Season 16: Episode 2: A Night at the Opera

[James Ramort]

[Erewhon Station | Reception Area]
By the time T'Rea and Rajagopalan arrived a young Engineering ensign was working to set up a portable terminal. T'Rea removed the two data chips she'd brought with from the bridge and presented them to Ensign Kedan. "Here's all of Ensign Rajagopalan and I's datasets and analysis outputs from the bridge station," the Benzite may technically be equal rank with Rajagoplan and outranked by Lt. McNair, but Kedan was the only physicists here, and as far as T'Rea was concerned that meant he was in charge, "Be careful to check file sizes before trying to open them on this terminal." While she would not consider herself a computer expert, she was nonetheless slightly dubious of the small units memory availability and computational capabilities. Making further meaningful progress on shielding solutions was going to be difficult with such limited physical resources, but at least they did have the advantage of being physically in the same place to discuss and debate possible solutions--in her short time on the Discovery she had learned not to underestimate the power of 'brainstorming' between crewmembers.

"Is everyone feeling alright?" Rajagopalan asked as he surveyed the group. He didn't spot any visually obvious symptoms of acute radiation syndrome  like the Captain and a few others on the bridge (including himself) had been displaying, but that didn't mean everyone was in a fit state for work... and even if they were, the need to pause long enough for treatment was---biologically speaking---just a matter of time.

[Erewhon Station | Reception Area]

Working quickly, Devereaux set up the portable terminal and powered it on. This was far from the ideal setup for the level of computations required here, but then again it was a far from ideal situation. As the screen came to life, she listened to Kedan's brief explanation of the current plan and watched as the Vulcan who just arrived handed him another set of data chips. "Interesting. I'll load up that data," she replied, and accepted the full complement of crystals. She inserted them into their respective slots in the side of the terminal, which prompted a series of chirps and an audio message to be played.

"Warning: Large file size detected. For faster rendering, use of your vessel's primary computer core is recommended."

Devereaux rolled her eyes at this. Gee, thanks. I'll have to remember to take the entire computer next time, she thought, and tapped on the screen to dismiss the warning. They didn't exactly have the luxury of choice here. With a few more inputs, she set the terminal to start analyzing and rendering the outputs of the analysis that had already been completed by her crewmates. Once that was underway, she turned back to the group.

"If there's a way to rebuild the emitter to put out all of the necessary frequencies at once, then I'm not aware of it. However, I think I have an idea. We could have the emitter oscillate rapidly between all of the frequencies, assuming there's not too many of them. Oscillating thousands of times per second, that should create a very close approximation to the kind of pattern you're talking about. We'd just need to retune the flow regulators on the emitter itself to handle the increased output and program the shield controls to execute the pattern. However, we would need to move quickly on our way out of here. We'd really be pushing the operational limits of the shield emitter, and the last thing we want is a burnout."

She shrugged. "It's not 100% perfect, but it might be our best shot. Could you run the numbers and see if that will block enough of the radiation to get us out of here safely? Advanced field theory is a bit out of my wheelhouse," she admitted with a sheepish grin. "Assuming this bloody thing is up to the job." She turned back to the terminal which was still busy processing the large amount of data she had fed it.

It was at this point that she felt another wave of nausea sweep over her, just as Rajagopalan asked his question. She paused before answering, leaning against the terminal to steady herself. For a moment she was worried that if she opened her mouth she might be sick, but luckily the wave died down quickly. "I'm fine, just a bit of nausea. I can still work," she replied, hoping she sounded confident enough that she wouldn't be ordered to go directly for treatment. Now that she had been drawn into the discussion, she very much wanted to see it through.

[Ensign Kedan]
[Erewhon | Reception Area]

The sea of people around them had formed a bubble. Clusters were forming around the department's respective Officers. The doctors were organising a make shift triage area, setting up devices that looked like portable medical scanners and replicators, a group of engineers and scientists was gathering around platforms that looked like alien transporter pads, some security Officers were busy organising search parties for the captain (that one pretty sounded serious), but he had no time to pay any second thought to his surroundings.

The small portable terminal set up by Devereaux was beginning to run through all the data. Even while the device was spitting out errors, they had to keep using it to crunch the needed data.

Attempting to bring some order into the chaos, he ran some sorting algorithms to integrate the results of their simulations into the data brought over from the main science databanks station. The model proved to be quite dynamic. The output of the central star still not fully predictable by the control algorithms that would guide the shield harmonics.

"Crewman T'Rea, I believe you have a degree in Stochastic Simulation, any chance you can find a patterin this stars output I have missed so far?"

