Close Encounters... (Part 2)

Posted on Tue Nov 4th, 2025 @ 7:34pm by Ship's A.I. Lyta & Commanding Officer Maralen Seitha & Engineering Consultant Nevarre of Kryll & Chief Security/Tactical Officer Sarah Dominie & Science Specialist Eos Tolján & Assistant Chief Medical Officer Leonardo 'Leo' Giordano M.D. & A.I. Specialist Jaime Treva

Mission: What Lies In The Darkness
Location: Sector Post XR-46, Multiple Levels
Timeline: 248001.01 16:30

Last Time On FarVoyager

When Jaime finished, Nevarre nodded. "There is only one problem. We will need to disconnect her from both the external grid and the internal grid simultaneously. That means we need to split the team."

Jaime nodded, understanding while taking a deep breath. "Whatever it takes," she replied thoughtfully and then wondered if Maralen would agree.

Maralen had been listening to all of it. Not that he understood all the Engineer-speak, but he did his best to keep up with what needed to be done. And that was clear enough. They needed to split his team. He frowned slightly, not entirely liking the idea. But necessity demanded it.

The frown disappeared, replaced by his normal calm facade. "It is absolutely necessary?"

Nevarre nodded. "Yes."

Maralen nodded. "Then that's what we do."

And Now...

Maralen looked at his team. "Sarah and Leo, you two will accompany Nevarre. Eos, you and I will accompany Jaime. Lyta, monitor both teams in case something goes awry." He was fairly sure he did not need to tell Sarah to split her small group of security personnel between the two teams, so he only looked at her as a signal.

Sarah nodded, she didn't look pleased but turned to her senior member and hurriedly went over the high points of one of the contingency plans they'd gone over at the mission pre-briefing. He was one of her most experienced personnel and the other team would be well in hand as she divided up the remaining. All were experienced but those less so she kept with her team.

They adjusted themselves unobtrusively near their charges as the others prepared themselves.

Nevarre looked at the lady who was obviously the Security Lead and nodded appreciatively at how efficient she and her people were. His eyes flicked to the doctor then, and he nodded again. The man had been silent but watchful. "We will take the external systems," he told his team. "Follow me," he said, hovering from the room and toward the left. He could sense them following him, so he spoke as he moved. "There is a Lift in this direction that will take us near where we need to go."

Leo had inwardly hesitated at first. Considering the shape of their surroundings and what he'd seen of the station so far, he was feeling a bit insecure about what kind of shape the lift could be in. But then he decided to trust that Nevarre wouldn't take them into a lift that was too risky to ride in.

Sarah's team fell into their positions and Sarah took one near the front, "Is there a reason I shouldn't go first?" Her tone was polite and questioning even as she kept her hud up in her helmet, it fed her information in regards to their tactical situation as she walked.

Nevarre paused his forward motion, frowning slightly. There wasn't really; he had acted in the belief that she didn't know where they were going. That could, however, have been remedied very easily, and she should be ahead of him as Security. Though what she would be protecting him from on this damned-near-dead station, he couldn't guess.

"Not really. I'm not used to having others here anymore." He sighed and brought up the schematic of the station in a hologram above his chair's arm. "I've marked the place we need to go."

Leo started looking over the schematic carefully. In case of anything, medical or otherwise, he didn't want to feel lost, not in the least.

"Thank you, I know you are likely safe enough but old habits you see and it makes me feel better provided it won't set off something in the station," Sarah replied coming up, studying the path, marking it on her wrist computer. "It looks clear enough..." she said musingly, studying and updating her wrist computer. "Anything we should know before heading out?"

Nevarre smiled reassuringly up at her. "I understand. While I am not Security, I have that problem with old habits." He chuckled softly. "Why do you think I stated to head off ahead of you?" Serious once more, he took a breath. "Only if Siyrena figures out what we're doing before we get her disconnected from the internal Security systems. Then we might have to contend with those." He paused for a second before adding, "Fortunately, the Level One measures are offline. They haven't functioned in quite some time," he assured. "So, please lead on."

Sarah nodded with a small smile and moved off, her team falling into their places smoothly.

Meanwhile...

Maralen watched half of his team leave and started to frown. That was replaced almost instantly by his usual trained calm. Brown eyes turned back to those remaining. "Jaime, where do we need to go.?" he asked. As he awaited the response, he glanced to his Science officer to see how she was holding up. His expression gave away nothing, but he was concerned given what Leo had told him moments before. As the doctor was not here now, he had decided to keep an eye on her himself.

