S13 - M1: When the Bough Breaks, Part II

[Inzjana]

[Section  31 Lab]

Ian had already found a semiconductor in one of the power junctions that would make a passable waveguide when Inzjana mentioned the biobeds, causing Ian to smile as he replied.

"Aye Lass, that they will. We'll have ta link them in series ta get enough modulation, but yes, that will make a right fine transmitter array. However, I'm only goin' ta use ten of the beds. Mister Gibbons needs the one the Chief is in and I want ta leave one available should anyone else get hurt. Now all we need is some number 12 cable, a flux coupler, and a hyperspanner, and we are in business."

ILLIAD III | CAVERN - SLAUGHTER HOUSE (MEDICAL LAB)

Inzjana didn't have her VISR on while she was talking with the commander, given that the appearance of the wearable tricoder was that of sunglasses, she knew humans particularly prefer to see the eyes of the person they are talking to. Inzjana was unsure why, but theorised it had something to do with their tendency to believe - even in the 24th Century - that they can see your soul (Katra) through your eyes and although they do not believe it now, the habit still remained.

Putting back on her VISR (Visual Intelligence System - Reconnaissance) she scan the room, switching through sensor modes to locate the Commander's required components.

The first thing Inzjana found was a conveniently left behind tool box sitting next to a reel of number 12 cables. Unfortunately, as luck would have it, she was unable to find anything resembling a flux coupler, anywhere in the immediate vicinity.

"Commander," Inzjana said aloud, motioning for Galloway to come in her direction, "I have located a tool box, sir, and a reel of cabling equivalent to the desired gauge, but I am not able to locate a flux coupler at present. Although your Phaser will have one, but that would mean pulling apart said weapon, leaving you defenceless."

[Ian Galloway]

ILLIAD III | CAVERN - SLAUGHTER HOUSE (MEDICAL LAB)

Inzjana didn't have her VISR on while she was talking with the commander, given that the appearance of the wearable tricoder was that of sunglasses, she knew humans particularly prefer to see the eyes of the person they are talking to. Inzjana was unsure why, but theorised it had something to do with their tendency to believe - even in the 24th Century - that they can see your soul (Katra) through your eyes and although they do not believe it now, the habit still remained.

Putting back on her VISR (Visual Intelligence System - Reconnaissance) she scan the room, switching through sensor modes to locate the Commander's required components.

The first thing Inzjana found was a conveniently left behind tool box sitting next to a reel of number 12 cables. Unfortunately, as luck would have it, she was unable to find anything resembling a flux coupler, anywhere in the immediate vicinity.

"Commander," Inzjana said aloud, motioning for Galloway to come in her direction, "I have located a tool box, sir, and a reel of cabling equivalent to the desired gauge, but I am not able to locate a flux coupler at present. Although your Phaser will have one, but that would mean pulling apart said weapon, leaving you defenceless."

[Section 31 Lab]

Ian chuckled at Inzjana's suggestion he disassemble his phaser.

"I'll nae be doin' that ta my own phaser Lass. Usin' a phaser is a good idea, but I'll be usin' that leam-leat Huqma's phaser for the task. You start the cablin' Lieutenant, I'll start on the waveguide calibration. Tedious work, but no choice for it. We have got ta talk ta the Discovery."

[Tekin Nevir]

[Shuttle]
Ardy nodded, understanding the desperate move Tekin had made to ensure the safety of the others. She hated not being in the fray, on the front lines to protect her captain and her friends, but he was right. It wasn't about her anymore. She wasn't as expendable now as she had previously considered herself before the baby. There was still a few months before baby Maddy would make her entrance, but already, she was dependent on Ardy for the basics of existence, plus everything else.
When the shuttle lurched, Ardy looked at Tekin for input as they were towed in. unfortunately, all she could do was wait and see. Maddy kicked again, turning somersaults inside her. Rubbing her extended abdomen, she looked over at Tekin. "Stay safe, boss. I'll be keeping the ship running for you."

[Illiad III - Research facility]

"I guess you being alone was a fool's wish." he said, stepping off the shuttle ramp.  The doctor in front of him just laughed.

"And have me all to yourself?  How naughty!  If you want me alone with you so bad, you just need to ask."

