Season 16: Episode 1: Perfect Replicas

[Rayek trLhoell]

rRayek tr'Lhoell
[Station - Operations Center]

[USS Discovery - Unknown Location]
["Captain Tekin Nevir"]

The Bajoran sighed.  "Its a shame... this captain cares for his crew, cares for Starfleet, but has serious mistrust and almost disgust for our captors. It's so close to how we were programmed that I got confused.  I almost feel like we would have been able to get this crew on our side, or at least their captain.  Hmm... looks like the senior staff is on the move.  Going for one of the bridges.  Transport when you can, I have functions on standby to begin clearing out the ship. I instructed their Engineer to power up propulsion and weapons.  The question though is whether he will ultimately side with us, or with the Bridge crew.  I hope I sowed enough distrust among the crew.  But we're definitely running out of time.  Are we planning on getting any more of the crew cloned?"

rRayek didn't bother acknowledging the clone Captain's regret at the necessary deaths.  Completing their imperative quickly was all that mattered.  Besides, rRayek knew his original would not be swayed if offered an opportunity to work cooperatively.  The fact that he had attempted to killed his original's wife during their escape attempt assured him that there would be no trust between them.  He knew this because he would never forgive his original for the loss of his own replicant wife.

News of the ship's senior officers being on the move was all the more reason to deal decisively with the originals.  They were a problem to get rid of.  Thankfully, the Prometheus-class ship meant they didn't need a large crew to operate it.

"No.  We have enough personnel to man the ship well enough to get us to back to the Thinker Headquarters in the Gamma Quadrant.  We don't need more, potentially not activating properly. Not when we are pressed for time.  The cloning knowledge that the Federation has must be destroyed with the station."

[Station-Operations Center]

Clone Vadok maintained his composed facade, processing the evolving dynamics within the Operations Center. Despite the setbacks and unforeseen complications, he remained focused on the mission's objective.

"As you command," Clone Vadok responded with precision, his tone reflecting a steadfast commitment to executing the Romulan's directives. With a swift nod, he pivoted towards the console, his fingers swiftly navigating the interface to initiate the necessary overrides.

The prospect of disabling the lab door and administering the anesthezine gas posed a logistical challenge, but Clone Vadok approached the task with calculated efficiency.

"It is done."

While clone Tekin and rRayek talked, the clone Vulcan had been busy overriding the lab doors and security protocols involving the anesthezine gas dispersal.

"Excellent. Then it is time to go. I too have completed my task." rRayek stated as he pressed execute on the program he'd been working on.

"Self-Destruct activated. Please evacuate." the ship's computer announced station-wide.

rRayek smirked, imagining the shock and fear the scientists on the station would be feeling at that moment. He'd had the option of a silent self-destruct; but announcing it to those who had used him as a lab rat was far more satisfying.

The replicant continued his conversation with the Captain "Tekin, we're beaming over now.  I'll see you on the Bridge. tr'Lhoell out."

He then double tapped his stolen comm badge to close and open a new channel.

"tr'Lhoell to USS Discovery.  The station has been overrun with clones.  They've killed the station staff and the others of the Away Team.  The Captain is dead. "

He let that sink in a moment but continued before any on the Bridge could question what happened  "The auto-destruct has been triggered.  We don't have time to stop it.  We need to beam back to the ship before it blows.  Bring the ship into transporter range."
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Commander Rayek tr'Lhoell
[Station -  Cloning lab-  outside the holding cells]

{unnamed outpost, science}

"When I was with the Resistance, they taught us some first aid," she said. "Plus what I learned at the Academy," she said. She removed a strip of the cloth from her own medical gown, and placed it on the man's flesh wound. "I need more tools," she said. "I don't like the feeling that we're sitting ducks," she said. She was placing her faith in this Rayek...with the knowledge that she may live (hopefully) to regret it.

Vila moved along then, to M'Nia and the still-sleeping Lachlyn.  Vila raised an eyebrow in questioning, but soon realized what he meant. She nodded. "Good idea, sir. We can figure something out, I am sure." Something that would be easy to move in with plenty of pockets for picking up discarded weapons, tools, and etc along the way. "Are you ready?" She asked the Caitian, indicating a bank of Replicators in a nearby storage room-likely where hyposprays and such were replicated. She'd figure something out-she always did.

M'nia pondered all this. "Ok that makes sense. Malik, looks like you're in charge. So any ideas on how to get back on the ship and take care of our clones?"

"Understood, Commander," Vadok responded with a decisive nod, his voice steady despite the tumultuous circumstances. "We must remain vigilant and coordinate our efforts meticulously. If our clones possess intimate knowledge of our tactics and priorities, then we should be....unconventional in our approach."

Unconventional was exactly what Rayek was going for.  However, that he and the Vulcan agreed on this, made the Romulan less certain it was the best thing to do. Maybe it was too logical a decision and his clone had already taken that into consideration? Ugh.  Rayek hated second guessing his decisions.

Though the question had been posited to Malik, Lorut took the opportunity to respond. "We fight our way out," she said, simply. "We get up to the Transporters by any means necessary, and you all ship back. I blow the damn station up," she said. This time, she was going to do it ANYWAY, even if she had, up to now, been trying to do better.

She looked up at Rayek, who was trying to reason with Clone Tanner. "Sir..." she said, tossing Clone Vila's phaser in his direction. "If she turns, give 'er the Cardassian treatment. Come on, Catgirl," she said.

Rayek internally rolled his eyes at Lorut's suggestion of murder.  He didn't contradict her at the moment as she had the phaser and he didn't.  But there was no way that Rayek was going allow Lorut to murder hundreds of people.

