Chipping the crew.

Posted on Thu Nov 23rd, 2023 @ 8:32am by Lieutenant Samaire MacBride-Reece [Lalor] & Skylah McBride [Lalor] & Miran Lalor [Lalor] HRH & Tristi Richardson & Harper o’Leary & Commodore Phoenix Lalor-Richardson & Captain Gary Taylor & Commander Kyle Reece & Commander Sthilg & Lieutenant Colonel Azhul Naxea & Lieutenant Commander Aurelia Taylor & Lieutenant Commander S'hib & Lieutenant Commander Alicia Kelea-Salik & Lieutenant Thor Magnus & Lieutenant Tate Sullivan Ph.D. & Lieutenant J'airesh Mora-Heath & Lieutenant Commander Rin & Consul Andrinn Orin & Lieutenant JG Caaral Topaz-Smythe & Ensign Maxine Mckull Ms. & Teevs Dosivi & Lieutenant Commander Savar cha'Salik hei-Surak Talek-sen-deen [Taylor] & Legate Imik S'Niohun [Lia Taylor] & Lieutenant Vise [Sthilg] Kesahl & Lieutenant JG Heather De La Rosa {Kelea-Salik} & Ensign BF 345078 (john Snow.) [Sthilg] & Senior Chief Petty Officer Emily Charles {Kelea-Salik} & Gunnery Sergeant Nenaa [Sthilg] & Chief Warrant Officer Carol Dolton

Mission: Season 6: Episode 4: Memory Lane
Location: Main Medical Bay
Timeline: MD 3- 13h00 Aprox
5962 words - 11.9 OF Standard Post Measure

It was going to be a busy day for sickbay. Sthilg had been up for at least two hours getting everything. If the crew were going into this hell he was going to make sure everyone wasn't going to be beamed off the ship.

" Okay, everyone." He said to his medical team. " We have a lot of people to chip with the inhibitors. Let'sss do thisss cleanly and effectively.

Heather and Emily stood side by side as they nodded their acknowledgment to Sthilg. Both of them were looking tired thanks to the spate of nightmares going around the ship, but they were going to do their jobs regardless.

T'Kek had had trouble sleeping and while Vulcan meditation techniques were helping some, the lack of enough sleep was beginning to affect him. "Of course, Doctor Sthilg."

J'Air was also tired but it seemed like everyone was in the same boat and she acknowledged the CMO's instructions and cleaned her hands and instruments in readiness to begin their work for the day.

Emily looked around she hadn’t seen Liana arrive with Zac yet, she wanted to be the one to deal with her adopted daughter’s implant when they did.

Tate nodded wordlessly. She was exhausted and more than a little irritated with herself. It was awful to see so many members of the crew struggling with nightmares and not be able to do more up this point to ease their suffering. It was also the closest Tate had come to feeling like she was losing her own mind in the process.

Orin headed down to Sickbay to get the transport inhibitor implanted onto him. At least, that's what he was thinking was happening, if he remembered the meeting from earlier correctly. Once Orin walked into the doors to sickbay, he saw Dr. Sthilg finishing up with his medical staff and Orin walked over to the doctor to ask, "So, how is this whole thing going to go? Hopefully, nothing too crazy or painful!"

" All we need is for you to take a ssseat on a biobed and we can get thisss over with. I can assure you the process will be completely painlessss. " The gorn said with a reassuring smile.

Lt. JG Caaral Topaz-Smythe was quick to head to Sickbay on word that the inhibitors were being implanted. Not only did he want to avoid potential long lines. He was looked forward to seeing the medical staff. As a virologist, he hoped to improve his working relationship with them.

He entered not long after Orin, filing in alongside him. "Is this where we come to get our chip?" Anxiety over the upcoming mission left him slightly flustered.

"That's what I was just asking our dear doctor. You must be one of the new members of the ship. I haven't seen you around much. I'm Andrinn Orin, Chief Diplomat. It's nice to meet you," Orin said, offering his hand up to shake the new member's hand.

Caaral shook the hand of the Chief Diplomat and smiled. "Caaral Topaz-Smythe. Virologist. I've just been cooped up in the labs lately."

Carol and Lia entered the Sickbay but stood off to one side, "Carol, are you sure about this inhibitor?" Lia hadn't heard or been told of any mass implant.

