[MISSION END PT 2] Commander Wil Ukinix - Switch

[Wil Ukinix]

((Elevator, somewhere in Norsel’s complex under a huge tree... or something))

 

And the other something was that Wil’s “disguise”, the green covering on his skin, had been scraped off in places. Especially his hands.

 

Ukinix: Crap. And we don’t have much cream left.

 

Moore: Can’t be helped—just means we need to take them down quickly before they get a good look. ::He looked over at Stros and Varati:: If we could remotely access their security systems—cameras and sensors—we should be able to contain Prime Directive violations.

 

Varati: Socks! Socks! Quickly take them off, then we’ll cut small holes in them and at least have halfway decent gloves… the rest of the paste should be enough for the fingertips.

 

Wil nodded quickly. Gloves would be a good cover.

 

Varati: ::to Ukinix:: Undress! ::giggles:: Your socks!

 

Wil’s eyeballs shot to the corner of his sockets to look at Stros.

 

Stros: I will not ask.

 

Ukinix: We gotta go.

 

He tapped his combadge once more, hidden inside his clothes, while taking off his shoes and socks (the worst part was, his socks would be a bit sweaty, he hoped they didn’t smell too much).

 

Ukinix: =/\= This is Commander Ukinix to Commander Hopper. =/\=

 

There was a small delay before finally there was an answer.

 

Hopper: =/\= Hopper here – it’s good to hear your voice, Skipper. =/\=

 

Ukinix: =/\= ::relieved:: You little beauty. Which floor are you on? =/\=

 

Hopper: =/\= Ummm… We’re on a maintenance level, just above the mining tunnels. Couldn’t tell you a number. At least that’s what Mr. Greeta here suggests. Evidently Norsel has been manipulating events to try and expedite the warp development project so that he can exploit the dilithium market… Unfortunately, the warp ship is not ready for that. If he launches now, as he intends, it’s likely to cause an explosion that will permanently damage the planet’s atmosphere. We need to stop him – and fast. =/\=

 

The situation was clear. If the warp ship launched, it could cause ecological damage to the planet. But if it didn’t, it would be an overuse of the Prime Directive.

 

Planetary contamination or cultural contamination.

 

Ukinix: Can *we* get to the ship? Maybe hedge our bets. Disable their warp, let it take off, warp fails, they go back to the drawing board and work out a new plan, and get to warp in the near future. Meanwhile, we don’t have to reveal ourselves.

 

Moore: Damage is already done, Sir. ::He said, looking over at Wil:: The people, their scientists, their politicians know about it already. While it is a divided topic among the population, the majority of the population already know about it, and most seem to support it. Unless we are planning extensive covert operations to wipe out the data completely, along with a psyops propaganda campaign to turn the people away from it, the damage is already done. Plus, that is heavily morally and legally questionable. 

 

Elarrapal: You have revealed yourself to Uropal already. Imeris saw the newest star in our sky. Do they count so little to your calculations? Do you think their roots are shallow?

 

oO Umm... what? Oo

 

Still, the words sounded good. He just wished he knew what Elarrapal was trying to say.

 

Varati: It’s a tricky situation… if we’re caught sabotage, we can’t expect any mercy, or if something happens to the spaceship. Isn't this engineer on Robin’s team? Surely he’s the only one we could initiate as a messenger from Heaven, or rather as a messenger from Uropal? He would have to know the project completely and be free to act according to his own convictions. We could then help with that, and nothing more.

 

Ukinix: God I hate the Prime Directive sometimes.

 

Moore: They know of the concepts of warp propulsion and have knowledge of this warp drive. The knowledge is disseminated among academia. They will develop a drive–with a high chance it will be based off this flawed drive, just modified and tested again. Tested with the same chance of ecological destruction. We would only be delaying a future disaster–one that might be worse, since they’re playing with technology they don’t fully understand—unless we step in.

 

Wil bit his bottom lip. Another Prime Directive wobbly.

 

Varati: That’s what I mean… this Greeta is the deciding factor. He holds fate in his hands. If it’s too uncertain, he’ll have to use propaganda to make it sound like Norsel was trying to sabotage the whole thing, and now it’s better to rework everything to eliminate any potential errors… or something like that.

 

Stros: But, as Lieutenant Moore stated, any iteration of future warp drive will be based on this current version. It would only be delaying the inevitable. 

 

Ukinix: Bloody hell... ::placing hands on hips::

 

Moore: Not if we fix it. Not if we make sure the test is successful. Covertly, of course—they cannot know we kept their planet from destruction—and we would need to quietly remove Norsal from the equation. But… if they achieve warp, that would allow us to make first contact the proper way, and, like the Vulcans did for Earth, allow us to guide them within the bounds of the Prime Directive. It is not a perfect solution, but it will mitigate the damage within our legal bounds and put them back on track—without destroying their world.