Injured as he was, Rayek almost fumbled the phaser when Lorut tossed it to him.  The First Officer didn't know if his possession of it was a good idea or not, especially if Lachlyn was wavering in her allegiance to the Thinkers; but it was too late now.  Still Rayek held the weapon pointed at the ground as he continued to wait for the uniformed Lieutenant Lachlyn to answer his earlier question.

[Station - Cloning Labs]
[Captain Tekin Nevir]

He looked at Rayek in alarm, and exhaled.  "Prophets.  That's why Hrafn was on the station.  I read the file.  They said they had a higher purpose? Which means you were brought here to keep you out of the way of your clone.  Which means I'm probably already back aboard Discovery.  This isn't good... if my clone has my personality and memories, we need to get out of here.  The only thing that holds me from destroying this station is my duty.  My clone won't have those kinds of restrictions." he said, suddenly getting himself up.

He looked at the spot where one clone stood, and the other clone that was taken care of, before looking up at the camera they then shot.

"This is probably not a good time to inform you, Commander, than there is a protocol known only to the Captains of each starship.  The Pegasus protocol.  And for a ship with as much automation as Discovery, I can very easily compromise it and bring it under my own control.  Mr. Grippen, assume that the ship is not only lost, but a very real threat.  I'm not even sure there is a way for me to cancel the protocol unless that clone is taken out."

It was then that Tekin spoke up about the Pegasus protocol.  Ugh. Could things get any worse? He wondered to himself.

That's when many in the holding cell and lab would hear the faint hiss of the anesthezine gas canisters activating,  Rayek hung his head.  It was time to go.  A glance at the lab door wall panel showed a red light indicating the door was locked.

The Romulan looked over the lab.  There were no other doors out of the area.  There was however the open air vent from which he'd dropped into the lab room earlier.  It was also possible between Lorut and himself they might be able to hack the door quickly enough to get it open.

There was a strong urge to make the decision on what to do but that would likely just play into his clone's next trap.  No, he would see if Malik had a plan.

That patience however went out the window when the computer announced.  "Self-Destruct activated. Please evacuate."

[Malik Grippen]

[Cloning Lab - Original Malik]

Original Malik was by this time far more up to speed with what the heck was happening. The self destruct warning made him realise people needed him to be present in the situation.

He looked up the air vent and then to the gathered 'originals'.

"Everybody, up in the air vent let's get out of here. We need to get back to the transporter room. We also need a way to contact security on the Discovery, a comms terminal must be nearby. They need to be informed the ship is compromised and to begin evacuation of the station."

[Dem Broadshire]

[Ensign Lilly Hansen -  Gamma Bridge]

"Miss Hansen, I see where you are.  But before you continue to blindly follow orders, let me ask you something.  You've read Starfleet regulations.  The CMO can relieve the Captain or First officer, but where does it say that he can assume command of the ship?  The chain of command puts Mr. Broadshire as the next commanding officer, so why is the Doctor trying to take control of the ship?  Who's to say there aren't more clones trying to control the ship?"

Lilly came to a halt, considering his point, but then raised her head with determination. "Listen up," she ordered, turning to the three others with her. "Two of you stay here. Ensign, you're with me." As two lieutenants remained on the Gamma bridge, Lilly and the other Ensign left.

"Hansen to Broadshire. We are on our way to the bridge. Stay put," she commanded sternly before striding purposefully towards the exit.

Doctor Betaika

[Engineering | USS Discovery]

"Hansen. Savyn's work has yielded promising results, but unfortunately at a low specificity. We have 14 Bajoran life signs aboard. Start to work your way through them. I see you are travelling to the bridge, so start there." Betaika ordered, looking over to Savyn. He has once again proven his worth.

Dem Broadshire

[Bridge | USS Discovery]

"Understood Hansen" He confirmed. Despite being at the wheel of the ship, he felt helpless, as the disorganized chaos of the crew trying to make sense of these events grew louder. He hoped Hansen could give some answers.

[M'Nia]

[Cloning Lab - Original Malik]

Original Malik was by this time far more up to speed with what the heck was happening. The self destruct warning made him realise people needed him to be present in the situation.

He looked up the air vent and then to the gathered 'originals'.

"Everybody, up in the air vent let's get out of here. We need to get back to the transporter room. We also need a way to contact security on the Discovery, a comms terminal must be nearby. They need to be informed the ship is compromised and to begin evacuation of the station."

"Right with you Lt. cmdr!" m'nia shook off the last bit of the anesthesia and quickly followed malik into the airvent. She had gotten used to cramped quarters. Being an engineer you tend to spend a lot of time in jefferies tubes and other cramped quarters. This was nothing new to her.  The only problem with the airevnts was she smells that came through them. Most species couldn't detect the odors but Caitians had sensitive noses.  It wasn't the worst she had ever smelled but it sure wasn't the best either.

[Rayek trLhoell]

Commander Rayek tr'Lhoell
[Station -  Cloning lab-  outside the holding cells]

[Cloning Lab - Original Malik]

Original Malik was by this time far more up to speed with what the heck was happening. The self destruct warning made him realise people needed him to be present in the situation.

He looked up the air vent and then to the gathered 'originals'.

"Everybody, up in the air vent let's get out of here. We need to get back to the transporter room. We also need a way to contact security on the Discovery, a comms terminal must be nearby. They need to be informed the ship is compromised and to begin evacuation of the station."

"Right with you Lt. cmdr!" m'nia shook off the last bit of the anesthesia and quickly followed malik into the airvent. She had gotten used to cramped quarters. Being an engineer you tend to spend a lot of time in jefferies tubes and other cramped quarters. This was nothing new to her.  The only problem with the airevnts was she smells that came through them. Most species couldn't detect the odors but Caitians had sensitive noses.  It wasn't the worst she had ever smelled but it sure wasn't the best either.

