Posted by Commander Oliver Loughty (Executive Officer) in [DipInc] Fog Slowly Clearing [Tag Loughty]

Posted by Lieutenant Todd Nyman (Chief Counselor) in [DipInc] Fog Slowly Clearing [Tag Loughty]

Posted by Commander Oliver Loughty (Executive Officer) in [DipInc] Fog Slowly Clearing [Tag Loughty]
Posted by… suppressed (15) by the Post Ghost! 👻
They entered through the door of the Commander’s dining hall. A decent sized room with effort put into its appearance. Artwork on it’s walls featured dramatic sharp lines and points. It it was well lit with orange-tinted sconces, that had the flickering appearance of fire. They might have been both surprised to find, instead of a set lunch table, three armed officers standing there. By all appearances, they had been discussing something prior to the other’s arrival.

“What is this?” Commander Kerax asked firmly. The leader of the group paced toward the two of them and started speaking,

“We have been discussing our recent circumstances, Commander. It’s obvious your judgment has been clouded recently,” Kerax mirrored his movements, stepping closer,

“How so?”

“It is clear that the Federation knew we where coming, and sent these agents to further sabotage our efforts. While you have been distracted with entertaining this human as if he were our guest.” They raised the disruptor toward Loughty,

“We have concluded it might be best to get rid of them. If we do so now, and then go back to Romulan space, we could remain in hiding until…”

“Until what?” Kerax interrupted, “Until the Vikshana sends the report to central command and they are on high alert looking for us? I would rather take my chances with the Federation.Especially if there officers are returned unharmed.” She stepped between the armed officer and Commander Loughty, staring down them down.

“That’s just their propaganda,” he continued to rant, “They are no different than the Star Empire, or the Free State or any other. You don’t truly believe that we would just be accepted with open arms?”

“And would be foolish of them to do so. However, what I do believe is that, with time and understanding, we can find a place for ourselves within their boarders.” Kerax replied, showing a great amount of restraint to at least appear calm, “For example, Commander Loughty was just explaining that there is a particular officer under his command, considered a very useful and productive member of his crew, who is also a defector. Isn’t that correct, Commander?”

|Commander Kerax|
Bump

Oliver had remained relatively motionless and wisely so considering he had a Romulan disruptor pointed at him with no way of telling what setting it was on. He was briefly taking a back by the Commanders words and then quickly gathered himself, “Do you think it is wise to talk about them in front of these… Conspirators?” He wasn’t sure whether that was the right thing or not but hoped it brought him more time to understand where she was going with this and hopes it didn’t end up with him filled with disruptive holes.

Commander Oliver Loughty
Executive Officer
USS Leviathan

Kerax shifted a bit, glancing back at Loughty.

“Specific details are not required. Your admission is enough,” she said, before turning her focus back to the others,

“As you can see, Lorlell, just as I assured you previously, the humans are harmless.”

She slowly brought her hands to rest behind her back, and held out a small object to Loughty, out of sight of the others. About the size of a type-1 phaser, it had a two-button interface attached to a ring about a few centimeters in diameter. Its function was not exactly clear, but Kerax was too busy continuing to distract the others with conversation to explain.

“So what are your concerns really, Lorlell? Does it offend you that much that I was chosen to lead the mission above you?”

“I am not so easily deceived, Kerax,” the officer replied stoically, “I was prepared for the moment where you would show your weakness. I do not wish to harm you, only to neutralize the intruder. So stand aside.”

The other officers on either side of him prepared their weapons to fire.

“Very well…” she said, “Since it appears you are already so certain.”

|Commander Kerax|

Oliver hoped he took the device without detection and twisted it around in his hand so he was now holding it, he hoped for two things one it was a phaser and two it was on stun. As they prepared their weapons Oliver “Do we need to resort to violence.” He said in one final attempt at diplomacy.

Commander Oliver Loughty
Executive Officer
USS Leviathan

“Regrettably for you, Commander, there is no other way I can be sure you do not report back what you’ve discovered.” he replied coldly.

Oliver’s heart raced, adrenaline surging through his veins. Great, just what I needed—another homicidal maniac, he thought, his mind scrambling for a plan. He couldn’t help but note the irony: he’d hoped for a diplomatic resolution and ended up in a shootout.

Four shots were fired in total. The blast from Kerax’s own sidearm flung one officer into the dining table before he collapsed.

