S5: E: 8 Echos of a Tattered Past.

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

NPC Lieutenant JG Chloe Davies, Head Nurse  and  PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret

The autonomic function of breathing took over as soon as the pressure at his neck slacked and Lahr found himself greedily gulping for air as the world about him came back into focus.  He could see Blackfeather continue firing into the trunk of the trees.   With the ability to breath Lahr, even while in his prone position, grabbed for his dropped weapon and added his own weapon's discharge to the tree that it seemed his vine was entangled on the most.  This prompted his full release.

After everyone was released, Lahr heard the Commander remark on the 'joy' of yet another threat that this planet held.  The Andorian couldn't agree more.

Lahr rose to his knees and then finally his feet as things began to quietened down.  It was only then that Lahr looked about to check on Chloe, yet she seemed unharmed and already had her medical tricorder out to a quick check of him and the others who'd been nearly strangled by the vines.

When the opportunity came to drink, Chloe was quick warned the team to not drink to excess.  "It could lead to hyponatremia  - a condition of low sodium levels in the body."  She would be watchful for signs and symptoms of such in the team; nausea, vomiting, cramps, fatigue.  There was no way she would let it develop further to more serious conditions like seizures or a coma.  She had condensed saline shots to inject with her hypo if needed.

One by one, while the team drank their water responsibly, Chloe tended to the bruised and abraided throat of the Commander and Lahr.  Zhuk with his fur had some measure of protection, though she did check his  limbs where he'd been bound.  Only after all had been patched up did she drink.

When it came to the water, Lahr refilled his canteen - but drank sparingly having gotten that same talk about hyponatremia from Chloe back when he'd been dating her.

After all were treated, the Commander gave orders to continue up along the treetops.  Lahr could see Chloe was apprehensive but the Nurse didn't offer any complaint and soon with his help at climbing both Lahr and Chloe were back in the center of the line following Zhuk, the Commander and Lieutenant Savar through the interwoven branches with extreme caution.  One slip and the fall down would likely be lethal.

Lahr left it to the Sec/Tac members to be the scouts for the Commander's search for a beach. Though he didn't understand her reasons for needing a beach, he hoped they found one soon.

[Zhukdrashar Mrekrerhas]

[Ensign Zhukdra'shar Mrekrerhas | Jungle - Kaimo VI]

[Surface - Kaimo IV]

Although the vines were both relentless and extremely fast, Chief Blackfeather at the rear of the column covering the away team's climb, and warned by Nira's cry for help, was able to respond. He pushed Chloe out of the sweep of the vines and had his rifle leveled in an instant. Realizing attempting to target individual vines would be dangerous to his compatriots, he fired directly into the trunks of the trees.

The phaser rifle's impact on the trees was staggering with tree trunks bursting as the outer bark withered, which allowed the high water content of the softer wood beneath to explode outward as the core of the trees flashed to steam. The effect on the attacking vines was an immediate release and withdrawal, not unlike a humanoid pulling their arms to protect their torso after being stabbed.

As the vines loosened, others in the away team could reach their side arms and their fire added to Blackfeather's and just as quickly as it had begun, the attack was over. There were no serious injuries, but everyone grabbed by the vines had multiple welts from the powerful grip of the mobile lashing they'd sustained.

Now alert to yet another threat the jungles of Kaimo IV presented, the away team was able to replenish their water supply and as compensation, now that they knew of the 'road' network in the trees, continuing on would be much easier than it had been on the ground.

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

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Scans of the area around the planet failed to detect any obvious ion trails or an increase in neutrinos indicative of cloaked ship. However, if said ship was stationary and 'running silent', none of the usual signs would be present. Thus, whether they were alone or not, was still subject to debate.

As Buck worked his way through the mountain of data coming in on lifeforms on the planet, the scans were eventually able to isolate the members of the away team, but only when he narrowed the focus of the scan to a mere 500 meter circle. Based on the flood of life signs on the planet, being able to spot a Romulan while confined to such tight parameters was likely to be futile as far as providing useful warning to the away team.

The Caitian's shot flew true, landing on a few of the vines as they were disintegrated, but did this little to stop the plant organism. His rage only increased tenfold as his tail was quickly subdued, extremities kept far apart and pulled onto as he managed to overhear Lieutenant Nira yelling that she would get him before her voice became strained. He was barely able to turn, to notice that she had been grabbed by the throat by the vines. He panicked, pushing himself to the limit as he wiggled and tugged to try and get himself free.

His ears managed to overhear a few shots of a phaser rifle going off nearby, just when the creature had decided to choke him. It didn't last long, however, as the offending vines quickly retreated, just as he picked up a sizzling and pulpy sound coming from the tree trunks. He took a deep breath as he was freed, and with adrenaline rushing through him, as soon as he was safely on the ground, he aimed with his rifle towards the creature's bark, unleashing a couple of shots before determining that the damage was too extensive for it to attempt any other attack against them. Satisfied, he took a moment to recover from the damage done to his body.

Then, he placed his attention towards consuming the water they had been attempting to procure, drinking his fill carefully, as per instructed by Davies, before re-filling his canteen to the brim. He hoped it would suffice to allow them to reach their destination.

[Lieutenant Commander Nira Said | Treetop Basin | Kaimo VI]

She saw Blackfeather fire down at the tress the vines came from, and Nira realized he was shooting at the trunks. It was proving effective, as she and Zhuk and Lahr were released from the bindings of the vines. She let out a sharp exhale, like she had swum across the Strait of Hormuz...underwater.

"Great," she said, winded. "One more...threat from this jungle...to worry about."

"On the plus side, at least we can enjoy some water," said Savar.

Naturally, Nira had no desire of holding back the team when it came to the water, for she too was parched from the trek. She had drunken two canteen-fulls from the basin before she replenished the canteen completely for later use. Having drunken her fill, and very sure she would be to the basin like an alcoholic on a drinking binge, she studied the branch-entwined "roads."

"Do you think we'll still be in view of the bigger lake if we take these treetop routes, Savar?" asked Nira, in a manner to get an opinion.

"I believe so," said Savar. "We should be close enough that if we climb a tad, we'll be able to see it. If you're suggesting we use these routes, Commander, I would say it's the more logical course of action; we're going at a horribly slow pace so far, and I feel it will be a lot faster to continue in the treetops."

Nira nodded in agreement. Once Savar gave an indication of the best route that was also the closest to the lake, Nira informed the team, "Okay, once Nurse Davies takes a look at what the vines gave us and treats us, we're moving on, team. But we're not continuing at ground level. We'll be traversing through the treetops. Follow me and Savar."