Nevir frowned, lowering his hand and the weapon it held.  "Okay, I'm here... now let my crew go." he said, a form tone in his voice.

"Just a minute, Captain.  There is a slight issue."

"Don't you dar-"

"You said one shuttle, and one pilot... but there is another lifesign aboard that shuttle.  Either you lied... or someone is on there that shouldn't be there.  Let's find out." she said, nodding to one of her guards.  He moved swiftly behind the Bajoran, and right for Ardyn, pulling her out.  Luckily for her, once he saw her situation, it was a... gentle... pull.

"Oh Captain.. you shouldn't have.  A fetus is every researcher's dream!" she said slyly, and the Bajoran's eyes went wide.  This woman was more sinister than he expected.

"No!  That's not what we agreed on!  Me for my crew!" he shouted, even as restraints were forced onto him.  Ardyn was also getting hers at the same time.

"Really Captain... you really shouldn't have.  The galaxy is a dangerous place for a late term pregnancy.  You can't possibly think I would pass an opportunity like this up?  That baby has a better chance of survival than any of us.  Alright, get them strapped in." she ordered, as the black-clothed agents pulled the two away and into the facility.

The woman tapped her temple twice, and went over to a nearby panel, putting in some commands, and watching as the shuttlepad released from the platform and lowered down to the lower levels.

[Illiad III - Intake labs]

It was time for Jessica to reactivate the holo emitters, and give the away team the good news.

"Well now... looks like you all are free to go.  Turn left at the door and follow the lights, your shuttlecraft is prepped.  Because I know Mr. Galloway is a feisty one, I should tell you that the shuttle was will be controlled by this facility until you are out of the atmosphere.  I suggest you return to your ship.  Your crew needs you."

[Ian Galloway]

[Illiad III - Intake labs]

It was time for Jessica to reactivate the holo emitters, and give the away team the good news.

"Well now... looks like you all are free to go.  Turn left at the door and follow the lights, your shuttlecraft is prepped.  Because I know Mr. Galloway is a feisty one, I should tell you that the shuttle was will be controlled by this facility until you are out of the atmosphere.  I suggest you return to your ship.  Your crew needs you."

[Section 31 Lab]

Ian straightened up from where he was painstakingly manually calibrating their make shift subspace waveguide when the hologram appeared. Facing Stamen he eyed her suspiciously and growled.

"What's the catch? You slaughtered the entire crew of the Sarek for no more than your own twisted gratification, but we are just 'free ta go?' I smell a colossal lab coat wearin' rat."

Ian said with the utmost contempt.

[Kali Reyes]

[Illiad III - Intake labs]

It was time for Jessica to reactivate the holo emitters, and give the away team the good news.

"Well now... looks like you all are free to go.  Turn left at the door and follow the lights, your shuttlecraft is prepped.  Because I know Mr. Galloway is a feisty one, I should tell you that the shuttle was will be controlled by this facility until you are out of the atmosphere.  I suggest you return to your ship.  Your crew needs you."

[Caves]

Post op, especially a shoddy emergency one at that, felt no good for anyone. As the sedative wore off, Kali was weaving in and out of consciousness, the world in a haze. There was a hand on her shoulder, pushing her back down if she so much as moved an inch, and her skin felt clammy and cold. She finally gathered enough energy to break out in a shiver.

Gibbons loomed over her and pulled an eyelid back as her pupils tried to adjust. "How do you feel, Chief?" His voice vibrated and echoed into her pounding ears.

"Underpass?" she asked, thinking that the lights above and the dark area was more akin to a vehicle tunnel in Tharsis City than a cave system. "Where're we going?"

"Back to the ship, hopefully."

Kali slowly blinked, trying to maintain focus, then shifted over to Ryder. She winced up at him as a dull pain bloomed in her abdomen. "Like viridian pancakes?"

"It's the cocktail," Gibbons warned Ryder. "The drugs must be making her disoriented."

"Take exit 43 to Ophir tunnel," Kali continued nonsensically. "Pancakes for kilometers, Nate. Big pancake sign on the right. Mama Trudy's Big Stack of Martian Pancakes. Kilometers, Nate."   