Rayek didn't respond to Malik's suggestion, he merely nodded in quick acknowledgement.  The Romulan knew that speaking would waste precious oxygen and put him at risk of running out; or worse, inhaling the anesthezine gas which was being vented into the lab.

He moved to just under the vent hole and interlocked his fingers to help provide a boost up to the first to enter the air vent.  He figured with his Vulcanoid constitution that he had the greatest lung capacity and could likely hold his breath the longest.  He decided he would be the last to exit the lab.

In regards to the comms terminal, Rayek tapped Malik's shoulder then pointed to his own ear, hoping to remind the Risan pilot that Rayek had an surgically inserted ear comm.  Once they were clear of the anesthezine, he could call the ship to warn of the station's self destruct. 

[Lilly Hansen]

Doctor Betaika

[Engineering | USS Discovery]

"Hansen. Savyn's work has yielded promising results, but unfortunately at a low specificity. We have 14 Bajoran life signs aboard. Start to work your way through them. I see you are travelling to the bridge, so start there." Betaika ordered, looking over to Savyn. He has once again proven his worth.

Dem Broadshire

[Bridge | USS Discovery]

"Understood Hansen" He confirmed. Despite being at the wheel of the ship, he felt helpless, as the disorganized chaos of the crew trying to make sense of these events grew louder. He hoped Hansen could give some answers.

[Ensign Lilly Hansen | Sec/Tac Officer | Secuirty Medic | Alpha Bridge | Deck 1 | USS Discovery]
As Lilly walked on to the bridge she quickly motioned to the 2 guards near the view screen to take up postsions on either side of Dem. "Lt, It has occurred to me that, Doctor Betaika, is the CMO, And can take away Captains command, But that also means who ever is next on the Chain of Command would take over, and with Commander tr'Lhoell and Lt. Commander Grippen on the station, That leaves you in charge. So as of now, I am authorizing Use of Lethal force to protect you if anyone or anything trys to injure, Dismantle, Dismember, Cut, Slash or Kill you, All of the above. Understood?" She didn't get time to hear the Lt.'s words before Rayek spoke about the station and clones. Rayeks Clone....Greaaaat. Delta Alert it is

"tr'Lhoell to USS Discovery.  The station has been overrun with clones.  They've killed the station staff and the others of the Away Team.  The Captain is dead. "

He let that sink in a moment but continued before any on the Bridge could question what happened  "The auto-destruct has been triggered.  We don't have time to stop it.  We need to beam back to the ship before it blows.  Bring the ship into transporter range."

"Thats not the Commander." She then tapped her comm badge. before anyone could speak "I need secuirty officers to Alpha, Beta, and Gamma bridge in delta Alert"

Delta Alert was only given to secuirty officers if someone or something was impearsonating a star fleet command level officer, And could endanger the crew. Once she gave the order she walked over to the comms. And opened the secure channel to Rayeks earpeice.

"Commander, If you hear me, You got mere mintues before that station blows, And we are about to meet your other half, Are there any more clones that was should be ware about, Your halfling said most of the away team was dead, Could you confirm, So this take down don't go to hell, And also please tell me you found the Captain? Also heads up, I have activated Delta Alert for all security forces on the Discovery" 

As she spoke to him. More security officers were arriving.

[Tanner Lachlyn]

"Lieutenant Lachlyn." he tried to draw her attention to him and not Malik waking her double. "What are your intentions?" he demanded to know, delving into her mind glean the information from her thoughts even if she didn't speak it aloud.

"My intentions?" Tanner moved to answer but then caught sight of a familiar face. The lines in her brow creased and she froze as something deep in her subconscious began to unravel.

What were her intentions?

"Sir," The words came slowly as Tanner re-focused, "My intentions are to ..." She paused and eyed her face across the room, "..keep this ship safe from an obvious threat. Like whatever is going on here."

Moving towards the cell she watched her doppleganger slowly rousing, "We need to move. I'll guard her and we can assess the situation once safe."

[Rayek trLhoell]

rRayek tr'Lhoell
[Station - Operations Center] [Present]

The rRomulan waited.. but there seemed to be no response from the ship and it remained unmoving out of range of the transporters.
"Dammit Tekin, I need that ship in range," he muttered.

The replicant quickly considered his options. He looked to the Vulcan-clone.

"Help me rewrite some code.... and upload it to the defense buoys.  We're going to use them to boost the transporter signal to get us onto that ship."  The timing of this was going to be tight.
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Commander Rayek tr'Lhoell
[Station -  Cloning lab-  outside the holding cells]

[earlier - prior to the self-destruct announcement]

"My intentions?" Tanner moved to answer but then caught sight of a familiar face. The lines in her brow creased and she froze as something deep in her subconscious began to unravel.

What were her intentions?

"Sir," The words came slowly as Tanner re-focused, "My intentions are to ..." She paused and eyed her face across the room, "..keep this ship safe from an obvious threat. Like whatever is going on here."

Moving towards the cell she watched her doppleganger slowly rousing, "We need to move. I'll guard her and we can assess the situation once safe."

The Romulan, reading Lachlyn's surface thoughts, couldn't pick up any obvious threat - but he didn't think it was all that wise to have one Lachlyn keeping watch on another.  "I'll keep watch - on the both of you.  Your job is to keep the Captain safe."
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[Present - after self-destruct announcement]

[Ensign Lilly Hansen | Sec/Tac Officer | Secuirty Medic | Alpha Bridge | Deck 1 | USS Discovery]

"Thats not the Commander." She then tapped her comm badge. before anyone could speak "I need security officers to Alpha, Beta, and Gamma bridge in delta Alert"

Delta Alert was only given to security officers if someone or something was impersonating a star fleet command level officer, And could endanger the crew. Once she gave the order she walked over to the comms. And opened the secure channel to Rayek's earpiece.

