Season 16: Episode 2: A Night at the Opera

[Kalem Michael]

[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.

Kalem smiled to himself.

"Security people. Someone will eventually need to teach these guys the difference between a request and a demand."

Kalem turned his head and his jaw dropped open at the familiar face of Don Damien Addams. He looked very different from the last time Kalem had seen him. They last met at Katra Station right after a fight with the Dosi.

"Don...... or should I say, Lieutenant, how good to see you again. While I am sure that the Captain will be notified of this development, it is still necessary to make sure the request for our technology to be returned upon our departure is made. That is all that was, a request for them to consider.

Kalem turned back to the Hologram.

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.

[Rayek trLhoell]

[Erewhon Station - Restricted Administration Area]

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.

The large humanoid, easily over 2 meters in height, looked down towards Kalem at his request. "All equipment has been removed. Return of it will be up to the Facility Manager, though your justification for it's return has been forwarded."
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Commander Rayek tr'Lhoell
[Erewhon - Facilities Manager Office]

"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."

[As Don Addams on Erewhon Station Corridors]

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.

News that one of their crew had been incarcerated came as a shock. He had his suspicions of who it might be - especially considering that the Lyssarian stated that the were person was being sedated.  As a former Sec/Tac chief, he'd never heard of that being standard procedure for an arrest.  It meant that whoever was arrested - was particularly troublesome.  Rayek would bet that it was Lorut.

Regardless of who it was, they couldn't leave them there.  Not wishing to interrupt the discussion between the Captain and the Facility Manager,  Rayek looked towards Ramort, on the other side of Lek.  Speaking discreetly to the man was going to be problematic.  A whisper could be overheard, and use of his telepathy might not be welcome by the other officer, so Rayek attempted a different option hoping Ramort would be able to notice it and figure it out.  He used Morse Code to tap out a message hoping the Science officer could decipher it quickly enough to respond.

- . .-. -- ... / --- ..-. / ... . .-. ...- .. -.-. . / -....- / .-- .... .- - / .. ... / - .... . / .--. . -. .- .-.. - -.-- / ..-. --- .-. / .- -.-. -.-. . ... ... .. -. --. / .- / .-. . ... - .-. .. -.-. - . -.. / .- .-. . .- ..--..

No sooner had he done one cycle of this, than his flip phone comm buzzed.  He paused his tapping to deal with the call.

With an apologetic glance to the Captain, Rayek automatically attempted to send the call to his ear comm, pressing at a spot behind his right ear to activate the 'silent mode'.  He didn't know if the alien phone would be compatible with the Federation tech, he'd reacted out of habit.  But apparently it did, as a moment later Lieutenant Addams voice sounded in his right ear, informing him of the 'fragile situation'.

Mouthing his response silently, so that the comm device inserted in his ear read his jaw and facial muscle movements - and responded back to the caller in a facsimile of Rayek's voice.

"Go ahead, Lieutenant. Report."

[James Ramort]

[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...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."

[Ensign Kedan]
[Erewhon | Reception Area]

The points by Rajagopalan and T'Rea made a lot of sense. Their access to resources was simply to restrictd for a larger prediction model and the data they had been able to collect to limited. If only they had the time for a long time study of the stars radiationaly properties and its emitted particles. Now they had to work with what they managed to gather before the evacuation.

"Using multiple layers could work too. I am simply cautious about the load this will take on the power grid and the potential interference of overlapping shields. We would have to find a way to restrict the emitters to solely be tuned to specific particles and energy frequencies if we want to avoid damage. Would that be in line with the data you gathered from the Station?"

Commander Rayek tr'Lhoell
[Erewhon - Facilities Manager Office]

News that one of their crew had been incarcerated came as a shock. He had his suspicions of who it might be - especially considering that the Lyssarian stated that the were person was being sedated.  As a former Sec/Tac chief, he'd never heard of that being standard procedure for an arrest.  It meant that whoever was arrested - was particularly troublesome.  Rayek would bet that it was Lorut.

Regardless of who it was, they couldn't leave them there.  Not wishing to interrupt the discussion between the Captain and the Facility Manager,  Rayek looked towards Ramort, on the other side of Lek.  Speaking discreetly to the man was going to be problematic.  A whisper could be overheard, and use of his telepathy might not be welcome by the other officer, so Rayek attempted a different option hoping Ramort would be able to notice it and figure it out.  He used Morse Code to tap out a message hoping the Science officer could decipher it quickly enough to respond.