Making space at the console for he, he turned to Rajagopalan and Devereaux.

"Do you really think the emitters could bear such a load. Also we had some problems in the simulations with the high energy energons all around us weakening the molecular bounds of the hull and emitters, is there any way we can shields the emitters themselves against the effects. No sense in rebuilding the shield array if it simply will be blown away from the ships hull in seconds again."

"Vinod, could you gather some Tricorder Scans of the shields around this station for me, might just help us perfect our own versions. With so many of our people around, maybe the holograms do not notice if we take a closer look at their tech."

Devereaux did not look to great. Maybe the radiation was still affecting her. He made a mental note to pay close attention to her and call for the medics over, if she looked any worse.

[M'Nia]

[Ensign Kedan]
[Erewhon | Reception Area]

The sea of people around them had formed a bubble. Clusters were forming around the department's respective Officers. The doctors were organising a make shift triage area, setting up devices that looked like portable medical scanners and replicators, a group of engineers and scientists was gathering around platforms that looked like alien transporter pads, some security Officers were busy organising search parties for the captain (that one pretty sounded serious), but he had no time to pay any second thought to his surroundings.

The small portable terminal set up by Devereaux was beginning to run through all the data. Even while the device was spitting out errors, they had to keep using it to crunch the needed data.

Attempting to bring some order into the chaos, he ran some sorting algorithms to integrate the results of their simulations into the data brought over from the main science databanks station. The model proved to be quite dynamic. The output of the central star still not fully predictable by the control algorithms that would guide the shield harmonics.

"Crewman T'Rea, I believe you have a degree in Stochastic Simulation, any chance you can find a patterin this stars output I have missed so far?"

Making space at the console for he, he turned to Rajagopalan and Devereaux.

"Do you really think the emitters could bear such a load. Also we had some problems in the simulations with the high energy energons all around us weakening the molecular bounds of the hull and emitters, is there any way we can shields the emitters themselves against the effects. No sense in rebuilding the shield array if it simply will be blown away from the ships hull in seconds again."

"Vinod, could you gather some Tricorder Scans of the shields around this station for me, might just help us perfect our own versions. With so many of our people around, maybe the holograms do not notice if we take a closer look at their tech."

Devereaux did not look to great. Maybe the radiation was still affecting her. He made a mental note to pay close attention to her and call for the medics over, if she looked any worse.

M'nia, having seen all of her people evacuate had arrived where her crew had set up. "Alright. Nice to see everyone already hard at work. So we have the pattern of the radiation. The frequencies as well. So, ensign, you're on the right track. We have to set up the shields to block the right frequencies at the right time!" she said to devereaux. "So this program looks like ti's going to take some time. That leaves time for you to report to the sick bay and get checked out because it looks like the radiation is getting to you! I need all my people healthy! Got it? Your program will run without you but you're looking a little off. In fact a lot off so go to sickbay!" Devereaux was smart but like most engineers, they could get caught up in work and not take care of themselves. It was up to her to take care of them.
"We also need to be ready if the pattern shifts, we need to shift with it. The shields can block the radiation but has to be the right frequency at the right time"

[Don Damien Addams]

[As Don Addams |Erewhon | Reception area]

With the departure underway, the crew seemed a little testy. Don could understand that, especially as a member of Security Personnel. Given the radiation and recent events, they needed to evacuate the crew from Discovery to begin the cleansing process.

His son was with a caretaker—not a babysitter. He wouldn't dare call them that; his son, with his strong opinions and the independent streak he had developed with his peers before Don found him, would never let him hear the end of it. The circumstances of finding his son were baffling, but all Don knew was that the boy was his son.

"Please, calm down. We ask that you follow the guidelines," Don instructed the crew as they moved to the designated area.

Security had been the path he chose long ago during his time at Starfleet Command. But many of his memories were lost, thanks to that alien species—memories that had made his marriage difficult. He had found ways to blame himself, though, deep down, he knew he hadn't been unfaithful. It was simply... complicated, in a way they couldn't resolve.

He had loved Torra deeply—god, he still loved her. But learning he had a son with another woman, a woman he didn't even remember? That was a blow. The genetic readings confirmed it, though: he was the father. And the mother? That space witch he had worked with before the USS Discovery—the one Tekin's crew had saved him from. Most of it was a foggy memory, like something he wasn't supposed to recall.

What occupied his mind now was whether Captain Tekin would be able to resolve this radiation situation. In the meantime, his job was to keep the crew calm.

"Move along, please," he said firmly to the evacuees making their way to safety. Addams was able to be called to move another destination if he needed.

