//------------------------------//
// Severance Part III 
// Story: Starring Trixie 
// by metroid_freak 
//------------------------------//


“Sir, we just lost the probe,” Vorik reported as the data feed from the probe ceased. “It appears that the planet’s unique energy field overloaded the probe’s power relays, resulting in its destruction. It would appear that even a shielded probe is not able to withstand whatever energy the planet is emitting.”

                “Lieutenant, how close would we have to be for our scanners to penetrate the energy field?” Data asked.

                “Unknown, captain,” Vorik replied as he did some quick calculations. “Due to the unique nature of the energy field and allowing for the fact that this type of energy has never been encountered before, it is difficult to estimate with any degree of accuracy. However, moving the ship within 500 km of the planet will likely boost the scanner’s signal enough to pierce through the interference. We were able to ascertain the geographical information of the planet due to its size and scale; more detailed scans of the planet, its topography for example, require a closer scan in this particular case.”

                “Acknowledged,” Data replied with an ever-so-slight nod of his head. “Ensign, take us within 500 km of the planet. Lieutenant Vorik, scan the planet’s surface as soon as we are within range.”

                “Yes sir,” the Vulcan replied as the Enterprise-E moved into optimal range, giving everyone on the bridge, along with anyone lucky enough to be watching from one of the forward decks, a much better look at the newly-discovered world. “Captain, we have moved into scanning range. I will now attempt to scan the planet’s surface.” The bridge crew waited as the ship attempted to garner as much information as it could.
 
              Suddenly, the entire bridge darkened as if someone had dimmed the lights. As surprised and speculative whispers filled the Enterprise-E’s control center, each and every computer panel suddenly dimmed as well, only to light up again momentarily, each displaying nothing save for what appeared to be a glowing blue upside-down horseshoe.

                “Um…sir?” one of the bridge crew asked hesitantly after a few moments.
 
              “It appears to be a symbol for Omega, the 24th letter of the ancient Greek alphabet,” Vorik pondered out loud as he slowly scratched his chin. “It appeared immediately after I began the scan of the planet’s surface.”

                “What’s going on, captain?” another member of the bridge crew asked, scratching their heads.

                “Vorik, can you pinpoint the exact location that triggered this response?” Data asked, ignoring the questions and murmurs around him.

                “Yes sir. The source of the response seems to be a highly-populated area of the planet, most likely an urban center.”

                There was a momentary pause as Data considered his options.

                “Lieutenant, is it possible to beam an away-team through the energy field to the planet’s surface?” he asked, contributing to the quiet but wild speculation among his bridge crew.

                “Negative, captain. Without a better understanding of the energy field surrounding the planet, any pattern would be lost immediately in the field.”

                Another pause.”

                “Lieutenant, assemble an away-team in Shuttle bay 1 and await my arrival. I will join you momentarily. Commander, you have the con.” With that, the captain rose from his chair and disappeared into his ready room, leaving a bewildered bridge crew in his wake.


***


                Captain’s log, Stardate 66142.09. I have ordered the Enterprise into a medium orbit over the newly-discovered planet, about which relatively little is known. I have also elected to join the away-team to the planet’s surface after one of our probes exploded in the atmosphere, thereby potentially contaminating the planet’s natural development. In accordance with the Prime Directive, it is imperative that we dispose of any trace of the probe while remaining unknown to the local species as well, a gesture that unfortunately may be meaningless. Although our shuttles managed to reach the surface undetected, we discovered the injured body of one of the local inhabitants and, having no other alternative, decided to keep her sedated in Sick Bay until she recovers. Although I am well-aware of the potential ramifications of such an act, I came to the conclusion that simply allowing the being to die due to our error was not acceptable. (End recording)    

“What is it, sir?”

        One of Luna’s eyes shot open at the sound of a voice in close proximity. Unfortunately, the sudden and rapid return to consciousness also caused a wave of pain of overwhelm her body, rendering her unable to move or even react. She could only wince and hope that whatever had made the sound wasn’t in the mood for pony flesh; indeed, the point-blank explosion had knocked her clean out of the sky, causing her to plummet several miles to Equestria’s surface. Stunned, the Lunar Princess could only make strained attempts to flap her injured wings to slow her fall, an endeavor that was likely the only reason she was still alive.

