A Trap is Set

Posted on Sunday, 13 March 2022 - 7:33pm by Commander Soral & Lieutenant JG Maximus Mackenzie & Lieutenant JG Hayashi Hamura & Lieutenant T'Lanna Vali

Mission: Operation: Crimson Kaleidoscope
Location: USS Standing Bear | Sickbay
Timeline: 2395

ON:

Hamura sat by Soral's bedside. If they weren't in Engineering they were here and it was taking a tole. Soral was in and out of consciousness and the new doctor was a relief, a Vulcan taking care of him added a lot of comfort. They were so lost in thoughts that they didn't hear the door open.

T'Lanna entered Sickbay, walking over to Soral's bedside she offered Hamura a warm smile. "Hi Hamura, how are you? How is Soral doing?"

Hamura gave a shrug. "I don't know. There are moments when he almost seems to be close to waking." They took Soral's hand. "I just...can't reach him, even through the Katra we share."

“Perhaps you need a boost? Though I did promise Ryan before he left that I wouldn’t overdo things.” She moved closer to Soral and gently placed her hand on his. “Soral can you hear me? We need you to come back to us, I need you back. Please don’t leave us.”

There was no response, no read from Soral. He was still just barely breathing. Then it struck Hamura. "Lieutenant how familiar are you with Vulcan Culture?"

“I’ll be the first to admit, not as familiar as I should be given that I’m half Vulcan” T’Lanna offered an apologetic smile. “What are you thinking?”

"He's.... for all purposes dead to the world yet I'm not hurt....how is that possible?"

T’Lanna shook her head. “I’m not sure, you’re being alive should work to keep Soral on this plain of existence.”

"Yes but last time he was really sick so was I. It's the Katra link."

T’Lanna sighed, more frustrated that she didn’t understand. “So what do we do to wake Soral?”

"There has to be a reason..." They sighed. "I know that they go into these healing meditations when they are hurt but..." He looked up. "I think I have some research to do...can I leave you with Soral?"

T’Lanna nodded. “Of course you can, I’ll stay with him for a little while. Jayce won’t be needing his feed yet.” She pulled up a seat and sat down.

Hamura hurried away.

As Vali settled in small tendrils of consciousness floated towards her, a familiar mind. "They will find the answer," The voice seemed to float in the air yet resonate within her mind.

“Soral …” T’Lanna looked towards her friend and mentor. As his voice had touched her mind she decided to use telepathic communication. It’s good to hear your voice Soral, we have a lot to talk about when you recover.

"I am perfectly find now. Call this a preservation of energy. I take it we've arrived at our destination?"

We have, Captain Whitley has made me acting First Officer in your stead. T’Lanna paused. I have big shoes to fill as the saying goes.

"I have no doubt you will do an excellent job. A word of advice. Do not trust my mirror self with anything."

I figured you’d warn me about ... him T’Lanna paused. To be honest he had me fooled, he was so convincing. We talked just like the two of us are doing now.

"Yes...he and I are a lot more alike then I care to admit." Soral said. "I trust that you will make the right decisions. I do have a favour to ask."

T'Lanna nodded. Anything Soral, just ask.

"Keep Hamura busy and away from sickbay."

T'Lanna smiled. That I can do, are they becoming overbearing?"

"No. They are protecting me from the Mirror agent on this ship."

Mirror agent? T'Lanna looked at Soral in surprise. There's a mirror agent onboard? Who is it?

"I have not figured it out. You must tell the captain...let them know to assume everything is getting back to my mirror self." Soral mentally sighed. "This … coma as they are calling it is meant to lure out this person."

T'Lanna nodded. I see, so if Hamura is keeping that person away from you, who will be here to protect you if I keep Hamura away?

"I can handle myself. This is but a deep meditation that I can break in a moment."

I already brought you back from the dead once Soral T'Lanna smiled. Don't make me do it again.

"Indeed. Speak with the captain."

T’Lanna nodded. I will Soral, that I promise you.

There was a silence as if he was no longer there. The door opened and Hamura walked in. "Thanks for staying with him."

T’Lanna smiled as she looked towards Hamura. “My pleasure. There’s been no change, so you don’t need to be here with Soral all the time Hamura. Actually I think it would benefit you to have some time away from Soral for a little while. I’d like you to see if we’re missing anything where the other Soral is concerned, he was here for a while I want every move he made scrutinised. You know Soral better than anyone.”

Hamura sighed. "I can't leave him...not until I know what his Vulcan head is up to and why I'm not affected."

T'Lanna smiled. "Don't worry Hamura, trust me when I say that Vulcan head of his is just fine."

The doors opened and Mac walked in. He looked at both guests. "I didn't realize that anyone was here." He stood back studying the two. Their presence would make things difficult. Perhaps he could convince them to leave.

Up until now T'Lanna wouldn't have given another thought to Mac's arrival, but knowing that Soral suspected a mirror duplicate of someone onboard immediately raised her suspicions. "Hello Mac, come to check on Soral?" she looked at him curiously.

"I did. Haru should be here soon too. He's just getting off shift."

Hamura sighed. "Mac can you take a shift watching Soral for me?"

Mac smiled, "Sure thing." He smiled at Vali. "How's your son doing?"

T'Lanna offered a smile. "He's fine thank you Mac." she paused not sure whether to stay or leave, before remembering what Soral had requested. "We'll leave you to it then, tell Haru I said hello."

He gave a nod. "Haru has something for the baby so we'll drop it by after we visit with Soral."

T'Lanna nodded. "Sounds wonderful, thank you Mac." she relaxed somewhat and nodded to Hamura. "Shall we go?"

Hamura sighed. "I guess." They looked at Mac. "Stay with him."

Mac gave a nod.

Exiting the room T'Lanna couldn't help but hope she hadn't just left Soral with a mirror duplicate, and if she had whether Soral could handle it.

OFF: