Season 1: Episode 2.2 - Seleya

Stardate: 41157.0

NX-01 Enterprise Continuity Date: August 5, 2153

Earth Standard Date: February 27, 2364

Location: Seleya, Trellium-D Asteroid Field, Delphic Expanse, Star Trek Enterprise Continuity.

Tyson stepped out of the Warehouse and moved down the corridor until he reached the bulkhead console of the Seleya. He held up his Access Key and with a faint hum of energy, a card materialized in his grasp. The doorway to his Personal Reality winked out of existence, and the grey walls of the Seleya corridor reappeared.

Tyson examined the card closely. It was about the size of a standard playing card, but he knew it represented something far greater. Across the top read the title "Inter-Reality Door: Star Trek Enterprise" in bold font. The image on the card depicted the NX Enterprise in flawless detail. The saucer section dominated the foreground, set against an endless starfield. The ship's glowing blue nacelles pulsed with radiant energy as if it wasn't a card at all, but a live feed of the ship; it reminded Tyson of the portraits in Harry Potter. The card represented a gateway between his Personal Reality and the universe of Star Trek Enterprise. For now, it was an icon rendered on cardstock, but he knew that when activated, it would expand to become a doorway between realities.

Tyson's fingers danced across the interface, repeating Troi's earlier actions, and calling up a three-dimensional map of the Vulcan starship's corridors and sections. The map appeared before him, each deck and junction rendered in precise detail. With a few inputs, he charted a course that would take him through the entirety of this deck, leaving no section unexplored. The path he traced was strategic and winding, yet finishing near an access hatch that would grant him passage to the next deck. As he finalized the route, Tyson lifted the helmet that had been forgotten at his belt and turned it over in his hands. Though he doubted she would care, due to his Live and Let Live Perk; without Counselor Troi present, he was free to make full use of the tools at his disposal.

He slid the helmet over his head. It settled into place with a quiet hiss, the interior padding conforming to match the shape of his skull. At the same moment, a skintight silver suit began spreading across Tyson's body, deploying from hidden seams in the collar ring of the helmet. In seconds it encased him completely, like a second skin of quicksilver. An array of subtle readouts flickered to life on the interior display of the helmet.

The suit would protect him from the vacuum of space, should his route take him through any compromised sections of the ship's hull. And with the suit's systems able to copy the map from the Seleya's panel interface, Tyson had his own copy overlaid on the helmet's heads-up display.

In response, a shimmering golden trail materialized on the map, snaking along the planned path. Tyson set off without hesitation, following the glowing trail down the corridors.

The journey had been uneventful for his fires few passageways. Until Tyson's eyes caught on an erratic, shuffling figure staggering down the corridor ahead. As he drew nearer, the Vulcan's condition became clear; like the others Tyson had encountered, this one was deeply afflicted by the ravages of Trellium-D poisoning. The Vulcan's skin had taken on a pallid, ashen hue, practically translucent over the green blood vessels spidering just beneath the surface.

Tyson shifted his grip on the unfamiliar weight and balance of the Particle Rifle in his hands. Unlike a firearm from Tyson's original time, particle rifles had no kickback, so the two-handed grip was purely for stabilizing and targeting purposes. Regardless, Tyson knew he would have better aim firing the weapon one-handed, thanks to the Master with Your Hands Perk.

His first shot rang out, finding its mark, the beam of concentrated particles squarely hitting the Vulcan. The effect was immediate. The Vulcan collapsed limply to the ground, movements ceased, rendered harmless by the rifle's energy discharge.

Tyson let out a slow breath, lowering the Particle Rifle. He retrieved the Inter-Reality Door card from his pocket. Pressing it to the wall, the solid surface dissolved, and an impossible doorway took shape.

Tyson hefted the limp form of the Vulcan over his shoulder. The additional weight felt minor thanks to his enhanced physique. He stepped through the doorway into the Personal Reality's Medical Bay.

The room had expanded since his last visit, reshaping itself intuitively to accommodate new patients. T'Pol still occupied the first biobed, her vital signs steady as she rested. Next to her was a second bed with sensors and screens waiting for the Vulcan in Tyson's arms.

He lowered the unconscious alien onto the open biobed. It hummed to life instantly, information bursting across the screens as scanners mapped every detail of the new patient. Reassured that both were now in good hands, Tyson allowed himself one last glance at the two still forms before turning to leave.

