, but Nia's not taking any chances; engaging the thrusters at a very low power, considering the distance is minimal; and finally, using the manual flight controls to aim and turn the shuttle's nose smoothly toward the Yorktown. Of course, she'll also contact the starship to let them know the Steinmetz is on its way home.

Rangin sits back down near to the Aelyrr and engages them in conversation again, willing to answer their questions as best he can and find out a little more about them and their species.

There are only a few minutes he will have before they dock again with the Yorktown, so he decides not to waste the time.

Graham tries to get a look at Nia working the shuttle's controls. In her element, he thinks.

Of course, he's seen her at her station on Yorktown's bridge--but that's different.

If you think of yourself as a "pilot" something more direct, immediate, and under your solo control is probably where your heart is.

Rawlings says to Collins, "Right. See you soon." T'Var nods and moves off, too.

Cooper grins and says, "You're on, Jer. I don't think they need me for the debrief, but I'll double-check."

Eris says, "Yes, the airlock door will automatically close. I will make sure." She pulls out a communicator and calls the Naradraen's Auxiliary Control Room, and confirms it.

Onn finishes her quick preflight checklist, disengages the shuttle and turns it towards the Yorktown, which, she sees, is nicely silhouetted against the huge, purplish-red nebula nearby. It will take about ten minutes for the return trip. Shuttlebay Control acknowledges Onn's flight plan.

Alveron asks Rangin, "Have you met any other beings like us in your travels, Mr. Rangin?"

When she has a chance, Eris asks, "Tell me more about your Federation and Starfleet, please. Do you often fight Klingons?"

Graham can easily see and hear what's going on from his seat.

Graham overhears Eris' question and interjects. "Yes...well, we're not in open war with the Klingons at the moment, but they are a hostile power. Some of us...ah, well, I taught a class on how to fight them hand-to-hand at our Starfleet Academy. If we have time while you're on the Yorktown I'd be happy to show you a few things to...ah, hurt them more and better."

"Yes, we have met a couple of species very similar to yourselves, I think the closest would be the Caitians. I'm sure there are plenty of facts we can discover from each other." Rangin replies, "As to the Klingons, as Mr Graham alludes to, we indeed in an uneasy truce with them and the Empire they purport to rule."

"The Federation of Planets is made up of several like minded races who believe generally in co-operating and getting along for the betterment of all who join it. I believe you would be surprised by the variety of those who are members. Part of Starfleet's role is to seek out new life beyond it's borders and investigate the wonders that are out there. Hence, part of the reason why we are here."

"The Caitians?" Alveron says. "Tell me about them, please. How are they like us, and how are they different?"

Nia pipes up. "The Caitians share certain... physical similarities with you. Ensign Rangin will tell you more about that. And there's apparently a similarity in language, too."

She hesitates and adjusts the shuttle's speed slightly as it nears the Yorktown. The ship's tractor beam can be used to pull shuttles into the shuttlebay, but it's not necessary with a pilot of her caliber. She goes on:

"The only way we even heard and understood your distress message was due to one of our communications officers picking it up and using a technology you must have as well--we call it a universal translator." Nia shrugs with one shoulder. "I don't know all the details but I think your language, at least some of your words, resembles an old version of the Caitians'. Maybe you'll get a chance to talk with the officer who caught your message when we get to the ship, I'm sure she'd love that. Anyway, Mr. Rangin can talk more about the biological similarities."

She falls into silence but glances back at Booker, unable to contain the small smile on her lips or the amusement in her gaze before returning to watch the ship grow larger. It's hard not to find wry humor in the enforced diplomatic politeness between him and Rangin. If the Caitians weren't here they'd probably be at each other's throats by now. Instead, they're having a conversation--albeit by proxy, since neither is directly addressing the other.

He'll be grumpy for sure, Nia thinks, not entirely sure which he she means. Probably both, really. Lack of sleep won't help either. She smiles to herself, enjoying the flight, the success of the mission--even if it had almost literally nothing to do with anything she did--and the thought of a good breakfast and nap. Hopefully we'll be going after the Klingons in the meantime. Although... are we going to leave Cheverez behind? Hmm. Wonder how we'll work that... With another shrug she continues flying the shuttle and listening to the conversation behind her.

If it's in any way possible for Graham to feel grateful for Rangin's presence he gets as close to feeling that way as he can given the Aelyrr's question. Uh, you both look like big versions of cats, animals we kept as pets on Terra is about all he could have come up with were he on his own.

He's sure Rangin is feeling quite satisfied by the opportunity to act informed and urbane in front of an audience.

But he's sincerely grateful to see a quick smile thrown his way by Nia. This is the first time they've served on a mission together since...well since becoming whatever they are...and apparently I didn't fuck anything up or do anything to upset her.

"Physical and language similarities?" Alveron repeats, her ears perking up. "Very interesting. I would definitely like to know more about them."

"It is, perhaps, a little difficult to try and give an idea of all the information right now. If you ask the Captain, she would be in a much better position to arrange for you to gain a fuller understanding of all the similarities and differences between your species." Rangin replies.

"Although I could quote several reams of text verbatim on what the Caitians are like, I have nothing to compare it against. Though I'm sure that could be rectified with your assistance." The opportunity for Rangin to get to study a new life form, is quite exciting, not that he would show it.

"Understood," Alveron replies, leaning back in her chair. "As the Codex teaches, 'Patience may bring knowledge unlooked-for, and with time may come wisdom beyond price.'"

"Indeed," says Rangin, "But I don't believe you will have to wait that long, we're nearly at our destination." He gestures to the outside, where the Yorktown is well in view as the shuttle begins to make its final approach.

Nia gets herself ready to extend the landing gear whenever the Steinmetz finally enters the Yorktown's shuttlebay. "Ensign Rangin is right, we're almost there, High Priestess. Landing should be smooth as butter."

...Which will mean nothing if they don't know what butter is. Maybe I should've said a bowl of milk.

The USS Yorktown grows huge through the forward viewports, her twin warp nacelles rising majestically above and to either side. With clearance from Shuttlebay Control, Onn brings in the shuttlecraft for a very smooth landing indeed. The two Aelyrr watch everything with great interest. The giant exterior clamshell doors close behind you, and the Shuttlebay is soon repressurized. A nearby personnel-access door swooshes open. Cmdr. Pablo Vargas, First Officer and Chief of Security, and Ens. Rachel Anna Hayes, the ship's Xenosociology Officer, walk out and approach the shuttle.

Those who beamed over earlier make their way to Conference Room 1. Cooper is not among them.

