The TML PBeM

1993, Turn 2 - Part 5 (of 6)

Cargo Bay #3 - 05:09:50

Witfield's voice in Andon's and Hfolraw's commlinks is eager but slightly nervous. << Okay, guys, leave the Peltast up and running but lock out the guns, and bail out. On your way, open the special-supplies locker and grab two of the little orange packages labeled "DOORTAMP 01" and take them with you. Hurry, we don't have much time! >>

Shrike makes a few adjustments and starts undoing his restraints. "'Bail out' he says, it's the safest I've felt since this shit started."

"Amen to that. There's something about a few centimeters of armor to make one feel safe and homey."

"Hfolraw, how about you start opening doors and I'll grab the packages and catch up to you."

"Just a second while I shut down." Hfolraw slews the turret around and engages the travel lock. He removes the safety interlock board and secures it in a pocket of his combat harness, then heads for the hatch.

<< Once you're out of the Peltast, let yourselves into Doejin's pool area. There's gonna be a lot of water and fish floating around, so be careful. Shut the door behind you, and open the airlock that used to be at the bottom of the pool. Get through it and head up the tube toward Deck 4, but don't shut the door behind you! >>

While moving to the special-supplies locker, Andon asks, "You want us to leave all of the iris valves open as we go?"

<< Yes, EXCEPT the one that gets you into the Pool area. >>

Akhouw eyes the main holotank with rapt attention, waiting for even a mere suggestion of results, as he speaks to Aiwi in formal, terse tones. "Request holo conference with Captain Bhyarrvouf."

Jan finishes tucking Dan into the body bag and seals it shut.

<< Medical is secured from the bridge. DaSilva, I'll be up with you shortly. >>

With that he kicks towards the door and heads down the corridor to where he last saw the security contingent.

At about the 4-1 lock, he starts to encounter the security team. As soon as he reaches this point, << DaSilva, I'm ready up here, get down to sickbay and do your stuff. >>

<< Lazer, Jan. Sorry for playing musical medics. I'll be with the team until we're completely secure from this. >>

With that, Jan once again slumps up on the ceiling and waits for things to happen.

Zben tunes, cuts in a filter, tunes tighter, when...

<< PLEEASE! >> The voice cracks, and almost but not quite out of range of the microphone, it says, << I think they got them....sweet Lord... >>

Then, from Zben, << Sir! I have a weak directional fix. >>

<< Try to boost the signal, >> 'Vouf orders. Then, half to himself, << Event Horizon. Stamerra said something.... >>

Aiwi's voice comes on the commlink, interrupting him. << Elissa Bridge, Khtaliyr requesting holoconference with the Captain. >>

<< Captain here, >> 'Vouf's voice returns, somewhat bemusedly. << I have it here too. Input? >>

Akhouw's impassive visage glows into stern existence. << Yes, Captain Bhyarrvouf. Obviously there is another ship out there searching for a comrade, who may have run afoul of the tahiwihtektau that we encountered. In our current situation a strong deficiency is our lack of knowledge of our environment. Undoubtedly these searchers can help to remedy this problem. Therefore, we should attempt to contact and communicate with these beings. I respectfully request that the Khtaliyr be released to contact these sophonts at a safe distance from the Elissa, given the impaired status and great importance of the Elissa. I submit that until their identity and intentions have been noted and verified, they should be kept at arms length. >>

Akhouw pauses and his manner becomes tinged with the memory of battles past. << If their intentions are not honorable, sir, then it is of vital interest that this be determined at a safe distance and by a vessel capable of alerting the Elissa and providing you with time to respond as appropriate. That the KCR Khtaliyr can and will do, if required. Sir. >> Akhouw formally nods his head and awaits the response with the faintest hint of suppressed eagerness.

'Vouf nods, his smile echoing Akhouw's. << I share your eagerness to meet them, my friend, and agree that if they ARE in fact another ship, you should-- >>

<< My apologies, Captain, Commander, but we have a triangulation, >> Aiwi interrupts softly. << Mister Blaine and Mister Goughzar, confirm location of transmitter as a stationary point on the surface of the cylindrical construct, one hundred ninety-two point eight one kilometers downrange of our current baseline referent. >>

Zben's own direction plot shows up on the screen in front of him, confirming the position.

Akhouw receives this information with an interested growl. If so, then this hunt takes on a new meaning, indeed... And honor may be redeemed, in full, he thinks.

<< A point on the surface, >> 'Vouf muses. << Could be a ship that's landed, or.... >> He turns to Akhouw's image again. << Launch only on my order, Commander, but be ready. Observe and evaluate! >>

Akhouw nods. << Aye, Captain. We stand ready. >> His tone is formal and respectful, yet there is also an edge of weary frustration.

<< Give them back a signal on that wavelength, Zben, >> he orders. << Not too much juice. Patch it to me. >>

By shifting the radiational pattern of the Elissa'a transmitter, Zben sets up a low power AM transciever directed at the target, but self-canceling more than a few degrees away. The result is fed to the Captain. Zben nods to `Vouf, signaling his readiness.

<< This is the ISR Elissa, answering your call. Identify yourself, please. >> His voice is carefully neutral.