The Inter-Reality Door card materialized in his hand as he passed back through the doorway. Behind him, the opening melted away and the wall was solid once more with no evidence left of his passage.

Tyson continued his solitary journey through the decks of the Vulcan ship. Another encounter marked each corridor, another fight against the affected crew members. Tyson engaged each one, relying on the Particle Rifle and his Perks. He handled the rifle with almost automatic precision. Every shot was intended to incapacitate, not kill. Tyson slipped into a focused rhythm, as he developed a systematic approach to rescuing the afflicted Vulcans. Use the Particle Rifle to disable them, place the Inter-Reality card against the walls of the damaged ship to open a doorway to the Medical Bay, and repeat. One by one, he disabled the aggressive and volatile crew and then carried them through to receive treatment.

The medical bay adapted with astonishing efficiency to the increasing influx of patients. More biobeds materialized, equipped with advanced diagnostics and therapies tailored to Trellium-D poisoning. Tirelessly, the automated systems scanned, diagnosed, and initiated tailored treatment for each Vulcan that Tyson brought through.

Tyson had reached the final area of the Vulcan ship. He tensed, muscles coiling in anticipation as the lift doors slid open with a hiss, revealing the scene on the bridge beyond. The small space was packed with no less than nine Vulcans, all displaying the wild, bloodshot eyes and erratic movements that were the hallmarks of Trellium-D poisoning. Tyson's eyes widened in alarm at their numbers, but before he could react, one of the crazed Vulcans spotted him and let out a guttural cry, lunging towards the open doors. Trapped within the tight confines of the lift, Tyson had nowhere to dodge as the maddened Vulcan rushed in. Acting on pure instinct, Tyson lashed out with a powerful front kick that caught the Vulcan squarely in the chest. The force of the spartan kick sent the Vulcan flying backward, crashing violently into another afflicted crewman who'd been approaching. The two Vulcans tumbled to the deck in a tangled heap of flailing limbs.

The opening created by Tyson's big boot allowed him to step fully onto the bridge, though he now found himself surrounded on all sides by the seven other Vulcans. Tyson's hand went reflexively to the particle rifle slung over his shoulder as he quickly assessed the threats arrayed against him. The Vulcans twitched erratically as they closed in, ready to tear into Tyson with their crazed strength.

Wasting no time, Tyson brought up the particle rifle and fired off two quick shots. The brilliant energy beams found their marks, striking the pair of Vulcans he'd knocked down with his earlier kick, and ensuring they stayed out of the fight.

That was two threats neutralized, but danger still lurked on all sides. One of the remaining Vulcans let out an enraged cry and lunged at Tyson. Tyson felt the wind of the blow breeze by his ear as he ducked under it, the Snakeskin perk granting him preternatural agility even in these close quarters.

He had no time to appreciate his narrow escape. Even as he dodged the first attack, Tyson caught sight of a sudden movement from the corner of his eye; another maddened Vulcan rushing in. Tyson spun on his heel, using his own momentum to stay just out of reach of the hands.

Tyson's gaze snapped to the next Vulcan as it shambled toward him. Though still several paces away, Tyson did not hesitate. The particle rifle was already raised and tracking the lumbering target. His finger squeezed the trigger, unleashing a sizzling beam of energy that struck the Vulcan center mass. It collapsed boneless to the deck.

Three down, but Tyson was still outnumbered. His eyes darted between the remaining Vulcans, mentally counting. He had put down three, and could see five more… but had initially spotted nine? The math didn't add up. Before he could wonder at the discrepancy further, a powerful blow slammed into his back, catapulting him forward. He sprawled hard onto the unforgiving deck, the particle rifle skittering away across the floor, well out of reach.

Cursing under his breath, Tyson scrambled to regain his feet. He wheeled to face his new assailant. This Vulcan moved far more fluidly, and its gaze remained sharper, focused in a way that set Tyson's nerves on edge. The Vulcan had a robust physique and an awareness that suggested the Trellium-D had impacted him far less than his shambling companions, whether by sheer force of will or some inherent resistance. Tyson knew taking this one down would be a more difficult task. This Vulcan was a significant leap up the threat scale from the lumbering adversaries he had faced thus far.