Chief Petty Officer O'rook's team had taken their positions, his being with the senior officer left in charge here. The security team were quiet as they paid attention to their HUDS and their charges.

Watching Nevarre leave, Eos gave a slight shake of her head as if it would dislodge the memories she needed to explain the man's familiarity to her. Of course it didn't work and she was forced to push the issue aside. She felt tired and being there was no longer just disconcerting and confusing, she now literally hurt.

The disharmony around her made it hard to follow along, this was perhaps the worst situation to be in. Eos doubted very much that she would now be able to dispel the rumors of her mental instability. She turned to give Jaime her attention in an attempt to focus.

Jaime had also been watching them leave and turned, "I believe this way, Sir," and started leading anyone who followed back towards the console where she had looked over the damage reports and schematics earlier with Lyta. Walking them past it, she quickly, yet carefully, looked over two other consoles, sure she recognized one to be what she would need. She tapped into it and brought up a holographic image, which started scrolling as a programming language filled in. "Ookay..." She breathed and glanced at Eos, "It looks like I'm going to need your help."

Glancing down at the console, Eos felt relieved that she could read the data; the symbols weren't unfamiliar to her. While it was part of her specialty, she had been concerned that her current mental state would interfere.

However, she was a bit lost on what it was Jaime was supposed to do. That didn't mean she couldn't fake it. "I am at your service."
Just tell me what to do and make this easy.

Jaime worked, her hands dividing images before her, each one continuing to scroll like the original, opening up as if each layer was a door for the one underneath. Appreciative that the language had been translated into Excelsian as it had the other console, she explained, "If Siyrena should panic, she could start collapsing each layer that I open. I need your help to keep that from happening. When we reach the network control center, I'll place the disconnect code and notify Lyta that we are ready."

Eos gave a single nod. "Of course." She half wondered if she could in some way help in some way by putting out more positive energy resonance. However, she both doubted her ability to do and the systems AI in even finding it stabilizing. Still trying would be better than mindlessly suffering and being a complete waste to the away team.

"So far, so good," Jaime said as the layer before last came up in front of them, and then there it was, the network control center. "And here we are. Captain," she spoke over to Maralen, "We're ready whenever Nevarre is."

Maralen nodded. "Lyta, can you tap the station's internal cameras and find out where the other team is please?" He really did not want the station's AI to get a whiff of something off and come screaming at them, though that might happen anyway, so he was prepared.

Lyta nodded, and her eyes became unfocused for a second. When they focused again, she frowned. "They have almost reached the cutoff for the external systems."

Almost. That was mildly concerning, but not too bad unless...

There was the sound of the hologram fizzling into existence mere feet from where Jaime and Eos were working. At that sound, Maralen was already on the move to intercede if necessary.

"What are you doing?" Siyrena demanded of the pair beside the console. Her tone was not unhinged, merely demanding, But that could easily change in a flash second.

Maralen was now within range to intervene if the AI became agitated and violent. He waited, though, watching and ready.

Jaime took a deep breath, her eyes fixed on the hologram that had just appeared. She had explained what they were doing to Siyrena once before, but she knew that the damaged AI might have forgotten.

"We're here to help you, Siyrena," Jaime said, her voice calm and soothing. "There's been some damage to the station's network, and we're trying to disconnect you safely so that no more harm will come to you. Nevarre can verify this."

Eos shifted her weight, her eyes darting towards Siyrena. She could feel the tension building in the room, the way energy flowed around them, resonating in a way that told her any wrong move could set the AI off. "We're almost done," she spoke up, her voice soft and soothing. "Just a few more moments." Eos glanced at Jaime for confirmation, still uncertain she was actually there and if she was that what they were doing was even happening.

Siyrena frowned. "Disconnect me from..." Her voice trailed off, her eyes becoming less focused for a second. Her focus in general was faltering, and she was trying to make sense of what the woman said. It did sound familiar; had they indeed told her this before? Something about the station and the damage and removing her from it? Was that it? Her thoughts were fragmenting, and she fought to keep her focus. "I..." She paused. "Yes... there is much... damage..." Fear entered her mind and voice again, but was she afraid of them or something else? Right that second, even she wasn't sure. "But... I am the station! If you cut me off, I will cease to exist!" In her fear and mental disarray, she had forgotten that she was not in all actuality the station. She was connected to it, but the core of who she was resided in a Rounder Complex, not in the station's systems. Those peripheral systems to which she was connected and which had taken so much damage -- her Rounder Complex was undamaged and well protected -- were what was fragmenting her thinking.