There is a pause of a moment, then a confused babble of voices. Blaine, as well as the Aslan, pick up the sound of a voice speaking Trokh in the background, barking authoritative orders, then switching to Galanglic: << EVERYONE BE SILENT! >>

Zben Blaine's head snaps up at the voice speaking Trokh, straining to hear what's said. But, knowing the Aslans are on line, he quickly reverts most of his attention to keeping the skittish beam on target, and the receiver as clean as possibile.

<< This is the Sumag-Otebor Farmstead, Harkeir region, >> it continues a moment later, the whispers still audible in the background. << We know of no Dazzle Ship called the 'Elissa.' If your intent is hostile, know that we can and will defend ourselves, and that our harvest is already half-ruined by the storms; you should choose easier prey. >> That last statement is punctuated by a deep growl. << Where is the Cerritos? >>

One word escapes from Zben (but not from the Elissa) into the silence: << Harvest?? >>

'Vouf raises an eyebrow. It's evident that the word has surprised him as well....

Hfolraw starts up the wall towards the vacc-door leading into the pool area. Upon reaching it, he removes the actuator and begins opening the door.

Seeing how the shaped charges (Witfield's packages) aren't really that big after all, Shrike grabs four of them and stuffs them into a pouch which he securely fastens to his combat armor. He then follows out after Hfolraw.

As they move, Witfield explains. << When I was a kid in my first physics class, the teacher did a little demonstration of the two ways you can produce impulse. Oh! Uh, sorry, Hfolraw, this's female stuff, you may get a little bored, sorry. Anyway, impulse is a change in momentum, and momentum is mass times velocity. That means you can apply impulse to a fixed mass by suddenly changing its velocity, like hitting a ball with a stick, or you can apply impulse at a fixed velocity by changing mass-- like a rocket engine! Thrust is just throwing mass out the back of the rocket at high velocity, right? >>

Zar thumbs the intership commo line, "Goughzar to Elissa, attempting triangulation, awaiting orders".

As Aiwi reports acquisition of triangulation on the radio source, 'Zar fine-tunes his own reception.

"Goughzar here, confirmed".

Touching the sensor panel, Goughzar activates concentrates all passive scanning systems on the point transmitting. "Paladin, keep a running log of all transmissions and pipe the transmissions coming from the surface over the intercom. Keep outgoing voice and holo active to intership frequency and provide as much transcription as you can.

_Acknowledged_, replies the calm voice.

At the sound of Trokh being spoken with command authority, it is as if a powerful electric charge shoots through Akhouw as he stiffens in total surprise and stares at the comm monitor. He turns to Aiwi and his ears twitch as he silently shakes his mane in amazement.

As the unknown Aslan speaks, Akhouw speaks quietly but insistently into Bhyarrvouf's ear. << If I may, Captain, permission to speak with this khihe? I believe that I may be able to assist here. >>

<< I am turning this dialogue over to you at once, siaenrra, >> 'Vouf says softly. << Bark no flat sounds unless you must. I'll be listening, but I have other rats to chew just now.... >> Before he switches off the link to Akhouw, the Aslan Commander notes on the holo image that his attention has suddenly been diverted by another Securecam, somewhere on the Elissa....

Akhouw views the disappearing holo with a flicker of concern before he motions to Aiwi to patch him through on the audio channel. Despite the lack of a visual transmission, he straightens up, adjusts his uniform sash, and shakes out his rich, golden mane. His own ears perk up at attention as he speaks in a carefully modulated voice of polite confidence, backed by a warrior's spirit.

<< Greetings, khihe, from Lakht Akhouw, son of Tra'Ekhaul, in service to Khaukheairlko. Your words of steel do you honor. We have not encountered any ship named 'Cerritos.' We *have* met a pirate ship of the name 'Nikaido.' >> He nearly spits at the name. << This ship attacked us from ambush and we defended ourselves. Perhaps this ship you seek has met with these pirates? Our intentions are honorable, so perhaps you will honor us with your name, khihe? >>

The response is almost immediate. << Near thirty generations have passed since the name of your Ko had meaning here, LakhtAkhouwYaTra'Ekhaul; the Tlaukhu has been lost to us, and fair Kusyu only a memory, but we hold firm to the path of Honor. I am Ourlaliyh of the Sumag-Otebor Farmstead, a keeper of orchards, of little birth and less distinction, but there are those of the Fteirle here who do me honor by calling me their leader. >>

This singular narrative elicits a widening of the eyes and a decisive flick of the tail from Akhouw, the equivalent of a tremendously effusive display of surprise from any less restrained being. He listens to the words of the unknown Aslan with great care, considering the phrasing and tone with precise analysis.

Aiwi sits bolt upright in her seat, staring at her situation monitors linked to the Elissa. She hastily signals to Akhouw not to interrupt his dialogue on the radio, and sets to examining her readouts carefully.

<< My brethren the Hisol'i have a saying that my people have adopted for their own: Many are the tools with which one can forge Honor, but Truth is the handle that fits them all. >> Ourlaliyh's voice betrays his tension.