Tyson's eyes darted between the threatening Vulcan and the other foes still stalking toward him. The odds were decidedly not in his favor; unarmed, outnumbered, and facing such a formidable opponent.

His thoughts clicked into place as he plotted his next moves. He knew he had to keep the Vulcans within his line of sight at all times, especially the one who had hurled him halfway across the bridge with contemptuous ease. To lose track of an enemy so dangerous could prove disastrous.

The throw had knocked Tyson toward the center of the bridge, sending his particle rifle to the far end of the bridge, well out of reach. He needed that rifle back in his hands if he hoped to regain any semblance of control over this engagement. He would have to work his way across the bridge with the utmost care, maneuvering the Vulcans into positions that kept them squarely in front of him where he could track their every movement. That would minimize the chances of another surprise attack like the one that had put him in this precarious position, and give Tyson the tactical advantage he desperately needed to handle the threat. It was an old tactic he had learned in the online games of his past life.

Kiting.

A controlled retreat that kept your opponents chasing you, while you carefully moved out of their reach, attacking from range. It wouldn't work as well on thinking enemies, or those with special attacks. But the Vulcans had yet to demonstrate any real tactical skill beyond that possible sneak attack; if it had even been intentional and not simply Tyson failing to observe his surroundings closely enough.

Tyson's fingers twitched toward the hilt of his Laser Sword, but he resisted the urge to draw the weapon just yet. He had no desire to kill these Vulcans. Tyson had made real progress in helping the Vulcan crew heal. Perhaps it was stubbornness that stayed his hand, but so far he had managed without resorting to the glowing energy blade. And now, with his goal so close at hand, Tyson was reluctant to abandon that approach. Better to try to regain the particle rifle first. But if the Vulcans pressed their attack and left him no other option, he'd draw the Laser Sword.

Tyson feinted left then darted right, gauging their reactions. The Vulcans turned in eerie unison, focused wholly on him. He circled the bridge's perimeter, the aliens pivoting to follow his progress. The Vulcan that tossed him, who he mentally marked as their 'Captain', tracked him with an unnerving intensity, a cold menace in his alien eyes. Tyson kept the captain squarely in his sights. He drew nearer his rifle, the Vulcans trailing his movements closing in on Tyson, surrounding him, boxing him in. His ploy was working so far.

Tyson realized that the distance between him and the Particle Rifle was too great to cover at his current pace, especially with the Vulcans advancing from the other side of the bridge.

With a burst of speed born from necessity, Tyson dashed across the bridge, his eyes fixed on the location of his fallen rifle. As he neared the weapon, he launched himself into a diving roll. The world seemed to blur as he tumbled, his hand stretching out in anticipation.

Tyson's fingers closed around the familiar weight of the particle rifle as he rolled, the weapon a reassuring presence in his grip. However, the complexity of the maneuver and the need for haste meant he could not immediately rise with it aimed and ready. Instead, he maintained a firm hold as he completed the roll, regaining his feet with the rifle secured.

Now armed but not yet able to effectively utilize the weapon, Tyson faced the immediate challenge of the two Vulcans who had been closing in. With little room for error, he relied on his Snakeskin perk, executing a series of evasive maneuvers designed to split the Vulcans. Bobbing and weaving with the rifle held tight, each step and turn was made with the goal of creating the space and time required to bring the rifle to bear.

Rifle in hand, as Tyson cleared the group, he spun on the ball of his foot to face his foes head-on. The Vulcans had unwittingly arranged themselves in a group ripe for Tyson's counterattack.

Time to kite.

The lucid Vulcan, whom Tyson labeled as the 'Captain' stood foremost among them, his dark eyes boring into Tyson's. Tyson met that stare and raised his rifle. He squeezed the trigger, sending brilliant lances of particle energy flashing across the bridge. The first two shots scorched black lines across the captain's abdomen. The third seared its shoulder. At last, the fourth and fifth shots struck home, burning the Vulcan captain's chest. The captain uttered a strangled cry and collapsed to the deck.

Tyson stepped backward, keeping the remaining Vulcans centered in his sights as he continued his measured retreat. He fired again and again, dropping the Vulcans where they stood.

