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BEGIN SIM

:: on the bridge, reviewing a PADD containing the latest reports of outages and estimates ::

CO: Captain, we've powered the tractor beam systems. Ready to pull that ship into the shuttlebay.

:: is going over the prisoner patient’s chart and vitals personally, making sure she’s good to go ::

:: still frowning, wondering who would do this and why ::

:: is on the bridge, but is writing science mumbo jumbo on her PADD to one of the other science officers ::

:: looks up from the PADD to D'bryn :: CEO: Are you certain that it is not newbie-trapped?

:: on her seat, watching over repair reports ::

:: tries to parse whether or not that's a Harper Malapropism™ or if that's a saying she just hasn't heard yet ::

CO: Is it not titty-trapped? :: looks up from PADD and tilts head ::

:: notes everything down in the chart, including detailed scans showing the prisoner is now healthy, then looks to Grey :: CTO: Alright, I’m releasing her to you.

:: nearly spittakes as she looks over at Rike with wide eyes ::

CO: Sensors aren't picking up any leaks or breaches—manufactured or not.

:: looks to Rike, confused ::

:: then moves on and looks back to Zoë :: CEO: Alright, bring it aboard.

:: taps the commands for the tractor beam :: CO: Tractor beam operational and engaged. Locking onto the ship. Power flow is steady.

XO: Have security report to the shuttlebay to meet it, just in case.

:: nods to Harper ::

:: glances at Wright and tilts head :: CSO: What? Did- did I say something wrong?

:: chuckles to himself ::

:: just shakes her head and returns to beep-booping on her console ::

:: sends a security detail to the shuttlebay they're receiving the small vessel, knowing Grey is indisposed ::

:: nods and bends to take the prisoner's arms, nodding to another Marine just outside the sickbay, and the other falls in line, escorting the prisoner to the brig, getting her settled in a cell and stepping out to press her commbadge :: +CO+ Prisoner in the brig, let me know when you want to question her.

PrisonerWenkudian> :: is escorted, glaring at security ::

+CTO+ Understood. I will be down shortly.

:: gets back to rounds, checking on the two factions’ patients that are all now stable and improving ::

:: dismisses the other security officer to stand outside the brig, settling at the console near the entrance to wait for the Captain :: +CO+ 10-4.

XO: I am going to talk to our guest. You have the bridge.

:: looks at Kate ::

:: now satisfied that the ship isn't going to lose attitude control again, he starts a diagnostic on the helm console ::

:: continues to coordinate work on the ship, repairing the damage that EMP did ::

:: nods at Harper, taking command, which is less fun than going to the prisoner, but Captain's prerogative ::

:: types frantically on her PADD, muttering ::

:: checks charts and vitals on every patient herself, making sure they’re all well enough to be released ::

:: looks at Lexy with a smile before entering the TL :: Brig.

:: knows she will hear what details she can later, so gives Kate a small nod and turns back to her work ::

:: contemplates asking Emily to join her, but decides against leaning too heavily on that newfound capability ::

:: exits the TL and walks into the bridge, approaching Grey ::

CSO: Commander, I am having a light debate with another science officer about something and I was wondering if you would chime in with your opinion...

SCI: Another philosophical debate about good and evil?

:: straightens, turning from the console, giving a salute to Harper :: CO: Ready, ma'am?

CEO: Ah, not this time! You see, the subject of centaurs came up.

:: nods to Grey :: CTO: Have they said anything yet?

SCI: The...the mythological creature?

:: when she’s satisfied, she taps her combadge :: +XO+ Our ten guests are ready to start heading home.

CEO: Ja! You understand!

:: can't wait to hear this ::

:: gestures deeper into the brig, taking the lead to show the captain to the prisoner :: CO: Unforunately no, besides what was said in the medbay earlier. I didn't want to proceed until another officer was present.

:: looks over at Rike and raises her eyebrows ::

:: smiles at the comm :: CMO: Excellent. We'll let the locations they came from know and we will begin transports back.

CTO: Prudent. :: nods approvingly, then steps up to the holding cell alongside Grey ::

:: nods to Wright in regards to Acacia's comm ::

:: nods, going to tell all her staff to expect imminent transports ::

CSO: You see, the other science officer thinks that there are two pairs of hearts and lungs. However, I believe that there is a pair of lungs and one heart in the horse half, while there is extra muscle in the human half. My opinion is that it works like a giraffe. :: raises eyebrows for a response ::

:: fails to catch the nod, since she's looking at Rike with a hesitant question in her eyes ::

PrisonerWenkudian> :: scowls at Harper and Grey from inside the cell, refusing to sit ::

:: blinks at Rike, unsure how to respond to that ::

:: looks at Rike ::

:: looks at Wright ::

:: looks at Rike ::

:: looks back at console ::

:: opens her mouth to speak, but catches Herschel's comment and hesitates for a few moments before resuming :: CSO: Commander Wright...please work with the Thrin'pa and Leuk'pa factions to get their recovered people sent home.

