Season 16: Episode 2: A Night at the Opera

[Alexander Graham]

[USS Discovery-Alex's quarters]
With Alex being on the ship while some of the others he had some time to take care of some personal business in his quarters before things got interesting on the ship. It was in his best interest to take a health break. He was happy to see Phoenix as things have been busy and he has had not had time to talk to him. He looked at him with a smile on his face as he said "Hello there my love it has been a long time you were probably just as busy as I was." He gave him a hug before as he was taken back by Phoenix saying "it's okay my love we both understood that duty came first when we joined the fleet. There's something that I have been meaning to say to you. We have been dating for awhile and I realized that there is no one I want to spend the rest of my life with but you." He knelt down on one knee as he said "Alexander Graham will you marry me?" Alex gave him a nod meaning yes that he will marry him as Phoenix slipped a ring on his finger that he picked up while on shore leave.

[James Ramort]

Commander Rayek tr'Lhoell
[...]
He turned in the co-pilot seat to address the team. "This is a First Contact mission.  Our purpose is to represent the Federation and Starfleet to the best of our ability while learning what we can about the Erewhon people, who have invited us to rest and relax in their state-of-the-art-facility.  We will be discreetly assessing their level of technology, social development and potential threat.  Any questions?"

[USS Discovery | Shuttlebay]
Shaking his head in denying the Commanders questions the checked his Tricorder once again, just to make sure. Making a full analysis of their tech would be difficult without drawing any unwanted attention, especially given their heightened level of technology.

As the Shuttle prepared to take off he took out his Tricorder once more and entered some additional routines. It should perform an active scan of the surrounding area every minute as well as when he activated his combadge, as more discrete way of triggering it should he get into trouble, as well as changing the encryption algorithm of the so collected data to a higher compression and higher degree of fractalization. He also deleted the standard decryption keys and replaced them with his own.
Even if they would question his tricorder now, he hoped they at least would not be able to discern its purpose as quickly now.

Commander Rayek tr'Lhoell
[Station above Verallias II]
Once landed, Rayek led the Away Team out of the shuttle and into a large hall with several unmanned booths located between them and what appeared to be some manner of quantum-transport platform.

With a slight chin-nod towards Ramort and then towards the alien platform, Rayek gestured for the man to take discreet scans of the tech.  Meanwhile, he looked around for any sign of a greeter.

[Station above Verallias II | Shuttlebay]

He would have nearly missed the Commanders slight signal for his fascination of the room. It showcased none of the expected flourishes of a high tech civilisation, as one would guess it to display. But this sleek design was also a hint at its sophistication. New Tech usually started out being quite bulky and hard to maintain, making easy access to its parts a necessary consideration in interior design, he saw none of this on the transporters he now went nearer to.
Their platforms emanated no particular radiation he could detect with a careful glance at his devices, instead they seemed to suck surrounding radiation into themselves. A phenomena that warranted closer inspection.

Commander Rayek tr'Lhoell

No sooner had he started to look about than the same holographic woman from the ship appeared here on the station.

"Welcome Commander tr'Lhoell and welcome to your Away Team.  You stand on the Gateway to Erewhon, where your fantasy becomes reality. In acknowledgement of your society's lack of monetary system, we are waiving the usual entrance fee.  Please head straight on through to the teleporter which will bring you down to the planet."

The hologram gestured for Rayek and the others with him to walk past the entrance booths and over towards the teleporter pad.

[Station above Verallias II | Shuttlebay]

Having to follow the others to the entrance he noted an interesting observation for his eventual report though. This station seemed so used to various cultures visiting that it adapted its behaviour on the fly. Also the existence of a fee to begin with made it obvious the society that fashioned the stations programming still very much relied on systems of monetary exchange as prevalent mean of resource distribution.
Most civilisation abandoned this stepstone of civilisation at some point, some in phases, some altogether, but a group on the level of technical sophistication this station protruded should have waived compensations for mere recreational ventures many a decade if not century ago.

The Hologram also fascinated him, he had not detected any noticeable change in energy distribution or spikes of energy hinting at emitters being activated. It had to be created by projection systems outside of his range or even being isomorphic in nature.
Erewhon didn't ring a bell for him. He could have sworn he had taken a decent enough look at the star charts before taking up his last shift on the bridge in this sector, but he couldn't remember it being listed anywhere. His classes in sociology also didn't mention any Warp Capable Civilisation on thusly named planet, certainly none more advanced than their own tech. So it had to be the name of the station or a word not caught by their translators. An idiomic anomaly great enough to exceed the translations capabilities.