In fact, it's chiefly because of Savar's picking up their location of the lake that they were able to move the way they were. Nira, of course, had seen the welts left by the vines, and as such, she decided to leave it to Nurse Davies to treat them before continuing.

Once Davies treated them to the best of her abilities, the team continued. Nira had to admit, she was a lot more alert now, first because of the flying bear (she was sure Mama Bear could jump them at any given moment, she knew Mama Bears would be more easily provoked to anger than Papa Bears or cubs), and now because of the vines. That alertness, however, was able to help her watch her footing when it came to traversing through the treetops. But aside from the extreme care she often took when she was sure footing would be dangerous, she found that Savar was right: It was a lot easier traversing through the trees than at ground level.

Once in a while, she called for any of the best climbers to go up to a treetop to look at the lake for a beach, often either Blackfeather or Zhuk because of their keen eyes, regardless of difference in keenness; Savar's scanners, while it can detect the lake and determine distance, didn't have satellite images. Nira began considering whether or not to ask Challenger to send out a probe to act as a satellite to keep an eye on the lake and also find a beach flat enough to provide enough room for the team to improvise a boat out of a fallen tree. That was Nira's plan; bring down a tree and float to the lake, camouflaging themselves so that they would look like a part of the big log. Maybe one or two trees of the right size to accommodate the team, three people per tree, though ideally one big enough to accommodate them all, and so avoid detection from the natives. That plan, however, required finding a beach to do it. But more and more she began worrying that every shore of the lake was too rocky or rough to be beach. She worried more and more that they would circumnavigate the whole lake and not find a beach at all.

NPC Lieutenant JG Chloe Davies, Head Nurse  and  PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret

The autonomic function of breathing took over as soon as the pressure at his neck slacked and Lahr found himself greedily gulping for air as the world about him came back into focus.  He could see Blackfeather continue firing into the trunk of the trees.   With the ability to breath Lahr, even while in his prone position, grabbed for his dropped weapon and added his own weapon's discharge to the tree that it seemed his vine was entangled on the most.  This prompted his full release.

After everyone was released, Lahr heard the Commander remark on the 'joy' of yet another threat that this planet held.  The Andorian couldn't agree more.

Lahr rose to his knees and then finally his feet as things began to quietened down.  It was only then that Lahr looked about to check on Chloe, yet she seemed unharmed and already had her medical tricorder out to a quick check of him and the others who'd been nearly strangled by the vines.

When the opportunity came to drink, Chloe was quick warned the team to not drink to excess.  "It could lead to hyponatremia  - a condition of low sodium levels in the body."  She would be watchful for signs and symptoms of such in the team; nausea, vomiting, cramps, fatigue.  There was no way she would let it develop further to more serious conditions like seizures or a coma.  She had condensed saline shots to inject with her hypo if needed.

One by one, while the team drank their water responsibly, Chloe tended to the bruised and abraided throat of the Commander and Lahr.  Zhuk with his fur had some measure of protection, though she did check his  limbs where he'd been bound.  Only after all had been patched up did she drink.

When it came to the water, Lahr refilled his canteen - but drank sparingly having gotten that same talk about hyponatremia from Chloe back when he'd been dating her.

After all were treated, the Commander gave orders to continue up along the treetops.  Lahr could see Chloe was apprehensive but the Nurse didn't offer any complaint and soon with his help at climbing both Lahr and Chloe were back in the center of the line following Zhuk, the Commander and Lieutenant Savar through the interwoven branches with extreme caution.  One slip and the fall down would likely be lethal.

Lahr left it to the Sec/Tac members to be the scouts for the Commander's search for a beach. Though he didn't understand her reasons for needing a beach, he hoped they found one soon.

"Appreciated, Mister Blackfeather..." Zhukdra'shar stated, appreciatively as he rubbed his tail, almost feeling it like it would be pulled off by the sheer strength of the organism. His arms did not feel much better, but at least Head Nurse Davies was already on the job. He made sure to offer a small, apologetic smile to her. He had been caught off-guard again. It was certainly not good for him. Yet, Nira had also been subdued, alongside Lahr, by the looks of it, so at least he had not been the only one to walk into the trap. Not much praise he could give himself besides that, though. He had to do better. He had to do better. "And, thank you, Head Nurse Davies. I really felt as if I would be broken apart like an old doll..."

Once Davies had worked her magic, and the pain almost vanished, Zhuk was ready to continue with the exploration of this dangerous planet. Taking to the treetops, under Nira's recommendation, he kept himself alert to any and all that could threaten the away team. His eyes darted from side to side, ears constantly pivoting to the sides and the front, seeking any and all unusual sound. His rifle was kept close by, ready to aim at whatever suspicious creak or alien reverberation that could be found within the canopy, above or below, as he made his way through the branches and vines with ease, owing to his dexterity and retractable claws. He wondered if finding a beach was a good idea, considering how much time they had spent doing it thus far. Still, he wouldn't defy the instruction of his commander, and so, he continued with the search dutifully.

[Ian Galloway]

[Surface - Kaimo IV]

Moving along the highway of branches in the trees made covering ground much, much easier and was even marginally cooler. After replenishing their water supply and resuming their trek through the jungle, it began to rain again, yet another torrential downpour that soaked everyone, but at this point, their uniforms were so sodden, they never really stopped being soaked.

Continuing along the branch highway, suddenly, up ahead, everyone heard a thunderous crash punctuated by a distinctly humanoid scream. Rushing forward, the away team found a large hole torn in the jungle canopy. The hole was surrounded by reddish yellow leaves and lying at the bottom of the opening, some 15 meters down was a native, semi-conscious, obviously badly injured, and pinned beneath a large tree branch.

The Prime Directive was clear about not interfering, but one of the founding principles of the Federation was the preservation of life. Given the away team had already been seen by the locals, perhaps there was enough leeway to help this one and avoid any repercussions for doing so.

[Nira Said]

[Surface - Kaimo IV]

Moving along the highway of branches in the trees made covering ground much, much easier and was even marginally cooler. After replenishing their water supply and resuming their trek through the jungle, it began to rain again, yet another torrential downpour that soaked everyone, but at this point, their uniforms were so sodden, they never really stopped being soaked.

