Thank you for your patience!

The neutral expression on Davik's face as he stared at the closed opening would fool a human, but Torin and Valon could sense his simmering irritation. He closed his eyes and took a breath before casting a pointed look at Valon, who tried in vain to radio in an update. The radio crackled with no response.

"Do you have a suggestion on how to leave," he asked Valon. Torin took deep breaths and tried his best to push down the rising sickness and feeling like the walls were closing in. His head pounded in time with his heartbeat and he feared he was rapidly declining again. He leaned against the wall and soaked in the reassuring coolness of the stone.

"Torin? Are you alright?" Davik turned his attention to Torin, who hadn't heard a word of their conversation.

"Yes. Just a headache." He replied quietly, rubbing his temple. Valon dug through the small pack he'd brought and popped out a few pills and handed them to Torin, who nodded appreciatively and swallowed them dry.

"I don't see any indentations or anything to trigger the door to open," Davik said as he crouched and investigated the base of the wall. There was a click as Valon readied his phaser and suggested they do the same.

"It seems the only way is forward," he muttered. Davok stood and rejoined them with a phaser in hand, and together they moved forward.

They moved slowly, the stone pathway lit only by the lights on their chest. Torin brushed his hand along the wall more than once to assure himself it was still there, that nobody could sneak up on him. The medicine had taken off the edge off his headache until only a dull ache behind his eyes remained, but it left him feeling a little jittery — a feeling his fear and chest-tightening anxiety did nothing to alleviate.

The floor was strangely smooth, worn by time and frequent use, neither of which seemed good considering their enemy that likely stalked them. Davok didn't say it out loud, but he'd largely implied there was likely some sort of security system in place, and confrontation was inevitable. Torin swallowed hard.

Then, they all froze. Before them was a split in the road. they stood silently for a few minutes until Valon spoke up.

"Let us go right," he suggested.

"What is your reasoning?" Davok asked, not taking his eyes off the two dark maws extending deeper into the mountain.

"Perhaps you have a better suggestion? I sense nothing and do not see any indication as to which path is the better option," he retorted quietly. Even quietly, his voice echoed lightly off the walls and made Torin clench his jaw and strained his ears for any signs they'd been heard. It was disturbingly quiet.

"Perhaps there is a symbol carved into the wall that will give us a clue," Torin suggested.

"Even if we find one, we do not know what they mean," Davok pointed out.

"That may be true, but perhaps we can find the same symbol as the entrance that could guide us in the correct direction." Valon walked down the right pathway a few paces and began looking closely at the walls and floor. Davok did the same with the left, while Torin stood still, uncertain what to do. He decided to keep watch, not wanting to be caught unaware. The wave of frustration from Davok was clear when he stood and took another calming breath, having found nothing. The two looked at Valon, who stood and returned to them.

"I did not see anything," He said quietly. They stood, once again, in quiet contemplation. "To the right then."

With no obviously better choice, they went right. They continued on down the hall as quietly as they could. It didn't take long before they came across yet another fork. One way sloping down while the other continued straight on. Davok took a few steps down the sloping path.

"The air is cooler in here."

Torin walked towards the other path to test the air there. "It feels normal here."

"Perhaps an underground water source?" Valon suggested.

"Wait, perhaps we should go down that path," Torin walked towards the path where Davok stood. "There is a small cavern near the desalination plant that has a water source. Perhaps this path connects to it." The others looked down the path as far as their light would allow, but it did nothing to cut the heavy feeling that suffocated them.

"It's as good a lead as any," Valon agreed. And so they followed the sloping path. A sudden shuffling to his right made Torin jump and point his phaser, only to find that Davok has tripped over a stalagmite, his face very likely flushed green in embarrassment.

"Are you well?" Valon quirked an eyebrow at him.

