[ACT 2] LtCmdr Acradem “Wil” Ukinix: Repurpose

[Rivi Vataix]

((Second House Proposed Site - Inland River Basin, Idrustix))

Wil looked above at the midnight sky. The stars could still be seen and somewhere up there was the Kitty Hawk looking down on them. But there was also a dusty hue visible now, like someone had smeared an oily gel across the sky.

The Betazoid commander sighed, thinking how naive he must have sounded to his cousin just a few hours ago.

((Flashback: Several hours earlier))

Keehani: ~~ It’s your turn for an update, Commander Ukinix, are there any hazards or risks to the site that Starfleet has discovered?~~

Wil looked over, amused to hear his cousin's thoughts directly. She'd so rarely done so before when he was... that previous version of himself. Of course, that may have been also due to his previous beliefs and actions as that person. Although he'd been perfectly capable of communicating telepathically even as just a part Betazoid, it was--like his other gifts--something he hadn't really explored until now.

Ukinix(B): ~~ Nothing out of the ordinary. Perhaps a risk from flooding if we build too close to the water, but other than that, I'd say the Second House has secured some prime real estate for itself. ~~

The older Betazoid woman walking beside them let out an audible grunt.

Siyel: ~~ Commander, have you ever considered working in used yacht sales? You have a talent... ~~

Ukinix(B): ~~ Well actually, "Bob" was just talking to me the other day about - ~~

Fortunately, Keehani quickly interjected.

Keehani: ~~ Mother Perennial Mavenni, what are your thoughts on the colony site so far?~~

Mavenni looked back over towards the water and then back at Keehani, softening a bit.

Siyel: ~~ Actually, First Secretary, I must admit... I am excited by the *potential* out here. I think there exists the possibility for great things. ~~

Keehani turned her attention likewise towards the water before taking a rock and skipping it along the surface.

Keehani: ~~ It is very pretty. ~~

Wil smiled as he walked up next to the other two women and spoke aloud.

Ukinix(B): Pretty enough to stay with us then for the night?

Keehani: I will stay if there are enough accommodations.  And no objections, of course.

Siyel: None.

((End Flashback))

How so much had changed in just a few hours.

Keehani: Anything?

Ukinix(B): Well, with Iovianus and Wong's help, we've set up the communications equipment for the camp. Hopefully that means we can pick up a signal at least from the other teams.

Wong/Iovianus: Response

Keehani turned to Maveni .

Keehani: As the sole FDC representative Mother Perennial, I want to assure you we are doing all we can to understand the situation.

The older Betazoid dipped her head slightly.

Siyel: I appreciate the assurances, First Secretary. However, I am not here on leisure and was trained as a scientist in a former life. ::looks to Wil, Wong, and Iovianus:: If there's anything I can do to help...

Wil smiled at the offer and nodded.

Wong/Iovianus: Response

Keehani: If we can establish a connection with whoever is responsible for those satellites, perhaps we can-

Just then, another voice could be heard through their combadges.

Richards: =/\= More than a woman…More than a woman to meee…=/\=

Keehani: Is that… the song of the species that are responsible for the satellites?

Ukinix(B): Mmmm, doesn't sound like it to me...

Wong/Iovianus: Response

Richards: =/\= Can everyone hear us? This is Ensign Richards.=/\=

Keehani: =/\= Ensign Richards, this is First Secretary Ukinix, what is your status? =/\=

Ukinix(H): =/\= It’s bloody good to hear your voices. =/\=

It was still a bit surreal to hear his own voice back, but Wil did feel a sense of relief.

Ukinix(B): =/\= And yours. =/\=

Any Sixth House: =/\= Response? =/\=

Wong/Iovianus: Response?

Dro: =/\= It is good to hear from the other teams. Carter was called back by the Ambassador shortly before the satellites were deployed. Have we got any other communication that has been had with the ship? Or an idea what has been going on? =/\=

Ukinix(H): =/\= Looks like we know as much as you do, Son Dro.  =/\=

Dro: =/\=Beyond the major circumstances things are no real complaints from our end… Scratch that, a storm has spun up and is heading our way, we have some higher ground nearby but we need to break camp to move the equipment. Let's stay in touch and try to coordinate as much as possible. =/\=

Keehani: =/\= Understood, Son Dro, please stay safe.  Sixth House team, what is your status? =/\=

Ukinix(H): =/\= It’s approaching sunrise here, we’re hoping to be able to scout out further at first light to get an idea of what’s going on.  We’ve been trying to get our comms boosters working. =/\=

There was a sudden screech of static before communications were cut off.

Keehani: What happened?

Wil had already gotten his tricorder out to analyze the problem.

Ukinix(B): It's not a fault in the equipment. Something is actively jamming the signals.

Wong/Iovianus: Response

Ukinix(B): ::to Iovianus:: Can you locate where it's coming from?

Iovianus: Response

Siyel: I'll lend you a hand.

Wil was starting to get frustrated by the setbacks from an unknown aggressor.

Ukinix(B): Whoever these people are, they don't even have the nerve to show themselves.

Wong: Response

Keehani: Response

Ukinix(B): Wong, how many survey drones did we receive from the Kitty Hawk?

Wong: Response

Wil looked over at Keehani, scratching his chin.

Ukinix(B): We might be able to configure them to set up our own communications grid... maybe even as transporter relays so we can regroup with the other teams.

Keehani: Response

TAG! TBC...

Lieutenant Commander Acradem “Wil” Ukinix
Forsaken Son of the Ninth House of Betazed
Amity Outpost
I238705TZ0