[T'Rea]

"If there's a way to rebuild the emitter to put out all of the necessary frequencies at once, then I'm not aware of it. However, I think I have an idea. We could have the emitter oscillate rapidly between all of the frequencies, assuming there's not too many of them. Oscillating thousands of times per second, that should create a very close approximation to the kind of pattern you're talking about. We'd just need to retune the flow regulators on the emitter itself to handle the increased output and program the shield controls to execute the pattern. However, we would need to move quickly on our way out of here. We'd really be pushing the operational limits of the shield emitter, and the last thing we want is a burnout."

She shrugged. "It's not 100% perfect, but it might be our best shot. Could you run the numbers and see if that will block enough of the radiation to get us out of here safely? Advanced field theory is a bit out of my wheelhouse," she admitted with a sheepish grin. "Assuming this bloody thing is up to the job." She turned back to the terminal which was still busy processing the large amount of data she had fed it.

It was at this point that she felt another wave of nausea sweep over her, just as Rajagopalan asked his question. She paused before answering, leaning against the terminal to steady herself. For a moment she was worried that if she opened her mouth she might be sick, but luckily the wave died down quickly. "I'm fine, just a bit of nausea. I can still work," she replied, hoping she sounded confident enough that she wouldn't be ordered to go directly for treatment. Now that she had been drawn into the discussion, she very much wanted to see it through.

M'nia, having seen all of her people evacuate had arrived where her crew had set up. "Alright. Nice to see everyone already hard at work. So we have the pattern of the radiation. The frequencies as well. So, ensign, you're on the right track. We have to set up the shields to block the right frequencies at the right time!" she said to devereaux. "So this program looks like ti's going to take some time. That leaves time for you to report to the sick bay and get checked out because it looks like the radiation is getting to you! I need all my people healthy! Got it? Your program will run without you but you're looking a little off. In fact a lot off so go to sickbay!" Devereaux was smart but like most engineers, they could get caught up in work and not take care of themselves. It was up to her to take care of them.
"We also need to be ready if the pattern shifts, we need to shift with it. The shields can block the radiation but has to be the right frequency at the right time"

[Erewhon Station | Reception Area]

Rajagoplan had been watching young Devereaux with a critical gaze. What kind of fool-hardy self-sacrificial attitudes were they encouraging at the Academy these days? He found himself silently agreeing with Lt. M'Nia's no-nonsense response to the situation. "Accepting medical treatment is hardly something to try to avoid or be ashamed of. And radiation sickness isn't something that's suddenly going to go away now that we're not actively being exposed. Even those of you without symptoms will need treatment." They weren't talking about a cold virus that one could just power on and work through, they were talking about radiation damage that would worsen permanently without treatment...

Attempting to bring some order into the chaos, he ran some sorting algorithms to integrate the results of their simulations into the data brought over from the main science databanks station. The model proved to be quite dynamic. The output of the central star still not fully predictable by the control algorithms that would guide the shield harmonics.

"Crewman T'Rea, I believe you have a degree in Stochastic Simulation, any chance you can find a patterin this stars output I have missed so far?"

Making space at the console for he, he turned to Rajagopalan and Devereaux.

"Do you really think the emitters could bear such a load. Also we had some problems in the simulations with the high energy energons all around us weakening the molecular bounds of the hull and emitters, is there any way we can shields the emitters themselves against the effects. No sense in rebuilding the shield array if it simply will be blown away from the ships hull in seconds again."

"Vinod, could you gather some Tricorder Scans of the shields around this station for me, might just help us perfect our own versions. With so many of our people around, maybe the holograms do not notice if we take a closer look at their tech."

Devereaux did not look to great. Maybe the radiation was still affecting her. He made a mental note to pay close attention to her and call for the medics over, if she looked any worse.

T'Rea had been listening intently to the technical discussion within their gathered group, and at Kedan's questions, "I can certainly work on it, sir, but I'm not certain how much progress I'll be able to realistically achieve with such limited compute power. And I don't think--" she didn't get the chance to finish her comment before Kedan was posing questions to others in the team, but thankfully Rajagolaplan seemed to be thinking along the same lines as herself.

The human shook his head, "I doubt being able to predict the full complexity of the star's output patterns will be enough, even if we assume that the shields could be modified for such rapid frequency changes with such high dynamic range. T'Rea already collected a significant dataset on this space station's shielding using the shuttlecraft's sensors, and her analysis showed that the Erewhon deflector emitters are multilayered. Around half of the deflectors are emitting exotic particles instead of gravitons. T'Rea, let's bring up that analysis up and have another look at it, all of us together. Maybe the engineers can see some different solution, but I doubt that the people who designed and built this place would have gone to the trouble of using such a multilayer approach if it wasn't actually necessary to generate effective protections."