XO: Commander, permission to go to the assault bay? The helm is stable and running diagnostics, so I'd like to check on the fighters personally.

:: touches the control pad for the holding cell, glancing at the Captain before pressing the speaker :: Prisoner> Step back to the furthest wall, hands where we can see them. :: waits for the prisoner to obey before proceeding ::

:: swiftly turns as Kuari calls on her, beyond grateful for the distraction :: XO: Acknowledged, Commander.

:: looks up at Navarro :: NAV: Sure...we'll no doubt be in orbit for some time.

:: doesn't wait for the Prisoner to step back before she speaks :: PW: Hello. I am Commodore Kathryn Harper, the captain of this ship. Your attack on us was quite puzzling, as we are here as peacemakers. Why did you do it?

:: stands and secures the station :: Thank you, commander.

:: heads into the TL and directs it to the assault bay ::

:: helps direct the flow of traffic as Sickbay cleans up after the patients while they sit in their beds waiting for transport ::

:: remains silent, PADD pulled seemingly out of nowhere as she listened to the prisoner's response ::

:: busies herself making contact with the factions and making arrangements to return their formerly wounded ::

:: puts hands up in air, shakes her head, and sets her PADD down, turning to more science-y things at her console ::

:: enters the assault bay, hoping that since the fighters were powered down at the time of the attack, they'll have been fine ::

PrisonerWenkudian> :: frowns, seemingly caught off guard by Harper's response and looks between them :: CO/CTO: What...you're not going to torture me?

SCI: Hey Rike, here's one for you: In what configuration would a centaur wear pants? On the hind legs, covering the buttocks, and stopping somewhere along the midsection? Or on all four legs, covering the entire underside of the creature, belting around its horizontal meridian?

CEO: The latter. :: does not look up ::

:: looks up from her console :: CEO: Trick question, centaurs are raised in a nudist culture.

:: exchanges a concerned look with Harper :: Prisoner> It's against our protocols. We never torture to get answers.

:: smirks at Wright's answer :: SCI: Not an option. How would they wear pants if they did?

:: perks an ear, confused as to what prompted such a conversation about mythical creatures ::

:: shares a look with Grey and follows up :: PW: That is not who we are, and it is not what the uniform that we wear stands for.

:: sits down in her office, relieved to finally be off her feet for a few minutes, and works on finalizing anonymized charts to be submitted in the diplomatic data packet ::

:: approaches the Rocinante and climbs in, then initiates the powerup sequence ::

:: turns and looks at D'bryn :: CEO: You listed options, I said the latter, meaning the last one. How is that not an option?

PrisonerWenkudian> :: looks even more surprised by Grey's answer :: CO/CTO: Well...I was hired. The pay was good, and I heard you were a threat to our people. You'll get nothing more than that from me, so you might as well quit now.

CSO: I was asking Rike, Commander.

CEO: Different answer- on the front legs with suspenders.

SCI: You come to the conclusion so quickly...

:: shakes her head, saddened to hear this ::

CEO: Oh... right. :: faintly colors with embarrassment and turns back to her console quickly, internally chiding herself for getting involved in the first place ::

CEO: Lets just say that I have a lot of time to think to myself when I do my morning exercises.

:: glances to Harper, keeping emotions down ::

PW: Your choice of an EMP hints at a desire to cause us enough trouble to make us want to leave, but also at a desire to avoid hurting anyone and potentially provoke a counter-attack from us.

CEO: Also, alternatively, the centaur could choose to wear a onesie covering the entire body!

:: snaps her attention to the prisoner, watching the other carefully for any signs of tension or giveaways ::

:: barely resist a facepalm as she focuses on coordinating transports ::

PrisonerWenkudian> CO: The idea was not be able to... :: said under her breath, then realizes she probably should stop cooperating ::

:: is relived when Rocinante powers up completely with no issues :: Atta girl.

PW: "The idea was not to be able to..." What? Finish that sentence, would you, please? :: asks politely with a toothy grin ::

:: clasps her hands :: Grey: Not be able to counter-attack, I believe it was going to be.

