Posted by Captain Aaron Foley (Commanding Officer) in Main-Sim: The Deep Forest

Posted by Gamemaster Mr Centauri (Gamemaster) in Main-Sim: The Deep Forest

Posted by Lieutenant Ilena Rox (Chief Medical Officer) in Main-Sim: The Deep Forest
Posted by… suppressed (29) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)
She couldn’t sleep. Her head hurt so bad. It had been like that since the other morning at school. It was awful. Her telepathy had exploded into life all at once. It was so much, and it hurt. Everything was so chaotic. Her parents were silently discussing what to do for her, but not talking to her. They had just suggested sleep. She had snuck out in the dark, after the thunderstorm. She hoped the cool night air would soothe everything that hurt. She wandered toward the tree line that marked where her parents property met the Aveli’s. Was this how Adaril felt all those years ago? Had he been hurting this much? No wonder he told her he didn’t feel up to playing. She didn’t feel like doing anything either.

Lt. Rox, Chief Medical Officer

The lighting flash revealed a woman standing by the tree, her hair seemed to be moving, like serpents or tenticals. He gold skin glistened and aparkeld in the light as if her body was covered in sparkle dust. “Child, do not be alarmed, come closer” the voice was melodic as if she had sung the words. Peace and calm washed over her the pain completly washing away. She was tall over six feet and her , hair, seemed to move with a mind of their own. They all lit with a soft blue light when she spoke.

Mr Centauri GM extraordinaire

12 year old Ilena stared at her in fascination at the alien. She’d never seen anyone like her. No. No this isn’t my memory, not really. I have to remember. “You came to me before,” Ilena finally said, pulling the image of a woman with long hair, not…snakes?, but she looked the same otherwise. “You need help.”

Lt. Rox, Chief Medical Officer

She took a knee, she was very calm and felt different than before. “Try to focus, keep the memory, he thinks your playing with an imaginary friend to dull the pain caused by your gifts comming to maturaty. ” she looked at her, the lighting flashing again.” It was not me that called you, but i’m comming just hold on” and then she was gone.

Pain washed through her like a thousand cuts from razorblades. Her body felt like it was on fire, She was back infront of the beast its vines now glowing hot with bright green light. “WHAT WAS THAT” it said.. “TELLL ME” she could feel the vines squeeszing down hard it would kill her if she did not think of something to say.

Mr Centauri GM extraordinaire

She couldn’t answer with the vines wrapped around her mouth. She had her telepathy though. Ilena wasn’t as strong as Adaril as far as her telepathy went, but she wasn’t weak either. And desperation and the survival instinct were great power batteries. It was me, she sneered. You wanted me to fight back. Ilena’s empathy was always stronger, it’s what made her a great doctor. Focusing all her pain and fear and struggle into a lance of reflective empathy, she aimed it right for her assailant’s mind.

Lt. Rox, Chief Medical Officer

She felt it the creature weeken , it shuttered the vines , thier grip starting to lossen, as she could feel her self fading though the old on her neck and face was not out of control as the creature tried to recover itself they squeezed tighter trying not to lose it’s pray.

Mr Centauri GM extraordinaire

Pain hurt it. Ilena focused on the pain she’d felt as she lay dying in the caves, then on the medical ship, the months of treatments and rehabilitation. The flares, the fear, the never ending struggle. She focused on the intense hunger as they all starved in the caves, the thirst that was never quenched, the loneliness that ripped them all apart as their people were killed by the thousands every day. She focused all of that into the reflection that she shoved targeted at the creature. She could feel herself dying. She even added that fear, but she would take it with her if she died.

Lt. Rox, Chief Medical Officer

The force that came out of her, was staggering she shocked her self it was so strong. Instantly the creature retracted into its center in a scream. The vines rapidlly uncoiled sending her falling to the cave floor. Air rushed into her lungs as she fell and was quickly pushed back out of her as she made contact with the ground. Her back hit first knocking the air out of her, as her head snapped back a familair fury face came charging toward her, as did the being from her last memory. Thwak and then darkness.

Rili? Ilena was so nervous. She was wearing a new dress that felt too heavy and too delicate at the same time. She was afraid to move. She was 12 and her telepathy had only switched on a week ago. Now that it had she and Adaril were to have their bonding ceremony.

Their families had gathered at the Temple of the Great Houses. Their vows would be witnessed by the priestesses and recorded in the annals of their families.