Graham debates asking Rangin if the "cat has got his tongue" but he wants to avoid having to speak with Rangin even more than avoiding offending the Aelyrr, so he keeps it to himself.

"Nice landing," Graham says sotto vocce with a little smile and approving nod as he leans toward Nia.

Nia greets Vargas and Hayes and introduces them to the Aelyrr, explaining their positions on the ship briefly so the High Priestess and Eris understand why they're here. When she finishes, and suspecting that Vargas will have a few words of his own for the new aliens, she backs up slightly and stands with Booker and Rangin--closer to the former than the latter, especially when Booker leans toward her.

She smiles at his whispered words. "Glad you enjoyed the ride, Ensign," she murmurs, keeping her gaze straight ahead and professional. "I'd be happy to have you aboard again soon. And by the way, thanks for saving my ass from that first Klingon we ran into. I don't know which of us knocked him out, but I'm willing to bet it was you."

Rangin assists the Aelyrr in disembarking and waits to see if Lt Onn will be doing the introductions or whether he should. He knows that Ens. Hayes is going to be even more interested than he is.

The First Officer nods in thanks to Onn and then says to the Aelyrr, smiling, "Welcome aboard the USS Yorktown, a starship of the United Federation of Planets. We're very pleased to have you both aboard. Capt. Singh would like to meet you, if you'll follow me, please...?" He shows the way out of the Shuttlebay, down the corridor and to a turbolift.

Vargas briefly describes the ship, its capabilities and crew as you walk. Hayes looks like she's bursting with questions, but she restrains herself. The Aelyrr look around them curiously - perhaps even awestruck? - but ask no questions. Starfleet personnel passing the felinoid aliens in the corridor do their best not to stare.

In Conference Room 1, under the Trumbull painting of Cornwallis's surrender, Singh greets the rest of the landing party. "Any quick thoughts before Vargas and our visitors arrive?" she asks Collins and the others.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surrender_of_Lord_Cornwallis

"I'm sure that the Aelyrr will give more details," Collins offers, "but the Codex that the Klingons stole is not only very powerful, but very precious to the Aelyrr's culture. I know we still have a mission of our own to complete, but if we can be of any help to the Aelyrr in tracking the Klingons, I think we should use all our resources to do so." She finishes her coffee, disposes of the cup, and returns to her seat.

As they are walking along, with Vargas droning away impeccably about the ship to the Aelyrr, Rangin falls into lock-step with Hayes and gives her a slight nudge with an elbow.

"Here you go," he whispers quietly to her, "starters." as he discretely holds out his tricorder and the notes he had been making while on the Naradraen. It should at least keep her going until they finish the debriefing and she gets to talk to them properly.

Nia waits for an appropriate pause in Vargas's explanations to address him softly. "Excuse me, sir. I know time's of the essence, but it strikes me that High Priestess Alveron and Eris--and to a lesser extent my teammates and I--have been in a hands-on fight. Maybe we could have five minutes to clean, get some coffee or use the--uh, facilities--to refresh ourselves?"

She nearly said 'use the head' but since she knows nothing about the Aelyrr culture, she's not sure whether the Aelyrr might find a reference to bodily functions offensive. Especially in front of men.

In the conference room, Rawlings says, "I agree with Collins, ma'am. It'd be a good way to build closer ties to the Aelyrr if we help them recover their holy book. They definitely seem to have been pushed around by the Klingons."

Dr. T'Var adds, "I was able to get some good tricorder scans of the Aelyrr, Captain, and have shared them with the Science Officer and the Chief Medical Officer. There are certain genetic similarities to the Caitians that I wish to discuss with Mr. Rangin, and with the Aelyrr themselves."

In the corridor, Hayes says, "Thank you!" to Rangin and deftly copies what he has onto her own tricorder.

Vargas replies to Onn as the turbolift arrives on Deck 2, "Good idea, Lieutenant." He asks the visitors, "Do you need to use the, er, sanitary facilities, or to refresh yourselves before we meet the Captain?"

"No, thank you," Alveron says with a glance at Eris. "We are eager to proceed."

The First Officer nods. "Very well." He says to Onn and the others, "Carry on, if you need to, and then meet us in Conference Room 1."

"Thank you sir, ma'am" Rangin replies to Vargas and Onn while quietly taking the tricorder back from Hayes, and with an appropriate half bow he allows himself to be dismissed for the moment, then turning to head off for one of the rec rooms, thoughts still fizzing through his head. After being up for so long out of sync, even with his earlier sleep, he is beginning to flag.

Not to mention having been the BCDO for a large part of that. If it had just been running some science tests, that would have been easy, but having to make Command decisions and actually lead was more draining than he'd thought. Something else he'll have to get used to.

Turning into the Rec Room, he expects it to be fairly quiet, most people either asleep or getting ready for the next watch. But before he looks around to see who else might be taking a break from their overnight duties, his gaze immediately falls on one person, slumped over a desk with a Library computer surrounded by datapads. She's breathing gently but deeply.

Stopping for a moment as he gazes at her, Rangin wonders what Kylah is doing here, apparently fast asleep. He walks quietly across and reaches out to shake her on the shoulder and then stops, remembering what happened in Sickbay. He looks round, wondering if Graham is about to assault him again before breathing a small sigh of relief as there is no sign of him.

He sits opposite her and looks at the table, but the datapads are covered by her sleeping head and the discarded cups of hot chocolate alongside, indicative of the night she must have had.

Instead, he reaches out and starts to move the datapad under her face hoping the movement will wake her. "Rise and shine Kylah," he murmurs, trying to wake her.

The effort works. Her head rises, curls falling over her forehead, and Rangin can see the faint impression where her cheek must've been resting against the edge of the datapad. When she blinks her red-rimmed eyes, he notices how exhausted she looks. She can't have had more than two hours' sleep over the past day. Why is she still working? Why didn't Thalen order her to bed?

He can tell the instant Kylah recognises him. Her eyes widen, pupils black as onyx, and her inward breath is a gasp. "You're back!" she croaks, shaking her head as if disbelieving what she sees. With a nervous smile she reaches her hand reflexively toward him but pulls away just as quickly. Her smile dies, her body seems to shrink, and the distance between them is back.

"Are you all right? How did--what time--how long has it been?" As Kylah dazedly blurts all this, Rangin watches her lean back, wincing and rubbing her neck as if sore, then pushing away the mussed hair from her face. "Is everyone all right?" She stares at her monitor. "Is this true? Is the interference from the Klingon ship gone? I believe I can detect traces from the Naradraen again." Her focus returns to him. "Velir, what happened? I was so worried about you... the crew."