[Kalem Michael]

[Erewhon | Reception area]

Kalem Michael stepped off the ship. He knew about the radiation poisoning that all the crew had to be suffering from. He knew he had been exposed to extremely high levels of Cochran Radiation. However, he saw another crew member step out of the Reception area. He followed the crewmember through and heard two people talking. He crept closer and made out the last things being said.

"Unlike my shipmates, I have nothing to lose. Anything of much value, including my sense of safety and belonging, was stolen me from me forty years ago. So....Unless you want me to phaser you, and THEN delete you once I can access the system...MOVE."

Oh no. The captain would not like this. We can't have a diplomatic incident right now.

He walked up behind the Female crew member and placed his hand on her arm from beside her.

"You know, in a way they are doing us a favor by letting us dock, repair our vessel, and provide medical assistance. As this is a first-contact situation, don't you think it would be a bad first impression if we just started shooting everything we saw?"

[Lorut Vila]

{Erewhon Station|Corridor}

I am a hologram; your weapon will have no effect on me.  However, if you discharge your weapon on this station, you will be transported by our automated security system to a holding cell and sedated to await your own judgement."  It answered her question plainly before attempting to defuse the situation by offering some assurance.  'Your people' are not being harmed.  They are in a meeting with the Facility Manager presently.  Go back and await your Captain's return."

She snorted.

"It will do something to you if I shoot it into the shields, won't it? Be a shame if I blow a hole in hulls and pull your wires. There's only two people from the Away Team there. Where are the rest? Take me to them, and I don't blow a hole in the Station and delete you personally," she said. She withdrew the small incendiary device from her pocket, so he could see she was serious.

She was interrupted in her "conversation" with this holo-worm.

"You know, in a way they are doing us a favor by letting us dock, repair our vessel, and provide medical assistance. As this is a first-contact situation, don't you think it would be a bad first impression if we just started shooting everything we saw?

"Worked with the Cardassians," she said. "You go back if you're not going to be useful. Otherwise, help me push past this...being," she said. "Choice is yours. But remember what we do to collaborators," she said. She was now fully frustrated, and pushed forward. Honestly, a day in a holding cell and the GOOD drugs kinda sounded nice.

[Kalem Michael]

"Worked with the Cardassians," she said. "You go back if you're not going to be useful. Otherwise, help me push past this...being," she said. "Choice is yours. But remember what we do to collaborators," she said. She was now fully frustrated and pushed forward. Honestly, a day in a holding cell and the GOOD drugs kinda sounded nice.

Kalem sighed as the Bajoran Lieutenant started to move forward. He let his hand slide along her arm until he reached the elbow. Then, he tries to dig his thumb and fingers into the Ulnar nerve to get her to drop the Phaser in that hand.

"We Both know that the Bajoran resistance had reason to do those things to the Cardassians. They invaded our system, built a station in orbit, took our people, and forced them to work in inhumane circumstances. They killed us without reason and robbed us of valuable resources. As far as I can tell, these people have done nothing warranting our ire. I might not have lived through the Cardassian Occupation but my parents did. I remember the times that they woke up in terror from a dream. WE ARE STARFLEET OFFICERS. WE SWORE AN OATH. We are the guests here. If I need to, I will drag you back myself."

Kalem spread his legs shoulder-width apart into a Klingon combat stance.

[James Ramort]

[As Don Addams |Erewhon | Reception area]

With the departure underway, the crew seemed a little testy. Don could understand that, especially as a member of Security Personnel. Given the radiation and recent events, they needed to evacuate the crew from Discovery to begin the cleansing process.

His son was with a caretaker—not a babysitter. He wouldn't dare call them that; his son, with his strong opinions and the independent streak he had developed with his peers before Don found him, would never let him hear the end of it. The circumstances of finding his son were baffling, but all Don knew was that the boy was his son.

"Please, calm down. We ask that you follow the guidelines," Don instructed the crew as they moved to the designated area.

Security had been the path he chose long ago during his time at Starfleet Command. But many of his memories were lost, thanks to that alien species—memories that had made his marriage difficult. He had found ways to blame himself, though, deep down, he knew he hadn't been unfaithful. It was simply... complicated, in a way they couldn't resolve.

He had loved Torra deeply—god, he still loved her. But learning he had a son with another woman, a woman he didn't even remember? That was a blow. The genetic readings confirmed it, though: he was the father. And the mother? That space witch he had worked with before the USS Discovery—the one Tekin's crew had saved him from. Most of it was a foggy memory, like something he wasn't supposed to recall.