Dolton glanced at Taylor, "That's what I was told Lia, why do you think there's something wrong?"

Taylor nodded, "Can't say I'm a fan, so I guess for now I'll pass."

Dolton now backed up towards the doors, "I'll think I might join you."

As they walked, a confused expression crossed Caaral's face. He wondered if they understood the reason for the transport inhibitors. The scientist favored his odds with the procedure compared to the odds of being transported off the ship.

As the two were starting to leave, the doors slid open, and the large frame of Commander Kyle Reece stood there. Ushering his children inside, he glanced over at the two retreating security officers. "Lia, Carol...did you two get your transport inhibitor chips?" As he spoke, one of the nurses came forward and he told Zhavna and Jassirc to go with her and that he would be there in a moment. J'Air, having just finished with one installation of an inhibitor, joined the nurse and offered to help with one of the Commander's children. She thought it best if they were both done at the same time, so neither would be put off or alarmed by having to watch the other being done first.

Once they nodded and stepped away, he turned his attention to his two crewmembers. "You are aware that this isn't a voluntary thing. To keep everyone as safe as possible, the Commodore has made it an order that every sentient being on the ship have a transport inhibitor chip injected into their body." He crossed his power arms across his chest as his eyes moved from Lia's to Carol's and back again.

Lia looked at Kyle, "I guess we didn't get the memo, I know nothing of this."

Carol pointed to Lia, "What she said."

Kyle arched an authoritative eyebrow at both of them. "Then, as your department chief, consider this the memo. No one under my command, nor their families, are eluded from this procedure. And once you both have had your injections, you will spread the word that this is not a voluntary procedure. It is for the safety of every last man, woman, child and gentle being aboard the Elysium." He paused briefly, before asking, "Do I make myself clear, ladies?"

Carol simply nodded in response.

Lia looked around and slowly formed her response, "Can I ask what has brought this turn of events about? If I'm to have a procedure I would like to know why." She faced her CO openly, no malice or anger.

Rin had entered the room several steps behind Kyle. Now she paused just behind and to his side, curious how this was going to play out. She, of course, knew about Lia's recent behavior, and she generally had disdain for people who lightly challenged the chain of command.

On the other hand, there was a certain issue of bodily autonomy here that Rin was not completely comfortable with. So she silently waited to see how this went.

Caaral stood back from the injections, scanning the room and listening intently. As a relatively new arrival, he still felt somewhat isolated. He didn't know many people or understand the dynamics at play.

Looking around the crowded sickbay, Kyle's eye landed on his sister-in-law, Samaire, Liam and sweet little Skylah. Remembering what the two of them had gone through, at the hands of the Thaih'ea, caused a flash of anger move over his face. He then pulled the three women over to the side and quietly spoke, though, he knew that Rin already knew. "As you know, the Elysium has come across a border beacon of a race that we just discovered are slavers. My sister-in-law, and her young niece have already been victims of theirs, in the past. The Commodore wants everyone to have a transport inhibitor chip injected into their bodies, as a measure to, hopefully, prevent the Thaih'ea, or any of their associates, from beaming any crew or family away." He took a breath, then continued. "So, as it is a lawful order, for your protection, get the injection."

Dolton looked at Reece, "This might be a stupid question, but won't having this inhibitor mean we can't use our own transporters? Which also means if they beam aboard we're screwed because we have run to what ever location their at, and by the time we get there they could have captured and taken anyone off the ship before we arrive?"

Lia listened and nodded in agreement, "She has a point sir, we'd basically be fighting in the dark with a blunt knife while the enemy have got phasers." Taylor glanced as others were fitted with the inhibitors, "I'm not refusing the order, just questioning its necessity."

Rin took a step forward so that she was no longer behind Kyle, hands tucked behind her back as she tended to do when in an official capacity. "It is, like most decisions, a matter of risk vs. reward. You are correct in that your scenario is a possibility. The question is whether it is a probability. We are a huge ship for this sector. There are likely more of us than them. We can gather people into groups at critical locations so that people cannot be picked off one by one. If the slavers managed to capture people, they would still have to march them to an shuttle bay in order to take them away, giving us considerable time to head them off. In short, we can mitigate much of the drawbacks attached to this course of action. In addition, your suggestion of using numerous site-to-site transports would be a considerable power drain on the Elysium in its current condition."