"Commander, if you hear me, you got mere minutes before that station blows, And we are about to meet your other half, Are there any more clones that was should be ware about, Your halfling said most of the away team was dead, Could you confirm, So this take down don't go to hell, And also please tell me you found the Captain? Also heads up, I have activated Delta Alert for all security forces on the Discovery" 

As she spoke to him. More security officers were arriving.

Rayek was boosting up the gown-wearing away team and both Lachlyn's one-by-once when his hidden ear comm received another call from Hansen.  He wondered if it was another unauthorized call like last time.  If anyone should be calling him it should Broadshire... or had the Captain's clone gotten to him?

From Hansen's report it seemed the ship somehow learned of the self-destruction.  Had someone called them or had Ramort finally gotten the sensors to be able to make it through the station's shielding?  His attention turned from that bit of science to fixate on Hansen's comment that they were about to meet with his 'other half'.  Tess?!  Had her clone survived as well?  Worry gnawed at Rayek's gut.  If Tess' clone was headed to the ship then that would put Tess at risk.

It was only when Hansen' went on to comment that Rayek's 'halfling' commented on the away team being mostly dead - that the Romulan realized that he'd misunderstood her meaning of his 'other half'.  Not his wife but his clone. Apparently the replicant had contacted the ship.

Hansen continued her report...asking questions which at the moment Rayek couldn't answer without exposing himself to the anesthezine gas that was quickly filling the lab.  It was getting harder and harder to stifle the autonomic imperative to breath.

[Dem Broadshire]

rRayek tr'Lhoell
[Station - Operations Center] [Present]

The rRomulan waited.. but there seemed to be no response from the ship and it remained unmoving out of range of the transporters.
"Dammit Tekin, I need that ship in range," he muttered.

The replicant quickly considered his options. He looked to the Vulcan-clone.

"Help me rewrite some code.... and upload it to the defense buoys.  We're going to use them to boost the transporter signal to get us onto that ship."  The timing of this was going to be tight.
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Commander Rayek tr'Lhoell
[Station -  Cloning lab-  outside the holding cells]

[earlier - prior to the self-destruct announcement]
The Romulan, reading Lachlyn's surface thoughts, couldn't pick up any obvious threat - but he didn't think it was all that wise to have one Lachlyn keeping watch on another.  "I'll keep watch - on the both of you.  Your job is to keep the Captain safe.
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[Present - after self-destruct announcement]
Rayek was boosting up the gown-wearing away team and both Lachlyn's one-by-once when his hidden ear comm received another call from Hansen.  He wondered if it was another unauthorized call like last time.  If anyone should be calling him it should Broadshire... or had the Captain's clone gotten to him?

From Hansen's report it seemed the ship somehow learned of the self-destruction.  Had someone called them or had Ramort finally gotten the sensors to be able to make it through the station's shielding?  His attention turned from that bit of science to fixate on Hansen's comment that they were about to meet with his 'other half'.  Tess?!  Had her clone survived as well?  Worry gnawed at Rayek's gut.  If Tess' clone was headed to the ship then that would put Tess at risk.

It was only when Hansen' went on to comment that Rayek's 'halfling' commented on the away team being mostly dead - that the Romulan realized that he'd misunderstood her meaning of his 'other half'.  Not his wife but his clone. Apparently the replicant had contacted the ship.

Hansen continued her report...asking questions which at the moment Rayek couldn't answer without exposing himself to the anesthezine gas that was quickly filling the lab.  It was getting harder and harder to stifle the autonomic imperative to breath.

[Bridge | USS Discovery]

Dem froze to the spot as the familiar sound of his rapid breathing became audible. He could tell he was spiralling. His immediate instinct was to do what Rayek told him to do, but the nagging feeling in his mind that Rayek was compromised weighed on his conscience. What if he was a clone, and he was opening the doors to a full scale takeover of the ship? What if it really was his friends, in peril, needing to escape?
He closed his eyes and centred himself. He decided to play this decision as a numbers game. A risk of loosing 8 crew members, or a risk of loosing 120. He convinced himself the decision was easy.
"I'm sorry Rayek. The Clone knocked the transporters offline. Get to a shuttle and we will try to pick you up. I'm truly sorry. Tell that to all of the gang." He said through tears before managing a slight chuckle. "What Tom Cruise film were we thinking of watching again?" 
Dem started his lie strong, but it wasn't long until he couldn't hold back the emotional gravity of his decision. His ploy was up, he prayed that Rayek would answer the question correctly.

[Malik Grippen]

[Cloning Lab > Transporter Room]

The journey to the transporter room was difficult and cramped. They had to crawl a lot of the way though dirty and old ventilation systems. But eventually they made it to what Malik supposed was the ceiling vent in the transporter room.

He kicked it down and dropped out the vent. They had arrived in the transporter room.

He rushed to the terminal and began to activate it ready for their transport.

[Lorut Vila]

Unknown Spacestation
Clone labs

Everyone... what is the last thing you remember?  I need you to answer one at time.  There's reason to believe the Away Team has been cloned by Thinker agents, as such, I hope you'll forgive me my intrusion...

Vila nodded. "I remember transporting over. It was...bright. And that's all..." she said. She hoped more would come back to her; it would help. This would set her back, though, in her tenuous "recovery."