Commander Rayek tr'Lhoell
[Erewhon Station]

The holographic woman smiled towards Malik as he asked questions.    "Our other guests are already enjoying the facility and immersing themselves in their fantasies.  They've been here several days already.  As to what you can expect... well that all depends on what you desire from it.  Erewhon was modeled to appear as a small urban city - such as those from Earth in the early 21st century.  To keep with this theme, guests are given holographic identities to fit with the era. We ask that you do not remove the wristband that contains the holo-emitter for your identity.  Once in the city, you are free to explore and do whatever takes your imagination."  She explained as she motioned for Rayek and the others to step onto the platform.

Rayek frowned slightly at the mention of the wristband holo-emitter.  "Are these holo-emitters truly necessary?" he balked.

The woman looked to the Romulan with a patient smile.  "Yes, it is a requirement of the site.  The wristbands serve several of functions.  It is the means of payment for service, health monitoring, but mainly it identifies you as a guest, and allows our facility to ensure you are enjoying yourselves."  The hologram motioned once more for Rayek to be the first up on the platform.  "You have nothing to worry about. The wristbands will be added during transport."

Rayek glanced around to the gathered officers.  Malik, seemed unimpressed.  Dem and Lek both seemed unhappy to be called on to do this.  The only one somewhat eager was Hansen and that wasn't necessarily a good thing since she seemed to speak to him like he was incompetent and didn't know the first thing about security, much less his job as a First Officer.  The Romulan's expression remained neutral as he tamped down on his usual acerbic commentary and was rewarded when Lieutenant Lachlyn spoke up in response to Hansen.

[...]
Erewhon - Transporter site
Rayek rematerialized in what appeared to be a bustling city center.  On the transport pad around him were several individuals, some he recognized - likely because the Erewhon computer had used a human facial design similar to what his teammates had looked like previously, though some had opted for an appearance completely different.

While Rayek didn't have easy means to see himself, his attire had changed to a dark casual outfit in place of his usual Starfleet uniform.

As he looked over the area, trying to take in his surroundings, an exotic looking woman in an ethnic floral skirt and rather revealing bikini top appeared in front of Malik with a flower lei necklace and drink in hand, which she presented to him after placing the lei around his neck.  "Aloha! Welcome to Erewhon, Malik.  My name is Candy and I'm your holographic server during your stay with us.  I'm here to make all your fantasies come true. Call on me any time day or night."

Rayek watched this exchange in surprise.  Not ever having been to Risa, Rayek didn't recognize the similar style of greeting.  He wondered, why Malik got this special treatment?

A moment later several other Polynesian-looking women and men appeared with more lei's and mai-tai's and approached those in the group that seemed to like the greeting Malik got.  One dark-haired beauty, who reminded Rayek of his own wife, placed a flower lei over his head and offered him the rum based drink.  "Aloha to you as well Commander. You can call me T'Sana.  I'll be your personal holographic server.  If you have any questions or requests for information, do not hesitate to call for me.  I am at your service. What would you like to do first?"

Rayek knew the answer he should give was 'meet with the manager of the facility' but instead he answered, "Tour your facility. Would you be my guide?"

To which T'Sana smiled and nodded in agreement.  "It would be my pleasure to tour you around."

Seeing no other options if not wanting to cause uncomfortable questions he followed the rest of the Team onto the platform.

[Erewhon | City Centre]

The transporter indeed had given him a wristband, a sleek metal band completely black and very light around his wrist. Before his eyes it seemed to change form, becoming somewhat smaller as though as adapting to his human physique. It also transformed its surface to a more reflective silver colour with pattern of interlocked sections on its surface, becoming far more difficult to distinguish from a more common piece of jewellery.
Looking down his body it seemed his uniform had been taken from him, instead being replaced by a loose summer shirt and appropriated trousers. The only hint at his uniform being embroidered bands of cyan fabric at the cuffs of his shirt.
At least his Tricorder was still present but given the ease with which the Aliens had changed his clothing and materialised the wristband around his arm it was a good guess they could have interfered with its internal workings as well.

As the men and women materialised around them and began handing out their lei`s one of them approached him as well. A woman looking to be human and around his age. She was carrying a lei made from blue and white orchids and various iridescent small seashells and extending it towards his head, obviously in an attempt to place it over his head.

"Welcome to Erewhon!"

[Rayek trLhoell]

NPC Cadet M'Lenda-ii
[USS Discovery -  Deck 10 - Auxiliary Cargo Bay]

{USS Discovery|Bridge}

A bit of time had passed, and Vila was fast growing bored. She knew herself well enough to know that she was (self) destructive when bored, and so, she tapped her Comms badge.

=/\=All available Ops personnel, please report to battle stations for simulations

She clicked off the general channel and opened a channel to the Captain.

=/\=Sir, I am going to run simulations with my team. Don't be alarmed if things start happening. I'll notify Engineering.

She clicked off with Tekin, and dialed up Engineering.