Rangin sits upright at the table, not leaning away from her, but not trying to get closer, and places his arms on the table, hands closed over each other in front of him. "Okay, one question at a time. We're all fine, everyone's back safe. It's about 5 or 6 in the morning and it's all over. The Klingon ship has left, after our encounter with them. They killed several of the crew and we have three of them in the brig, I believe. We are probably going to be assisting the Aelyrr, the race whose ship that we helped in returning what was stolen. Oh and well done, they are very similar to the Caitians, as you thought."

Kylah looks taken aback, her lips slightly parted but speechless, the instant he mentions the captured Klingons. Her hand even rises to toy nervously with her neckline--which Rangin is careful not to watch. He wonders what might be running through her mind over the situation. Is she that afraid of Klingons, or is it the realisation that he and the others had been in such close contact with them? He smiles across to her, hoping to calm her fears, and also hoping she'll at least very proud of what she figured out in advance of the others.

He sighs wistfully. In the tranquility of the Rec Room, together like this, they could almost seem more than friends again. But that distance is still between them, far larger than the table where they sit opposing each other. In more ways than one.

"I can't stay for too long, the Captain is meeting two of them shortly to decide what to do next. More importantly, are you alright? You look like you should be asleep in your quarters given you were on the same shift as me last night. Surely Lt. Thalen didn't keep you on station all night?"

Kylah shakes her head. "No. No, he did not, he ordered me to sleep and took over communications with the boarding party. But I..." She glances at the monitor again, but Rangin suspects this is an evasive look rather than a genuine search for data. "I did not want to lie safe in my bed when so many of my crewmates were in danger. I came here to work. I wanted to keep track of... of what was happening. And try to decrypt the Klingons' messages, but that was futile. So I went back to gleaning more about the Aelyrr language."

For the first time Rangin notices the earpiece tucked beneath her hair. She goes on: "I suppose I fell asleep, but only briefly. I have been listening to their original messages, now with the new translations. More and more, it makes sense to me."

She hesitates, then pulls her chair nearer. "Velir, I could be of some help in discussions with the Aelyrr. I am sure of it. The UT is not complete, there are gaps, and after spending nearly all day studying the patterns and intonations of their speech, I might be able to sense--" Kylah stops for some reason, then continues. "That is, to make sense of things the translator cannot. I am awake now, I want to help. Do you think I might be allowed to join you?"

Rangin considers the question for a moment, "I can't see that making the request would hurt at all. You were the one to get the original message and decipher it. The UT has been having trouble with some words despite it's best algorithms that maybe a more manual ear might catch nuances a computer can't. If anything, someone from Comms should be there, if only because you're trained in communicating and making sure the rest of us don't slip up too much or say something stupid." He pauses realising that his comments applies to so much more than just this next meeting. "Besides," he adds quickly, "as I said, you're the one who caught the distress call. The Aelyrr seem to have a strong sense of honor and gratitude--I think they might want to express their thanks to you."

Kylah glances down, her pale cheeks a little flushed. "I would like to meet them. Thank you, Velir. But you are the one who decided to speed the ship to their rescue. I hope they are aware of that."

"Well..." Rangin isn't keen on taking credit for doing his job, although he finds himself touched by the recognition despite himself. "Thanks. So, okay, I'll contact Lt. Thalen and Capt. Singh and try to convince them you should go. You've had some sleep and still probably the best person to talk to them, especially with Ens. Hayes."

And I'd be glad to have you there as well...

He sits back in the chair and pulls out the communicator to send a message to Captain Singh and Lt Thalen. "To Captain Singh, Lt Thalen: I would like to request the presence of Ens. Kylah at the meeting with the Aelyrr Representatives. She has the best knowledge of their language and would be essential to have along for communication purposes when the UT is unable to translate as it has done so frequently with such a new language. Also, as she is the person who discovered the original signal, they may wish to help her and us understand what was being said and would no doubt by of great assistance to Ens. Hayes in determining their social aspects. Thank you for your consideration. Ens Rangin."

With a moment to themselves, Graham finally responds to Nia's comment. "Well, you know they old saying, 'a couple who shoots Klingons together stays together.' Or...something like that" He clears his throat. "I, ah, hope I'll see you later... Not in, uh, scales...but maybe naked," he adds with a little smile.

Booker's words--unusually bold and direct for him--nearly make Nia choke on a suppressed laugh. But Vargas and their guests aren't very far away, so she just takes a quick second to clasp his arm in what she makes sure seems like a perfectly friendly, nope, nothing-going-on-here kind of way. "I'd say that's an affirmative," she says. "But before that, we still have this to attend to. Maybe we'll get another chance to take down those Klingons and get even... closer."

In a more conversational tone, she says casually, "I just need to change uniforms and duck into my shower to wake myself up. You should grab a bite to eat, you've been running around more than I have. You too, Rangin," she adds to the shorter man with a friendly smile. It's awkward as hell, standing between these two, but as a team leader she should seem unbiased.

Doesn't look like Rangin's paying much attention, he's got his tricorder out. Might as well put a nipple on that thing, the way he's latched onto it, she thinks in amusement. Soon he's thanking her and Vargas and scurries off. Nia shrugs, sends Booker, Vargas, Hayes and the Aelyrr a last professional nod and then takes the fastest route she can to her quarters.

Inside her private cabin, she strips and makes a beeline for the shower, all the time feeling the grime from the fairly brief time spent on the Naradraen on her skin and even beneath it, in the scales tucked into her dermis layer. A less than welcome side-effect of her excursion, not to mention crawling around nude. Thousands of tiny scales itch and cause her skin to tingle unpleasantly.

Maybe I have a cat allergy, she muses. The only cats Nia has much experience with were the massive predators back on Sidonia, and if she'd ever gotten close enough to test their allergy quotient, she'd have been their next meal.

While she's in her shower scrubbing away, Nia's pensive expression changes to a scowl when she hears her communicator buzz against the bathroom counter. She turns off the water and leans out, one arm reaching for the device while she hopes it's not bad news...

Hey Nia, congrats on mission, how did it go? All gossip welcome. Have some fresh baked goodies when you're ready. AJAY

Definitely not bad news. She smiles despite herself at her friend's concern. Grabbing a towel, she dries herself with one hand while tapping off a note with the other.

Gang's all home safe and sound. Wish I could say the same for those we tried to save. Lost more than a few.

Nia bites back her regret. No time for wallowing, so she keeps her mood light.

