Copyright © 1997, 1998
Last updated on 1/21/98
Cargo Bay #2 - 06:00
Stepping around the bodies and keeping her distance Vanessa pokes each one with the rod she is carrying. While doing so she asks "Pater. Can you detect if there are any electomagnetic emissions in here that aren't accounted for. Particularly these bodies."
_I am detecting a number of small, self-contained power sources, miss Kor._ replies PATER. _All are consistent with components vacuum life-support equipment. Nevertheless, I suggest caution._
"Thanks Pater." Vanessa says then turns towards J.J. as she approaches the apparently undamaged body in combat armor.
"This looks interesting. Do you think he's faking?" she asks J.J. And pointing with the rod she continues "Any particular way you want to handle this?"
J.J. leans over the body and touches the small, suited form for a moment. "It's dead," he says, as if stating a fact, then gathers up an armload of the dropped weapons and heads back for the Armoury without a word. He doesn't even greet the Medical people as they enter to dispose of the bodies.
Hur'Shurvan enters Main Engineering. He is breathing a little heavily, but otherwise appears in reasonable shape.
"I'm sorry if I have kept anyone waiting," he says in his characteristic whisper. "How may I make myself useful?"
"Jump Drive diagnostics and interlock reset, my friend," Aaron calls. "Apparently we have a Jump ahead of us in here. Wherever HERE is."
"Certainly, Aaron." Hur'Shurvan shuffles his bulk into place behind a console and begins tapping away methodically at the controls, often with several hands at once.
After 'Shurv arrives and gets his assignment, Angus pipes up, "I'll be done here in a minute. I can assist you if you would like..."
"If you would stand by, Angus," says Hur'Shurvan, "I suspect that diagnostics are about to provide a list of things to do long enough to keep us both very busy."
Talon reads once more through the list of helm diagnostics displayed in front of him, as if he wasn't convinced by it the first time.
...clear ...clear ...clear ...clear ...clear.
All tests complete. Nothing wrong with the helm systems. It's the universe that doesn't work right.
This more-or-less one-dimensional oddball of a place they call the Wire has some downright weird gravitational effects, Talon muses as he makes subtle adjustments on his controls to keep the Elissa from drifting.
Cute, he decides. It makes life interesting.
Limner looks at the pile of standard issue body bags and mutters to himself, "This just *won't* do it.."
So saying he goes back into storage, opens a cabinet labled DECON, and pulls out a curious looking tank assembly, resembling an upside down SCUBA system. The hose leads to a thin .5m wide nozzle. Slinging the tank on his shoulder he returns to Jan, saying "If these things don't fit the bags we may have to use this."
"Whatever works. Let's do it."
Limner moves to a storage closet and removes some body bags, vacuum retrieval bottles, and other forensic gear. He checks his PLSS for charges, and seals up.
"Ready when you are."
As Dan's body withdraws into the low passage, Jan gathers his gear together.
"Let's give the security team a few minutes head start."
<< Security, this is Yorblin, I'll be heading out shortly with Dr. Limner to inspect the bodies of the intruders. As much as can be allowed, we'd like to see them in place. We can go ahead and bag them when we're done. Do you know of any problems in route from here back to engineering? >>
With that, Jan heads out the door with Morton close behind.
"Yorblin, this is Edmondsen. Sorry, Doc, but you're a bit late. We've had four teams cleaning up for nearly 20 minutes. Most of the bodies have already been interfered with. But why would you want to examine them yet? Surely any autopsies will be infinitely more productive after you get some background information on those new species? Leave those bodies on ice till we reach this Centerpoint place and get the New Owner to buy you a local medical text there. Why bust your butt duplicating somebody else's work?"
<< Mr. Edmondsen, >> comes the reply, << I don't wish to examine them to make my life harder, but to make your life easier. Any threats or weaknesses they may possess, I might be able to determine by a quick post-mortem. Just as you would inspect an enemies weapon, I inspect their bodies. If you had been listening, you would have noted that we may not have the luxury of going to Centerpoint and purchasing a textbook before we meet the threat again. Can I assume that since you have been at this for a few minutes, that there are no problems for us to transverse to engineering? >>
Rigo frowns for a moment, then shrugs. "OK, Doctor Yorblin," he replies. "If that's the most important thing you have to do right now, then go right ahead. All the weapons and explosives seems to have been secure. The only problem left is that the whole area is still in vacuum. Still, it wouldn't hurt to be careful when you poke around. Have a lovely time."
"Mr. Stubbs", as Ger walks over to the Nav Console, "I don't know if the Nav Computer has a model for our current Space Continuum."
Stubbs blinks at Ger a few times, then smiles broadly, aware that his leg is being pulled. "It doesn't, I don't think," he says with a straight face, "But I can teach it a thing or two."