=/\=Lieutenant M'nia? This is Lieutenant Lorut. I am running some simulation and damage control protocols. If you notice anything haywire, it's just us.

Her tasks done, she waited for the others to appear. Once they had assembled, she began a series of tests.

"Now, I have Comms currently programmed to loop every fifteen seconds. I want you to try to hack in and change it to thirty second loops while I try to block you out. This is ensure our security systems are up to date," she said. She would be nice, and program them in Standard, and not Bajoran this time.

Cadet M'Lenda-ii had been assigned to work in the Auxiliary Cargo Hold to learn the procedures for proper cargo management.  It was rather mundane and mediocre task, but well-suited to the soft-spoken Caitian woman.  M'Lenda-ii was in her fourth year, and this 3-month assignment on Discovery was supposed to be her last before she graduated from the Starfleet Academy.

The decision to join Starfleet, had not been easy one, especially after the death of her mother, who had been enlisted aboard the USS Challenger during the Leyton War.  However, M'Lenda-ii recognized the good work that Starfleet  did and it inspired her to follow in her mother's footsteps... albeit in a less dangerous fashion. Rather than enlist as Security/Tactical, the soft-spoken Caitian woman opted to go commissioned and highlight her organizational skills in the Operations department.

When the call came from Bridge Ops for all available Ops personnel to go to their battle station for simulations, her heart rate increased.  Her triangular ears sank back momentarily.  She hated drills.  Even simulations made her uncomfortable... but she recognized how they were important.  She set aside the inventory record that she had been working on and hurried to what she knew was her assigned battle-station.

The auxiliary cargo hold was not deemed high importance during an actual battle so her battle-station was actually down one level to Upper Engineering where she was to assist with damage control.

[USS Discovery - Deck Eleven - Upper Engineering]

With a slight sigh, M'Lenda-ii hurried down to Deck Eleven.  There she sought out the Chief Engineer, only to be informed that he was on some Away Team and that she'd need to speak to the officer he'd put in charge.  M'Lenda-ii was pleasantly surprised to discover that officer was a fellow Caitian.

The cadet greeted the interim chief with a respectful nod while her tail tapped at her leg lightly.  Before speaking, her white-furred hand rose to push her round-framed glasses further up the bridge of her feline nose.  M'Lenda-ii was one of those rare-individuals who was allergic to the medication typically used to treat the condition myopia.

"Sorry to interrupt ma'am.  Ops personnel have been ordered to battle-stations for simulations.  I'll do my best to limit my disruption to your department.  May I make use of a spare station?"
.
.
.
After securing a station, M'Lenda-ii reported in to Lieutenant Lorut.

The simulation assignment that the Bajoran gave out to all of them was mostly intended for those that would be up on the bridge dealing with Comms but she understood the importance of knowing all parts of her department, so with a nod M'Lenda-ii set to work on her task.

Knowing that the Bajoran would be working against her, trying to prevent the hack, M'Lenda-ii called up a second screen on her console and checked to see what computer the Lieutenant was signed onto. If she could slow that console's processing speed first, it would make it harder for the Lieutenant to interrupt her own hack on the comms. It seemed like the best plan, so that's what M'Lenda-ii went with.

First, she used her Ops authorization to edit the console's underlying program notifications - silencing them. Then she then wrote up program designed to limit the processing speed, halfing it every 30 seconds. To top it all off she scheduled a level-five diagnostic to run on the Lieutenant's console after the first minute. By then the officer's computer should be slowed to 25% of normal speed (with no apparent explanation why)... the time she would spend tracking why her speed was so slow would give M'Lenda-ii the edge she needed to make the hack and change the loop time.

As she worked on hacking into the comm system, the Caitian's tail slapped at her leg determinedly and a slight purr rumbled in her chest.

[Malik Grippen]

Commander Rayek tr'Lhoell

Erewhon - Transporter site
Rayek rematerialized in what appeared to be a bustling city center.  On the transport pad around him were several individuals, some he recognized - likely because the Erewhon computer had used a human facial design similar to what his teammates had looked like previously, though some had opted for an appearance completely different.

While Rayek didn't have easy means to see himself, his attire had changed to a dark casual outfit in place of his usual Starfleet uniform.

As he looked over the area, trying to take in his surroundings, an exotic looking woman in an ethnic floral skirt and rather revealing bikini top appeared in front of Malik with a flower lei necklace and drink in hand, which she presented to him after placing the lei around his neck.  "Aloha! Welcome to Erewhon, Malik.  My name is Candy and I'm your holographic server during your stay with us.  I'm here to make all your fantasies come true. Call on me any time day or night."

Rayek watched this exchange in surprise.  Not ever having been to Risa, Rayek didn't recognize the similar style of greeting.  He wondered, why Malik got this special treatment?