<< If you are speaking the truth about the Nikaido's attack, and you spoke in the past tense with meaning, then I salute you. None in our memory has defeated the ohahfei'yoh Stamerra in battle and lived to tell the tale. But it is possible that you do not speak truth, and hide behind an honorable name; it would be unkind to assume this, but foolish not to admit its possibility. >> There is a heavy sigh. << Even truth would be sorrowful in this instance; if you DID encounter the Nikaido and not the Cerritos, our friends from Event Horizon were no doubt slain by the raiders, and our joy at Stamerra's defeat is tempered by the loss of our friends. >>

Once the door has opened, Hfolraw engages his grav belt, and slowly and carefully starts across the water- and fish-filled compartment to the door that leads into gravlift D. Behind him, Andon shuts the door leading to the Cargo Bay.

<< Anyway, he had one of those little toy rockets that you pump up with air. He pumped one up and fired it and it didn't fly very far. But then, THEN he filled it with a little WATER, and pumped it up and fired it, and it shot across the room and hit Mary Elisabeth Corcoran right in the-- never mind. >> He clears his throat. << The point is that even WATER can be reaction mass! The air rushed out and THREW the water out the back of the rocket at high speed, and that shot the rocket forward! Get it? >>

_Attention,_ PATER announces. _Hostile squads now entering Deck 4 Jump Drive compartment._

Eighteen heavily armed, armored figures swarm through the two blown valves in the ceiling of Deck 4, one squad of nine at the stern and another at the bow. The stern squad efficiently splits into a team of four, remaining aft at the valve leading down to Deck 5, and a team of five moving forward to the floor valve just aft of Main Engineering Control. The bow squad takes up covering positions as one of the huge bipedal aliens begins to sap the door to Main Engineering.

Fish flap, gasping, in midair, floating among the huge globules of water that oscillate and drift in a surreal tableau. Hfolraw gets the vac-door open to the lift, and is soon floating up the tube toward the floor valve of Airlock 4-D, with Andon close behind him.

<< You're gonna do the same thing right now, >> Mac says tightly. << The suspended water in the Pool Area makes it a thousand times more dangerous per unit volume than plain air. The trick is not getting YOU killed. >>

The tube reverberates to a loud THUD, followed by a distant rumble of air that quickly dies away. << That was the door to Main Engineering Control, >> Witfield whispers. << You're not gonna make it....shut up, Witfield, they'll make it. >> This last voice is still Mac's; he seems to be arguing with himself.

As Hfolraw moves to open the grav-lift D iris valve to deck 4 Shrike takes out one of the shaped charges and examines it quickly.

Each charge is about the size and shape of a modern, cylindrical coffee cup (call it a cylinder 8 cm. across by 10 cm. tall). There is a timer built into the bottom, along with a 10 meter coil of thin remote detonator wire. (At the end of the wire is a plug designed to fit standard data jacks.) A data jack receptacle is also there to allow daisy-chaining of charges. The other end of the cylinder has a peel-off sticky surface, with a label that reads:

"Affix this face to target surface"

By the time the floor valve is open and Hfolraw floats up into the airlock, Witfield's voice is tight with anxiety. << Hfolraw, get 4-5 open and get ready to shut it from the other side! Andon, I want you to set the charges against the two halves of Door 4-6 and plug their detonator lines into the fiber-optic link in the wall. Hurry! They'll be in Main Engineering in just a few seconds! >>

<< Mac, I thought the 4-4 lock was OPEN! Pater? >>

_Door 4-4 is open,_ PATER confirms. _Door 4-5 leads into vacuum._

<< Whoops, that's right, >> Mac winces. << 4-4's open, and you've got vacuum out there.....DAMN! >> Mac pounds a fist against the panel in frustration.

Hfolraw moves through the iris as soon as he can squeeze through. As the iris finishes cycling Shrike follows Hfolraw through, stripping the cover he places the first charge off center to the left side of the airlock and pulls out the detonator wire and << Pater, I'm plugging the first charge in, please make sure there's no current here. >> With the blood hammering in his ears Shrike plugs the data jack into the wall panel. Not getting blown up he proceeds to place the second charge offset slightly to the right side of the door then plugs it into the recepticle on the first charge.

The squad piles in and takes up positions in the Main Engineering control room. They fan out and search quickly and efficiently, one infantryman covering the door to Munro's office without making any attempt to open it. A quick consultation in sign language follows. One armored figure points out others and indicates positions, which are swiftly taken. The sapper crosses to Door 4-6 and sets to work.

<< Okay, plan change, >> Mac says quickly. << Hfolraw, I want you to SHUT the floor valve after Shrike, once he is in the airlock with you. Then hunch up in a ball and cover your head with your arms. Andon, as soon as those charges are set, you do the same. I'm gonna have PATER snap door 4-5 open and blow you guys into the tube, then shut it, open the floor valve, and fire the charges. It'll be a bumpy ride, but with only the airlock's air to propel you, you won't be going too fast. >>

Shrike pauses and looks over at Hfolraw with one of those 'Is he serious?' expressions. "Shit."

"Ghhhrrrrrrr," is Hfolraw's only reply. Moving quickly he turns in place and fits the actuator to the floor valve, winching it shut.

