Deck 20 - What next?

Posted on Fri Oct 17th, 2025 @ 12:48am by Lieutenant Nicholas Reece [Reece] & Conglomerate (Reece) & Lieutenant Colonel Azhul Naxea & Lieutenant Zuriñe Aritza M.D. & Lieutenant Commander Malakai Starr [Taylor] & Lieutenant JG Jason Danvers [Taylor] & Avalon [ADMIN NPC]

Mission: Season 6: Episode 6: Conglomerate
Location: Deck 20
Timeline: MD1/15h00
3841 words - 7.7 OF Standard Post Measure

When the pods reached the Elysiums shields, they were caught briefly, before pushing through. Each one then slammed onto the hull at various locations on Elysium, the spinning drill heads digging into the solid duranium hull plating as if it was thin aluminum.

::The bridge shook again as the pods slammed against the Elysium’s duranium plating. The sound of drilling reverberated through the decks.::

As soon as the pods latched on, the front hatches irised open and the hounds poured out, attacking anyone nearby, killing everyone in front of them.

As soon as the pods connected with the hull, new alarm klaxond began ringing through the ship. "Breach! Intruder alert!! We have breaches on decks five, eight, ten, fifteen and twenty!"

Doctor Zuriñe Aritza and an assistant where in the Biosafety Level 4 storage and lab when the deck seemed to vibrate; then the Klaxon alarms began blaring =^=Breach! Intruder alert!! We have breaches on decks five, eight, ten, fifteen and twenty!=^= The young crewman looked at Doctor Aritza through the visor on his Level A encapsulated Biohazard suit.
Zuriñe calmly set the instrument she had been using to perform the necropsy of the Lepus townsendii. They had infected the creature Dorek Syndrome as Starfleet medical was trying to find a cure to better help in negotiations with the Ferengi.

"You know the protocol for this type of emergency Petty Officer McGavers. Let's get to it."
McGavers acknowledged the order. "Aye, Aye Doctor." He then began having the corpse of the Lepus townsendii moved to the incinerator. He carefully manipulated the corpse with the claw attached to the gantry frame. He slowly moved it to a panel. He then pressed a button which allowed the panel to slide open. He then lowered the corpse into the opening. Once released the panel door slide shut. Petty Officer McGavers then pressed another button on the panel in front of him.

=^=Confirm incineration of lab specimen Lepus townsendii.=^= inquired the computer.

=^=Confirmed incineration of lab specimen Lepus townsendii, authorization Petty Officer First Class Dennis McGavers, epidemiologist technician. Seconded by Lieutenant Zuriñe Aritza, doctor and chief epidemiologist.=^=

Aritza then spoke =^=Confirm authorization of lab specimen Lepus townsendii incineration. Specimen to be incinerated. Ashes to be decontaminated and placed in isolation storage for disposal.=^=

The computer acknowledged the order. On the panel in front of Petty Officer McGavers several lights appeared and on a small view screen he could observe the incineration.
Zuriñe began the process of ensuring all samples of the necropsy were properly stored. She then ensured the slides were placed in slide contained and stored.

=^=Computer, sterilization of examination table alpha and equipment.=^=

Inside the enclosed examination table and its equipment a shower of liquid, followed by a gas cloud, then the cloud was bombarded by both infrared and ultraviolet lighting.
Zuriñe knew that after the infrared and ultraviolet treatment, various other known sterilization would occur. She looked at Petty Officer First Class Dennis McGavers, "Time for us to leave the lab and see about helping with the intruder alert, Prepare for a long day in the medical bay."

McGavers smiled "No rest for the wicked as they say doctor."

As soon as she finished speaking, the outer bulkhead of the intercom exploded inward and a nightmarish creature stepped inside. When it stood up, it nearly reached the ceiling. As the smoke swirled around it, its powerful form could be seen easily, as well as the numerous cybernetic implants ilin its body. Though not Borg-like in appearance, it still looked very dangerous. It scanned the antichamber, looking for prey, not seeing the doctor or petty officer in the clean room yet.