                It wasn’t long before her consciousness slipped away yet again. 

                “There’s nothing in the Starfleet database,” another voice added. “Captain, I believe that we have discovered a new species.”

                Data rested his chin on an open palm, a gesture he’d come to emulate in his endeavors to come across as ‘more human’. In truth, his powerful android ‘brain’ had already processed the available information, run several hundred scenarios, considered the outcome of each one, and compared the results in order to hatch a plan that would allow them to fix their mistake while staying out of the planet’s development.

                “Doctor Yasha, what biological data have you acquired?” Data asked, turning to his ship’s chief medical officer.

                “Well sir, the good news is that she shares almost all of her DNA with equines native to Earth. The rest is…well, to be honest sir, the rest is a mystery. She is able to harness and store the energy permeating this world and from the looks of my scans, utilize the stored energy as well, like a biological battery.” the doctor explained. 

                “Fascinating…” Vorik mused. Data remained silent as he slowly walked around the makeshift bio-bed, adapted to better suit its current tenant’s unique physiology.   

                “Biologically, she is responding well to treatment. Unfortunately, as her system recovers, it is becoming much more difficult to keep her sedated. It’s as if the planetary energy stored within her body acts as a sort of antibody, among other things. I know this may sound outlandish but I believe that this energy has incredible potential. From what I’ve observed so far, her body’s ability to use this energy is practically limitless.” There was silence as everyone present attempted to rationalize the doctor’s rather remarkable conclusion.

                “Have you found any signs that it is a member of the species responsible for this world’s architectural or technological development?” Data asked. It was the key question; if the being was in fact the dominant intelligent life-form on the planet, the situation would become much more complicated very quickly, especially if it woke up.

                “If you’re asking what I think you’re asking, then the answer is most certainly ‘yes’,” the doctor affirmed, drawing murmurs from the assembled away-team. “Although her physiology is more akin to equines than anything else, baring the wings and horn of course, her brain is much more human-like. She possesses and extremely highly-developed cerebrum, cerebellum, and amygdala. Her hippocampus and pons are also of particular interest. The pons is largely responsible for regulating sleep and is present in most species encountered thus far. However, of all the parts that interact with the planetary energy, her pons is the most active when working in tandem with her cerebrum, suggesting that her consciousness is extremely active even when sleeping. While that’s not necessarily unusual, the fact that her system dedicates so much stored energy is. Captain, there is a possibility that this species is empathic or even telepathic, and powerfully so.”

                “Sir, we also found these where she fell,” another crewman added, gesturing to a small collection of golden objects that looked as if they might have once adorned the creature’s body. “They appear to personal items, sir.”

                Pure gold. In fact, they were crafted out of the purest gold Data had ever seen. A simple feather-like touch quickly determined the makeup and confirmed Data’s theory. Whoever this being was, she was likely someone of great importance…which made the situation that much more complex.

                Then, there was the pressing matter of the Omega message. Every Starfleet captain had been briefed on the Omega Molecule, and only the highest-ranked officers were privy to their existence. So important was the Omega molecule that it trumped the Prime Directive, forcing Data into an even more difficult situation. Whatever the source of the readings was had to be destroyed before it could cause catastrophic damage, the kind of subspace-obliterating destruction only a destabilized Omega molecule could wreak.


***


                “Wait a minute, wait a minute,” I interrupted as politely as I could before clearing my throat and leaning towards the Cardassian opposite me. “How the heck do you know about Omega?” Garak gave a small smile.

                “Alas, Starfleet isn’t quite as adept at keeping secrets as it likes to think. Besides, I was directly involved with the mission to find the source of the Omega on the planet.”

                “How? Last I heard, former Obsidian Order members didn’t exactly have Starfleet clearance for that.”

                “If you’ll let me finish, I’ll be happy to enlighten you! I’m sure that after you’ve heard everything I’m about to tell you, your questions will be answered.” I sighed as Garak took another swig of Kanar.