Continuing along the branch highway, suddenly, up ahead, everyone heard a thunderous crash punctuated by a distinctly humanoid scream. Rushing forward, the away team found a large hole torn in the jungle canopy. The hole was surrounded by reddish yellow leaves and lying at the bottom of the opening, some 15 meters down was a native, semi-conscious, obviously badly injured, and pinned beneath a large tree branch.

The Prime Directive was clear about not interfering, but one of the founding principles of the Federation was the preservation of life. Given the away team had already been seen by the locals, perhaps there was enough leeway to help this one and avoid any repercussions for doing so.

[Lieutenant Commander Nira Said | Treetop Pathways | Kaimo VI]

Nira beamed in delight. This pathway wasn't just easier, it was also cooler. She wondered if ground often had an influence to temperature. At one point, she reached up to rise of sorts and stretched her arms in delight.

"Ah! This is all the more better!"

The words barely left her mouth when a downpour hit again. Nira, out in the open, was hit by the most rain. Nira pursed her lips at the timing, but she shrugged. What did it matter, they were all wet already. Her outer uniform already draped to her waist, she began to unzip her next layer of uniform as she made her way to a cover. She draped it off of a tank top and was about to wrap this layer of uniform around her head in a burkha to keep the rain off.

"First a flying bear, then living arboreal tendrils," she muttered. "What's going to drop on us next?"

Then she heard the scream and the crash. She whirled around and saw what was clearly a newcomer who literally dropped in. She looked up and saw the hole he clearly dropped from.

"Holy timing," she muttered to herself, then she approached the native.

She set her rifle aside, indicative that she means no harm, and knelt down next to him. The fact that he was a native but all the same technologically advanced, she remembered the dystopian survivors of the twin planets Ri'lowo and Fi'turs, the uniquely polar-aligned planets that had advanced technology yet no warp capability.

"It's okay," said Nira gently. "We mean you no harm."

She then looked back up at the rest of the team and gathered them for a huddle before speaking quietly: "We'll have to help him. Prime Directive aside, there's no point right now to try to erase memories, we don't know if we have the means, nor could he be the only one. Besides, they could be more technologically advanced than they look, if you remember that room in the cliff. For now, the best we can do is pass as mystical beings. Maybe he can bring us to that mountain...maybe the Romulans, assuming they're in with them...assuming there are even any Romulans."

She looked at Davies and said, "Davies, treat the poor man. Zhuk, Blackfeather, keep an eye out for any more unexpected guests."

She returned to the injured native with Davies and gave a reassuring smile. It was an especial necessity, she could feel his terror. Literally, as an empath.

"It's okay," she said. "We're going to help you. Do you have a name?"

[Buck McNair]

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Scans of the area around the planet failed to detect any obvious ion trails or an increase in neutrinos indicative of cloaked ship. However, if said ship was stationary and 'running silent', none of the usual signs would be present. Thus, whether they were alone or not, was still subject to debate.

As Buck worked his way through the mountain of data coming in on lifeforms on the planet, the scans were eventually able to isolate the members of the away team, but only when he narrowed the focus of the scan to a mere 500 meter circle. Based on the flood of life signs on the planet, being able to spot a Romulan while confined to such tight parameters was likely to be futile as far as providing useful warning to the away team.

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Buck folded his arms, the best he could manage with his uniform; his brow furrowed as he read through the data that came back. Nothing seemed to crop up around the planet, though that could have been attributed to other factors that hadn't been considered when he had too quickly jumped at the chance of making the first scans. A mistake that he would take note of. He didn't want to leave it to chance but the chance of finding a stealth ship, as the Romulans were so fond of using, was near to none.

Relaxing himself, Buck sighed, running his hand through his hair. "Got nothing on the scans of other ships, they might not be here but I'm not going to put a horse in this race. They could also be running on silent." He commented, ending the scan. "Is there something else I can do in the mean time?"

Then it was over to the life forms. Buck sighed, there was a lot of them on the planet and it was a difficult sift. Too many bodies and too tight a circumference. 500 meters did not give a lot of wiggle room if they wanted to spot Romulans early doors to prevent an attack and it worried him.

At least they found the Away Team.

That was a silver of good news, Buck supposed. Though the bio-lock had that under wraps either way. Buck had to remember that he was still relatively new, and whilst he had gone through the training with the Academy, things were never quite as straightforward as they made out during the manuals. "Sir, I hate to admit it but I'm strugglin' ever so slightly with widening the field of view for finding anyone outside of the Away Team without highlighting every organism out there on the planet...." It was a knock to the confidence but it was how he was going to learn and grow.

He'd have to get used to that.

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

[Astrometrics - USS Challenger]

Ruth pottered around looking for things to do, keeping an eye on things, wondering if the information about Hyperions hypothesis had been useful,.. all while trying not to worry about the away team.  She would have been less worried up on the Bridge but had decided in this case that her obviously worried demeanour might be distracting to the junior officers.  She needed to shake that off.

That being the case she went to talk to Evan (Lt. Randall) to keep an eye on things while she took a long walk around the ship in areas she wouldn't normally go, winding up on the Bridge with a much clearer head.

[Bridge]

"Any developments, good or bad? And was Hyperion's hypothesis of any use?" she asked wandering over and sitting in Science 2 waving the Science Officer in Science 1 back into his seat... he was doing a job she was just visiting so to speak.

"I had a good walk around. Lots of bits of the ship I've become unfamiliar with. I'm still at a loss about why one of the dolphins is called Ruth, Captain!" she said with a grin on her face showing that she wasn't in the least bit offended, more bemused and that her worried blue funk from before had lifted considerably.

She winked at McNair hoping that as the newbie he would realise what she said next was just in jest. "I trust no-one has got themselves tied up over a spit and being slowly roasted or anything yet!" He'd get used to her, like the rest of the crew, and he looked like someone she'd hang out with or potentially like to spar with in a holodeck battle, he had the look of someone who wouldn't back down just because she was a woman or her rank.

[Hyperion]

[Astrometrics - USS Challenger]

"Seems a logical supposition, even in my more fallible human mind!" Ruth said with a grin.  "I don't know if we call your thinking processes a 'brain' or not, but yours is somewhat more logically inclined even given my scientific approach to things.  When we aren't concerned with mission stuff, I'd love to actually have a chat with you and potentially Lahr, about exactly how capable you are and well,.."

The CSO sighed and pulled a strange face before shrugging..."...there, perfect example, my brain fails me when I look for an apt word.  Basically I'm trying to say something along the lines of, I bet most of the tasks we give you are only using a fraction of your capability.  I mean if I told you to multiply 3,34099830.835 by a base of 908.4 you could probably do the calculation in a shorter time than it took me to say!" she grinned and patted Hyperion on a 'shoulder'.