Adaril was standing by the alter waiting for her. He looked so grown up in the expensive suit he was wearing. He was leaving soon. She was going to miss him. Everything was changing and she wasn’t ready. What if I forget what I’m supposed to say?

Ril smiled at her as he took her hand. Then I will remind you Lena.

“Ilena Keelara Rox, Daughter of the Tenth House, Before the Four Deities and the sacred presence of our Houses, I open my mind to you, beloved, without shield or shadow.

I have felt your essence in the quiet of my soul, Known your truth before your name was spoken.

I vow to walk beside you in the Light of the Heart, To honor your thoughts as I honor my own, And to hold your pain with reverence, As if it were the echo of my own sorrow.

In joy, I will amplify your laughter. In grief, I will be your stillness. In all things, I will be your mirror and your refuge.

This bond is not forged in secrecy, But in the sacred clarity of shared thought. I am yours, wholly and without veil. These things I, Adaril Aveli, son of the seventh house vow to you.” Ril winked at her and gave her hand a gentle squeeze.

Ilena took a deep breath. “Adaril Aveli, son of the seventh hous, in the presence of our kin and the eternal flame of Betazed, I bare my soul to you, beloved, without fear or pretense.

I have heard your spirit in the silence between stars, And felt your love as a current through my being.

I vow to cherish the truth of you— Not only in your light, but in your shadow.

I will be your sanctuary when the world is loud, Your clarity when the mind is clouded, And your strength when your heart is weary.

I bind myself to you in the ancient way— Not with possession, but with presence.

From this moment, my thoughts are never far from yours. My soul, ever entwined with yours. My love, ever spoken—ever felt. These things I, Ilena Keelara Rox, Daughter of the Tenth House vow to you.”

I knew you could do it Lena, Rili whispered in her mind, gently encouraging her.

The priestess stepped forward, placing a hand over their clasped ones. “In the name of Kolin, who watches over the mind’s stillness, May your thoughts be clear and your intentions pure. May you speak not only to be heard, But to be understood.

Let your bond be a sanctuary of reason, Where truth is welcomed and illusion fades.

As Kolin guides the seeker through the labyrinth, May you guide one another through the complexities of life— With wisdom, patience, and grace.”

“In the name of Avandar, who shapes destiny with fire, May your union be forged in courage and tempered in growth.

May you face change not with fear, But with the strength of shared purpose.

Let your love be a force that moves mountains, And your will a beacon through the unknown.

As Avandar dances in the forge of stars, So may your journey burn bright— Ever evolving, ever true.”

“In the name of Brethia, who whispers through dreams, May your hearts remain open to wonder.

May you trust the unseen currents between you, And follow the quiet knowing that lives beneath words.

Let your love be a tapestry of visions shared, Of futures imagined and made real together.

As Brethia sings through the veil of sleep, So may your bond echo with mystery, And your path be lit by inner stars.”

“In the name of Elara, Keeper of the Heart’s Flame, She who listens to the soul before it speaks—

May your minds remain open, Not only in clarity, but in compassion. May your thoughts flow freely, Not only in agreement, but in understanding.

Let no shadow pass between you that cannot be met with light. Let no silence linger that cannot be filled with truth.

As Elara binds the stars with unseen threads, So may your bond be woven— Stronger than fear, Softer than pride, Enduring beyond time.”

The familair slime for slopy wet dog kisses broke here out of her revery, the strange woman ? was on both knees next to her, her tendrles swirling around her in all directions emitting a strange blue light.

Mr Centauri GM extraordinaire

Ilena spluttered her hands coming up to push Ril away. Grief closed her throat as reality crashed in. Adaril was dead. And then the pain. She opened her eyes looking around for the monster but finding only the woman. Who are you? her fingers dug into Ril’s fur pulling him close.

Lt. Rox, Chief Medical Officer

It’s ok, your ok came voice so pure Rox was not sure if could be trusted. “You scared the Xal’taur Virex but it will be back” she said or at least Rox thought she said, “Can you walk?”

Rox could feal a Tendril around her head, intense heats was flowing into her scalp but it did not hurt.

Mr Centauri GM extraordinaire

Ilena grabbed onto Ril. “Xal’taur Virex?” Ilena pushed her self up, but Ril whined not wanting her to move. She carefully tried to prod Ril to calm him, but her head too much. “Up Ril.” She swallowed against the pain. “I can walk. Who are you?” She pushed at the tendril around her head. Not ready to trust this strange being.