What occupied his mind now was whether Captain Tekin would be able to resolve this radiation situation. In the meantime, his job was to keep the crew calm.

"Move along, please," he said firmly to the evacuees making their way to safety. Addams was able to be called to move another destination if he needed.

[Petty Officer Zull]
[Erewhon Station | Reception Area]

After not receiving permission to accompany the Lieutenant, she wandered for a bit.

Attempting to find any structure to the mass of people around her made her nauseas. In training, they had been exposed to highly dynamic environments and conducted missions in masses of people. None of them were their friends on colleagues, though. In some of them, their ship or their team had been the one subjected to a threat. In none of them, the entirety of the crew had been stranded in potentially hostile territory. Now they were stranded.

With the disorder of the evacuation still spreading, she decided she needed to take at least a bit of initiative into her own hands. Given she lacked organisation the most, she decided to see if she could find any of her superior Officers. Re-establishing the chain of command was the most important matter. If the links of the team were active again, they could get to work on establishing a secured perimeter aroudn the Crew and open avenues for retreat into the ship once the decon procedure was done and if their alien hosts proved not as friendly as they proclaimed to be.

Hearing shouting from the periphery of the area the crew was covering and seeing a fellow security Officer rush over there already, she sprinted in the same direction, attempting to catch up to the Lieutenant.

"Petty Officer Zull, Lieutenant. Any way I can be of assistance?"

[Don Damien Addams]

[As Lt. Addams | Erwhon reception to Corridors]

Tension hung in the air, a familiar weight among the crew. Leaving the ship and personal belongings behind felt daunting, especially for those with families or cherished items they wished they could take.

"We'll all be fine. Everything you left behind will be safe until you return. The automated systems will care for your pets, plants, and everything else in your quarters," Don assured, projecting confidence in his role as a security officer. He stood tall in his Starfleet uniform, the emblem a reminder of his duty. Inside, though, he couldn't shake the worry for his son. He had to trust that his boy could handle himself. After all, he had navigated his way into new friendships and found himself in places aboard the Discovery where he wasn't supposed to be.

WE ARE STARFLEET OFFICERS. WE SWORE AN OATH.

The rallying cry resonated through the corridor, pulling Don's attention. The urgency in the voice stirred a sense of unease; the addition of "swore an oath" felt foreboding. He turned to Jack, another officer stationed beside him. "Ensign, Stay here, I am going to check something," Don said, leaving Jack to manage their post.

His boots made little sound as he rounded the corner, where the low murmur of an argument caught his ear. Two officers faced off, one in a tense combat stance, muscles coiled like a spring. Don's instincts kicked in; he stepped forward, hands raised in a gesture of calm. "Excuse me?" he interjected, taking stock of the situation.

Hearing shouting from the periphery of the area the crew was covering and seeing a fellow security Officer rush over there already, she sprinted in the same direction, attempting to catch up to the Lieutenant.

"Petty Officer Zull, Lieutenant. Any way I can be of assistance?"

A fellow security officer arrived, assessing the scene, but Don's eyes were drawn to the combatant's belt—he couldn't confirm whether a phaser was drawn, but the sight alone was enough to signal potential trouble. He took a breath, steadying himself. This could escalate quickly, and he needed to defuse the situation before it spiraled out of control.

"Execuse me," Don said in stern security officer tone, his voice firm yet measured.

As he stepped closer, ready to intervene, he hoped the trust he had in his crew would prevail, and that together they could quell this rising tension before it became a full-blown crisis.

[Lorut Vila]

{Erewhon Station}

Vila raised an eyebrow.

We Both know that the Bajoran resistance had reason to do those things to the Cardassians. They invaded our system, built a station in orbit, took our people, and forced them to work in inhumane circumstances. They killed us without reason and robbed us of valuable resources. As far as I can tell, these people have done nothing warranting our ire. I might not have lived through the Cardassian Occupation but my parents did. I remember the times that they woke up in terror from a dream. WE ARE STARFLEET OFFICERS. WE SWORE AN OATH. We are the guests here. If I need to, I will drag you back myself.

"Yes, we DID swear an oath, and part of that was to GET YOUR CREW MATES BACK," she said. "As I said, if you are going to HELP me do that, fine. If not, I'd advise you to protect your own PiPS and get out of the way," she said. "And if you think for a MINUTE that you will touch me, you will learn QUICKLY that I don't tolerate collaborators well. What will it be, new guy?" She said. She knew she sounded mean, but she didn't care. The rest of the team was still in there, and they were wasting precious minutes. "Go tell the Captain, see if I care," she said, flippantly. Because both she and Tekin knew that she. did. NOT. care. "While you're there, you can tell him that I honored my oath to the Fleet like they honored THIERS to our people," she said...the unspoken part -they did nothing-was left to hang in the air. She wouldn't be that person.

