Star Trek: Starbase 777 - prison-cells-01

The first floor of the prison was warm and humid, a rather perfect representation of the climate of Romulus. The walls were all closed off, only allowing for the artificial rhythm of fluorescent lighting, in a strange way somewhat reminiscent of a prison of a different kind that certain people had been stuck in. Blindfolded and bound, Saren, Shane, Jayrehi, Tarsek, Aria, and Alanna were dropped into a small common room, with small cots along the walls and a washroom behind a sliding door. The door was sealed off behind them, leaving them to remove their own blindfolds.

The android stumbled as she was pushed into the cell, her steps stuttering much like her voice. As she lifted the blindfold from her face, her eyes flicked to the door sealing off. They bounced around the room and the group she’d been placed with, realizing there was only one other member of the medical team present besides herself in this specific cell. She didn’t know Alanna very well, but given circumstances, they were likely about to become quite close. Her morose and worried expression had returned, the levity Victoria had provided long since fading with time. 65 hours blinked on her diagnostic readout. She gently took a seat on one of the cots and folded her arms around herself, practically giving herself a hug. (edited)

Resistance, in this case, was futile. He did not fight against the hands that bounded and blindfolded him, preparing for transport. As soon as he felt the humidity of the room, his breaths became slightly more profound, definitely not used to feeling such wet air inside his lungs. With the cuffs off and his captors gone. He raised his hands to take off the blindfold over his eyes, observing the room around them and realizing they had been separated. It was to be expected, so he accounted for the officers placed into this specific group. They had some from medical, at least. (edited)

She slowly removed her own blindfolds, a deep sigh escaping her lips before she propped her posture back up. Jayrehi turned around, trying her best not to appear glum. Her eyes drifted across the room, taking note of their surroundings as well as the other officers that were there with her. The humidity didn’t help. With her restlessness and her exhaustion, it only served to worsen her state of mind, even if it barely showed externally. She must stay hopeful. Even if in vain. She sat down, leaning against the wall as she closed her eyes. It was going to be another long, long time of inaction, or at least that’s what she assumed.

Slowly he untied the knot and let the blindfold slip off of his face, green eyes blinking away the harshness of fluorescent lighting as he began to look around. Beds. A door - likely a washroom. Another door - likely the cell entrance. The Romulan threw his blindfold on a free bed, before walking up to the cell door to touch it. Cold. Solid. Real. He breathed out something awfully resembling a chuckle. Still standing there he turned his head to take in his cellmates. Two medical officers, an engineer, the Tactical assistant, and the XO. Saren had no idea where the other 12 ended up - lost track as soon as that blindfold enveloped his senses. He walked up to the other door. He opened it, confirming that it was indeed a washroom. "Some basic amenities here," his voice sounded dull to his own ears. Saren left the door open to a slight sliver before he walked - paced - back to the bed, looking awfully close to a caged animal. "How awfully kind of them..."

1

“I-It is appreciated,” She commented from where she sat, her gaze lingering on the scientist who’d broken the silence. She had little need for these amenities given her robotic makeup, but from a medical point of view it was extremely appreciated for the others within the cell. There wasn’t a charger in here for her, though, which was certainly going to cause some problems down the line. For the moment, though, she watched her diagnostic readout and waited, “It appears as th-though they wish to keep us in relatively good health.”

Tarsek had long seated on one of the beds, passing what they did know so far. They were no longer on the ship, transported into a prison of unknown location. Could be a planetary one or a space station of some kind. There were no windows to confirm what was the nature of the exterior. The ship seemed to have previously encountered resistance of some sorts. Most likely Starfleet, maybe the Eventide even. He knew that even if the Tal Shiar had managed to escape, their colleagues would not stop looking, at least not so soon. They were needed alive. This place offered the bare minimum for such. If torture were to happen, he supposed it would not happen here. Here might become a place of “safety and comfort”. It was anything but, however the thin blankets and the company of each other could quickly turn into a little paradise after a few sessions of whatever the Tal Shiar had planned to inflict upon them. No immediate threats or demands. They seemed to have been left to acclimatize. Separated, obviously, but not too separated as to forget they were not individually alone, always being reminded that there were others, out of sight, also possibly suffering. A wonder of physiological warfare. “Are there any medical supplies in the washroom, Lieutenant tr’Lareth?” He finally broke his own silence.

The young scientist turned on his heel and ventured back to the washroom, grunting as the automatic lights detected his presence and lit up the room. "Does soap with disinfectant count as a medical supply?" came his response, sharp-edged and echo-y. He turned around to face Tarsek, his body leaning against the doorframe, gaze unreadable as it bore itself into the older man's head: "No. Nothing."

”That, you would have to ask our medical officers, as I believe it falls out of my zone of expertise.” Did Saren’s ears betray him or did Tarsek actually inflect a little bit of an ironic “really?” in this response to the lieutenant’s own? No, it could not have been right, not from monotone cold logical Tarsek. “Thank you, lieutenant.” And back to 100% monotone.

There was a pause before the Romulan breathed out, sharply, through his nose. He lifted his chin up, his steely gaze still fixated on the Vulcan's eyes: "Really, Lieutenant Commander? Sad. I am personally of the opinion that it won't be much of a help if one of us bleeds out to their death tomorrow." It was said matter-of-factly, yet his left fist held above his head as Saren rested his elbow on the doorframe, did ever so slightly curl in a fist. Cornered animal indeed...

3

The nurse shrank in a bit on herself as the two officers became tense with one another, her eyes flicking between them before she spoke, “I believe that potential a-arguments will only serve to make our current situation worse.”

Tarsek heard Aria and nodded. ”It would seem so, ensign.” Still, he did not break eye contact with the other. Green on blue. Tarsek did not avoid the gaze, though his own was not sharp. He took it as an opportunity to study the man. The truth was, he was not only out of depth with the situation, but also with the people he shared this cell with. He was a stranger to all, and all were strangers to him. Indeed, what a great joke of the universe: to put him so soon after his new position in such a delicate scenario. He had no doubt, if it were Rii in his place, at least the seniors would have someone they considered more reliable. Saren was obviously on high alert by the threat of the situation. He jabbed at him, not able to do the same to their captors but maybe wishing he could. He had no point of common contact to tie this group together, and he was unsure if there would be any opportunity to develop one before they reached a breaking point. He broke the gaze and looked at the other officer. “That is more of my area of expertise. It would seem we have swapped functions for a second.” Definitely not a jab this time, his tone was flat and his eyes were neutral.

Stubbornly he stayed there, quiet, serious; that is, until Tarsek averted his gaze. And for one reason or another, Saren just... deflated, and looked away. "Sorry, ensign," some of the harshness from that tone dissipated, leaving space for something guilty and tired. The shadow passed, leaving behind a scared twenty-something year old with a ghost of a bruise from his paternal grandfather still lingering on his face. "I... I don't know what came over me..."

7

The nurse’s eyelids clicked as she blinked, surprised that her little attempt at defusing the situation had actually worked. She knew she had a point, though, and if need-be, she would take the position of morale officer out of medical need, “I-It is alright,” She said to Saren, offering a little smile, “This is a particularly high-stress s-situation…potential outbursts are to be expected. It is understandable,” She took in a staticky breath, her shoulders drooping ever so slightly as she sat on her cot in her personal dim blue glow, “…a lack of m-medical supplies is worrying.” (edited)

”For as long as we are needed alive, I believe if needed be, they might provide us with temporarily supplies as they did in the brig.” He looked at the Ensign, noticing her posture. Then back at Saren, who now seemed to have let his defensiveness aside, letting his fear and tiredness more apparent. “We do not know what will happen next. Rest, for as long as we can get it, is advisable.” He said with a slightly softer tone than normal.

His gaze lingered on the medical android as she spoke, something complex settling on his face before he averted it. She was right, he had nothing to add to that distressing observation. Except... "There are medical officers in their midst. It's possible there is an infirmary somewhere in this prison." On the other hand, Tarsek's addition prompted a nervous chuckle out of the Romulan. He slowly swiped his hand over his face, letting it linger just below his eyes as he slowly glanced over the other five people in the room. Alive. Well, if the Vulcan happened to be right... at least these people had to have better chances at survival. "Had they said anything when you got taken? Anything at all?.."

”I do not recall anything worth notice.” Tarsek answered him. “I was in Station Operations, along with Lieutenant Lawson, Captain Mephistopheles and several other officers.” He started to narrate the events prior to his capture. “Few moments after we discovered our systems had been tampered with, a stun grenade was thrown in the room, incapacitating us before we could react.” “We were bound and one of the officers called specifically for mine and Lt. Cdr. Lawson’s capture. I was referred as the vulcan, the lieutenant as the one with dark hair. They did not specify names and left all the others, including the captain.” Although it seemed random to the Vulcan, maybe the others noticed something in his narrative that he had not previously considered.

"I... see," he began walking again, as if running away from the sense of helplessness that followed after him. The XO suggested rest, but Saren just... couldn't. "I... wonder if they are listening to us, right now. Maybe they hope that we will discuss our disappearance, and... spill something, that way? I am not sure what, though. The eighteen of use are... random."

He raised a brow at the younger officer considering what he said. “They most likely know of the circumstances of each capture, as they were the ones to plan and perform it. Regarding those situations, I believe there would be nothing new for them to learn, so I do not see risk in retelling the facts. For us, those pieces might be of value. What can you recall of your capture, Lieutenant?”

Suddenly, a pause. One that went for far too long to be accidental. The Romulan's pacing stopped, as he looked at Tarsek-- no, somewhere over the man's shoulder. "I..." his tongue darted out to wet his lips. Fuck. "N-no. I mean, it's not going to help us here. Sir."

5

“I-It is fairly possible many of us were chosen at random, that there is n-no value beyond the disruption of things aboard 777. Lieutenant Commander T’Shai chose those of us who have been t-taken without much thought,” Aria offered to the group, tilting her head in thought, “If it were a t-tactical choice, I imagine more senior staff would have been taken.”

Blue icy eyes bore into Saren. The pause could have been interpreted as the Romulan taking his time to recall his own kidnapping. However, the nervous stance and his answer spoke of things the man chose to conceal. That rose suspicion. He wondered: was the secrecy a consequence of ulterior motives or was it simply the lack of closeness between them? His eyes moved away. No. If he started going down that path, it would be hard to recover. Paranoia was in no way logical. The simplest answer was usually the correct one, and it was a fact that he and Saren had not spent much time together under service. “Lieutenant, as I previously stated, following your own line of thought if I may add, the circumstances of our respective abductions may lead us to answers.” He started, looking at the man again. “We have no current reason to mistrust each other, which is why I will take your word and ask no further if you tell me you have analyzed the facts and truly believe they are of no consequence.” It was an olive branch. And he hoped Saren saw it as such. “I only ask you to consider carefully.”

Staring contest. Again. Unlike a Vulcan, the Romulan had no issues showing off his emotions - his jaw set, the already slanted eyebrows furrowed, the green eyes stubbornly holding the line of sight like he had something to prove. Young officer puffing up and showing off? Or something else?.. "They are... they are not. Not to any of you," he uttered out, his hands once again balled into fists that he was running both of his thumbs over. "At least... I think it so." He inhaled, an unintentionally sharp sound, before continuing: "You know what I am, Commander. It's no mystery to anyone. I share species with these people... and history. And the reason I am here... I believe to be personal." Unfinished business.

6

”Then Lieutenant, you have already provided me with a valuable piece of information.” Both to understand the young man’s current state and why he was here. “Unfortunately… it also puts you in greater danger.” Stating the obvious. Not usual, but sometimes necessary. Now, Tarsek knew Saren, out of all the officers under his responsability, was probably the one under the highest threat. Looking at him, it seemed the man would not let down his guard anytime soon. He could only hope the time needed for that would not surpass whatever time they had left. So he chose to take a step back. Maybe tomorrow he would be able to take two forward. “Thank you, Lieutenant.”

A small, sad chuckle managed to escape past the Lieutenant's lips as Saren finally sat down on the bed - the one he claimed earlier. "Oh... I think we all are in danger, sir. I think we were taken here as a punishment. To the starbase as a whole. Perhaps even Starfleet itself. Punishment for helping Mol'Rihan, and being against... them. Because that's how they did things in the Empire. If you acted up, you just... disappeared."