PW: Which is evidence of two gross underestimations: that of our technological capability, along with our desire to broker peace here.

:: taps her chin with a finger, nodding :: Harper: That does make sense with the sentence structure...:: falls silent to let Harper take over ::

PrisonerWenkudian> :: looks away ::

:: sends Acacia a PADD message: Quick question. Centaurs: two pairs of hearts and lungs, one each in the human and horse half, or one heart and pair of lungs in horse half, like a giraffe? ::

:: energizes both groups of formerly wounded back to their designated home coordinates ::

:: looks at her PADD, swipes through the notifications, then stops and gives the screen a puzzled look ::

PW: You were badly misinformed by whoever hired you, I am afraid. Perhaps even set up for failure? How were you going to recover from the injuries the EMP caused you in a drifting, disabled ship? Or were you aware that you were on a suicide mission for someone else's misguided cause?

:: pauses and sits back in her chair, really thinking about it ::

PrisonerWenkudian> :: speaks, more quietly than before, deadpan and staring off to the side :: CO: It...was to go to my family.

:: softly :: PW: If you are that desperate to help your family, help us end the war that threatens everyone on your world, including them.

:: blinks, looking to Harper, then to the prisoner, waiting for elaboration ::

:: decides to approach this scientifically and starts searching for any data, studies, or theories about centaurs, as well as dialing in on what a ‘centaur’ entails ::

:: continues to coordinate science lab stuff while she waits ::

XO: Transports are complete, Commander.

XO: Additionally, I have scan data of the saboteur's shuttle... it does not clearly belong to either faction, as far as I can tell.

PrisonerWenkudian> :: considers it for a moment, then balks :: CO: No. It's guaranteed, already done. I won't say another word!

:: realizes she’s hit a wall what with them being mythical, and barely looks up when a nurse pops in to tell her the patients are gone ::

:: frowns :: CSO: A third faction...?

:: sighs, shaking her head and looking to Grey, then back to the prisoner ::

:: gets up, gets a coffee, paces around thinking for a minute, then sends a PADD message to Rike :: Rike: Like a giraffe, I reckon.

:: nods when a report reaches her that the bee plant pollination was successful ::

XO: I can scan the planet for the component materials of the vessel, that might yield useful information.

:: reaches Acacia's response and lets a singular HAH :: Vindication! :: picks PADD back up, rapidly typing a response to the other science officer ::

:: kicks off a full diagnostic while he sits in the cockpit, canopy open ::

CSO: Yes, see what we can find. We've been concentrating on these two factions specifically, but there are others.

:: jumps at Rike's sudden outburst ::

:: is briefly startled by Rike's passionate exclamation, then turns back to nod at Kuari ::

SCI: :: mouths :: What is the matter with you?

:: chuckles, sipping her coffee and telling the nurse at her office door about the funny question ::

:: shrugs slightly to Harper's glance, sighing, triggering the shield to cloud-over and turning to face the captain :: CO: How do you want to proceed with her, Captain?

CTO: Keep her here until the situation plays out, and ensure that she is treated well.

:: begins a wave through Sickbay as the nurse tells other nurses, and then doctors, and then lab techs, some even disagreeing and saying it must be two hearts, mostly because they’re mythical creatures ::

:: whispers back :: CEO: I was right!

PW: If you change your mind, ask for me. We are not here to harm your people.

PrisonerWenkudian> :: watches after Harper as she leaves, conflicted but stubbornly silent ::

SCI :: also whispering :: Just to be clear, you were right about the anatomy of a mythical creature?

:: clears her throat and interrupts :: SCI: Lieutenant Herschel, I require your assistance.

:: gets back to work and finishes the anonymized charts, sending them into the computer to be included with the diplomatic data ::

:: continues to whisper :: CEO: Well, Acacia backed me up! :: clears throat and returns to normal volume :: CSO: Ja?

:: folds her arms :: SCI: Whenever you're ready, Lieutenant.

:: walks back toward the entrance of the brig with Grey ::

:: raises eyebrows in anticipation :: CSO: ...Ja?

SCI: I just wanted to make sure you were quite finished?

:: smirking ::

CSO: I am not, but that can be put on pause. :: grins in response ::

:: leans back in her chair and basks in the quiet hum of a patient-free Sickbay ::

:: thinks for a moment :: SCI: ...Good enough. We need to find material components in the saboteur's vessel that don't match either of the primary factions and scan the planet for those materials.

:: follows the Captain towards the entrance of the brig, gesturing at the other guard to take position at the console :: CO: She'll be treated well until we figure this all out, Captain.