Soon the steady hum of the ship's engines and the muted breathing of the defeated Vulcans was the only sound to break the silence on the ravaged bridge. Tyson drew a steadying breath and moved to make certain his work was complete. Tyson set up the interdimensional doorway to his Personal Reality. One by one, he hauled the unconscious Vulcans through the door. With each trip, another still body joined the rows of biobeds lining the walls. Tyson took care in settling his unconscious charges. By the time he laid the Captain on the final biobed, the tally had reached one hundred and forty-eight.

Tyson surveyed his work, equal parts impressed and sobered by the sight. He was certain that with the Medical Bay, the Vulcans would recover from their injuries, but for now, they rested motionless as the dead.

Tyson grabbed the PADD that sat near the entrance of the medical bay. As he began browsing through the interface, he noticed several new options that had not been there previously. His eyes widened as the realization dawned on him. The available Perks and Drawbacks had changed, specifically tailored to the universe of Star Trek Enterprise, which he currently inhabited. He began to explore the new options. Tyson had a new Origin to select, so he perused the Perks to decide what the best Origin would be.

Operations/Command

Tactical

Science

[100 CP] Secret Agent

[100 CP] Bad Guy

Operations/Command, Tactical, and Science Origins all represented different departments aboard Starfleet starships. Unlike his previous options for Origins, two of them, Secret Agent and Bad Guy both had a CP cost associated with them. As Tyson looked over the Perks, he understood why those two had an additional cost; their Perks were outright better, and Bad Guy was clearly the better of the two. What Tyson needed to decide was if the 100 CP initial cost and the discounts on the associated perks were worthwhile. Since the Perks in the Enterprise universe didn't seem that good, outside of the Bad Guy offers, it might be better to just save the points and grab the free origin with the best starter perk.

[Free (Discounted)] Everything Is A Weapon (Perk)

You understand how to weaponize everything from tractor beams to just having a tough hull so your ship can survive ramming. Any skills you have can be turned into some combat use or emphasis, like using physics to design superweapons, medicine to make bioweapons, and the like.

[-200 CP (Discounted)] Pheromones (Perk)

You exude chemical scent cues that make members of the opposite sex attracted to and highly protective of you. Eventually, exposure makes them highly suggestible, and the longer they're exposed, the more vulnerable they become to you. This does not work on people not attracted to your physical sex, Vulcans, or anything that differs too far from the humanoid body plan, like Tholians, Horta, or energy beings.

[-300 CP (Discounted)] Augment (Perk)

You are a member of your species perfected through genetic engineering. You are roughly five times stronger, more agile, and more durable than your baseline species, and live twice as long. Your senses are enhanced, you are immune to most diseases and toxins, and have much stronger and more efficient hearts and lungs. Most impressively, you are resistant to most energy weapons, taking only moderate wounds from kill shots and multiple or sustained stun-fire to put down. Your blood can be used to synthesize cures for most diseases and in some cases revive the dead, and your intellect is greatly increased, most especially your ability to learn new information and master new skills, which is ten times quicker than it would normally take. Required: Must take Outlawed Drawback.

[+200 CP] Outlawed (Drawback)

Whether you're a Human Augment, a Vulcan telepath, an Aenar, or a Suliban on Planet Gitmo, your very existence is now an offense against your species and/or starting world, and they will be all too happy to arrest or even kill you if they discover who and what you are.

[Free (Discounted)] Agony Booth (Item)

A transparent cylinder large enough to stand in and tough enough to keep a person confined. Can stimulate nerves to cause unimaginable pain to any prisoner contained within.

[Free (Discounted)] Cloaking Minefield (Item)

Hundreds of space mines equipped with cloaking devices, perfect for area control. Refills annually.

Tyson recalled the conversation in sickbay after he had first arrived on the Enterprise. Dr. Crusher's probing questions about genetic augmentations made more sense in hindsight. The doctor's suspicions explained why Worf, a formidable Klingon warrior, had been ordered to escort him to sickbay. Picard would want his strongest security officer present if he believed Tyson might be an illegal augment.

Humans harbored an ingrained fear of augments dating back centuries to the Eugenics Wars. The pointed questions Tyson had been asked about his time period's history were likely tied to the same concerns. In the time of the Enterprise-D, even though hundreds of years after the Eugenics Wars, genetic enhancements remained outlawed in the Federation. Being forced to take the Outlawed Drawback to accompany the Augment Perk made sense. If he selected the Perk and his enhancements were ever discovered, he would instantly become a target.

