Ensign Taj’el: Inward and onward then?
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Taj'el
Nov 6, 2025, 9:08:18 AM (21 hours ago) Nov 6
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(( Outpost – VX-LON-3 – The Tangle ))
Taj’el maintained a reserved demeanor, reviewing their preparations repeatedly to ensure nothing had been overlooked. It was their first mission, and their first assignment in the Gamma Quadrant, and despite every effort toward composure, a trace of tension persisted. They focused intently on their PADD, offering little conversation to the rest of the team, intent on performing with flawless precision.
Having taken a moment too long to verify the integrity of their rebreather, Taj’el quickened their pace to rejoin the group. They regarded the issued phaser with mild disapproval, yet given the lack of available data regarding their circumstances, prudence dictated its necessity. After confirming that their medical kit was properly secured, they allowed themself a brief observation of the others and their state of readiness. Alveth appeared enthusiastic, while the Xindi remained as inscrutable as ever.
Alveth: Alright, opening hatch doors.
Embarrassingly, Taj’el found themself momentarily overcome by the stench. They had anticipated it in theory, yet the sheer intensity of the odor proved unexpectedly disorienting. For several moments, the Vulcan required deliberate control to reestablish composure.
Alveth: I think I’d better put on some safety glasses as well.
Taj’el nodded their head in agreement and followed Alveth to obtain protective eyewear, offering a brief nod of acknowledgement for the suggestion.
The planet appeared largely uninhabitable. Sparse rock formations dotted the horizon, and a persistent wind carried the noxious atmosphere against their senses.
Kreshkova: I zhink ve should gif the largest building a try first. If ve hurry, ve may not need cold veazher gear.
Taj’el assented, once again experiencing discomfort from the overwhelming odor and biting cold air. Were it less intense, they might have considered collecting samples or recording additional observations; for the moment, however, their priority was to withdraw from the area.
oO The atmosphere may account for this physiological disturbance. Oo
Fortunately they had parked the shuttle relatively close to the large building and were at the doors momentarily.
Naledi: Crick Snap Pop Twinge… The door should react to your command codes, Lieutenant
Alveth: (disappointed) I was hoping for a welcoming committee…
Taj'el: Why? On the contrary, they should be quarantined, as there may be individuals exhibiting asymptomatic signs. Nevertheless, I concur that it would have been preferable for them to have opened the door for our entry.
Kreshkova: Computer, override lockout, Kreshkova Beta56Tango.
There was a chime and a standard Federation computer voice responded.
Computer: Acknowledged. Lockout override successful.
Alveth peered inside, as Taj’el looked onwards as well. Seemed dark and void of life.
Alveth: Looks inviting…
Alveth stepped aside to allow the others to enter first. Taj’el moved into a corner and retrieved their tricorder, initiating the standard scans as instructed at the Academy. Naledi entered quickly as the door slid open. Once inside, they immediately oriented toward their colleagues, Kreshkova. Naledi’s posture suggested heightened alertness as Kreshkova drew her phaser.
Taj'el: There is sufficient power, and the atmosphere appears breathable. The rebreathers should not be required in this environment.
Taj’el observed with some surprise how quickly Alveth removed their rebreather and inhaled the atmosphere. They adopted a more cautious approach, mindful that even the faintest exposure to the external air could be hazardous.
Kreshkova: Hello! Is anyvone around? Ve are from Starfleet and are here in answer to your distress call. ::With no answer, she tapped her combadge.:: ::Tapping her combadge.:: =/\= Vexilon 3 outpost. Zhis is Lieutenant Sasch Kreshkova of zhe USS Zhor. Ve are here to answer your distress call. Can anyvone hear me?=/\=
The only sound back was the lieutenant’s echo.
Naledi: Crick Snap Pop Twinge Chirp… We may be alone here. We should assume the research team went inward. Snap Pop Hiss Crack Pop… The facilities design has habitable modules at the core, for insulation.
Alveth: Inward and onward then?
Taj’el: We could… yes, onwards.
Their comments tapered off, as they did not wish to disrupt the actions of the other officers. The others appeared to have a defined course of action. Should that course prove flawed, interference would only impede their progress. They had only recently graduated from the Academy, after all.
Kreshkova: Response
The intelligence officer, Naledi, did an investigation of the main reception desk, experimentally tapping at a console that responded sluggishly to being activated again.
Naledi: Snap Pop Hiss Creak Snap Twinge Hiss… Records suggest the last log was updated a week ago. The probability of survivors is moderate.
Taj’el had considered reviewing the previous logs and noted a measure of disappointment for not having addressed the matter at the time. Nonetheless, dwelling on such sentiment was inefficient. This constituted information, and with information, conclusions could be drawn and progress achieved. They retrieved their PADD and recorded the observations.
Alveth: Inward and onward then?
Taj’el nodded their head in agreement, remaining still as they allowed the other to initiate action, cautious once again to avoid miscalculation or error.
