Reunited³

Posted on Wed Mar 24th, 2021 @ 7:45am by Captain Nycolas Temple & Mauricio Arnaldo & Lieutenant Commander Mindo & Lieutenant Krysia Kaleri-Smith & Ensign Aenardha Sh'vastarth & Federation Diplomat Briya Valriya & Qaraq (Deceased) & Katya

Mission: The Gauntlet
Location: Paradise

ON:

[Docking Ring]

Stepping aboard the cube-shaped glass elevator, Nyx smiled to himself as he remembered these wonderful, if a little dizzying, contraptions from their first visit to Paradise. Unlike the Federation-standard turbo lifts, the completely clear cubes allowed the riders a full 360 degree view of the station as it swirled around the outer ring of Paradise's decks - that's if you could stomach the motion sickness for long enough to enjoy the experience, of course. Nyx turned to Lieutenants Mindo and Kaleri, his accompaniment for their return visit to Paradise, and grinned.

"These were fun," he commented, like a child viewing a fair-ground ride.

“As long as you don’t get motion sickness, they’re great!” Krysia smiled even though her heart was yearning to be back with her children. “It’s nice to see you enjoying yourself, Captain.”

Mindo grunted. "The last time I rode this thing there was a Breen bomb at the other end that nearly blew up in my face." Mindo's mind had been occupied with his mission: acquire access to Paradise's comm grid and trace the "Stop the Pandora" signal to its source. His plan felt simple. Find someone on Paradise who owes Terrekal a favor who can convince Queen Katya to give him access. He knew Katya would be hesitant, maybe even hostile, toward Terrekal, given his departure from Paradise being on less than pleasant terms. Upon their arrival, Mindo and Terrekal had scanned the other ships looking for a possible contact. As it turned out, Terrekal knew the Captain of the merchant ship Delavi-1, a Broot named Qaraq. According to Terrekal, Qaraq would be the one to ask.

Nyx gave a loud, reflective smile. "Ahh. Memories." He clapped his hands together. "While Kaleri and I try to find out who's running the station, did you want to proceed with finding your contact, Lieutenant?"

Mindo nodded. "According to Terrekal, he's a Broot named Qaraq. They've done business many times in the past and Terrekal is pretty sure he's owed a favor."

"That really doesn't surprise me." Nyx added with a shrug, "Let's hope he's on the station."

[Main Station - Deck 1]

Meanwhile, Katya was just stepping off her own glass cube after she had arrived back from her long journey from Carnwennan Station, with Mauricio Arnaldo right behind her side.

"Qaraq's ship has docked; his cube will be here shortly with the Ensign and Consul,” Mauricio informed her as he tapped at his PADD. "I have confirmation that Captain Temple and his Away Team are on board too."

"Very good." Katya nodded, taking a long look around her station for the first time in weeks. "We're home, Arnaldo."

Arnaldo looked up and smiled. "About time,” he commented.

Behind them, another cube door opened and out stepped Qaraq, Ensign Aenardha Sh'vastarth, and the Pandora's new Diplomat, Briya Valriya.

Qaraq outstretched his massive arms. "At last, we have arrived!" he bellowed. One of Aenardha's duffels swayed on the Broot's back as he stepped forward.

Aenardha was adamant to carry at least some of her luggage, being the other of her two duffels. She struggled with it, but as long as it was secure on her back, she made it work. Exercise and time in the gym was one of her priorities once she settled in aboard the Pandora. The Aenar were never known for their physical strength. Similarly, they were also never known for military service.

Behind her, the tall Risian diplomat stepped off the lift next, unencumbered by gear or inhibition. Briya’s stride was easy and long, and it set to bouncing her dark glossy hair; the result of a routine centered around balancing the levels of moisture and protein to maintain health and shine - not that everyone was particularly concerned with matters of follicle porosity or v-cut layers. Briya quickly outpaced her Aenar friend - for surely the two were friends, at least in Briya’s mind - and looked around expectantly; almost giddy.

Aenardha trailed behind Briya and took careful steps so as to not lose balance. "So this is Paradise," she called after Qaraq.