Off to a debriefing w/2 of the aliens. They're unusual to say the least. But you'd approve of the crew: all female.

Suddenly a wicked grin curls her lips and a most unfeminine snort escapes her, and she finishes off:

I'll say this: If things don't work out w/T'Var, you'll definitely have no trouble finding some pussy. -- NIA

She's still smirking when the response flies back.

Ok, you need to tell me more. Like do they have a cook and can they keep a secret. ; ) Think they would they be up for some heavy petting?

Nia's laugh is nearly a cackle. Well, that clinches it: Aje has clearly been informed about the aliens being felinoids. Damn, gossip sure moves fast on this ship. Especially for a guy who has sharp ears and has as many friends as he does. No fooling him, damn it.

She waits to respond while she pulls a fresh uniform over her head, slips on new underwear and tights, and finally tucks her wiry curls into a fresh low ponytail. Grabbing her communicator, she's soon on her way to the conference room, but taps out her response while waiting for the turbolift.

Haven't heard about their proclivities, but will let you know if they're as good w/their tongues as you are. If so, you'll both be purring. Better run. Might get a chance to go on another journey, so wish me luck, dear. - NIA

Nia lowers the communicator and, as she enters the newly arrived turbolift, her smile slowly fades, though not completely. She feels remorse and anger at the lost lives, and her joking with A.J. isn't meant to be disrespectful; pilots simply have a mordant sense of humor--it's as much a part of their toolkit as a wrench or an isolinear spanner. Considering how dangerous their jobs are, joking about life is a way of cheating death. Nia is no different.

She requests the floor for the conference room. She then looks down at her communicator. For some reason she wants A.J. to respond one more time. Meanwhile, her left hand leaves the turbolift's handle and fingers the chain of her respirator around her neck. Raising the inhaler, she takes a few deep breaths. Oh, that is much much better: she feels much more clearheaded and awake. Tonight--no, last night, really--has been pretty bad for her routine. She'll need to catch up on her Bilitrium soon for sure.

Soon the communicator chimes once again and she lifts the device.

I'll keep my cream fresh for any takers. Good luck and you can de-brief me later. -- AJAY

Nia's smile returns, and not just because of his typical risqué banter. Pilots--along with a black sense of humor--are bound by rituals. And here, too, she's no different from her fellow starflyers.

She hasn't gone on a mission without A.J.'s 'good luck' since joining the Yorktown. Now that she has it, she feels ready to tackle whatever comes. Booker at her side will make it--whatever it is--perfect.

The turbolift doors open and Nia jogs the rest of the way to the conference room.


Nia be SidonianGal, Johnson by who else? CIAS.

Vargas ushers the aliens into Conference Room 1. Everyone stands.

The Captain, smiling, says, "Welcome aboard the Yorktown. I'm Capt. S.P. Singh. We of the United Federation of Planets are citizens of a vast interstellar republic, and are always glad to meet those of races previously unknown to us. Exploration, diplomacy, trade and peace are our abiding goals. I've learned a bit about you already, from my officers and our scans, but would like to know more. Perhaps we can help you recover your stolen Codex."

"I very much hope so, Captain," the alien says.

"Would you like to sit down?" Singh asks, gesturing.

"Yes, thank you." She does, and everyone else does. "I am Alveron, a high priestess of the Aelyrr. This is Eris, one of our warriors. Our ship is disabled for the moment, and we are grateful to your Mr. Cheverez for his assistance in making repairs. With your permission, I would like to send Eris with you to recover the Codex. It is very important to us, more so than even I may express it."

"What brings you to this particular region of space?" Hayes asks.

Alveron says, "I have discussed this already with some of your crew, but perhaps additional information would be useful to you." She pauses, and then says, almost as if reciting, "We know that Ael created the Universe and then She created the Aelyrr, Her chosen people. She established the Faith. She created the Four, and chose the Sixteen, and blessed the Four Hundred, and gave us a world on which to live and thrive. With her inspiration, we discovered the hunt, and tools and science, arts and music, and over many, many years we reached out to the other worlds in our star system. The first alien race we met was the Mezu'un, who greeted us with honeyed words and declarations of friendship."

Hayes glances at Vargas.

Alveron continues, "They came to our homeworld, and by deception and then by force overcame us, and enslaved us - for some of our people had grown wicked and disobedient to the will of Ael, and thus She tested us. Our suffering was great, but then a heroine arose, and her name was Vael. Wise in counsel and mighty in battle, she led us against our oppressors. In time we threw off the domination of the Mezu'un and forced them to depart. Divinely inspired by Ael, Vael wrote the Codex and shared its wisdom with all. We rebuilt our society for the betterment of all. A new golden age began, and we learned, grew and rose as a people. After long years we reached out for the stars."

Graham nods to Nia and heads to his quarters to quickly shower and change into a fresh uniform.

He doesn't intend to eat, but with Nia's suggestion in mind he's struck by a thought. Damn, some beef jerky would be great right now. Even if it's replicated...

He looks to stop by a convenient replicate and instantiate a meaty snack before heading to the conference room.

Graham gets a quick snack which hits the spot. He is just approaching the Conference Room 1 door when he sees Onn coming briskly down the corridor.

Kylah and Rangin get the same text: Makes sense to me, but Captain already meeting with Aelyrr reps and I don't want to interrupt her to make request. Go to meeting on my authority, if you wish. THALEN.

Seeing Booker, who looks as refreshed as Nia feels, widens the smile on Nia's face. She should be bone tired, but damn if she doesn't have more energy than she knows what to do with. The Bilitrium, she thinks. Wish I could feel like this all the time. Maybe I can, if those new life support belts get approved for wider use...

When she nears Booker, she grins her admiration. "What's a handsome thing like you doing in a place like this?" If no one else is nearby, she'll squeeze his hand quickly before letting it drop. If not, she just cocks her head toward the door. "Here's hoping we either get taken off-duty so we can finish what we started, or are assigned to a kickass Klingon hunt so we can finish that." Nia's voice drops to a murmur. "I want that cowardly bastard I let slip away. What about you?"

Kylah taps out a rushed thanks to Thalen, and then automatically grabs Velir's arm, clutching it with the same gratitude that shines in her tired eyes. "Thank you for backing me, Jeril," she whispers without thinking due to her sleepy happiness. She only releases him so she can bend down to gather the multiple datapads she's amassed over nearly 24 hours of study and research.