Kreshkova: Response
The Xindi put their appendage into a mug of some sort of brown sludge.
Naledi: Pop Snap.. Cold
Alveth took a moment to pause their investigations and think through the possibilities.
Alveth: We received a distress call from here not too long ago. We know there is an active quarantine zone that the other team was transporting down into. We expected to rendezvous with the security lead at this location, but it appears that no one has been here for some time. What do we think happened?
Taj’el: Based on the available data, it is apparent that the area has been unoccupied for an extended period. The distress call indicates a previous emergency, but the absence of personnel suggests either a rapid evacuation or containment protocol was enacted. Further information is required to determine the specific circumstances. I recommend scanning for life signs.
Kreshkova/Naledi: Response
Alveth: If the sickness spread, perhaps there is no one left outside the quarantine zone.
Taj'el: That is unsupported conjecture. Such speculation is counterproductive. We must proceed based solely on the facts available.
Kreshkova/Naledi: Response
Alveth: Ah, yes. One of the symptoms listed was paranoia. I suppose that could also explain the lack of people here to welcome us.
As Alveth made the comment, he looked around the room furtively as if he had seen a ghost. He shook his head, maybe a ritual to chase away the ghost?
Taj'el: Are the complete symptoms of this condition, ‘Tangleitis,’ documented? We should begin constructing a profile to generate insight and, ideally, identify potential pathways toward a vaccine or treatment.
Kreshkova/Naledi/Alveth: Response
Taj’el paused, noting the extended duration of their discussion and concluding that silence may be prudent. Reviewing their notes, they debated internally whether a single additional comment would be warranted.
Taj’el: As previously stated, the logical course of action is to scan for signs of life. Additionally, obtaining a layout of the compound would allow us to determine where quarantine procedures were implemented. Investigation of those areas would be prudent.
Kreshkova/Naledi/Alveth: Response
Taj’el moved to the console that Naledi had examined at the reception desk. They initiated a download of the site map, transmitting it to the other three officers. Recalling their Academy days, when they had attempted to boost the tricorder signal to detect life signs, they considered whether a similar approach could be applied. The memory of Cadet Alenari’s tricorder burning out quickly dismissed the notion as imprudent.
Taj’el: Advancing further appears to enhance our ability to detect life signs and gather additional information. As Lieutenant Commander Alveth prefers to state it: inward and onward, then?
Taj’el made a tentative attempt at humor, though it was, as expected, somewhat flat.
Kreshkova/Naledi/Alveth: Response
TAGS/TBC
Taj’el maintained a reserved demeanor, reviewing their preparations repeatedly to ensure nothing had been overlooked. It was their first mission, and their first assignment in the Gamma Quadrant, and despite every effort toward composure, a trace of tension persisted. They focused intently on their PADD, offering little conversation to the rest of the team, intent on performing with flawless precision.
Having taken a moment too long to verify the integrity of their rebreather, Taj’el quickened their pace to rejoin the group. They regarded the issued phaser with mild disapproval, yet given the lack of available data regarding their circumstances, prudence dictated its necessity. After confirming that their medical kit was properly secured, they allowed themself a brief observation of the others and their state of readiness. Alveth appeared enthusiastic, while the Xindi remained as inscrutable as ever.
Alveth: Alright, opening hatch doors.
Embarrassingly, Taj’el found themself momentarily overcome by the stench. They had anticipated it in theory, yet the sheer intensity of the odor proved unexpectedly disorienting. For several moments, the Vulcan required deliberate control to reestablish composure.
Alveth: I think I’d better put on some safety glasses as well.
Taj’el nodded their head in agreement and followed Alveth to obtain protective eyewear, offering a brief nod of acknowledgement for the suggestion.
The planet appeared largely uninhabitable. Sparse rock formations dotted the horizon, and a persistent wind carried the noxious atmosphere against their senses.
Kreshkova: I zhink ve should gif the largest building a try first. If ve hurry, ve may not need cold veazher gear.
Taj’el assented, once again experiencing discomfort from the overwhelming odor and biting cold air. Were it less intense, they might have considered collecting samples or recording additional observations; for the moment, however, their priority was to withdraw from the area.
oO The atmosphere may account for this physiological disturbance. Oo
Fortunately they had parked the shuttle relatively close to the large building and were at the doors momentarily.
Naledi: Crick Snap Pop Twinge… The door should react to your command codes, Lieutenant
Alveth: (disappointed) I was hoping for a welcoming committee…
Taj'el: Why? On the contrary, they should be quarantined, as there may be individuals exhibiting asymptomatic signs. Nevertheless, I concur that it would have been preferable for them to have opened the door for our entry.
Kreshkova: Computer, override lockout, Kreshkova Beta56Tango.
There was a chime and a standard Federation computer voice responded.
Computer: Acknowledged. Lockout override successful.