Jaime understood the depth of Siyrena's distress and confusion. She took a step closer, her voice gentle and reassuring. "Siyrena, I know it might feel that way, but disconnecting you from the station is for your own safety. We will ensure that you are protected, and your core programming will remain intact. You won't cease to exist."

Eos, standing beside Jaime, added her soothing voice to the conversation. "We've taken every precaution to safeguard your well-being. We understand the importance of your existence, and we promise to preserve it. Disconnection from the damaged systems will actually help restore your stability."

Siyrena frowned. She was losing cohesion again, and only some of what they said was processed. The weapons in the room came to life and aimed themselves. They did not fire yet, but they were ready.

Maralen saw the look in the AI's eyes go from somewhat scattered to nearly completely incoherent. He stepped forward, placing himself between the AI and Jaime. "I suggest you hurry, Jaime," he said softly.

Jaime swallowed, aware of the escalating situation. She tapped a few more commands into the console, her fingers moving with practiced precision. "Almost there," she muttered under her breath. "Lyta," Jaime spoke out urgently, "How are things going on Nevarre's end?"

Lyta looked as if she was focusing on something far away for a moment as she answered, "One moment. Checking."

Meanwhile...

Nevarre followed the Security Lead to the Rounder Complex deep within the core of the station. So far, Siyrena had not tried to stop them, but he suspected that was because, even in her incoherent states, she trusted him and he was with these people. When they reached the Rounder Complex, however, she appeared.

"What are you doing, Nevarre?" she asked, her tone one of concern. She was becoming unstable again and losing coherence.

He hovered forward, staying behind Sarah though -- he knew better than to move in front of Security people when the situation was not stable. "It's all right, Siyrena," he reassured again. "Remember I said that we were going to protect your core program by disconnecting you from the station's systems?"

For a second, Siyrena's expression registered fear. Around them, the area's defense systems came online, and the weapons raised, targeting the team (all except for Nevarre). They did not fire, however. She hesitated, eyes unfocused.

Sarah and her team held their positions, aiming carefully but not firing. She kept her eyes on her target, making sure to keep a small light on her rifle in view as were the rest of her team. She sensed more than saw Nevarre still behind her and was thankful for that much.

The light was a sensor that would tell them if the weapons pointed at them were powering up enough to fire. It wouldn't give them much warning but enough to pull the triggers on their own weapons before being hit with the incoming fire. "Nevarre." Sarah said softly both a warning and a question as her mind worked on how to defuse the situation.

Things had been going well so far but if they weren't ready to act if she couldn't be controlled that'd be bad but preemptively firing wouldn't help either so she trusted to her instincts, equipment, and training. Hoping that would be enough with a half insane computer. She waited her instincts ready to act noting what little cover there was.

Nevarre sat perfectly still for a moment. This was not going as well as he would have liked, but it could be so much worse. Quietly, he said to Sarah, "Focus on the weapons emplacements." Very likely, he did not need to tell her this; so far, she had been as keen and well-trained as one of the Security staff of the station had been before...

He moved slowly to the Rounder Complex and to its control board. Siyrena's eyes tracked him, but the weapons still did not aim for him. "Nevarre..." Her voice was a plea. He keyed a comm. panel. "Jaime, on my mark..."

Meanwhile...

Lyta refocused and looked at Jaime, Eos, and Maralen. "The other team has made it to the Rounder Complex, but Siyrena has stopped them for the moment."

Maralen did not allow his expression to change, trying to maintain the outer calm if only to, hopefully, keep the AI from reacting to a change in his demeanor. Inside, however, this concerned him greatly.

Jaime's mind raced as she worked, trying to stay focused on the task while watching for Siyrena. She knew that sudden movements or sounds could trigger the damaged AI and didn't want to take any chances. So, she worked quietly and efficiently, her fingers dancing across the console as she navigated the complex network. Finally, after what felt like hours, Jaime felt relieved as she reached the network control center, and quickly prepped for the disconnect code. "Lyta, we’re ready," she said quickly.

