Season 16: Episode 2: A Night at the Opera

[Buck McNair]

[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."

[Erewhon Station | Reception area]

There had been a lot that had transpired since their arrival on the station. The top brass and their commanders had been pulled into the meeting rooms, leaving them to be tasked with finding a way off the station and with their entire crew entact. There was a lot to consider, but Buck was hoping that it fell to the ones with bigger pips to decide what was going to happen in relation to the First Directive. He had cracked on with the rest, wondering where Lorut had disappeared to, only to hear the rumblings that somebody had accessed a restricted area. No medals for guessing which somebody this was. He wanted to help his fellow Lieutenant JG, however Lorut had gotten herself into that mess and whilst he would dive head first into any situation for his crew and found family, there was a line that he would not cross.

Being operations, Buck kept a watchful eye of the itinerary that they were fast burning through. It was worth a stock up once they had docked somewhere that was Starfleet-friendly and wouldn't be holding the rest of them effectively hostage. "Are we able to run through simulations to see how this would appear to work prior to us burning through what little emitters we have? I don't want to be a killjoy, but we still need to be prepared to put aside a reserve for our journey back...." Buck said, throwing in his cautionary spiel as he glanced over the young Ensign's shoulder. "Carry on the good work so far, ensign and everyone. Hopefully we'll be away soon enough."

[Lorut Vila]

{Erewhon Station|Holding Cell}

Vila was now hazy, and the ability to think and reason were hard to come by. Not that she was good at reason anyway, but whatever they'd given her throughout her fight was finally kicking in. She was sure she looked terrible; she FELT terrible.

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.

She shook her head.

"Why punish him when it was my choice? He gave an order and I didn't listen..." her voice sounded faraway, even to herself. "I have nothing to live for, but he does," she said. "And if you keep him in my stead, I'll bust a hole in your station to get him out, and trust me when I say I am NOT kidding." Well. She would after the headache left, that is. "Just leave me here," she said.

A hand went to her waist as a habit. Oh, yeah, her phasers had been removed. UGH. What now?! 

[James Ramort]

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."

[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.

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.

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.

[Dr. Betaika]
[Erewhon | Reception Area]

Pulling out his Tricorder to initiate the requested scan his mind detached and went over what he had just learned from the two.

Of course none of the other senior Officers were present. Why would they need to be here. He only had to keep everyone alive from getting burned up internally by radiation. Quell tumours from taking over vital brain matter that could not be regenerated, and repair damage to actively degenerating Gene-Sequences. All without any tools. And now he also would need to organise the crew as a whole.

In his mind his oaths conflicted. An oath of duty and an oath of healing.
If he diverted his attention from his patients, some might suffer from it. Their lives cut shorter or even ended. Their quality of life shattered by the effects of the poison grown from their own tumours.
If he neglected the Crew, they might get into trouble. Chaos could lead to confusion and people getting hurt. They were in an alien environment. For all he knew, their water was laced with acids, their air only filtered to accompany their biology in the Reception area. The potential for harm staggering to imagine.

Taking a single breath, his training kicked in. A decision would need to be made within split seconds. Both his command training modules and his training on the operating table had taught him that. Assimilating all factors and creating a workable path towards the goal without cutting into any tissue that could not be regrown or would cause further bleeding.

Stabilising the Crew was important and would ultimatly allow him to focus better on the actually ill patients.

"Ok, we need to get this situation sorted out quickly, I need to focus on my patients. You will find me the most senior Officers in each department and inform them they are to gather their people, reestablish a sense of order here and check we aren't missing anybody. See if the group working on that shield needs any help, it sounds vital. Please report back to me in 5 minutes with a status update and see if you can bring the senior officers along. I want the chain of Command re-established, if you can find any of the Command Officers among the Crew to take charge again overall, the better.

I am reading some minor build up of radioactive particles in your cerebral and muscular tissue, Lieutenant. You might feel a heating sensation in your head and major muscles. Nothing to drastic in any of the major organs. You should be fine for the moment for the moment, but please come back to me once we get a proper medical centre set up or back into our Sickbay so I can combat any potential long term effects."