 

Wil nodded in agreement.

 

Elarrapal: You speak as if we had not already known of the stars. As if Imeris and the others had not dreamed of them. You are little stranger to their ways of branch and root than we are.

 

Wil nodded to Elarrapal with a small smile, and a mostly blank expression.

 

But she was right (from what he could at least understand anyway). It wasn’t like they hadn’t thought about getting to the stars, that was clearly the driver for the warp program.

 

Varati: Well, we have to do something to ensure that Imeris and Uropal will still be around tomorrow.

 

Stros held up a hand?

 

Stros: Are you saying, Elarrapal, that the Uwezo people have been aware of other civilizations from other worlds?

 

That made Wil raise his eyebrows. Is that what she meant?

 

Elarrapal: They do not wish their roots fracture for metals, nor would they see us tempt those who would graft all they catch to their graying roots and make them speak with a single voice. But they have never denied that much else exists amid the stars.

 

oO So... is that a yes or a no? Oo

 

Varati: But what’s done is done. And once the first step toward the more distant stars has been taken, then no one will have to force themselves to mine under Uropal or Imeris for it anymore… Then there will be other options! Then we can help officially… Then there will be other materials and technics for the propulsion units.

 

Stros: But what of the vessels that will need to be built to acquire these new materials? There is still the danger of causing further damage to the planet by the necessity to create these new vessels and the means of gaining new materials.

 

Moore: Response

 

Elarrapal raised her voice when she spoke again, making Wil jump a little. She was passionate about whatever she had been talking about!

 

Elarrapal: We have only one home. I would not see it destroyed because you thought we should be treated akin to seedlings, offered only sweet nectar and gentle tales. Let my planet stay safe, and Imeris and Uropal will reveal you only as you wish it. I am the voice of Imeris. Must I lay more of my limbs in protest here to make my point? 

 

Technically, according to the Prime Directive, the answer was “yes” (except the losing another limb part - oO yeah, let’s not Oo).

 

Varati: That’s why we must now find a common solution so that we can secure your future and the future of the planet! Take the right step now so that no wrong ones have to be made in the future. That sounds contradictory, yes…

 

Stros: Then the only solution would be to take action. If we wish to ‘nudge’ the Uwezo people in the proper direction to avoid self-destruction, we must come up with a way to stop their warp flight in favor of a more economically supportive option.

 

Wil placed his hands behind his head and interlocked them, and closed his eyes at the tough decisions to be made.

 

Moore: Response

 

Elarrapal: I have said my part. The trees are not swift enough to solve this; our place to theirs is to act!

 

oO Prime Directive says “maybe.” Oo

 

Varati: Maybe we should quickly get Greeta’s opinion, since we’re not getting anywhere like this. Why isn’t Robin and her team here yet? 

 

Stros looked around them, at the elevator car they were standing in. 

 

Stros: I do believe the idea was for us to go to them. 

 

Ukinix: Yes.

 

Moore: Response

 

Varati: No matter what we decide, we must stop Norsel and his companions, because they have no good intentions!

 

Stros: The intentions of Norsel and his followers may not seem ‘good’ from our perspective, but they may believe in their own path. Much like Elarrapal believes in hers. Believes in Imeris’ and Uropal’s. But, what we do know is that the end result of whatever is coming will not be in the best interest of the planet. ::tapping at the elevator controls:: I can have the lift operational momentarily. Then we can meet with Commander Hopper’s team and perhaps formulate a plan.

 

Ukinix: The end result is not going to be great anyway, and someone from outside has already interfered... so... bugger the Prime Directive. ::To Elarrapal:: We’re gonna help.

 

It was just at that time that Robin chimed in. He figured that her team must have had a similar-ish conversation.

 

Hopper: =/\= Skipper, we have a plan. Sort of – but it will require a two-pronged effort to pull it off without irreparably damaging this planet or Uwezo society… Where are you? =/\=

 

Ukinix: =/\= Um... in an elevator on the bottom floor of Norsel’s building. I think it’s the bottom floor, anyway. ::Checking tricorder:: At least that’s what my tricorder says. =/\=

 

Hopper: =/\= At least you have tricorders with you. Come to our level. We’ll need to do a little exchange… =/\=

 

Wil nodded to Kaito.

 

Ukinix: Pinpoint their location.

 

Moore: Response

 

Ukinix: We’re on your side, Elarrapal. We’ll interfere as little as we can, but we will help.

 

Elarrapal: Response

 

Suddenly a rumble sounded in the elevator car, making Wil think they were moving. But he didn’t feel the initial motion. oO Smooth design. Oo

 

Varati: ::to Ellarapal:: It is certainly in our best interest to protect you and your planet. But for that, we must once again count on Uropal’s grace. Perhaps Imeris will enlighten us once we’ve taken “care” or Norsel.