[Tekin Nevir]

[Section 31 Lab]

Ian straightened up from where he was painstakingly manually calibrating their make shift subspace waveguide when the hologram appeared. Facing Stamen he eyed her suspiciously and growled.

"What's the catch? You slaughtered the entire crew of the Sarek for no more than your own twisted gratification, but we are just 'free ta go?' I smell a colossal lab coat wearin' rat."

Ian said with the utmost contempt.

The doctor narrowed her eyes.  "That is quite an accusation.  One that only has a few bodies and an empty ship as evidence." she said, the faux kindness in her voice slipping away.

"Get off your damned high horse, Commander.  How many times have you blown up a ship?  How many times did you have to choose between losing your crew or another ship's crew?  At least when people die under my care, it's not in vain!" she said, her eyes darting to the dazed Chief.  None of the equipment in here was turned on, so there is no way the automated systems attacked them... did they shoot themselves?

"I think you need to focus more on Chief Reyes than on your apparent value to me.  I already said I had no interest in you of your team, my only focus was on your Captain.  Now I suggest to get Miss Reyes to the shuttlecraft outside, courtesy of your Captain, and get off this world.  Or... you can stay.  I really don't care either way... but you should know that staying will deprive your crew of all of their commanding officers."

[Ardyn Jaeger]

[Illiad III - Research facility]

"I guess you being alone was a fool's wish." he said, stepping off the shuttle ramp.  The doctor in front of him just laughed.

"And have me all to yourself?  How naughty!  If you want me alone with you so bad, you just need to ask."

Nevir frowned, lowering his hand and the weapon it held.  "Okay, I'm here... now let my crew go." he said, a form tone in his voice.

"Just a minute, Captain.  There is a slight issue."

"Don't you dar-"

"You said one shuttle, and one pilot... but there is another lifesign aboard that shuttle.  Either you lied... or someone is on there that shouldn't be there.  Let's find out." she said, nodding to one of her guards.  He moved swiftly behind the Bajoran, and right for Ardyn, pulling her out.  Luckily for her, once he saw her situation, it was a... gentle... pull.

"Oh Captain.. you shouldn't have.  A fetus is every researcher's dream!" she said slyly, and the Bajoran's eyes went wide.  This woman was more sinister than he expected.

"No!  That's not what we agreed on!  Me for my crew!" he shouted, even as restraints were forced onto him.  Ardyn was also getting hers at the same time.

"Really Captain... you really shouldn't have.  The galaxy is a dangerous place for a late term pregnancy.  You can't possibly think I would pass an opportunity like this up?  That baby has a better chance of survival than any of us.  Alright, get them strapped in." she ordered, as the black-clothed agents pulled the two away and into the facility.

The woman tapped her temple twice, and went over to a nearby panel, putting in some commands, and watching as the shuttlepad released from the platform and lowered down to the lower levels.

[Illiad III - Intake labs]

It was time for Jessica to reactivate the holo emitters, and give the away team the good news.

"Well now... looks like you all are free to go.  Turn left at the door and follow the lights, your shuttlecraft is prepped.  Because I know Mr. Galloway is a feisty one, I should tell you that the shuttle was will be controlled by this facility until you are out of the atmosphere.  I suggest you return to your ship.  Your crew needs you."

[Research Facility]
Ardy waited. Still uncertain at what would happen. As soon as the crew got onboard, her orders were to get the [spoiler] #&@&[/spoiler] out of there. She knew that Tekin was too noble to ask for a rescue himself, so if there was a possibility that she could get him out of the clutches of that madwoman, she would. Even if that meant disobeying orders. He'd thank her later.

She was prepping for takeoff when she heard the clatter of footfalls on the metal floor. Fully expecting Galloway to order her out, she swiveled around, only to see a man in black come up to her and snap restraints on her before she even could react. Quickly elbowing the man in the gut, Ardy attempted to fight back. Strap me down? Not on my watch, especially not with MY baby . Despite her rather pregnant state, she had almost got him down before the second guard came and got her from behind, bringing her and Tekin deeper inside.

[Ian Galloway]

The doctor narrowed her eyes.  "That is quite an accusation.  One that only has a few bodies and an empty ship as evidence." she said, the faux kindness in her voice slipping away.