"Well shit. What in the name of the Goddess do we have here?" said Zuriñe in a low, calm voice. "Mister McGavers remain absolutely still." she commanded in the same low, calm voice.

=^=Computer sound silent alarm and inact all safety protocols for Biosafety Level 4 storage and lab. Also run an analysis of the alien species that has breeched this area. Also activate the dense cleanse fogger and leave on in Biosafety Level 4 storage and lab.=^= Zuriñe commanded of the computer.

"Mister McGavers as soon as the fogger spray activates get as low to the floor as possible and find a hidden spot. I plan on seeing what we can do about our 'guest'. The fogger should disrupt visual on us as well as other sense this thing may have. Also do we still have a specimen of the neurolytic pathogen that infected the Borg?" she inquired in the same low, calm voice.

Petty Officer First Class Dennis McGavers swallowed the lump in his throat, "I believe so." he replied; his mouth dry and voice cracking.

Just then the fogger system kicked in, fogging the entire Biosafety Level 4 storage and lab in a dense antiseptic formula designed to kill most known viruses, bacterium, fungi, and other pathogens the Federation knew about.

As soon as the fogging began, the hound snarled loudly, raising its weapons and blasting the ceiling where the emitters were pumping out the chemicals, halting the process only partially, as other jets, further in the compartment, continued to work. It then turned its eyes two the two small humanoids near. It snarled again, exposing its saliva and blood coated fangs to them. Extending its cyber claws, the metal tips glowing white hot, it swung its long arms, destroying equipment and work stations as it advanced on them.

Zuriñe snapped a quick command =^=Computer Biosafety Level 4 storage and lab has been compromised by unauthorized assailant engaged security protocols.=^=
<>Unauthorized assailant has been detected, engaging now<> replied the computer, the from hidden phaser emitters several strong blasts of energy irrupted; striking the hound with unrelenting force.


Malakai was headed back to his cabin to see Kara and the children when all hell broke loose. The ship shook and shuddered and he realized they were being boarded! He ran to a weapons cache and grabbed a phaser and a phaser rifle. He didn't panic, that was his strength. He was cool under pressure. He wanted to get back to his family but that was out for now. Right now he needed to defend the ship from the invaders. He started to move off, stopped and grabbed another phaser. Better to be safe than sorry as he slowly moved down the corridor, hoping to connect with others of the Elysium crew.

A call came in on Malakai's commbadge, from Kyle, instructing all security officers to assist the Marines in repelling the enemy, while ensuring all civilian and non-comvat crewmembers got to an emergency bunkers.

Malakai quietly acknowledged the call and set out to find any Marines. He cautiously headed down a corridor in search of anyone.

The large Capellan form belonging to Warrant Officer Man'darr stepped onto the deck. Two pods had been detected on 20 and he knew Gami would have her hands full as a fireteam of Marines followed him. In his hands he carried the Heavy Pulse Rifle which was a heavy automatic pulse rifle that sported a heavier energy cell to for a more sustainable fire rate. He already dispised these intruders. The dishonorable shits targeted civilian sectors only. He stopped as the ship's computer contacted his comm link about a silent alarm going off nearby in the science labs. He took point as the Marines followed him. As he rounded a corner, he spotted the large canine creature standing at the door's threshold. "Hey! Ugly! Looking for someone!" He called out as his finger took up the slack on his weapon.

The second hound, that had remained by the Breach in the bulkhead, turned toward the new threat and howled. It started to advance, when the blast of Man'darr's weapon nearly blasted through the hound's forward facing shields. However, the energy blasts was enough to permanently damage the shield emitters, meaning that the shield would no longer recharge.

The Biosafety Level 4 storage and lab became a world of swirling white-grey fog so thick a being could barely make out their hands if held in front of themselves.

Zuriñe heard the soft sound of PO1C McGavers hitting the deck, followed by the soft scraping sound as he made his way to a safe hiding spot. Zuriñe slowly turned and made her way to the vault door, if her observation was correct of the neurolytic pathogen used on the Borg could be an effective weapon against these things. Zuriñe shuddered at the thought of using the neurolytic pathogen, it went against everything she believed in; she therefore prayed to the Goddess that security and the Marines would eliminate the need for this option.

