Lt. Cmd. Silveira: A small lead.

[btv....@sapo.pt]

((Sub-Levels, Boraxian Vessel ‘A New Hope’))

They beamed down back to New Hope. Vitor's initial thought of searching through the ship's system was a bust. 

Meris suggested a split to cover more ground, Vitor looked at Alex, and although the Ensign’s suggestion had merit he wasn’t keen on splitting the team.

Shaking his head he replied.

Silveira: Strength in numbers Ensign. I am not comfortable splitting us up. We have another thing we can look at. ::He turned to Tho’Bi:: Ensign Tho’Bi can you find our way to our last position?

Storm: Another brainstorm already?

Vitor nodded and winked at Alex. 

Tho'Bi: ::to Silveira:: Apologies, Sir. ::beat:: Yes, I can find our way back to Main Engineering. 

Vitor noticed Meris looked concerned about Tho’Bi, and muttered something but he grinned, they had to start somewhere and he already had a second viable option.

Silveira: I am curious to see if the debris from the repairs are still where we left them. ::Still looking at Tho’Bi:: I assume you can access the scan Ensign Cole did on them before we leave?

Storm:  Because if someone has moved it, that could be rather telling.   

Alex nodded as she replied.

Tho'Bi: ::to Silveira:: Yes, Sir.

Silveira: Good, Ensign Meris, scan for any lifeforms along the way. Lieutenant Storm you take the rear and cover us. No phaser drawn yet, we are on a peaceful mission.

Storm: Right, Tactical honor guard to the back.  Living the glamorous life. ::beat:: Commander.  

Meris nodded and pulled his tricorder. They were set to go.

((Corridor - Sub Level, Boraxian Vessel 'New Hope"))

Tho'Bi took the lead followed by Meri.

Tho'Bi: ::quietly:: We must make our way past the computer core, to the Transport Capsule. ::beat:: Dariell said it would be… ::quoting:: a long walk to the Warp Core.

Meris gave a small nod.

Meris: I’m not detecting any life signs in these adjacent spaces...

Vitor was behind Meris, noticing as both Ensigns slowly stepped in.

There was a feeling of unease as they moved.

Alex certainly felt it, as she spoke “announcing” their presence. 

Storm:  So what is it you’re hoping to find in the debris, Commander? 

Instinctively Vitor hand went to his holstered phaser as he replied. 

Silveira: Clues, Lieutenant, I am certain we will know more once we reach them.

Vitor saw they were getting close to the Computer Core room.

Tho'Bi: The Transport Capsule is up ahead ::beat:: beyond the computer core. 

Vitor narrowed his eyes, trying to make sure their path was secure. 

Storm: So you’re convinced that we’ll find evidence there leading to a saboteur?

Before he was able to reply a noise, like something falling echoed around them. Vitor rested his hand on the phaser ready to draw it. 

Meris: I’m detecting Boraxian life signs behind us...

Storm:  Who’s there?  Hey, we’re just here to help.

Vitor nodded at Alex and scrambled the opposite way, with his phaser now at hand. He called out to his team, and hopefully to who was hiding from them. 

Silveira: Check your targets. Tho'Bi take point and see if the Computer Core has been tempered. Meris you go next. 

He gestured to Alex for them to stay behind.

Tho'Bi: ::over shoulder:: Aye, Aye, Sir ::beat:: Checking the Computer Core.

They moved in and Vitor signaled to Alex for them to cover the Ensigns entry, and then storm the room in a flanking movement. 

What happened next was too quick for them to register. Vitor and Alex moved synchronised, after Tho'Bi and Meri, but there was definitely someone else there. 

The adrenaline was taking the better of him, but he almost shouted as he followed the others. 

Silveira: We mean no arm. Watch your targets Ensigns. 

Storm: Response.

((Computer Core - Sub Levels, Boraxian Vessel 'New Hope'))

Tho'Bi took the lead, with Meris following in cover. Vitor couldn't see ahead but Tho'Bi made contact, followed by Meris warning. 

Meris: Tho’Bi! Wait!

Vitor stepped in quickly, warning also.

Silveira: Watch your fire, we are on a civilian ship.

Storm: Response.

He saw Tho'Bi crouching and a small figure ahead of him, but he couldn’t tell who, or what it was, as Tho'Bi spoke.

Tho'Bi: ::softly:: It is okay, little one. I am Tho'Bi ::hand to chest:: 

Vitor quickly holstered his phaser, guessing what Tho'Bi was saying next. 

Tho'Bi: Sir, there is a Yurum child in here.

Vitor stepped slowly closer. He realized they nearly shot at a kid.

Meris slipped past Tho’Bi.

Meris: I am Meris from the Federation vessel Artemis. We're here to help. It would be an honor to know and be known.

Vitor didn't understood the gesture Meris was doing, but it appeared to have worked. 

The child, Vitor wasn’t sure if it was Yurum or not, Boraxian was for certain, appeared to recognize Meris signal.

That made the child rush to him and hug the Ensign, who gently comfort the little one. 

Meris: You are safe, child. What is your name?

Child: I am Zaralehn. It is an honor to know and be known, Meris of the Artemis.

Vitor smiled and made a note of Meris quick thinking and action.

He smiled, bowed and rested his hand on his chest. 

Silveira: Hello Zaralehn. I am Silveira, also from the Artemis.

Storm/Tho'Bi: Response.

Meris steadied Zaralehn, then drew back slightly, resting their hands on the child’s shoulders to look them over.

Meris: Are you okay? Are you alone?

 

Child: I am okay. But I am not alone.

Zaralehn gestured toward the computer core. Two more pairs of eyes peeked timidly from behind the shutter.

Vitor couldn't help himself and smiled looking at Alex and then to the other two kids that timidly made their way towards them.

 

Silveira: Well Zaralehn, you and your friends also frightened us. 

Storm/Tho’Bi: Response.

Vitor put one knee down and smiled at them.

Silveira: So, now that we are all here perhaps one of you can help us. I have a feeling you shouldn't be here.

The two little “rascals” that had hid behind looked at Zaralehn, who clenched closer to Meris. 

Vitor looked at Meris, giving him a little nod, before glancing at Tho’Bi and Alex.  He winked at them.

Silveira: How about we let you go, and keep this as our secret. But I will ask for a favor. ::turning to his team:: We can all agree that's a good solution. 

Storm/Tho’Bi/Meris: Response. 

There was some hesitation but Vitor kept his expression and opened his arms. 

Silveira: We are looking for a friend. Perhaps one of you saw him. Dariell. 

One of the other kids stepped forward.

Child: I saw him. He was with Kulpadu. 

Storm/Tho’Bi/Meris: Response. 

Vitor kept his smile and nodded. 

Silveira: Thank you… I am Silveira of the Artemis. Who is this Kulpadu, another Yurum? 

The child shook their head, and did the same greeting that Zaralehn did to Meris.

Cryansa:  I am Cryansa. It is an honor to know and be known, Silveira of the Artemis.

Kulpadu is not Yurum,  he's Boraxian. I saw him with Dariell in Seedery.

Vitor wrinkled his forehead, surprised. 

That made Cryansa tilt her head. 

Silveira: Seedery? 

Cryansa: Yes, that is where the grown ups grow our food. Kulpadu works there.

Vitor arched an eyebrow as he looked at the others. 

Silveira: I think we need to go there and find this Kulpadu. 

Storm/Tho’Bi/Meris: Response. 

TAGs/TBC

Lt. Cmd. Vitor S. Silveira

Chief Tactical Officer

USS Artemis-A, NCC-81287

O238907VS0