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<div><span id="docs-internal-guid-d86ce916-7fff-cfb2-24ae-7a16d71fdf89">
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mission:
Death in the Shadows</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Day:
6</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Stardate:2446.02.06</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(USS
Illuminar - FO’s Quarters - FO Commander Sienna Williams-Verin & CMO Dr. Quinna Solice & CTO Ensign T’Mur - 2000)</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sienna
was curled up in the gigantic, oversized plush recliner that was patterned in a hideous jewel tone of purple and was fuzzy to the touch. It was one of her favorite items and she had found it ridiculously cheap on Vulcan of all places. In her hand was a PADD
that she was reviewing the remaining few repairs. At her side was a glass of vulcan sparkling wine. She was wearing a loose caftan type robe and no shoes, her bare toenails painted a light pink. Her long dark hair was down, and her latest bite from T’Mur
was barely visible on the edge of her shoulder. A soft sigh as she finished the last of the reports and leaned back. She missed T’Mur who was doing a training shift with the other security officers. Sienna knew that they couldn’t be together at every moment,
and that they were incredibly lucky to spend as much time as they did together. </span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">She
closed her eyes after finishing her wine and leaned back, relaxing in the chair. So when the door comm went off, she was surprised and rose, smiling when she answered it and saw Quinna there. </span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Quinna
stepped into the room, “Are you alone?” Quinna said in a deep tone. She looked at Sienna as a goal about to be achieved. She took a closer than normal step towards Sienna.</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Yeah,
T’Mur’s at a training exercise. Are you all right? You seem a little off. I have some sparkling white vulcan wine if you would like a glass?” Something about Quinna bothered Sienna, and she took a step backwards, suddenly very nervous.</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">::Luma,
keep a watch on my quarters please. Something’s not right.:: Sienna sent to the being that lived in their ship.</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Quinna
ran the back of her hand along Sienna’s cheekbone. “There is something about you I find, shall I say, alluring.” Quinna said as she circled Sienna.</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sienna
froze for a moment, a look of fear mixed with revulsion on her features. Sienna ducked the hand caressing her face. “Quinna?” Sienna asked, fear in her voice. “I can’t. I’m bonded to T’Mur and I just… she will kill you if you threaten that bond, it is her
nature. Please don’t.” </span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Her
fear spiked along the bond between Sienna and T’Mur.</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“You
know your bondmate desired this body first before yours. I am willing to offer this body to you.” Quinna was forthcoming.</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Ah.
No thank you.” Sienna smiled, but her smile was nervous. “Quinna, what is going on? Why are you acting so strange?” Sienna moved so that a piece of furniture was between her and Quinna. Unfortunately this put her further from an exit.</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“I
am offering you the biggest gift. This body is pure and untouched. I wish you to have it.” Quinna offered again.</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Quinna,
first off, you are not attracted to girls. Secondly, thank you again but I’m not interested. Maybe we should go to sickbay and we can get you checked out? I think when you were hurt the other day there were some lingering effects. But your new doctor should
be able to fix you up in no time.”</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">::Luma
get T’Mur here, now. Use the site to site transporters. Something is seriously wrong with Quinna. If she attacks me, can you handle her?::</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">::Luma
can use the gases and knock you both out, or she can move the Quinna to the brig. The Quinna is not herself. She feels like a boy.::</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">::She
-what-?:: Sienna asked as Quinna moved closer and Sy continued to move, keeping distance between the two of them. Sienna’s attention was now entirely on Quinna and Sy’s fear was growing worse.</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“No.