                “Alright, alright. Sorry,” I replied, scratching the back of my neck. “Please continue.”

                “Thank you. Now, as I was saying…”


***


                Captain’s log, supplemental. Our situation continues to grow complicated and present us with variables we did not expect and are ill-prepared for. To that end, I have convened a special meeting, including both my senior staff and the diplomatic delegation currently aboard the Enterprise-E. The purpose of the meeting is whether or not the pursuit of the Omega readings detected on the planet’s surface are worth possible (and likely) breaking the Prime Directive over. Given the level of technology observed and the raw intelligence of the female currently under sedation in Sick Bay, I have concluded that there is little we can do to avoid being detected while taking the necessary time to deal with the source of the readings, which happens to be directly under a large settlement located in what appears to be a large, mountainous region. In other words, it is nigh impossible to do any work whatsoever in such a populous area without being discovered. I also believe that subterfuge is hardly an ideal way to, as humans put it, ‘make a good first impression’. However, I have agreed to consult the party of delegates in the likely event this also becomes a matter of establishing diplomatic relations.

                “…and that is why we must secure the Omega by any means, even by force if necessary!” the Klingon ambassador hissed through the universal translator. There were few who would disagree; S’taass was surely one of the largest of his species, the Gorn, and though he was a skilled diplomat, he nevertheless possessed a fearsome disposition. It should come as no surprise that the Klingon Empire would choose such an intimidating being as a liaison.

                “And risk starting yet another conflict?” S’Tau, a Romulan ambassador rebuked. “Need I remind you that we have enough fighting on our hands with the Elachi, the Borg, and the Tholians already contesting Republic space? We should attempt to infiltrate the structure and dispose of any Omega particles while arousing the least amount of suspicion!”

                “If I may offer a suggestion,” the Cardassian near the end of the table chimed, raising his hand slightly. Garak waited patiently until all eyes were focused on him before continuing. “Now, this is just my personal opinion but charging in guns-a-blazing like a rabid targ is not going to endear us to anyone, nor will subterfuge for that matter, and I should know.” He paused as both S’taass and S’Tau gave him dirty looks.

                “This council is…aware…of your ‘knowledge’ of such things,” S’taass hissed. “Undoubtedly, your time with the Obsidian Order gave you more enough of experience in those areas.” Garak, to his credit, didn’t change his expression. Rather, he continued as if S’taass’ jibe had never happened.

                “As I was saying, I believe that in this case, a fully-diplomatic approach is necessary. If we do not win the leaders of this world over, then they will not allow us access to the Omega source, forcing us to either sneak in like thieves or barge in like barbarians. Captain, I realize that it is your decision to make but I implore you to take the pragmatic approach.” There were murmurs around the table as Data considered Garak’s proposal.

                “Ambassador Vitok, I do not believe we have heard from you regarding this mission,” Data addressed the Vulcan seated next to S’taass. Despite his proximity to such an intimidating being, the ambassador simply remained calm and collected.

                “Risking a conflict when there are peaceful options at our disposal is illogical,” the Vulcan replied. “I agree with Garak; a direct pragmatic approach is the best chance at a peaceful resolution to the mission.”

                “Very well,” Data agreed. “The Omega Directive clearly supersedes the Prime Directive in this case. As such, we will divide into two teams: the first team will be a full diplomatic corps and is tasked with contacting this world’s leadership and arranging the disposal of the Omega molecules. Lieutenant Vorik, you will take Ensign Halis from Science wing in the other runabout; you will be responsible for surveying the general area where the source was detected and determine if there are any hazards in the vicinity that might complicate the procedure.”

                “Sir, I also recommend that we also return the…’equine’…to the surface,” the chief medical officer added. “I realize that we’re making First Contact but I’m sure that waking her up in a strange place strapped to a table isn’t the best way to make a good first impression.”

                “Agreed,” Data replied with a nod. “Doctor Yasha, you’ll accompany myself and the ambassadors, along with our ‘guest’. It will be difficult enough to explain ourselves; I’d rather she be received in proper condition.”