"Either way, I'm glad to have you, not least to do my math for me!  And no, I don't think you're a glorified calculator, but that is a most useful feature!"

Ruth actually felt for the first time since the away team beamed down, a little more relaxed.

[Astrometrics Lab - USS Challenger]

As his face was immobile, Hyperion's expression did not change as Ruth spoke and when she had finished speaking, he replied.

"It is gratifying you found my input to be of value Commander. If you require any assistance with any mathematical equations, I am available should you need me.

[Ian Galloway]

[Astrometrics - USS Challenger]

Ruth pottered around looking for things to do, keeping an eye on things, wondering if the information about Hyperions hypothesis had been useful,.. all while trying not to worry about the away team.  She would have been less worried up on the Bridge but had decided in this case that her obviously worried demeanour might be distracting to the junior officers.  She needed to shake that off.

That being the case she went to talk to Evan (Lt. Randall) to keep an eye on things while she took a long walk around the ship in areas she wouldn't normally go, winding up on the Bridge with a much clearer head.

[Bridge]

"Any developments, good or bad? And was Hyperion's hypothesis of any use?" she asked wandering over and sitting in Science 2 waving the Science Officer in Science 1 back into his seat... he was doing a job she was just visiting so to speak.

"I had a good walk around. Lots of bits of the ship I've become unfamiliar with. I'm still at a loss about why one of the dolphins is called Ruth, Captain!" she said with a grin on her face showing that she wasn't in the least bit offended, more bemused and that her worried blue funk from before had lifted considerably.

She winked at McNair hoping that as the newbie he would realise what she said next was just in jest. "I trust no-one has got themselves tied up over a spit and being slowly roasted or anything yet!" He'd get used to her, like the rest of the crew, and he looked like someone she'd hang out with or potentially like to spar with in a holodeck battle, he had the look of someone who wouldn't back down just because she was a woman or her rank.

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Randall looked up from the Science One station when Ruth spoke and shrugged.

"Given the interference and sheer volume of lifeforms on the planet, we have not been able to detect any Romulans or signals that use their technology. Ensign McNair has been doing yeoman work trying to give us more resolution, but there is simply too much data to sift through for us to be able to report in real time Commander."

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

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Ian chuckled at Ruth's comment about her namesake and took on a mock expression of outrage.

"If you mean ta say that I had summat ta do with that, you would be mistaken Commander. When you took your leave of absence ta do whatever it was you did at the Academy, one of the junior medical officers who was carin' for the Lasses, an Ensign Lagar, was the one that chose that name when one of the dolphins transferred. For once, I happen ta be innocent."

[Zhukdrashar Mrekrerhas]

[Ensign Zhukdra'shar Mrekrerhas | Jungle - Kaimo VI]

[Surface - Kaimo IV]

Moving along the highway of branches in the trees made covering ground much, much easier and was even marginally cooler. After replenishing their water supply and resuming their trek through the jungle, it began to rain again, yet another torrential downpour that soaked everyone, but at this point, their uniforms were so sodden, they never really stopped being soaked.

Continuing along the branch highway, suddenly, up ahead, everyone heard a thunderous crash punctuated by a distinctly humanoid scream. Rushing forward, the away team found a large hole torn in the jungle canopy. The hole was surrounded by reddish yellow leaves and lying at the bottom of the opening, some 15 meters down was a native, semi-conscious, obviously badly injured, and pinned beneath a large tree branch.

The Prime Directive was clear about not interfering, but one of the founding principles of the Federation was the preservation of life. Given the away team had already been seen by the locals, perhaps there was enough leeway to help this one and avoid any repercussions for doing so.

[Lieutenant Commander Nira Said | Treetop Pathways | Kaimo VI]

Nira beamed in delight. This pathway wasn't just easier, it was also cooler. She wondered if ground often had an influence to temperature. At one point, she reached up to rise of sorts and stretched her arms in delight.

"Ah! This is all the more better!"

The words barely left her mouth when a downpour hit again. Nira, out in the open, was hit by the most rain. Nira pursed her lips at the timing, but she shrugged. What did it matter, they were all wet already. Her outer uniform already draped to her waist, she began to unzip her next layer of uniform as she made her way to a cover. She draped it off of a tank top and was about to wrap this layer of uniform around her head in a burkha to keep the rain off.

"First a flying bear, then living arboreal tendrils," she muttered. "What's going to drop on us next?"

Then she heard the scream and the crash. She whirled around and saw what was clearly a newcomer who literally dropped in. She looked up and saw the hole he clearly dropped from.

"Holy timing," she muttered to herself, then she approached the native.

She set her rifle aside, indicative that she means no harm, and knelt down next to him. The fact that he was a native but all the same technologically advanced, she remembered the dystopian survivors of the twin planets Ri'lowo and Fi'turs, the uniquely polar-aligned planets that had advanced technology yet no warp capability.

"It's okay," said Nira gently. "We mean you no harm."

She then looked back up at the rest of the team and gathered them for a huddle before speaking quietly: "We'll have to help him. Prime Directive aside, there's no point right now to try to erase memories, we don't know if we have the means, nor could he be the only one. Besides, they could be more technologically advanced than they look, if you remember that room in the cliff. For now, the best we can do is pass as mystical beings. Maybe he can bring us to that mountain...maybe the Romulans, assuming they're in with them...assuming there are even any Romulans."

She looked at Davies and said, "Davies, treat the poor man. Zhuk, Blackfeather, keep an eye out for any more unexpected guests."

She returned to the injured native with Davies and gave a reassuring smile. It was an especial necessity, she could feel his terror. Literally, as an empath.

"It's okay," she said. "We're going to help you. Do you have a name?"

As the away team traveled through the treetops, another downpour started to fall upon them. Zhuk frowned slightly as he continued with his path, deciding that he would get a proper bath after all of this was said and done. Still, it was certainly an interesting first mission, that was for sure. Certainly more extreme than what he expected for a first forage, but nonetheless enjoyable, in a way. Those wounds still stung weren't much that, but he knew better than to complain. His ears immediately picked up the crash from the treetops, followed by a scream. He raised his rifle, and with the rest of the away team, approached carefully towards the location, identifying at first the reddish leaves left behind after the fall. His eyes went wide, however, as he discovered an injured native at the bottom, who had left behind a considerable hole on the branches.