She rises from her chair in haste and starts toward the exit, but the memory of the empty mugs on the table makes her self-conscious and she turns back to Velir. "Oh... I must look a mess. Do I have any chocolate on my face?" Her hand lifts awkwardly to wipe her mouth--not easy to accomplish while hugging five or six datapads to her chest. My hair is probably a knotted mess too.

It is not mere vanity; she simply does not want to show disrespect to the new arrivals or her crewmates by showing up with a slovenly appearance. She tries to find a reflective surface even as she continues toward the rec room door.

It's not the grabbing of his arm that is the surprise, but the name she whispers to him. ...Jeril... As Kylah lets him go, he reaches out to steady himself on the table unsure if his knees will support him as time slows down and all that is left in the centre of his vision is her, picking up her datapads, subconsciously trying to tuck some rogue hair back behind one ear. His fingers twitch and one arm starts to move of its own volition as if knowing how it annoys her so, before it drops back as she turns round to him.

"You look fine," for someone who has only had a few hours sleep, "you don't have chocolate on your face, and hopefully the datapad mark will disappear before we get there." Rangin tries to calm her slightly, even though he can feel butterflies churning in his stomach. The sudden realisation that Graham will be there as well, just makes Rangin all the more determined not to do anything untoward at all nor rise to any bait or needling he may consider.

"We had better hurry, I doubt Captain Singh will wait for long." he says as he follows her out of the Rec Room to the nearby turbolift.

Graham titles his head just a slightly. "Well, sure...but don't let it get personal. A mano-a-mano challenge is playing to Klingons' preferences. You'd never hear the end of their 'honor' and 'cowardice' bullshit if we were able to beam knockout gas into a Klingon ship's life support system or wide-area stun a Klingon encampment into dizzy land, but either one would be good with me."

Nia stares in surprise for a moment and then chuckles affectionately, patting his chest to reassure him. "Oh, Booker, we still have a lot to learn about each other. I promise you, I'm not delusional enough to go after this guy on my own. If he had a disruptor and I had a phaser, I might get lucky on the draw or be turned into diffuse atoms. If he had a bat'leth and I had nothing, I could survive a few rounds, since scales are pretty useful against pointy things, but I'd still be S.O.L. in the long run if I couldn't get away. And if it came down to a fist-fight, he'd pummel me for sure--luckily, thanks to our miserable environment, we Sidonians had no choice but to evolve to endure a lot of physical punishment. But the only way I'd outlast him is if his arms got tired of whacking me around."

She smiles crookedly. "No, Book. My code of honor doesn't require personal vengeance of that sort. I'll be perfectly fine flying within firing distance of the scoutship, using torpedoes to pound them into submission, turning on our tractor beam, and towing him and that ugly hunk of terribly designed metal he calls a ship back home."

As she speaks, her eyes catch a glimpse of a pair of rushing figures down the corridor behind Graham's shoulder. She recognizes Rangin, having expected him, but... oh crap, is that Kylah with him? Looking like she's been dragged backwards through a hedge?

In addition to endurance, Sidonians specialize in awareness of environmental dangers. And Nia is certain that once Booker sees Rangin and Kylah together, the current environment might not be dangerous, but it sure as hell won't be a charming reunion of pals.

She swiftly turns toward the conference room and tugs Booker forward. "Uh, we'd better go in. Missed enough of the opening pleasantries as it is, I'm sure." She starts forward and hopes her colleague/friend/almost-lover follows.

Graham chuckles slightly, letting himself be pulled forward by Nia's tug. "Heh, let's not get carried away, I didn't imply we should always leave all the glory to hotshot pilots, hopefully there's still some opportunity to shoot or pummel one of 'em the old fashioned way."

Nia smiles with secret relief when they enter the conference room without incident, whispering to Booker under her breath. "Ideally we'll each be able to fulfill our individual fantasies. Now let's see what the story is--just pray we don't get sidelined."

Collins nods greetings to each of her crewmates as they enter and take seats. She's a little concerned when she sees how ragged her roommate looks, but glad to see she is in the company of Ensign Rangin. She's also glad that Onn is there as a buffer between Rangin and Graham.

dupl post

Graham and Onn, and Rangin and Kylah, enter more or less unobtrusively and take seats along one bulkhead.

The Captain nods a silent greeting, for Alveron is still talking: "...from the lineage of the Four Hundred came Vael, the first Nalan or Chief Priestess, and those who led our people when she died. But five years ago the Four Hundred, gathered in conclave, could not agree on the successor for the Nalan who had just died. Some took counsel of their ambitions rather than the interests of all Aelyrr. Disagreement turned to dispute, and dispute turned to violence. A civil war resulted and many suffered. None of the factions could gain the upper hand, and alien mercenaries saw an opportunity and came, offering to help one or the other. Among these were Klingon mercenaries such as those who boarded our ship. The mercenaries extracted payment as they saw fit, and few could [untranslated] against them. They fought, yes, and they helped some Aelyrr win victories, but they also pillaged our temples, treasuries and museums, looting the religious and cultural heritage of untold generations. Earlier this year a victory was at last won, and the war came to an end, and a new Nalan began her reign. The mercenary companies left or were driven off - all but one. In their greed they set their sights on one last treasure, the greatest treasure of all - the Codex Aelyrr. The Nalan ordered that it be taken to a place of safety elsewhere, the first time it had ever left our homeworld. Five ships were sent out as decoys, each bearing uncannily accurate [untranslated] replicas of the Codex, but only one ship - ours - bore the true original. The Klingons, much reduced in numbers, still were able to attack each ship... and the rest you know."

Nia's brows slower slightly as she tries to follow this history lesson. Long story short, find the treasure and win it back. Got it. "Excuse me, High Priestess. You mention the Codex was being taken to a safe place. What was your destination? Also, who on your planet had been in contact with the Klingon mercenaries when they offered their so-called help?"

Kylah's eyes blink when she sees the two Aelyrr, and she is somewhat intimidated by the other officers in the room. Only a month ago she would have felt that she had the right to be here, as a member of a royal family and an accomplished linguist. Now, as much as she wants to be here, she feels like hiding. She selects the farthest chair possible and places all but one of her datapads to the side without making a sound. While Kylah watches the smaller Aelyrr who's speaking, she uses the other datapad to tap out notes of the speech.

She immediately notices when the translator fails, of course, and each time it happens, Kylah works out a phonetic transcription of the unknown vocabulary. At first she tries to determine the meanings from the context of all the other transcriptions and notes she has taken and feverishly memorized over the past day.

If that does not work, Kylah will wait until there is a moment free and seek permission to speak. All the while she takes a preliminary measure of the aliens' emotions, wondering what their minds feel like.