There was a momentary pause as Rin considered her next words, which she delivered as calm, dispassionate, and matter-of-factly as everything else she had said. "At least, that is my logic behind it. The Commodore is not required to explain every decision she makes. We all accepted that when we joined Starfleet. There is a time for discussion and a time for decision."

What Rin wanted to say was if you hadn't landed yourself in the brig and had your position stripped you might have been in a position to ask the Commodore personally, but she refrained. She doubted it would generate anything positive for this situation.

What she did say was "I am not thrilled at the idea of having another implant put inside me, but I will do it nevertheless. If we start being beamed away, the Elysium will extend the encounter and potentially take more losses. That is not worth avoiding a bit of personal discomfort."

Kyle nodded slightly at Rin's words. He then glanced back at Lia and Carol. "And now, ladies, please go get your injections. If you will excuse me, my children are waiting for me." He gave all three a polite nod of his head and a slight grin. He then moved deeper into the busy sickbay, reuniting with his adopted kids a few biobeds away.

Rin nodded slightly to Kyle as he left, then returned her attention to the other two women, waiting for a response.

Lia felt Rin was holding something back, she had a good idea what but decided to let it pass. "I'm still not convinced, but there's enough crap going on right now. I don't want anymore, but I'll make sure my reservations are noted by the medical staff."

Carol was about to answer when the doors opened and Imik walked in.

"Carol, blessings upon you. If you can return to my quarters at 18:30hrs today, we can begin your training."

Dolton smiled and bowed to Imik, "I'll be there on time ma'am, is there any dress code?"

Imik bowed back and shook her head, "None is needed, only your arrival." She then swept by and headed for one of the medical staff for her inhibitor.

Rin figured that was the best she was going to get, so she simply gave a curt "Thank you" and stepped into the awaiting crowd.

Carol turned to Lia, "Bit of an odd one isn't she, seems to want to say something but doesn't."

Lia nodded in agreement then pressed her comms badge, =/\="Lia to Gary, see if little Lia has been processed with an inhibitor. If not bring her down to sickbay and get her one please, Lia out."=/\=

^=^ We're on our way to Sickbay to have inhibitors injected. We'll be there in a few minutes. =^= Gary replied.

Taylor turned to Carol, "You go ahead, I'll wait for Gary and little Lia."

Carol nodded, "Sure, send the dozy Welsh one first. I'll remember this Commander."

Lia laughed, "Stop being a drama queen, and be at our quarters later. I'll treat you to a proper Chicken Katsu curry, complete with proper Japanese Sake."

Dolton now smiled, "Blackmail, that's what that is."

Taylor pushed Carol on her way and then responded to Gary, =/\="I'm by the doors, I'll wait until you arrive and we'll all have it done together."=/\=

=^= We're coming up to the doors now.=^= Gary replied. There was a brief pause before he continued =^= We're in Sickbay. Where are you?=^=

Lia tapped Gary's shoulder, "Right here husband of mine." She smiled as she spoke, then she turned to little Lia. "Hello, I'm Lia. Now the Doctor is going to give you a small injection, no need to worry ok?" The child buried herself further into Gary's leg, holding on for dear life. Lia squatted down to the child's level and reached out, but little Lia wasn't having it one bit. Looking up at Gary she spoke quietly, "Looks as if we have a Daddy's girl here, ok Gary your up with getting this thing done." She stood up and stepped back, that hurt. Little Lia had made her choice, and it wasn't Lia.

Gary looked at Lia, "Lia, LL is three and this all new to her. Give her a chance and don't back away." He bent down to the little girl. "Hey, hey, Now none of this." He said gently. "This is your mom, and she loves you very much. Now, your being mean to her. Give her a smile and hug, okay?"

For a few seconds LL said attached to Gary's leg but slowly she unattached herself from Gary and gave Lia a smile if a bit tentative and her arms opened to hug her.

She approached the child slowly and bent down, but the child now backed up. Lia stopped and spoke quietly to her, "Are you frightened of me? Or frightened of what is happening?"

Little Lia bit her lowerlip, "Don't like you, only like new Daddy." She stood unsure of the strange woman's reaction, deep within her a mass of confusion abounded. "New Daddy came to see me, he's nice. I don't like you."