Andon then says over the mic, << I brought two extra charges here if we don't have enough energy to spare to open the floor iris valve with. >>

<< Great! Wire them to the other two, we'll blow them all at once. >>

Shrike takes out two charges and passes them to Hfolraw, "We better be right up on the door when it opens, I don't feel like getting my foot caught." Hfolraw nods as he peels the sticky-tape from the two floor charges.

"Give me the wire for the third and fourth charges." Shrike takes the wire and completes the chain. The entire operation only takes a few seconds, unlike the careful application of detcord on the other side of 4-6.

Practically shouting << Charges are set! We're moving to the door. >> says Shrike and moves as quickly as he dares, not wanting to lose control now.

Bunching up at the door with Hfolraw, Andon asks, "Ready?"

"To die? Proper time, questionable means," Hfolraw mutters, hunching into a ball.

<< We're at 4-5 and ready! >>

The sapper finishes its work, and waves the squad back. They turn to make their way out of Main Engineering Control....

<< Brace yourselves-- NOW! >> Mac hits the switch. Door 4-5 slams open, and Andon and Hfolraw feel themselves hurled by an invisible hand down the corridor, slamming bruisingly against the walls and each other.

Door 4-5 clicks shut, and PATER fires the charges.

Instantly, the Elissa is rocked by a huge, roaring rumble, dwarfing the sound of the venting air in the Engineering chambers in its fury. For a full forty-five seconds, every bulkhead in the aft portion of the ship thrums as if struck like a tuning fork. The securecams show only a grey miasma of mist, hail and ice crystals, terrible in its intensity. Every now and again, an armored figure, or part of one, is dimly seen through the haze.

The shaking startles Limner badly. With a strangled yelp he looks out the port and notices that Igor is bouncing slightly toward the aft bulkhead. "IGOR! Cut grapples and apply enough grav to hold us in place at an altitude of one-half meter. Do you know what's happening?"

Out the port the motion toward the bulkhead ceases, as does the rumbling noise that had been transmitted via the landing pads.

_Grav thrust applied. Hovering mode. I have no information except that seismic indicators put the locus several decks under us and slightly aft._

Hovering there, scanning the area in question, he waits a minute, then, "Igor. Touch down again, and check deck stability."

_Executing. Touchdown. Deck stability at 80% with rapidly decaying harmonics only._

"OK, resume assigned location, cut gravs and grapple."

_Executing.... Complete. Deck vibrations at 5% and decaying._

One minute passes. Two. Aolrkhea's adrenalin rush subsides in the silence. *No order from the captain to open the hatch. The jump decks have surely decompressed by now, what is the delay?* Images flash of shadowy figures spreading out through the jump decks to secure all corners, silently gathering on the other side of their door. Then all the "Engineering Commandos" feel it. A terrifying shaking.

Instantly, the Elissa is rocked by a huge, roaring rumble, dwarfing the sound of the venting air in the Engineering chambers in its fury. For a full forty-five seconds, every bulkhead in the aft portion of the ship thrums as if struck like a tuning fork.

*Re-entry!* is Aolrkhea's first panicked thought.

To those strapped down it is bone jarring and unlike any atmospheric buffering ever experienced. Aolrkhea' grabs the nearest person with her left hand, unprepared for this turn of events. Thul's wrist is protected from her biting nails by both armor and vacc suit.

*What in the nine bloody hells are they doing!* Munro thinks to herself over the din of the walls vibrating. The noise is increadble in the still pressurized room, drowning out everything and battering at the senses.

_The contents of the Pool area in Aft Cargo Bay Three have been released into Main Engineering on Deck Four. Camera readings are intermittent but imply a great deal of kinetic impulse delivery to the hostiles in that area._

Munro is shocked by PATER's response. *Oh my God...*

Aolrkhea's tail wraps around her leg at the explanation, picturing water gushing through the door next. Rationale takes over and she forces herself to relax as the vibrations recede. Releasing her grip on Thul, she twice pats his hand lightly and returns to her rung. A sheepish smile is lost on his dark visor.

"This is a good ship," 'Vouf says to no one in particular, as he feels the Elissa shudder under the strain.

<< Boy howdy, >> Grey mutters, watching stress telltales turning red all over the aft sections of Deck 4.

Akhouw leans back and slowly takes a deep breath. << We have indeed lived to tell our tale, Tao' Ourlaliyh, but we merely survived our encounter, for I believe the hard truth to be that this Stamerra can only be said to be defeated when his spirit is numbered among the forgotten. >>

There is a brief yowl of laughter from the other end of the line. << Well spoken, Lakht Akhouw! Well spoken! >>

He shifts in his couch in unconscious satisfaction of such a result. << Now, friend, I understand your distrust. I have spent many ftahea among hisol'i and fiyfiyalr and too often did I discover of their dishonorable actions. Trust shall breed trust and we will make clear our honorable intentions in due time. We share in your sorrow; may your friends be counted among the Ukhtai Eaiawehi, in accord with our traditions and teachings. >>

He leans forward slightly, and one ear twitches. << For now, uakoweih, you would do me a great honor if you can help us to understand this place where we now find ourselves. The questions are so numerous that I hardly know where to begin; perhaps your judgment will inform you where to begin? My own personal questions will abate until a time when our needs are less pressing. >>

The mist finally clears, leaving a thick coating of ice crystals and dead fish everywhere. There are no armored men in Main Engineering or at the Deck 5 iris valve near it; only pieces of them. The four armored figures at the Aft Deck 5 valve pick themselves up from where the blast had slammed them against the walls and Jump Drive, and flee back up through the opened valves to Deck 2 and aft to the breach in the hull.