Alveth peered inside, as Taj’el looked onwards as well. Seemed dark and void of life.
Alveth: Looks inviting…
Alveth stepped aside to allow the others to enter first. Taj’el moved into a corner and retrieved their tricorder, initiating the standard scans as instructed at the Academy. Naledi entered quickly as the door slid open. Once inside, they immediately oriented toward their colleagues, Kreshkova. Naledi’s posture suggested heightened alertness as Kreshkova drew her phaser.
Taj'el: There is sufficient power, and the atmosphere appears breathable. The rebreathers should not be required in this environment.
Taj’el observed with some surprise how quickly Alveth removed their rebreather and inhaled the atmosphere. They adopted a more cautious approach, mindful that even the faintest exposure to the external air could be hazardous.
Kreshkova: Hello! Is anyvone around? Ve are from Starfleet and are here in answer to your distress call. ::With no answer, she tapped her combadge.:: ::Tapping her combadge.:: =/\= Vexilon 3 outpost. Zhis is Lieutenant Sasch Kreshkova of zhe USS Zhor. Ve are here to answer your distress call. Can anyvone hear me?=/\=
The only sound back was the lieutenant’s echo.
Naledi: Crick Snap Pop Twinge Chirp… We may be alone here. We should assume the research team went inward. Snap Pop Hiss Crack Pop… The facilities design has habitable modules at the core, for insulation.
Alveth: Inward and onward then?
Taj’el: We could… yes, onwards.
Their comments tapered off, as they did not wish to disrupt the actions of the other officers. The others appeared to have a defined course of action. Should that course prove flawed, interference would only impede their progress. They had only recently graduated from the Academy, after all.
Kreshkova: Response
The intelligence officer, Naledi, did an investigation of the main reception desk, experimentally tapping at a console that responded sluggishly to being activated again.
Naledi: Snap Pop Hiss Creak Snap Twinge Hiss… Records suggest the last log was updated a week ago. The probability of survivors is moderate.
Taj’el had considered reviewing the previous logs and noted a measure of disappointment for not having addressed the matter at the time. Nonetheless, dwelling on such sentiment was inefficient. This constituted information, and with information, conclusions could be drawn and progress achieved. They retrieved their PADD and recorded the observations.
Alveth: Inward and onward then?
Taj’el nodded their head in agreement, remaining still as they allowed the other to initiate action, cautious once again to avoid miscalculation or error.
Kreshkova: Response
The Xindi put their appendage into a mug of some sort of brown sludge.
Naledi: Pop Snap.. Cold
Alveth took a moment to pause their investigations and think through the possibilities.
Alveth: We received a distress call from here not too long ago. We know there is an active quarantine zone that the other team was transporting down into. We expected to rendezvous with the security lead at this location, but it appears that no one has been here for some time. What do we think happened?
Taj’el: Based on the available data, it is apparent that the area has been unoccupied for an extended period. The distress call indicates a previous emergency, but the absence of personnel suggests either a rapid evacuation or containment protocol was enacted. Further information is required to determine the specific circumstances. I recommend scanning for life signs.
Kreshkova/Naledi: Response
Alveth: If the sickness spread, perhaps there is no one left outside the quarantine zone.
Taj'el: That is unsupported conjecture. Such speculation is counterproductive. We must proceed based solely on the facts available.
Kreshkova/Naledi: Response
Alveth: Ah, yes. One of the symptoms listed was paranoia. I suppose that could also explain the lack of people here to welcome us.
As Alveth made the comment, he looked around the room furtively as if he had seen a ghost. He shook his head, maybe a ritual to chase away the ghost?
Taj'el: Are the complete symptoms of this condition, ‘Tangleitis,’ documented? We should begin constructing a profile to generate insight and, ideally, identify potential pathways toward a vaccine or treatment.
Kreshkova/Naledi/Alveth: Response
Taj’el paused, noting the extended duration of their discussion and concluding that silence may be prudent. Reviewing their notes, they debated internally whether a single additional comment would be warranted.
Taj’el: As previously stated, the logical course of action is to scan for signs of life. Additionally, obtaining a layout of the compound would allow us to determine where quarantine procedures were implemented. Investigation of those areas would be prudent.
Kreshkova/Naledi/Alveth: Response
Taj’el moved to the console that Naledi had examined at the reception desk. They initiated a download of the site map, transmitting it to the other three officers. Recalling their Academy days, when they had attempted to boost the tricorder signal to detect life signs, they considered whether a similar approach could be applied. The memory of Cadet Alenari’s tricorder burning out quickly dismissed the notion as imprudent.
Taj’el: Advancing further appears to enhance our ability to detect life signs and gather additional information. As Lieutenant Commander Alveth prefers to state it: inward and onward, then?
Taj’el made a tentative attempt at humor, though it was, as expected, somewhat flat.
Kreshkova/Naledi/Alveth: Response
TAGS/TBC
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