”Your hypothesis holds merit.” Tarsek now moved to cross his legs on the bed he was seated assuming a lotus position. “And I never denied the danger we are all under.” He could sense the events so far weighting against his mind. The pressure of the demand for meditative work.

Aria’s expression wilted a bit as Saren spoke, and the diagnostic readout on her HUD did little to help with her current emotions. She was watching the time tick by, and so as the scientist and the XO discussed their current situation, Aria made the decision to shut down her interior temperature control systems, alongside the sense of touch (besides her hands and feet) and her sense of smell. A few more hours reappeared on her diagnostic, and she took in a hollow breath as her body lights flickered with the changes. The humidity would get to her now, but it was a small price to pay. (edited)

2

During the transfer Shane had 'knocked' his head against a bulkhead, in reality he had been pushed and fell into one but the effect was the same. Being konked out for a while with a big ugly red mark on his head. He had been unconscious deposited without ceremony into one of the cots. Which was far too small for his large frame causing his legs to stick out the end. "Ugh, why is it always me who ends up with the mysterious head injury." Shane croaked after coming to. 'It's cause of your thick skull' a voice what totally wasn't a fourth wall break said in his head. (edited)

He opened his eyes when Shane’s voice made itself present. “Lt. Cdr. Lawson, it is good to see you awake.” Tarsek, after the exchange with Saren and Aria, had decided to meditate. Both to process the last 3 days events and clear his mind. “What is your status?” His way of asking “how are you feeling?” Or “how is the head?”.

"62% combat effective sir!" Shane joked, sarcasm becoming a protective blanket when faced with bleak odds. Shane rolled out of the cot, as elegantly as he could, which is to say. Not elegantly at all. "I take it we're on a Starbase or planetside somewhere?" Shane asked, getting his bearings.

3

She hummed to herself, in a shushed tone so that she didn’t disturbed the others. Exhaustion was getting to her after a while, though she did her best to rest. She looked over at the others for a moment, having listened along whilst stay silent. Her usually active mind, running around with all manner of ideas and thoughts, had gone quiet.

It had been days since Alanna had last did anything, the lurch of the ship into warp had knocked her back into her mini spiral and nothing had been able to snap her out of it, not the bug drawings, not the songs, not even being autopiloted into the cell and sitting down in her cot (Of which she had only moved from to go to the bathroom). It was as if the weight of the reality of her situation had completely paralysed her - still conscious but laughably far from anything bordering lucid.

5

"Hey." She muttered, looking over at Alanna. "You... hanging on alright?" Jayrehi tilted her head, a weak, brief smile appearing before returning to an expression somewhere between concern and exhaustion.

”Indeed. A prison of sorts.” Tarsek answered ignoring the other’s sarcasm. “We have been separated, I do not know by what criteria, if any.”

She looked up at the ceiling, back through the bars, anywhere, anything, whatever her eyes could land on. Hoping it could land on anything at all. Ideas, words, sentences. All were collimated, all were ruined, falling like dominos. Dissolved when the dawn passed, if they even noticed. Such were they, similar to diamonds, snatched up, playing as pawns to a game they weren't privy to know. Or perhaps no game at all. Perhaps just for the sake of it. And here she was, pathetic. In a way, the fact she was taken, was funny. Her. Of all people. She couldn't help but smile, hidden by her hunched up legs. A chuckle came out hard, audibly almost a choke. Father dined amongst the brass, underneath the opera glass, velvet chairs set for peace. Mother flew across the silver moon, turning towers to fortresses, her name etched in gold medals a hundred times over. Then there was her. What did she have? Not a symbiont. Not an honor bestowed or written in her name. Nothing. Someone else would've found a way out. A better Engineer. A better Officer. a better daughter. Perhaps then all wouldn't be awake, aware, but still muted to a tune sung from despair. They called the Federation an empire of hope, but as she sat there, slumped, she grasped for it, only to see it turn to sand. Leaving her blind but still wandering on the edge of yesteryears. The breath of the others, were much like those climbing to some unknown summit. Their grip, their foot, wavering until they fell. Perhaps she should listen to them. The whispers of her feet, branded and numb. Maybe she should let go. All memory and fate, driven deep underground, silhouetted by only the fallen hopes of her fellow officers.

At some point, Saren fell silent, just carefully observing the room and the people around it. He brought his legs closer to his sitting body, chin resting on his knees, yet his body was anything but relaxed...

1

The android was similarly quiet, simply keeping watch of her diagnostics. The humidity of the cell was getting to her now, but it wasn’t like she was sweating. She couldn’t, and she had to keep her temperature controls off to keep her charge. Hopefully she wouldn’t start overheating…a little bit of steam vented from her mouth as she let out a slow sigh.

1

Tarsek was more than used to the heat. It would have been a very comfortable temperature to be in if not for the near choking humidity. It clung to his jacket, the fabric sticking to his skin with every movement or breath he took. Deciding it would be logical to take any comfort while possible, he unzipped his jacket, folding it to be placed on his cot.

After a while of not so much happening Shane stood up and wandered to the door of their prison. If Tarsek was playing the role of the collected commander keeping the party together Shane would play the role of the rebellious teenager who gave everyone something absurd to think about. Better to think about Shane being an idiot then their incarceration. To that end Shane raised one of his large hands and banged on the door! "Hey! Id like to speak with customer service! I'm very dissatisfied with the service in this hotel!! I paid for my own room not a shared room! What is this a hostel for academy students!?" (edited)

9

10

3

"Commander do not!" what the hell was wrong with this human!? "Don't piss them off!"

The android’s eyes widened at Shane hopping up and moving toward the door, and a rather frightened expression came across her face as he banged his fist and spat his words. This wouldn’t bode well…

Oh boy, you should have taken Saren's advice. Footsteps came down the hall, evenly paced. Whoever was approaching was determined.

3

Shane's tirade about this 'hotel' continued in about four different languages and with a hefty amount of swearing. While he was shouting he turned to face the group and signed. "I'm the least useful here to plan an escape and I know the least intelligence. They're gonna torture us eventually, it's best they start with me.'

7

“Sir…” Aria gave him a worried look. She didn’t like the self sacrificial nature of such a thing, and was incredibly worried for his safety given the fact that the only medical supplies they had were…well, soap, “I-I am uncertain as to the efficacy of this strategy.”

Tarsek rose quickly as soon as the man started his banging. He pondered about forcefully - and he did have the strength for that - removing Shane from the door. His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of steps. Too late. Even if he did get Shane away, he had already been successful in calling attention and Tal Shiar sure knew how to be fast. “Do not attempt anything else when they get in.” He warned the officers, then turning to Shane. He saw the signs. He understood how Shane could have this sentiment… however, it was illogical. The order of factors would not change the final product. Eventually, they would all get their turn. “There is nothing to be done now. They are coming.” His eyes did not leave Shane. “Comply, do not make this harder on Lt. Cdr. Lawson.” He did not agree with what the man had chosen, but he could not stop it now. All he could do is prevent someone else was punished along with Shane.

As if on cue with Shane's crashout, the door swung open and four helmeted Tal Shiar officers entered. Followed by a face literally everyone recognised.

"It appears that there are guests who wish to reserve a complaint about how we run things here." Kemo walked up to Shane and placed a fist into his stomach. She stepped back and flexed the hand that just punched. Using her other hand, she snapped her fingers at two of the guards, who stepped forwards. "Take him." As the two specified guards moved to drag Shane out by his arms, Kemo paced around the cell, looking at everyone she walked past with a grin. "If anyone else has reason to complain please, don't be afraid to speak up - we'll hear it either way." And with that she left, taking the officers - and Shane - with her, the cell falling still as fast as it had been disturbed.

7

Shane was a big guy for a human and didn't totally crumple when he got hit. It for sure wasn't his first fist to the guts. That being said it for sure took the wind out of his sails and the guards managed to grab him kicking and screaming about the awful service in this hotel. As he was being dragged away he looked Tarsek dead in the eyes, his message clear as day. 'Forget about me, keep the others safe.' (edited)

6

Aria immediately shrank away from the door in fear, especially when “T’Shai” walked in. She winced at Shane getting punched, and multiple diagnostics ran through her mind of various bruising patterns that could arise from something like that, let alone what was going to end up happening to him after he got dragged away. She stayed still almost in shock, uncertain as to what to do. The android gave a panicked look to Tarsek when all was said and done, tracing the look Shane had given him with wide, scared eyes.

She had stood up, out of instinct, and slammed her own back into the wall on accident. She froze, her body refusing to move. Her mind screaming at her to do something, but it didn’t. All she could do was just watch, watch as Shane was dragged away.

Few things could shake a nearly 70 year old Vulcan who followed Surak. Few situations could anger enough to prompt a reaction. Fewer things yet could evoke despair deep enough for a tear. Anger was easy to control. Upon seeing the face of the traitor agent and for Shane’s insubordination. Anger would accomplish nothing. It flowed out of his body as soon as it spiked up, steadily. Despair… the feeling evoked could not be compared to that. Not yet. It was far too weak. A nervousness of knowing there was nothing to be done and that soon his other officers would suffer the same. And so the small knot he felt in his guts was soon untied. And with anger and nervousness gone, all that was left was failure. Indeed, it was illogical for him to expect himself to control others free will. Shane was still an agent of his own choices. Yet… Tarsek had issued an order as his commanding officer. Shane had failed as an officer to hear him. He had failed as a commander to make himself heard. He looked around, to the scared faces of the other officers, some still so young. He broke the silence after a few minutes passed by. “Commander Lawson made his choice. While I do not agree with it...” Oh how easy it would be to villainize the action… and how purposeless, useless, illogical. “Ensign Aria and Lieutenant Hensley, please make yourselves prepared for injuries upon his return. He will need our support.” They needed unity. Shane included. (edited)

6

The ensign gave a little nod before letting out another quick sigh, more steam venting from her mouth after the ordeal that unfolded before her caused her emotional modulators to kick into overdrive. Fear generated a lot of heat… “Y-Yes Sir,” It wasn’t like she had medical supplies to prep, so she simply stood at attention, watching and waiting.

Oh, how he hated the way his body just froze up mid lunge at the sound of those footsteps, eyes wide, breathing slow. Pleasedontbehimpleasedontbehimpleasepleaseplease-- Instead... confusion blossomed across Saren's face as he saw someone who looked an awful lot like T'Shai enter the cell. Then, indignation at the implications, at his own helplessness, and the sheer stupidity of the Commander for... for doing this. For thinking of himself as something so expendable. "Fuck," he concluded through gritted teeth as soon as the door was closed and locked, and they were all confronted with the now empty bed of the ACTO. "Is there... anything I could do to help? Aria is low on energy..."

3

The ensign tilted her head at the scientist at his offer, “I am uncertain as to what all we are to a-accomplish given our current circumstances t-to begin with, Lieutenant,” She said softly, “For the moment, Lieutenant Hensley and I are s-standing by. This will not drain any of my power.” She didn’t want anyone worrying about her, especially when she was the only other medical officer present in this cell. She had more systems she could live without anyway, waiting to be shut down in order to give her more of a boost in energy. The ever-present thought of shutting down her sight loomed in her mind. She could manage on heat signatures alone, but that was only for if things became truly dire.

3

”We will only know once he returns.” When, not if. “I urge us all to rest as much as possible.” If possible. “You have not rested since we were placed in this room, Lt. tr’Lareth.” Of course he noticed, and he was worried, considering all of Saren’s reactions, actions and words so far.

4

"I will be honest sir, I'm not sure I can while Lawson is gone," he replied, sincerity oozing through his voice on par with something tired. "I can... certainly try, though."

3

He nodded. “If your mind cannot find rest, at least try to lay and rest the body.” He looked around. “And if anyone find themselves in need of something that can be offered, I ask for it to be stated. It is logical we help each other as much as possible now.”

He sighed, then slowly and demonstratively got himself on the bed and laid down on it, facing the group. The shoes were kicked off, the blanket thrown on top of himself, and weren't they in such a precarious situation, the sight of the scientist hiding under the blanket and sulking like a child would be comical. Unfortunately, that was not the case.