She and M'Nia moved, and together, they were able to get enough power for Vila to run the replicators, issuing five flight-suit uniforms. Once she and M'Nia were dressed, she killed the power to the remaining pods, and the rest of the labs. A quick round of phaser fire ensured that it would STAY off-the clones here would have difficulty rerouting power until the wires were fully fixed, buying them time.

"I've sabotaged the wiring," she said. She passed out the replicated uniforms.

"I am not getting into the air vents," she said. It wasn't a matter of keeping clean or anything. She just preferred to fight her way out-it's all she knew. Anything else seemed...like giving up. On the other hand, she was tired. With a sigh, though, she climbed in behind M'Nia. But as she did so, she made some quick plans. She opened a channel on her Comms to the Captain-the *real* one. Captain, any idea what class station this is? She asked. As an Ops officer, she knew the schematics of most things-not the same way that an Engineer might, but any opportunity to sabotage would buy them time. While we're in here, I can pull wires and such. It'll buy us time... She said. Louder, to Grippen, she spoke.

"Anyone want to spare a comms badge?" She said. She had an idea...if she could rewire one quickly, she could use it as a conduit and overload the systems as they left, setting fires all around the station.

Finally, they arrived at the Transporters, and she slipped through the floor. She saw Grippen at the panel.

"Want me to?" She said. "Where's the Commander and Lachlyn?" She looked around. Finally, she got to work on her improvised explosive. If she still remembered how to do this, it should work.

[Rayek trLhoell]

rRayek tr'Lhoell
[Station - Operations Center]

[Bridge | USS Discovery]

"I'm sorry Rayek. The Clone knocked the transporters offline. Get to a shuttle and we will try to pick you up. I'm truly sorry. Tell that to all of the gang." He said through tears before managing a slight chuckle. "What Tom Cruise film were we thinking of watching again?" 
Dem started his lie strong, but it wasn't long until he couldn't hold back the emotional gravity of his decision. His ploy was up, he prayed that Rayek would answer the question correctly.

The rRomulan was glad the call was audio only, his scowl at the officer's apology and all too convenient explanation might have given him away.  It was only when he heard the slight telltale thickening of the man's voice near the end did he realize the man was crying.  Maybe it wasn't a ploy? Ah but then came the question.

rRayek recognized the actor's name.  His original had been introduced to the 20th century actor by Saqa7 and her love of old action movies.  Tom Cruise, however, to his recollection had a long acting career spanning over 5 decades - naming one movie among over 30 would be next to impossible.

It was clear the question was intended to verify his identity.  He turned to the Vulcan-clone with a questioning look to see if the science officer's clone might have the memory of what film was being talked of.

While rRayek didn't have a clue what film the two might have decided on to watch, he did know his original's preferences - a mix of action and romance.

"My preference is still for either Legend, or Far and Away." Legend was a bit of cult-classic and played on the mythological theme.  Where as Far and Away was more a Western.

It was only after answering this, that rRayek realized that there was one other possible answer.  Ignoring preference - if this film name was a code word between the two... his original would have definitely used the name of the movie most appropriate to their situation.

"But I believe we settled on Oblivion." he added while still working diligently on writing code to extend the distance of the transporters.  There was no way he was going to die on this miserable station!

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Commander Rayek tr'Lhoell
[Station -  Cloning lab  >>  Vent  >> Transporter Room]

Unknown Spacestation
Clone labs

Vila nodded. "I remember transporting over. It was...bright. And that's all..." she said. She hoped more would come back to her; it would help. This would set her back, though, in her tenuous "recovery."

She and M'Nia moved, and together, they were able to get enough power for Vila to run the replicators, issuing five flight-suit uniforms. Once she and M'Nia were dressed, she killed the power to the remaining pods, and the rest of the labs. A quick round of phaser fire ensured that it would STAY off-the clones here would have difficulty rerouting power until the wires were fully fixed, buying them time.

"I've sabotaged the wiring," she said. She passed out the replicated uniforms.[/quote]

Too many things happened far too fast for Rayek to have had time to change into the flight-suit that the Caitian had managed to replicate for him.  Escaping the self-destructing station seemed far more important - at least to the Romulan.

Since it seemed the others were about to leave the unconscious Malik-clone behind to die, Rayek handsigned to the two Lachlyn's to bring the unconscious body to the vent.

"I am not getting into the air vents," she said. It wasn't a matter of keeping clean or anything. She just preferred to fight her way out-it's all she knew. Anything else seemed...like giving up. On the other hand, she was tired. With a sigh, though, she climbed in behind M'Nia. But as she did so, she made some quick plans. She opened a channel on her Comms to the Captain-the *real* one. Captain, any idea what class station this is? She asked. As an Ops officer, she knew the schematics of most things-not the same way that an Engineer might, but any opportunity to sabotage would buy them time. While we're in here, I can pull wires and such. It'll buy us time... She said. Louder, to Grippen, she spoke.

"Anyone want to spare a comms badge?" She said. She had an idea...if she could rewire one quickly, she could use it as a conduit and overload the systems as they left, setting fires all around the station.

When Lorut flat-out refused to get into the air vent, Rayek was tempted to risk inhaling the anesthezine make it a direct order except doing that was just as likely to blow up in his face with another refusal, than actually help.  With Lorut, Rayek realized that direct force often had the opposite reaction.  He was about to suggest, ironically, that she remain behind then to sabotage lab of the self-destructing station when he was saved from uttering such a ridiculous order, by her sighing and climbing up into the area vent.

Eventually it was just himself and the Captain left to enter the vent.  Rather than waste precious time silently arguing who would be last to leave - both feeling it was their role to do so - Rayek jumped up, caught the edge of the opening and pulled himself up and into the vent.  He then turned and held out a hand back towards the Captain to help him up.