A moment later several other Polynesian-looking women and men appeared with more lei's and mai-tai's and approached those in the group that seemed to like the greeting Malik got.  One dark-haired beauty, who reminded Rayek of his own wife, placed a flower lei over his head and offered him the rum based drink.  "Aloha to you as well Commander. You can call me T'Sana.  I'll be your personal holographic server.  If you have any questions or requests for information, do not hesitate to call for me.  I am at your service. What would you like to do first?"

Rayek knew the answer he should give was 'meet with the manager of the facility' but instead he answered, "Tour your facility. Would you be my guide?"

To which T'Sana smiled and nodded in agreement.  "It would be my pleasure to tour you around."

[Erewhon - Transporter site]

Now this was more like it, thought Malik. He sipped the drink, it was definitely real alcohol none of that synthehol crap here.

"Hello there, Candy. Thank you for the warm greeting..."

He couldn't help but smile at the rest of the away team at her mention of making any fantasy a reality.

"A tour sounds great. And Candy, tell me about yourself. Where are you from?"

Malik had to remember this was an official first contact mission and not a vacation. But he was being tempted, so very tempted.

[M'Nia]

NPC Cadet M'Lenda-ii
[USS Discovery -  Deck 10 - Auxiliary Cargo Bay]

Cadet M'Lenda-ii had been assigned to work in the Auxiliary Cargo Hold to learn the procedures for proper cargo management.  It was rather mundane and mediocre task, but well-suited to the soft-spoken Caitian woman.  M'Lenda-ii was in her fourth year, and this 3-month assignment on Discovery was supposed to be her last before she graduated from the Starfleet Academy.

The decision to join Starfleet, had not been easy one, especially after the death of her mother, who had been enlisted aboard the USS Challenger during the Leyton War.  However, M'Lenda-ii recognized the good work that Starfleet  did and it inspired her to follow in her mother's footsteps... albeit in a less dangerous fashion. Rather than enlist as Security/Tactical, the soft-spoken Caitian woman opted to go commissioned and highlight her organizational skills in the Operations department.

When the call came from Bridge Ops for all available Ops personnel to go to their battle station for simulations, her heart rate increased.  Her triangular ears sank back momentarily.  She hated drills.  Even simulations made her uncomfortable... but she recognized how they were important.  She set aside the inventory record that she had been working on and hurried to what she knew was her assigned battle-station.

The auxiliary cargo hold was not deemed high importance during an actual battle so her battle-station was actually down one level to Upper Engineering where she was to assist with damage control.

[USS Discovery - Deck Eleven - Upper Engineering]

With a slight sigh, M'Lenda-ii hurried down to Deck Eleven.  There she sought out the Chief Engineer, only to be informed that he was on some Away Team and that she'd need to speak to the officer he'd put in charge.  M'Lenda-ii was pleasantly surprised to discover that officer was a fellow Caitian.

The cadet greeted the interim chief with a respectful nod while her tail tapped at her leg lightly.  Before speaking, her white-furred hand rose to push her round-framed glasses further up the bridge of her feline nose.  M'Lenda-ii was one of those rare-individuals who was allergic to the medication typically used to treat the condition myopia.

"Sorry to interrupt ma'am.  Ops personnel have been ordered to battle-stations for simulations.  I'll do my best to limit my disruption to your department.  May I make use of a spare station?"

M'nia was pleasantly surprised. "mrr, well, hello there. I'm Lt. JG M'nia. Are you new? I'm pretty sure I've never seen you here before." She was very cute. M'nia certainly liked what she saw and wanted to get to know her better

.
.
.

After securing a station, M'Lenda-ii reported in to Lieutenant Lorut.

The simulation assignment that the Bajoran gave out to all of them was mostly intended for those that would be up on the bridge dealing with Comms but she understood the importance of knowing all parts of her department, so with a nod M'Lenda-ii set to work on her task.

Knowing that the Bajoran would be working against her, trying to prevent the hack, M'Lenda-ii called up a second screen on her console and checked to see what computer the Lieutenant was signed onto. If she could slow that console's processing speed first, it would make it harder for the Lieutenant to interrupt her own hack on the comms. It seemed like the best plan, so that's what M'Lenda-ii went with.

First, she used her Ops authorization to edit the console's underlying program notifications - silencing them. Then she then wrote up program designed to limit the processing speed, halfing it every 30 seconds. To top it all off she scheduled a level-five diagnostic to run on the Lieutenant's console after the first minute. By then the officer's computer should be slowed to 25% of normal speed (with no apparent explanation why)... the time she would spend tracking why her speed was so slow would give M'Lenda-ii the edge she needed to make the hack and change the loop time.

As she worked on hacking into the comm system, the Caitian's tail slapped at her leg determinedly and a slight purr rumbled in her chest.