2

She was chuckling, ever so quietly, huddled up, singing softly to a tune she remembered all too well. In truth, Jayrehi was trying to do what she had always done. Smile. Because really, she wanted to do anything but that. She couldn’t sleep. Not after seeing Shane get dragged away. Not after that. As much it didn’t make sense, as much as she knew how illogical it was, she wished she would’ve done something. Why didn’t she do anything? For as stupid as it sounded, she couldn’t live with it. How could any sane person live with that? She saw a man get dragged away, potentially to his death, and she. just. watched. Her arm grabbed the other, squeezing it impossibly tight until she could feel her hand going cold. Her breathing became sharp, unsteady, unsure. She tried to rationalise it all. Why did he do that? Why didn’t she do anything? Why didn’t anyone do anything? Why? Why?

1

He had gone back to his meditation exercises soon as Saren had laid down and the others seemed to settle. Deep, calculated breaths, as he explored his mental landscape finding any flaws and weaknesses caused by the events. In this state, he was not completely submerged. It would have been a mistake to put himself in a situation of oblivion to what was external, unless it became extremely necessary. Which is why he noticed as the young lieutenant’s breath became inconsistent and shallow, the sharpness ringing in his ears with each air intake. He opened his eyes, seeing her withdrawn figure as she hugged herself. “Lieutenant M’Kahl, your breathing has become erratic.” He observed. He had seen it before of course, Jayrehi was most likely on the verge of a panic attack.

The android’s eyes flicked immediately toward Tarsek and Jayrehi upon the word ‘erratic’ being spoken. She wasn’t going to step in unless she had to, not wanting to potentially make things worse.

“Huh?” Came the soft, almost inaudible reply. She looked up at him, her eyes red and half closed. “Oh… Thanks.” She responded, smiling meekly as she let her other arm fall, the sting that accompanied the return of blood flowed through her hand. Despite that, her mind couldn’t slow down. She stared at the ground, her breath hitching at moments, all the while she tried to calm herself, tried to be okay. It felt weird, a pained chuckled existing her lips as she kept trying to smile.

Tarsek watched her posture change, but was not fooled by it. He thought to himself the best way to approach the subject, but inevitably came to the conclusion that there would be no easy way to do so. “May I approach, Lieutenant?”

She nodded, avoiding direct eye contact. She seemed to be muttering something under her breath, unintelligible to those further away, almost non sensical to those much closer.

Unfolding his legs and leaving the bed, he calmly walked towards her, sitting next to her, though still respecting her personal space by leaving plenty room between them. “Have you ever experienced this feeling before?”

She nodded again, her hands grabbing her back of her neck as she felt something hammer into her brain. “Yeah.” She muttered, seemingly unsure herself. “Never quite managed to control it. Heh. I guess they were right.” Her body wobbled, her balance shaking as she tried to breathe.

He observed her from closer now. “And who would them be?”

Saren, still on the bed, stirred. One of his green eyes opened, hearing the two of his fellow prisoners talking - either awakened, or done with pretending that he was asleep.

The android had since sat on the cot she had claimed, resting…for now. Her eyes were affixed on Tarsek and Jayrehi, doing what she could from her position to make sure the lieutenant was safe.

"It doesn't matter." Her head rested on her legs, muffling her sound even further. "It doesn't fucking matter." She felt her breath against her skin, hot and uncomfortable. Her stomach turning upside down as she felt her forehead pulse in pain. "He's dead, isn't he? He just-" The last few words simply fell out of her mouth, her throat constricting with every breath as sharp pain kept stabbing into her chest.

”I am not familiar with whom you are referring to.” Tarsek said. “But if it does not matter as you say, why do you think it affects you as such?”

“I am clear enough of mind to know it doesn’t matter. Not really.” The words seeming like they were spluttering out. “But… It does still. Somehow. It’s just, everything all at once, it just…” She trailed, catching her breath as she stared at nothing. It felt as if nothing stared back at her. “I doesn’t make sense. I know.”

”You might know in theory it does not matter, you have not convinced yourself of the fact yet, lieutenant.” He said. “The situation can be overwhelming, yes. Do you worry only about our current predicament or is there something else adding to your suffering?”

“I’m worried about the Commander.” She spoke, her tone slightly firmer this time. “I’m worried about… all of this. I know I shouldn’t. As I Starfleet Officer, I… shouldn’t.”

”Why do you say you should not worry?” It did leave him confused. Most people would consider worrying for your colleagues a sign of empathy and a good quality to have.

“Any weakness should be masked, for it can be turned against you.” She spoke as if to imitate, or to read directly off a set of instructions. Her voice seemingly following a rhythm, unlike the wobbles in her tone previously. “Wouldn’t you agree, in this case, that extreme emotions could prove to be a weakness?” (edited)

2

An interesting question, and Tarsek wondered from which angle it would be better to approach her misconception of his own philosophy. “I would agree that in any case extreme emotions could prove to be a weakness.” He nodded. “Though you seem to think that the solution for it is masking. Masking is nothing more than lying. A mask will not prevent you from feeling what is underneath, being illogical in itself. Strong emotions weaken your reasoning, cloud your judgment, with or without a mask. They can be used against you, but the true danger is the mistakes you can do by yourself while influenced by them.” (edited)

Tarsek seemed to have the situation under control, the medical problem having since passed. Aria had tuned out by now, her eyes resting on the door. A few more things had to be shut down in the interim, various things that were not needed in an emergency but would’ve otherwise made her life a little easier. She still managed to keep her lights on, though very dimmed. At this point, it was out of comfort. She was running on fumes. In her hands, Aria was gently squeezing the bunched-up sheets of her cot. There was a little rubber band on tension wrapped around her positronic brain at the moment, and she could feel the low battery beginning to make her irritable. She was becoming incredibly frustrated with just…everything. She didn’t want to have an outburst, so she just turned the sheets into a stress ball. Admittedly, she also didn’t fully understand her anger. (edited)

There were footsteps coming down the corridor.

7

Shhrrriiip… Aria accidentally ripped the sheets in her hands at the sound of the footsteps, but she didn’t even seem to notice. Her eyes bore into the door, as if trying to burn a hole into it as they waited.

Hearing the sound of footsteps, the Romulan on the bed froze up into a near perfect statue.

Tal Shiar was truly most proficient in choosing the best timing always, Tarsek would give them that. He eyed the rest briefly before standing up to greet whoever would come in. His posture was rigid, almost a service stand, while he focused on the door and placed himself in the middle of the first round of cots.

The door opened, and from the view of anyone on the sides, it'd look like the unconscious body of Shane had just unceremoniously thrown himself onto the cell floor. For those without an angle (and anyone with braincells), they saw Shane get unceremoniously thrown on the cell floor by two Tal Shiar guards, who promptly shut the door behind them. No grandstanding, no intimidation. Not this time. Shane lay on a heap in the floor, only now starting to stir.

6

Aria immediately leapt into action, tossing her torn sheets aside and moving with speed to where Shane had been thrown. Her mind went racing as she turned the commander over onto his back, scanning over him, “Lieutenant C-Commander, are you able to hear me?” (edited)

She moment she saw him, she froze for a split second, her eyes the only thing moving. Yet, slowly, and ever so gently, she got up, walking over to him. Jayrehi glanced at Aria, a certain ghastly expression on her face. “He’s… God… What did they do to him?”

For the first time in days, Alanna moved somewhere other than from her cot to the bathroom. Walking over to Shane (not fast, but definitely not nonchalantly), she also knelt down and started looking over the Tactical Officer. Fuck, this had echoes upon echoes of the Iconian Prison in it.

”Ensign Aria and lieutenant Alanna, please determine if it is safe to move him to one of the cots.” He said as soon as he saw Aria spring into action. “All others, give them space to work!”

Shane rolled over onto his back, looking bleary eyed. One wound behind his ear and another in the back of his head showing as he moved. He raised both his hands and studied them before running them along the back of his head and wincing. Shane opened his mouth to speak but with no universal translator anymore instead of English coming out he started speaking Irish. "A mhaighdean? Céard atá said tar éis dhéanamh dom?" Which translated more or less to, god what the hell did they do to me? If the groups UTs were even programmed to translate a minority language like Irish with only a few hundred thousand speakers. To make matters worse Shane's words were slurred after Kemo had messed with his tongue.

"Did they fucking experiment on him?.." came Saren's dull voice, who stayed on his cot but was now sitting, blanket thrown around his shoulders in a weak attempt at comfort, his gaze glued to the fresh marks on the human's head.

“Alanna, please aid me in m-moving Shane to the cot,” Aria gently moved her arms beneath Shane’s, ready to lift him up as soon as the other medical officer was good to go. Her eyes focused on the wound beneath his ear, gears spinning as she considered what could’ve happened, “Commander, a-are you aware of what occurred?”

Wait, was that Irish? Shane knew Irish? What were the odds of having two people who knew Irish in one cell? And on top of that, what were the odds that both Irish-speaking Irish people couldn't in fact make coherent Irish words right now. Again, fuck. Alanna nodded, taking Shane on the other side, hefting him up and carrying him over to his admittedly very small cot.

She moved out of the way, giving the medical officers. Her eyes were twitching and wide open, exposing the visible red veins in her eyes due to exhaustion. At least he was still alive, but it was cold comfort. She did her best to keep somewhat calm, but this wasn’t exactly helping.

After being placed on the cot Shane very nearly passed out again. He tired his best to say semi lucid and looked around the room trying to see if he could understand anything. At least Aria seemed to be speaking a language he could understand. "Ow." He began before getting into details. At least he still had a sense of humour. "UT. Gone." Was about all he could utter between the pain from the wounds.

She made sure to have a pillow beneath Shane’s head, quickly moving over to her own cot and grabbing the one she didn’t need to prop his head up a little more. Some steam vented from her mouth as she stood to ‘catch her breath,’ pursing her lips together. An incredibly invasive surgical procedure…her eyes flicked over Shane as she thought, “…i-it is best if you rest, Commander,” She thought for a few seconds, “I can interpret for you.”

Without any way to tell time, it was difficult to know just how long went by — it was only a day, allowing the prisoners some time to rest, or perhaps to continue mourning the hopelessness of the situation at hand.

She slowly opened her eyes, yawning quietly as her head rested against the cold, haunting walls of the cell. By her own guesses, she was only able to sleep 4 hours at a time, and that was already a generous estimate. Her mind had developed a constant pulse just above her left eye, as if it were the dying heartbeat of a pathetic animal. It was painful, as constant as the northern star, and made an already dreadful experience that more miserable. At the very least, nobody else was taken away for the last few hours. It was cold comfort, but it was all they were getting.

A comfort cut short by quick, light footsteps, and two sharp knocks at the door...

7

She looked up at the door, her eyes narrowing as she heard the knock on the door. All she could hope was they weren't here for what she knew they were here for.

The sound of the footsteps prompted Saren to jerk awake, his breaths shallow and fast as he lifted his head to look at the doors. Soon it dropped down though, when his brain caught up with the fact that said footsteps were a tad too different from Irok's gait... "What is it now..."

4

Vidi's eyes swept across the room in the instant before three or four officers pushed past her, disruptors aimed and ready. "You know how it goes if anyone tries anything," she said almost lazily, before her eyes fixed on Jayrehi. "You." She gestured her forward. "Let's have a talk, hm?"

4

His gaze lingered on Jayrehi, before narrowing on the intruders: "What do you want from her? Digging around Commander's head was not enough for you lot?"

5

“What?” The words were barely audible. The once exhausted Lieutenant now felt a jolt of energy that send her backing up against the wall further. She just stared at them. That same pulse in her head now keeping her painfully frozen. It was going to happen eventually, but it felt so soon. There was no fighting it however. It just wasn’t possible. She knew she should cooperate, she knew logically there was no other way, but her body refused to move.

She regarded Saren with that same vague disinterest, before something like recognition flickered in her gaze. And a smile just barely curved her lips.. "Lareth's boy, aren't you? You're rather lively, for a corpse." She placed a hand on her own disruptor hanging at her side, tilting her head just barely. "I'd watch that tongue of yours; no one here has any issue cutting it out." "Now, then. No time for messing around.." Vidi snapped her fingers twice, and the guards went for Jayrehi, seizing her by the arms with the intent to drag her out of the room. One of them gave her a nasty side eye, but she didn't seem to notice.

2

“No.” She muttered, backing up until there was no more cell left to back into. Their hands reached out for her, giving her no time to even flinch. “No- NO!” She tried to yank her hands away, desperately digging her feet into the ground. She pulled harder and harder, even as their grip began to cause unbelievable amounts of pain. “NO!” She screamed, her mind starting to fracture.