"Fine." He snapped. Valon paused and looked at him more seriously this time. Davok took a breath and spoke again, this time more controlled. "I'm fine," he insisted. Torin looked at Davok, really looked at him this time, and something ate at the back of his mind but he couldn't quite place what. It was only when he saw the slight shake of Davok's hand in the passing light of Valon's flashlight as he leaned against the wall for a moment that it hit him. He was showing…symptoms. The possibility left him cold. There would be no way to stop him if he lost control. Torin wasn't even back to full health.

"Davok…" Torin began quietly. Davok turned to him, but a shuffling down the hall stopped them. Torin shook slightly as he gripped his phaser and moved slowly with the guards. He was thankful that Davok managed a steady hand to aim with for now.

Suddenly, the hallway widened into a cave that stretched higher than his flashlight could reach. He could smell water in the air now and knew it must be close. Vulcans could not smell it as well as a human could and the thought made his chest ache for Nia. He desperately hoped the vaccine was still underway. If she died….

He shook his head and turned to look around the cavern. A quiet groan made him flinch as all three men turned towards the sound.

"Tavin!" Valon quickly made his way to the crumpled form on the ground blending in with the shadows of the stalagmites and rocks. Torin joined Valon and Davok as they kneeled beside the older man and looked him over. His eyes widened when he saw the state of the guard that had gone missing. A large gash split his forehead and was crusted with dried blood. His face was mottled and swollen with bruises and cuts were etched deep in his knuckles. He held his side and his breathing seemed labored.

"What happened?" Torin asked as he glanced around, the dark cavern for any sign of movement. He didn't like that they were just sitting here in the middle. They were too exposed. Goosebumps prickled his skin.

Davok dug through his bag for a first aid kit while Valon held his canister of water to Tavin's lips, who drank deeply. He winced as he tried to catch his breath and they could hear a slight wheeze.

"Those..creatures," he whispered through grit teeth.

"From the mountain?" Torin clarified. Davok scanned Tavin and glanced at the readings before pulling out some antibacterial spray to speed up healing and some bandages, gloves and gauze. After spraying the wound on his head, Davok carefully applied bandages that he tightened to close the wound on his forehead. He declared Tavin good enough after he taped some gauze to the wound and addressed his other minor cuts. They didn't have the necessary medical equipment to deal with his ankle or ribs.

"You have some broken ribs and your ankle is fractured. We will help you out." Davok packed away the first aid kit and made a move to help him stand.

"What happened?" Valon asked.

"Yes, the creatures from the mountain."

Torin didn't blame the man for his curt answers.

"They attacked me and captured me. Then there was…some sort of… trial, I think." He grunted as Davok bore most of his weight.

"Trial? For what?" Valon asked.

"I…don't know. I couldn't understand them. There was some sort of alter and…the human…they.." he paused and sighed. "They killed him and used his blood for some sort of ritualistic purpose."

Torin's heart skipped a beat, though he managed to keep a neutral expression. He took a deep breath and made sure his mental barriers were up. They didn't need him adding an extra burden.

"How did you escape?"

"That is what I understand the least. They let me go. Told me I would wander the mountain caverns until I was claimed." Torin felt chills as he looked around the dark cavern. An animalistic sense of dread loomed over him as he tried to not think about the creatures. He glanced at the other 3 openings leading into different pathways that he could not see down. He felt his own breath increase as his hand shook a little.

"I've explored the other two pathways, they lead deeper into the mountain. The only way I haven't taken is that way." Tavin nodded towards an opening in the far wall.

"Let's hurry before they come back."

With Tavin's arm around his neck and his own wrapped around his midsection, Davok helped him towards the tunnel.

A growling hiss echoed off the walls and stopped them short of the entrance to the final tunnel. The pathway itself was very narrow, there was no way Davok could navigate it with Tavin at his side.

"Go." Tavin withdrew his arm and began limping heavily back into the cavern.

"Tavin, no. I can carry you on my back. If we move quickly we-"

"No," he interrupted. "The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the one. You all have someone waiting for you. I do not." He kept his back to them. "Go. I will distract them." Another hiss echoed, this time closer. Without thinking, Davok ran to him and handed him his phaser. They locked eyes for a moment, Davok silently thanking his fellow guardsman and friend.