I am fine. I am guessing by now you have figured out that Quinna does not live here anymore.” Said the shell of Quinna’s body.</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Excuse
me? Who are you if not Quinna?” Sienna hoped that T’Mur would get here quickly.</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“I
am Rito, well I guess Rita now.” Rito was rather Cocky at this point. “And what I really wanted is your body. But this pure body has intrigued me. Want to hear my original plan?”</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“My
body belongs to my bondmate, not you. But sure, tell me about your plan.” ~Where was T..~ What was going on with Quinna?</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Computer,
initiate Quarantine Authorization Solice Davis Samuel nine” Quinna’s body stared at Sienna, “I bet you can’t read me.”</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Not
easily, no. But you are my friend and I don’t want to read you.” Sienna kept distance between them. </span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">::Luma,
whatever she just did, override it, please! Get T’Mur here!:: Sienna was almost frantic now.</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">::Luma
is trying! What is wrong with the Quinna! Why is she broken?::</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">T’Mur
suddenly shimmered and appeared in the hall outside of hers and Sienna’s quarters. Her senses strained to hear the sounds inside the apartment. She still had a sheen of sweat coating her body, that had pretty much soaked through the tank top and shorts she’d
been wearing. She also sported a couple new bruises from the combat training. </span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Luma
had warned her that Sienna was in trouble, and that something was wrong with Quinna. She didn’t know what kind of danger Sienna was in but she was not pleased to hear the news. She listened carefully to the voices in the quarters, and the telepathic communication
with Luma through their connection. </span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">::I
don’t know Luma but I promise we’ll figure it out and try and fix her.::</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“So
Rita… How do you plan to take over me?”</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">”You
know, I don’t need you exactly, but Your friendship made it easier to get you. I just needed a telepath. A Telepath was needed to read Sanchez. He was not supposed to die, but I became trapped in a limp body. A Telepath would have made things easier.”
Rita began to pace. It was now harder to leave a not telepathic body. Rita moved closer to Sienna and took hold of her neck and sniffed her hair. “I think Quinna needs to talk. Why not talk to her telepathically.” Rita needed the telepathic connection
to hold. “You do not know what you are missing with this body.”</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“I
think not. It’s exceptionally difficult to make a non-telepath hear us. It would leave Quinna with a terrible headache since she is not an empath. As for Quinna’s body, it belongs to Quinna.”</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">::Luma
has Sienna’s T’Mur outside the door and Luma is working on overriding the not-Quinna’s commands.::</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">::Work
faster Luma, I’m really scared. If you can’t, please gas the room. I’d rather have a headache from the knockout gas than have whatever is in Quinna attach itself to me.::</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“If
you want me to leave this body to the prude that owns it, then let me into yours.” Rito demanded. “Where is that bond mate of yours? Shouldn’t she be here by now? Perhaps you are not bonded like you think you are.”</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">T’Mur
had had enough. She could sense Sienna’s fear and she moved to the door. Standing in the center of the doorway she placed her right hand on the door. She closed her eyes and focused. In her mind she could hear the words of her teacher. </span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“You
must remember that there is no obstacle you can’t get through. The only thing that prevents you from passing through the loosely bound atoms of any object. If you strike with enough force, in the right place, you can break through. Just clear your mind and
strike all of the way through, as though the object did not exist.”</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">T’Mur
took a deep breath, opened her eyes and with all of strength struck the central edge of the door. It created a handhold for her to grip and forced the door open. </span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">She
moved quickly to Quinna, who still had hold of Sienna’s neck. Before the human could react T’Mur was there, her had shot out and grabbed Quinna by the throat and lifted her from the floor. </span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Get
your damned dirty hands off my mate,” she said, with a dangerous voice. </span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sienna’s
fear had her frozen when the not Quinna had grabbed her neck. But then T'Mur was there and taking care of it. Sienna tried to breathe through the fear filling her. </span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"That
is not Quinna. It is Quinna’s body but not her." Sy gasped out, some bruising on her throat from the hands that had been trying to forge a connection with her.</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sienna
hit her comm badge, "Security and medical to the first officer's quarters." She ended the call and watched, "Be careful, that thing wants a telepathic body for some reason. " Sienna felt betrayed and slightly sad by this encounter. And she needed the comfort
of T'Mur protecting her.</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">T’Mur
looked around to Sienna, intentionally avoiding their telepathic link, barely understanding the warning. “What?” Then she turned back to look at Quinna, who apparently was not Quinna. She maintained her grip on the woman’s throat as her feet kicked in
the air while she struggled to breathe. </span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Struggling
to talk, the entity in control of Quinna Body, “This body is weak...Just a little squeeze, Snap the neck. This body will not survive much longer.” Then the hand lifted to T’Mur’s Face. “Kill me, kill her. Is that what you want.” Then moved off the eyes
caught with Sienna’s. “Enter my mind and find the truth.”</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">T’Mur