Ger then accesses the Nav routines at the console without sitting down, He then gestures to the chair. "Have Fun", but remains to watch what Stubbs does.
"Thanks," Stubbs grins. He pulls a data crystal from a pocket, and keys the console mic before inserting it. "Er, ship's computer?"
_Yes, Captain Stubbs. I am receiving you._
"Ah," Stubbs says, looking surprised at the realistic tone of voice. "Nice emotion simulators. State personal designation."
_I am designated PATER. How may I help you?_
Stubbs blinks again, and looks over at Ger to see if this is another joke. He shrugs. "Accept nav computer input for analysis and coding of Jump coordinates. Inputting, NOW." He slots the crystal into the console.
After a moment, PATER states, _I am forwarding this data to the Science Team in the Sensor Pit, Captain. I believe that they will be quite interested in the physical paradigms it purports to represent. I am also prepared to assist you in calculations based upon this model._
"Assist....?" Stubbs blinks AGAIN. "Just how smart ARE you, anyway?"
_That information is not available to you at this time, Captain._
"Oh." Stubbs says very softly. He looks around the Bridge until he sees the securecam pointing at him, grimaces at it, and returns to work. The next ten minutes are an education in navigation for Count Ger, whose expertise is notable but who has never seen anything quite like this before.
"Mister Sokuku, I am off to get the equipment. I would like to reserve a sizeable meeting room for the main contact center. Please advise which room that may be, since the Sensor Pit is to be rather busy in the very near future."
Alliara gets up and leaves the Sensor pit to get the equipment...
"Hmmm," Dave muses as she leaves. "A Meeting Room. Pity we don't have the Alcyon any more...."
<< Mister Farouk, Niigurd here. Since in the near future it is to be expected that security personnel are to be the first to meet the locals, I would request you to issue voice and video recorders to those who actually would. >>
<< Request noted, Alliara. I don't see any problem, if time permits. >>
Loaded with equipment Jan, Limner, and Lucan, the medbot, exit Sickbay and ascend to Deck 4.
As Jan turns towards the cargo deck, Morton looks quizzically, "Excuse me, Jan, but shouldn't we go get the Vargr on the bridge?"
"No, I'd rather look at the unknowns first, just in case they have something that changes over time, aside from the normal decomposition in vacuum. Though I suppose someone should get to it, before it starts to smell, wonder if Niigurd is available?"
Shurv's earlier comment to Angus, unfortunately, is right on target. A moment later, he is presented with a priority ordered task list for the Jump Drive and related systems. Two minutes later, when Angus finishes his work and joins him, he is still reading. Three minutes after that, they're BOTH still reading. Finishing this job, even with Morser's and van der Merwe's help, is going to be very difficult in the limited time allotted. Those engineers from the Hamilcar won't arrive a moment too soon....
"Kharrbyegh, release grapples", touching in the course to intercept the final door.
*KA-CHUNG!*
_Grapples away,_ Kharrbyegh replies. _Paladin is in free fall._
Opening the comm to the inter-ship freq again, "That was exactly what I wanted to hear! Paladin to Elissa Bridge, I'm releasing from Elissa to aid Ace in recovering that last fighter bay door. Pater? Since I assume you're listening in here somewhere, please alert engineering when they have a moment that I will be returning the other door to them.
_I will inform them at once, Mister Goughzar. Chief Munro is growing impatient for aid in this matter, and will be pleased to hear of your assistance._
"Kharrbyegh, give me an estimate on time to intercept and return with grapples attached to that last door."
_ETA seven minutes and counting. Time to match courses and lock door; approximately three minutes. Return time seven minutes thirty seconds. Course corrections for safe door release, two minutes. Final ETA is 0615. Relaying telemetry to Elissa._
Zar moves to the piloting section of the control panels and initiates a course to intercept the final fighter bay door.
Into the middle of the bustle and cleanup of Engineering comes a figure well familiar to those who first shipped out on the Alcyon, what seems like years ago: a Vargr in a grimy Engineer's coverall, tools dangling from an overloaded harness and forearms festooned with strap-on instruments in a poor approximation of a pair of cyber- gloves. "O-kay, pinkstinks, what needs fixed first?" He strides over to the main displays, makes a noise somewhere between a cough and a growl, and dives under the main Jump coil.
"Here we go again," Aaron sighs softly, rolling his eyes.
"Hide the silver," Grey snickers.
"I heard that," comes a voice from under the coil.
Aaron and Grey exchange a panicked look and return to work.
A dim ghost seems to pass before his eyes before Christian snaps back to reality. A wistful smile plays about his lips for a moment. "I suppose our sanity is too big a task, hrmm?" A hollow laugh, and he turns back to a shattered control panel.
"Huh?" I just hate coming in in the middle of something. You understand all of the jokes. We need some levity about now. Angus completes a repair on one linkage and starts on another. Well, I am beginning to understand Ulysses' last quote -- 'Careful planning is the key to safe and swift travel.'