"Get off your damned high horse, Commander.  How many times have you blown up a ship?  How many times did you have to choose between losing your crew or another ship's crew?  At least when people die under my care, it's not in vain!" she said, her eyes darting to the dazed Chief.  None of the equipment in here was turned on, so there is no way the automated systems attacked them... did they shoot themselves?

"I think you need to focus more on Chief Reyes than on your apparent value to me.  I already said I had no interest in you of your team, my only focus was on your Captain.  Now I suggest to get Miss Reyes to the shuttlecraft outside, courtesy of your Captain, and get off this world.  Or... you can stay.  I really don't care either way... but you should know that staying will deprive your crew of all of their commanding officers."

[Section 31 Lab]

As he listened to Stamen, Ian was horrified to learn the captain had apparently traded himself for the away team's freedom, setting aside the violation of regulations that created the away team in the first place, that the captain chose such an option invalidated why Ian had asked for an away team as well. Despite that internal turmoil, Ian replied to the psychopathic scientist in flawless Standard with a voice as cold as space.

"If you think destroying another ship in combat is the same as your butchery, then you are stupid as well as a nutter. I defy you to tell the dead of the Sarek that their deaths were anything but the byproduct of a broken twisted soul."

Ian paused for a moment and when he continued, his voice was measured, but had somehow gotten even colder.

"I will however take the opportunity to return to the Discovery, but not just for the sake of the Chief. I will return to the Discovery for one more reason and I want to make sure I make myself clear to you as anyone has ever made something clear, I swear by the Maker of All Things that I will end you and whatever passes for what you are doing this day."

Ian then turned his back on Stamen and spoke to the away team.

"Gibbons, you carry the Chief. Ryder, you get Huqma. Lieutenant Inzjana, you have point. I will take the drag. Execute."

As the others exited the lab, Ian drew his phaser and once the others were in the clear, he adjusted the power setting on his weapon to maximum and turned to face the hologram of Stamen.

"And here is just the merest taste of what is about to happen to you today you Siursach excuse of a human."

Ian then unleashed a torrent of blazing energy onto the equipment in the lab, leaving it a sparking and burning ruin before turning his back on Section 31 agent and moving to cover the away team's exit.

[Inzjana]

[Section 31 Lab]

As he listened to Stamen, Ian was horrified to learn the captain had apparently traded himself for the away team's freedom, setting aside the violation of regulations that created the away team in the first place, that the captain chose such an option invalidated why Ian had asked for an away team as well. Despite that internal turmoil, Ian replied to the psychopathic scientist in flawless Standard with a voice as cold as space.

"If you think destroying another ship in combat is the same as your butchery, then you are stupid as well as a nutter. I defy you to tell the dead of the Sarek that their deaths were anything but the byproduct of a broken twisted soul."

Ian paused for a moment and when he continued, his voice was measured, but had somehow gotten even colder.

"I will however take the opportunity to return to the Discovery, but not just for the sake of the Chief. I will return to the Discovery for one more reason and I want to make sure I make myself clear to you as anyone has ever made something clear, I swear by the Maker of All Things that I will end you and whatever passes for what you are doing this day."

Ian then turned his back on Stamen and spoke to the away team.

"Gibbons, you carry the Chief. Ryder, you get Huqma. Lieutenant Inzjana, you have point. I will take the drag. Execute."

As the others exited the lab, Ian drew his phaser and once the others were in the clear, he adjusted the power setting on his weapon to maximum and turned to face the hologram of Stamen.

"And here is just the merest taste of what is about to happen to you today you Siursach excuse of a human."

Ian then unleashed a torrent of blazing energy onto the equipment in the lab, leaving it a sparking and burning ruin before turning his back on Section 31 agent and moving to cover the away team's exit.

ILLIAD III | CAVERN - MEDICAL LAB -> SHUTTLE

Inzjana had just finished cutting and stripping the fibre-optic cable when the telepresence was engaged again and much to the chagrin pf every body present it was the demon 'female dog' from hell!

Inzjana didn't make it known in her facial expression, or in voice, but in her mind she was enjoying herself imagining all the horrible things she could do to this woman if and when she got her hands on her.