He was quite injured and wondered for a moment what it would be decided, as he glanced subtly towards Lieutenant Nira to raise an unspoken question about the situation. Much to his relief, however, she approached the injured man as she descended from her position to assist. Zhuk followed soon after, alongside the rest of the away team. Remaining still on watch, he took a few seconds to approach the huddle, listening to Nira's statements. He couldn't help but agree.

"I concur. Let us aid this native. I shalt keep watch in the meanwhile, as instructed." With a nod, he pulled off from the group, as he ascended the trees with ease once more. He began to scout the general area once more, rifle raised, as he tried to determine if there were more natives, or potential dangers, close by, keen eyes scanning the vegetation as ears remained focused on the sounds.

[Ian Galloway]

[Lieutenant Commander Nira Said | Treetop Pathways | Kaimo VI]

Nira beamed in delight. This pathway wasn't just easier, it was also cooler. She wondered if ground often had an influence to temperature. At one point, she reached up to rise of sorts and stretched her arms in delight.

"Ah! This is all the more better!"

The words barely left her mouth when a downpour hit again. Nira, out in the open, was hit by the most rain. Nira pursed her lips at the timing, but she shrugged. What did it matter, they were all wet already. Her outer uniform already draped to her waist, she began to unzip her next layer of uniform as she made her way to a cover. She draped it off of a tank top and was about to wrap this layer of uniform around her head in a burkha to keep the rain off.

"First a flying bear, then living arboreal tendrils," she muttered. "What's going to drop on us next?"

Then she heard the scream and the crash. She whirled around and saw what was clearly a newcomer who literally dropped in. She looked up and saw the hole he clearly dropped from.

"Holy timing," she muttered to herself, then she approached the native.

She set her rifle aside, indicative that she means no harm, and knelt down next to him. The fact that he was a native but all the same technologically advanced, she remembered the dystopian survivors of the twin planets Ri'lowo and Fi'turs, the uniquely polar-aligned planets that had advanced technology yet no warp capability.

"It's okay," said Nira gently. "We mean you no harm."

She then looked back up at the rest of the team and gathered them for a huddle before speaking quietly: "We'll have to help him. Prime Directive aside, there's no point right now to try to erase memories, we don't know if we have the means, nor could he be the only one. Besides, they could be more technologically advanced than they look, if you remember that room in the cliff. For now, the best we can do is pass as mystical beings. Maybe he can bring us to that mountain...maybe the Romulans, assuming they're in with them...assuming there are even any Romulans."

She looked at Davies and said, "Davies, treat the poor man. Zhuk, Blackfeather, keep an eye out for any more unexpected guests."

She returned to the injured native with Davies and gave a reassuring smile. It was an especial necessity, she could feel his terror. Literally, as an empath.

"It's okay," she said. "We're going to help you. Do you have a name?"

[Ensign Zhukdra'shar Mrekrerhas | Jungle - Kaimo VI]

As the away team traveled through the treetops, another downpour started to fall upon them. Zhuk frowned slightly as he continued with his path, deciding that he would get a proper bath after all of this was said and done. Still, it was certainly an interesting first mission, that was for sure. Certainly more extreme than what he expected for a first forage, but nonetheless enjoyable, in a way. Those wounds still stung weren't much that, but he knew better than to complain. His ears immediately picked up the crash from the treetops, followed by a scream. He raised his rifle, and with the rest of the away team, approached carefully towards the location, identifying at first the reddish leaves left behind after the fall. His eyes went wide, however, as he discovered an injured native at the bottom, who had left behind a considerable hole on the branches.

He was quite injured and wondered for a moment what it would be decided, as he glanced subtly towards Lieutenant Nira to raise an unspoken question about the situation. Much to his relief, however, she approached the injured man as she descended from her position to assist. Zhuk followed soon after, alongside the rest of the away team. Remaining still on watch, he took a few seconds to approach the huddle, listening to Nira's statements. He couldn't help but agree.

"I concur. Let us aid this native. I shalt keep watch in the meanwhile, as instructed." With a nod, he pulled off from the group, as he ascended the trees with ease once more. He began to scout the general area once more, rifle raised, as he tried to determine if there were more natives, or potential dangers, close by, keen eyes scanning the vegetation as ears remained focused on the sounds.

[Surface - Kaimo IV]

The alien was male and roughly equal to his late teens. When Chloe began treating his injuries, he regained consciousness and was obviously terrified by the away team, especially by Zhuk. However, despite his injuries, he neither whimpered or cried out, except when Blackthorn and Savar moved the heavy branch under which he had been pinned.

Fortunately, the universal translators picked up on the local language quickly, allowing Akuuta, as he was called, to say that his people were the AritÁ¡ri. He explained that he, along with several others of his tribe, had been shadowing the 'strangers', trying to determine what they wanted or if they meant any harm.

Unfortunately, the bone knitter wasn't very compatible with AritÁ¡ri physiology and was only partially effective in treating Akuuta's injuries, as a result, the youth would not be able to travel under his own power for some time, likely days. This left the away team with yet another dilemma. Should they take him with them, or leave him in the hopes that he will be found by one of his own.

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

NPC Lieutenant JG Chloe Davies, Head Nurse  and  PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret

[Surface - Kaimo IV]

Moving along the highway of branches in the trees made covering ground much, much easier and was even marginally cooler. After replenishing their water supply and resuming their trek through the jungle, it began to rain again, yet another torrential downpour that soaked everyone, but at this point, their uniforms were so sodden, they never really stopped being soaked.

Continuing along the branch highway, suddenly, up ahead, everyone heard a thunderous crash punctuated by a distinctly humanoid scream. Rushing forward, the away team found a large hole torn in the jungle canopy. The hole was surrounded by reddish yellow leaves and lying at the bottom of the opening, some 15 meters down was a native, semi-conscious, obviously badly injured, and pinned beneath a large tree branch.

The Prime Directive was clear about not interfering, but one of the founding principles of the Federation was the preservation of life. Given the away team had already been seen by the locals, perhaps there was enough leeway to help this one and avoid any repercussions for doing so.

[Lieutenant Commander Nira Said | Treetop Pathways | Kaimo VI]

Nira beamed in delight. This pathway wasn't just easier, it was also cooler. She wondered if ground often had an influence to temperature. At one point, she reached up to rise of sorts and stretched her arms in delight.

"Ah! This is all the more better!"