The Galtonian Hound turned towards Man'darr, snarling as its claws extended and in a second, it sprinted towards Man'darr at great speed, but not fast enough as the energy pulses from his weapon tore through the Hound's shields and flesh before it fell dead to the deck at Man'darr's feet.

Two more hounds appeared and rushed Man'darr from a side corridor that was closer. Man'darr swung his rifle towards the new threat as his weapon dropped one beast as the other pounced on him, slashing at his chest as he stumbled back, dropping his weapon in the process. The other Marines were helpless to engage the second hound with Man'darr in the line of fire. Man'darr gripped the beast and spun on his heel, slamming the hound against the bulkhead with a terrible force as a crack could be heard causing the hound to howl in agony. With his free hand, he drew his Kligat from it's holster on his belt and slashed the hounds neck so deeply that it nearly decapitated the beast. Mandarr stumbled as blood flowed from the wounds on his chest and dripped onto the deck. Reaching down, he grunted as he picked up his weapon and made his way to the Science labs. "Marines here. Everyone ok?" He called out, leaning against the door frame.

Hearing the howls from the three hounds, now two dead, more howls could be heard, as well as the cacophony of metal shrieks, as several powerful creatures sped towards the area.

As one of the young Marines, a medic stepped in front of Man'darr, to treat his wounds, a vicious-looking trident-like proectile, suddenly slammed into the back of the medic's head, protruding out of his face. The force of the hit, caused the dead Marine to lurch forward and become impaled against Man'darr's chest, as onto of the barbed tips stuck into his right shoulder.

Grunting, Man'darr pushed the now dead Marine down, casing one barb to pull out of his right shoulder as he depressed a small button on his Kligat , causing the three blades to stick out farther for better flight. In one swift motion, Man'darr launched the kligat at the closest hound. "Open fire!" he ordered as he sealed the room.

The kligot sailed true, burying itself in the forehead of the nearest Hound, dropping it dead instantly, as the remaining Marine started to open fire on the other incoming hounds.

Inside the room, the first hound was quickly advancing on Doctor Aritza, its claws sw8ng wildly as it battered its way through the lab tables and equipment.

Zuriñe watched in scientific curiosity as the creature would twitch and the emitters, set at heavy stun, continued to pummel the hound as it lay on the floor, any twitch followed by more irruptions of phaser energy.

Meanwhile the computer responded to Zuriñe's previous inquiry <>Alien creature appears to be a bipedal canine species, humanoid characteristics. This specimen appears to have crude cybernetic enhancements. Specimen has lobotomized severely. Brain capacity is an instinctual predator and should be considered extremely dangerous.<>


Hearing phaser fire, Malakai moved quickly but under control in it's direction. He soon came on some Marines in a pitched battle with the invaders. Not asking what the situation was , (he could see what it was) He lent his phaser to the barrage in repelling the intruders.

Seeing a hound in the lab make it's way towards the science officer, Mandarr rushed forward towards the hpund, the pain from his wounds fueling his attack. "Pick on someone your own size! " he yelled as he collided with the hound, wrapping his massive arms around the hound's throat and squeezed as hard as he could. Suddenly he felt claws rip into his side and chest. With one last grunt he squeezed with all his strength as a audible Crack was heard, dropping the hound to the deck lifeless. Man'darr took a raged, painful breath as his strength finally gave out as he collapsed to the deck next to the hound. The world around him seemed to fade away as a smile formed. "See you soon, Jess...." he said softly as blackness claimed him.

Zuriñe shook her head and rushed over to Mandarr, "Idiot this lab has some of the most sophisticated defenses in the Federation. Mister McGavers bring me an emergency medical kit STAT" snapped Zuriñe.