"Aye Commander," she said, without hesitation, inwardly glad to leave that lab - that would make a wonderful home for Jason Voorhees - permanently behind her.

After Galloway had finished firing his Phaser, Inzjana set her Disruptor on its highest setting and lead the away team down the cave tunnel and passed the now open bars. Apparently they were a fair way in because it took them a good, uneventful hour before they finally reached the awaiting shuttle.

Cautiously, Inzjana lead the party in to the awaiting shuttle, Disruptor at the ready, but the shuttle empty and was already in standby mode and was ready for lift off. Inzjana sat at the co-pilot station, allowing Ian to pilot. As soon as everyone was on board, as good as her word, the shuttle took off and was remotely controlled out of the atmosphere.

[Nathan Ryder]

[Caves]

[Caves]
"You're going to have to ease off when I tell you," he told Ryder. He was already pulling up her shirt high enough to see the rest of the damage. "Anybody squeamish, I suggest you look away."

Nathan spent the next small eternity assisting Gibbons with a painfully methodical manner. There were reasons that human doctors were not supposed to operate on their own family, but he refused to let himself succumb to such emotions. Kali needed Gibbons and Gibbons needed an extra set of hands, so a set of hands he would be.

The build up of emotions he was stock piling away threatened to make themselves known as he and Gibbons stepped back from their work and Nathan was left with nothing but Kali's blood on his hands. He had every faith that she would survive this, but seeing all that blood nearly shook him.

[Section  31 Lab]

"Mister Ryder, you did well with the Chief, you have given her a chance, one she wouldn't have without your quick thinkin'. You can expect a commendation as well. However, on ta business. As Mister Gibbons is preoccupied, I'm goin' ta need you ta be on guard as the lieutenant and I are about ta be preoccupied with my own task."

Luckily, he was pulled out of his thoughts by his Commanding officer addressing him. A small sneer tugged at his lips for a fraction of a second at the very idea of receiving a commendation for the horrors Kali was still currently going through. However, he quickly nodded and re-focused on the task at hand. "Aye, sir." There would be time for emotional processing later. ... Or there would not be, and it would not matter.

[Illiad III - Intake labs]

It was time for Jessica to reactivate the holo emitters, and give the away team the good news.

"Well now... looks like you all are free to go.  Turn left at the door and follow the lights, your shuttlecraft is prepped.  Because I know Mr. Galloway is a feisty one, I should tell you that the shuttle was will be controlled by this facility until you are out of the atmosphere.  I suggest you return to your ship.  Your crew needs you."

[Caves]

Post op, especially a shoddy emergency one at that, felt no good for anyone. As the sedative wore off, Kali was weaving in and out of consciousness, the world in a haze. There was a hand on her shoulder, pushing her back down if she so much as moved an inch, and her skin felt clammy and cold. She finally gathered enough energy to break out in a shiver.

Gibbons loomed over her and pulled an eyelid back as her pupils tried to adjust. "How do you feel, Chief?" His voice vibrated and echoed into her pounding ears.

"Underpass?" she asked, thinking that the lights above and the dark area was more akin to a vehicle tunnel in Tharsis City than a cave system. "Where're we going?"

"Back to the ship, hopefully."

Kali slowly blinked, trying to maintain focus, then shifted over to Ryder. She winced up at him as a dull pain bloomed in her abdomen. "Like viridian pancakes?"

"It's the cocktail," Gibbons warned Ryder. "The drugs must be making her disoriented."

"Take exit 43 to Ophir tunnel," Kali continued nonsensically. "Pancakes for kilometers, Nate. Big pancake sign on the right. Mama Trudy's Big Stack of Martian Pancakes. Kilometers, Nate."

Although the hologram of the woman had returned, Nathan's attention was quickly pulled to the real woman laying next to him. He did not even acknowledge Gibbons words, because he knew well why she was making little sense. One hand, dirty as it was, gently brushed Kali's hair back from her forehead, and his voice was tight when he spoke quietly. "Hush, Chief... You need your rest. Everyone knows waffles are better than pancakes anyways." He did his best to give her a gentle smile before turning his attention back to the conversation between their Commander and the hologram.