When he thought he was far enough from the anesthezine gas, Rayek risked taking his first breath of air.
.

[Cloning Lab > Transporter Room]

The journey to the transporter room was difficult and cramped. They had to crawl a lot of the way though dirty and old ventilation systems. But eventually they made it to what Malik supposed was the ceiling vent in the transporter room.

He kicked it down and dropped out the vent. They had arrived in the transporter room.

He rushed to the terminal and began to activate it ready for their transport.

.

Finally, they arrived at the Transporters, and she slipped through the floor. She saw Grippen at the panel.

"Want me to?" She said. "Where's the Commander and Lachlyn?" She looked around. Finally, she got to work on her improvised explosive. If she still remembered how to do this, it should work.

.
The countdown to self-destruct was a mostly silent one.  There was just the occasional reminder from the station's computer that "all personnel were to evacuate."  Occasionally, as they traveled the air vents they could hear calls for help echoing through the vents.  It seemed that station personnel were trapped and unable to evacuate.  Rayek had his suspicions that such calls could be a ploy by some of the Thinker clones to delay their escape, but he still knew that not helping would haunt him afterwards.

Unaware that Lorut had spent precious time intended for escape, replicating comm badges as well as clothing, Rayek thought his ear comm was the only communication device the away team had.  As such, during their crawl, he attempted to contact the ship.  A call to the Bridge would be likely monitored.  But the personal communications of a lowly Ensign might be less so

"tr'Lhoell to Hansen.  I've found the original away team and we're... safe for the moment. Captain included."

He knew he had to be cautious in what he said because it was possible that his replicant was still listening in on all calls.  "Escaping on our own prior to the self-destruct might not be possible.  Please tell me Ramort managed to find the right frequency to scan through the station shields. The entire station staff may need an emergency beam out, if he did.  Get back to me on that."

In the tight crawlway, Rayek looked back towards Tekin. "Captain, it may still be possible to abort the self-destruct.  I feel I have an obligation to try."  Because this was his clone's doing, he felt responsible and he was seeking permission to leave the Away Team to attempt to stop the countdown.

[Tekin Nevir]

rRayek tr'Lhoell
[Station - Operations Center] [Present]

The rRomulan waited.. but there seemed to be no response from the ship and it remained unmoving out of range of the transporters.
"Dammit Tekin, I need that ship in range," he muttered.

The replicant quickly considered his options. He looked to the Vulcan-clone.

"Help me rewrite some code.... and upload it to the defense buoys.  We're going to use them to boost the transporter signal to get us onto that ship."  The timing of this was going to be tight.

[Unknown location - USS Discovery]

The Bajoran slammed his hand on the panel, disrupting the semi-3d controls.  "Dammit Lek!" he growled, looking over the systems.  Weapons were online.  Propulsion was online.  Thats what the sensors said.  When the weapons were cold, and the engines were on standby, ignoring his own commands.  Lek apparently did not trust the Captain, no surprise.  But he needed to move the ship, now.  He heard the doors open, and Hrafn walked in.

"Good, our little Ferengi is trying to fool us.  We need to get the ship moving. Rayek already got the self-destruct started.  And I think there is enough confusion that they don't even want to try to rescue their crew on the station."

"On it." she stated, as the two of them ripped out panels and started rewiring and moving chips.  The two bounced ideas off each other as they tried to bypass different locks, and then an idea formed.

The first one was minor, and maneuvering thrusters were restored.  Activating them, the ship slowly... very slowly, started to move.  The sentry buoys that had been a threat to the station were dormant, and not responsive.  Then, they access the shuttle bay controls, and cleared the bay before decompressing it.  That gave the ship a boost in speed, and was bringing them closer to the station.  Now even if the thrusters were taken offline, the ship's momentum would carry.

Finally, the range of the tractor beam was increased, and Nevir and Hrafn took their seats in the cockpit of where they were hiding... the Captain's Yacht.  It disconnected and moved ahead of the ship, and then sent its own tractor beam out to impact the station.  The station was obviously much bigger and wouldn't move, but then the tractor beam from Discovery was activated from the Yacht, tracking onto the ship.  The bridge created, the Yacht was pulled towards the station, while Discovery was being pulled by its control on the Yacht.  Breaking a sigh of relief, he activated his comms to the clone Rayek.

"Discovery is moving.  Lek tried to trick us by faking systems online, so we had to find a more... creative solution.  I do not know how long we have, but we are preparing to take care of the rest of the crew.  Get to the Bridge and I'll release the lockout.  Discovery should know where Hrafn and I are by now."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

rRayek tr'Lhoell
[Station - Operations Center]

The rRomulan was glad the call was audio only, his scowl at the officer's apology and all too convenient explanation might have given him away.  It was only when he heard the slight telltale thickening of the man's voice near the end did he realize the man was crying.  Maybe it wasn't a ploy? Ah but then came the question.

rRayek recognized the actor's name.  His original had been introduced to the 20th century actor by Saqa7 and her love of old action movies.  Tom Cruise, however, to his recollection had a long acting career spanning over 5 decades - naming one movie among over 30 would be next to impossible.

It was clear the question was intended to verify his identity.  He turned to the Vulcan-clone with a questioning look to see if the science officer's clone might have the memory of what film was being talked of.

While rRayek didn't have a clue what film the two might have decided on to watch, he did know his original's preferences - a mix of action and romance.

"My preference is still for either Legend, or Far and Away." Legend was a bit of cult-classic and played on the mythological theme.  Where as Far and Away was more a Western.

It was only after answering this, that rRayek realized that there was one other possible answer.  Ignoring preference - if this film name was a code word between the two... his original would have definitely used the name of the movie most appropriate to their situation.