With a rye chuckle, Angus continues his work.
When the Captain arrives, a short while later, Merkle adds him to the developing roster of Engineering work parties displayed before him, doing the same several minutes later when Bishop arrives.
"Hoy, I in trouple a-KAIN," Chiifraa laments miserably as he lopes down the hall toward the Exec's Office. "WHY I do t'ese t'ings all time? WHY I nefer learn?" He stops abruptly, and glares at one of his companions. "WHY no you STOP me, Pex? It your CHOB!"
"HUH!" Bex has the grace to look affronted for a moment. "It's my JOB to keep you out of trouble, you miserable mussel masher? HAH! Right! Sing me ANOTHER fairy tale! Since when was THAT added to my job description? Huh? WHEN! I wanna KNOW, so I can call up Legal and--"
"Be silent," FixesThings intones.
Chiifraa and Bex both shut up.
The trio stop at the Exec's door, and take a moment to straighten their uniforms.
"We kon' DIE," Chiifraa whimpers.
"Or WORSE," Bex sighs.
FixesThings just shrugs and knocks on the door.
"Open!" The door slides open, revealing the Exec at her desk. She is reviewing a small sheaf of papers, calm and unruffled as ever.
FixesThings takes two strides up to the desk and salutes. "He Who Fixes Things, Second Engineer Main Jump Deck, reports as ordered."
Bex tosses off a casual salute. "Main Jump Deck Second Engineer's Mate Bexleyheath Tube Station Pop Vending Machine reporting, sir."
Chiifraa salutes, quaking. "Ch-ch-chiifr-fr-fraa-aa, Ek-tsek. S-s-second 'Lectronics Sy-systems M-m-mate, Main Chump Deck. Y-y-you screamt, sir?" He winces. "Not right word, doupledamns!"
Faohileh looks at the three Engineers for a long moment. Then she says mildly, "Pack your away kits and personal belongings. I have a special assignment for you, at the Captain's request."
"Sir?" Chiifraa dares to look the tiniest bit hopeful, one whisker twitching slightly.
"You all may have heard that the Elissa received both internal and external damage while repulsing the attack by the Nikaido," Faohileh continues. "Her Engineering staff has taken some casualties-- she is short of qualified personnel. The Chief Engineer informs me that you three are a good rapid-response team, and he is well pleased to let you all transship to the Elissa to help restore her to full functionality."
Chiifraa looks immensely relieved. Bex looks suspicious. FixesThings doesn't register any expression at all.
"Any questions?" Faohileh looks at them carefully.
"Permission to speak freely, sir?" Bex asks.
Faohileh nods. "Of course, Mister Bexleyheath."
Bex draws himself up to his full height. "Why US, sir? You can't make me believe you're sending us over there because we're the BEST rapid team you have, because even if these two morons don't know better, *I* sure do!"
"Mister Bexleyheath," Faohileh frowns, "Reread the regulations on what it means to be given permission to speak freely. In the meantime, however, let me answer your question in the spirit in which it was meant." She leans forward suddenly and glares at the Eia mechanic. "You and Chiifraa are the most miserable pair of iyleauih it has ever been my displeasure to have serve under me on ANY starship. Your penchant for practical jokes, slackery, missed deadlines and general laxness of discipline has worked its way up past the Engineering Division and into the Line of Command." Her glare intensifies. "Do you have any idea how much of a detriment to discipline and morale you must become before the Chief Engineer refers you directly to ME?"
Chiifraa wilts. "I sorry," he squeaks faintly.
"Hleeya, I daresay you are," Faohileh hisses. "But probably not nearly as sorry as I was when my beverage unit delivered me my morning kwyadeh neatly measured out and sealed in a CONDOM."
Bex's eyes bug out. Even FixesThings lets out a whuff of surprise. Chiifraa claps both paws over his mouth to stifle a giggle. Bex glares down at him. "You crashlanding crawdad crushing CREEP," he began. "I'm gonna--"
"Too late for retribution," Faohileh cuts him off. "You are well and truly doomed this time, gentlesophonts. I have reached the end of my patience with all three of you. If it were not for your excellent native abilities-- when you BOTHER to work-- Event Horizon would have ejected you all a long time ago. As it is, you may be ejected anyway, because no self-respecting Command in the Fleet wants you aboard its DazzleShip. That list," she finishes with a grim snarl, "Now includes the Hamilcar."
Bex gulps. Chiifraa's giggle dies abruptly.
Faohileh looks at FixesThings. "You have been offered a chance to distance yourself from these two barbarians before, Second Engineer. This is your last chance."
FixesThings looks sadly at Faohileh for a moment, then reaches down to rest a protective paw on Bex's back. He shakes his head slowly. "Can't."