Every time she hears the word for Klingon, she tenses with a stab of anxiety. She prays these mercenaries are indeed rogues, and not at all connected to the official Klingon government. In truth, this does not sound like the work of Klingons in good standing on Qo'noS. Klingons are warriors, conquerors. Not scavengers. They revere their own holy objects, I cannot imagine their approving such extortion relating to sacred relics, even those of an enemy.

This raises the possibility that these criminals might be wanted on Qo'noS--there might even be a bounty for them. The possibility of Starfleet working with the Klingon government is difficult to imagine, but it could be a huge step forward in easing relations between the Empire and Federation. Either way, she must tell her uncle about this. He might be able to learn more than Starfleet would.

Kylah bites her lip and continues to listen.

Rangin sits and listens quietly to the remainder of the speech from Alveron, although truth be told, his senses are torn between understanding what happened to the Aelyrr and the fact that Kylah is sat right next to him and Graham is only the other side of Lt Onn, though fortunately, he doesn't necessarily appear to have noticed that fact. At least Rangin can only hope so, and with Graham looking in a different direction, it may be a while before he does.

However, when she has finished, all Rangin can wonder is who let the Klingon mercenaries know that the Codex was being moved. Surely something like that would have been a secret, let alone having five ships head out. But for each one to be attacked in an attempt to get the codexes, it probably means they have five or six of them and are now wondering how to work out which is the real one.

Either way, chances are that finding them culprits is going to be high on Captain Singh's list, or more likely delegated to Vargas and the Goon Squad to hunt them down. At least that would give himself a chance to catch up on the new sensor and spend some quieter time with Hayes and Kylah in talking to the Aelyrr and finding out more about them. Win-win all round, especially with Graham in some far flung part of uncharted space looking for something else to hit.

Graham listens to the Aelyrr with a certain amount of sympathy. Clearly in the grand galactic scheme of things they aren't a particularly powerful planet. On the flip side, their extreme religiosity seems to him to be making their lot worse rather than better... But who am I to tell anybody what to believe?

Glancing around the room he almost does a double-take, seeing Kylah looking like death warmed over. And next to Rangin...like every goddamned time she's in obvious distress...

He forces himself to return his attention to the Aelyrr and the command staff.

The elderly, frail Alveron seems shaken by her explanation of her race's travails, as if she has taken onto her own shoulders the suffering of the civil war, and the loss of the Codex. She replies to Onn, "We were on our way to our colony on Yaavel. Several of the factions hired mercenaries, Klingons and others, and as I told you back aboard our ship, I do not know how they found us."

The untranslated words or phrases are gibberish in the Caitian tongue, Kylah sees. The Aelyrr are not easy to read - their minds are unlike any she has sensed before - but Alveron seems old, tired, and distressed. Eris is much younger, and is also upset, but more purposeful and determined.

"Thank you, High Priestess," the Captain says. "Are there any other questions?"

Nia shifts slightly in her chair. "Yes, thank you for answering, High Priestess. But I'm sorry, I don't think I was very clear. You'd mentioned that mercenaries--like the ones on the Klingon ship--offered their help. I'm just wondering, who did they offer their help to? Who's authorized to accept help for your government, or governments... sorry, I don't know if you have separate countries or colonies on your planet. Was it the Chief Priestess?

"And when they stole these artifacts, what was the purpose? Did they extort your government in order to retrieve the relics, or were they intending to sell them to another buyer? If so, who could possibly want the Codex other than yourselves? Is it encased in some precious metal or something? Or are there factions that left your planet after the civil war who might have believed the artifact was rightly theirs?

"Also, I may have missed something since I came in late--my apologies--but when we entered, you were saying something about "the lineage of the Four Hundred" bringing forth the, um, Chief Priestess--Vael, I think? You also said that your religion and artifacts have been around for untold generations. But then you said that these Four Hundred were still around five years ago?" Nia smiles apologetically. "Like I said, I probably didn't get some important details, but I'm wondering if the Aelyrr have very long lifespans? Or do the Four Hundred get... chosen, however that works, by the Chief Priestess?

"Really what I'm getting at is, as you suggested, how the Klingons knew you were making these efforts to hide the Codex. Somewhere along the chain, there must have been a broken link, somewhere this secret operation was revealed to these outsiders. It may not have been willful; someone might have been spied on, or even kidnapped to reveal this secret. I'm also wondering if the same Klingons attacked each of your ships, or if was a different batch each time. It'll help to know how many of these bast--criminals--we're dealing with."

She glances to the side and notices that Kylah seems anxious to speak. Before she cedes her virtual podium, Nia turns back to Alveron. "Finally, and I know this is painful, High Priestess, so please forgive the question... Were there any survivors from the other four ships?"

When Nia finishes, Kylah waits until the Priestess finishes her response before speaking up.

"Thank you for your patience, High Priestess. I am honored to meet you. My name is Kylah, an ensign focusing on communications, and I have been studying your language since we first heard your signals. Just now, I noticed there were a few words and phrases that our translator did not seem to understand. If I repeat them, perhaps you could offer some synonyms or descriptions of what they mean? Our computer might be able to translate them. Here are the missing terms." She swallows and adds, "Please forgive my poor pronunciation. Our mouths have different shapes and muscles, and it is not always easy to replicate sounds..."

Kylah looks down at her notes and voices each of the [untranslatable] words or phrases, reproducing them to the best of her ability using the phonetic symbols and her own memory and knowledge of the Aelyrr's accent.

When through, she glances up again. "Another question is: did the Klingons say anything to you when they first reached your ship? Did they contact you and give you any chance to surrender the Codex? Not that you would have," Kylah adds hastily. "I am just wondering how aggressive they were."

She thinks hard of what she might ask and checks one of the other datapads, even though the words are blurry to her by now. "Oh... yes, I was also wondering--when we first heard your signal, it seems that it was the Naradraen in contact with someone else. A stationary source. Would this have been your planet, or a starbase of some kind? We never did identify this source."

Glancing up again, she concludes: "And finally, High Priestess, I just want to say how sorry I am for the loss of life on your ship. I wish... I wish I had worked faster to understand what you were saying. I also grieve for your Codex. Losing something so precious to you is... it is extraordinarily difficult to endure." Kylah bows her head in a sign of respect and falls silent.