:: nods to Grey :: CTO: See to it, personally, that she is, Ryleigh. We cannot confirm her fears of what we are.

CSO: Ah! I do have experience in scanning planets for tiny things, as Schatzmond shows. :: taps index fingers together, smiling ::

:: nods :: SCI: That was my thinking.

:: nods :: CO: Yes ma'am. I'll assign the watches with the experienced security crew.

:: the diagnostic finishes and he powers down the Rocinante, much to the annoyance of the deck chief whose word was not taken that everything was fine, but it's not his ass on the line ::

CSO: Ensign Barrett could also assist with the task. :: places PADD, screen side down, rapidly getting to work on the console ::

:: steps out and into the TL, directing it to the bridge :: CTO: Thank you.

SCI: I'm sure, but I think the two of us are sufficient. :: also tapping at her console, crunching data ::

:: gives a nod of acknowledgement ::

:: gets up, stretches, then heads for the exit to Sickbay ::

:: exits the TL onto the bridge and heads for the center :: XO: Anything new, Kuari?

:: gets in the turbolift and directs it to the bridge ::

:: smiles at Harper :: CO: The saboteur's vessel doesn't appear to come from either faction, according to our known information, but we're scanning the planet to see if we can identify the source.

XO: And said saboteur is not ready to talk to us, but perhaps she will come around when she realizes the difference between reality and what she was told about us.

:: smiles a bit more at the news ::

:: arrives on the bridge and looks around, offering everyone smiles on the way to her station ::

:: nods, turning to head down to the security area to get the guards set for the prisoner ::

:: without looking up from her console :: CMO: Oh! Thank you for your response. I believe that was what I needed to help win the debate with Lieutenant Skurellv!

:: clears her throat meaningfully ::

:: climbs out of the cockpit and heads toward the squad rec room ::

:: chuckles, shaking her head :: SCI: No problem.

:: is still doing her assigned work like a good science officer, excuse me! ::

:: sits at her station and checks in, ensuring all the reports came through ::

CMO: Nice work with all of those patients, doctor.

:: bows her head :: CO: Thank you, we do our best.

ACTION> A hail comes from the surface, from the Thrin'pa-held area.

:: glances up at the viewscreen momentarily ::

CO: We are being hailed by the Thrin'pa, Captain.

:: looks at the viewscreen expectantly when she hears this ::

:: stands and Picard-manuevers :: CSO: On screen.

:: looks up at the screen ::

:: taptaps and looks up at the screen expectantly ::

+CO+ Commodore Harper. I thought you might wish to see what, exactly, is at stake down here. We would like to invite you to tour one of our camps in the "disputed" territory and see for yourself the resources that are the focal point of our conflict.

:: looks at Harper ::

:: immediately feels gnawing worry at the thought of Kate in a war zone ::

:: raises an eyebrow ::

:: is not a tactician whatsoever but thinks this is a bad idea ::

:: offers a grateful smile :: Of course, Nourik, and thank you for the kind invitation. :: a phantom pain in her chest reminds her of the last time she beamed into a war zone :: However, our regulations forbid flag officers from beaming into potentially hazardous areas, such as a war zone. Would it be acceptable if I sent a team in my stead?

:: widens eyes and purses lips, thinking yikes. ::

:: glances at Kate at that, wondering if she’s high on that list ::

:: wonders who might be on that away team ::

:: holds her breath ::

+CO+ That will be acceptable, Commodore. I shall transmit coordinates, and please, accept my assurances that no harm will come to any of your people.

+Nourik+ Thank you, Nourik. Atlantis out.

:: is still not a tactician in any shape or manner, but still finds the idea of exposing any of our officers to a world embroiled by tensions, a denizen of which just fried her ship unwise ::

:: closes the channel from her end and looks at Kate ::

:: looks to Kuari :: XO: Commander, I realize that this one is a bit risky, but we need more information on them to make this peace a reality.

:: steps back onto the bridge after Everly took over first watch, retaking her console and blinking at the rest of the bridge crew :: Bridge: What'd I miss?

:: nods :: CO: Agreed. I have no fear...especially if you stay aboard.

:: returns the nod :: XO: I will. Aside from Captain Grey, of course, who else would you like on your team?

:: is absolutely not going to say it out loud, but is totally thinking oh, I have at least half an ounce of fear ::

:: her eyes follow Ryleigh moving to her console as she says that ::

:: feels the Captain watching her closely, turning to match the other's gaze :: CO: I can volunteer Williams for second security person if needed, ma'am.