Bex looks up at FixesThings, his expression genuinely miserable for the first time since the meeting began.
"Now hear this," Faohileh growls. "You are being transferred to the newest DazzleShip in the EH fleet, the Elissa, Captain Bhyarrvouf in command. You are going to fill out their Engineering staff and you are going to work until you collapse of exhaustion and comport yourselves with honor and dignity. No practical jokes, no slackery, no lapses in discipline. I strongly urge you to take this new position with the utmost seriousness; if you fail, you will not have another assignment awaiting you when you displease your new Command. For that matter," She permits herself a tiny smile, "You may not have an appreciable remaining lifespan."
Chiifraa's ears fold back, and he lets out a whimper. Bex gulps again.
"Leave my presence," Faohileh spits. "Tell Captain Bhyarrvouf that he may request another team to perform your duties when he grows weary of you, on condition that he perform a great service to Event Horizon by slaying you all. If I see any of you again within a year, it will be too soon."
"Thank you, sir," FixesThings says quietly, saluting again.
"Yeah! That's awful damn decent of you, Fao--" Bex begins.
"AAAAAOUUT!!" Faohileh shrieks, both dewclaws springing forth as she half-rises from her chair. There is a general rush for the door. As it slides shut, she sinks back into her chair and runs a trembling paw across her temples, as much to soother her sudden headache as to straighten her disarrayed mane. At least, she thinks wearily, it is the last ache I shall have from THAT trio. I truly pity the Elissa....
Outside, in the hall, Bex makes a dusting-off motion with his hands. "Well," he says, "That wasn't so bad at all!"
"Not PAD?!" Chiifraa's hackles stand on end. "She nearly EAT us!!"
"Is shame. Is exile. Again," FixesThings rumbles. "How is 'not so bad'?"
"We're still alive, aren't we?" Bex grins.
"Is so." FixesThings shrugs.
<< Thanks Paladin. I'll try to get Ace docked while you're bringing the other piece home. >>
<< Chief Munro, I am joining you now. What is the situation? >>
Munro glances at the approaching Aolrkhea', and nods. The data monocle in front of one eye gives her a slightly stuffy look.
<< Glad you're here. Situation is that we're about to man-handle 100 tons of super-dense with muscle power and Ace. Not an ideal situation. We can do a crude job with the first door. But we need to have a work pod to position the second door without smashing everything to tin foil. >>
Aolrkhea' looks at Munro, but decides against expressing her discomfort at being in this situation without a lazer weapon or other defense (tranq rounds in a gauss pistol don't count out here).
Watching Ace, Aolrkhea' says, << I did not intend to leave you alone out here for so long, but I wanted to make sure the other engineers were not..unbalanced with our situation. >> She glances at Munro again.
Munro jerks as if a live wire had touched her. << Is anything wrong? Anybody having trouble in there? >> Munro motions behind her in the general direction of the engineering spaces.
<< Not at all. Their performance is beyond question. I am doing my duty to monitor engineering's mental health in this situation. Even great warriors sometime need advice along an honorable path. >>
Munro relaxs a little. Looking to be in deep thought, she adds,
<< Aolrkhea', I'd appreciate an evaluation of all engineering staff members' reactions to this emergency after it's over. >>
Turning to look at Aolrkhea' directly, she smiles a closed mouth smile.
<< Of course, I *don't* expect it immediately. Now as to what we're doing out here. I figure the reattachment of the grid interlocks to the hangar bay door interfaces will give you a good opportunity to brush up on your engineering skills. The fact that you are one of the few people with zero-g skill and engineering skills make you highly valuable. Be careful. Can't afford to lose anyone right now. >>
Munro trails off, looking glum and obviously intent on her data monocle.
Aolrkhea' respects her superior's concentration and says no more. After a note in Trokh to a log, she turns to ponder the view.
The Paladin accelerates smoothly aft of the Elissa, sensors tracking the gently turning door. It passes the unusual sight of the Ace towing the huge door against its belly, and continues on to intercept the door.
It takes a few moments of fumbling, even with Kharrbyegh's aid, to match courses with the door. The Paladin turns belly-down toward the slowly rotating object, hesitates, then fires its grapples. The jerk as the door is caught and brought to a stop is noticeable even through the dampers, but the Paladin is far heavier than Ace, and the operation is carried out safely.
By 0615, as 'vouf comes out to join Munro and the door crew outside, the Paladin is in sight, returning with the second door in tow.
The vacc-suited figure would be unremarkable, if not for the two shiny black, antenna-festooned, basketball-sized spheres floating behind it.
<< Hi, kids. >> calls Bishop. << I assume the chief is already outside. It took a bit longer than I expected to unpack the guys, >> he thumbs over his shoulder, << back here. >>
Sweeping his gaze around the vast compartment, Bishop evaluates the carnage and damage 'up close and personal' for the first time since the battle.