4

5

4

"Ugh, slippery little pest—" one of the guards snarled, wrestling her to the ground to get the handcuffs on. They pressed their disruptor to the back of her head. "Keep squirming and howling and I'll blow your head off right here in front of all your friends. Got it?"

3

Her breath shuddered, as she stopped, her limbs going limp as she trembled. The disruptor pressed hard against her head, colder than any blizzard could hope to be. And, after trying to hold on to hope for so long, she felt her tears begin to swell in the corner of her eyes. It felt so hard to breathe, her chest seeming to cave in deeper every time she inhaled. Jayrehi tried to speak, tried to say anything at all, but nothing coherent ever came out. Only the breaths and sobs of a terrified, pathetic girl.

3

He had stood up the minute they came in. When the woman pointed towards Jayrehi, he knew there was nothing he could actively do to prevent her from being taken. He also knew the others were just as much aware of this fact. Saren voiced his displeasure, though made no move. So did not the others. So did not him. Impotence. That was the word that had ruled over their little group with an iron fist ever since they had been transferred to this room. Transferred to be picked up one by one. He watched as they manhandled her, failure blooming in hist chest. Logic dictated there was no room for failure where there was no room for trial. His hands were tied. Still, suppressing the feeling was an arduous task as he watched the girl sob and scream, then go limp with the threat of the disruptor. The same girl he had tried to comfort. The same girl he had the task to protect, along with the others. He would have to bear the failure. And if she so decided, he would also bear her hatred, as he chose to, again, stand by as to not make the situation worse.

4

One last sweep of the room, a lazy little wave of her fingers to the prisoners, and Vidi, Jayrehi and the guards were gone. The lock clicked shut behind them. (edited)

2

3

He was visibly taken aback by the ensign's words. Not by the threat hidden in them - Saren was well aware of it all, ever since he lifted his gaze to see Irok walking to him on the promenade - but the brazen satisfaction with which she spoke. Just... what sort of promises had the man made in regards to his plans?.. Dread crept up his spine, alongside fury; a hot-cold sensation that left the Romulan dizzy. Seeing the Lieutenant cry made him dizzy, too. The disruptor ominously there in the corner of his eye prevented him from jolting towards her, or voicing his displeasure further. Though as soon as Vidi and her prey left, Saren sighed through clenched teeth and pressed the bottom parts of his palms against his eyes, his posture tense. "Fuck."

4

The android had been making sure that Shane was safe and comfortable when yet another knock came to the door. Her body was moving slow, her mind just the same. She was sluggish and irritated, nothing like the cheery Aria that walked the halls of 777. Had she been operating at peak efficiency, instead of pretending to, maybe she could’ve done something to prevent Jayrehi from being taken. Then again, she knew well enough to know that a disruptor would’ve been fired either way, had the resistance come from Jayrehi or herself. Her shoulders slumped, a unique kind of defeat melting over her as she stood there, watching the door close and lock. A hundred little warnings from her body desperately trying to cling to battery life floated in her vision as she did so. Her head slowly dipped, servos whining as it did, as she sadly accepted that at some point…at some point, she too would be dragged out of here, and with the state her body was in, she didn’t know what would happen. She could hope, though, that Jayrehi would come back. Worse for wear like Shane, but she’d be back.

2

He sat there like that for a minute or two, before letting his hands drop on his lap with a great sigh. This was... the second of theirs to be taken away, now. One by one, picked out like helpless chicks out of a nest. Was he to be the last one?.. "I have... a request to make," he said out loud before Saren could really process it. He furrowed his brows, before looking at everyone present in the room: "A morbid one."

2

The android’s head turned toward Saren, her expression wilting at the clarifying addition he made. Aria was not excited to hear anything ‘morbid’ at this current moment in time… “…Lieutenant?”

After the lieutenant was taken, Tarsek set down by his cot again. He pondered on the options of meditation or sleep when he heard Saren. Then, his eyes were upon him, as if signaling for him to continue.

As soon as he felt those eyes upon him, Saren lowered his gaze, locking it on his criss-crossed wrists and pale palms. The knuckles had a slight green bruising to them here and there, from when his nerves got the better of him and he would rub and pick at his skin. "If I get taken out of this room, I... might not come back," he swallowed, and for some reason a small, sad smile threatened to breach his somber mask of an expression. "It's a risk for everyone here, I know. But... there's a certainty, for me. Because I was brought here for that. And I guess I'd just... feel a little bit better if I knew that whatever happens in the future, you and the rest of the taken will do your best to survive, and hold out until help arrives, and... and bear no hatred for my people for any of this."

10

9

8

9

8

6

Aria’s head dipped once again as Saren spoke, the sound of the servos moving slow accentuating the sudden tension throughout her body at the scientist’s request. He spoke of certainty, something she could tell was dripping from his words. She didn’t know his history, or what may lead him to believe this, but he was convinced. She honestly didn’t know how to respond, looking at Saren with sadness from half-lidded eyes. Light surged across her positronic brain, slowly but still flowing, as she attempted to think of something to say, before she just settled, “…understood.” (edited)

He listened to the plea. A most unhopeful one, indeed. His reactions made sense. More nervous than others, terrified even, withdrawn. The exceptions being the rare moments he lashed out, due to the lack of control. Now it had become clear the boy had believed all this time that he would not make out of here alive. He looked briefly at the others, thought about the one that was not here to hear or answer. “We have. We will.” Was his comment. “And it would be illogical to hold a whole species accountable for the actions of a radicalized minority.” His eyes returned to the lieutenant. “However, what you ask for is not a small favor, you ask us to accept your imminent death, the death of a colleague, of a fellow officer. That, at least on my part, demands something in return.”

"I hope so," he said softly, in response to Tarsek's comment. "Many of us worked hard to prove that. Me included. I hope that those efforts won't be in vain." His father, his uncle. His people both abducted and still on the station. Mol'Rihan... He looked up at the Vulcan, then, without moving much - just focusing his eyes on the XO: "Something in return? What would that be?.."

6

”Cease on accepting defeat so soon.” He said, not losing a single second after Saren’s questiob. “You say you are more likely to die by their hands, and that may very well be true. However, there is no way to truly predict their intentions or actions. If you wish for me to accept your death in good conscience, I can only do so knowing you fought to stay alive. I ask that you give us what you have pleaded: your best fight for survival.”

7

6

He blinked at the Commander's straightforward answer, his next exhale a slightly shaky one: "I'm... I'll... Yeah. Yes. I promise, sir."

5

The vulcan nodded. That promise could make him keep his one. “Then we have an agreement.” Sat in his cot, he felt the weight of the last hours (days?) start affecting his body. He had reached the acceptable limit for what he could control with meditation, what he needed at the moment was true rest. “I will attempt to sleep. If anything happens, or if you find yourselves in need, wake me up.” He asked. Positioning himself on the too small surface (if Shane’s legs had been dangling, Tarsek had to make a true effort so his were not flying). He closed his eyes and allowed himself to ignore his exteriors, even if for a brief period.

Unfortunately, Jayrehi wasn't back yet. But the door opened regardless, dismissive of anyone's wish to rest.

Kayata's pale visage led the charge once more, dark eyes scanning the group. Their gaze darted around, as if counting, before landing on Tarsek. "Tarsek V'hgai. The Commander wishes to speak with you."

He opened his eyes and directed his gaze towards the door. What had it been, 15, 20 minutes? Well, it appeared that it was finally his turn to discover what Tal Shiar had in store. “Very well.” He did not correct them for the lack of rank. What good were ranks inside this prison anyway? The Vulcan rose to his feet and addressed his companions one last time before calmly walking towards Kayata. “If the lieutenant is back before I am, please take care of her.”

"... Sir," there was a sorrowful quality to that acknowledgment of the order.

3

The android similarly gave a very slow, servo-whining nod as Tarsek spoke, “Understood…”

2

As Tarsek approached, Tinuvek appeared from behind Kayata, ready to bind Tarsek's wrists, this time in front of him. He led the way out of the cells, motioning for Tarsek to follow him.

Kayata stayed behind a second, gaze trained on Saren for a long second before finally turning to follow Tarsek and Tinuvek.

3

He followed without a word more, trusting that the ones left behind would be as okay as possible given the circumstances.

A few more things had to be shut down in the interim while she waited for either Jayrehi or Tarsek to return, hopefully in one piece. Gyroscopic balance would be rather important were she planning on running, so it went away. Hydraulics in her arms that allowed for heavy lifting? Useless at the moment, but if anyone else was hurt she could turn them back on. She needed to conserve power in any way she could, and it was obvious to those still here in the cell that Aria was constantly a few hours away from seizing up.

Without a word, Jayrehi was unceremoniously dumped inside, the door slamming and locking behind her.

4

So much for the hydraulics being shut off. Aria moved at the speed she was able to, her servos wheezing and hissing as she did so, coming to her knees alongside Jayrehi and quickly examining the damage, “…lllieutenant, can you hear mmme?” Her speech had gone from stuttering to lagging.

She was passed out, her glasses visibly broken with barely anything clinging to the frames. There was a burn mark on her back, no doubt from a disruptor. There was a light murmur coming from her however, which soon turned into a pained moan as the Trill turned over, her hand curling into a fist as she tried to fight the pain her body felt. She was gasping as stared at the ground, her eyes shooting wide open. "Where?-" Came a quiet, muttering sound.

Aria’s expression wilted at the sight of just how much Jayrehi had suffered in comparison to some of the others. She had practiced bedside manner for months before arriving at 777, but it was becoming harder and harder to keep it up. Her expression became more morose upon the Trill’s question, and she had to tell her that, “…yyyou have been returned to the cell.”

Footsteps echoed down the hall, paired with a slight scuffle on the other side of the door..

Shane perked up from where he was resting when Jayrehi came back. He was evidently off his game without a UT or much feeling in his mouth. "Bed." He said simply as he tired to help move the lieutenant to her cot.

At this point, he might've been one of the few people not yet hurt by the Tal Shiar. He was also one of the two people with the most sensitive hearing - and those footsteps made him bristle like a guard dog. In spite of Tarsek's orders - the man was not there right now, anyways - the Romulan rose up and faced the door, waiting to see if it will open... (edited)

As much as she should protest that Shane was helping her, given what had just happened, she did appreciate it. She was moving far too slowly. She helped Jayrehi up into her cot, and began to consider just what the hell they could do to help patch her up…she hadn’t noticed the footsteps yet, caught up in making sure the Trill was at least somewhat okay.

She stumbled a bit as the two helped her up to her feat, a vague chuckle coming from her as she sniffed. Everything that happened in that chamber started to rush back into her mind, and with that adrenaline gone, there was nothing hiding the scarred feeling that echoed through her body and thoughts. Vidi's words began to replay, began to sink deep into her psyche.

"Alright, 'm going, fuck's sake.." The door opened to an older woman, gray streaks in her hair and dark circles under her eyes. She didn't have the standard checkered uniform of a Tal Shiar officer... Her face was covered by half a mask, and slung over her shoulder was a medical bag. Two officers lingered at the door. Green eyes slid cautiously across the group as she sighed, adjusting the strap of her bag. "'m unarmed. But, y'know. Those guards'll shoot your heads off if you try to grab for anything. Y'know the drill by now, don't you?.."

3

Aria had gently removed Jayrehi’s glasses from her face, not wanting her to potentially hurt herself with broken glass and metal even more than she already had been. She set them aside, and did her best to make sure the young woman was comfortable where she was laid. Her eyes clicked over to the door when the officer walked in, a medical bag in hand, and for a moment…Aria considered what she was going to say in response. For a moment. “…whhhy have we not been provided with medical aid until this moment? The lllieutenant is not the first who has been hhharmed.” (edited)

"Do you think you're the only prisoners this place has?" Her focus slid to Aria, eyes narrowing just barely. "I've got patients half-dead, and they dragged me out here to deal with this, so you all should consider yourselves fucking lucky. Your Commander was already mostly stitched up. I'm doing all I can with what I've been given, and I haven't had a moment to properly sleep—" One of the disruptors nudged insistently against her back, and she staggered a little, fingers curling into fists. "Do you want my help, or do you want that burn to fester?"

Aria’s nostrils flared slightly at the anger the doctor standing across from her shot back at her. Half-dead because of them, of course, and oh, SHE hasn’t gotten the chance to properly sleep? Anger and irritation were such new feelings to Aria, and she didn’t realize how tightly her hands had become balled into fists. Her eyes clicked down to Jayrehi, then back to Ecurai, “Mmmedical aid would be appreciated,” She muttered, stepping back from the cot.