The words barely left her mouth when a downpour hit again. Nira, out in the open, was hit by the most rain. Nira pursed her lips at the timing, but she shrugged. What did it matter, they were all wet already. Her outer uniform already draped to her waist, she began to unzip her next layer of uniform as she made her way to a cover. She draped it off of a tank top and was about to wrap this layer of uniform around her head in a burkha to keep the rain off.

"First a flying bear, then living arboreal tendrils," she muttered. "What's going to drop on us next?"

Then she heard the scream and the crash. She whirled around and saw what was clearly a newcomer who literally dropped in. She looked up and saw the hole he clearly dropped from.

"Holy timing," she muttered to herself, then she approached the native.

She set her rifle aside, indicative that she means no harm, and knelt down next to him. The fact that he was a native but all the same technologically advanced, she remembered the dystopian survivors of the twin planets Ri'lowo and Fi'turs, the uniquely polar-aligned planets that had advanced technology yet no warp capability.

"It's okay," said Nira gently. "We mean you no harm."

She then looked back up at the rest of the team and gathered them for a huddle before speaking quietly: "We'll have to help him. Prime Directive aside, there's no point right now to try to erase memories, we don't know if we have the means, nor could he be the only one. Besides, they could be more technologically advanced than they look, if you remember that room in the cliff. For now, the best we can do is pass as mystical beings. Maybe he can bring us to that mountain...maybe the Romulans, assuming they're in with them...assuming there are even any Romulans."

She looked at Davies and said, "Davies, treat the poor man. Zhuk, Blackfeather, keep an eye out for any more unexpected guests."

She returned to the injured native with Davies and gave a reassuring smile. It was an especial necessity, she could feel his terror. Literally, as an empath.

"It's okay," she said. "We're going to help you. Do you have a name?"

[Ensign Zhukdra'shar Mrekrerhas | Jungle - Kaimo VI]

As the away team traveled through the treetops, another downpour started to fall upon them. Zhuk frowned slightly as he continued with his path, deciding that he would get a proper bath after all of this was said and done. Still, it was certainly an interesting first mission, that was for sure. Certainly more extreme than what he expected for a first forage, but nonetheless enjoyable, in a way. Those wounds still stung weren't much that, but he knew better than to complain. His ears immediately picked up the crash from the treetops, followed by a scream. He raised his rifle, and with the rest of the away team, approached carefully towards the location, identifying at first the reddish leaves left behind after the fall. His eyes went wide, however, as he discovered an injured native at the bottom, who had left behind a considerable hole on the branches.

He was quite injured and wondered for a moment what it would be decided, as he glanced subtly towards Lieutenant Nira to raise an unspoken question about the situation. Much to his relief, however, she approached the injured man as she descended from her position to assist. Zhuk followed soon after, alongside the rest of the away team. Remaining still on watch, he took a few seconds to approach the huddle, listening to Nira's statements. He couldn't help but agree.

"I concur. Let us aid this native. I shalt keep watch in the meanwhile, as instructed." With a nod, he pulled off from the group, as he ascended the trees with ease once more. He began to scout the general area once more, rifle raised, as he tried to determine if there were more natives, or potential dangers, close by, keen eyes scanning the vegetation as ears remained focused on the sounds.

With Chloe ahead of him, Lahr kept watch on his EX as they traversed the treetops.  The torrential rains only made the route that much more treacherous to watch with slick bark and leaves.  Despite this, things seemed to be going well; Lahr couldn't see any more of the locals - though he kept alert for sight of them.

The loud crash and following scream, of course drew the away team's attention; and while Lahr had thought the Commander might alter her route to avoid further contact with the native species - he was completely wrong.  Instead, the team headed straight towards the scream and found one of the local species injured down on the ground after seemingly fallen from the tree canopy.  Following the Commander's lead, Lahr and Chloe made their way down from the pathway of branches to the ground below, where the Commander proceeded to ignore Prime Directive and offer assistance to the injured being.  All Lahr could do was keep alert, his rifle at the ready in case others came running in response to the scream and thought that maybe the away team had done this.  Mentally, he was facepalming.

Chloe for her part despite her exhaustion from the arduous trek through the jungle, didn't need prompting from the Commander to offer aid to the injured.   She was scanning the being the moment her feet touch the ground.

[Surface - Kaimo IV]

The alien was male and roughly equal to his late teens. When Chloe began treating his injuries, he regained consciousness and was obviously terrified by the away team, especially by Zhuk. However, despite his injuries, he neither whimpered or cried out, except when Blackthorn and Savar moved the heavy branch under which he had been pinned.

Fortunately, the universal translators picked up on the local language quickly, allowing Akuuta, as he was called, to say that his people were the AritÁ¡ri. He explained that he, along with several others of his tribe, had been shadowing the 'strangers', trying to determine what they wanted or if they meant any harm.

Unfortunately, the bone knitter wasn't very compatible with AritÁ¡ri physiology and was only partially effective in treating Akuuta's injuries, as a result, the youth would not be able to travel under his own power for some time, likely days. This left the away team with yet another dilemma. Should they take him with them, or leave him in the hopes that he will be found by one of his own.

"I can't leave my patient.  Go on ahead without me and pick me up on the way back."

[Nira Said]

[Surface - Kaimo IV]

The alien was male and roughly equal to his late teens. When Chloe began treating his injuries, he regained consciousness and was obviously terrified by the away team, especially by Zhuk. However, despite his injuries, he neither whimpered or cried out, except when Blackthorn and Savar moved the heavy branch under which he had been pinned.

Fortunately, the universal translators picked up on the local language quickly, allowing Akuuta, as he was called, to say that his people were the AritÁ¡ri. He explained that he, along with several others of his tribe, had been shadowing the 'strangers', trying to determine what they wanted or if they meant any harm.

Unfortunately, the bone knitter wasn't very compatible with AritÁ¡ri physiology and was only partially effective in treating Akuuta's injuries, as a result, the youth would not be able to travel under his own power for some time, likely days. This left the away team with yet another dilemma. Should they take him with them, or leave him in the hopes that he will be found by one of his own.

NPC Lieutenant JG Chloe Davies, Head Nurse  and  PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret

With Chloe ahead of him, Lahr kept watch on his EX as they traversed the treetops.  The torrential rains only made the route that much more treacherous to watch with slick bark and leaves.  Despite this, things seemed to be going well; Lahr couldn't see any more of the locals - though he kept alert for sight of them.