Tyson needed to decide if the risk was worth the reward.

Pheromones was also a powerful perk to consider. In the Star Trek universe, there existed a race known as the Orions. Orions were green-skinned humanoids, the women were universally beautiful and the men hulking. When humans first encountered the Orions, the women appeared to be slaves, sold and traded among the men and other species. But it was revealed that the Orion women were actually the ones in charge, cunningly using their beauty and wiles to manipulate. Some Orion women possessed powerful pheromones which allowed them to control the men around them, the women only posing as slaves while secretly directing their 'masters'. If Tyson took the Pheromones perk for himself, he would gain this same ability to influence women, through the secreted chemicals.

Tyson weighed the options before him. The pheromonal control offered tantalizing possibilities, but also dangerous temptations. Though the thought of such influence made the power tempting, Tyson hesitated to choose it.

He tapped his chin, considering. Taking all the Perks would run him 400 CP, a significant chunk. Going with just Augment for now would only set him back 200 CP. Tyson acknowledged the value there but decided prudence was the order of the day. Best to see what Drawbacks might offset the cost before making a final purchase. Tyson was nothing if not shrewd with his points. The lure of power pulled at him, but he remained focused on optimizing his build. There would be time enough later to indulge.

[+100 CP] Blood Fever (Drawback)

Cuts the amount of time between chemical imbalances from Hybrid/Amok Time Drawback in half. Now, once every three months, you will have emotional outbursts followed by extreme desire, fever and death unless you procreate or at least make a damned good attempt… Or kill a worthy opponent in single combat.

Tyson considered each available Drawback carefully, weighing the potential benefits against the costs. Most were simply too extreme for his tastes, the handicaps and vulnerabilities too severe or inconvenient to justify the CP they'd grant. Blood Fever amplified his Amok Time Drawback, making it the only one he considered. The effects of Amok Time seemed manageable so far. During his fighting against the Vulcans, he had felt no undue battle rage. And the presence of Deanna Troi and T'Pol had sparked no untoward urges. Perhaps the Drawback's impact would worsen as his time under its effects progressed, but for now, it appeared a fair trade for the discount.

Only one Perk had him unsure, Pheromones, due to the moral implication rather than its pragmatic power vs cost consideration. Tyson considered it fitting that a perk that bent women to his will was discounted under the Bad Guy Origin. Tyson shook his head, dismissing the insidious Perk. He needed no chemical tricks to sway the opposite sex and had no wish to impose himself on any unwilling women. Besides, he had an amazing physique, he'd already caught Troi checking him out. If that wasn't enough to attract women, he should probably find a Perk that improved his personality.

His choices made, Tyson confidently purchased the Origin Bad Guy, and received Everything Is A Weapon Perk free. He chose the Augment Perk and accepted the Outlawed, and Blood Fever Drawbacks. He was rewarded with two free Items, the Agony Booth torture device, and Cloaking Minefield.

Character Points: 1550

Tyson felt a surge of energy course through his body as he accepted the Augment Perk. It was as if every cell had been supercharged, thrumming with newfound vitality. His muscles tensed, fibers contracting with explosive power he had never experienced before. Tyson clenched his fists, marveling at the sheer strength contained within. His senses heightened in tandem with his strength. Tyson's vision sharpened, each detail of the medical bay snapping into hyper-focused clarity. He could make out the finest textures, the most minute blemishes, and imperfections that had previously escaped his notice. The air carried a richer bouquet of scents; the faint tang of disinfectant, the recycled oxygen with its metallic undertone, and even the scents of the unconscious Vulcans. Each aroma seemed amplified tenfold, not quite overwhelming, controlled yet wondrous. Tyson's hearing followed suit, attuning to the quietest sounds. He detected the faint whirring of the biobeds, even the soft exhalations of the comatose Vulcans.

Thoughts and calculations blazed through new pathways forged by the Augment's genetic restructuring affecting his brain. Tyson's intellect expanded, and his reasoning capacity elevated to dizzying new heights. Along with it, his spatial awareness heightened as well. He could sense the precise positioning of every object in the room, their locations and vectors mapped out with uncanny accuracy in his mind's eye. His sense of balance and agility amplified. Even at rest, Tyson could feel the coiled potential thrumming through his form, ready to unleash in a blur of speed and finesse.

