[M] LtCmdr Rahman: Stowaway (Dracht, Trel'lis)

[Rich]

((Computer Core, USS Mercury))

::The three engineers, along with a few other volunteers who had stayed behind on the Mercury, had just finished their initial repair of the computer core when Roshanara heard a familiar voice.::

Efili (NPC): Greetings, commander.

::She turned around expecting to see the floating face of the AI, but only saw Reez and Lieutenant Ket-Gavon working across the room, beginning the next set of repairs.::

Efili: I apologize for my absence, but because the holographic systems have been damaged, I am only able to appear through the console displays, commander.

::Roshanara looked down on the surface of the console. Indeed, there was Efili, looking unsettlingly ethereal as usual, but at least now it was confined to a small window.::

Rahman: I see... 

Efili: Commander, this is where we first met.

::A nostalgic AI? She wondered if that had been part of Efili's original programming.::

Rahman: Indeed.

::Well, if Efili was here now, she might as well take advantage of its abilities.::

Rahman: What is your assessment of the ship?

Efili: The USS Mercury, NCC-99812, is an Oracle class deep space science vessel currently operating below minimal ratings as set forth by the SCE Guidelines, Revision 238907.11. At this time, commander, I must inform you that the SCE declares such operations as "unsafe," and a full report must be filed with Fleet Operations within 10 days of docking at the nearest starbase. By saying, "yes" you verify you understand these regulations and procedures.

::Roshanara just looked down at Efili with narrowed eyes.::

Rahman: ...yes.

Efili: Diagnostic reports are as follows: Levels 5 and 4 diagnostics confirm multiple critical system failures. Level 3 diagnostic results should be available in 8 minutes and 32 seconds, commander. Levels 2 and 1 are unable to be performed with current crew levels. Shall I provide you the detailed systems report, commander?

Rahman: Humor me.

::There was a brief pause, but no change in Efili's facial expression.::

Efili: I am unsure what you would find humorous, commander. But I will endeavor to do so. (beat) A Klingon, a Romulan, and a Ferengi walk into a bar, and-

Rahman: Just give me the systems report.

Efili: As you desire, commander. Detailed systems report, as of 1000 hours.

::The report popped up on the table next to Efili's avatar. "Life support systems, online at 80%. Command control systems, online at 33%. Tactical systems, offline. Subsystem diagnostic report: fatal error. Propulsion systems, offline..." And so it went. It would have been faster if Roshanara had just asked for a systems list of what *was* working.::

::Suddenly, there was a muffled noise of equipment crashing above her. She looked up, but didn't see anything.::

Rahman: What was that?

Efili: I am unsure what you are referring to, commander.

Rahman: That sound... ::She turned around and called out to the other engineers.:: Did you two hear that?

Reez: It sounded like it was coming from near the upper core segments.

::Hmmm... considering that they'd just repowered the upper core segments, that was quite the coincidence.::

Rahman: Reez, do you know more about this alien intruder I read on the report...

Reez: I didn't see it personally, but I believe Ensign Dracht was part of the team chasing after it before everything went to hell. With internal sensors down, it was difficult to track, and now, well, as you know, even the Garuda's sensors didn't find anything. For all we know, it might have died along with the sensor module.

Rahman: ...or it might never have left, and is just really good at hiding.

::She thought of the two aliens she had seen perched high above them in the Gateway Chamber. How long had they been up there watching over them as they struggled with the Orion pirate captain?::

::She tapped her combadge and called for the ensign and security.::

Rahman: =/\= Ensign Dracht, Lieutenant Trel'lis, if you could meet me in the computer core, I think we've still got a stowaway. =/\=

Trel'lis/Dracht: =/\= RESPONSE =/\=

Rahman: =/\= Oh, and... if either of you could bring a couple of extra phasers. =/\=

Trel'lis/Dracht: =/\= RESPONSE =/\=

Rahman: =/\= I'm not planning on shooting anyone or anything today, but after what I saw on Nygel II... and from the report describing that decapitated Cardassian, I'd say caution's warranted. What do you think, Trel'lis? =/\=

Trel'lis: =/\= RESPONSE =/\=

TAG! TBC...

Lt. Commander Roshanara Rahman

Chief Engineer & Second Officer, USS Mercury