Lt. Rox, Chief Medical Officer

The woman gave a graceful tilt of her head acknowledging you did not want her help and stood. She was not sure how to say her name, “Talara” he finally came to her, “we must go now” she was visibly afraid as she turned around, her tendrils were long and extend all the way to her ankles. One of them pulled lightly at Rox’s shoulder indicating that she should follow her, she was heading to the cave exit or at least Rox thought that was right.

Mr Centauri GM extraordinaire

“Ril, assist.” The dog stood still, letting Ilena put her full weight on him. He was a stead presence and on high alert. She wished he had his support frame. He was a tall dog, but not quite tall enough. He stayed right beside her, watching her like a hawk. They moved slowly. Ilena kept a hand over her neck. Her body burned and twitched. She felt weak, like an episode was imminent. Ril seemed to notice as well, but they had to get out of there. She followed the woman out of the cave, but once they reached the lake, Ril forced her down to the ground.

Lt. Rox, Chief Medical Officer

“You are not ok” the alien female said her voice like water moving through the air. “Please, let me help you, I’m sorry you are here, it’s my fault it knew about you at all, Talara Sun’tea and this is, my home” she said. “We are safe here, you mentioned your animal has a harness if you describe it maybe I can fassion something”

Mr Centauri GM extraordinaire

Ilena knew she wasn’t okay. She held on to Ril. “It fits over his body with a locked metal handle. It allows him to help hold me up.” She hurt. “I… I thought you needed help?”

Lt. Rox, Chief Medical Officer

Talara bowed her head low, “It was a deception by the creature, to gain access to your thoughts, it’s what brought you her, it has a powerful mind, they are evil.” she said, “But necessary” she noted trying to reach for Ilena slowly, “Please let me fix your surface wounds at least?” she asked “We can head to a workstation and fashion as harness easy enough.”

Mr Centauri GM extraordinaire

“I’m going to need a much more detailed explanation.” If something was powerful enough to transport people with a thought and was ‘evil’ what were they doing traveling around space with it? Well…that might be the reason.

She was extremely diplomatic in her response. “Like many things, good can produce great evil and evil great good, without the creature my people would die. The ship lost containment for some reason, I don’t know why. I should still be asleep and so should it. ” she said a look of concern.

“Then we should figure out what happened to the containment,” Ilena said mater of factly.” The woman did need help then. Ilena wasn’t an engineer thought.

Ilena looked at her, she didn’t really have much of a choice. She had sufficient reason to be wary now, but she was going to have to go with a little faith. She was alone except for Ril. Ril wasn’t giving off any warning signs, so she would have to trust him. “Alright.”

Lt. Rox, Chief Medical Officer

Talara look at Ril, “He is very worried about you. ” she said looking over Ilena’s wounds, “This way she said walking into the woods, her tendrils pushing branches and other foliage out of the way. A bird like creature flew down and landed on one of her tendreals and perched there looking at Ilena. It was large about the size of an earth eagle, Rox could feel remorse coming from the bird. “She is sorry, when she realized the creature was lose you were the only mind she could find,” the bird lowered it’s head in shame. “She brought you here,”

Mr Centauri GM extraordinaire

“He is my constant companion,” Ilena said, petting Ril to soothe him. “Our souls are bound and lives intertwined.” Ril stuck tight to her as she stood and began to walk. He chose the easiest path, leading her through the trees, protecting her. She looked up at the bird. A tendril of compassion and forgiveness reached the bird. “No shame my feathered friend. I will help if I can.”

Lt. Rox, Chief Medical Officer

Talara smiled. “I have him contained for now, but we do need to get the field back up” she noted. and then Pop the bird vanished, and then appeared on Rox’s shoulder it was surprisingly light, in nuzzled it’s head under her chin and made a soft cooing sound.

Talara’s eyes widened momentarily, “That is curious, she never goes to anyone but me” she said a smile forming on her face. “You must be a very kind and loving creature”

Mr Centauri GM extraordinaire

Ilena gently stroked the bird’s crest. “I find it is a requirement of being a doctor.” Ril looked at the bird tilting his head to the side, ears up, and tail wagging slowly.

Lt. Rox, Chief Medical Officer

The bird telepathically communicated with Ril to get permission to come down and say hello, as it shook it’s feathers at her touch and continued to roll it’s head under her chin

Ril whined happily waiting for the bird to come say hello. He loved other animals.