shook her head, “I do not need to kill her to render her unconscious. I feel her body already going limp. She will not feel great when she regains consciousness, but she will regain consciousness. Then we can take time to reveal all.”</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">She
lowered the body of Quinna to the ground then changed her grips. Pushing her against the wall she crossed her wrists and put the cross on her throat and continued the pressure onto her carotid artery. Whatever happened next, she knew that Quinna would not
completely survive this experience unless she did something right now.</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">T’Mur
turned her attention to Sienna and for the first time used their connection. ::I need to do something now, but it is dangerous, and I need your help.::</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sienna
moved to kneel beside T’Mur. ::What do you need?:: She asked, laying her hand on T’Mur’s leg. Security should be here soon, as well as the medical help. If it took much longer, she would have Lee’s head on a platter.</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Slowly
T’Mur released her grip on Quinna’s shoulder and touched her fingertips to the woman’s face. She closed her eyes and began to send her mind into Quinna’s</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“My
mind to your mind, your mind to mine. My thoughts to your thoughts.”</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">T’Mur
could feel her mind move between the thoughts of Quinna’s as she attempted to avoid anything that was truly hers and sensitive. Suddenly she found herself in a large, empty room. Then another person was there. It started out to be Quinna, but as it walked
towards her the figure changed to a man. And he was smiling.</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sienna
kept her hand on T’Mur’s skin, and linked in with her bondmate. ::What can I do to help?::</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">::Stay
with me and protect me.:: T’Mur sent, making a mental note of their exchange of places. But Sienna’s telepathic defenses were much stronger than her own. </span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“GET
OUT!” Rito Growled. </span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">T’Mur
shook her head. “I do not think so. I believe it is you who should… get out. This mind is already occupied.”</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“The
prude you know is dead. This is my body.” Rito could feel the powerful mental bond the young Vulcan had.</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">T’Mur
brought her other hand to Quinna’s face and delved a little deeper. She could feel Quinna still there, trying to fight back but not knowing how. </span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“You
are a poor liar Rito,” she said flatly. “I can sense Quinna still fighting you. She is stronger than you believe. Release her or you will be destroyed.”</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Destroy
me, Destroy her. No one can free her but me.” Rito choked out.</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">T’Mur
dove deeper into Quinna’s mind. She calmly looked for where this Rito had hidden the true Quinna Solice. She found an area that she could not access. That would be it. Suddenly a box shimmered and appeared. She could feel the pressure from inside, and almost
hear Quinna’s voice calling out, “help.” </span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Another
lie. There is one who can free her. She can free herself.”</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A
smallish figure finally showed himself. A little imp that kept his distance. “The little prude is weak. She has no reason to free herself even if she could.” Rito looked, “Ahh I see the pathway to your brain. Let me in and I will leave this one intact.
You are just as capable of achieving my goal.”</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This
was what T’Mur was waiting for. She did believe that Quinna could fight back with training. But she was not prepared for such a battle. However, T'Mur was uniquely qualified. And what he wasn’t realizing is that on T’Mur’s playing field he wasn’t just fighting
her, he also had to deal with Sienna at the same time. </span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">::Be
ready my heart,:: she sent to Sienna. </span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Agreed,”
was all T’Mur said to Rito. With that she wrapped her mind around the impish figure and drew him towards herself. Feeling Sienna shore up her defenses she maintained the meld until she watched the walls melt around Quinna’s image. </span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Rito
knew this was all too easy. He felt the Vulcan but saw the path to the Betazoid. “Thank-you my lovely. Before I exit, there is one thing.” He made a fireball and flung it in the direction of Quinna's prison. “You did not think I would let the little prude
win. She knows too much.”</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sienna
bolstered the telepathic shields externally of both Quinna’s personality and T’Mur. She had some of the strongest shields on the ship, because of her time living with the pain of her broken bonds. They were impregnable. And as a psion who had been augmented
by a Q, she held power. She was skilled, holding them. Outside of the trance of the three, no four of them; security came in and put Quinna’s body in restraints. Sienna spoke very quietly out loud, “We’re working on this, just please guard us.” Then turned
her attention back to the trance ignoring what was going on outside of them. </span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">T’Mur’s
trust in Sienna allowed her to press her position. She enveloped the personality of Rito. In her own telepathic net, tightening its hold, until it was squeezing the imp. </span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Then
she turned to Quinna. It was time for her to free herself from the hold of this personality. </span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">::Now
is the time to assert yourself Quinna. You are Quinna Solice, Chief Medical Officer of the USS Illuminar. Say it, believe it, and be free.::</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Quinna,
all dressed in blue, was not in the box but was indeed standing behind T’Mur. “Who are you talking to?” She was carrying a net.</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sienna
held their telepathic shields, not trusting what she sensed. ::Quinna?:: Sienna asked hopefully. </span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">T’Mur