The loud crash and following scream, of course drew the away team's attention; and while Lahr had thought the Commander might alter her route to avoid further contact with the native species - he was completely wrong.  Instead, the team headed straight towards the scream and found one of the local species injured down on the ground after seemingly fallen from the tree canopy.  Following the Commander's lead, Lahr and Chloe made their way down from the pathway of branches to the ground below, where the Commander proceeded to ignore Prime Directive and offer assistance to the injured being.  All Lahr could do was keep alert, his rifle at the ready in case others came running in response to the scream and thought that maybe the away team had done this.  Mentally, he was facepalming.

Chloe for her part despite her exhaustion from the arduous trek through the jungle, didn't need prompting from the Commander to offer aid to the injured.   She was scanning the being the moment her feet touch the ground.

"I can't leave my patient.  Go on ahead without me and pick me up on the way back."

[Ensign Zhukdra'shar Mrekrerhas | Jungle - Kaimo VI]

As the away team traveled through the treetops, another downpour started to fall upon them. Zhuk frowned slightly as he continued with his path, deciding that he would get a proper bath after all of this was said and done. Still, it was certainly an interesting first mission, that was for sure. Certainly more extreme than what he expected for a first forage, but nonetheless enjoyable, in a way. Those wounds still stung weren't much that, but he knew better than to complain. His ears immediately picked up the crash from the treetops, followed by a scream. He raised his rifle, and with the rest of the away team, approached carefully towards the location, identifying at first the reddish leaves left behind after the fall. His eyes went wide, however, as he discovered an injured native at the bottom, who had left behind a considerable hole on the branches.

He was quite injured and wondered for a moment what it would be decided, as he glanced subtly towards Lieutenant Nira to raise an unspoken question about the situation. Much to his relief, however, she approached the injured man as she descended from her position to assist. Zhuk followed soon after, alongside the rest of the away team. Remaining still on watch, he took a few seconds to approach the huddle, listening to Nira's statements. He couldn't help but agree.

"I concur. Let us aid this native. I shalt keep watch in the meanwhile, as instructed." With a nod, he pulled off from the group, as he ascended the trees with ease once more. He began to scout the general area once more, rifle raised, as he tried to determine if there were more natives, or potential dangers, close by, keen eyes scanning the vegetation as ears remained focused on the sounds.

[Lieutenant Commander Nira Said | Treetop Pathways | Kaimo VI]

The Universal Translator picked up the language fast. Nira smiled at understanding him. "Akuuta," she said gently, her rifle to the side to show she was no threat. "We'll get this off you."

She could feel his terror alright, but he made no noise until the branch was lifted off. She admired how brave he was. Especially with people like him. Looking at the away team, she could tell Lahr didn't especially like it, but she did explain.

Finally, Nurse Davies had finished, which prompted Nira to come over. She heard the diagnosis and now there came a decision: Leave him or take him along? She didn't like the first option; again, there could be more than just him watching him, and for another, there were all the hazards of the jungle to deal with. Davies' offer to stay behind was a worse idea, which prompted Nira's decision:

"We're staying together," said Nira. "I don't like the idea of you being alone in the jungle with Akuuta, even if you had either Mister Blackfeather or Zhuk to protect you."

"He won't be able to go under his own steam," Savar pointed out. "I'll support his weight, I'm strong enough for the endurance."

"Thank you, Savar," said Nira, then she turned to Akuuta. "Akuuta of the AritÁ¡ri, we are in need of help. We seek a way to the great mountain in the middle of that great lake. We are wondering if there are powerful beings there. Can you guide us a way to get there?"

She had asked in that she realized that having Akuuta guide them would save them a lot of trouble. In any case, recalling the powered room in the crevasse, his people would be more advanced than they look. Of course, she didn't want to elaborate any further, she didn't want to push her luck with the Prime Directive further as it is.

[Ian Galloway]

[Lieutenant Commander Nira Said | Treetop Pathways | Kaimo VI]

The Universal Translator picked up the language fast. Nira smiled at understanding him. "Akuuta," she said gently, her rifle to the side to show she was no threat. "We'll get this off you."

She could feel his terror alright, but he made no noise until the branch was lifted off. She admired how brave he was. Especially with people like him. Looking at the away team, she could tell Lahr didn't especially like it, but she did explain.

Finally, Nurse Davies had finished, which prompted Nira to come over. She heard the diagnosis and now there came a decision: Leave him or take him along? She didn't like the first option; again, there could be more than just him watching him, and for another, there were all the hazards of the jungle to deal with. Davies' offer to stay behind was a worse idea, which prompted Nira's decision:

"We're staying together," said Nira. "I don't like the idea of you being alone in the jungle with Akuuta, even if you had either Mister Blackfeather or Zhuk to protect you."

"He won't be able to go under his own steam," Savar pointed out. "I'll support his weight, I'm strong enough for the endurance."

"Thank you, Savar," said Nira, then she turned to Akuuta. "Akuuta of the AritÁ¡ri, we are in need of help. We seek a way to the great mountain in the middle of that great lake. We are wondering if there are powerful beings there. Can you guide us a way to get there?"

She had asked in that she realized that having Akuuta guide them would save them a lot of trouble. In any case, recalling the powered room in the crevasse, his people would be more advanced than they look. Of course, she didn't want to elaborate any further, she didn't want to push her luck with the Prime Directive further as it is.

[Surface - Kaimo IV]

Akuuta's eyes widened as Nira spoke and he looked at the rest of the away team as if to find someone that might be as horrified as he was, not finding what he hoped, he said in a trembling tone.

"You willingly seek the Temple of Thunder and Fire? I would rather you leave me here. The scouts from my tribe will find me soon enough. If not, my village is not far, I can crawl the rest of the way home."

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

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Ian sat in the command chair, his head propped up on one fist and frowned.

"This is the part of command I bloody hate the most. Just sittin' around with my thumb up my arse and waitin'."

He thought as he stood to stretch. He then stepped over to the Science One station to talk to Lieutenant Randall, but as he approached, the young science officer straightened up suddenly and said.

"Sir. I'm picking up a probe entering extended orbit! Unknown power signature, but its definitely not Romulan."

[Nira Said]

[Surface - Kaimo IV]

Akuuta's eyes widened as Nira spoke and he looked at the rest of the away team as if to find someone that might be as horrified as he was, not finding what he hoped, he said in a trembling tone.

"You willingly seek the Temple of Thunder and Fire? I would rather you leave me here. The scouts from my tribe will find me soon enough. If not, my village is not far, I can crawl the rest of the way home."