<< I sure won't want to be here when you repressurize. >> he comments. << The smell is going to defy description... and I can describe right up there with the best of them. >>
Merkle's snout wrinkles with disgust at Bishop's repressurization comment.
Offering once last glance around, he adjusts the harness on his PLSS and heads for the aft exit. << I guess I'd better not keep Miss Munro waiting. She'll... >> He stops, starts, stops again, and then stares intently at the port number one jump coil housing.
<< Sorry, Captain. I didn't see you down there. >> As he starts aft once more, the engineering crew can just *barely* hear a song coming over Bishop's comm-line. He's very quietly singing.
<< Oh, they built the ship Titanic, to sail the ocean blue, and they thought they had a ship that the water would not come through. But the good Lord raised his hand, said "This ship will never land.", It was sad when the great ship when down... >>
_All hands, attention. Mr. Niigurd recommends psionic shielding for any personnel who will be in contact with outsiders, until further notice. That is all._
"Sensible guy, this Niigurd," Stubbs mutters while working on the Bridge.
Boris looks admiringly at the neat list of Life Support functions, PATER has displayed.
<< PATER, what are you doing when this mission is complete? Would you be interested in doing some private work? I can think of at least a hundred nice projects I could use you for, back home! >>
_I will assume that this invitation is not literally meant,_ PATER says calmly, _And accept the implied compliment. Thank you, Mr. Merkle._
Grinning, Boris scans down the list. Noting nothing seriously wrong with Life Support functions, he moves several items to a list of jobs that will constitute the general restart of normal engineering operations on the Elissa. He glances around for the nearest Security type, and tells them a MedBot will be along shortly to help clean up bodies.
Then he notices a small memo to himself. Merkle addresses the pair of feet protruding from under the main core.
"Ahem, Captain. Just before you joined us, Chief Munro requested your assistance 'outside'. The grid is apparently badly scarred, and if I heard correctly, we have no grid repair patches on board.
"Whurf?" *BONK* "Ae! Tsakha!"
"When Mr. Hur'Shurvan and Dr. Morser have a chance, they can deal with the repairs you're working on. My apologies for not bringing this to your immediate attention.
"No harm done, Mr. Merkle," 'Vouf says, sliding out from under the core and rubbing a sore elbow. He divests himself of his coveralls, revealing his Bokhutokh tailored vacc suit underneath, and detaches the oxygen feed from his mask long enough to pull his hard helmet on.
"By the way, I understand that a 'friendly' engineering group will be coming aboard shortly. How would you like them deployed?"
'Vouf chuckles as he heads for the fighter bay lock. "Wherever they'll do the most good, Mr. Merkle," he says. "You've done fine so far...for now, just get them on general pre-Jump setups and simple tasks, 'til they learn their way around. Kae, if Life Support's in hand, you can meet 'em when they come in, eh-hrf? Tell Blaine to direct them to the dorsal airlock Stubbs came in at, and be there to welcome them." He pauses. "And have either Mr. Farouk or Mr. Edmondsen there too, to scan them for weapons. I may be crazy but I'm not stupid."
"Aye Captain!"
He cycles through the airlock with a wave.
Boris waves absent-mindedly.
<< Engineering to Bridge. Mr. Blaine, Merkle here. I've been ordered to meet our guest engineers at the airlock where the Captain met Mr. Stubbs. I wasn't paying attention at the time ... which airlock was that? Also, The Captain would like them scanned for weapons. His suggestion was Mr. Farouk or Mr. Edmondsen. Could you relay that to Mr. Farouk...if he is busy, perhaps he could assign an appropriate substitute.
And by the way, is there *any* atmosphere between me and that airlock? I'm getting tired of my own smell in this suit, and I'd like to ventilate before I meet our guests."
Boris updates his display.
<< PATER, be a good chappie and copy this to a console nearby to Shurv. >>
<< Voicemail to Hur'Shurvan: My friend, I'm off to meet our guest engineers from the Hamilcar. You'll find the current status of all engineering jobs at a display near you. Drs. Limner and Yorblin will be along shortly way with bodybags and a MedBot to clear out the bodies. Bellow if you have questions."
Taking one quick look around, trying to pull some of the wrinkles out of the binding parts of his suit, Boris heads out.
They proceed past the Mess (`Mess is right! Limner thinks, looking at the damage all around), and proceed thru the `tunnel' to the area of Lift D. There they encounter the first unknown creature, the `otter-like' hacker. Neither Doctor is familiar with this race.