Lia now stood up and looked at Gary, "Guess that say's it all, now get both of you injected and I'll go over there and get done. That way at least we'll know she's safe, and new Daddy can hold her hand." She turned and headed for another line of waiting people, her head slowly sank down as she now knew that this new life was going to be hard for her.

"Lia, stop it. Give her a chance. This is overwhelming for her." Gary said gently as Lia turned and walked away from them. "When we're done, we'll all go home together as a family."

He looked at LL. "You aren't being very nice to your new mom. You need to be nice. She has lots of clothes and new ideas for your room. I even heard she has some furry babies for you." He kissed her forehead. "I love you very much and so does your mommy. So, you need to give her a chance. She'll be the best friend you ever have." He finished, hoping Lia had heard what he said to LL.

Little Lia shook her head, "Don't want to." She turned to see what Lia was doing, "Why do you have fluffy babies?" At first Lia wasn't sure how to answer, but she looked at the child and a tear rolled down her cheek. "Because I always wanted a little girl, and I know little girls like fluffy things. But as you don't like me, you won't want to see the fluffy babies." She turned away and took a deep breath, how do you build a bridge to someone how doesn't like you? She was having problems with adults, now a child had made it clear she wasn't liked. "Out of the mouth of babes." Lia said to herself.

Little Lia looked at Gary, "Why is that lady crying? Is she hurt?"

"That lady is your new mommy and she's crying because you hurt her. You aren't being very nice to her at all. She loves you very much. You should give her a chance. Her name is Lia, just like yours. You could be twins." Gary answered with a smile.

LL looked at Gary and then at Lia. A smile slowly appeared on her face."Okay, I be nice. I like furry babies. You silly Daddy. I'm little, she tall." She looked up at Lia. "Your name is Lia, like mine?"

Turning back to see Gary and Little Lia as a family made Lia just smile, She now looked at the small child. "Yes, my name is Lia just like yours. And I hope we can be friends, because I have a few furry babies who need a little girl to love them. Do you want to be that little girl?"

Little Lia let go of Gary's hand and headed for Lia, opening her arms as she reached Lia. Bending down Lia picked the child up and drew her into a hug, more tears making their way down her cheeks. "Lia your beautiful and we'll love you now and forever."

Leaning back, little Lia wiped away Lia tears, "Don't cry mum, mummy's don't cry."

Hugging the child Lia nodded, "Ok I won't cry, and we'll go home and play with fluffy babies after this ok?"

"Yeah!! Daddy we going play with fluffy babies, are you coming to?" The smile on little Lia's face seemed to glow bright, and Lia wanted things back to normal and now she had a reason to aim for that.


Gary smiled at the scene before him. Lia and LL coming together. "Now we're a family." he said softly before replying to their daughter. "Yes, I'm coming with you and mommy. I'll watch you two play with the fluffy babies."

Looking at Gary, Lia now spoke to him softly. "Could I possibly ask my husband, to go and talk to my C.O. And inform him that a family problem with my child, prevents me from continuing my duty today?"

Gary nodded, "I believe that can be easily arranged Lia."

"I'm up for it, Doc. This sort of thing interests me", Caaral said. His heartbeat sped up as he approached, the anxiety of waiting had reached a crescendo. He sat on the biobed while being injected. The procedure was over before Caaral even realized.

"Thanks for the work", Lt. JG Topaz-Smythe said as he stood. "Looks like I won't be transporting anywhere for awhile."

Samaire came in with her niece in her arms, she was more than willing to get the chip installed. Better that than being a slave or experiment again.

Caaral waved to Samaire and her niece as he passed them on his way out. "Hello. "It's quick and painless", he offered with a smile.

Liam entered sickbay with his family. Knowing that these Thaih'ea had already abducted and done heavens knows what to his wife and adopted little girl in the past only intensified his desire to protect and defend them from any further assault. He would kill any slaver who even looked at them too long, and sleep just fine afterwards.

Skylah accepted the injection in silence and without complaint.

Samaire was so silent since being on the bridge she barely acknowledged the doctors.

As they entered Sickbay, he gently guided them to an empty biobed. There they waited for one of the medical staff to step forward with the injections.

Vise walked over to them. The white spotted trill hadn't be active around the ship much given her leg had been shattered during the accident. Though know it was fully healed and she was back on duty. " Hello there. Thank you for coming. We promise this won't take long."

Hendor saw the cybernetecist first and smiled up at her. She and his Dragon Knight had been the ones to give him his new face. "Hi Doctor Vise!" He called out cheerfully.