[Rayek trLhoell]

NPC Cadet M'Lenda-ii
[USS Discovery -  Deck 10 - Auxiliary Cargo Bay]

M'nia was pleasantly surprised. "mrr, well, hello there. I'm Lt. JG M'nia. Are you new? I'm pretty sure I've never seen you here before." She was very cute. M'nia certainly liked what she saw and wanted to get to know her better

The cadet nodded at the question and answered in a quiet tone. "Yes, Lieutenant, I came aboard at the last starbase. I'm on my last cadet cruise.  Cadet M'Lenda-ii."  The double ii sound at the end of her name, representing that she'd taken on her mother's name in memory of her.

"I'm usually up in the Auxiliary Cargo Bay. I'm good with organizing." she added with a slight smile.

Then very aware that her superior was waiting on her to call in once she got to her 'battle station', M'Lenda-ii prompted about the computer console once more.  "So may I borrow a spare station?"

[Dem Broadshire]

[Erewhon Station -> Transporter Site]

Dem could feel his hands shaking as he clasped them in front of him. He was cautious to speak or make any assessment. The commander will deal with the logistics and negotiation, while he will simply attend to someone if they get sick. It is as simple as that.

He walked up to the back of the transporter pad, taking care on the overly smooth steps of the very sleek station. Standing at the back (as it is customary for the commander to stand at the very front), he felt his entire body tension as he braced himself for what was to come.

Dem materialised near the rest of the away team, but the striking difference in appearance and clothing took him a while to identify them. Looking down, he too found himself dressed in a white button up shirt, with blue "speckled" pants. He noted that early humans wore them constantly, but he really couldn't remember the name. He assumed also that his subtle nose ridges were removed by the holographic generators he was wearing on his wrist. He suddenly felt a lot calmer. He knew it was a naive response, but this planet had a remarkably calming atmosphere.

Many young people came up toward the officers, welcoming them, and he soon found a young woman walk up to him. She was for sure striking, and he really hadn't looked at anyone that way since his academy days. Things onboard discovery had been a little – intense. She gave a very similar speech that the other "holographic servers" gave, yet slightly nuanced to presumably suit her unique programming.
"Take me to the nearest watering hole" Dem somewhat foolishly replied to her question of direction. He was ordered to explore, and that was exploring. He looked around for some physical company, spying Hansen nearby. "Hansen, care for a drink? We were just about to go to the nearest establishment."

[Buck McNair]

[USS Discovery | Deck 8; cargo bay]

Buck had been conducting his rounds, checking each task off on his PADD. He made sure all was in order, and that any concerns were going to be logged and addressed. He was also using it as a method of getting used to the layout of USS Discovery and her crew, being it had been a while since he'd stepped foot on a vessel. Extended leave to visit his parents and his brother, Trent, who was recuperating from his latest mission. It was nice but as usual, went by far too quickly.

{USS Discovery|Bridge}

A bit of time had passed, and Vila was fast growing bored. She knew herself well enough to know that she was (self) destructive when bored, and so, she tapped her Comms badge.

=/\=All available Ops personnel, please report to battle stations for simulations

She clicked off the general channel and opened a channel to the Captain.

[...]

Her tasks done, she waited for the others to appear. Once they had assembled, she began a series of tests.

"Now, I have Comms currently programmed to loop every fifteen seconds. I want you to try to hack in and change it to thirty second loops while I try to block you out. This is ensure our security systems are up to date," she said. She would be nice, and program them in Standard, and not Bajoran this time.

[USS Discovery | Deck 8 -> Bridge]

He had been summoned, by the lieutenant for simulations. Buck did perk a brow at the request, knowing that the crew had formed an Away Team for the exploration of Erewhon. He assumed that they would have to be put to good use as he figured out which was the quickest line to the bridge without being beamed to. He'd almost crashed into the Petty Officer heading the same way, as the doors slid open and they took to their stations with an acknowledging nod. Buck sat down, swivelled to face Lt Vila.

It had been quite some time since he had tried to hack into systems, instead of preventing the hack. He cleared his throat, hefted a sigh and went back to focusing on his screen. Whilst he knew he had his role to assist preventing the hack, he also needed to make sure that the cadets and the newer members of the Ops team weren't being overwhelmed and that they were keeping up with the speed that was expected of them. They had fifteen seconds per loop to try and get their foot through the metaphorical, cyber doorway.

He would go for the brute force method of hacking, it wasn't elegant and it would certainly trip off the systems to the fact that it was being hacked but it would give him a better insight into what systems the Discovery was working off of.

[Lorut Vila]

Vila sat at her console, having gained permission to proceed with the tests. After, they could take a collective lunch break, and then break off to assist Engineering and anyone else would need tickets answered.