[Kalem Michael]

[Erewhon | Reception Area]

[Dr. Betaika]
[Erewhon | Reception Area]

"Ok, we need to get this situation sorted out quickly, I need to focus on my patients. You will find me the most senior Officers in each department and inform them they are to gather their people, reestablish a sense of order here and check we aren't missing anybody. See if the group working on that shield needs any help, it sounds vital. Please report back to me in 5 minutes with a status update and see if you can bring the senior officers along. I want the chain of Command re-established, if you can find any of the Command Officers among the Crew to take charge again overall, the better.

I am reading some minor build up of radioactive particles in your cerebral and muscular tissue, Lieutenant. You might feel a heating sensation in your head and major muscles. Nothing to drastic in any of the major organs. You should be fine for the moment for the moment, but please come back to me once we get a proper medical centre set up or back into our Sickbay so I can combat any potential long term effects."

Kalem nodded at the Doctor's report on his health.

"I will definitely find either you or another member of the medical staff at a later time. Until then I will try to find and gather the people you have requested however they might be very busy. If nessecary I will at leasdt ferry updates to you so tht way you have the information to make an informed descision."

Kalem turned to the engineer next to him.

"I do have a question for your group though. Has anyone thought to set up a remote data connection to the ship's computer? Just because we do not have direct access to the computer core does not mean that we can't use it to help speed up the calculations or rendering on the simulations."

[Don Damien Addams]

[As Don Addams | Erewhon |Reception Area]

As things had progress onward, Don had had enough. His patience was running low. They need to be more aggressive to get control. Raising his hands, he called out firmly, "Everyone, stop where you are and listen to me!" His voice cut through the chaos, halting the restless murmurs.

"We need all of you to stay calm," he continued, his gaze sweeping over the anxious crowd. "We are all Starfleet officers, many of us with family members among you. I understand your frustration and confusion about being taken off the USS Discovery. Believe me, we share your concerns. But I need your patience and understanding. The captain is working tirelessly to sort this out."

As Don spoke, his eyes briefly landed on his son in the crowd. The sight gave him a moment of grounding, and he drew strength from it before turning back to address the group.

"No pushing. No shoving. Respect each other," he urged. "We've served together on the Discovery for months—years, for some of you. We've faced challenges before, and we've overcome them by acting with dignity and discipline. Let's not forget that now."

He gestured toward the medical team working nearby. "Please give the medical staff the space and time they need to do their jobs. I assure you, we're doing everything in our power to resolve this situation."

Don's tone softened slightly, though it still carried authority. "All I ask is that you remain calm and trust the process. We will return to the Discovery, but until then, we need to work together, not against each other. Let's show the respect and cooperation that make us Starfleet."

With a final steady look across the crowd, Don lowered his hands, hoping his words had reached them.

[Lucien Dupont]

[Erewhon | Reception Area | Casualty Collection Point]

Lucien stood there like a stone pillar as the Doctor seemed to be lost in deep thought about our response to his request, scanning us with his tricorder.

It doesn't take long for Lucien to have his own ideas flash through his head - We must really be in a bind if nobody seems to know what's going on.... This is interrupted almost immediately as the Doctor speaks out his next set of...orders? It seemed more like a request as he was heading back to his patients.

[Erewhon | Reception Area]

Kalem turned to the engineer next to him.

"I do have a question for your group though. Has anyone thought to set up a remote data connection to the ship's computer? Just because we do not have direct access to the computer core does not mean that we can't use it to help speed up the calculations or rendering on the simulations."

Lucien smacks his lips a couple of times as he ponders the question - frankly, he wasn't 100% sure what the rest of the department was doing. Of course, like the last handful of minutes have continued to go, before he could give his answer there was a sudden silence in half the room as a security officer began barking sweeping words.

[As Don Addams | Erewhon |Reception Area]

Don's tone softened slightly, though it still carried authority. "All I ask is that you remain calm and trust the process. We will return to the Discovery, but until then, we need to work together, not against each other. Let's show the respect and cooperation that make us Starfleet."

With a final steady look across the crowd, Don lowered his hands, hoping his words had reached them.

"Y'know, I'm not sure anyone has re-established a proper connection to the ship's computer. I know a portable console was brought over...but I think the science guys are using it." Lucien points directly to the other side of the room as he notes this. w

Over there is a small console set up with a mob of blue and yellow jackets are working furiously around it.