Leilani smiled warmly as she cradled her tiny daughter, it hurt like hell to see Hendor terrified by his nightmares, but to see him smile at Vise lifted her spirits no end.

" Hello there Hendor. Ah you ready to be brave for your mum and dad?" She said bending down so she was at eye level with the young boy.

Hendor nodded excitedly. "Mama and Papa said that I was going to get an in..inhiby.." he sighed in defeat then looked up at his mother, his face clearly indicating that he needed help with the new word.

“An inhibitor sweetheart” Leilani smiled warmly. “We’re all getting one.”

His face brightened up when he heard the word and saw his mother smile at him. Turning back to Doctor Vice, he puffed up his chest proudly and said, "An inhibibitor!" Not realizing he had still mispronounced the word, he then asked a question, worry starting to fill his young features. "It won't hurt Baby Avi, will it?"

" Off course not little one. It will just feel like a hypospray injection then it's over." Vise explained.

Hendor seemed to consider this, then puffed out his chest like a brave little man. "Okay, but give it to me first. Then, if I don't feel anything bad, you can give it my little sister." In the short time since Aviana had been born, Hendor had been the picture of a doting and protective big brother.

Leilani smiled proudly, Hendor was an amazingly brave boy and she was very proud of him.

The trill nodded and carefully placed the injector on the boys back and pressed the trigger. " There we go, that didn't hurt did it?"

Leilani gave Hendor a gentle hug and a smile. “You are a wonderfully brave boy.”

Hendor considered what his body was telling him for a few beats, then he looked up with a grin. "It didn't hurt at all!" He then looked up at his parents. "It's okay for Avi to get it now."

George grinned as he gently tousled his son's hair. "Why thank you, son. You are a great big brother."

“He is indeed” Leilani nodded in agreement. “We’ll get Avi done and we’ll head home for some ice-cream okay?” She knew she wouldn’t have long before she’d be needed in marine medical to sort the marines inhibitors.

At the mention of his favorite treat, Hendor hopped excitedly as he continued to sit on the biobed. "Ice cream!!" He smiled as giggled happily.

George chuckled at their son's excitement. He then stood by as he waited for his injection.

Arriving next alongside her children and Savar, Alicia could see just how much the medical staff had to deal with. “It’s a good job we came when we did Imzadi.”

Savar held Connor while Alicia held their daughter N'Vea. "I agree Alicia. This is a wise and prudent decision. We must all do what we can to stay vigilant." He replied as he looked for an empty spot where the family could wait.

Alicia motioned to a small empty area, she wasn’t sure how long they’d have to wait but her lack of sleep wasn’t making it easy to patiently stand around.

T'Kek finished with an engineering petty office before waving the next patient over. "Next in line," he called.

Savar helped Alicia over a chair in the small waiting room. "Sit Alicia. I have no idea how long we will have to wait."

Alicia had noted that T’Kek had called for someone but so far no one had taken him up on their spot in the queue. She moved across to T’Kek, she didn’t mind waiting but it would save her children a long wait if she got them in for their inhibitor, and her her own at the same time.

T'Kek watched as a woman he recalled was the ship's Chief Counselor, along with kids and a Vulcan male, approach his station. "Greetings. Have a seat and I will make this easy, peasy, lemon squeezee."

Savar looked at Alicia for clarification, "Easy peasy, lemon squeezee? What is that Alicia? A new medical treatment? If so, I am unimpressed.

Alicia grinned. “It’s just a saying Imzadi, it just means it’s going to be quick and easy.”

"Ah, I see. An idiom, thank you Alicia for the explanation. I really must do more research as well as become more familiar with these nonsensical sayings and phrases." Savar replied.

“After all this is over remind me to help you research them.” Alicia grinned.

"You may count on me asking for your assistance in this matter Alicia." Savar answered in tone that left no doubt he would be seeking Alicia's help in the future.

Alicia smiled and nodded stifling a yawn. “I really need some sleep, I can barely think straight. These nightmares are crippling this crew.”
Savar nodded. Vulcans did not require sleep like humans or most other species. He could go up to two weeks without sleep. Still it was troubling. "It is a troublesome occurance Alicia. The sooner we can find a solution the better we all will be and you can get a good night of sleep."