"Thank you," Ecurai sighed, adjusting her bag to get it off. "Sorry. 've been working around the clock. You'd think this place would have more doctors than we have, and being held at disruptor point ain't exactly great for morale," she chuckled bitterly, lowering to her knees besides Jayrehi. "I'll take your jacket off now, yeah?.."

1

The android was not giving Ecurai the time of day, far too frustrated to accept excuses given the nature of the situation. She sat on the cot beside Jayrehi, watching and waiting.

The medic worked carefully with what little she had, peeling away enough cloth to let her get to the burn. "I don't have anything that'll make it go away completely. But I can make it a li'l better. Sorry," she muttered, glancing up. " You're a medical officer, aren't you?.. What's your name?"

Aria gave a small nod to the medic, the servos in her neck hissing as she did so. Her expression was still one of irritation, “Affffirmative,” Her vocal synthesizer lagged out, “I am Arrria,” She wasn’t in the mood to cheerily explain where she got her name as she usually did when introducing herself.

"I can tell we aren't the best of friends right now, but can you give me a hand here?.. Just hold up the cloth so I can get this on there, " Ecurai shook around a little bottle of some sort of ointment, almost offering it for inspection. "I don't have.. what do you call it, the one that makes the wound heal at once, they took it before I came inside. But I have that, and I have bandages."

The nurse stood, servos clicking and whirring as she did so, and she reached out to hold the cloth. Her gaze lingered on Ecurai for a few moments before she spoke, “Derrrmal regenerator,” She said, furrowing her eyebrows and lifting her gaze toward the guards that were stood at the doorway. Of course they took it away. “…do what you can,” The apertures in her eyes focused on Ecurai once again, “Are yoouu the only medic present in thisss facility?”

"Not the only one, but there ain't enough of us, that's for sure," she grumbled in reply, taking her time to apply the ointment. "Less medics than there are 'Fleet folks cooped up in here. We don't have time to chat much, jus' get what supplies we need 'n go to the next emergency." She glanced out of the corner of her eye to the guards. "They don't help at all, neither."

“…mm…” She hummed softly, still holding the cloth up and watching the medic’s work closely. She was not very pleased with everything that Ecurai was saying, “It is because thhhey are causing the emergency…”

Ecurai let out a sharp bark of a laugh, shaking her head as she finished the bandages. "Ain't that the truth. You can call me Ecurai, Ensign. Or anything that makes me feel more like a person than 'that medic.'" Up she went, sighing as she fiddled with her bag. "Does anyone else need help?.. "

Aria stared at Ecurai for a few moments before a small smile managed to come across her face, as much as she could muster given the current circumstances, “I ammm also an ensign,” Her smile vanished shortly afterward. She took a look toward Alanna, Saren, and Shane, “I believe the othhhers are alright, forrr the moment…I am in nnneed of charge, however. I am cccertain other android members you have capturrred are, as well.”

"Ah, no, 'm not..." She glanced back at the guards, and figured she'd be allowed at least a moment longer. "'mnot an officer. Civilian surgeon. These fellas kindly escorted me to my new posting when they seized my home, so.. " "Sorry I can't help you more. 'm not an engineer... I dunno how long they'll let you go without charge." Enough chattering, it seemed, as the guards motioned that Ecurai's time was up. She gritted her teeth and sighed. "Take care, 'kay?.."

There was a very solemn acceptance that came from Aria as she let out another little hum. Every word that came out of this medic’s mouth, though she provided momentary hope of some aid for Jayrehi, only served to make the situation all the more desperate. She gave a little nod to her, realizing that if she were to keep her for longer they’d likely both be punished, “…affffirmative,” She muttered.

She leaned against the wall, her legs bunched up as her arms pulled them closer to her chest. She could barely see anything, not even her own ankles. The world was a blur, the face of her fellow officers blending into the cell walls. There was nothing to anchor her, nothing to ground her. Her breathing was labored, unstable and drawn out. As much as she tried to clear her mind, everything that happened in that chamber echoed in her mind louder and louder. Her wounds certainly didn't help either. Jayrehi tried to forget it, to forget everything, but it stuck like a dagger to the heart. It was true wasn't it? All these years of service, and what did she have to show for it? No awards, no commendations, no innovations. What was she even supposed to do if they returned to the station? If they even were returning. Maybe it was better if she had just died then. (edited)

The android had remained by Jayrehi’s side, not only to make sure she was alright, but also to just…idle and run diagnostics on herself. They were all coming back very bad, and the expression that was on Jayrehi’s face also looked pretty bad. Aria had no idea what to do.

The door to the cell slid open without warning, and their beloved XO was pushed into the cell by Vici with a disruptor. "Look who I haaaave," they announced cheerfully, "and he's just personally extended your collective stay at our establishment... indefinitely!"

5

6

4

Aria, stood with her arms folded over her chest, took a slow glance to the door and found Tarsek standing beside yet another one of their captors. Her expression was, admittedly, rather pitiful, “…aaare you hurt, Commander?”

”No, ensign. I was taken to the commander’s room.” There was nothing to hide. “He wished for me to reveal the refugees location on Starbase 777.” There was no shame to be felt in a logical decision. He walked further inside, distancing himself from the pink haired Romulan. “I denied him.” There was no shame to be felt in a logical decision.

The android’s gaze lingered on Tarsek for a few moments. For all intents and purposes, this made sense to her. Collaboration of that magnitude would only cause more turmoil for the future. However, Aria was…tired. She was moving so slowly. She had been feeling many, many things that she had no idea she could feel. Like the Romulan had said, she knew that this meant spending a much longer time in here until someone broke. She knew someone would, as much as she was loathe to admit it. “…understood.” (edited)

Saren was leaning against the wall by the washroom when Tarsek was guided back into the cell. The Vulcan was met with a sharp turn of the young scientist's head, something hopeful on his face and in th eyes... which quickly dwindled as he spotted Vici behind the XO, as he heard their spoken words. "Wh..." he muttered despite himself, green eyes shifting back and forth between the newly arrived figures. "Commander's room?.."

3

”Yes.” Tarsek looked at the younger man. Saren had not spoken of what was now clear. He had doubts whether he should be explicit or not when it came to Irok’s identity, for the lieutenants sake in front of the others. “As I said, he tried to convince me on revealing sensitive information.” There was no shame to be felt in a logical decision. He was aware the guard was still among them, still with malicious intent. “He tried to offer an exchange between our possible freedom and the location of the refugees.” Quick. Brief. Brutally honest. There was no shame to be felt in a logical decision. “I did not agree.”

There was a visceral need to punch something. Saren ignored it, willed it to go away, all the while looking at Tarsek with a tense face and just a sliver of teeth poking out, before he forced a breath into his stiff body through his teeth, and breathed out a forced, "I see." Something about the needs of the many, the snide and fearful part of his brain piped up, but the Romulan forced his god damned jaws shut. He would not. Start crying in front of multiple officers and a Tal Shiar ensign. He wouldn't. He wouldn't.

5

This was a logical conclusion. Incredibly logical, incredibly understandable. It’s something that made sense to Aria, but Aria was not running on logic right now. Her emotional stabilizers were so far out of wack as she continued rotting in this cell, as her power banks continued to drain more and more. She knew she had nothing that would make sense to say, so she just gave another slow little nod.

Vici had stayed in the doorway for a minute, just watching the interaction unfold with a grin on their face. "Well, that was fun. I'm off to bother the other guests with the good news, have a good night everyone!" And with those words, Vici disappeared, and the door closed once more. (edited)

5

6

With the door securely locked behind him and the agent gone, Tarsek moved towards the bathroom. He did not do much, only cleaning the small cut in his throat and the blood that had already dried on his skin. A small, shallow and pathetic little cut, from a man who had mentioned bleeding him out as a pig. That, on him, would have been most ineffective, and maybe it had been only a theatrical joke for Irok’s entertainment to threaten him in this way. Though he did not have doubts it might be applied on someone else. He returned, calmly. Sat back on his cot. The box had been opened, there was no denying the looks he had received. “Please...” He finally started, his voice even. “Voice your thoughts, if you find it possible.” There was no shame to be felt in a logical decision.

The android stared, the lights of her eyes flickering as more of her body shut down. She blinked, the servos of her eyes clicking as she moved her gaze down to the floor. She isn’t sure what to say. She knew, she KNEW that this made sense! This was what they were all supposed to do! Protect the senators, keep the refugees safe and alive, no matter the cost. This. made. sense! But Aria…she was… “…I ammmm t-tired,” Her synthesizer glitched, her pitch fluctuating, her voice low. She sounded…emotional. (edited)

He stayed frozen in the spot as Tarsek walked into the washroom and back, staring at some distant spot in front of him as the Vulcan man passed him twice. What did Tarsek see in him now, he wondered. A walking corpse? A pitiful case? The plead was met with what could be described as a startled jolt of his shoulders. He breathed noisily, shifting his weight from one leg to another, glued to that god damn wall because he might've crumbled if he left it. "I have nothing to say," was what eventually left his mouth, as Saren stared down at the floor. He felt... visible. Exposed. He hated it. "Nothing."

1

He could not force anyone to speak their minds. He was not an inquisitor and he refused to play any part comparable to their captors. There was no shame to be felt in a logical decision. He nodded at Aria. He was aware no charge had ever been provided to her and she was operating at an extremely low capacity. The others at least had had food and water. Saren… worried him. He could see the physical indicators of words not said, being gulped down and kept knotted deep within the young man. “If you ever find yourself with words to be said, you may state them plainly at any time.” That was the only small freedom Tarsek could offer him. There was no shame to be felt in a logical decision.

5

After that, the cell was lulled into an uneasy, restless sort of silence... but only for so long. Because--

"Knock-knock!" wasn't that ensign just here not too long ago?.. Wait, no. Same face, but different build and hair. Veni regarded the somber band with a gleam in those bright eyes, before it turned into a(n insincere) frown: "Oh, did I intrude upon something?.. Sorry, sorry! So awkward... but I'm here to grab your medic real quick? Of the mechanical variety?"

The android's eyes lazily turned toward the door as another ensign arrived, almost disgusted by the sight of the act that she was putting on. She had never felt disgust before...such new experiences were opening up to her, absolutely awful experiences... "I-I need to remain here," She said, firmness in her voice as she remained still and with her arms slack at her side, "There has beennn a medical emergennncy, and I nnneed to attend to the patient you have provided me with," Her eyes flicked to Jayrehi, before returning to Veni.

1

"Respectfully, how exactly do you plan to help any of them?.." the man frowned. "Stare at them until they turn into dust? Where we are going there are charging blocks and tasty, tasty electricity, I can tell you that..."

Her eyebrows furrowed, her movements stilted and her wits at an end. She turned back toward Tarsek, Saren, Alanna...as much as she hated to admit it, the ensign standing at the door had a point. There wasn't much she could accomplish with...soap, and bedsheets, and pillows, as much as she had been able to prop up Jayrehi and Shane and make them somewhat comfortable. There is a huff that comes from her, steam venting free from her lips. "...rrrespectfully...I have seen the damage incurrrred by your atttttempts of hospitality."

He clicked his tongue, then, and crossed his arms: "Oh... Buddy, I don't think I've said you have much of a choice in this, now did I?.." Snap, went his fingers, summoning the security detail behind him like a swarm of locust. They made the reasons for their presence here clear as day when the nozzles of their disruptors were pointed at nearly every soul in the cell. "If it's help you need, don't be shy to ask! We'll drag you along."

The android's eyes widened at the sight, the security detail shocking her and causing the equivalent of her heart to skip a beat. She wasn't going to panic, and it had become very evident that she was only making this worse. Some awareness snapped through her irritation as she raised her hands quickly, "U-Understood! Underrrstood. I will go."

"Splendid! Wasn't so hard, now was it?" he smiled, gesturing with an arm to the armored people: "Help the girl out of here, will you? Be nice, though." And with that... it didn't take long for the lot of them to leave, taking Aria with them.

3

As Aria was taken, Tarsek sighed discreetly. Now only one of them had not been requested yet. He hoped she would at least come back with her battery in better conditions, but he knew the price for that might be too high for her to enjoy the effects of the charge. One taken, soon to be out of battery. Two almost incapacitated, either by physical wounds or mental ones. One with nearly severed means of communication. One that used a wall to hide how terrified he probably was. One who might have condemned them all, or might have bought them time for rescue. There was no shame to be felt in a logical decision. And indefinitely, as the agent had so eloquently classified, was plenty of time for them to be found. They had to hold on. He eyed the door, his mind suddenly surprisingly clean considering all that had already happened. He would not let his decision be in vain. His logic would not fail him now.