She then snapped a command to the computer =^=Computer sterilize the lab seal it. Any unauthorized personnel or beings are to be neutralized.=^=

The computer chirped its response <>Biosafety Level 4 storage and lab is now sealed. Sterilization process is commencing. Any unauthorized personnel or beings are to be neutralized. Level 10 force fields enacted. Biosafety Level 4 storage and lab are sealed from rest of the ship. Shall I begin ejection of stored specimens?<>

O'Malley couldn'tvelieve what the woman had done. She cut Man'darr off from receivingany aid and he could tell he needed a sickbay not a damn med kit. He activatedhis comm."Corporal O'Malley to Colonel Azhul.'

"Go ahead Corporal. "

"Chief Man'darr is down. Bad but a Lieutenant from Science locked the lab down and activated the security system. She's trying to save him using a medkit but he needs Sickbay now."

Anger flushed Naxea's face as she stepped away. "You get me that damn Lieutenant on comms now,' she nearly yelled.

O'Malley tapped in a few commands to connect with the labs communication system. "You're connected Colonel."

"Lieutenant! This is Colonel Azhul. Identify yourself and you have exactly thirty seconds to explain yourself as to why you sealed off the lab preventing help from getting to Chief Man'darr or I will order my Marines to destroy that lab and transport Man'darr to Sickbay.

Zuriñe heard the anger in Colonel Azhul and replied in an extremely calm voice as she began treating Chief Man'darr. "Colonel Azhul this is Doctor Zuriñe Aritza, unless you happen to be Commodore Lalor-Richardson, Captain Taylor or Commander Sthilg you have no rights to demand anything of me. I will however let you know I am a fully qualified doctor with a fully qualified medic, at this moment we happen to be treating wounded. Now, I will be giving you an order, absolutely no one may enter the Biosafety Level 4 storage and lab. This lab happens to contain some of the most lethal viruses, bacterium, fungal, prions and other micro forms of life. The individual being treated cannot be removed from this lab. Now rest assured I have everything I require to perform the necessary treatments. If you are feeling froggy try and override or ignore my order. This will be the end of our conversation. Doctor Aritza out."

She then looked at Petty Officer McGavers. "Let's get him up on the table, I am going to have to go in and perform surgery."

She then commanded the computer =^=Computer surgical support frame over exam table two. Prepare for surgical procedures on a male Capellan. =^=

The computer responded <>Surgical support frame being placed over male Capellan. Surgical equipment being placed. Appropriate blood and other medical instrumentation being brought online.<>

Zuriñe looked over everything then at McGavers "Okay, shall we begin?" She then read the surgical support frame diagnoses.

A few moments later, the thundering footsteps on deck plating sounded as Naxea stormed to the lab. "What happened OMalley?"

"Chiwf Man'darr had been wounded when he rushed into the lab to save the people in there from one of those things. Took the thing down barehanded before collapsing and I heard her call the Chief an idiot before securing the lab.

Computer, unlock lab and disable defenses except security fields. Security override Azhul Zulu 807 Tango. The lab doors opened as Naxea stepped in. "Being a Senior officer " she stressed the word. "Has it's perks. We will speak of this afterwards. What'shis status? "

On the table, the scanners were barely picking up any signs of life within Man'darr. His body had withstood various injuries and trauma during the battle that would have instantly killed any average person. His kidneys and liver had both been damaged as well as a collapsed lung with massive internal bleeding. The claws had narrowly missed his heart by less than an inch.

The computer responded to Lieutenant Colonel Naxea <>Unable to comply, Lietenant Colonel Azhul Nexea is an unauthorized individual for a Biosafety Level 4 storage and lab area. Starfleet Protocol547c, Federation Code 7-10(a) is in effect.<>
The doors to the outer lab area of the Biosafety Level 4 Storage and lab opened, however the Level 10 Forcefield surrounding the lab and storage area would not come down, nor would the airlock leading into the storage and lab open. Lieutenant Colonel Nexea could barely detect the ominous glow of phaser arrays armed and prepared to fire.