"Tavin…" He started, but Tavin held up a hand.

"If you do not go now, we may all die. Do not waste this." Tavin turned towards the sound. Without another word Davok returned to the tunnel where they jogged single file down the pathway, the scent of water growing stronger.

The sound of phaser fire made Torin jump. He pushed down the reality of what Tavin had given them so they could have a chance at escape.

The path suddenly inclined as they pressed on. Behind them, silence.

The pathway slowly lit as they hiked further up, reaching a small cave.

"There's a body of water here," Valon whispered, slightly huffing from running up the incline. Torin followed him out into a small cave, barely large enough to hold the small body of water. There was enough light they were able to turn off their flashlights, which Torin was grateful for. Looking around the cavern revealed a hole in the wall that Torin immediately recognized.

"There," he exclaimed, walking towards it. "That's the exit to the trail that leads to the desalination plant." The others hurried after him and they climbed out as fast as they could, feeling like the _ would pop out after them at any moment.

Torin was reminded of a story Nia told him once from when she was a kid. Sometimes while walking up the stairs with the lights off, she would feel panicked and sprint up the stairs as though something were chasing her, hot on her heels. He didn't quite understand that feeling until now as he unceremoniously fell onto the ground on the other side of the hole.

Valon helped him up and together the three of them went out onto the trail, squinting in the sunlight. It really was a beautiful day.

As they ran back to the colony, the radio signal came back and Valon rattled off a quick update, sparing details for the sake of the open comm, and urging a private meeting. Inside the research clinic, Torin swayed on his feet. While the medicine had helped some, his head pounded anew from running with no food, water, or proper rest in…he wasn't sure how long. He forced himself to drink, feeling sick as the water sloshed in his empty stomach. He sat and leaned forward, resting his head on his hands as he closed his eyes and tried to calm his stomach and stop the shake of his hands. Around them the researchers largely ignored them and continued their flurry of movement as they focused on the vaccine. The clinic was not overly noisy, but the sounds felt overwhelming and grated against his ears. He felt close to snapping.

"Excuse me," a voice said in front of him. Torin clenched his hands for a moment before sitting up, nearly squinting in the bright light of the research clinic. A young man held out a small bowl to him. Torin glanced at it and saw that it was a bowl of Pok Tar, served cold and with noodles. It was the first time he'd felt true hunger in days.

"Thank you," he took the bowl and nodded to the man in appreciation. The young man nodded back and returned to his work without another word. The researchers paid them no mind and Torin could see Davok and Valon speaking quietly to the captain of the guard. His stomach clenched as he chewed his first bite of real food in days and closed his eyes in relief. He forced himself to eat slowly, but still the meal was gone too quickly for his liking. He stood and placed the bowl in the sanitation area, feeling better than he had in a while. His headache all but went away. He took another long drink of his water before joining the guards.

His gaze wandered back to Davok. He looked pale as he sat in a chair debriefing the captain of their encounter. He glanced around at the researchers before nodding towards an secluded corner. Davok winced slightly as he stood and Torin's concern grew. He tried to catch Valon's eyes, but failed.

"This is alarming," the captain all but sighed. "It is time for emergency lockdown procedures until the immediate threat is neutralized. And with an unknown contagion, there is little we can expect in terms of backup support from the Federation." Torin couldn't help the slight widening of his eyes. He sensed the spike of anger in Davok.

"So they leave us to our fate then?" He asked, his eyes hard.

"Calm yourself or I will have you locked down. We cannot afford a loss of control now," the captain chastised quietly.

"Captain-"

"Enough. Emergency lockdown procedures. Now." He ordered. Davok clenched his jaw, his knuckles white from the strain of clenching them behind his back.

"Yes, sir."

There was a moment of tension as the two maintained eye contact, a silent battle of wills. However, the captain was a captain for a reason, and Davok was the first to give in as he closed his eyes and took a calming breath.