- . .-. -- ... / --- ..-. / ... . .-. ...- .. -.-. . / -....- / .-- .... .- - / .. ... / - .... . / .--. . -. .- .-.. - -.-- / ..-. --- .-. / .- -.-. -.-. . ... ... .. -. --. / .- / .-. . ... - .-. .. -.-. - . -.. / .- .-. . .- ..--..

No sooner had he done one cycle of this, than his flip phone comm buzzed.  He paused his tapping to deal with the call.

With an apologetic glance to the Captain, Rayek automatically attempted to send the call to his ear comm, pressing at a spot behind his right ear to activate the 'silent mode'.  He didn't know if the alien phone would be compatible with the Federation tech, he'd reacted out of habit.  But apparently it did, as a moment later Lieutenant Addams voice sounded in his right ear, informing him of the 'fragile situation'.

Mouthing his response silently, so that the comm device inserted in his ear read his jaw and facial muscle movements - and responded back to the caller in a facsimile of Rayek's voice.

"Go ahead, Lieutenant. Report."

[Lt. Jg. James Ramort]
[Erewhon | Administrative Area | Facility Managers Officer]

Looking on and watching carefully what the captain and commander were doing, he tried to keep up with the undertones of their conversation with the Manager. There were much to learn for him and he was paying attention to do so.

Given his close focus to their conduct, the Commander turning to him and sending him what could only be a message.

- . .-. -- ... / --- ..-. / ... . .-. ...- .. -.-. . / -....- / .-- .... .- - / .. ... / - .... . / .--. . -. .- .-.. - -.-- / ..-. --- .-. / .- -.-. -.-. . ... ... .. -. --. / .- / .-. . ... - .-. .. -.-. - . -.. / .- .-. . .- ..--..

A passage of morse code. Analogue and not commonly in use in regular encryption, there was a chance the Lyssarians did not pay any attention to it when scanning their database and the Commander's communication, thus going beyond the Managers attention. It was also a solid choice by the Romulan, given Morse code was an earth original and, even more a curiosity, many human officers still knew it.

Taking a second to remember when he learned it back in Boot Camp when he first joined the Star Fleet Academy, he pieced together what the Commander attempted to tell him.

"TERMS OF SERVICE - WHAT IS THE PENALTY FOR ACCESSING A RESTRICTED AREA?"

Not sure wheat this was about he pulled out his Tricorder and pulled it open. Using that he was placed at the seat furthest from the Manager, he did his best to cover the motion and banked on the Lyssarians focus staying bound to the conversation with the Captain.

Navigating through the results of scans until finally he found what he was looking for.

-

Section 5 - Permitted Scope of Stay

For the duration of the stay, guests may use the facilities laid out in the documents attached to their staying permission. This includes, at the least, the general replication area and the simulation hub as well as the assigned guest quarters and the docking and transporting areas used for arrival and departure.

Areas will be signalled by either clear signage or guided information through the location's autonomous holographic systems. Compliance with the directions provided is non-optional for all guests.

Violations of these limitations my make it necessary to restrict individual movement of the offender. Any property damage incurred as the result of the intrusion, or caused in the way of detention, will be added to the guest's account. All medical bills related to injuries caused by the detention of the guest are theirs to bear.

If the breach touched upon sensitive areas to the operation of technologies under legally protected intellectual properties, the guest might be detained until a removal of the related memories has been ensured. The costs of this procedure need to be paid by the offending party.

The Provider reserves the right to bring additional relevant charges.

-

Not completely sure why the commander wanted to know this, he wondered. As far as he could read from this, none of them had violated these. And the system seemed to be designed to contain explicit warnings to prevent an overstepping. Who from the boarding crew had ignored such explicit information?

Taking a second to converting and finding the correct morse sequence in his mind he responded by slightly tapping his finger against his chin, hoping the Commander to be paying close enough attention to notice it.

-.-. --- -. ... . --.- ..- . -. -.-. . ... ---... / .... --- .-.. -.. .. -. --. --..-- / ..-. . . ... --..-- / -.-. --- -. -.. .. - .. --- -. .- .-.. / -- . -- --- .-. -.-- / .-. . -- --- ...- .- .-.. / .. -. / . -.. --. . / -.-. .- ... . ...

[Tekin Nevir]

[Erewhon - Facilities Manager Office]

Lek was relieved to see the Captain, but when he too seemed focused on making 'First Contact' the center of the conversation and that his welfare was inconsequential. When asked directly by the Captain, he figured his response would determine his future in Starfleet.

"Sir, actually this entire event started on our arrival. Before we could get our bearings, we were transported from the station to the planet, with all of our equipment taken from us. Shortly after arrival, we witnessed a feemale guest berating and abusing a worker over a trivial mistake by the worker. I stepped in to defend the worker. At this point, the 'guest' got offended and demanded recompense. At this point I told her the I didn't owe her anything. I will admit I didn't phrase this delicately and I do regret speaking in such a manner. However, at the time I did not know they locals clone hyoomons and use them as slaves and that the feemale's behavior was considered acceptable.