She stood up, her hand pressed hard against the wall as she steadied herself. It was hard to see, and harder still to walk. Every step sent a jolt of pain, every detail obscured in a deep blur. It didn't help that her sense of balance was depleted. Should she ask someone for help? No. She could this herself. She was Starfleet, damn it. She knew where the bathroom was. It was just over- BAM! She had walked straight into a wall, completely stumbling over and falling back first into the hard cell floor. The wind had been knocked right off, causing her to gasp for air.

As soon as the lieutenant collided with the wall, Tarsek practically jumped from his cot and rushed to her side. “Lieutenant, are you hurt?” One of his hands went to her shoulder, providing support while the other waited to see if anymore help would be needed. He did not try to help her up yet, as she might have been too disoriented to stand after that.

She flinched slightly as his hand touched her shoulder, blinking in a vain effort to try and see Tarsek clearly. "I'm- I'm- fine." She muttered, before letting her hand push against the ground in an attempt to get up. Jayrehi winced, her back spiking in pain. "Have... have they taken another one of us? I'm not... I'm not sure." She asked, trying to figure out where the Commander's head was.

”Easy, lieutenant. I was not aware of the extend of your lack of sight. We shall help you from now on.” It was half a statement and half an offer. Truth is, even if she tried to go by with no help, there was no way they could allow her to risk even more injury. Specially considering who they had taken now. “They requested Aria this time.”

"Yeah. I'm as blind as a bat." She chuckled, despite the reservation and solemness in her expression. She hated feeling helpless. She hated feeling useless. And they had taken another one of them, again. No doubt they were doing the same to the others, wherever they were. "Damn it," She sighed, her hand clenching into a fist for a moment as she took in a deep breath. "So that leaves two here that haven't been taken right? I think my math is right..."

”Yes.” He confirmed. “Lt. JG. Hensley and Lt. JG. tr’Lareth. Can you try standing up? Or is it too uncomfortable still?”

Alanna stood up without trouble, for some ungodly reason it had happened again - she was the only other one in the cell besides Saren who hadn't been taken. History never repeated itself, but it sure as hell fucking rhymed. Tentatively, she gave a soft thumbs up towards Tarsek. She looked over at Saren, hoping that he could do the same - but ready to help if he couldn't.

”Ah. I meant Lieutenant M’Kalh.” He said as soon as he saw Alanna stand up. “I am sorry, I should have made myself more clear.”

The return was... surprisingly quick. At least, compared to the other unfortunate souls that had their rounds with Tal Shiar. Because here Aria was, being deposited on her bed, seemingly alert and conscious... but damaged.

Aria was surprised she wasn’t thrown onto the floor like they’d done with Jayrehi. She had no idea why they were now treating her with some…semblance of care, of kindness. Maybe it was because they still wanted to rip her apart to turn Tess into something that could feel fear and pain so they could get enjoyment out of forcing her to do what they wanted. She didn’t know…she didn’t want to know. Her right eye blankly stared up at the ceiling, her left eye half-closed and dimmed and the entirety of the left side of her face covered in coolant stains and wide cracks. Pieces of the casing had long since fallen away, many more being littered across the corridors as she was dragged back up here. Her left hand lay limply at her side, and she didn’t say a word. (edited)

3

And so the time passed by quietly, until, though through the lack of a way to interpret the changing of days the prisoners wouldn't know it, the dawn of the final day broke.

Then, a knock on the prison door, before it slid open, and the Commander himself stood in the doorway, a disruptor on his belt and, seemingly, no backup. "Good day, everyone," he greeted, sparing barely a glance to anyone in the cell, his eyes flashing across Tarsek for a moment before landing on Saren. "I've come to borrow my grandson."

8

7

3

It's been a blur for him - a slow sludge of a countdown, an invisible hourglass, the unpalpable tics of an immeasurable timeframe from point A to point Z. Saren was left in a lethargic sort of survival state, performing just enough to keep his body alive and in a good shape, but not much more. The only glimpses were an occasional sound outside of the cell that made him freeze up, expecting the worst, or the presence of the five other people in this cage. Finally, it seemed that the last grain of sand had fallen down after all. Saren was sitting on his cot when the footsteps came and the door opened. Green met gray, before that haunted gaze shifted down to see the disruptor, which made the youngest of the two Lareths stand up from his place, and begin to move towards the door, as quiet as a ghost.

5

If it was not their gracious host, coming personally this time. Tarsek stood when he entered, as he had with all who opened that door before. Irok had his attention until he called for Saren. His grandson. The Vulcan turned his gaze to the young man who had taken the cot opposite to his. The man, the boy, moved slowly at the summoning, no trace of any resistance, only of haunting fear. Saren had been in his mind, more than the others, when the commander had made the offer. If he had kept his word, if he had sent them home, would he have given up Saren too? What would have prevailed, Saren’s position as one of his officers or his position as this man’s unfinished family business? Tarsek knew there was no shame to be felt in a logical decision. When Saren got up and passed next to him, he spoke in a low tone a message meant only the young Romulan. “Remember the promise you made. That we all made.”

4

"If I gave you the chance to trade your life for one of your cellmates', would you do it?" Would she? Jayrehi stumbled to her feet, turning to the direction of the sound of the man. She knew what he meant, and if one of them weren't to come back, she thought Saren the most likely candidate. Everything was so blurred, so vague. She could barely make out where anyone was, but the moment she was sure where the younger Romulan was, she rushed over to him. She had to try, somehow. Even if she only stopped him for a few minutes, it was better than letting it slide. It was better than freezing like a coward, and she didn't want to die a coward. So despite her fear, despite her brain telling her not to, she stood in between the two tr'Lareths, pushing Saren slightly behind her. Maybe she was getting too reckless, maybe she was getting in over her head. Yet at the same time, what Vidi had told her kept repeating again and again. "You are a pathetic excuse of an officer, Lieutenant M'Kahl." And she wanted to be anything but pathetic.

7

"The one about staying alive, Commander? A rich demand, from someone who doomed their crew to die here," Irok turned to Tarsek as he spoke, before reaching his hand out to Saren, even as Jayrehi stood up to protect the ACSO. "Come, Saren. It's time you and I spoke."

”And still we all live. The promise remains.” He said this to Saren. Directly to Saren and only to Saren. Irok could make his move to undermine any influence Tarsek had, he might succed, but the Vulcan would not give up easily on making himself heard by the young man. He said it with conviction, this was no desperate plea to get the other unfounded hope. This was to the Vulcan as certain and true as the sun raising and setting on the dunes of his homeland. He said it as if they were the only people in that forsaken room.

2

"No." She spoke. "You won't take him." She stared at him, her own sweat tracing the spots that ran down her face. She pushed her back towards Saren, intending to block either of them from getting closer to the other.

Tarsek's voice cut through the haze like a foghorn, and Saren did turn his head towards the man, ever so slightly; while the paleness of his face or the fear and apprehension in his eyes did not disappear, what the Vulcan received in response was a solid, short nod. A confirmation that he did. And he would continue walking, if not for the sudden living wall in front of him, and he needs a second longer than usual to understand what was going on - and when his mind finally did catch up, it was with a jolt. And a lingering, absolutely painful feeling of apreciation in his soul. "Lieutenant, it's okay," he uttered, gently catching the Trill by her shoulders to guide her to the side. "It's okay. It will be okay. But I have to go."

"Yeah heard the man, Lieutenant," Irok told Jayrehi. "I look forward to seeing what army you conjure up to stop me from 'taking him', I really do."

4

3

She held her ground, standing firm. She did not retort back, she wasn't going to start a verbal battle with rotten cheese. The Trill turned her face slightly, her eyes still looking at Riov as she shook her head as a response to Saren. It wouldn't be okay, and so she was not moving.

Irok just unhostered his disruptor, raising it to about head height for one Lieutenant Jayrehi M'Kahl. "Saren, I don't think I have to explain to you what will happen if you don't step past her right now," he said, impatience already showing.

5

”Lieutenant M’Kahl…” Tarsek warned as soon as he saw the disruptor being reached for. “Stand down.” As much as any of them wished to have any power to prevent Saren from being taken, they did not. He was not about to have another officer injured again. He was not about to have their first death either. “Stand down, Lieutenant. That is an order.” He did not doubt Irok would shoot.

No. No. No, he would not allow this to happen. Saren's throat and lungs constricted as he breathed in, seeing Jayrehi's actions and desperate bravery, seeing the disruptor, seeing Tarsek verbally step in... "It's going to be okay," he was stubborn. He had to be stubborn, for the sake of this room, for the sake of everyone around him. And so he pushed his body past the Lieutenant, shooting her - and the rest of the cell - a small little smile that he tried to be reassuring with, before he turned to face Irok.

4

She paused, for what felt like entirety. An order was an order, and as much as she wanted to keep Saren behind, it really wouldn’t do much. She wrestled with the idea, a part of her so willing to prove she really would die to save another. In the end, she didn’t resist when Saren pushed past. An acidic feeling began eating her up inside, but she forced herself to let him go. It wouldn’t do anyone any good if she stopped him.

"Good, I'm glad we're all on the same page here. Saren, say goodbye to your friends," Irok said, grabbing his grandson's upper arm firmly as soon as he came in range to do so, holstering his disruptor again.

6

The grasp... hurt. The second gifted to say his goodbyes was uncharacteristically merciful, though, and Saren was not about to waste it. "I will see you all later," he said into the room, looking at them. Memorizing the faces. "Stay strong, officers."

7

And with the two of them gone, stillness once more came over cell one.

The stillness didn't last for too long, though, when another, softer knock came at the door, which slid open to reveal the same two people who had come to retrieve Tarsek before.

Tinuvek, the Reman, led the charge this time, carrying a decently small but otherwise nondescript briefcase with him. He placed it on the ground in the middle of the room, before backing away a few paces and starting to use his hands to sign.

Behind him, Kayata had finally taken her hood and mask off, revealing very clearly a half-Aenar woman with a rather scarred face, and half of one of her ears taken off. She started translating the Romulan Sign Language for everyone who might not understand. "These are medical supplies," she said, speaking for Tinuvek. "Bandages, dermal regenerators, blood coagulants, painkillers, and supplies for applying stitches. Your remaining medical officer will need them soon."

7

6

He raised a brow at the entrance and the presentation of the tools. His eyes went to Alanna for a second, before turning back to the woman. “Are those meant for Lt. JG. Saren’s return?”

Tinuvek simply nodded, something that didn't need translating.

'Fuck' was the only thing going through Alanna's mind. She pushed the what ifs out of her mind, whatever her mind could up with - the Tal Shiar could think up of worse.

That would mean Irok did not intend to kill him or let him die out of any damage he might be inflicting at this moment. Yet. It also meant they could expect the damage to be extensive. “Very well.”

The android sat up on her cot, her body having forcibly shut down out of pure shock and (admittedly) despair. Her right eye scanned the cell, finding Saren missing, two new individuals, and medical supplies. She caught what Tarsek had said, and glanced down at herself…her broken, broken self. She lifted her left arm and her hand wilted, the servo in her wrist whining as it went limp. She grimaced, a strange expression due to her half-broken face. She wasn’t going to be able to help…she really wasn’t. (edited)

The Reman continued signing, causing the Aenar to frown at him. He kept at it stubbornly though, and duty-bound, a translation did come.

4

"Help is on the way. We will make sure he survives that room, in contrast to what Irok tr'Lareth wants. That is the word of Port," she pointed at herself as the Reman brought a loose fist to the left side of his face, clearly a sign name, "and Starboard," she pointed at her companion, who made the same loose fist on the right side of his face. "However, you must make sure he lives. Is that clear?"

7

Aria’s right eye widened. There were allies embedded in the ranks of the Tal Shiar? After days of a truly hellish existence, this was even more of a breath of fresh air than the charging cable. She leaned back against the wall in disbelief, some very good disbelief this time. She knew help would come, but she didn’t know it’d look like this.

Shane was mostly conscious by now and was staring at the two trying to figure out what the hell was happening with his limited understanding of Rihannshu.