'Vouf watches the last four raiders hurl themselves out of the breach and thrust away, frantically hauling at their re-entry packs.

<< Stop the clock, PATER, >> he orders. << Engineering, this is the Captain. You may open the vac-door when ready; the last invaders have fled. I repeat, the last invaders have fled. You may initiate warm start without stealth procedures. >>

Limner is about to call the Bridge, when they beat him to it...

A flick to the All-Call. << All personnel stand down from red alert but remain armed and suited. Prepare for warm start and incipient return of gravity. >> He sighs.

<< They've jumped ship, all of them. It's over....we've won.... >>

'Vouf undoes his helmet and eases it off. His face is smeared with blood, tears, and dried foam. He rests his helmet on his lap for a long moment, and stares at nothing. "Aerrghzoum kimikh," he whispers. His body begins to tremble, and he hunches over in his seat, eyes shut tightly and tears wetting his muzzle.

Since Abdul's protestations of health, Rafe has been waiting in a relaxed posture of alertness, placing his brain into a form of trance state in which speculation and worry are impossible; he is only aware of the moment in which he exists, and of his field of fire.

'Vouf's message penetrates Rafe's state of No-Mind. After a few seconds, he straightens up, safeties his laser rifle, and stretches vigorously. Well, at least I didn't disgrace myself too badly, he thinks. It occurs to him, as the sociologist part of his brain begins to function again, that the losses must have been pretty appalling for 'Vouf to sound like that. He begins to worry about his friends.

<< PATER, casualty and damage report? >>

_Mister Silvmane has been terminated._ comes the calm reply. _Mister Neriika as suffered laser and high temperature plasma injury to his face and scalp. Mister Hur'Shurvan has suffered a minor laser wound to his left rear flank. Doctor Yorblin is in attendance on the bridge and currently has the situation in hand._

_The following airlocks have been destroyed_ advises PATER. After a quick run down the list, he continues, _The pool area has been evacuated, and the flash frozen contents are dispersed throughout engineering. Engineering decks two, three, and four are in vacuum, as is cargo bay number two. The powerplant is still off-line, but Mister Munro and her team are preparing to rectify that situation. There is minor laser damage to the bridge, but no bridge functions have been rendered non-operational. The hangar doors to the fighter bay have been jettisoned and the bay itself has suffered from extensive heat and caustic chemical damage. I cannot ascertain the amount of damage to the shuttle bay, but indications would suggest that it is severe._

_Three of the six rider mounts are temporarily disabled due to detonation of their emergency docking clamps. I have no contact with any starboard or dorsal sensors or weapons turrets, and the ship has suffered partial failure of the main sensor array and communications array. All communications systems save for radio are currently off-line due to powerplant failure._

The waiting has been torment. It is only about ten minutes that Nick Talon has been here in the Exec's cabin, crouched by the almost-closed door with his laser rifle at the ready. But it feels like a lifetime. Suited up as he is, he has no way to wipe the sweat from his face. All he can do to relieve the tension is flex his muscles occasionally to fend off the cramp that seems determined to set in.

Finally...

A flick to the All-Call. << All personnel stand down from red alert but remain armed and suited. Prepare for warm start and incipient return of gravity. >> Vouf sighs.

<< They've jumped ship, all of them. It's over....we've won.... >>

A wave of relief overcomes Talon, and suddenly he finds he cannot bottle up his emotions any more.

"YAHOOOOO!!!" he cries. "Way to go, our team!"

Having released a little tension, he engages the safety catch on his gun and takes a few moments to relax.

Still reeling from the onslaught of noise, Munro groggily acknowledges the go-signal. Checking one last time that everyone is safely secured, she turns to haut-Frieder.

<< Opening the door now, Mynheer Munro. >> Aaron hits the switch.

As the door opens, Munro struggles to hang limply in the straps. She tries not to fight the hurricane, but also tries to avoid banging into the equipment.

The wind starts slowly at first, then rises to a howling scream as ice crystals form on the sides of the manuever drives and on the Engineers' suits. They are buffeted a bit by the force of the gale, but with surprising swiftness it is over, and their suit telltales read a VERY dirty vacuum. There were no injuries; not even a bruise. 'Khea's preparations paid off, it would seem....

<< Let's go, >> Aaron says, unbuckling himself. He floats through the open door eagerly, then stops at the threshold. << Oh Lord, what a MESS! >>

The entire deck is covered with sheets of crytalline ice, with dead, exploded fish corpses floating here and there. Aaron picks his way toward the power plant monitor station, and jacks his handcomp into it.