She stepped forward, around the weird holo-gram, and headed forward. She was, by now, fully upset, and bristled at the fact that a new person, who hadn't yet proved himself to her, thought that she was ABOUT to listen to not just a MAN but a man who thought he had some kind of moral high ground.

The kids these days hadn't been taught about their past. What a shame.

She barreled forward, uncaring. The phaser rifle was still out, but as yet, unfired. Anther voice joined the fricassee.

Execuse me

She simply ignored the voice. "I am extracting the rest of the crew," she said, aloud. "Come along if you want. Otherwise, escort whatever his name is back to the meeting place, and I'll be there if I choose to," she said. "Or I'll be in the Brig. But the others will be safe," she said.

She turned back and headed on her way down the corridor. She really should be nicer to the newbies, but they needed to learn, and there was no time like the present. Where the HELL was that RIsian? Broad...shirt? Shoulders? Something?! She really should've ran into someone else by now. Another hologram or...something.

Just as she rounded a corner, though, her Comms beeped. She clicked it on.

Lorut
This better be good.

[Don Damien Addams]

{Erewhon Station}

Vila raised an eyebrow.

"Yes, we DID swear an oath, and part of that was to GET YOUR CREW MATES BACK," she said. "As I said, if you are going to HELP me do that, fine. If not, I'd advise you to protect your own PiPS and get out of the way," she said. "And if you think for a MINUTE that you will touch me, you will learn QUICKLY that I don't tolerate collaborators well. What will it be, new guy?" She said. She knew she sounded mean, but she didn't care. The rest of the team was still in there, and they were wasting precious minutes. "Go tell the Captain, see if I care," she said, flippantly. Because both she and Tekin knew that she. did. NOT. care. "While you're there, you can tell him that I honored my oath to the Fleet like they honored THIERS to our people," she said...the unspoken part -they did nothing-was left to hang in the air. She wouldn't be that person.

She stepped forward, around the weird worm-gram, and headed forward. She was, by now, fully upset, and bristled at the fact that a new person, who hadn't yet proved himself to her, thought that she was ABOUT to listen to not just a MAN but a man who thought he had some kind of moral high ground.

The kids these days hadn't been taught about their past. What a shame.

She barreled forward, uncaring. The phaser rifle was still out, but as yet, unfired. Anther voice joined the fricassee.

She simply ignored the voice. "I am extracting the rest of the crew," she said, aloud. "Come along if you want. Otherwise, escort whatever his name is back to the meeting place, and I'll be there if I choose to," she said. "Or I'll be in the Brig. But the others will be safe," she said.

She turned back and headed on her way down the corridor. She really should be nicer to the newbies, but they needed to learn, and there was no time like the present. Where the HELL was that RIsian? Broad...shirt? Shoulders? Something?! She really should've ran into someone else by now. Another hologram or...something.

Just as she rounded a corner, though, her Comms beeped. She clicked it on.

Lorut
This better be good.

The female Bajoran, identified by her ridged nose, carried a phaser rifle and appeared to ignore Don's orders entirely, telling him to follow her. 'Who the hell does she think she is? he thought, irritated. Security protocols regarding weapons were clear, and here she was, brandishing a phaser rifle as if regulations didn't apply to her.

The Prime Directive was critical, especially during first contact. A good first impression was paramount, and any misstep could reflect poorly on Starfleet as a whole. For Don, maintaining that delicate balance was essential—one of the many reasons why he had never wanted to be a captain. The weight of command, the pressure of making decisions that affected not just Discovery's  crew but entire civilizations, was too much. The thought of prioritizing the ship over his family was something he simply could not stomach.

"Stand down!" Don barked, his tone sharp and authoritative. His phaser was already set to stun. "Don't force me to stun you. Your overreaction could have serious consequences for Captain Tekin." - and he is much like a fatherfigure.  He shoots to stun if she makes the wrong move.  He hesitated for a split second, almost adding someone I deeply respect—but he stopped himself. It was true, but not something he wanted to admit aloud right now.

He kept the phaser trained on her, his heart pounding as he silently prayed they weren't being watched by the hosts who had allowed them to dock. Captain Tekin was in delicate negotiations, and the last thing they needed was a diplomatic incident caused by an unhinged officer.