"Thank you all," she said. "Your task is simple. YOU are going to attempt to hack into my systems, and change the loop feed from fifteen-second intervals to thirty-second intervals. I am going to try to stop you. Then, we'll switch. To keep it fair, I've converted the main life support and operational systems to Standard. Don't worry yet about any auxiliary systems; they're still in Bajoran," she said. "Let's begin," she said. She glanced quickly at Malik's empty console. She hoped he was OK. She glanced to Rayek's station, as well. If only he could see her now.

She flipped over her screens to the correct ones, and began their task.

A bit later, she glanced up. "Mr. McNair...quite impressive," she commented. She turned on her Comms.

M'Lenda. You're doing well, too, Cadet. 
She said. Neither had yet quite gotten her, but they were really close. "Keep going," she said. She quickly ran the Captain's reports to him, to give the others a head start. They were all three REALLY good at this, and it would be just the challenge she'd need to keep her mind from wandering.

[Buck McNair]

Vila sat at her console, having gained permission to proceed with the tests. After, they could take a collective lunch break, and then break off to assist Engineering and anyone else would need tickets answered.

"Thank you all," she said. "Your task is simple. YOU are going to attempt to hack into my systems, and change the loop feed from fifteen-second intervals to thirty-second intervals. I am going to try to stop you. Then, we'll switch. To keep it fair, I've converted the main life support and operational systems to Standard. Don't worry yet about any auxiliary systems; they're still in Bajoran," she said. "Let's begin," she said. She glanced quickly at Malik's empty console. She hoped he was OK. She glanced to Rayek's station, as well. If only he could see her now.

She flipped over her screens to the correct ones, and began their task.

A bit later, she glanced up. "Mr. McNair...quite impressive," she commented. She turned on her Comms.

M'Lenda. You're doing well, too, Cadet. 
She said. Neither had yet quite gotten her, but they were really close. "Keep going," she said. She quickly ran the Captain's reports to him, to give the others a head start. They were all three REALLY good at this, and it would be just the challenge she'd need to keep her mind from wandering.

[USS Discovery | Bridge]

"Thank you, ma'am." He replied.

Brute force would get him somewhere, and it seemed it was working bit by bit. Though, he knew he would be stumbling when it came to anything in Bajoran; it was one of his weaker languages and something which reminded him that he needed to take extra lessons if he was going to be a successful officer on board the Discovery. Well-roundedness was not necessarily a requirement, however he knew it to be looked well upon on the board. A holodeck immersive could be the-

"Dang." Buck muttered under his breath as the loop repeated. He shook his head, sighed and started it again. "Who's handling the main life support? I'll double up with you." Two heads, or three, were better than nothing. They would be able to work faster together and direct a large scale attack on a important system.

Especially if they were an attacking force distracting with incoming fire.

13...14...15.

Buck winced as the loop repeated.

So close.

They were nearly there.

Something pinged up on his PADD, distracting him momentarily as a notification popped up - a reminder from a day ago to follow up. Buck's attention shifted, weighing up the task at hand and the notification. He thought to the away team, his ear keen for any incoming comms from the team out and about. "Right, try this." He switched tactics, with all of the focus on the main life support, he went for the operational systems, hoping to slip through the gap that was created with most of the attack on the life systems.

[Rayek trLhoell]

Commander Rayek tr'Lhoell
[Erewhon - City Centre]

[Erewhon | City Centre]

The transporter indeed had given him a wristband, a sleek metal band completely black and very light around his wrist. Before his eyes it seemed to change form, becoming somewhat smaller as though as adapting to his human physique. It also transformed its surface to a more reflective silver colour with pattern of interlocked sections on its surface, becoming far more difficult to distinguish from a more common piece of jewellery.
Looking down his body it seemed his uniform had been taken from him, instead being replaced by a loose summer shirt and appropriated trousers. The only hint at his uniform being embroidered bands of cyan fabric at the cuffs of his shirt.
At least his Tricorder was still present but given the ease with which the Aliens had changed his clothing and materialised the wristband around his arm it was a good guess they could have interfered with its internal workings as well.

As the men and women materialised around them and began handing out their lei`s one of them approached him as well. A woman looking to be human and around his age. She was carrying a lei made from blue and white orchids and various iridescent small seashells and extending it towards his head, obviously in an attempt to place it over his head.

"Welcome to Erewhon!"

"My name is Tilda.  I am happy to be your holographic server.  What is it that you desire?" she asked Ramort after greeting him with the lei.
.
.

[Erewhon - Transporter site]

Now this was more like it, thought Malik. He sipped the drink, it was definitely real alcohol none of that synthehol crap here.

"Hello there, Candy. Thank you for the warm greeting..."

He couldn't help but smile at the rest of the away team at her mention of making any fantasy a reality.

"A tour sounds great. And Candy, tell me about yourself. Where are you from?"