2

The doctor nodded. Trauma medicine - in a strange turn of fate Alanna was exactly where she was going to be needed. She started looking through the supplies, taking mental notes of how many of each there were... And how much she would probably need to improvise.

Never being wrong could have made someone feel such satisfaction. They were not alone in this place. Had not been alone. “How infiltrated are you? Have you made contact with the other cells?” Irok had told him they were all alive, however he had not been specific on their injuries and some time had passed. He would be glad to have more information.

"We need to leave, we have a science officer to save. But you will be saved, and we can explain when you are. Please make sure to hide those supplies, for now," Port said, looking at Starboard, who nodded at her, before both of them simply turned around and left the cell, locking the door behind them once more.

Though she wasn’t exactly in a fantastic state, Aria did promise Shane she’d interpret for him. Noticing the confused look on his face, the android stood as soon as Port and Starboard were gone and moved to the ACTO, “Those individuals are Resistance infiltrators…they have offered aid,” She told him in English.

The door opened again, with Azize and Irek rushing in, carrying Saren between them. "Lacerations to the lower abdomen. Apply and maintain pressure to the wounds as they're stitched up by the medical officer," Azize instructed as she lowered Saren to the ground. She'd worried about the amount of supplies they'd taken, worrying it'd raise eyebrows, but it was clearly for the best.

2

Oh fuck, that looked bad. At least he was still alive? Without hesistation Alanna rushed over with the medical kit and a pillow to rest Saren's head on. First thing's first - getting the wound clear. Alanna unzipped Saren's uniform and practically tore it off. No time to manoeuvre it around his arms. Next, trying to stop the bleeding. She looked at anyone around, making a head movement to beckon them over. Now was not the time to be casual.

As soon as Alanna was set into motion by the sight of a very unconscious and bloody Saren, Tarsek jumped to her side ready to offer an extra pair of hands. “Tell me what you need, doctor.”

Alanna grabbed Tarsek's hand and pushed it on top of Saren's wound, then started fishing around the medical equipment for some sort of cleaning agent. Why why why did they have to be in Romulan. First, she found and applied what she hoped was antibacterial hand sanitizer for herself, then she began searching properly. Having a look inside each packet in the box, Alanna settled for something that looked as close to what 777's sickbay used as possible. Grabbing a few of what could only be described as wipes, Alanna began gently rubbing them over the wounds, the original colour of her hands getting covered by a thick layer of green.

Aria hovered near Shane and watched as Alanna started and Tarsek did the work that she would’ve done if she were not currently clutching her broken wrist. The servos in her right eye flicked back and forth, paying close attention, “I can direct if need-be, Lieutenant Commander,” She offered from where she was standing, her tone as steady as she could manage.

With the wounds cleaned as best she could, Alanna reached into the case of extremely limited goodies and took out a device that could only be a blood coagulator, the most standardised medical device in galactic history. Tentatively, she inserted one end of it into the deepest of Saren's wounds, and activated it. The skin layer around the wound began to glow as light filled the hole that Irok's knife made. Come on COME ON. Alanna held it there for a few seconds, then did the same for Saren's other two wounds. [TW: Needles] Setting aside the coagulator, Alanna knew what was meant to happen next. Slowly (and incredibly gently), she lifted the pre-threaded needle out of the briefcase and took a deep breath. One wrong move here... No, no time for those thoughts - not now. Going in and out of the skin, Alanna began to thread the stitches through the openings of Saren's abdomen. Taking EXTRA care around the unique Vulcanoid physiology, the Romulan's gashes were slowly being closed up. (edited)

1

The pallid hand sprawled by his left side suddenly twitched, accompanied by a wheezy inhale. Alive, the stubborn fucker, even if not doing so good.

2

3

He helped the doctor as best as he could, giving her enough space for the delicate part that would be the suturing, holding whatever she told him to hold or passing anything she requested. As Saren seemed to react for the first time, even the Vulcan could not deny the surge of relief brought by the small movement. “Doctor, have they provided us with analgesics?”

Alanna perked up at the sound, which although sounded weak and pained, was actually incredibly promising- "S- Stay still. You're d... doing great." It was kind of quiet, and part of it sounded like she was gagging - but Alanna was incredibly glad she had just finished closing one of the wounds, because she froze. Was that real? Was that what she sounded like now? The Irish accent was still so strong... She hadn't even looked up it had just kind of happened. Almost like the urgency of the situation had forced her brain prioritise something else for the first time in years. Was that all it took, for something more important to come along? And it was so unimpactful, in her daydreams she always thought her first words in years would be something meaningful - an 'I love you' or a large exclamation so intense it would have completely overwhelmed her throat's method of catching everything she said. And yet, it wasn't any of that. It was a simple reassurance for someone who had entered her care on death's door. Part of her wanted to be disappointed. But anyone who knew her would have eventually expected it to happen. Maybe not like this, maybe in a different context, but absolutely no one other than herself would be surprised at that. She was snapped back to reality by Tarsek asking her a question. Analgesics, yes... Painkillers, the only actual hyposprays in the briefcase! Fishing one out, she handed it to Tarsek with her free hand, then mimed placing it against her neck - an instruction for Tarsek to do the same to Saren. Okay... back to it. Focussing back on her patient properly, Alanna moved to the next wound with the stitches.

8

9

1

He promptly administered the dose. They couldn’t sedate the man, but at least this could help him not move so much as he slowly came back around. Aware that Alanna was still not done, he kept himself ready and vigilant as to contain any movement from Saren that could surprise her and do damage.

He was cold. The cruel sensation gnawed at his meat and bones and the very being, which felt both light and heavy at the same time. Above it all, though, was numb, droning pain, one Saren was familiar with intimately, one that followed him his whole life. Cold washed over him as he dropped to the floor, as he watched Irok's shoes walk away from him before his world became dark. Said scene had the aftertaste of copper and deja vu, though here they were surrounded by rock and concrete and not pine and fire. He was cold, and the cycle just repeated itself. But at least this time, he fought back. He really did. And yet... there was the sensation of being airborne, and he could swear to presence of someone by him. Then, something flat and solid was pressing into his body from behind, again, but it was not the wall. Couldn't be the wall. And then there was warmth. But it was cruel too, because it never lingered long enough to warm him up, and whenever it pressed into him, it brought pain. His bloody lips parted, and Saren took another wheezy, horrible breath. Then another. Then another. Suck it into his lungs through clenched teeth, let it out with a whistle. He wanted to try and move away from the touch, when an unfamiliar voice spoke up, barely audible but there, prompting the absolute mess on the floor that was the Romulan to weakly turn his head towards the sound, eyes still closed against the harsh lights of this purgatory. "W-hh," came his eloquent response. The sudden feeling of similar warmth in the proximity of his neck startled him - was it coming back to continue choking him? He tried to lift his shoulder, but something pressed against the side of his neck anyways, and he couldn't help but whimper, eyebrows furrowing, pressure behing his eyelids spiking.

7

6

Alanna finished the stitches and cut the last of the thread from the needle, placing it on the side. Final step, dressing the thing. Alanna took a few packets of things that looked like wound dressings, and stuck one down over each stitch (making sure to wash her hands beforehand, obviously). She didn't need a label to recognise a bandage, thankfully. Taking one of the rolls in the briefcase, she started right below Saren's belly button, wrapping it (with Tarsek's help) underneath his back and across his front. Again and again, gradually layering it up until the bandage reached just below the science officer's ribs. Using one hand to hold it in place, Alanna used the other to fish around for some tape in the briefcase. There wasn't a lot, but it'd have to do for now. Having stuck the bandage down, Alanna leaned back away from Saren - and let out a deep breath once a few seconds had passed. Fuck yeah, it was done. Looking at Saren, she placed a hand on his shoulder to gently force him back down. "Don't m-move. Rest."

8

”You are back at the cell, lieutenant.” Tarsek said as soon as Saren seemed to react to the placing of the hypospray. “Doctor Hensley is here. You will be fine.” As they continued, the young man seemed considerably more distant to death. He was clean, the wounds were shut, bandaged. The analgesics would help him settle within what was possible considering the amount of pain he must be in. After Alanna seemed to deem the work done, he rose and went to the cot Saren had selected for himself. “Moving him so soon might damage your work, doctor.” The Vulcan explained as he came back with the light cover and one of the thin pillows. At least they could try to make the young lieutenant a bit more comfortable. “This could help in the meantime.” He offered. (edited)

4

Alanna nodded, going to grab her own pillow, gently lifting up Saren's side and placing it under the small of his back. Hopefully that would relieve some ache of lying down on a cold metal floor.

After the threatening pressure left his neck, the cruel warmth became more bearable. The grimace on his face eased somewhat, and yet... a few stray tears still managed to slip out, soon disappearing in his hairline. He didn't quite understand what was going on, didn't dare to open his eyes in case the cold grey ones would be staring back at him. It was unbearably bright anyways, he could tell. Another voice. This time, familiar. Too familiar, in fact - a low monotone that spoke to him not too long ago, before it's crescendo into violence. The first instinct was to bolt, and he almost did, before the realization of Different caught up to him, swimmingly, messily. Familiar... but not that. It was... not him. "Prom-mise..." his ruined voice stammered out in response to his superior officer, or at least that's who he thought was nearby. Why, though? Is he in the office too, now? "kept..." There was a murmur and a warmth on his shoulder, and then softness. And that made him want to weep harder. But Saren focused on breathing instead, all wobbly and off-sounding, but there.

5

”Kept indeed…” Tarsek murmured in a low tone as he placed the cover over Saren to ensure he would be able to regulate his temperature better. “The doctor is correct, lieutenant. Rest now. You fought admirably.” Tarsek, of course, had no idea of what had transpired between Saren and his grandfather. He had not seen how he had fought, truly fought, against his fear, against his trauma. Against the man that had once nearly ruined his life and that had come back from the shadows to finish it. But if he was here, if he had not died out of all this damage inflicted, it is because he held on and refused to give in. He kept himself seated next to Saren, choosing to keep an eye on him in case he needed anything.

5

With Saren stabilised, Azize turned to Irek, and, in silent agreement, they started making their way out of the cell. "We will be back," they announced, before closing the door behind them, leaving them alone for the final time.

Aria’s eye lingered on the door as it closed, once again locked in but with…some sort of hope. Saren breathing and blinking certainly helped injected a lot more hope into the space. She gently took a seat on the cot near Tarsek, Alanna, and Saren, wanting to be close. She placed her limp broken wrist in her lap, quietly giving and receiving company from the group.

4

Having cleaned up the rest of the medical equipment, Alanna moved towards Aria and sat next to her - one leg pushed up against her chest, the other hanging down off the edge of the cot. She could try speaking again, but there was no need to right now. Just two medical officers suffering in a cell.

6

There’s a slight little bump against Alanna’s arm as the android leaned gently against her fellow medical officer. She was tired…she was very, very tired. Her gaze sadly floated down to the floor. She remained in that position for a few minutes before there were footsteps outside. Her eye flicked up from the floor and to the door, staring in fear. She shifted away from Alanna to be a bit prepared for whatever came through the door, incredibly frightened that someone may be coming back for Saren, or for her… (edited)

2

Tarsek quickly averted his eyes from Saren, looking at the door. Guards outside could not mean anything good. He had a very logical certainty that Saren was not supposed to have survived. If they came for him, there would be no second rescue. Riok would see that the young man was through this time. There would be no quiet compliance to make their situation any better and help him survive. And with that certainty in mind, for the first time since arriving at this room, Tarsek heavily considered getting physical with whoever passed through that door.

3

2

At some point, he managed to fall asleep. Paranoia, however, seemed to follow him even into the lands of restless dreams - the footsteps prompted a jerk of his head and deep sigh.

As the door opened he jumped upright. Thankfully, no physicalities would be needed, for what he saw was their new ally Starboard arriving with new faces. ”Friends” he had sighed. Which meant… Starfleet. Tarsek felt a surge of relief, this time promptly suppressed. If they were here, there was an scape plan in motion. They would need absolute focus. “Thank you.” This he sighed to Starboard. Without the inside agents, he did not know if they would have lasted long enough for Starfleet to arrive on their own.

Getting physical with him? Take him out to dinner first. Eshen dashed through the door, both eager and dreading to see the condition of the prisoners here. "Hello! Just a casual supply delivery, happening to pop in." Definitely not rescuers. Hey, was that - his face, which usually had an underlying warmth, turned cold. "...Saren?"