"Our holographic guide told us that by transporting to the planet we had agreed to their contract. As a Ferengi, I am intimately familiar with contracts as per the 17th Rule of Acquisition. We were transported here without seeing their contract, we could not be bound by it as it requires both parties consent to the contract.

"It was at this point we were informed their contract was posted on the wall where we arrived. However, we then discovered that their ink was not visible to anyone in the away team.

"Since I could not see the contract, I could not consent to it, thus the contract is void. If the locals would just accept this simple fact and allow us, or specifically me, to go, this entire matter would be resolved."

[Erewhon Station - Restricted Administration Area]
The hologram matrix flickered briefly because of the intensity of the radiation that buffeted barrier that now protected Lorut and her shipmates on the station.  It remained steadfast in her path despite the secondary weapon.

"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."
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[Erewhon - Facilities Manager Office]

Rayek remained silent and composed as the Captain spoke about the strict policies regarding First Contact.  The Romulan refrained from commenting that its intent was to protect 'unprepared' civilizations from the danger of Federation personnel introducing advanced technology, knowledge, and values before they are ready.  This Lyssarian civilization was anything but unprepared - its facility had welcomed their ship.

Hearing the Captain state 'the blame falls on me',  Rayek looked to his superior sharply, wanting to deny the Captain's statement and claim the fault as his own.  He should have had better command of the Away Team and prevented Lek from getting involved in the first place.  Though at the time of the incident, Rayek had felt much the same way as his friend - he too felt the woman was in the wrong for beating the groundskeeper.  If not for Lek speaking up first, it could have been him who was being the one judged by the Lyssarian.

Rayek glanced towards the Ferengi beside him as the Captain called for Lek to speak.  A slight wry twist caught at his lips as he noted that the Captain was wise enough to specify to not be insulting or judgmental...  if only he had been smart enough to add that as a clarifier to his own request when he had Lek say 'hello' earlier.

The Lyssarian Facility Manager listened unobtrusively as the Captain explained the Prime Directive and the standing policy to have the commanding officer assume responsibility for his subordinates' actions.  This last part seemed to catch Wrrhssrw's interest; its' gaze red-lit eyes focusing on the Captain steadily even as offender began to speak to give his explanation.

However, that attention turned to Lek the moment the Ferengi stated that he regretted speaking in such a manner.

At last, some slight sign of remorse from the offender.  It wasn't the required apology or recompense; however, it was an improvement.  The Lyssarian waved several tentacles in the Ferengi's direction in response.

After the officer finished speaking, the manager turned towards the Captain once more.

"Do you have any questions?"

[Erewhon - Facilities Manager Office]

The Captained listened intently to both his own officer and the next question from the Facilities Manager.  Things were... unusual... to say the least.  He could see things from Lek's point of view, and the passionate part of him agreed.  But he didn't get Captaincy by giving in to his passions and not looking at things objectively.  It's why many of the upper brass were former Science and Engineering officers.

"They way I see it, there are three main concerns: who this facility is built for, the acessibility of your facilities's terms and conditions, and finally the treatment of both guests and... for lack of a better term: servants."

"I am curious about the first one most of all.  From what I have been told, this facility is very reminiscent of a 21st century Earth, and apparently you even have real, if not cloned, human beings.  Is this a fascination of your people?  And is this facility primarily geared towards your own recreation?"

[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."
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[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 "

Before his question could be answered, of course something had to happen.  And he didn't need to know who to figure it out.

"Lorut.... Prophets." he said, groaning and shaking his head.  His crew was going to get him killed.

"My specific orders were to keep the crew together and keep them from going down to the surface.  That should have been an easy enough order. And this one was definitely under my direct command.  I'd offer my own brig, but our ship is likely still irradiated.  Do what you must with her, and again, I am forced to take full responsibility for her actions."

[Lorut Vila]

{Erewhon Station|Holding Cell}

Well. Now she was really going to need to rely on her past skills to figure this out. But whatever they'd given her had made it so her brain was fuzzy and she couldn't think clearly. She felt around in her pockets-she'd been disarmed. The only "weapon" she had handy was her hands and feet. That's ok, she could figure it out. Maybe.

She was in an egg-shaped type of container. She called out.

"Hello?" She said.

She had no idea if she could be heard. She rattled the walls.

Before she could proceed, though....