Despite the rush of sensory information, Tyson's mind remained clear and focused. His thoughts organized themselves with machine-like efficiency, processing the deluge of new stimuli without being overwhelmed. He breathed deeply, allowing the maelstrom of enhanced senses to wash over him as his mind adapted.

Tyson had known about Augments enhanced senses and capabilities, and had seen their portrayal in the Star Trek shows and movies. Of course, he'd known of their physical and mental superiority over normal humans. But no amount of theoretical knowledge could have prepared him for the reality of experiencing such profound sensations firsthand. What he was experiencing was intoxicating, beyond anything he could have imagined. Yet even as he reveled in his newfound abilities, a part of Tyson remained grounded. The Augments had brought terror and war to Earth through their arrogance and hunger for dominance. Their legacy had made Tyson's very existence illegal in both eras he'd visited.

But as Tyson flexed his fingers, marveling at the corded strength rippling beneath his skin, he knew why. It wasn't a question of if he was now superior. There was no doubt, compared to how he was moments ago…

He was superior.

But the difference was, that Augments were born Augments. Tyson was not. He knew what it had been like to be human. He'd lived a life as a human… and according to Q had died. As a human. He would not make the same mistakes as those who came before. He was no conqueror or tyrant. But with these enhancements, he would be able to achieve his objectives.

Whatever they might be.

Tyson turned his attention to the Companion section, contemplating his options.

[+100 CP] Recruiting Station

With a small "buy-in" of points, you can recruit as many canon characters as are willing to come to be your companions and follow you on future adventures.

Tyson knew that if he could somehow convince T'Pol to join him on his journey, it would cost him nothing. However, he also wouldn't gain any CP to improve or enhance her abilities. The Recruiting Station was the only real choice that would allow Tyson to recruit unlimited canon characters, but it was an enigma. Unlike everything else he had seen so far, the description did not define what type of improvement the Recruiting Station was. He expected it to be classified as either an Item or a Personal Reality addition but found no such label. Tyson narrowed his eyes in suspicion. Q's advice echoed in his mind.

Read every Perk and Drawback description carefully before purchasing.

The lack of a detailed description of the Recruiting Station made him uneasy. At worst, Tyson assumed the station would simply appear wherever purchased, allowing him to recruit any canon characters for his journey. But with the option not having been available previously, it stood to reason the station would be limited to the characters of the Enterprise Universe, and not those of The Next Generation, where he'd arrived. In that case, was it worth the cost? Was T'Pol worth recruiting for 100 cp? Maybe. Was there anyone else in the Enterprise universe that stood out in Tyson's memories? Not particularly. Their knowledge of technology and the galaxy would be centuries out of date in the Next Generation era. Hoshi was perhaps the most impressive with her ability to decipher languages, but that skill had been replaced with the universal translator.

Tyson remained unconvinced, especially considering the Recruiting Station offered no CP Stipends for recruit companions. And he wouldn't risk even 100 CP on an uncertain description.

His musings were interrupted as a stir of movement drew his eye. T'Pol sat up abruptly, completely healed thanks to the Medical Bay, but she was clearly disoriented.

— Star Jumper —

Tyson

Origins: Human, Humanoid, Drop-In, Space Pirate, Bad Guy

Race: Augment Human-Betazoid (Hybrid)

Character Points: 1550

Reality Points: 400

Credits: 0

Status Effects: (none)

Drawbacks:

Gauntlet (Locked)

Ensign Marty Stu

A Simple Re'Q'uest

Hybrid (Betazoid)

Amok Time/Blood Fever

Outlawed

Perks:

Cosmic Awareness

Out of Nowhere

Going Native

Live and Let Live

This is (Not?) Rocket Science

Kinda Bland

Determinator

Painted On

Snakeskin

Adaptable

Duelist

Master with your Hands

Best of the Best

Everything Is A Weapon

Augment

Items:

Laser Blade

Spacesuit

Agony Booth

Cloaking Minefield

Personal Reality:

Access Key

Security System

Inter-Reality Connecting Door (Star Trek Enterprise)

Medical Bay

Spaceships:

Tramp Freighter