continued to hold the woman’s arms until she was certain that she was herself. </span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“What
the hell are you doing?” Quinna yelled. Quinna fought to get free. “Is that little imp in you. I swear I am going to tear his little wings off.”</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Now
she was sure and released Quinna’s arms. She needed to turn her mind inward. </span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">T’Mur
checked, ”He is indeed in me. But not for long.” She withdrew herself from Quinna’s mind and released her hands from her face. Then she sat on the ground, cross legged and sent her mind deep into her own subconscious. </span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Now
it was just Rito, herself and Sienna. Slowly T’Mur picked at the personality of the imp. ::You have no power here. It is time to end your existence.::</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This
personality was strong, the joint strength of T’Mur and Sienna was more than a match. It was the first time that T’Mur felt the confidence in her own telepathic control. A personality without a receptacle could no longer exist. Rito was fighting for existence
but it would not be enough. He was not enough. </span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">With
nothing to hold onto, and Sienna keeping him from everything he could try T’Mur could feel him wither, until finally he was simply no more. </span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">By
this time security brought Quinna to her feet and bound her hands behind her back.</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Belay
that mister,” T’Mur said and then rushed to Sienna’s side. She threw her arms around her neck and pulled her in. </span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">::How
are you my love?::</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">::I
am ok but I was so scared. I knew something was wrong but not how badly it was. Quinna of all people.. :: Sienna clung to T'Mur for a long moment then pulled away.</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">::Thank
you. You were so brave and so strong.::</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Quinna
felt the tug of the security guards. They were ready to take her to the brig or sickbay but were waiting for the cue since they were ordered to wait, or so they thought.</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">T’Mur
reluctantly moved from Sienna to Quinna. “How are feeling Doctor?”</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“I
am confused.” Was all Quinna could say. It hurt for her to talk.</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Well
we will try to help,” T’Mur told her, putting a hand on her shoulder and removing the restraits. “Why don’t you go down to sickbay with these security men and we will follow shortly.”</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">While
T'Mur talked with Quinna, Sienna spoke softly to the security guards.</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"When
we are ready, take her to sickbay and have a full set of diagnostics run. Ensign T'Mur and I will fill the Captain in on what occurred even though I am not entirely sure myself. "</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sienna
smiled as she realized that both of them had said almost exactly the same thing at the same time, evidence that their bond was deepening.</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"Quinna,
what is the last thing you remember?" Sy asked curiously. </span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Quinna
tried. She could feel the swelling in her throat. “Pain.”</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"Before
the pain," Sienna pressed. "What is the last event you remember?" The kindness and caring that Sienna had for her fellow shipmates had almost completely replaced the fear which still lingered in the back of her mind. She needed to process those feelings.
She needed a counselor. </span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Quinna
closed her eyes, as she was trying to speak,she had almost an inaudible whisper, “Sanchez……..De” </span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sienna
stood up, heading into their shared bedroom to change and make a call. It took her exactly two minutes to shimmy into her uniform and pull her hair back into a tail.</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"Commander
Verin to Captain Sekal."</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">He
had been meditating when the comm chirped. "Luma put the hail through. Sekal here."</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"Sir,
are you in a private area?"</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"I
am in my quarters Commander and I am alone save for T'lah. What is this communication regarding?"</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"Uh,
Well. Dr. Solice just came to my quarters while T'Mur was away and attacked me. She was being driven by an implanted personality which Ensign T'Mur dealt with. Security is taking her to sickbay." There was true distress in Sienna’s voice.</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"An
implanted personality?" He rose from the chair. "Explain."</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"Some
things are easier to discuss in person, Sir."</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"I
will meet them in sickbay and investigate the matter. And I will need details on how Ensign T'Mur dealt with the implant. We need to be certain there is no contamination left before proceeding. I am leaving now." He slipped into his boots and made his way
quickly to the door after affixing the combadge to his shirt. He wasn't currently in uniform and unconcerned by it.</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"Yes,
Sir. We are heading there now, to an isolation room to avoid embarrassing her."</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"Understood.
I will be there momentarily."</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sienna
walked back out into the living area where the two security, MedTech Anson Williams had arrived, T'Mur and a very quiet Quinna were.</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"Luma,
please transport all of us to the main isolation room in sickbay." </span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The
shimmering field enveloped them all and they were in sickbay.</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(reply
none)</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(posted
by Mel, Kris and Al)</span></p>
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