                “I’ll fix her up as best I can, sir.” Doctor Yasha replied with a curt nod, a gesture returned by the captain.

                “Good. You all have your tasks. Dismissed.”


***


With the Enterprise-E holding position in geosynchronous orbit over the source of the Omega, the two runabouts made their way to the surface, one bound for the large settlement directly below, and the other destined for the outskirts. Tasked with placing signal amplifiers around the site to enable the Enterprise-E to receive scan data from the shuttles and personal tricorders through the planet’s interfering energy field, the second runabout was en-route to its second destination. 

 “Put us down in that clearing,” Vorik ordered, gesturing to a panel in the runabout’s cockpit. “The lack of trees will allow for a clear signal to the Enterprise-E.”

“Yes sir,” the pilot replied, setting the runabout down just off the center of the clearing.

As they had already done twice before, the crew of the runabout made their way cautiously around the immediate area, careful not to leave too great a mark. No sooner had they finished setting up the signal amplifier, a nearby commotion grabbed the lieutenant’s attention. Shouts and strange sounds not unlike the discharging hiss of an energy weapon reached his Vulcan ears and warned him to move on as quickly as possible.

“Ensign, let’s get back to the shuttle,” Vorik exclaimed as he jogged back to the shuttle. “Ensign? Ensign Halis, respond!” With his pilot nowhere in sight, Vorik wasted no time in taking out his tricorder and doing a quick scan of the general area. Sure enough, the ensign had wandered off, no doubt lured by scientific curiosity…or was it something else? It wasn’t like the Ensign to simply wander off, unless there was a justifiable reason. One of Vorik’s eyebrows raised as the tricorder alerted him to the last thing he thought they’d find on a world so far-removed from space as he knew it.

Trace amounts of residual antiprotons, on a world like this, Vorik thought as he followed the signal to his missing crewmate. The Enterprise-E couldn’t scan the planet with enough power to detect them because of the energy field. The only explanation for the existence of antiprotons, even in trace amounts, is the presence of advanced technology. Romulan disruptors, antiproton weapons, a starship’s deflector dish, a warp core, a cloaking device…   

As if switching to Red Alert, the Vulcan swiftly drew his hand phaser and broke out into a faster pace as he neared the location of Ensign Halis. He spotted the ensign crouched behind a nearby bush, studying his tricorder intently as a rather raucous scene unfolded just beyond the threshold of said bush. Hearing the Lieutenant approach, Ensign Halis glanced back and hurriedly signaled for Vorik to join him.

“Look at that!” he exclaimed in a harsh whisper, pointing at the activity barely 20 yards away. It was, without a doubt, some kind of battle. A large group of stark-white equines garbed in golden armor clashed spear-to-horn and dodged energy blasts courtesy of their opponents, shiny, black-bodied creatures with insect-like wings and eyes. “Must be some kind of border skirmish, sir,” Halis surmised.

The ensign suddenly gasped as eight of the armored equines suddenly became cloaked in green flames, revealing themselves as members of their jet-black opponents. Now hopelessly outnumbered, the white soldiers turned tail and ran, with several hissing creatures in hot pursuit.

“I believe it is time for us to depart as well,” Vorik said quickly, standing up to leave whilst keeping his phaser at the ready.

“But sir, they’re the source of the antiprotons I detected earlier!” Halis protested. “We should try to get more scans.”

“Now is not the time, ensign,” Vorik replied with as much finality as a Vulcan can muster without deviating from their emotionless state. "We must complete the task assigned to us and report our findings to…aaaugh!”

“Lieutenant!” Halis cried as the Vulcan suddenly collapsed. Drawing his own hand phaser, he whipped around just in time to be hit with the same jolt of energy. As his conscious left him, the last thing he saw was the grinning, fanged visage of their attackers, after which everything faded to black.


***


                The world was upside-down.

                And tinted a sickening shade of green.

