Ensign Alyndra Syrex: Sorry, A changeling ate my homework

[Alyndra Syrex]

[and now… the conclusion]

 

((Port Observation Lounge/Mess, Deck 10, U.S.S. Ronin.))

 

Syrex: I doubt that’ll last long, you probably have three minutes, tops oO Tricorders did never like diving by Zero, a little amplification didn’t hurt anybody, except the changeling of course Oo.

 

Alieth: =/\= Ensign Syrex, your request to participate in an away mission has been granted. Report to the Rhine, on shuttlebay one in four minutes, medkit at the ready. =/\=

 

Syrex: =/\= I am currently dealing with a situation regarding a changeling with Lt Commander Carpenter, can this wait? =/\=

 

The Vulcan Officer replied in a sincere, yet firm tone.

 

Alieth: =/\=The security department will take care of it, I have every confidence that Miss Carpenter can handle that Changeling on her own. =/\=

 

Syrex: =/\= Aye, I’m on my way =/\=

 

Alieth: =/\= Meet me in the Rhine, ensign. :: Menacingly:: Do not even think of being late. =/\=

 

Alyndra looked over at the now-controlled chaos in the lounge, she knew there was nothing more she could do here in the time she had available.

 

Syrex: =/\= Syrex to sickbay, please send someone over to the Port Observation Lounge, Deck 10, nobody is currently severely injured, but that may soon change, I am needed on an away mission, Syrex out =/\=

 

As Alyndra left the observation lounge, her breath shuddered. She didn’t want to know what damage could haven been delt had the changeling snuck into a more critical area. Hell, if that incident had even occurred in sickbay, there may have been fatalities, the mission may have been irreparably compromised. But as Alieths voice bounced around in her head, she decided to employ the same Vulcan philosophy Alyndra assumed her superior officer has. The incident didn’t take place in sickbay, it took place in a relatively unimportant area of the ship. So, worrying over a long-passed eventuality was, frankly, illogical.

If James and the agent were different people, could that have been a distraction? She laughed slightly to herself, a grin appearing on her face. Alyndra knew she was overthinking this situation, for all she knew Ensign James was quivering in the corner of a cargo bay. Until they were found, she had no reason to worry, knowing if she trusted in Chief security officer Carpenter, all would end well.

 

Alyndra reached the end of the corridor, feeling like a long journey had passed, she stepped into the turbolift.

 

Syrex: Deck 9

 

Turbolift Computer: Com..m…m..an..d n..ottttt recogn-i-i-sed.

 

Syrex: ::Almost shouting:: Deck 9

 

Alyndra resisted the urge to enter a screaming match with the computer, she exited into the corridor from which she had come, looking for a hatch for a Jefferies tube.

 

Syrex: ::Whispering to self:: They told me the Ronin was a bit old, but this, as the humans say, is taking the mick.

 

Finding a hatch to enter the ship's tube system, she slid in, disappearing from the corridor.

 

((Five and a half minutes later, Main Level, Shuttlebay 1, Decks 9, USS Ronin, Outside the J-0922A System))

 

Alyndra finally emerged from the Jefferies tubes and into the shuttle bay, though it had taken her longer than Alieth had likely anticipated. Not wanting to waste any more time, she broke into a run, her breath quickening as she pushed herself to cover the remaining distance. Sweat beaded on her forehead, the ship’s internal temperature always felt too warm for her liking, even without the added exertion.

Turning into the door, Alyndra noticed the same Vulcan she had treated earlier, standing outside of the shuttlecraft “Rhine”. Alyndra knew better than to say she didn’t look pleased, restless would be a more fitting expression. They raised their hand as if to signal they were ready to leave, Alyndra spoke loudly enough to hope to captivate their attention.

 

Syrex: Wait! I’m here!

 

An almost smile appeared on Alieths face, reaching out a gloved hand to help Alyndra into the shuttlecraft. Alyndra took her hand and climbed aboard.

 

Alieth: You are definitely going to have to check that punctuality of yours, Ensign.

 

Syrex: I’ll be sure to work on it, thank you for waiting as long as you did.

 

The Vulcan said nothing, letting the muscles of her face loosen a bit, not into any specific expression, but something less strict than Alyndra was used to seeing from them.

 

As Alyndra settled into the runabout, she felt movement. Looking out of the nearest window, she saw darkness, they had left the Ronin’s shuttle bay and entered the cold unfeeling area of space controlled by the Lattice Alliance. Bathed in the light of the Ronin’s engines.

 

Seeing the light disappear as the Ronin went to warp only seconds later, cemented the seriousness of the situation in the young ensign. Leaving the away team alone and outgunned.

 

The cat and mouse game had just begun, Alyndra was apprehensive but excited to prove herself here, this was the forge that would shape her career, into whatever form that may take.

 

(End of Act 1 for Ensign Alyndra Syrex)

Ensign Alyndra Syrex

Medical Officer

USS Ronin (NCC-34523)

R240107AS3