:: watches Kate and Kuari, ignoring Grey's inability to read the room ::

:: disappointed to find the rec room empty, he heads back toward the TL ::

:: watches Kuari, wondering if she’ll be called upon, perhaps a bit worried ::

:: realizes she was holding her breath, and finally breathes, averting her gaze ::

:: is realizing what's happening, and is stepping away from her console, watching the bridge intently ::

:: considers :: CO: Wright and D'bryn, I think, if we can spare D'bryn during repairs. I want to get a good read on the materials used in their ships. :: looks at Grey :: And the captain can choose another security person.

:: eyes briefly glance to Wright ::

:: lets out a breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding ::

:: is on the holodeck, happily enjoying her post-shift hours, finishing up a climb ::

:: nods, mind reeling through the other possibility security choices, before looking to Kuari for permission to speak :: XO: Permission to speak, ma'am?

:: gives Kuari a grim nod and looks at D'bryn ::

:: purses lips, accepting her fate :: XO: My team can handle repairs up here if you need me down there, Commander.

XO: Alright. We will keep a transporter lock on you all, just in case.

:: nods at D'bryn, then looks at Grey :: CTO: Go ahead, Captain.

CSO: Get a good scan of the beam-down site before we leave.

:: pauses, noticing something out of the corner of his eye on the Shinigami ::

XO: Aye, Commander. :: looks over at Rike :: SCI: I'll send you what I've got so far, but you'll need to finish the materials scan without me. Ping Barrett, if you like.

:: approaches Jester's fighter and peeks in the canopy after he climbs up ::

XO: I'd like Lieutenant Williams to join us, as second security officer, unless you had someone else in mind. :: Williams was new, but a skilled tactical already ::

CTO: It's your choice, Captain, bring who you think is suitable.

:: slightly squeaks, not realizing the tension she is holding... well- everywhere :: CSO: Of course!

:: sniffs, then calls for the deck chief :: DC: Do you smell that? Something was powered up during the EMP, and now isn't.

:: nods, comming down to the security office for Williams to meet the away team in the TL ::

:: nods as the DC sniffs the acrid odor of fried electronics and vows to fix it :: DC: Gracias, Chief.

:: catches Lexy's eyes out of the corner of hers, willing her to be safe ::

:: gives Kate a solemn but almost imperceptible nod ::

:: offers Wright an encouraging look, noticing her mood ::

:: stands and leads the way to the turbolift ::

:: but aside from that momentary glance, she shows no outward worry ::

:: gives Wright an awkward thumbs up before sending a message to Barrett ::

:: is already making her way towards the TL, checking her phaser once more ::

:: watches her crew file into the TL, wishing she could go with them, but is still getting used to the restrictions placed on her now as a flag officer ::

CO/XO: Nothing noteworthy on the scans of the beam-in site. :: stands and heads toward the TL herself ::

:: nods :: CSO: Thank you.

:: gets up, saunters toward the TL :: Bridge: As long as I don't get blown up by some angry Wenkudian freedom fighter, I guess I'll see you guys later.

CEO: Good luck! Don't let the Wenkudian-bugs bite!

SCI: Ditto the centaurs.

:: waves and gives a thumbs-up to the away team ::

:: gives finger-guns ::

:: rides lift to TR with the others ::

:: watches the TL doors close behind them :: SCI: Keep a constant transporter lock up.

:: is traumatized by the finger-guns; that was a Hannah thing ::

:: is thankful for everyone's sentiments, but has her serious face on ::

:: can't help but snicker, falling in at the back as the other security officer joined the group at the TR doorway ::

:: enters the TR and steps onto the pad ::

CSO/CTO/CEO: It doesn't seem to me the Thrin'pa faction would be responsible for this, at least not one of Nourik's people, as he seems to highly value our cooperation.

:: steps up onto the pad next to Wright ::

:: takes her own spot on the pad ::

:: takes her seat and stays quiet, as it's gnawing at her a bit to send this team that she can't lead ::

XO: Agreed. What would they gain from it?

:: steps up onto the pad, listening quietly with Williams opposite her pad ::

TR Operator: Please set the coordinates for the beam-down site in Thrin'pa faction territory.

:: awakens from a nap on the Skylark, shaken by a nightmare :: Zoë! No!

TRO> XO: Set, Commander.

TRO: Energize.

:: takes in waking reality, but cannot stop nearly hyperventilating ::

TRO> :: energizes ::

:: is beamed ::

ACTION> The away team shimmers away to the surface.

:: is beamed ::

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