T'Kek pressed the hypospray with the inhibitor to Alicia's shoulder and pressed the button. "There you are," he said after the sharp hiss of air emitted from the hypospray. "I can administer Improvoline as well to help you get some sleep, Counselor."

"Perhaps you should consider it Alicia." Savar gently urged his wife.

Alicia nodded. “By all means T’Kek, please do.”

T'Kek gave a curt nod. "Of course, Counselor." He took another Hypospray and loaded it with 3ccs on Improvoline, pressing it to her neck, administering the sedative. "I suggest getting to bed soon. I would hate for you to pass out in the corridor," T'Kek grinned. As he grabbed another Hypospray and administered the inhibitor to Savar. "Are the children next?"

“Please” Alicia nodded. “I want to know that they’re safe.”

Savar waited as Connor and N'Vea received their inhibitor injections.

Alicia turned to Savar. “Let’s head home, that sedative will be kicking in soon and I don’t want you to have to manage getting us all home.” She looked back at T’Kek. “Thank you Lieutenant.”

"A most logical and prudent decision Alicia." Savar replied as he scooped Connor into his arms. He looked to T'Kek. "Thank you Mr. T'Kek." He added.

"You are very welcome, Counselor. Mr. Savar," T'Kek replied before looking from Alicia to Savar, nodding slightly.

Alicia smiled politely as they headed off home, she was hoping for a good rest once the sedative got to work.

Thor and his crew had the cloaking device installed. Since the main task was done, his department was doing everything they could from repairing phasers to making sure the ship was at one hundred percent efficiency.

That lingering weight in his stomach had Teevs a bit more anxious as he and Kerilia entered sickbay. On the way over, he explained to her what was happening, and he didn't like the concerned expression he got in response but she had a right to know.

It was reasonable to say that Kerilia was scared. The Thaih'ea were the Nelorin's employers, and the nightmares of nearly being kidnapped by them were fresh in her mind. She gripped Teevs' hand tightly, taking in the busy atmosphere and the various emotions people wore in their expressions.

Rin spotted the two newcomers among the sea of people. "Hello," she said with a nod toward Teevs, then turned her attention to his daughter. "You must be Kerilia. I'm Lt. Rin."

Kerilia, a bit nervous about the whole situation and the busy atmosphere in sickbay, shied a little behind her father.

Rin looked around the room. "We're not usually this chaotic." In truth, at least in Rin's mind, that was an overgeneralization at best. People, even regimented ones, were to varying degrees naturally chaotic. It was something she struggled with in her early years and something she tried embracing in her more recent ones.

"Is there anything I can help with?" Rin asked the two.

Teevs had given a nod to Rin, both as a greeting and as confirmation as she addressed Kerilia. His hand tightened slightly around hers, a silent assurance that it would be okay. "Just guidance on where to go-"

J'Air stepped up, having finished helping the Commander's adopted children and offered her help to the newest incoming soon-to-be-patients. They did look a little anxious so she took great pains to reassure them both, nodding an acknowledgement to Lt Rin who had been speaking to them when they first arrived.

“Sthilg!” Bellowed S’hib as he burst into sickbay, his arms bundled tightly around M’Tuuri as she flailed about, thrashing her foot paws as he carried her effortlessly along.

“Let me go!” M’Tuuri hissed, throwing her head back and thumping it against his chest.

“Not until you get your chip, like everyone else…”

“Leaf eater!” She growled, desperately trying to free her arms that he had pinned across her chest.

"Everyone is getting a chip M'Tuuri. " Sthilg said as he walked over a look of annoyance on his face. " Captainsss ordersss."

Teevs jumped at the booming voice behind him, quickly stepping aside as a species he wasn't familiar with entered sickbay, holding another unknown species quite effectively. He wasn't sure what to make of it, and decided that staying out of the way was probably the best course of action.

Startled by the loud exchange going on just inside the door behind them, J'Air noticed that Teevs had been startled as well. Most of the occupants were similarly distracted from what they were doing but J'air recovered and spoke to Teevs and Kerilia.

"If you'd like to come this way with me, I will personally do your procedures and make sure all goes well. You can come in together if you prefer?" the ACMO held out her arm, offering an empty cubicle to them with one biobed but a chair alongside it.

Teevs nodded and followed the medical officer addressing him, feeling Kerilia close behind.