Vila awoke in the hospital camp, the face of the Cardassian nurse staring at her. Her head hurt...what had happened? 
If you stop fighting it, they will stop sedating you. 
Voka a Bentel.*

Vila sat down, but shook her head. Now was NOT the time for a flashback, thank you. 

Now what?! 

(This is a term that literally translates as "Walk with the Prophets" but can be used as a religious thing, or in some cases, such as this, akin to the English term "Go to hell")

[T'Rea]

[Ensign Kedan]
[Erewhon | Reception Area]

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."

The points by Rajagopalan and T'Rea made a lot of sense. Their access to resources was simply to restrictd for a larger prediction model and the data they had been able to collect to limited. If only they had the time for a long time study of the stars radiationaly properties and its emitted particles. Now they had to work with what they managed to gather before the evacuation.

"Using multiple layers could work too. I am simply cautious about the load this will take on the power grid and the potential interference of overlapping shields. We would have to find a way to restrict the emitters to solely be tuned to specific particles and energy frequencies if we want to avoid damage. Would that be in line with the data you gathered from the Station?"

[Erewhon Station | Reception Area]

At the question about T'Rea's data, Rajagopalan turned back to her with a raised eyebrow that the Vulcan could recognize as a prompt to answer Ensign Kedan's last question herself. She blinked, "I believe so, sir, but we will likely need to propose those specific particles and frequencies and run simulations about the resulting interference effects and energy draw to know with any degree of certainty." That would have to be a combined effort, including Ensign Kedan's physics knowledge, Lt. M'Nia's engineering knowledge of shield modifications and capabilities, and Lt. McNair's knowledge of ship's specific interplay between systems to maximize available power.

Rajagopalan nodded, "Then I'd suggest the main group of you stay here to start working out the details of a proposal for T'Rea to simulate. Kedan, your earlier proposal about trying to get additional tricorder readings of the shield emitters around the station is probably still valid. The less we learn about what they're doing to block radiation here, the less we have to guess or work out for ourselves. Still, shield emitters aren't exactly my strong suit. Why don't I borrow Ensign..." he paused to prompt the fresh-faced, young engineering office for her name, "and the two of us will see what we can learn together." That way he could also keep an eye on her health--and if they just so happened to pass by any medical personnel on the way to collecting their tricorder readings, well, it would be silly to pass up such a convenient opportunity for treatment, wouldn't it?

[M'Nia]

[Erewhon Station | Reception Area]

At the question about T'Rea's data, Rajagopalan turned back to her with a raised eyebrow that the Vulcan could recognize as a prompt to answer Ensign Kedan's last question herself. She blinked, "I believe so, sir, but we will likely need to propose those specific particles and frequencies and run simulations about the resulting interference effects and energy draw to know with any degree of certainty." That would have to be a combined effort, including Ensign Kedan's physics knowledge, Lt. M'Nia's engineering knowledge of shield modifications and capabilities, and Lt. McNair's knowledge of ship's specific interplay between systems to maximize available power.

Rajagopalan nodded, "Then I'd suggest the main group of you stay here to start working out the details of a proposal for T'Rea to simulate. Kedan, your earlier proposal about trying to get additional tricorder readings of the shield emitters around the station is probably still valid. The less we learn about what they're doing to block radiation here, the less we have to guess or work out for ourselves. Still, shield emitters aren't exactly my strong suit. Why don't I borrow Ensign..." he paused to prompt the fresh-faced, young engineering office for her name, "and the two of us will see what we can learn together." That way he could also keep an eye on her health--and if they just so happened to pass by any medical personnel on the way to collecting their tricorder readings, well, it would be silly to pass up such a convenient opportunity for treatment, wouldn't it?

"I like that plan ensign. Kedan what you said makes sense. Multi layered may be the way to go. The more we know the better off we are so gather all the info you have, if you haven't already. I do like what I'm hearing from all of you! We are making progress! I think if we all put our heads together, like we are doing, we will have a solution. However, again I want to stress to get medical treatment for radiation sickness if you haven't already! So let's get to work and see what we can do!" M'nia said.

[Don Damien Addams]

[Erewhon Station - Restricted Administration Area]

No sooner had he done one cycle of this, than his flip phone comm buzzed.  He paused his tapping to deal with the call.

With an apologetic glance to the Captain, Rayek automatically attempted to send the call to his ear comm, pressing at a spot behind his right ear to activate the 'silent mode'.  He didn't know if the alien phone would be compatible with the Federation tech, he'd reacted out of habit.  But apparently it did, as a moment later Lieutenant Addams voice sounded in his right ear, informing him of the 'fragile situation'.

Mouthing his response silently, so that the comm device inserted in his ear read his jaw and facial muscle movements - and responded back to the caller in a facsimile of Rayek's voice.