They follow the established procedure: Dr. Yorblin takes fluid and tissue samples, and describes the body while Dr. Limner holo-records the body from every angle, getting closeups of interesting areas. To any crew working near by this would appear macabre, with them poking instrument into open wounds, trading medical comments back and forth, and exclaiming over strange discoveries. When finished they gentle roll the body into a bag, seal it, and give the bag a shot of inert gas. Each bag is then sent back with the robot to be placed in a lowberth chamber for temporary storage.
"They're serious about their cyberspace, this critter has got a datajack straight into the spinal cord."
Jan utilizes a pocket sampler to analyze the dried blood that is readily available, "Heme-based blood, possibly mammalian line, fairly normal electrolytes and glucose, not too weird. I'll save any more analysis for when we're back down in the sickbay."
"Bishop? You're kidding..."
<< Bishop! Drop whatever you're doing and double time it back to the cargo bay. Get a work pod here ASAP. >>
<< Munro to bridge. Mr. Blaine, please connect me to Ace on ship to ship. >>
<< Mr. de Mer, ease up on your thrusters. This is going to be like target shooting with a spinal mount particle gun instead of an air rifle. >>
<< Ne pas t'inquiete, Chief. I planned to bring it to a nice gentle stop. Goughzar is going for the other door with Paladin so do you want Ace inside before you start attaching the doors or shall I wait?"
<< Mr. de Mer. We're going to demean Ace and use it like a work pod. A very *large* work pod. This is going to require a *very* light touch on those *very* responsive controls. After attaching the door, it would be best if you hangared Ace in one of the cargo bays. You can use those wonderful magnetic feet to anchor it. This hangar is no place for any self respecting fighter. And it won't be a fit place for a fighter for a while. >>
<< ...It was sad when the great ship when down... >>
Justing finishing that line, Bishop is barely a dozen steps past 'Vouf (who is currently chatting with Merkle as he shucks his engineering coveralls), when Munro's voice crackles over the comm:
<< Bishop! Drop whatever you're doing and double time it back to the cargo bay. Get a work pod here ASAP. >>
<< On my way, Chief. >> Bishop pulls an abrupt U-turn and heads back for 'Vouf and Merkle. As he reaches them, he hands his portable welder to the Vargr.
"I guess you'll need this before I do, Captain."
'Vouf nods absently, taking the welder. "Safe flight, Adrian. And thanks."
Having done that, he breaks into a rapid trot, dance-stepping across the slippery, debris-strewn floor of main engineering.
::PATER, thinks Bishop, pump down bay one and open the starboard hatch as soon as possible. Dump air if you have to, as long as the hatch is open by the time I'm ready to launch.::
_Emergency compressors are already engaged, Adrian._ comes the calm reply.
::Pump down gravlift shaft D,:: continues Bishop. ::I'm in vacuum all the way there anyway.::
_Already done._
::I can't catch you at anything, can I?:: smiles Bishop.
_I still process faster than you do, Adrian_ comments PATER, _even with your enhancements._
::Brag, brag, brag,:: retorts Bishop. Exiting main engineering forward, he steps onto the waiting liftplate in the D gravlift and is swiftly whisked up two decks. As he steps off the plate, the iris valve cycles closed beneath his feet and he feels the gentle buffle of atmosphere against his vacc-suit.
::PATER?::
_Bay one is still in partial atmosphere. I am equalizing to save time._
There is a slight *pop* as the airlock opens against the less than perfect pressure match. Grabbing the doorframe for brief support, Bishop pulls himself forward and sprints for the starboard Discovery workpod. Faintly, he realizes that he can still hear the *chuff*chuff*chuff* of the compressors attempting to suck the last dregs of air from the huge compartment.
Bishop grabs the workpod hatch release in its recessed socket, tugs it out and rotates it. Slowly and smoothly, the hatch retracts and begins to slide up out of the way.
"Don't worry, Ostyn," Bishop mumbles under his breath, "I won't hurt your baby". Before the hatch is even halfway open, Bishop squeezes under the door and thumbs the HATCH CLOSE switch as he drops into the pilots couch. Activating the holo-console, Bishop quickly runs up the powerplant and doublechecks the magnetic landing gear anchors.
<< OK, PATER, >> Bishop activates the comm, << I'm secure. Crack the bay doors. >>
A gentle breeze becomes an momentary hurricane as the starboard cargo bay door rumbles open and the last of the air explodes out through the widening gap. As the buffeting dies away. Bishop releases the anchors and gently applies power to the thrusters.
<< Bishop to Chief Munro. Workpod number one is clear of the hull and enroute to your location. ETA, thirty seconds. >>
The screen illumines with a startling sight: an Aslan male in full combat armor, minus the helmet. He is not a pretty sight; the right side of his face has been seared, some time in the past, and is naked pink scar tissue, a bionic eye replacing the real one in its socket. The skin of his right chop has puckered up to give him a perpetual one-sided snarl, and his teeth are discolored and partially rotten. His voice is a cracked, hoarse growl as he speaks in Trokh.