 

Stros: I do not believe that it is appropriate to say that it is in our best interest to protect the Uwezo and their planet. It is in their best interest that we help. I do believe that we have the abilities and technologies necessary to avoid the downturn that is inevitable. 

 

Ukinix: Agreed.

 

Elarrapal/Moore: Response

 

The rumble from before suddenly went quiet.

 

Varati: He! The second elevator! It’s down!

 

That meant they may have been about to not be alone...

 

Punctuated by the doors opening, and then weapons of some sort pointed towards them.

 

Guard: Reach towards the leaves or your roots shall end here.

 

Wil caught a glance from Stros before slowly raising his sock-gloved hands in the air.

 

Stros: I think we may have boarded the wrong elevator.

 

Varati: By the thousand leaves! ::calm:: These things happen, just don't let them upset you...

 

Ukinix: Yeah, we got lost, that’s all. We’re just citizens passing through. Can you help us?

 

Elarrapal/Moore/Varati: Response

 

Guard: Lie down and remove yourselves from the elevator.

 

Wil watched Stros slowly lower himself to his knees.

 

Stros: We are complying.

 

And in the short time he had gotten to know Stros, he knew (and could sense) he was doing anything but complying.

 

Sure enough, Stros brought an elbow down on the left controls, causing a series of noises from it before sparks flew. It made the lift move upwards, and the guards reach for the elevator’s edge - but then withdraw, otherwise they’d be missing a limb or two, Elarrapal style.

 

Varati: That was close! Cool move, Commander Stros!

 

Wil crouched down to get one last look at the guards.

 

Ukinix: ::Cheerily:: Yeah, seeya!

 

Elarrapal/Moore: Response

 

Stros: Upward movement seemed a much more fitting option than being taken into custody.

 

That made Wil chuckle a little.

 

Varati: Indeed, indeed! Once we get to the upper floor, all we have to do is block the controls again - then the guys will have a long afternoon.

 

Elarrapal/Moore/Varati: Response

 

As the elevator continued to climb, there was a trill from Stros’ tricorder. He looked down at the screen and furrowed his brow. 

 

The trill from Stros’ tricorder got Wil’s attention.

 

Stros: Commander…I am reading signals from Starfleet Combadges. They are now below us…and descending. 

 

Varati: By the Thousand Gods! I hope it's just interference again from all the Melkinite around us!

 

Ukinix: Ah crap. Okay. Regardless, we need to get to them.

 

Varati: Yes, there are signals nearby. But my sensors are detecting them elsewhere, jumping and circling... It must be interference; surely not all our devices are broken. 

 

Wil checked his own tricorder, then tapped at it. It slowly brought the lift to a stop on a floor.

 

Ukinix: There’s a service elevator on this floor, that should take us back down to Robin’s team safely.

Elarrapal/Moore/Stros: Response

 

They all boarded the cramped lift, and headed back down. When the brakes squealed and the doors finally opened after a jolt, they revealed a mining tunnel with mining equipment and vehicles - and, thankfully, Robin’s team.

 

Varati: ::to the other team, excited:: Aloha! Here we are! Has someone called for a rescue team?! ::to Kaito:: Could you please quickly disable the elevator controls with the phaser pistol? We don't want our new friends joining us.

 

Wil nodded to Kaito, indicating for him to go ahead and disable the controls.

 

Elarrapal/Moore: Response

 

 

((Mining Tunnel))

 

The teams approached each other, and Robin wasted no time in getting down to business.

 

Hopper: Wil, Commander Stros – Saavei and Greeta believe that, with a tricorder and a bit of time, they can successfully convert the warp ship’s systems back to a traditional fusion mode, bypassing the unstable dilithium matrix… I think your combined knowledge of engineering, and Lieutenant Galanis’ knowledge of the project, would be instrumental to making sure that the warp ship launches safely – and runs on the technology the Uwezo have developed for themselves… minimizing the risk of environmental contamination.

 

Robin had much more information than he did. He nodded.

 

Saavei: Time is of the essence but the goal is achievable.

 

Ukinix: ::nodding in agreement:: Makes sense.

 

They were going to hedge their bets after all, just in a different way.

 

Varati: It's great to see you all again! What happened to Niev? Ikaia looks a bit rough too... The main thing is that you're all here! ::pause:: Yes, we don't have a moment to lose.

 

Stros/Galanis: Response

 

Greeta: Any assistance you can provide would be appreciated… At this point, the warp ship’s success or failure should rely on Uwezo ingenuity, not Norsel’s greed.

 

Saavei: ::to Greeta:: This is an opportunity to consult with Elarrapal as well. Her insight may provide you with guidance in making your near-future decisions.

 

The head of the warp program looked towards Elarrapal.