Lucien lets out a breath as he processes he train of thoughts.

"How about I go over and talk to those engineer guys over there about what equipment we have to set up a connection to the main computer, and you go ask that loud Lieutenant about finding people in charge." Lucien says firmly, clapping his hands together while waiting for a response from his superior.

After a beat, he extends his hand to the man.
"By the way, I don't think we've met - I'm Lucien..." he shakes his head immediately, realizing he ought to come off a bit more professional. "...I mean, Ensign Dupont. Engineering." He finishes with a nervous smile.

[Lauren Devereaux]

"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.

[Erewhon Station | Reception Area]

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?

[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."

Devereaux swallowed her immediate gut reply, which had been to continue to insist that she was still medically fit enough to help out with the shielding efforts. She was still very new to the crew of Discovery, and while that helped fan the flames of her thirst to prove herself, it also meant that she didn't want to develop a reputation for recklessness or for not following orders. Lt. M'nia's orders in particular, as the engineering officer was her superior in Devereaux's own department. Swallowing her pride, she said "Yes, you're right of course. I'll find someone from the medical staff." She hung around for a few moments more, at least waiting for a natural break in the deep conversation to excuse herself. Perhaps she might have also been waiting to hear more about what the plan was, but who's to say?

As the conversation carried on, however, it turned out that Rajagopalan offered a plan that might just let her continue to help out while not stubbornly putting herself at further risk. "Devereaux." she replied to his prompting, giving him an appreciative nod and a small smile. "Absolutely, ensign, I'll help with those readings. If we're missing anything about how the station is dealing with the radiation, we'll find it. And I promise," she added with another look to M'nia, "I'll stop the first medical personnel we pass and ask for some treatment." She paused to adjust he settings on the tricorder she was carrying, and turned back to Rajagopalan. "Alright, I'm ready. Let's see if we can't find somewhere to get those readings. Obviously some kind of engineering section would be ideal, but I doubt we'd be able to get into what's most likely a secure area without raising some trouble. Maybe if we stay close to the outer hull we can at least get some good readings on the fields themselves. Shall we?"

[T'Rea]

As the conversation carried on, however, it turned out that Rajagopalan offered a plan that might just let her continue to help out while not stubbornly putting herself at further risk. "Devereaux." she replied to his prompting, giving him an appreciative nod and a small smile. "Absolutely, ensign, I'll help with those readings. If we're missing anything about how the station is dealing with the radiation, we'll find it. And I promise," she added with another look to M'nia, "I'll stop the first medical personnel we pass and ask for some treatment." She paused to adjust he settings on the tricorder she was carrying, and turned back to Rajagopalan. "Alright, I'm ready. Let's see if we can't find somewhere to get those readings. Obviously some kind of engineering section would be ideal, but I doubt we'd be able to get into what's most likely a secure area without raising some trouble. Maybe if we stay close to the outer hull we can at least get some good readings on the fields themselves. Shall we?"

[Ensign Rajagopalan]
[Erewhon Station | Reception Area]

Rajagopalan his agreement at the the question and they started to snake their way through the crowd. "I don't know how much inspection of alien environments or tech you've gotten to do before Ensign Devereaux, but I can recommend to try and keep an open mind. I guess the most useful readings will come from close proximity to a shield emitter--the trick is figuring out what their emitters might look like. Better to rely on the tricorder than your eyes," he suggested even as they started to make their way along the Discovery towards her aft (and the station's edge). They were coming up on a group of medics clearly trying their best to reorganize triage without traditional facilities, and he deliberately didn't steer them around the group. He left it to Devereaux to actually seek care, but he did scan the gathering of patients in search of an unused tricorder--he hadn't exactly had one to hand on the bridge that he could take with during evacuation....

[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."

Being operations, Buck kept a watchful eye of the itinerary that they were fast burning through. It was worth a stock up once they had docked somewhere that was Starfleet-friendly and wouldn't be holding the rest of them effectively hostage. "Are we able to run through simulations to see how this would appear to work prior to us burning through what little emitters we have? I don't want to be a killjoy, but we still need to be prepared to put aside a reserve for our journey back...." Buck said, throwing in his cautionary spiel as he glanced over the young Ensign's shoulder. "Carry on the good work so far, ensign and everyone. Hopefully we'll be away soon enough."