Malik had to remember this was an official first contact mission and not a vacation. But he was being tempted, so very tempted.

Candy smiled as the Risan appreciated her work.  "You are most welcome, Malik." she acknowledged his thank you before moving close to his side to hold his arm lightly with one of her own.  She gazed up at him with bright attentive eyes.  "There's not much to tell of myself - I'm a Erewhon holographic server.  This is where I am from.  Serving here is my purpose." Candy answered his question before posing one of her own.  "Would you like to see the entertainment district or perhaps enjoy the beach?  The weather is always perfect for any outdoor activity."

Rayek, whose server T'Sana thankfully knew not to take such physical liberties with him such as taking hold of his arm, was also being lead off, but not before the Romulan cast a slight disapproving frown towards the Risan at his obvious enjoyment of the alcohol.  The First Officer wondered if the Risan had a drinking problem?

[Erewhon Station -> Transporter Site]

Dem materialised near the rest of the away team, but the striking difference in appearance and clothing took him a while to identify them. Looking down, he too found himself dressed in a white button up shirt, with blue "speckled" pants. He noted that early humans wore them constantly, but he really couldn't remember the name. He assumed also that his subtle nose ridges were removed by the holographic generators he was wearing on his wrist. He suddenly felt a lot calmer. He knew it was a naive response, but this planet had a remarkably calming atmosphere.

Many young people came up toward the officers, welcoming them, and he soon found a young woman walk up to him. She was for sure striking, and he really hadn't looked at anyone that way since his academy days. Things onboard discovery had been a little – intense. She gave a very similar speech that the other "holographic servers" gave, yet slightly nuanced to presumably suit her unique programming.
"Take me to the nearest watering hole" Dem somewhat foolishly replied to her question of direction. He was ordered to explore, and that was exploring. He looked around for some physical company, spying Hansen nearby. "Hansen, care for a drink? We were just about to go to the nearest establishment."

Hearing Broadshire's question towards Hansen, the Romulan wondered if he was the only one not drinking during this mission?  And what did that say about Starfleet in general?

Keeping pace with his greeter as T'Sana started to walk away from the transporter site, Rayek looked around.  Surrounding them looked to be vibrant city center with numerous businesses lining the paved streets.  However, the roads were devoid of any sort of personal conveyance... instead a 'farmer's market' or bazaar ran the length of several street blocks between the buildings.  It was a pedestrian's haven.  Eatery patios teemed with people socializing and sharing a meal, while street  performers played.  Business displays spilled out into the sidewalk space in front of the buildings, and there were multiple garden spaces filled with greenery and flowers. At first glance it looked like an idyllic vacation getaway.

But after a minute or so of watchful observation, Rayek noted that something was off.

[Rayek trLhoell]

NPC Cadet M'Lenda-ii
[USS Discovery -  Deck 10 - Auxiliary Cargo Bay]

M'Lenda. You're doing well, too, Cadet. 
She said. Neither had yet quite gotten her, but they were really close. "Keep going," she said. She quickly ran the Captain's reports to him, to give the others a head start. They were all three REALLY good at this, and it would be just the challenge she'd need to keep her mind from wandering.

Hearing the Lieutenant's praise of her efforts, the Caitian cadet smiled happily at the recognition - not that those on the Bridge could see that or take note of the excited lashing of her tail.  However, her purr of contentment was heavy in her voice when she answered back.  "Prrr... Thank you, Lieutenant! Though... I would ask that you add the - ii to my name.  M'Lenda was my mother."

After the 15 seconds and another failed attempt, both systems reset.  Thinking outside the box, M'Lenda-ii, decided that rather than working in competition against the others in her department.. that maybe this was one of those situations where they needed to work together.

"McNair, your senior... can give us some tips?"

[USS Discovery | Bridge]

"Thank you, ma'am." He replied.

Brute force would get him somewhere, and it seemed it was working bit by bit. Though, he knew he would be stumbling when it came to anything in Bajoran; it was one of his weaker languages and something which reminded him that he needed to take extra lessons if he was going to be a successful officer on board the Discovery. Well-roundedness was not necessarily a requirement, however he knew it to be looked well upon on the board. A holodeck immersive could be the-

"Dang." Buck muttered under his breath as the loop repeated. He shook his head, sighed and started it again. "Who's handling the main life support? I'll double up with you." Two heads, or three, were better than nothing. They would be able to work faster together and direct a large scale attack on a important system.

Especially if they were an attacking force distracting with incoming fire.

13...14...15.

Buck winced as the loop repeated.

So close.

They were nearly there.

Something pinged up on his PADD, distracting him momentarily as a notification popped up - a reminder from a day ago to follow up. Buck's attention shifted, weighing up the task at hand and the notification. He thought to the away team, his ear keen for any incoming comms from the team out and about. "Right, try this." He switched tactics, with all of the focus on the main life support, he went for the operational systems, hoping to slip through the gap that was created with most of the attack on the life systems.

