06-12-2026, 09:47 PM
The Holodeck arch hissed open, briefly fracturing the illusion of the serene, sunlit park before sealing shut behind the arriving Science team.
Commander Ameen stepped onto the holographic grass, followed closely by Lieutenant Ra'an holding the dormant crystalline module, with Midshipmen Cortez and A'kilees flanking her. Ameen took in the environment instantly—the open sightlines, the lack of makeshift weapons, the invisible containment fields Gath had programmed. It was a perfectly calculated tactical arena disguised as a peaceful meadow.
His eyes then fell on his Security Chief, and Dr. O'Fee, who was holding a heavy, spring-loaded syringe.
"Excellent work on the environment, Lieutenant Gath," Ameen said as he crossed the clearing to join them. He quickly brought the two officers up to speed. "Midshipmen Cortez and A'kilees managed to crack the black box's language cipher right before we left the lab. The individual we are about to wake is designated as an 'Apex Protector.' Their final, hard-coded standing order is to eliminate any external variables that threaten their cargo. When they wake up and realize they are not in their sanctuary, their first instinct might be to classify us as exactly that."
He looked at the syringe in Evie's hand, then gave her an approving nod for delegating the physical injection to the strongest officer in the room.
"No disguises. We meet them exactly as we are," Ameen instructed, his voice dropping into a deadly serious cadence. He turned directly to Evie. "Doctor O'Fee, signal your medical team. Beam the designated Leader's pod directly to these coordinates."
He squared his shoulders, looking around at the assembled team. "Prepare for First Contact."
Commander Ameen stepped onto the holographic grass, followed closely by Lieutenant Ra'an holding the dormant crystalline module, with Midshipmen Cortez and A'kilees flanking her. Ameen took in the environment instantly—the open sightlines, the lack of makeshift weapons, the invisible containment fields Gath had programmed. It was a perfectly calculated tactical arena disguised as a peaceful meadow.
His eyes then fell on his Security Chief, and Dr. O'Fee, who was holding a heavy, spring-loaded syringe.
"Excellent work on the environment, Lieutenant Gath," Ameen said as he crossed the clearing to join them. He quickly brought the two officers up to speed. "Midshipmen Cortez and A'kilees managed to crack the black box's language cipher right before we left the lab. The individual we are about to wake is designated as an 'Apex Protector.' Their final, hard-coded standing order is to eliminate any external variables that threaten their cargo. When they wake up and realize they are not in their sanctuary, their first instinct might be to classify us as exactly that."
He looked at the syringe in Evie's hand, then gave her an approving nod for delegating the physical injection to the strongest officer in the room.
"No disguises. We meet them exactly as we are," Ameen instructed, his voice dropping into a deadly serious cadence. He turned directly to Evie. "Doctor O'Fee, signal your medical team. Beam the designated Leader's pod directly to these coordinates."
He squared his shoulders, looking around at the assembled team. "Prepare for First Contact."