"Go ahead, Lieutenant. Report."

[As Don Addams on the Erewhon corridors]

Don replied when he felt it was safe, but he did speak in near a whisper not to draw attention for he was not all sure where everyone was.

Commander one of our crew decided to run in a restricted area Erewhon, with a phaser rifle, and was beamed to a containment by the Lyssarians. I had try to stop them. We are heading back to reception as right now.

Don had waited from Rayek. Being in security this too can land on their lap for losing control of a situation but of course the Captain will take most the heat.

[Kalem Michael]

Erewhon Station|Reception area

Kalem re-entered the reception area of the station. He was a little dissapointed in himself. Never had someone so vehemetly spoke to him in so long amongst his peers. Never had someone called him a collaborator for trying to do what he thought was right, He had been trying to uphold the beliefs that was instilled in him from his youth. The beliefs of how someone should be treated. The belief that even when not asked sometimes you should speak out.

The oath Kalem swore when he joined Starfleet meant everything to him.

"I've broken my word once. Never shall I do so again."

Then in Kalem's minds eye he saw his father. A man long dead.

"A man's words is everything. How can you trust a man, if you cannot trust his word?"

Kalem's eyes focused on the area now around him. Fellow officers be they in Red, Yellow, or Blue. While he did not know them each by name, they were his family now. There would be times that his life would hang in the balance due to their actions. However, The inverse was also true. Sometimes their lives would be in his hands.

Kalem stood there looking around for a Doctor, Nurse, or Orderly. He knew the amount of radiation currently coursing through his body was not the best it could be, however neither was it the worst. He waited to be acknowledged and told where to go.

[James Ramort]

[Assistant Chief Medical Officer - Dr. Tanar Betaika]
[Erewhon | Reception Area | Emergency Triage Area]

Everything was a mess. They had no biobeds, no proper replicators, no scanners. No way to set up a sterilisation field or access to their database. And so many people to treat.

Even though they had cleared the area of immediate contamination, many people were still suffering the consequences of their exposure.
All around him, the Doctors and Nurses were looking through the supplies transported and replicated for them by their alien hosts, and the crates of material they managed to gather for themselves. Luckily, some of the medication part of the shipments seemed to be suited for their biologies, some even bearing the name of chemicals he recognised as part of the standard Federation regiment for treating the symptoms of radiation poisoning.

Injecting the Petty Officer, lying on the improvised bed before him, with a dose of Hyronalin, before taking a second to breath. His mind was briming with the faces of dozens of patients. Numbers from tricorder screens, scrolling in his minds eye. He needed something else to take his focus. Something else to focus on, even if just for a moment.

Looking around them, the Triage Area they had set up was a little island in an ocean of chaos. It seemed none of the ranking Officers was present. The Captain, the first Officer, the Second Officer, the Chief Engineer, the Chief Tactical Officer and the deputy Science and Ops Officers all were missing. In a time of crisis. What were they thinking. Was anybody still in charge here?

Grabbing the attention of the officers the closest to him, he attempted to get some answers. An Engineer and two flight Officers were the unlucky targets of his inquisition.

"You other there. What is going on here? Why are we surrounded by chaos. Who is in charge right now?
We need a perspective to return to the ship. See if you can get me any progress numbers. On the Decon progress."

[Kalem Michael]

[Assistant Chief Medical Officer - Dr. Tanar]
"You other there. What is going on here? Why are we surrounded by chaos. Who is in charge right now?
We need a perspective to return to the ship. See if you can get me any progress numbers. On the Decon progress."

Kalem looked at the doctor, not with any type of animosity but with pity. He could see the beds filled with people being treated.

"Doctor, as to what is going on out there, I have no idea at this time. I have only recently returned from trying to stop another crewmember from going on a rampage to 'extract the away team'. An endevor which was unsucessful and could have significant repercussions.

As to why we are surrounded by chaos, we have only been off the ship for approximately thirty minutes. Last we all knew the Captain ordered an evacuation. People are scared and some of them maybe afraid that they are going to just drop dead at any moment from radiation poisioning. Last I knew Security was tyring to get a handle on the situation. However, you have to consider that there are only forty-five of them to corral approximately one hundred seventy-five people. They will be streched thin, not as bad as you are but still thin.

As to who is in charge right now, I have no idea at this time as the captain seems to have disappeared, probably to speak to our gracious hosts. How long that will take, what will be covered, and what the outcome of that conversation will be I could not even speculate on.