 

Greeta: We... may have had many differences of opinion in the past. Norsel was a shade that covered my mind. I meant no harm to Uropal. The dream of the stars... ::he sighed::

 

Hopper: Speaking of which – I think the only way to ensure Norsel doesn’t somehow get in our way is to confront him head-on. Ikaia has recorded him making, essentially, a complete confession into how he’s been manipulating events behind the scenes. We need to get that recording and apprehend Norsel so he can be turned into the Uwezo authorities… Lieutenant Moore, I wouldn’t mind having a security officer on hand for that confrontation – he’s likely to have his own security force with him. D’Cyra, we could use your help as well. Someone will need to figure out how to explain all this, in a culturally-sensitive manner, to the local authorities.

 

Wil nodded once again to Kaito.

 

Wong: Which means we have to head back to the Uropal tree. I stashed my PADD there. And with any luck, it’s still there.

Wil crossed his fingers to Ikaia for a moment.

 

Varati: ::surprised:: Wait… what?! You have audio recordings of the conversation? That's practically a clear confession. By the Great Nallin! Don't let anyone else have found the PADD!

Moore: Response

 

Hopper: Elarrapal, you’ve seen more now than we ever intended for you to, but I think it’s safe to say that without your willingness to trust in our intentions, none of this would be possible – and Norsel would have already succeeded long ago… Will you help us see him brought to justice? Uwezo justice?

 

Elarrapal: Response

 

The plan was solid from his First Officer. He gestured to his group of Stros, Saavei, Galanis, and Greeta to start making their way. Next stop-- the Uwezo warp ship.

 

The engineer in Wil suddenly found himself a little excited. He raised his finger to wish the team of Robin, Wong, Moore, Varati good luck.

 

And gave a longer glance and a smile towards Elarrapal, before turning to go with the rest of his group.

 

Saavei: The mine carts are operational. I took the liberty of inspecting their braking mechanisms and fortunately these too are fully operational. I presumed none of us wished to become ill-acquainted with the laws of motion in our attempts to aid.

 

Greeta: I wish there was a safer way to get there but... this is the quickest, I'm sure.

 

Greeta fidgeted nervously.

 

Ukinix: Roller coaster it is ::hopping into cart::

 

Stros/Galanis/Moore: Response?

 

Saavei: As they say on Earth... all onboard.

 

That made Wil smirk a little. “All aboard” was not something heard that often on Earth, and to hear it slightly mispronounced in that Vulcan tone made his day.

 

He watched as Saavei got into the cart, and then helped Greeta and Galanis into it.

 

Wil offered a hand to Stros if he needed it.

 

Stros/Galanis/Moore: Response?

 

Saavei: Good luck Commander, and all. ::bidding Robin's team farewell::

 

Wil looked over his shoulder quickly back at Robin’s team leaving before focusing forward. The cart accelerated as the locks disengaged, and away it went, winding its way along windy tracks through the roots of the tree... or trees... Wil couldn’t be sure.

 

But he did look up with awe when they approached hug roots of a massive tree, made more dramatic from the flow of dilithium crystals that were intertwined with the trees roots. He’d never seen anything like it...

 

Greeta: By the canopy, look at all that...

 

Ukinix: Are we sure the tree itself isn’t the vessel?

 

Stros/Galanis/Moore: Response

 

Ukinix: OK, then we know the plan, we just need to make sure we get in there and look like we’re meant to be there. ::Looking and sock-gloved hands:: That’s going to be harder for me.

 

 

((Engineering platform, Uwezo Warp Vessel II - ten minutes later))

 

The group had found work clothes in a storeroom, and changed into them, blending in with the personnel that were all over the ship, on different platforms connected to the rocket looking vessel.

 

Ukinix: Status on the fusion reactor?

 

Stros: Response

 

Ukinix: Are the sure the controls will switch over from dilithium to fusion without any fuss... or, you know, boom.

 

Saavei: Response

 

Ukinix: Anyone eyeing us?

 

Moore: Response

 

Niev was not doing too well, and Wil didn’t know why or have time to find out. But he could sense that they needed medical attention. The sooner they get everything done, and the sooner the Indy came to pick them up, the better.

 

Ukinix: Your assessment of the success of this changeover... and their fusion mode, Lieutenant Galanis?

 

Galanis: Response

 

It was just then that Greeta returned to the group.

 

Greeta: I have convinced delaying the launch by fifteen minutes... but they will not wait anymore. That means all crews must be done and away from the ship in twenty minutes from now. Mission leadership won’t accept any more delays, after they were told that everything was stable.

 

Wil ran a tricorder on the control panel he was working on, then read the display.

 

Ukinix: That’s going to be cutting it fine. ::To Starfleet team:: Can we make the changes in time?

 

Stros/Galanis/Saavei/Moore: Response

 

He just hoped to hell the changes they were making would work in the time they had...

 

 

TBC...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Commander Wil Ukinix
Starfleet attache and Commanding Officer
Amity Outpost
V239511WU0