"Get off your damned high horse, Commander.  How many times have you blown up a ship?  How many times did you have to choose between losing your crew or another ship's crew?  At least when people die under my care, it's not in vain!" she said, her eyes darting to the dazed Chief.  None of the equipment in here was turned on, so there is no way the automated systems attacked them... did they shoot themselves?

[Section 31 Lab]
"If you think destroying another ship in combat is the same as your butchery, then you are stupid as well as a nutter. I defy you to tell the dead of the Sarek that their deaths were anything but the byproduct of a broken twisted soul."

Nathan kept his opinion to himself, but he could see the woman's point. It was a horrible point, but he could see it nonetheless. It reminded him of a saying he heard once; something along the lines of 'In order for man to do evil, he must believe he is doing good'? He was not sure.

"Gibbons, you carry the Chief. Ryder, you get Huqma. Lieutenant Inzjana, you have point. I will take the drag. Execute."

Stepping away from Kali to retrieve the Edosian who shot her was one of the hardest things Nathan had ever done. He very nearly disobeyed and took Kali himself, but then he realized... If he had to drop his cargo to protect the team, he would much rather chuck Huqma across the room than the injured Chief.

Still he kept close to Gibbons as they made their way out of the room, the still stunned Huqma thrown over his shoulder carelessly. That left his other hand free to carry his phaser. He seemed completely unbothered by the mild explosions that happened behind them. If anything, they helped soothe some of the anger he felt at the situation, so he certainly understood why Ian had done it.

[Kali Reyes]

[Caves]

Nathan spent the next small eternity assisting Gibbons with a painfully methodical manner. There were reasons that human doctors were not supposed to operate on their own family, but he refused to let himself succumb to such emotions. Kali needed Gibbons and Gibbons needed an extra set of hands, so a set of hands he would be.

The build up of emotions he was stock piling away threatened to make themselves known as he and Gibbons stepped back from their work and Nathan was left with nothing but Kali's blood on his hands. He had every faith that she would survive this, but seeing all that blood nearly shook him.

Luckily, he was pulled out of his thoughts by his Commanding officer addressing him. A small sneer tugged at his lips for a fraction of a second at the very idea of receiving a commendation for the horrors Kali was still currently going through. However, he quickly nodded and re-focused on the task at hand. "Aye, sir." There would be time for emotional processing later. ... Or there would not be, and it would not matter.

[Caves]

Post op, especially a shoddy emergency one at that, felt no good for anyone. As the sedative wore off, Kali was weaving in and out of consciousness, the world in a haze. There was a hand on her shoulder, pushing her back down if she so much as moved an inch, and her skin felt clammy and cold. She finally gathered enough energy to break out in a shiver.

Gibbons loomed over her and pulled an eyelid back as her pupils tried to adjust. "How do you feel, Chief?" His voice vibrated and echoed into her pounding ears.

"Underpass?" she asked, thinking that the lights above and the dark area was more akin to a vehicle tunnel in Tharsis City than a cave system. "Where're we going?"

"Back to the ship, hopefully."

Kali slowly blinked, trying to maintain focus, then shifted over to Ryder. She winced up at him as a dull pain bloomed in her abdomen. "Like viridian pancakes?"

"It's the cocktail," Gibbons warned Ryder. "The drugs must be making her disoriented."

"Take exit 43 to Ophir tunnel," Kali continued nonsensically. "Pancakes for kilometers, Nate. Big pancake sign on the right. Mama Trudy's Big Stack of Martian Pancakes. Kilometers, Nate."

Although the hologram of the woman had returned, Nathan's attention was quickly pulled to the real woman laying next to him. He did not even acknowledge Gibbons words, because he knew well why she was making little sense. One hand, dirty as it was, gently brushed Kali's hair back from her forehead, and his voice was tight when he spoke quietly. "Hush, Chief... You need your rest. Everyone knows waffles are better than pancakes anyways." He did his best to give her a gentle smile before turning his attention back to the conversation between their Commander and the hologram.

[Section 31 Lab]
"If you think destroying another ship in combat is the same as your butchery, then you are stupid as well as a nutter. I defy you to tell the dead of the Sarek that their deaths were anything but the byproduct of a broken twisted soul."