As to getting a timeframe as to returning to the ship, I will get right on that. However, I feel I must point out that the answer so soon after docking with the station will be 'When we figure that out we will tell you'. They probably don't even have an answer yet for protecting the ship from the intense stellar radiation as of yet. Asking them right now is almost as bad as me asking you if all one hundred and seventy-five crew members have been treated yet. I would compare it to the person next to me at the ops console asking 'are we there yet?' every fifteen minutes.

That being said I will try to find you some answers. However, I must request that I receive a medical scan to determine if I need Immediate treatment I would hate to take much needed medical supplies from those who need it more."

[Lucien Dupont]

[Erewhon | Reception Area | Emergency Triage/CCP Area]

There was a flurry a blue jackets flying around, a sea of chaos trying to solve the crisis right in front of them. Lucien took in a deep breath as he tried to focus on fixing one of the larger pieces of medical equipment right in front of him - a request from one of the nurses currently flying around the patients.

Suddenly, Lucien gives off a flurry of coughs as his train of thought is shattered by yet another request by yet another doctor.

[Assistant Chief Medical Officer - Dr. Tanar Betaika]
[Erewhon | Reception Area | Emergency Triage Area]

"You other there. What is going on here? Why are we surrounded by chaos. Who is in charge right now?
We need a perspective to return to the ship. See if you can get me any progress numbers. On the Decon progress."

Before he could bring himself to answer, a flight officer jumps in to give a long spiel to the doctor. Lucien simply adjusted his jacket, watching the officer unload his full opinion of the situation onto the poor doctor.

Kalem looed at the doctor, not any type of animosity but with pity. He could see he beds filled with people being treated.

"Doctor, as to what is going on out there, I have no idea at this time. I have only recently return from trying to stop andother crewmember from going on a rampage to 'extract the away team'. An endevor which was unsucessful and could have significant repercussions.

As to why we are surrounded by chaos, we have only been off the ship for approximately thirty minutes. Last we all knew the Captain ordered an evacuation. People are scared and some of them maybe afrais that they are going to just drop dead at any moment from radiation poisioning. Last I knew Security was tyring to get a handle on the situation. However, you have to consider that there are only forty-five of them to corral approximately one hundred seventy-five people. They will be streched thin, not as bad as you are but still thin.

As to who is in charge right now, I have no idea at this time as the captain seems to have disappeared, probably to speak to our gracious hosts. How long that will take, what will be covered, and what the outcome of that conversation will be I could not even speculate on.

As to getting a timeframe as to returning to the ship, I will get right on that. However, I feel I must point out that the answer so soon after docking with the station will be 'When we figure that out we will tell you'. They probably don't even have an answer yet for protecting the ship from the intense stellar radiation as of yet. Asking them right now is almost as bad as me asking you if all one hundred and seventy-five crew members have been treated yet. I would compare it to the person next to me at the ops console asking 'are we there yet?' every fifteen minutes.

That being said I will try to find you some answers. However, I must request that I receive a medical scan to determine if I need Immediate treatment I would hate to take much needed medical supplies from those who need it more."

With a humble but small pointing gesture, Lucien opens his mouth - though he does not speak for a beat.

"I, well, uh..." What was there to add? The man was right. From what he understood, there was a group of engineers furiously working on a computer that is struggling to process data just to get the radiation off.

"With the current lack of equipment, it'll be really tough to get a timeframe. But from how it looks...I think you might be in charge, Doctor." Lucien gives a slightly exaggerated shrug as he finishes speaking.

[Lorut Vila]

{Erewhon Station|Holding Cell}

Because Vila did not learn the easy way, she was now determined to figure out how to break out of here. She'd broken out of prison camps before-but of course, she had, by then, picked up her older brother's work in the guerrilla armies, and had learned how to build an IED. She didn't have access to dirt, rocks, and sticks here. She didn't even have her phaser. Still, she was stronger than she looked, and spiteful and sassy, and she'd CRAWL out if she had to.

She started up the wall, but realized quickly that each time that she attempted, some kind of brain-numbing gas or something was pumped in. She fought through it the first two times, but the third time? She was unable to form cogent thoughts. Still, because her adrenaline was still pumping, she made a final attempt, this time, jumping as high as she could. Why couldn't she have been born like that Spider-man character from the holograms?! IT would be stupidly useful in all aspects of life.

Finally. either the sheer exhaustion or the sedative finally got to her, because the Bajoran finally sat down, bloodied from her efforts, but otherwise physically ok. She just hoped that these people had some kind of processing system, because, otherwise, they'd learn, like her Cardassian captors once had. She felt around in her deck boots for a moment-damn, they were GOOD. Her small butterfly knife had been removed from the shaft of her shoe, too.