He had wondered how the hell a non-security was carrying a phaser rifle. And he was shock he was being forced to being pulling his out. This was not the days when he was a smuggler when you where doing this, questioning, and well Frogger was never was like this which was shocking from the days when he was working for a smuggler gang the second time around. Leggs, she was different she was just a bitch in her own way, manipulator taking over the business.

[Rayek trLhoell]

[Erewhon Station - Restricted Administration Area]

{Erewhon Station}

Vila raised an eyebrow.

"Yes, we DID swear an oath, and part of that was to GET YOUR CREW MATES BACK," she said. "As I said, if you are going to HELP me do that, fine. If not, I'd advise you to protect your own PiPS and get out of the way," she said. "And if you think for a MINUTE that you will touch me, you will learn QUICKLY that I don't tolerate collaborators well. What will it be, new guy?" She said. She knew she sounded mean, but she didn't care. The rest of the team was still in there, and they were wasting precious minutes. "Go tell the Captain, see if I care," she said, flippantly. Because both she and Tekin knew that she. did. NOT. care. "While you're there, you can tell him that I honored my oath to the Fleet like they honored THEIRS to our people," she said...the unspoken part -they did nothing-was left to hang in the air. She wouldn't be that person.

She stepped forward, around the hologram, and headed forward.

She barreled forward, uncaring. The phaser rifle was still out, but as yet, unfired. Anther voice joined the fricassee.

She simply ignored the voice. "I am extracting the rest of the crew," she said, aloud. "Come along if you want. Otherwise, escort whatever his name is back to the meeting place, and I'll be there if I choose to," she said. "Or I'll be in the Brig. But the others will be safe," she said.

She turned back and headed on her way down the corridor. She really should be nicer to the newbies, but they needed to learn, and there was no time like the present. Where the HELL was that RIsian? Broad...shirt? Shoulders? Something?! She really should've ran into someone else by now. Another hologram or...something.

Just as she rounded a corner, though, her Comms beeped. She clicked it on.

Lorut
This better be good.

"Stand down!" Don barked, his tone sharp and authoritative. His phaser was already set to stun. "Don't force me to stun you. Your overreaction could have serious consequences for Captain Tekin." - and he is much like a fatherfigure.  He shoots to stun if she makes the wrong move.  He hesitated for a split second, almost adding someone I deeply respect—but he stopped himself. It was true, but not something he wanted to admit aloud right now.

He kept the phaser trained on her, his heart pounding as he silently prayed they weren't being watched by the hosts who had allowed them to dock. Captain Tekin was in delicate negotiations, and the last thing they needed was a diplomatic incident caused by an unhinged officer.

The automated security system took note of the arrival of those attempting to stop the one individual but their attempts seemed futile as the female barreled on past the holographic guard and rounded the corner.  At that point, transporters locked onto her biosignature and the female Starfleet officer was transported into a small blank white, upright oval space with no apparent door or window.  It was like she was trapped in the inside of a standing egg that was only a few feet taller than her.  The sound of hissing seemed to fill the 'egg' as a sedative was administered to the holding cell.

Back at the restricted area, the large humanoid looking hologram adjusted his position to prevent the other three from following the woman.

"This is a restricted area.  Turn back to the Reception Hall or you too will be sent to a holding cell."
.
.
.

[Erewhon - Facilities Manager Office]

A long series of whistles sounded from the Facility Manager's chair.  Unfortunately, the Universal translators hadn't been provided with enough language context to be able to translate the incoming message.  However, it didn't take long for the Lyssarian to inform the Captain as to the content of the message.

"Captain, I've just been informed that one of your crew has ignored our restricted area warnings, and is now being sedated and kept in a holding cell "

[Kalem Michael]

{Erewhon Station}
Vila raised an eyebrow.

"Yes, we DID swear an oath, and part of that was to GET YOUR CREW MATES BACK," she said. "As I said, if you are going to HELP me do that, fine. If not, I'd advise you to protect your own PiPS and get out of the way," she said. "And if you think for a MINUTE that you will touch me, you will learn QUICKLY that I don't tolerate collaborators well. What will it be, new guy?" She said. She knew she sounded mean, but she didn't care. The rest of the team was still in there, and they were wasting precious minutes. "Go tell the Captain, see if I care," she said, flippantly. Because both she and Tekin knew that she. did. NOT. care. "While you're there, you can tell him that I honored my oath to the Fleet like they honored THIERS to our people," she said...the unspoken part -they did nothing-was left to hang in the air. She wouldn't be that person.

She stepped forward, around the weird holo-gram, and headed forward. She was, by now, fully upset, and bristled at the fact that a new person, who hadn't yet proved himself to her, thought that she was ABOUT to listen to not just a MAN but a man who thought he had some kind of moral high ground.