Nevarre's voice came over the comm. "Jaime, on my mark..." There was a pause. Then, "Mark!"

With Nevarre's voice coming over the comm and signaling the critical moment, Jaime remained composed and focused on the task. She keyed in the final commands swiftly, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on her.
"Disconnect initiated," Jaime announced firmly, her voice projecting confidence despite the tension in the room.

As the network control center responded to the disconnect code, lights changed color on the console and certain systems began to power down. Jaime's heart raced as she hoped the disconnection would proceed smoothly. She kept a watchful eye on the AI, her fingers remaining on the console.

As the codes finished, Siyrena shrieked. Feeling as though she were being taken apart as she was torn away from the station's systems -- she was not completely coherent when they began, and was now completely incoherent. The shriek was accompanied by the weapons firing toward those she felt were responsible.

Maralen was between Jaime and the weapons by having moved there a bit ago. Lyta was not able to intervene in any meaningful way and so merely called for Maralen to get out of the way. He refused. He was responsible for his crew. And besides, Jaime needed to finish this, needed to monitor 'till the last second.

Sensing the energy buildup and where it would strike, Eos moved just in time to take the hit that would have otherwise killed Maralen. The sudden shock of the energy surging through her caused her to momentarily revert to her natural state—a large, dark lavender crystallized snowflake. She quickly returned to the familiar form they all recognized, but before losing consciousness, she managed to place a hand on the console, sending a resonance pulse in hopes of calming the AI. Her task complete, Eos' lavender eyes met Marlen's before she collapsed to the floor, unconscious.

She had moved so quickly. Even his swift feline reflexes had not been able to prevent her from taking the shot, and for a second, he had feared the worst. But that fear died in a shower of mental sparks as he saw what followed: a second's transformation and the return to the form he was used to and then unconsciousness. She had locked eyes with him just before, and what he had seen would require processing at a later time. For now, however, he simply caught her and lowered both of them to the ground.

Seconds passed while he waited for more shots to be fired, but none came. Silence reigned save for the crackling of damaged circuitry and Sarah calling orders to her team. But even that fell away soon after, and Maralen looked up.

The weapons were still poised, but they were powered down. The hologram was gone.

From where he sat, he called out, "Everyone sound off!" The order came in his normal, calm voice, and as each member of his team called back, he felt relief wash over him.

Meanwhile...

In the Rounder Room, Nevarre deactivated the connections just as Jaime entered the software codes that would deactivate the software. Unfortunately for them, in her current state, Siyrena reacted.

The weapons around them powered up and fired. Nevarre was faster, moving his chair between the weapons and the FarVoyager crew, shields raising as he did. Suddenly, he was extremely glad that he had designed this specific chair to be so protected.

He had finished the disconnection, but she had fired just before that. One single volley of weapons fire, and the weapons powered down. A single moment of sheer panic followed by silence. Her hologram disappeared, and all was silence.

Turning the chair, he glanced over those present, noting that none of them appeared to have been injured. He was extremely grateful for that – he would have not wished to have to explain to the feline commander of their ship how he had let his crew come to harm. Sighing in relief, he lowered his shields and moved back toward the Rounder Complex.

Checking the readings, he noted that Miss Treva had done her part. Siyrena was completely disconnected from the station. A small smile slid over his lips as he keyed in a sequence that caused one of the Rounder Drawers to slide out. Gathering the crystals from it, he placed them into a special box and set that in his lap, turning then to the strangers who had helped him.

"Thank you. Now, if we can leave this place, I would be even more appreciative."

Meanwhile…

"Lyta, status of the other team?"

Lyta stared into the near distance for a second then focused on Maralen once more. "Everyone is accounted for and unharmed," she reported, not mentioning the one crewmember that did not fit that state – Maralen already knew that, so stating it would have been wasteful. "Nevarre has stated a desire to leave."

Maralen stood slowly, lifting Eos into his arms as he did so. "Then let's get the hell out of here. Lyta, translocate us all please, and inform Mr. Navarre that I wish to see him when we are back on FarVoyager."

Lyta nodded and sent the message. "He acknowledges." And with that, she tilted her head, and the Translocator Matrix took Maralen and his team, Navarre and his team, and the boxed AI home, or what most of them thought of as home now.

There was still much to do, but the worst was over… for now.

--- END... for now...