<< Still fairly hot, Mynhher Munro, >> he reports. << We can be back on line in less than three minutes, assuming there's no major damage. >>

Lacking the urgency of a few minutes ago, Aolrkhea' unhooks herself and brushes the ice from her suit. Following the others into the jump drive room, she does a timid test push on the icy surface with a foot. Not comfortable with the feel, Aolrkhea' opts to climb on rungs with just her hands.

Moving carefully into the nightmarish scene, Aolrkhea' glances about for casualties. The only body she can locate in the quick search had a failure in suit integrity, to say the least. Aolr- khea' gives it all the respect the dishonorable deserve (none) and turns to the job at hand.

The power interlocks are simple enough to restore, but afterward Aolrkhea', unsure of procedure, hovers out of Munro's way. Trying to learn without interfering, she plugs in her handcomp to monitor system status.

Munro floats after haut-Frieder, being extra careful of push off points and handholds since everything is covered with ice. Seeing the floating, bloated fish, Munro swears with only a little leaking through the radio. What is heard would burn dock-yard workers ears.

Munro comes to a stop next to haut-Frieder. She starts diagnostics as her data monocle moves into position. After a short while Munro heaves a large sigh of relief. When she turns to the others, Yolanda is smiling grimly.

Looking around with a critical eye toward assessing damage done by the water, Munro spots pieces floating among the fish that are plainly not fish bits. She swallows several times quickly and turns back to the console.

With that, Munro settles down to work, intent on ignoring anything that does not have to do with getting her ship up, running and repaired. The dreams will come later. Hopefully she will be too tired.

<< Then you are only just arrived through the Gate, >> Ourlaliyh says softly. << How sad; to come here, only to be greeted by the likes of Stamerra-- >> the name is spoken like an expletive << --rather than by our friends. I cannot begin to tell you all that you wish to know; I will only say this: the loss of the Cerritos will not go unnoticed for long, and others from Event Horizon will come here to ascertain its fate. When they arrive, they shall be far better suited to aid you and answer your questions than this humble one. However, I shall try to the best of my poor abilities to answer the most pressing of your queries, but first you must answer me this: is the Gateway through which you came still open? >> This last question is greeted by a number of other voices behind the speaker:

"Yeah! Good one--"

"Beke nuramehk lanihzar--"

"SHHH! LISTEN!"

Akhouw's tone is a verbal shrug. << Such is the province of females, uakoweih, and perhaps Executive Officer Aiwiheikahaih can illuminate this point. >> He glances at Aiwi. << I can say that if the Gateway were still open, we should not be here. >>

Less than two minutes have elapse between the wall of water sweeping through the aft half of the ship clean of invaders and Farouk deploying his forces. With Yorblin in tow as team medic, a thorough security sweep, fanning out from Cargo Bay #2, begins to make sure that no other threats remain aboard Elissa.

After untangling himself from Hfolraw and checking each other for air leaks or injuries. Shrike wearily checks in, << Lazer, Shrike here, Hfolraw and I are in the corridor between the 4-4 and 4-5 locks. We're OK except for some bruising, where do you want us? >>

What am I doing? MacLaeran looks around in a slight daze and sees the floating remains of the intruder, Nishu being taken to sickbay, Silvmane's body with a massive hole in it, and Shurv right next to him bearing up a whole lot better than I. All hell just broke loose and I just stood here. I couldn't fight, but I didn't help anybody either. I've been in combat before, but nothing like this. This is so...personal.

Yolanda's voice brings him out of his semi-trance: << ... MacLaeran - after the power plant comes on line and stabilizes, bring gravitics to 1/20th gee for 60 seconds then increase to one gee. Engineering out. >>

MacLearan punches up his comm line.

"Captain, Mister Munro reports that power will be restored shortly. Do you wish gravitics restored immediately with one minute of 1/20th gee warning per Mister Munro, or do you wish to wait to allow time for clean-up," as MacLaeran looks at the globules of blood floating around the bridge.

"Ramp it up per her suggestions, Mister McLaeran," 'Vouf says. "It's easier just to swab the kakh decks." His smile is half weary, half rueful. "And try to to make poor Elissa sing any louder than she's been doing....?"

"Aye, sir," Angus half-smiles despite the horror he feels. Somehow, _Toccata_and_Fugue_in_D_Minor_ seems appropriate right now. A further status check reveals a few gravitic control mains have been damaged by the battle, but nothing the backups can't handle. Like Shurv did with the power board, Angus coaxes the Amber telltales to Green by the time power is available.

A quick final scan, and-

<< Bridge, this Dr. Limner. Igor and I are secure. Request permission to assist medical personnel. >>

<< Affirmative, Doctor. Best speed until we get the plant on line. >>

With a nod to no one, Limner switches channels...

<< MedLine, Limner to Yorblin: Jan, I'll be heading out of Igor in a couple of minutes. With your OK, I'd like to stop by sickbay and look at the Patients, unless I'm needed elsewhere? Also, have we taken Any of the invaders captive, in Any condition? >> (Anyone listening would note the the firm use of the plural on `Patients'.)