"To hell with her orders, the only thing I want going inside me is a coc-" M'Tuuri started, only to be cut off by S'hib arching his head down and biting the tip of her left ear.

"Ahhh! you bastard!" She yelled in response before leaning forward and biting fiercely on S'hibs arm, her fangs digging through his uniform and deep into his skin.

"Ow..." Was the only response S'hib gave, a deeply unimpressed but otherwise unphased look on his face as she continued to bite at him.

Seeing J'Air taking care of the Dosivis, Rin turned around toward S'hib and M'turri. A dozen scenarios went through her head but none of them explained what she was now watching unfold. "How did this even start?" she asked with some weariness.

“I ask myself the same thing every time I have to deal with her, And will you stop struggling!” S’hib huffed, getting a disdainful hiss in return from the woman in his grasp.

" M'turri why don't you want the implant?" Sthilg asked the annoyance showing in his reptilian voice.

“Can you please just put me down,” M’Tuuri sulked, trying to look up at S’hib but seeing nothing but his chin.

“I’m not going to run and even if I did you’d just catch me again with those gangly legs of yours.”

She looked back at Sthilg, pouting with her ears folded flat against her head until S’hib finally let go, dropping her the two or so feet she was off the floor.

“Ugh… now I smell like you…” She complained as she readjusted her uniform.

“You’ll be smelling the inside of a cell if you don’t get a chip!” S’hib snorted angrily before folding his trunk-like arms over his broad chest, clearly intent on waiting to watch the procedure.

“Fine…” She hissed as she unrolled a sleeve. “Violate my bodily autonomy if it makes you all feel better.”

Rin looked to M'Turri. "Given a choice, would you accept the implant? Knowing that not getting the implant endangers both you and the rest of this ship?"

"What do you think?" M'Tuuri spat back before dismissively rolling her eyes and turning her face towards Sthilg, shoving her arm towards him impatiently.

"You feel your autonomy is being violated, that you are not being heard," Rin said, calmly, hands folded before her. "So I am not going to make assumptions about you. I am asking your position on the matter."

"I had a tracking chip in me before OK?" M'Tuuri growled, casting her head from one side to the other in frustration.

"It was a long time ago when I did fieldwork, It got infected." She sighed, not comfortable talking about herself let alone her work with Starfleet Intelligence.

"I was alone on a world I'm not going to say the name of, and I almost died."

S'hibs features softened as she spoke, his face changing from a stern brick to that of guilt. He had after all simply assumed she was doing this just for the sake of it, to lash out for attention.

"Does the chip have to be inside someone to work or can they simply have it on them?" He asked Sthilg as he unfolded his arms and placed them behind his back to stand at ease.

" If it'sss on them then there nothing to ssstop thessse ssslaver ssscum just removing it if they board." The gorn explained.

Avalon appeared. "Doctor, please let the Commodore know if anyone refuses the inhibitor, She said something about being placed in a cargo bay for the duration under the Transport Inhibitors" The AI Vanished.

" There we go M'Tuuri. " Sthilg said feeling rather relieved. " If you don't want the chip I can have you placed there. "

At the door, two teens entered, and joined the line. Miran had no issues with this, Tristi on the other hand, hated medical stuff and was very nervy.

Behind them, Harper entered with her daughter and two adopted children to join the line for the chip.

Harper was followed a few moments later by a very quiet, fairly tall, Max. After the past few nights, even she had been disquieted by her dreams. What most people would classify as nightmares were very unusual for her, and cracks were starting to show in her Vulcan-like exterior. She slipped into the back of the line, watching, listening to those ahead of her while saying nothing to anyone at the moment. What was there to say? She was familiar with the orders, and though she might not know what they were for, she was prepared to follow them.

Orin had just let everything happen as it did and waited for his turn to get the transport inhibitor implanted in him. He wasn't afraid of getting any implants because he knew that he'd rather stay onboard the ship and not be butchered for medical testing, where the Orin symbiant would be hurt as well.

Tate offered a wan smile to Orin as she offered to administer the inhibitor. "Might I interest you in the latest inhibitor technology? Guaranteed to keep you from being transported against your will, but not to help you pick up your favorite radio station."

Orin offered up his arm and said, "Shoot away, Doc. Anything to make sure that I don't get transported off at the most in-opertune times! Whatever you need to do, have it, my fair person!"

OFF