"Sir, there's something you should know about this virus," Torin began. The captain looked at him as he spoke. "The doctor mentioned that the virus could trigger…. an early onset of Pon Farr." He finished quietly. Torin knew the captain was aware of his own recovery, but he nodded once, slowly, in understanding. Davok was silent as the realization hit him.

"I…perhaps I should be taken off duty sir.." He looked away, not wanting to meet his captains eyes.

"No. We need all hands on deck for now. Self monitor. Torin, Valon, keep an eye on him." They nodded in understanding, though Valon was extremely concerned he was now tasked with watching two unstable Vulcans.

"Begin escorting citizens to their designated lockdown locations and prepare them." The captain turned to leave as Valon stopped him with a question.

"How long should they expect to be on lockdown?"

"Until the threat is eliminated or backup arrives." His words hung heavy in the air as the same question churned in their mind.

What if we can't eliminate the enemy?

"Once they are on lockdown report back for further directions. Dismissed." The captain made his way to another soldier and began speaking quietly with him, motioned around them at various entry points, likely explaining the best way to fortify the research facility, which was their top priority.

"Let's go." Valon felt the heavy weight of responsibility and leadership on his shoulders as he led a makeshift artist-turned-guard, and a guard with serious combat training but the potential to snap at any point, to the apartments to begin ushering them down into the emergency lockdown cellars. As they walked out, a small group of researchers huddled around a piece of machinery with their eyes glued to the readings it gave off.

One thing Torin appreciated about Vulcans over humans was their willingness to follow directions in times of crisis without too much fuss, questioning, or theatrics. Most had assumed something was happening and had an emergency bag ready to go. Once they were gathered, they escorted them out in small groups at a time towards a small domed structure behind the apartments. Valon entered the security code and led them down the stairs to the reinforced underground bunker. Torin grew more anxious as the final group was led down and Valon addressed them. He glanced at Denak who leaned heavily on against the wall.

"We ask that you remain here until the threat is neutralized. There are emergency weapons, water, rations, and other necessary supplies." He motioned towards the storage containers against the far wall. "We are uncertain how long that will take, but know you are safe here." There was a crackle of fear at his words and Torin wished Valon had used different words, though he understood not wanting to lie to them.

Satisfied he'd imparted all necessary information Valon turned to go back up the stairs, pausing to gently urge Denak up the stairs. He wouldn't make it, Torin decided with a knot of anxiety in his chest.

As they made their way back to the captain, Torin spoke quietly to Valon.

"He cannot continue," he began.

"I am aware and I agree. However, that is for the captain to decide." They walked side by side, Denak trailing behind them. Torin looked at Valon sharply.

"No. He is a risk to others, the doctor would agree. He need-"

"We need him." He whispered back fiercely. His face remained neutral, but his eyes were hard as he spoke. "If we want any sort of chance, then when need him for as long as he can manage." Torin clenched his jaw, not liking where the conversation was going.

"So you intend to use him as a last ditch effort? Send him in to fight to the death against the enemy?" He asked coldly. Valon returned his gaze the path in front of them and didn't answer, but it was answer enough for Torin.

"It wasn't my idea," he said quietly. His shoulders slumped slightly as Valon rubbed his eyes. "He and the captain discussed it. I was not part of the conversation."

"Does he not have a bondmate?"

"No. He was engaged, yes, but they are not bonded." He clarified. Still…

They were silent as they returned to the captain. He and a few other guards were kneeling at various points outside the research lab while a few stood watch. He saw the captain secure a small object to the base of the structure.

"Is everyone secured?" He asked, standing.

"Yes, sir." Valon answered. The captain's eyes glanced over Denak, who stood quietly with his hands behind his back to hide the shaking. The captain cast a look at Valon, who didn't speak, but the message was loud and clear. Denak wasn't well.

"I want you two to-" He was interrupted by firing on the other side of the building echoing over the landscape, followed by shouts.