Dammit. Now what?! She didn't expect the Captain to come back for her-given they were still alive-she wouldn't come save her, honestly. She knew she was a lot to deal with, but she really did have good intentions. ALSO she didn't know it was restricted, and besides, what were they HIDING?! She was curious again, and stood up to attempt. Again, she was stopped.

Her second sit-down found her asleep-or blacked out from the sedative, she wasn't sure-and dreaming. Well. Night terrors, more like, which is why she couldn't sleep as it was.

A teenaged Vila awoke again, this time in the Bat'al hospital camp-among the hospital camps, it was the worst. It was where you were sent if you didn't comply. Vila had always been full of sass-the anger and hostility came later-but had never been good with authority. Another nurse-uglier than the other one, and equally as cruel-smiled a stupid, ugly, smelly Cardassian smile. She ached-in places she should not-she hadn't reached puberty yet.
You'll be fine tomorrow. Your future husband, though? He probably won't be.
Vila would learn later that she'd had her reproductive organs removed then. "Girls who don't comply won't be allowed to continue their line..." It was also the same week she was inoculated with Orkett's disease-between the surgery and the virus, she'd nearly died. She ALSO had learned that she'd been taken away from what remained of her family-her oldest brother and mother-and THEY had been separated, too. Again, she felt that this separation was also her fault...if she could learn to keep her mouth shut and just DO what they said. But it didn't feel true to her heart to comply.
COMPLY. Why did everyone want her to comply with thier rules that made no sense?! COMPLY....She would never.

[Rayek trLhoell]

[Erewhon Station - Facility Manager's Office]

[Erewhon - Facilities Manager Office]

The Captained listened intently to both his own officer and the next question from the Facilities Manager.  Things were... unusual... to say the least.  He could see things from Lek's point of view, and the passionate part of him agreed.  But he didn't get Captaincy by giving in to his passions and not looking at things objectively.  It's why many of the upper brass were former Science and Engineering officers.

"The way I see it, there are three main concerns: who this facility is built for, the accessibility of your facility's terms and conditions, and finally the treatment of both guests and... for lack of a better term: servants."

"I am curious about the first one most of all.  From what I have been told, this facility is very reminiscent of a 21st century Earth, and apparently you even have real, if not cloned, human beings.  Is this a fascination of your people?  And is this facility primarily geared towards your own recreation?"

Before his question could be answered, of course something had to happen.  And he didn't need to know who to figure it out.

"Lorut.... Prophets." he said, groaning and shaking his head.  His crew was going to get him killed.

"My specific orders were to keep the crew together and keep them from going down to the surface.  That should have been an easy enough order. And this one was definitely under my direct command.  I'd offer my own brig, but our ship is likely still irradiated.  Do what you must with her, and again, I am forced to take full responsibility for her actions."

Two tentacles slapped the ground percussively numerous times before the Facility Manager spoke. "Your willingness to accept responsibility for your officer's actions is noted, and appreciated, Captain.  However, before we deal with that, I believe you had some questions."

The Lyssarian used a tentacle to change the scene on the viewscreen.  It now showed an aerial view of town.
"Erewhon, is a recreational facility catering primarily to Lyssarians, though a few neighbouring species - from the Delta Quadrant as you call it - have visited on occasion.  Transmissions of your 21st century Earth have recently fascinated my people so this facility was built to highlight that.  The 'clones' as you call them, are artificial life that we grew in our labs, based on a detailed study of the Human species genetic structure, which we removed the whhrreee from and then programmed to specific tasks.  They were designed to mimic Human life, but they are no more real life than holograms or animatronics."
.

.
Commander Rayek tr'Lhoell
[Erewhon - Facilities Manager Office]

[As Don Addams on the Erewhon corridors]

Commander one of our crew decided to run in a restricted area Erewhon, with a phaser rifle, and was beamed to a containment by the Lyssarians. I had try to stop them. We are heading back to reception as right now.

Running in a restricted area with a phaser rifle.  Yeah, that certainly sounded like Lieutenant Lorut.
Mouthing his reply back he answered back to the security officer.

"Acknowledged, Lieutenant.  Thank you.  The Captain is aware and will secure the officer's release.  Do keep a watch to be sure no others make the same attempt. tr'Lhoell out."

He tapped behind his ear to close the commline and then looked over to Ramort who he noted was looking discreetly through his tricorder.  He hoped that meant the Lieutenant understood his message earlier.  His glance then moved to Lek, whose demeanor was still of one who wasn't going to back down - even if it meant the Captain had to take responsibility for his actions.