Someone must have stolen the sun’s stream of charged particles out of Briya’s solar sails. Her excitement temporarily lessened. The dubious look on her face seemed to indicate she was under the impression that the name Paradise had been appointed to the station in a highly ironic fashion. Where was the pale white sand? Where were the dual moons shining down their blessings on a blue and green geological gem? Where were the scantily clad men and women to greet them holding freshly carved horga'hn, statuettes that served as a fertility symbol on Risa, and represented the Risian symbol for sexuality. Briya flushed and changed her thoughts. “If I was responsible for cleaning eager fingerprints from all that glass in the cube-o-lifts, I’m not sure Paradise would be the first word to come to mind.” And indeed, Briya’s palms and spindley fingers had been pressed against the cube’s glass during their ride; thrilled by the unobstructed cosmic view and excited by the prospect of a new station.

"People of all races," started Aenardha, "have their own definitions of paradise." Aenardha would know as her definition included sub-zero temperatures. This place certainly did not meet Aenardha's own definition in more ways than just the temperature. She was, however, glad to be someplace new and another step closer to the Pandora. Tapping into everyone's public vision, she could see more than any individual could at a given time. And seeing through the visions of various peoples, since all races saw things slightly different, she could see hues and variations of climactic patterns that humans could not, see through the completely clear air that others would see as translucent. It was all an amazement.

“How very diplomatic of you, Aenardha,” Briya complimented. “You are right, of course; I meant no offense.” Briya’s cheeks were slightly flushed and she was smiling at everything and everyone as they went.

Aenardha resettled her duffel and pressed on behind them.

Katya turned to the new arrivals and widely opened her arms, her tattoos shimmering with joy. "Welcome to my station. I wish I could give you all a proper tour, certainly there are some venues that are a favourite of Qaraq and I." She smiled. "But I noticed a little surprise was waiting for us as I docked. The USS Pandora is here."

“Your majesty,” Briya genuflected as she simultaneously bent at the knees and dipped forward at the waist - a feat not recommended for those of poor balance or common proportions. “That the Pandora is here and we need not search for her in the Expanse, this is most welcome news,” Briya agreed. “And she is in one piece,” Briya cast a questioning look to Katya for confirmation.

Katya smiled, "For the most part. We will have to ask the Captain."

As Aenardha arrived upon the group standing in something of a gaggle, she saw an opportunity to unload herself of her weighty duffel for a moment. Someone nearby, not any of the group, was looking in the direction of another approaching cube carrier. "Is that," though she did not point in any direction, "that Captain Temple?" There was another person, an adult female, with them and...whoever's vision Aenardha was seeing through looked away. Aenardha could only think that the third person she noticed at the last second was a child, perhaps a 12 year old. "Looks like we are getting a command and a royal welcome."

Mauricio looked through the crowd to where Aenardha appeared to be facing and recognised Temple immediately. "CAPTAIN!" He called out across the station.

Nyx titled his head as he heard the voice and looked to see the crowd of people standing there. After all that time searching and hoping, their objective was mere metres away. "Hello!" Nyx called back excitedly. He started to cross the distance to greet the other group.

Krysia smiled warmly as she saw Mauricio, it was good to see him again. She was just sorry Owen wasn’t here to see his friend as well. She stayed firmly at Nyx’s side as he made his way across to greet Mauricio and the others.

It was not an intentional reading but understanding that Krysia was also telepathic on top of the fact that it was doubly difficult to not read other telepaths, Aenardha could feel Krysia's joy in seeing Mauricio and there came a twinge of jealousy; something unfamiliar to Aenardha but also something she had studied in short detail. The feeling came suddenly and proved confusing. She however knew that the telepathic link she shared before with Mauricio was to blame and the feelings she felt for him would take more time and more meditation to wane away. She forcefully set that thought aside and replaced it with elation that the Pandora and crew were safe and nearby and that she was about to meet the captain.

Lieutenant Mindo spotted Qaraq and knew immediately he was the Broot Terrekal had told him about. Now he needed to find an opportunity to talk to him.

After a quick round of greetings between those who knew each other, in which the phrase "hell of a journey" may have been uttered more than once, the Captain looked to the unfamiliar faces standing nearby. "And who do we have here?" He asked with a curious tone.

Briya nodded her head and smiled. “Warmest of welcomes, Captain. I am Briya Valriya of the Federation Diplomatic Corp.”