Oliver flinched at the sudden violence, his training kicking in. He scanned the room for anything that could be used as a cover or a weapon when he remembered the Commander had given him some sort of device. Not exactly the diplomatic dinner I had in mind, he mused grimly, a fleeting thought amidst the chaos.

Reacting quickly, she dove down and used a dining chair for cover. The other two focused on her in retaliation. As the returning disruptor blasts scorched and tore at the furniture it was clear this was only a temporary solution.

|Commander Kerax|

Oliver drew the type 1 Romulan phaser/disruptor that Kerax had given him. Guess it’s time to see how well this thing works, he thought. He fired back, hitting one of the attackers squarely in the chest, sending him sprawling to the floor. “Commander, should we be looking to get off this ship?” he asked, his voice tense but controlled, as he prepared to fire again.

Commander Oliver Loughty
Executive Officer
USS Leviathan

“I am not about to surrender this vessel, or the rest of my crew, to this ksarn’ne…” she hissed. Her eyes narrowed as she took another few shots, through gaps in the furniture. At this point it was still two against two, as only one of Lorlell’s men had been fully incapacitated.

She brought herself closer to Loughty’s position, but was out in the open enough to be grazed by disruptor fire. This left a significant green streak across her arm. Kerax reacted with a sharp exhale, obviously in pain but she kept pressing on.

“Commander,” she said, her voice tinged with determined desperation, “Head for the door… I will cover you. Find your crew and make sure that they are safe.”

|Commander Kerax|
Bump

Oliver’s mind raced. He knew the gravity of the situation and the importance of following orders, but leaving Kerax behind didn’t sit well with him. Still, he couldn’t argue with the necessity. “Understood, Commander,” he replied, steeling himself for what came next. He took a deep breath, aimed, and fired a couple more shots to cover his move. Then, with one last look at Kerax, he sprinted towards the door, hoping she would be right behind him soon.

Commander Oliver Loughty
Executive Officer
USS Leviathan

There was distinct quite in the corridor outside, especially considering the chaos within. Disturbed only by the sound of approaching footsteps. Around the corner came two security officers. Seeing Loughty armed, they quickly zeroed in on him.

“Stop! Stay where you are and drop your weapon!” they ordered.

Turning the corner next were Sen’ton and Nyman. The latter was back in uniform and visibly relieved to see him.

“We detected weapons fire, where is Commander Kerax?” Sen’ton asked, voice tinged with concern.

Nyman also shifted from relief to worry, “Are you both alright? What happened?”

As if in response, a loud boom came from behind the door. An explosion, seemingly localized in the dining room.

|Lt. Nyman, Chief Counselor|

“I’m fine,” Oliver began, breathing heavily as he lowered the Romulan phaser/disruptor, his mind still reeling from the sudden burst of violence. He glanced back at the door, where the explosion had just echoed through the corridor. “Commander Kerax and I were ambushed during what was supposed to be a diplomatic dinner. Lorlell’s men turned on us. Kerax took a hit but kept fighting. She ordered me to find the rest of the crew and ensure their safety while she stayed behind to cover my exit.”

He took a brief pause, the weight of the situation sinking in. “We managed to take down one of them, but there were still two left when I got out. The explosion… I’m not sure what happened in there after I left.” He looked at Sen’ton, worry etched into his features. “We need to secure this area and get Kerax out, if she’s still in there. She might need immediate medical attention.”

His eyes flicked back to the door, a mix of concern and determination in his gaze. “But we can’t afford to lose this ship or the crew. We need to act fast.”

Commander Oliver Loughty
Executive Officer
USS Leviathan

Hearing the news Kerax was injured, Sen’ton and Nyman exchanged glances. For a moment, expressing mutual concern.

“Secure the exit,” Sen’ton commanded the security officers. In response, they both moved into positions either side of the doorway. Nyman lurched forward as if preparing to join them, but Sen’ton pulled him back,

“Perhaps you should - “

Nyman’s burning glare was enough to make him pause and consider his next words.

“I told you before,” he said, pushing Sen’ton’s hand off of him,

“I don’t take orders from you.”

The Romulan officer pulled back, and Nyman turned toward his Commander. The usually mild counselor’s face was washed over with a harsh expression. Anger flickered behind his intense green eyes. And as he spoke, the softness was gone from his voice.

“Commander, with your permission…” he said, walking over and picking up the weapon Loughty had dropped, “I would like to have a conversation with this Lorlell.”

