Post 472: Running for Reece

Stardate: 071001.0913
Title: Running for Reece
Author: Ensign Xhian
Scene:USS Alchemy
Time: After A Visitor and Concurrent with Help is on the way.
-----------------------------------------------------

Commander Salvek had just ordered Xhian to engineering, in order to help restore enough power to the ship as to activate the transporter system. This was imperative because they needed to get Lt. Reece to Sickbay in order for the EMH to fix his potentially life-threatening injuries.

Xhian was sprinting as fast as he could to engineering, when he heard a noise coming from behind him. He wanted to look back, but he knew he didn't have time to check it out at this moment. The life of a fellow crew mate was hanging in the balance, not to mention the long-term survival of the entire Alchemy crew.

Xhian continued to run, going over scenarios in his head as to exactly what could have caused the main power cells on the ship to fail despite all of the back-up systems, and how he might fix them with the greatest possible speed. As he moved the noises got louder behind him, but still Xhian didn't stop to check and just decided to run faster, in case someone was giving chase.

Someone had dragged him out into the snow- was it possible they had boarded the ship once again?

--=Engineering=--

Xhian was almost out of breath as he reached his destination. He felt cold and tired, his uniform still soaked from being exposed to the elements, but he knew he had no time to rest and forced himself to continue despite his exhaustion. The first thing he planned to do upon arrival was to check the power cells and their connections to the ship's systems.

He skidded to a stop as he observed Salvek, standing at the main work station, speaking to a hooded figure that he had apparently caught within a forcefield.

"So," Xhian remarked, "we do have uninvited guests aboard the Alchemy. This being is not alone, Commander. I heard noises in the corridors between here and Sickbay."

"Noted." Salvek replied, and he indicated the panel before him. "Ensign, we should conserve all the power we can for the time being, until we are sure what we are dealing with here. Our top priority is to get a single transporter running in order to get the bridge crew to Sickbay."

"Understood," Xhian replied and as he and Salvek worked side by side, Salvek began speaking once again to their guest.

"How many of your people have boarded this ship?" The Vulcan inquired but the girl, who insisted on keeping her face covered, did not reply.

"It appears that you have several items in your possession that do not belong to you," Salvek indicated a large bag that hung from the girl's shoulder. "Show me what you have looted."

Her shoulders slumped, and she began to slowly display the items she'd taken. Salvek and Xhian saw she'd stolen a few articles of clothing, a pair of boots, and a blanket from crew sleeping quarters. The basic necessities, Xhian thought.

Who was she, and why did she need these mundane items so badly that she was forced to resort to theft?

Ensign Xhian
Engineering Officer
USS Independence/USS Alchemy