Nathan kept his opinion to himself, but he could see the woman's point. It was a horrible point, but he could see it nonetheless. It reminded him of a saying he heard once; something along the lines of 'In order for man to do evil, he must believe he is doing good'? He was not sure.

Stepping away from Kali to retrieve the Edosian who shot her was one of the hardest things Nathan had ever done. He very nearly disobeyed and took Kali himself, but then he realized... If he had to drop his cargo to protect the team, he would much rather chuck Huqma across the room than the injured Chief.

Still he kept close to Gibbons as they made their way out of the room, the still stunned Huqma thrown over his shoulder carelessly. That left his other hand free to carry his phaser. He seemed completely unbothered by the mild explosions that happened behind them. If anything, they helped soothe some of the anger he felt at the situation, so he certainly understood why Ian had done it.

[Caves]

Her nose wrinkled in confusion. Waffles over pancakes? She tried to mull it over, was even ready to snap back, but her vision started to double and it felt like the temperture steadily rose around her. It was strange because she was shivering to hell and back.

Gibbons carefully took in the beads of sweat forming near her temple and her flushed cheeks. "She's feverish. Infection's taking hold." He expected this - he didn't have the proper medical tools to fight it off while stitching her back together.

As ordered, Gibbons prepared to lift the Chief off the biobed carefully. Kali, on the other hand, was trying to curl her clammy fingers around Ryder's wrist as he moved with his own orders. She squeezed at air instead and whimpered pitifully. "Come back."

"Up you get, Chief," he said kindly, lifting her up. He was mindful of how he should carry her; bridal style kept her midsection reasonably leveled if done right.

"Don't feel good..." Now she looked nauseated on top of feverish. He thought about spamming her with another hypo, but he'd rather not risk her reopening her stomach chucking it up. The ensuing explosion made her dry heave a bit as the shockwaves jostled them.

By the time they've cleared their way through the caves, Kali had passed out from the fever.   

[Nathan Ryder]

[Shuttle]

When they finally made it to the shuttle, Nathan was quick to strap Huqma into a seat and ensure he could not get himself loose. Once that was done, he moved to help Gibbons secure Kali. While he would give anything to hold onto her himself, he knew he needed to man the tactical station; just in case. He gave the unconscious woman's hand one more squeeze before moving to strap into his own seat. The sooner they got back to the ship, the better, and God help anyone who stand in their way.

[Ian Galloway]

[Shuttle]

Ian sat at the helm station and seethed. He raged internally at Section 31in general, and at Stamen in specific, the cowardice of Huqma and him injuring Kali. He was livid to have to sit idly by as someone flew the shuttle manually, but he was angriest at the captain for subverting away team protocols. Captains were supposed to stay on the ship for the specific reason that they were too valuable an asset to lose when there were others that were capable of handling away missions. The captain's first duty was to the ship and once he left the ship, he lost situational awareness. Ian knew the captain was a good man and was also certain his actions did not reflect a distrust of Ian, even though they had not worked together for long. He had simply allowed his compassion for his crew to override his better judgement. All Ian knew was he would bring the captain back and he would lay waste to whatever Section 31 was doing here.

"By all that's ever been holy, I will burn this planet ta cinders and every leam-leat on it. I already know how I'm goin' ta do it and they will nae see it comin' until they are in the middle of takin' their last breath. I don't care the cost, I don't care the consequences, that Stamen wench dies today."

Ian vowed silently as he waited for the controls to unlock.

[P'Larr Santiago]

« USS Discovery ┼ Bridge »

Some time later...

The doors to the turbolift slid open with a loud hiss on the relatively silent bridge considering the lack of command staff. P'Larr shook her head while she crossed the threshold and approached the center triangle with a reserved seat for the ship's counselor. "No d'abo," she called out in frustration towards the front of the helm where Adams sat at the console. Stepping down on the bottom floor of the bridge, she placed her hands on her hips while she reiterated the prognosis on Adam's suggestion. "Transporters are down right now, no doubt due to whatever that is," she said with disdain while motioning to the view screen.