<< Yes, Morton, the only place will need you at present is in the sickbay...do me the favour of checking on Silvmane, he's going to require multiple regen treatments if he stands a chance at all. I'd appreciate input from your perspective. As for prisoners, we haven't encountered any yet. >>

With that Limner proceeds to re-stow the items he had stacked by the hatch, which only takes about 3 minutes. As he cycles out of Igor, he takes note of the slow return of gravity.

At Akhouw's announcement of the gate closure, the radio erupts in a chorus of cheers and yelling, which dies down only after a long stretch. When it returns, Ourlaliyh's voice is vibrant with suppressed emotion. << Your news is most welcome, Lakht Akhouw. It means the saving of all our lives. With the Gateway gone, the weather patterns will return to normal and we shall be able to save some of our harvest; it will mean the difference between a lean crop-cycle and starvation. >>

<< I am honored to be the bearer of such welcome news, Tao' Ourlaliyh. Perhaps at some time in the near future we may meet and celebrate your good fortune over a dispenser of fine hkyadwaeh? I am sure we would have many stories to exchange. >>

<< You would honor us by your presence, my Lord. It would please me to serve you the produce of our vineyards, of which my brethren the arlaeaha are so proud. >>

"The WHO?" 'Vouf sits up straight in his chair.

<< Indeed, my friend, you surprise me. Perhaps I should broaden my query -- we aboard the Elissa are all explorers of one stripe or another and of several races. Are there other races amongst your people? I know we are all eager to hear of your people and of their origins, these arlaeaha in particular. >> Akhouw's ear twitches, as he considers the reaction of Bhyarrvouf.

<< We are of many races, my Lord. Fteirle work the orchards and gardens and keep the great meatbeasts, aided by the arlaeaha, the varrrgrrr as they call themselves. The plants eaten by the herbivores are tended by the heeyumans, and the droynisin lend their aid in many endeavours. The path of honor, as interpreted by each of us, guides us all. >>

Akhouw interlaces his fingers and adopts an inquisitive pose. << Perhaps you may start with some fundamental questions. What is the nature of your land -- do you abide on a planet or some other structure? What, or where, is 'Event Horizon'? >>

There is a yowl of laughter from the radio. << Lakht Akhouw, with respect, neither I nor thirty generations of my ancestors have ever SEEN a planet-- we only know what they are from books! We live on the surface of the Wire, at whose Center I assume your ship is stationed, for it is at the Center that the Gateways form. Our farm and the others of the Harkeir occupy an aggregation of land on the surface of the Wire, some three hundred by eight hundred kilometers in size. We provide many useful crops to the people at CenterPoint, the great city-state at the midpoint of the Wire. CenterPoint should be your destination, as it is a safe haven for Dazzle Ships of all kinds, and the home of Event Horizon, the masters of the Gateways. >>

As Ourlaliyh speaks, 'Vouf pulls himself together, his momentary reaction passing. He sets his helmet on a towclip, and focuses on the data coming in. At the mention of "Masters of the Gateways," he sits up and his ears prick forward. "In-teresting," he says softly.

Aiwi leans over at this point and whispers to Akhouw, << Captain Bhyarrvouf has eliminated the remaining boarders, Commander, and has secured from full alert. It would seem the battle is over. >>

Akhouw carefully whispers to Aiwi's ear, << Noted. Inquire of Captain Bhyarrvouf ETA on power plant restart, as we may soon have visiting ships that I should like to go out to meet. >>

Azani stares at the crew cleaning up the mess on the bridge and then faces Vouf.

"Sir, do you wish me to stay on the bridge, or would you have me report back to Mr. Lazer?"

Azani then stands obediently rigid until a response is given. 'Vouf is so glued to the comm interchange that none is forthcoming.

Munro attempts to wipe her forehead with the back of her hand and runs into an obstruction - her helment. Blinking the moisture from her eyes, she scans the telltales on her console and checks her data monocle. Statisfied that all is ready, Munro keys the comn to the bridge while working the controls before her.

With a heavy sigh of relief, Munro pulls back from the console. Looking around she notices in a little bit that the debris floating in the 'air' slowly settles to, what feels like, the floor once more. Gradually the floor feels more solid. She leans forward again, keying systems and reconfiguring displays.

'Time to earn our pay tenfold.' Murno thinks to herself. 'Time for some people to work up a sweat. Do some of those softies some good.' She continues

_Level Two diagnostic will be complete in ten minutes, eight seconds,_ PATER replies. _A schematic of all breaches is now available on Holographic Display Four of your console._

_The following non-Engineers are listed as having the appropriate skill set at a Basic certification or higher: In Electronics, Basic certifications are listed for Goughzar, Vanessa Kor, Morton Limner, Andon Shrike, Manfred Werner, Mac Witfield, and Jan Yorblin. Skilled certifications are listed for Johann Abuko, Aiwiheikahaih, Zben Blaine, Karl Morser, Abdul Schmud, and Christian Van Der Merwe.

_In Engineering, Basic certifications are listed for Zben Blaine and Mac Witfield. Skilled certifications are listed for Aiwiheikahaih, Aolrkhea', Karl Morser, and Christian Van Der Merwe.

_In Mechanics, Basic certifications are listed for Thul Jonson, Abdul Schmud, Manfred Werner, and Mac Witfield. A Skilled certification is listed for Karl Morser.