                And smelled of…something. Whatever it was, the foul scent contributed to Lieutenant Vorik’s unpleasant awakening. He didn’t know much, only that he was suspended upside-down in some kind of cocoon, hanging from the ceiling of a massive labyrinthine cave filled with an enumerable number of black, buzzing ‘things’, the very same things that were doubtlessly responsible for his predicament. It begged the question of what had happened to Halis; a quick look around answered his question. Suspended the same way as himself, the ensign struggled vainly to relinquish himself, finally looking eyes with Vorik, pleading for the Vulcan to somehow assist him. Thinking quickly, Vorik felt around for his hand phaser, but found nothing. At that moment, Vorik wondered if whatever had captured them somehow knew that it was some kind of weapon, and had relieved it from him for that reason.

                However, it was the presence of the runabout and its connection to some kind of strange yellow structure just behind them that piqued his interest the most.  

                He didn’t have much time to consider the matter; as if someone had been monitoring them, he discovered his cocoon and that of Halis’ suddenly in transit as two of the creatures slowly brought them to the floor of the cave. The moment they touched down on the black rock, the cocoons split open, giving them a respite from the terrible smell and green-tinted vision. As they struggled to their feet and fought for somewhat less foul air, a large number from the swarm surrounded them, hissing menacingly at them. Nevertheless, Vorik attempted to salvage the situation.

                “Greetings. I am Lieutenant Vorik of the United Federation of Planets. I ask only to speak to your leader so that we may resolve this situation.” The hissing continued as the creatures continued to crowd towards Vorik and Halis, forcing them back-to-back.

                Then suddenly, all was silent.

                With no explanation at all, all activity around them ceased. Each creature suddenly shuffled backwards, creating an open path between the two officers and the darkness of the cave beyond.

                “I don’t suppose this is their way if letting us go, sir,” Halis muttered, having regained some of his composure.

                “I believe that is extremely unlikely, given the circumstances.” Vorik agreed.

                It was then that they caught the barest hint of movement from within the darkness. As they waited with baited breath, the movement revealed itself as a figure, and after a few moments, as another of the black bug-like equines. This one, however, was radically different. It stood two-thirds taller than any of the others, possessed much larger wings, and a vastly longer horn-like protrusion atop its head. Its long, gangly limbs were full of holes, and it carried itself almost gracefully as it approached. Whether or not it was their leader Vorik didn’t know, but it was obviously a being of some importance.

                “What have you brought this time, my children?” it asked as if addressing the entire swarm. Its voice was noticeably feminine, possessing a kind of ‘sinister elegance’ that made Vorik’s hair stand on end despite his considerable focus and adhesion to logic. Whatever this being was, it was clearly not to be trifled with.

                 “Greetings. I am Lieutenant Vorik of the United Federation of Planets.” Vorik began again. Although the new being was now easily within earshot, it simply ignored them; instead, it seemed content to study the phasers, tricorders, and other assorted components of the ransacked runabout. It wasn’t the being’s curiosity that caught Vorik off-guard; it the manner in which it studied the pile. Levitating it in a strange green glow, it gave every item a thorough once-over before gently setting it down in a separate pile. Finally, after looking at everything, it looked over at the dumbfounded officers and gave them a fang-lined grin.

                “We have been waiting for this for a very long time,” it said in a tone barely above a whisper as it leaned towards Vorik.

                “Is that so?” Vorik asked a-matter-of-factly.

                “Yesssssss…” it hissed.

                “Might inquire as to the nature of your curiosity regarding this technology?”

                “It is our means of escape. A way to finally free ourselves of this wretched world and return to our own domain!” the being finished its statement with a sinister laugh, eliciting a similar reaction from the swarm around her. “A domain free of contaminations and imperfections!”

                “Pardon me, but to what ‘contaminations’ are you referring?” Vorik pressed on, determined to find out more about their bizarre circumstances.

                “The weak!” the being retorted with a glare. “You are weak! And the weak…” There was a pause as the being suddenly morphed into an extremely muscular creature around three meters tall, possessing a dark-yellow epidermis and long arms, ending with three-fingered hands, and three digitigrade legs. Its reptilian eyes stared down at them with a piercing gaze as it finished its chilling ultimatum.

“…will perish!”