Zuriñe chuckled "Colonel you only made it into the anteroom of this lab. I again point out, as the computer has, you are not authorized into the Lab or storage area proper. Starfleet and Federation laws and regulations are explicit into who may enter the lab or vault. Fact of the matter the captain and xo must be escorted by either myself or Doctor Sthilig. As I have told you before the organism stored in the vault here are more than capable of killing you. Do you think myself and Mister McGavers here are wearing Level A encapsulated Biohazerd suits as a fashion statement or for that matter standing in a room that is always set at -80 degrees Celsius for fun. Don't worry about the Chief, I am more than confident in handling his injuries, and the table he is on is heated and protected. Oh, Colonel I would Highlyrecommend you and the corporal refresh yourselves on Biohazard 4 labs and storage. For now I will not recommend you be disciplined for failure to follow orders of the Chief Epidemiologist. I have complete authority in this lab, is that understood Colonel? If you have any questions direct them to Doctor Sthilig. Now if you will excuse me I need to finish with my patient, then begin the process of decontamination of him for transfer to the ICU."

Zuriñe never looked up as she spoke to the Colonel in a calm and steady voice, instead she was in the process of repairing Man'darr. She quickly and deftly handled the massive internal bleeding with a vascular regenerator. She then deftly began the process of repairing the lung, ensuring the regeneration process was working. She then moved to the kidneys and liver, excising the damaged areas and setting regeneration on the healthy tissue. She then activated the Trilaser Connecter, reconnecting and repairing nerve connections. As she worked on Chief Warrant Officer Man'darr, his vital signs improved and slowly came to a level just below normal for a male Capellan. She finished her work and set the frame for continuous monitoring and adjustments.

Zuriñe looked at McGavers "Prepare him for transport and ensure all safety protocols are followed. I am going to speak to the Colonel."

Zuriñe walked over to the iris that led out of the lab. She entered the chamber and was immediately doused with a stream of viral, bacterial, and fungicidal vapors. After a minute of the treatment ultraviolet and infrared lighting flooded the chamber as the air was cycled out and a vacuum created. The second iris opened and she stepped into the chamber, still being hit with ultraviolet and infrared lighting. She was also bombarded with low dosage of alpha radiation and hit by sonic scrubbers. This was another minute, then the computer ran a scan, satisfied it pumped air into the chamber. The third iris had a green light and she stepped through. Zuriñe quickly took the Level A encapsulated Biohazerd suit, stepping out of the iris and into the anteroom in shorts and T-shirt. She walked over to the Colonel.

"Your man will live Colonel. My tech is finishing up the process to safely remove him from the room. Now I want to ask, would you tolerate myself going down to Marine country and telling you how to run Marine operations? I believe the answer would be no, as I do not have the expertise of a Marine. The same applies to my domain, you and the young medic here do not posses the expertise to be in this area. It is already compromised, hence the Level 10 Forcefield s and other security procedures..."here she nods toward the hidden phaser arrays. "...Your barging in to the antechamber nearly ejected your man, my assistant and myself out of the ship and into space to be instantly vaporized. This entire lab and vault is built similar to a SCIF and is not part of the science division. So when I say stay out, stay out." She took a deep breath "Now perhaps you could go and do Marine things while I take my patient and tech to the ICU then into work on casualties." The whole time Zuriñe stood calmly in front of the Colonel, and made her statement calmly. No fear or any other emotion showing; in fact her demeanor would make a Vulcan master proud.

"First off in case you didn't notice or care, Chief Man'darr, according to my Marines, nearly died to save your life so a little gratitude would do you a world of good. Secondly, you would never be able to set foot in Marine Country without my permission. Only non Marine personnel allowed are the CO, XO, and Chief of Security. " She recalled when she had those measures implemented after the massacre with the Mirror Universe Elysium. She had lost over half of her Detachment then and now shebhad no idea how many were left after this latest incident. Her estimate at the moment was about thirty out of over one hundred Marines still combat ready.

With that, she turned and left, to continue to clear the decks of any remaining Galatonians.

~END~

OOC Bill: @Everyone: for everyone's mental count, each pod has twelve hounds and four handlers. There is a bio for the Galatonians on the manifest, located under "Conglomerate."