[Crewman T'Rea]
[Erewhon Station | Reception Area]

T'Rea surprised herself by feeling a slight pang of anxiety as she watched Ensign Rajagopalan's retreating back as he headed of the the young engineering ensign. Apparently she had grown accustomed to his steady presence in the face the crisis--but at least Kedan was still here with her, she turned back towards the physist and inclined her head. "Yes, sir. I can write the framework for the model of particle exposure and set the critical parameters on the terminal here, but this little unit doesn't have the power needed for that kind of stochastic modeling. We'll need establish some kind of uplink to the ship's computers for that--is it possible?" she wondered, looking between the assorted Engineering and Ops officers gathered around.

"It will also be possible to simulate the efficacy of proposed shielding on what we know about the star's radiation environment, Lieutenant. But I'll need help from Engineering to get an accurate representation of emitter outputs and power draw---and the model will be limited. I can only add in what we've measured so far about the star's emission. There may be aspects we've missed." Still it would certainly be better then nothing.

She sat down cross-legged on the floor in front of the terminal screen and got to work on coding, the picture of focus in the middle of an otherwise chaotic environment.

[M'Nia]

"Devereaux." she replied to his prompting, giving him an appreciative nod and a small smile. "Absolutely, ensign, I'll help with those readings. If we're missing anything about how the station is dealing with the radiation, we'll find it. And I promise," she added with another look to M'nia, "I'll stop the first medical personnel we pass and ask for some treatment."

"Good because the last thing I need is my people passing out from radiation sickness!" M'nia said.

[Ensign Rajagopalan]
[Erewhon Station | Reception Area]

Rajagopalan his agreement at the the question and they started to snake their way through the crowd. "I don't know how much inspection of alien environments or tech you've gotten to do before Ensign Devereaux, but I can recommend to try and keep an open mind. I guess the most useful readings will come from close proximity to a shield emitter--the trick is figuring out what their emitters might look like. Better to rely on the tricorder than your eyes," he suggested even as they started to make their way along the Discovery towards her aft (and the station's edge). They were coming up on a group of medics clearly trying their best to reorganize triage without traditional facilities, and he deliberately didn't steer them around the group. He left it to Devereaux to actually seek care, but he did scan the gathering of patients in search of an unused tricorder--he hadn't exactly had one to hand on the bridge that he could take with during evacuation....

"Ensign, one thing you learn in engineering, a lot of times you don't have all the info you need! You do the best you can with what you've got and hope it's enough! Get as much info as you can and then do your best!" M'nia said.

[James Ramort]

[...]
[Erewhon Station | Reception Area]

T'Rea surprised herself by feeling a slight pang of anxiety as she watched Ensign Rajagopalan's retreating back as he headed of the the young engineering ensign. Apparently she had grown accustomed to his steady presence in the face the crisis--but at least Kedan was still here with her, she turned back towards the physist and inclined her head. "Yes, sir. I can write the framework for the model of particle exposure and set the critical parameters on the terminal here, but this little unit doesn't have the power needed for that kind of stochastic modeling. We'll need establish some kind of uplink to the ship's computers for that--is it possible?" she wondered, looking between the assorted Engineering and Ops officers gathered around.

"It will also be possible to simulate the efficacy of proposed shielding on what we know about the star's radiation environment, Lieutenant. But I'll need help from Engineering to get an accurate representation of emitter outputs and power draw---and the model will be limited. I can only add in what we've measured so far about the star's emission. There may be aspects we've missed." Still it would certainly be better then nothing.

She sat down cross-legged on the floor in front of the terminal screen and got to work on coding, the picture of focus in the middle of an otherwise chaotic environment.

[Ensign Kedan]
[Erewhon | Reception Area]

"I will support you the best I can. It might have been some days since I had my academy courses in comparative particle analysis, but I bet I can at least lessen the load of the basic calculations for you."

Taking out his tricoder and using it to run some basic calculations on particle saturations and wavelength profiles, he sat down next to T'Rea, bouncing numbers back into her ongoing modelling subroutines whenever he finished calculating a new block of data.