[Lieutenant Commander Nira Said | Treetop Pathways | Kaimo VI]

Nira furrowed her brow in befuddlement. What did Akuuta fear that would be at the island? Temple of Thunder and Fire? Well, that could be a hint of technology there, and potentially some "higher deities" that would be Romulans playing God.

"You won't make it; you need time to heal," said Nira. "We'll help you; it'll be a show of good faith to the villagers if we bring you back safely. Besides, these pathways in the trees..."

She left the sentence hanging to drive the point home, along with looking around. Then she turned back and said, "Besides, we wish to see this temple of yours. Though...what's dangerous about it?"

Savar looked around at Zhuk and Lahr to see what they thought, considering the significance of this Temple of Thunder and Fire...then he noticed something in the trees. Something big was climbing...maybe it was his imagination; even on Vulcans, hallucination was possible, whether or not by fatigue.

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

NPC Lieutenant JG Chloe Davies, Head Nurse  and  PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[Surface of Kaimo VI]

[Lieutenant Commander Nira Said | Treetop Pathways | Kaimo VI]

The Universal Translator picked up the language fast. Nira smiled at understanding him. "Akuuta," she said gently, her rifle to the side to show she was no threat. "We'll get this off you."

She could feel his terror alright, but he made no noise until the branch was lifted off. She admired how brave he was. Especially with people like him. Looking at the away team, she could tell Lahr didn't especially like it, but she did explain.

Finally, Nurse Davies had finished, which prompted Nira to come over. She heard the diagnosis and now there came a decision: Leave him or take him along? She didn't like the first option; again, there could be more than just him watching him, and for another, there were all the hazards of the jungle to deal with. Davies' offer to stay behind was a worse idea, which prompted Nira's decision:

"We're staying together," said Nira. "I don't like the idea of you being alone in the jungle with Akuuta, even if you had either Mister Blackfeather or Zhuk to protect you."

"He won't be able to go under his own steam," Savar pointed out. "I'll support his weight, I'm strong enough for the endurance."

"Thank you, Savar," said Nira, then she turned to Akuuta. "Akuuta of the AritÁ¡ri, we are in need of help. We seek a way to the great mountain in the middle of that great lake. We are wondering if there are powerful beings there. Can you guide us a way to get there?"

She had asked in that she realized that having Akuuta guide them would save them a lot of trouble. In any case, recalling the powered room in the crevasse, his people would be more advanced than they look. Of course, she didn't want to elaborate any further, she didn't want to push her luck with the Prime Directive further as it is.

Lahr opened his mouth to protest Chloe's offer to stay but thankfully his words weren't needed.  The Commander removed that option from the table right away.  Finally, the new XO was making sense!

But his silent assessment of the far more senior officer dipped again when she sought out the youth's help in gaining intel.  Lahr's antennae writhed in agitation.   He was so very leery about getting more involved with the local especially in regards to their search for the signal.  Really?!  What was she going to do next? Ask for directions, or maybe a ride on the village canoe?

From his position standing at the edge of the new clearing where he was keeping watch for signs of other locals, the Andorian mumbled to himself "weresogonnabecourtmartialledforthis"

There went any hopes of a promotion to Chief Petty.  Because what Captain promoted someone who didn't speak up when the Prime Directive was being whittled away right in front of them?  Lahr glanced about at the others but he didn't see anyone else brave enough to call the Commander out of her poor suggestion.  The Vulcan was her doting follower - not unlike him and Ruth he had to admit, Chloe just seemed to be concerned that her patient wasn't going to be left solo, and well, the others were Security staff... so doubly under the Commander's orders.

Roohz!  Was it just him who thought this was wrong?

[Surface - Kaimo IV]

Akuuta's eyes widened as Nira spoke and he looked at the rest of the away team as if to find someone that might be as horrified as he was, not finding what he hoped, he said in a trembling tone.

"You willingly seek the Temple of Thunder and Fire? I would rather you leave me here. The scouts from my tribe will find me soon enough. If not, my village is not far, I can crawl the rest of the way home."

The kid looked spooked when the Commander suggested finding a way to the mountain.   The Andorian was intrigued a bit by this 'Temple of Thunder and Fire'.  Sounded like an apt description of a volcano to Lahr.

[Lieutenant Commander Nira Said | Treetop Pathways | Kaimo VI]

Nira furrowed her brow in befuddlement. What did Akuuta fear that would be at the island? Temple of Thunder and Fire? Well, that could be a hint of technology there, and potentially some "higher deities" that would be Romulans playing God.

"You won't make it; you need time to heal," said Nira. "We'll help you; it'll be a show of good faith to the villagers if we bring you back safely. Besides, these pathways in the trees..."

She left the sentence hanging to drive the point home, along with looking around. Then she turned back and said, "Besides, we wish to see this temple of yours. Though...what's dangerous about it?"

Savar looked around at Zhuk and Lahr to see what they thought, considering the significance of this Temple of Thunder and Fire...then he noticed something in the trees. Something big was climbing...maybe it was his imagination; even on Vulcans, hallucination was possible, whether or not by fatigue.

Then, just when Lahr thought his 'court-martial grave' couldn't get dug any dipper, Commander Said suggested their taking the kid back to his village 'as a show of good faith' - meaning she intended the village to see them.  The Andorian couldn't keep his mouth shut anymore.  "Whoa. Hold on a sec, Commander.  Is that wise?  Letting ourselves be seen by an entire village?"

It was bad enough them being spotted at a distance by what was apparently a local scouting team, or getting involved to save this kids life.. but to intentionally walk into what was essentially a pre-warp society village -without any sort of disguise or concealment - as if blue people and giant upright cats were normal for this planet - was just wrong.

With his attention on staring gape-mouth in disbelief at Commander Said, Lahr didn't notice what Savar was looking at.

Speaking out against the Commander while not good for his career, had one upside... he'd likely never get picked for an away mission gain.

While Lahr expected a reprimand for speaking out, the first voice he heard was Chloe's "Of course, you'd be the one to criticize. The guy who can barely follow orders at the best of times.  Do you have a better plan for getting Akuuta home? or getting to that mountain?" she asked pointedly.

Lahr feeling it was rhetorical, said nothing.

"Yeah, I thought not!  Brains were never your strong suit."  Chloe rolled her eyes and turned her attention back to her patient.   It was troubling for the medical officer to not be able to help her patient as much as she thought she should be able to.   If she were on the ship and had access to a biobed she could figure why the bone-mender wasn't working.  But as it was Chloe couldn't do anything more to help Akuuta and that frustrated her to the point that she was taking it out on her ex.