The kids these days hadn't been taught about their past. What a shame.

She barreled forward, uncaring. The phaser rifle was still out, but as yet, unfired. Another voice joined the fricassee.

[As Lt. Addams | Erwhon reception to Corridors]
"Excuse me,"

Kalem Reacted to the Bajoran woman's movement and lunged forward trying to take her down in a tackle but landed on the ground with her just out of reach.

She simply ignored the voice. "I am extracting the rest of the crew," she said, aloud. "Come along if you want. Otherwise, escort whatever his name is back to the meeting place, and I'll be there if I choose to," she said. "Or I'll be in the Brig. But the others will be safe," she said.

"Stand down!" Don barked, his tone sharp and authoritative. His phaser was already set to stun. "Don't force me to stun you. Your overreaction could have serious consequences for Captain Tekin."

She turned back and headed on her way down the corridor. She really should be nicer to the newbies, but they needed to learn, and there was no time like the present. Where the HELL was that RIsian? Broad...shirt? Shoulders? Something?! She really should've ran into someone else by now. Another hologram or...something.

Just as she rounded a corner, though, her Comms beeped. She clicked it on.

[Erewhon Station - Restricted Administration Area]

The automated security system took note of the arrival of those attempting to stop the one individual but their attempts seemed futile as the female barreled on past the holographic guard and rounded the corner.  At that point, transporters locked onto her biosignature and the female Starfleet officer was transported into a small blank white, upright oval space with no apparent door or window.  It was like she was trapped in the inside of a standing egg that was only a few feet taller than her.  The sound of hissing seemed to fill the 'egg' as a sedative was administered to the holding cell.

Back at the restricted area, the large humanoid looking hologram adjusted his position to prevent the other three from following the woman.

"This is a restricted area.  Turn back to the Reception Hall or you too will be sent to a holding cell."

Kalem stood up from the floor, looked at the Hologram, and relaxed his mind from a combative state. He was going to have to try to be a little diplomatic.
"I will comply, however, I must request that the equipment she carried, other than the device located here," Kalem tapped on his chest next to his communicator. "be isolated and designated for return upon our departure from the station? We do have certain directives regarding our technology in the hands of species that we are making first contact with, as we do not want to interfere with the natural development of a race."

[Lorut Vila]

{Erewhon Station}

As Vila pushed forward, defiantly, she found herself, once again, face to face with a hologram. Who the HELL ran this place using only holograms? All you'd need is one single code to be corrupted on an update gone sideways, and the entire charade would fall apart.

Stupid.

Stand down!...Don't force me to stun you. Your overreaction could have serious consequences for Captain Tekin.

She rolled her eyes to the ceiling. She HATED when new people, who'd not interacted with her before, tried to play the handbook. Oh, well, they'd learn, she supposed.

She simply ignored Adams-daring him to phase her so she could make it EVERYONE'S problem-and rounded the corner. She was closer to her goal-to figure out what the heck was happening.

Then....

{Holding cell, Erewhon station}

She came to in a cell. At least THIS she knew. She looked around. She wasn't alone, but she was separated from others. Her head hurt. What had happened?!

[Don Damien Addams]

Kalem Reacted to the Bajoran woman's movement and lunged forward trying to take her down in a tackle but landed on the ground with her just out of reach.

Kalem stood up from the floor, looked at the Hologram, and relaxed his mind from a combative state. He was going to have to try to be a little diplomatic.
"I will comply, however, I must request that the equipment she carried, other than the device located here," Kalem tapped on his chest next to his communicator. "be isolated and designated for return upon our departure from the station? We do have certain directives regarding our technology in the hands of species that we are making first contact with, as we do not want to interfere with the natural development of a race."

[As Don Addams on Erewhon Station Corridors]

This is not good, Don thought to himself as he slid the phaser back onto his hip. He listened as the junior lieutenant began speaking to the hologram before them. A small smile tugged at his lips as he leaned toward the lieutenant and whispered, "We might want to hold off on demanding our phasers back. That should probably be left to the Captain. I'm sure he'll be notified," Addams said quietly.

Turning his attention to the hologram, Don spoke in a calm, measured tone. "I apologize for our trespassing, I be sure it won't happen again." Then, with a nod, he added firmly, "Let's move," gesturing for the others to follow.

He tapped his communicator badge.    Lieutenant Addams to Commander. We have a fragile situation in the corridors by the reception area. Addams hesitated. He had no idea where Rayek was, nor did he want to say anything that might raise additional concerns or reflect poorly on Starfleet. He had been quiet on the Discovery and this was a long time since he contacted the Commander.