Post 306: Step Into the Rabbit Hole

Stardate:70714.1034
Title: Step Into the Rabbit HoleAuthor:
Ensign Xhian
Scene: Jeffries' Tube below holodeck 4
Time: During "Xhian We Have a Problem" through "Burning Down the House" and concurrent with "Old Fashioned Holodeck Cuttin'"

After Commander Zanh -with Dabin Reece in tow- ordered Xhian and Stratton to get the plasma torches the four officers rushed to the Jeffries tubes in the area where holodeck 4 was located, to start cutting into the floor of the holodeck.

When they got there, Zanh grabbed one torch and told Stratton and Xhian to start cutting another hole in a different area.

Zanh and Reece worked quickly in an effort to save their friends and crew mates. In about thirty minutes time, they broke through the flooringof the holodeck and greeted a few of the trapped personnel. The first group, including Commander Salvek, made its way into the tube and down towards Xhian.

Xhian and Stratton were joined in their efforts by Reece and K'Pajek. After much protest from Reece about the location where they had chosen to cut, Xhian finally convinced the Trill that this was the best place to work. As they worked, Salvek and Zanh discussed the current situation.

Salvek informed the Captain that he had entered Pon Farr, and Xhian once again had to calm the increasingly nervous Reece, who didn't trust that Salvek was in a state of mind to be making any decisions for them.

Zanh went on to explain to Salvek and K'Pajek that the holodeck malfunctions had been caused by a virus that effected the ship and has been causing all sorts of havoc. She also explained that Xhian and Stratton had been working on the problem to find a way to stop the virus to no avail, but Xhian did try to reroute the safety systems of the holodeck to keep everyone inside safe.

As Zanh and the others were talking; Xhian, Stratton, Reece and K'Pajek finally cut through the holodeck floor in the area where the others were.

"Are you OK?" Xhian asked.

"Its about time!" Came the voice of Ashlyn Trind.

As both groups met in the Jeffries' tube everyone was excited to meet each other again. Xhian watched from afar in the background of it all.

"Ensign Xhian," Salvek said, "I would like to thank you for your efforts."

Xhian looked at Salvek oddly as the only person to ever thank him for anything was Commander Zanh.

"It is okay Sir, I am just happy your safe." Xhian said with a blank, almost unfeeling demeanor. "We are not out of trouble yet Sir,there is still the matter of the virus."

Ensign Xhian
Engineering Officer
USS Independence