Krysia offered a polite smile to those she didn’t know, giving one person a curious glance. “Forgive me for asking but you’re Aenar, aren’t you?”

“That, or an Andorian after an industrial incident,” Aenardha said with a small smile in an attempt at joke. “Yes. Aenar,” she said looking back and forth between Krysia and Captain Temple. “Ensign…O…Aenardha Sh’vastarth, Intelligence. It is an honor to finally meet you both, sir,” she regarded the captain, “ma’am,” she then regarded Krysia. “I look forward to becoming an integral member of the crew.”

Mindo activated the device on his legs and hovered up to eye level, extending his hand to Ensign Sh'vastarth. "I'm Lieutenant Mindo, Chief Engineer."

Aenardha almost wanted to apologize, but realized she never made her previous thoughts verbal and known. This was no child after all, but…clearly not human either, despite his appearance. With enough public vision around, she managed to take his hand on the first try and held it loosely. “Lieutenant, a pleasure.”

“I’m Krysia Kaleri-Smith, Chief Counsellor,” Krysia smiled warmly.

"Oh, I studied counseling," Aenardha responded immediately, "at the Academy." She then paused briefly. "But my focus was changed...I changed...my focus that is, to Intelligence. Needless to say, I was at the Academy longer than expected."

Speaking of changing focus - or in this case unchanging focus - Briya’s attention had been overtly focused on Mindo from the moment he’d hovered up into view. The others had spoken and Briya had listened, but her eyes had not surrendered their target lock on Pandora’s snack-sized Fesarian. She’d moved toward the man almost involuntarily and her hand was poised in midair as if she could not decide whether to shake his or seek to touch him delicately. Briya softly cleared her throat and dragged herself back into the moment. “Lieutenant Mindo, I’m...so overjoyed to meet you. When we have the time, I’d love to have you take a look at my capricious conversion chamber.” She partially lifted an ancillary fold of her gown, but revealed nothing.

Mindo's eyes widened and he nearly dropped his jaw. Judging by the aroma her breath exuded he was guessing she was Risan. She certainly had the usual Risan physical appeal. "I'd be happy to examine your 'chamber,'" he said, trying to choose his words carefully. "Maybe at eighteen-hundred hours? Come find me in Engineering and we'll, um... take it from there."

Briya clasped her hands behind her back and swayed slightly at the hips, a whimsical oscillating gesture as she beamed a victorious smile at them all. She had herself a date with an engineer.

Mindo moved his eyes and height up to match the large horned blueish man standing behind them. "Are you Qaraq?"

"That depends on who's asking," the Broot replied.

"Lieutenant Mindo, Chief Engineer, USS Pandora," Mindo said, taking a very official tone. "I understand you've done business with a Fesarian merchant named Terrekal?"

Qaraq gave Mindo a toothy smile. "That depends on why you're asking, Lieutenant."

This was starting to frustrate Mindo. "I'm trying to find a way to track the 'Stop the Pandora' message. Terrekal says you have connections here. Is there anything you can do to help me?"

"No," Qaraq replied. Mindo's shoulders sank, and he nervously itched the back of his head.

"Unless," Qaraq continued, "I did it as a favor to her..." Qaraq indicated Ensign Sh'vastarth.

Mindo nodded and hovered back over to Aenardha. "I don't know what he's talking about," Mindo said, his voice urgent. "But I will move mountains for you if you can persuade him to do this for me."

Aenardha looked back and forth between Mindo and Qaraq, then stepped over closer to Qaraq. Mindo hovered and followed. Though she was already working on a request for the Chief Engineer once she was aboard the Pandora, it could definitely wait.

~To help reveal the corruption plaguing Starfleet,~ she thought to Qaraq.

She spoke to them both. “We did have a run-in with a Pakled vessel as we navigated the Expanse. The ship was a smattering of various ships, riddled with security flaws. The pilot had only one primary thought; easy for me to read. ‘Stop the Pandora.’ Mr. Qaraq expertly outwitted and intimidated him. But, before fleeing, our Pakled adversary launched a security attack, shutting down power to the Delavi-1 so he could escape without fear of pursuit.” Aenardha looked up to Qaraq. For a brief moment, she recalled hearing about an old Earth tale; Beast and the Beauty, or something along those lines. She never actually read it. “That ship is obviously unique and, being Pakled, he was probably not covering all his security flaws. His ship’s signature is definitely contained within the Delavi-1’s computer. If he was thinking ‘Stop the Pandora’ then he most likely had received the signal.”