Alveron says, "The mercenaries offered their help to any faction which cared to hire them. Some, not all, did. Before the war, we had a single planetary government, under the wise rule of the Nalan, one after another. Once the war began, however, the various factions all claimed authority to rule. Each claimed legitimacy and the others, of course, denied it. I do not know the Klingons' motivation - the metal in which the Codex is encased is valuable, yes, but not nearly so much as the contents. Selling it back to us, or extorting payment to keep them from destroying it, may have been their goal. There may also, as you suggest, still be contenders for power who want it. They may, I have wondered, secretly plan to use possession of the Codex as a source of authority to seize power." She thinks. "Let me see, your other question... oh, yes, the Four Hundred. They are the descendants of the Four Hundred first blessed by Ael. They have always been the clerical caste among the Aelyrr, and the Nalans are typically, but not invariably, selected from their ranks. Was there another...?" She looks puzzled.

"We usually live 70 to 80 years," Eris adds. "We do not have full accounts of who attacked the other ships, or how, or how many survivors there were, but before we lost communications it appeared that the attackers were all from the same Klingon mercenary band." Alveron nods, a gesture which appears to mean the same thing as in Federation culture.

Alveron greets Kylah and listens to the untranslated words or phrases she quotes. After some back and forth with Eris, the high priestess interprets them as follows:

"The mercenaries extracted payment as they saw fit, and few could [untranslated] against them...." = "take a stand and then remain alive"

"...each bearing uncannily accurate [untranslated] replicas of the Codex, but only one ship...." = "blessed but inauthentic"

Alveron continues, "The Klingons did brusquely demand our surrender and that we turn over the Codex; of course we refused. Then they attacked us, the scoundrels. Yes, the Aelyrr with whom we were in contact before were our colonists on Yaavel." To Kylah's last remark, she says, "Thank you for your kind remarks, Ensign. We appreciate your help, and your sympathy. As the Codex teaches us, 'To overcome adversity while in service to the Faith is a blessing indeed, and enduring what seems unendurable strengthens you for further service. But you should be of good cheer. For what you cannot overcome, in time, your daughters may after you, inspired by your example and hallowed by your sacrifice.'"

Rangin listens to the Aelyrr finishing and the questions from Lt Onn and Kylah while trying to work out what he could do to help. He reflects on the fact that as a member of the Federation, there is very little he can do, that others on the ship could not do better.

He fidgets slightly realising that if the Klingons were indeed mercenaries then he would stand as far better chance of finding out about them through more unconventional means. But the thought of tracking back to contacts left behind and long forgotten is not something to be relished.

Graham is glad to hear Kylah speak up, however hesitantly, then tenses when he catches Rangin moving out of the corner of his eye...

This is exactly how a sick sonofabitch like him would get his rocks off, saying something right now to make her feel...embarrassed, stupid, small... What had the piece of shit bastard said in Sickbay? Broken. In front of an audience. Playing the part of the 'smart guy' in a way that puts her in her place that no one would notice but her...

Graham forms clear idea of where to put him that the audience present would make awkward.

But how many times did you watch that kind of psychological abuse with Fiona because you were afraid, Booker? How long did it take you to keep to a promise of never again?

Graham modulates his breathing and quietly shifts his feet and his center of gravity.

A sad sigh quietly escapes as he can feel the cold shiver run down his spine. The one he always had when dealing with those who had no ethical issues about anything. He can think of several things to do, all that is required is for Singh to give the word, but until then Rangin will stay silent, unsure of exactly how much help is promised to the Aelyrr.

But he gets the feeling those Klingon mercenaries in the brig are going to be very valuable...

Nodding at Alveron's details, Nia casually glances over at the rest of her team--T'Var, Rangin, Collins, Booker and Rawlings. The amount of silence from the security contingent seems... let's face it, just plain weird. Aren't they the ones usually so anxious to go off and get the baddies? Maybe they're tired. They are humans, they need more sleep than me. But then T'Var is being her usual taciturn self, and Rangin... who knows what's his deal. Wonder why he was with Kylah. Not that I have time to worry about whatever melodrama's going on there, but if he's all distracted...

Since no one else is speaking up, Nia shrugs and decides to take matters in her own hands and cut to the chase, literally. "Thank you, High Priestess. Since it seems you guys don't have much information about this particular group of Klingons, understandably enough, I don't think we need to ask more--unless you can think of something we haven't." She turns to Singh and Vargas. "Captain; Commander. I think it's pretty clear our best intel will come from those Klingons cooling their heels in the brig. Maybe one or more of our security officers would be grateful for the chance to have a chat?"

Nia notices Kylah's head and shoulders drooping slightly, and she wonders if this means the kid's about to fall asleep, or if she's disappointed that she can't play with the Klingon toys herself. Nia decides to give it a try.

"...Uh, and maybe Ensign Kylah, who's got the language thing down pat, would be of use there too? Speaking of which: Priestess Alveron, Eris, I should tell you--since the ensign was so modest she only called herself someone who'd been working on your message--that Kylah's actually the one who picked up your signal and worked for hours to help translate it."

To spread the love, she adds: "And Ensign Rangin here was in the captain's chair when he decided to take the ship to investigate. So it's a couple of Ensigns you can thank for your rescue. That might be cold comfort considering we..." Be honest. "--I mean, considering I wasn't able to prevent the Codex from being stolen. Still, your being alive is what makes it possible for us to know what they were after, which means we're better equipped to follow. You already know that Lt. Collins and Ensign Booker are the ones whose shots took out most of the Klingons. They'll be the first to say they were just doing their job, but I want to say they were darn good at it. And of course Ensign Rawlings and Dr. T'Var helped find any injured and patched them up, respectively." I'm the only one who was useless. Hopefully I can make that right.

She returns to the ship's most senior officers. "I might be able to speak for the rest when I say we await your orders, Captain. Frankly, I'd be honored to continue this mission. I can fly anywhere and any speed necessary, and I really want to help the Aelyrr retrieve their Codex." Least I can do since I screwed up and let that coward run away with it. "If you assign me to lead--or even if not--I hope you'll consider letting me pilot whatever ship we use. That is, assuming we're not leaving Cheverez and the other engineers behind on the Aelyrr's ship while the Yorktown speeds off to find the mercenaries?

"If a search team is leaving the Yorktown in a separate vessel, do you recommend a tricked-out shuttle, or do you know if Mr. Cheverez has had time to upgrade the Naradraen so she's back in flying condition and, crossing fingers, with better weaponry?"

She smiles hopefully. Damn, she would love to try her hand at flying a new ship. The Aelyrr obviously don't have a pilot left, so they'll need someone in charge. And the Naradrean looks mighty sweet, when disregarding the damage. Nia can well imagine it in flight.