He was livid. Not only had this ‘crew’ failed guarantee Loughty’s safety, but couldn’t even protect their own Commander. This whole operation was a disaster. What were they thinking trying to pull something like this?

|Lt. Nyman, Chief Counselor|

He adjusted his approach, focusing on Nyman. “Nyman,” Oliver began, his tone cautious but firm, “I don’t think any of them are still alive in there after that explosion. But if you want to confront Lorlell, be my guest.”

Oliver held Nyman’s gaze, making sure his words registered. “Just remember, we can’t afford to lose you either. If you go in, stay sharp. Don’t let your anger cloud your judgment. We need answers, and we need to protect this ship and everyone on it.”

Commander Oliver Loughty
Executive Officer
USS Leviathan

(Per our OOC convo I changed the names. Hope you don’t mind - Ava)

Smoke billowed out as the door opened. Manual fire suppression systems were activated, spilling a sweet-smelling fog into the room. Wooden chairs lay shattered and charred from the explosion. Sen’ton stood in the doorway, flanked by the security officers. He pulled out a device and began scanning the room for life signs.

“One life sign detected, very weak…”

Nyman followed as the group ventured deeper. A fit of coughing helped them find the remaining survivor. Nyman rushed over to the source, caught between the wall and part of the tabletop. He pushed and pulled and dug into the debris, determined and hoping it was Kerax. When he was finally able to push aside the tabletop it revealed… Lorlell. Battered and barely conscious, but alive.

Sen’ton approached from behind, and took a moment to assess the situation before giving orders to the security officers.

“Put him in restraints,” they directed, “And get him to medical bay.”

“Med- medical bay?” Nyman huffed, in between shallow breaths “He just tried to assassinate your Commander you’re going to -“

He was interrupted by a fit of coughing.

“We will interrogate them later.” Sen’ton responded, “Right now the priority is assessing the damage.”

|Lt. Nyman, Chief Counselor|

Bump

Oliver stood by, taking in the chaotic scene. The smell of smoke and burnt materials filled the air as the fire suppression systems continued to release their fog. The room was a mess, and the sight of Lorlell, battered and barely conscious, did little to ease the tension.

“Sen’ton,” Oliver said, his voice firm despite the chaos. “You’re right. We need to focus on the immediate aftermath. But make sure we have a secure location for interrogation once Lorlell is stable. We need to understand why this happened and ensure it doesn’t happen again.”

He glanced at Nyman, who was still visibly shaken and coughing from the smoke. “Nyman, take a moment to compose yourself. Your anger is justified, but it won’t help us if you’re incapacitated. We need you sharp for the next steps.”

Oliver turned his attention back to the scene, surveying the damage. “We need a full damage assessment and a report on any injuries or casualties. And let’s make sure to get Kerax to medical as soon as possible—she’s a crucial part of our team.”

With a nod to Sen’ton, he added, “Let’s move quickly and efficiently. We have a lot to deal with, and the sooner we address it, the sooner we can get things back to normal. And remember, the safety of the crew and the security of the ship are our top priorities.”

As the security officers began restraining Lorlell and preparing to transport him to the medical bay, Oliver took a deep breath, steeling himself for the challenges ahead. The situation was dire, but he knew they had to stay focused and resilient.

Commander Oliver Loughty
Executive Officer
USS Leviathan

Nyman looked to Loughty and nodded. Releasing the tension that had been building up with a steady exhale, before letting out a steady,

“Understood, Commander,”

He hadn’t noticed until that moment how obvious his anger, his hurt, really was. Loughty was right. He was allowed to be angry. It was important, however, to redirect that energy toward something productive. Letting it build up would only cloud his judgement further.

Sen’ton also acknowledged Loughty’s words,

“I will inform Sub-Commander Marfex*. She can review the damages and reassign more crew members to security. The last thing we need is another conflict on board.”

At first there was no obvious sign of Commander Kerax. Then Nyman saw it, from the farther corner of the room. A small pulse of light, only a few seconds long. Almost simultaneously, Sen’ton turned the same direction as the sensor detected something.

Rising unsteadily, a figure stood up by bracing themselves against the wall. At first only as an undefined silhouette. But the eyes were the first to give it away. Not many species were known for having glowing amber eyes, much less five of them.

“Commander Kerax,” Sen’ton called over, “Are you injured?”

“Not too terribly,” she replied.

As she stumbled toward the group, her features become more apparent. Six tentacle limbs, five eyes, sudo-gills and all, she was indeed Vendorian. One of her arms she had to support with another, having a large gash and appearing limp.