The sudden appearance of such a grotesque visage fails to alter Akhouw's impassive appearance. Only a fractional flattening of his ears and a tiny roughening of his voice reflect the once-forgotten memories of true horror running through his sympathetic mind. The face before him was like many others that Akhouw saw over the course of his long career. The honor of such valiant sacrifice was as evident as the painful cost.
<< Khtaliyr! Honor unto thee, lakht'Akhouw, from thy servant. I am styled Eakhutla... squad leader, Ajax Team One. I bear you a gift. >>
He holds up a severed human head, dripping gore, to the camera.
Akhouw merely blinks. << Honor be with you, khir'Eakhutla, and your squad. Your victory speaks its own tale. >> Akhouw coldly views the gory trophy. That the hisol'i deserved his fate was certain, yet the circumstances were not clear. Stamerra and his mewling cowards had proven themselves unworthy of honorable battle but honor still required obedience to orders. Doubtless Stubbs had wanted living prisoners to interrogate and this decapitated rukhtal would speak no longer.
<< This garbage shall not soil your robes with his greasy paws again, lakht'Akhouw. Nor shall his compatriots. We have one prisoner not yet among the ranks of the Forgotten; should you desire him for yourself, I suggest that you inquire of Captain Stubbs. QUICKLY. >> He growls. << That iyhte'eafai, Faohileh, will be angered that I offered him to you before remanding him into our custody. But females know nothing of honor. >>
An ear twitches in consternation. The landless of the ftierle often were less refined in their sense of honor, letting their passions warp the true path of a warrior's honor. The possibility that other prisoners had been killed in violation of orders was disquieting and most annoying. Eakhutla's utter lack of respect for a senior officer merely accentuated the usual social crudity of the landless. Akhouw makes a mental note to speak with this Faohileh, with the utmost in diplomacy and respect, of course.
At her station nearby, Aiwi's eyes narrow to green slits and she almost...ALMOST...lets out a hiss of disapproval. The term "iyhte'eafai" is not one used lightly; it means, literally, "blinded by duty," and can imply anything from a mindless devotion to bureaucracy to an inability to function with honor in situations that demand it. Using it casually to describe a superior officer, even one of the opposite gender, is the mark of a very, VERY lowborn Fteirle. (The crack about females knowing nothing of honor didn't help, either.)
A quick glance at Aiwi satisfies Akhouw as to her self-control. He knew well that her will rivaled his own, yet such inflammatory words would test even her.
Eakhutla grins, or attempts to with his mangled face, an expression of mixed pleasantry and challenge. << What is your wish, my Lord? >>
Alliara leaves the sensor pit and walks down the corridor to the stores to break out data and voice recorders, video and 3d cameras, doodle pads and to prepare linguistic chips for hand-comps.
<< We have a crew coming over to work on the Jump drives, Mr. Niigurd, >> comes 'Vouf's voice. << I have no idea who or what they are. Probably humans, so we don't get the tsakha scared out of us. They're likely to be all we get for a while. If you want, I can arrange an interview once our tails are out of this sling. >> Pause. << I'd send you over to the Hamilcar and let you go nuts, but I don't know how they'd deal with a linguist running around the corridors asking questions. >> After a smirk, he adds, "Besides that, the only gear we really need is the old data masher." He taps his temple. "I still think that's the best cultural anthro tool around."
<< Thank you, captain. An interview. May I meet them first!? There is probably little chance from keeping them unpolluted, linguistuicly, by our engineering people. However, I want them for contact team immediately AFTER they stop mucking with the fridges. >>
<< Can be done, I think. Captain out. >>
Fortunately the stores Alliara needs are in Cargo Bay Three; she is able to get to them by a simple trip down from the damaged lift C, without having to enter a vacuum region.
Reaching the stores, Alliara stares around somewhat wildly, then breaks the seals on boxes of 20 voice recorders and hangs these like a garland around her neck. "Bleeding tapes," she mutters. "PUTTER! Did Sokuku assign a meeting room for us as a contact center? If not, assign us one, a big one. And announce it by all-call to the crew."
_Doctor Sokuku is discussing a suitable room with the Captain, Mister Niigurd. I will inform you of their decision. Doctor Sokuku is arguing for the Conference Room. However, the primary obstacle to an easy selection appears to be the Captain's concerns about such a room being too close to the Bridge for safety._
"Good, Putter, inform me immediately a decision is reached."
<< Engineering, this is Niigurd of contact section. I have some voice recorders for you. Please advise where you want 'em. I want the interactions with the wire team recorded in toto. >>
There is a long pause. Then Morgan Grey's voice comes on the line, in a very sweet tone. << This is the Engineering Section. We're not able to come to the phone right now, but if you leave your name and number, we'll get back to you just as soon as we can. Thanks ever so much. Peep. >>
The circuit cuts off.