“Ah healer” she said a hint of excitement in her voice, “This is good,” she paused looking off into the distance. “You’re peoples ship is docked, they are looking for you” she said. “It is a long walk the transports are down, and your’s wont work here” she noted.

“My ship?” Ilena straightened as best she could. “Will my communicator work?”

“Kora may be willing to take you, or us,” she paused and looked worried the bird chirped deeply as it heard it’s name. “We have another problem the ship is at transwarp, we must get to that console quickly.” she did not wait for talk and started moving quickly leaving Ilena behind.

Mr Centauri GM extraordinaire

“We have engineers, they can help.” Ilena began to follow, but she was slower than Talara. “Kora, I can’t keep up, can you help me follow her?” Was it weird to talk to a bird? Not for Ilena.

Lt. Rox, Chief Medical Officer

Bump
The birds flew to her side, one moment she was way behind and the next ahead, Ril looked confused and then ran after catching up quickly. Again and again this occurred. until they were at the their destinations. Talara began working a console. “If your people try to come aboard without approval they will be killed”, she said confusion on her face. “Something is wrong.”

Mr Centauri GM extraordinaire

The birds were telekinetic! Ilena was momentarily fascinated and distracted. Then she looked at Talara. “What is wrong? Please, let me talk to them. We can help. Please.”

Lt. Rox, Chief Medical Officer

She looked over, “Your communicator should work now” she noted. “The ship’s AI is , wrong, malfunctioning?” she said. “I don’t know, I’m locked out and I should not be.” she looked worried.

Mr Centauri GM extraordinaire

“Is…is that plant doing this? Where is my ship docked? Can’t we let them in? They will help.”

=/\=Rox to Challenger. Come in please.=/\=

Lt. Rox, Chief Medical Officer

Talara countinued to work on the console, at least she seemed to have control of the small fabricator, moments later the harness apeared ready, it was and exact replica but the material was much lighter.
[4 Min in Transwarp]
Mr Centauri GM extraordinaire

bump

Mr Centauri GM extraordinaire

Ilena took the harness. Ril recognizing what it was stepped eagerly up to her and stood still while she fitted it around him. The solid metal handle held steady while she stood back up. She and Ril both felt better for having it. “Thank you.” She still waited for the Challenger to reply. “Where are the controls? Your computer core? Maybe we should look?”

Lt. Rox, Chief Medical Officer

=^=Doctor, can you hear me? Where are you?=^=

Capt Foley - CO

=/\=Captain,=/\= Rox’s voice went up slightly, relief was clear in the tone. =/\=I’m on the alien ship. I’m told you are docked. There is some kind of malfunction with the computer AI and possibly deeper problems. Is everyone alright?=/\=

Lt. Rox, Chief Medical Officer

=^=I guess you could call it docked. We are mostly alright here, just a few bumps and scrapes. How are you holding up?=^=

Capt Foley - CO

=/\=I’m grateful to have Ril with me, Sir.” There was a pause, “Captain, there is something very dangerous on this ship, but I’m told it is vital to their survival. Avoid the forest at all costs, Sir.=/\=

She turned to her companion, “Can we let them in. They will help. Please?”

Lt. Rox, Chief Medical Officer

She gave a slight nod, “I have already granted them access, but I can’t get access to the rest of the ships security systems, you should warn them.” he said, then she motioned for her to come to the console.

Mr Centauri GM extraordinaire

=^=Noted about the forests. How dangerous are we talking about? And any luck discovering what the problem they are having is?=^=

Capt Foley - CO

=/\=Without a better term for it, Captain, I can only describe it as psychic vampirism and forced tele-empathic intimacy and manipulation. Psychic projection and I think some limited telekinesis as well. It’s very strong and very large. It’s vine like but can form itself into a humanoid shape. There is some kind of toxin in the vines that is excruciatingly painful if it touches you.” She wished she had more information to give him, but the thing had destroyed her tricorder. “Talara, one of the crew members, has been able to open the airlock, but she said she is unable to gain control of the security systems. That you must be very cautious. Apparently the rest of the crew is in some type of stasis sleep. She was woken because the vine creature woke. She doesn’t know what is wrong with the ship’s systems.=/\=

“Talara, can we move toward them, meet them. Or is there anything I can do to help you?”

Lt. Rox, Chief Medical Officer