The ship's counselor's fingers detached from her hip and she slowly let her arms rest at her side while attempting to dismiss the pout that had found its way on her lips. "I'm sorry, Don. Maybe once the targetting scanners come back online, there might be a chance..." she said, her words laced with bits of doubt before she placed a hand at his shoulder for a moment before turning back up to the center of the bridge. P'Larr ascended towards the center triangle once more and slowly made her way into the seat, the dread knotting up her stomach while the bridge crew continued their precious waiting game.

A small beep at her armrest made her drop her chin sharply while she fidgeted with the armrest. Her fingers landed on a small indentation that gave way to a miniature console at the seat. "Scanners have detected a Federation shuttle. Good, it's the away team," There was a small bit of trepidation in her voice as she lifted her head up towards the helmsman, "No Jaeger. No captain. Chief Reyes' life signs are fluctuating. Hail them, Mr. Ainsley," she said while she stood up from her seat once more. As she waited for the communications to be arranged, she tugged at the bottom of her tunic.

Once the lines were open, P'Larr called out into the nothingness of space, "This is Ensign Santiago of the USS Discovery to the Federation shuttlecraft. I'm detecting fluctuating life signs. Transporters are off-line, even site to site. I'm sending a medical team down to meet you in the Shuttlebay," The counselor turned for a moment while she typed briefly at the console with her orders for Sickbay. She wrung out her hands with anxiety, with the prospect of having to face Galloway once more coupled with the fear she felt regarding the severity of Reyes' condition, it was difficult for the nerves to settle.

Brushing her hands down alongside her pants, she pumped her hand into a fist to feel the clamminess of her palm before bringing them behind her back while she waited for news from the craft.

[Ian Galloway]

« USS Discovery ┼ Bridge »

Some time later...

The doors to the turbolift slid open with a loud hiss on the relatively silent bridge considering the lack of command staff. P'Larr shook her head while she crossed the threshold and approached the center triangle with a reserved seat for the ship's counselor. "No d'abo," she called out in frustration towards the front of the helm where Adams sat at the console. Stepping down on the bottom floor of the bridge, she placed her hands on her hips while she reiterated the prognosis on Adam's suggestion. "Transporters are down right now, no doubt due to whatever that is," she said with disdain while motioning to the view screen.

The ship's counselor's fingers detached from her hip and she slowly let her arms rest at her side while attempting to dismiss the pout that had found its way on her lips. "I'm sorry, Don. Maybe once the targetting scanners come back online, there might be a chance..." she said, her words laced with bits of doubt before she placed a hand at his shoulder for a moment before turning back up to the center of the bridge. P'Larr ascended towards the center triangle once more and slowly made her way into the seat, the dread knotting up her stomach while the bridge crew continued their precious waiting game.

A small beep at her armrest made her drop her chin sharply while she fidgeted with the armrest. Her fingers landed on a small indentation that gave way to a miniature console at the seat. "Scanners have detected a Federation shuttle. Good, it's the away team," There was a small bit of trepidation in her voice as she lifted her head up towards the helmsman, "No Jaeger. No captain. Chief Reyes' life signs are fluctuating. Hail them, Mr. Ainsley," she said while she stood up from her seat once more. As she waited for the communications to be arranged, she tugged at the bottom of her tunic.

Once the lines were open, P'Larr called out into the nothingness of space, "This is Ensign Santiago of the USS Discovery to the Federation shuttlecraft. I'm detecting fluctuating life signs. Transporters are off-line, even site to site. I'm sending a medical team down to meet you in the Shuttlebay," The counselor turned for a moment while she typed briefly at the console with her orders for Sickbay. She wrung out her hands with anxiety, with the prospect of having to face Galloway once more coupled with the fear she felt regarding the severity of Reyes' condition, it was difficult for the nerves to settle.

Brushing her hands down alongside her pants, she pumped her hand into a fist to feel the clamminess of her palm before bringing them behind her back while she waited for news from the craft.

[Shuttle]

Ian was fine tuning his plan to end Stamen when the Discovery hailed them, but it was not the captain that was speaking, it was that uppity ship's counselor and that caught his attention.

"Galloway here, Reyes is wounded. Penetrating phaser injury to the abdomen. Have a full medical team standing by in the shuttlebay. I will also need a full security team to take Crewman Huqma directly to the brig pending court martial. Now where in the bloody hell is the captain?