"In any event," she concludes, "I know I speak for all of us when I say we await your orders, especially since the clock is ticking as the Klingons get farther away."

Singh says, "Thank you, Mr. Onn. Mr. Vargas has already been questioning the Klingons but has found them less than forthcoming...?" The Chief of Security nods. She continues, "And unfortunately, it looks like the Naradraen isn't going anywhere soon. I've updated Starfleet Command as to our current situation, and Mr. Cheverez assures me he and his work crew will be fine if we leave them for awhile. High Priestess, I've heard enough to decide. We will assist you in taking back the Codex Aelyrr from the Klingons. Eris is welcome to come with us - as are you, unless you'd like to return to your ship?"

Alveron's tufted ears perk up, and she smiles toothily, as does Eris. The high priestess purrs, "Thank you, Captain. We are deeply grateful - to you, to Mr. Onn, and to all your crew. I would indeed like to return to my ship, but before I do, I...."

The bosun's whistle of the intercom sounds. "Bridge to Captain." Graham and others recognize Lt. Bennett's voice.

Singh leans forward and presses an intercom switch. "Singh here."

"Captain, we're getting some strange readings from the Klingon ship. Over the past few minutes, there have been some odd energy fluctua...." Bennett gasps. "Good Lord, it's... blown up! Ma'am, the Klingon ship has... just exploded!"

"Red Alert," the Captain says after a moment, "and raise shields. Set a course to follow, but don't go yet. Notify Mr. Cheverez and Starfleet what's happened. I'm on my way. Singh out." The Red Alert klaxon begins to sound as Singh clicks off the intercom. She looks around the room. "Mr. Vargas, look to our prisoners, and resume questioning. Onn, Graham, Collins, Rangin, Dr. T'Var, come with me. High Priestess, Eris, you're welcome to come to the Bridge, as well. Everyone else, report to your regular posts." She quickly heads for the door.

Nia doesn't move for a few seconds, and grabs Booker and Rangin's arms--they are the closest to her--to prevent them from leaving immediately.

"I don't like this," she says softly but swiftly. "I regret not thinking of this before, but after hearing of these factions, and now this..." Nia looks at both men to gauge their reactions. "How do we know these Aelyrr are legitimate? For all we know, they're the ones who stole the Codex, and the Klingons might've been bringing it back. Or maybe they're one of the decoys and that fake Codex was a booby trap."

She focuses on Booker. "What do you think? At the very least we should keep an eye on them as we follow the Captain. I don't want them alone and frankly I would rather Cheverez and the rest get the hell of that ship. We'd better get going, but give me your opinions on the way--quietly." She glances back at Kylah. "Kylah. You understand some of their language. Give a good listen and pay attention to anything they say. Can you do that?" At Kylah's whispered but determined yes, Nia starts off as ordered.

Leaving the others to forge ahead, Rangin steps closer to Vargas. "Sir, they're mercenaries, I'd suggest trying to buy their services as an inducement, especially given the current state of their vessel. They may find employment more conducive to providing information." with a nod he leaves to catch up with the others.

Rangin start quietly, considering that the Aelyrr may be able to hear them, if their hearing is as acute as the average Caitian. "I would hazard a guess that one faction of Aelyrr are not above using mercenaries to retrieve what they desire. Besides, if you are the legitimate source, hiring mercenaries to take out several ships is not the usual course of action unless you wish to ensure the blame lies with someone else. However, the only way to tell would be if we can make contact with their home planet for confirmation. Until then, it's go on what we know.

"As for what happened, ships don't blow up for no reason and I'd be amazed if the Codex wasn't somewhere else."

Graham nods as Nia speaks, ruminating as Rangin says something or other. "I hear you," he replies to Onn. "And even if they aren't exactly 'bad actors,' given their weir-- uh, intense--religious beliefs their motivations and priorities may not exactly align with ours. I'll talk to Collins and Vargas to make sure our guests have an escort, for their own convenience and comfort, of course--who also happens to wear a red shirt."

Rangin's words don't quite make sense to Nia, and she's not sure if his brain just works on a higher tactical level than hers, or if he's as trusting/naive as what she thinks his comments meant. She responds, still talking quietly enough to avoid being overheard. "Maybe I've got water in my ears, Ensign, but I don't follow you entirely. If you're saying to back off, I'll just say I'm not planning on demanding they be thrown in the brig. Just...we need to exercise more caution. Seems to me that we've taken everything they've told us on faith, whereas there's almost no reason to have done so except that we saw they were fighting Klingons. The whole 'enemy of my enemy is my friend' thing is a great way to get a knife thrust in your back. Remember: literally anything they said could be a half-truth at best."

Booker's comments, thankfully, are easily understandable. "Yup, fill them in, please. And hey, if you speak to Vargas, make sure he knows I'm the one who suggested it. My rep could use some boosting--I don't have a very high credit balance where he's concerned." She smiles briefly before goes on. "But seriously, make sure you ask for at least two red-clad escorts. We saw Eris's death sentence for that one Klingon, and even that frail priestess seems to have held her own against armed Klingons despite having nothing but claws and teeth. They don't go down easy; maybe they've got nine lives after all."

Collins starts to leave and head for the bridge, but she notices Onn, Rangin, and Graham discussing something sotto voce. She doubts it's of a personal nature between Graham and Onn, since Rangin is right there, so she hangs back, hoping to be read in.

Graham smiles slightly at Nia's last comments. "We'll be careful, assuming the worst is part of the job."



He decides to let her comments about Vargas lie for the moment...he certainly does not want to commiserate about getting handed his ass because of Rangin in front of Rangin... Seeing Collins nearby gives him the "out" he needs.

He gives Nia's arm a quick squeeze--nothing anyone who didn't know any backstory would assume was romantic rather than collegial.


He gestures toward her, moving in her direction. "Hey, L-T, Niii...Lt. Onn brought up a good point about keeping an eye on our 'guests.' On the one hand they could be full of shit and be part of a faction that stole this codex thing from its legit owners. On the other hand...or paw, I guess..given their, uh, beliefs they could have some wacky priorities anyway. We ought to make sure they have a Security escort while onboard. Want to suggest it to Vargas, or should I? Your call...if you want to do it I may just start...heh, 'tailing' them now..."

Collins rolls her eyes at Graham's pun and says "I'll suggest it to Vargas, but you're supposed to be on the bridge. I'm sure Rawlings and some of the others can handle it."

Collins walks faster to catch up with Vargas and those with whom he's walking. "Commander, a word if I may?"