After a moment, PATER adds, _While the current situation may prevent his assistance at this time, I must note for completeness that Bhyarrvouf is listed at Expert certification in all three areas._

_Our current fuel reserve is 53.866 megaliters. Main Engineering is fully operational, and control may be switched to Main Engineering from the Bridge at your command once Main Engineering is reoccupied._

<< Bridge, Khtaliyr. Commander Akhouw requests an estimate on warm start of power plant. >>

"Tell them to give us another few minutes," 'Vouf snaps at Blaine. "Munro's up to her tailbone in dead fish and dead bodies!" He looks irritable. "I'd say three to five minutes, tops."

<< Bridge...Engineering. Interlocks are reset, Mister Hur'Shurvan. >>

<< I copy, Ms. Munro >> Hur'Shurvan replies from the bridge. << All systems read clear to commence the warm start. >> He delicately presses a series of amber buttons on his console, and watches in satisfaction as each of them in turn changes to green.

Beginning warm start procedures...Looking good so far...Power plant restarting...All systems nominal...Bringing power up to standard levels. No faults detected...Power levels steady...No fluctuations...Looks good folks.

Akhouw scratches his chin as he considers these remarkable statements, glancing at Aiwi to see if she is following them. A quiet growl with an interrogative lilt seems to ask if she understands what is being said, then he turns back to the conversation.

Aiwi nods absently as she scans the outer emptiness for anything and everything, feeding the sensor data to the greedy scientists on Deck 5.

<< Most illuminating, uakoweih. In my many ftahea serving my clan leader throughout known space, this experience should prove to be unique. Perhaps you could tell me of your people -- from where did they come, thirty generations hence, and of what clan? >> Akhouw pauses for a moment, and emits a sharp, ironic bark. << And this hisol'iya'uist Stamerra --- as he has sworn our destruction, we would be interested if you can tell us from whence he comes and how matters stand with his kind? >>

<< My clan was the Akhailrau, and my forefathers came from the place called Aulryakh in the World Outside. We remember that it was a beautiful place, teetering on the edge of a vast abyss, but more than this we know not. And as for Stamerra, we neither know nor care what maggot's hole he crawls from to bedevil us-- his home base is hidden in the vastness of the Wire, and for all their might the Dazzle Ships of CenterPoint have never been able to track him down and crush him. >>

<< Then I certainly shall look forward to our meeting, Tao' Ourlaliyh. >> replies Akhouw, << We shall have many stories to tell and no doubt much to learn from each other. Much has happened Outside in the past thirty generations and the clans of the Hierate have gained much honor. I shall await our meeting with great anticipation and no doubt we shall communicate before then. Until then, go with honor, Tao' Ourlaliyh. >>

Akhouw thoughtfully strokes his mane and glances over to Aiwi to see if she has a status report on the Elissa.

<< And honor be with thee, LakhtAkhouw. We shall retain a carrier wave at this frequency, and when our psi-Talents are made aware of the arrival of friendly forces, we shall inform you at once. Fare Well! >>

The connection is broken, leaving only the faint carrier hum.

Morgan Grey says, << Sir, all status lights on aft stress sensors show green. >>

Hur'Shurvan's four hands are dancing across the Power Plant panel, chasing red telltales until they submit to his will and turn green.

With a sputtering flicker, the lights come on, and a moment later, the holodynes at every section brighten appreciably.

_Warm start successful,_ PATER intones. _All systems now at full power._

<< All hands, brace for return of artificial grav, >> 'Vouf orders over the All-Call.

After isolating known breaches, Merkle turns his attention to those areas requiring life support most urgently - SickBay, the Bridge, the Armoury - sending appropriate messages to each area as scrubbers come online and atmosphere is returned.

"Gravitics," 'Vouf orders, as the faint whir of the life support blowers kicks to life and the Elissa begins to thrum like a living thing once more. "Nice and easy, Angus." He then turns to Nanadh. "Stationkeeping, Mister Nanadh; get a bounce from the surface and hold us equidistant on all sides. Don't trust the densitometer."

At the Captain's order, Angus keys in a gentle ramp to 1/20th gee for one minute followed by a gentle increase to 1 gee over the next minute. "PATER, please monitor all compartments and notify me immediately of any deviations from programmed parameters."

_All gravitic systems are functioning within design parameters, with the exception of five primary systems that are offline and shunted to backups. The affected systems are noted on your main display._

After a while, PATER intones, _All ship's areas now at full gravity._

Angus notes the 5 affected gravitic systems, does a preliminary prioritization, and then logs them for review with Munro when she has time.

As the ship begins to breathe, Merkle cracks open his helmet and letting it settle in his lap, turns his attention to public areas and crew quarters, mess and lounge areas and as an after thought, food and drink dispensers.

Where they are still intact, Elissa's various lamps, lights and lighting panels crackle to life, showing in high constrast, the grisly aftermath of recent battles.

Then he returns to studying the life support systems or what might be left of them, in Engineering and the Cargo bays.

The life support systems themselves are intact, but without some means of sealing the breaches in the hull and damaged vac-doors, they will not retain air.

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