~If you provide us…provide me,~ she was thinking to Qaraq again, ~with that ship’s signature, the Pandora will be able to locate and overpower that ship. We can find out where he received that signal.~

Qaraq was stunned for a moment. His head registered her words but his ears heard none of it. He looked down at Aenardha and gave her a nod. "Very well," he said. "Lieutenant Mindo, is it? I will allow you access."

Mindo let out a sigh of relief. "Thank you, Mr. Qaraq."

"Wait, wait. You two are Starfleet officers? And you're assigned to the Pandora?" Nyx interrupted. "How did you end up on a civilian vessel in the middle of the Expanse?"

“Queen Katya,” Aenardha spoke up immediately, and without thinking, “and Mr. Qaraq smuggled us off of Carnwennan Station, sir. It seemed the safest course of action.” She quieted down, fearing she had said enough and had gotten someone into a bit of trouble.

Briya attempted to clarify. “Admiral Milne did not think it wise to advertise - or allow it to be known at all - that she was sending a Starfleet officer and a Federation Diplomat into the Expanse - not with the emergence of the ominous signal repeating it’s message in contrast to the Pandora’s progression towards the safety of Federation space. She was concerned there may be aboard the station person’s disloyal to the Starfleet to which she has devoted her life and career. It seemed a wise precaution.”

“It makes sense, especially with those who were, and are, trying to stop the Pandora getting home.” Krysia paused for a moment. “I, for one, will be glad to get back to the safety of Federation territory. I’m not normally the nervous type but I do have newborn twins aboard the ship.”

At the mention of children, Briya deftly looked away, finding something else - anything else - on which to direct her attention. She had strong opinions regarding Starfleet’s policy of allowing children onboard some or any of their ships, and such an opinion was almost certain to contrast with those of the Pandora’s Chief Counsellor.

"Ensign," Mindo said to Aenardha, "thank you. When you get settled in, I will need your skills in Intelligence. I have a theory as to who may have started the signal."

Katya had been standing nearby watching the scene play out with a curious, bemused smirk. She had tolerated the criss-cross talking for long enough, and chose to speak up. "Captain, we have pressing matters to discuss."

His head in a whirlwind of information, Nyx could only nod. "Yes, there is a lot happening." He clapped his hands together. "Ok. Katya, how about you and I meet to discuss the current situation in the Expanse? Mr. Mindo, can you please buy Qaraq a drink as a thank you for safely ferrying our new crew members through the Expanse, and to discuss the signal? Counsellor Kaleri, can you show the Ensign and Consul onboard the Pandora. Give them the quick tour and find out what Admiral Milne's instructions were." He looked around, realising he was giving orders when it wasn't his station they were standing on. "Is that... okay with everyone?"

Qaraq bellowed a laugh. "It's fine with me! Fesarians are excellent drinking buddies!"

Mindo grinned. "This will be fun, but keep in mind we're doing business first."

"Of course!" rumbled Qaraq. "I prefer to drink when discussing business! And I'm very good friends with the bartender here."

Briya nodded to the Captain and bowed slightly to Kayta. She turned to Qaraq and smiled cordially. “If you will allow me, kind sir,” she asked as she indicated the duffel bag still carried on the Broot’s back where he seemed indifferent to it’s weight. “Thank you Qaraq; for everything. Give my best to your son.”

With Aenardha’s other piece of luggage in tow. Briya stepped nearer to Kaleri to signal she was ready to proceed.

Krysia nodded and smiled. “If you’ll both follow me I’ll take you to your new home.”

Nyx smiled at the eagerness of the extended team in front of him. For once, he didn't feel like they were alone in the Expanse. It caused the Captain a moment of emotion that he quickly tried to swallow. Clearing his throat, Nyx spoke, "I'm very glad we've come together again. Let's celebrate this but remember we still have a job to do."

With those words, the groups diverged into their smaller teams, heading off into the respective meetings.

OFF