Irek stayed behind as people poured in, figuring they'd want some alone time with their friends. He just stuck up a hand at Tarsek in acknowledgement, before returning to holding the door open so it couldn't be locked on them, and watching the hallway.

Zhi'rev looked around the room, his eyes lingering on Saren, his cousin in such a state, the sight was enough for him to feel the beginnings of anger, that flare in the base of his stomach that he tried so hard to suppress.

Four approached with the rest of the group. They checked the hallway for any sort of adversaries. Finding none most likely, they entered the prison cells. Their eyes quickly fluttered across the various people, before then seeing her. Aria, and she was tired. Her wrist was broken. She was hurting. They'd pay. Four's heart shuddered. Quickly they approached but didn't touch. They knew it may be too soon. Four held their hands out as if to gauge if it was ok to move closer or to move away. A sudden sense of Deja Vu flooded over them. Was this how Rilek felt? Goodness, they were strong. "Aria, it's me. I'm here. It's alright now. We're all going home." Four whispered. Their voice shook as they blinked rapidly. A fluid leak at a time like this. They really needed to do proper maintenance.

”He has been severely injured recently. I believe he is top priority for transport, if you have the means for it.” Tarsek did not know what they had planned, but he hopped it involved a transport beam. He was not sure Saren would survive other means of transportation, he surely would not be able to walk on his own. “Ensign Aria and Lieutenant M’Kahl would be next, by their current condition.” One maimed, the other practically blind. “But I do ask before that you identify yourselves, officers.”

"Zhi'rev tr'Lareth, Diplomatic Attaché" He kept his rank off of his usual spiel about himself, thinking that a name would be good enough. They didnt have time for the full spiel, after all.

"Lieutenant Eshen K'Tann, sir," Eshen said, approaching Saren, intending to put a transporter tag on him. He was first priority, as Tarsek had said, but admittedly also his first priority as well. He wasn't even sure if he was conscious. "Also a diplomat, actually."

Aria’s eye widened at the sight of Four. Four. It was Four, it was Four. She was stunned into stillness for a few moments, not even noticing Eshen or Zhi’rev. Her entire world faded away as she met Four’s hands, her gaze with only a single eye, and she then leapt up. She grabbed the xB and hugged them so, so tightly. Aria was incapable of producing tears, but she could sob. She buried her head into the crook of Four’s neck and shoulder and just sobbed, sobbed, sobbed… Sense returned to her after a few moments as she gathered some composure. Her eyes rapidly blinked, refocusing on the task at hand, and she pulled away slightly from Four to meet their gaze, “…h-hello…” Her arms remained wrapped around them. She managed the smallest emotional smile she could before turning to Tarsek, “I-I cannot leave yet, there are…there are other individuals here who are in need of removal from this prison. There is a surgeon, there is…there is an android,” She returned her gaze to Four. Ecurai and Tess didn’t ask for this, just like Aria, “…it is important.” (edited)

Saith hovered awkwardly in the doorway. There were more important people that should go first. There were better people. He stuck his hand up to wave, since he was hidden behind the rest of the group. Mostly because he was trying to hide, a little... "Ensign Saith tr'Dharvanek, Commander V'hgai, sir!" (edited)

He nodded to all that presented themselves. Rescue truly at last. Upon hearing Aria, he turned to her immediately. ”Ensign, you have been badly damaged and your energy levels are still low. I cannot in good conscience allow you to stay, as noble as your sentiment may be. You are in no condition to help.” They had to get all the ones injured out as soon as possible, and that included Aria.

Four broke. To see someone so dear to them collapse into their arms and sob made it so difficult to focus. Their breath seemed to leave them as the pain and sorrow felt so overwhelming. Yet, Four was so glad that they didn't need to add a matrix or cognitive relay to the display of lost family. Their lips quivered as they leaned and cried on Aria. Sobbing quietly as they tried to be strong. To hide their emotions for just a moment so Aria could feel hers without worry. Yet, of course it didn't work. They were supposed to share. To feel an assist one another. To learn with one another. Four eventually heard Tarsek's question and nodded. They pulled away just a bit to answer both statements. "Four of Ten, Tactical Division, Squadron Fighter Pilot." They replied before then looking back at Aria. "It's true. You are too injured to stay. Do not worry, though. I will make sure to fulfill whatever needs to be done here. Just tell me, and I will integrate it into the plan as best as I possibly can." Four stayed close. Holding Aria for as long as she needed. Softly running their hand across her back. Remembering that it was common for those who were close to comfort others with rhythmic hand movements. Their eyes eventually turned to the door. They had to be ready to react if something or someone came in or came by.

3

Noise. A lot of it. Some of which... he recognized. Some of which shouldn't be in this place, shouldn't be where they could be reached, hurt, maimed, killed--* *A sound dripped off of his lips as the Romulan twitched with a valiant attempt at turning himself to push his body up, teeth gritted and eyes finally, finally opened, though the usually bright and focused gaze of theirs was anything but. He was in no condition for a round two, but dear god was he trying.

4

He still was next to the young Romulan, despite having stood up. At the first sight of movement, he knelled back down, a hand on Saren’s shoulder to stop him. “Lieutenant tr’Lareth do not move. Help has arrived.”

A sound! A miraculous sound. Proof he hadn't just put a tag on a body. "Saren.. Saren, you're saved, love. We're here." He kneeled down a little, glancing at Four and Aria (Fouria), wishing he could comfort Saren in the same way.

3

A part of her brain lit up when the dam of Four’s emotions broke, but it was true. They were to share, to assist, to learn with each other. She held Four close, and didn’t want to let them go ever again. Aria’s gaze lingered on Tarsek for a few moments. He wasn’t wrong…the android’s body was not doing good, and she wouldn’t be able to do a lot of heavy lifting or running through this facility to try and find Tess and Ecurai. She pursed her lips together tightly and then gave a little nod of acceptance, gently leaning her forehead against Four’s, “…understood…” A small hum came from her before she lifted her head, “A Romulan surgeon named Ecurai, and an android named Tesserarius…I will vouch for these individuals if I am required.”

”Do you have means of transportation Lieutenant K’Tann?” It was a relief to see the rescue come, but Tarsek and the others still had no idea what the actual rescue plan was. “What have you planned for this mission?”

He gestured to the transporter tag he'd just put on Saren. "You'll all be getting one of these. Here, catch." He threw it at Tarsek, seeing as he was conscious and able enough to put it on himself. "They're transporter tags. When the time is right, you'll all beam out."

"Ah, uh—" It wasn't his place to interrupt, he should be quiet, he should let everyone who had people they loved talk— "Our allies are gonna try to save as many people as they can, prisoner 'n officer, so.. if that... helps...." He peered around the other officers. Would anyone even recognize him, without his spots and mis-matched eyes?.. "Does anybody need help?.."

He promptly caught the tag mid air and nodded to the lieutenant, though it seemed he hesitated in placing it on his shirt. “Will all be beamed at the same time, or do you intend to beam us who were imprisoned first?” What is the saying… “do how I say not how I do”? Tarsek knew he was in fairly good condition when compared to the others in the cell and could still be of service. He wished to stay, his mind processing whether it was logical he did or not.

3

Four looked down and pressed their head against Aria's. Reaching into their pocket they pulled out a transporter tag and pinned it onto Aria's clothes. "This is your transporter tag. When the time is right you will be beamed up." "Ecurai and Tesserarius will be recovered. You have my word. If you can remember or are able to recollect their appearance it would be beneficial for me to have that information. If you cannot, then there is nothing to be worried about. It will still be done." Four moved to sit beside Aria. Allowing for her to lean against them before they whispered. "Do you require any additional energy? I can lend you some if needed."

"..Esh'n," gods was he tired. He was so tired. The slight movement left him winded, the Vulcan having to put zero effort in keeping him still. Saren let his eyes close again, making a frustrated noise at all of it.

4

"Sar'n," he said, with a small smile; he struggled to tear his eyes away to address Tarsek afterward. "When you're beamed away, it'll be when we're all going."

The little transporter tag pinned to the delta printed on her tank top certainly served to remind her of her jacket, one which was torn up on the floor of that warbird’s brig. She gave another little nod, and ran a few things through her mind, “Ecurai has glasses, a face mask covering the nose and mouth, gray hair. Tesserarius is gray skinned, wearing bandages around her eyes. Do not remove these, they are required for medical purposes…” Medical purposes, for an android? She didn’t exactly want to share all of the details yet…she paused for a few moments before gently kissing Four on the forehead, “Thank you, Four…thank you.” She sat down alongside her partner, letting the others figure out a plan. Her eye flicked to Four at the offer of energy, and she shook her head, whispering back, “You require all of your energy. I will be transported soon…there is nothing to be worried about,” She managed a smile, despite her cracked face.

3

Four wasn't sure about any medical purposes for an android. It was a bit strange. Yet, there were stranger things across the quadrant. "Acknowledged." Four stayed still before they felt the kiss across their forehead. It was serene. Their faces lit up as if a verdant forest grew in just a second. The deep green that flared stayed as they sat there. Heart beating rapidly as they looked over to her. Four pushed past worry or hesitations. They just reciprocated. A small kiss was placed on Aria's forehead. It was rather quick and more so of a peck. There would need to be practice protocols to be developed. "Of course...I will do anything...and I mean anything for you. All you need to do is ask." Four sighed out a deep and relieved air. Their face still bright green, and that wasn't going to change for a bit. Their fingers scooted across what seemed to be an example between them, really a couple inches, and wrapped around a couple of Aria's own digits. Their own smile grew instantly as they saw hers. Four wasn't thinking about optimal or efficient percentages or curves. Vectors of muscle movement or otherwise making the perfect expression. They were just happy and relieved. They were safe. "I'm not worried...not anymore."

2

Cautiously, cautiously, he scooted around, passing out tags to any others who may be in the realm of inactivity at the moment. Just in case. "Is— sir, is he.." Sai swallowed, fidgeting again with his jacket. "Um.. Stable, yeah? They said he's stable?.." He didn't want to get in the way, hovering awkwardly somewhere between Eshen and Tarsek, a little bit away. "Uh— I'm glad you're alive, Saren," another awkward, nervous chuckle, "Don't be mad, okay?"

He turned his smile toward Saith. "Stable, yes. Which means when we get him back to the starbase, he's going to live." He wasn't sure what Saith's connection to Saren was, exactly, but his concern was of enough significance.

”As stable as we could get him in this prison. But the damage was extensive, he was stabbed multiple times as far as we could deduct. He needs medical attention as soon as he is out.” He answered. “But yes, he shall live.”

Saith. He cracked one of his eyes open, head lolling awkwardly to the side and-- there. He sighed again, but this time it was a shaky, wobbly sound of relief.

5

He remained at the doorway after helping wherever he could, still angry, and still more than a little antsy. There was still work to be done -- if Aria was correct, and she likely was.

3

1

They... they made it? Help had arrived before it had all went to shit - before they got stranded here. It was at that moment that Alanna could cry, but she didn't... Because above it all she wasn't feeling happiness, or elation. Alanna was feeling relief above all. Relief that after everything, it wouldn't be a repeat of last time. And that despite all the aura of death in this place, no one in her cell actually died (a far, far cry from the aformentioned last time). Walking over to Saith, Saren, Eshen and Tarsek, Alanna tried her best to inform the two standing officers of Saren's condition. "Th... Three stab wounds on the-" Take yout time. "-On the abdomen, I did what I c- could but he needs a s- s- sickbay."

3

He grit his teeth so hard they might crack. Stabbed. Hmmm. Could've been... He held Saren's hand gently, to avoid upsetting any unseen injury.

Saith's stomach lurched. Stab wounds... He didn't know the significance behind such a thing, but he didn't like it one bit. He took a deep breath and nodded. "I'm gonna take that to mean you're not mad at me—" technically not wrong— "We can, um... we can talk later, when you're... less stabbed." His attention moved to Alanna. "You're so awesome. Really, all of you, going through this, it.. it must've been so scary. You're incredible, sir, really," and he offered her a biiig smile, as big as he could manage, really. " We'll get everyone out soon as we can."

And when everyone was ready... the gentle shimmer of a light lit up the cell for a brief moment, as the people were whisked away from this hell. Finally. Finally... The only thing they left behind were unmade beds, and harrowing smears of green blood on the floor, where a body was lying mere moments ago. (edited)

6