"Bloody widget-poopers! Oh well, no rest for the wary." mutters Alliara. Shuffling the audio-recorders' garland to better distribute the weight, she continues down the corridor towards the engineering section, avoiding vacuum sections along the way.
Staggering slightly under the weight of the recorders, Alliara leaves the stores and walks towards engineering.
<< Engineering to Bridge. Mr. Blaine, Merkle here. I've been ordered to meet our guest engineers at the airlock where the Captain met Mr. Stubbs. I wasn't paying attention at the time ... which airlock was that? Also, The Captain would like them scanned for weapons. His suggestion was Mr. Farouk or Mr. Edmondsen. Could you relay that to Mr. Farouk...if he is busy, perhaps he could assign an appropriate substitute. And by the way, is there *any* atmosphere between me and that airlock? I'm getting tired of my own smell in this suit, and I'd like to ventilate before I meet our guests."
<< Blaine to Merkle: I'll pass on message to Mr. Farouk and find out who he can spare. I'd suggest Not letting them through the inner lock until a security person arrives. That location is the dorsal lock, on Deck 1, and you should be able to freshen your suit anywhere forward of the Cargo bays. >>
Zben then taps open the Security channel.
<< Blaine to Mr. Farouk: I have a relayed request from our Captain. The Hamilcar is sending over some engineering assistance, and he'd like them met at the dorsal lock and scanned for weapons. The Captain has suggested either yourself or Mr. Edmondsen. Mr. Merkle will also be there to guide the guests after you have cleared them. Blaine out. >>
<< Acknowledged, Mr. Blaine. Will send Edmondsen; please notify him of their ETA. Farouk out. >>
Rigo ponders for a bit, then thumbs another switch.
<< Bridge, this is Security. Is Captain Stubbs available? We're running a security sweep and we'd like to know if there's any way anyone could remain undetected by standard measures. I'm thinking primarily about psionics, about which you appear to know more than we do, Captain. Also, we have three unknown lifeforms - ex-lifeforms, rather - a small otterlike being, a sort of caterpillar, and a big ursinoid. Is there anything pertinent we need to know about these beings, Captain? >>
<< Stubbs here. To the best of my knowledge, which is admittedly sketchy, Stamerra's always relied on his teleporter, who relayed power from a psi on the Nikaido, to do his dirty work. If he had anything else of that nature up his sleeve, we don't know about it. By the way, from what I've overheard, you people are being just careful enough; booby- traps on Stamerra's boarders are rare but not beyond the realm of possibility. >>
<< As to the aliens you've described.... be very careful with the things that look like caterpillars. They're called "Thsk'op", and they're very hard to kill. If one's crushed or cut up, that's one thing, but I've seen one lose the back third of its body and keep on fighting. And after they're dead, they stink like nobody's business. The others shouldn't be any problem. If they look like they've suffered injuries that would kill a human, they're dead. >>
Silently cursing himself for not thinking of asking Stubbs earlier Rigo quickly relays this information to the teams. As an afterthought he then also relay it to Yorblin.
"Bit late," J.J. Horne grunts, entering the Armoury and dropping an impressive pile of weaponry on the table. "One a' them critters did a little dance when Kor poked it, but it looked like a stingsling dyin' after ya step on it." He lights his cheroot, putting his helmet aside, and begins to sort the guns.
"Yeah, I know it's a bit late," Rigo replies sourly. "Sorry about that."
"No sweat," J.J. shrugs. "Can't think of everything at once."
A new voice cuts in on the line.
<< Etienne, this is the Captain. Continue operations until Bishop arrives in the work pod, then disengage from the door and head for Cargo Bay One. PATER, leave the door open for the fighter and work pod; direct M'syoor de Mer to a suitable berthing spot. Mr. Jonson, Mr. haut-Frieder-- we're going to need you out here for the door job, especially for the new charges. >>
Etienne responds,
<< Aye, Captain. Do I remain on station or shut Ace down? >>
<< Shut her down, Etienne. The Cargo Bays are not going to be healthy places to be when we Jump. Report to the Bridge and see if Mister Talon wants to be spelled. Captain out. >>
<< Rigo, we have some engineers coming over from the Hamilcar who need to be met at the airlock--Dorsal B. Would you take care of it? Mr. Blaine will get you their ETA. Farouk out. >>
"Hau, Major," Rigo responds briskly. "I'm on my way. Horne, take over here, will you?"
J.J. nods. "I got it," he growls, taking Rigo's seat. He seems bothered about something.
Rigo quickly checks his guns, grabs one of the security lockboxes and a pocket metal detector and hurries away to the airlock.
As Rigo leaves, J.J. calls, "Hey, uh, Rigo?" He swallows. "Be careful, okay?" He turns away and makes a big show of studying the monitors carefully.
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