"But I believe we settled on Oblivion." he added while still working diligently on writing code to extend the distance of the transporters.  There was no way he was going to die on this miserable station!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Commander Rayek tr'Lhoell
[Station -  Cloning lab  >>  Vent  >> Transporter Room]

She and M'Nia moved, and together, they were able to get enough power for Vila to run the replicators, issuing five flight-suit uniforms. Once she and M'Nia were dressed, she killed the power to the remaining pods, and the rest of the labs. A quick round of phaser fire ensured that it would STAY off-the clones here would have difficulty rerouting power until the wires were fully fixed, buying them time.

"I've sabotaged the wiring," she said. She passed out the replicated uniforms.

Too many things happened far too fast for Rayek to have had time to change into the flight-suit that the Caitian had managed to replicate for him.  Escaping the self-destructing station seemed far more important - at least to the Romulan.

Since it seemed the others were about to leave the unconscious Malik-clone behind to die, Rayek handsigned to the two Lachlyn's to bring the unconscious body to the vent.

When Lorut flat-out refused to get into the air vent, Rayek was tempted to risk inhaling the anesthezine make it a direct order except doing that was just as likely to blow up in his face with another refusal, than actually help.  With Lorut, Rayek realized that direct force often had the opposite reaction.  He was about to suggest, ironically, that she remain behind then to sabotage lab of the self-destructing station when he was saved from uttering such a ridiculous order, by her sighing and climbing up into the area vent.

Eventually it was just himself and the Captain left to enter the vent.  Rather than waste precious time silently arguing who would be last to leave - both feeling it was their role to do so - Rayek jumped up, caught the edge of the opening and pulled himself up and into the vent.  He then turned and held out a hand back towards the Captain to help him up.

When he thought he was far enough from the anesthezine gas, Rayek risked taking his first breath of air.
...
The countdown to self-destruct was a mostly silent one.  There was just the occasional reminder from the station's computer that "all personnel were to evacuate."  Occasionally, as they traveled the air vents they could hear calls for help echoing through the vents.  It seemed that station personnel were trapped and unable to evacuate.  Rayek had his suspicions that such calls could be a ploy by some of the Thinker clones to delay their escape, but he still knew that not helping would haunt him afterwards.

Unaware that Lorut had spent precious time intended for escape, replicating comm badges as well as clothing, Rayek thought his ear comm was the only communication device the away team had.  As such, during their crawl, he attempted to contact the ship.  A call to the Bridge would be likely monitored.  But the personal communications of a lowly Ensign might be less so

"tr'Lhoell to Hansen.  I've found the original away team and we're... safe for the moment. Captain included."

He knew he had to be cautious in what he said because it was possible that his replicant was still listening in on all calls.  "Escaping on our own prior to the self-destruct might not be possible.  Please tell me Ramort managed to find the right frequency to scan through the station shields. The entire station staff may need an emergency beam out, if he did.  Get back to me on that."

In the tight crawlway, Rayek looked back towards Tekin. "Captain, it may still be possible to abort the self-destruct.  I feel I have an obligation to try."  Because this was his clone's doing, he felt responsible and he was seeking permission to leave the Away Team to attempt to stop the countdown.

[Clone Lab-en route - Station]

It was starting to become an easy way to tell if he was in a true Starfleet sickbay or not.  He woke up without already wearing some sort of medical clothing; and he was starting to despise that.  Getting something put on wasn't an issue, even if it wasn't his uniform.  That could be replicated later.  Or taken back from his clone.

He was so close to yelling at Lorut's refusal, but at this point, it would have been more dangerous, and luckily, she ended up complying.  He had the same thoughts of who should end up going through last, but Rayek took the high road and went in first, Nevir thankfully taking his hand and helping himself up.  Once they were far enough away, you could hear the sudden gasp of air from the away team.

"The easy answer is Regula, but at this point those types of stations have been built and rebuilt almost none of them are built like any others.  Plus SI having their own equipment makes it even more difficult.  That said, they should all have similar controls.  Relays, Ops, Infirmary, Engineering access, transporters and shuttles.  What are you thinking?" he asked in response to Lorut's question.

He however, sighed, when Rayek made his suggestion.  "Normally I am all for that... but I've been jerked around a bit too much by Starfleet Intelligence.  I'm half temped to blow this place up myself, which is how I know my clone is more than willing to do it at any time.  The only reason we are probably still alive is that your own counterpart is likely here on the station still.  I'm also holding out hope that Lek's normally pessimistic and distrustful nature will prevent me from being able to access weapons and transporters.  The lockout is useless if no one is able to activate the ship's systems.  Unless they reroute power from a bridged connection to the holodeck system and put it through the holo-systems and life support so that interfering with those relays would put the entire ship at risk, then they can use the deflector to... I better stop thinking.  If I can figure out this fast, so can he... and he probably has." the Captain said with a sigh, as they entered into a transporter room from the looks of things.

"See if you can extend the range... unless Discovery gets closer we won't be able to beam off." he ordered, turning towards Rayek.

"The right thing to do is try to stop the self destruct, and I have a feeling that its going to be one of us. I'd probably argue that it should be me, but I'm the only one that can access Discovery's systems right now.  If you try, it is very nearly a death sentence.  There are a number of things that can go wrong, and you're going to be relying on my ability to restore systems before the countdown is over.  I'm not ready to lose a First Officer because an echo from the past came back."