Their combined computing capacity still falling short of the usual power of a standard issue regular console, it at least speed up the process somewhat.

"Devereaux." she replied to his prompting, giving him an appreciative nod and a small smile. "Absolutely, ensign, I'll help with those readings. If we're missing anything about how the station is dealing with the radiation, we'll find it. And I promise," she added with another look to M'nia, "I'll stop the first medical personnel we pass and ask for some treatment."

"Good because the last thing I need is my people passing out from radiation sickness!" M'nia said.

[Ensign Rajagopalan]
[Erewhon Station | Reception Area]

Rajagopalan his agreement at the the question and they started to snake their way through the crowd. "I don't know how much inspection of alien environments or tech you've gotten to do before Ensign Devereaux, but I can recommend to try and keep an open mind. I guess the most useful readings will come from close proximity to a shield emitter--the trick is figuring out what their emitters might look like. Better to rely on the tricorder than your eyes," he suggested even as they started to make their way along the Discovery towards her aft (and the station's edge). They were coming up on a group of medics clearly trying their best to reorganize triage without traditional facilities, and he deliberately didn't steer them around the group. He left it to Devereaux to actually seek care, but he did scan the gathering of patients in search of an unused tricorder--he hadn't exactly had one to hand on the bridge that he could take with during evacuation....

"Ensign, one thing you learn in engineering, a lot of times you don't have all the info you need! You do the best you can with what you've got and hope it's enough! Get as much info as you can and then do your best!" M'nia said.

Looking up from his data he could not hold back a slight chuckle.

"Oh yes, you will see. No matter how good you think yourself prepared, there is always the unexpected messing up all our carefully prepared plans. Better set your tricorder to full spectrum scanning and try to keep an open mind. There is always something found worth remembering or taking apart in the lab later on."

[Rayek trLhoell]

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

There seemed a huge pause as the Lyssarian watched the Captain for a reaction after answering his question about the purpose of the facility.

Rayek glance to his left to study the Captain's expression but even for him it was hard to tell what the Captain thought.

The Lyssarian turned its red glowing eyes upon each of the officers in turn before returning to Captain Tekin.

"So, Captain Tekin Nevir, what shall it be?  What do you deem is a suitable recompense for your officers' actions?"
.
.
.
[Erewhon Staton - Holding Cell]

{Erewhon Station|Holding Cell}

"Why punish him when it was my choice? He gave an order and I didn't listen..." her voice sounded faraway, even to herself. "I have nothing to live for, but he does," she said. "And if you keep him in my stead, I'll bust a hole in your station to get him out, and trust me when I say I am NOT kidding." Well. She would after the headache left, that is. "Just leave me here," she said.

A hand went to her waist as a habit. Oh, yeah, her phasers had been removed. UGH. What now?!

The guide visible on the viewscreen remained unmoved by Lorut's statement.  "This is by your Captain's request."

The screen suddenly showed Tekin addressing someone offscreen.

"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."

"Perhaps rather than going against his wishes again, you might be better served by following your superiors wishes."

[Lorut Vila]

{Erewhon Station|Holding Cell}

This is by your Captain's request.
The screen suddenly showed Tekin addressing someone offscreen.

"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."

"Perhaps rather than going against his wishes again, you might be better served by following your superiors wishes.

Vila was equally unmoved. With a fire in her eyes, she shot back.

"Tell him, with due respect-which isn't much right now-that I will NOT allow him to sacrifice himself. And if he makes any more "suggestions," I will airlock him myself," she said. She had a feeling her words would not be delivered in that way. "Unless it's a direct order, he's to stand down. You can do with me whatever you wish-and it's your funeral if you touch me-but he has a family, a job, a life. I don't." She said. "So he can take his "wishes" and shove them down his throat," she said.

"So what'll it be, Hologram Man?" She asked, meanly.

[Tekin Nevir]

[Erewhon Station - Facility Manager's Office]

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]

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.

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.
.

.
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."