[Lt. Jg. James Ramort]
[Erewhon | Administrative Area | Facility Managers Officer]

Not completely sure why the commander wanted to know this, he wondered. As far as he could read from this, none of them had violated these. And the system seemed to be designed to contain explicit warnings to prevent an overstepping. Who from the boarding crew had ignored such explicit information?

Taking a second to converting and finding the correct morse sequence in his mind he responded by slightly tapping his finger against his chin, hoping the Commander to be paying close enough attention to notice it.

-.-. --- -. ... . --.- ..- . -. -.-. . ... ---... / .... --- .-.. -.. .. -. --. --..-- / ..-. . . ... --..-- / -.-. --- -. -.. .. - .. --- -. .- .-.. / -- . -- --- .-. -.-- / .-. . -- --- ...- .- .-.. / .. -. / . -.. --. . / -.-. .- ... . ...

Rayek kept his attention roving between the Captain and the Lyssarian's conversation; Lek - making sure the Ferengi didn't worsen the situation with more of his opinion; and Ramort - waiting for a reply to his query.

When he noted Ramort's finger tapping on his chin... Rayek's attention focused on that.  He deciphered the tapping, but was a little uncertain of its entire meaning.

CONSEQUENCES: HOLDING, FEES, CONDITIONAL MEMORY REMOVAL IN EDGE CASES

Memory removal?!  That was concerning.. and what constituted an 'edge case'?

Rayek wondered which would be applied in this instance.
.

.

{Erewhon Station|Holding Cell}

Well. Now she was really going to need to rely on her past skills to figure this out. But whatever they'd given her had made it so her brain was fuzzy and she couldn't think clearly. She felt around in her pockets-she'd been disarmed. The only "weapon" she had handy was her hands and feet. That's ok, she could figure it out. Maybe.

She was in an egg-shaped type of container. She called out.

"Hello?" She said.

She had no idea if she could be heard. She rattled the walls.

Before she could proceed, though....

Vila sat down, but shook her head. Now was NOT the time for a flashback, thank you.

Now what?!

A part of the blank white wall became transparent and Vila saw on the 'view screen?' the image of the guide that had first greeted her on Erewhon.

"Lorut Vila.  Lieutenant Junior Grade.  You are being held for trespassing in a restricted area.  Your Captain has accepted responsibility for your transgression and thus will be held accountable in your place."

[James Ramort]

[Erewhon Station | Reception Area]

At the question about T'Rea's data, Rajagopalan turned back to her with a raised eyebrow that the Vulcan could recognize as a prompt to answer Ensign Kedan's last question herself. She blinked, "I believe so, sir, but we will likely need to propose those specific particles and frequencies and run simulations about the resulting interference effects and energy draw to know with any degree of certainty." That would have to be a combined effort, including Ensign Kedan's physics knowledge, Lt. M'Nia's engineering knowledge of shield modifications and capabilities, and Lt. McNair's knowledge of ship's specific interplay between systems to maximize available power.

Rajagopalan nodded, "Then I'd suggest the main group of you stay here to start working out the details of a proposal for T'Rea to simulate. Kedan, your earlier proposal about trying to get additional tricorder readings of the shield emitters around the station is probably still valid. The less we learn about what they're doing to block radiation here, the less we have to guess or work out for ourselves. Still, shield emitters aren't exactly my strong suit. Why don't I borrow Ensign..." he paused to prompt the fresh-faced, young engineering office for her name, "and the two of us will see what we can learn together." That way he could also keep an eye on her health--and if they just so happened to pass by any medical personnel on the way to collecting their tricorder readings, well, it would be silly to pass up such a convenient opportunity for treatment, wouldn't it?

"I like that plan ensign. Kedan what you said makes sense. Multi layered may be the way to go. The more we know the better off we are so gather all the info you have, if you haven't already. I do like what I'm hearing from all of you! We are making progress! I think if we all put our heads together, like we are doing, we will have a solution. However, again I want to stress to get medical treatment for radiation sickness if you haven't already! So let's get to work and see what we can do!" M'nia said.

[Ensign Kedan]
[Erewhon | Reception Area]

Very happy about the progress they were making, Kedan called up the stores of components in Discoveries Storage bays. If they were to install multiple overlapping shields, they would need to get separated shield grids with individual taps into the power grid.

"Looking through the stores of spare emitters we have, it could barely be enough. We should also look into modifying the navigational deflector. It has a powerline in the shape of its backup power couplings already and is precise enough to counter the particles hitting us.

T'Rea, could you model the likely particle exposure, given we stay within median exposure based on what hit us so far?
Lieutenant, we should get working on the code for the modified spare emitters.
Ensigns, if you can gather us more data, it would greatly help us to get this shield developed to a point where its safe to fly again."