NPC PO2 Elena Forscher
[USS Discovery-B - Deck One - Bridge]
Petty Officer (second grade) Forscher was up on the Bridge with Lieutenants McNair and Lorut, using the auxiliary Science console to attempt her hack as ordered for this simulation, but it was pretty clear early on that she was no where as skilled as the others, nor was she driven by motivation to improve.  That would take hard work and Elena wasn't interested in hard work.  She did the bare minimum required to get a task done.

She glanced over towards McNair when Lorut praised both him and the cadet down in Engineering.  Favoritism much?  she groused with a grimace, but continuing her slow and ineffective attempts at gaining control of the Life Support systems.  Not everyone could be hacking geniuses, she consoled herself.

When Buck asked who was handling main life support, Elena thought this might be her chance to get noticed.
"I am."  She nodded readily at his suggestion to work together.  She worked steadily like always, but the timer ran out and the system reset after the fifteen seconds.  How could anyone be expected to hack a system in 15 seconds?

[Tekin Nevir]

Vila sat at her console, having gained permission to proceed with the tests. After, they could take a collective lunch break, and then break off to assist Engineering and anyone else would need tickets answered.

"Thank you all," she said. "Your task is simple. YOU are going to attempt to hack into my systems, and change the loop feed from fifteen-second intervals to thirty-second intervals. I am going to try to stop you. Then, we'll switch. To keep it fair, I've converted the main life support and operational systems to Standard. Don't worry yet about any auxiliary systems; they're still in Bajoran," she said. "Let's begin," she said. She glanced quickly at Malik's empty console. She hoped he was OK. She glanced to Rayek's station, as well. If only he could see her now.

She flipped over her screens to the correct ones, and began their task.

A bit later, she glanced up. "Mr. McNair...quite impressive," she commented. She turned on her Comms.

M'Lenda. You're doing well, too, Cadet. 
She said. Neither had yet quite gotten her, but they were really close. "Keep going," she said. She quickly ran the Captain's reports to him, to give the others a head start. They were all three REALLY good at this, and it would be just the challenge she'd need to keep her mind from wandering.

[USS Discovery | Bridge]

"Thank you, ma'am." He replied.

Brute force would get him somewhere, and it seemed it was working bit by bit. Though, he knew he would be stumbling when it came to anything in Bajoran; it was one of his weaker languages and something which reminded him that he needed to take extra lessons if he was going to be a successful officer on board the Discovery. Well-roundedness was not necessarily a requirement, however he knew it to be looked well upon on the board. A holodeck immersive could be the-

"Dang." Buck muttered under his breath as the loop repeated. He shook his head, sighed and started it again. "Who's handling the main life support? I'll double up with you." Two heads, or three, were better than nothing. They would be able to work faster together and direct a large scale attack on a important system.

Especially if they were an attacking force distracting with incoming fire.

13...14...15.

Buck winced as the loop repeated.

So close.

They were nearly there.

Something pinged up on his PADD, distracting him momentarily as a notification popped up - a reminder from a day ago to follow up. Buck's attention shifted, weighing up the task at hand and the notification. He thought to the away team, his ear keen for any incoming comms from the team out and about. "Right, try this." He switched tactics, with all of the focus on the main life support, he went for the operational systems, hoping to slip through the gap that was created with most of the attack on the life systems.

[USS Discovery - Deck 1 - Main Bridge]

The Captain sat silent, watching the orbiting station while listening in to the simulated exercise. Oh the joys of being in command, the Captain not able to see what was going on.  Not everyone could skirt the regulations on the Command structure... but he was curious about this station.  And curious why there had been no report from the away team yet.  But if they went down to the surface, it was likely their signal would not have gotten out.

His thoughts were interrupted by a beep, and he looked down at the Captain's readout.  Raising an eyebrow, he spoke.

"Miss Lorut... is weakening the radiation shields part of your simulation?  The computer is reading heightened levels in main engineering."

[Lek]

[Pleasure Planet]

Lek was already skeptical at the entire premise of this facility and the need to masquerade as humans only added to his suspicions. He was glad he had a phaser because it was only a matter of time before this went sideways.

"I hate away missions."

[Tanner Lachlyn]

[Pleasure Planet]

Tanner arrived and did a soft twirl in her cute pink summer dress. The space was beautiful, and for a brief moment, she wished Jettis could see it. Glancing to her team, she eyed Broadshire after his request directed towards Hansen.

"Hold up." She said quietly, offering an apologetic glance to him before addressing the Commander, "Sir, we just materialized without our combadges. If we separate, there's no way of knowing where we'll be. So, perhaps we should set a meeting point? Agree to rendezvous after so many hours?"