[Erewhon Station - Facility Manager's Office]

The Captain looked at the Erewhon in front of him with interest. There was a frown before he spoke. "I hope you understand that Earth being a founding member of our Federation there are likely some strong opinions about having beings that frankly look and act like humans.  We have only recently dealt with artificial sentience and rights to those beings who surpass their 'programming'.  We have developed artificial beings of both the positronic and the photonic variety. We initially treated them much like items with a function, but those who naturally gained sentience forced us to confront the idea that even created beings may have rights to themselves.

"Now, unfortunately the term you used that you said you removed from these human-like beings did not translate, but I assume for a culture as advanced, it is something akin to sentience that was prevented.  Either way, such a thing is not for myself or my crew to judge and especially not to condemn.  I personally will admit I am hesitant to accept this explanation from you, and I certainly share the concerns poised by Mr Lek, and I'm sure by Mr tr'Lhoell and Mr Ramort, but that stated, clearly we do not know enough information to render judgement.  I will tell you that as part of our procedures, we will report our findings about you and your world, and leave it for our Council to decide the proper course of action.  That is unless you specifically request no contact, which under the circumstances I would find very understandable."

Then of course, it was the issue of the other officer who had violated the First Contact protocols, and the idea that he was now on the hook for two officers's actions was weighing on him. So much so that he didn't realize he was in silence.

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

There seemed a huge pause as the Lyssarian watched the Captain for a reaction after answering his question about the purpose of the facility.

Rayek glance to his left to study the Captain's expression but even for him it was hard to tell what the Captain thought.

The Lyssarian turned its red glowing eyes upon each of the officers in turn before returning to Captain Tekin.

"So, Captain Tekin Nevir, what shall it be?  What do you deem is a suitable recompense for your officers' actions?"

His dive into protocol and proper compensation was finally interrupted, and he realized he allowed himself to think too long.  He glanced to each side of him at the officer, and sighed.

"You have been able to get a full understanding of our ship, supplies, and culture.  I would request two things before I answer you.  One, following our negotiation I will request to personally visit and handle Miss Lorut. And two, I wish to discuss it privately and request the away team be allowed to return to my crew, especially as senior officers to make sure no one else decides to embarrass myself or Starfleet."

[Kalem Michael]

[Erewhon | Reception Area]

Kalem walked over to the man that he knew as Don. However, Kalem knew that he needed to respect the rank that the man had gained. His thoughts of the current situation ran through his mind. The engineers and scientists had problems they were trying to solve and Security had people who were afraid of the future, which can always lead to degrading morale.

Kalem stood next to Lieutenant Addams and spoke softly

"Lieutenant, I just wanted to let you know that the doctor over in the emergency medical area appears to be the highest I can find in the chain of command. He wants to get an update on how things are going. I believe that includes our security situation and how the rest of the crew is settling in. He would like to meet in a few minutes but I do not believe it is required. I'm doing my best to get updates but unless someone shows up from the command staff I have no idea what needs to be done. Do you have any suggestions?"

[Lucien Dupont]

[Erewhon | Reception | Casualty Collection Point]

Lucien watched as his handshake was denied as the flight officer darted towards the Lieutenant in the middle of the room.

"Right." Lucien said, straightening his jacket. It was time to get to work! Lucien took a quick breath, mentally preparing himself. With this he immediately turned around and began moving...

[Ensign Rajagopalan]
[Erewhon Station | Reception Area]

They were coming up on a group of medics clearly trying their best to reorganize triage without traditional facilities, and he deliberately didn't steer them around the group. He left it to Devereaux to actually seek care, but he did scan the gathering of patients in search of an unused tricorder--he hadn't exactly had one to hand on the bridge that he could take with during evacuation....

...only to immediately collide with a small packet of officers who were weaving their way through the triage center.

"Agh! Sorry! Sorry!" Lucien called out in embarassment as he backed off the poor soul he slammed in to.

Wait, he actually knew some of these people! Ensign Devereaux and Lieutenant M'Nia he had met when he was introduced to the Engineering staff upon arriving.

"Oh! Lieutenant M'Nia...!" Lucien exclaimed, immediately jumping into his train of thought.

"Do any of you know where some of the senior officers are? Commander Lek? Y'know because it's so chaotic someone's gotta take charge right?" Lucien spoke fast, almost to the point of being difficult to understand.