[Lilly Hansen]

rRayek tr'Lhoell
[Station - Operations Center]

The rRomulan was glad the call was audio only, his scowl at the officer's apology and all too convenient explanation might have given him away.  It was only when he heard the slight telltale thickening of the man's voice near the end did he realize the man was crying.  Maybe it wasn't a ploy? Ah but then came the question.

rRayek recognized the actor's name.  His original had been introduced to the 20th century actor by Saqa7 and her love of old action movies.  Tom Cruise, however, to his recollection had a long acting career spanning over 5 decades - naming one movie among over 30 would be next to impossible.

It was clear the question was intended to verify his identity.  He turned to the Vulcan-clone with a questioning look to see if the science officer's clone might have the memory of what film was being talked of.

While rRayek didn't have a clue what film the two might have decided on to watch, he did know his original's preferences - a mix of action and romance.

"My preference is still for either Legend, or Far and Away." Legend was a bit of cult-classic and played on the mythological theme.  Where as Far and Away was more a Western.

It was only after answering this, that rRayek realized that there was one other possible answer.  Ignoring preference - if this film name was a code word between the two... his original would have definitely used the name of the movie most appropriate to their situation.

"But I believe we settled on Oblivion." he added while still working diligently on writing code to extend the distance of the transporters.  There was no way he was going to die on this miserable station!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Commander Rayek tr'Lhoell
[Station -  Cloning lab  >>  Vent  >> Transporter Room]

She and M'Nia moved, and together, they were able to get enough power for Vila to run the replicators, issuing five flight-suit uniforms. Once she and M'Nia were dressed, she killed the power to the remaining pods, and the rest of the labs. A quick round of phaser fire ensured that it would STAY off-the clones here would have difficulty rerouting power until the wires were fully fixed, buying them time.

"I've sabotaged the wiring," she said. She passed out the replicated uniforms.

Too many things happened far too fast for Rayek to have had time to change into the flight-suit that the Caitian had managed to replicate for him.  Escaping the self-destructing station seemed far more important - at least to the Romulan.

Since it seemed the others were about to leave the unconscious Malik-clone behind to die, Rayek handsigned to the two Lachlyn's to bring the unconscious body to the vent.

When Lorut flat-out refused to get into the air vent, Rayek was tempted to risk inhaling the anesthezine make it a direct order except doing that was just as likely to blow up in his face with another refusal, than actually help.  With Lorut, Rayek realized that direct force often had the opposite reaction.  He was about to suggest, ironically, that she remain behind then to sabotage lab of the self-destructing station when he was saved from uttering such a ridiculous order, by her sighing and climbing up into the area vent.

Eventually it was just himself and the Captain left to enter the vent.  Rather than waste precious time silently arguing who would be last to leave - both feeling it was their role to do so - Rayek jumped up, caught the edge of the opening and pulled himself up and into the vent.  He then turned and held out a hand back towards the Captain to help him up.

When he thought he was far enough from the anesthezine gas, Rayek risked taking his first breath of air.
...
The countdown to self-destruct was a mostly silent one.  There was just the occasional reminder from the station's computer that "all personnel were to evacuate."  Occasionally, as they traveled the air vents they could hear calls for help echoing through the vents.  It seemed that station personnel were trapped and unable to evacuate.  Rayek had his suspicions that such calls could be a ploy by some of the Thinker clones to delay their escape, but he still knew that not helping would haunt him afterwards.

Unaware that Lorut had spent precious time intended for escape, replicating comm badges as well as clothing, Rayek thought his ear comm was the only communication device the away team had.  As such, during their crawl, he attempted to contact the ship.  A call to the Bridge would be likely monitored.  But the personal communications of a lowly Ensign might be less so

"tr'Lhoell to Hansen.  I've found the original away team and we're... safe for the moment. Captain included."

He knew he had to be cautious in what he said because it was possible that his replicant was still listening in on all calls.  "Escaping on our own prior to the self-destruct might not be possible.  Please tell me Ramort managed to find the right frequency to scan through the station shields. The entire station staff may need an emergency beam out, if he did.  Get back to me on that."

In the tight crawlway, Rayek looked back towards Tekin. "Captain, it may still be possible to abort the self-destruct.  I feel I have an obligation to try."  Because this was his clone's doing, he felt responsible and he was seeking permission to leave the Away Team to attempt to stop the countdown.

[Ensign Lilly Hansen - Deck 1 -  USS Discovery]

"tr'Lhoell to Hansen.  I've found the original away team and we're... safe for the moment. Captain included."

Hansen sighed. " Understood Commander, We will work on getting you off the station."

Then the captain's yacht took off and then the Discovery tractor beam began to pull it to the station.

"Hansen to Lek, Can you try to turn off the damn tractor beam, We are being pulled a very pissed off station that is about to blow." 

[Lek]

[Ensign Lilly Hansen - Deck 1 -  USS Discovery]

"tr'Lhoell to Hansen.  I've found the original away team and we're... safe for the moment. Captain included."

Hansen sighed. " Understood Commander, We will work on getting you off the station."

Then the captain's yacht took off and then the Discovery tractor beam began to pull it to the station.

"Hansen to Lek, Can you try to turn off the damn tractor beam, We are being pulled a very pissed off station that is about to blow." 

[Main Engineering - USS Discovery]

It was times like this Lek wished there was a window in engineering or that he had a better link to the bridge's viewscreen so he could know what was going on. Even though the warp core and impulse engines were solidly locked down, the ship's thrusters were fully operational. Since the request to shut off a tractor beam wasn't necessarily a problem, the information that the station was about to self-destruct was a problem. He didn't respond to Hansen, but he took action.

"T'Farr, see what you can do to kill the power to the tractor beam."

He moved to the pool table and engaged the forward thrusters. Fortunately, they had not docked with the station, so they didn't have to deal with docking clamps. As he only had limited access to the viewscreen network, he backed away at half speed given his limited visibility and hoped he was doing the right thing.