mandalus :: the city of fates.

I should thank all those involved in the taking back of the USS Enterprise.

[ you know, belatedly.

there wasn't much else for her to do since it was still snowing (not her favorite weather) and she'd been thinking about it; it seemed wrong to stick to her crew, no matter how comfortable she was with them. she was here to help everyone, so she had to get to know the other 'guests'. not to mention several of them had been instrumental to reclaiming her home. it would be rude not to thank them. ]

Your assistance was extremely valuable. I don't know if the Captain has said but--

[ a tremor. even in the Enterprise, some things on the shelves in her quarters shook. she cut herself off, eyes widening as she glanced around. ]

.. What was that?

[ she was relatively new here, so probably best not to panic but.. ]

Is that normal? Did everyone feel that?

[The video flicks on to McCoy and Bashir in the shot, the latter sat further behind, though they both look pretty damn relieved. Bones looks exceedingly exhausted but all obvious symptoms of illness are gone in both of them.]

We've done it. The cure is ready. It'll work on everyone; we've made damn sure of that. We'll be opening our doors immediately to take in non-natives to administer the cure.

[McCoy glances back at Bashir, sharing a look with him before turning back to look at the screen.] You can come by as soon as you're ready. We'll make house calls for everyone who isn't able to come to us.

[With that, McCoy shuts off the phone, but not before sitting back in his seat and sighing, a faint laugh escaping him. They did it.]

[ as far as days went, nyota uhura was not having a great one. bad enough that the memorial for all those lost on the enterprise and earth during the entire khan affair was fresh in her mind; but when she'd opened her eyes, expecting her regulation issue apartment in san francisco, she'd been faced with something different altogether. and then she'd been jabbed with needles, talked at, and set free, despite all of her protestation and actual physical resistance.

where the hell was she?! ]

My name is Lieutenant Nyota Uhura and-- [ she breaks off into a hacking cough. oh, great. another thing that was new. just something else to add to the list. ] I am looking for the rest of my crew from the Enterprise and information on our current coordinates, as well as the situation. If anyone could bring me up to speed, I'd appreciate it.

[ more coughing. really, she looks quite green. someone should probably do something about that. or at least explain to her why she feels like she crawled out of her grave.

it probably had something to do with kirk. it always has something to do with him. still, she shies away from mentioning him (or spock) by name, wanting to withhold as much information as possible until she knew more about the situation. she fiddles with her phone for a moment, before sighing heavily. ]

Thank you.

[ the feed cuts. ]

[When the video comes on, it is scratchy and staticy, but it is there and the face visable is a familiar one. Uhura's intent on readings on the side of the screen, but a relieved smile passes her lips. She turns away from the screen.] Captain! I've gotten it to work!

[Then she turned back to the video, her gaze going serious.] This Uhura, of the Enterprise. I don't think we have long, so I'll make this short. The bridge crew has escaped, and we're currently in hiding from the Cult. Don't believe their lies - those troops didn't come to 'peacefully' clear us out. They were planning on slaughtering the C'Meni. They captured some, but we managed to get quite a few out on the shuttle. Hopefully, they've made it someplace safe. We've managed to evade capture, but just.

[She gripped the screen.] This is important, so pay attention. Whatever the Cult needs, they need it from the C'Meni. Focus your efforts there. Try to rescue them. They might be the key to saving us all. This line is secure for about a half hour more, so please, ask your questions as quickly as you can. The Captain will be on the line soon.

( Private Video sent to any and all allies of the Starship <i>Enterprise</i>, and it's crew, and to the crew itself. Filtered away from Khan and any of his known associates. )

[When the video turns on, it's from the Captain's chair, with a close up on the occupant. Some might remember the angry young woman from two weeks ago. That young woman is gone - replaced is a cool, and composed version. Back straight, beautiful long hair pulled into a ponytail. Her dark eyes are serious, as she sits with her hands on her lap.]

[Until she begins to speak, and then her hands move in a way that is fluid and beautiful, in the way of the Mandalus people. She is using her body language as she speaks, conveying openness, honesty and some sorrow.]

Good afternoon, gentle people. I am Lieutenant Nyota Uhura, of the Starship Enterprise. I regret to inform you that our healer, Dr. McCoy, has returned to our home for a short duration of time. He will be missed, until his return.

I have been named First Officer in his absence. If you have any questions, you are welcome to direct them to me, and I will answer them as politely and succinctly as possible.

[When the video turns on, it's completely by accident as the woman holding the phone is physically escorted through the station. Probably wise, too, because she is fighting them every step of the way, her usually beautifully composed expression completely melted into rage.]

[She is also cursing in every language known to mankind. And alien-kind, for that matter.]

( Insert the spoilers. )