Nyman was stunned, relieved then slightly panicked as he looked over at Loughty for his reaction. But was still determined to keep his composure.

Sen’ton didn’t seem bothered by the change at all. He immediately began scanning her for additional injuries, and somewhat doting over the one she had,

“Can you move it? Let me see…”

“I will be fine, Sen’ton,” she protested, pulling back the limp arm from his reach. Her focus shifted to the Star Fleet officers,

“Are you alright, Commander?”

|Lt. Nyman, Chief Counselor|

(OOC: forgot to change over the title)
Bump

Oliver glanced at the Vendorian with a wry smile, despite the chaos they had just endured. “I’m fine, Commander,” he replied, his voice laced with dry humor. “Unlike some of your command staff, apparently. You certainly know how to throw one hell of a dinner party.”

His eyes flicked briefly to Nyman, who was still visibly stunned, and then to Sen’ton, who remained unbothered by Kerax’s transformed state. “Though I can’t say I was expecting this particular twist,” he added, motioning vaguely to her alien form, “but I guess at this point, nothing should really surprise me anymore.”

Oliver took a step forward, his posture still composed despite the remnants of adrenaline coursing through him. “But really, you gave us quite a scare back there. We need to get you to medical as soon as possible. That arm doesn’t look like it’ll be fine for much longer, no matter what you say.”

Oliver’s gaze sharpened, the seriousness returning to his tone. “What’s the next move, Commander?”

Commander Oliver Loughty
Executive Officer
USS Leviathan

Sen’ton nodded in agreement, “If you can’t even hold a form then it must be something wrong. Let me take a look at it in medical.”

A twitch from each of her arms seemed to be her verifying that the one limb was still unresponsive. She let out a slight puff of air, reminiscent of a sigh,

“Very well, I agree this is quite… inconvenient. Though I assure you I am still quite capable of preforming my duties from the medical bay.”

“Of course, Commander,” Sen’ton responded.

The two made their way to the exit, while Nyman stayed almost frozen in place. The reality of the situation hadn’t completely set in yet. But while his conscious mind was still working on reacting, something automatic drove his actions. A set of dormant cultural instincts took over.

“Bansenar,” he said, coming to kneel on the ground,

“Commander Loughty was threatened. This could mean the rest of our crew is under threat as well. Perhaps gathering everyone to a safer location could limit the risk of multiple attacks. I request you allow us somewhere secure to reassemble the rest of our crew members and hold additional discussions.”

“That would be preferable,” Kerax confirmed, “The recovery suite by our medical bay would be suitable. It separated from the main facilities and easy to control access. We wouldn’t want to give Lorlell another chance at completing his mission.”

“In exchange, please allow me to assist in your recovery,” Nyman responded.

“That can be arranged as well.” Kerax said, a slight squint indicating that in some way she was smiling at the idea.

|Lt. Nyman, Chief Counselor|

Oliver was somewhat relieved that a plan had been put into motion he wasn’t sure how he was going to write this report or even if he should. “How long until the Starbase along as we keep it together until then we should be fine.” He added reassuringly, “We could also treat your confidentially.” Again having a Romulan friend always helped.

Commander Oliver Loughty
Executive Officer
USS Leviathan

(OOC: I’m gonna make the assumption we all follow down to the medical bay and we can eventually reconvene in that tread as well.)

“I am pleased that this form has not dissuaded you,” Kerax commented, “And confidentiality is appreciated.”

They took a direct route to the nearest lift. With the doors open she gestured to have the Star Fleet officers enter first, then she and Sen’ton followed after. Having all four inside was a little tight but manageable. Nyman found himself into the back wall to avoid making physical contact with anyone. He still seemed a little stuck in his own head, not saying anything since leaving the room.

“Deck Five,” she said. The doors closed in compliance.

“Commander Loughty told me you are a counselor,”

“Yes Bansenar,” Nyman muttered, his gaze still averted.

She hummed a little, titled her head slightly,

“Does Starfleet require their counselors be so - formal?”

“Sometimes it is necessary,” he said, straightening up slightly, “In certain circumstance, to show proper respect. Especially in diplomatic settings.”

There was a slight pause. Kerax gave the statement some thought, fidgeting her still working arms. It was hard to get an exact read on her expression, even for Nyman.

“Well, is not necessary,” she finally said, straightening up herself.

“Understood.”

|Lt. Nyman, Chief Counselor|