"You two, inside now. Guard the researchers. Denak, with me." He nodded at him before turning quickly and running into the fray with Denak close behind. Torin ran inside and shut the door behind him. A researcher was there and quickly put the building in lockdown. A reinforced plate slid out over the doors while the light dimmed to conserve energy. Torin wasn't sure whether to be impressed or concern at the calm disregard of the researchers as they went about their business ignoring the lockdown inside and the phaser fire outside. He could hear the occasional screech of those creatures alongside yelling and phaser fire. His heart raced at the thought of facing one of them again.

"Torin, watch the other side while I stay take this one." Nodding, Torin went to other side of the room. With all doors sealed off, they should be fine, but he couldn't fight the nausea the roiled his stomach. All he could see was the the bludgeoned mess of black as he killed the creature, it's thick blood staining him and his lirpa; he could feel it's talons digging into his leg again as he tried to escape.

"Sir?" A sudden voice behind him made him jump and he turned quickly to see a researcher standing before him. He pushed down the flash of irritation to snap at her.

"Yes," he said a bit more curt than he'd intended.

"We have a vial ready. It needs to get to the doctor immediately." He looked at the small hypo in her hand and felt a surge of hope.

"The vaccine is ready?" He asked.

"Well… according to our preliminary tests and data, yes. I have volunteered myself to be the test subject. More vials can be synthesized there as well if the patient shows positive results," she explained. This was amazing news. Torin tried not to get his hopes up, but it was difficult.

"If the vaccine proved successful, will you work on something for those already infected?" He asked as he led her over to Valon.

"Yes."

Valon cast him a questioning look before noticing the vial in her hand. Torin quickly explained the situation and Valon looked at the sealed exits. Things had quieted down, but the fact they hadn't returned and attempted to enter concerned him, though he didn't voice his concern.

"I am..uncertain it is safe," Valon said carefully. "Ma'am, please allow us a moment to discuss." She nodded and walked away to the small group other researches that stood watching them anxiously.

"They haven't returned yet, the creatures could be out there waiting for an ambush," he whispered quietly.

"Perhaps. But we need this vaccine. If we can innoculate the rest of the healthy population, we can stop the spread and, hopefully not lose more. Then, they can begin working on something for those already affected and severely ill." Valon softened a little a this and knew his main motivation was Nia. He felt sympathy for Torin, but he couldn't risk the researchers.

"We cannot leave them defenseless," he pointed out.

"Then leave them with my phaser. Valon, this needs to happen," Torin pressed. He was getting frustrated at Valon's reluctance.

"You are not thinking logically," he bit back, the stress of the situation starting to fray his patience. " You are still under the influence of your Pon Farr. How will you defend yourself without a phaser?"

"Then I will escort her there myself."

"And risk the only vial if you can't protect her?" Slowly their voices increased in volume as they grew more heated.

"I can protect her," he insisted hotly.

"How? If you are ambushed-"

"Then I will fight them off while she goes."

"That's not a guarantee that-"

"What choice do we have?" He asked loudly now. The researchers watched quietly at the tense exchange. Torin could feel his temper flaring out while Valon stared him down.

"If…it matters any," the female researcher holding the vile approached them as another tried to urge her back. "We have another vial here just in case. Torin is correct, we need get this vaccine to the doctor for patient testing and then to the public. The longer we take to cure this, the longer it will take to recieve aid from the Federation." Torin felt vindicated that the researchers were on his side, though his reasons were slightly more selfish. Outnumbered and unable to deny the logic, he agreed. Torin would escort her there.

Vial safely tucked away and a makeshift weapon in hand, she stood next to Torin by the window they would exit from. With the doors sealed and potential enemy out there, the doors were not an option.

"Are you ready?" He asked her. She exhaled a deep breath before nodding.

"I will protect you." He told her. She looked him in the eyes and nodded. He felt, in a way, that if he could successfully protect her, then his inability to protect Nia would be forgiven by extension. He knew it was illogical, but emotions were not always logical. The guilt of feeling as though he failed Nia, that she was potentially dying because there was something he did or didn't do, wouldn't subside. He took a calming breath and tried not to think about the hissing growl or the black, dead eyes of the creatures.

"Let's go."